The Mustang Messenger

The new bleachers are in and they look absolutely fantastic! You can find pictures of the completed project in this newsletter. A big thank you goes out to Mr. Spoonts and Ryan Bishop for all the work that went into the project to make it happen! Once the next two phases of updates are complete our gym will look incredible.

We started our spring testing cycle this week with the Kansas State Assessments! Our students and staff have been preparing for these tests from day one and now it is time to see where we stand class-wise. Every student in the state of Kansas participates in this testing. To give you an idea of how the Kansas Assessments work we test the following grades in the following subjects: English Language Arts – Grades 7, 8 & 10; Math – Grades 7,8 & 10; Science – Grades 8 & 11. The test results generally come back in late spring so we can see what areas we need to improve upon here at Valley Heights when we start school in the fall. How can you, as a parent, help? Make sure your student is getting a good night’s rest prior to the test date. Make sure your student is eating a good breakfast on test day. The rest is up to us! We will tell the students to take their time on the test and to do their very best!

Spring sports are now officially underway! Our baseball team started off the year with two wins over the Blue Valley Rams with scores of 13-12 and 13-2! Our junior high track team travelled to Washington County for their first meet of the season and both coaches said they saw some really good performances from our 7th and 8th grade groups. Our JV Golf team saw some action on Monday as well when they travelled to Onaga for a 9-hole match. We are just getting started with the spring schedule so check the District Calendar often if you would like to see our Mustangs compete!

Members of our FBLA chapter travelled to Topeka on Monday and Tuesday of this week to compete in the FBLA State competition. So far, we know that Chad Bargdill and Violet Slifer have placed high enough to compete at the National Convention in late June. Due to some technical difficulties on the state’s end we will have to wait to see if we have other qualifiers.

Over spring break, we had some basketball players named to different lists. On the first team of KSHSAA Covered was senior, Ava Smith. Mia Vermetten and Paige Miller were listed as Honorable Mention picks. On the Sports in Kansas list, once again, Ava Smith was named first team and Mia Vermetten and Paige Miller were Honorable Mention. Ava Smith was also selected to the KBCA first team. Congratulations ladies! Job well done!

Our next two weeks are short ones for us here at Valley Heights! We have Friday off this week and Monday of next week! However, we do have baseball and softball games here at Valley Heights on Monday starting at 4:30 pm. Come on out and cheer on the Mustangs!

Let’s go Mustangs!!

Mr. Savage

With track season starting, the athletes have been working hard everyday at practice. The first meet is on April 7th at the high school. Senior Mia Vermetten is looking forward to “competing in my last season, with a really solid group of people hoping to return back to state.” The athletes aren’t the only ones excited for the season. Coach Broxterman says, “I am most excited to see the growth of our athletes from the work they have put into the offseason. Track is nice because you get a lot more one-on-one time with the athletes.” The teams' hard work and dedication have set the stage for a promising season ahead!

Article by Teagan Spoonts

Kaine Seleska comes in relief and picks up the win! VH baseball wins 13-12 vs Blue Valley in Game 1 on Monday.

Wednesday was Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! We appreciate all they do to selflessly serve the students every day.

FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) was busy at the Stormont Vail Event Center in Topeka for the state FBLA conference. On Monday and Tuesday, students competed in testing and performance events.

Congratulations are in order for Guen Conti who placed 10th in Tech Support and Services; and to Chad Bargdill and Violet Slifer for placing third in Visual Design. Chad and Violet have qualified for the national competition in San Antonio this summer.

Unfortunately there were technical difficulties with the competitions that were testing only. We are going to have to wait an unknown amount of time to get these results. We will release that information as we receive it.

Congratulations to all of our state FBLA competitors.

Mustang Forensics had an impressive showing at the TVL Tournament on Wednesday! Of our 17 entries, 14 medaled and 4 more events qualified for the State Championship. As a whole, the team placed 2nd overall, with individual student scores adding to our total points. Individual results are: Carter - 1st Prose and 1st Solo Acting Serious Abigail - 2nd Solo Acting Serious Julia - 1st Solo Acting Humorous and 1st Informative Dino - 2nd Solo Acting Humorous Bryce - 7th Solo Acting Humorous Lawson - 1st Original Oration Klara - 3rd Informative Everson - 3rd Impromptu Speaking Abigail and Guen - 3rd Duet Acting Lawson and Everson - 1st Improvised Duet Acting Dino and Julia - 2nd Improvised Duet Acting Carter and Klara - 4th Improvised Duet Acting

Mrs. Gallimore's twins made their way into the world on Monday, March 30th at 35 weeks and 1 day old.

