Spartan Weekly Update Nov 10-15

What's Happening this Week
Monday November 10
ODD Day
Dress for Success - 2 detentions off (Learn More)
Tuesday, November 11
Veterans' Day - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, November 12
EVEN DAY
Thursday, November 13
ODD Day
College Thursday- Wear College Spirit Gear - Clears 1 Detention
Simon Scholars Information Night for 9th & 10th Grade - 5:45pm at AUSD Center - RSVP & More Info
VPHS Theatre - "Alice in Wonderland" - 6pm PAC - Get Tickets
Friday, November 14
EVEN Day
Sprit Friday - Wear VP Spirit Gear - Clears 1 Detention
VPHS Theatre - "Alice in Wonderland" - 6pm PAC - Get Tickets
Saturday, November 15
Saturday School, 8am - 12pm, Room T16 - Clears 4 Detentions
VPHS Theatre - "Alice in Wonderland" - 2pm & 6pm PAC - Get Tickets
Administration Updates
VPHS Celebrates Día de los Muertos
On Monday, November 3rd, Villa Park High School celebrated Día de los Muertos with a beautiful student-created display in the main breezeway. The celebration was highlighted by a special performance from our very own Ballet Folklórico club during Nutrition Break.
The Spanish Club president shared immense pride in the performers, highlighting their incredible dedication and commitment over the last two months. For many of the students, this was their first-ever performance after just two months of practice. They courageously pushed past nerves to share their beautiful culture with the entire Spartan community.
📸 Photos by: Arianna Garcia '27
VP Mock Trial Scores Round 1 Victory
to VP Mock Trial on its Round 1 victory against Santa Ana High School on Thursday , November 6. The prosecution earned a conviction. Shalani Perera was named MVP as an attorney and Lily Barajas earned a perfect score for her witness portrayal. It was a true team effort.
No Tardy November
November is our chance to focus on improving student attendance by getting to ALL CLASSES ON TIME. VPHS Administration is offering students a chance to earn up to 5 detentions off each week in November. Here are the instructions:
- On Monday morning, sign up for the No Tardy Challenge in the Counseling Office with Mrs. Zlaket
- Attend school all week with NO TARDIES to any class period.
- Earn up to 5 detentions off per week (15 detentions max for 3 weeks)
- Students with multiple detentions are encouraged to participate every week
- November 10 - 14
- November 17 - 21
5-Star Digital Student ID - Required for Short Day Release
Hello Spartan Families,
To improve campus security and streamline student dismissal, Villa Park High School is implementing a new procedure for students who leave campus early.
Effective Monday, August 25th, all students who have a Short Day Period or Athletic Release Period will be required to present their 5-Star Student Digital ID card when exiting the security checkpoint in the front of campus.
To be dismissed, the digital ID must display the appropriate Short-Day Release Badge, which will be visible on the student’s 5-Star home screen. This badge verifies their eligibility for an early dismissal.
How to Access Your Digital ID:
Students can access their digital ID by downloading the 5-Star Students app on their mobile device.
No Phone? No Problem.
Students who do not have access to a mobile device can report to the Counseling Office before their dismissal time to receive a short day sticker on their physical ID card. This will serve as their pass to exit campus.
We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and secure campus for everyone.
Thank you,
Villa Park High School Administration
Student Conduct & Guidelines 2025-2026
Take a moment to review the VPHS Student Conduct & Guidelines for 2025-2026. To give students the best educational experience possible, it's important that students not only are aware of the rules, they abide by them. Administration and staff will make sure to build a culture of accountability so that students may thrive.
- Student Attendance: Students who arrive late to class after the bell rings for each period are tardy. There is a 6-minute passing period to move from class to class. Students who earn 4 tardies will be assigned a lunch detention. We appreciate parent support in encouraging students to be prompt and show up to classes on time!
- Student Conduct Guidelines 25-26: Outline of student behavior and consequences administered by Student Services (Discipline). Please take a moment to review school policies on the following topics:
- Attendance Policy
- Saturday School & Loss of Activities
- Lunch Detention
- Campus Deliveries
- Dress Code
- Student Parking
Click Here to Review Student Conduct Guidelines
- Attendance: Parents must call or deliver a note to the Attendance Office within 72 hours to clear a student's absence. Students will be held accountable for their attendance through lunch detentions or Saturday School for unexcused absences. If a student is absent from school, they must provide an excuse for an absence (Illness, Personal, Medical Appointment, etc.). Calls to attendance can be made to (714) 532-8020.
