SVHS Headlines

Email: satkins@swanvalley.k12.mi.us

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

February:

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 13th-16th- BPA State Competition/ (Students leave March 13th @ 1:00PM)

March 18th-20th- SVHS Book Fair- See below for more details

March 24th- 28th- Spring Break

March 31st- School Resumes

Winter Driving

I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of safe driving, especially during the winter months. With changing weather conditions and busy school schedules, it’s crucial for everyone in our community to stay alert, follow traffic laws, and prioritize safety in school zones and on the roads. Whether dropping off or picking up students, please allow extra time, reduce distractions, and remind young drivers to be cautious.

Thank you for helping us keep our students and families safe.

Mrs. Atkins

There are only a few weeks of Trimester 2 left. Students please continue to work hard and finish strong as the trimester comes to a close. Your effort is important.

There is after school tutoring available. Check the schedule and/or check with your teachers. They are here to help you do your best. If you need assistance, reach out to me, I would also love to help you.

Mrs. Wiley

Dear Seniors,

Once again, we are honoring and highlighting each and every senior from the graduating class of 2025. Each school day, two seniors will be highlighted on the Swan Valley School Districts FB page and on our Live Feed on the website. The first senior is highlighted at 7:00 am and the second senior is highlighted at 11:00 am. Seniors are picked at random. Be sure to get your senior picture submitted to your yearbook class if you haven’t turned it in already. I hope you enjoy being celebrated!

Have a great week!

Ms. Hanson

Do you have a baby on the way? Or know someone who is expecting? Do they need a car seat for a newborn, or a toddler booster?

Thomas Township Police Department offers baby car seats and boosters. Through partnership with DHS our Department is available for your car seat needs.

Please contact our office for questions and the installation process.

Stay safe, stay vigilant

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 2/17/2025

This past weekend several of our band students traveled to Bay City Central High School to perform in our MSBOA District V Solo & Ensemble.

Congratulations to the following students on their hard work and amazing performances!!

Victoria Durow and Haven Rohde - Saxophone Duet - Second Division Rating

Trenton Chauvette and Harrison Dammann - Brass Duet - First Division Rating (State Qualifier)

Demi Buckley - Clarinet Solo - First Division Rating (State Qualifier)

Lisa Woods - Flute Solo - First Division Rating (State Qualifier)

Trenton Chauvette - Horn Solo - First Division Rating (State Qualifier)

Lucas Kilts - Horn Solo - First Division Rating (State Qualifier)

Please stop in and help us celebrate National Reading Month as we “March Into Reading”!

The Swan Valley High School Library will host its first Book Fair, March 18–20, 2025, from 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the High School Library. Come by and browse the exciting collection of

books provided by Lowry Books.

Hope to see you there!

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.

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

The Audio/Video Broadcasting Students went to PBS on Thursday, January 23rd. The students really enjoyed learning how a video studio operates. There were over 13 positions to run the studio. Our PBS host had all our Swan Valley students take turns at each of the positions: host, guests, director, three floor camera operators, and in the back of the studio there were several audio and video controllers. The students had an opportunity to perform 4 different positions. Then, we had a tour of the PBS Radio Station 90.1. They saw the first video camera in 1964 that was used at the PBS Station. It is 100 times the size of the camera we currently use. What a learning experience for them.

To view the album please click on the following link -

Audio/Video Broadcasting Field Trip Photo Album

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

February:

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/

Football Parent Meeting

There will be a football informational meeting for next year’s high school football season on Monday, February 24th at 6:00 p.m. in the high school library. This will be for any prospective players that plan on playing Freshman, JV, or Varsity Football and their parents / guardians.

If you have any questions, you can email Coach Kevin Gavenda at kgavend@swanvalley.k12.mi.us.

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.

Swan Valley High School Open Weight Room Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Opportunity for students to register for Esports Night at the Saginaw Spirit Game on February 20. Please see link below for individual registration(not school sponsored):

Get ready for an exciting night of Esports action! Northwood University Esports is teaming up with Block House to bring you Esports Night at the Saginaw Spirit game on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Dow Event Center – and you’re invited!

Here's the Plan

• 5:00 PM: Esports Night kicks off with Rocket League, doors open at 4:45 PM.

• 6:45 PM: Trophies and a Fanboni ride are presented to the winning team.

• 7:05 PM: The puck drops, and the fun begins!

  
  

Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to Esports, this event is for gamers of all skill levels. Meet Northwood Esports players, and coaches, and learn more about our program while competing for the win!

Registration is FREE and includes one upper-level Saginaw Spirit ticket. Additional tickets for gamers' friends and family can be purchased at a discounted price of $13.

Register Now: Northwood University Esports Night: Powered by Block House

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 click on the following link:

Shields Family Literacy Night Student Volunteer Form

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.

Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum 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.

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..

READ Association Volunteers

The READ Association of Saginaw County is currently working on plans for a Summer Mentor Program. Our regular Mentor Program takes place during the school year, mostly during the school day. Trained volunteers meet with elementary students in need of extra reading practice. In order to reach more students, the READ Association would like to continue this during the summer and the Thomas Township Library has agreed to be a host. This program would be a good match for Swan Valley students. The meetings would be one hour per week.

If you are interested please reach out to Samantha Engel @sengel@readsaginaw.org

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.