Merry Christmas from the MVL Family!

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Principal’s Message

What is our Goal?
As teachers, we set objectives for the lessons we teach our students.  Those objectives, as we have been taught, are student centered.  For instance, an English lesson could have as its objectives: “The students will learn how to correctly identify the various parts of speech found within the text.” Or, a biology lesson could have as its objective: The students will be able to correctly identify the various body parts of a dissected frog.”  The lessons that the teachers teach are based on the goals they set and share with their students.  Then, when it comes time to give an assignment or assessment, it’s based on the goal of that particular lesson or a group of lessons.  If the student knows and understands the lessons that were taught, the assessment should come easily.
So it is with the religion classes we teach, the chapel devotions we prepare and deliver and the counseling with which we engage our students.  The focus is to help them grow and young Christian men and women in this world in which we live.
That focus becomes even more centered at this time of the year, as we take the Advent journey to Bethlehem to witness the birth of our Savior, Jesus.  As Christian teachers, we want to see our students (and their families) in heaven with us some day.  That is our goal.  Everything we do at MVL during the school day and even after the formal portion of the school day is completed should point towards that heavenly goal.
Isn’t that why you send your son or daughter to MVL? You want them to know Jesus.  You want them to let their light shine as they interact with each other and go out into the world.  That’s our goal and our mission:  to prepare these young people to succeed in this world and to prepare them for heaven and spending eternity in heaven.  May God bless our efforts to do so!

Semester Test Schedule

Monday, December 19
1st Hour 8:20-9:30
Chapel 9:35-9:50
2nd Hour 9:55-11:05
3rd Hour 11:10-12:20
Tuesday, December 20
4th Hour 8:20-9:30
Chapel 9:35-9:50
5th Hour 9:55-11:05
8th Hour 11:10-12:20
Concert Rehearsal 12:25-12:55
Wednesday, December 21
7th Hour 8:20-9:30
Chapel 9:35-9:50
6th Hour 9:55-11:05
Concert Rehearsal 11:10-11:45
Reminders:
  • Seniors may be excused from 1st, 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 7th period study halls. Seniors not involved in the Christmas Concert and have 8th hour study hall will be excused from the 8th hour study hall.
  • All students with 6th hour study hall are excused after chapel if they are not involved in the Christmas Concert rehearsal. Otherwise attendance is required in all study halls.
  • If you are excused from a study hall and chose to leave early, you must leave campus immediately. Students who are waiting for a ride should wait in the commons.

For Your Information

Highway 14 Update from MNDOT

Parents, students and friends of MVL should plan on some challenging winter driving this year as we are in the midst of the construction of Highway 14.  Based on our information, the stretch of Highway 14 from Courtland to MVL will not receive high-priority status from the MNDOT plows.  We can also anticipate that 561st Avenue will not be cleared right away because this road is actually the responsibility of the township.  Please be careful as you are driving to and from MVL this winter.
What follows is a communication that we have received about these roads and winter driving.
For the remaining snow and ice season, MnDOT’s priority must be to the higher capacity trunk highways that are currently in service which have significant traffic volumes and speeds making this focus necessary.  Maintenance will make ever practical effort to treat, remove snow & ice, and salt/sand the roadway surfaces associated with providing local access from TH 14, between Nicollet to New Ulm, to residences, businesses and Minnesota Valley Lutheran School in as timely a manner as possible.  It is important to restate, this access will most likely not be provided in as timely a manner or to the extent local residents have been accustomed to, or will experience once TH 14 is open next season.  This is because of the logistical impacts and time durations for the MnDOT maintenance forces to travel greater distances in order to get to all locations, as most of the existing TH 14 is inaccessible for this winter.
 
Please know the MnDOT takes its responsibility for maintaining roadways seriously and does put a significant amount of effort, time and cost into to assuring the traveling public has a reasonably safe commute, regardless of weather or other conditions.
 
We continue to urge local traffic (TH 14 between Nicollet to New Ulm) to drive with caution and pay attention to the weather/road conditions and drive accordingly.
 

