Spartan Weekly Update June 3-6
AP Summer Assignments 2024
Week At A Glance
See What's Happening This Week
Mon. June 3
Block Schedule-Even
Senior Universal Studios Trip
Tues. June 4
Block Schedule - ODD
Senior Breakfast
Wed. June 5
Finals Schedule-Minimum Day Periods 1-2-3
Senior Graduation Rehearsal @ Fred Kelly 9:30am
Senior Sunset
Thurs. June 6
Finals Schedule-Minimum Day Period 4-5-6
Graduation @ Fred Kelly Stadium 7pm
Fri. June 7
No School-Teacher Day
Senior Grad Night
Administration Update
Finals Week June 3-6
Please be advised of the following schedule for Finals Week, June 3 - 6:
- Monday, June 3: Block Schedule - EVEN
- Tuesday, June 4: Block Schedule - ODD
- Wednesday, June 5: FINALS MINIMUM DAY Periods Dbl Zero, 0, 1, 2, 3
- Thursday, June 6: FINALS MINIMUM DAY Periods Dbl Zero, 0, 4, 5, 6
Class of 2024 - Graduation Caps - Submit Photos Window Open Now!
Senior Graduation Caps - Featured
Seniors:
We are featuring senior decorated graduation caps for our final #spartanweeklyupdate of the school year! - If you decorate your graduation cap and send us a photo, we will post to our social media @vpspartan and website villaparkhigh.org.
Some guidelines:
- Decorations must be school appropriate, avoid inappropriate language and messages
- Email a photo of your cap with student name to Mr. Pongco, jpongco@orangeusd.org
- Deadline for Submission, Sunday, June 2
- Questions - email Mr. Pongco
Senior Medallion Ceremony 2024
Written by: Alexander Tran
This Wednesday, a Medallion Dinner was held for Villa Park High School’s exemplary students at the Orange County Mining Company. Around twenty six students were nominated by teachers for their academic and service achievements while as a student here at VPHS. The process to be nominated for a medallion is intricate indeed. Per a department, one to two students are chosen amongst a group of several teachers. Nominated students typically have exuded an academic excellence within their grades, vested interest, and work ethic.
Congratulations to the following:
DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM & WINNER
ASB
Thalia Nasr
Art
Eden Porter
AVID
Martha Chigua
CTE
Abigail Gomez
Multilingual Learner
Jared Amaro Contreras
Journalism
Sasha Marantz
Photography
Nathan Ayala
Dance
Jenna DePue & Haley Stoico
Language Arts
Ryan Ebert & Anabelle Vu
Mathematics
Jason Trinh & Morgan Shaffer
Instrumental Music
Jose Escamilla & Alexa Pierce
Science
Darina Dang & Trenton Ryu
Social Science
Preston Pham & Robert Huelskamp
Vocal Music
Alessandra Ringgold & Sasha Marantz
World Languages
Lucas Carvajal & Madeline Valenta
Exceptional Learners
Samuel Martinez & Paloma Rangel-Canizal
Faculty Award
Preston Pham & Carter Christie
Principal’s Award
Spencer Jarrell
Get your 2023-24 Odyssey Yearbook Today!
Hey Spartans!
Currently, yearbooks are being printed and will soon be ready for pick up! If you haven't yet purchased a yearbook, you can buy one on the student webstore for $180 or in the Prinicpal's Office for $175. Keep in mind that prices will increase when yearbooks arrive at distribution.
- $185 (Cash/Check) - No Checks for Seniors
- $190.60 with Credit Card
Counselors' Corner
VPHS Academic Competition Class - Fall 2024
Students participate in three activities*:
Mock Trial- Fall
Academic Decathlon - Winter
Model United Nations - Spring
Mock Trial
Students prepare arguments for a given case as either the prosecution or defense. They present their arguments in a mock trial, portraying attorneys, witnesses, and supporting roles. Real judges and attorneys provide feedback and scores.
