![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-664ed2ea1b79f0c82ab73bc7-760131d1f319.jpg)
Spartan Weekly Update May 27- 31
![Spartan Weekly Update May 27- 31](https://cdn.smore.com/u/d00d/8987d655d4eca754415c99203ac17228.jpg)
Week At A Glance
See What's Happening This Week
Mon. May 27
Memorial Day-No School
Tues. May 28
Block Schedule - ODD
POPS Showcase - Get Tickets
Wed. May 29
Block Schedule - EVEN
ELAC Meeting 9:30 am Library
Senior Medallions
Thurs. May 30
Block Schedule - ODD
POPS Showcase - Get Tickets
Fri. May 31
Block Schedule - EVEN
Senior Blowout Assembly
Senior BBQ
Senior Band Concert
Sat. June 1
Saturday School 8 am Room 205
Check out the latest "The Daily Spartan" Episode from @villaparktv
Administration Update
Senior Celebration 2024
Written by: Alexander Tran
This Wednesday, Villa Park High School held a “senior celebration” for departing students. Invited students were awarded scholarships, cords, and recognition for their academic and community services as a student here at Villa Park. Prior to the program, a formal reception was held where students had the opportunity to take photos and finalize their last year of high school. Local organizations on and outside of campus including the Rotary Club of Villa Park, VPHS PFSO, and “Kiwanis” also recognized students for their community and academic achievements. In addition to this, Villa Park High School’s own Mrs. Pazargadi personally financed scholarships for all her French students who received a “Seal of Biliteracy” from the state of California.
Get your 2023-24 Odyssey Yearbook Today!
Hey Spartans!
Currently, yearbooks are being printed and will soon be ready for pick up! If you haven't yet purchased a yearbook, you can buy one on the student webstore for $180 or in the Prinicpal's Office for $175. Keep in mind that prices will increase when yearbooks arrive at distribution.
- $185 (Cash/Check) - No Checks for Seniors
- $190.60 with Credit Card
Finals Week June 3-6
Please be advised of the following schedule for Finals Week, June 3 - 6:
- Monday, June 3: Block Schedule - EVEN
- Tuesday, June 4: Block Schedule - ODD
- Wednesday, June 5: FINALS MINIMUM DAY Periods Dbl Zero, 0, 1, 2, 3
- Thursday, June 6: FINALS MINIMUM DAY Periods Dbl Zero, 0, 4, 5, 6
Counselors' Corner
College Admissions 101 Presentation Recap
On Tuesday, May 21, VPHS Counseling hosted a College Admissions 101 Workshop for 10th and 11th grade students and parents. Guest Speaker Nicole Pilar, founder of College Matchmaker, spoke on the college application process, the importance of preparation and research for students when choosing a post-secondary institution, and the role of standardized testing. We look continue providing helpful and informative experiences for our students and families.
VPHS Academic Competition Class - Fall 2024
Students participate in three activities*:
Mock Trial- Fall
Academic Decathlon - Winter
Model United Nations - Spring
Mock Trial
Students prepare arguments for a given case as either the prosecution or defense. They present their arguments in a mock trial, portraying attorneys, witnesses, and supporting roles. Real judges and attorneys provide feedback and scores.
Model United Nations
Students role-play as delegates of different countries, researching their stances on worldwide issues. Through debate and negotiation, students will tackle problems in a diplomatic matter.
*Not all students will have to compete in all three, but the class will prepare students in all areas.
Academic Decathlon
Students study 7 disciplines related to a topic: Art, Economics, Literature, Math, Music, Science, and Social Science.
Students will develop proficiency in 3 skills: Speech, essay composition, and interview.
On competition day, students will present the culmination of their efforts in various formats, being scored individually and as a team against other schools.
Interested? Learn More Here
EARN YOUR AP CAPSTONE DIPLOMA AT VPHS
Did you know that Villa Park High School offers the AP Capstone Diploma Program?
At VPHS, students with a passion for academic excellence and a drive for success can delve into the AP Capstone Diploma Program, a rigorous two-year course of study. Designed to hone the critical skills essential for college-bound AP/Honors students, this program offers two distinct AP Capstone awards: AP Seminar and AP Research.
College Planning Checklist
Parent vs. Student Responsibilities
Which College Admission Process best suits you?
