Valley Christian Junior High Newsletter |
|
Welcome New and Returning VCJH Students! |
|
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome Warriors! Hello students and parents who are returning and to those that are new to our Valley Christian Junior High. We extend a warm welcome to each of you as we eagerly anticipate the new school year ahead! We hope that you will feel a part of the Valley Christian family and at home on our campus. Yes…the plan, Lord willing, is to be on campus all year! I am really looking forward to bringing back all of our community events, allowing us to make connections with each other.
My family and I had a special vacation time away and enjoyed completely unplugging and resting. I hope you have the opportunity to spend some serious downtime with your family as well. Summer school is well under way, and we have all kinds of camps going on here on Skyway. As I type this letter I can hear the whistle blowing in the pool across the quad as students are practicing water polo.
I am excited to share our junior high theme verse for the year:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
As we have realized over the last couple of years, our strength and help comes from the Lord.
We are working hard to prepare for the new school year. Tasks include setting the schedule, attending training sessions, refreshing classrooms, and preparing the campus for a brand new year.
Please take a close look at all of the valuable information in this newsletter that will help you be prepared for our launch in August.
I cannot wait to welcome you in person!
God bless,
|
|
Mr. Brian Clemons
Principal
Valley Christian Junior High
|
|
“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3 |
|
July 2022
$350 JH Textbooks and Subscription Fee for 2022-23 is now available to pay online through VCS Pay Fees.
$200 Grade Eight Breakaway Retreat and Graduation Fee for 2022-23 is now available to pay online through VCS Pay Fees.
|
|
August 2022
03 | K-12 New Parent Orientation
10 | Welcome Warriors Event - ALL grade 6 students and transfer students grade 7 and 8 (This JH event includes school photos and schedule distribution)
10 | JH Orientation for returning students (This JH event includes school photos and schedule distribution)
16 | First Day of School
25 JH Back to School Night
26 Grade 8 Breakaway Retreat
27 JH Pancake Breakfast
|
|
2022-23 VCJH ACADEMIC CALENDAR |
|
Click here for the 2022-2023 Valley Christian Junior High A/B Schedule.
Click here for the VCS K-12 Holidays and Key Dates for the 2022-23 school year.
|
|
2022-23 VCJH BELL SCHEDULE |
|
Please click here to see the 2022-2023 Valley Christian Junior High Bell Schedule.
|
|
Please click here to see the 2022-2023 Valley Christian Junior High Dress Code.
|
|
2022-23 VCJH STUDENT HANDBOOK AND HELPFUL TIPS |
|
Please click here to see the 2022-2023 Valley Christian Junior Student Handbook and for helpful tips select the button below.
|
|
IMPORTANT SUMMER CHECKLIST!
Please check off these items to ensure you are ready for the start of school!
|
|
The Junior High Administration manages the process by undertaking all book and online subscriptions, as well as the purchasing of other materials. Payment of the $350 fee buys you peace of mind that your child has ALL of the eBooks, workbooks, and digital subscriptions required for the 2022-2023 school year.
All student books, including digital texts, workbooks, IXL (online English program), and ALEKS (online math program), will be supplied through the Junior High School. The $350 fee does not include specialized apps that may be required by your child's teacher.
***Each teacher will assist your child during class to access their digital textbooks!
2. Click on “Your VCS Account” and then click on “Pay Fees”
3. Follow the directions on the page to pay with your credit card (no check or cash payments will be accepted)
f you have questions about your child's JH Textbook Fee, please contact the VCJH Office at 408-513-2460.
|
|
2022-23 GRADE 8 RETREAT AND GRADUATION FEE |
|
All grade 8 families must pay the grade 8 fee by July 15. This fee covers the Grade 8 Breakaway Retreat that will take place during the school day on Friday, August 26. This fee will also cover the graduation gown for the Grade 8 Graduation on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
2. Click on “Your VCS Account” and then click on “Pay Fees”
3. Follow the directions on the page to pay with your credit card (check or cash payments will not be accepted)
|
|
Your child's CLASS LIST was mailed out this week and will arrive soon. This list reflects the courses your child is registered for but will not state the teacher or class period. Those will be provided on their schedule that will be handed out at JH Orientation on Wednesday, August 10.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's courses, please email our academic counselors:
*Please note that as we approach the school year, it becomes more difficult to facilitate any changes.