Model United Nations
Students role-play as delegates of different countries, researching their stances on worldwide issues. Through debate and negotiation, students will tackle problems in a diplomatic matter.
*Not all students will have to compete in all three, but the class will prepare students in all areas.
Academic Decathlon
Students study 7 disciplines related to a topic: Art, Economics, Literature, Math, Music, Science, and Social Science.
Students will develop proficiency in 3 skills: Speech, essay composition, and interview.
On competition day, students will present the culmination of their efforts in various formats, being scored individually and as a team against other schools.
Interested? Learn More Here
EARN YOUR AP CAPSTONE DIPLOMA AT VPHS
Did you know that Villa Park High School offers the AP Capstone Diploma Program?
At VPHS, students with a passion for academic excellence and a drive for success can delve into the AP Capstone Diploma Program, a rigorous two-year course of study. Designed to hone the critical skills essential for college-bound AP/Honors students, this program offers two distinct AP Capstone awards: AP Seminar and AP Research.
College Planning Checklist
Parent vs. Student Responsibilities
Which College Admission Process best suits you?
Counselor Assignments & Contacts 2023-24
A - DE - Lauren Bartelli
DF - JA - Jeremy Bulrice
JE - NE - Jason Pham
NG - SAM - Shasta Campbell
SAN - Z - Doreen Valentin
Interventions & Spartan Wellspace - Frankie Zaffino
Activities
Senior Blowout Assembly
Finishing off the school year for the class of 2024, a senior “Blowout Assembly” was held on Friday in the gym. To add a charismatic feel to the assembly, students also had the opportunity to play games – including a pie, eating, and scavenger hunt game. With tradition in mind for our assemblies year-around, band and color guard; cheer; ASB; and dance also performed. Even teachers, as a farewell to the graduating class, danced as well. Following the conclusion of the blowout assembly, a Senior BBQ was held at the pool where food and drinks were provided. Props to our chefs Principal McCuistion and Athletic Director Mr. Fox
Pops Showcase 2024
The VPHS Vocal Music Department performed for their End of the year Pops Showcase last week and we couldn’t be more proud of them for all their hard work. They performed their hearts out with a variety of pop music, and we can’t wait to see all the future work they’ll continue to do!
-Ava Sanchez🩵🎤
Band Concert - Celebrating the Class of 2024
On Friday, May 31, VPHS Instrumental Music (Concert Band, Orchestra, Brass Quintet, and Chamber Strings) treated us with delightful and wide-ranging musical selections - from popular movie themes like James Bond and Jaws, to themes from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Spirited Away. Band director, Mr. Corbett, also took the time for a special tribute to each of the graduating seniors in the group. We have such an impressive instrumental music program at VPHS!
Yakult Factory Field Trip
On May 29th, Ms. Liu took a group of students from her Marketing and International Business class to the Yakult factory in Fountain Valley. The VP students were given the chance to learn about the history of Yakult, witness the entire process from manufacturing to logistics of the drink, and sample their delicious products. Yakult also showed us their different product lines in North America and around the world, and kindly gave every student a souvenir. Special thanks to Mr. Gray from PFSO for joining us, and to Allie from Yakult for making this wonderful trip happen.
Graduation Checklist
Senior Activities Info Page 1
Senior Activities Info Page 2
Reserved Seating for Graduation 2024
The PFSO is excited to announce the opportunity to Reserve Rows at this year’s graduation. Our availability of rows is limited, so keep you eye on upcoming Weekly Updates for sale details.
100% of funds raised through our Graduation Row sales benefit VPHS students, faculty, and staff through the PFSO's ongoing activities on campus and our annual GOALS grants, which helped fund over $17,000 in faculty projects at VPHS in 2024.
