VAAS Weekly Updates

VAAS Family Update 1.6.25

Happy New Year VAAS Families!

This is Assistant Principal Evans, with the first update of 2025!

We hope everyone enjoyed a happy and safe break. The spring semester begins tomorrow with an A Day. Students will receive their schedules in their first period classes.

Tuesday will be our weekly PD day for all faculty and staff. Students will be dismissed at 2:20 p.m.

Every School Safe Assembly

This month’s topic for the Every School Safe: Blueprint for Safety is De-escalation and Restorative Practices. All students will participate in an informational school wide assembly (that was postponed in December) on Tuesday, January 7th.

iReady Assessments

Beginning Wednesday, January 8th, students will be taking their second i-Ready® Diagnostic assessment, which is an important opportunity to measure your student’s growth. This benchmark helps us understand their progress and determine how best to support them in reaching their goals for the year. Encouraging your student to give their best effort is key to getting the most out of this assessment.

Here’s how you can help your student prepare:

Ensure they get a good night’s sleep before the assessment day.
Encourage attendance on assessment days, as this will limit interruptions to instruction in all classes on make-up days.
Have a conversation with them about the importance of the second Diagnostic. You might say things like:

This assessment shows how much progress you’ve made since the start of the year.
It gives your teachers and me a chance to celebrate your achievements!
Do your best—don’t rush, but don’t spend too much time on one question either.
Some questions might feel challenging or unfamiliar, and that’s okay! Just try your hardest.

Let them know you’re proud of their efforts and excited to celebrate their growth.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting your student’s learning journey. If you have any questions, please email our Testing Coordinator Ms. Montsinger, at [email protected]

Monthly Emergency Drill

We will have our schoolwide monthly emergency drill on Thursday, January 9th.

Tutoring update for the Spring Semester

Beginning Monday January 13th, VAAS will be offering after school tutoring on MONDAYS, in addition to Wednesdays and Thursdays. Your student’s enrollment will carry over from last semester, so there will be no need to re-enroll. The afternoon sessions will run from 3:30pm-4:25pm. Students are expected to remain in the library for the entire duration of the session. If you have any questions, please email our TSP Coordinator, Ms. Pevar at [email protected]

Yearbook

Seniors and Parents of Seniors!

Would you like to recognize your graduating VAAS Viper with a SHOUT OUT in the Yearbook?

Purchase a ½ page in the yearbook for $90 and personalize a congratulations message to you Senior. Senior parents and students can design their own ½ page or upload photos for the Yearbook staff to design the ½ page for you. The deadline for Senior Shout-Outs is January 31.

Yearbooks can also be purchased for $80 with the discount code 'SPIRIT'.

Visit www.yearbookforever.com to for more information, to purchase, and to upload.

If you have any questions, please email our Yearbook Advisor Ms. Blossom at [email protected]

Sports

Tryouts for Girls Softball will take place this Tuesday and Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. Please contact our Athletic Director, Mr. Marshall at [email protected] for more information.

Our VAAS Winter Sports teams: Girls & Boys Soccer and Girls & Boys Basketball, will have games this week. Let’s go Vipers!! For game times and locations please visit our school calendar on the VAAS Website.

Mark Your Calendar

Stay on top of all things happening at VAAS. Please visit our school website and master calendar at https://thevalleyacademy.edlioschool.com/

That is all for now. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

VAAS Family Update 11.18.24

Good afternoon VAAS Community,

This is Assistant Principal Evans, with this week’s updates.

This week will begin with an A Day.

Tuesday will be our weekly PD day for all faculty and staff. School will end for all students at 2:20 p.m.

WIN Week

This week is WIN week at VAAS. This is a week for those who have been struggling in their classes to make up or resubmit work as well as to meet 1:1 with each of their teachers. Those students who are all caught up and satisfied with their current grades will be able to participate in various enrichment activities throughout the week. The schedule for the week will be shared with your student via Schoology.

Drop in with Admin

Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, November 19th at 9am. for Drop in with Admin. We will be discussing the new districtwide Phone-Free School Day Policy that will go into effect next semester. All parents/guardians welcome! Zoom ID: 898 8437 3849

PTSA Meeting

The next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, November 19th at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. MEETING ID: 720 9172 8416 PASSCODE: VAASPTSA

iReady

Parents, please be advised that we will be holding our Middle of Year i-Ready testing in January. Also, please note that parent information will be shared with you at Digital Portfolio night on December 3rd .

