VHS Newsletter

As summer vacation draws to a close, we’re gearing up for an exciting new school year at Valparaiso High School! A successful high school experience extends beyond the classroom and involves engaging in positive, extracurricular activities. These experiences offer students valuable lessons in teamwork, responsibility, diversity, and help build a strong sense of community.

Get Involved!
Valparaiso High School offers over 50 active clubs and co-curricular activities, including Varsity Singers, Viking Press, Speech and Debate, and various sports. We encourage all students to explore these opportunities:

• Club Rush: During all lunches on Tuesday, August 20th, and Wednesday, August 21st, students can visit tables to meet club members and learn more about joining.

Please motivate your student to take advantage of this opportunity and find activities that spark their interest!

In July 2024, the State of Indiana passed Senate Enrolled Act No. 185 regarding the use of wireless communication devices. Valparaiso Community Schools Board Policy 4351 was updated to align with the new state regulations. A notable change in the VHS Student Handbook under the Electronic Devices Section of the VHS Student Handbook on page 11 states, “Furthermore, this rule is not violated when the student has a) been given permission from a teacher to use a wireless device for educational purposes during instructional time; b) to use a wireless device in an emergency or to manage the student's health care; c) to use a wireless device as part of the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.”

As we continue to partner to help students be successful, we must work together to help minimize distractions and teach students when it is appropriate to use their devices. Therefore, as was mentioned in the Back to School letter, the non-academic use of cell phones, earbuds, and other unauthorized technology is not permitted during instructional time.

Student Responsibilities Regarding Electronic Devices:

• Silence and Conceal Devices: Keep personal electronic devices on silent and out of sight during class.

• Follow Teacher Instructions: Devices may only be used if permitted by the teacher.

• Allowed Usage Times: Use devices during passing periods, lunch, and before or after school.

Communication Options:
For urgent messages, please email your student’s account or call the office. We will ensure the message reaches the classroom. Remember, students can access their phones during passing periods, lunch, and before or after school.

Please review the Electronic Devices Section of the VHS Student Handbook on page 11 with your student before the first day of school.

Schedules have been released and are available on Skyward. If there are any questions or issues with your student’s schedule, please contact their counselor. Also, continue to monitor your student’s schedule as unforeseen changes in staffing or enrollment could cause a student’s schedule to change. For the most up to date information, please continue to check your student’s schedule until the first day of school, August 14th.

This year, Valparaiso High School remains committed to fostering academic excellence through increased classroom rigor. We will reflect on student data and provide meaningful feedback to support continuous growth. Our instructional leaders will collaborate to achieve our ongoing goals.

We look forward to a productive and engaging school year!

Check out all of the information for the start of the school year in the Back to School Letter from Dr. Tobon.

Freshman and New Student Orientation will take place on August 13, 2024 from 7:35am-11am. The schedule for this event can be found here. Bus transportation will be provided. Check Skyward Family Access on August 12th for the approximate bus pick-up times. We look forward to welcoming you to the Viking Family!

Shop the VHS Online Class T-shirt Store! The online store closes at midnight on August 26th. Any questions? Email Mrs. Harlan at lharlan@valpo.k12.in.us.

https://valparaisohs2024class-tees.itemorder.com/shop/sale/

Aug 13: New Student Orientation

Aug 14: First Day of School

Aug 20, 21: Club Rush during lunch hours

Aug 21: Parent/Guardian Open House 5:30pm

Aug 27: Freshman Picture Day

Aug 28: Sophomore Picture Day

Aug 29: Junior Picture Day

Sept 2: Labor Day/No School

Sept 16,17: Senior Pictures

Sept 27: 1/2 Day of School for Students AM/Staff Development PM

Please see the VHS Calendar for more events!

Want to find out what is going on in Valpo High School Athletics? Check out ValpoVikings.com for all of the updates and exciting events going on with our Valpo Vikings! You can purchase tickets, view sports schedules and even access Final Forms through ValpoVikings.com.

Whether you are brand new to Valpo Schools or you have been a Viking for years, VHS has a club for you! If you are interested in school government, world cultures and languages, art, music, theater, service projects, the environment, religion, robotics, academics, social issues or games, you will find a place in one or more of the over 50 clubs VHS has to offer. Be sure to check out all the clubs at VHS during Club Rush which will takes place on August 20th and 21st during lunch hours. Also, be sure to check out the canvas announcements each day for information about club call out meetings.

Mrs. Michelle Bush is a familiar face at Valparaiso High School formerly serving as Assistant Principal and Dean of Students the last five years. Mrs. Bush is excited to continue her work with students and build on career experiences and opportunities in her new role as the K-12 Career Development Coordinator. She is looking forward to working with VHS students and staff this year!

I have been a counselor at VHS for one year. I like working at VHS because I love the high quality of education and the way everyone cares for the students. It is an honor to work at VHS. An interesting fact about me is that I used to live on an island.

This is my 2nd year as an Assistant Principal at VHS. I previously worked here in the same role during the 2019-20 school year and am excited to be back as a part of the team! I love being a part of VHS because of what we do for kids. We offer a wide variety of resources, groups, extra-curriculars, and opportunities for kids to grow in so many ways and develop lifelong skills and relationships. An interesting fact about myself is that I have a twin brother.

This school year will be my 4th year. I teach English 10, Etymology, and Classical Literature. I am one of the sponsors for Team Lead, a student-lead mentoring program. I like working at VHS because I love my colleagues. There is never a dull moment when it comes to my fellow teachers! An interesting fact about me is that I lived in Alaska for 3 years.

I have taught at VHS for 10 years. I teach AP Statistics and Dual Credit Pre Calculus. I coach girls and boys volleyball and I also sponsor Math League where we do a math competition each month. I like being a part of the Valparaiso Community as a teacher and coach. I love the people I work with and all the fun things we do as a Math department. Our students are involved in so many great things! I love the opportunities we have to be a part of it all and support the students throughout the year, whether it’s sports, drama, music, etc. An interesting fact about me is that I have a fur baby named Levi. He’s my favorite Summer companion out by the pool.

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