North Notes

Dear Mustang Community,

As we approach the end of the year and the holiday season, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your incredible support and generosity during our recent holiday assistance program.

This year, we faced unique challenges, but thanks to the unwavering commitment of our school community, we were able to provide assistance to all families in need. Your donations made a significant impact and lifted the spirits of many. It is truly inspiring to see how our community comes together, embodying the true spirit of giving and compassion.

To all the families who contributed, please know that your generosity has brought joy and comfort during a time when it is needed the most. Together, we have shown that we are not just a school, but a family that cares deeply for one another.

As we celebrate this season of giving, let us continue to promote kindness and support within our community. May we carry this spirit of generosity into the new year and beyond.

Thank you once again for your exceptional support, and we wish you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season. We look forward to seeing our students back at North on Monday, January 6, 2025!

Warm regards,

Blue Valley North High School Staff

Congratulations to Cale Fulcher, Anne Henderson, Mackenzie Morse, and Joslyn Selser for their acceptance into the Kansas All-State Mixed Choir. Also, congratulations to Liana Jaramillo for her acceptance in the Kansas All-State Treble Choir. This is the highest honor a student singer can receive in Kansas, and they will get to work with well-known conductors Joshua Palkki and Shannon Jeffreys. These students will represent Blue Valley North at the All-State Festival in Wichita, Kansas on February 27- March 1, 2024.

January 20 - NO SCHOOL / Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

January 21 - Even Day

January 22 - Odd Day

January 23 - Even Day

January 24 - Odd Day

February 10 - Parent-Teacher Conference Week

February 14 - NO SCHOOL

February 17 - NO SCHOOL / Presidents' Day

March 14 - NO SCHOOL / Professional Learning

March 17 - 24 - NO SCHOOL / Spring Break

April 8 - ACT Testing Day for all 11th grade students

April 25 - NO SCHOOL / Professional Learning

May 21-23 - Final Exams

May 23 - Last day of School

Upcoming All School Events

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

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.

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.

Our athletic wing construction is progressing on time, and it is great to see these exciting facilities take shape. Spring Break is the goal for completion and at that time we will gain back all the student parking spaces that have been fenced off. With that said, our Band Room construction project on the south side of our school will begin December 23rd. We will still utilize the drop off and pick up lane during this 2nd semester construction; however, students will need to enter our main entrance after being dropped off at the end of the loop. We will have administrative and security personnel outside to help direct students where to enter for the first week of school in January. This project will take over additional parking spaces and we will be directing our student drivers to utilize the overflow parking along Glenwood during 3rd quarter.

Be advised on city traffic signs

To prevent accidents in high traffic times during the day, No Left Turn signs have been placed by the city on Lamar when entering the drop-off/pick-up loop and at our main exit. These signs are in effect during 7:15am-9:00am and 2:15pm-3:00pm. The Overland Park Police Department may issue traffic tickets for any violations during those hours.

• When using the Lamar Drop-off/Pick-Up Loop, please enter from the North from 7:15am-9:00am and 2:15pm-3:00pm.
• When exiting the main entrance onto 123rd street, turn right from 7:15am-9:00am and 2:15pm-3:00pm.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we work through these construction projects.!

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. We do not recommend BV Devices leave the country.

We are excited to share that the Kansas State Department of Education is again paying for a full ACT for all 11th-grade students. This year’s exam is on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025. This is an opt-out testing event, meaning that unless you tell us otherwise, we will plan on testing your junior student on this day. All students test at their home school, and Blue Valley Academy students test at BVA.

We understand that the ACT might not be applicable to students as many colleges and universities are moving to a test-optional format. Other programs, such as JCCC and trade schools, do not typically require an ACT score for admission. It is your decision to determine if the ACT is the correct standardized assessment for your student's future plans. We strongly encourage you to contact the college, university, or trade school your student is considering attending after high school to receive the most current information. Your Blue Valley North Counselors are also a great resource to help you navigate these decisions.

If you decide to opt your junior student out of the April ACT, please complete the Opt-Out form listed below by January 10, 2025. Juniors will start school at 7:35 AM on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, and will be dismissed after testing (roughly between 11:30 and Noon).

OPT-OUT FORM

WorkKeys Information for Juniors and Seniors:

Lastly, we will offer the ACT WorkKeys for juniors and seniors interested in a work-based assessment. The opt-in form, which can be found below, must be completed by January 10, 2025. Additional information about the WorkKeys assessment will also be provided.

WorkKeys Opt-In Form: WorkKeys Form

WorkKeys Information: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/act-workkeys/act-workkeys-assessments.html

Senior Outreach Day

For any seniors who do not wish to take the WorkKeys exam, you have the option to select a Senior Outreach opportunity. Please indicate your choice on this form in order to be excused from school: https://forms.gle/KQYJhywhZ3sdvZFG8

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Cory Cox, Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction at ccox@bluevalleyk12.org .