Winter Driving, Snow Days and E-Learning Day

If the condition of the roads around MVL today (November 29) is any indication of what we’re going to deal with this winter, it’s going to be interesting to say the least. For those coming from the east, we should not expect County 25 between Nicollet and Courtland to be free of snow and ice.  The stretch of Highway 14 that is still open between Courtland and MVL is not high on MNDOT’s plowing priority list, so navigating that three-mile section will be a challenge. For those of you coming in on County 21 and then driving down 561st Avenue, that route will be equally as treacherous. Please be careful driving to and from MVL!

Please know that we will take into account all the driving challenges this year as we make decisions on whether to have school or not.  As always, if you do not feel comfortable sending your son or daughter, then communicate that to Mr. Buboltz.
“Are we going to have to give up snow days?” This question has been asked numerous times by students, teachers and parents since we worked through distance learning during the COVID pandemic.  The short answer to that question is “No.”  That being said, we need to be ready for the possibility of having some e-learning days during the winter.  We do have extra time built into our school year schedule that will allow us snow days.  However, if we have a hard winter with snow, wind and frigid temperatures, we may have to consider it. If we have two or more snow days in a row with no school, we may consider an e-learning day on successive days, depending on the weather.
We will keep you informed on school related closings via email or Infinite Campus Messenger.  As always, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.  God bless you and your family!

Amazon Smile

Did you know that when you shop Amazon Smile for your Christmas gift list, Amazon donates to Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School?
Amazon Smile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices and shopping features as Ama-zon.com. The difference is that when you shop on Amazon Smile, the Amazon Smile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. Follow the link below to check some items off of your Christmas list!
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/41-1351315

National Honor Society

In January of 2023, our NHS advisor will be sending out invitations to join the MVL chapter of the National Honor Society. Invitations will be sent out to current juniors (and current non-NHS seniors) who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better. The invitation will be in the form of a packet of materials that the student should discuss with his or her parents. Even though a student’s GPA has no bearing on their final acceptance into NHS, students are expected to maintain a 3.5 GPA in order to remain eligible; they are also expected to fully participate in NHS activities.

The application requires students to list their participation in organizations, their leadership experiences, their service activities, and their employment history. The application also includes a place for students to explain why they want to join this service organization. A letter of recommendation must accompany the student’s application. The letter cannot be written by a family member, an MVL teacher, or any MVL coach. The person who writes the letter should know the student quite well and should be able to vouch for the student’s work ethic, leadership, responsibility, and character.

The actual selection process will follow the guidelines set by our NHS constitution and by-laws. If a student qualifies for invitation by virtue of his or her GPA, that student will receive an invitation to pursue membership. A student may decide that he or she is not interested, or that distance from school prohibits his or her participation, or that employment or co-curriculars make NHS membership inadvisable. All invited students need to return a response form (included in the invitation packet) regardless of whether or not they plan to pursue membership. A submitted application does not guarantee membership.

Non-selection may indicate that the student needs to evaluate their personal growth in order to meet the required high standards of the NHS.
NHS Induction is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 26, 2023.

Host Families Needed

We are in need of host families for our foreign exchange students. Host families are compensated monthly for taking in and supporting these young people. If this is something that your family would be interested in and you would like more information, please contact the MVL office at 507-354-6851.

Inclement Weather Policy

With the coming of cold weather it may happen that we will decide to start school late, close school for the day or dismiss early. In such cases, the decision will be announced through our Infinite Campus Alert system. You can customize the phone numbers and ways you will receive notification through your parent portal.

It is our intention to have a decision by 6:00 a.m. on those mornings when we will be starting late or closing for the day. At times, something could force a later decision and, in such cases, we would try to do that as soon as possible. We will continue utilizing the following radio and television stations: KNUJ-AM (860) and SAM-FM (107.3), WCCO-AM (830), KEEZ-FM (99.1), KRBI-AM (1310) and KRBI-FM (105.5), KTOE-AM (1420), KXAC (100.5), KRRW (101.5), KYSM (FAN-1230), KLGR-AM (1490) and Mix 97.7 FM, WCCO (4), KSTP (5), KMSP (9), KARE (11), and KEYC (12).

Scrip News

Start thinking about using SCRIP for Christmas gifts. The last week to order for Christmas will be the week of December 5th. Orders placed after December 12th will not be guaranteed to be filled. Check out all the vendors at http://raiseright.com

Weight Room Hours

Starting November 28th, the weight room will be open on Monday and Wednesday mornings (unless we have a late start or no school) from 7:15 – 8:00 AM and after school on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:15-4:00 PM.

