Washington Elementary

🇺🇸 Congratulations to Our AMVETS State Winners! 🎉 On Saturday, May 17th, several Valley City Public Schools students were recognized for placing in the state AMVETS poster and essay competition! We’re proud to celebrate their creativity, hard work, and patriotism. 🏆 State Poster Competition Winners: 2nd Grade – 2nd Place: Elodie Larsen, Jefferson Elementary 3rd Grade – 3rd Place: Ivy Kramer, Jefferson Elementary 📝 State Essay Competition Winners: 8th Grade – 1st Place: Addison Fetsch, Valley City High School 9th Grade – 1st Place: Cael Vanhal-Deitz, Valley City High School 10th Grade – 1st Place: Sadie Olson, Valley City High School 11th Grade – 2nd Place: Carter Hass, Valley City High School 12th Grade – 1st Place: Jovi Borg, Valley City High School 12th Grade – 3rd Place: Abby Shanenko, Valley City High School Way to go, Hi-Liners!

📚 VCPS Referendum: What Are Modern Educational Spaces? One of the top questions we’ve heard is: “What are Modern Educational Spaces?” We’ve used this term throughout the referendum to describe how schools must evolve to meet 21st-century learning needs—including academic and non-academic spaces, safety and security, and ADA accessibility. 👩‍🏫 Academic and Non-Academic Learning Environments Schools today are much different than those built in the 1900s. Traditional classrooms are being replaced by spaces that support collaboration, career skills, and real-world learning. Modern classrooms include: • Movable furniture and flexible seating • Integrated technology for digital learning • Zones for group projects and critical thinking These environments help students prepare for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom. 🔐 Prioritizing Safety & Security Older schools were not built with today’s safety standards in mind. Our plan includes: • Secure, controlled main entrances • Visitor check-in systems • Internal visibility for staff and students • Emergency communication and fire suppression systems These features are no longer optional—they’re essential. 🎥 Hear directly from our School Resource Officer about the importance of school safety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nabWOCqRYmw ♿ Ensuring Accessibility for All Valley City High School currently has 21 different floor levels, steep elevation changes, and outdated elevators and lifts that do not meet ADA standards. Many students with disabilities have had to exit the building just to get to another class. Our new building will include: • ADA-compliant restrooms, ramps, elevators, and entrances • Classrooms designed for wheelchair access • Technology and tools for students with visual, auditory, or cognitive needs Accessibility is not a choice—it’s a requirement in 2025. 🏗️ Building for the Future: Why Modern Educational Spaces Matter Modern educational spaces support how students learn today, how teachers teach best, and how we keep everyone safe. They also reflect the expectations of our community and the future of education in Valley City. 🗓️ Vote June 10 💻 Learn more: https://www.hiliners.org/o/vcsd/page/referendum

📚 VCPS Referendum: What Are Modern Educational Spaces? One of the top questions we’ve heard is: “What are Modern Educational Spaces?” We’ve used this term throughout the referendum to describe how schools must evolve to meet 21st-century learning needs—including academic and non-academic spaces, safety and security, and ADA accessibility. 👩‍🏫 Academic and Non-Academic Learning Environments Schools today are much different than those built in the 1900s. Traditional classrooms are being replaced by spaces that support collaboration, career skills, and real-world learning. Modern classrooms include: • Movable furniture and flexible seating • Integrated technology for digital learning • Zones for group projects and critical thinking These environments help students prepare for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom. 🔐 Prioritizing Safety & Security Older schools were not built with today’s safety standards in mind. Our plan includes: • Secure, controlled main entrances • Visitor check-in systems • Internal visibility for staff and students • Emergency communication and fire suppression systems These features are no longer optional—they’re essential. ♿ Ensuring Accessibility for All Valley City High School currently has 21 different floor levels, steep elevation changes, and outdated elevators and lifts that do not meet ADA standards. Many students with disabilities have had to exit the building just to get to another class. Our new building will include: • ADA-compliant restrooms, ramps, elevators, and entrances • Classrooms designed for wheelchair access • Technology and tools for students with visual, auditory, or cognitive needs Accessibility is not a choice—it’s a requirement in 2025. 🏗️ Building for the Future: Why Modern Educational Spaces Matter Modern educational spaces support how students learn today, how teachers teach best, and how we keep everyone safe. They also reflect the expectations of our community and the future of education in Valley City. 🗓️ Vote June 10 💻 Learn more: https://www.hiliners.org/o/vcsd/page/referendum

