Back to School Education Matters 2024

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AUG 8 Kindergarten Meet the Teacher

AUG 9 & 12 Kindergarten Jump Start

AUG 12 6th Grade Orientation 9th Grade Parent Night

AUG 14 ECC Parent Orientation

AUG 15 ECC Open House ES Open House MS Open House HS Open House

AUG 16 9th Grade Orientation

AUG 19 First Day of School

EDUCATION MATTERS BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION

VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT One Community. One Campus. Limitless Learning.

EDUCATION MATTERS VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

BOARD OF EDUCATION Kim Bellchamber, President Phyllis Geary, Vice President Rebecca Menley, Secretary Richard Schmitt, Treasurer Yasmin Chittakhone, Director Pete Coates, Director Lisa Finder, Director Dr. Tim Dilg Superintendent of Schools Jaime Gast, Editor Director of Communications In case of emergency. . .

Occasionally, severe weather conditions or other emergencies make it necessary to close school.

The Superintendent tries to make the decision to close school by 5:30 a.m., or earlier if possible. When classes are postponed or canceled, a phone & text message will be sent out to all students, parents and legal guardians through our messaging system.

School closings are also broadcast on KMOX (AM 1120) and TV stations KSDK Channel 5, KMOV Channel 4 and FOX Channel 2 & Channel 11; and are posted on the District’s website, Facebook and Twitter.

NOTE: If school is closed, all other school-related activities are canceled for that day.

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?

FREE AND REDUCED MEALS

Dyslexia is characterized by Valley Park participates in difficulties with accurate the free and reduced-price and/or fluent word meal program for families recognition, spelling, and decoding abilities. Dyslexia unable to pay full price for SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT is a neurological condition meals served in schools.

COMPLIANCE PLAN caused by a different wiring Eligibility is determined based on income and the of the brain, and its The Valley Park School number of people living in inherent characteristics District (VPSD), along with a household. You can exist on a spectrum - with the Department of determine eligibility and all students having unique Elementary and Secondary apply by visiting abilities. Research states Education provides free www.vpschools.org/foods that one in ten people may appropriate educational ervices or by visiting your have dyslexia. programs for various At Valley Park, our goal is to child’s school office. disabling conditions Contact our Business Office identify any and all through special education at (636) 923-3618 with any students with reading programs. questions. difficulties and provide The VPSD, through the research-based strategies Special School District, is The U.S. Department of Agriculture to help them grow and responsible for providing (USDA) prohibits discrimination in learn.

Our identification appropriate services to all its programs and activities on children birth to 21 years of meets and exceeds state the basis of race, color, national mandates as we do our origin, age, disability, and where age who have a diagnosed best for students. applicable, sex, marital status, disability.

The VPSD Local Compliance Plan is available for public inspection in the Assistant Superintendent's office from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., by appointment only.

If you know of any student in the VPSD who falls into the areas listed and is not receiving assistance, please contact SSD Director of Special Education , Julie Schroeder, (636) 923-3621.

REPORTING ABSENCES If a student is absent from school, parents or guardians are required to call the District’s main phone number, (636) 9233500. If no report is made, as a safety measure, the school may telephone the parents at home or at their place of employment to verify the absence.

familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 7206382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider.

VOLUNTARY INTERDISTRICT CHOICE CORPORATION (VICC) Valley Park School District has determined that the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation (VICC) and its officers, employees and agents are school officials with legitimate educational interests because they act for and on the behalf of the district with respect to transfer students and the transfer program, and because they seek to advance the interests of both. A transfer student’s attendance records and other educational records relevant to the student’s participation in the program or to the program itself may accordingly be disclosed to VICC without obtaining written consent from the parent/guardian or eligible student.

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC NOTICES CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE. WWW.VPSCHOOLS.ORG/BACKTOSC HOOL

LEGAL NOTICE: STUDENTS' RECORDS ESSA COMPLAINT PROCEDURES HEALTH SERVICES: ALL SCHOOLAGE CHILDREN MUST BE IMMUNIZED FERPA NOTICE: YOUR RIGHTS PUBLIC NOTICE: STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES COMPLIANCE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AT VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS AND MORE...

Don't forget! We are excited to join other school districts in partnering with Right at School to provide before-school and after-school services to our Valley Park families. We encourage you to visit Right At School's website, www.vpschools.org/ras, for more information about their organization and dynamic curriculum. We look forward to enhancing the educational experience of our students and families through this exciting partnership.

