Please use the following link to view this week's elementary newsletter!
https://secure.smore.com/n/7tdfv
Mrs. Meadows' class enjoyed creating concentric leaves today!
Miss Bruna's class enjoyed doing Concentric Art out of leaves today for a SEL lesson. They learned being patient and taking their time.
Come out and support the HS Football team tonight! Kickoff vs Dwest is 7PM!
Valley Heights USD 498 was Awarded $390,034 SVPP Matching Grant to Enhance District Safety and Security. Valley Heights USD 498 is proud to announce that the district has been awarded a grant through the School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP)(75% funded by the grant $292,527, 25% funded by the district $97,507)
This funding will enable the district to implement critical updates to its safety and security infrastructure, including:
Security System Updates
Key Fob Entrances for Controlled Access
Improved Signage Throughout the District
Installation of Protective Barriers (Ballards)
Updating Intercom and Bell Systems
“These upgrades are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and visitors,” said Superintendent Sean Spoonts. “This is great news for our district! The grant award will help us address security needs in the district. Safety and security are a priority in our district, and this grant will help us with much-needed upgrades.”
A Strategic Approach to Safety: Four Phases of Improvement
The journey toward these security improvements began in **August 2023**, when Valley Heights USD 498 initiated a four-phase process to assess and enhance the district’s safety protocols:
Phase 1: Needs Assessment and Collaboration
In **Fall 2023** USD 498 convened meetings with local law enforcement, EMTs, and county management to assess current security needs and establish ongoing collaboration. During this phase, the district also completed a **Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)** evaluation to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement in school safety. Crisis notebooks for all licensed personnel were also updated to ensure readiness for emergency situations.
Phase 2: Comprehensive Security Planning
Following the CPTED evaluation, the district developed a comprehensive plan to address the identified security weaknesses. This plan became the foundation for future security upgrades and provided a clear roadmap for action.
Phase 3: Securing Resources
In **Summer 2024**, Valley Heights USD 498 completed the application process for the **SVPP grant**, seeking funding to support the necessary equipment and resources identified in the security plan.
Phase 4: Implementation
Now, with the successful award of the $292,527 SVPP grant, the district will begin the implementation process of these new security measures and initiatives. The updates will include modernizing the security system, installing key fob entrances for controlled access, updating intercom and bell systems, improving signage, and adding protective barriers around vulnerable areas.
Lots of smiles today after receiving VHS tickets from Mrs. Wetter and Mr. Z. Corbin and Fritz worked extra hard in Math for Mrs. Wetter. She also awarded Judd with one for being kind and sharing with another student. Mr. Z was proud of Douglas for being a great example of a student for his sub when he was gone. Congrats to all and great job!
KAYs is selling air fresheners! You can pre-order with Mrs. Gallimore and she'll contact you when they arrive. KAYs members will also be selling them once they have arrived. For now we have two scents, and if demand is high we can order more! KAY is a service based organization, so funds will go towards serving the school, community and our world. We also have a scholarships available for a senior involved in KAYs and members interested KAYs Leadership Camp.
REMINDER: students will be dismissed at 12:30 today,! Busses will run normal. Go Mustangs!!
Join Valley Heights Video Production on YouTube at Noon today for the premiere of Keeping Up With The Mustangs. A new, student lead news show that is all about Valley Heights.
https://youtu.be/bIFm6zAh58I
We hope to see you at our Homecoming Festivities tomorrow, September 20th! Go Mustangs!
The JH football and volleyball teams travel to D-West today. The games will be played at Doniphan West Elementary School, 642 KS-20, Denton,
KS 66017.
Mrs. Meadows gave out 2 VHS tickets to Harper and Lena for working hard on their assignments. Great job ladies!
Come out and enjoy the homecoming festivities this evening at the high school!
There will be NO 4th-6th grade basketball skills practice tonight due to homecoming activities. We will pick back up on Sunday the 22nd!
Homecoming events at the high school begin with FCA at 6:30 PM, followed by Spikefest, Powderpuff Football, and the Bonfire!
The Cross Country meet at Onaga tomorrow has been canceled.
The Varsity, JV and C-team all sweep Clifton Clyde on the night!
Parents as Teachers, Preschool, and Kinder-Prep families along with Schools That Care had a fun and healthy family night.
Miss Bruna's class enjoyed working on the Preamble scramble created by the members of Arthur Barrett Chapter, DAR. We also enjoyed Zooming in with IKEeducation today for Constitution Day. The students loved receiving their own constitution book and learning the different branches of government and how bills get passed. We will be finishing our constitution tomorrow.
