Dates to Remember:

October 2nd: Picture Re-Take Day

The VVMS PTO does not hold any other fundraisers throughout the year, this is your chance to support our school!

PTO Dues are $75 per family and they grant you access to the school directory and help provide much needed funding to support programs, teachers, and staff at our school.

Why the increase?

• We want to provide one yearly field trip per grade (bussing is super expensive!)
• We want to support programs that have not received funding in the past like Media, Unified, and PE
• We want to find additional ways to show appreciation to our teachers and staff
• Plus... Dues are the only source of funding for the PTO (that’s right, nothing to sell or additional fundraisings throughout the year!)

Take a look at our proposed 24-25 VVMS PTO Budget to learn more!

** If you require a DUES SCHOLARSHIP please enter code VVMSPTODUES2024 at checkout **

VVMS's Administrative Staff pictured from left to right: Erik Lowe (Assistant Principal), Kris Cruzan (Administrative Dean), Patrick Bass (Principal)

Hello Valley View!

My name is Kris Cruzan, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the newest administrative member of the Valley View team! I am honored to join such a vibrant and dedicated community, and I’m already loving the exhilarating Valley View VIBE 

I come to Valley View with a passion for math and a background in developing advanced math courses and intervention programs for various districts. Last year, I served as a district math implementation coach for Saint Paul Public Schools, which was a fantastic experience. My teaching journey includes working with middle school students and advising post-secondary scholars.

Here’s a bit about my academic background:

• BS in Mathematics Education, Central Methodist University

• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Grand Canyon University

• Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, University of Central Missouri

• Currently completing a K-12 Reading Licensure,University of St. Thomas

Beyond my professional life, I love traveling, whether it’s discovering new places close to home or exploring destinations abroad. I also enjoy trying new restaurants in the Twin Cities with my fiancé and cherish spending time fishing for Crappie and Bass with my Papa.

I’m really excited about this year and eager to work with everyone—staff, scholars, families, and community members. I believe that a strong school community thrives on collective effort, and I am committed to contributing positively to our shared goals. If you have any questions, suggestions, or just want to say hello, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you for the warm welcome. I look forward to working together and making this year a fantastic one for each and every one of you!

Enjoy some snapshots from the first week of school put together by our Student Leadership Team. Click HERE. 

Valley View is hiring! We have several learners that greatly benefit from 1:1 support or the presence of an additional adult in the classroom to support their educational growth. 

PLEASE HELP or send this information along to individuals who would be a good fit. 

You can find more information and apply HERE.

Don't miss the chance to get some awesome Valley View gear, our store is still open!

Purchase HERE

Working with middle school requires the right temperament. We mostly just need you to be smiley, and cheerful. We avoid practices that involve screaming or yelling. We prefer softer approaches that are kind but firm. Individuals volunteering are able to suspend bias and judgment and can offer support for all students. If you think this is you? Please help us in adding a greater eco-system like approach to how we guide and shepherd our young Hornets.

Do you love everything that's happening at Valley View but don't have time to volunteer? This is the perfect way to support PTO and school initiatives and help us achieve our goals this year!

We would love to increase student activities and the support we offer our staff, teachers, and specialists, so we are looking for 20 families to donate $500 each to help us BOOST THE VALLEY VIEW VIBE!

WE COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU, THANK YOU!

“The Ed Fund has been instrumental in helping to ensure that the mental health needs of both students and staff remain a priority in our schools. As a parent and a teacher, I know how strong the connection is between mental wellness and student success in the classroom.”
Sarah, EPS Parent and Teacher

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us at our mental health and wellness fundraiser this past Thursday. For those who couldn’t be with us, we missed you! We encourage you to check out a recap from the day on our Instagram Band Together highlights. 

Band Together is the kickoff for our annual mental health fundraising. The Ed Fund 2024/2025 budget for mental health and wellness is $120,000 and every donation we raise makes a difference. We are proud to have funded a Fraser therapist in every building (from the Early Learning Center through our high school), but this isn't enough. Every child should be able to sit with a therapist 1:1, regardless of economic status, and the Ed Fund makes it possible for underinsured and uninsured students to access this critical resource ($1,850/student) as well as providing funding for staff mental health. Learn more about this important work here.

If every family in the district gave $22, we would meet our $120,000 goal for the year. Your tax-deductible donation of ANY amount makes possible access for ALL our students and staff to access the effective mental health and wellness resources they need to thrive. We appreciate your support! 

DONATE HERE

With sincere thanks,

Kathy Rendleman and the Ed Fund Board

Happy fall, and hello from the Edina Cross Country Team!

We are writing to let you know that there is still time to join us this fall, and we would love to have you!

Many of our middle schoolers don't know that there is an opportunity to be part of the team, and get introduced to to the high school athletics program. Cross country is one of the few sports that offer this opportunity. While we know there are a lot of demands on your time, many of our runners also participate in other sports and activities, finding that cross country complements their overall development.

Some key points about our team:

- No-cut sport: Everyone who registers and participates is on the team

- Supportive environment: Older runners mentor younger team members

- Race distances: Start with 1-2 miles, potentially building up to 5K

The season has already started, but we still have studends joining our team and registration open until September 6!

Registgration link:  https://hornets.edinaschools.org/register

Just as an FYI, you will need an up to date physical before participating at practice.

Please visit out website, https://www.edinaxc.com/ , for lots of great information.

If you have questions, feel free to contact me:

Jamie 

Jamie.kirkpatrick@edinaschools.org

612.396.6811

P.S. Feel free to share this invitation with friends who might be interested in joining us.

Valley View Middle School PTO

6750 Valley View Rd., Edina, MN

ptovvms@gmail.com

VVMS PTO Website