Happy August, Pioneers!
Good Afternoon Valley
As summer winds down, the berries wrap up, and the Fair gets underway, we are excited to welcome students and families back to Nooksack Valley High School for another school year.
Each August brings a fresh start, but our purpose remains the same: we want every student to know they belong at NVHS, to be challenged and supported as a learner, and to leave us prepared for what comes next.
in addition to adding more College in the High School classes, this year, we will continue building opportunities for students both inside and outside the classroom. That includes hands-on and career-connected learning, industry and college experiences, field trips, Career Day, and opportunities for students to explore interests they may want to pursue after high school. Our peer mentorship program will continue connecting incoming freshmen with upperclassmen who can help them navigate high school, build relationships, and find their place at NVHS.
And there are many ways to find that place. Athletics, clubs, drama, music, FFA, leadership, and other activities give students opportunities to connect with peers and adults while doing something they enjoy. We hope every student finds at least one place where they can say, “These are my people. I belong here.”
Learning, Relationships, and High Expectations
At the center of all of this is learning.
We want students to experience classrooms where expectations are high, relationships are strong, and they receive clear feedback about what they know, what they can do, and what they need to learn next. High school should be a place where students are able to stretch themselves, make mistakes, get support, and keep growing.
Families are an important part of that work. Please continue to check Skyward, stay connected through ParentSquare, reach out to teachers when you have questions, and—perhaps most importantly—talk with your student about what they are learning and how things are going. Our best work happens when students, families, and staff are communicating and working together.
Continuing Phone-Free Learning
We will also continue our phone-free learning expectations this year.
Our goal is simple: during learning time, we want students present with their teachers and classmates rather than competing with the constant distraction of a phone. We will continue to approach these expectations with consistency, kindness, and respect while holding students accountable when expectations are not met.
We appreciate the support families gave us as students adjusted to this change last year. Protecting students' attention and creating classrooms where they can engage with one another is worth continuing to work on together.
Staying Connected
A few simple things can help families stay connected throughout the year:
- Make sure you can access ParentSquare for school and district communication.
- Check Skyward regularly with your student.
- Visit the district and high school website for announcements and information.
- Join us for conferences, performances, family events, athletics, and other activities throughout the year.
- Reach out when you have questions or concerns. You do not need to wait for a conference or report card to contact us.
We are excited about the year ahead and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside your family. Our goal is not simply for students to make it through high school, but for them to leave NVHS increasingly ready for college, career, citizenship, and the life they choose to build.
We look forward to seeing students back in the building soon.
Go Pioneers!
Collin Buckley, Principal
Jeff Demorest, Assistant Principal
Important Dates
- August 17:Sports clearance begins at 8:00 AM
- August19:Football practice begins
- August 24:All other fall sports begin practice
- August 25:9th Grade Orientation & BBQ, 6:00–8:00 PM in the PAC
- August 27:First Student Day — students will begin the day in Advisory at 7:45 AM.Freshmenwill also receive their Chromebooks.
- September 3:Picture Day
- September 30 & October 1:Fall Conferences — a chance to meet teachers and set goals together. Details to come.