As Blue Valley West starts another school year, we want to reiterate that the safety and well-being of our students, staff and families remains our top priority. As part of the district’s strategic priority to foster supportive and healthy school communities, Blue Valley continues to prioritize safety and security through a comprehensive approach that layers upgraded systems with prevention efforts and trusted partnerships with law enforcement and mental health supports.

Families play a vital role in helping us maintain a safe school community. Together, we can ensure supportive learning environments for our lifelong learners. To learn more about Blue Valley’s commitment to safe schools, visit www.bluevalleyk12.org/safety.

I'd like to share in advance that BVW will hold a lockdown lights out drill on Wednesday of next week. Prior to the drill, I will share a message with students via our intercom system so that they are fully aware that we are having a drill and to further share that it is their care and concern for one another - and the sharing of those concerns with adults when needed, that creates our BVW Family and helps us to provide care and attention to those who most need it within our school.

Kick off the school year with JPCo at our annual Jungle Jam pizza dance in the Commons on August 29. The dance will begin immediately after the soccer game (approximately 8:30pm) and end at 10pm. For $8, enjoy pizza, soda, and music with the Jags.

Dress is casual and tickets must be purchased online! You don’t want to miss it! See you there! Purchase tickets here.

Applications are now open for juniors and seniors interested in joining the National Honor Society. Click here for eligibility requirements and application instructions. Applying does not guarantee acceptance. All applications will be reviewed by the NHS Faculty Council. Submissions are due September 5 at 4:00 PM.

Members inducted last fall do not need to reapply; membership continues if you remained in good standing at the end of last school year.

If you have any questions, please email the NHS sponsor, Dr. Heather Hall, at hehall@bluevalleyk12.org.

If a parent or guardian has requested a preferred first name for their student, that will be the first name printed in the yearbook. If a student or guardian has questions about the student’s name as it reflects in our student information system, they can log into Student or Parent Vue, navigate to “Student Info” on the left menu and then review the student’s preferred name listed. If a student does not show a preferred name, then their first name will appear.

Examples:

Ex1: Katherine Bonnema - logs into Parent Vue and it reflects preferred name: Katie. This student would show as “Katie Bonnema” in the yearbook

Ex2: Bryan Brutto - logs into Parent Vue and sees nothing in the section for preferred name. This student would be shown as “Bryan Brutto” in the yearbook.

Updates to the student's preferred name must be emailed directly to our registrar, Madison Burch at MLBurch@bluevalleyk12.org by September 30. Any questions can be directed to our yearbook advisor, Mrs. Sinclair-King at csinclairking@bluevalleyk12.org.

Registration for the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT, National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is now open. The PSAT will be administered on Friday, October 10. This is a non-school day for all students who have not signed up for the PSAT. Please click here for more information.

ACTION NEEDED- If desired, sign up and pay ($22 fee) for PSAT in Total Registration by September 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM. (https://totalregistration.net/PSAT/172821)

***If your student receives a testing accommodation through an IEP/504, you must register & pay by 8/15/25 to request accommodations through the College Board.

Who typically takes the PSAT?

PSAT NMSQT (Preliminary SAT, National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)—This is a digital test for 10th graders who want to practice for the high-stakes PSAT NMSQT in preparation for the high-stakes opportunity in 11th grade.

PSAT NMSQT - for juniors is high-stakes, as students who score exceptionally well (typically in the top 3%) can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship competition. The PSAT NMSQT is digital.

**Bus transportation will pick up and drop off any student already accessing district transportation.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Mrs. Petty at CPPetty@bluevalleyk12.org

The Food Pack Program is set up to provide supplemental food for students in need. For more information contact Hayley Murphy.

The Father’s Club Info Night Wednesday, September 3, at 6:00pm in the BVW Commons. You won’t want to miss it!

The Father’s Club is a dad-led, grassroots effort creating simple ways for dads to be intentional with their KIDS, with other DADS and within their COMMUNITY. With resolve, humility, and love, our mission is to be a catalyst for positive influence.

