VVSD Staff Spotlight- Katie Thomas, Library & Media Center Director, BJ Ward Elementary
There are two main systems for cataloging books in libraries, the Dewey Decimal System, and the Library of Congress Classification. Both systems were developed in the late 1800’s and remain in use to this day in most libraries. That does not mean there’s not a better way to place books in a library.
In most libraries, the books are shelved with the spines facing outward. At B.J. Ward Elementary School, Library & Media Center Director Katie Thomas is using book racks that allow the front of a book to face students and grouping the books by categories. This is so students can more easily browse the book covers to find something that might strike their interests.
Katie was originally a 2nd grade teacher and begins telling her story by sharing with us when she knew her specific passion as an educator is in improving the reading skills of learners.
Physicals and Immunization Records Due by October 15
For the 2024-25 school year, all Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grade students, and students new to Valley View School District, must have a current physical examination and required immunization forms turned into their school’s nurse, no later than October 15, 2024. Current physicals must be dated within 12 months of the school start date, between August 15, 2023, and August 15, 2024.
All 12th grade students must show proof of having received the meningococcal vaccine.12th-grade entry: two doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
Minimum intervals for administration:
● For 6th-grade entry: the first dose received on or after the 11th birthday
● For 12th-grade entry: second dose on or after the 16th birthday and an interval of at least eight weeks after the first dose
Only one dose is required if the first dose was received at 16 years of age or older. No proof of immunity is allowed.
In addition, according to Illinois law, children entering kindergarten or the Illinois school system for the first time must have an eye exam within one year before the first day of school and provide proof to their school by October 15 of that year.
If these documents are not in possession of the school nurse by October 15, your child will be excluded from school until the required documents are received.
If you have any questions, please visit the Valley View School District Website, or contact the school nurse. Appointment cards will not be accepted as proof of a physical exam or immunization. Visit the Student Health Information page at www.vvsd.org for more information.
VVSD Now Hiring for 2024-25 School Year
VVSD is hiring for a wide range of positions for the 2024-25 school year.We are seeking new team members including teachers, guest teachers, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, operations & maintenance, nutrition services, lunchroom & playground aides, and special education staff.
VVSD’s employment opportunities offer schedules for staff members that are in synchronization with school schedules, making VVSD a great choice for parents who need to have their work schedule match up with the school hours, and Winter and Spring Break for their children. To see all VVSD job opportunities and to apply, visit www.vvsd.org/jobs
VVSD Nutrition Services to Provide Free Meals to Students During 2024-25 School Year
VVSD students pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are offered both a free breakfast and lunch meal each school day during the 2024-25 school year. These meals are offered for free by the National School Lunch Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Community Eligibility Provision for the 2024-25 school year.
No form is needed to receive these free meals. However, families should still complete a Fee Waiver Form to apply for school fee waivers and other financial benefits. The 2024-25 Fee Waiver Form is expected to be available August 1. For more information, visit www.vvsd.org/food
The outdoor track resurfacing project at Bolingbrook HS is just about complete. Some minor tasks remain, but the larger portions of the project are completed.
Our friends from FH Paschen Construction who are working on the Oak View Elementary Early Childhood Center construction visited the current students at Oak View to deliver coloring books.
