
Spartan Weekly Update Feb 24-28

What's Happening This Week
Monday, Feb 24
Modified Monday
Tuesday, Feb 25
ODD Day
Financial Aid Awareness Night at SCC - 5pm-7pm - RSVP Required
Wednesday, Feb 26
EVEN Day
Thursday, Feb 27
ODD Day
Friday, Feb 28
EVEN Day
View the Latest Detention & Saturday School List
Next Saturday School: March 8th
Administration Updates
Talauega Wins Masters
Congratulations to senior Kash Talauega on becoming the first VPHS wrestler to win the Masters Tournament. Held on Saturday, February 22nd, Kash (175lbs) defeated the No. 10 wrestler in CA to earn the title.
CIF State Finals will be held this week in Bakersfield starting Thursday, Feb. 27th. Best of luck, Kash! We're so proud of you.
VPHS Band Takes Top Honors at Temple City Parade
The Marching Band played their hearts out!
Their first time at the Temple City Parade!
Sweep Stakes Drum Major (Highest score in the whole parade Alissa Rivas-Anaya)
1st Place Band
1st Place Color Guard
Villa Park Hockey Will Vie for Championship
Villa Park High School's ice hockey team played two playoff games this past weekend in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League (ADHSHL). The first matchup was against San Diego United on Friday, February 21 at Great Park Ice Arena in Irvine. The game was hotly contested with a lot of physical play but Villa Park wound up pulling out a 4-2 win on the strength of two goals scored by Keiran VanDyck. The Spartans heavily outshot San Diego by a 40-20 margin, but the game remained tight until Ronnie Felikian extended the lead to two goals with 6:11 left in the game that would catapult the VP team into the next round.
The Spartans then faced a Los Alamitos team on Saturday, February 22 that had only lost one game all season long, going 18-1. After giving up the first goal to Los Alamitos roughly six minutes into the game, the Spartans hit back hard, scoring the next five goals and outshooting Los Al 47 to 22. Keiran VanDyck added two more goals while defenseman David Paterson potted two goals as well with Jesse Hamrick rounding out the scoring.
It's onto the Conference Championship on Friday night, February 28 for the Spartans. They will face Saddleback United at 6:30 p.m. at Great Park Ice Arena. If the Spartans can pull off the victory, they will play for the Division 3 League Championship for the ADHSHL on Saturday, March 1. Come cheer on the Spartans to victory! The league charges $5 admission at the gate. LET'S GO SPARTANS!!
VP Senior Aaron Keener Scores against Los Al
VPHS Mandarin Students Recognized
We are thrilled to announce that ten Chinese language students from Mrs. Farley's class have won the Voted Award in the Cultural Event hosted by the Irvine Chinese School of South Coast Chinese Culture Center. This initiative encouraged students to convey their personal experiences and reflections through the creation of posters centered around life-themed topics, while fostering mutual observation and learning.
VPHS chose to focus on creating Movie Premiere Posters, where the artists introduced a movie they enjoy. This included details such as the genre, some facts about the director and cast, release era, content features, and why they like it, along with their impressions and inspiration. These exceptional works were displayed at the Center's Lunar New Year Carnival on January 25-26th.
The winners have received a certificate, an In-N-Out Burgers gift card, a golden Year of the Snake Commemorative Coin, and various fun trinkets. Let's celebrate these students' success in promoting cultural awareness and artistic expression within our school community.
Photo attached
24’-25’ Voted Award Winners: (Clockwise from top left)
- Rachel Lee 李穎恩 (9th Grade, Chinese IV)
- Hayden Lui 雷锦铃 (9th Grade, Chinese IV)
- Emme Halo郝艾敏 (9th Grade, Chinese IV)
- Jovana Mortazavian 莫水仙 (10th Grade, Chinese Culture and Society)
- Meopwint Chin 陳美玲 (9th Grade, Chinese IV)
- Joanna Lee 李英函 (9th Grade, Chinese IV)
- Mason Dam 丁隆理 (9th Grade, Chinese IV)
- Kira Tu涂吉拉 (10th Grade, Chinese III)
- Mingmei Hascall 郝朋媚 (10th Grade, Chinese III)
- Margarita Prado 庞玛琪 (10th Grade, Chinese III, not pictured)
Schoolwide Tutoring Opportunities - Spring 2025
VPHS is excited to announce new tutoring opportunities available for students across all subjects. If you're struggling with a class, need help with an essay, or are preparing for an upcoming exam, our teachers are available throughout the week to help students!
