SVHS Headlines

Email: satkins@swanvalley.k12.mi.us

Website: https://www.swanvalleyschools.com/
Location: 8400 Ohern Road, Saginaw, MI, USA
Phone: (989)921-2401

September:

September 30th- No school/ In-service Day

October:

October 2nd- Count Day

October 2nd- NHS Blood Drive- For more information see flyer below.

October 7th- LifeTouch Picture Retakes

October 9th- Midland Marching Band Showcase @6:00 pm

October 11th- Homecoming Football Game vs Powers @7:00 pm

October 12th- Homecoming Dance @7:00 pm

October 31st- Halloween Costume Contest during lunch

Count Day is Wednesday, October 2nd. If your child does not attend on that day, please send a hand written note excusing them from school. If your child has an appointment on that day, please get a doctor’s note!

Before/After School Academic Assistance Program

All teachers are available to give students extra help from 7:20-7:30am and from 2:15-2:40pm in that teacher's classroom. Please see the calendar below.

Parents, please remember to call the attendance line (921-2411) when your child is absent. Students will be marked unexcused otherwise.

As we head into the final days of September, I hope that everyone is getting their fall sweatshirts out. There are many clubs and activities starting, so please encourage your students to get involved. Homecoming activities are right around the corner, including the football game, parade, and dance.

Don't forget about the Lady Vikes game!!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Atkins

We do not have much of a “bully” problem here at Swan Valley. However, the definition of a bully has changed so much. When I graduated from high school, nearly 20 years ago, our definition of a bully was that of a classic bully. Push you against lockers, take your lunch money, and who can forget the classic bully move “the swirly”. Now, bullies have changed the game. They go after your mental well-being, instead of the physical. Social media posts and memes with not so friendly phrases attached to them. They break you down from the inside out. No matter which bully, or the definition you give them, they can be beaten the same way. First, have self-confidence. Bullies prey on your depression and lack of confidence. Second, do not isolate yourself. We call this the buddy system. Whether it be a close friend, family member, or role model, do not go into any situation alone when dealing with a bully. Third, call them out on their behavior. Bullies don’t like their behavior in the spotlight. The more light you shine on it, the quicker they go away. Remember your voice is your most powerful tool. Tell someone what is going on. Asking for help is not a weakness, it’s a strategy.

Stay safe, stay vigilant

ATTENTION STUDENTS THAT DRIVE!

A new parking regulation has been instituted effective Tuesday, October 1st. Students must adhere to their designated parking space and park appropriately in between the lines. Failure to do so will result in a parking violation. Failure to comply with the parking regulations could result in a fine, or your high school diploma withheld. Officer Maxwell and Administrative staff will be issuing parking tickets for the remainder of the school year.

Homecoming tickets will go on sale on Monday, October 7th.Tickets can be purchased for $15 every day, Monday, October 7th - Friday, October 11th during both A and B Lunch.

NHS is hosting its first blood drive of the school year - on Oct 2 from 7:30-1:45 in SVHS multi purpose room. Students can make an appointment with Mrs. Ray. Community members - Walk-ins welcome! Or you can schedule an appointment by emailing Mrs. Ray at tray2@svsd.us.

The Havens Holiday Shoppe will be on Havens Elementary half day, Friday, December 13 and we are looking for vendors - the spots are FREE. For the next week, we will be taking applications from Swan Valley Families only!

If you would like to participate as a vendor, please fill out the form below. We will try to accommodate everyone, but we will be more strict this year in not having more than one vendor per type of item - so please be specific in the forms on what you are intending on selling. You'll be sent an email the following week if you are accepted or not with further instructions.

SV Family Small Business Vendors - please fill out this form:

Havens Holiday Shoppe Form

**Please do not share these links with vendors outside of Swan Valley student families. We will make these links public IF NEEDED within the next couple of weeks. I want to give Swan Valley Families first dibs.

