Knightly News
Knightly News
April 17th, 2025
Embedded Files
State of the School Parent Meeting: Bosque Square Info... May 5th!
State of the School Parent Meeting: Bosque Square Info... May 5th!
Parents, Grandparents, and Rhetoric School students are cordially invited to join us for the State of the School: Our Journey to Bosque Square — a special time to share vision and important updates about the future of Valor.
Due to limited seating, we kindly ask that younger students remain at home. We look forward to a great evening together.
Date: Monday, May 5th, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Highland Baptist Church Chapel
This will be more than just an update—it will be a meaningful moment in the life of our school.
We’ll be sharing important details—the vision, the floorplan for Phase #1, the anticipated timeline, and the budget—and even more than that, we’ll be inviting you to see how each of us can play a part in financially supporting this work.
Together, we’ll pause to reflect on God’s incredible faithfulness throughout our journey, and look forward with hope and anticipation for the work that He is leading us to. We look forward to seeing at least one representative from every family there!!!
Campus-Wide
Campus-Wide
Considering a Change to the Student Cell Phone Policy...
Considering a Change to the Student Cell Phone Policy...
Currently our Rhetoric Student cell phone policy states that cell phones can be in our students backpacks but can never be out during school. Logic and Grammar students can not have phones on campus at all. These same policies apply to smart watches.
We are considering altering this policy and requiring that Rhetoric students turn in cell phones at the start of the day, then receive them back at the end of the school day.
Our admin team recently read this article and wanted to share it with all of our parents, inviting your thoughts and questions.
1. Would you please take a few minutes to read this article and then,
2. then fill out this Google form to share any thoughts or questions that you have regarding this potential updated cell phone policy?
Please let Bethany know if you have any questions at Admin@ValorPrep.com. Thank you!!
Valor Theatre Presents: Godspell Jr.
Valor Theatre Presents: Godspell Jr.
Tickets are now on sale for Valor Theatre's first ever spring musical! There will be three performances beginning May 9th at Grace Church Waco. This will be a performance that you will not want to miss! Please invite your family, friends and neighbors as we share the good news of the gospel!
THIS YEAR: you can also purchase ad space in our program to promote your business or give a shout out to your favorite crew or cast member! Please use the link below for more information. All proceeds from this show help support theatre initiatives and the purchase of equipment and supplies for our growing department.
Friday, May 9 @ 7pm
Saturday, May 10 @ 2pm & 6pm
Buy your Godspell tickets here!
Free MinistrySafe Sexual Abuse Awareness Training in April...
Free MinistrySafe Sexual Abuse Awareness Training in April...
In light of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we wanted to make you aware of some resources that Valor, and many other organizations, use to equip their employees and make them aware of ways to prevent child abuse.
All of our Faculty, Staff, Subs, Coaches and Volunteers are required to take the Sexual Abuse Awareness training with the Educational setting emphasis, and we wanted to make these free resources available to you as well. It's not an easy subject to talk or hear about, but the more we are armed with this information, the more likely we will be to safeguard and protect our children.
For more information, please visit www.MinistrySafe.com/April. Thank you!
Family Ministries
Family Ministries
Teacher Appreciation Week is Coming: Ways to Contribute!
Teacher Appreciation Week is Coming: Ways to Contribute!
Beginning on April 28, we'll be spending an entire celebrating Valor's incredible teachers and staff throughout the week! We'll be providing meals, t-shirts, school supplies (and more!) to our staff and would love your help in big or small ways!
Click here! Contribute to the cost of a t-shirt, meal, supplies, or coffee during Teacher Appreciation Week!
Click here! Sign up to bring an item of food or volunteer your time during Teacher Appreciation Week!
Questions? Email traditions@valorprep.com.
Be a Mentor for New Families at Valor!
Be a Mentor for New Families at Valor!
We'd love for any current family at Valor to consider being a Mentor Family for a new family joining Valor this upcoming school year! This partnership with families is vital to the heart and culture of our school and we would love for you to prayerfully consider serving in this capacity for this next school year!
We are in special need of current Valor families who have an incoming Pre-K or Kindergartner to pair with many incoming, new Valor families with children this age!
*Fill this form out! Mentor Interest Form
Questions? Please email sherrae.cornett@valorprep.com
Grammar School (Prek-5th)
Grammar School (Prek-5th)
Every year, Valor participates in the Hunger Hero Challenge. During the month of April, we compete against several other businesses in town (see the leaderboard here). Valor is currently #2 in the city for giving!