10th Grade IGP Night

Our academic counselors, Mr. Marshall and Ms. Palafox, invite you to our Sophomore Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) Family Night. This important event will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, at 5:30 PM. During this virtual session, they will review Individual Graduation Plans, discuss available resources, and provide information about course selection for the 2025-26 school year. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your student’s academic journey, as well as college and career readiness. Please see the flyer for the zoom link or Click here to join the Zoom meeting

College Lab Hours

The College Lab will be open every day during lunch. College Counselors will also be available after school from 3:30-4:30 pm in the College Center Room 112, on Wednesday, November 20th and Thursday, November 21st.

Family Source Partnership Presentation & Workshop

On Friday, November 22nd our parent center will be hosting a parent workshop in the parent center at 9am

Sports

Girls and Boys Basketball and Soccer teams have games this week. Let’s go Vipers!! For game times and locations please check our school calendar on the VAAS Website.

Looking Ahead

Friday, November 22nd will be a minimum day with dismissal for all students at 1p.m. School will be closed for the Thanksgiving break from November 25th - 29th. School will resume for everyone on Monday, December 2nd.

Mark Your Calendar

Stay on top of all things happening at VAAS. Please visit our school website and master calendar at https://thevalleyacademy.edlioschool.com/

That is all for now. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

VAAS Family Update 11.4.24

Good afternoon VAAS Community,

This is Assistant Principal Evans, with this week’s updates.

Just a reminder that Daylights Saving Time ended today. So double-check to make sure your clocks are set back one hour.

This week will begin with a B Day.

Tuesday will be our weekly PD day for all faculty and staff. School will end for all students at 2:20 p.m.

Election Day

Don’t forget to look for Measure US on your ballot, a school bond to upgrade LA public schools, submit your Vote by Mail ballot and make sure your voice is heard in the November 5, 2024 Election! Regardless of how you vote, please vote!

Class of 2025 News

The Class of 2025 Fundraiser will begin this Monday, 11/4. The senior that raises the most money will win a ticket to Prom. Students can sign up to sell See’s Candies using this link: https://forms.gle/MtWsqsGkga2vz1fP9.

Tickets for the Senior Kickback will go on sale starting this week! Tickets are $15. Come join us for a fun night under the stars. The cost of admission will cover the cost of a yummy taco dinner, drinks, popcorn, candy, and a FREE movie.

College Lab Hours

The College Lab will be open every day during lunch. College Counselors will also be available after school from 3:30-4:30pm in the College Center Room. 112, on Wednesday, November 6th.

Safety Drill

There will be an earthquake safety drill on Thursday, November 7th at 9 a.m.

Every School Safe Cyber Safety

This month’s topic for the Every School Safe: Blueprint for Safety is Substance Use Awareness/Fentanyl. Students will participate in an informational assembly on Thursday, November 7th during period 2.

Sports

Come out to the Girls Volleyball playoff game as they take on Harbor Teacher Prep at 4 p.m. on Monday, November 4th. Let’s cheer on our Cross Country team as they participate in the league finals on Thursday, November 7th. Let’s go Vipers!!!

For game times and locations please check our school calendar on the VAAS Website.

Mark Your Calendar

Stay on top of all things happening at VAAS. Please visit our school website and master calendar at https://thevalleyacademy.edlioschool.com/

That is all for now. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

VAAS Family Update 10.28.24

This week will begin with an A Day.

Tuesday will be our weekly PD day for all faculty and staff. School will end for all students at 2:20 p.m.

Drop in with Admin

Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, October 28th at 9am for Drop in with Admin. This month’s topic is Substance Use Awareness. There will also be a general Q&A session following the presentation. All parents/guardians welcome! Zoom ID: 898 8437 3849

PTSA Meeting

The next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, October 28th at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. MEETING ID: 720 9172 8416 PASSCODE: VAASPTSA

College Lab Hours

The College Lab will be open every day during lunch. College Counselors will also be available after school from 3:30-4:30pm in the College Center Room. 112, on Wednesday, October 30th.

Halloween

Halloween is Thursday, October 31st and there will be a Halloween Costume Contest at lunch. If your student is planning to dress up, please make sure their costume does NOT include a full, facial Halloween mask or contain a weapon of any kind. Also, costumes should include school appropriate clothing. Again, no masks, no weapons, and must be school appropriate. Also, students may not bring food, candy, or baked goods of any kind. Thank you for helping us enjoy the day while also keeping everyone safe.

Winter Academy

We are excited to announce our Winter Academy, taking place December 16-18th. All students are invited to enroll.. To learn more about Winter Academy, please visit: lausd.org/winteracademy

Sports

Come out and cheer on our Girls Volleyball team at their playoff game on Wednesday night and our Cross Country team on Thursday. There will be a Winter Sports meeting for immediately following the volleyball game on Thursday. Please email our Athletic Director, Mr. Marshall [email protected] for more information.