Tissues, Please!

Normally we start the school year with enough donated boxes of tissues to last us the entire year. Not so this year. Our stock of boxes of tissues is low. Maybe more seasonal allergies, maybe more colds, maybe just a lot of runny noses. While you’re doing your Christmas shopping, maybe you could buy a couple of extra boxes of tissues and drop them off at MVL. Many thanks!

History Tour Payments

This year’s History Tour fee ($1000) was added to your FACTS account.  You will see this amount included in your incidental payments.

In order to make payments for the History Tour, you will need to log into your family FACTS account.  Click on the green “Make a Payment” button on your home page. On the next page, you will select the “Other Amount” button and scroll down to the “Incidental Expenses” on the bottom of the upcoming payments column.  Select this and enter the amount of your payment.  You will then be able to select your payment method and finalize your payment.  You should be making monthly payments on the trip.  There are several things that need to be paid prior to departure, so there needs to be a balance in the account to offset those expenses.  Do keep in mind that the trip has to be paid in full prior to departure. As in the past, you or your student can bring a check or cash to school as well.   Please contact Deb financial@mvlhs.org if you have any additional payment questions.

Tuition Payment Reminder

Please make sure to log onto your family FACTS account when making an online tuition payment.  If you log onto the general FACTS page, or make the payment through the guest portal on the webpage, you will  not see your balance updated for about two weeks.  If you pay through the family FACTS account, you will see your balance updated immediately.  As always, if you have payment questions, need to move a payment date, or need help, please contact Deb.

Spirit of MVL Recap

MVL is blessed to have a great number of people in our family, all with a heart for Christian education. The Spirit of MVL event is designed to bring this family together in thanksgiving. This special evening was held on Saturday, November 19 at the Best Western Conference Center in New Ulm.

At this event, we celebrated the ten military service members of the Class of 2006 as Spirit of MVL award recipients. Seven of the ten were able to join us for the evening and delivered powerful messages about what MVL meant to them and how it encouraged them to serve God and country. Please join us in thanking these individuals for using their time, talents, and treasures to the glory of God!

This year’s theme was “Our Cup Overflows” and funds were raised for our Partnership Fund and new security system. An array of beautiful items and thrilling experiences were sold in the live auction. While the net amount raised has not yet been determined, we witnessed the generosity of so many. To God be the glory!

Counselor Connection

Seniors and Parents/Guardians

Don’t forget to get your FAFSA (https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa) submitted for Fall 2023. Potential college choices cannot create a financial aid package for you without receiving this information first. Here is a eight-step guide to completing the FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/articles/steps-to-complete-fafsa-form/

However, I think it can be actually be condensed into 3 steps:

1. Student and one parent/guardian create a FSA ID (used to sign the form electronically). Create your FSA ID here: https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm.

2. Student signs into FAFSA (https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa) using their FSA ID. Complete FAFSA (ensure you are selecting the correct year: 2023-2024) and add all potential schools to the list so that they receive your information.

3. Submit your FAFSA. Email that you used should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within 3-5 business days of submission. This SAR will include your family’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is used to determine the aid the student will receive at each institution.

*Mr. Smith is willing to meet with and help a family complete their FAFSA if they would like that assistance. If interested, please have your student speak with Mr. Smith or contact him directly at: tjsmith@mvlhs.org or 507.233.8685.

Free!

The MVL Studio Art Department got an upgrade in tables for the art room which means our previous drawing tables are open for anyone who might be interested. Currently, we have 12 tables that are still available. This is what they look like:
Pictured below are the tables along with a few other tables we have up for grabs.
If you are intereseted in a certain number of tables or anything else art related, please reach out to Mr. Wiechmann at mwiechmann@mvlhs.org

Booster Club

Concessions Sign Up

Sign up now for basketball concessions! Check your calendar and see when you can help with this important fundraiser for all the MVL activities. All families are encouraged to help out. High school students may work in the stand as long as there’s an adult present.
• Boys: https://signup.com/go/bAERdbG
• Girls: https://signup.com/go/fmquDNp

Christmas Gifts for Faculty and Staff

If you’d like to contribute money for faculty/staff Christmas gifts, please send it with your student or mail it to school by December 15.