Student Services Update
- Bathroom Passes (via 5-Star) will now last 6 (SIX) minutes - the same time as the standard passing period between classes. Bathroom passes should only be used to go to the restroom and return to class. Students frequently found out of class without a pass or on an expired hall pass will be assigned school consequences.
- 5-Star Digital Student ID can be used as an alternate Student ID Card - students can exit campus for short day/athletics using the 5-Star app. This Digital ID card will be used for checking in to school events such as dances, lunch detention, and Saturday Schools.
Student Conduct Guidance 24-25
- Student Attendance: Students who arrive late to class after the bell rings for each period are tardy. There is a 6-minute passing period to move from class to class. Students who earn 4 tardies will be assigned a lunch detention. We appreciate parent support in encouraging students to be prompt and show up to classes on time!
- Student Conduct Guidelines 24-25: Outline of student behavior and consequences administered by Student Services (Discipline). Please take a moment to review school policies on the following topics:
- Attendance Policy
- Saturday School & Loss of Activities
- Lunch Detention
- Campus Deliveries
- Dress Code
- Student Parking
Click Here to Review Student Conduct Guidelines 24-25
- Attendance: Parents must call or deliver a note to the Attendance Office within 72 hours to clear a student's absence. Students will be held accountable for their attendance through lunch detentions or Saturday School for unexcused absences. If a student is absent from school, they must provide an excuse for an absence (Illness, Personal, Medical Appointment, etc.). Calls to attendance can be made to (714) 532-8020.
Spartan Activities
French Wedding 2025 🇫🇷
On Friday, February 21st, the Villa Park High School French Program, under the direction of Madame Fatima Pazargadi, held its 19th French Wedding! In attendance for this ceremony were OUSD Board members, community partners, parents, and students. We're so proud to have this tradition at VPHS. A very special shout-out to our wedding planners and French Program student leaders.
Wedding Planners - Ivy Lloyd, Lexi McCarroll, and Alia Erkelens
Officiator - Louis Hermann
Garland Holders - Alexis Aakre, Jessie Richards, Eleanor Hutchinson, Lauren Deschenes, Kara Smith, Sydnie Bennet, Lucy Barnhart, Isabella Camera, Amani Rahman, Taylor Foster, Brianna Santiago, Lia Wong
Ring Bearer - Johnathan Bates
Flower Girls - Vivienne Bennett, London Clemmons, Kenzi Clemmons, Abigail Robinson
Maid of Honor - Lexi McCarroll
Best Man - Brian Wilson
Bridesmaids - Samaira Multani, Yvonne Vu, Kiana, Sadie Clemmons, Sophia Imsande, Emily Cooper
Groomsmen - Youssef Badr, Yoshua Alcantara, David Arguello, JT Meredith, Anthony Elkhoury, Ryan Gerger
Bride - Katherine Tighe
Groom - Jimmy Falk
Father of the Bride - Principal Dennis McCuistion
Mother of the Groom - Mme Kathryn Moffat
Musicians - Mars Elizarraras, Aaron Woollett, Ava Moore, Antonio Romero, Kayla Hodge, Alia Erkelens Lia Wong, Omaha Blaisdell, Jacqueline Markle, Brian Wilson, and Antonio Romero
Bible Readers - Lily Barajas, Darla Flynn, Alia Erkelens
Le Lac - Erica Wynn
le Petit Prince: Tyler Rallison
Tech - Daniel Dillon and Eno Lucky
Co-Présidents of French Club
Claire von Ting, Katie Dannenbring, Louis Hermann
Villa Park High School Winter Formal at K1 Speed: A Night to Remember
On February 22, 2025, Villa Park High School students gathered for an unforgettable Winter Formal at K1 Speed in Irvine. The event featured thrilling go-kart races, our Music club performing live music, a DJ, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere that set the stage for a truly memorable evening.
The highlight of the night was the crowning of the Winter Formal Senior Court. After a fun-filled evening, the winners were announced: Tristan Griffin and Sophia Griego were crowned as the 2025 Winter Formal King and Queen. Their excitement was palpable as they took center stage, surrounded by friends and classmates who celebrated the honor with them.
