Say Something
Dear Parents and/or Guardians:
As a school district, we are committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators, administrators, and the community at large.
We believe this must involve community-wide programs and initiatives involving parents, teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, mental health and wellness professionals, and elected officials to take meaningful action to protect our students.
As such, ISD 728 is pleased to continue offering the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) to our middle and high schools. During the week of September 16, 2024, students and staff will learn/be reminded how to recognize warning signals and threats, on social media, in school, or in their community, of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and Say Something to a trusted adult OR use the anonymous reporting system. Specifically, the program educates students and adult participants to:
Recognize the signs and threats of at-risk behaviors
Take every sign and signal seriously and act quickly to get help by talking to a trusted adult, OR
Report it anonymously to the SS-ARS 24/7/365 Crisis Center via a mobile app, website, or telephone hotline
Understand how submitted tips are overseen by a designated school team using a tip management system
Reinforce the awareness via student clubs, in-school activities, and call-to-action weeks
Our students are often aware of the problems their peers are facing, and we must empower them to recognize the danger signs and give them the tools to help each other with the assistance of trained, caring adults. As you know, most conversations are taking place on social media, therefore it is critical that we teach our students to look out for one another as these digital conversations are taking place. SS-ARS teaches them what to look for in text, video and photos while empowering them to act quickly to help a fellow student. The program also teaches students to recognize at-risk behaviors in friends and classmates at school and in their local community.
The SS-ARS program is provided by Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a nation-wide non-profit organization. SHP’s programs are in 50 states – with 14,000+ schools and over 12 million students and adults trained. They have a track record, reputation, and knowledge of how to work effectively with kids, parents, and teachers to improve school safety and culture. The program is age-appropriate and research-based. To date, SS-ARS and other SHP prevention programs have helped stop multiple school shootings, suicides, and gun threats, The program has reduced bullying and cyberbullying, intervened upon cutting, drug use, and other violent acts. We know this program will do the same for our district.
Our school district provides parents with the option to remove their child from these safety trainings. If you have questions or concerns or to opt your child out of this training, please do not hesitate to reach out to your student’s principal directly. You can also find additional information on the ISD 728 Prevention & Safety Website.
Yearbook
Picture Makeup Day (NOT RETAKE DAY) - September 25
Our picture makeup day is Wednesday, September 25th during lunches. Picture makeups are for students who did not have their picture taken during Open House. This is NOT our retake day! Picture retakes will take place on Friday, October 11th. ALL students will get their picture taken for school IDs and the yearbook.
Click Kemmetmueller Photography Flyer for Picture Day Information
ERHS Football Game Reminders
We continue to modify our practices at events to ensure safe and welcoming environments for both learning and activities.
- At ISD 728 football games, our young fans - from elementary through middle school, will not be allowed to attend without a parent, guardian or supervising adult in attendance.
- Additionally, and as a reminder, once a spectator has left the stadium, they will not be allowed to re-enter.
- ISD 728 also will not allow: bags, balls, outside beverages, pets, props, face paint, signs, flags, or other items that may create a disruption during the game.
- Please note - due to liability, we will no longer be storing student bags at football games. Students must make plans to store their bags elsewhere prior to the game.
Thanks for your support.
Drop Off/Pick Up Procedure
To keep traffic flowing and expedite drop off and pick up wait times, please enter the VMS parking lot from School Street. Do NOT enter from Proctor Avenue.
The reason for this is twofold:
If you enter from Proctor Avenue, you will have to circle into traffic entering the correct direction and it will back things up.
We have specialized transportation that enters from Proctor Avenue. They need to get in and out of the parking lot quickly.
A couple more reminders:
Keep moving forward as far as you can when dropping off. This helps keep traffic flowing.
Do not drop students off in the lot or drive through lanes. We want to avoid students crossing between cars.
Click HERE to view a updated map of the VMS parking lot
VandenBerge Volunteer Opportunities
We encourage parent involvement in our school community. If you're interested in volunteering for various events and activities throughout the year, please email our Parent Liaison, Sarah Holmgren at sarah.holmgren@isd728.org.
You're Not Alone
We are excited to welcome back Jody and her dog, Basil, this school year! Basil is a therapy dog from the “You’re Not Alone” program. who visits VandenBerge weekly to support students and staff throughout the school year, most commonly in group settings. Being a therapy dog, Basil is certified, registered and has completed obedience training. Students will be able to sign up to see Basil and participate in groups during their lunch time. More details to sign up will be sent out to students soon.
Water Bottle Request
As you are busy getting ready for another school year, please note that we are requesting any water bottle sent to school be of the type that firmly seals (Stanley cups that do not seal should remain at home). We have seen an increase in damage to books, computers and materials because of these types of water bottles. We are also requesting that all water bottles that have the spray sport feature be left at home (ex. Gatorade bottles). This type of water bottle is not best suited for the school setting. Thank you for your continued support. Any questions, please call or email amanda.ohlgren@isd728.org
Cell Phones
Students are NOT permitted to use their cell phones and wireless headphones during academic time. Please see cell phone expectations.
Lunches
All students will get one free breakfast and one free lunch per day for the 2024-2025 school year. Even though one breakfast and one lunch will be free, students will still need money in their lunch account if they want to have “seconds” or a la carte items. You can deposit money in your child's lunch account through Campus Parent Portal or with cash in the cafeteria (we do NOT accept checks).
Students will use their student IDs with a scannable BARCODE every time they go through the cafeteria line (for free breakfasts/lunches and a la carte purchases). Students will receive their student ID in their homeroom class on the first day of school. Students will also place a barcode in their planners they can use in addition to their ID’s.