2024-2025 School Year Information

We are thrilled to welcome students back to our buildings after a refreshing summer break. Below, you will find essential information for this school year, including quick links to common resources, helpful back-to-school articles, an overview of new developments, and more.

We look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Important Dates for Back to School

HHES (Grades PK-5)

Conferences (Grades 1-5): 08/13/24

First Day of School (Grades 1-5): 08/14/24

Kindergarten Screening: 08/13/24 through 8/15/24

(HHES Office will call to schedule appointments)

First Day of School (Kindergarten): 08/21/24

Pre-K Screenings: 08/20/24 through 8/21/24

First Day of School (Pre-K): 08/26/24

GMS (Grades 6-8)

*DATES UPDATED*

Locker Assignments/Combo Handout:

7th/8th Grade: 08/09/24, 8:30-11:30am
6th Grade/New Students: 08/09/24, 12:15-3:15pm
Make Up Day: 08/12/24, 8:30-11:30am

Meet the Principal: 08/13/24, 8:30-9:30am

GMS Mini-Schedule Walk Through: 08/13/24, 09:45-11:15am

First Day of School: 08/14/24

8:20 AM - 3:15 PM

VHS (Grades 9-12)

Returning 9th-12th Students:

Locker Distribution: 08/08/24 and 08/09/24, 8:00am-4:00pm
Schedule Distribution: 08/08/24 and 08/09/24, 1:00-4:00pm

New & Transfer Students:

Locker and Schedule Distribution by appointment. Call the VHS Front Office at 907-835-4767 starting on 08/01/24 to arrange an appointment.

Open House (All Students): 08/13/24, 12:30-3:30pm. Nacho Bar served.

First Day of School: 08/14/24

Explore What's New This Year

Optional Friday Sessions at GMS and VHS

We are pleased to announce that both our middle and high schools will transition to a four-day week hybrid schedule this school year, with Fridays being optional for students. While attendance on Fridays is not required, the school will remain open, and teachers will be available to provide targeted remediation and enrichment for smaller groups of students. Additionally, transportation and lunch will be provided. This new schedule aims to offer more personalized learning opportunities and support for our students. Please review the GMS/VHS Approved Calendar and Bell Schedules to learn more about school days and times.

SPECIAL NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO SCHOOL AVAILABLE FOR ALL 6TH-12TH GRADE STUDENTS ON FRIDAY, 8/16/2024 AND FRIDAY, 8/23/2024. The GMS and VHS staff will spend these two Fridays collaborating on creating shared protocols, establishing organizational procedures, and preparing resources to ensure a smooth and effective implementation of the new schedule. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this transition period. Regular optional Friday attendance will begin on August 30, 2024.

We are committed to providing an enriching and supportive educational environment for all our students and look forward to the positive impact this new schedule will bring.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.

Updated Websites

VCS families can enjoy new and improved district and school websites. We engaged in a year's worth of research of best practices, feedback from families and staff, to collect information to inform our new websites. As a result, we're proud to offer an improved user experience with the following new features:

Updated Site Search
Intelligent Language Translations
Streamlined Navigation
Accessible Features Aligned to WCAG 2.0 Standards
Unified District and School Calendar
And, more!

We are excited to continue growing in our new digital space.

New Principals at GMS and VHS

We are excited to introduce our new middle school principal, Amanda Tippetts, and our new high school principal, Peter Baksis, for the upcoming school year. Both bring a deep commitment to fostering academic excellence and a supportive school environment. We are confident that their leadership will inspire and positively impact our school community. Please join us in welcoming Principal Tippetts and Principal Baksis to Valdez!

Back to School Quick Links

Registration & Enrollment

Ensure your child can start school on time by completing the pre-registration form (for new students) and enrollment forms (for all students) by the first day of school on August 14th.

Learn More About Enrollment

School Year Calendar

Check dates for early dismissal, early release days, school breaks, holidays, and more.

NEW this year: GMS and VHS will implement optional Friday sessions. Changes are reflected on their respective calendar.

View 2024-2025 HHES Calendar

View 2024-2025 GMS/VHS Calendar

Bell Schedules

Find out what time your child's school day begins and ends, including early dismissal and early release days.

View HHES Bell Schedule

View GMS Bell Schedule

View VHS Bell Schedule

School Supplies

Review the short list of items requested by each grade level. Most other school supplies are provided by VCS at no cost and will be distributed to your child at school as needed.

View HHES Supply Lists

View GMS Supply Lists

View VHS Supply Lists

Bus Routes

VCS is proud to partner with First Student to safely transport our students from home and school.

Look up your child's bus route which includes pick-up and drop-off times and locations. Plus, view information about alternative routes, in the event of inclement weather or poor road conditions.

School Meals

Read monthly school meal menus, manage meal payments online, and apply for free/reduced lunch if qualified.

View Meal Information

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