Mark Your Calendar

Stay on top of all things happening at VAAS. Please visit our school website and master calendar at https://thevalleyacademy.edlioschool.com/

VAAS Family Update 10.21.24

This week we are asking everyone to wear something PINK everyday this week in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

This week will begin with a B Day.

Tuesday will be our weekly PD day for all faculty and staff. School will end for all students at 2:20 p.m.

Parent Center News

This spring semester, the VAAS Parent Center will be partnering with the Parent Education Bridge for Student Achievement Foundation to provide parent workshops on various subjects. Please help us select the topics you would be most interested in attending, along with times that will work best with your busy schedule.

English: https://forms.gle/M9BmyMeArp73RC5U7

Español: https://forms.gle/zNGri9sn7aMsq2tH7

College Lab Hours

The College Lab will be open every day during lunch. College Counselors will also be available after school from 3:30-4:30pm in the College Center Room. 112, on Wednesday, October 23rd and Thursday, October 24th.

Sports

Come out and cheer on our Girls Volleyball teams on Monday and our Cross Country team on Thursday. For game times and locations please check our school calendar on the VAAS Website.

November 5th Election

The deadline to register to vote in the November Election is tomorrow, October 21st. There’s still time to make sure your voice is heard in this election – visit lavote.net to register before the deadline or pick up a paper application at a County Elections office, library, Department of Motor Vehicles office, or a U.S. Post Office. Eligible 16- and 17-year old’s can pre-register at: https://covr.sos.ca.gov/. Remember to vote on all offices and measures on the ballot and look for Los Angeles Unified’s school bond, Measure US on your ballot! lausd.org/vote2024. #PlanToVote #MeasureUS

Mark Your Calendar

Stay on top of all things happening at VAAS. Please visit our school master calendar at https://thevalleyacademy.edlioschool.com/

VAAS Family Update 10.14.24

This week will begin with an A Day. Tuesday will be our weekly PD day for all faculty and staff. School will end for all students at 2:20 p.m.

The 2024-2025 VAAS School-Parent Compact and the 2024-2025 VAAS Parent and Family Engagement Policy are now available. You can download and review these documents on the school website under the Parent Title 1 tab: https://www.thevalleyacademy.net/.

Parent Workshops

Our Parent Center will be holding parent workshops this week at 9am on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and 2pm on Wednesday via Zoom. The topic is the Instructional Calendar for next year. Please contact our Parent Center Rep, Blanca Enriquez - [email protected] for more information

Unity Day

Wednesday, October 16 is Unity Day. Wear and share orange to show unity for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying

The California Great Shakeout

VAAS will participate in the California Great Shakeout earthquake drill on Thursday, October 17th at 9am

College Lab Hours

Sports

Come out and cheer on our Girls Volleyball teams on Monday and Thursday and our Cross Country team on Thursday. For game times and locations please check our school calendar on the VAAS Website.

Annual Fall Festival

The Annual Fall Festival will take place this Friday, October 18th from 5 - 8 pm. This event is only for current VAAS students and their families. Tickets are $5 pre–sale and $7 at the door. There is a NO BAG policy this year. If you plan to attend please note that no bags including backpacks, purses, or diaper bags will be allowed into the event. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Mark Your Calendar

Stay on top of all things happening at VAAS. Please visit our school website and master calendar at https://thevalleyacademy.edlioschool.com/

That is all for now. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

VAAS Family Update 10.7.24

This week will begin with a B Day. Tuesday will be our weekly PD day for all faculty and staff. School will end for all students at 2:20 p.m.

College Awareness Month

October is College Awareness Month, an exciting time for our students to explore their future educational pathways and for Seniors to continue working on their college applications. Throughout this month the college center will be providing additional college support outside school hours. The College Lab is open every day during lunch. College counselors will be available after school from 3:30-4:30pm in the College Center, Room. 112, on 10/10, 10/16, 10/17, 10/23, 10/24, and 10/30. In addition, there will be a College Hub via Zoom on Saturday 10/26 from 9:00am -12:00pm. All flyers with information will be posted on Schoology. We also encourage all faculty, staff, and students to wear college swag for the entire month. Fight on!

School Site Council

The School Site Council member meeting will take place on Monday, October 7th at 3:45pm in our Parent Center and on Zoom.

ELA Council

The ELAC member meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 8th at 9am in our Parent Center

Sports

Come on out and cheer on our Girls Volleyball team on Monday and Thursday and our Cross Country team on Thursday. For game times and locations please check out our school calendar on the VAAS Website.

