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Valley Christian Weekly News
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May 22, 2023 Issue 36
Posted by Leann Bakker on 5/22/2023 3:15:00 PM2022-23 Theme Verse: "Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22: 37-39
Summer is right around the corner and we'd love for you to join us for a class or camp! We have a variety of opportunities for your students to explore their interests and learn new skills. With classes from sports to art to academic enrichment, you are sure to find something that they will enjoy! To check out all of our summer programs, please visit vcschools.org/campsVolunteers are needed for the 2023-2024 Book and iPad Distribution at the high school. Complete your parent and student service hours before the school year even starts. Monday, August 7th, and Tuesday, August 8th. Please Contact Mrs. Bomgaars, if you're interested, at obomgaars@vcschools.org or 562-865-0281 x 240.Please make sure you check your Parent Power School Account regarding your 10 hours of Family Service. These hours need to be completed on or before the last day of school. Any incomplete hours will be billed to your Auto Debit in June. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to servicehours@vcschools.orgPrivate Voice Lessons: Mr. Goedhart is again offering voice lessons on the VCHS campus during the summer months to any student wanting to prepare for college music scholarships, learn how to develop their musical skills, and improve their confidence in singing. Contact Mr. Goedhart at pgoedhart@vcschools.org or 562-865-0281 for more information.Attention Graduates of 1987, 1988 and 1989. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 16! We will be having a combined class reunion! Contact Leslie VanWeerthuizen De Vries for more information at 562-400-0286 or email her at lesliejoy@verizon.net.Attention graduating Class of 1973: You are cordially welcomed to attend, participate, and walk in our ceremony joining our 2023 graduating class as our honored 50th anniversary guests on Thursday, May 25. Please let other classmates know about this opportunity. Contact Gene Bras gbras@vcschools.org or Marlaina Goldine mgoldine@vcschools.org to RSVP or if you have any questions.HARVEST FESTIVAL COMMITTEE 2023 is looking for volunteers to help with our upcoming annual Harvest Festival on 10/13. We’re in need of a co-chair and a donations chair. Training provided and service hours will be completed. For more information or if you’d like to sign up, please email harvest@vcschools.org.Director Needed: VCHS Fall Play '23 - We are looking for someone to launch and direct a high school play for Fall 2023. If you are interested or know someone that is, please contact Chris Becher: cbecher@vcschools.org.Job Openings: 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,- Business Office full-time General Accountant
- Bus Driver - part-time
SCRIP SUMMER HOURS: Thursdays 8:00 to 10:00 AM. Orders may be dropped off at the business office Monday - Thursday.Summer office hours for the Business office: Monday-Thursday - 8:00AM- 3:00 PM
The staff would like to say a special thank you to all of our preschool parents for another wonderful school year! Thank you for entrusting us with your beautiful children each day as they grow in knowledge and the love of God. We pray that you have a wonderful summer!End of the school year class parties will be on Thursday, 5/25! Your child's teacher will provide more details.Last Day of School: Preschool will be half-day for all students on Thursday, 5/25. All children must be picked up at 11:45 AM.Summer Preschool: Begins on Monday, 6/5 at our Elementary School Campus. Please enter/exit through the parking lot, double doors and walk your child down to the TK/Kindergarten classrooms. We look forward to a fun and safe summer session.
The VCES teachers and staff would like to thank our families for all your support this year and to wish you a wonderful summer!Parent Parking - The second parking lot (parent lot) will be open for parking during school events/activities, i.e. field trips, on campus programs, etc. To access the campus, you will need to use the sidewalk on Grand Avenue and check in through the office before heading to the event/activity. This will limit parking in front of our neighbors' homes and provide more safety for our students.Summer office hours for the Elementary office:- May 26 - 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
- May 30-June 2 - 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
- June 5-9 - 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
- We will be checking messages and emails throughout the summer and return on July 24th.
Interested in becoming a Room Parent or Grade Chair for the 2023-2024 school year? Let the Parents Association know by taking this survey: https://forms.gle/kv9GgJWN4S5o9WcH8Sports Day Volunteers: Please meet at the high school football field on Tuesday, 5/23 at 8:15 AM to get your assignment for the day. Lunch and drinks are provided. You may want to bring a lawn chair if you don’t like sitting on the grass. The day should be over by 1:30 PM. Thanks again for helping make this day a success for our elementary students. Questions - email Jon Slager at jslager@vcschools.org.6th Grade Promotion on Wednesday, 5/24 - 1:00 - 1:40 PM: The Sixth Grade Blessing ceremony to celebrate the students that will be moving on to middle school will take place on the high school football field. 17700 Dumont Ave, Cerritos, CA 90703. 6th grade students will not have school on 5/25.The last day of school is Thursday, 5/25 with dismissal at 11:30 AM. Buses will run at 11:30 AM.Students may wear free dress on the last day of school, 5/25.Baseball Lessons with Mr. Newman - This summer, VCES teacher Mr. Newman will be offering both private and group baseball lessons for ages 6-14. Your child will work on their hitting, catching, fielding, and throwing in either half-hour or hour-long sessions. Mr. Newman is a former college baseball player and an experienced coach. For more information or to book a lesson, please contact Mr. Newman at jnewman@vcschools.org or (562)774-7771.Summer Day Camp - Adventure Crew 2023: Register early for Summer Day Camp (Kindergarten - 8th grade). After May 22nd, the registration fee will increase to $75.00. Please use the link to register: home.vcschools.org/daycamp. Once you've paid for the registration, you will receive an email with a link to complete additional forms. Any questions, please reach out to the Daycare Director Rachel Robbins at 562-920-9902 ext.120 or rrobbins@vcschools.org.VCES Yearbooks were sent home with students last week. Every student receives a yearbook.LOST AND FOUND - Anything left in Lost and Found will be donated to Affordable Treasures 5/31. Please have your child check for any missing items. We have many jackets and other clothing items in our Lost and Found.Important dates this month:- 5/23 - Sports Day - TK/K elementary campus, 1st-6th high school campus
- 5/24 - 5th grade - California Science Center
- 5/24 - TK/K - Kidz Town
- 5/24 - 6th grade - Sixth Grade Blessing ceremony, 1:00-1:40 PM on the high school football field.
- 5/25 - 5th grade - Sky Zone
Thank you to our parents in the morning that helped with traffic duty. Thanks to Josh Case and Linda Kawaguchi for keeping the cars and buses safe.All campus fines must be paid before students may receive a Yearbook. There is no additional cost for a yearbook. It was included in your student's tuition.Is your student missing some of his/her belongings? Please come in and check our Lost and Found. All unclaimed items will be donated to Affordable Treasures on Wednesday, 5/31.7th Grade Parents:- Donations are needed for the Ice Cream Sundae Bar following the 7th grade talent show, on May 23rd. If you would like to help, please use the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094FAAAC23A1FD0-talent
- The 7th grade class has the privilege of providing treats following the 8th Grade Graduation to honor the graduating class and their families. We are in need of supplies. If you would like to help, use the following link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094FAAAC23A1FD0-donations.
- We are also in need of monetary donations to purchase the treats. If you would like to make a monetary donation to help make it a special night, please send an envelope marked “8th Grade Graduation Reception” on it to the Middle School Office. We are also accepting Venmo donations @Jen-Oakes-2 with “8th Grade Graduation Reception” in the subject line.
Coming up at VCMS:- May 22 - Regular school day
- May 23 - 8th grade picnic at Liberty Park
- May 23 - 7th grade talent show
- May 24 - 8th grade graduation rehearsal 8:15 AM - 10:30 AM (Parents- please pick up at the middle school at 10:30 AM - 8th graders will be dismissed at this time.)
- May 24 - 8th grade graduation at VCHS Defender Stadium @ 7:00 PM (Graduates need to arrive by 6:30 PM).
- May 25 - Last day of school for 7th grade (out at 11:30 AM). *8th grade does not have school on this day.
