Valley Christian Weekly News

  • November 27, 2023 Issue 14

    Posted by Leann Bakker on 11/27/2023 3:15:00 PM

    2023-24 Theme Verse: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12



     
    Our VCHS Handbells will perform for the LA County Christmas Tree Lighting at The Music Center tonight at 5:00 PM on 11/27. All are invited to join us on the Jerry Moss Plaza between the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Ahmanson Theater at 5:00 PM for this special event! Admission is free.
     
    Parent Service Hours Opportunity - The high school office is looking for help with the Teachers' Christmas Luncheon on Friday, 12/8. Donations are needed as well as shifts of people to help set up, serve, supervise students, and clean up. Please contact the high school office at hsinfo@vcschools.org if you are interested in helping.
     
    Save the Date! The Third Annual Cocoa and Carols will be Thursday, 12/14! Celebrate the Christmas Season with the VC Community on this wonderful evening of music. Music groups from our elementary, middle school, and high school campuses will be performing. You won't want to miss this special event!
     
    Young Alumni Day: Come back to visit us on Wednesday, 12/20! The open house for VCHS Grads from 2019-23 will be Wednesday 12/20 - 11:30 AM-12:30 PM in the High School Library. We will have drawings for prizes beginning at 11:50 AM. It will be an open house environment with light refreshments being served. We would love to see you!
     
    Come pray with Moms in Prayer! We meet weekly to pray for our children and schools. Join us occasionally or each week. Service hours can be earned. If you have questions or prayer requests, contact Julie Long at julieflute@gmail.com. Anyone (students included) can leave prayer requests in the prayer boxes in the school offices.
    • VCES Moms in Prayer meets Mondays 8:30-9:30am in the conference room off the elementary school office.
    • VCMS Moms in Prayer meets Mondays 8:30-9:30am in Room 3
    • VCHS Moms in Prayer meets Mondays 8:30-9:30am in the VCHS Van Dyk Conference Room off the HS admissions office.
     
    The VCS Board of Directors is currently seeking nominees for 2024-25. Nominate yourself or another member of the VCS Society/community for election to the Board by emailing gandp@bod.vcschools.org  Individuals with backgrounds in finance, accounting, budgeting, pension management, human resources, and administration are encouraged to apply. To learn more about the VCS Society, please click on this link https://www.vcschools.org/society.
     
    Variable Tuition Application is open now for students applying for fall 2024 re-enrollment- Variable Tuition at Valley Christian is a way to meet tuition needs for families based on individual financial situations. While we may not be able to meet every situation, our team works to assist as we are able. Variable Tuition is available to Full-Day TK through 12th grade. We require everyone to reapply each year. Each case is confidential and is evaluated by a third party, FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition). The application requires a copy of your 2022 Federal (1040) and State Income Tax returns and all supporting schedules along with the 2022 W-2s and/or Business Taxes (1120s,1065 and coordinating K1s). You’ll find the application on our website by clicking here. The application fee is $53. If we receive your completed application by 12/31/23, you will have your results by February 2023 in time for re-enrollment. Applications received after 12/31/2023 will not be considered until after the re-enrollment period and will be based on funds available. If you have questions about variable tuition, please email us at variabletuition@vcschools.org.
     
    Broadway Showcase 2024 Auditions for middle school and elementary school are being held in November! Audition forms can be found at each campus' office and are required in order to audition. (Please note that kindergarten and transitional kindergarten auditions will take place in January). Visit www.vcschools.org/broadway for more information.
    • Middle School Auditions Monday, 11/27 from 5:00-7:30 PM in the VCHS Legacy Chapel
    • Elementary School Auditions Grades 1-3: Thursday, 11/30 from 4:00-6:00 PM in the VCHS Legacy Chapel Grades 4-6: Thursday, 11/30 from 6:30-8:30 PM in the VCHS Legacy Chapel
     
    Job Openings:  Bus Driver: Part-time or Substitute
    To see the full job description and apply, please visit www.vcschools.org and click on the Employment Opportunities tab. If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to Tracie Jones, hr@vcschools.org
     

    Preschool  
     
    Chapel Offerings: This week will be our last collection before gifts are due next week! Thank you for helping to make this event a huge success.
     