📢 Reminder: Early Dismissal on the Last Day of School! ⏰ The last day of school, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, will be an early dismissal day. Enjoy your summer, Hi-Liners! ☀️😎

🗳️ VCPS Referendum Voting Info – June 10, 2025 Who can vote? ✔️ U.S. citizen ✔️ 18 years or older ✔️ Live in the VCPS District for at least 30 days before the election — apartment residents included! Valid ID Required: • ND Driver’s License • ND Non-Driver’s License • Tribal ID or Letter • Long-Term Care Certificate Vote Absentee: 📄 Get the application: hiliners.org/o/vcsd/page/voting-absentee 📧 Email: vcps.referendum@k12.nd.us 📍 Drop off: 460 Central Ave N 📬 Or use the secure drop box ✅ Once we receive your application, we’ll mail your ballot. Return it by mail, in person, or drop box. Must be received or postmarked by June 9 at 5 PM. Want to vote now? Bring your application + ID to the Central Admin Building and vote on the spot! 🗓️ Vote in person on Election Day: 📍 Central Admin Building 🕘 9 AM – 7 PM 📅 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Questions? We’re here to help at the Central Office!

🎓 2025 Valley City High School Baccalaureate Ceremony 🎓 We are excited to invite you to the 2025 Baccalaureate Ceremony for Valley City High School! Join us as we celebrate the achievements and milestones of our graduating students. 📅 Wednesday, May 21 🕖 7:00 PM 📍 Hi-Liner Activity Center All are welcome to attend this special event in honor of the Class of 2025! 🎉

🎓 Valley City High School Senior Awards Night 🎓 Mark your calendars! Senior Awards for the Class of 2025 will be held on Monday, May 19, at 6:30 PM in the Hi-Liner Activity Center (HAC). We’ll be recognizing the achievements of our seniors, followed by the North Dakota Honor Society Ceremony. Everyone is welcome to come and support our students as we celebrate their hard work and success!

📢 Referendum Q&A Session – May 15, 2025 Join us for a public Q&A session to learn more about the proposed new school project: 🗓️ Thursday, May 15 🕡 6:30 PM 📍 Washington Elementary Gymnasium 🚪 Please use Door E1 🏫 Tours of the building will be available following the meeting. 📌 Learn more ahead of time: FAQ Page: https://www.hiliners.org/o/vcsd/page/frequently-asked-questions Tax Impact Calculator: https://www.hiliners.org/o/vcsd/page/tax-impact-calculator If you have any questions, please call us at 701-845-0483 or email vcps.referendum@k12.nd.us.

🍪🎉 Congratulations to Mrs. Sather – Our Quarter 4 One Smart Cookie Award Winner! 🎉🍪 Mrs. Sather goes above and beyond every single day — advocating for her students, supporting families, coaching Special Olympics, and jumping in wherever she’s needed, always with a smile. Even with a full plate, she leads with grace, kindness, and a great sense of humor. We’re so lucky to have her as part of our VCPS family! 💙 Thank you for all you do — you truly are One Smart Cookie! 🍪👏 And a special thank you to Wild Prairie Bakery for sponsoring the cookies! 🍪💛

🎨 History Made! 🏆 Congratulations to Cheska Flores, who is the first-ever North Dakota student artist to receive the Sid Crawford Waterfowl Conservation Award! This national honor is only given to senior student artists who win Best in Show in their state and place at the national level. We’re so proud of Cheska for this incredible achievement and well-deserved recognition!

