North Notes
Blue Valley North's Parent Newsletter - November 19, 2021
In this Newsletter …
A Letter from Your Blue Valley North Principal
Kudos and Celebrations
Finals Care Package
Mental Health Awareness 5K ~ 11/28
Counseling Center
BVN Bell Schedules
Mark Your Calendar
Parent Announcements
Athletics
Senior Information
Student Announcements
Medical Messages
Durham Bus Information
Fall Activity Guide
The Mustang Club (former PBC)
A Letter from Your Blue Valley North Principal
Mustang community,
When high school students and staff return from the Thanksgiving holiday on Monday, Nov. 29, some students will be in masks and others will not. As we build a culture of kindness, please encourage your child to respect, be sensitive to and value individual mask choice. Harassment, discrimination, bullying or intimidation based on any person’s decision to wear or not wear a face covering or mask will not be tolerated.
The district will continue to monitor data, remain nimble and work to maintain the best learning environment possible. If the total percentage of positive cases and exclusions at a building rises above 3 percent, masking requirements will return for a minimum of 2 weeks. More information about COVID-19 is available on the district website. As a reminder, federal regulations continue to require masking on school buses and in district vehicles for all students, including high school students and staff.
COVID-19 Testing and Resources for BV Staff, Students and Families
Throughout this school year, Blue Valley’s priorities have been the safety of our students and keeping students in school and in person as we know this is critical to their long-term success and well-being. MAWD Labs is offering a local COVID-19 testing option that is available for students, staff and their family members. This option is available through a Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) grant provided directly to MAWD Labs.
MAWD Drive-In Testing Clinic Info
- Location: 14950 Newton Drive, Overland Park, KS 66223 (Northwest of CAPS on the Blue Valley School District Campus)
- Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Friday 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Please note that the MAWD Drive-In Testing Clinic is experiencing increased testing needs this week.
- Testing Appointments: Call (913) 239-4371
- Parent/Guardian Consent: A parent/guardian will complete a consent form and must be with the student at the drive-in clinic to give verbal permission during the first test.
- Test Type: Nasal self-swab and saliva PCR tests are both offered at the clinic. Individuals should refrain from eating or drinking 30 minutes prior to the saliva testing.
- Test Results: Test results are sent to the provided email/text address and to Blue Valley Health Services generally within 12-16 hours.
Thanksgiving Schedule
- Closed: Nov. 24 - 27
- Open: Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Inclement Weather Schedule
- The MAWD Drive-In Testing Clinic will be closed whenever school is cancelled for inclement weather.
Thank you and I hope you all have a GREAT Thanksgiving break with your friends and family!
Kudos and Celebrations (new)
Boys’ Soccer EKL Honors
Congratulations to the following members of the Boys’ Soccer Team for their EKL Honors!
First Team: Eden Kay (11th), Luke Mohess (12th)
Second Team: Jonny Emerson (12th), Quentin Nutt (12th), Tate Wichman (11th)
Honorable Mention: Micah Broekhuizen (11th), Peyton Loeffelbein (11th)
Technology Student Association
The BVN TSA (Technology Student Association) Club competed in their first competition last week at Olathe Northwest. They placed 3rd place overall. Individually, Ty Farrington and Natalie Slutsky tied for 2nd place and Jed Linafelt got 3rd place in the CAD Engineering event! Congrats!
BVN Newspaper is Award Winning Publication
The 2020-21 The North Star newspaper was announced Saturday as a National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker Award winner. The Pacemaker Award is THE absolute, highest honor in high school journalism. It is the sports-equivalent of winning Nationals. We are one of 29 newspapers named (nationally and internationally). Please congratulate the newspaper staff when you see them!
Finals Care Package ~ Deadline Dec. 6 (new)
“Is your teen stressed about Finals Week? Finals are scheduled to start on Friday, December 17th which is soon! Purchase a Finals Care Package for your teen or yourself at the school store or online at https://bvn-stampede.square.site/s/shop for $10. It has all sorts of good treats to help get through Finals Week. Good Luck!
Exact items are subject to change, but students will receive a drink, snacks, a few treats, a couple school supplies, a fidget and an encouraging note. Sales end on Monday, December 6th and will be delivered no later than December 15th! This fundraiser is brought to you by and benefits the Class of 2025.
