Spartan Weekly Update 9/25
Inaugural Edition
VPHS Scholars with Distinction Program (11th Grade)
Parents of 11th grade Spartans,
I am excited to announce the Villa Park High School, Scholars with Distinction Program. Starting with last year's Junior class, we will recognize any student that meets or exceeds standards in both English Langrage Arts and in Math on the SBAC test. SBAC or, Smarter Balanced Assessment, is the standardized assessment that all 11th grade students take in the spring. At Villa Park, we use SBAC data to award students that pass both English and Math portions of the test as Scholars with Distinction. Every Scholar with Distinction will be given a cord to wear at graduation and will receive special recognition when they are seniors.
SBAC Testing is scheduled for April 2024. We will send out communications to families as we get closer to the Spring.
Have a great weekend!
Principal McCuistion
National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, Jason Trinh
Jason is a model Spartan who has played varsity Tennis for four years, created the Tech Society club, has been a member of Interact Club and President of Science Olympiad. Outside of school, Jason has volunteered at Mary's Kitchen in Orange and has volunteered with Interact Club at local community events.
When asked about giving advice to a student new to high school, Jason replied, "Put yourself out there and try to make new friends. Go to all the dances and football games. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself with AP and honors courses as our school has excellent teachers."
Congratulations, Jason, on being named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. We wish you well as you complete your high school career and focus on your postsecondary education.
(Picture: Grace Quiroz '25. Featuring Mr. Mccuistion, Jason, his mother and father)
VPHS Campus Care Day Oct. 15th
Save the date for our first VP Campus Care Day on Sunday, October 15th! Stay tuned for future announcements detailing club and booster club competitions, and individual prizes! This event is put on by VPHS PFSO
USC Representatives visit VPHS
On Friday, September 22, representatives from the University of Southern California held a presentation during lunch in our newly renovated library. They presented information about the school, it’s programs, and admissions process. Thank you to Mrs. Tredo, our College and Career Tech, for organizing this visit. We have many more colleges and universities coming to visit this fall!
College Application Parent Night Sept. 25 @6pm
The VPHS Counseling Team cordially invites parents and students grades 9-12 to learn more about postsecondary education and the college application process. This event will be held Monday, September 25th from 6pm to 7pm in the PAC. Topics include:
- Community Colleges
- CSU/UC
- Private Schools
- Out of State
- Common App
- FAFSA
Interested in Attending? Click HERE to RSVP
AP Exams Schedule and Order Form
Spartans in AP courses, please make sure to check out the AP Exams schedule for Spring 2024. Click on the link below to view schedule information, pricing for exams, and instructions on how to place an order to purchase AP tests. Questions? Please contact Mr. Simons at rich.simons@orangeusd.org
Morning MATH SUPPORT available Monday through Friday
Need help preparing for an exam or completing an assignment in your Math class?
- Double Zero Period Room 213 - 7:35am - 8:24am
- Zero Period Room 206 - 8:30am - 9:20am
- Students are welcome. Teachers can also make recommendations for students to attend.
- Take advantage of this opportunity!
Club Rush 2023
Written by: Leslie Flores
This week VPHS had club rush on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Those in club leadership promoted their student organization by making posters, describing in detail what their club was about and their meeting times, others were also giving out sweets. Clubs such as Beach Beautification were giving out Dum Dums and having others take photos holding a poster in order to reach a bigger audience. There were a total of 36 clubs, such as Best Buddies, Speech and Debate, Spanish, and Key Club. Students were pleased to be involved in their student organizations and other campus activities. Thank you to the clubs for participating and those who signed up!
Photos by: Grace Quiroz ‘25
Black Pack Voted North OC Divisional Winner - OC Student Sections
Support VPHS Vocal Music 2023
Please help Villa Park High School's award-winning vocal music program reach their fundraising goal! We are responsible for raising funds for our annual operational costs which runs between $25,000-$30,000 per year. Donations help us offer a quality music program for all students. Your support will have a direct impact on student learning in the classroom and growing their individual skills.
