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Parent Newsletter
August 15, 2016
Fall Sports Season Underway
Volleyball players work on serving during drills at practice this week. Matches begin Sept. 12. The boys soccer team plays its first game Aug. 22, while the football team opens Aug. 26.
Scripture
Turn to God for Help
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
-- Psalm 145: 18-19
News
Sophomore/Junior/Senior Info Night 
There is one remaining meeting night for sophomores, juniors, seniors, and their parents at 7pm Tuesday, Aug. 16. Information specific to those classes will be shared at the meeting, which will last about one hour.
  
There will be another meeting immediately following for National Honor Society prospects.
Transfer Student Orientation Aug. 16
Students transferring to VLHS from other high schools will have orientation at 5:30pm Tuesday, Aug. 16, 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.
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 tomorrow (Aug. 16) to begin transportation on Sept. 5. There is no township transportation during the first two weeks of school.
Schedule Changes
Students needing 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, Aug. 19.
Back to School Materials List
Some suggestions as you shop 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, tablets, Chromebooks, etc. in classes, study hall and at 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 is acceptable. We have found the Chromebooks to be very functional and flexible. They can be purchased for as little as $125.
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.
School Pictures
Picture day will be Friday, Aug. 26. Order forms will be sent home the first week of school.
Medication Procedure  
Per state regulation, over-the-counter medications must be supplied by the student. A permission form for non-prescribed medication must be on file in the office in order for the student to self-administer their own over-the-counter medication (Tylenol, cough drops, etc.). Those students needing to take a prescription medication at school will also need a form on file. Medication forms must be updated for the new school year and signed by a physician. Find those forms here: 
Parent must deliver all medications to the school office and pick them up.  Students will not be allowed to take them home.
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 Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Camp Timbers. Hope to see you there!
Hot Lunch Price for 2016-17
Hot Lunch Prices for the 2016-17 school year are $28 for a 10-punch card. Individual lunches remain at $3. Cards may be purchased in the office before school. Applications for free and reduced lunches are available on our website.
AT&T Offering Low-Cost Internet Service 
Access from AT&T is designed to help bridge the homework gap for students and families by bringing low-cost home Internet service to qualifying households. The program offers discounted home Internet service to qualifying households with at least one resident who participates in the U.S.D.A. Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). 

There is no term commitment, no deposit, no installation fee and no charge for an in-home Wi-Fi capable gateway. To apply, visit the Access website or call 855-220-5211.
Job Opportunities
Valley Lutheran has an opening for a high school Math teacher. The ideal candidate will be a commissioned minister of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod certified to teach high school Math. The ability to lead an extracurricular activity is also desirable. Other applicants may be considered. Applicants may send a resume with references and a cover letter to Dr. John Brandt, Valley Lutheran High School, 3560 McCarty, Saginaw, MI 48603 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For further information, call Dr. Brandt at 989-790-1676.

Valley Lutheran has an opening for a paraprofessional to provide supervision and assistance in the school's Resource Center 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 at [email protected] or to the school office at 3560 McCarty Road in Saginaw, MI 48603.

Bethlehem Lutheran School is looking for a part-time Latchkey Caregiver for the hours of 2:45-5:30pm. Duties will include: supervising students after school hours, helping with homework, planning enrichment activities and ensuring the safety of all students. Applicants must possess a high school diploma and a background check is required. Apply at the school office or by email at [email protected].

Bethlehem Lutheran School is looking for a part-time Lead Caregiver for the preschool from 7:30-11:30am Monday through Friday. Applicants must possess a current CDA or required combination of education/experience as determined by the State of Michigan. Submit a letter of interest and resume to Nicole Frederick at [email protected] or call 989-755-1144 ext. 212.

Bethlehem Lutheran and Holy Cross Lutheran Schools are looking for a full-time Spanish teacher. Applicants must be Christian role models with a current Michigan teaching license. The position requires shared time between both schools. If interested, contact 989-755-1144 ext. 212 or 989-793-9795. Resumes can be submitted to Nicole Frederick at [email protected] or Roger Wolter at [email protected].
New Roles at Valley
Valley Lutheran staff members are swapping some responsibilities for the 2016-17 school year.
  • Paul Eschmann will be the Technology Coordinator.
  • Amy Cooper will teach additional math classes, including Geometry.
  • Natalie Keup is the new Special Needs Program Coordinator. 
  • Jeff Rauschert is the new Communications Assistant.
Concession Help Needed for 2016-17 School Year
We need someone to 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 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].
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.
Guidance Corner
FREE COLLEGE GO APP
CollegeGo guides students through the steps they need to take on the road to college. Once they download the app, students can login through their College Board accounts and access information through BigFuture.

SUMMER SAT PRACTICE
Don't forget, Khan Academy and the CollegeBoard have teamed 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 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
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.
Growing Leaders Internship Program
Growing Leaders is a non-profit organization committed to turning ordinary students into growing leaders who will transform society. They offer internship opportunities that provide personal and professional development. Interns gain valuable experience while serving alongside Growing Leaders staff members. Positions are available during the spring, summer and fall semesters. Students must be 19-25 years old to apply. 

For more information or to apply for an internship, visit the Growing Leaders website.
Upcoming Events
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, 8am
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