VHS Newsletter

Viking Families and Friends,

April is here and we were teased with a hint of spring last weekend. While we wait for spring to fully make its appearance, here is an update of things happening around the schoolhouse.

On April 7th, 150 Vikings were inducted into the Valparaiso High School Chapter of the National Honor Society. Last weekend, some of our Vikings showed off their skills in April Antics. The Honors Art Show also took place last week where the gifts and talents of our students shone through.

Congratulations to our Valenian staff and Mrs. Hoffman as our yearbook was recognized for excellence and featured in the Jostens Look Book 2024. This publication celebrates the best-of-the-best in yearbook design and inclusivity. The yearbook was one of only 480 yearbooks selected from nearly one thousand yearbooks submitted.

Finally, our Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) group also had great success at their recent competition. Lauren Harris earned first place in Health Informatics, thus securing her spot at the International HOSA conference! This marks Lauren’s third top-three finish in this event. HOSA had multiple Top 10 and Final Placements at the competition including in the following areas: organic chemistry, medical reading, forensics, medical innovation, phlebotomy, among other areas.

Thank you for continuing to support our students, teachers, and staff.

May 7: eLearning/Election Day

May 14, 15: Jostens Cap and Gown Distribution during lunches

May 18: Prom

May 27: Memorial Day/No School

May 30: 1/2 Day Students/Staff Development PM

May 31: No School/Weather Make Up Day

June 3: Summer School Session 1 Begins

June 5: Graduation

Please see the VHS Calendar for more events!

The VHS Junior Class proudly presents Tangled In The Stars which will take place on Saturday, May 18th at 8pm at the Porter County Expo Center. The Grand March will be held in the VHS Gymnasium from 5:45pm-6:45pm. Doors will open at 4:45pm. Prom tickets will be sold online from April 22th-May 12th for $20 per person. Info is posted on Junior and Senior Canvas pages.

Mr. VHS is a parody pageant show that consists of senior boys of Valparaiso High School competing in various pageant categories. The categories consist of formal wear, theme wear, talent and final question. Although they will be scored, judged, and a winner will be crowned, the show is comedic and exaggerated. There will be no real pressures of a traditional beauty pageant. This show serves not only as entertainment for the students and community alike, but also as a fundraiser for the VHS Student Council! Proceeds go towards supporting the VHS Staff during Teacher Appreciation Week as well as Homecoming activities in the fall.

SDMT teaches students how to develop and focus their curiosity to identify and solve problems, both on their own and collaboratively. Past graduates say that Speech, Debate, and Mock Trial was one of the most fun and rewarding activities of their high school years. Many of the students who participate in Speech, Debate, and Mock Trial find that their involvement helps them succeed in honors and AP classes. Coaches set up events and help the teams with how to prepare for them. Students choose the events they want to compete in (sometimes with advice from a coach) and which tournaments to go to. Much of the work is done independently - researching topics and resolutions, finding pieces for interpretive events, finding articles for the extemporaneous files, writing speeches and debate cases, memorizing, and practicing. Sometimes team members work in pairs or small groups to research topics or refine their presentation. The entire team meets briefly twice a month for announcements and celebrations, and each event squad usually meets twice a week after school for instruction, practice, and feedback on performances.

Most of the tournaments are on Saturdays at high schools within the Northwest Indiana area. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Beach at hbeach@valpo.k12.in.us.

This is my third year at VHS. I teach Etymology, Classical Literature, and English 10. I sponsor Team LEAD. I like being a part of VHS because of the people and the community. I really enjoy the people I work with, and I have learned a lot and grown as a teacher in the past three years. I also feel very supported by administration at VHS, which is definitely not something you see at every school. Additionally, VHS has a great student body with wonderful and involved parents. Finally, I really enjoy the variety of classes that I am able to teach. It makes my day enjoyable!

One interesting fact about me is that I run or walk at least a mile a day outside every single day, regardless of the weather.

Email: VHSadmin@valpo.k12.in.us
Website: https://valparaisohigh.valpo.k12.in.us/
Location: 2727 Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Phone: (219)531-3070
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Valpo-HS-411-627837360580660
Twitter: @ValpoHS411