Grab a few extra non-perishables the next time you go shopping, or let them help you shop online! If you bring the food to school, we will have 5th graders ready to grab your items at drop-off and pick-up each day until April 25th!
Shop online at one of these locations:
Online donations (every dollar counts for a pound of food!)
Amazon Wishlist (put Valor in the message box)
Target Wishlist (put Valor in the message box)
Walmart Wishlist (put Valor in the message box)
Grandparents' Day Hospitality
Grandparents' Day Hospitality
We heard so many compliments from grandparents, students, and staff alike, about what a beautiful event Grandparents' Day was, and none of it would have been possible without your support. The Book Faire alone raise almost $1,000 dollars toward building our Grammar School Library!
It’s always inspiring to see our school community come together, and last Friday was a beautiful example of the heart and dedication that our teachers, volunteers, students, and staff bring to Valor.
💙 Mrs. Ramsey
Bookish Generosity
Bookish Generosity
When challenged to help local Foster families, Valor families rose to the occasion! In fact, there were so many donated books that more than one organization was able to use them. Thank you, Valor!
3rd-5th Grade Testing
3rd-5th Grade Testing
Valor is proud to partner with the Classical Learning Test to gauge and track student growth in grades 3-8. Grammar School testing will take place this year on April 30th. One of the things we love about the CLT is that it only takes a few hours of their school day to complete. There's no unnecessary pressure or need to prepare, but please make sure your student:
Gets plenty of sleep the night before
Eats a healthy, hearty breakfast
Is encouraged to relax and do their best!
Upcoming in Grammar
Upcoming in Grammar
April 23 - 4th Grade Field Trip
April 25 - Q4 Teacher Training (Noon dismissal)
April 30 - Classical Learning Test (3rd-5th grades)
May 2 - Living History Museum (Chapel)
1:15 5th grade
1:45 3rd grade
2:15 4th grade
2:45 2nd grade
May 7th - Kindergarten Field Trip
May 8th - Parent/Teacher Conferences (Check your teacher email for sign-ups!)
May 9 - 1st Grade Field Trip
May 16th-23rd Balloon Week (Valor's end-of-the-year class day buddy traditions)
May 23 - Dia del Knights (Noon dismissal and last day of school)
Logic School (6th-8th)
Logic School (6th-8th)
7th Grade Field Trip to the BRIC
7th Grade Field Trip to the BRIC
Logic School (LS):
Logic School (LS):
Classic Learning Test (CLT) Dates: The CLT6-8 will be administered to LS students on April 23. Mark your calendar, as attendance will be critically important.
Don't forget. There is no school tomorrow (4/18), in recognition of Good Friday. Be blessed and worship our risen Lord!
Friday, April 25, is an early dismissal day. The Upper School will dismiss at 12:15. The afternoon pick up line will work in the same manner as usual at the new time. After lunch the faculty will participate in quarterly professional development.
Beyond Next Week in LS:
April 26-May 1 - 8th Grade trip to Washington, D.C.
April 28-May 2 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 8 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
May 22 - End of Q4
May 23 - Last Day of LS/Dia Del Knights
May 26 - Memorial Day/Valor offices closed
If you have questions related to LS, please contact krista.weathers@valorprep.com.
Rhetoric School (9th-12th)
Rhetoric School (9th-12th)
Lets Celebrate! Based on her score on the PSAT in October, Valor junior, Margot F., has qualified as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. This means she scored in the top 4% of the 1.3 million students who took the PSAT nationwide. The field will be further narrowed to 16,000 finalists in September, depending on how well they scored relative to their region in the United States. From there, about 6,870 scholarships are awarded. Valor is incredibly proud of Margot. Her character and achievement honor the Lord, her family, and Valor.
The annual Senior Thesis presentations will take place in the Valor chapel on Tuesday (4/22) and Thursday (4/24). The time frame is 2-5 pm each day; however, exact times will be confirmed on Monday for each presenter.
Year 9 students: Be on the lookout for the Year 9 Academic Advising sign-up, which you will find in the Classwork folder of the RS College Readiness Google Classroom next week. Your meeting times will extend throughout the month of April and occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Dr. Escobar looks forward to seeing you to plan your class schedule for next year!Don't forget. There is no school tomorrow (4/18), in recognition of Good Friday. Be blessed and worship our risen Lord!
Friday, April 25, is an early dismissal day. The Upper School will dismiss at 12:15. The afternoon pick up line will work in the same manner as usual at the new time. After lunch the faculty will participate in quarterly professional development.
