On Tuesday, April 9, most Valley students will participate in a variety of tests. The juniors will take a real SAT as part of the Michigan Merit Exam. Freshmen and sophomores will take a real PSAT. Testing will begin promptly at 8am -- please note that students will need to be at school before 8am even though it's a Tuesday!

Students should bring No. 2 non-mechanical pencils and an approved calculator. Students are dismissed after their test has concluded. No lunch will be served. Estimated release times are below:

• Juniors: SAT 8am-1pm

• Freshmen/Sophomores: PSAT 8am-Noon

A major difference in the new course choices is that students will select one semester of reading and one semester of writing for each of their four years.  Advanced Placement English courses would be the exception to this as year-long courses that meet both reading and writing goals. A number of new courses will be implemented including courses on research, theme-based literature, and some electives.  The English teachers explained the changes to their students and gave them some specific direction on how the transition to the new program would take place. We are looking forward to seeing many positive benefits grow out of this change as our students are even better prepared for their next steps whether it be to a college or a career.

Current Course	New Reading Courses	New Writing Courses
English 1	Transitional Reading	Transitional Writing
English 2	Introduction to Literature	Introduction to Research
English 3	Literature Seminar (Theme-based) Mythology War Coming of Age (Growing up) Monsters Fantasy Faith Students select one of the above themes.	Introduction to Language and Composition
English 4	Literature Seminar (Theme-based) Students may take another of the themes (see above) or take an Advanced Literature Seminar	Research Seminar
Elective Courses	Interpersonal Communication	Creative Writing

Year long courses which may be selected during the junior and/or senior years as an alternative to the two semester courses listed above.

• Advanced Placement English Language and Composition (2018-19, 2020-21, etc.)
• Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition (2019-20, 2021-22, etc.)

Tuition assistance applications for the 2019-20 school year can be accessed here. Applications are to be completed online and are due April 1 for full consideration. Applications received after April 1 will be considered as funds are available with a minimum late penalty reduction of 10 percent of the recommended grant.

Re-registrations are due April 8 to avoid a $100 fee. Your child should have brought this home March 11. A pastor's signature is required if you are a member of an LCMS church.

To learn more about tuition and financial aid, visit www.vlhs.com or call Cathy Miller with any questions at 989-790-1676.

The Parent Organization will host the annual Saginaw Antique Society Show from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, April 6 at Valley Lutheran. There is a $4 admission fee that covers two free appraisals.

Luncheon available 11am-1:30pm.

Parent help is needed. Sign-up for this event has been sent. Your help is greatly appreciated. This is a great fundraiser for the Parent Organization as we get a portion of admission and lunch proceeds.

You are invited to attend the Handbell Concert on Sunday, April 7 at 4pm in the VLHS gym. Come and hear Valley's Glorify bell choir, as well as bell choirs from other area churches. The concert is free to the public.

The next Valley Lutheran Open House is scheduled for Sunday, April 14 at 2pm. Talk with students, teachers and administrators, tour the building and get questions answered.

Tickets go on sale for Valley's spring play, Radium Girls, on April 15. Tickets are $5 for students, $7 for adults, and $24 for a family pass.

Registration for the Class of 2023 is currently open. Forms need to be submitted to schedule classes. Call the office at 989-790-1676 for details.

The next VLHS Parent Organization meeting is Thursday, April 25 at 6pm in the cafeteria. All are welcome, and if you would like to take part in raising funds for teacher and student needs, you are encouraged to attend.

Host families are needed for future international students at VLHS. These students are attracted to our school because of its academic reputation, but they also give us, as Christians, a unique opportunity to share the Gospel. Host families do receive a monthly stipend. If you are interested in hosting an international student for the 2019-20 school year, please contact Debbie Davis at 989-790-1676 or [email protected] for more information.