Daily Announcements for 2/22

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 TODAY is "Make a Friend Friday." Club Alpha ask all Southwoods students to make a new friend by doing two things. 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!

Hispanic heritage is not just one nationality, but also a very vast and diverse group of peoples, rooted in the commonality of the Spanish language. Hispanics are the largest and fastest growing ethnic minority group in the country. Hispanic culture has given great service to this country. Leaders and pioneers such as Cezar Chavez and the migrant workers of the 1970’s, who raised the living wages, have left their mark on American society. From sports, music, entertainment and film, Hispanics have made great strides in our nation. Today, during our “Diversity Week” we recognize and celebrate their continued contributions!

Today, during our “Diversity week” we recognize and celebrate those contributions.

We would like to thank everyone for participating in "Diversity Week" and making it a success. Let’s keep the momentum going throughout the school year and continue to build friendships and school spirit!

Yearbook

If you are wanting to purchase a yearbook, it can be purchased up to the end of the school day on Thursday (Feb. 28). Please pre-purchase one in the main office by this time. After Thursday, they will unavailable for purchase. We only order what was pre-purchased. No extras.

If you cannot remember whether you already pre-purchased one, please look on TouchBase at your order history.

Girls’ State Basketball

Students who want to attend the State girls’ basketball game on Monday (Feb. 25) must bring both a note to the main office along with your planner BEFORE SCHOOL so you 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.

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)

“Real cultural diversity results from the interchange of ideas, products, and influences, not from the insular development of a single national style.” 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).

Yearbook: Every spring when the VSW yearbook is handed out, suddenly a lot of students want one. Unfortunately, due to cost, we cannot speculate how many we think we can sell and over order. If there is any chance your student would want one, please order one for him or her this week. Details are above.

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.

This event is open to the public and does 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)!

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).