HEALTH SERVICES: ALL SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN MUST BE IMMUNIZED All students must present documentation of up-to-date immunization status, including month, day, and year of each immunization before attending school.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) allows a 4-day grace period. Students in all grade levels may receive immunizations up to four days before the due date.

Missouri-required immunizations should be administered according to the current ACIP schedule, including all spacing, (CDC.Gov/vaccines/schedules).

To remain in school, students “in progress” must have an Immunizations In Progress form (Imm.P.14) on file. In progress means that a child has begun the vaccine series and has an appointment for the next dose. This appointment must be kept and an updated record provided to the school. If the appointment is not kept, the child is no longer in progress and is noncompliant. (i.e., Hep B vaccine series was started but the child is not yet eligible to receive the next dose in the series.)

Religious (Imm.P.11A) and Medical (Imm.P.12) exemptions are allowed. The appropriate exemption form must be on file. Unimmunized children are subject to exclusion from school when outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases occur.

1. Last dose on or after the fourth birthday and the last dose of pediatric pertussis before the seventh birthday. Maximum needed: six doses.

2. 8-12 Grades: Tdap, which contains pertussis vaccine, is required.

3. Grade 8-11: One dose of MCV is required. Dose must be given after 10 years of age. Grade 12: Two doses of MCV are required unless the first dose was administered to a student who was 16 years of age or older, in which case only one dose is required. At least one dose must be given after 16 years of age.

4. Kindergarten-12 Grade: Last dose must be administered on or after the fourth birthday. The interval between the next-to-last and last dose should be at least six months.

5. First dose must be given on or after twelve months of age. If MMR and Varicella are not administered on the same day, they must be at least 28 days apart. The 4-day grace period does not apply to live vaccines.

6. There must be at least four weeks between dose one and two; at least 8 weeks between dose two and three; at least 16 weeks between doses one and three and final dose must be given no earlier than 24 weeks of age.

7. First dose must be given on or after twelve months of age. If Varicella and MMR are not administered on the same day, they must be at least 28 days apart. The 4-day grace period does not apply to live vaccines.

Kindergarten-12 Grade: As satisfactory evidence of disease, a licensed health care provider may sign and place on file with the school a written statement documenting the month and year of previous varicella (chickenpox) disease.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

All children must present documentation of up-to-date immunization status, including month, day, and year of each immunization before attending child care/preschool.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) allows a 4-day grace period. Children may receive immunizations up to four days before the due date.

Missouri-required immunizations should be administered according to the current ACIP schedule, including all spacing, (CDC.Gov/vaccines/schedules).

Parent/Guardian (Imm.P.11) and Medical (Imm.P.12) exemptions are allowed. The appropriate exemption form must be on file. Unimmunized children are subject to exclusion from child care/preschool when outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases occur.

To remain in child care/preschool, children “in progress” must have an Immunizations In Progress form (Imm.P.14) on file. In progress means that a child has begun the vaccine series and has an appointment for the next dose. This appointment must be kept and an updated record provided to the facility. If the appointment is not kept, the child is no longer in progress and is noncompliant. (i.e.,Hep B vaccine series was started but the child is not yet eligible to receive the next dose in the series.)

LIMITLESS LEARNING COHORT

As part of our Strategic Plan Pillar 1: Our Students and Pillar 2: Our Team, the Valley Park School District has committed to developing student-centered classrooms and personalized learning experiences for all students.

As outlined in our plan, we are committed to providing high-quality, sustainable professional learning that positively impacts student learning. Included in Pillar 1 is a commitment to provide project-based learning (PBL) opportunities to all students in Valley Park. We are thrilled to continue our 3-year journey with PBL! This is the third of three different cohorts that will be provided with summer training, additional PD days during the school year and ongoing coaching and support straight from New Tech High, The Center for Excellence. New Tech High provides cutting edge professional development, training, and support for educators, schools, and districts looking to transform their practices.