The BV West Father's Club is one of the most active chapters (out of 28+ and growing) across the entire KC metro. We have a lot of fun passing out free donuts and chicken biscuits in the mornings ("Fist Bumps for Food"); staffing concessions during home football games with our kids; grilling out for teachers, staff, and students; conducting Mental Health First Aid training for dads; and participating in the Mission Cup golf tournament, where 100% of funds raised go to benefit Father’s Club. In 2022, we also launched an inaugural BVW Father’s Club Scholarship Program to provide financial support and recognition to select students who have endured and persevered through mental-health struggles and are willing to share that experience to help others, and/or have made significant contributions toward improving mental health in their community.

At this meeting, you will learn more about upcoming opportunities to meet other BV West dads and make a difference this school year. There is no cost to join! Go to FathersClub.org to sign up and get on our email list. Questions? Email bvwest@fathersclub.org

Join and Support

The PTO has open positions for the 2025-2026 school year. If you're interested in helping or want to learn more visit our website or send us an email: ptobvw@gmail.com

• Co-Treasurer (work alongside the current Treasurer)
• 2 Senior Class Coordinators (grab a friend and coordinate activities that will take place in May)

There are many ways to be involved and support our BVW students and staff! For information on volunteering or on the many other ways to support our programs and activities check out our website.

FOLLOW THE PTO | INSTAGRAM @ptobvwest & FACEBOOK | BVWPTO

If you ever have questions about the PTO send us an email: ptobvw@gmail.com or visit our website: https://bluevalleywestpto.membershiptoolkit.com/home

Did you miss Senior Yearbook pictures over the summer? No worries!

October 15, 2025 from 11 am to 1:15 pm is the last chance date for seniors to have their photos taken for the yearbook. Photo location will be in the Library Flex Space. Please do not miss this opportunity. The yearbook will not be the same without you!

Hey Class of 2026, this is your year!! Get your Yearbook Ad submitted ASAP! Early Bird deadline is September 12 and FINAL deadline is November 7.

Click here for details on submitting a Yearbook Ad for your Class of 2026 student.

Blue Valley Families,

We are excited to have your families come to support our high school activities and athletics this school year. It is great to see the entire community at these events. It is imperative that our parent community partner with us as we work to encourage a positive atmosphere for our high school games or events.

• Sportsmanship/officials: We want to give our student athletes the opportunity to play as many games as possible and we need officials to make those games happen. With a local and national shortage of officials, we want to make sure officials continue to choose to work Blue Valley events. The number one way we can create a welcoming environment is for spectators, coaches and student athletes to be courteous and respect the official’s decisions.

• Tailgating: Tailgating before games has become a tradition for many students and families. We love to see our community gathering together to enjoy food and tailgate games in our parking lots. As a reminder, alcohol and tobacco are not allowed on district property including parking lots. Outside food and drink is not permitted inside the gates except for unopened water bottles. Please visit the concession stands and support our school groups!

• Motorized Scooters & Electric Bikes: As we see more students using motorized scooters and electric bikes to get to and from school, we want to ensure these devices are used responsibly, especially during busy events. Students are allowed to ride these devices to Blue Valley athletic and activity events, but they must dismount, turn off and secure their device in designated areas once on campus. This includes sidewalks, parking lots and other areas on campus. We appreciate your partnership in keeping our events safe and welcoming for all attendees.

Thank you for your help in making our district events a great experience for all who attend. We hope to see your family cheering for our Blue Valley teams this school year.

Matt Ortman

Director of School Administration, Athletics and Activities

Blue Valley School District

Starting in the 2025-26 school year, all schools in the Eastern Kansas League (EKL)* will adopt new standard ticket prices for Varsity Athletic competition; this change is intended to provide a consistent experience for families and fans across all EKL events. These changes impact: Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Wrestling, Soccer, Track and Field, Baseball, Softball. On nights with a Varsity competition, all subvarsity events connected to that event will also have to purchase a ticket.

• $6 for students and seniors (60+)

• $8 for adults

*The Eastern Kansas League includes the five Blue Valley high schools—Blue Valley, Blue Valley North, Blue Valley Northwest, Blue Valley West, and Blue Valley Southwest—as well as Bishop Miege, Saint Thomas Aquinas, and Saint James Academy.

We encourage everyone to pre-purchase their tickets when attending games to avoid lines. Single game tickets can be purchased at the Eastern Kansas League Site for any EKL game home or away. When BVW is the visiting school, select the opposing schools page and click on tickets.

The Blue Valley School District also offers three types of passes to home athletic events.