Schoolwide Consequences - Detention & Saturday School
Students:
Be advised that Detentions have carried over from last year for all current 10th, 11th, and 12th graders.
VPHS is committed to holding students accountable for their actions and promotes good decision-making and responsibility. To these ends, we offer a diverse system of accountability to allow students to "work off" their earned detentions:
- Attend Lunch Detention (Mon. through Fri. Room 205)
- Attend Saturday School (offered 2 times per month, 8am - 12pm, Room 205)
- Dress for Success Mondays - Dress Professionally to school, 2 detentions off
- College Thursdays & Spirit Fridays - Wear College gear on Thursdays and VP gear on Fridays, 1 detention off for participation.
If a student is assigned lunch detention or Saturday School, Mr. Pongco will notify students as well as parents. It is each student's responsibility to serve the appropriate consequences in a timely manner. Lunch detentions should be served the same week they are assigned. Saturday School must be served at the soonest available date.
Should you have any questions, please contact Mr. Pongco or Mrs. Zlaket in the Counseling Office.
Senior Class of 2026
SENIOR PORTRAITS AND PARENT AD DEADLINES FOR THE YEARBOOK ARE COMING UP.
Hello all Senior Parents and Students,
- PARENT AD INFORMATION: If you would like to purchase a PARENT AD, or space in the yearbook to include fun photos of your student from their childhood along with a kind message, please see the order form attached below. Deadline for submission is No Later than March 27th.
- SENIOR PORTRAIT INFORMATION: If you have not yet had your Senior Portraits taken you must schedule an appointment with PSS Imaging by either calling 714-630-7785 or visiting their website (https://www.pssimaging.net/seniors1). Please make every effort to have your portrait taken before the end of January.
- YEARBOOK PURCHASE: Don’t forget, you can still buy our 2025-26 Yearbook! They are $175 and you may pay on the VPHS Webstore or in the principal’s office.
Lastly, should you have any questions please email Mr. Hill at ghill@orangeusd.org.
Thank you for your support,
Mr. Hill and the Odyssey Staff
Spartan Activities
VAPA Spotlight
VPHS E-Sports
Marvel Rivals Schedule
Fall season is upon us and VPHS Esports Marvel Rivals team is in full swing of competition from now until November. Don’t miss out on the excitement and join us for a home game
Eye Glasses Donation
Do you, a family member or friend have eyeglasses you no longer need? A student at Villa Park is running a nonprofit organization that donates them to those in need! Bring in your glasses in a bag with your name and drop them off at the Counseling office.
Spartan Spotlights
Spartan Staff Spotlight: Mr. White
When asked what he enjoys most about VPHS, Mr. White says it’s all about the people—he loves communicating with students, building connections, and being part of their high school experience. What he values most about his job are those daily interactions and watching students grow and succeed, especially seeing them walk across the stage at graduation.
Spartan Spotlight: Avery Phillips
Avery’s favorite memory this year was cheer camp, where she bonded with new teammates and created lasting memories. She’s especially looking forward to the upcoming stunt season—a separate sport from cheer that focuses on tumbling, jumps, and stunt sequences in competitions against other schools. Avery can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds and is excited for cheer competition season ahead!
Spartan Spotlight: LJ Castillo
Junior LJ Castillo is a dedicated and active member of the Villa Park High School community. LJ participates in two honors choirs, Bella Voce and Madrigals, runs cross country, and is involved in several clubs, including National Honor Society. LJ also serves as the vice president of The Envelope Project, a club that earns volunteer hours by creating thoughtful letters and cards for homeless shelters, the elderly, and others in need of a kind note.
One of LJ’s favorite memories this year was Villa Café, the choir’s first show of the season. LJ loved bonding with friends, being silly backstage, and performing together on stage. Looking ahead, LJ is excited to learn a lot this semester and can’t wait for the upcoming winter concert with choir.
Counseling Updates
Simon Scholars Program - What Families Need To Know
Attention 9th & 10th Grade Students and Parents:
The Simon Scholars Program is a unique first-generation scholarship program that begins at the end of a student’s sophomore year in High School and continues through college completion and into the workforce.
