North Notes

Blue Valley North Families,

Due to the amount of Snow/ Parade Days that we have had, all 5 Blue Valley high schools are currently short on minutes required by the Kansas State Department of Education. The district’s goal is to be out of school by Memorial Day weekend. In order to be compliant with the state's requirements, some adjustments have been made.

Monday, April 1st, will now be a school day instead of the previously scheduled teacher professional development day. We understand that this change may impact your plans, and we apologize for any inconvenience it may cause. If your child will not be present on this day, please use our typical absence reporting protocols to report the all-day absence (Use ParentVue or email attendanceBVN@bluevalleyk12.org)

In addition, the four Tuesdays after Spring Break will NOT be late arrival. Starting on the first day back from Spring Break, Tuesday, March 19th, students will report directly to their Advisory classroom at 7:35 a.m. After Advisory, students will follow the same EVEN block schedule that we have done all year. (see schedules below)

Please update your calendars and ask your student to mark their calendars with these schedule changes noted above. We appreciate your flexibility! With these additional minutes, our finals schedule will remain on May 22-24.

Have a great spring break!

In an effort to reduce distractions in the learning environment for all of our students, beginning on March 19, 2024, all high school students will have streaming services blocked on district devices (examples include: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video etc.). YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music will still be allowed.

Enrollment for Blue Valley Summer Programs opens at 8:00 a.m. on March 18 and closes at 4:00 p.m. on April 3. These programs include virtual courses for credit, such as Business Essentials or Physical Education. Additional information about Summer Programs, including a high school virtual course catalog, can be found at www.bluevalleyk12.org/summerprograms.

DECA State Results

Congratulations to the following students on a job well done at State DECA. The kids did great and BVN had 16 qualify for Nationals, the second most ever for our school!

Madelyn Hall – 2nd Place – Automotive Services Marketing

Cameron Newsome – 2nd Place – Principles of Finance

Luke Wakeman & Shivram Venkatachalam – 3rd Place – Marketing Management

Jagannath Nair, Paritosh Patel, & Kushal Reddy – 1st Place – Integrated Marketing Campaign – Product

Caroline Massman – 1st Place – Financial Consulting

Hampton Stites & Maryn Triplett – 2nd Place – Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making

Sydney Anderson & Manoa Nicholson – 2nd Place – Community Awareness Project

Uma Bhoot, Ruby Bierman, & Haya Boda – 3rd Place – Community Awareness Project

Pruthviraj Sadhankar – 2nd Place – Business Growth Plan

BVN Art Students Shine in Scholastic Art Awards

Annabelle Crappell (AC) - Honorable Mention - Realistic Self-Portrait - Drawing and Illustration

Addison Harrell (AH) - Gold Key - Nonchalance - Drawing and Illustration

Nicolas Martens (NM)- Honorable Mention - Untitled - Drawing and Illustration

Siena Masilionis (SM1) - Gold Key - Eat My Bubbles - Drawing and Illustration

Siena Masilionis (SM2) - Gold Key - Working Past Empty - Drawing and Illustration

Siena Masilionis (SM3) - Silver Key - Trio At Ease - Drawing and Illustration

Siena Masilionis (SM4) - Silver Key - Natures Comeback - Editorial Cartoon

Siena Masilionis (SM5) - Silver Key - The Chlorine Kids - Drawing and Illustration

Siena Masilionis (SM6) - Honorable Mention - Love Sandwich - Drawing and Illustration

Emma Montecino (not pictured)- Honorable Mention - A Friend Painting

Chloe Neeld (not pictured)- Honorable Mention - Queen - Drawing and Illustration

Rhea Sadagopan (RS1) - Gold Key - November -Drawing and Illustration

Rhea Sadagopan (RS2) - Silver Key - too much; not enough - Drawing and Illustration

Rhea Sadagopan (RS3) - Honorable Mention - Painted - Drawing and Illustration

BVN Girls Basketball Team qualified to the State Tourney!

