VMS ELKS Roundup
SEPTEMBER 2025
Say Something Anonymous Reporting System
At VandenBerge, the safety and well-being of our students is a top priority. We are committed to providing resources that empower students to speak up when they see or hear something concerning. One of these resources is the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, which allows students (and parents) to safely and confidentially share important information with trusted adults. Another important part of our safety plan includes ALiCE drill training, which will take place in September. These drills help prepare students and staff to respond effectively in the event of an emergency.
Here is a more detailed letter from the school district with additional information about this program (SSA parent letter).
In addition to this resource, our staff and students also participate in ALiCE safety trainings (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate). These trainings provide age-appropriate strategies to help students and staff know how to respond in the unlikely event of an emergency. We practice these drills in a calm and supportive manner, with the goal of building confidence and preparedness while keeping students’ well-being at the center.
Please see the detailed letter outlining ALiCE drill taking place in September.
September is Suicide Prevention Month
With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing, and really truly listening, can save lives. No one has to face this alone; help exists, and healing is possible. All it can take is for one person to start a conversation.
Please visit ISD728’s Prevention & Safety Website resources
Thumbs Up is an Elk River-based nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading awareness about mental health and providing support and resources to all.
The organization began in 2014 with a 5K memorial run. It has now grown into an expansive nonprofit with over 10 programs aimed at meeting the mental health needs of the surrounding community.
Through each of these programs, Thumbs Up works to unite our communities, break the stigma surrounding mental health, support those in need, and create space for all to choose to keep moving forward.
One such program, the Youth After-School Program, is a safe place for middle & high school students to hangout, build community with one another, & have access to mental health resources. In addition to various structured activities, Thumbs Up provides snacks, games, books, craft supplies, and more.
The After School Program is open to all middle & high school students and takes place Monday – Thursday from 2:15pm – 5:00pm. The kickoff date for Elk River is Monday, October 20th.
Location: 305 Jackson Ave. Suite B, Elk River, MN 55330
Learn more and sign up here: https://thumbsupformentalhealth.org/youth-after-school/
Please ensure your child has a spare change of clothes available in their locker, in case of illness, injury, or menstrual cycles. We have very limited items available for use. If you have clothing you wish to donate, please contact Katelyn (katelyn.broermann@isd728.org).
We also don't have snacks available for students who miss a meal. Free breakfast and lunch are available to all students.
Please reach out to the Health Office with any questions about how to provide medication to your student during the day.
September Newsletter Link
Updated: We’ve had to adjust our school picture makeup and retake days to avoid conflicts with Homecoming festivities and dress-up days. Please see the updated dates listed below. If your student had their picture taken at Open House, you’ll also find directions included below.
Wednesday, October 1 - Picture Makeup Day - Make Up Day is only for students who did not get their picture taken at open house.
Friday, October 24 - Picture Retake Day
Click here for flyer
Yearbooks
CLICK HERE: Order yours today!!
DECA
Need Elk River apparel? Check out what the DECA students have put together this year. The SWAGON will be open at home football games or check out our online store: https://elk-river-deca-depot.square.site/.
Elk River Football
VandenBerge Families, as we approach the start of Elk River Football under the Friday night lights, here are a few reminders to ensure that everyone has a safe and fun time.
Stadium Entry & Reentry
Gates will close at halftime.
Reentry will not be permitted if a guest leaves the stadium. This policy began during the 2023 Section Playoffs and will remain in place moving forward.
New Regular Season Start Time – 6:00 PM
We’re kicking things off a little earlier! As with many metro-area schools, all varsity football games will now begin at 6:00 PM to better accommodate families and support safe supervision of large crowds. We hope this change makes it easier for more fans to enjoy the game from start to finish.
Student Supervision
All elementary and middle school students must attend with a supervising adult. Students may not be dropped off or left unattended at any time. A responsible adult must stay at the game and remain close by throughout the evening.
Items Not Allowed in the Stadium
To keep the atmosphere positive and safe, the following items are prohibited:
Student bags (including backpacks and purses).
Balls, flags, face paint, props, or noisemakers.
Any nuisance items or pets.
Elk Bucks & PBIS Incentives
We are excited to share one of the positive systems we use at school to encourage and celebrate great behavior—Elk Bucks!
As part of our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program, students have the opportunity to earn Elk Bucks when they demonstrate our school-wide expectations, such as engagement, leadership, kindness, and safety (ELKS). Staff members hand out Elk Bucks when they see students making positive choices, going above and beyond, or serving as role models for others.
Students can then use their Elk Bucks for fun incentives, which might include special privileges, classroom rewards, or other opportunities at the school. This system not only motivates students to do their best but also reinforces the positive behaviors that create a safe, supportive, and welcoming school environment.
We love seeing students’ excitement when they earn Elk Bucks, and we are proud of the many ways they are showing leadership and kindness throughout our building!
Partnership with Every Meal
We are partnering with Every Meal (Formerly the Sheridan Story) to offer a free bag of food to our families every weekend. All students qualify for this food program. Students should be coming home with a brochure with all the information, and if it’s something they would like to sign up for (no requirements), they can fill it out and return it to school; otherwise, if they need additional information or they didn’t receive anything going home, they can contact Kate Burgoon (kathryn.burgoon@isd728.org).
School Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm
School Website: https://vms.isd728.orgRegistration: Welcomecenter@isd728.org (763.241.3536)
District Website: www.isd728.org