    See's Candies Fundraiser: Please support VCPS by purchasing See's Candies through the Yum-Raising Link OR by ordering through the fundraiser form (in child's cubby). All forms and payments must be turned in by Friday, 12/1 before 10:00 AM. Yum-Raising is delivered directly to the person ordering. Forms that are turned into preschool with payment will be available for pickup the following week at the preschool (date to be determined).
     
    Christmas Program Friday 12/8: Please join us on Friday, 12/8 at 6:30 PM as our Preschool children share the joy of Christmas through song. Desserts and Cocoa will be served after the performance. (Children may be dropped off in their classroom at 6:15 PM).
     
    Parent Volunteer Opportunity: Desserts donations, set-up/serve/clean-up volunteers are needed for our Christmas Program Desserts and Cocoa on 12/8. Sign-Up Genius was sent out today 11/27.
     
    Looking Ahead:
    • Preschool Christmas Program: Friday 12/8 at 6:30 PM
    • Christmas Party: Thursday, 12/21 (More info to come from your child's teacher)
    • Christmas Break Closed: Thursday 12/21 (HALF DAY FOR ALL CHILDREN)
    • Christmas Break Closed: Friday 12/22 through Monday 1/1
    • Christmas Break Daycare: Tuesday 1/2 through Friday 1/5 (sign-ups will be REQUIRED)
     

    Elementary School
     
    Spirit Day - Thursday, November 30 - Wear an animal print or dress up as your favorite animal!  Spirit Day is optional. If you choose not to participate, please be in uniform.
     
    2nd grade students will be going to the Los Angeles Zoo on Friday, 12/1.
     
    5th & 6th Grade Athletics: Tryouts will take place in December for Boys Basketball and Girls Volleyball. More information will be coming soon. We are in need of boys basketball and girls volleyball coaches. These are paid positions! If you are interested or would like additional information regarding the program, please email Danette Teays at dteays@vcschools.org
     
    Webby Dance Company! Valley Christian After School Jazz & Hip Hop Class for grades TK-3rd. Classes will be held on Tuesdays, 3:00-3:45 PM, beginning 11/7 for 6 weeks. Registration and more information can be found here.
     
    Coding Class: Do you want your child to learn how to code? Come check out the beginner courses for newbie coders and experienced coders. Classes will be held on Thursdays 3:00-4:00 PM, beginning 11/2 for six weeks at VCES. Easy, convenient, and your child will learn a valuable skill set. Limited space! Book today! Registration and information may be found here https://drive.google.com/file/d/10zyFWL22YnB5eWXjQJb9-3x-C-FrBDLZ/view?usp=sharing
     
    Earn Service Hours and Spread Christmas Cheer by volunteering for the VCES Christmas Boutique held in the campus library 12/4-12/8! Please sign up for set-up, sales assistance or clean-up by clicking here.
     
    The Kid's Christmas Boutique will be held 12/4-12/8 in our library. During this week, your child will be able to shop for family members and friends alike and choose from a wide array of low-cost gifts. A designated time slot is assigned to each class for shopping. Gifts are priced very reasonably, and range from $1.00 to $20.00. Please remember that there is no obligation to buy or to participate. Please see this link for more information and details. Order envelopes will be sent home with students on 11/27.
     
    Tuesday, 12/5, 7:00 PM - Kindergarten and 3rd Grade Christmas Concert. Please join us to ring in the Christmas Season with music, skits and song with our Kinder and 3rd grade program! If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Peppel at npeppel@vcschools.org. The program will be held at BellOne Christian Reformed Church located at 17603 Ardmore Ave, Bellflower.
     
    Broadway Showcase 2024 Auditions are here! Come join our all-school production at the La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts, March 7th and 8th, 2024! We are looking for students ages TK-12th grade who are interested in participating in a wonderful musical theater experience for the whole community to enjoy! TK/Kindergarten Auditions will be announced at a later time and will be held at the beginning of January upon return from Christmas break.  Elementary School Auditions for Grades 1-6 will be held Thursday, November 30 at the High School Chapel: 1st-3rd Grade: 4:00-6:00 PM, 4th-6th Grade: 6:30-8:30 PM. Visit www.vcschools.org/broadway for more information. We hope to see you there!
     