- Additional information for all of these events has been sent home via email. Please contact your student(s) advisement teacher or the middle school office with any questions.
Summer office hours for the Middle School office:- May 26 - Open 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- May 29 - June 1 - Open 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- June 5 - July 25 - Open on Tuesdays from 9:00 AM - 1:00PM
- July 31 - Aug 3 - Open 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Aug 7 - Aug 10 - Open 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Aug 14 - Regular office hours resume (Mon - Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
- If you have any office needs outside of those hours please email us at vcmsoffice@vcschools.org. We will be checking our email regularly and will do our best to respond in a timely manner.
8th Grade Parents - mark your calendars with these important dates for fall:- VCHS Check-In Days - Monday OR Tuesday, 8/7 or 8/8 - you pick a day to come in for school photos, book order pick up, buy VC Swag at the Spirit Store, iPad pick up, and more! Monday, 4:00-8:00 PM, Tuesday, 9:00 AM -1:00 PM
- New Student Orientation Day - Monday, 8/14, 8:15-11:00 AM - Orientation Day for all 9th graders
- First Day of School - Tuesday, 8/15 will be the first full day of school for all students
Senior Parents - See your email for more details about the following events. This week at a glance:- Monday, 5/22 - Senior Blessing at BellOne Christian Reformed Church
- Tuesday, 5/23 - Senior Snapshot at VCHS football field
- Thursday, 5/25 - Graduation rehearsal in the morning, graduation ceremony in the evening, Grad Night following the ceremony
Director Needed: VCHS Fall Play '23 - We are looking for someone to launch and direct a high school play for Fall 2023. If you are interested or know someone that is, please contact Chris Becher: cbecher@vcschools.org.VCHS Exams are May 22-24. 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.
- 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.
- 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 on 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.
- During the exam blocks (8:30-10:00 AM and 10:30 AM-12:00 PM) students may not enter or leave campus.
- 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, 5/25 (even though there is a half day for elementary students and 7th graders).
The VCHS Commencement Ceremony will be held on Thursday, 5/25, 7:00 PM at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos. Entrance is by ticket only. The ceremony will be livestreamed at VCHS Graduation Livestream Link - this link will become live twelve hours prior to the graduation ceremony.Summer Classes for 8th - 12th graders brought to you by Epic Robotz: EPIC Robotz will be hosting a Summer computer aided design (CAD) class for students entering grades 8-12 next year. There will be three CAD classes using Solidworks software: Intro to CAD, for students with little to no CAD experience, CAD level 2, for students that have taken the intro course or already have experience with CAD and advanced CAD with CNC which will give students the opportunity to design and manufacture the parts they have designed using the CNC machines. Intro to CAD and CAD 2 are $175.00 for each session. Advanced CAD with CNC is $250.00. Students taking a summer CAD class will receive a $50 discount off of their fall robotics tuition. Please contact Valerie Jasper at vjasper@vcschools.org for any questions regarding the classes. Sign up at http://go.vcschools.org/techcamps Space is limited to 8 students per session, so sign up soon! Intro to CAD Monday, June 12- Thursday, June 15 2:00 - 5:00 PM CAD Level 2 Monday, June 19- Thursday, June 22 2:00 - 5:00 PM Advanced CAD with CNC June Monday 26-Thursday June 29 12:00 - 5:00 PMEPIC Robotz will also be offering a summer media class. This class will cover photography, editing and storyboarding to create exciting videos for promotion or social media. The cost of this class is $175.00 and participants will receive a $50 discount towards their fall robotics tuition. The class will be every Tuesday and Thursday, July 11-Aug 1, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. EPIC Media Class: July 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, Aug 1 9:00 AM-12:00 PMVCHS Summer Office Hours: Starting on the day after Memorial Day, the high school office will be open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM for the entire summer. Please feel free to contact the high school office at 562-865-0281, ext. 226 or hsinfo@vcschools.org.Important fall dates:- VCHS Check-In Days - Monday OR Tuesday, 8/7 or 8/8 - you pick a day to come in for school photos, book order pick up, buy VC Swag at the Spirit Store, iPad pick up, and more! Monday - 4:00 - 8:00 PM, Tuesday - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- New Student Orientation Day - Monday, 8/14, 8:15-11:00 AM - Orientation Day for all 9th graders and new high school students
- First Day of School - Tuesday, 8/15 will be the first full day of school for all students
Counselor's Corner:The counselors met with the junior class on Tuesday during lunch to discuss a few important topics related to preparing for senior year and college applications. An email was sent to all juniors and their parents with a PDF of the presentation on May 17th. Reach out to your student's counselor if you have any questions!Summer School: Planning to do summer school to remediate a grade or get ahead? Please fill out the following google form to let your counselor know of your intent and get approved! https://forms.gle/BwzpEum9FLwdnZay5
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
Affordable Treasures Thrift Store - Call our store 562-866-0060 or schedule a pick-up on our website affordabletreasuresthrift.org.
First Steps Christian Preschool has DIRECTOR, TEACHER, and AIDE positions available immediately. The applicants must have a passion for young children and love for the Lord. If interested and for more information, please contact Michele De Boer at lmdeboer90701@yahoo.comFor more news and announcements, see our News page.To subscribe to the weekly email distribution, please contact VCNews@vcschools.org. To unsubscribe use the link below. -
May 15, 2023 Issue 35
Posted by Leann Bakker on 5/15/2023 3:15:00 PM2022-23 Theme Verse: "Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22: 37-39
The VC Orchestra Concert will be Tuesday, 5/16 at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC - 17603 Ardmore Ave, Bellflower. This will include 5th grade, 6th grade, middle school and high school orchestras.Parent Service Hours to PRAY! All are welcome to come pray together for the school and our children at the last Moms in Prayer meetings of the school year- this Wednesday (5/17) at 9:00 AM at VCES, and Monday (5/23) 8:30 AM at VCHS. Also feel free to sign up for next year, and receive updates on summer prayer times together by contacting Taelin at vcsprayer@gmail.com or Jane at 970-672-7698.Please make sure you check your Parent Power School Account regarding your 10 hours of Family Service. These hours need to be completed on or before the last day of school. Any incomplete hours will be billed to your Auto Debit in June. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to servicehours@vcschools.orgVolunteers are needed for the 2023-2024 Book and iPad Distribution. Complete your parent and student service hours before the school year even starts. Monday, August 7th, and Tuesday, August 8th. Please Contact Mrs. Bomgaars, if you're interested, at obomgaars@vcschools.org or 562-865-0281 x 240.Summer is right around the corner and we'd love for you to join us for a class or camp! We have a variety of opportunities for your students to explore their interests and learn new skills. With classes from sports to art to academic enrichment, you are sure to find something that they will enjoy! To check out all of our summer programs, please visit vcschools.org/campsPrivate Voice Lessons: Mr. Goedhart is again offering voice lessons on the VCHS campus during the summer months to any student wanting to prepare for college music scholarships, learn how to develop their musical skills, and improve their confidence in singing. Contact Mr. Goedhart at pgoedhart@vcschools.org or 562-865-0281 for more information.Friends of the Dumont Slope: We will have our last Dumont Slope tending time for this school year: Saturday, May 20th, from 2:30-4:00. Please bring any garden tools you use to help tend our CA Native garden. A CA Native plant donation (Brita's Nursery, Seal Beach is a great source) would be gladly accepted, as we continue to build our Monarch Waystation and Slope butterfly habitat. See you there! Any questions? Rob Kamstra, 562-484-8546.Attention Graduates of 1987, 1988 and 1989. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 16! We will be having a combined class reunion! Contact Leslie VanWeerthuizen De Vries for more information at 562-400-0286 or email her at lesliejoy@verizon.net.Attention graduating Class of 1973: You are cordially welcomed to attend, participate, and walk in our ceremony joining our 2023 graduating class as our honored 50th anniversary guests on Thursday, May 25. Please let other classmates know about this opportunity. Contact Gene Bras gbras@vcschools.org or Marlaina Goldine mgoldine@vcschools.org to RSVP or if you have any questions.HARVEST FESTIVAL COMMITTEE 2023 is looking for volunteers to help with our upcoming annual Harvest Festival on 10/13. We’re in need of a co-chair and a donations chair. Training provided and service hours will be completed. For more information or if you’d like to sign up, please email harvest@vcschools.org.Director Needed: VCHS Fall Play '23 - We are looking for someone to launch and direct a high school play for Fall 2023. If you are interested or know someone that is, please contact Chris Becher: cbecher@vcschools.org.Job Openings: 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,- Business Office full-time General Accountant
- Elementary School Teacher Grades 4-6
- Bus Driver - part-time
SCRIP SUMMER HOURS: Thursdays 8:00 to 10:00 AM. Orders may be dropped off at the business office Monday - Friday.