October:

Please be aware that no medication, including over-counter-medication, will be administered to any student without a completed Medication Authorization Form containing a healthcare provider’s signature as well as a parent/guardian signature. This is to comply with Michigan Law/Michigan School Health Code (380.1178-380.1179a) and the Swan Valley School District policy (8670). This policy is to ensure the safety of the student and for protection of liability for school staff. We appreciate your cooperation. You may obtain the Medication Authorization Form from the district’s website (swanvalleyschools.com) or pick-up a copy from the school office. Please contact me at 989-921-2621 or via email @ knewman@swanvalley.k12.mi.us should you have questions or concerns. I would be happy to help obtain your healthcare provider’s signature for your convenience. Thank you!

Kimberly Newman, RN BSN

District Nurse, Swan Valley Schools

Upcoming College Rep Visitations:

Alma College- Tuesday, September 24 @ 8:00

Northwood University- Friday, September 27 @ 10:00

Delta College- Tuesday, October 8 @ 8:30

Lawrence Tech- Tuesday, October 15 @ 10:00

SVSU- Friday, October 25 @ 9:00

Lincoln Tech- Tentative

Northern Michigan- Tuesday, November 5 @ 9:00

Grand Valley- Tuesday, November 5 @ 12:30

Ferris- Tentative

CMU - Tentative

MSU - Tentative

U of M- Tentative

Wayne State- Tentative

Western Michigan- Tentative

Oakland University- Tentative

2024-25 Application Fee Waivers

The long anticipated fee waiver information for Michigan College Month is here! You can find the flyers here, as well as attached to this email. Additionally, the Michigan Institution Updates site has been updated for this year as well. Here you'll find a list of all public and private, 2-year and 4-year colleges in Michigan. You can find institution-specific information, such as admissions, financial aid, campus life, etc. on this site.

Michigan College Month Application Fee Waivers Flyer

Happy applying!

Attention Swan Valley High School students,

Starting Monday, October 28th, the High School Weight Room will be available for use after school to all students, athletes and non-athletes, Monday-Thursday, 2:30-7:30 p.m. Mr. Dustin Izzo has been hired as the new weight room supervisor to supervise and manage the weight room. Please note the blocked schedule for high school and middle school students in the first 2.5 hours.

Daily Weight Room Schedule, Monday-Thursday (starting Monday, October 28th):

High School Students - 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Middle School Students - 3:45-5:00 p.m.

All Students - 5:00-7:30 p.m.

When using the weight room, students are asked to abide by all rules in place and enforced by the weight room supervisor:

• Students should dress appropriately by wearing athletic apparel that they can change into and have free range of motion. Locker rooms will be available if needed to change in and out.

• Shirts and shoes (no sandals or crocs) must be worn at all times.

• Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle; there is a drinking fountain just outside the weight room with a water bottle dispenser.

• No food will be allowed.

• Absolutely no horseplaying will be permitted.

• All students must sign in before using the weight room.

Until a 2nd weight room supervisor is hired, the weight room will only be open on the following dates and times in the next 4 weeks:

Tuesday, October 1st, 6-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 2nd, 5-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 8th, 6-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 9th, 5-7:30 p.m.

Monday, October 14th, 6-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 15th, 6-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 16th, 5-7:30 p.m.

Monday, October 21st, 6-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 22nd, 6-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 23rd, 5-7:30 p.m.

Starting Monday, October 28th, the weight room will start its normal hours of operation from 2:30-7:30 p.m. with the first 2.5 hours being scheduled for middle and high school students separately.

If you have any questions, please see Mr. Stephens in the Athletic Office or email rstephens1@swanvalley.k12.mi.us.

ATTENTION PARENTS: There will be a FREE Car Seat Check Sunday, September 29th beginning at 9:00am at Thomas Township Fire Station #1, 355 N. Miller Rd. This includes car seat safety checks and assistance with installing car seats. Officer Gosen will be doing these at the Thomas Twp Fire Dept Pancake Breakfast event. However, if they can’t come on Sunday, these are offered by appointment with Officer Gosen.

There are FREE car seats if they qualify!

