June 2026 Newsletter by vpsd

Kim Bellchamber, President

Phyllis Geary, Vice President

Rebecca Menley, Secretary

Lisa Finder, Treasurer

Elicia Bailey, Director

Yasmin Chittakhone, Director

Pete Coates, Director

Dr Tim Dilg Superintendent of Schools

Jaime Gast, Editor Director of Communications

St. Louis Post Dispatch Scholar Athlete

GAVIN MANN

CUMULATIVEGPA

(unweighted): 3.952

Sports: Soccer,Basketball andBaseball

College: Missouri Universityof Scienceand Technology

Brayden Kiefer Valedictorian

Dylan Eisenhauer Salutatorian

Gavin Mann Hawk Award

Seal of Biliteracy Honors

The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy and Distinguished Missouri Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating high school students in districts with a DESE-approved program, who have demonstrated achievement in English, a Language Other Than English and sociocultural competence. All Missouri students studying any of the world’s languages are potential Seal candidates. Congratulations to our awardees!

A+ Scholarship Honors

This year, the Class of 2026 had 56% earn A plus honors. The A+ Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship that provides scholarship funds to eligible graduates of A+ designated high schools who attend participating public community colleges or vocational/technical schools, or certain private twoyear vocational/technical schools. Congratulations to our A+ program honorees!

At Valley Park, 8th grade promotion is more than a step forward. It’s a celebration of growth, resilience and the journey ahead. While not a formal graduation, this milestone honors the transformation from sixth-grade beginners to confident, high school-ready learners. Principal Angie Syron said, “It’s a time to reflect on how far students have come and look ahead with excitement.” In a district where many students grow up together, promotion also celebrates community, connection and support for each learner’s next chapter. Read the full story: www.vpschools.org/promotion26

Student Spotlight

At monthly Board of Education meetings, Valley Park leaders recognized students for outstanding academics, character, service, citizenship and leadership. Congratulations to our second semester awardees!

January - Middle School

March - High School

February - Elementary School

April - Middle School

May - Elementary School

Lillian Holmes Alivia McGowen

Peyton Rauls Bentley Snow Tallulah Brown

Audrey Gray Xander Pickett

Abrar Kader

Weston Milne Owen Royal Dylan Eisenhauer

Quentin Ford Carley Simon

Spring Sports Celebrations

VALLEY PARK VOICES RISE ABOVE THE COMPETITION AT MUSIC FESTIVAL

ValleyParkstudentperformersearnedtophonorsat theSixFlagsMusicFestival,showcasingtheirtalent, dedicationandhardworkonstage ValleyParkVoxearned1stPlaceintheirdivision,while theMiddleSchoolChorusreceived1stPlaceintheir divisionandwasalsonamedBestOverallMiddle SchoolChorus

Thistoprecognitionmeansourstudents outperformedlargerschoolsfrommultiplestates,an incredibleaccomplishmentthatreflectstheir preparation,perseveranceandprideinrepresenting ValleyPark.

AspecialthankyoutoMs AllisonHungateWood,our secondarychoirdirector,forherpassion,leadership anddedicationtogrowingtheprogramwhilehelping studentsbuildconfidence,skillandaloveformusic. Theimpactshehasmadeontheseperformersandthe continuedsuccessoftheprogramistrulysomethingto celebrate.Congratulations!

JERMISHA LEWIS ‘26 EARNS GOLD AT STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL

CongratulationstoValleyParkHighSchoolstudent JermishaLewis,onearningaGoldMedalforherVocal Soloperformanceatthe2026MSHSAAStateSoloand EnsembleFestivalheldattheUniversityofMissouri ReceivingaGoldratingatthestatelevelreflects exceptionalmusicalskill,preparationanddedication Jermisha’saccomplishmenthighlightsthehardwork studentsputintodevelopingtheirtalentsbothinand outsideoftheclassroom.

WeareproudofJermishaforrepresentingValleyPark withexcellenceandshowcasingherpassionformusic. Congratulationsonthisoutstandingachievement!

TheValleyParkbandrecentlytraveledtoBranson, wheretheyperformedforapanelofjudgesand earned2ndPlaceintheirdivisionwhilefinishing3rd overalloutofsevenhighschoolbandscompeting Thisachievementisespeciallyimpressivebecause nearlyone-thirdofthebandismadeupof8thgrade students,performingalongsideschoolsmadeup entirelyofgrades9through12.Theirsuccessreflects thehardwork,dedicationandmusicianshipstudents bringtotheprogrameachday Congratulationstoourstudentmusiciansand directorsforrepresentingValleyParkwithprideand deliveringanoutstandingperformance!

MORE THAN A COMPETITION: LIMITLESS LEARNING THROUGH SPECIAL OLYMPICS

At Valley Park, success is measured in more than grades. It’s found in moments of courage, perseverance, friendship and growth

The Special Olympics help students build confidence, demonstrate resilience, support one another and celebrate personal achievements, big and small. Surrounded by families, staff and student buddies, participants experience the power of encouragement, inclusion and belonging. When our students feel supported and valued, incredible things happen

See all the photos and read the full story at: www.vpschools.org/specialolympics26

Voices is Valley Park School District’s pod conversations with students, staff, alumn community members who help shape our One Community. Each episode highlights stories, experiences and learning happening across our campus and beyond. Check out all the episodes here: www.vpschools.org/voices

Tammy Blust Elementary SSD Teacher

Jason Bruns Valley Park Middle School Science

Christine Eckerty Valley Park High School Mathematics

Valley Park families are asked to complete the 2026–2027 Annual Update in Infinite Campus by August 1. This quick process ensures we have current emergency contacts, transportation info and required tech agreements. Even if you’ve recently registered, please complete the update to keep our records accurate. Visit www.vpschools.org/olr for details

Annika Lawless Valley Park Elementary School 5 Grade t h

Sirisha Mandava Valley Park High School Mathematics

Adam Mutrux Technology Support and Network Specialist

Kelly Scha k Elementary Sc 4 G t h

Probst Instructional Coach

ThefirstdayofschoolisAugust24,2026. OurBacktoSchoolNewsletterwillbeginarrivinginmailboxes inearlyAugustwithimportantdates,informationand updatestohelpyourfamilyprepareforagreatyearahead. Visitwww.vpschools.org/backtoschoolforeverythingyou needtoknow!

Curiosity was on full display at Valley Park Elementary’s annual STEAM Night as students and families explored science, technology, engineering, art and math through interactive, hands-on activities. From coding challenges and chromatography to messy oobleck experiments, the evening encouraged creativity, problem-solving and learning together Supported by staff and high school volunteers, the event highlighted the excitement of discovery and the strong connections that make our One Campus community special. Read the full story at: www.vpschools.org/steamnight26

school year

This recognition reflects her outstanding leadership, dedication to students and commitment to creating a positive learning environment where students and staff can thrive. Mrs. Syron’s impact is felt across our One Campus each day, and we are proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor.

Thank you for representing Valley Park with excellence, Mrs. Syron! Watch a video about her at: www.vpschools.org/syron

SERVICE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS!

Thank you for your continuous contributions and for being such valued members of our Valley Park School District team. Here’s to many more successful years together!