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Parent Newsletter
August 1, 2016

Welcome back! Valley Lutheran students and chaperones spent July 21-31 on a mission trip to France. While there, they proclaimed their faith in Jesus by teaching Vacation Bible school to missionary children. They also toured the country and even dressed as superheroes. To learn more about their trip or to see pictures, visit the group's Facebook page
Devotion
"Fearless:" Really? 
The Senior Class officers traditionally select the year's theme and Bible verse. I am convinced that God works through them each time I write the devotion for the first Parent Newsletter of the school year.  This year is no exception.

Since the selection of the theme "Fearless," many have completed the summer read based on war.  Personally, my read of "The Forever War" by Dexter Filkins made me feel just about everything but "fearless." There have been terrorist attacks on civilians in several European countries and across the Middle East. In our own country, the death of several individuals in police custody has resulted in violent demonstrations and attacks on police. There is plenty to fear.

"Fearless" is not a theme based on false bravado or the invincibility of youth. It is based on the theme verse found in God's word -- "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."  -- James 1:2-3.  I would add verse 4 as well -- "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."   

A "mature and complete" faith causes you to know that God is in control in all circumstances. It causes you to know that you are never alone. It causes you to know that, regardless the trials, in the end Jesus wins! It causes you to be able to live "fearless."

I don't want to "face trials of many kinds," and you probably don't either. But we will and so will your children and our students. It is good to know that while we are working on earthly tasks in the classrooms and on the playing fields and stages, we are also maturing in our faith so that we truly can be "fearless."

Thanks for joining us in this exciting challenging important task.

John Brandt, Ed.D.
Executive Director
News
Last Chance for Sports Physicals Aug. 2
sports physical exam is required to practice and/or try out for all athletes planning on participating in sports during the 2016-17 school year. Physicals will be given by Dr. James LaFleur in the VLHS cafeteria and locker rooms on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 4:30-6pm. Cost is $12 per person payable to Dr. LaFleur. Forms are available in the office or can be found at the link below. The form should be filled out BEFORE the physical is done.
 
 
If the exam was given on or after April 15, 2016, it is a valid physical for the coming year. Any physical before this date is considered expired.
Additional Fall Sports Information
In addition to a physical exam, each sport might require unique equipment that each athlete is asked to bring to the first practice. If you are unsure of what to bring to practice, please contact the coach. Football practices start Monday, Aug. 8. All other fall sports practices start Wednesday, Aug. 10. For more information about practice times, contact the coaches listed below.

Football - Randy Finney: 989-233-5441 or [email protected]
Boys' Soccer - Doug Guenther: 989-792-4506 or [email protected]
Cheerleading - Lori Rickleffs: 989-598-6669 or [email protected]
Girls' Golf - Don Burdo: 989-751-0169
Cross Country - Jennifer Blake: 308-380-6570 or [email protected] 
Volleyball - Jon Frank: 989-284-9008 or [email protected]
Back to School Materials List
Some suggestions as you start shopping for school supplies: You can find a general school "Materials List" here, which lists items required/recommended for specific classes. Here are a couple more suggestions:
  1. Each student should keep a set of "ear buds" at school for personal use. We have sets of headphones available for our computer towers but when students are using the Chromebooks in the classroom, it is nice for them to have their own personal set of ear buds.
  2. In revising our theology curriculum, it has become more important that freshmen and sophomores have a personal copy of the ESV Lutheran Study Bible that they will use for the rest of their high school years. If your student already has a study bible, don't purchase an additional one.  If they do not have one, you can purchase them online (cost is approximately $35/paperback and $50/hardback).  The Concordia Publishing House is the primary distributor and their selection of Bibles can be found here.  We will try to have some available at school for purchase as well.
Many people ask if their student can bring in a technology device.  The answer is "Yes, please!" Students may use laptops, tablet, Chromebooks, etc. in classes, study hall, and lunch.  While students are not required to have a device, they are encouraged to bring one (if available) and use it in the academic setting.  If you are interested in purchasing a device, any laptop, tablet, or Chromebook would be acceptable.  We have found the Chromebooks to be very functional and flexible. They can be purchased for as little as $125.
New Theology Curriculum
The Religion Department is excited to announce a new theology curriculum beginning this fall. Freshmen and sophomores will be taking Theology 1 and Theology 2 (respectively), which will provide coverage of the Old and New Testaments but in a thematic rather than sequential way. Themes include topics such as: Adolescence, Christ, Creation, Faithfulness, Adversity, Covenants, Church, and Human Sexuality from a Biblical perspective. The emphasis is on students being able to read and interpret scripture, know that their salvation is in Christ alone, and be able to explain their faith to others.  It would be helpful for ninth and tenth graders to have a Lutheran Study Bible (ESV) version which will serve as the textbook for the courses.  

