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VVSD Early Childhood Center Renamed to Honor Dr. James A. Mitchem, Jr.

The Valley View Community Unit School District 365U Board of Education approved the renaming of the Valley View Early Childhood Center in honor of retiring VVSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. James A. Mitchem, Jr. Effective with Dr. Mitchem's retirement on June 30, 2020, the VVEC will become the Dr. James A. Mitchem Early Childhood Center in recognition of his four decades of distinguished service to VVSD.

"During his tenure, Dr. Mitchem has always demonstrated his dedication to VVSD students, families, and educators," said Mr. Steve Quigley, VVSD Board of Education President. "Dr. Mitchem's leadership has been especially effective in the positive growth and development of the VVSD early childhood education program. He was the driving force in the expansion of the VVSD Early Childhood program and the upgrade of the Early Childhood Center facility."

"Dr. Mitchem believes that in order to inspire student's minds, we must first touch their hearts," Quigley said. "He has done more than just express those words; he has lived them every day to the benefit of the Valley View community."

The building was expanded in 2017 under Dr. Mitchem's leadership and now serves over 600 pre-kindergarten students. The Early Childhood Center provides a high quality and engaging learning environment and is recognized as an ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality pre-kindergarten program.

Information Regarding Adjustment of Student Fees

Adjustments to student fees for activities cancelled, or shortened due to the COVID-19 school closure will be processed by the school the student attends. Any adjustments will be credited to future fees in accordance with the District Student Fee Refund Policy.

Fees eligible for prorated or possibly full adjustments include: paid student transportation, early childhood tuition and milk money, student parking pass, middle school scholastic bowl, Middle School graduation gowns and/or medallions, and adventure education.

Athletic fees for spring sports, (including middle school boys volleyball uniforms) are eligible for full adjustment, with the exception of the fee for indoor/outdoor track, which will be prorated.

Parents will be able to view any adjustments in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Individual receipts will not be mailed.

Refunds are only available upon request. A refund form is available in the Finance Department Section of the District Website.

Credits for monies collected for field trip fees will either be applied to future fees in the student's Infinite Campus account, or, refunded by the individual school.

Lukancic Band Director Hosts Black-Tie Virtual Awards Celebration

For the first time in school history, Lukancic Band Director Mr. Michael Fogarty hosted the Lukancic Band Awards Celebration in cyberspace.

Mr. Fogarty made certain to make this a first-class affair, as he emceed while wearing his best formal wear and was able to arrange the participation of several A-list celebrities. Watch the video to see the highlight of the evening, the announcement of the winners of the highest honor given by the Lukancic Band program, the Outstanding Musicianship Award. We applaud Mr. Fogarty's creativity.

New to VVSD. Online Registration for the 2020-2021 School Year Now Available

You've been asking for it and now VVSD Online Student Registration is available on a computer screen near you. The registration tasks that can be completed online include: Update parent and emergency contact information, residency verification, update health information, make payments, and sign permissions such as Concussion and Media. Go to http://www.vvsd.org/RegisterNow for more information, a video tutorial, and to get started.

VVSD Emergency Meals for Kids Wednesdays 9-11 a.m.

Valley View School District 365U Nutrition Services will provide the Emergency Meals for Kids program during the continuing closure of VVSD schools. The program will supply free "Grab 'n Go" meals to children under 18 years old on Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m.

Emergency Meals for Kids is a drive-thru service at five VVSD locations: Bolingbrook High School, Brooks Middle School, and Humphrey Middle School in Bolingbrook; and Romeoville High School and Lukancic Middle School in Romeoville. Each car will receive enough breakfasts and lunches to feed two children until the next scheduled Emergency Meals for Kids day. There will be no accommodations made for special diets or allergies and the meals may contain peanuts. For health, safety, and convenience, patrons are to remain in their car while in the drive-thru line.

Kudos for Noteworthy Achievements

Irene King Elementary School 5th Grade Student Kylee Graunke is the 2020 American Automobile Association Illinois School Safety Patroller of the Year. Kylee was nominated by Irene King Teacher Mrs. Katie Novak and was selected from numerous candidates from across the state based on leadership qualities, safety knowledge, and school and community involvement. Kylee is also volunteers at Feed My Starving Children, a local animal shelter, has donated toys and clothes for those in need and is a Girl Scout.