Parent Teacher Fellowship
The Parent Teacher Fellowship has been organized to facilitate parent involvement in the school. The function of the PTF includes praying for our children and their teachers, providing activities for the family, and fund raising. The PTF meets on the first Friday of the month and the meetings usually last one hour.
Parents help through the PTF with room mothers/fathers, hot lunch program, grading papers, and helping in other various needs throughout the school and classroom.
Activities include roller skating parties, bowling, and the beginning of the year picnic. The Parent Teacher Fellowship is a wonderful way to be involved in your child’s school. Below you will find some of the great events that the PTF will oversee this year.
Back To School Picnic
Held annually at Alverthorpe Park's picnic pavilion in mid-late September, the Back-to-School Picnic offers a Saturday afternoon of hotdogs, hamburgers, hiking, volleyball, touch football, softball or just lounging and fellowship! This event offers new families an opportunity to solidify new friendships in a relaxed, family atmosphere and returning families the chance to "catch up" with one another.
Welcome Tea
The first day of school, the PTF holds a "kick-off" tea in the church lounge, at school. PTF officials are introduced and all parents in attendance have an opportunity to see old faces and meet new ones The PTF and school calendars are reviewed and all "last minute" questions are answered, concerns fielded. There is a time of prayer to dedicate our children and staff into God's hands for the coming year.
Race For Education
VCS sponsors one major fundraiser through the year: the Race for Education. Held in October, this is a walk-jog-run a-thon around a 1/4-mile track for a 1-hour period. Students submit mailing labels for potential sponsors and then PTF volunteers mail sponsor sheets from the school, to an average of 2000 potential donors. “Spirit Week” precedes this event with various contests, special assemblies and general anticipation! A variety of trophies and awards are presented by the PTF to honor top lap runners and top money raisers. The entire school is treated to a pizza party or ice cream sundae party in appreciation of their efforts. The student body loves the Race, first held in 1998, it is truly a high point of the Fall. Race revenues, averaging nearly $25,000 have purchased playground equipment, ceiling fans throughout the building, a sound system for school concerts, and a computer lab, along with meeting other smaller classroom needs.
Thanksgiving Feast
The PTF holds an annual Thanksgiving Feast, prepared by parent volunteers, complete with turkey, filling, mashed potatoes, cranberry and a delicious smorgasbord of homemade pies. The students, dressed as Pilgrims or Indians (!), make keepsake placemats to add to the flavor of the day.
New Parents Reception
Held in August, the New Parents Reception gives opportunities for incoming parents too not only meet one another, but to interact with PTF officials and Mrs. Caler in an informal "dessert" setting. The School's Policy Handbook is reviewed, the role and activities of the PTF is discussed and a variety of other topics are covered so new families can "hit the ground running" on the first day of school.
Pastors Day
an opportunity for the students' Pastors, Youth Leaders, and Sunday School teachers to visit their classrooms, meet their teachers and have "Hot Lunch" with them. A highlight of the day is always a special Chapel, which has been graced by a "Blue's Band", the "Hallelujah Chorus", and a 6th grade preacher in the past!
Grandparents Day
A highlight for the students is when Grandma and Grandpa come to school! The format varies: sometimes lunch, sometimes brunch-style refreshments: but always classroom time with the students and a special Chapel where each grade contributes in some way to share why Valley and Jesus are so special to them!
Staff Appreciation Luncheon
the dedicated and loving staff is what makes Valley a truly special place. The PTF is fortunate to be able to recognize them all with a special "Thank You" luncheon each May. Parent volunteers not only make and serve the luncheon but provide lunchroom and playground coverage so that ALL staff members can take an hour or so to relax, be served, and be appreciated!
All-School Activities
There are many opportunities throughout the year for the extended Valley family to get together, to socialize, exercise, or just eat! There are 2-3 roller skate nights at the Palace Roller Rink on the Roosevelt Blvd., 1-2 bowling parties at the Pike Lanes in Southampton, the Back-to-School picnic, and 3 school concerts throughout the year that PTF provides refreshments for.
Hot Lunch Program
A three-day per week vent on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays lunch is provided to all students who wish to purchase, the cost of $3.50 includes entree, dessert and beverage.