North Notes

Mustang Community,

As technology continues to evolve, it is necessary for educators to maintain expectations regarding academic integrity. We have used the guidelines below over the last ten years but have recently added information on Artificial Intelligence. Monday in Advisory, we shared these guidelines with our students. I would encourage you to touch base with your student about this as there are consequences for cheating, plagiarism, and inappropriate use of AI that could impact involvement in academic honors societies and other leadership organizations. Our goal is that BVN students demonstrate their learning by using their own thoughts and ideas.

Blue Valley North Academic Integrity Guidelines: Blue Valley North prides itself on academic excellence, of which honesty is a critical component. Blue Valley North students are expected to conduct themselves honorably in pursuit of their education by upholding all of the Blue Valley Virtues: compassion, courage, honesty, perseverance, respect, responsibility and self-discipline.

The BVN Honor Code expressly forbids the following academic violations:

Cheating includes but is not limited to…

-copying another person’s work or allowing another person to copy your work

-using unauthorized technological devices, notes, aids, or written material

-giving or receiving unauthorized information.

-having anyone, including parents or tutors, complete work and submitting it as one’s own

-presenting collaborative work as independent or presenting independent work as collaborative

Plagiarism includes but is not limited to…

-presenting someone else’s work as your own, in whole or in part, whether intentional or not

-using another’s ideas and/or written work without proper citations

-using another’s graphics, charts, diagrams, illustrations, etc. without proper citations

Use of AI or other technology must …

-be explicitly approved by the course instructor

-be acknowledged and properly cited

-not be presented as the original work of the student

For the purposes of this policy:

-Artificial Intelligence (AI): Refers to software or tools that use algorithms, machine learning, and data to simulate human-like tasks such as writing, problem-solving, language translation, or decision-making.

-Generative Technology: Refers to AI-based tools that create content, such as text (e.g., GPT-3 or ChatGPT), images (e.g., DALL-E), music, or code. This also includes other generative tools that produce outputs from user prompts.

Consequences for cheating and/or plagiarism:

Violations are cumulative and not limited to individual classrooms. Records of violations are also cumulative and will be maintained by administration.

First Offense:

-Student receives reduced or lost credit

-Parent will be contacted

-Immediate referral to student’s administrator

-May result in administrative disciplinary action

-May also result in removal or future participation in honor societies

Second Offense:

-First offense consequences in addition to the following:

-Meeting with teacher, parents, and administrator

-May also result in removal or future participation in honor societies

Third Offense:

First and second offense consequences in addition to the following:

-Student will be removed from any honor societies or restricted from applying without an option for reinstatement

There have been changes to our school calendar to make up lost instructional time due to inclement weather. To put our district in the best position to meet state requirements and maintain our long-standing goal of ending the school year by Memorial Day, the following adjustments will be made to our high school calendar:

1. We will NOT have late arrival on March 4, 6, 11 or 13. School will begin at the normal time on those dates and all high schools will follow the schedule below:
   7:35 - 9:20........2nd Block
   9:25 - 10:40......Academic Support Time
   10:45 - 12:55...4th Block
   · 1st lunch: 10:45 - 11:10
   · 2nd lunch: 11:35 - 12:00
   · 3rd lunch: 12:30 - 12:55
   1:00 - 2:45.......6th Block
2. Friday, April 25 is now a School Day – The scheduled professional learning day will now be a school day for all students.
   
   

Thank you for your partnership in all you do for our students, and your understanding as we work through this challenging winter together.

As we enter the final months of the school year, we want to take a moment to remind families about student safety, including concerns surrounding the "Assassins" game. This activity is not school-sponsored, and it cannot take place on school grounds or at school events.

This annual tradition involves students using water guns to "eliminate" each other in an effort to be the last remaining player. While we recognize the tradition this game brings, we ask families and students to engage in discussions about the potential risks and safety concerns. There is nothing more important than the safety of our students.

Key Reminders:

• This game is NOT a school-sponsored activity.

• The game is NOT to be played on school grounds or at school events.

• Water guns are NOT allowed at school at any time.

• Law enforcement is aware of this activity and will take any reports of armed individuals seriously.

• Students should always respect the property rights of others.

• The use of water guns that resemble real firearms can lead to dangerous misunderstandings.

• We do not want any student put in harm’s way because their actions or intentions were misinterpreted.