The Simon Scholars Program will host an in-person, family informational night at the Anaheim Unified High School District Professional Development Center at 5:45 pm. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Interested in learning more about the Simon Scholars Program? Invite your Parents, Guardians, and or Trusted Adults to our family informational night!
RSVP to our session by using the link below:
November 13th, 2025, 5:45 pm - 7:00 pm
https://forms.gle/gKfn6hmkA86VizzXA
For more information regarding the Simon Scholars Program and eligibility requirements, please visit https://simonscholars.org or contact recruitment@simonscholars.org
Counselor Assignments & Contacts
A - C - Lauren Bartelli
D - H - Jeremy Bulrice
I - M - Jason Pham
N - R - Shasta Campbell
S - Z - Doreen Valentin
Spartan Wellspace - Agnes Cimino
College Planning Checklist
Parent vs. Student Responsibilities
Which College Admission Process best suits you?
Athletics
This Week in Sports
Girls Tennis
On Wednesday, our Girls Varsity Tennis Team triumphed over Corona High School in the first round of CIF with a final score of 10 to 8. This Friday, they advance to the second round to compete against Pacifica Christian High School. We wish them the best of luck!
Football
Friday, our Varsity Football team went on the road for their first round of CIF against Westlake High School. The team came home with a 28 to 24 win and will advance to round 2 CIF on Friday at Fred Kelly. Let's rally behind our team and show them our Spartan support!
Support VPHS Dance
Support VPHS Baseball
Interested in Joining a Sport?
Contact our Athletic Director, Tom Fox tfox@orangeusd.org
Follow VPHS Teams on Social Media!
Please check out the VP Sports schedule for the latest game schedule, results, and events.
If you are on Instagram, follow our teams to stay updated on game results, schedules, and other team-related events:
- VPHS Boys Basketball
- VPHS Girls Basketball
- VPHS Hockey
- VPHS Rugby (NEW)
- VPHS Boys Soccer
- VPHS Girls Soccer
- VPHS Girls Wrestling (NEW)
- VPHS Wrestling
- VPHS Aquatics - Water Polo Boys (Fall) Girls (Winter) Swimming (Spring)
- VPHS Cheer & Stunt
- VPHS Cross Country (Fall)
- VPHS esports
- VPHS Football (Fall)
- VPHS Flag Football (Fall)
- VPHS Girls Golf (Fall)
- VPHS Girls Tennis (Fall)
- VPHS Girls Volleyball (Fall)
- VPHS Baseball (Spring)
- VPHS Boys Golf (Spring)
- VPHS Boys Volleyball (Spring)
- VPHS Softball (Spring)
- VPHS Boys Tennis (Spring)
- VPHS Track & Field (Spring)
Upcoming Events
- Nov. 11: Veterans' Day - No School
- Nov. 24-28: Fall Break
- Dec. 18-19: Finals Minimum Day / End of 2nd Quarter/1st Semester
VPHS Fundrasing Opportunities
We’re happy to announce that a new webpage has been created, in response to parent feedback, to collect all fundraiser events that occur throughout the school year. VPHS Fundraiser Events is now open for all sports teams and boosters, clubs, classes, and VPHS-affiliated organizations who wish to promote their upcoming fundraisers.
Should you wish you promote your event, please contact Mr. Pongco at jpongco@orangeusd.org. We are able to feature events on our newsletter, this new webpage, and in school email broadcasts to our parents and students.
Free and Public Education Notice
Section 5 of Article IX of the state of California constitution guarantees students a "free public education". Any requests financial requests from coaches or teachers shall be donations and therefore not required to participate.
Villa Park is a public school, which means we offer a free public education. Any fees attached to events, such as field trips, are requested as a donation from families. Your child will not be excluded from the event if you are unable to donate for a school day field trip or program.
OUSD Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination (UCP)
Orange Unified School District annually notifies its students, employees, parents or guardians of its students, the district advisory committee, school advisory committees, appropriate private school officials, and other interested parties of the Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) process.
The UCP Annual Notice is available on the district's website.
The Orange Unified School District is primarily responsible for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, including those related to unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying against any protected group, and all programs and activities that are subject to the UCP.