Spartan Weekly Update DEC 1-6

What's Happening this Week
Monday Dec. 1
Regular Monday Schedule
Tuesday Dec. 2
Odd Day
Wednesday Dec. 3
Even Day
SCC Application Workshop for Seniors - RSVP Here
Thursday Dec. 4
Odd Day
Day 1 - 12 Days of Detention (Listen to Announcements)
Friendsgiving - Lunch Clubs Fundraiser (Rescheduled)
Friday Dec. 5
Even Day
Day 2 - 12 Days of Detention (Listen to Announcements)
Noche De Posada - 6pm in the PAC - VPHS Spanish Club Event - Learn More
Saturday Dec. 6
Saturday School - Double Credit (8 Detentions off) 8am-12pm Rm. T-16
Administration Updates
Congratulations, Mrs. Campbell - VPHS Assistant Principal
My name is Shasta Campbell, and I am honored to introduce myself as the newly appointed Assistant Principal of Villa Park High School, effective December 1. As I step into this role, I bring with me nearly 19 years of dedication to our Spartan community, first as a teacher, and for the past 11 years as a counselor. Villa Park has been my home for almost two decades, and it is a privilege to continue serving our students, families, and staff in this new capacity.
Students on my current caseload will continue to receive full support from our outstanding counseling team whenever I am unavailable due to my new duties. The search for a new counselor is already underway, and we will communicate updates as soon as they are available. I will also continue writing letters of recommendation for my seniors applying to college and will complete all mid-year reports for the Common App this school year.
I look forward to supporting all of our students in new and meaningful ways and am grateful for the continued trust of our Villa Park community.
VP Remembers: Where History Comes to Life
This special program connected students with military veterans, providing a “hands-on history lesson” that goes beyond textbooks and videos. Veterans shared their firsthand stories and answered questions, which allowed students to gain a deeper and more personal understanding of military life and its lasting impact. Some of the veterans are former VPHS teachers, students, and parents and grandparents of students.
The veterans represented were from all U.S. Military branches and ranged from young active duty service members to John Russo, a 103 year old WWII Veteran. We honor and thank all the Veterans for their service and sacrifice. ❤️🤍💙
The VP Remembers Event Committee led by Andrea Lui wishes to thank the Freedom Committee of Orange County and Villa Park High School for bringing this event to our history and government students. Another special thank you goes to OUSD, VP City Council, Mr. McCuistion, Mr. Pongco, Ms. Scott-Sawyer, PFSO, the incredible VPTV crew, and amazing ASB volunteers. 🤩
We also wish to thank @rockwellsvillapark for their generous donation. 🩵
Black Friday Special on School Pictures for 25-26: 25% of All Orders
Spartans:
Offer valid for Registration 25-26 Portraits Only. Discount code must be added to cart before checkout in order to redeem this offer.
Order Today & Save
Black Friday Savings are here!
The biggest sale of the year is on, and you won't want to miss it! From November 25th through December 1st, take 25% off your entire order with this code:
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Click below to view and order your portraits and save BIG!
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
VPHS E-Sports
E-Sports Undefeated Season
Our Marvel Rivals team just wrapped up their regular season with a spectacular 7-0 UNDEFEATED record! They showcased incredible skill and teamwork, securing major victories against tough opponents in our division, including Mater Dei and Bosco Tech.
The excitement is just getting started. We are now awaiting the release of the playoff brackets to see who we face first on our path to the VHEL (Valhallan Esports League) title.
But the news gets even bigger... Based on their dominant season, our Spartans are currently ranked #1 IN THE NATION by the Esports Championship Series! This amazing achievement could earn us a coveted invitation to the national championships in Florida.
This is a special group of students who have poured countless hours into this success. If you have any of the following students in your class, please join me in congratulating them on this massive accomplishment:
Kylah Dickson (Band)*
Jack Leventon-Snell*
Emma Dierking (Girls Flag Football/Track)
Anthony Sanchez Penaloza (AP Student) *
Luis Malvaez*
John Arellano
Elijah Acevedo
Oliver Palacios Ayala (AVID) *
Jayden Silva (Choir / Volleyball) *
Jayden Yumang (Theatre)
Jason Pantaleon
Kevin Aguirre
*= starter on the team.
This is just the beginning for this talented team as we gear up not just for a deep playoff run, but also for the CIF spring league that begins in mid-January.
Go Spartans!
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: Mrs. Durasevic
One of her favorite things about VPHS is the wide range of extracurriculars, clubs, and theater performances the school offers—she appreciates that there truly is something for everyone. What she loves most about her job, though, is watching students grow and succeed, both academically and personally. Mrs. Durasevic is thankful for her family, the many opportunities she has had throughout her career, and for being part of the welcoming and vibrant community at Villa Park.