Graduation: Children who are in Mrs. Tricia, Mrs. Ericka, and Ms. Jamie's class will participate in our graduation celebration. Graduation will be held Friday 5/19 at 6:30 PM in the church sanctuary. Please bring your child to their classroom at 6:15 PM. Church doors will also open at 6:15 PM and seats are first come first serve.Preschool will close at 5:00 PM on Friday, 5/19 in preparation for graduation at 6:30 PM.Last Day of School: Preschool will be half day for all students on Thursday, 5/25. This day will be our end of the year celebration (more info to come from teachers)Summer Preschool: Begins on Monday, 6/5 at our Elementary school!
The Bellflower Student Art Festival was held last weekend and the following students will receive medals from the mayor at the City Council Meeting on Monday, 5/22. Third Grade: Sarah Wisner-2nd Place, Bryson Johnson-3rd Place. Fourth Grade: Farrah Fisher-3rd Place.The VC Orchestra Concert will be Tuesday, 5/16 at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC (17603 Ardmore Ave, Bellflower. This will include 5th grade, 6th grade, middle school and high school orchestras.Parent Parking - The second parking lot (parent lot) will be open for parking during school events/activities, i.e. field trips, on campus programs, etc. To access the campus, you will need to use the sidewalk on Grand Avenue and check in through the office before heading to the event/activity. This will limit parking in front of our neighbors' homes and provide more safety for our students.The last day of school is Thursday, 5/25 with dismissal at 11:30 AM. Buses will run at 11:30 AM.Interested in becoming a Room Parent or Grade Chair for the 2023-2024 school year? Let the Parents Association know by taking this survey: https://forms.gle/kv9GgJWN4S5o9WcH8Sports Day Volunteers: Please meet at the high school football field on Tuesday, 5/23 at 8:15 AM to get your assignment for the day. Lunch and drinks are provided. You may want to bring a lawn chair if you don’t like sitting on the grass. The day should be over by 1:30 PM. Thanks again for helping make this day a success for our elementary students. Questions - email Jon Slager at jslager@vcschools.org.6th Grade Promotion on Wednesday, 5/24 - 1:00 - 1:40 PM: The Sixth Grade Blessing ceremony to celebrate the students that will be moving on to middle school will take place on the high school football field. 17700 Dumont Ave, Cerritos, CA 90703. 6th grade students will not have school on 5/25.Students may wear free dress on the last day of school, 5/25.Baseball Lessons with Mr. Newman - This summer, VCES teacher Mr. Newman will be offering both private and group baseball lessons for ages 6-14. Your child will work on their hitting, catching, fielding, and throwing in either half-hour or hour-long sessions. Mr. Newman is a former college baseball player and an experienced coach. For more information or to book a lesson, please contact Mr. Newman at jnewman@vcschools.org or (562)774-7771.Summer Day Camp - Adventure Crew 2023: Register early for Summer Day Camp (Kindergarten - 8th grade). After May 22nd, the registration fee will increase to $75.00. Please use the link to register: home.vcschools.org/daycamp. Once you've paid for the registration, you will receive an email with a link to complete additional forms. Any questions, please reach out to the Daycare Director Rachel Robbins at 562-920-9902 ext.120 or rrobbins@vcschools.org.Want to celebrate your child’s birthday with the high school Madrigals Choir?! Fill out the attached order form along with $20 and return it to the elementary school office to place a birthday gram order and have The Madrigals sing happy birthday to your student. Birthday grams also include a sweet treat and a goodie bag! Birthday grams will be delivered once a month to the elementary school campus. Please support the Madrigals.VCES Yearbooks will be sent home with students next week. Every student receives a yearbook.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.LOST AND FOUND - Anything left in Lost and Found will be donated to Affordable Treasures 5/31. Please have your child check for any missing items. We have many jackets and other clothing items in our Lost and Found.Important dates this month:- 5/16 - Mrs. Davis’ Class - Columbia Memorial Space Center
- 5/18 - 4th grade - Inventor Wax Museum. Parents and friends are welcome to attend. (on campus)
- 5/19 - 1st grade - Bellflower Fire Museum
- 5/19 - 2nd grade - Poem Party 1:45-2:45 PM. Parents are welcome to attend. (on campus)
- 5/22 - 6th grade - Knott’s Berry Farm
- 5/23 - Sports Day - TK/K elementary campus, 1st-6th high school campus
- 5/24 - 5th grade - California Science Center
- 5/24 - TK/K - Kidz Town
- 5/24 - 6th grade - Sixth Grade Blessing ceremony, 1:00-1:40 PM on the high school football field.
- 5/25 - 5th grade - Sky Zone
All campus fines must be paid before students may receive a Yearbook. There is no additional cost for a yearbook. It was included in your student's tuition.Is your student missing some of his/her belongings? Please come in and check our Lost and Found. All unclaimed items will be donated to Affordable Treasures on Wednesday, 5/31.7th Grade Parents:- Donations are needed for the Ice Cream Sundae Bar following the 7th grade talent show, on May 23rd. If you would like to help, please use the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094FAAAC23A1FD0-talent
- The 7th grade class has the privilege of providing treats following the 8th Grade Graduation to honor the graduating class and their families. We are in need of supplies. If you would like to help, use the following link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094FAAAC23A1FD0-donations.
- We are also in need of monetary donations to purchase the treats. If you would like to make a monetary donation to help make it a special night, please send an envelope marked “8th Grade Graduation Reception” on it to the Middle School Office. We are also accepting Venmo donations @Jen-Oakes-2 with “8th Grade Graduation Reception” in the subject line.
You are invited to the upcoming concerts: May 16 - The VC Orchestra Concert will be at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC located at 17603 Ardmore Ave, Bellflower. This will feature 5th grade, 6th grade, middle school and high school orchestras.Coming up at VCMS:- May 19 - All school day at Knott’s Berry Farm *Note that there is no school on this day for students who are not participating.
- May 23 - 8th grade picnic at Liberty Park
- May 23 - 7th grade talent show
- May 24 - 8th grade graduation rehearsal 8:15 AM - 10:30 AM (Parents- please pick up at the middle school at 10:30 AM - 8th graders will be dismissed at this time.)
- May 24 - 8th grade graduation at VCHS Defender Stadium @ 7:00 PM (Graduates need to arrive by 6:30 PM).
- May 25 - Last day of school for 7th grade (out at 11:30 AM). *8th grade does not have school on this day.
- Additional information for all of these events has been sent home via email. Please contact your student(s) advisement teacher or the middle school office with any questions.
8th Grade Parents - mark your calendars with these important dates for fall:
- VCHS Check-In Days - Monday OR Tuesday, 8/7 or 8/8 - you pick a day to come in for school photos, book order pick up, buy VC Swag at the Spirit Store, iPad pick up, and more!
