SVHS Headlines

Email: satkins@swanvalley.k12.mi.us

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

January:

January 24th- No SCC Classes

January 27th- NHS Induction

January 30th- No SCC Classes

January 31st- No SCC Classes

February:

February 7th- Sadie's Winter Wonderland Dance @7:00pm

Guest forms were due by January 23rd

February 12th- Count Day

February 12th- Student Government Spirit Day/ Twin Day

February 14th- No School/ In-service Day

February 17th- No School

February 19th- In-coming Freshman Curriculum Night @ 6:00pm/ HS Library

February 27th- Drama Performance @ 7:00pm/ PAC

March:

March 1st- Drama Performance @ 7:00pm/ PAC

March 2nd- Drama Performance @ 2:00pm/ PAC

March 4th- Blood Drive

March 5th- Trimester 2 Exams Begin- Tri 2 Exam Schedule 24-25

March 6th- Trimester 2 Exam Schedule/ 1st & 2nd hour- Tri 2 Exam Schedule 24-25

March 7th- Trimester 2 Exam Schedule/ 3rd & 4th hour- Tri 2 Exam Schedule 24-25

March 10th- Trimester 3 Begins

March 24th- 28th- Spring Break

March 31st- School Resumes

Dear Families,

As we approach the final week of January, I want to emphasize the importance of consistent attendance in setting students up for success. Every day in the classroom matters, especially since we only have five weeks until exams. Regular attendance not only supports academic progress but also helps students stay connected to their peers and teachers. Winter weather can sometimes make travel more challenging, so please remind your student to plan ahead, dress appropriately for the conditions and drive slowly.

2024-2025 Scheduling:

Although we have had some unexpected days off due to the cold weather, we are moving forward with scheduling for the 2025-2026 school year.

We are meeting with current Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen explaining the process and choices they have for the next school year. We encourage students to take the time to discuss with parents/guardians their decisions for the upcoming year. As exciting as it is to look ahead, it can also be overwhelming, please reach out to Mrs. Luplow or myself if you have questions.

We are here to support each student as they go through the scheduling process.

Mrs. Wiley

Myth VS Fact Police Edition:

There are so many misconstrued myths and facts about police officers. Here are some common ones I run into often.

Police officers have to get tased to carry a Taser. Myth! Although we are encouraged, not all of us have taken the electric ride.

Police can control traffic lights. Myth! I wish this were true sometimes. Heading to an emergency and coming to a red light is stressful. There are departments with policies that state even while running lights and sirens police must stop. Plus, it is safer.

There is a never ending data base police have access to. Myth! Again, I wish this were true. It would make investigating and solving crimes much easier. What you see on TV is not always true.

Police are exempt from certain laws. Fact! Mostly, this pertains to traffic law and acting in accordance with our department policies. There are certain circumstances where silence and speed are a must.

A police officer's gear weighs anywhere from 25-45lbs. Fact! The tactical teams sometimes have backpacks with medical equipment, extra ammunition, and extra protection. That gear can really add up for them. Your typical beat/street officer is more in the 25lbs area. Still not fun to run with.

My favorite myth is police officers love donuts. OK, who doesn’t? If you are not a fan, or are allergic, I feel bad for you. Donuts are delicious and everyone else loves them; they are not just for cops. If you get to work and there is a donut on your desk, your day just got a whole lot better.

Stay safe, stay vigilant

HEY YOU! YEAH, YOU!

Are you a techie? Do you like building things? Are you good with clothes and hair? Do you enjoy the spotlight?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, make sure you request Drama for next year! Drama A is no longer a prerequisite, so you have three opportunities to put yourself out there and gain confidence, problem solve, and express your creativity.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, contact Ms. Buckley.

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 or click on the following link:

AST Calendar for the week of 1/27/2025

School of Choice will be open from February 3 to February 18, 2025. The open grades are Y5's, kindergarten, 1st to 11th grades and Alternative Ed, minimum of one student per grade.