Spartan Profiles
Nicolas Aguirre-Spanish Teacher
Written by: Alexander Tran
Nicolas Aguirre, a dedicated Spanish teacher at VP High School, brings a unique blend of experience and passion to his role. His educational journey began at R.L. Turner High School, where he not only excelled academically but also displayed his athletic prowess, playing football and baseball, all while actively participating in ASB. Mr. Aguirre continued his pursuit of knowledge at Vanguard College, earning a bachelor's degree in business and later a master's in education. During his college years, he remained involved in sports, demonstrating his commitment to both academics and athletics. Before joining VP High School a decade ago, Aguirre worked at several high schools, including Beckman High School, Valley High School, and Covina High School, refining his teaching skills and deepening his passion for education. His official title at VP is Spanish teacher, a role he embraces with enthusiasm. One of his most cherished memories at VP is the four years he spent coaching football, which reflects his dedication to his students both inside and outside the classroom. On a personal note, Mr. Aguirre has lived in Uruguay for two years, and he proudly identifies as a Harry Potter nerd, showcasing his love for literature and a rich tapestry of experiences.
Jennifer Durasevic-English Teacher
Written by: Alexander Tran
Borned and raised in Michigan, Mrs. Durasevic was first inspired to be an educator through her frequent athleticism. Graduating from Trenton High School in 1999, she was an active student-athlete who played both tennis and volleyball. Mrs. Durasevic would eventually go on to play the latter at the University of Michigan, Dearborn for two years. It was here that Mrs. Durasevic was first inspired to pursue education. After two years of matriculation, she would later transfer to Michigan State University where she majored in English and minored in psychology. Mrs. Durasevic would later move to California, and worked as an English teacher at Perris High School for almost two decades. As of this week, Mrs. Durasevic has recently joined our Spartan family as a sophomore English honors teacher. Throughout her career as an educator, Mrs. Durasevic has had a keen interest in her student’s academic and professional life. This passion is exuded in her participation in Perris High School’s AVID program. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Durasevic enjoys pilates, the comfort of her two children who attend OUSD schools, and her favorite book: The Awakening by Kate Chopin.
Athletics
Interested in Joining a Sport?
Contact our Athletic Director, Tom Fox tfox@orangeusd.org
Follow VPHS Teams on Social Media!
Please check out the VP Sports schedule for the latest game schedule, results, and events.
If you are on Instagram, follow our teams to stay updated on game results, schedules, and other team-related events:
- VPHS Boys Basketball
- VPHS Girls Basketball
- VPHS Hockey
- VPHS Rugby (NEW)
- VPHS Boys Soccer
- VPHS Girls Soccer
- VPHS Wrestling
- VPHS Aquatics - Water Polo Boys (Fall) Girls (Winter) Swimming (Spring)
- VPHS Cheer & Stunt
- VPHS Cross Country (Fall)
- VPHS esports
- VPHS Football (Fall)
- VPHS Flag Football (Fall)
- VPHS Girls Golf (Fall)
- VPHS Girls Tennis (Fall)
- VPHS Girls Volleyball (Fall)
- VPHS Baseball (Spring)
- VPHS Boys Golf (Spring)
- VPHS Boys Volleyball (Spring)
- VPHS Softball (Spring)
- VPHS Boys Tennis (Spring)
- VPHS Track & Field (Spring)
Upcoming Events
VPHS Fundrasing Opportunities
We’re happy to announce that a new webpage has been created, in response to parent feedback, to collect all fundraiser events that occur throughout the school year. VPHS Fundraiser Events is now open for all sports teams and boosters, clubs, classes, and VPHS-affiliated organizations who wish to promote their upcoming fundraisers.
Should you wish you promote your event, please contact Mr. Pongco at jpongco@orangeusd.org. We are able to feature events on our newsletter, this new webpage, and in school email broadcasts to our parents and students.
Free and Public Education Notice
Section 5 of Article IX of the state of California constitution guarantees students a "free public education". Any requests financial requests from coaches or teachers shall be donations and therefore not required to participate.
Villa Park is a public school, which means we offer a free public education. Any fees attached to events, such as field trips, are requested as a donation from families. Your child will not be excluded from the event if you are unable to donate for a school day field trip or program.
Villa Park High School Assistant Principal | Curriculum & Instruction