Be sure your $350 JH TEXTBOOK Fee is paid by July 15. If the Textbook Fee is unpaid, your child will not receive their schedule.
*Schedules will be distributed at ALL JH Orientation Events on Wednesday, August 10.
|
|
SUPPLY LIST AND PE CLOTHES |
|
2022-23 SUPPLY LIST
Click below for the list of supplies your child
will need for the new school year!
|
|
VCJH PE CLOTHES
PE clothes will be distributed during your child's PE class. Families will be billed through our online payment system, Pay Fees.
|
|
IF YOU ARE A NEW PARENT TO VCS - SAVE THE DATE! |
|
SAVE – THE – DATE!
K-12 New Parent Orientation, Wednesday, August 3
We invite all parents and guardians who are new to Valley Christian Schools to attend an orientation evening on the Skyway Campus on Wednesday, August 3.
From 5:00 – 6:45 PM you can enjoy complimentary dinner provided by food trucks. During this time, you can also visit the departmental information tables on the nearby lawn.
At 7:00 PM, Valley's president, Dr. Clifford Daugherty, and key VCS administrators will present a K-12 overview in the gym.
Campus-specific meetings led by our principals will follow the general session.
*VCS intends this special event for parents and guardians only.
|
|
WELCOME WARRIOR EVENT FOR ALL
NEW to VCJH CAMPUS
|
|
Wednesday, August 10
These events are for students only
|
|
ALL Grade 6 Students
-
12-2:30pm - All grade 6 students will meet in the Large Gym
- Take your school picture and get your student ID card
- Receive your Class Schedule
|
|
Transfer Students Grade 7 and 8
-
9:30 to 11:30am - All transfer students will meet in the HS Theater
-
Take your school picture and get your student ID card
- Receive your Class Schedule
|
|
VCJH EVENT FOR RETURNING STUDENTS |
|
Date: Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Time: 3-6pm
Location: Module Building
Who: Returning grade 7 and 8 students
• Take your school picture and get your student ID card
• Receive your Class Schedule.
This will be a drive thru event, and will end at 6pm.
|
|
GRADE 8 BREAKAWAY RETREAT |
|
The tradition known as "Breakaway" for eighth-grade students will be on Friday, August 26! This is our yearly retreat for the eighth-grade class that takes them to Coyote Ranch during the school day.
It will be a time for fun and excitement, but most importantly, a time for spiritual renewal.
The $200 payment for this field trip is made through the Grade 8 Fees, which can be paid online through VCS Pay Fees starting in July. Click here for more information!
|
|
School pictures will be taken during the VCJH Orientation on Wednesday, August 10.
***Please be sure your child is in compliance with the
If your child is entering the EIGHTH grade, please have them wear (or bring) some special clothes for their picture, as this will be their YEARBOOK photo and student ID card. Boys will need to be in a shirt and tie, and girls should be in a nice blouse or dress (photos will only show from the waist up).
No purchase forms needed. Generations Photography will be emailing you directly after the photo is taken with purchasing options.
If you are unable to attend this event, or your child needs their photo re-taken, we will have Picture Make-Up Day on Thursday, September 8.
|
|
IS YOUR IPAD READY FOR SCHOOL? |
|
Which iPad should I choose?
RECOMMENDED:
- iPad, iPad Air (latest model), iPad Pro (11" max.), or the most current model
- 128GB of storage
- AppleCare+ for iPad
- Protective Case (for example, Gumdrop or OtterBox)
- Keyboard (for example, Apple Smart Keyboard or Logitech Slim Folio)
If you are purchasing a new iPad, click here to access VCJH iPad requirements and textbook details.
How do I set up my iPad?
ALL students will need to complete the iPad set-up this year as we are using a new system! Instructions will be available on this site August 1 and must be completed by Monday, August 8, to receive their schedules at the VCJH Orientation.
What iPad Accessories should I purchase?
We recommended you not buy an Apple Pencil, as they often get lost. If you decide to purchase one, please be sure you label it with your student's first and last name!
|
|
If your child is plans to buy lunch at school, all on-campus food purchases are digital! Students will be assigned a Valley Christian Lunch ID number to use when purchasing from VCS Food Services. These personal lunch ID numbers will be on their schedule, which they will be receiving at the VCJH Orientation event on August 10. Click here for instructions on how to set up a new lunch account after the event when you have your child's Lunch ID!
