The Pizitz Post

Pizitz is a fun and energetic place for middle schoolers to learn and grow. We hope they are inspired and challenged daily by the teachers and staff who surround them. This year, they have learned so much already. As assessments approach, our students can often become anxious. We want to encourage our students to take a deep breath and do their best. These tests are one snapshot (among many) that help us to see how students are progressing toward their goals. While tests are an important part of the learning process, they do not tell us the whole story. Our goal is to look for patterns of growth and areas of need among both students and teachers. We use this data to help us know how we can better equip our students in their learning. But we also know that our students' talents are on display in many other ways throughout the year- their creativity and abilities are not measured by this one test, and we are grateful for all the ways they excel in and out of school.

For this week, we encourage your child to get good rest, be present and on time for school, and give their best effort. Please note that we will get started with ACAP each morning and will have an alternate schedule each day. Should your child arrive late to school, they will not be able to join their class if testing has begun. If your child is absent this week, we will work to schedule a makeup session for the portion missed during the days following testing. If they check-in while testing is underway, they will be expected to wait on their class to finish testing to be able to join them. Please let us know if you have questions or concerns regarding ACAP and/or our schedule this week.

Have you taken time to complete the spring Pizitz survey? We love hearing from our parents and families. Please take a moment and share your thoughts about your child's learning experience at Pizitz this year. You can complete the Google Form here. Thank you!

Applications for Art Club (formerly Advanced Art) are now being accepted. Please complete the Google Form here by THIS Friday, April 12th. If you have questions, reach out to the art teachers, Mrs. Daly or Ms. Padgett.

Due to ACAP Testing, the library will be closed before school all week (Monday, April 8 through Friday, April 12).

8th Graders and 8th Grade Parents: Do you have any pictures of you and your friends over the years at Pizitz? Email them to Ms. Lushington at lushingtonhm@vhcs.us so we can showcase them at the 8th Grade Banquet in May! Mark your calendars now for the evening of May 17 to celebrate your time at Pizitz with your 8th grade friends and teachers.

Come by the library to get information and an application from Mrs. Smith or Mrs. Wilson. All applications must be returned no later than Tuesday, April 30.

Boys TRY Wrestling will be April 30th & May 2nd from 4:15-5:30 at the VHHS Wrestling Room. Parents will transport wrestlers from Pizitz to VHHS. They will pick up in front of VHHS afterwards. All required AHSAA and VHCS documentation must be completed in order to participate. Join the Google Classroom (tcltkac) or email Coach Nick Tucker (tuckernc@vhsc.us) for more information.

All rising 7th and 8th grade girls looking for a fun activity, check out the Girls' Bowling team! This is a short seasonal sport that starts in October and is over at the start of December. All information and the interest form can be found on Google Classroom- code 5id2shr Tryouts are April 22 and 23 at Vestavia Bowl. Any questions- ask Coach Knickrehm C117

Any current 6th or 7th grader interested in trying out for the 2024 Pizitz volleyball team should join the Google Classroom (Code: y5rl6tr) for more information about the tryout process. Tryouts will take place May 6th, 8th, 9th, and 10th.

More information about the tryout process can be found on the Google Classroom page. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Spence (spencejm@vhcs.us) or Coach Barger (bargersd@vhcs.us)

Any current 6th or 7th grader that is interested in trying out for the 2024-2025 Pizitz Girls' Basketball Team, please join Google Classroom HERE. Please email Coach McKenzie (mckenziedl@vhcs) or Coach Morris (morrisk@vhcs.us) if you have any questions!

Any current 6th or 7th grade boys that are interested in trying out for Pizitz Basketball summer team, please join the Google classroom (code: ul55kjo). Parents, please look over all information with your son. Please email Coach Brown if you have any questions (brownjw@vhcs.us).

Any current 8th grade boy interested in trying out for the Freshman Basketball team, please see Coach Binkley for info on tryout information.

Track & Field will compete in the following meets this week:

• Monday, April 8 at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium at 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 10 at Northridge High School Track at 4 p.m.
• Saturday, April 13 at Mtn. Brook High School Track at 8 a.m.

Our Track & Field team had another great meet at Homewood on Wednesday, April 3. Thirty-three athletes had qualifying times/marks for the Metro Championship. The following athletes placed in the top 3 in their events:

• Genevieve Gammill - 1st in the 100m hurdles, 3rd in the 300m hurdles
• Carter Allred - 1st in the 400m dash
• Sofia Ye - 2nd in Triple Jump
• Ava Thompson - 2nd in Pole Vault
• Wynn Andrews - 2nd in the 800m run, 3rd in the 1600m run
• Watts Ueltschey - 2nd in the 300m hurdles
• Anne Grace Corley - 3rd in the 400m dash
• David McBrayer - 3rd in the 400m dash
• Creed Booher - 3rd in the 100m hurdles
• John Clark Gentle - 3rd in Triple Jump
• Wolfie Brown - 3rd in Shot Put

Any 8th grader interested in trying out for the VHHS volleyball teams should join the Google Classroom (Code: 5tnpwj6). Tryouts will be held April 29th-May 3rd from 4:30-6:00 p.m. at VHHS. More information can be found on the Google Classroom or email Coach Ashley Hardee (hardeewa@vhcs.us).

Are you an 8th grader interested in Color Guard at VHHS? No previous experience is required for auditions. You can learn more about pre-clinic opportunities and tryouts in the Google Classroom (code: HXCP4VH). There is an optional pre-clinic opportunity April 14 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Auditions and Clinic take place each date from 3:45-6:00 p.m. as follows:

• Clinic Week 1: April 23-26
• Clinic Week 2: April 29
• Audition: May 1 3:45-6:00

Clinic and tryouts will take place at the Freshman Campus front gym.

Basketball cheer clinic and tryouts will be held April 15th-18th for rising 9th graders! The tryout packet and registration form can be found in the Google Classroom (code: k6qwxth). The first step for rising 9th graders is due Friday, April 5th. Reach out to Ms. Harris (harrisb@vhcs.us) for any questions.