Spartan Spotlight: Grace Aguilar
As she enters her final semester, Grace is determined to finish strong—focusing on doing her best academically and preparing for graduation. She is especially thankful for her family, friends, and God, all of whom have supported her throughout her journey and helped her reach this exciting milestone.
Spartan Spotlight: Jonathan Zemichael
His favorite memory this year was traveling to Ethiopia over the summer—a meaningful experience that connected him with his roots and broadened his perspective. Looking ahead to second semester, Jonathan is excited for the relief that will come after finishing college applications. Above all, he is thankful to God for being with him throughout his life and guiding him through each new chapter.
Counseling Updates
New Elective: Ethnic Studies Starts 2nd Semester
Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary field that critically examines the histories, cultures, and experiences of racial and ethnic groups, particularly those that have been historically marginalized. Originating from 1960s social justice movements, the field uses a holistic approach to understand the societal, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of race and racism, with a focus on promoting social justice and dismantling power hierarchies. Key areas of study include the experiences of Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders, and Latino Americans, and the field incorporates perspectives from history, sociology, anthropology, and political science.
California's Assembly Bill (AB) 101, signed in 2021, mandates that the semester course be a graduation requirement for all students in the class of 2030 and beyond.
Counselors are beginning to enroll students in the Ethnic Studies course. If you would like to enroll in Ethnic Studies for Spring 2026 that will be held during DOUBLE ZERO PERIOD, please fill out this form.
This semester long course will count for 5 elective credits towards graduation and is a "G" elective for CSU/UC admission requirements.
If you would like to COMMIT to VP's Ethnic Studies Course for Spring 2026, please sign up by clicking the button below.
SCC Application Workshop - Dec. 3
Santiago Canyon College will be hosting an Application Workshop on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, and we invite you to attend! This event will take place in the VPHS Library and is a great opportunity to get hands-on support with your SCC application and learn about programs and benefits available to you.
During the workshop, you’ll learn about:
What to Bring:
New academic pathways, including:
Pre-Nursing & Allied Health Science
Companion Animal Training
Computer Information Systems
Data Science
EMT
911 Dispatcher
Keck Graduate Institute – Doctorate of Pharmacology
Priority Registration (Early Welcome)
Two years of free tuition
Contact Information:
A laptop
Your Social Security Number (if applicable)
We encourage all seniors planning to attend community college—or considering it—to join us. This is a great chance to get your questions answered and take the next step toward your future.
Phone: 714-628-4808
Website: sccollege.edu/outreach
Email: outreach@sccollege.edu
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
Boy's Basketball
This week, the Varsity basketball team started strong with a decisive 92 to 26 win against South Gate High School on Monday, while the Frosh/Soph team lost to La Habra High School, with a score of 41 to 85. The Varsity team faced further challenges, losing to La Habra High School with a score of 52 to 75 on Tuesday to the Woodbridge High School of 56 to 65 later in the week. The Junior Varsity team participated in the Edison Tournament on Thursday and will continue this Friday, while the Varsity team is gearing up for the Sunny Hills Tournament this Friday and Saturday. Let's go Basketball!
Girl's Basketball
The Girls Junior Varsity team has a strong start to the week, defeating Los Amigos High School on Monday with a score of 36 to 28, followed by a close victory against Sunny Hills High School on Wednesday, 33 to 30. The Varsity team also demonstrated their skill, winning against Westminster High School on Monday and won with a score of 71 to 10 and Troy High School on Wednesday with a score of 64 to 30. On Thursday, the Junior Varsity team faced Corona Del Mar High School, resulting in a narrow loss of 36 to 39. The Varsity team won against Corona High School with a score of 53 to 17. This Saturday, the Junior Varsity team will compete against Mater Dei High School, and the Varsity team will face JSerra Catholic High School. Great job to the Girls Basketball program, and we wish them the best of luck this weekend!
Girls Tennis
On Wednesday, our Girls Varsity Tennis program participated in the final round of the CIF championships against Village Christian High School. Despite a strong effort, they lost with a close score of 8 to 10. Congratulations on an amazing season, Spartan Tennis!
Girls Water Polo
This Friday and Saturday, our Girls Varsity Water Polo team will compete in the Garden Grove tournament. We wish the team the best of luck!
Football
Friday, our Varsity Football team competed against San Jacinto High School in the CIF semi-finals at Fred Kelly Stadium. The team lost 15 to 18. What a great season for football!
Wrestling
This Saturday, the Boys Frosh Wrestling team will participate in the Brea Duals, and the Girls Junior Varsity Wrestling team will compete in the Western Tournament.
Cross Country
Adding onto Saturday's schedule, both our Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country teams will compete in the CIF Finals at Mount San Antonio College. Go Cross Country!
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. 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.