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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

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.

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.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER DECEMBER

BOARD OF EDUCATION RECOGNIZES STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

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!

Brady Roderman ‘26

Connor Buechel ‘26

Heaven McCoyMorgan ‘26

Tahira Letford ‘32

Adrianna Rhodes ‘31

Astrid Landis ‘40

Max Openlander ‘40

Daniel Lutz ‘26

Silas Froede ‘40

Aiden Papan ‘26

Aubrey Dibble ‘26

Mike Menley VPES P.E.

Danielle Fox VPMS SSD

Paige Overman VPES 1 Grade st Michael Dothage VPHS Industrial Tech

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

ValleyParkSchoolDistrict,inpartnershipwithBeckwoodPressCompany,islaunchingaregionalalliancetoexpandyouth apprenticeshipopportunitiesforhighschoolstudentsacrossSt.LouisCounty.BeckwoodPressCompanyisanational leaderincustomhydraulicandservo-electricpressmanufacturing.

ThispartnershipissupportedthroughtheCareerWayZYouthApprenticeshipAccelerator,aninitiativefocusedonbuilding high-qualityapprenticeshippathwaysbydevelopingapprenticeshipcoordinators,strengtheningstudentemployability skills,andengagingadvancedmanufacturingemployerscommittedtolong-termcareeropportunitiesforstudents

“Thispartnershipreflectsourcommitmenttopreparingstudentsforlimitlessopportunitiesbeyondgraduation,”saidDr. Dilg,SuperintendentofValleyParkSchoolDistrict.“ThroughtheYouthApprenticeshipAccelerator,studentsgainreal-world experience,builddurableskills,andconnecttheirlearningtofuturecareers.Itreinforcesourbeliefthatpersonalized, authenticlearningisessentialtopreparingstudentsforhigh-demandopportunitiesafterhighschool.”

TheSt.LouisCountyYouthApprenticeshipAcceleratorbuildsonthesuccessoftheSt.CharlesCountyAccelerator,which registered45manufacturingapprenticesandeightemployerpartnersinitsfirstyear.

In2025,theSt.LouisCountyexpansionscalesthisprovenmodelacrossabroaderregion,positioningpubliceducationasa keydriverofworkforcereadinessandeconomicgrowthwhilestrengtheningalignmentbetweenschoolsandindustry.

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.

TOM PROBST: COACHING EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE FIELD

ValleyParkSchoolDistrictisexcitedtosharetwobigupdatesinvolvingCoachTomProbst.

Beginninginthe2026–27schoolyear,Mr.ProbstwillserveasanInstructionalCoach,joiningMrs.LaurenFahy.Hisjobwill besupportingteachersandstudentsacrossthedistrict.Knownforhiscollaborativeapproachandstudent-focused mindset,hebringsstrongleadershipandexperiencetothisexpandedrole.

Atthesametime,CoachProbstisbeingrecognizedatthestateandnationallevel HewasnamedSection5BoysSoccer CoachoftheYearbytheNationalFederationofStateHighSchoolAssociationsandisnowoneofeightfinalistsnationwide forNFHSBoysSoccerNationalCoachoftheYear.

We’reproudtocelebratehisachievementsandexcitedfortheimpacthe’llcontinuetomakebothintheclassroomandon thefield.

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 Paint it Gold

ONE COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER FOR A CAUSE 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 1 and 2 Grade 6:45PM st nd 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

TheValleyParkHighSchoolGreaterCommunityScholarshipProgrambeganin 1989asSMART–ScholarshipsMeanARewardingTomorrowIn2015,the organizationreceived501c3taxexempt,non-profitstatusandwasrenamed ValleyParkEducationFoundation.

Throughthegenerosityofourstakeholders,wegrantgraduatingseniorsfunds forcollege,university,andtradeschool.Studentsusethefundsfortuition, books,feesandroomandboard.Themoneyispaiddirectlytotheattending institution

Sinceitsinception,morethan400scholarshipshavebeenawardedtotalingmore than$300,000.TolearnmoreaboutourfoundationcontactRyanLuhning, President,atrluhning@vpschools.orgorvisitwww.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 olderthe 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