Website  |   About   |    Calendar  |   News  |   Giving  |   Contact 
Parent Newsletter
May 4, 2016

On Tuesday, May 3rd, VLHS French I and II students spent the morning teaching the 1st graders at St. Lorenz about the French culture and language.  They shared culture coloring books that they had made, taught them the song "Jesus Loves Me," greetings, numbers, colors, etc. and also helped them make dessert cr�pes.  It was a wonderful morning of nurturing faith, cultivating leaders and educating minds. 
Devotion
Fragrant Offerings
There is something about the sense of smell - it can elicit memories, emotions, and physical reactions. Think about smelling a great meal, or fresh-cut grass. For me, it is the smell of my mom's perfume on her clothes. It's as if she is still there, even though she is reunited with Jesus in Heaven.

Fragrance is powerful - powerful enough to impact the Creator of the world. From Genesis 8:20-21, "Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done." The Lord had just brought a flood that destroyed every living thing on Earth; except Noah, his family, and the inhabitants of the Ark. But it was the smell of Noah's offering that stirred the heart of the Almighty to make a covenant to never bring destruction like the flood.

But gone are the days of sacrificing burnt offerings. Christ has paid our debt as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Paul commands the Ephesians to "follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Eph. 5:1-2) Christ was the fragrant offering that stirred the heart of the Lord. Because of his fragrant sacrifice, we are free to worship him for eternity in Heaven.

2 Corinthians 2:15 states:"For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." We are washed in the blood of Christ, which makes us fragrant because of his sacrifice. And so we must live as fragrant offerings. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2)  May your life be a fragrant offering to our Lord!
~Lindsay Mueller
News
Fourth Quarter Mid-terms Now Available 
Fourth quarter mid-term grades can be accessed by going to www.mystudentdata.com and entering the following information:
  • School code: 50
  • Student ID Number: 10-digit state ID number located on student ID
  • Student's birth date
  • Password:  Chargers  
Please remember that grades can only be accessed if tuition payments are current.  If you have any problems, please call 790-1676.
  
If you have any questions regarding your child's grades, please contact the teacher by calling 790-1676 or by email. Teacher email addresses are available on the school website, www.vlhs.com.
Vote for Valley!
Valley Lutheran is entered in the Independent Bank Investing in Youth Campaign to win $5,000 for the arts program!  The winning schools are determined by facebook votes.  Each qualified individual (at least 18 years old with a facebook account) can vote once per day from now through 5pm on May 16th.  Click here to vote and please share with anyone you know.  Help support the arts at Valley Lutheran!
May 15th Open House
The final VLHS Open House of the school year is coming up May 15th from 2-3pm.  You have one more opportunity to invite anyone you know who is still looking for a high school for their child for next fall.  Think of a co-worker, neighbor, or a friend who has a student in the junior high grades or maybe a high school student who is not thriving in his or her present environment.  Share with them the benefits of a Christ-centered education at an exemplary school and invite them to check out Valley!
Summer Research Opportunity
The Midland Section of the American Chemical Society has funding for a few students to participate in a summer research internship under a program called Project SEED. The SEED program gives economically disadvantaged high school students a unique opportunity to spend 8 to 10 weeks in the summer working side-by-side with scientists to conduct hands-on research. This allows students to get exposure to chemistry, prepare for college, and learn about science career paths. This program is intended for talented but economically disadvantaged students who have demonstrated some interest in pursuing a career in one of the sciences, especially the chemical sciences The Midland Section of the ACS has two SEED I internships available.  If your child is interested in applying for this program please contact Lindsay Mueller at [email protected] before May12th.
Music Department Spring Concert
Students from Valley Lutheran's Music Department will host their Spring Concert
Tuesday, May 24th
7pm
Malcomb Field Theater in Curtiss Hall
SVSU campus
Everyone is invited to come hear the choirs and musicians
directed by Mr. Paul Eschmann, Miss Rebecca Eifert, and Mrs. Lindsay Mueller. 
Dave and Bonnie Duclos Scholarship
The David and Bonnie Duclos Scholarship Committee is now taking applications for the 2016-2017 school year.  Eligible students are those who are members of a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation and a graduate of a Lutheran school.  Please notify Dr. John Brandt ([email protected]) if you are eligible and interested in this scholarship no later than midnight of May 31.
Spring Activity Pictures
Dr. Bill Holden continues to take pictures of Valley students on the field, on the track, and on the stage.  To view the latest gallery of spring pictures click here.
Credit Recovery Classes
Credit Recovery Classes will be offered once again at Valley for students who have failed classes during the school year.  Classes run June 20th to July 21st, from 8am to 11:30am, with no classes on Fridays. 

Cost: $250 for the first (1/2 credit) class 
         $175 for a second (1/2 credit) class  

Registration is open for anyone who failed a first semester class.  Final registration will occur between June 13th-16th, as the second semester grades are finalized.  For full details, pick up a flyer in the school office.
 
Classes are taught online through FuelEd and a VL teacher as in-class support.  All students MUST attend class at Valley, however, additional work may be done at home.  If you have any questions about this program, contact Dr. Lisa Meyers at [email protected] or 989-790-1676.
Register Now for Summer Camps
VLHS Summer Camps fill up fast!  Register before May 31st to receive the registration discount and to guarantee a T-shirt.  The camps offered this summer include: 
  • Art
  • Band
  • Liturgical Dance
  • Football
  • Girls and Boys Basketball
  • Girls and Boys Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Wrestling  
  • Drama   New!
  • Computers:  Web Design   New!
  • Computers:  Programming   New! 
Go here to find links to the informational brochure, registration form, online registration, and concussion form.  Information will also be available in the VLHS office and association school offices.  
Post Prom Thank You
POST PROM WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!  A HUGE thank you to the Committee and our Faculty advisor, Jeanette Weilnau, for all the work that was put into this event and making it so special.  A special thank you to all the Chaperones.  It was a beautiful and long day and we made it.  THANK YOU, EVERYONE!  Anything that you did, whether it was a donation of any sort, an idea you shared, prayers you said, anything at all helped to make Post Prom a success. Everyone is a vital part of the success of Post Prom. THANKS AGAIN.   
 