- New Student Orientation Day - Monday, 8/14, 8:15-11:00 AM - Orientation Day for all 9th graders
- First Day of School - Tuesday, 8/15 will be the first full day of school for all students
Senior parents - weekly updates will be emailed every Wednesday until graduation. If you have any questions or may have missed the email this past weekend, please contact the high school office at hsinfo@vcschools.org This week at a glance:- Starting Thursday, 5/18 - Caps and gowns available to be picked up at the HS attendance desk
- Friday, 5/19 - Senior Blessing photo collages due to the HS attendance desk
- Monday, 5/22 - Senior Parade at VCES
- Monday, 5/22 - Senior Blessing at BellOne Christian Reformed Church
Senior Parents - Grad Nite Picture Submission: Please upload 5-8 pictures of the graduating student using this link https://forms.gle/WPGwKNvDEH5FkeXW9 or send to Taelin at vcmultiage@gmail.com. Please submit pictures by this Wednesday, 5/17. This is separate from your Senior blessing poster, but it can be the same pictures if you want. For any questions, please contact Kathie at 714-606-1743 or Taelin at vcmultiage@gmail.comYou are invited to the upcoming concerts: May 16 - The VC Orchestra Concert will be at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC located at 17603 Ardmore Ave, Bellflower. This will feature 5th grade, 6th grade, middle school and high school orchestras.Friends of the Dumont Slope: We will have our last Dumont Slope tending time for this school year: Saturday, May 20th, from 2:30-4:00. Please bring any garden tools you use to help tend our CA Native garden. A CA Native plant donation (Brita's Nursery, Seal Beach is a great source) would be gladly accepted, as we continue to build our Monarch Waystation and Slope butterfly habitat. See you there! Any questions? Rob Kamstra, 562-484-8546.LOST AND FOUND - Check out the lost and found in the high school office! Your missing items are waiting to be reunited with you! Anything left during exam week will be packed up and brought to Affordable Treasures.Attention Senior parents and students- Please check your email about Senior Blessing which will be held on Monday, 5/22 at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC in Bellflower. Information about the picture collage is on the invitation. Any questions, please contact Karin Leffler 562-833-2312 or Gerriana Prins 562-755-2694.Director Needed: VCHS Fall Play '23 - We are looking for someone to launch and direct a high school play for Fall 2023. If you are interested or know someone that is, please contact Chris Becher: cbecher@vcschools.org.VCHS Exams are May 22-24. 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.
- 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.
- 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 on 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.
- During the exam blocks (8:30-10:00 AM and 10:30 AM-12:00 PM) students may not enter or leave campus.
- 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, 5/25 (even though there is a half day for elementary students and 7th graders).
Important fall dates:- VCHS Check-In Days - Monday OR Tuesday, 8/7 or 8/8 - you pick a day to come in for school photos, book order pick up, buy VC Swag at the Spirit Store, iPad pick up, and more!
- New Student Orientation Day - Monday, 8/14, 8:15-11:00 AM - Orientation Day for all 9th graders and new high school students
- First Day of School - Tuesday, 8/15 will be the first full day of school for all students
Counselor's Corner:Bellflower Rotary Scholarship 2023 "Service Above Self" - The Bellflower Rotary Foundation is offering up to four scholarships of $1,000.00 each to deserving students graduating from high school this year. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:- Live in Bellflower
- Attend Bellflower, Mayfair, Somerset, St Joseph, St John Bosco, or VCHS
- Will be attending a four-year college or university this fall.
- Completed applications are due by May 15. Applications are available at Mrs Doornbos' desk.
Biola University is hosting a 4-day Molecular Biology Summer Camp for grades 10th-12th. The cost is $225. Please visit the following link if you would like to register to attend. https://www.biola.edu/events/2023/molecular-biology-summer-campSummer School: Planning to do summer school to remediate a grade or get ahead? Please fill out the following google form to let your counselor know of your intent and get approved! https://forms.gle/BwzpEum9FLwdnZay5
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
Affordable Treasures Thrift Store - Call our store 562-866-0060 or schedule a pick-up on our website affordabletreasuresthrift.org.
First Steps Christian Preschool has DIRECTOR, TEACHER, and AIDE positions available immediately. The applicants must have a passion for young children and love for the Lord. If interested and for more information, please contact Michele De Boer at lmdeboer90701@yahoo.comEmmanuel Preschool is seeking a preschool teacher who is passionate about working with young children. This is an M-F year round position. Hours will vary from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Questions - contact Karrie at 562-531-8762 or karrie.garcia@erc.laFor more news and announcements, see our News page.To subscribe to the weekly email distribution, please contact VCNews@vcschools.org. To unsubscribe use the link below. -
May 8, 2023 Issue 34
Posted by Leann Bakker on 5/8/2023 3:15:00 PM2022-23 Theme Verse: "Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22: 37-39
Please invite your friends and family to our last Preview Days of the year. We would love to give them a tour and show them around campus.- Elementary campus - Wednesday, May 10th at 10:00 AM
- Middle School campus - Thursday, May 11th at 9:00 AM
- High School campus - Thursday, May 11th at 10:00 AM
The Habit Fundraiser - Monday, 5/8 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM - Please come out and support the Valley Christian Schools Music Department at the Habit Burger in Cerritos. Please show this flyer.You are invited to these upcoming concerts:- May 9 - The VCMS & VCHS Bands and Handbells will be performing at 7:00 PM at Bethany CRC in Bellflower.
- May 12 - The VCMS & VCHS Jazz Bands will perform at "Swingin' the Night Away" at 7:00 PM at the VCHS Legacy Chapel.
- May 16 - The VC Orchestra Concert at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC (17603 Ardmore Ave, Bellflower. This will include 5th grade, 6th grade, middle school and high school orchestras.
Please make sure you check your Parent Power School Account regarding your 10 hours of Family Service. These hours need to be completed on or before the last day of school. Any incomplete hours will be billed to your Auto Debit in June. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to servicehours@vcschools.orgSummer is right around the corner and we'd love for you to join us for a class or camp! We have a variety of opportunities for your students to explore their interests and learn new skills. With classes from sports to art to academic enrichment, you are sure to find something that they will enjoy! To check out all of our summer programs, please visit vcschools.org/campsPrivate Voice Lessons: Mr. Goedhart is again offering voice lessons on the VCHS campus during the summer months to any student wanting to prepare for college music scholarships, learn how to develop their musical skills, and improve their confidence in singing. Contact Mr. Goedhart at pgoedhart@vcschools.org or 562-865-0281 for more information.Parent Service hours opportunity: Volunteers are needed for Sports Day on Tuesday, 5/23 at the high school football field. Grades 1-6 will be competing in various track and field activities and could use your help running the events. Lunch is provided and service hours will be given to all volunteers. The day runs from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. If you would like to volunteer please email Jon Slager at jslager@vcschools.org.Band and Handbells Concert - Tuesday, 5/9, 7:00 PM - The middle school and high school bands and handbells will be presenting a concert at Bethany Christian Reformed Church, 17054 Bixby Ave, Bellflower. All are invited to attend!Friends of the Dumont Slope: We will have our last Dumont Slope tending time for this school year: Saturday, May 20th, from 2:30-4:00. Please bring any garden tools you use to help tend our CA Native garden. A CA Native plant donation (Brita's Nursery, Seal Beach is a great source) would be gladly accepted, as we continue to build our Monarch Waystation and Slope butterfly habitat. See you there! Any questions? Rob Kamstra, 562-484-8546.Attention Graduates of 1987, 1988 and 1989. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 16! We will be having a combined class reunion! Contact Leslie VanWeerthuizen De Vries for more information at 562-400-0286 or email her at lesliejoy@verizon.net.Attention graduating Class of 1973: You are cordially welcomed to attend, participate, and walk in our ceremony joining our 2023 graduating class as our honored 50th anniversary guests on Thursday, May 25. Please let other classmates know about this opportunity. Contact Gene Bras gbras@vcschools.org or Marlaina Goldine mgoldine@vcschools.org to RSVP or if you have any questions.HARVEST FESTIVAL COMMITTEE 2023 is looking for volunteers to help with our upcoming annual Harvest Festival on 10/13. We’re in need of a co-chair and a donations chair. Training provided and service hours will be completed. For more information or if you’d like to sign up, please email harvest@vcschools.org.Director Needed: VCHS Fall Play '23 - We are looking for someone to launch and direct a high school play for Fall 2023. If you are interested or know someone that is, please contact Chris Becher: cbecher@vcschools.org.Job Openings: 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,- Business Office full-time General Accountant
- Elementary School Teacher Grades 4-6
- Bus Driver - part-time
Muffins with Mom will be held on Friday, 5/12 - Join us on the preschool playground anytime between 7:30-9:00 AM . There will be a light continental breakfast and coffee served. A sign-up genius went out for donations and to give Dad's the opportunity to serve (parent service hours provided). We hope to see you all there!Graduation: Children who are in Mrs. Tricia, Mrs. Ericka, and Ms. Jamie's class will participate in our graduation celebration. Graduation will be held Friday 5/19 at 6:30 PM in the church sanctuary. A sign-up genius will go out later this week for opportunities to set up, serve, and clean up (service hours). We will also need cookies and cupcakes for dessert after the ceremony.Last Day of School: Preschool will be half day for all students on Thursday, 5/25. This day will be our end of the year celebration (more info to come from teachers)Summer Preschool: Begins on Monday, 6/5 at our Elementary school!