📢 You're Invited – Referendum Informational Meeting on May 14 Come join us for an evening of conversation and questions about the proposed new school building. 🗓️ Wednesday, May 14 🕡 6:30 PM 📍 Jefferson Elementary School – Gym 🚪 Please use Door H3 After the session, you're welcome to stick around for a tour of the school. Want to learn more ahead of time? 📌 Check out our FAQ: https://www.hiliners.org/o/vcsd/page/frequently-asked-questions 📌 Try our Tax Impact Calculator: https://www.hiliners.org/o/vcsd/page/tax-impact-calculator Can’t make it? No worries—there will be more chances to ask questions before the June 10 vote. Reach out anytime at 701-845-0483 or vcps.referendum@k12.nd.us.

🎉 Congratulations to our 2025 Honorees! 🎉 A big shoutout to the 2025 VCEA Friend of Education recipients, the mini-grant recipients, and our 2025 Teacher of the Year! We also celebrated the well-deserved retirement of Deb Beilke — thank you for your years of dedication! 💙 Thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 Retirement and Achievement Program. Your support helps make these moments extra special!

🎶🐰 Bunnies: A Hoppin’ New Musical! 🐰🎶 Mark your calendars! On Thursday, May 8th, all Jefferson kindergarten classes will be performing their spring musical in the Jefferson gymnasium. 🕑 Showtimes: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Jefferson Gymnasium Come support our kindergartners as they sing and dance🎤✨

🎉 You’re Invited! 🎉 Come check out the amazing creativity and ideas at our Genius Hour Showcase! 📍 Washington Elementary 📅 Wednesday, May 8 🕣 8:45 – 9:15 AM Stop by to see what our students have been working on — you’ll be inspired by their curiosity and innovation! 💡📚

📢 Referendum Informational Meeting – May 8, 2025 Join us for an evening Q&A session about the proposed new school: 🗓️ Thursday, May 8 🕡 6:30 PM 📍 Washington Elementary Gymnasium 🚪 Use Door E1 Tours of the building will be available after the meeting. 📌 FAQ Page: https://www.hiliners.org/o/vcsd/page/frequently-asked-questions 📌 Tax Impact Calculator: https://www.hiliners.org/o/vcsd/page/tax-impact-calculator If you can’t attend, there will be more chances to get informed before the June 10 vote. Questions? Call 701-845-0483 or email vcps.referendum@k12.nd.us.

🎉 Congratulations to our published VCHS writers! ✍️ Four VCHS dual-credit English students have been recognized and published in VCSU’s literary magazine, The Forge! 📚 (L–R): Abby Wangrud – Honorable Mention Faith Schmidt – 1st Place Brenna Storly – 2nd Place (Not pictured: Kailee Nielson – Honorable Mention) We’re so proud of these talented students for their creativity and achievement!

2025 Valley City Public Schools Teacher of the Year

🎶 Join us for an evening of music at the Spring Band and Choir Concert, featuring talented students from Washington Elementary and Valley City Junior High. 📅 Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 🕖 Time: 7:00 PM 📍 Location: HAC (High School Activity Center) Come support our young musicians as they showcase their hard work and dedication. We look forward to seeing you there! 🎵

👏 Shoutout to our April 2025 Jr. High Students of the Month! 👏 We’re proud to recognize these outstanding students from Valley City Jr. High: 🌟 7th Grade: Camden Larson & Rylee Gray 🌟 8th Grade: John Oakland & Kaitlyn Wangrud These students were chosen for showing strong character, working hard, being honest and dependable, showing up, and staying active in school life.

📚🍎 National Educators Appreciation Week is coming up! 🍎📚 The Times-Record wants to highlight the amazing teachers and staff in Barnes County — and they need your help! 💬 Share a message of appreciation for a teacher or school staff member who’s made a difference in your life or your child’s. 🗓 Deadline: Noon on Wednesday, May 7th 📰 These shout-outs will be featured in next Thursday’s paper! Submit your message here 👉 https://www.times-online.com/site/forms/teacherappreciation/teacher_appreciation/ Let’s show our educators how much they mean to us! 💙