POST PROM COMMITTEE
Old mp3 Players and Phones Needed
Do you have any mp3 players or old phones you don't use anymore? Mrs. Blake's family group would gladly take them as part of their service project! They will be filled with music and donated to the Saginaw Senior Care and Rehab Center on Service Day.  Contact Mrs. Blake at [email protected] with questions.  Devices can be dropped off in the school office.  Thank you!
Communications Position Available
Valley Lutheran High School is accepting applications for the position of part-time Communications Assistant.  This individual will work closely with the Executive Director, Development Director, and Director of Student Recruitment in communicating the School's mission to its constituencies.  The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who is strong in written communication skills, familiar with Office software applications, social media, and supportive of the mission of Valley Lutheran High School.  The position is for 10 hours per week with a flexible work schedule.  Interested applicants may send a resume' with cover letter by May 20 to Dr. John Brandt, Executive Director, Valley Lutheran High School, 3560 McCarty, Saginaw MI  48603 or by e-mail to ([email protected]).  For more information contact John Brandt (989-790-1676).
Annual Meeting of VLHS Association
You are invited to the annual meeting of the Valley Lutheran High School Association which will be held on Wednesday, May 18th, beginning at 7pm in the VLHS Resource Center.
Community News
5K Fun Run/Walk at Trinity, Reese
Trinity Lutheran Reese is hosting a 5K Fun run/walk on May13th at 6pm.  This is part of a "Change the World" school project for a couple of their students.  Immediately following the event is a free food and fellowship event in the school parking lot.  Please help to stock the local food pantry by bringing a non -perishable item such as household cleaners and paper products.  Follow this link to register for the run/walk: www.surveymonkey.com/r/TLCS-FunRunWalk.  All proceeds from the race will go to the Reese food pantry.  Race flyer and course map can be found on Trinity's Facebook page: Trinity Lutheran-Reese. Last year just over 100 people participated and we are hoping to top that this year!!
St. Paul's Mom to Garage Sale
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Bay City, is hosting a Mom to Garage Sale on Saturday, June 4th, from 9am-2pm:
  • Cost to rent tables is $20.00 per table (rack space available for $5) Vendors-$25
  • Set up is available Friday June 3rd from 5-7pm
  • We will be offering an area for large items to be sold ($1.00 fee per large item placed in this area) 
All sellers will be required to sign, and abide by the rules of a contract which will include information on restricted items such as the sale of weapons, food, or recalled items.  To rent table(s), or for any questions, Please contact us via email or call Lisa at 989-751-5209 ([email protected]) or Brandi at 989-295-6662 ([email protected]).
Camp Concordia
Invite a friend or meet new friends this summer at Camp Concordia!  Or better yet come with a whole church group!  Camp Concordia, where Jesus is at the center of our play, friendships, and conversation, has weekend and week-long camps for grades 1-12.  Check out our website for more information and register ONLINE at  www.campconcordia.org.
Guidance Corner
SCORE REPORTS FROM THE APRIL TESTING
Reports will be sent to the school for distribution before the end of the school year. A copy of your student's report will be sent home with your student. Please contact Mrs. Mueller with any questions.

CLASS OF 2017
Now is the time to consider re-taking the SAT. You will receive a score from the test we took in April, but it may be worthwhile to take the exam multiple times to try and improve your score. Valley Lutheran is a national testing site, so you can test from the comfort of your own school classrooms! Don't forget that you can use Khan Academy to practice SAT skills!

Also, CollegeBoard has extended the deadline for sending your four free score reports from the April test.You now have until May 16th. Information will be coming home with your junior student on how to send those scores. Choose four colleges that you will apply to in the Fall and send your scores. If you have questions, see Mrs. Mueller before the May 16 deadline.

RE-REGISTRATION FORMS
There are still a few outstanding re-registration forms for the 2016-2017 school year. Please return these as soon as possible, as student course requests directly impact scheduling for the following year. Questions or concerns can be sent to Mrs. Mueller.

Just as a reminder, contracts must be completed for AP and Dual Enrollment courses by May 27th.

College and Career Resources
Upcoming Events
May 6            Literary Contest deadline
May 7            SAT testing, 8am
May 9            Moms in Prayer, 8am
May 11          PEEKS at Valley, 8:15am
May 15          VLHS Open House, 2-3pm
May 18          VLHS Association Annual Meeting, 7pm
May 19          NHS Blood Drive, 11am-3pm
May 19          Service Day
May 19          Moms in Prayer, 7pm
May 24          Spring Music Concert at SVSU, 7pm 
May 26          PEEKS, 11am
May 26          Senior Banquet, 6:30pm
May 30          No School - Memorial Day
June 7-9        Final Exams
June 12         Graduation, 2pm
Click on the image above to view the latest Valley Vision.



Mission Statement
Valley Lutheran High School believes that Christ is the foundation of our school and everything that we do.  We prepare our students as children of God academically, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually to serve in the world today and tomorrow.
Valleylogo



John Brandt
Valley Lutheran High School