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HEAD OF SCHOOL MUSING

I’ve toured hundreds of schools over the years and know that there’s something special and unique about the student academic experience at VCHS. You can see it and feel it by simply walking into classrooms. That’s what I recently did on a Friday. I visited three science classrooms during the same 3B class period, and this is what I witnessed: high standards, strong engagement, joy and laughter.

Mrs. Hochtl’s AP Physics class was doing a lab on centripetal force in which her students calculated the minimum speed they could swing a cup of water on a platform without it falling off or spilling. Her students had already learned the difference between normal force and gravitational force, as well as the equation for centripetal acceleration. They were learning by doing.

Mrs. O’Neil’s PLTW Aerospace Engineering students were flying virtual airplanes. What I also liked seeing was teacher collaboration as Mr. McKinney, who teaches Introduction to Aviation, supported the students with their learning. The students created flight plans from Rifle Airport to Kremmling Airport in a flight simulator and practiced a successful takeoff and landing and learned to keep their planes straight and level. This is a good thing for any of them planning to be future pilots. They were learning by doing.

Mrs. Wiebe’s PLTW Human Body Systems students were experiencing a science class and an art class at the same time. Using a variety of craft items, they created models of neurons to learn the various parts and to understand the differences between sensory and motor neurons and how they work. Her students were learning by doing.

When I was going through my own teacher education program, I was influenced by Edgar Dale’s ‘Cone of Experience’ or ‘Learning Pyramid’. Although unscientific, it resonated with me both in how I learn and how I saw my students learn. The pyramid from top to bottom shows increasing levels of ‘remembering’ or how memory develops. The pyramid says, ‘You remember…

What you read

What you hear

What you see

What you see and hear

What you say and write

What you do.’

On that Friday, I witnessed students learning by doing or what some call experiential learning or real-world learning. This is a hallmark of the VCHS student academic experience and one for which I’m incredibly proud.

Steve O'Neil

Head of School

ARTS

SPORTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

What:  PreACT at VCHS

When: Friday, 8:30 - 11:30 (arrive at 8:15)

Where: In the West Building Classrooms as assigned: 101, 102, 103,

202, Resource (rosters posted on test day)

Why: Schools are increasingly going back to test scores, and some

merit aid/scholarships require a test score.

Bring:

• Your family mailing address! PO Box ABC
• Calculator for Math Section 
• Two #2 Pencils
• This is a Paper test, no laptops needed.

No cell phones, please.



Your self-supplied snacks and beverages may be accessed during the break.

Senior December To-Do's

CAP & GOWN | YEARBOOK PHOTO & QUOTE | YEARBOOK AD

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE FOR EVERYTHING!

• Order your Cap & Gown
• Required (these are all included in the Jostens Cap & Gown Unit): 
• Gown
• 2026 Stole 
• Cap
• 2026 Souvenir Tassel  

Borrowing a cap and/or gown?

• Order 2026 STOLE & SOUVENIR TASSEL
• Or visit Jostens to order

If you have not done so already:

• Submit Senior Quote & Senior Picture for Yearbook
• Complete Yearbook Senior Ad

November 21st is the ordering & submission deadline for everything!

Don't wait until tomorrow to place your orders - do it today!

STUDENT LIFE

Biology classes worked to clean up trash and pull thistle plants before the snow fell. Students learned that thistle is invasive and

allelopathic, meaning it prevents native plants from taking up

nutrients. Way to help our local ecosystem Saints!

ALUMNI NEWS

REMINDERS

Vail Resorts Local Ski Pass Information

Click here for all the details

Click here to download the Student Authorization form

Shoulder-to-Shoulder has just announced its 2026 program dates. More than just a trip, these experiences allow students to build authentic relationships with inspiring leaders and local communities while engaging in hands-on learning in areas like conservation, education, sustainability, and marine biology. The tech-free environment and small group setting (10-12 students) foster reflection and connection.

As a Global Schools Coalition partner, your students receive priority admissions, tuition discounts, access to matching financial aid grants, and community service hours.

Applications are open now (rolling admissions through May 1st), but programs fill quickly. Click here to explore 2026 programs and apply today.

Click here to view the calendar in FACTS

Family Portal Login > District Code: Vail-CO

Click here to view 2025-2026 Calendar

Click here to visit our Website Calendar

*All calendars subject to minor changes