Bulldog Beat 02/10/25 to 02/14/25

Last week we celebrated out amazing Guidance Counselor Mr. Mason, and this week we are celebrating our awesome SRO Deputy Ethan Owens. Deputy Owens will have been at VIES for two years in May, and we are so thankful he is apart of our team. Deputy Owens is not only our School Resource Officer, he is a United States Army Veteran and an active National Guard Member.

Owens worked for the Sherriff's Office for two years as a Patrolman before applying for the School Resource Officer Program. He said the reason he applied for this position was that he "wanted something challenging and [to] make an impact on kids."

He explained how his goal from the beginning of his career has been to teach kids that Law Enforcement Officers are a safe place for them whenever they are in need. He says the way he exemplifies being a safe place is by being patient and a place not only for students to turn to in the times of need, but also for happy and important moments.

"What makes my job special is I get to deal with kids not just on patrol when there are bad things happening. It's every day and they come to me and share good news and things that make them happy," said Deputy Owens.

In talking with Deputy Owens he explained that there is more to his position than just being a police officer in a school. He explained that he is also a mentor, an educator through the D.A.R.E. Program, and he works everyday to support our students and foster a sense of community within Valley by protecting the students, faculty, and staff.

Sergeant Mike Danser, Deputy Owens' superior said, "[Owens] makes our division better, and he is a great addition to your community at Valley. He cares about his job, the staff, and the kids."

Deputy Owens has already left an impression on our students and families. This was shown in the excitement students presented him with last week at an SRO appreciation luncheon hosted by Wallace Middle School. There a VIES student was a key speaker. This student is a graduate of Deputy Owens' D.A.R.E. course that he teaches at Valley. One the goals that Owens' strives to teach the children is public speaking. Owens says that his life goal is for students to carry his teaching with them through their lives and that maybe someday "they will build their confidence and be a law enforcement officer. If nothing else I want them to know they can turn to us for help."

We are so thankful to have Deputy Owens be apart of the Valley family, and we ask that if you see him you give him a big thanks for all he does.

At WCPSParentGuidance.org you can explore 73 on-demand courses that will offer you limitless learning opportunities as a parent, caregiver, and educator. Bullying, anxiety, ADHD, School Avoidance, Substance Abuse, and Vaping are just a few key topics all families face today. You’ll also find answers to your most urgent questions in the Ask a Therapist tab where top clinicians answer over 100 tough parenting questions with a video response and transcript. Social media has made it very challenging to guide children healthfully today. These resources cover a wide range of topics to educate us and make us more impactful in guiding our families.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected to perform in the spring talent show.

3rd Grade: Payton H., Charlotte H. and Emmett M.

4th Grade: Jonah B., Lillie G. and Paisley H.

We are looking forward to your performances.

We would like to thank all of our families that have donated to the PBIS store. Students are excited to be able to spend their Bulldog Bucks they are earning during the 3rd nine weeks. The 3rd nine weeks PBIS store will be March 12, 2025. If you would still like to donate, please review the attached letter below.

VIES is looking for parent volunteers to assist with various events and activities throughout the school year. If you are interested, please contact the school to learn more about the background check process and possible opportunities.

Last week's winners of the Perfect Attendance Blizzard drawing is:

~Charlie J.

~Sadie E.

~Gunner G.

~Dakota H.

~Ayla H.

This week's winners of the Perfect Attendance Blizzard drawing is:

~Ella A.

~Riley S.

~Joshua R.

~Owen O.

~Kaci P.

We love having all our Bulldogs in attendance and we can't to see who will win next week's Blizzard Drawing!

Click on the image to take you to dreamland...we hope you enjoy!

We have several ways to stay connected to your child's education and teachers. Every parent has access to ParentPortal which allows you to see grades and attendance. You can register on the county website if you have not already signed up or you can call the school and request your student's login information.

Every grade uses an app to maintain communication between parents/guardians and teachers. Please see the list below on which app you should download to stay connected to your student's teacher:

PreSchool-ClassDojo

Kindergarten- Remind

First- Remind

Second- Email

Third- ParentPortal

Fourth- ClassDojo

Fifth- Remind

Elementary Menus:

Breakfast Menu: Link

Lunch Menu: Link

The new site is linqconnect which can be accessed from the school nutrition home webpage. There is also a link on the School Nutrition webpage FAQ's/Direction on how to access linqconnect for student account prepayments. Here is the Link to WCS nutritional page.

• Please call the office if your child is absent from school. 276-642-5500 or email rhockman@wcs.k12.va.us
  

• Send or fax any doctor appointment notes to cover for excused absences. 276-645-2394
  

• Any transportation changes must be made by 2:20 PM to ensure safety of dismissal time.
  

• Due to Safety, NO check outs from office after 2:20 PM students will need to go to car rider line.

Instagram: /vies_bulldogs

Website: https://vies.wcs.k12.va.us/
Location: 4350 Gate City Highway, Bristol, VA, USA
Phone: 276-642-5500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viesbulldogs
Twitter: @VIESBulldogs