Winter 2026 Newsletter

WINTER 2026

EDUCATION MATTERS WINTER EDITION - CELEBRATE VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT

VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT EDUCATION MATTERS One Community. One Campus.

Limitless Learning.

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 From time to time, severe weather or other emergencies may require the District to close school. When possible, the Superintendent will make the decision by 5:30 a.m. to allow families time to plan.

If school is postponed or canceled, families and staff will be notified through Infinite Campus via phone call, email, and text message.

School closings will also be shared on KSDK Channel 5, KMOV Channel 4, FOX Channel 2 and Channel 11, as well as posted on the District’s website and social media channels including Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.

Please note: If school is closed, all school-related activities are canceled for that day. In some cases, after-school activities may also be canceled depending on conditions.

CONGRATULATIONS, PEYTON WHITNEY! 1,000 CAREER POINTS (AND COUNTING) FOR VPHS GIRLS BASKETBALL! WHAT AN INCREDIBLE ACCOMPLISHMENT!

TEACHER PROUD TUESDAY AWARD WINNERS Teacher Proud Tuesday is a Missouri statewide social media initiative that is designed to recognize outstanding teachers and promote public education.

PTEMBER SE

OB OCT ER

CEMBER DE

UA JAN RY

Mike Menley VPES P.E.

Danielle Fox VPMS SSD

Paige Overman VPES 1st Grade

Michael Dothage VPHS Industrial Tech

BOARD OF EDUCATION RECOGNIZES STUDENTS OF THE MONTH PTEMBER SE

PTEMBER SE

PTEMBER SE

OB OCT ER

Connor Buechel ‘26

Brady Roderman ‘26

Heaven McCoyMorgan ‘26

Tahira Letford ‘32

OB OCT ER

VEMBER NO

VEMBER NO

VEMBER NO

Adrianna Rhodes ‘31

Astrid Landis ‘40

Max Openlander ‘40

Silas Froede ‘40

CEMBER DE

CEMBER DE

CEMBER DE

Daniel Lutz ‘26

Aiden Papan ‘26

Aubrey Dibble ‘26

The Student Spotlight Program recognizes students for their exemplary academic efforts, character, community service, citizenship, and volunteerism.

Each month Valley Park leaders will recognize students who demonstrate integrity, empathy, responsibility, and kindness to make the world a better place while maximizing their potential in and out of the classroom.

Congratulations to these Hawks!

PROP B PROGRESS CONTINUES Work to be done 2026: Performing Arts Expansion - Resurface Central Parking Lot - Student Quad and Parking Lot Lighting - Access/Perimeter Security Upgrades - High School Painting and Flooring - Library and Technology Upgrades - Baseball and Softball Field Upgrades - Track and 9v9 Soccer Field - Band Room Renovation

Prop B Completed Projects Fall/Winter 2025: High School Restrooms - High School Windows - Finish North Side of High School (Industrial Technology Space and Family, Consumer Science Space and Science Labs) - Middle School Classroom Doors Replaced

Visit our Prop B Progress website at www.vpschools.org/propbprogress for ongoing updates on our progress. We continue to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community for passing Prop B, enabling us to continue our limitless learning journey for years to come.

Valley Park School District, Beckwood Press Company Partner to Expand Youth Apprenticeships for St. Louis County Students Valley Park School District, in partnership with Beckwood Press Company, is launching a regional alliance to expand youth apprenticeship opportunities for high school students across St. Louis County. Beckwood Press Company is a national leader in custom hydraulic and servo-electric press manufacturing.

This partnership is supported through the Career WayZ Youth Apprenticeship Accelerator, an initiative focused on building high-quality apprenticeship pathways by developing apprenticeship coordinators, strengthening student employability skills, and engaging advanced manufacturing employers committed to long-term career opportunities for students.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to preparing students for limitless opportunities beyond graduation,” said Dr. Dilg, Superintendent of Valley Park School District. “Through the Youth Apprenticeship Accelerator, students gain real-world experience, build durable skills, and connect their learning to future careers. It reinforces our belief that personalized, authentic learning is essential to preparing students for high-demand opportunities after high school.”

The St. Louis County Youth Apprenticeship Accelerator builds on the success of the St. Charles County Accelerator, which registered 45 manufacturing apprentices and eight employer partners in its first year.

In 2025, the St. Louis County expansion scales this proven model across a broader region, positioning public education as a key driver of workforce readiness and economic growth while strengthening alignment between schools and industry.

Valley Park has intentionally built career pathways in its student-centered curriculum that connect classroom learning to industry experience, credentials, and postsecondary success. Through long-standing partnerships, regional collaboration, and a clear vision for workforce readiness, the district is positioned to help lead a scalable apprenticeship model that benefits students, employers, and the St. Louis County economy.

Participating school districts in the St. Louis County Accelerator include Valley Park, Lindbergh, Parkway, Rockwood, Affton, Bayless, Mehlville, Brentwood, and the Special School District of St. Louis County. Together, these districts are aligning systems, resources, and employer partnerships to expand access to high-quality apprenticeships and meet the region's evolving workforce needs.

Building Stronger Connections with Our New FACE Website Valley Park School District believes family and community engagement is one of the strongest drivers of student success. When families, schools and the community work together, students feel supported, confident and ready to learn.

To help strengthen those connections, we’re excited to share our new Family & Community Engagement (FACE) website. This new page makes it easier to find helpful resources, stay informed and learn how to get involved in our schools and district.

We invite all families and community members to explore the new FACE website and join us in supporting every student. When we work together as one community, everyone benefits. Visit www.vpschools.org/face for more information.

