North Notes

Blue Valley North families,

Construction and Parking Update

Our athletic wing construction is progressing on time, and it is great to see these exciting facilities take shape. Spring Break is the goal for completion and at that time we will gain back all the student parking spaces that have been fenced off. With that said, our Band Room construction project on the south side of our school will begin December 23rd. We will still utilize the drop off and pick up lane during this 2nd semester construction; however, students will need to enter our main entrance after being dropped off at the end of the loop. We will have administrative and security personnel outside to help direct students where to enter for the first week of school in January. This project will take over additional parking spaces and we will be directing our student drivers to utilize the overflow parking along Glenwood during 3rd quarter.

Be advised on city traffic signs

To prevent accidents in high traffic times during the day, No Left Turn signs have been placed by the city on Lamar when entering the drop-off/pick-up loop and at our main exit. These signs are in effect during 7:15am-9:00am and 2:15pm-3:00pm. The Overland Park Police Department may issue traffic tickets for any violations during those hours.

• When using the Lamar Drop-off/Pick-Up Loop, please enter from the North from 7:15am-9:00am and 2:15pm-3:00pm.
• When exiting the main entrance onto 123rd street, turn right from 7:15am-9:00am and 2:15pm-3:00pm.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we work through these construction projects.!

There are Blue Valley North families in need and we want to offer assistance during the Holiday Season. If you are able, please sign-up for a gift card on the link below. It is not necessary to create a Sign up Genius account to sign-up.

HOLIDAYGIFTS

Put your gift card in a sealed envelope marked “Family #1” and so forth. Drop it off by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13 to Janet Roush or Stevie Gibson, BVN Principals' Assistants, in the BVN Main Office. If you have questions, please contact Janet Roush at (913) 239-3012 or jroush@bluevalleyk12.org .

Thank you for being the Unspoken Heroes of North!

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.

Do you have holiday shopping to do this weekend at Kendra Scott? Shop on Sunday, 1:00-3:00 p.m. while the North Stars girls are there and 20% of the sales will be donated back to them! You can also shop on-line December 8-10 using the code in the flyer above, and 20% will be donated to the North Stars!

We are excited to announce a Joy Wok Restaurant Night to support the BVN Chinese Club!

📅 Date: December 10th, Tuesday.

📍 Location: Joy Wok - 12631 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66213

When dining at the restaurant, simply mention that your meal is for Blue Valley North Chinese Club to contribute to our fundraiser. A portion of the proceeds will support Chinese Club activities. Thank you for your support!

Are you or your teen stressed about Finals Week? Finals are scheduled to start on Wednesday, December 18, which is soon! Purchase a Care Package for your teen, your friends, or yourself at the school store or at https://bvn-stampede.square.site/s/shop for $10. It has all sorts of good treats to help get through Finals Week. Good Luck! Thanks for your support!

Order Deadline: Monday, December 9th

Kits Delivered: Tuesday, December 17th during 2nd hour

Here is the link: https://bvn-stampede-store.square.site/product/finals-study-kit-please-put-student-name-and-grade-in-comments-when-checking-out-/445?cs=true&cst=popular.

Let's give a huge congratulations to our soccer players who were nominated for All-State!

2nd Team: Nathan Broekhuizen

Honorable Mention: Bennett Christie

Mustang Proud!!

Sariah Wangongu will be representing the Blue Valley School District with her essay that she wrote for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. contest. Warm congratulations to Sariah!

Congrats to the students below for making the East Central KMEA District Orchestras! They will perform in their respective ensembles this Saturday, December 7 at Olathe West High School at 3:30 p.m. All of these students have the opportunity to audition for the KMEA All State Orchestras as well. Judy Erpelding is the Director of Orchestras at Blue Valley North High School. Bravo to all!

Gold Orchestra

Violin I

Will Suh

Katelyn Page

Joshua Shin

Evan Nugent

Violin II

Etina Roelofs

Claire Messerli

Viola

Jasper Kim

Mia Glasow

Cello

Adele VanLieshout

Varun Kabra

Blue Orchestra

Violin I

Ariel Yeh

Aidan Yang

Gabriel Ledgerwood

Ruth Tan

Violin II

Ryan Huska

Viola

Lily Fischbach

Cello

Will Houser

Nikos Lipscomb

Paul Burfeind (alternate)

Bass

Ella Rohe

If you enjoy performing and meeting new friends in a fun group, consider joining our Indoor Colorguard Team! This team will meet once a week (plus a few evenings or weekends) to work on dance and flag skills and perform 2-3 times in February and March! Consider attending our Try-It Sessions, which will take place on December 5th and 12th from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the OTMS Commons!

Questions? Email BVN Colorguard Coach, Mrs. Babkin, at SEBabkin@bluevalleyk12.org or BVN Director of Bands, Mr. McCarty, at PMMcCarty@bluevalleyk12.org.