The juniors will be taking one semester of World Religions and one semester of World Views. They will examine other religions in light of Christianity and the difference between looking at things with a world view as compared to a Biblical viewpoint. Seniors will be taking Ethics with some updated curriculum as well.  The junior and senior levels of the Orange Lutheran curriculum will be rolled out in 2017-18 and 2018-19.  We believe that all of our students will benefit from this new approach which covers foundational concepts and emphasizes deeper level thinking and application.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Meyers at 989-790-1676 or [email protected].
Summer Read Reminder
Time is winding down to work on the Summer Read assignment. All incoming students were asked to select a book from this list, to be read BEFORE the beginning of the 2016-17 school year.  A writing/research project is to be completed and turned in by Thursday, Aug. 25. It will be graded and count toward the student's English grade. A copy of the project guidelines can be found here. Contact Dr. Lisa Meyers, Academic Dean, at 989-790-1676 or email [email protected] with any questions.
Concession Help Needed for 2016-17 School Year
Before reading further, please understand this request is more than just working a game or two during a particular season or event.  We will need that, too, at some point!!  What we need is for someone (maybe a husband and wife team?) to help open the concession room/building for our parent helpers. This is a VERY important position and would require arriving early on game night. PLEASE call or email if this request "moves" you to help. Things start again around Aug. 25. The Booster Club relies on concessions revenue for a good chunk of the money they give back to extra curricular activities every year. Please contact Stacy Smith, Booster Club Chair, at [email protected] or Kurt Hofmeister at [email protected]  We'd be happy to share more details. Thank you!
Class of 2017 News 
  • Seniors and parents of seniors: Please review the following guidelines for submitting your photos for the yearbook: Senior Portrait Yearbook Specs. 
    If you have any questions contact Miss Feldkamp at [email protected].
     
  • Save the Date!  The Senior Class Retreat will be held Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Camp Timbers.  Hope to see you there!
17th Annual Golf Scramble
Our 17th Annual Golf Scramble will be Saturday Sept. 17 at Apple Mountain Golf Course. Brochures are available in the school office or can be downloaded here. The Golf Scramble helps raise money for the Student Aid Fund, which provides tuition assistance for students in need.
Freshmen and New Transfer Home Visits
Every freshman and new transfer student will have a home visit from a teacher by Aug. 19.  This home visit helps everyone become acquainted before school begins, and it is a good time to get those questions answered.  Expect a phone call to schedule this visit.
Sophomore/Junior/Senior Info Night 
Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, and their parents are asked to attend meetings at school on either Thursday, Aug. 11 or Tuesday, Aug. 16th to receive information specific to those classes.  The meetings will begin at 7pm and last for about one hour.
  
There will be another meeting immediately following both nights for National Honor Society prospects.
Transfer Student Orientation Aug. 16
Students transferring to VLHS from other high schools will have orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 5:30pm, with a light supper provided.  Sophomore, Junior and Senior students and their parents should plan to stay and attend the hour long Sophomore/Junior/Senior meeting that evening beginning at 7pm.  Please RSVP at 790-1676 or [email protected] by Aug. 14.
Parent Organization Plans for the Year
The first meeting of the parent organization is 7pm Monday, August 15 in the cafeteria.  All parents are invited!

This crucial organization coordinates several fund raisers throughout the year and then determines where they will donate the proceeds to support the academic program of VLHS. In the past, the Parent Organization has provided things such as professional development for teachers, supplemental science equipment, classroom sets of novels and most recently -- a Chromebook cart!