Unfortunately, every year, we hear of instances where this game has led to unsafe situations. In some cases, unfamiliar vehicles and groups of students gathering in residential areas have caused concern among neighbors. In one recent situation, a homeowner, alarmed by unexpected activity near their property, confronted students while holding a firearm. Fortunately, no one was harmed, but the situation quickly escalated and could have ended very differently. These incidents serve as a reminder of how easily misunderstandings can occur and the potential risks involved.

Tragically, a similar situation did not end as favorably in another Kansas community. A student was shot and paralyzed when the Assassins game led to a misunderstanding. This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder that even well-intentioned fun can have serious, unintended consequences.

We share this as a reminder that what may seem like a harmless game can have real risks. Please take time to talk with your student about safe decision-making and the importance of being mindful of how their actions may be perceived by others.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our students and community safe.

Chamber Singers' Night of Cabaret is Tuesday, March 11th at 6pm in the BVN Little Theater. This performance will feature ensemble numbers as well as solos in the musical theater, jazz, and contemporary musical genres. If you'd like to support the BVN Choir program, cash donations will be accepted at the door. Please join us for a great night of music!

KSHSAA has selected the BVN Chamber and Symphonic Orchestras to perform the National Anthem of the United States of America at the 6A State Basketball Tournament on March 13 at Wichita State University.

The Science Knowledge Bowl team are regional champions, beating Blue Valley West in the final round! Next stop is Washington, D.C., for the National Science Bowl from April 24–28. The Department of Energy (DOE) is covering all travel and hotel costs. The kids are beyond excited for this experience! Mustang Proud!

On February 22nd, the Science Olympiad team competed at the Kansas Northeast Regional tournament.

The following students won awards in their individual events:

- Anatomy 5th place: Dilsha Chebolu and Paritosh Patel

- Astronomy 3rd place: Matthew Chen

- Bungee Drop 5th place: Maddy Hall and Dilsha Chebolu

- Chemistry lab 1st place: Matthew Chen

- Codebusters 2nd place: Sriram Kalki, Matthew Chen, Gabe Ledgerwood

- Disease Detectives 6th place: Maddy Hall and Anya Reddy

- Dynamic Planet 5th place: Likhitha Vunnama and Lucas Tian

- Ecology 5th place: Dilsha Chebolu and Anya Reddy

- Electric Vehicle 6th place: Maddy Hall and Sriram Kalki

- Entomology 1st place: Anya Reddy and Likhitha Vunnama

- Experimental Design 2nd place: Sriram Kalki, Matthew Chen, Lucas Tian

- Fossils 4th place: Likhitha Vunnama and Lucas Tian

- Material Science 3rd place: Sriram Kalki and Matthew Chen

- Robot Tour 3rd place: Sriram Kalki and Shivram Venkatachalam

The team placed 5th overall, and we move on to the State competition on April 5th.

Congratulations to the Boys Swim & Dive Team--6AState Champions for the 3rd year in a row!

STATE FINALIST

Jan Beltran – 12th 100 Breast

Khasar Chinbat – 7th 200 IM, 4th 500 Free

Christian Eide – 14th 1 Meter Dive

Connor Golding – 3rd 200 Free, 4th 100 Breast

Johnny McMonagle – 13th 50 Free

Jack Munro – 4th 100 Fly, 5th 100 Back

Henry Parisi – 5th 200 Free, 4th 100 Free

Noah Pratt – 9th 200 Free, 6th 100 Fly

Jack Ramsey – 15th 500 Free

Wilson Riekhof – 7th 200 Free, 6th 100 Free

Harris Stevens – 13th 100 Back

Caleb Twyman – 7th 100 Back

Trey Wichman – 7th 1 Meter Dive

1st Place in the 400 Free Relay (Henri Parisi, Noah Pratt, Connor Golding and Wilson Riekhof)

3rd Place in the 200 Free Relay (Henry Parisi, Jack Munro, Connor Golding and Wilson Riekhof)

6th Place in the Medley Relay (Jack Munro, Jan Beltran, Jack Ramsey and Johnny McMonagle)

SWIMMERS NAMED SECOND TEAM ALL STATE

Khasar Chinbat

Connor Golding

Jack Munro

Henry Parisi

Wilson Riekhof

State Considerations from EKL(not previously reported

Ajay Nandula - 100 Breast

Hudson Zack - 500 Free

Way to go Mustangs!

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Please mark your calendars for the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2025 on Saturday, May 17, at 5 p.m. The ceremony will be held in the ANT-DAC Stadium (Antioch District Athletic Complex) located at 162nd and Antioch. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move inside to the BV West Gymnasium at the regularly scheduled time.