This is an image similar to what students will receive:
BVN Assistance for Families ~ deadline December 13 (new)
There are Blue Valley North families in need and we want to offer assistance during the Holiday Season. We'll be collecting grocery store giftcards and other giftcards to help them. Be watching for an email from BVN early next week. It will contain a sign-up to help these families with the upcoming holiday season. If you want to help, mark your calendar for a deadline of Monday, December 13, and watch for the email next week. Thank you for being the unspoken heros of North!
Mental Health Awareness 5K Run/Walk - November 28 (new)
Talk 2 Me, a program of Hope, is sponsoring a 5K walk/run the Sunday after Thanksgiving. This is information on the SIGN UP FOR "MOVEMENT IS THE MEDICINE 5K" powered by Talk 2 Me and Sharewaves. https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/KansasCity/Talk2Me . Volunteers are needed for the event; sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094fa5a623a1f58-movement . At the walk/run, there will be a raffle for two paintings of Patrick Mahomes (see below). Tickets are $10 for the painting and $5 for the print from Mike Savage. To purchase raffle tickets, email Marie DiCarlo, M.D., Executive Director: elisemarie@talk-2me.com .Those who signup for the run will get a t-shirt (pictured below) and Bombas socks. Please contact Marie DiCarlo if you have questions @ elisemarie@talk-2me.com .
Mahomes Painting
5K T-shirts
Mike Savage Print
Counseling, Academics & Testing (updates)
Click Here For BVN's Counseling Webpage for information about:
- The deadline to drop a class for this semester has passed. Students must stay in their current classes for the remainder of the semester and take a grade. Students may see their counselor to make changes for 2nd semester.
- Senior college admissions: Counselors have visited with seniors in classrooms to discuss the college application process. More information can be found on the Counseling Canvas page here – College Application Information. Seniors who have additional questions are encouraged to see their counselor.
- Parents must submit the Diploma and Transcript Authorization Form before the school is able to send transcripts to colleges for your student.
- Counselors met with Juniors in English classrooms to discuss using Naviance for Career and College Planning
- Counselors offered a parent college planning zoom presentation on 10/25 and 11/16. A video of the presentation as well as other associated information can be found on the Counseling Canvas page here - College and Career Planning
- Counselors met with Freshmen in their ELA classes to discuss using Naviance to create a four-year high school academic plan. An email was sent to all Freshmen and their Parent/Guardians on 11/8 with Naviance login information and a list of tasks on Naviance recommended for Freshmen. More information can be found on the Counseling Canvas page here - Freshman Course Planning
- Counselors will meet with all grade levels in their Biology, ELA 10, US History or Government class the week of November 29th to present the #GiveMe20 suicide prevention program. More information on the program can be found here - https://giveme20.net/.
- Visit the Counseling Virtual Calming Room
- Visit the Counseling Home Page to find additional resources or contact information for Counselors and other Student Services staff.
Questions? Contact Sarah King @ (913)239-3016 or SKing@bluevalleyk12.org .
How to Have a Mental Health Check-In with Your Teen
BVN Bell Schedules ~ North Time cancelled on Fridays
When there are five days in the school week, the Bell Schedule will be Odd, Even, Odd, Even, Traditional Day. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, school begins at 7:40 a.m. On Tuesday and Thursday, school begins at 8:25 a.m. (see below). If you want a copy for home, ask your student to stop by the BVN main office. It's also posted on the BVN website. When there are schedule changes due to a shortened school week, during finals, etc., it will be announced in North Notes and listed on the EKL calendar, BVN’s school calendar.
Update: On Tuesday & Thursday, North Time is now called Academic Support Time (AST).
Here is a link to the Bell Schedule which is on the BVN website: BVNBELLSCHEDULE .