Tutoring

High Dosage tutoring will take place after school this week on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday in Rm. 316. General after school tutoring will take place on Wednesday and Thursday in the Library. he School Site Council member elections and meeting will take place on Monday, September 23rd at 3:45pm in our Parent Center

Freshman Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) Family Night

We are excited to invite all 9th grade parents and guardians to our Freshman Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) Family Night, this Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the VAAS Gym. During this evening, we will review Individual Graduation Plans, discuss resources, and provide information about course selection for the 2025-26 school year. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more about college and career awareness for your students.

Junior Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) Family Night

Also, we invite all parents and guardians of 11th graders to Junior Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) Family Night night on October 9, 2024 from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm in the VAAS Theater. We will discuss the junior college journal, scholarships and other important information. It is highly recommended that all junior families attend this important event in order to get started with the college and career process.

School Tour for Prospective Families

There is a school tour for prospective students and families this Thursday at 10 am. Please visit the VAAS website homepage to register.

Attendance Review Board (ARB) Meetings

The Attendance Review Board now meets weekly on Thursdays. If your student has 7 or more absences they are ineligible for all extracurricular activities. If you are experiencing extenuating circumstances, please consider participating in an ARB meeting. To request an appointment, send an email to Ms. Pevar @ [email protected].

National Know Your Classmate Day

Friday, October 11th is National Know Your Classmate Day. In an effort to help those who experience or struggle with social isolation, students will be participating in special activities during class and during lunch to get to know each other better.

PSAT/NMSQT Exam

We are excited to inform you that the registration for the PSAT/NMSQT is now open. This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their academic abilities and potentially earn recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program. All 11th grade students interested in taking the PSAT and becoming eligible for the National Merit Scholarship must sign up by October 11, 2024. If you are interested in registering, please scan the QR code on the flyers posted on campus or sign up at https://bit.ly/VAAS-PSAT11.

PTSA Membership & Panda Express Fundraiser

PTSA connects families, schools and communities by providing programs and services at schools. Join the VAAS PTSA today. Membership is open to all parents/guardians, faculty, staff, and students. To join click on the link JOIN VAAS PTSA or scan the QR Code. Both can be found on the PTSA page on the VAAS Website, or in the email version of this message.

On Thursday, October 11th, support the PTSA by getting lunch or dinner from Panda Express across from VAAS at 17056 Devonshire St. Twenty percent (20%) of the sales will be donated to VAAS PTSA. Get the flyer from the PTSA page or order at PandaExpress.com and enter 378030 in the fundraiser code box.

Mark Your Calendar

Stay on top of all things happening at VAAS. Please visit our school website and master calendar at https://thevalleyacademy.edlioschool.com/

That is all for now. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

VAAS Family Update 9.30.24

This week will begin with a B Day. Monday, September 30th is Indigenous Awareness day. Wear orange to show your support. Tuesday will be our weekly PD day for all faculty and staff. School will end for all students at 2:20 p.m.

Sports

Come on out and cheer on our Girls Volleyball team on Monday. Tryouts for Girls Soccer will take place on this week. For times and locations please visit check out our school calendar on the VAAS Website

School Tour

Students will participate in the Every School Safe module on Wednesday, October 2nd during Period 6. The topic is Suicide Awareness and Prevention.

School Closed

School will be closed on Thursday, October 3rd in observance of Rosh Hashanah.

Make-up Picture Day

Anyone who missed ID Picture Day in September will have the opportunity to take their picture on Friday, October 4th

Looking Ahead

Freshman Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) Family Night

We are excited to invite you to our Freshman Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) Family Night, hosted by our dedicated school counselors, Enrique Marshall and Maribel Palafox. This important event will take place on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the Gym at Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences. During this evening, we will review Individual Graduation Plans, discuss resources, and provide information about course selection for the 2025-26 school year. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more about college and career awareness for your students.

Junior Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) Family Night

We invite all junior parents to IGP night October 9, 2024 from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm in the VAAS theatre. We will discuss the junior college journal, scholarships and other important information. It is highly recommended that all junior families attend this important event in order to get started with the college and career process.

PSAT/NMSQT Exam

We are excited to inform you that the registration for the PSAT/NMSQT is now open. All 11th grade students interested in taking the PSAT and becoming eligible for the National Merit Scholarship must sign up by October 11, 2024.

This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their academic abilities and potentially earn recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program.

If you are interested in registering, please scan the QR code on the flyers posted on campus or sign up at https://bit.ly/VAAS-PSAT11.

Title 1 Parent and Family Engagement Policy

The Los Angeles Unified School District approved a new LAUSD Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy in June of 2018 which was developed with the meaningful consultation of Title I parents and family members from each Local District. The policy is available for review on the VAAS website.