The Career Ready Programs department is offering several exciting opportunities for Blue Valley students to earn college credit at little to NO cost to families through Johnson County Community College (JCCC). Students can earn an associate degree OR career-ready certification in high-demand, high paying fields. Areas include: Automation Engineering Technology, Automotive Technology, Culinary & Hospitality, Cybersecurity, Electrician Technology, Electronic Technology, Emergency Management & Fire Science, HVAC, Plumbing, and Welding/Metal Fabrication.

The information shared at these sessions will be most relevant for current sophomore and junior students and parents/guardians. We invite you to attend one or more of our community-wide family informational sessions in January. We encourage parents/guardians/students to all attend. You do not need to RSVP to any of these events. Please make plans to attend and learn more about these programs.

January 22, 2025: Learn more about the Dual Degree option and how to earn your associate degree AND your Blue Valley diploma at the same time! Join us on the campus of Johnson County Community College in the Regnier Center, at 6:00 P.M. Link to JCCC Campus Map

January 27, 2025: Learn more about the Emergency Management & Fire Science program with our partners at the Overland Park Fire Department (OPFD) at the OPFD Training Center at 12401 Hemlock at 5:30 P.M.

January 29, 2025: Learn more about the career ready certification program in:

• Automation Engineering Technology

• Automotive Technology

• Electrician Technology

• Electronic Technology

• Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning

• Plumbing

• Welding/Metal Fabrication

We will meet in the JCCC Hugh Libby CTEC building lobby at 6:00 P.M. We will hear from Blue Valley staff, JCCC Deans, Department Chairs, and Blue Valley students currently enrolled in these programs. Link to JCCC Campus Map

January 30, 2025: Learn more about the career ready Cybersecurity and Culinary & Hospitality certification programs in the JCCC Wylie Culinary Center building lobby at 6:00 P.M. We will hear from Blue Valley staff, JCCC Deans, Department Chairs, and Blue Valley students currently enrolled in these programs. Link to JCCC Campus Map

Questions? Please visit the Blue Valley Career Ready Programs website or please feel free to reach out to Sarah Beren, Liaison to JCCC for Blue Valley Career Ready Programs, at 913-239-4141 or sberen@bluevalleyk12.org and Adam Wessel, Director of Career Ready Programs, 913-239-4023 or ajwessel@bluevalleyk12.org.

The 13th Annual Battle of the Bands is Friday, February 21, 2025, at Fiorella’s in OP. This adult night out features bands made up of Blue Valley parents, teachers, and staff, all competing for bragging rights as champion. Attendees enjoy great live music, a silent auction, a wine and bourbon pull, plus light appetizers and a chance to dance the night away while supporting a great cause, raising money for our BVSD Performing Arts!

We are thankful for the ongoing partnership and support we experience in our school community. Working together we ensure the best possible student experience allowing them to realize personal success. There are times, however, when issues arise which require our continued collaboration to resolve. Families may utilize the matrix linked on the district website to best address questions and concerns that may arise throughout the course of a school year. Finally, all staff and visitors should conduct their business free from intimidation, harassment, or bullying. The district’s Board of Education states expectations regarding civility within Policy 6341. Again, thank you for your partnership in helping to maintain a safe school community environment for all.

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 January Celebrations & Observances:

• National Poverty in America Awareness Month - raises awareness about the struggles millions of Americans face living in poverty. It encourages learning about the causes of poverty, supporting those in need, and working to create solutions that promote economic equality and opportunity.
• World Braille Day - January 4 - a day to raise awareness and attention to accessibility for those with visual impairments and celebrate Braille's invention. This tactile writing system was invented in the 1800s by Louis Braille.
• Lohri - January 13 - celebrated primarily by Sikhs and Hindus, the festival marks the end of the winter solstice and harvesting of winter crops. Some families will sing and dance around a bonfire, exchange gifts with friends and family, and tell tales of bravery.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - January 20 - a day that honors the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. Some families will participate in a day of service to their communities.
• Lunar New Year - January 29 - celebrated by families of Chinese and other Asian heritages, some people celebrate with religious ceremonies honoring ancestors, giving and receiving red envelopes containing small amounts of money, lighting colorful lanterns, and eating traditional foods such as dumplings and sticky rice balls that symbolize family unity.

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.

Seal of Biliteracy for Seniors

Seniors received information about the opportunity to earn the Seal of Biliteracy via email communication during the week of November 18. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please review the Seal of Biliteracy website for detailed information. If you would like to participate, the Seal of Biliteracy Student Intent Form must be submitted by the end of day Friday, Dec 20, 2024.

Senior Class Picture
During Advisory on Monday, January 27, the senior class will gather in the gym for a group photo. We will get a framed print and hang it on the wall at North. A link to purchase your own print will be available soon.

Cap & Gown: Please get your order placed for your graduation cap & gown: www.jostens.com . We still have 100+ seniors who need to order. If you 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 cap & 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. This form also authorizes the release of senior transcripts for college applications. Click here: Diploma/Transcript Authorization.

Senior Outreach Day--Coming up on April 8 (Action Required)

For more information, please click this form: https://forms.gle/KQYJhywhZ3sdvZFG8

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. The next North Notes will be published on Friday, January 3, 2025. 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.

The BVN Offices will be closed during Winter Break from December 23, 2024, - January 2, 2025.

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