Your donations will help us continue to pay for our staff accompanist, instrumentalists, sheet music, facilities rentals, transportation, critical sound needs, festivals, instructional materials, etc. It will also help contribute to our acoustic shells campaign as part of our PAC stage updates.
Thank you for your support
VPHS Cup Series: Students v. Teachers
Last year we hosted the Educators Cup… This time, it’s the VPHS Cup Series where we give our students and staff the opportunity to face off against each other!
The race is scheduled to begin October 2nd. That should give you all enough time to get some practice in!
See our story for the link, google classroom, and our staff will be receiving an email shortly!
Join VPHS PFSO for 2023-2024
Have you joined the PFSO yet? Love to hit 777 on the slot machines? We want to hit our goal of 777 members this year!
The PFSO is made up of volunteers working together to support the faculty, staff, and students of VPHS. Your $10 annual donation makes a world of difference in community life here at VPHS. Whether you have the time to roll up your sleeves and volunteer with us, or this $10 donation is the biggest commitment you can offer right now - we’re thrilled to have you! Here are just a few ways the PFSO gives back to VPHS:
- Teacher grants for classroom supplies
- Campus beautification
- Senior scholarships
- Teacher appreciation goodies & events
- Grad Night & Baccalaureate
- and so much more!
Every family that joins also receives a VP Spartans decal sticker, so we hope you’ll take this opportunity to show your Spartan pride and join today!
Our first PFSO Meeting will be Tuesday, September 12th at 7pm in the VPHS Library. We hope to see you there!
James Milne - English Teacher
Written by Marianna Mendoza
Meet James Milne, our dedicated Language Arts Teacher here at VP. James has a unique educational journey, attending four different high schools before graduating from Torrey Pines High School in San Diego. During his high school years, he enthusiastically participated in a wide range of activities, from sports (excluding basketball and baseball) to drama and the dance team. His college experience was just as diverse, attending four different colleges and ultimately earning degrees in East Asian Philosophy, Psychology (twice), and Literature with a minor in Letters. Before joining the VP team, James worked in various fields, including real estate and even had a stint as a professional soccer player before embarking on his teaching career at the age of 40. He officially joined the VP family in 2007, holding the title of Language Arts Teacher. One fascinating fact about James is that he has dyslexia, making his journey as an English teacher even more inspiring. Among his fondest memories at VP are the moments when his oldest daughter, Ava, attended the school, creating lasting and cherished experiences.
Christi Porter-CTE Instructor
Written by: Marianna Mendoza
Christi Porter is the esteemed CTE instructor specializing in health science and medical terminology here at VP. Her journey in education is rooted in her academic pursuits, where she graduated from Paloma Valley High School before embarking on her higher education at Cal State San Marcos, earning a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, and later completing her master's degree at California Baptist University in athletic training. During her college years, Christi actively engaged in various extracurricular activities, including participation in a sorority, intramural sports, and managing a fitness center. Her professional experience prior to joining the VP team includes valuable stints at John F. Kennedy High School, Katella High School, and El Modena High School. Christi's journey at VP began in 2020, and beyond her impressive educational and professional background, Christi's diverse interests shine through in her favorite memory at VP, becoming a co-advisor for HOSA – Future Health Professionals. Furthermore, her life is sprinkled with exciting fun facts, such as her upbringing riding dirt bikes, her past role as an athletic trainer for the USA Men's Water Polo Olympics team, and her involvement in running the NBA Lakers Kids Developmental Camp. With such a rich tapestry of experiences, Christi brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the VP community.
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 Aquatics
- VPHS Cheer & Stunt
- VPHS Cross Country
- VPHS esports
- VPHS Football
- VPHS Flag Football
- VPHS Girls Golf *No Active IG Account*
- VPHS Girls Tennis
- VPHS Girls Volleyball