Mark Your Calendar

Stay on top of all things happening at VAAS. Please visit our school website and master calendar at https://thevalleyacademy.edlioschool.com/

VAAS Family Update 9.23.24

This week will begin with an A Day. Tuesday will be our weekly PD day for all faculty and staff. School will end for all students at 2:20 p.m.

Parents and Guardians: In the interest of student safety, please do not pick up or drop off your students directly on Balboa Blvd. Instead, use the valet drive-thru or the alley on the south side of the school. Those who stop on Balboa rather than pulling into the drive-thru or the alley put all other students and drivers at risk. LA School Police will be scheduling additional patrols during pick-up and drop-off times and may ticket those who stop illegally. Thank you for helping to keep everyone safe.

School Site Council

The School Site Council member elections and meeting will take place on Monday, September 23rd at 3:45pm in our Parent Center

ELA Council

The ELAC orientation and member elections will take place on Tuesday, September 24th at 9am in our Parent Center

Drop in with Admin

Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, September 24th at 9am. for Drop in with Admin. This month’s topic is Suicide Awareness and Prevention. All parents/guardians welcome! Zoom ID: 898 8437 3849

PTSA Meeting

The next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, September 24th at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. MEETING ID: 720 9172 8416 PASSCODE: VAASPTSA

Sports

Come on out and cheer on our Girls Volleyball on Monday and Thursday and Cross Country on Thursday this week. Tryouts for Boys Baseball will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. For times and locations please visit check out our school calendar on the VAAS Website

School Tour

There will be a school tour for prospective families at 3:45 pm on Wednesday, September 25th. Please see the website homepage to sign-up.

Tutoring

After school tutoring will take place on Wednesday and Thursday at 3:30pm in the Library.

Coffee with the VAAS Social Worker

Please join us for Coffee with the Social Worker on Thursday, September 26th from 9-10am in the Parent Center. You will have the opportunity to meet Stacy Homan, the Psychiatric Social Worker at VAAS and learn about the importance of our children's mental well-being, how you can support your child and importance of our own self-care, She will also be discussing the services she provides at VAAS to support the Joy & Wellness for all students.

Emergency Drill

There will be an Earthquake Drill, on Thursday, September 27th at 10:30am

Attendance Review Board (ARB) Meetings

Senior Sunset and Senior Leadership Fundraiser

This Friday is Senior Sunset, a unique VAAS tradition for Seniors. This free event will take place on Friday, September 27th from 5 - 7:30pm.

If you would like to support the VAAS Senior Class, please consider grabbing dinner from Panda Express and Boba Boba this Friday. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to our senior class.

Mark Your Calendar

Stay on top of all things happening at VAAS. Please visit our school website and master calendar at https://thevalleyacademy.edlioschool.com/

That is all for now. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

VAAS Family Update 9.9.24

This week will begin with an A Day.

Tuesday will be our weekly PD day for all faculty and staff. School will end for all students at 2:20 p.m.

Tutoring

VAAS tutoring will begin on Wednesday, September 11, after school from 3:30 p.m. - 4:25 p.m. in the library. Tutoring is provided by VAAS teachers, in all subjects, for all grade levels! If your student is interested in participating in our Tutoring Program, please sign-up using the Google form link or QR Code available on the attached flyer. Sign-up here: https://forms.gle/zhBi4jCr2foH4x9B6. Contact Ms. Pevar at [email protected] for more information.

School Site Council

The School Site Council is the decision-making body that is responsible for the SPSA by ensuring its development, annual review, updates that outlines the academic programs, support services, and the federal funds that are used to improve academic performance of all students that are at risk of failing. We will hold a Hybrid orientation and election meetings to facilitate participation for all who are interested in participating in SSC. Please see attached flyer for Zoom links and details.

SSC 2024-2025 Parent Member Self-Nominations

Please complete this form if you are interested in membership on the School Site Council. If you need assistance completing the form, please e-mail Leah Pevar at [email protected].

https://forms.gle/p7xx9Gik5EMHF1Fa9

Zone of Choice Application

The Zone of Choice application timeline is October 1 - November 15. To Apply Visit: Apply.LAUSD.net

Senior Family IGP Night

Senior IGP Night will be held on Wednesday, September 18th.

PTSA Meeting

The next PTSA meeting will be on Tuesday, September 24th at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. MEETING ID: 720 9172 8416 PASSCODE: VAASPTSA

Stay on top of all things happening at VAAS. Please visit our school website and master calendar at https://thevalleyacademy.edlioschool.com/