
VAJH Panther Press Newsletter
February 28, 2025
Calendar
- Friday, February 28 - Star Card Hat Day
- Friday, February 28 - 7th/8th Band UIL Pass Off Party (see flyer below)
- Monday, March 3 - Cheer Paperwork due to Mrs. Hensley
- Thursday, March 6 - VAEF Gala at 7PM (see flyer below)
- Friday, March 7 - Star Card Hat Day
- Friday, March 7 - Group Pictures for Yearbook (During school)
- Friday, March 7 - House Games with Kona Ice
- March 10 - 14 - Spring Break
- Monday, March 17 - Mandatory Cheer Tryout Practice
- Monday, March 17 - School Board meeting at 7 PM
- Thursday, March 20 - Mandatory Mock Cheer Tryouts
- Thursday, March 20 - Report Card available on Parent Portal
- Friday, March 21 - Star Card Treat Day
- Friday, March 21 - Cheer Tryouts
- Friday, March 28 - Star Card Hat Day
- Friday, March 28 - 7th/8th Band Movie Night (see flyer below)
- Friday, April 4 - Librarian Appreciation Day (Show Mrs. Rickett some love)
- Friday, April 4 - Star Card Hat Day
- Friday, April 4 - UIL Grade Check
- Thursday, April 10 - District Fine Arts Night (more information to come)
- Friday, April 11 - Star Card Treat Day
- Tuesday, April 15 - 7th Reading STAAR Test (closed campus for lunch - no visitors)
- Wednesday, April 16 - 8th Reading STAAR Test (closed campus for lunch - no visitors)
- Thursday, April 17 - Make up Reading STAAR Test for absent students
- Thursday, April 17 - Star Card Treat Day
- Friday, April 18 - Good Friday/ NO SCHOOL
- Monday, April 21 - School Board Meeting at 7 PM
- Tuesday, April 22 - 8th Science STAAR Test (closed campus for lunch - no visitors)
- Thursday, April 24 - 8th Social Studies STAAR Test (closed campus for lunch - no visitors)
- Friday, April 25 - Star Card Treat Day
- Friday, April 25 - 8th SS/Science STAAR Make up Test for absent students
- Tuesday, April 29 - 7th Math STAAR Test & Algebra EOC (closed campus for lunch - no visitors)
- Wednesday, April 30 - 8th Math STAAR Test (closed campus for lunch - no visitors)
Other Important Dates:
- Student Dance/Activity Dates - May 2
- Student Dance/Activities Times - 7th & 8th Grade dances/activity nights are 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Only VAJH students are allowed at dances/activities.
- Thursday, May 15 - 8th Grade Promotional Ceremony 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM ( VAJH Gym)
- Thursday, May 15 - 7th Grade Awards Ceremony - 1:30 - 2:30 PM (VAJH Gym)
- Thursday, May 15 - 8th Grade Farewell Dance from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. (This dance is for 8th grade VAJH students only.)
Negative Account Balances
Please pay your student's Negative Balance. This is a great expense to the district when totaled up. Each dollar adds to the grand total balance. We greatly appreciate you helping do your part in paying this debt down.
Thank you,
Child Nutrition Staff
Kona Ice
On Friday, March 7, our students will have an opportunity to purchase a Kona Ice in the afternoon during House Games. If you would like for your child to purchase a Kona Ice, then send $4-$6 with them. A percentage of the proceeds go back to our school to support our teachers and students.
Team & Club Pictures
On Friday, March 7, students who were/are apart of a team or club at VAJH will have their group picture taken in the morning. Please make sure that students have their club/activity shirt for the pictures.
Lost and Found
Please encourage your child to check our lost and found by Friday, March 7. We will donate all lost and found items during Spring Break.
🎉Attention 8th Grade Parents! 🎉
Exciting news! The 8th Grade Dance is happening on May 15th, and we can’t wait to make it a special night for our students! This event is 100% funded by generous donors and parents like you, and we’ll be sharing details soon on how you can contribute.
Donations & Additional Needs – Stay tuned for ways to support!
