Happy 2024-25 Grizzly Community!
I am looking forward to my second year as Valley High School Principal!
Now that the COVID graduation waivers are no longer available, all students are required to complete 210 credits to qualify for graduation. That means that offering supports to help students catch up and preventing students from failing classes are priorities for 2024-25.
To that end, we will build on the programs and supports that were implemented last year. In 2023-24, we began a Connections intervention period. Students who received a “No Mark” grade were provided a structured space with a teacher and tutor to assist students complete assignments needed to clear their “No Mark”. We offered the Connections Intervention Period Quarter 3 and 4 and had nearly 40 students clear a NM. Our plan for 2024-25 is to offer it all year.
Attendance is also key to making daily progress to graduation. VHS will be implementing the 5StudentStar system to recognize students who demonstrates their Grizzly character of Respect, Think, and Participate. Students who show up every day, make progress, and help others will be recognized. All Valley High School staff will have the ability to recognize students for being a Grizzly.
Lastly, connecting student to what comes after high school is a goal for VHS. Our College and Career Corner will be offering additional opportunities to explore all options available to students after graduation. These opportunities include counseling, filed trips, career days, and financial aid application support. Our goal is to help our graduates’ transition to college, apprenticeships, the military, or trade school.
A few key dates to start the year strong:
- Online Registration starts Monday, July 22nd and ends Friday, July 26th. Information will be posted on our website’s home page.
- First Day of School is Tuesday, August 13th.
- VHS has a dress code. For more information, please visit our website’s “Documents” link under the “Students” tab.
As an educator, I believe in the power of the school-student-family connection. I have witnessed over and over how a strong connection between the school and the family, centered on providing the best supports for students (academic, behavioral, social-emotional), allows students to achieve their academic and personal goals. Our goal at Valley High School is to prepare ALL students for college and career. Families, I look forward to your continued involvement and support in 2024-25.
I look forward to an amazing 2024-25 school year!
Take care all,
Jose A. Espinoza
Principal
Valley High School