Mark Your Calendar
November 24-26: NO SCHOOL/Thanksgiving Break
December 17: Finals H1 (7:40-9:00); H2 (9:10-10:30); Early release at 10:30
December 20: Finals H3 (7:40-9:00); H4 (9:10-10:30); H5 (10:40-12:00); Early release at 12:00
December 21: Finals H6 (7:40-9:00); H7 (9:10-10:30 am)/Early release at 10:30
Dec. 22-Jan 4: Winter Break
January 5: School Resumes
January 17: NO SCHOOL/Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Upcoming All School Events
All BVN events, activities, sporting events and additional calendar adjustments are found on the EKL calendar: www.easternkansasleague.org
Click here for the 2021-22 Blue Valley School District Calendar.
Parent Announcements
Important Info for Anyone Leaving the USA
For security reasons the district blocks all inbound/outbound connections to/from foreign countries. This is due to the high number of cyber security attacks that take place against the District’s network on an hourly basis. For this reason the District cannot provide technical support or assistance to those students or staff that choose to take their Blue Valley device out of the country.
The District does NOT recommend taking any Blue Valley device out of the country:
Students and Staff will not be able to access necessary systems such as canvas, employee online, and/or email.
The District cannot secure, monitor, or keep inventory of the device while it is out of the country.
The District cannot provide remote support or security updates for the device while it is out of the country.
If students or staff feel that they have a critical need to access the District’s Network from outside of the country, they will need to do so on a personal device only, and they would need to install and use a VPN client on their personal device.
The District cannot make recommendations or provide technical assistance with the installation and/or use any VPN client on any personal device.
Students and staff must understand that there is no guarantee of successfully connecting to any of the District’s internal systems while using their personal device in or out of the country.
Parents will still be able to access their Canvas Parent account from outside the country, it is not housed on a BV server it should connect without any issues.
We are taking every precaution we can to ensure that the Blue Valley Network remains safe!
Checking your student out for an appointment?
Plan ahead and we will have them ready so you can wait in your car in front of the school.
Parents do not come into the building to check their student out. To plan ahead, please send a note with your student that morning, and ask them to drop it off at the Attendance Office on their way to their first class. Rita will write them a pass at the time they need to leave. Your student will give that pass to their teacher. The attendance office window, for students, is located in the main foyer as you walk into the building.
The Attendance Office can also be reached by calling 913-239-3001 or emailing AttendanceBVN@bluevalleyk12.org . We ask for a minimum of two hours’ notice. A pass is delivered to your student’s class and their teacher will give the pass to your student so they can check out in the Attendance Office before they leave. If you plan ahead, we can have your student waiting on you so you.
Attendance Office Information
With over 1500 students, BVN has Rita Mouber, Attendance Manager, solely dedicated to overseeing student absences and early releases from class for appointments. Enter (913) 239-3001 in your phone’s speed dial or email attendancebvn@bluevalleyk12.org if your student will be absent from school. Include student’s first and last name, grade, reason for absence, your name and phone number. Rita checks email and voice mail constantly so please leave the information on her voicemail if she doesn’t answer her phone.
Student ID Cards and Student Activity Passes
If a Student Activity Pass was purchased by August 24, it should be printed on your student's school ID card. If you’ve purchased a Student Pass after August 24, just have your student come to Student Services and fill out a form to request a new corrected ID.
If you've recently purchased a Family Activity Pass or an Adult Individual Activity pass, you can have your student see Mrs. Miller in the Student Services office to request your cards.
Are you moving? Have you moved?
Please contact the BVN Registrar, Suzy Doherty, by email at sdoherty@bluevalleyk12.org .
BVN Athletics
Track and Field Team (new)
BVN Track and Field pre-season workouts will take place after the new year at BVN. Please look over the PowerPoint for training info CLICK HERE. The workouts are 100% optional but will be beneficial for the upcoming season.
Please sign up for the Spond App. Anyone can join this group for track and field info by using the link https://group.spond.com/UGXMK
Any questions, students should see Coach Fancher, after school, in Mobile 1.
Bowling Team
Bowling Tryouts are right around the corner. Students interested need to contact Coach Nathan by email at: enathan@bluevalleyk12.org or go to room 242. Physicals must be on file with Mrs. Anderson BEFORE tryouts. Tryouts will be held at Aaron’s Family Fun Center 3:30-5:00 p.m. on the following dates, and transportation will be provided. Boys tryouts are Nov. 29th AND Dec. 1st , Girls tryouts are Dec. 2nd AND Dec. 3rd.