Participants may select which Parent Organization activities best fit their schedules. Please consider joining this active group. Contact Lisa Meyers at 989-790-1676 ext. 12 or [email protected] for more information.
Saginaw Township Transportation
Students living in Saginaw Township can utilize the Saginaw Township Community Schools Bus Service by clicking on the link below to download a form that will allow the student to ride the bus. 
This form is due Aug. 16 to begin transportation on Sept. 5. There is no township transportation during the first two weeks of school.
Free and Reduced Price Meals  
Applications can be picked up in the school office.
Job Opportunity
Valley Lutheran has an opening for a paraprofessional to provide supervision and assistance in the school's Resource Center each day after school. The position is part time from 3-4:30pm (Monday-Thursday) and 3-4 pm (Friday). The ideal applicant will have experience working with high school students, familiarity with computer applications (especially Microsoft Office and Google Applications)and is supportive of the ministry of Valley Lutheran High School. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume' to Executive Director John Brandt via e-mail ([email protected]) or to the school office at 3560 McCarty Road in Saginaw MI 48603.
Guidance Corner
SCHEDULE CHANGES
Students wanting to change their schedules should contact Mrs. Mueller before school begins. Much work goes into scheduling and balancing class sizes before school starts. Schedules will be released through My Student Data at 5pm Friday, August 19.

CLASS OF 2017 SUMMER CHECKLIST
It is not too early to start working on college applications! The summer before senior year is a great time to start thinking about your future and applying to schools. If you need transcripts or other documents sent, email Mrs. Mueller at [email protected]. One thing to watch - some schools have a BINDING early action application, which means you have to go there if you are accepted. Do your homework before you submit!
  • Narrow the list of colleges you are considering attending. To aid in this process, visit the schools that interest you if possible.
  • Narrow that list even further by contacting colleges to request information as well as applications for admissions. Ask college representatives about financial aid, admission requirements and important deadlines. Use all available resources: Check out school websites, make phone calls and even talk to people you know who have gone to a school that you're considering.
  • Use the FAFSA4caster Financial Aid Estimator and compare the results to actual costs at the colleges to which you will apply.
  • Apply for scholarships and get involved in your community! A lot of scholarships highly value community service as a part of their eligibility requirements.
  • If you have any questions along the way, please contact MI Student Aid by emailing [email protected].

SUMMER SAT PRACTICE
Don't forget, Khan Academy and the CollegeBoard have teamed up to offer FREE SAT prep from the comfort of your home and the convenience of your smartphone! You can also link your accounts, which gives you personalized preparation based on  your latest PSAT or SAT scores. You can complete a daily question, focus on a particular subject area, or even take a real practice exam! https://www.khanacademy.org/sat

CAREER AND COLLEGE INVENTORIES
Not sure where to start with choosing a career and/or a college? Check out CollegeBoard's College and Career Search. There are lots of resources available FOR FREE, so check it out!
Community News
Free Student Heart Screen
St. Mary's of Michigan is offering free heart screenings for students age 14 to 19 on Thursday, Aug. 4 at the Michigan CardioVascular Institute, 1015 S. Washington Ave. in Saginaw. Registration is required. To schedule an appointment, call 844-907-8000. Screenings will take place between 5-8pm and last about 30 minutes.
JME Memorial Run/Walk Sept. 10
The St. Paul Lutheran Church and School's Fifth Annual JME Memorial Run/Walk is Saturday, Sept. 10. There are five races: One-Quarter Mile Race (10 and under), 2-Mile Run, 1-Mile Run, 2-Mile Walk and 1-Mile Walk.

Registration forms can be found at www.stpaulbaycity.org. The cost is $10 per event. All forms and entry fees must be received before Aug. 31. Those participants will receive a T-shirt. If you have questions, call 989-684-4450.
Upcoming Events
Aug. 2                   Sports Physicals at Valley, 4:30-6pm
Aug. 8                   Fall Football practice begins
Aug. 10                 Boys Soccer, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Cross-Country, Girls Golf practice begins 
Aug. 11                 Sophomore/Junior/Senior Night #1, 7pm
Aug. 16                 Transfer Student Orientation, 5:30pm
Aug. 16                 Sophomore/Junior/Senior Night #2, 7pm
Aug. 19                 Freshmen Orientation, 7pm
Aug. 24                 School begins, 8am
Aug. 26                 School pictures
Sept. 2-5               No school - Labor Day weekend
Sept. 10                ACT Testing, 8am
Sept. 13                Back to School Night, 6:30pm
Sept. 17                Annual Golf Scramble, 7:30am
Sept. 27                National Honor Society Induction, 7pm
Sept. 28                Service Day
Sept. 30-Oct. 2     Senior Retreat
Oct. 1                    SAT Testing, 8am
Oct. 8                    Homecoming Dance
Oct. 13-14             No School
Oct. 28                  End of First Quarter
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.
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John Brandt
Valley Lutheran High School