Beyond Next Week in RS:
April 25 - Early Release/Teacher Training Day
April 28-May 2 - Teacher Appreciaton Week
May 6-8 - Senior Final Exams
May 9 - Senior Walk-Out/Honor Ceremony
May 9 & 10 - Spring Theater Production (Godspell)
May 16,19, 20 - Junior Semester Exams (pre-Europe trip)
May 17 - Valor Graduation Ceremony
May 20-22 - Final Exams, 9th and 10th
May 22 - End of Q4/Last day of RS
May 26 - Memorial Day/Valor offices closed
2024-25 RS Non-Uniform Dress Code Days
If you have questions related to RS, please contact charlie.mooney@valorprep.com.
SUMMER ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
SUMMER ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
RS Summer Writing Intensive!
RS Summer Writing Intensive!
Combining classroom instruction with small-group and individual coaching, the Summer Writing Intensive offers new and returning Valor Rhetoric School students an opportunity to keep writing skills sharp, address common and individual challenges, and increase students’ confidence in composition.
Parents can register their students here.
Please see the infographic for more details and email julie.engebretson@valorprep.com with questions. Thank you!
Valor Athletics
Valor Athletics
Rhonda Ackley Swenson Memorial Extracurricular Scholarship Application
This scholarship is created in memory of Rhonda Ackley Swenson, a devoted single mother, teacher, and follower of Christ, whose life was marked by unwavering sacrifice, selflessness, and love. Rhonda passed away earlier this year, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and commitment to her family and community. She loved watching her grandchildren play sports at Valor Preparatory Academy and found joy in supporting their endeavors.
The Rhonda Ackley Swenson Memorial Extracurricular Scholarship seeks to honor her memory by ensuring that financial burdens do not prevent Valor families from fully participating in extracurricular activities and sports. This scholarship is administered by Valor Athletics and awarded by the Valor Finance Committee. Please stay tuned for the release of this application.
Summer Camps 2025
Spring & Summer camp registrations are live! Check with your parents to make sure they register. Register Here
**All students will need to bring water bottles to camps and complete the emergency contact information on the summer camp registration form.**
**All Valor students are allowed to bring friends from outside of Valor using the same registration form**
Boys and Girls Strength and Conditioning- All incoming LS and RS athletes are highly encouraged to participate in strength and conditioning. Training will take place Monday-Thursday. Girls will lift from 7:45a-8:45a; boys will lift from 7:15a-8:30a at Train Waco and drive to V alor for skills from 8:45a-10:00a.
2025 RS/LS Football Spring Football- All incoming LS and RS football athletes are highly encouraged to participate in spring football practice. Practices will take place at Woodway Family Center 5/12-5/15; 5/20, 5/21 time TBD (will be after school). We will be in helmet, shirt, shorts, and girdles. Coach Byrd and his staff will work through skills, drills, and offensive/defensive install
LS (7th-8th) Basketball Camp- All incoming 7th and 8th graders are invited to participate 5/27-5/30 from 11:00a-1:00p. Players will work with Coach Foy and his staff on skills, drills, and offensive/defensive install.
Competitors Edge Camp- All incoming K-5th graders are invited to participate in a variety of PE style games and competitions. The camp will take place 6/2-6/4 from 11:30a-1:00p at Woodway Family Center. Students will have a daily devotion. Valor Rhetoric School athletes will be in attendance! Invite your friends and come enjoy fun, competitive games
Basketball Instructional Camp (6/16-6/19)- All incoming K-2nd (10-12p), 3rd-4th (12-2p), and 5th-6th (2-4p) graders are invited to participate in our summer basketball instructional camp with Coach Foy. Bring your friends and learn basic fundamentals and compete with the HS counselors in small sided games.
Tennis Camp (6/22-6/24)- All incoming 6th-12th graders are invited to join Coach Nicole at Waco Regional Tennis Center from 8a-10:30a for tennis camp. Learn basic fundamentals of the game and enjoy competitive games!
Track Camp (7/7-7/10)- All incoming 3rd-8th grade students are invited to participate in our track camp at Woodway Park I from 8a-10a. Athletes will work on fun and competitive games with Coach Turner and Coach Cowan. Additionally, they will teach fundamentals of running and proper technique.
Cheer Camp (7/7-7/10)- All incoming K-6th students are invited to participate in a cheer camp at the Valor gym. Coach Sherwood and Coach Chaney, with the assistances of our rhetoric school cheerleaders, will teach the fundamentals of cheer, stunts, and some fun games. Invite your friends and come be a part of the fun!