Volunteer Opportunities – A SignUpGenius link will be available soon!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via text, call, or email:
robin@coveringtexas.com
903-267-2997
Let’s work together to create an unforgettable night for our 8th graders! #8thGradeDance #ParentSupport #MakingMemories
Volunteer Approval Form
All volunteers, including parents, have to fill out a Volunteer Approval Form to have a background check before volunteering (ex: attend field trips, volunteer on campus, help with testing, etc.). This form must be filled out EVERY school year. The entire process, from submitting the form to receiving approval, can take as long as two weeks. This process must be completed before being approved to volunteer. If you have students at multiple schools, only one application is required.
Click the button below to access the Volunteer Approval Form. We appreciate our volunteers!
Stopit APP
While we will always encourage students and parents to directly approach school employees with any safety concerns, we recognize that sometimes there is apprehension in doing so. That’s where STOPit comes in.
Everyone in our school community has access to the STOPit anonymous reporting app – a powerful tool designed to deter and promptly address instances of bullying, school violence, self-harm, and inappropriate behaviors. If you haven’t already done so, we kindly urge parents and guardians to download the STOPit app and become familiar with its features. This will not only enable you to guide your children in using the app but will also demonstrate our collective commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our whole school community. The STOPit app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Van Alstyne Junior High Code: VAJH
VAHS - Sports Medicine Program (For current 8th graders only)
VAJH Yearbook Information
2024-2025 Van Alstyne Junior High yearbooks are on sale now! Yearbooks are $45 until March 28. Costs will go up after March 28. You can also send $45 cash or a $45 check made out to VAJH.
High School Cheer Tryout Information
Talent Show
We are excited to have a VAJH Talen Show this year! Talen showpieces can include but are not limited to: singing, dancing, acting, joke-telling, juggling, playing musical instruments, different tricks, and other entertaining talents. You may audition with more than one piece. The talent show is open to VAJH students only.
If your child is interested in trying out for the VAJH Talent Show, please click the link below to access the Talent Show Tryout Application.
Talent Show Timeline
- Talent Show Applications Due - Monday, February 24 to VAJH Office
- Tryouts - Thursday, February 27
- Tryout Results posted outside of the library - Friday, February 28
- Optional Rehearsal - Monday, March 24 in Choir Room 4:00 - 5:30 PM
- Mandatory Rehearsal - Monday, April 21 in Choir Room 4:00 - 5:30 PM
- Mandatory Rehearsal - Tuesday, May 6 in Choir Room 4:00 - 5:30 PM
- TALENT SHOW - Thursday, May 8 from 1:30 -2:30 in the main gym (Parents are welcome to attend!)
STAAR DATES
*Grade levels not testing will have a normal schedule. Students will need to be quiet during testing days.
(Closed campus for lunch - no visitors during these dates)
Tuesday, April 15- 7th Reading STAAR
Wednesday, April 16 - 8th Reading STAAR
Thursday, April 17 - Reading STAAR Make up
Tuesday, April 22 - 8th Science STAAR
Thursday, April 24- 8th Social Studies STAAR
Friday, April 25 - Science/ Social Studies STAAR Make up
Tuesday, April 29- 7th Math STAAR & Algebra EOC
Wednesday, April 30- 8th Math STAAR
Friday, May 2 - Math STAAR Make up
Behavior Expectations
Our top priority at Van Alstyne Junior High is to provide all of our students with a safe learning environment. In order to do so, we need your help. Please take time to talk about the following things with your child.
- Everyone will be treated with kindness and respect. Name-calling and teasing are unkind. Racial slurs will not be tolerated.
- Students need to understand that saying anything about violence towards the school or others will be taken seriously.
- Students should always keep their hands and feet to themselves. Physical violence will not be tolerated.
- Please talk to your child about the responsibility that comes with social media. Students need to be careful about the things they say on social media, the posts they comment on, and the people they interact with.
- Please know that if a student’s behavior in or out of school disrupts the learning environment, that student could receive a consequence.
We appreciate your partnership at home to help educate your child about appropriate behaviors at school. We encourage students to be kind, respectful, and friendly to all students and staff at all times. You are always welcome to contact the school if you have any concerns.
FCA
What: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
When: Friday mornings at 7:15
Where: Mr. Pierce's classroom (Room 312)
Who: Any 7th or 8th grade student. You do not have to be an athlete to attend.
Join Remind for announcements and updates: https://www.remind.com/join/fh86a2 or text the message @vajhfca24 to 81010.