The Trot for Technology Obstacle Course and Raffle Drawing will be held on Tuesday, May 9, during the school day for those who won that prize. Volunteers are needed for this event, service hours apply. Feel free to sign up for more than one spot. If you would like to volunteer, please use this SignUpGenius. We appreciate and thank our students and families for making this fundraiser such a success! Students raised over $55,000.00!The VC Orchestra Concert will be Tuesday, 5/16 at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC (17603 Ardmore Ave, Bellflower. This will include 5th grade, 6th grade, middle school and high school orchestras.Sports Day - Hot Dog Lunch - A hot dog lunch will be available for grades TK – 6 on Sports Day, Tuesday, May 23. The cost is $5.00 per lunch. Lunch includes one hot dog, chips, juice, and fruit. If you would like to order any extra hot dogs, please include an additional $2.00 per hot dog. Payment can be made either by cash or a check made payable to VCES. Please note: Choice Lunch is NOT available on Sports Day. Hot lunch will be served at the high school for grades 1 – 6. TK and Kindergarten students will remain at the elementary campus to participate in Sports Day and eat lunch. Please fill out this Order Form if you would like to order a hot dog lunch for your child, and return it with your payment by Friday, May 12. Sorry, no late orders will be accepted.Parent Service Hours: Volunteers are needed for Sports Day on Tuesday, 5/23, at the high school football field. Grades 1-6 will be competing in various track and field activities and could use your help running the events. Lunch is provided and service hours will be given to all volunteers. The day runs from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. If you would like to volunteer, please email Jon Slager at jslager@vcschools.org.6th Grade Promotion on Wednesday, 5/24 - 1:00 - 1:40 PM: The Sixth Grade Blessing ceremony to celebrate the students that will be moving on to middle school will take place on the high school football field. 17700 Dumont Ave, Cerritos, CA 90703. 6th grade students will not have school on 5/25.Students may wear free dress on the last day of school, 5/25.Webby Dance Company! Valley Christian After School Dance Class for grades TK-4th. Classes will be held on Thursdays, 3:00-3:45 PM, beginning 4/6 for 7 weeks. Registration and more information can be found here.VCSRobotics is now accepting online registration for the Competitive (FIRST Lego League) and Robot Labs programs. Students who will be in 4th-8th grade in the fall are eligible to join. Online registration link: http://go.vcschools.org/vcsrobotics Mandatory tryouts for the competitive team will be held on Saturday, 5/13, from 9:00- 11:00 AM in the Valley Christian Middle School Chapel. Please bring the completed Student Interest Form to the tryouts. For more information, please contact Sharon Lee sharon@vcsrobotics.comSummer Day Camp - Adventure Crew 2023: Register early for Summer Day Camp (Kindergarten - 8th grade). After May 22nd, the registration fee will increase to $75.00. Please use the link to register: home.vcschools.org/daycamp. Once you've paid for the registration, you will receive an email with a link to complete additional forms. Any questions, please reach out to the Daycare Director Rachel Robbins at 562-920-9902 ext.120 or rrobbins@vcschools.org.Want to celebrate your child’s birthday with the high school Madrigals Choir?! Fill out the attached order form along with $20 and return it to the elementary school office to place a birthday gram order and have The Madrigals sing happy birthday to your student. Birthday grams also include a sweet treat and a goodie bag! Birthday grams will be delivered once a month to the elementary school campus. Please support the Madrigals.Each student will receive a yearbook and will be sent home with students next week.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.LOST AND FOUND - Anything left in Lost and Found will be donated to Affordable Treasures 5/31. Please have your child check for any missing items. We have many jackets and other clothing items in our Lost and Found.Important dates this month:- 5/10 - 5th grade - Market Day 8:30-11:30 AM. Parents and friends are welcome to attend and shop. (on campus)
- 5/12 - TK/K - Pastries with Parents (on campus)
- 5/16 - Mrs. Davis’ Class - Columbia Memorial Space Center
- 5/18 - 4th grade - Inventor Wax Museum. Parents and friends are welcome to attend. (on campus)
- 5/19 - 1st grade - Bellflower Fire Museum
- 5/19 - 2nd grade - Poem Party 1:45-2:45 PM. Parents are welcome to attend. (on campus)
- 5/22 - 6th grade - Knott’s Berry Farm
- 5/23 - Sports Day - TK/K elementary campus, 1st-6th high school campus
- 5/24 - 5th grade - California Science Center
- 5/24 - TK/K - Kidz Town
- 5/24 - 6th grade - Sixth Grade Blessing ceremony, 1:00-1:40 PM on the high school football field.
- 5/25 - 5th grade - Sky Zone
Our next VCMS Preview Event is Thursday, May 11 at 9:00 AM. This is a great opportunity for your friends and family to tour our campus and learn more about what VCMS has to offer. Spread the word!Donations are Needed for the 8th Grade Grad Dance - If anyone is interested in helping to sponsor the 8th Grade Graduation Dance with a monetary donation, you can make checks payable to VCMS and put graduation in the memo. You can also donate using Venmo (@Brandi-Kroeze). Please specify 8th Grade Grad Donation in the comments. Thanks so much for your support of this fun event for our graduates!VCSRobotics is now accepting online registration for the Competitive (FIRST Lego League) and Robot Labs programs. Students who will be in 4th-8th grade in the fall are eligible to join. Online registration link: http://go.vcschools.org/vcsrobotics Mandatory tryouts for the competitive team will be held on Saturday, 5/13, from 9:00 - 11:00 AM in the Valley Christian Middle School Chapel. Please bring the completed Student Interest Form to the tryouts. For more information, please contact Sharon Lee sharon@vcsrobotics.com7th Grade Parents:- Donations are needed for the Ice Cream Sundae Bar following the 7th grade talent show, on May 23rd. If you would like to help, please use the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094FAAAC23A1FD0-talent
- The 7th grade class has the privilege of providing treats following the 8th Grade Graduation to honor the graduating class and their families. We are in need of supplies. If you would like to help, use the following link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094FAAAC23A1FD0-donations.
- We are also in need of monetary donations to purchase the treats. If you would like to make a monetary donation to help make it a special night, please send an envelope marked “8th Grade Graduation Reception” on it to the Middle School Office. We are also accepting Venmo donations @Jen-Oakes-2 with “8th Grade Graduation Reception” in the subject line.
You are invited to the upcoming concerts:- May 9 - The VCMS & VCHS Bands and Handbells will be performing at 700 PM at Bethany CRC in Bellflower.
- May 12 - The VCMS & VCHS Jazz Bands will perform at "Swingin' the Night Away" at 7:00 PM at the VCHS Legacy Chapel.