Cap & Gown: Please get your order placed for your graduation cap & gown: www.jostens.com . We still have several seniors who need to order. If you own a gown from the Class of '23 or '24, then you can re-use it, and all you'd need to purchase is the cap & tassel. Contact the Jostens office with any questions at 913-291-1636.

Senior Diploma Form and Transcript Release- ACTION NEEDED: Please click on the link below and complete the Senior Diploma/Transcript Form. This form authorizes the release of senior transcripts for college applications. Click here: Diploma/Transcript Authorization. Our diplomas have been ordered so that we will have them for May graduation. If you did not fill out the diploma request prior to January, your diploma will be printed with your name as it appears in StudentVue/ParentVue.

Senior Class Picture

The senior class group photo was taken on Monday, Jan. 27. We will get a framed print and hang it on the wall at North. If you would like to purchase your own print click here: CLASS OF 2025.

Senior Outreach Day--Coming up on April 8 (Action Required)

For more information, please click this form: https://forms.gle/6PGkcrknja12u2vdA

SENIOR INFO PAGE

All this info and more can be found on our Senior Info Page! Click here: 2025 BVN SENIORS

Seniors: Please make sure you are checking Xello for scholarship opportunities!

AP Registration for 2nd semester courses and late registration is now closed. You may still cancel an exam for a partial refund. Cancellations are requested through Total Registration.

Mrs. Weber is currently on maternity leave. Her substitute’s name is Melanie Watson, and she can be reached by email (MSWatson@bluevalleyk12.org).

Counselors at BVN are assigned by the first letter of a student's last name:

• Bridgett Brownlee: A–Da
• Catalina Donnelly-Vazquez: De-H
• Jenn Weber: I–Moo (Mrs. Melanie Waterson is the L-T counseling sub)
• Linda Hardy: Mor-Sho
• Amanda Levin: Shu-Z

Questions? Contact the Counseling Administrative Assistant, Kawaini Duson, at kjduson02@bluevalleyk12.org.

Interested in trying out for the 25-26 BVN Cheer Team? Plan to come to an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 26th at 6pm in the BVN Library. Please fill out the BVN Cheer Tryout Interest Form prior to attending the meeting and please reach out to Coach Shoemaker with any questions or concerns! (pashoemaker@bluevalleyk12.org) Click here: BVN Cheer Tryout Google Form

Parents of & All Junior and Senior Students! Put your money towards a really good cause! The Project Graduation (PG) Committee is partnering with Rosehill Blooms on a fundraiser for Prom flowers. This year's prom will be held on April 26th.

All profits raised will go towards funding Project Graduation which is an annual tradition at BVN. PG is held on the night of commencement for BVN graduates and provides a safe alternative for the senior class to celebrate their accomplishments and each other. This year's event will again be held at Chicken & Pickle, Overland Park. This event is NOT sponsored by the school so we need your help to keep the tradition alive!

Rosehill Blooms offers 3 fun options- custom corsages, bouquets, & boutonnieres, DIY Bouquet Classes, and Private Bouquet Classes. Scan the QR codes to order and check on Instagram @rosehill.blooms for pictures.

March 10 - Odd Day

March 11 - Even Day

March 12 - Odd Day

March 13 - Even Day

March 14 - NO SCHOOL / Professional Learning

March 17 - 24 - NO SCHOOL / Spring Break

April 8 - CORRECTION:

• 9th grade - PreACT 9
• 10th grade – Math State Assessments
• 11th grade – ACT
• 11th or 12th grade – Work Keys if opted-in
• 12th grade - Senior Outreach Day

April 25 - is now a school day

May 21-23 - Final Exams (tentative)

May 23 - Last day of School (tentative)

Upcoming All School Events

All BVN events, activities, sporting events and additional calendar adjustments are found on the EKL calendar: www.easternkansasleague.org

This important message is for any family or staff that will travel out of the United States during the school year. Please click here to read the restrictions and recommendations for Out of the Country travel. Blue Valley resources such as Canvas, Classlink, and school email are not accessible out of the country unless you have a personal device with a VPN on it. We do not recommend BV Devices leave the country.

We are thankful for the ongoing partnership and support we experience in our school community. Working together we ensure the best possible student experience allowing them to realize personal success. There are times, however, when issues arise which require our continued collaboration to resolve. Families may utilize the matrix linked on the district website to best address questions and concerns that may arise throughout the course of a school year. Finally, all staff and visitors should conduct their business free from intimidation, harassment, or bullying. The district’s Board of Education states expectations regarding civility within Policy 6341. Again, thank you for your partnership in helping to maintain a safe school community environment for all.