Volleyball Instructional Camp (7/14-7/17)- All incoming 3rd-6th (11-1p) and 7th-8th (1-3p) students are invited to participate in our volleyball instructional camp at the Valor gym. Coach Pozgai and Coach Elms will lead our students in fundamental drills, skills, and technique! Invite friends and come enjoy a great time!
Golf Camp (7/21-7/23)- All incoming 7th-12th graders are invited to join Coach Naz at Bear Ridge from 2p-5p for golf camp. Learn basic fundamentals of the game, enjoy some time on the range, and putting greens.
7on7 Football Announcements
Practices pick back up next week for 7on7.
Practice location is TBD for Tuesday & Thursday.
Games will start for the JH team April 29th at Falcon Field.
League Track Meet
Some of our 4th-6th graders participated in the Waco Private School Classic at Hart Patterson Track Complex.
Valor won the overall meet, along with 4 of the 6 age/gender divisions!
Huge thank you to our volunteers who helped organize our kids and a special thank you to Mick Murray
for coordinating entries & engaging our kids to honor God through sport!
Thank you to the Murray family, Lauren Robb, & Stacy Swan for the great pictures!
H.O.T. & Centex Summer Basketball
H.O.T. & Centex Summer Basketball
HOT Hoops (Boys) & Centex (Girls) Signups
*Registration has closed.
All information regarding practices and games are located on the form.
This opportunity is for JH/HS boys and girls participating in basketball this coming winter to play in a 4 week long summer league with other HS teams in Central Texas.
Cheerleader Evaluations and Pre-Registration
Rhetoric Cheer Stunt Clinic at Texas Dynasty starting Tuesday April 22nd at 7:30p. Stunt clinic will run into May.
Baseball Upcoming:
at Second Baptist-UM Eagles
When: 2:30p
Where: Premier Baseball
20230 Cypress Rose Hill Rd, Tomball, TX 77377
Track Upcoming:
Monday: Speed training 2:45-3:30p; HS Practice 3:45-6p
Tuesday: Speed training 2:45-3:30p; HS Practice 3:45p-6p
Wednesday: Speed training 2:45-3:30p; HS Practice 3:45p-6p
Thursday: At Home Workout
Friday: At Home Workout
April 25th Regional Track at Seguin High School (Matador Stadium)
1315 E Cedar Street
Seguin, TX 78155
High School Volleyball Team Camp
Who: All incoming 9th-12th graders
When: July 22nd-24th
Where: Valor Gym
Hosted and run by the University of Mary Hardin Baylor coaching staff, this camp will be HIGHLY encouraged for all incoming high school volleyball players. This is a competitive camp. All athletes will be ranked by position and given skills sheets.
Register by emailing RBALES@UMHB.EDU
ALL PARENT MEETING
(TIME CHANGE)
*We will be merging our athletic meeting with the State of the School Meeting*
MAY 5th, 5:30 PM, Location: Highland Baptist Chapel
Meet the coaches, order new gear, register for sports next year, and hear the vision for where we are going as an athletic department next year. By God's grace, we have grown a lot the last two years. With that, we hope to continue to navigate new heights together and share challenges that we envision in hopes of traversing these waters together.
Letterman Jacket
MAY 6th, 11:00a-11:30a
During lunch, all athletes and fine arts students will have the opportunity to get their letterman jacket and new patches.
Forms will be available in the cafeteria.
Physical Day
May 10th, 8:00-10:00 AM, Location: Valor Gymnasium
This is highly recommended for Valor athletes. $10 for a physical checkup.
Boys that wish to get their physical at Valor will waive the hernia check.
All boys and girls that get their physical completed at Valor will be eligible the entire
upcoming school year regarding medical history & physical evaluation due to the timing of examination.
Rhetoric Athletic Banquet
Who: All high school athletes will be honored for their commitment and excellence in athletics. Parents are able and encouraged to attend, but not siblings for seating purposes.
Sean Jones from Antioch will be our guest speaker.
When: Monday April 21st at 6pm
Where: Old Bethany
If you would like to help, please reach out to Samantha King, Chastity Elder, or Margie Scheetz.
*Per survey results, we have changed to the all encompassing banquet instead of separate team parties.
Athletic Trainer: Tammy Marton
Tammy has already been a huge help for our athletic department and we are so thankful to have her in our community. Her office hours for all JH/HS athletes are:
Monday/Wednesday: 2:45pm-4pm
Tuesday/Thursday: 10:30am-12:30pm
Friday: 2:45pm-4pm
Human Resources
Human Resources
Now Hiring!