The Girls' Basketball Team are Sub State Champs! They won their first game at State vs. Olathe South 58-50. Next up is Shawnee Mission South today, March 8, at 2:00 at Wichita State's Koch Arena. All the best to the team!

North Stars Headed to Nationals

The BVN Dance Team, North Stars, are in Florida competing at Nationals. Tune into tv.varsity.com to watch the North Stars compete at NDA High School Nationals. Good luck to our dancers!

Unified Sports Team Wins Gold and Silver

BVN Unified Sports had two teams compete last weekend and both medaled! Warm congratulations to our awesome Gold and Silver Teams!!

Journalism Students Qualify to State

BVN Publications had 12 students place in the KSPA Regionals competition. These talented writers and artists will go on to compete at the state level next!

Boys Swimming and Diving State Champs Honored

The 6A State Champion Boys Swim and Dive team was honored at the Topeka State Capital on Thursday, February 28. A special note of thanks to House Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin for spearheading the recognition ceremony on the team’s behalf.

March 8 - NO SCHOOL / End of 3rd Quarter

March 11-15 - Spring Break

March 18 - NO SCHOOL / Professional Learning for Teachers

March 19 - Even Day Tuesday with NO Late Arrival

March 26 - Even Day Tuesday with NO Late Arrival

April 1 - Schedule change: it is now a school day / Odd Day

April 2 - Even Day Tuesday with NO Late Arrival

April 3 - Odd Day

April 4 - Even Day

April 5 - Traditional Day / All Classes

April 9 - Even Day Tuesday with NO Late Arrival

Upcoming All School Events

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

Click here for the 2023/2024 Blue Valley School District Calendar.

SUMMER ENROLLMENT | Summer class registration begins March 18th. Parents can enroll students in ParentVue in the Course Request tab. You can view the courses offered for summer enrollment on the BVN Enrollment Canvas Page.

Boys and Girls State | Information on Boys and Girls State can be found on the BVN Counseling Canvas page under Job Opportunities and Community Service.

MUSTANG MENTORS (new)

Are you a current Sophomore or Junior interested in being a Mustang Mentor next school year? There will be a meeting during AST on Thursday, March 28th in the PAC. Please see Mrs. Dockendorf in Student Services or Ms. Salimbene in Room 413 with any questions.

Choir Auditions (new)

Want to join choir? Awesome! We're excited to have you! For current 9-11th grade students, choir auditions/placements for next year will occur on April 3rd and 4th in the choir room (612). Students not currently enrolled in choir should email or come talk to Mrs. Krulik in person after spring break to set up an audition time. Current 8th grade students who request a choir class will be automatically enrolled in Concert Choir and do not need to audition. Questions? Contact Mrs. Krulik in Room 612, email: jlkrulik@bluevalleyk12.org

The Graduation date for the Class of 2024 has been announced! Mark your calendar for May 19th at 1:00 p.m. Commencement will be held at the Switzer District Activity Complex, 135th & Switzer in Overland Park.
*In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move indoors to the BV West gymnasium, same date & time.

Senior Speech Auditions

Seniors can sign up to audition to give a speech at Class Day and Commencement ceremonies
by submitting this google form. Senior Speech Auditions will take place April 1st - 4th. Submit the form and send an electronic copy of the current draft of the speech to Ms. Miller (lkmiller@bluevalleyk12.org) by Friday, March 29.

Jostens Announcement Delivery

The Jostens rep will return to North on March 25 to deliver Senior Announcement orders. He can also help with Class Ring sizing, answer any questions, and take orders for rings or cap & gown.