Blue Valley Schools is committed to promoting and fostering a safe environment in and around all our schools. We are continuously working to prevent, mitigate, respond to and recover from a wide range of situations. Please check out available ways to report safety concerns.

In the latest Blue Valley Schools’ BV Unmuted podcast episode, Superintendent Dr. Tonya Merrigan discusses the upcoming Kansas Legislative session and the district’s five priority positions with Board of Education members Gina Knapp and Jan Kessinger and Chief Financial Officer Jeremy McFadden.

🎙️ To listen to the podcast episode, visit www.bit.ly/BVPriorities.

In the latest Blue Valley Schools’ BV Unmuted podcast episode, Dr. Katie Collier, Deputy Superintendent for Learning, is joined by Overland Park Interim Police Chief Simon Happer and Director of Safety and Security Dan Carney to discuss school safety and the importance of understanding threats and their consequences.

To learn more about how families can partner with the district to ensure a safe and secure environment for our students and staff, listen to the podcast: BV Unmuted: Understanding Threats and Their Consequences.

March Celebrations & Observances:

• National Arab American Heritage Month - recognizes the achievements and contributions of Arab Americans to society, culture, and American history.

• Deaf History Month - celebrates the history, culture, and accomplishments of deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

• Day of Silence - April 11 - a national, student-led demonstration where LGBTQ+ students and allies take a vow of silence to protest the silencing and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools.

• Passover - evening of April 12-20 - a Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. Some families will observe the holiday with a special meal, called a Seder, eating foods of symbolic significance and reciting traditional prayers.

• Holy Week and Easter Sunday - April 13-20 - includes the Christian holidays of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Some families will attend church services to commemorate the week leading to the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.

Please volunteer with BVN Concessions! You get to see all the kids in their element and hear parents cheering for all! And - you get to hang out with great volunteers and help serve your school and community. We welcome students, siblings, parents, and grandparents! For more info and to sign up, click here: CONCESSION VOLUNTEERS

If you have moved or plan to move, please contact the BVN Registrar, Ann LaGrange, by email at ALLaGrange@bluevalleyk12.org. Thank you!

At Blue Valley Schools, student safety is our top priority. Our approach to safety blends proactive prevention, fostering strong adult-student relationships and maintaining robust physical security measures. Central to our strategy is understanding and addressing potential threats.

What Constitutes a Threat?

A threat includes any expression of intent to harm, whether spoken or written. Identifying and responding to these expressions is crucial to the safety of our school community.

The Role of Threat Assessments

Blue Valley’s comprehensive threat assessment process has two primary objectives:

• Preventing Violence: We work to intervene before potential threats escalate.

• Resolving Underlying Issues: By understanding the reasons behind a threat, we can resolve conflicts and provide necessary support.

Structured, Evidence-Based Approach

Blue Valley Schools follows the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG), a nationally recognized, evidence-based program. This approach ensures that we not only prevent violence but also support individuals in need.

Since the fall of 2023, Blue Valley building leaders have been trained in and actively using this Threat Assessment approach. This consistent use of CSTAG has equipped leaders with a common vocabulary and protocol, enabling them to resolve situations more effectively when threats arise.

By staying committed to this structured and compassionate approach, Blue Valley Schools ensures that students and staff are supported, safe and able to focus on what truly matters–learning through extraordinary educational opportunities.

More information about Blue Valley’s threat assessment process is available on the district website.

COVID/FLU

We urge you to stay informed and prepared by visiting the Blue Valley School District COVID/Flu guidelines at this link: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/36106. These guidelines are crucial for the health and safety of our school community.

Students may not attend classes until both are true: symptoms are improving, and there has been no fever for 24 hours without medication. Upon returning to normal activities, take additional precautions over the next five days, such as avoiding close contact with high-risk individuals and maintaining good personal hygiene.

Authorization For Medication/Procedure To Be Administered At School. Please have medical orders faxed to 913-239-3038. This is especially important if your student has a health condition that requires medical care at school and is required each school year.

Medications can be dropped off by appointment only during normal school hours of

7:35 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Please e-mail Alex Norval, BVN School Nurse, at annorval@bluevalleyk12.org to schedule your drop off time.

Immunization News

Refer to Link regarding requirements: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/34370

Need to speak with the nurse?