Counselor Assignments & Contacts 2023-24
A - DE - Lauren Bartelli
DF - JA - Jeremy Bulrice
JE - NE - Jason Pham
NG - SAM - Shasta Campbell
SAN - Z - Doreen Valentin
Interventions & Spartan Wellspace - Frankie Zaffino
Activities
Decision Day
On Thursday, VPHS ASB held “Decision Day” an event at the amphitheater for students to celebrate their post high school plans. With college pennants plastered on the wall, many graduating seniors took photos with their respective colleges alongside their friends. “Decision Day” is one of the many concluding events for Villa Park’s graduating class of 2024.
Graduation Checklist
Senior Activities Info Page 1
Senior Activities Info Page 2
Senior Graduation Caps - Featured
Seniors:
We will feature senior decorated graduation caps for our final #spartanweeklyupdate of the school year next week June 3-6 - If you decorate your graduation cap and send us a photo, we will post to our social media @vpspartan and website villaparkhigh.org.
Some guidelines:
- Decorations must be school appropriate, avoid inappropriate language and messages
- Email a photo of your cap with student name to Mr. Pongco, jpongco@orangeusd.org
- Deadline for Submission, Sunday, June 2
- Questions - email Mr. Pongco
Reserved Seating for Graduation 2024
The PFSO is excited to announce the opportunity to Reserve Rows at this year’s graduation. Our availability of rows is limited, so keep you eye on upcoming Weekly Updates for sale details.
100% of funds raised through our Graduation Row sales benefit VPHS students, faculty, and staff through the PFSO's ongoing activities on campus and our annual GOALS grants, which helped fund over $17,000 in faculty projects at VPHS in 2024.
Spartan Profiles
Scott Soukup-Goverment/Economics Teacher & CTE Coordinator
Written by: Alexander Tran
Graduating from Los Amigos High School in 1985, Mr. Sookup befriended former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a testament to Mr. Soukup’s career in the social sciences. At Los Amigos, Mr. Sookup was a leathered athlete in football and baseball and often enjoyed playing basketball as well. Following high school, Mr. Soukup attended California State University, Fullerton, and majored in political science. He soon entered the education field, serving as the assistant principal at El Rancho Charter School and Orange and Canyon High Schools. Mr. Soukup joined Villa Park High School in 2009 and is now serving as a Government/Economics teacher and CTE coordinator. His favorite part of being an educator is hanging out with his students and creating life-long memories. One fun fact about Mr. Soukup was that he was once offered a job in Washington, D.C., by football star and former congressman, Jack Kemp.
Tamara Cox-Project Lead The Way Teacher
Written by: Alexander Tran
Tamarra Cox, a dedicated Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Teacher, from Oxnard, California, where she attended Hueneme High School. During her high school years, Mrs. Cox’s vibrant spirit led her to engage in a variety of activities, from gracefully donning the roles of gymnast, cheerleader, and even the school mascot. She pursued her higher education at UCLA, initially majoring in political science and later embarking on a pre-med program after earning her bachelor's degree. Throughout her college journey, Mrs. Cox primarily supported herself through various jobs. Before joining VP, she gained valuable experience as a phlebotomist, worked in a doctor's office, and spent time at Cerro Villa Middle School. In 2005, Mrs. Cox began her fulfilling career at VP, assuming the role of PLTW Teacher. Among her cherished memories at VP are the inception and growth of HOSA (Future Health Professionals), taking her students to science olympiads, and embarking on globe-trotting adventures with her students, forging unforgettable bonds along the way. An avid traveler herself, Mrs. Cox is renowned for her unwavering dedication to her students, who hold her in the highest regard for the profound influence she has had on their lives
Athletics
Senior Signing Day
Wednesday, May 22nd, Villa Park hosted a Spring Signing Day at lunch in the Gym.
Emiliano Salazar - Univ. of San Diego
This Week In Athletics
Written by: Trinity Laurenson-Aumua
Track & Field
Congratulations to Ben Cox and Blythe Dahl for their accomplishments on qualifying for the California State meet. On behalf of Villa Park High School, best of luck and congratulations once again.
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 Rugby (NEW)
- VPHS Boys Soccer
- VPHS Girls Soccer
- 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
May 27: Memorial Day - No School
May 31: Senior Blowout Assembly
June 5-6: Final Exams - Minimum Days
June 6: VPHS Graduation
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.
Villa Park High School Assistant Principal | Curriculum & Instruction