Interested in joining the National Honor Society? NHS is for Juniors and Seniors only. You need to have a minimum 3.40 cumulative GPA and at least 40 community service hours logged into the office - by the end of the first trimester. Mrs. Ray will be pulling GPA's and CS hours the week of November 18th, so get those CS hours logged into the office!

Any questions, please email Mrs. Ray at tray2@svsd.us

Congratulations! Swan Valley High School has been selected as one of the high school sports programs to receive funds from the 2024 McDonald’s High School Sports Digital Fundraiser!

On October 3rd, local area McDonald’s restaurants will be raising money for local high school sports programs. Restaurants will be donating 20% of all Mobile Order & Pay sales made in the McDonald’s App on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 to your school’s athletic department.

Here is the restaurant that will be raising money for YOUR school’s athletics! 20% of all their Mobile Order & Pay sales on October 3rd will go DIRECTLY back to your athletic department!

· 7778 Gratiot Avenue McDonald’s (Restaurant Contact: Brandon Coates, brandon.coates@us.stores.mcd.com, 517-402-8080)

We want to invite you to share the news! The more orders made in the McDonald’s App, the more money raised for your school!

Attached are graphics for your school that you may print or share online!

And of course, if your school spirit is high, contact or visit the McDonald’s above to see you can add some spirit to the event and work together to promote to the local community!

Questions, just email us at michigansportsdaymcd@gmail.com or call 1-800-435-9539.

If you already have your senior picture chosen for the yearbook along with your baby picture please email those to Mr. LaBrake at the following email address- tlabrak@swanvalley.k12.mi.us

All pictures are due by December 1st

Drivers Education Segment Two classes start

on Tuesday October 1st 3 p.m. room#204

Segment One classes will start

on Monday October 7th 3 p.m. room #204

You can register online at michigandrivingschoolnorth.com or call 989 893-8403.

RALLY IN THE VALLEY AND 1ST ANNUAL SWAN VALLEY SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND, 5:30 P.M.

The Rally in the Valley Event for the 2024-2025 school year will be on Saturday, November 2nd at 5:30 p.m. at the Horizons Conference Center (please see flier below). Also, the Swan Valley Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place as a part of the Rally with the ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. and dinner to follow. In the first year of the Hall of Fame, Swan Valley's 5 team state champions and first 2 individual state champions, Mario Guerrero and Leah Dixon, will be honored. The Rally is a huge fundraiser for the SVAA which helps fund thousands of dollars of equipment and uniforms for Swan Valley Athletics. Come on out and show your support for Swan Valley athletes and honor our state champions, all while having a good time!

Tickets can be purchased in the Swan Valley School Offices or via Venmo. There is also information on how to become a business sponsor.

Go Vikings!

For more information please click on the following link.

Rally in the Valley Flyer

Attention Swan Valley Parents / Guardians! The Swan Valley Athletic Association is looking for new members. It is the vision of the Swan Valley Athletic Association to provide our student athletes with outstanding opportunities. Parental support and involvement is crucial to this endeavor. For more information on the SVAA, please check out their webpage at the following link: https://www.swanvalleyschools.com/page/sv-athletic-association

Perks of becoming a BASIC member include:

-1 punch card for 10 popcorns and 10 drinks at home athletic events

-discount on Rally in the Valley ticket

-senior student is eligible to apply for the SVAA Scholarship

*Please click on the SVAA Membership Form 2024-2025 to view additional upgrades and perks.

**You can also sign up for membership on the SVAA Online Registration Membership Form.

Swan Valley Sports Hall of Fame:

The Swan Valley Athletic Association is also sponsoring the Swan Valley Sports Hall of Fame which will induct its first class at Rally in the Valley on Saturday, November 2nd at 5:30 p.m. at the Horizons Center. A $50 or $100 SVAA Membership will allow you to become a lifetime voting member of the Hall of Fame.

For more information regarding the Swan Valley Athletic Association, please reach out to President Angela Alworden at alworden@sbcglobal.net.

Attention any Swan Valley High School students looking for community service hours!