- May 16 - The VC Orchestra Concert will be at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC located at 17603 Ardmore Ave, Bellflower. This will feature 5th grade, 6th grade, middle school and high school orchestras.
Coming up at VCMS:
- May 12 - 8th grade field trip to Crystal Cove
- May 19 - All school day at Knott’s Berry Farm *Note that there is no school on this day for students who are not participating.
- May 23 - 8th grade picnic at Liberty Park
- May 23 - 7th grade talent show
- May 24 - 8th grade graduation rehearsal 8:15 AM - 10:30 AM (Parents- please pick up at the middle school at 10:30 AM - 8th graders will be dismissed at this time.)
- May 24 - 8th grade graduation at VCHS Defender Stadium @ 7:00 PM (Graduates need to arrive by 6:30 PM).
- May 25 - Last day of school for 7th grade (out at 11:30 AM). *8th grade does not have school on this day.
- Additional information for all of these events has been sent home via email. Please contact your student(s) advisement teacher or the middle school office with any questions.
Senior parents - weekly updates will be emailed every Wednesday until graduation. If you have any questions or may have missed the email this past weekend, please contact the high school office at hsinfo@vcschools.org. This week at a glance:- Thursday, May 11 - Senior College Apparel Day
- Friday, May 12 - Senior Trip
- Monday, May 15 - Senior Ditch Day
Europe Trip Meeting - Monday, 5/8 at 6:15 PM in Mr. Rhodes’s Room (C31). This is the final parent meeting for the Europe Trip 2023. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Rhodes at mrhodes@vcschools.org.VCHS Orchestra Awards Night will be Monday, 5/8 at 7:00 PM in the Legacy Chapel on the high school campus. Click Here to sign up for tickets. Contact Sarah Connell for more information sconnell@vcschools.orgParent Service Hours: Double Service hours! Junior Parents, since you'll have seniors next year, it's a VC tradition for junior parents to help with Grad Night. Thursday, 5/25, 8:15 - 9:45 PM, we need 6 parents to volunteer with student check-in after graduation. If interested, contact parents Kathie at (714) 606-1743 or Taelin at vcmultiage@gmail.comYou are invited to the upcoming concerts:- May 9 - The VCMS & VCHS Bands and Handbells will be performing at 700 PM at Bethany CRC in Bellflower.
- May 12 - The VCMS & VCHS Jazz Bands will perform at "Swingin' the Night Away" at 7:00 PM at the VCHS Legacy Chapel.
- May 16 - The VC Orchestra Concert will be at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC located at 17603 Ardmore Ave, Bellflower. This will feature 5th grade, 6th grade, middle school and high school orchestras.
SENIOR TRIP - Friday, 5/12 is the Senior Trip to Catalina Island. For those Seniors that purchased tickets to attend, the Senior Class Council will be hosting a breakfast in the HS Chapel at 7:30 AM and then we will board the buses to head to Catalina Express port at 8:30 AM and return to VCHS at about 8:00 PM. Senior's student service hours must be complete in order to participate in the Senior Trip. If you have questions or would like to donate to the breakfast, please email aandersen@vcschools.org.Friends of the Dumont Slope: We will have our last Dumont Slope tending time for this school year: Saturday, May 20th, from 2:30-4:00. Please bring any garden tools you use to help tend our CA Native garden. A CA Native plant donation (Brita's Nursery, Seal Beach is a great source) would be gladly accepted, as we continue to build our Monarch Waystation and Slope butterfly habitat. See you there! Any questions? Rob Kamstra, 562-484-8546.Lost and Found - If your student lost it, remind them to try to find it in the high school Lost and Found! The Lost and Found is overflowing! Items will be packed up and brought to Affordable Treasures during exam week.Attention Senior parents and students- Please check your email about Senior Blessing which will be held on Monday, 5/22 at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC in Bellflower. Information about the picture collage is on the invitation. Any questions, please contact Karin Leffler 562-833-2312 or Gerriana Prins 562-755-2694.Director Needed: VCHS Fall Play '23 - We are looking for someone to launch and direct a high school play for Fall 2023. If you are interested or know someone that is, please contact Chris Becher: cbecher@vcschools.org.VCHS Exams are May 22-24. 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.
- 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.
- 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 on 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.
- During the exam blocks (8:30-10:00 AM and 10:30 AM-12:00 PM) students may not enter or leave campus.
- 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, 5/25 (even though there is a half day for elementary students and 7th graders).
Counselor's Corner:Bellflower Rotary Scholarship 2023 "Service Above Self" - The Bellflower Rotary Foundation is offering up to four scholarships of $1,000.00 each to deserving students graduating from high school this year. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:- Live in Bellflower
- Attend Bellflower, Mayfair, Somerset, St Joseph, St John Bosco, or VCHS
- Will be attending a four-year college or university this fall.
- Completed applications are due by May 15. Applications are available at Mrs Doornbos' desk.
Biola University is hosting a 4-day Molecular Biology Summer Camp for grades 10th-12th. The cost is $225. Please visit the following link if you would like to register to attend. https://www.biola.edu/events/2023/molecular-biology-summer-campSummer School: Planning to do summer school to remediate a grade or get ahead? Please fill out the following google form to let your counselor know of your intent and get approved! https://forms.gle/BwzpEum9FLwdnZay5
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
Affordable Treasures Thrift Store - Call our store 562-866-0060 or schedule a pick-up on our website affordabletreasuresthrift.org.
First Steps Christian Preschool has DIRECTOR, TEACHER, and AIDE positions available immediately. The applicants must have a passion for young children and love for the Lord. If interested and for more information, please contact Michele De Boer at lmdeboer90701@yahoo.comEmmanuel Preschool is seeking a preschool teacher who is passionate about working with young children. This is an M-F year round position. Hours will vary from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Questions - contact Karrie at 562-531-8762 or karrie.garcia@erc.laFor more news and announcements, see our News page.To subscribe to the weekly email distribution, please contact VCNews@vcschools.org. To unsubscribe use the link below. -
May 1, 2023 Issue 33
Posted by Leann Bakker on 5/1/2023 3:15:00 PM2022-23 Theme Verse: "Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22: 37-39
Summer is right around the corner and we'd love for you to join us for a class or camp! We have a variety of opportunities for your students to explore their interests and learn new skills. With classes from sports to art to academic enrichment, you are sure to find something that they will enjoy! To check out all of our summer programs, please visit vcschools.org/campsYou are invited to these upcoming concerts:- May 4 - the 5th and 6th grade bands will be performing in conjunction with the VCES Art Show. The 5th grade band will be performing in the Multi-purpose room at 7:00 PM. The 6th grade band will be performing in the Multi-purpose room at 7:30 PM.
- May 9 - The VCMS & VCHS Bands and Handbells will be performing at 7:00 PM at Bethany CRC in Bellflower.
- May 12 - The VCMS & VCHS Jazz Bands will perform at "Swingin' the Night Away" at 7:00 PM at the VCHS Legacy Chapel.
- May 16 - The VC Orchestra Concert at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC (17603 Ardmore Ave, Bellflower. This will include 5th grade, 6th grade, middle school and high school orchestras.