Now Hiring!
We have some additional positions available for the 2025-2026 school year! If you, or anyone you know is interested, please visit https://valorprep.com/careers/ to learn more or to apply!
Rhetoric School Math Teacher (Full time)
Rhetoric School Science Teacher
Grammar School Classroom Teachers
Grammar school Classroom Teacher Aides
We also have several coaching positions available that can be attached to a faculty/staff position, if needed (or not!). Those are:
Assistant Varsity Football Coach
Assistant Junior High Football Coach
Assistant High School Girls Basketball Coach
Assistant High School Boys Basketball Coach
As always, we are also welcoming applications for substitutes as well :) Please feel free to share any of these with your friends and family!!
Upcoming Faculty/Staff Birthdays
Upcoming Faculty/Staff Birthdays
Patterson, Terry- PreK Aide...4/8
Amaitsa, Delila- RS Science Teacher... 4/11
Hollinger, Alan- US Music Teacher... 4/25
To access the folder of Faculty & Staff favorites for all Faculty & Staff members, please click here. Thank you!
Reference Material
Reference Material
Facts Family App: Free Download!
Facts Family App: Free Download!
Our new app through Renweb/Facts Family Portal is now available for a free download from the Apple store or Google Play store! It includes quick and easy access to all this and more!
Weekly Newsletter
Full School Calendar
Athletics Hub
Hot lunch ordering
Grades, Report Cards & Attendance
Student Schedules, Behavior and Service Hours
Financial information
Please visit the mobile device store of your choice, search "Valor Preparatory Academy," download the app and then log in with your Facts Family portal account information (the district code is VPA-TX)!!
24-25 Yearbook Orders
24-25 Yearbook Orders
Hello Valor Family! With the year starting some changes have been put into place. One of the changes is that the yearbook will be run by students taking the new journalism class this year. Some important information to note about the new yearbook this year:
Pre-order at www.treering.com. The passcode to buy the yearbook through Treering is: 1015196645893006.
As always, every family gets two free custom pages with the option to add additional spreads at 99 cents each. This is a great way to document home days and other activities.
Samuel Shores
Rhetoric Journalism
Paying for School Pictures
Paying for School Pictures
School Picture time is wrapping up!!! Dust in the Wind Photography has been taking them again for us this year.
If you've already ordered pictures, please do not forget to send payment via cash, check to "Dust in the Wind Photography" or Venmo to @Karla-Ruiz-00593.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Bethany at Admin@ValorPrep.com. Thank you!
Free Dress Fundraiser
Free Dress Fundraiser
Hey Valor family, in an attempt to raise some money for our Junior trip to Europe this spring, we are bringing back the ever-popular "free dress punch card" for a few dates in the spring. If your student would like to come in free dress (not in their uniform) on Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and senior's last day on campus -- buy a free dress card TODAY! We had our first day on the 14th, but if you'd like to participate in the next two days, cards are $15 each and all the money goes towards our student trips.
School Calendar for 2025-2026
School Calendar for 2025-2026
The School Calendar for the 2025-2026 school year has been approved and is ready for you! Please click here to view it.
Please pay special attention to the parent training dates in early August. More information will come later this semester on the timing for those!
Thank you!
Absences, Tardies, Leaving Early & Sickness Notifications...
Absences, Tardies, Leaving Early & Sickness Notifications...
Just a quick reminder! If your student needs to leave early, arrive late, is sick, or they are going home with someone who is not on your pickup list, please call or email Sarah Worthington at the front desk to let her know! She is handling all those requests from here on out. Thank you!!!!!!
Deliveries to Students During School Day...
Deliveries to Students During School Day...
If you order DoorDash, or something similar, to be delivered to your student(s) during the school day, please be sure to add a note in the delivery instructions to leave the order on the box outside the front door and then also let the Front Office know it is coming (call 254-235-0575 or email Sarah.Worthington@ValorPrep.com). This will help get the items to your students faster!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Sarah at Sarah.Worthington@ValorPrep.com. Thank you!
Pictures Needed for the Yearbook!
Pictures Needed for the Yearbook!
Help the yearbook fill in some gaps in pictures! We are looking for a few more great shots from the following activities:
Senior Trip
High School Golf
High School Swim
High School Tennis
High School Track and Field
High School Baseball
JV Volleyball
ALL League Sports
Rhetoric House Events
If you can share photos from this list, please email them to yearbook@valorprep.com. Thank you!
Page updated
Report abuse