Cohort #3 has been chosen and includes 26 teachers. Congratulations to this group which includes: Jane Marchi, Stephanie Shrum, Nina DiGregorio, Kelli Ellis, Dawn Fenwick, Jennifer Bence, Paige Overman, Michael Menley, Sarah Garlich, Amanda Grittini, Kim Nix, Gerrie Robards, Michael Mancuso, Laura Porter, Kelly Hawkins, Kayleen Kriefall, Zach Turner, Tim Siebe, James Bielicke, Angie Syron, Luke Kriefall, Lesley Louder, Kasey Sindel, Patrick Kreitler, Elizabeth Lopez and Rachel Scholtzhauer. We can't wait to see what limitless learning opportunities this third cohort will bring to the students at Valley Park School District!

2023 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT CELEBRATIONS FOR VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT The Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) is the statewide system that outlines expectations for school practices and student outcomes. MSIP supports the statewide goal that each student graduates ready for success in college, career and life. MSIP measures are combined to create an Annual Performance Report (APR) for each local education agency (LEA) and building. APR is the primary factor in classification of school districts.

Earned 100% of points possible for our Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) work with 8th graders.

Earned 100% of points possible for our Kindergarten Entry Assessment.

Earned 96.1% of points in Continuous Improvement.

VPSD received 100% of points possible for the expansion of Career Technical Education Programs.

Stay tuned for more information about the Valley Park School District student achievement celebrations for the 2024-2025 school year!

Thank you to our community partners, TWIGS! Thank you to our volunteers for serving lunches to all Valley Park students throughout the summer.

Meals were provided at three locations for all Valley Park children aged 18 and under. We also extend our gratitude to our community partners, whose support made this program possible.

Tax Free Weekend is August 2-4

Valley Park Partners with St. Louis Mosaic Project The Valley Park School District is pleased to become a member of the Saint Louis Mosaic Project Ambassador School Program. This program provides partnerships with schools throughout the region that are committed to fostering an internationally welcoming and inclusive culture.

"We are incredibly excited to announce our partnership with the St. Louis Mosaic Project Ambassador School Program.” Dr. Tim Dilg, Superintendent of Valley Park School District, said.

“By collaborating with established community partners like the St. Louis Mosaic Project, we can better serve our students and families and further our district's mission of providing a safe and supportive environment where every student feels a sense of belonging. This partnership showcases our commitment to inclusivity, recognizing individual differences, and celebrating our student body's diverse contributions and talents. It also greatly enhances our ability to engage parents and the community in our efforts to personalize learning experiences and best prepare our students for a world of limitless opportunities."

The St. Louis Mosaic Project’s goal is to transform St. Louis into the fastest-growing major metropolitan area for immigration by 2025, design and support regional attraction strategies, and promote regional prosperity through immigration and innovation.

Kindergarten Parents! Kindergarten Jump Start begins on August 9th! This program will allow our youngest students to transition to school prior to our first-fifth grade students arrive in the building. We can't wait to welcome you to Valley Park Elementary School, class of 2037!

Important Dates and Details: • Kindergarten Meet your Teacher on Thursday, August 8, 3:30-5:00PM • Jump Start Program half-day Friday and Monday, August 9 & 12, 8:00-11:30AM • Early Childhood Meet your Teacher on Thursday, August 15, 2:30-3:30PM • 1st-5th Grade Meet your Teacher on Thursday, August 15, 3:30-5:30PM Questions? Please contact our elementary office at (636) 923-3600.

PARENTS AS TEACHERS PAT is offered at no cost to in-district parents. PAT features education about developmental expectations and observations, parent meetings and group connections/family events, health and developmental screenings, and community service referrals.

Please call (636) 923-3531 to set up an appointment.

Flooring and Painting: The new floors and fresh paint are already

Prop B Progress transforming the learning spaces in our Early Childhood Center and

Middle School.

Baseball Field Upgrades: Budrovich has started the new storm sewer work and fence posts are going in. Irrigation and sod installation will follow.

Visit our Prop B website at www.vpschools.org/propb for ongoing updates on our progress.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community for passing Prop B, enabling us to continue our limitless learning journey for years to come.

Summer Facility Updates:

Community Partner, Logo Daddy, has been hard at work updating and refreshing our signs and scoreboards across the campus. Additional improvements are coming soon to the baseball field scoreboard! The elementary gym resurfacing is complete, and the floor looks incredible! Watch the transformation video at www.vpschools.org/esgymfloor

ATHLETICS

Fall practice begins Monday, August 12th Who: Boys Soccer - Volleyball - Cross Country - Softball When/Where: Individual coaches will be in contact.

Please complete your Physical Form and Preparticipation Form through Final Forms at www.vpschools.org/finalforms.

