Black Day
Diversity Week
During this week (Feb. 18-22), students are encouraged to show they care by donating canned food. Collection boxes are in the forum.
Students are reminded that FRIDAY is "Make a Friend Friday." Club Alpha ask all Southwoods students to make a new friend by doing two things this Friday. First, say, “Hi” and introduce yourself to someone new; second, invite him or her to your lunch table and have a conversation with someone new!
Northern Europeans cover a vast amount of area and boundaries. However, a commonness may be found in the drive for expansion and venture. Because of this zest for the horizon and migration, our North America has become the melting pot we see in our nation. Their desire for established government, freedom of religion and expression, and industry lead to the U.S. industrial revolution, modernization, and Technology advances.
Today, during our “Diversity week” we recognize and celebrate those contributions.
Girls’ State Basketball
Show your support of the girls’ basketball team by purchasing a State basketball t-shirt (short and/or long sleeve) online (click here). Store closes at 3pm TODAY (Feb 21).
Students who want to attend the State girls’ basketball game on Monday (Feb. 25) must bring a note to the main office that morning along with their planner so they can get a pass to leave. If a student is riding with someone other than a parent or guardian, the office must have notification from the parent with whom he or she is riding. Questions? Contact the main office (633-4500 or click here).
FCA
Join us at the next Huddle this Monday (Feb. 25) evening from 8-9:00 in the Forum at Valley High School. All Valley and Valley Southwoods students are invited to attend!
Come hear fellow students share about their faith at our Testimony Night.
Don’t forget to follow us on twitter @Valley_FCA and/or Instagram @valleyhs_fca.
Community Service
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Fairmeadows Spring Carnival, and The Des Moines Children’s Museum are all looking for volunteers. Visit the Silver Cord website for more information.
Valley Southwoods Drama
Students interested in being in the cast or crew of “Zombie Prom,” see today’s announcements for information.
· All cast and crew members are expected to register for the ZOMBIE PROM experience. The link to that form can be found here: ZOMBIE PROM REGISTRATION LINK. ALL STUDENTS must register if you want to be a part of this production. At the bottom of this form, there will be a link to sign up for an audition time for those wanting to perform.
· Packets of information and required materials will be available on February 15 in Mr. Penning’s room. All performers and crew members, please stop by and get this information.
· AUDITIONS will be held Monday, February 25 and Tuesday, February 26 from 3:30-5:30. Please sign up for a 5-minute audition time slot. Crew, please fill out your section below and we will be in contact.
· CALLBACKS will be held Wednesday, February 27 from 3:45 to 5:15 in Pod 1. A callback list will be posted outside of Mr. Penning’s classroom and on the website that morning.
· First read-thru and listen-thru meeting will be held Friday, March 1, 3:30-5:30.
· More information can be found at the following link: SOUTHWOODS DRAMA.
Valley Boys’ Rugby
Preseason practice schedule this week:
· Thursday 7-8 pm Rex Mathes.
· Valley Rugby fan gear orders need to be placed before Friday (online store click here).
· If you missed the information meeting, contact Coach Andrew via text at 515-333-1076 or (email click here).
Sports News
All boys interested in playing baseball this spring should attend an information meeting next Wednesday (Feb. 27) morning at 7:50 in the library.
· If you did not already know about this meeting, the Coaches remind you to follow Valley Baseball on Twitter.
· Don’t forget to go to FamilyID to fill out your required medical and registration forms.
· Free sports physicals are available (click here).
For the week’s complete schedule (click here)
“It is so important to remember that our diversity has been – and will always be – our greatest source of strength and pride here in the United States.” Diversity-Pass it On!
Notes to Parents & Guardians
Parents and guardians, please take a moment to review your child’s grades and assignments in Infinite Campus. The information you gather here can help to facilitate conversations at home. It is a great opportunity to celebrate successes and encourage improvement.
If you do not have an Infinite Campus account (click here).
Valley Gear & Boys’ Tennis Gear: Great stuff for both Tiger (general VHS options) and tennis fans (click here). Your support is appreciated! Order closes on Thursday (Feb. 28); gear will be here after Spring Break.
Experience the Eleventh Annual International Night Hosted by Valley’s World Cultures Club: Valley World Cultures Club is putting on the Eleventh Annual International Night from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22 at the Staplin Performing Arts Center at Valley High School.
Each year Valley World Cultures Club holds International Night to showcase our community’s cultural diversity while raising money for charity. This year, the club has selected the theme of “Breaking Down Borders.” All proceeds from the event will go towards the American Refugee Committee, which provides opportunities and resources to refugees and displaced individuals around the world.
The event is open to the public and will include ethnic food, cultural activities, performances, and a fashion show. Performers include several musicians, singers, and dance groups from around the community. Admission is $5 for one person and $8 for two people.
Do you have a student that would benefit from this: Join us for “Bro Out,” a FREE 3-on-3 basketball competition for 9th-12th grade guys. Plus, enjoy FREE pizza and video games. Teams may have a minimum of three players and a maximum of five. $75 gift card prize for winning team. Register when you get to the Valley Community Center that night (Saturday, March 9; 7-10:00 pm); all team members must be present and registered by 7:15 PM. The tournament will begin at 7:30 PM. This is a guys’-only event. The Valley Community Center is just down the street from Valley Southwoods.
Parent Quest Classes
Is Your Student Future Ready?
What does it mean to be postsecondary, career, and life ready for WDMCS students? Join Lisa Remy, Ed.D., superintendent of WDMCS, as she explores this topic with panelists from the City of West Des Moines, Iowa Workforce Development, Des Moines Area Community College, and local business partners. Discussion will include information about current career trends in Iowa and what it means to be "Future Ready" in our state. In addition, participants will learn the importance of workplace learning in school so students and families can make informed decisions.
Tuesday, 2/26, 6-8 p.m., $0. Learning Resource Center – Community Room.
Register now (click here)!
Introducing Growth Mindset
Learn to have an open mind to your child’s growth! With practice, you can adjust how you think about mindset and achievement. Encourage your child to choose challenges that will grow their brains, making them smarter and stronger. Class led by Jeremy Mikesell, WDMCS teacher and coach.
Thursday, 2/21, 6:30-8 p.m., $0. Learning Resource Center – Fairmeadows Room.
Register today (click here)!
Parenting with the 3 Principles
In the face of increasingly busy schedules, peer pressure, and social media, parenting can feel like an uphill battle In this class, parents are invited to participate in an honest discussion about these difficulties. Using the framework of the 3 Principles (Mind, Consciousness, Thought), as well as their own personal experiences with both family and students, Mitch and Ben teach the power of choosing our own thoughts and how these choices can impact positive parent-child interactions. Class taught by Valley Southwoods Principal Mitch Kuhnert and WDMCS teacher Ben Stein.
· Register today (click here).
· Saturday, 2/23, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., $0. Learning Resource Center (3550 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines)-Community Room.
· ParentQuest is a free program of WDMCS Community Education. To learn more, visit our website (click here).
Valley Southwoods Announcements 