Check out Season 3 of our Voices Podcast

Dr. Luhning www.vpschools.org/voices

The Senior Cast Members of Little Shop of Horrors

ESports Team Members

TOM PROBST: COACHING EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE FIELD

Valley Park School District is excited to share two big updates involving Coach Tom Probst.

Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, Mr. Probst will serve as an Instructional Coach, joining Mrs. Lauren Fahy. His job will be supporting teachers and students across the district. Known for his collaborative approach and student-focused mindset, he brings strong leadership and experience to this expanded role.

At the same time, Coach Probst is being recognized at the state and national level. He was named Section 5 Boys Soccer Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations and is now one of eight finalists nationwide for NFHS Boys Soccer National Coach of the Year.

We’re proud to celebrate his achievements and excited for the impact he’ll continue to make both in the classroom and on the field.

World Cultures Night Brings Our One Community Together

More than 250 students, families and staff came together for World Cultures Night, led by VPSD English Language Development teachers Dr. Michelle Sencibaugh and Ms. Jinnie Fitzgerald. The Field House buzzed with energy as families explored colorful displays, music, art and traditions from cultures around the world.

Dr. Sencibaugh shared the inspiration behind the event, saying, “I’ve seen how people carry their stories, traditions, and journeys wherever they go. Just like birds migrate and adapt, our families bring their experiences with them, and this night celebrates those journeys while bringing our One Community vision to life.”

The evening gave students the chance to proudly share parts of their own backgrounds while families connected in meaningful ways. Beyond the celebration, World Cultures Night strengthened school-family connections and reinforced a powerful message for students: you belong here. When cultures are honored and connections are built, confidence grows, curiosity is sparked and learning thrives, making our One Community even stronger.

Paint it Gold

ONE COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER FOR A CAUSE

Paint It Gold night showed that some of the most meaningful learning happens outside the classroom, when students step up, take the lead and unite the community for a cause bigger than the game.

More than a themed basketball night, the student-led event focused on childhood cancer awareness and reflected our district vision: One Community, One Campus, Limitless Learning. From planning to the energy in the gym, students created an experience filled with purpose, teamwork and heart.

The evening also honored two inspiring VPSD student survivors. Sofia Belén Onofre Cruz, an eight-year-old childhood cancer survivor, is now healthy and back in school after a successful treatment option became available at the end of 2024. The community also celebrated Jack Patterson, a Valley Park High School student and Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor who officially beat cancer on February 10, 2025.

Thanks to everyone who attended, $1,200 was raised for the American Cancer Society, supporting research, resources and hope for families impacted by cancer. Paint It Gold was a powerful reminder that Valley Park isn’t just a school district, it’s a community that shows up.

VALLEY PARK BAND AND CHOIR SHINE ON STAGE

The Valley Park School District’s recent band and choir concerts were a wonderful celebration of student talent, growth and hard work. From start to finish, our students delivered performances filled with confidence, teamwork and pride.

The band students impressed the audience with strong musical talent and focus, while the choir students brought powerful vocals and heart to the stage. These concerts highlighted not only musical skill, but also the dedication it takes to practice, improve and perform together.

Thank you to our families and community for your support, and to our incredible music staff for helping students shine.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:

FEBRUARY 26: K-2 Concert Kindergarten 6PM 1st and 2nd Grade 6:45PM Elementary Gym

APRIL 14: District Choral Concert Elementary and Secondary Students 6:30PM Elementary Gym

APRIL 23: District Band Concert Elementary and Secondary Students 6:30PM Field House

The Valley Park High School Greater Community Scholarship Program began in 1989 as SMART – Scholarships Mean A Rewarding Tomorrow. In 2015, the organization received 501c3 tax exempt, non-profit status and was renamed Valley Park Education Foundation.

Through the generosity of our stakeholders, we grant graduating seniors funds for college, university, and trade school. Students use the funds for tuition, books, fees and room and board. The money is paid directly to the attending institution.

Since its inception, more than 400 scholarships have been awarded totaling more than $300,000. To learn more about our foundation contact Ryan Luhning, President, at rluhning@vpschools.org or visit www.vpschools.org/vpef

MAKING CHARITABLE DONATIONS FROM YOUR IRA TO THE VALLEY PARK EDUCATION FOUNDATION MAY BE A VERY SMART DECISION. Can you give money to the Valley Park Education Foundation (VPEF) using your IRA? For individuals 70 1/2 or older the answer is usually yes. What many retirees don't know is they can donate all, or a portion of their IRA directly to the Valley Park Education Foundation. It's called a qualified charitable distribution or QCD. A QCD can be a very taxeffective way to support VPEF. Visit www.vpschools.org/QCD for more information on how to donate from your IRA using a QCD.

join us for the VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT

GOLDEN CLUB B R E A K F A S T 03.06.26 | 8:30 AM FIELD HOUSE 1 MAIN STREET, VALLEY PARK MO Golden Club members, please join us for our annual breakfast and student performances.

QUESTIONS OR TO RSVP, CONTACT JAIME GAST JGAST@VPSCHOOLS.ORG

Join us for a Trivia Night and Bingo Night!

TO SUPPORT OUR HAWKS! VALLEY PARK HAWKS BOOSTER CLUB TRIVIA NIGHT Friday, March 6, 2026 7-11 P M Andres South $30 per person/table of 10 includes open bar!

Visit www.vpschools.org /tr i via

VALLEY PARK ELEMENTARY PTO PAJAMA JAM BINGO NIGHT Saturday, April 10, 2026 7 - 11P M Andres West $30 per person/table of 10 includes open bar!

Visit www.vpschools.org /pt o bin g o