Softball Team
Girls' Softball is a spring sport, but the pre-season conditioning starts next week on Tuesday, November 2nd at 7:00 a.m. in the BVN weight room. The schedule will be Tuesday & Thursday at 7:00 a.m., and Wednesdays at 6:45 a.m.! Please reach out to Coach Stevie if you have questions: stevierayegibson@gmail.com .
If you have questions, contact Teresa Anderson, BVN Assistant to the Athletic Director, at 913-239-3011 or by email, tanderson@bluevalleyk12.org .
Senior Information for the Class of 2022
Save the date for 2022 Graduation: Sunday, May 22, at 7 p.m. at the District Activity Center, 13310 Switzer, Overland Park, Kansas 66213. Rain date is Wednesday, May 25 at 6 p.m. There are no tickets required and there is no limit on seating.
Senior Info page: Click HERE to access:
- Info about ordering your Senior Tribute Ad--the final deadline is TODAY-November 19. Turn in your ad materials now because no submissions will be accepted after the final deadline. Have questions? Email bvnseniorads@gmail.com
- A link to let us know how you want your senior's name printed on his/her diploma, along with authorizing the release of your student's transcript for college applications
- A link to order your cap & gown for graduation, plus info about shipping schedule
- New info about the upcoming Senior Class Meeting on December 2
- And MUCH MORE!
We will update the Canvas page as new info becomes available.
Questions? Contact BVN Activities: Lisa Miller @ lkmiller@bluevalleyk12.org .
Student Announcements
BVN Girls’ Garage (new)
Are you a girl who’s interested in learning about building stuff and how to use all kinds of tools? Do you like working with your hands, designing things, and solving problems? Did you know that BVN has the biggest wood shop of all the high schools? BVN is starting a new club called the Girls’ Garage that will meet periodically during Academic Support Time – a club just for girls to learn the ins and outs of building, constructing, engineering, and solving real problems in our own neighborhood. Come to our informational meeting on Thursday, December 9th. Use this link to sign up before 12/9 and get your pass! For questions, contact Dr. Crane, adcrane@bluevalleyk12.org.
National Art Honors Society (new)
If you are interested in joining the National Art Honor Society, applications are due Monday, November 29th. In order to be considered for membership, students must complete three visual arts classes by the end of this semester, complete 10 hours of community service (five per semester), and meet the GPA requirements. Fill out the application here! For questions, contact Dr. Crane, NAHS Sponsor: adcrane@bluevalleyk12.org.
Class of 2024 Leadership Program Opportunity!
There is a Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Program opportunity for the Class of 2024! Please view this document for information on the program, application process, and the contact for questions. Contact Catie Bosch, BVN Counselor with questions: cbosch@bluevalleyk12.org.
Medical Messages
School Nurse Information and Clinic Hours
The Nurse's office is open M – F: 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. It closes for lunch 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. except in the case of an emergency. Nurse Amanda Collichio is available to assist students with their health needs, first-aid and medical conditions. For help, contact Nurse Amanda at (913) 239-3013 or AJCollichio@bluevalleyk12.org .
Prescription Meds at BVN - Action Needed
This is reminder to parents: All prescription medications must be accompanied by this written authorization from a physician or other person licensed to prescribe medications, for the administration of that medication at school. All prescription medications to be administered at school must be in their original containers with the label intact. Students shouldn’t be self-carrying unlabeled prescription medications or any prescription medications. Questions? Email Nurse Amanda Collichio at ajcollichio@bluevalleyk12.org.
JOCO COVID-19 Updates
Please follow this link to the Johnson County COVID-19 website for current information.
COVID-19 Testing and Resources for BV Staff, Students and Families
Throughout this school year, Blue Valley’s priorities have been the safety of our students and keeping students in school and in person as we know this is critical to their long-term success and well-being. MAWD Labs is offering a local COVID-19 testing option that is available for students, staff and their family members. This option is available through a Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) grant provided directly to MAWD Labs.