Twin A- Georgia Faye 6lbs 6oz, 17 in. Born at 9:25 p.m.

Twin B- Gracie James 5lbs 15oz, 17 in. Born at 9:27 p.m.

Congratulations to Mrs. Gallimore and her family!

Phase 1 is complete in the Valley Heights Gym and the new bleachers are ready to go! Phase 2 will begin in early June and will include gym floor refinishing to continue improving our facility for students and the community. These improvements would not be possible without the incredible support from our donors. Because of your generosity, the district is able to address $392,000 across four projects, with all but $5,000 covered through outside donations, CD interest, and investments. Thank you to everyone who contributed through BRCF Match Day and individual donations. Your support is making a lasting impact for our students and community.

Engineers Mark Bachamp and Jared Loomis from Olsson Engineerging came to speak to the 8th Grade Physical Science class about Civil Engineers and what they do on Thursday. They then led a Hydraulic Challenge for the class. Team members had to construct a system to flow 400 milliliters of water. The challenge was to get the longest structure to flow as much of the 400 milliliters from one point to another. Winning team members were Dino Conti, Alakii Hillson, Ruth Hankensiefken, Ellarie Claycamp, Allie Hanke and Cooper Watt.

Students enjoyed playing Disc Golf during P.E. class on Thursday.

Don't forget to sign up for the Valley Heights Spring Athletic Banquet!

Sign up by April 9

$15 at the door

Sign up here:

https://forms.gle/uiQhnZoy4hMApyYE8

Valley Heights Ag Students are making corsages and boutonnières for prom this year!! Please see the linked Prom Flowers Info/Order Form.

https://drive.google.com/.../1eUdXUJedc0dob2ioyUH.../view...

Prom Flower Orders and payment are due to Ms. Husband by Tuesday April 7th!!
Orders and payment turned in after Tuesday will NOT be accepted.

Wednesday morning at 7am (by appointment) and after school Wednesday at 3:30pm

Contact Mrs. Stevenson (lstevenson@valleyheights.org) with any questions

Yearbooks are on sale for $50!

Talk to Miss Jones (ajones@valleyheights.org) or a member

of the Journalism staff to purchase yours today.

"Say YES! to a formal dress" events will be held on Wednesdays after school from

3:30-5:00 pm on the below remaining date.

Wednesday, April 8th

The event is for girls seeking a formal dress for Jr High Dance, Prom, competition, graduation or other formal event. Many colors, styles and sizes to choose from. Some new dresses with tags have been donated, others have been worn once and still look great! Simple alterations may be available. Bring a friend to try on dresses, take pics, style your hair and make-up too! Snacks will be provided.

There will be a Pickleball Tournament at the Blue Rapids fairgrounds on April 11th at 10 am. This is for all ages, and there is no entry fee.

Valley Heights NHS 3-on-3 tournament is April 18th. Contact bturner@valleyheights.org for more information and to get your team registered or you can register your team using the Google Form below:

https://forms.gle/qN2HLscfd7iaipN48

Team registration due April 11th.

Spring is here, and that means it's time for baseball and softball season!

The next home games for Baseball and Softball happen on Monday, April 6th vs D-West @ 4:30pm. We are excited to welcome everyone out to support our student athletes. There's nothing better than seeing our community come together at activities.

We want to give a big thank you to all of our partners and supporters who help make these seasons possible. Your support means everything to our teams, coaches and school.

We hope to see you out at the fields soon!

Check out Ms. Jayne's latest newsletter at https://app.smore.com/n/nxuj6

Ms. Jayne's schedule each day will begin at the VH Jr/Sr High to meet student needs there before the bell rings. The rest of the week will primarily be:

• Monday at Blue Rapids
• Tuesday at Waterville (third Tuesday is Harvesters)
• Wednesday at VH and out and about in our community
• Thursday AM in Waterville/PM in Blue Rapids
• Friday at VH

Meet the Family Advocate, Jayne Whitson by appointment. She is available to help students and families succeed with resources, referrals and donated items to help during a family trauma, crisis or setback.

The best way to reach the family advocate is via cell, 612-202-7366.

Blue Rapids, KS 66411

785-363-2508

Principal-Mike Savage

Athletic Director-Jordan Broxterman

1. Come to the HS office between 8am and 4pm

2. E-mail Mr. Savage msavage@valleyheights.org

3. Call the office (785)363-2508

Email: vhhs@valleyheights.org
Website: valleyheights.org
Phone: (785)363-2508
Facebook: facebook.com/vhusd498
Twitter: @usd498