If you need to speak with the nurse, please e-mail annorval@bluevalleyk12.org to set up an appointment.

Blue Valley North has 1600 students, so we have a full-time staff member, Stephanie Lange, dedicated to managing all absences and requests when students need to leave for an appointment. Since we do NOT want to interrupt class, and call into the classrooms, we ask you to plan in advance so we can have your student waiting for you to prevent you from waiting on your student.

Need to pick up your student early? We need 2 hours’ notice!

• You and your student discuss the appointment the night before to plan.
• Check the daily bell schedule (see below) for the best time to leave.
• (1) Send a note with your student and provide:
• Student’s first and last name
• Student’s ID# (see ParentVue)
• Reason for absence
• Date/time student needs to leave/return (not the class period)
• Your name, phone number & signature
• Students can drop off the note at the Attendance Office before school.

OR (2) Email attendanceBVN@bluevalleyk12.org at least 2 hours in advance of the time your student needs to leave the office. Include all info listed above.

• A pass will be delivered to your student in class with time of release.
• Your student will sign out in the attendance office and wait in the office until they see you pull up to the circle drive. Parents do not need to come into BVN.
• If they return to school after the appointment, they will sign into the attendance office and get an “excused” pass to give to their teacher.

Will your student be gone all day due to illness, a college visit, etc.?

• Provide the information bolded above.
• Report your absence in ParentVue, the most efficient way to report an absence.
• OR Email attendanceBVN@bluevalleyk12.org by 8:00 a.m. the day of.

Notification of Unexcused Absences

Families of high school students will receive automated attendance messages via email, phone, and/or text message at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. if a child is absent and his/her absence has not been reported by a parent/guardian. If parents forget to report an absence? No worries. Reply directly to the phone call or email and make the edit in the attendance reporting. To avoid these notifications, follow the procedures listed above.

Did you know? Families can select “Religious Holiday” as an option for a child’s absence in ParentVue, when applicable. This notation could be helpful to our school staff so they can plan accordingly for your student’s absence.

Questions? Please contact Stephanie Lange, Attendance Office Manager directly. Email attendanceBVN@bluevalleyk12.org or call (913) 239-3001

Thank you!

Please take a look through the BVN Mustang Fund's new Winter Activity Guide! Here is a link to the on-line edition: https://anyflip.com/qzkqi/puqo/

A limited number of printed books are available if you would like your own copy—first-come, first-served! Contact Amanda Palan at amanda@amandapalan.com or Heather Glenn at bvnpbcpresident@gmail.com. You can pick one up in the front office until they are gone . . .

This is a great way to see photos of the athletic teams & performing arts students, find out more about their coaches and directors, and read a greeting from the BVN Principal & the Mustang Fund Presidents. Please take time to see the advertisements from our corporate partners and give them your business whenever possible. We thank them for their support of the Mustang Fund and our Blue Valley North students. Enjoy!

We are committed to ensuring that BVN extracurricular activities receive financial support, regardless of other funding mechanisms, so that all students are able to participate and compete at the highest levels available. Our goal is to foster experiences for our students outside the classroom in arts, athletics, and activities that match the excellence and quality that Blue Valley North offers within the classroom. Funds also go toward staff appreciation, hospitality rooms, State Cakes, Senior Day Activities, the Homecoming Parade and SO MUCH MORE!

Giving Levels start at just $55! Please visit www.bvnmustangs.com and click on the DONATE NOW button on the home page!

PLEASE CONTACT HEATHER GLENN AT bvnpbcpresident@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out with any of the above positions!

Thank you for your consideration!

Durham will continue to transport our bus riders in the 2024/2025 school year. If you have questions, please call Durham School Services at 913-681-2492 or contact them via email at admin6700@durhamschoolservices.com.

North Notes is a newsletter for the parents and students of Blue Valley North High School. If you have questions, contact Janet Roush, Assistant to the Principal, at JRoush@bluevalleyk12.org .

BVN Office hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

BVN Twitter:

@MustangsBvn

@BVNOstroski

@TheKurle

@BVNCounseling

@MustangsOfBVN

@bvnnews

@BVNMustangsPBC

BVN Instagram:

@bvnmustangs

Email: Jroush@bluevalleyk12.org
Website: www.bluevalleyk12.org/BVN/
Location: 12200 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, KS, 66209
Phone: (913) 239-3000
Facebook: facebook.com/BVNMustangs/
Twitter: @bvnnews