Parent Service hours opportunity: The VCS Board of Directors would love your help setting up and/or cleaning up for the VCS Staff Appreciation Social - Saturday, 5/6 in the high school Legacy Chapel. Childcare (for staff children) help is also needed this evening on the elementary campus. Set up at the high school begins at 4:30 PM and clean up at 8:00 PM. Childcare drop-off begins at 5:30, so this shift should be 5:15 PM- Approx 8:15 PM. To volunteer, please contact Marlaina Goldine at MGoldine@vcschools.orgParent Service hours opportunity: Volunteers are needed for Sports Day on Tuesday, 5/23 at the high school football field. Grades 1-6 will be competing in various track and field activities and could use your help running the events. Lunch is provided and service hours will be given to all volunteers. The day runs from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. If you would like to volunteer please email Jon Slager at jslager@vcschools.org.The Habit Fundraiser - Monday, 5/8 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM - Please come out and support the Valley Christian Schools Music Department at the Habit Burger in Cerritos. Please show this flyer.Band and Handbells Concert - Tuesday, 5/9, 7:00 PM - The middle school and high school bands and handbells will be presenting a concert at Bethany Christian Reformed Church, 17054 Bixby Ave, Bellflower. All are invited to attend!ATTENTION GRADUATING CLASS OF 1973: You are cordially welcomed to attend, participate, and walk in our ceremony joining our 2023 graduating class as our honored 50th anniversary guests on Thursday, May 25. Please let other classmates know about this opportunity. Contact Gene Bras gbras@vcschools.org or Marlaina Goldine mgoldine@vcschools.org to RSVP or if you have any questions.HARVEST FESTIVAL COMMITTEE 2023 is looking for volunteers to help with our upcoming annual Harvest Festival on 10/13. We’re in need of a co-chair and a donations chair. Training provided and service hours will be completed. For more information or if you’d like to sign up, please email harvest@vcschools.org.Job Openings: 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,- Business Office full-time General Accountant
- Elementary School Teacher Grades 4-6
- Bus Driver - part-time
Muffins with Mom will be held on Friday, 5/12 - 7:30-9:00 AM on the preschool playground. A sign-up genius will go out for donations and give Dad's the opportunity to serve (parent service hours provided). We hope to see you all there!Graduation: Children who are in Mrs. Tricia, Mrs. Ericka, and Ms. Jamie's class will participate in our graduation celebration. Graduation will be held Friday 5/19 at 6:30 PM in the church sanctuary. More info to come!Last Day of School: Preschool will be half day for all students on Thursday, 5/25. This day will be our end of the year celebration (more info to come from teachers)Summer Packets: If you signed your child up for Summer Preschool, there was a packet in their file early last week. Please review their schedule to ensure it is correct and look over all forms for information. If you have any questions, or need to change their schedule, please let Mrs. Sara know as soon as possible.
The Trot for Technology student prizes will be sent home with students today. The obstacle course prize will be held on Thursday, May 4, during the school day for those who won that prize. Volunteers are needed for this event, service hours apply. Feel free to sign up for more than one spot. If you would like to volunteer, please use this SignUpGenius. Students who ran the most laps in each grade level will enjoy a pizza lunch in the multipurpose room on May 4. We appreciate and thank our students and families for making this fundraiser such a success! Students raised over $55,000.00!The Art Show & Ice Cream Social on Thursday, 5/4, 6:00 ‐ 8:00 PM. This is a fun night for friends and family to come and see our children's artwork displayed at the elementary school campus, enjoy Kona Ice, and meet our great staff. We look forward to seeing you! All donations support our Art program.The 5th and 6th grade bands will be performing in conjunction with the VCES Art Show on Thursday, 5/4. The 5th grade band will be performing in the Multi-purpose room at 7:00 PM. The 6th grade band will be performing in the Multi-purpose room at 7:30 PM.The VC Orchestra Concert will be Tuesday, 5/16 at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC (17603 Ardmore Ave, Bellflower. This will include 5th grade, 6th grade, middle school and high school orchestras.Parent Service Hours: Volunteers are needed for Sports Day on Tuesday, 5/23, at the high school football field. Grades 1-6 will be competing in various track and field activities and could use your help running the events. Lunch is provided and service hours will be given to all volunteers. The day runs from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. If you would like to volunteer, please email Jon Slager at jslager@vcschools.org.6th Grade Promotion on Wednesday, May 24 1:00 - 1:40 PM: The Sixth Grade Blessing ceremony to celebrate the students that will be moving on to middle school will take place on the high school football field. 17700 Dumont Ave, Cerritos, CA 90703. 6th grade students will not have school on 5/25.Students may wear free dress on the last day of school, 5/25.Unleash your imagination with Engineering K'NEX! A three-week after-school science club for grades K-5th. Classes will be on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:00 PM. Information and registration 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. Easy, convenient, and your child will learn a valuable skill set. Limited space! Book today! Registration and info are found here https://www.thecoderschool.com/locations/cerritos/#eventsWebby Dance Company! Valley Christian After School Dance Class for grades TK-4th. Classes will be held on Thursdays, 3:00-3:45 PM, beginning 4/6 for 7 weeks. Registration and more information can be found here.MAPS Testing for students in grades K-6th will continue until 5/5. Testing will be at various times throughout the day depending on the classroom schedule. Please make sure your student gets a good night's rest, eats breakfast, and arrives at school on time.VCSRobotics is now accepting online registration for the Competitive (FIRST Lego League) and Robot Labs programs. Students who will be in 4th-8th grade in the fall are eligible to join. Online registration link: http://go.vcschools.org/vcsrobotics Mandatory tryouts for the competitive team will be held on Saturday, 5/13, from 9:00- 11:00 AM in the Valley Christian Middle School Chapel. Please bring the completed Student Interest Form to the tryouts. For more information, please contact Sharon Lee sharon@vcsrobotics.comSummer Day Camp - Adventure Crew 2023: Register early for Summer Day Camp (Kindergarten - 8th grade). After May 22nd, the registration fee will increase to $75.00. Please use the link to register: home.vcschools.org/daycamp. Once you've paid for the registration, you will receive an email with a link to complete additional forms. Any questions, please reach out to the Daycare Director Rachel Robbins at 562-920-9902 ext.120 or rrobbins@vcschools.org.Want to celebrate your child’s birthday with the high school Madrigals Choir?! Fill out the attached order form along with $20 and return it to the elementary school office to place a birthday gram order and have The Madrigals sing happy birthday to your student. Birthday grams also include a sweet treat and a goodie bag! Birthday grams will be delivered once a month to the elementary school campus. Please support the Madrigals and help them get to Orlando this spring!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.LOST AND FOUND - Anything left in Lost and Found will be donated to Affordable Treasures 5/31. Please have your child check for any missing items. We have many jackets and other clothing items in our Lost and Found.Important dates this month:
- 5/4 - VCES Art Show 6:00-8:00 PM (on campus)
- 5/5 - 2nd grade - California Science Center
- 5/10 - 5th grade - Market Day 8:30-11:30 AM. Parents and friends are welcome to attend and shop. (on campus)
- 5/12 - TK/K - Pastries with Parents (on campus)
- 5/16 - Mrs. Davis’ Class - Columbia Memorial Space Center
- 5/18 - 4th grade - Inventor Wax Museum. Parents and friends are welcome to attend. (on campus)
- 5/19 - 1st grade - Bellflower Fire Museum
- 5/19 - 2nd grade - Poem Party 1:45-2:45 PM. Parents are welcome to attend. (on campus)
- 5/22 - 6th grade - Knott’s Berry Farm
- 5/23 - Sports Day - TK/K elementary campus, 1st-6th high school campus
- 5/24 - 5th grade - California Science Center
- 5/24 - TK/K - Kidz Town
- 5/24 - 6th grade - Sixth Grade Blessing ceremony, 1:00-1:40 PM at the high school football field.
