Posted by Leann Bakker on 5/8/2023 3:15:00 PM
2022-23 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.org
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/camps
Private 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.com
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.
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.com
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 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.org
Parent 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.com
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. 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-camp
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.com
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.la
For more news and announcements, see our News page.
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