The Girls and Boys Bowling Team Tryouts will be the week of December 9-13 at Bowlero. Physicals and Athletic Participation Forms must be completed online to participate. Interested? Please talk to Mrs. Nathan, room 242, AND fill out this form https://forms.gle/RQoHXTpsmsrfyAVP9 .

Thank you!

December 9 - Odd Day: 7:35 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

December 10 - Even Day: 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

December 11 - Odd Day: 7:35 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

December 12 - Even Day: 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

December 13 - Traditional Day: 7:35 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

December 18 - Final Exams Hours 1 & 2

December 19 - Final Exams Hours 3, 4, 5

December 20 - Final Exams Hours 6 & 7

Dec. 23 - Jan. 3 - No School / Winter Break

January 6 - School Resumes

January 20 - NO SCHOOL / Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

February 10 - Parent-Teacher Conference Week

February 14 - NO SCHOOL

February 17 - NO SCHOOL / Presidents' Day

March 14 - NO SCHOOL / Professional Learning

March 17 - 24 - NO SCHOOL / Spring Break

April 8 - ACT Testing Day for all 11th grade students

April 25 - NO SCHOOL / Professional Learning

Upcoming All School Events

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

Testing is an integral part of the curriculum. Summative final exams are required at the end of the semester in every course that is taken for credit. The staff of BVN has developed a finals schedule that is most conducive to students doing their best on the tests so we can truly assess what students have learned. Any deviations from the schedule shown below must be approved by Dr. Cory Cox, Assistant Principal.

To request a modified final exam schedule, have your student pick up the Alternate Finals form from Mrs. Miller in Student Services.

The Fall 2024 Final Exam Schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 Hours 1 & 2 Finals

7:35 - 8:55 a.m. - Hour 1

9:05 - 10:25 a.m. - Hour 2

Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2024 Hours 3, 4 & 5 Finals

7:35 - 8:55 a.m. - Hour 3

9:05 - 10:25 a.m. - Hour 4

10:35 - 11:55 p.m. - Hour 5

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2024 Hours 6 & 7 Finals

7:35 - 8:55 a.m. - Hour 6

9:05 - 10:25 a.m. - Hour 7

Senior Transcripts: official transcripts are ready to send. Transcripts are requested through Xello. Please see the Senior College and Career Counseling Canvas page for more information.

Senior Parents: Please make sure you have signed the Diploma/Transcript Authorization form.

2nd semester schedule changes are allowed to be requested December 4th-6th. More information with details will be emailed out in the coming weeks.

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
• Linda Hardy: Mor-Sho
• Amanda Levin: Shu-Z

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

ACT Testing Day for Juniors/WorkKeys Test for Juniors & Seniors/Senior Outreach Day Info (new)

We are excited to share that the Kansas State Department of Education is again paying for a full ACT for all 11th-grade students. This year’s exam is on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025. This is an opt-out testing event, meaning that unless you tell us otherwise, we will plan on testing your junior student on this day. All students test at their home school, and Blue Valley Academy students test at BVA.

We understand that the ACT might not be applicable to students as many schools are moving to a test-optional format, and other programs, such as JCCC and trade schools, do not require an ACT score for admission. It is your decision to determine if the ACT is the correct standardized assessment for a student's future plans. We strongly encourage you to contact the college, university, or trade school your student is considering attending after high school to receive the most current information. Your Blue Valley North Counselors are also a great resource to help you navigate these decisions.

If you decide to opt your junior student out of the April ACT, please complete the Opt-Out form listed below by January 10, 2025. Juniors will start school at 7:35 AM on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, and will be dismissed after testing (roughly between 11:30 and Noon).

OPT-OUT FORM

WorkKeys Information for Juniors and Seniors:

Lastly, we will offer the ACT WorkKeys for juniors and seniors interested in a work-based assessment. The opt-in form, which can be found below, must be completed by January 10, 2025. Additional information about the WorkKeys assessment will also be provided.

WorkKeys Opt-In Form: WorkKeys Form

WorkKeys Information: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/act-workkeys/act-workkeys-assessments.html

Senior Outreach Day

For any seniors who do not wish to take the WorkKeys exam, you have the option to select a Senior Outreach opportunity. Please indicate your choice on this form in order to be excused from school: https://forms.gle/KQYJhywhZ3sdvZFG8

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Cory Cox, Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction at ccox@bluevalleyk12.org .

The Career Ready Programs department is offering several exciting opportunities for Blue Valley students to earn college credit at little to NO cost to families through Johnson County Community College (JCCC). Students can earn an associate degree OR career-ready certification in high-demand, high paying fields. Areas include: Automation Engineering Technology, Automotive Technology, Culinary & Hospitality, Cybersecurity, Electrician Technology, Electronic Technology, Emergency Management & Fire Science, HVAC, Plumbing, and Welding/Metal Fabrication.