- 5/25 - 5th grade - Sky Zone
VCHS Handbell Auditions for the 2023-2024 school year are now open! Students currently in grades 8-11 are welcome to audition. Auditions require a video submission along with completion of an audition form. The last day to submit your audition form is Monday, May 1. Email Mrs. Struiksma with questions at lstruiksma@vcschools.org. Handbell audition link: VCHS Handbell Auditions 2023-20248th Grade Graduation ticket request forms are due in the VCMS office today, Monday, May 1st. The forms were emailed to 8th grade families on 4/5. Please contact the MS office if you have any questions.Knott's Berry Farm ticket orders are due today, Monday, May 1. Please make checks payable to VCMS and note 'Knott's' in the memo. If you are paying by cash, please send the exact amount. Ticket orders and payment must be turned into the VCMS Office no later than Monday, May 1, 2023.8th Grade Graduation Dance invitations have been mailed out to the 8th grade students! Student RSVP and payments are due by May 3rd. Please contact Brandi Kroeze at Drkroeze@gmail.com with any questions you may have.Donations are Needed for the 8th Grade Grad Dance - If anyone is interested in helping to sponsor the 8th Grade Graduation Dance with a monetary donation, you can make checks payable to VCMS and put graduation in the memo. You can also donate using Venmo (@Brandi-Kroeze). Please specify 8th Grade Grad Donation in the comments. Thanks so much for your support of this fun event for our graduates!7th Grade students are continuing their "Earth Days" Field Trips! The final field trip will be on Friday, May 5. They will either be visiting Eaton Canyon in Pasadena for a hike, Seal Beach for a clean-up, or the LA County Sanitation District for a tour of their water treatment facility. If you would like to chaperone, please contact your students' advisement teacher.Our next VCMS Preview Event is Thursday, May 11 at 9:00 AM. This is a great opportunity for your friends and family to tour our campus and learn more about what VCMS has to offer. Spread the word!You are invited to the upcoming concerts:- May 9 - The VCMS & VCHS Bands and Handbells will be performing at 700 PM at Bethany CRC in Bellflower.
- May 12 - The VCMS & VCHS Jazz Bands will perform at "Swingin' the Night Away" at 7:00 PM at the VCHS Legacy Chapel.
- May 16 - The VC Orchestra Concert will be at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC located at 17603 Ardmore Ave, Bellflower. This will feature 5th grade, 6th grade, middle school and high school orchestras.
VCSRobotics is now accepting online registration for the Competitive (FIRST Lego League) and Robot Labs programs. Students who will be in 4th-8th grade in the fall are eligible to join. Online registration link: http://go.vcschools.org/vcsrobotics Mandatory tryouts for the competitive team will be held on Saturday, 5/13, from 9:00 - 11:00 AM in the Valley Christian Middle School Chapel. Please bring the completed Student Interest Form to the tryouts. For more information, please contact Sharon Lee sharon@vcsrobotics.comComing up at VCMS:
- May 1 - 8th grade graduation ticket requests are due
- May 1 - Knott’s Berry Farm ticket orders/payment due
- May 3 - 8th grade grad dance form/payment due
- May 5 - 7th grade ‘Earth Days’ field trips
- May 9 - MS/HS Bands and MS/HS Hand Bells concert at Bethany CRC at 7:00 PM
- May 12 - 8th grade field trip to Crystal Cove
- May 12 - MS/HS Jazz Bands ‘Swinging The Night Away’ concert at VCHS Legacy Chapel
- May 16 - VC Orchestra Night at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC
- May 19 - All school day at Knott’s Berry Farm *Note that there is no school this day for students who are not participating.
- May 23 - 8th grade picnic at Liberty Park
- May 23 - 7th grade talent show
- May 24 - 8th grade graduation rehearsal 8:15 AM - 10:30 AM (Parents- please pick up at the middle school at 10:30 AM - 8th graders will be dismissed at this time.)
- May 24 - 8th grade graduation at VCHS Defender Stadium @ 7:00 PM (Graduates need to arrive by 6:30 PM).
- May 25 - Last day of school for 7th grade (out at 11:30 AM). *8th grade does not have school on this day.
- Additional information for all of these events has been sent home via email. Please contact your student(s) advisement teacher or the middle school office with any questions.
VCHS Handbell Auditions for the 2023-2024 school year are now open! Students currently in grades 8-11 are welcome to audition. Auditions require a video submission along with completion of an audition form. The last day to submit your audition form is Monday, May 1. Email Mrs. Struiksma with questions at lstruiksma@vcschools.org. Handbell audition link: VCHS Handbell Auditions 2023-2024Scholastic Arts Society Meeting - tonight (5/1), 7:00 PM in the Verhoeven College and Career Center located in the high school office building. Anyone interested in being part of this parent team that supports the VCHS National Honors Society is welcome to attend.Join us this Thursday night, 5/4, at 6:30 PM in the football stadium to watch the junior girls take on the senior girls in a game of flag football!Senior Parents - Reminder from the Grad Night Planning Team! An email was sent out on April 25 asking for your assistance. If you are willing to donate, please remember donations are due on Friday, May 5. Thank you!The High School Handbells will be playing as part of the worship service at First Christian Reformed Church of Artesia on Sunday, 5/7. The worship service is at 9:30 AM. The church is located at 18411 Alburtis Ave, Artesia. All are welcome to attend!Europe Trip Meeting - Monday, 5/8 at 6:15 PM in Mr. Rhodes’s Room (C31). This is the final parent meeting for the Europe Trip 2023. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Rhodes at mrhodes@vcschools.org.VCHS Orchestra Awards Night will be Monday, 5/8 at 7:00 PM in the Legacy Chapel on the high school campus. Click Here to sign up for tickets. Contact Sarah Connell for more information.You are invited to the upcoming concerts:- May 9 - The VCMS & VCHS Bands and Handbells will be performing at 700 PM at Bethany CRC in Bellflower.
- May 12 - The VCMS & VCHS Jazz Bands will perform at "Swingin' the Night Away" at 7:00 PM at the VCHS Legacy Chapel.
- May 16 - The VC Orchestra Concert will be at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC located at 17603 Ardmore Ave, Bellflower. This will feature 5th grade, 6th grade, middle school and high school orchestras.
SENIOR TRIP - Friday, 5/12 is the Senior Trip to Catalina Island. The Senior Class Council will be hosting a breakfast in the HS Chapel at 7:30 AM and then we will board the buses to head to Catalina Express port at 8:30 AM and return to VCHS at about 8:00 PM. The cost of this trip is $80 and will cover the cost of the breakfast and boat ride. Senior's student service hours must be complete in order to participate in the Senior Trip. If you have any questions or would like to donate to the breakfast, please email aandersen@vcschools.org.Attention Senior parents and students- Please check your email about Senior Blessing which will be held on Monday, 5/22 at 7:00 PM at Bell One CRC in Bellflower. Information about the picture collage is on the invitation. Any questions, please contact Karin Leffler 562-833-2312 or Gerriana Prins 562-755-2694.Director Needed: VCHS Fall Play '23 - We are looking for someone to launch and direct a high school play for Fall 2023. If you are interested or know someone that is, please contact Chris Becher: cbecher@vcschools.org.Counselor's Corner: On Campus College Visit: Mon. 5/1 Cal Baptist University 11:50-12:15 PMBellflower Rotary Scholarship 2023 "Service Above Self" - The Bellflower Rotary Foundation is offering up to four scholarships of $1,000.00 each to deserving students graduating from high school this year. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:- Live in Bellflower
- Attend Bellflower, Mayfair, Somerset, St Joseph, St John Bosco, or VCHS
- Will be attending a four-year college or university this fall.
- Completed applications are due by May 15, 2023. Applications are available at Mrs Doornbos' desk.
Biola University is hosting a 4-day Molecular Biology Summer Camp for grades 10th-12th. The cost is $225. Please visit the following link if you would like to register to attend. https://www.biola.edu/events/2023/molecular-biology-summer-campSummer School: Planning to do summer school to remediate a grade or get ahead? Please fill out the following google form to let your counselor know of your intent and get approved! https://forms.gle/BwzpEum9FLwdnZay5
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
Affordable Treasures Thrift Store - Call our store 562-866-0060 or schedule a pick-up on our website affordabletreasuresthrift.org.
Emmanuel Preschool is seeking a preschool teacher who is passionate about working with young children. This is an M-F year round position. Hours will vary from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Questions - contact Karrie at 562-531-8762 or karrie.garcia@erc.laFor more news and announcements, see our News page.To subscribe to the weekly email distribution, please contact VCNews@vcschools.org. To unsubscribe use the link below.
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