VHS Newsletter

Viking Families and Friends,

Today marks the last day of the third quarter of the academic year. Some students are excited that the end of the school year is near, while others are nervous that life after high school is quickly approaching. One thing is for sure, everyone is ready for a much needed spring break. We have one more week of school before the alarm clocks are turned off for a week of rest and relaxation.

We have been busy here at VHS. Here is an update of things happening around VHS:

Counselors have finished individual scheduling meetings with all students for the 2024-25 school year. Parents and students should reach out to counselors with any questions about schedule requests. Schedule confirmations should be available in Skyward in April. If your student missed the summer school registration window but is interested in taking summer school, then contact your student’s counselor to inquire about available courses.

VHS Student Services is excited to present the VHS Career Fair 2024 on April 4th. Students will have the opportunity to explore careers from more than 30 vendors. Information was sent via email to students and parents/guardians this week and is also available on grade-level Canvas courses. Registration is required to attend the career fair. Students may register now through the link on their grade-level Canvas course. Registration closes on March 22nd.

There are many things to celebrate at VHS, but here are just a few highlights. The VHS Key Club held Winter Formal in our cafeteria. The proceeds from Winter Formal are traditionally donated to Riley’s Children’s Hospital and this year is no different. The VHS Key Club once again donated $1,500 to Riley’s Children’s Hospital. The funds support the Kiwanis International campaign called Delivering Hope and Health, pledging $1,000,000 to Riley’s Children’s Hospital. The VHS Key Club was also awarded the Riley’s Award by the Indiana District of Key Club for the most donated in 2023.

VHS Choirs performed at the ISSMA State Solo and Ensemble. Fifteen individual entrants, along with one barbershop and 12 large vocal ensembles, earned Gold Awards. Several also received "With Distinction" and perfect scores! Our boys competed at the State Swimming and Diving meet and earned an 8th place finish. Last Saturday, our Vikings brought home some hardware! Our gymnastics team earned second place at State! Needless to say, our Vikings are representing Valpo well.

The Valpo Schools Foundation is happy to announce that they are accepting applications for the Most Valuable Viking. All teachers and classified staff (which includes bus drivers, custodians, food service, maintenance, paraprofessionals, and secretaries) may be nominated for this recognition. If you know of a teacher and/or staff member who exemplifies the qualities listed below, then I ask that you please take some time and consider nominating them for the Most Valuable Viking:

• Creates and contributes to a supportive, positive school environment.

• Goes above and beyond through participation on committees, club sponsorships, coaching positions, etc.

• Demonstrates admirable leadership qualities.

• Develops positive/inspiring relationships with students, fellow teachers/staff, and families.

• Exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled member of the VCS community.

The deadline to submit your nomination is Monday, April 1, 2024. Nominations can be submitted via a Google Form or if you would prefer a fillable pdf, please email Ms. Molly Phelps at mphelps@valpo.k12.in.us. Many thanks to the Valpo Schools Foundation for continuing to work diligently to provide opportunities for teachers and staff to be recognized.

Finally, you may have heard that there is a pretty big event taking place on April 8th. Yes, I am referring to the solar eclipse. We hope to provide our students with the opportunity to experience this phenomenal event. If you did not have the opportunity to review the letter sent home earlier this week, you can find the link here with that information.

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

Mar 15: End 3rd Grading Period

Mar 25-29: Spring Break

Apr 1: eLearning

Apr 5: Jostens Announcements/Grad Item Distribution during lunches

Apr 11, 12, 13: April Antics

Apr 11, 12: Honors Art Show

Apr 12: 1/2 Day Students/Staff Development PM

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!

Come see April Antics, VHS Rewind! Take a trip back to the 90's where you are sure to be impressed by the wide variety of talent acts and scenes that appear in this year's show which has been written, designed, and directed by students! Show your support for Drama Club as well as several other student groups and teams that will appear onstage, including Varsity Singers, Jazz Ensemble, Cultural Dance Club, and more! Performances will be held on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13, 7:00pm in the VHS auditorium. General admission tickets are $10 and will be available to purchase online and at the door.

The VHS Art Department is proud to present the Honors Art Show. On April 11th and 12th in the upper gym at VHS, honors students from both AP Art and Design and IB Visual Arts will display their artwork in a booth of their own design. Come join us from 6pm – 8pm and celebrate all they’ve accomplished this year. With a wide variety of art styles and topics there is sure to be something everyone can enjoy. The art show is free and we hope to see you there.

The Art Club allows students to learn about art, complete individual and group projects and meet new people with similar interests. Outside of school, the Art Club takes an annual field trip to a Chicago art museum and does a face painting fundraising event. The Art Club meets twice monthly and is open to all VHS students. If you need further information see Mr. Juestel in YL109 or email him at rjuestel@valpo.k12.in.us.

This is my first year teaching at VHS. I teach Intro to Culinary Arts, Intro to Fashion and Textiles, Interpersonal Relationships, Childhood Development, Advanced Childhood Development, Advanced Nutrition and Wellness, Adult Roles and Responsibilities. I am the SADD sponsor. I am a VHS graduate and I was excited to teach at VHS because I had such amazing teachers. These teachers pushed me to be the best student I could be and were very influential in my career choice to become an educator. I like being a part of VHS because I hope I can impact my students the way my teachers did.

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