This Week in Valley View

VVSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Keith Wood provided an update to the Board of Education at the September 8 Regular Meeting. Dr. Wood highlighted examples of “Classrooms to Community” in VVSD schools and gave a reminder of events coming up to commemorate the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01.

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The VVSD Board of Education approved an agreement with Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) facility dogs to train select VVSD employees to be caretakers for school facility dogs. A facility dog would be paired with the caretaker based on the dog’s personality and the needs of the school. The dog is housed with their caretaker so that they are continually learning and training for a variety of situations. The care of the facility dog cannot interfere with the employee’s job duties and functions, but rather enhance support provided. The agreement includes a provision for payment of a stipend of $750 per semester, to the dog owner for costs related to dog care and safety including liability insurance, dog health, and continued training. In return, the VVSD employee/dog owner would agree to become responsible for the school’s support dog both during and outside of school hours and assume liability. This particular agreement would add a facility dog at Jamie McGee Elementary School.

The VVSD Board of Education approved a proposal to group the three Bolingbrook middle schools and the two Romeoville middle schools into two separate middle school bowling teams. Having two teams under the Valley View umbrella, instead of one team for the district, will expand opportunities for students without significantly raising costs. The two teams would then compete under the bylaws of the Illinois Elementary School Association.

The VVSD Board approved a grant for $25,000 from CITGO Petroleum Corporation to support the purchase of lab equipment being utilized in the Science Departments at Bolingbrook and Romeoville High Schools. The funding will be used to purchase lab materials for the common biology and chemistry curriculum, such as gel electrophoresis investigations and pH sensors. It will also be used to purchase equipment for the common forensics curriculum, including crime scene analysis activities.

VVSD STEP Student Karmine Gonzalez cut the ribbon to open the Next STEP Coffee Shop at Joliet Junior College Romeoville Campus. Next STEP is operated by STEP students taking what they learn about work in class into practical application.

Joliet Junior College, in partnership with VVSD cut the ribbon to officially open the Next STEP Coffee Shop at JJC’s Romeoville Campus, designed to support students in the VVSD Secondary Transition Experience Program.

"The Next STEP Coffee Shop at Joliet Junior College is an exciting partnership that aligns with STEP’s mission by providing students with real-world job skills, community engagement, and support for future vocational learning", said VVSD STEP Principal Marissa Trueblood-Seifert. "We are grateful for our partnership with JJC, and more specifically, this opportunity they are assisting us in providing for STEP students."

The STEP program is a special education initiative serving young adults ages 18–22 from VVSD. The program focuses on building vocational and independent life skills for students with disabilities who have completed their graduation requirements. Through structured, community-based instruction, STEP promotes postsecondary independence and success.

“The collaboration between JJC and Valley View highlights a shared commitment to inclusive education and workforce development,” said Dr. Stephanie Braun, Dean of Academic Intervention, Support and Student Development grants. “By providing meaningful opportunities for all students, this coffee shop strengthens our local community and empowers young adults to reach their full potential.”

The Next STEP coffee shop will serve as a hands-on learning environment where STEP students gain real-world work experience in a supportive setting. From customer service to daily operations, students will develop practical skills that prepare them for future employment and independent living.

The coffee shop will offer a variety of beverages and breakfast items, including freshly brewed coffee, lattes, fruit juices, and smoothies, along with muffins, donuts, and other morning treats. The shop is open to the public and provides a welcoming space for students, staff, and community members to enjoy quality refreshments while supporting a meaningful cause. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday from 8:00am-11:00am during the fall and spring semesters.

Among the many traditions in VVSD takes place every September 11 when Irene King Elementary students and staff gather for the Pledge of Allegiance. This modest ceremony welcomes first responders from the Village of Romeoville and always begins with the simple, eloquent words of Principal April Vacik.

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VVSD is hiring for a wide range of positions for the 2025-26 school year with an emphasis on adding to our teams of paraprofessionals, lunchroom/playground aides and special education teachers.

We are also seeking new team members including guest teachers, bus drivers, operations & maintenance, nutrition services, and special education staff.

