Valley Heights Elementary Schools

We had a fun time celebrating the 100th day of school! Students participated in numerous activities in their classrooms to celebrate the day!

This Tuesday we will have our dental screenings. Every student will get screened unless you reach out to our office notifying us you do not want your child screened. If you send in completed paperwork, your child will get a fluoride treatment, but again, this is only if you fill out the paperwork sent home!

This Friday, February 13th we will have Valentine's parties. February 16th we do not have school due to a staff professional development day. February 25th school dismisses at 11:50 am and we will have Student Success Meetings from 12:30-8:30 pm. There will be no school on February 27th.

Monday:

• Colts Round Up

Tuesday:

• Dental Screening
• Colts Round Up

Wednesday:

• Colts Round Up

Thursday:

• Colts Round Up

Friday:

• Valentine's Day Parties

Looking Ahead:

• February 16th No School- Staff Professional Development
• February 25th Dismiss @ 11:50 am. Student Success Meetings 12:30-8:30
• February 27th No School

It was a busy and exciting week at Blue Rapids elementary. On Tuesday the 5th and 6th graders traveled to Topeka to attend a Topeka Symphony performance, giving them the opportunity to experience a high-caliber musical event not available locally. On Wednesday, several students competed in the Marshall County Spelling Bee in Marysville, with Lexi Dummermuth advancing to the final five—our strongest showing in several years. Thursday marked the 100th day of school, the students and staff celebrated with a fun scavenger hunt and special activities that highlighted how much students have learned this year. A reminder to 5th grade families to attend the 5th Grade informational transition meeting and Family Fun Night on Wednesday, February 11 at 6:00 p.m. where Mr. Spoonts, Mr. Savage, and Mr. Staples will be available to share information and answer questions. There will also be a fun activity for everyone to participate in.

Here are some upcoming dates to remember:

• Dental Screenings - February 10th
• 5th Grade Informational Transition to 7-12 Building Meeting/Fun Night - February 11th 6 pm
• Valentine's Parties - February 13th
• Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL - February 16th
• Board of Education Meeting - February 16th
• Early Dismissal @ 11:50 am; Student Success Meetings @ 12:30 to 8:30 pm - February 25th
• No School - February 27th

As always, thank you for the privilege and blessing that it is to work with your children. My door is always open if you have any concerns or you need to visit.

-Mr. Staples

Zaiden, Easton, Edison, Twila, Aurora, and Lexi participated in the annual Marshall County Spelling Bee on Thursday, February 5th. Congratulations to Lexi, who placed in the top 5 out of 36 students! Way to go Lexi!!!

Mrs. Reinecke planned a scavenger hunt on Thursday, February 5th, to celebrate the 100th day of school. Each classroom and the lunch room had pictures hidden of Teachers, Paras, and Admin staff. Throughout the day, students found the pictures and attached them to the poster. As you can see, fun was had by all!! Thanks Mrs. Reinecke for such a fun day!!

I want to briefly share an overview of the State of the District included in this presentation. We begin with historical enrollment data, which shows a gradual decline over time. That trend matters because enrollment directly impacts funding and long-term planning. At the same time, it’s important to highlight what’s going right. Our district ranks number one on state assessments in the league, has earned National Blue Ribbon School recognition, and continues to receive many other academic and program awards. These achievements reflect the dedication of our students, staff, and community. You’ll also see information on rising energy costs across our three buildings, along with increasing insurance premiums, which continue to put pressure on our operating budget. This information is not meant to create alarm, but to reinforce the need to be proactive and intentional as we plan ahead. This presentation has been shared with BRCAT, Waterville Community Connections, the Lions Club, Rotary Club, District Site Council, and our teachers and staff, community engagement remain a priority.

This week's VHS ticket winners were Lux and Alyvia earning lunch with Mrs. deBoer and Mia and Charlotte winning prizes!

Each week we'll give you a fun question to talk about around the dinner table with your family! Eating together as a family is an excellent time to strengthen relationships and check in with your child and their needs. Enjoy discussing the question of the week!

Did you know you can pay your child's lunch fees online? We'll even cover the processing fees for you so you have no extra fees! Click HERE to be taken directly to the link! Or you can navigate to this page from the Valley Heights website, then clicking on Parent & Student Resources, then Online Payment.

Check out the Schools That Care newsletter below for information on resources available in our community!

Early Head Start 0-3 provides services to infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. It promotes

• healthy prenatal outcomes, healthy babies
• enhances the development of infants and toddlers, and
• promotes healthy/thriving families

NEK-CAP, Inc. receives federal funds for 160 children to operate and provide Early Head Start (0-3) services for infants, toddlers, pregnant mothers, and fathers.

NEK-CAP, Inc. receives federal funds for 238 children to operate and provide Head Start services. Head Start is committed to cultivating partnerships with the community to ensure that children and families receive an array of individualized services focused upon early childhood development, family support, health and education.

Head Start/Early Head Start 0-5 services are available at no cost to children and families. Up to 10% of enrollment may be used to serve children that are over income. Transportation is available at some locations.

Click HERE for more information!

Did you know that even though packaging no longer has box tops on them to cut out, that you can still support your school? Download the Box Tops app and scan your receipt to earn money for schools. This is a simple way to give back to your community! Click here for more details!

Another avenue of supporting your school is through Casey's rewards! Check it out at caseys.com/community/donate-your-points!

Email: judeboer@valleyheights.org tstaples@valleyheights.org sspoonts@valleyheights.org
Website: www.valleyheights.org