The accept and denial letters will be sent out March 4th. Applications will be available beginning February 3, 2025.

Kindergarten registration is the 4th of February from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Shields Elementary

In support of HELPING Kids with CANCER, BPA will be holding an Alex's Lemonade Stand during both lunches on WEDNESDAY's in January. We have had two Wednesday's and have had a great turn out. We have donations totaling $129.40 at this time! We are halfway through our journey, if we keep this up we will meet our goals and possibly exceed them.

The students get a lemon with their name on it, a glass of lemonade, a coloring activity and a chance to spin the wheel for a VIKING PRIZE. Please help support the Foundation for Childhood Cancer. ALL donations will go to ALEX's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Make sure to bring some cash/coins to donate to this great cause.

Already this season, we are seeing an increase in pneumonia cases.

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection in which the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid or pus, making it difficult and painful to breathe. It can be caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus. Pneumonia is often the consequence of a COVID or influenza infection. It is spread through respiratory droplets in the air or from touching contaminated services and then touching our faces (nose, mouth, eyes), similar to the way other respiratory infections are spread. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, headaches, body aches and weakness. However, instead of feeling better within a few days, symptoms worsen and may include chest pain, shortness of breath, a rapid heart rate, shaking/chills and/or a blueish tint to the lips and nailbeds. Pneumonia can be diagnosed per chest xray, sputum sample or blood cultures. Treatment includes antibiotics (for pneumonia caused by bacteria), bronchodilators (to help ease breathing), fluids and LOTS OF REST!! A person with pneumonia may remain contagious for up to 48 hours after starting an antibiotic and fever has stopped, and it may take from one week to one month before full recovery. Untreated pneumonia can lead to a lung abscess, sepsis and ultimately respiratory failure. Some of the infections that can lead to pneumonia can be prevented with vaccines. These include the flu vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccines, and the COVID vaccine. Meticulous hand washing, cough etiquette and immunizations are the best public health measures we can take to keep ourselves and those around us healthy this season!

Kimberly Newman, RN BSN

District Nurse, Swan Valley Schools

January:

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/

Swan Valley Athletic Association Membership

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.

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

Attention any 6th-12th grade male or female students interested in trap shooting! There will be an informational parent-athlete meeting on Thursday, February 6th at 6:00 p.m. at the Saginaw Gun Club. Please see the flyer attached at the bottom of the announcements for more details.

Volunteers needed for Shields Elementary Family Literacy Night!

Looking for volunteers to help with this interactive Family Literacy Night we are hosting as a kickoff for March Into Reading. Students will be helping with art projects, read alouds, directing families around to the various centers, games, etc. Since our district's theme is Sports, we would love to have athletes wear their jerseys or a shirt representing their sport.

Anyone is able to volunteer (not just athletes).

Any students interested please email Mrs. Pruden @ cpruden@swanvalley.k12.mi.us

Covenant HealthCare Volunteer Services is now accepting applications for the Summer 2025 session of our High School Volunteer Program. Students may apply online, www.covenanthealthcare.com/volunteer. Application deadline is March 31, 2025. Students will have an opportunity to experience a medical center atmosphere and interact with nurses, physicians, and technologists throughout the organization. Students will be able to volunteer in a wide variety of areas including clinical and non-clinical settings. This program would be an opportunity to meet requirements for volunteer service for high school and college and we offer this program every summer.

Students need to be 16 years of age by September 1 of this year with a 3.0 grade point or higher. Volunteers complete 40 hours of service over 10 weeks, June through August of this year. More details about the program will be available after the student applies.

For more information, please contact Volunteer Services, volunteering@chs-mi.com.

The Shields Lions Club Community Service Opportunity

The Shields Lions Club is sponsoring a Food Giveaway on February 1, 2025.

The food giveaway will take place at the Swan Valley Middle School parking lot.