Order your cap & gown now from jostens.com. Seniors can check the list at Mrs. Miller's desk to see if they still need to order their cap & gown. Please place your order ASAP.
IF YOU ORDER:

• Senior items: (like shirts, hats, keychains, etc.): they will be shipped to your home
• Announcements: they will be shipped to the school and seniors will be notified when to pick them up --Jostens expects to have a distribution table set up at lunch on March 25.
• Cap, Gown & Tassel: they will be shipped to the school and handed out at grad practice in May

ACTION NEEDED: Please click on the link below and complete the Senior Transcript Form. Please complete as soon as possible. This form authorizes the release of senior transcripts for college applications. Click here: Diploma/Transcript Authorization

Questions? Email Mrs. Miller at lkmiller@bluevalleyk12.org and bookmark our Senior Info page.

Project Grad is a long-standing tradition at BVN and provides a safe, alcohol-free, drug-free environment following Commencement for the entire senior class. This year’s PG event will be hosted at Chicken N Pickle-OP May 19 from 7PM- 11PM. We have a SUPER EASY way to support Project Grad – DONATE your gently used clothing, shoes and accessories. From March 25 – April 1 there will be a large storage bin in the BVN parking lot where you can drop off your items. It’s a great opportunity for spring cleaning while donating your items, PLUS we raise money to help fund Project Grad!!

Need to pick up your student early for an appointment? (new)

Please write a note with your student's name, ID#, reason for leaving early, date & time you will pick them up, and if they will be returning. Ask your student to drop it off on their way into school at the attendance office which is next to the main office. Giving at least 2 hours notice, you can also email attendancebvn@bluevalleyk12.org with these details. By planning, your student will be waiting on you instead of you waiting on your student. Thank you!

Reporting an absence at BVN

The most efficient way to report an absence is by emailing attendanceBVN@bluevalleyk12.org or entering your student's all-day absence in ParentVUE. You may also call the BVN attendance office directly at 913.239.3001, but please know they can have up to 70 VM messages first thing in the morning.

Families can expect automated attendance messages by email, phone, and text if a child is absent and their absence has not already been reported by a parent/guardian. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to report an absence or reply to the automated email or phone message.

What is the purpose of attendance notifications?

We realize that students may occasionally need to miss school for planned absences, illnesses, and appointments. However, when a student does not arrive at school or unexpectedly misses a portion of the school day, we are concerned and want to make sure you are aware that your child is absent.

How can I get push notifications?

Families who would also like a push notification can download the ParentVUE app and manage their notifications. If a child has an unreported absence when a teacher submits attendance, then a push notification will immediately be sent to the parent/guardian's mobile device.

Interested in push notifications? Simply download the ParentVUE app (iTunes app store or Google Play), enable push notifications in device settings and select attendance notifications through in-app settings. Once the app is downloaded, these instructions will help you complete the set-up.

Math, ELA & Science State Assessments

Kansas State testing is coming up for sophomores and juniors after spring break. The following tests will be administered during class times:

• March 25-29: Science Assessments for Juniors
• April 1-4: ELA Assessments for Sophomores
• April 15-18: Math Assessments for Sophomores
  

Kansas State Assessments measure student mastery of state standards in each subject. Students will take the assessments during their assigned Math, ELA, or Science class hour. We would greatly appreciate if you could please avoid scheduling appointments or pulling your student out of class during these testing days if it is avoidable.

Feel free to contact Dr. Cory Cox, Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction, if you have any questions about state testing.

Important Travel Outside of the USA Information

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.

Online ATHLETIC PASSES and Individual Event Tickets

Fans can purchase single-game tickets online through the GoFan app, as well as Student or Family Athletic passes. (This Athletic Pass takes the place of the former Activity Pass that was sold through ParentVue.) Here is the BVN GoFan link: Blue Valley North High School Events and Tickets by GoFan

Are you moving? Have you moved?

Please contact the BVN Registrar, Ann LaGrange, by email at ALLaGrange@bluevalleyk12.org.