MAWD Drive-In Testing Clinic Info
Location: 14950 Newton Drive, Overland Park, KS 66223 (Northwest of CAPS on the Blue Valley School District Campus)
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Testing Appointments: Call (913) 239-4371
Parent/Guardian Consent: A parent/guardian will complete a consent form and must be with the student at the drive-in clinic to give verbal permission during the first test.
Test Type: Nasal self-swab and saliva PCR tests are both offered at the clinic. Individuals should refrain from eating or drinking 30 minutes prior to the saliva testing.
Test Results: Test results are sent to the provided email/text address and to Blue Valley Health Services generally within 12-16 hours.
Thanksgiving Schedule
Closed: Nov. 24 - 27; Open: Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.Inclement Weather Schedule
The MAWD Drive-In Testing Clinic will be closed whenever school is cancelled for inclement weather.
COVID-19 Resources
Blue Valley families can find a variety of COVID-19 resources on the district website including general COVID-19 information, community testing locations and vaccine information from Children’s Mercy.
Durham Bus Riders (updated)
Durham will continue to transport our bus riders in the 2021-22 school year. If you have questions, please call Durham at 913-681-2492. The best time to call is between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. when more staff are available to answer questions.
Durham Bus Services has three helpful tools for families with bus riders. Registration is required each year for families as bus routes and participants change:
- Bus Tracker: The Blue Valley Durham location will be using the Bus Tracker mobile app that is available for iOS and Android devices. To use the app, users will create an account that is tied to an email address of the user’s choice. The tool will allow account users to follow the route of a specific bus. Durham is updating daily when a scheduled backup bus is being used for a planned maintenance activity. If a bus is replaced with a quick turnaround due to an unforeseen event, Durham dispatch will make the switch on Bus Tracker at their next opportunity to update the app.
- Text Messaging: Families are still encouraged to sign up for Durham Text Messaging. The system is designed to share the “why” as Bus Tracker is designed to tell the “where”. To sign up for Durham Text Messaging visit www.bluevalleydurham.com.
- E-Link: Allows for verification of a student’s transportation information (i.e., stop location, bus # and pick-up and drop off times) based on the input of grade and home address. To access E-Link, go to www.bluevalleydurham.com.
Please Join The Mustang Club 2021-22!
After looking through the Fall Activity Guide, we hope you will be inspired to join The Mustang Club (the former BVN Parent Booster Club).
It financially supports BVN's extracurricular activities (similar to a PTO/PTA), and over the last 6 years, has granted over a half million dollars to support our school’s extracurricular activities, organizations, and athletic teams. We could not provide the depth and breadth of opportunities without your help through memberships and donations of your time.
The Mustang Club needs your support! Membership is down and volunteers are in short supply. Here are some options for you to consider:
· Become a Mustang Club member at one of the five membership levels;
· Purchase spirit wear from The Mustang Club website (www.bvnmustangs.com);
· Volunteer on a Mustang Club committee to support a specific event or cause. We specifically need a VP of Activities and a President Elect; and
· Take advantage of sponsorships for companies wanting to support BVN financially.
Thank you for your support and consideration and GO MUSTANGS!
SAVE THE Date - Buckaroo Bash January 29, 2022
You will not want to miss the biggest and best parent party in the Blue Valley School District! This fundraising event is a massive support for our students, and our hope is that this year’s event is an even bigger success than the last Bash, at which we made almost $28,000 to support our kids’ activities!
We are Mustang Proud!
North Notes is published most Fridays during the school year. North Notes is a newsletter for the parents and students of Blue Valley North High School. If you have questions, please contact Janet Roush, Assistant to the Principal, at JRoush@bluevalleyk12.org .
BVN Main Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
The office will be closed November 24-26, due to Thanksgiving Break.
Blue Valley North High School
BVN Twitter:
@MustangsBvn
@BVNOstroski
@TheKurle
@BVNCounseling
@MustangsOfBVN
@bvnnews
@BVNMustangsPBC
BVN Instagram:
@bvnmustangs
Email: Jroush@bluevalleyk12.org
Website: www.bluevalleyk12.org/BVN/
Location: 12200 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, KS, 66209
Phone: (913) 239-3000
Facebook: facebook.com/BVNMustangs/
Twitter: @bvnnews