VVSD’s employment opportunities offer schedules for staff members that are in synchronization with school schedules, making VVSD a great choice for parents who need to have their work schedule match up with the school hours, and Winter and Spring Break for their children. To see all VVSD job opportunities and to apply, visit www.vvsd.org/jobs

Illinois legislation allows individuals with 60 hours of college credit to apply for a short-term substitute teacher license. The DuPage Regional Office of Education offers the required training, which must be completed prior to licensure. Topics include curriculum, classroom management techniques, school safety, and more.

For more information about becoming a VVSD Guest Teacher, visit https://www.vvsd.org/careers/be-a-substitute

Jane Addams Middle School 8th Grade Student Jenny Escobedo is VVSD’s most recent recipient of the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children "Yes, I Can!" award in the area of technology. Jenny earned the award for her growth in using her Assistive and Augmentative communication device that she acquired last year as a move-in student to VVSD. Jenny will receive her award during the Ray Graham Awards Ceremony and Luncheon during the 2025 Illinois Council for Exceptional Children’s Fall Convention on Sat. Nov. 8 in Naperville. In addition to being recognized within Illinois, ICEC will be nominating Jenny to be considered for the national CEC “Yes I Can!” Award.

Pioneer Elementary 4th Grade Teacher Teryce Walters will appear as a contestant on the Thu. Sept. 18 episode of Wheel of Fortune. The episode will air in the Chicago area at 6:30 pm on ABC 7 Chicago.

In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, the Agenda for the meeting will be posted no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the meeting. Click here to view the Agenda The Meeting is available via live stream on the VVSD YouTube Channel, VVSD365U

In partnership with the Will County Community Health Center, the VVSD School-Based Health Center at Brooks Middle School provides students with access to essential health services, including school physicals, immunizations, and more. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call (630) 679-3844. Summer Hours are Monday-Friday 8 am-4 pm.

Upcoming Important School Calendar Dates

Wed. Sept. 24

Early Release- (Elem 2:15, MS 1:20, HS 12:43)

Wed. Oct. 8

Early Release- (Elem 2:15, MS 1:20, HS 12:43)

Mon. Oct. 13

Indigenous Peoples Day- Schools Closed

Events for the Coming Week

Bolingbrook Park District residents and Valley View School District students are now able to register for the REACH All-Day Care program. All the information and how to register is located at the following: http://www.bolingbrookparks.org/en/programs/reach-extended-school-care/

Fountaindale Public Library

Going back to school is easier than ever when you have a Fountaindale Library card! Now is the perfect time to discover all of the resources your library has to offer students of all ages. Whether you’re looking for homework help, a new book, exciting technology, study rooms or computers, we have you covered. Learn more at fountaindale.org/bts.

White Oak Library District

The White Oak Library District operates branch libraries in Romeoville, Crest Hill, and Lockport. We have a lot of fun and free activities for tweens and teens, and you can check out our program offerings here. If you still have little ones at home, make sure to check out our free morning programs geared towards pre-school aged kids. We also have books, magazines, movies, and video games you can borrow. We even have a ton of virtual content you can borrow right from home. Check our website for all that we have to offer.

West Suburban Community Pantry

West Suburban Community Pantry provides emergency food services to people in DuPage and Will Counties through both our in-person and virtual food pantries. We also connect families with other vital resources so they can pursue a brighter future. We are breaking down barriers that prevent our neighbors from getting the nourishment they need to succeed by offering a variety of services. Find out more at WSCPantry.org, or shop for groceries online at VirtualFoodPantry.net

Romeoville Community Pantry

The Romeoville Community Pantry is a community service organization operated by volunteers in the Romeoville community. The Pantry serves anyone who lives in Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Lockport, Plainfield, Lemont, and Crest Hill. The pantry is open every Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Clients are asked to provide a current photo ID and proof of residence in order to participate in our services. The location is inside the United Presbyterian Church located at 2 Belmont Drive in Romeoville. Please check the Romeoville Community Pantry Facebook page for any further updates https://www.facebook.com/romeovillecommunitypantry/

Northern Illinois Food Bank

The Northern Illinois Food Bank is conducting mobile food banks and micro pantries in the vicinity in the near future. Please bring bags or boxes. Micro Pantries are designed to allow anonymous food pick-up for those in need and a drop-off point for those who wish to help. Micro pantries are accessible 24 hours a day. To find a Micro Pantry near you visit: http://arcg.is/04LijC

Will County MAPP Food Micro Pantries

Will County Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships conducts micro and mobile food pantries throughout Will County. Click here for more details and a map of locations.