Weekend Backpack Program
The local food pantry (Feed My Sheep) has gracious volunteers who donate each month for the Weekend Backpack program. This program sends a bag full of food home each Friday with students who are signed up. If you think your family would benefit, please pick up a copy in the front office (various languages provided) or complete the form attached and return it to the VAJH front office.
The parent/guardian will need to return the bottom portion of the flyer to the front office to receive this service.
Cell Phones
Students are allowed to bring cell phones to school. They are allowed to listen to music and play games on their cell phones before school, during lunch, and after school. Students must keep cell phones out of sight and turned off (not on silent) during the school day. Please reinforce this rule with your child so they are well aware.
Also, please do not allow your child to call or text you from school using their cell phone for any reason, including to come pick them up when they do not feel well. Proper procedure is to report to Nurse Kohler and allow her to use her training to make that determination. Misuse will result in confiscation of the cell phone and the parent will be required to come pick up the phone. If the student continues to misuse their cell phone, the student will be required to check their cell phone
Student Food Service Needs
Panther Nation,
We have a new way of taking care of your students' food service needs. Everything will now be in one spot! . You can now download the School Cafe Family Hub app. This app will let you see menus, put money on account, complete free and reduced lunch applications, as well as many other custom functions that you can choose to set up. You can also log in on a computer as well at https://family.schoolcafe.com/ We will no longer be using My School Bucks. All My School Bucks balances have been transferred to the new system(School Cafe).
Visitor Procedures
When visiting our campus this year, we will have safety procedures in place. After pushing the button at the front door, you will need to provide the following through the speaker.
Full Name
Valid Picture Identification
Student’s full name and reason for visiting the school
Once in the building, you must provide your picture identification to the receptionist at the front desk. It will be scanned, a badge will be made, and identification will be held in the office. When you leave, you will need to walk back through the office to pick up your identification. We appreciate your cooperation while we try to keep our students and staff safe.
Attendance
Emergency Concerns Outside of School
Parents and guardians, when you have emergency concerns about one of our students outside of school hours, please call the Van Alstyne Police Department. Oftentimes, our staff do not check email outside of school hours and the goal is to provide immediate assistance to the student or family. Some examples of emergency concerns would be: students claiming self-harm, students sharing suicidal thoughts or suicidal attempts, or any other situation where a student would be in danger and needs immediate help/assistance. Rather than emailing staff or submitting a StopIt App report, please call 911 or call The Van Alstyne Police Department at 903-482-5251.
A note from the counselor, Mrs. Walters...
Dress Code
The district dress code is enforced. Please ensure that your child is in dress code each day to limit class disruptions.
Dress Code
Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be at least fingertip length.
All outer garments must have sleeves (cap sleeves are permitted). “Spaghetti straps” or “tank tops” are not allowed. Shoulders must be covered.
Footwear must be a style that ensures safety and does not present a distraction. Teachers may restrict (designate) the kind of footwear needed for that class in order to meet the safety standards for the instructional activity. House shoes are not permitted.
Garments that are cut inappropriately are not permitted.
Holes in jeans are allowed in jeans, but skin cannot show through the hole above the fingertip. Oftentimes, students will wear leggings under their jeans or have patches behind the hole.
Pajamas are not allowed.
Blankets and pillows are not allowed.
All garments should meet the standard of modesty: (Modest: observing properties of dress and behavior, moderate: avoiding extremes of behavior or expression, observing reasonable limits; Webster’s 7th Collegiate Dictionary).
Anything form-fitting, such as spandex shorts, bicycle shorts, tights, leggings, and leotards, may only be worn under shorts or skirts that meet the school dress code.
Midriffs, cleavage, and undergarments should be covered at all times.
Tops must overlap the waistband of the pants; midriffs should not be seen even when arms are raised above the head.
All students must have hair that is neatly groomed, out of the face and a natural color.
No Mohawks or designs in hair.
Goatees, beards, mustaches, and other facial hair must be short, neatly groomed, and natural in color.
Students may not wear hats, headgear, or sunglasses in the building during the school day.
Wallets with dangling chains and dangling or oversized jewelry are prohibited at school.
Male students may not wear earrings, ear studs, or anything else in the ear.
