Dear Venture Staff,

Another year is almost in the books.  As we prepare to send kids (and ourselves) off to summer adventures, we have much to celebrate.  We made great gains in our goal to implement school-wide TBRI.  MTSS underwent a major transformation, leading to the recovery of 83 credits - and maybe more by next week!  We supported one another and nurtured our own personal goals as instructors and support staff.  As we prepare to wind down the year I also want to keep you in the loop of some changes that are taking place for next year:

As you know, Diana is retiring.  Diana, I hope you know that our appreciation for all that you've done for Venture students and staff goes with you as you begin your next big adventure.  You stepped up during difficult times and always put your best foot forward.  We wish you all the best!

Chase has resigned his post as Social Studies teacher at Venture.  Chase, you have been such a positive presence at Venture and you will be missed by your colleagues and your students.  Although you're leaving to spend more time with family, I hope you will be back someday.  

As many of you know, Adam and Jessica have decided to join the online side of Venture Academy.  They will have a flexible work schedule -both in the building and working from home.  I know they will be missed in the classroom, but their unique skills and experiences will make the online program a better learning opportunity for students.

A decision was made to close the Engineering and Technology program at Venture.  Ben, you made a difference in the lives of many kids in your time leading that program.  I know you will continue to positively influence young people in your role as Venture's Physical Science teacher.  We are all glad that you will still be teaching kids at Venture!

More on the online program... 

Brianne Weinberger will be our new .5 Assistant Principal.  We will share her with Sorenson Elementary where she will also be a .5 administrator.  I hope she is able to stop by and meet everyone before school is out for the year.  She is excited to begin her work here and I am so excited to have her working with us at Venture.  

Next year, rooms 101 and 102 will be dedicated to online work.  Maintenance is a bit understaffed, but there will likely be some changes made to those rooms to accommodate their new purpose.

Changes can feel disconcerting and our tolerance for new experiences varies greatly from one person to the next.  My door is always open.  Please feel free to email or drop by if you have questions or concerns.

Grades... Please remember, no one fails or earns an incomplete without a phone call home.  I'm sure those calls were made midterm, but some students may have been passing midterm and are failing now.  If you know a student is not going to pass, please make a phone call home ASAP.

Gentle Reminder:  You've probably all done this, but just in case,

All certified staff (including admin and counselors) need training in the characteristics of dyslexia before the 2023-2024 school year. 

The following video and its accompanying Google quiz meets this requirement.

Please view the video on your own, using this notecatcher to help  on the quiz, and then take the accompanying quiz. There are 8 questions, and we must pass with a 75% (or 6/8). You can go back and review the video or notes to help with the quiz.  

The Calendar.  This time, maybe it's right the first time :)  Please note that Monday, Nov. 13 is a student attendance day.

Field Day...

Friday we will be on regular schedule.  Students will go to lunch during advisory, and then we will participate in field day. Thanks to all who have planned this fun event for students.

Bus/Parking lot duty: Eastman and Mahoney

Monday 5/29: Memorial Day

Tuesday  5/30: 

Wednesday 5/31:

Thursday 6/1: Last Extended Learning of this School Year

Friday 6/2: Field day Regular Schedule

Bus/Parking lot duty: Hook and Fehling

Monday 6/5: Non Work Day

Tuesday  6/6: 

Wednesday 6/7: Student Exhibits

Thursday 6/8: 6:00 Graduation

Friday 6/9: Last Day of School

Bus/Parking lot duty:

Monday 6/12: Work Day

Tuesday  6/13:  Work Day (traded for staying late for graduation)