The Winter Formal at K1 Speed was a perfect blend of fun, excitement, and school spirit, leaving everyone eagerly looking forward to future events at Villa Park High!
SENIOR YEARBOOK ADS 2024-2025
Hello all Senior Parents,
SENIOR PORTRAITS AND PARENT AD DEADLINES FOR THE YEARBOOK ARE COMING UP.
· PARENT AD INFORMATION: If you would like to purchase a PARENT AD, or space in the yearbook to include fun photos of your student from their childhood along with a kind message, please see the order form attached below. Deadline for submission is February 7th.
· SENIOR PORTRAIT INFORMATION: If you have not yet had your Senior Portraits taken you must schedule an appointment with PSS Imaging by either calling 714-630-7785 or visiting their website (https://www.pssimaging.net/seniors1). Please make every effort to have your portrait taken before the end of January.
· YEARBOOK PURCHASE: Don’t forget, you can still buy our 2024-25 Yearbook! They are $175 and you may pay on the VPHS Webstore or in the principal’s office.
· Lastly, should you have any questions please email Mr. Hill at ghill@orangeusd.org.
Thank you for your support,
Mr. Hill and the Odyssey Staff
Senior Class Announcements
VPHS Grad Night (and Day!) 2025
Your year. Your Park. Your Party! Villa Park High School seniors 2025, get ready for an incredible day and night at the Disneyland Resort! We are headed to the Happiest Place on Earth for one final day/night of high school memories on Friday, June 13th!
Your Grad Nite Ticket includes:
- Breakfast and Check-in from 7:30am to 9:00am @ VPHS
- Transportation to & from Disneyland - Leave VPHS on Friday, June 13th @ 9:15am & returning to VPHS on Saturday, June 14th @ 3am (approximation)
- ALL DAY Disney Park Hopper ticket
- After Hours Grad Nite Private Event ticket (at California Adventure)
- Money for snacks during the event
EARLY BIRD PRICE- $279-Prices go up January 20th!
If you have any questions, please contact Jodi Kraft at (714) 338-9306 or by email at jodikraft5@gmail.com. Thank you!
Spartan Spotlight
Heaven Downing
Written By: Abigail Tolliver
Heaven Downing is a freshman who is passionate about the arts and literature. She is involved in musical theater, choir, and the book club, where she enjoys expressing her creativity and love for reading. Currently, she is excited to play Little Red Riding Hood in her school’s spring production of *Into the Woods*. In choir, she is preparing for the upcoming spring concert, and with Author Fest just two weeks away, she has been busy reading as much as possible. One of her favorite memories this year has been making new friends in all her classes. As the second semester continues, she is looking forward to finishing the school year strong.
Chloe Hudson
Written By: Abigail Tolliver
Chloe Hudson is a sophomore who is actively involved in her school community. As the ASB Ambassador of Student Involvement, she helps organize spirit events to keep students engaged. She also plays as a middle blocker on the JV volleyball team and competes in high jump, discus, and shot put for varsity track. Additionally, she founded the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) club to bring student-athletes together. One of her favorite memories this year was football senior night, where the energy was high, and she enjoyed celebrating the graduating seniors. Looking ahead to the second semester, Chloe is most excited for track season to begin, including the meets and training.
College Planning Checklist
Parent vs. Student Responsibilities
Which College Admission Process best suits you?
Counselor Assignments & Contacts 2024-2025
A - C - Lauren Bartelli
D - H - Jeremy Bulrice
I - M - Jason Pham
N - R - Shasta Campbell
S - Z - Doreen Valentin
Spartan Wellspace - Agnes Cimino
Athletics
This Week In Sports
Written by Leslie Flores
Boys Soccer
On Monday, our boys varsity soccer team qualified for the second round of CIF against Cathedral High School. Unfortunately, the match resulted in a loss with a score of 1 to 2.
Boys Basseball
On Tuesday, our boys' varsity baseball team played against Santa Fe High School, resulting in a win with a score of 5 to 0. On Thursday, our boy's junior varsity team played against Katella High School and ended the game with a score of 7 to 18. This Friday, the boy's varsity team played Citrus Valley High School. On Saturday, the boy's frosh and junior varsity teams played JSerra Catholic High School, and the boy's varsity team played against Millikan High School. Let's go show our support for Spartan baseball!
