Wow! We got hit by a pretty good winter storm this past week with snow, some ice, and some very cold temperatures. This made it necessary to cancel classes on Tuesday and Wednesday and we had a 2-hour late start on Thursday. I know that I am officially done with winter at this point and I am sure many of you share the same thoughts. Cancelling classes due to extreme weather is not something we take lightly. We have students on busses very early in the morning and students and staff who are commuting to our buildings. Their safety is our main priority when these decisions are made. Every effort is made to make sure our busses and district vehicles are ready for the extreme weather and will bring our students safely to school and home again after classes have been completed. Most of us are now looking forward to the weekend with the daily temperatures reaching a balmy 55 degrees on Sunday and 63 degrees on Monday. Bring on spring!!

The weather really messed up our schedule out here as well! Our FFA Pancake Breakfast has been moved to Tuesday, February 25th! The FFAmily Night scheduled for February 20th will also be moved. Be on the lookout for new information as events get rescheduled. Our last home game is still a go with the Mustangs hosting Onaga on Friday, February 21st! This is Parent Appreciation night so we invite all of you to come out and support our Mustangs!

Our FACS group is sponsoring their annual FACS Supper on Wednesday night, February 26th. The menu consists of Caesar Salad, Lasagna, French Bread, and Chocolate Cake. Serving begins at 6:00 pm. Cost of the meal is $35 for a couple and $20 for a single. The FACS group will provide supervision for your children and there will also be entertainment during the banquet. This is always a great event with great food so plan on attending if it fits into your calendar.

We are hosting Student Success Meetings this week! Monday night’s sessions got cut short when the blowing snow made the roads tricky to navigate. The threat of bad weather made us postpone our games with Blue Valley to Thursday night, February 20th. Because of these changes we now have our second night of SSM’s and the Blue Valley game on the same night! The majority of our staff, with the exception of our coaches and some parents, will be available to meet with our parents and we look forward to the chance to discuss your child’s progress.

With the snow days in play and no school tomorrow I am going to cut my article short this week!

Remember – our students do not have classes on Friday, February 21st and Monday, February 24th!

Have a great week and Let’s go Mustangs!

Mr. Savage

NEW SCHOOL/TEAM RECORD! The HS girls bball team managed to make it on the jumbotron EIGHT times while watching KSU women take down TCU!

BE KIND. “Random Acts of Kindness Day serve as powerful reminders that kindness is not just an action but a way of life. By participating, people can create ripple effects of positivity in their communities,” said Brooke Jones, Vice President of the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. Celebrated each year on February 17, this day is a reminder that even doing one random act of kindness to a stranger can make their whole day. In New Zealand, where this day originated, Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated on September 1. However, it is also recognized by some on other days throughout the year. Nevertheless, doing random acts of kindness is something that can be done every day of the year.

Article by Lili Slifer

Jr. Jigh Scholars Bowl walked away from their first meet in 2nd place at the Luckey Tournament! Cannot wait to see how the rest of the season plays out! Congratulations!

Art is often about the bigger picture, but for senior Khloe Gunn, the magic lies in the details. This week's featured artist creates and embraces precision, texture, and intricacy.

Pictured below, Khloe showcases her latest creations. She enjoys using a variety of mediums. Her latest piece is an oil painting entitled "Seen, But Not Heard." Khloe loves art because, "it allows her to relax and take a break from the stress of her other schoolwork."

FFA Pancake Feed moved to Tuesday 2/25 7:00-9:00am If you plan to place a large to go order please fill out this form by Sunday 2/23 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_8t1g5_hNz1IGPO-wTTS8r990sLUdY79J5Umuz1sAP-bv3A/viewform

FAMILY OVER EVERYTHING. Mack Odell Shanks was born July 23, 2006 to Monty and Cheri Shanks. Mack grew up in the small town of Blue Rapids, Kansas with his older brother Brayden and his older sister Bailey. Mack's favorite quote is “Family over everything.” He first heard it as a kid and it has always stuck with him. Mack's favorite song is “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears. His favorite foods are either mac’ n’ cheese or pizza.

Mack has been involved in Forensics and Golf 1 year; FFA and Vocal 2 years; All School Play 3 years; and KAY, FACS, FCA, Football, and Basketball 4 years. Mack's ideal weekend plans are hanging out with his friends and family. An accomplishment Mack is most proud of is making it to his senior year. One thing people might not know about Mack is that he actually has 2 older siblings.

Mack's parents have always had the biggest impact on him. They showed him what hard work looks like and that hard work will make you successful in the future. A high school memory he will never forget is Mr. Savage's Freshmen/Sophomore English class, when Mack would mess with him all the time. Some advice Mack would like to give to underclassmen is to work hard and fulfill every moment. When Mack leaves this Valley Heights community he wants to be remembered as someone who was nice and caring to the others around him.

After high school, Mack plans to attend college at K-State to pursue a degree in business. His future dreams are to graduate from K-State and become a millionaire. In 10 years, Mack sees himself with a wife and kids, hopefully living in Florida.

Article by Tayra L’Ecuyer

Senior Parents: Here is a list of scholarships through the Kansas Board of Regents along with a PDF to describe scholarships and grants you could potentially be eligible for. These have all been sent to the seniors emails but please let Mrs. Gallimore know if you need help. https://www.kansasregents.gov/resources/PDF/Students/Student_Financial_Aid/State_Aid_Brochure_2025-26_Application.pdf https://www.kansasregents.gov/students/student_financial_aid

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. Email 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