If your child is not feeling well please refer to the Disease & Symptom Exclusion Recommendations /Regulations: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/cms/lib/ks02212623/Centricity/Domain/4486/disease%20exclusion%20recommendations%202022.pdf

Student Well-Being Support Resources:

https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/34318

Immunization Documentation Needed

Thank you, all parents, for working so diligently to have immunization records turned in to the nurse. The Kansas Requirements are: https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/34370

• All 9th grade students are required to have their Hep A series
• 11th grade students are required to have their second dose of meningococcal immunization.

If your student is non-compliant, you will be contacted by a district exclusion letter. Please contact Amanda Collichio, BVN School nurse via ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org or fax at 913-239-3038 with up-to-date immunization certificates or documented appointment date and time.

Flu, COVID and the masking recommendation

This is not a requirement; for further info please visit https://www.bluevalleyk12.org/Page/36106.

Update Medical Orders for 2023-2024

If your student has medical orders please be sure the school nurse is kept up-to-date. Authorization for Medication Administration Forms must be signed by the prescribing physician and returned preferably by e-mail to Nurse Amanda Collichio at ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org or faxed to 913-239-3038. Medications may be dropped off to the nurse by appointment.

Some March Celebrations & Observances:

• Women’s History Month - recognizes the achievements and contributions of women to society, culture, and American history. Women’s History Month coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8.

• World Teen Mental Wellness Day - March 2 - aims to raise awareness and decrease the stigma of mental health issues among teenagers.

• Ramadan - evening of March 10-April 9 - the holy month of fasting for the Islamic faith. For some Muslim families, it is a time for introspection, communal prayer, reading the Qur’an, and fasting between sunrise and sunset.

• Holy Week and Easter Sunday - March 24-March 31 - includes the Christian holidays of Palm Sunday, Maundy (Holy) Thursday, and Good Friday. Some families will attend church services to commemorate the week leading to the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.

• Holi - March 25 - known as the Hindu festival of colors, Holi honors the triumph of good over evil and marks the beginning of Spring. Some families will light bonfires, throw colorful powder called gulal, eat sweets, and dance to traditional music.

Please take a look through the BVN Mustang Club's Winter Activity Guide! Here is a link to the on-line edition: http://online.anyflip.com/qzkqi/thvs/

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 Club 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 Club and our Blue Valley North students. Enjoy!

Our parent community has been integral in contributing to our status as one of the best high schools in the state of Kansas and a leading high school across the nation.

Please support The Mustang Club (previously known as BVN Parent Booster Club). The Mustang Club financially supports BVN's extracurricular activities (as our version of a traditional PTO/PTA), and over the last 7 years, The Mustang Club has granted over a half million dollars to support our school’s extracurricular activities, organizations, and athletic teams. We could not provide the depth and breadth of opportunities that are available without your participation through membership and donations of your time.

The Mustang Club needs your support! Membership is down and volunteers are in short supply. Here are some options for you to consider:

• Become a Mustang Club member at one of the five membership levels;
• Purchase spirit wear from The Mustang Club website (www.bvnmustangs.com);
• Volunteer on a Mustang Club committee to support a specific event or cause; and
• Take advantage of one of the many sponsorship opportunities available for those of you affiliated with companies that want to support BVN financially.
• We would love for your company to be featured in our Activity Guide. It is printed 3 times each year and would be a wonderful way to promote your business to the North community. Email mustangactivityguides@gmail.com now! To see last year's spring guide, click here.
• Show your love and mustang pride for your student by purchasing a Spirit Ad in the Activity Guide! go to www.bvnmustangs.com on the Order form page.

You can find everything you need to know about The Mustang Club & membership at www.bvnmustangs.com. As you know, this organization is completely run by parent volunteers so every dollar donated goes to benefit BVN students. Additionally, the organization is a 501(c)3 so your contributions are tax deductible.

Thank you for your support and consideration and GO MUSTANGS!

Durham will continue to transport our bus riders in the 2023/2024 school year. If you have questions, please call Durham 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 .

The BVN Main Office is opened Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The BVN Offices will be closed during spring break, March 8, and 11 - 15.

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