    The Service Leadership Class is supporting Kingdom Causes annual Toy Drive! We are looking forward to spreading joy this holiday season! We are collecting new, unwrapped toys to donate to the Kingdom Causes Toy Drive. This drive gives parents an opportunity to purchase toys for their kids at a significantly discounted price. Drop off your donations at the high school and elementary school offices before Friday, December 8. If you have any questions or need toy ideas, check out this link: https://www.kcbellflower.org/christmas-store
     
    Every student at VCES will receive a yearbook. If you are looking for a creative way to tell your student, “I love you and I’m proud of you", a recognition ad can be placed in the yearbook here.  More information can be found here. Yearbook recognition ads will be accepted until 12/15/23, space is limited and on a first come first serve basis.
     
    Pop Tabs: We are partnering with The Ronald McDonald House to help families in their time of need by collecting Pop Tabs. Students may bring in their pop tabs at any time.
     
    Safety Procedures: For security reasons, the double doors and gates leading into the campus (from both parking lots) will be locked until 7:55 AM in the morning and 2:45 PM in the afternoon. Students who arrive before 7:55 AM will need to go to Daycare. If your child is going to Daycare, please park and walk them through the office for Daycare check in. Please see the attached information regarding details on the Drop off and pick up Information
     
    LOST AND FOUND - Lost and Found items will be donated to Affordable Treasures on 11/30. Please have your child check for any missing items.
     

    Middle School
     
    Thank you to all who came out to support our middle school actors in their play, ‘Crumpled Classics’. Your support and encouragement means so much to our students!
     
    Middle School East Coast Trip (May 25-June 4, 2024): Don't miss out on this fun travel adventure to Williamsburg, WashingtonDC, Gettysburg, and New York City! The deadline for signing up is December 30. For more information or to sign up, visit this link. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Huisman (mhuisman@vcschools.org) or Mrs. Vande Vegte(jvandevegte@vcschools.org).
     
    Broadway Showcase 2024 Auditions: VCMS auditions are being held on Monday, 11/27 - 5:00-7:30 PM in the VCHS Legacy Chapel. Audition forms can be found at the middle school office and are required in order to audition. Visit www.vcschools.org/broadway for more information.
     
    Our 8th grade students are going on a field trip to SoFi Stadium, Tuesday, 11/28. This will be a fun day outside of the traditional classroom setting. Students will learn about architecture, design and the ins and outs of a professional athletic facility with the added opportunity to run through the tunnel and play on the Rams/Chargers field. Students need to bring a sack lunch and are to be in regular school uniform. They will return to school during exploratories.
     
    Join us 12/14 at 5:00 PM for Cocoa & Carols. On Thursday, 12/14, Valley Christian Schools will be hosting a Christmas celebration with performances by the orchestras, bands, choirs, and handbell choirs, from our elementary, middle school and high school students. This event will take place outdoors on our high school campus. It is a night you won’t want to miss!
     
    VCMS Serve Day... On Wednesday, December 20, the students and staff of VCMS will have the chance to bring joy to others by engaging in various service projects in our community. Here's how you can help
    • We need donations for our homeless hygiene kits, care packages, and sack lunches. Please check out our Amazon Wishlist to assist in purchasing these items.
    • If you would like to make a monetary donation to help us fund these projects, please contact the MS office.
    • We need 8th grade parent volunteers to chaperone and assist at our various service locations. Please contact Mrs. Aguilera, jaguilera@vcschools.org, to sign up.
    The VCMS Team expresses gratitude for your collaboration and eagerly anticipates sharing the love of Jesus through our community service.
     
    Thursday, December 21 - End of 2nd quarter for VCMS.
     
    Annual Middle School Bowling Party - Thursday morning, 12/21. Permission for this field trip was granted with the Field Trip Permission Form at the beginning of the school year, but an information flyer will be coming home on 11/30. Students should bring $20 to the middle school office by Friday, 12/15. If this is a hardship in any way, please contact Mrs. Chamberlin at cchamberlin@vcschools.org. This is a super fun morning, and we don't want anyone to miss out!
     
    Thursday, December 21st, is a half day. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 AM. For students who take the bus, buses will be running on this day.
     
    Friday, December 22nd - No school - May the joy of the Lord fill your hearts and homes this Christmas... See you in 2024!
     
