As we wrap up another school year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the heart, effort, and resilience that each of you has brought to Venture Academy. This year, like so many before it, was full of challenges that demanded creativity, flexibility, and patience—and you rose to meet them with compassion and grit.

Every hallway conversation, each difficult student interaction handled with care, every late night planning lesson materials or supporting a colleague—all of it matters. All of it adds up to a school environment where students know they are seen, valued, and believed in. That is no small thing.

We’ve built a place where at-risk students get another chance, where relationships are the intervention, and where growth is measured in more than just grades. You are the reason this works. From our teachers and paras to our counselors, secretaries, support staff, custodians, and kitchen team—everyone contributes to the culture of care and possibility we’ve created here.

Take time to rest this summer. You’ve earned it. I hope you return refreshed, reminded of your impact, and ready for another year of the meaningful work we do together.

With gratitude,

Teresa, Bri, and Skyler

 

To the Whole Venture Crew—Thank You

It’s the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week, and at Venture, that means we’re celebrating all the teachers in the building—and not just the ones with whiteboards and gradebooks.

Because here, teaching happens in every corner of the school. It's Rachelle helping students figure out both their presents and their futures.  It’s Josh sweeping up through chaos and calm alike. It’s Marita, Eliseo, Lucy, and Bob offering support, structure, and steady presence. It’s Caryn and Karen making the front office and online office run like a well-oiled (and frequently interrupted) machine. It’s Officer Noble keeping us safe and steady. It’s Val and Marybeth not only feeding everyone, but doing it with grace—even after cleaning up a mess none of us planned for this week.

Which brings us to... the lockdown. That was not the appreciation gift we had in mind. And yet, every one of you stepped up. Calm under pressure, caring toward students, focused on keeping things safe and running. It was a reminder—like we ever needed one—that this staff is something special.

This week may be “Teacher Appreciation Week,” but around here, we know that job titles don't define the difference-makers. You all teach—through kindness, patience, teamwork, humor, and grit.

So as we wrap up this week of gratitude, know this: You are appreciated. You are admired. You are the reason Venture works.

Thank you for being exactly who you are.

—Teresa

Week of  May 12 
Bus Duty: Cysewski
Monday:  
Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Trent visiting Venture
Friday: Cross District collaboration 7:30 - 

Week of  May 19 
Bus Duty: Vaughan
Monday:  
Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Trent visiting Venture
Friday: Non Work Day

Week of  May 26 
Bus Duty: Levy
Monday:   Memorial Day
Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  
Thursday: Trent visiting Venture
Friday: Certified Staff Collaboration 8:00 - 3:00

Week of June 2
Bus Duty: All Hands on Deck- outside, in the halls, in the commons
Monday: 
Tuesday: 
Wednesday:  Final Grades posted for seniors at 3:30 pm - no exceptions.
Thursday:  Finals for all students Seniors arrive at 3:00 Graduation 6:00
Friday: Teacher clean up day.

Week of June 9
Monday: Certified Staff Work Day - flex.  This day is a flex day in exchange for working the graduation.  Thank you!

Have a great summer!