Student Pass - Good for one student 9-12 to attend BVW home games.

Individual Pass - Good for one adult to attend BVW home games.

Family Pass - Good for two adults and accompanying students K-8 to BVW home games.

Blue Valley West Athletic Pass Link

In addition to the EKL ticket changes, Blue Valley School District will utilize a cashless system for all athletic and performing arts events throughout the 2025-26 school year. Please plan accordingly and purchase tickets online in advance, or plan to do so electronically at the gate upon arrival.

Away Game Considerations - Events hosted at non-EKL schools or outside the Blue Valley School District may have different ticket pricing and payment options. Some locations may not accept cash and others may not accept credit card at the gate.

We strongly encourage families to check the host school’s website before traveling to away games to confirm ticketing information or to have both payment options prepared.

Attention all dance lovers! The Blue Valley West Dance Team is hosting a dance clinic for all kiddos in grades K-8!

September 12 at BVW, 4pm clinic and 7pm game time.

Participants will have the chance to learn a fun routine from the high-school dancers, perform their routine at the BVW Football Game, and will get fun gifts/merch during the evening! The Crimson Cats would love to share their love of dance with the community and look forward to seeing you there!

*

College representatives will be visiting our school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during AST in September and October.

👉 More details and sign-ups are available on the Counseling Canvas page. Be sure to check back often—new colleges are added regularly!

The first visits will take place on Wednesday, September 4, and include:

• Denison University

• Tufts University

• Baylor University

• Miami University (Oxford)

• Butler University

• Purdue University

• Vanderbilt University

• Tulane University

As our AP coordinator begins to visit AP courses to discuss AP testing opportunities with students for the 2025-26 school year, we wanted to let you know of a change to our AP fee collection processes. We will not be collecting fee payments for AP tests until Wednesday, September 10th. Please be on the lookout for more communication from us around this date!

Some September Celebrations & Observances:

• Hunger Action Month - dedicated to taking action to end hunger. The BV Food Pantry, located at Hilltop Conference Center, is available to all Blue Valley community members. Click this LINK to make an appointment.

• Milad Un-Nabi, also known as Mawlid - the evening of September 4th through September 5, is an Islamic holiday to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Some Muslim families will gather to recite the Prophet’s teachings, decorate their homes with lights, and/or prepare a feast which is served to guests and the poor.

• National Hispanic Heritage Month - September 15 to October 15 celebrates the history, diverse cultures, achievements, and contributions of individuals with Hispanic and Latino heritage.

• Constitution Day - The United States commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.

• Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year. Observance begins at sundown on September 22 and continues through the evening of September 24. For some, families will attend services at synagogue, eat apples and honey for a sweet new year, and/or abstain from work, school, activities, and technology use.

At Blue Valley Schools, student safety is our top priority. Our approach to safety blends proactive prevention, fostering strong adult-student relationships and maintaining robust physical security measures. Central to our strategy is understanding and addressing potential threats.

What Constitutes a Threat?

A threat includes any expression of intent to harm, whether spoken or written. Identifying and responding to these expressions is crucial to the safety of our school community.

The Role of Threat Assessments

Blue Valley’s comprehensive threat assessment process has two primary objectives:

• Preventing Violence: We work to intervene before potential threats escalate.

• Resolving Underlying Issues: By understanding the reasons behind a threat, we can resolve conflicts and provide necessary support.

Structured, Evidence-Based Approach

Blue Valley Schools follows the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG), a nationally recognized, evidence-based program. This approach ensures that we not only prevent violence but also support individuals in need.

Since the fall of 2023, Blue Valley building leaders have been trained in and actively using this Threat Assessment approach. This consistent use of CSTAG has equipped leaders with a common vocabulary and protocol, enabling them to resolve situations more effectively when threats arise.

By staying committed to this structured and compassionate approach, Blue Valley Schools ensures that students and staff are supported, safe and able to focus on what truly matters–learning through extraordinary educational opportunities.

More information about Blue Valley’s threat assessment process is available on the district website.

As we begin the school year, we would like to remind you to review the Blue Valley Student Code of Conduct. It can be found on www.bluevalleyk12.org under the “Student Quick Links” section at the bottom main home page. It can also be found on our school website home page as well.

District Calendar