It is hard to believe that the end of the first academic quarter is upon us. COVID precautions remain in place at all schools, but these protocols have now become part of our school routine. While we are still wearing masks and keeping our distance, it’s also feeling more and more like a “normal” school year. In the High School, fall sports teams are in the playoffs and the drama department is looking forward to their upcoming production of “Clue”. Middle school students recently traveled to Camp Howard for a fun day of environmental learning, and elementary students are participating in scouts and CYO sports. Perhaps best of all, the Early Learning School students recently shared their Halloween costumes with their annual parade across the campus. Thank you to the VCHS National Honor Society for providing multiple trick-or-treat stops along the way. So, while there is really nothing normal about COVID, school now feels like school – both inside and beyond the classroom.
Please join us for Valley Catholic’s virtual Gala on Wednesday, Nov. 10. We will need everyone’s support to ensure a successful event. Remember there is no cost to attend the 2021 Gala, and you can participate from the comfort of your own home.
RSVP to attend at https://www.avcast.me/vcsgala, then join us online this coming Wednesday beginning at 5:30 pm. We are counting on you to show your Valiant support of Valley Catholic School.
Finally, it’s that time of year when we test our emergency phone system in preparation for the possibility of winter weather. You can expect a test call on the Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 26), so it will be obvious that this is just a test and not a real school emergency. If you do not receive the automated call at a phone number you regularly use during school hours, please notify the school office.
As we look forward to Thanksgiving, let’s not forget the many blessings God has bestowed upon our families and the Valley Catholic community. We all have so much to be grateful for!
Clark Foundation Grant Awarded for VCHS Library Renovation
Valley Catholic High School is proud to announce it has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Clark Foundation to complete the renovation of the high school library. The library makeover will include new paint, functional furniture, cabinetry, shelving and laptop recharging stations. This updated shared space will support student technology, creativity and collaboration. The renovated Clark Library is targeted for completion by early 2022. We are grateful to the Clark Foundation for their generous support and recognition of the school's pursuit of excellence in everything and opportunity for everyone.
Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation Women in STEM Grant Awarded to VCMS
Valley Catholic Middle School is one of several honored organizations to receive a grant from the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation for support of Women in STEM fields. Last June, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation, in honor of Marie Lamfrom’s 125th birthday, announced it would award $1,000,000 to regional nonprofits that encourage women’s participation and leadership in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). As a middle school, we are thrilled to be one of the recipients of this competitive award, in the amount of $25,000.
Funds from this grant will allow VCMS to enhance its fully accredited STEM program and will benefit all middle school students and faculty. The additional enhancements to our program will allow students to improve access to inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking skills which are all fundamental to the Design Thinking Process.
“We are grateful to the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation for this funding, and proud to be acknowledged by a foundation that understands and celebrates the value of science in education,” says Principal Jennifer Gfroerer, Ed.D. "Thanks to this opportunity we will be able to expand our STEM program to include an additional 3-D printer, a Glowforge laser cutter, guest speaker stipends as well as additional training and resources to enhance our Design Thinking Curriculum that is the foundation to our STEM program. A special Thanks to Melissa Iserson and the Foundation team for their efforts in researching, writing, and submitting this grant.”
Mystery solved: Valley Catholic School fall play is "Clue"
The Valley Catholic drama department presents the hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery, "Clue". Based on the classic board game and iconic 1985 movie of the same name, six strangers have been summoned to Boddy Manor for a mysterious dinner party which results in murder and blackmail. Was it Colonel Mustard with the wrench in the library? Or Miss Scarlet with the candlestick in the kitchen? Find out and click here for tickets and show information.
Fall Sports Playoff Update
Valiant Volleyball will compete in the state semifinals on Friday, 8:30p.m. at Corvallis High School. Girls soccer will compete against the No. 2 Hidden Valley Titans in their semifinal game on Saturday, 4:30p.m. at Hidden Valley High School.
There is only digital ticketing available for these games. There will be no transactions on site.
The VCS Gala is next week! Join us for a free, livestream event on Wednesday, Nov. 10 to raise critical funds for VCS students, faculty and programs. The dynamic duo of Amy Troy and VCS Parent Dylan Campy will steer our school’s largest fundraising event to success! Enjoy an evening celebrating VCS students and faculty with special appearances from VCS President John Matcovich, SSMO Superior General Sister Michael Francine Duncan, VCS Board Director Delia Slattery and event sponsors.