Athletes must have these items prior to practicing.

Questions? Call the Athletic Office: (636) 923-3544 Visit www.vpschools.org/athletics for forms and the most up to date information.

D O Y OU NEED A P H Y S I C A L ?

Yes. Every student athlete needs an up to date physical.

Physicals are up to date for two years from the date of the physical and must be valid throughout the entire sports season. Create a Final Forms account at www.vpschools.org/finalforms for the physical form to be filled out by your physician.

C H E CK OUT TH E A T H L E T I C S CA L E N D A R !

Dates and times will be updated and can change, please visit www.vpschools.org/athleticscalendar for the most up to date information.

AUGUST 24 - OCTOBER 29 ATHLETICS SCHEDULE 8/24/24 9AM V SOFTBALL @ PARKWAY SOUTH JAMBOREE 9/27/24 4:30PM JV SOCCER VS. DESOTO HIGH SCHOOL 8/30/24 4:15PM V SOFTBALL @ ST. CHARLES HIGH 9/27/24 6PM V SOCCER VS. DESOTO HIGH SCHOOL 8/30/24 4:30PM V SOCCER @ GATEWAY SCIENCE ACADEMY HS 9/28/24 V VOLLEYBALL @ PRINCIPIA TOURNAMENT 9/03/24 3:30PM V VOLLEYBALL @ HANCOCK TOURNAMENT 9/30/24 V SOFTBALL VS. NERINX HALL 9/03/24 4:30PM V SOFTBALL VS. HERCULANEUM HIGH SCHOOL 9/30/24 MSIL VOLLEYBALL @ WESTVIEW MIDDLE 9/04/24 V VOLLEYBALL @ HANCOCK TOURNAMENT 9/30/24 4:30PM V SOCCER @ GATEWAY HIGH SCHOOL 9/04/24 4:15PM V SOFTBALL VS. LUTHERAN ST. CHARLES 10/01/24 4:15PM V SOCCER @ MRH 9/04/24 4:15PM V SOCCER @ SOLDAN 10/01/24 5:45PM JV SOCCER @ MRH 9/05/23 4PM V SOCCER VS. VERITAS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 10/01/24 4:15PM V VOLLEYBALL @ MRH 9/05/23 5:30PM JV SOCCER VS. VERITAS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 10/02/24 4:15PM V SOFTBALL @ ORCHARD FARM HIGH SCHOOL 9/06/24 4:15PM JV SOCCER @ JOHN BURROUGHS 10/03/24 4PM MSIL VOLLEYBALL @ HANCOCK MIDDLE SCHOOL 9/09/24 4:15PM V SOFTBALL @ BRENTWOOD/ROSATI KAIN 10/03/24 4PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. VERITAS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 9/10/24 4PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. BRENTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 10/04/24 4:15PM JV SOCCER VS. BRENTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 9/10/24 4:15PM V SOFTBALL @ NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL 10/04/24 5:45PM V SOCCER VS. BRENTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 9/10/24 5PM V SOCCER @ BAYLESS HIGH SCHOOL 10/04/24 4PM V VOLLEYBALL @ BAYLESS HIGH SCHOOL 9/10/24 6:30PM JV SOCCER @ BAYLESS HIGH SCHOOL 10/07/24 4PM JV SOCCER VS. BAYLESS HIGH SCHOOL 9/11/24 4:15PM V SOFTBALL VS. ST. PIUS 10/07/24 5:30PM V SOCCER VS. BAYLESS HIGH SCHOOL 9/12/24 5PM V SOCCER @ FESTUS 10/07/24 4:15PM V SOFTBALL VS. LUTHERAN SOUTH HS 9/12/24 6:30PM JV SOCCER @ FESTUS 10/07/24 4:30PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL 9/13/24 4:30PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. MRH 10/08/24 4:30PM V SOCCER @ CROSSROADS COLLEGE PREP. 9/13/24 4:30PM JV SOCCER VS. MRH 10/08/24 4:30PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. HANCOCK HIGH SCHOOL 9/13/24 6PM V SOCCER VS. MRH 10/09/24 4:15PM V SOFTBALL VS. HAZELWOOD WEST HS 9/14/24 V SOFTBALL @ ELSBERRY TOURNAMENT 10/09/24 5PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. CROSSROADS COLLEGE PREP. 9/14/24 V VOLLEYBALL @ BOURBON TOURNAMENT 10/10/24 4:30PM V SOFTBALL @ PACIFIC HIGH SCHOOL 9/17/24 4PM V SOCCER @ BRENTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 10/10/24 5PM V SOCCER @ HANCOCK HIGH SCHOOL 9/17/24 5:30PM JV SOCCER @ BRENTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 10/10/24 6:30PM JV SOCCER @ HANCOCK HIGH SCHOOL 9/17/24 4:30PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. BAYLESS HIGH SCHOOL 10/14/24 4:30 V SOFTBALL @ INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY 9/17/24 4:30PM V SOFTBALL VS. MRH 10/15/24 4:15PM V SOFTBALL @ ST. CHARLES WEST 9/18/24 4:15PM V SOCCER VS. BISHOP DUBOURG 10/15/24 4:30PM V SOCCER VS. METRO ACADEMIC & CLASSICAL HS 9/18/24 5:45PM JV SOCCER VS. BISHOP DUBOURG 10/16/24 4:30PM MSIL VOLLEYBALL VS. WESTVIEW MIDDLE 9/18/24 4:30PM V SOFTBALL @ JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL 10/16/24 4:30PM V VOLLEYBALL @ MCKINLEY CLASSICAL 9/19/24 4:15PM V SOFTBALL VS. WINDSOR HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 9/19/24 5:30PM V VOLLEYBALL @ HERCULANEUM HIGH SCHOOL 10/17/24 4PM V VOLLEYBALL @ GATEWAY SCIENCE ACADEMY HS 9/20/24 4:30PM V SOFTBALL VS. URSULINE ACADEMY 10/17/24 4:15PM MSIL VOLLEYBALL @ BRITTANY WOODS 9/20/24 4:30PM V SOCCER VS. CROSSROADS COLLEGE PREP. 10/17/24 4:15PM JV SOCCER VS. ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL 9/20/24 4:30PM V VOLLEYBALL @ HANCOCK HIGH SCHOOL 10/17/24 5:45PM V SOCCER VS. ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL 9/23/24 4:15PM V SOFTBALL VS. LADUE HIGH SCHOOL 10/18/24 4:30PM V SOCCER @ COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE 9/23/24 5PM V SOCCER @ WINDSOR HIGH SCHOOL & BIOSCIENCE 9/23/24 6:30PM JV SOCCER @ WINDSOR HIGH SCHOOL 10/21/24 4:15PM JV SOCCER @ LUTHERAN SOUTH HS 9/24/24 4PM V SOFTBALL @ BAYLESS HIGH SCHOOL 10/21/24 5:45PM V SOCCER @ LUTHERAN SOUTH HS 9/24/24 4PM V SOCCER VS. HANCOCK HIGH SCHOOL 10/24/24 5PM JV SOCCER VS. SULLIVAN HIGH SCHOOL 9/24/24 5:30PM JV SOCCER VS. HANCOCK HIGH SCHOOL 10/24/24 6:30PM V SOCCER VS. SULLIVAN HIGH SCHOOL 9/24/24 4:30PM V VOLLEYBALL @ CROSSROADS COLLEGE PREP. 10/28/24 4PM V SOCCER VS. ST. PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL 9/26/24 4PM MSIL VOLLEYBALL VS. HANCOCK HIGH SCHOOL 10/28/24 5:30PM JV SOCCER VS. ST. PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL 9/26/24 4:15PM SOFTBALL VS. HANCOCK HIGH SCHOOL 10/29/24 4:15PM V SOCCER VS. WRIGHT CITY HIGH SCHOOL 9/26/24 5:30PM VOLLEYBALL @ CRYSTAL CITY HIGH SCHOOL 10/29/24 5:45PM JV SOCCER VS. WRIGHT CITY HIGH SCHOOL 9/27/24 4PM V VOLLEYBALL @ BRENTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITY BUS: Resident middle and high school students staying after school for school-sponsored activities can be transported home on the activity bus Monday through Thursday. Daily route is determined by student drop off. The bus leaves at 4PM from the bus circle. To ride the bus, students must sign up with the supervising teacher. There is NO activity bus on Fridays or the day before a holiday.

VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE MAIN STREET VALLEY PARK, MO 63088

NOTE: DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE: Please check the district web site, www.vpschools.org, for the latest information on school activities or follow us on social media.

Facebook.com/Valley.Park.School.District

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