Jeans and Dreams Auction

The auction is coming April 1! Does your family have artistic or craft talent or have fun pulling together items around a theme? Consider creating an item or basket to donate to the auction. Some of our most-loved items in the past have been those created by MVL families and alumni using their unique gifts.

2022-2023 Booster Club Board

President: Adam Schmidt
Vice President: Angie Brau
Secretary: Linda Kramer
Treasurer: Julie Trebelhorn
Events Coordinator: Jodie Johnson
Concessions Coordinators: Carissa Rodewald & Michelle Grubbs
Volunteer Coordinator: Lisa Cole

2022-2023 Project List

· $4000 Portable Outdoor Scoreboard
· $2000 Synthesizer and Amp
· $2500 Tournament Fund
· $1150 Drama Clothes Rack and Makeup Light/Mirror
· $7000 Track Uniforms
· $5000 Treadmill
· $7000 Baseball Uniforms
· $7500 Boys’ Basketball Uniforms
· $500 Awards
· $1000 Planners
· $37,650 Total

Building on the Rock Update

  • The Campaign Committee is wrapping up visits to the MVL Association Churches
  • Close to 1500 marketing packets and pledge cards have been distributed
  • Look for monthly bulletin inserts through April with funding updates

What the Project Hopes to Provide

  • Two new science/chemistry classrooms
  • A multi-purpose event center
  • A new field house with seating capacity of 1100
  • A new activities entrance
 

Our Goal

  • To raise $6,900,000 before April 15, 2023.
  • This will allow MVL to move immediately into the construction phase of the project.

Where we stand

  • As of November 30, 2022 we have secured $2,800,000 or 46.5% of our short-term goal
  • We need to raise an additional $4,100,000 before April 15, 2023
  • To date, an estimated 4.6 % of the 3750 Association giving units have pledged to the campaign
 

How do we get there?

  • There are approximately 3750 giving units in the MVL Association Churches
  • If ½ of the giving units pledged $1.25 per day ($456/year) for five years, the project is under way!
  • If 1/3 of the giving units pledged $1.85 per day ($675/year) for five years, the project is under way!
Can we count on you to complete a pledge card? If you are unable to pledge a monetary gift, there is a check box to check on the donor form indicating you will support the campaign through prayer.
Please, get involved in building MVL’s legacy  for the next 50 years!
We need your prayers and financial support!

AD Corner

We truly are blessed with all that is going on at MVL from the relocation of the softball fields, the amazing work the Building on the Rock Campaign Committee is doing with the expansion, and not to mention all of you who have donated and continue to pray for the success and blessings of their work.  To God be the glory.
While all that has been going on, our students have been prepping for the winter season.  The band and choirs are rehearsing for the Christmas Concert.  The Math Team, Knowledge Bowl Team, Dance Team and all the Basketball teams are working hard in their practices!  Student Council’s annual Wreath Project was a success in providing you with wreaths and garlands to decorate your home for the Christmas season. They are also coming up with a brand game/movie night for our students.

As you can see, God has truly blessed MVL with dedicated coaches and advisors for your students. Keeping them busy and productive. Come out and enjoy a game or two and our Christmas Concert. Maybe you’ll get a glimpse of the softball fields under the snow! The trip to school with the detours is not as bad as people think.  Our kids will make the trip worth it!

Boys’ Basketball

We’ve had about a week and a half of practices and the teams are ready for the seasons to start. We would like to welcome Isaiah Loersch as our C Team basketball coach. Isaiah played his high school career at Onalaska Lutheran High School for MVL alum Bred Schaper and now comes to us from MLC where he played basketball last year.

We hope you can get out and attend a few games this winter and cheer on the Chargers. It will make the winter go by a little faster.

Dance Team

MVL would like to welcome Katelyn Gilkey as this year’s Dance Team coach.  Katelyn comes to us from MLC and is originally from Reno, Nevada where she grew up dancing. She has experience in many various dance styles. The girls are working hard to get their 8 counts down as well as their first routine. We can’t wait for their first performance!