North Notes

Dear Blue Valley North Families,

High school teachers carefully plan lessons that build on each other. When students miss class, they not only miss key information but also disrupt the flow of learning. While makeup assignments are helpful, they can’t fully replicate the in-class experience of discussions, labs or group projects. These activities provide students with hands-on learning, collaboration and the opportunity to ask questions in real time.

Encourage your student to attend every class so they don’t miss out on these critical experiences. Being present allows them to participate fully in lessons, ask questions and collaborate with their peers.

Thank you for teaming with us!

Blue Valley North Administration

The Volleyball Team advanced to State last Saturday by defeating Olathe East and Olathe North at Sub-State. The Mustangs are playing on Friday, November 1, in Salina. If they advance, they will play Saturday at 9:00 a.m. in the State Semifinals. This is the team's fourth consecutive trip to State and eight of the last ten years. Congratulations to the girls and Coach Allin!

On October 12, the BVN Science Olympiad team competed in its first tournament this year, the Georgia Scrimmage. This is a national level competition with 190 teams participating from across the country. The following students placed in the top 10 in their events.

Anya Reddy and Likhitha Vunnama: 4th place in entomology

Matthew Chen: 7th place in Chemistry Lab

Congratulations to our DECA members who placed at the BVHS Invitational on October 23rd at JCCC!

Maddy Hall (Automotive Services) – 1st overall, 1st in testing, 1st in gold roleplay

Social Studies Teacher, Erica Benson, arranged for special speaker to visit with her students on October 28th and they were able to here some amazing history lessons. Joan Browning's whole life has been incredible, but what most people remember is that she was one of only four Southern white women who were part of the Freedom Rides. She later served as an SNCC employee, working with leaders like Julian Bond and Ella Baker, and so many others. She had a front seat to history and has inspiring and even funny stories of working with SCLC, SNCC, and nearly every leader from MLK to Baker. Thank you to Mrs. Benson for scheduling this event for your students!

Auditions for BVN’s musical, “Chicago”, will be on Nov 6 & 7th from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the PAC. Additional information can be found outside of Mrs. Cain’s room (617).

Audition Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNc6RYAqYdGnOmfmNXmInMqPIoiJ-_BxutFznnqgUiG9PBPg/viewform?usp=sf_link

A music learning session will be held Tuesday, November 29th during AST for those who are interested. AST passes can be obtained from Mrs. Cain or Mr. Tuttle. Information about Technical Crew is available outside of Mrs. Cain’s room as well.

Crew Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvz9qh4P0khif2IZ_bNbO6O3bea3UjBc2eHQxUB2yoCQQ9lg/viewform?usp=sf_link

The Blue Valley North's Unified Bowling Team is growing. We have 14 athletes and 10 peers, the most of all of the districts! We are asking for donations to help provide more for our athletes, including, but not limited to, bowling supplies, trophies, snacks and the end of the year banquet. Click the link below to read more about Unified Bowling and consider helping us out!

https://app.schoolfundr.org/fund/bvnub

Thank you from Coaches Erin Nathan, John Daigle and Sarah Dockendorf!

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Boys and girls interested in trying out for the Winter Bowing season come to Mrs. Nathan's classroom 242, on November 6th, during AST.

Attention any new swimmers/divers interested in Boys' Swim & Dive team this winter: Please email Chrissy Wichman @ chrissywichman@me.com to get set-up on Team Snap.

• There will be an informational meeting for parents, swimmers and divers on November 13th from 6 to 7 p.m. in the BVN Library.
• Tryouts will begin on Monday, November 18th, 3 to 5:30 p.m.
• All physicals & athletic participation forms are due by Friday, November 15th at 3pm. These need to be submitted online at https://bluevalleysd-ar.rschooltoday.com/home

Students can step inside AdventHealth's cutting-edge hospital and discover its many departments. Get hands-on with exciting activities and talk with professionals who've been in your shoes. Experience the unexpected and exciting sides of healthcare you never knew existed!