***Returning student lunch accounts from last school year will have the same lunch ID numbers.
The 5-Digit Lunch ID will be embedded in the student body ID card and may alternatively be keyed in as a PIN number.
Students will receive their ID cards at the VCJH Orientation event when they take their school picture, so if funds are added, your child's lunch account will be ready to go on the first day of school!
Please note that cash is not accepted at VCS Food Services.
Note: Funds need to be added to the lunch account before 9pm on the day prior to be accessible (i.e., add funds by 9:00pm on Monday night for use on Tuesday the first day of school).
|
|
IMMUNIZATIONS FOR 2022-23 |
|
California requires all incoming seventh-grade students to have the T-dap immunization (Whooping Cough Booster) and two doses of Varicella (Chickenpox) immunization.
Please submit your child’s updated immunization record, including the mentioned immunizations above, as soon as it becomes available. Please email records to Mrs. Blauman at kblauman@vcs.net. If we do not receive the records before the VCJH Orientation on Wednesday, August 10th, your student will not receive their 2022-2023 class schedule. Additionally, your child will not be allowed to attend classes until this verification is on file.
Thank you in advance for submitting proof of updated immunizations for your incoming seventh-grader!
Please click HERE for immunization requirement information. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Blauman at kblauman@vcs.net.
|
|
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
VCS students are not allowed to carry any medications with them,* so what is a kid to do? Plan ahead...and then come to the Junior High Office when you need help!
If you would like your child to have access to an OVER THE COUNTER medication during the school day, you will need to send that medication to the JH office (in the original container) along with a signed Medication Consent Form.
If your child needs to take a PRESCRIPTION medication at school, you will need to complete and submit that same Medication Consent Form, signed by both you and the prescribing physician.
If you have any questions regarding medications at school, please email Kristina Blauman at kblauman@vcs.net.
|
|
* prescribed inhalers and epipens require the same documentation but may be carried in a child's backpack. These are the only exceptions to prohibiting a student carrying medications at school.
|
|
VCJH ATHLETIC PHYSICALS & 2022 FALL SPORTS |
|
Hello to all our VCJH athletes and parents!
If possible, we strongly recommend completing your child's physical during the summer months of June & July, as this will clear them for the entire 10-month timeframe of school athletics. We understand that every family is on a different cycle based on their insurance and circumstances. Please know that physicals are good for one year from the date taken and must carry them through the entire season of their sport. For example, if their physical expires in the middle of basketball season, we require that renewal be submitted before the 1st day of basketball to participate on day one. If you have any specific questions or have difficulty getting your physical completed by your primary physician, we recommend your local Action Day Urgent Care facility. Please check with them to confirm out-of-pocket or insurance requirements before booking an appointment.
Completed physical forms can be dropped off at any of the JH orientations or mailed to 100 Skyway Drive, San Jose, CA 95111(Attention Athletics) or emailed directly to kcerone@vcs.net Please scan for email as photo attachments will not be accepted.
Additionally, we look forward to starting our fall sports in August 2022 and encourage you to visit www.gowarriors.net. Once there, hover over JUNIOR HIGH and click on "Tryouts & Sign-ups." Our fall start dates have been posted, and general information regarding each team/season is available there as well.
If you have any questions, please contact our VCJH Athletic Director Adam Gill at agill@vcs.net or 408-513-2522.
|
|
|
|
English 8 Honors is the only Junior High class that has Summer Reading.
Please CLICK HERE for the details on the Honors English 8 Summer Reading books.
|
|
FREE EARLY BIRD STUDY HALL
Did you know that Valley Christian provides a place for students to go when they arrive at school before 8am?
|
|
Beginning at 7am each school day, several classrooms on campus are designated as Early Bird Study Hall classrooms. Students arriving on campus before 8am must go to an Early Bird classroom. Since we share this campus with HS, we have a designated space for our JH students to go until HS classes begin.
In Early Bird, students may choose to study, visit with their friends, or simply wait for school to begin.
|
|
SAVE THE DATE - VCJH BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENT |
|
Be sure to SAVE THE DATE because on August 25, you will have the opportunity to learn more about your child's classes and teachers.
More information to come about this exciting event!
|
|
PARENT TEACHER PRAYER FELLOWSHIP (PTPF) |
|
Valley Christian Junior High
Parent Teacher Prayer Fellowship (PTPF) Board
welcomes you to the 2022-23 school year!