Jewelry for face/body/tongue piercing may not be worn at school except pierced earrings for females. No spacers.
Students may not wear garments or bring items to school that display pictures, emblems, or writings that are lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene; and/or advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other objects or ideas that in the principal’s judgment may be expected to cause disruption of school activities or interference with classroom and other normal school activities.
Food Regulation
As a parent, you have the right to bring food to your child. However, to be in compliance with federal law, you are not allowed to bring in food for a child other than your own (for example, bringing a pizza for your child and his/her friends). This also includes bringing cupcakes and snacks on your child's birthday. To be in compliance with law, we cannot offer them during the lunch period. Therefore, the only time we could legally do that is during class time; which is not something we are going to be able to do as the students are busy in their classes and we do not want to disrupt the learning environment.
Lunch Drop Off
You are certainly welcome to bring your child a lunch. Since there are classes going on during each lunch period, we are not able to call students over the intercom to come and pick up their lunch from the front office. If you drop off a lunch for your child, there is a bookshelf in the front entryway for you to leave your child's lunch. There are sticky notes and markers to label their lunch. You will need to text your child to let him/her know they have a lunch in the front office. Your child will see the text when they are allowed to turn on their phone at lunch. We will not accept food deliveries.
Free & Reduced Lunch Applications
Free and Reduced Applications are now open for the 2024-2025 school year. Complete only one application for all the students in the household if you feel that you are eligible.
Panther sports
JH Track Schedule
Tuesday, March 4 - at Van Alstyne 2:00 PM
Tuesday, March 18 - at Pottsboro 3:45 PM
Tuesday, March 25 - District Meet at Krum TBD
Coach Moore, Junior High Athletic Coordinator - pmoore@vanalstyneisd.org
Athletic Venue Rules
The graphic above shares new rules for our athletic venues. Please help us by going over the prohibited items with your students before attending the games.
Seating:
Panther Blue Seats - The blue seats are reserved for Season Ticket holders for Varsity games. We appreciate your cooperation in allowing Season Ticket holders to occupy their reserved seats.
Prohibited Items:
In conjunction with the UIL and for the safety of our guests and employees, the following are prohibited:
- Backpacks
- Outside food or drink (bottles, cans and beverage containers of any kind*)
- Abusive, foul or disruptive language or clothing
- Alcohol
- Animals (except service dogs to aid guests with disabilities)
- E-cigarettes/Vaporizers/Tobacco
- Balls (including but not limited to footballs, soccer, and lacrosse)
- Firearms or weapons of any kind
- Any other item or action deemed dangerous or inappropriate
Post Game:
The field of play is limited to participating athletes, coaches, trainers and officials. At no time will fans be allowed to enter the field area. (before, during or after.)
Parent Volunteer Group
A Note From Our Nurse....
Our clinics must have a Medication Parent Consent Form on file for students requiring medication administered during school hours. This form must be signed by parent/legal guardian. Medication must be kept in the ORIGINAL bottle. (see links below)
Children who have the following symptoms should stay home and not come to school until these symptoms have been gone for at least 24 hours without the help of medication.
- Fever (100 degrees or higher)
- Sore Throat (with fever or swollen neck)
- Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Rash (with fever and itching)
- Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye (your child can attend school 24 hours after starting medical treatment)
A child with a typical cold, but no fever or green drainage, may come to school.
If a student becomes ill during the school day, he or she must receive permission from the teacher before reporting to the school nurse. If the nurse determines that the child should go home, the nurse will contact the parent.
Community Service Hour Log
Promoting community service is a goal of VAJH! In order to promote and foster serving our community and others, students can earn a community service award at the end of the year awards assemblies to recognize students who give their time, talents, and hearts.
Find opportunities throughout the school year for your child to work on their community service hours. Make sure your child is documenting their community service time on their hour log.
VAMS Community Service Hour Logs are due on Thursday, May 1st.
Click on the link below "VAJH Community Service FAQ Flyer" for more information.
Volunteer Approval Form
Click the button below to access the Volunteer Approval Form. We appreciate our volunteers!
Van Alstyne Junior High
Website: https://jhs.vanalstyneisd.org/
Location: 1722 N. Waco Van Alstyne, TX
Phone: 903-482-8803
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560526280581