The information shared at these sessions will be most relevant for current sophomore and junior students and parents/guardians. We invite you to attend one or more of our community-wide family informational sessions in January. We encourage parents/guardians/students to all attend. You do not need to RSVP to any of these events. Please make plans to attend and learn more about these programs.

January 22, 2025: Learn more about the Dual Degree option and how to earn your associate degree AND your Blue Valley diploma at the same time! Join us on the campus of Johnson County Community College in the Regnier Center, at 6:00 P.M. Link to JCCC Campus Map

January 27, 2025: Learn more about the Emergency Management & Fire Science program with our partners at the Overland Park Fire Department (OPFD) at the OPFD Training Center at 12401 Hemlock at 5:30 P.M.

January 29, 2025: Learn more about the career ready certification program in:

• Automation Engineering Technology

• Automotive Technology

• Electrician Technology

• Electronic Technology

• Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning

• Plumbing

• Welding/Metal Fabrication

We will meet in the JCCC Hugh Libby CTEC building lobby at 6:00 P.M. We will hear from Blue Valley staff, JCCC Deans, Department Chairs, and Blue Valley students currently enrolled in these programs. Link to JCCC Campus Map

January 30, 2025: Learn more about the career ready Cybersecurity and Culinary & Hospitality certification programs in the JCCC Wylie Culinary Center building lobby at 6:00 P.M. We will hear from Blue Valley staff, JCCC Deans, Department Chairs, and Blue Valley students currently enrolled in these programs. Link to JCCC Campus Map

Questions? Please visit the Blue Valley Career Ready Programs website or please feel free to reach out to Sarah Beren, Liaison to JCCC for Blue Valley Career Ready Programs, at 913-239-4141 or sberen@bluevalleyk12.org and Adam Wessel, Director of Career Ready Programs, 913-239-4023 or ajwessel@bluevalleyk12.org.

The 13th Annual Battle of the Bands is Friday, February 21, 2025, at Fiorella’s in OP. This adult night out features bands made up of Blue Valley parents, teachers, and staff, all competing for bragging rights as champion. Attendees enjoy great live music, a silent auction, a wine and bourbon pull, plus light appetizers and a chance to dance the night away while supporting a great cause!

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, 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.

Some December Celebrations & Observances:

• International Day of People with Disabilities - December 3 - a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities, promote an understanding of disability issues, and mobilize support for the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of people with disabilities.

• Bodhi Day - December 8 - commemorates the day that the historical Buddha experienced enlightenment. Some Buddhist families will practice meditation, study the Dharma, chant Buddist texts (sutras), and share a traditional meal of tea and cake.

• Christmas - December 25 - a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Some Christian families will celebrate by attending church services and exchanging gifts.

• Hanukkah - evening of December 25 - evening of January 2 - an eight-day Jewish festival of lights. Some Jewish families will celebrate by lighting a Menorah and eating foods cooked in oil.

• Kwanzaa - December 26 - January 1 - a seven-day African-American holiday celebrating culture, family, and community. For some, celebrations may include song, dance, storytelling, and a large traditional meal.

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.

You can see your proofs and photo packets can be ordered from www.rollandkc.com using your student's ID number as the access code. Rolland Studios is BVN's official yearbook photographer, so only Rolland Studio portraits can be used in the student sections of the yearbook. If you have questions about school photos, please contact Rolland's Customer Service at www.rollandkc.com or email them at cs@rollandkc.com .

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.

Seal of Biliteracy for Seniors

Seniors received information about the opportunity to earn the Seal of Biliteracy via email communication during the week of November 18. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please review the Seal of Biliteracy website for detailed information. If you would like to participate, the Seal of Biliteracy Student Intent Form must be submitted by the end of day Friday, Dec 20, 2024.

Cap & Gown: Please get your order placed for your graduation cap & gown: www.jostens.com . We still have 100+ 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: Our diplomas will be ordered at the end of the first semester in order to have them for May graduation. Please click on the link below and complete the Senior Diploma/Transcript Form. This form also authorizes the release of senior transcripts for college applications. Click here: Diploma/Transcript Authorization.

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

For more information, please click this form: https://forms.gle/KQYJhywhZ3sdvZFG8

SENIOR INFO PAGE

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

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 Fall Activity Guide! Here is a link to the on-line edition: https://anyflip.com/qzkqi/bkyh/

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. Or 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, please contact Janet Roush, Assistant to the Principal, at JRoush@bluevalleyk12.org .

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

The BVN Offices will be closed during Winter Break from December 23, 2024, -January 1, 2025.

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