We are asking for volunteers to fill boxes (assembly line style) and a few strong-armed people at the end of the line to place the boxed food in the trunk or backseat of the cars of people needing food. Help with traffic flow is also needed.

Volunteers should arrive about 8:00AM, Food Giveaway starts about 9:00AM. Usually, completed by 11:00AM

We expect over 300 families or more will be lining up in their cars to receive free food. The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan will be delivering about 23000 lbs. of food that morning for this giveaway at Swan Valley.

Contact: Duane Comerford, 989-751-4233 Call or text to sign up.

The Shields Lions Club will be getting some help with equipment from the Freeland Lions Club and a few of their adult volunteers. Freeland Lions sponsor a food giveaway every month and they are offering our community good organizational advice.

Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum Volunteers Needed

What: For Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum (MMCM) annual Pirates & Princesses Special Event

When: Saturday, January 25, 2025

There are 3 shifts available:

Shift 1: 9:45 am – 1:30 pm

Shift 2: 1:15 pm – 5:15 pm

Shift 3: 9:45 am – 5:15 pm

Volunteers are needed for the following:

• Entry level to experienced Pirate & Princess actors (providing own costume)

• Entry level to experienced Face Painters needed

• Assisting kids with crafts such as princess wands and pirate hats

• Put up/take down tables and sanitizing tables

• Assist guests and maintaining a clean and safe play space in one or more museum galleries

Where: 315 W. Genesee Avenue, Saginaw MI 48602

Who:

• Individuals from age 14 or in 9th grade on up to 120 years old (may be hard bending after 120)

• Sports teams from schools, semi-professional and professional

• Businesses that volunteer in the community

• Service groups

• The list goes on and on!

Why: MMCM’s contribution to the community is done by hosting special events throughout the year.

Volunteers play a crucial role in a successful event.

How: Volunteer requirements are at least age 14 years old or in 9th grade. New volunteers must submit an application and background check on our website.

Individuals apply here: https://mmcmmarketing.wufoo.com/forms/sp8ijv31cme2xx/

Groups apply here: https://mmcmmarketing.wufoo.com/forms/s1pdcevz1xuew2a/

If you are a current or returning volunteer, you do not need to submit a new application. Send me an

email with your name and preferred shift time.

If you have any questions, please contact volunteer@michildrensmuseum.org or 989-399-6626.

Volunteers Needed For Set-Up of Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum (MMCM) Pirates & Princesses

What: For Set-Up of Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum (MMCM) Pirates & Princesses Special Event

When: Friday, January 24, 2025

There is 1 shift available:

3:30 pm-5 pm

5 volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed for the following:

• Sanitizing and moving tables & chairs

• Assist with gallery organizing

• Set-up craft and game stations

Where: 315 W. Genesee Avenue, Saginaw MI 48602

Who:

• Individuals from age 14 on up to 120 (may be hard bending after 120)

• Sports teams from schools, semi-professional and professional

• Businesses that volunteer in the community

• Service groups

• The list goes on and on!

Why: MMCM’s contribution to the community is done by hosting special events throughout the year.

Volunteers play a crucial role in a successful event.

How: Volunteer requirements are at least age 14 years old or in 9th grade. New volunteers must submit an application and background check on our website.

Individuals apply here: https://mmcmmarketing.wufoo.com/forms/sp8ijv31cme2xx/

Groups apply here: https://mmcmmarketing.wufoo.com/forms/s1pdcevz1xuew2a/

If you are a current or returning volunteer, you do not need to submit a new application. Send me an

email with your name and preferred shift time.

If you have any questions, please contact volunteer@michildrensmuseum.org or 989-399-6626..

Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum Volunteers Needed

What: For Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum (MMCM) annual Where in the World Cultural Special

Event

When: Saturday, February 22, 2025

There are 3 shifts available:

Shift 1: 9:45 am – 1:30 pm

Shift 2: 1:15 pm – 5:15 pm

Shift 3: 9:45 am – 5:15 pm

Volunteers are needed for the following:

• Assisting kids with crafts and games

• Put up/take down tables and sanitizing tables

• Assist guests and maintaining a clean and safe play space in one or more museum galleries

Where: 315 W. Genesee Avenue, Saginaw MI 48602

Who:

• Individuals from age 14 or in 9th grade on up to 120 years old (may be hard bending after 120)

• Sports teams from schools, semi-professional and professional

• Businesses that volunteer in the community

• Service groups

• The list goes on and on!

Why: MMCM’s contribution to the community is done by hosting special events throughout the year.

Volunteers play a crucial role in a successful event.

How: Volunteer requirements are at least age 14 years old or in 9th grade. New volunteers must submit an application and background check on our website.

Individuals apply here: https://mmcmmarketing.wufoo.com/forms/sp8ijv31cme2xx/

Groups apply here: https://mmcmmarketing.wufoo.com/forms/s1pdcevz1xuew2a/

If you are a current or returning volunteer, you do not need to submit a new application. Send me an

email with your name and preferred shift time.

If you have any questions, please contact volunteer@michildrensmuseum.org or 989-399-6626..

Volunteers Needed For Set-Up

What: For Set-Up of Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum (MMCM) Where in the World Cultural Special

Event

When: Friday, February 21, 2025

There is 1 shift available:

3:30 pm-5 pm

5 volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed for the following:

• Sanitizing and moving tables & chairs

• Assist with gallery organizing

• Set-up craft and game stations

Where: 315 W. Genesee Avenue, Saginaw MI 48602

Who:

• Individuals from age 14 on up to 120 (may be hard bending after 120)

• Sports teams from schools, semi-professional and professional

• Businesses that volunteer in the community

• Service groups

• The list goes on and on!

Why: MMCM’s contribution to the community is done by hosting special events throughout the year.

Volunteers play a crucial role in a successful event.

How: Volunteer requirements are at least age 14 years old or in 9th grade. New volunteers must submit an application and background check on our website.

Individuals apply here: https://mmcmmarketing.wufoo.com/forms/sp8ijv31cme2xx/

Groups apply here: https://mmcmmarketing.wufoo.com/forms/s1pdcevz1xuew2a/

If you are a current or returning volunteer, you do not need to submit a new application. Send me an

email with your name and preferred shift time.

If you have any questions, please contact volunteer@michildrensmuseum.org or 989-399-6626..

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

The Spring Health Career Pipeline Program (HCPP) is a 7-week program being held, at no cost to students, Monday’s at 5:30-7:00pm from March 10-April 21 by the Mid Central Area Health Education Center and Central Michigan University College of Medicine. The majority of weekly sessions will be held in person at the Saginaw CMU College of Medicine location (1632 S. Stone St. Saginaw, MI), with a couple virtual classes held as well via Zoom. These weekly sessions will introduce health profession-interested students to a variety of potential career paths, hands-on activities, and local professionals. During their participation, students will also be paired with a college student mentor pursuing a health professions career. These experiences will assist in developing a network to support student’s future goals.

The online application is due Friday, February 14, and can be accessed here: 2025 Spring HCPP Application

We are opening this opportunity to 9th and 10th grade students throughout the Great Lakes Bay area and would appreciate any assistance in promoting this opportunity to students who could benefit from this offering. Attached is a flyer that can be used to share on social media outlets, in school announcements, on bulletin boards, or other platforms utilized. Also attached is an overview document with additional program details. Space will be limited with consideration for 9th and 10th grade students interested in health careers that are from medically underserved areas and underrepresented backgrounds.

MSU GIFTED & TALENTED EDUCATION (GATE)

Are you looking for a way to challenge and engage yourself..... Look no further than the Gifted and Talented Education programs at Michigan State University!

For more information please click on the following link:

MSU GIFTED & TALENTED EDUCATION LINK