BOYS SOCCER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The Athletic Department is looking for boys soccer ticket takers and ball boys/girls on the following dates and times at Roberts Community Park:

Thursday, October 3rd, 4:30 p.m.

*Ticket takers will be needed from 3:45-5:15 p.m.

**Ball Boys/Girls will be needed from 4:15-6:15 p.m.

Please contact Mr. Stephens or stop by the Athletic Office.

Thomas Township Public Safety Building Volunteers Needed

In need of three students to help set up and provide hospitality.

When: October 23rd

Time: 4:15-6:15pm

If interested please stop in the high school office.

Thomas Twp -- Haunted Train Ride Volunteers Needed- See attachments below

2024 Thomas Township Haunted Train Ride Flyer

2024 Haunted Train Ride Policy

Haunted Train Ride Hold Harmless Form

Saginaw Children's Zoo Volunteers Needed!!!!

The Saginaw Children's Zoo is looking for volunteers to help us run Zoo Boo activity stations, and your smiling face could be one of them!

Zoo Boo is an edZOOcational, Halloween-themed event that happens on weekends-only in October at the Saginaw Children's Zoo, and we need volunteers like you to help us execute this beloved event for our community. Our activities are simple to run and include games like Plinko, matching games, a coloring station, etc. Zoo Boo is a great opportunity for individuals, students (ages 13-17*), and organizations to gain volunteer hours!

Volunteer shifts are from 9:30AM-1:30PM, 1PM-5PM, or all day.

Currently, our greatest need for volunteers is on October 5 & 6, October 19 & 20, and October 26 & 27.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at this event, please email info@saginawzoo.com with the following information so that we can keep an accurate idea of our volunteer headcount:

• First and Last Name and, if applicable, Organization Name

• Total number of people volunteering with you, like friends/family/coworkers/classmates (volunteers may be split up to best suit our station needs)

• Contact email and phone number

• Any dates and shifts you are interested in volunteering

• Are you under 18? Yes/No

*Children ages 13-17 are welcome to help out at the event, but we kindly ask that an adult volunteers with them.

Thank you for considering volunteering your time to help us put on this event! We wouldn't be able to do it without volunteers like you, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Have a WILD day!

Saginaw Children’s Zoo

(989) 759-1408

Saginaw Country Club Volunteers Needed

Saginaw Country Club is looking for 10-12 volunteers (don't have to be a member) to volunteer on Friday, October 25th from 5-8 pm (event starts @ 6pm) for their SCC Halloween Party passing out candy. See flyer below for more information.

Volunteers should arrive by 5pm to go over instructions and plan on staying until 8 pm.

*Please bring your volunteer form with you so your hours can be verified*

Any questions please reach out to Alyssa or Aubrey at 989.793.2860

Saginaw County Animal Care & Control

Volunteers assist staff in three areas, dog walking, cat care and housekeeping. Our volunteers are a vital part of the organization! Every bit of time a volunteer gives is a true gift to the staff and animals. For more information please see the attached flyer

To apply please click on the following link and fill out the Volunteer Application.

Saginaw County

Food Bank of Eastern Michigan

Food Bank of Eastern Michigan Community Service Opportunity

Welcome to the Swan Valley Web Portal. All navigation is now done with the

"Site Navigation Dropdown" in the upper left.

Please visit our school website under Foodservice for menus, carb counts and nutrition facts. For the 2024 2025 school year, all breakfast and lunches will be free of charge. Please remember money must be on your account prior to purchasing a la carte items.

Checks are to be made payable to Swan Valley School District.

Please click on the Food Service Login Link below to access your account. The link is also on the SV web page under food service.

https://foodservice.swanvalleyschools.com/

SISD Instructional Services is forwarding important information from one of our MDE consultants regarding National Suicide Prevention Week. This email contains vital resources and updates that are crucial for supporting our community and raising awareness during this observance. We encourage everyone to review the details and integrate these resources into our ongoing efforts to promote mental health and well-being.

Indigenizing Suicide Prevention Information