All VCJH parents are welcome to join the Junior High PTPF.
PTPF is a great way to get involved with the school by volunteering to help with community events, teacher appreciation activities, prayer fellowship, and much more!
For information about VCJH PTPF,
please contact Kristina Blauman at kblauman@vcs.net.
|
|
Would you like to meet other families in the VCJH community and get involved in serving with us?
to volunteer at our first 2022-23 community event, the Seventh Annual Pancake Breakfast!
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Saturday, August 27, 2022, 8-11 am
Skyway Campus Quad
|
|
PTPF Sunshine Committee
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10
The purpose and intent of the Sunshine Committee is to support VCS families and staff members in difficult, complex, and challenging times, sending a card with a thoughtful note, plant or flowers, or requesting a meal as needed. It also serves God by helping meet the school's spiritual, social, and practical needs and its families.
If you or someone you know is in need of a blessing, or for more information, please contact Mrs. Blauman at kblauman@vcs.net
|
|
WE WANT TO PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY |
|
We would like to pray for you and your family. Submit your prayer request here, and it will immediately be sent to the prayer intercessor leader for the campus you select. No one will contact you; we just want to pray for you. All prayers are held in the strictest confidence.
|
|
Parents in Prayer Meetings-
You are welcome to join us in praying over our children each Wednesday morning in the chapel, from 8:30-9:30 am. For specific details, please contact Jothi Jebaraj at jothijebaraj@gmail.com
Pray that they will have:
-
STRENGTH- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13
-
PROTECTION- "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2
-
DIRECTION- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
-
WISDOM- "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5 (and much more)
|
|
JUNIOR AMSE INSTITUTE
The Junior AMSE Institute offers unique opportunities to introduce and explore various technologies in the STEM fields.
Not yet an AMSE Member? Apply now for AMSE Membership or AMSE Distinction before applying for a program. Members stay up to date on AMSE news and events and are eligible for program participation.
JUNIOR AMSE PROGRAM APPLICATIONS
We are excited to offer a great lineup of engaging after-school programs for VCJH students.
Applications Open Now
Applications Opening August 2, 2022
Health & Wellness (New – 7th/8th graders only!)
Math Team
Ocean Discovery Marine Life
|
|
Please notify the JH office of any attendance issues. All changes to attendance are made by our office staff on PowerSchool and can be viewed by teachers. Be sure to provide us your name, relationship to the child, child's full name (including spelling of the last name), the reason for the absence, and days affected before 9am.
· Phone – (408)513-2473
Late Arrivals – Have your child check in at the JH office when they arrive on campus. Depending on arrival time, they will need to sign in, show their Darcy code, and obtain a Tardy pass.
Early Dismissals – Send a note with your child and have them bring it to the JH office before school begins. We will give your child a pass to be excused from class at the appropriate time. Students must come to the office and sign out before leaving campus for safety reasons. When you arrive on campus, call the JH office at (408)513-2460, and your child will meet you in the visitor's lot.
|
|
VCS PARENT/STUDENT SUPPORT |
|
VCS INFORMATION and TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
If you have questions or require support from the VCS IT Department, just click this link to place a request! http://support.vcs.net/
|
|
As we prepare for a new school year, we want to remind you of some critical campus traffic rules. Please exercise patience and give yourself some extra time during drop-off and pick-up during the first few weeks of school as we welcome 500 new families unfamiliar with our traffic patterns.
1. Please come to campus at least 15 minutes after your student’s dismissal time, allowing time for your child to walk from class to the pick-up area.
2. If you need to come early, please park in our student (yellow) parking lot and use it as a cell phone waiting area. This allows you to pick up your student in the lot and drive straight out instead of using the football stadium lanes.
3. Please consider using the complimentary shuttle service from campus to the Blossom Hill Caltrain Station before school (6:45 - 9:30am) and after school (2:30 - 6:30pm) or the Capitol Caltrain Station before school only (6:45 - 9:30am). From these stations, you can easily park and wait for your student to use the shuttle bus from the main campus, thus avoiding the traffic on the Skyway Campus.
|
|
Our students' safety continues to be a top priority. We have partnered with school security experts and are making security upgrades, including additional cameras, fencing, and personnel to both campuses over the coming months. Thank you in advance for your patience. |
|
Valley Christian Junior High School| (408) 513-2460| www.vcs.net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