High school students and their families can stop by Advent Health South Overland Park on November 12, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Questions: email Mark Turrentine at mturrentine@bluevalleyk12.org .

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1. Drop-off/Pick-up moving to bus lane entrance: Family drop-off and pick-up is moving to the current bus lane. Please enter from Lamar Ave. and exit onto 123rd St. Due to construction, this entrance will be closed once school begins each day.
2. Front entrance available for midday drop-off/pick-up: The front entrance should continue to be used for drop-off or pick-up during school hours.
3. Bus loop relocating to the back entrance: The bus drop-off and pick-up area will move to the back entrance of the school. Families should no longer use this as a drop-off/pick-up location.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we work to ensure a safe and smooth arrival and dismissal for all.

November 4 - Odd Day: 7:35 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

November 5 - Even Day: 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

November 6 - Odd Day: 7:35 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

November 7 - Even Day: 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

November 8 - Traditional Day; 7:35 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

November 25-29 - NO SCHOOL / Thanksgiving Break

December 18-20 - Final Exams

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

January 6 - School Resumes

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 2024/25 Blue Valley School District Calendar.

Interested in learning more about earning college credit from JCCC by taking Career and Technical Education courses? Please click here!

Opportunity for 10th Grade Students: The HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership) application is open. Please click here for more information. Application is due by November 1st.

Interested in learning more about NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA eligibility? Join Matt Ortman (District Athletic Director) at 6:30 pm on November 14th in the BVN Performing Arts Center. This is open to all Blue Valley students and their parents/guardians.

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.

AP Test Registration is open and will close for year-long and 1st semester classes on November 1st. Please see the Counseling Canvas page for more information.

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.

Are you a student who is in the class of 2025 or class of 2026 and have a 3.5 GPA or higher? Are you interested in being a candidate for National Honor Society induction in November? If so, please read on. Students need 40 hours of community service from January 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024. These hours must come from non-profit 501c3 organizations. We will not count hours such as walking dogs, babysitting a neighbor, helping someone move, tutoring, volunteering at country clubs etc. Students should already be on x2VOL, the platform that tracks hours, and should be recording and verifying hours on this online platform. An individual from the organization must verify hours with an email that is from a .org email address. Look online for opportunities that are posted on the x2VOL website. If you are questioning if hours count as community service, please contact Mrs. Cornelius and Mrs. Stein to get prior authorization.

Information was provided at the mandatory informational meetings. Mandatory induction practice is Monday, November 4, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. and the Mandatory Induction Ceremony is Monday November 4, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Families are welcome to attend the induction ceremony, so mark your calendars!

Feel free to reach out to Ms. Cornelius (acornelius@bluevalleyk12.org) or Mrs. Stein (sistein@bluevalleyk12.org) with any questions. Thanks!

Click on this link for all NHS information:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tc2fEZe4ZDztC5ljcr7u2GZn4O_rIkbH/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117665179597290868537&rtpof=true&sd=true

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 November Celebrations & Observances:

• Native American Heritage Month - celebrates the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples.

• National Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month - honors the military family by recognizing their sacrifices and commitments.

• All Saints Day - November 1 - celebrated by some of the Christian faith, this solemn, holy day honors the saints of the church.

• Day of the Dead - November 1 - celebrated by some with Mexican heritage, a joyful time to remember and honor deceased loved ones.

• Diwali - November 1 - the festival of lights celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the human ability to overcome observed by some Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others. Some will decorate their homes with lights and rangoli art, exchange gifts, dress in colorful clothing, feast with family, and/or go to temple.

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.

Cap & Gown: Please get your order placed for your graduation cap & gown: www.jostens.com . Fall Order deadline is Friday, Oct. 25. IF you already 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 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. Please complete as soon as possible. This form also authorizes the release of senior transcripts for college applications. Click here: Diploma/Transcript Authorization.

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.

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