West Valley School

West Valley Friday Newsletter, April 12, 2024 https://5il.co/2if47

Please view this message from the West Valley School Board and students about the upcoming school levies election. https://youtu.be/1WldDPZE9QY Ballots will be mailed April 19th and are due back to the school no later than 8 PM on May 7th.

Schools are becoming a prime target for cybercriminals who want to steal data, extort money, or disrupt education. The number of incidences of fraudulent requests in email increased for Montana school employees by 25% last year. West Valley Technology Levy will be utilized to help protect student data and privacy through cybersecurity subscriptions and personnel. Help support the school’s efforts to safeguard the digital learning environment for students and staff. To learn more, please visit the levy website at www.westvalleyschool.com/page/levy-information #westvalleylevies

A community’s investment in its local schools extends far beyond individual families with children. Great schools serve as the cornerstones of thriving communities. High-quality schools contribute to a local economy. Well-educated students become skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals who drive economic growth. Caring about local schools isn’t just about individual families—it’s about creating a thriving, interconnected community that benefits everyone. To learn more, please visit the levy website at www.westvalleyschool.com/page/levy-information #westvalleylevies

Elementary Counselor's April Newsletter https://5il.co/2hz9w

West Valley Community News, April 5, 2024 https://5il.co/2hz9n

West Valley Friday Newsletter, April 5, 2024 https://5il.co/2hz9m

West Valley School would like to sincerely thank all of our paraprofessionals. You are all vital to the success of our students and school. West Valley appreciates all you do!

Our current heating system is showing signs of distress. In this winter alone, it has failed eight times, leaving students and staff shivering in chilly classrooms. As the large building struggles to regain warmth, some classrooms have experienced temperatures as low as 57°F during the winter. Unfortunately, the cost of replacing the system far exceeds our available building funds. We face a critical challenge: how to maintain a comfortable learning environment without compromising other essential needs. To learn more, please visit the levy website at www.westvalleyschool.com/page/levy-information #westvalleylevies

Spirit Week is next week! Here are the Elementary and Middle School Spirit Week schedules.

Schools are becoming a prime target for cybercriminals who want to steal data, extort money, or disrupt education. Montana is not immune to this threat. The number of phishing links to Montana school district employees that made it through email filters and security tools increased a staggering 1,100% last year. Each of these emails come with the potential of an attack that can cost a school district time, money, and resources. West Valley Technology Levy will be utilized to help protect student data and privacy through cybersecurity subscriptions and personnel. Help support the school’s efforts to safeguard the digital learning environment for students and staff. To learn more, please visit the levy website at www.westvalleyschool.com/page/levy-information #westvalleylevies

Did you know that the last time West Valley School passed a levy was in 2007? That’s right, it’s been 17 years! West Valley’s own 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Roe, was in high school! Mrs. Roe has now been a teacher for 10 years. Together, we can make a difference for our school and our community. To learn more, please visit the levy website at www.westvalleyschool.com/page/levy-information #westvalleylevies

Student aides provide targeted assistance to students, ensuring that gaps in learning are bridged. Their guidance prepares students not only for high school, but also for future endeavors in the workforce. Small group learning for struggling students has significantly decreased over the past school year due to budget limitations resulting in lost support staff positions. To learn more, please visit the levy website at www.westvalleyschool.com/page/levy-information #westvalleylevies

As mandated by the state, West Valley School District conducts benchmark testing three times a year and administers standardized tests annually. However, there’s a significant hurdle: the lack of funding for a benchmark testing platform. Unlike the past, when paper-and-pencil assessments sufficed, today’s testing landscape is exclusively computer based. Unfortunately, West Valley receives no financial support to provide the necessary devices for students to complete these assessments. Let’s bridge this gap and empower our students with the tools they need for successful testing in the digital age. To learn more, please visit the levy website at www.westvalleyschool.com/page/levy-information #westvalleylevies

Did you know that the last time West Valley School passed a levy was in 2007? Times have changed in 17 years. Together, we can make a difference for our school and our community. To learn more, please visit the levy website at www.westvalleyschool.com/page/levy-information #westvalleylevies

West Valley Community News, March 22, 2024 https://5il.co/2h3gi

West Valley School's Friday Newsletter, March 22, 2024 https://5il.co/2h3gh

West Valley School is seeking an Elementary Principal starting the 2024-2025 school year. If you are interested, or you know someone who might be, please go to https://westvalleyschool.submittable.com/submit to begin the application process.

West Valley School District has already made tough decisions, reducing the budget by $250,000. Unfortunately, this has led to an increase in class sizes as four staff positions have not been filled. Smaller classes mean more effective teaching and better student outcomes. Should the levy not pass, several additional teaching positions will be lost. Let’s prioritize our students’ well-being and create an optimal learning environment through retaining important staff positions. To learn more, please visit the levy website at www.westvalleyschool.com/page/levy-information #westvalleylevies

Classroom pictures for sixth to eighth grade are tomorrow! 📸