Girls Softball
On Thursday, our girl's junior varsity and varsity softball teams played against Canyon High School. The junior varsity team lost with a score of 0 to 8, and the girl's varsity game ended with a score of 3 to 0. On Thursday, the girl's junior varsity and varsity teams also played against Fullerton High School. The junior varsity game ended in a loss, and the varsity game ended with a score of 3 to 5. Saturday, the girls junior varsity and varsity teams participated in the Cypress Tournament. Let's go, girls softball!
Boys Volleyball
Our boy's volleyball program played against Yorba Linda High School on Tuesday. The boy's frosh/soph team lost with a score of 1 to 2, the boy's junior varsity team also lost with a score of 0 to 2, and the boy's varsity team played a close game but lost with a score of 2 to 3. This Friday and Saturday, our boy's varsity team will played in the Foothill Tournament. Good luck to boys volleyball!
Boys Basketball
Our boy's varsity basketball team finished their season during CIF semi-finals, which resulted in a loss with a score of 65 to 75. Amazing season, boys basketball!
Wrestling
This Friday, our girl's varsity wrestling team participated in the CIF Masters Individual Finals, and our boy's varsity wrestling team participated this Saturday.
Track
Saturday, our boys and girls varsity track teams will participated in the Brea Relays. Go Spartans!
Support VPHS Baseball
Interested in Joining a Sport?
Contact our Athletic Director, Tom Fox tfox@orangeusd.org
Follow VPHS Teams on Social Media!
Please check out the VP Sports schedule for the latest game schedule, results, and events.
If you are on Instagram, follow our teams to stay updated on game results, schedules, and other team-related events:
- VPHS Boys Basketball
- VPHS Girls Basketball
- VPHS Hockey
- VPHS Rugby (NEW)
- VPHS Boys Soccer
- VPHS Girls Soccer
- VPHS Girls Wrestling (NEW)
- VPHS Wrestling
- VPHS Aquatics - Water Polo Boys (Fall) Girls (Winter) Swimming (Spring)
- VPHS Cheer & Stunt
- VPHS Cross Country (Fall)
- VPHS esports
- VPHS Football (Fall)
- VPHS Flag Football (Fall)
- VPHS Girls Golf (Fall)
- VPHS Girls Tennis (Fall)
- VPHS Girls Volleyball (Fall)
- VPHS Baseball (Spring)
- VPHS Boys Golf (Spring)
- VPHS Boys Volleyball (Spring)
- VPHS Softball (Spring)
- VPHS Boys Tennis (Spring)
- VPHS Track & Field (Spring)
Upcoming Events
March 5: ELAC Meeting
March 14: Spring Sports Assembly
March 23: E-Waste Drop Off
March 28: End of Quarter: Minimum Day
March 31-April 4: Spring Break: No School
VPHS Fundrasing Opportunities
We’re happy to announce that a new webpage has been created, in response to parent feedback, to collect all fundraiser events that occur throughout the school year. VPHS Fundraiser Events is now open for all sports teams and boosters, clubs, classes, and VPHS-affiliated organizations who wish to promote their upcoming fundraisers.
Should you wish you promote your event, please contact Mr. Pongco at jpongco@orangeusd.org. We are able to feature events on our newsletter, this new webpage, and in school email broadcasts to our parents and students.
Free and Public Education Notice
Section 5 of Article IX of the state of California constitution guarantees students a "free public education". Any requests financial requests from coaches or teachers shall be donations and therefore not required to participate.
Villa Park is a public school, which means we offer a free public education. Any fees attached to events, such as field trips, are requested as a donation from families. Your child will not be excluded from the event if you are unable to donate for a school day field trip or program.
OUSD Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination (UCP)
Orange Unified School District annually notifies its students, employees, parents or guardians of its students, the district advisory committee, school advisory committees, appropriate private school officials, and other interested parties of the Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) process.
The UCP Annual Notice is available on the district's website.
The Orange Unified School District is primarily responsible for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, including those related to unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying against any protected group, and all programs and activities that are subject to the UCP.
Dress For Success Mondays
Students can clear 2 detentions for participating in our new program, Dress for Success Mondays. VPHS will promote professionalism and positive self-image by encouraging students to dress professionally on Mondays. To earn credit, student will pick up a Teacher Verification slip from Mrs. Zlaket in the Counseling Office which must be signed by all teachers. Please encourage your student to participate!
Villa Park High School Assistant Principal | Curriculum & Instruction