     

     
    High School
     
    Tonight! (Monday, 11/27), 7:00 PM - SAS Meeting - The Scholastic Arts Society (SAS) will be meeting in the Verhoeven College and Career Center located in the high school office building. This is the parent support group for the VCHS National Honors Society, and we welcome any parents interested in learning more about the group and interested in helping with various activities and fundraisers. Please email Debbie Struiksma if you have any questions at dstruiksma77@aol.com.
     
    Tonight! Moms of Seniors '24 - You are invited to join us tonight, 11/27 at 7:00 PM in the VCHS Library to pray for our seniors. Join us as we pray for the Holy Spirit to cover them with peace, protection, discernment, wisdom, guidance and courage throughout this pivotal season in their lives. We'll gather monthly.
     
    Sadie Hawkins Dance: Dynamic Duo! The Sadie Hawkins Dance will be held on Saturday, December 2 in the Legacy Chapel from 8:00-11:30 PM! Tickets are $20 (they will cost $30 at the door!) and will be sold in the SSB on 11/28, 11/29, 11/30, and 12/1 during break and lunch. This dance is open to 9th-12th graders as well as outside guests (guest tickets are $30). Guests must fill out the dance guest form found at www.vcschools.org/hsresources or in the HS Student Course on Canvas.
     
    Sadie Hawkins Dance Chaperones: Looking for parent service hours? We could use your help this coming Saturday (12/2) from 7:30-11:30 PM at the high school. Email Andy Andersen if you are willing to help! aandersen@vcschools.org
     
    Our VCHS Handbells will perform for the LA County Christmas Tree Lighting at The Music Center tonight at 5:00 PM.  All are invited to join us on the Jerry Moss Plaza between the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and the Ahmanson Theater at 5:00 PM for this special event! Admission is free.
     
    The Service Leadership Class is supporting Kingdom Causes annual Toy Drive! We are looking forward to spreading joy this holiday season! We are collecting new, unwrapped toys to donate to the Kingdom Causes Toy Drive. This drive gives parents an opportunity to purchase toys for their kids at a significantly discounted price. Drop off your donations at the high school and elementary school offices before Friday, 12/8. If you have any questions or need toy ideas, check out this link: https://www.kcbellflower.org/christmas-store
     
    VCHS Exams are December 18-20. Some reminders about Exam Week:
    • The exam schedule is posted on the High School Student page in Canvas and at www.vcschools.org/hsresources
    • Attendance during Exam Week: Please DO NOT schedule appointments between 8:00 AM-Noon during exam week. If your child is too sick to take exams, contact the Attendance Desk at 562-865-0281, ext. 227 or by emailing sdoornbos@vcschools.org.
    • During the exam blocks (8:30-10:00 AM and 10:30 AM-12:00 PM) students may not enter or leave campus.
    • Students should arrive on campus before 8:30 AM, or between 10:00-10:30 AM (depending on their exam schedule). While on campus, students who are not taking exams will be required to be in a testing room or remain in the library for the duration of the testing period. If a student does not have an exam, he or she is not required to be on campus.
    • There is no school for high school students in the afternoon on exam days.
    • VCHS students are not allowed to visit other campuses until 2:45 PM.
    • The canteen will be open from 8:00-8:30 AM and 10:00-10:30 AM - Monday-Wednesday.
    • Buses will run at regular times (8:00 AM drop off, 2:45 PM departure) on Monday-Wednesday.
    • The library will be open until 2:30 PM, Monday-Wednesday.
    • Uniforms must be worn during finals or students will not be allowed to take final exams.
    • There is no school for high school students on Thursday, 12/21
     
    Counselors News -
     
    If you are interested in taking the new digital SAT in the spring of 2024, registration is now open. Please register at this link https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/digital/digital-testing/dates-deadlines
     

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    Athletics
     
    For a schedule of upcoming athletic events at each campus, please refer to the campus-specific athletic calendars online at the athletics website: www.vcathletics.net
     

    Friends of VCS
     
    Affordable Treasures Thrift Store - Call our store 562-866-0060 or schedule a pick-up on our website affordabletreasuresthrift.org.
     

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    Requested Announcements  
     
    For more news and announcements, see our News page.
     
    To subscribe or unsubscribe from the weekly email distribution, please contact VCNews@vcschools.org.



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