Knightly News
Knightly News
January 17th, 2025
Embedded Files
Campus-Wide
Campus-Wide
Board Appreciation Month: Thank you, Valor Board!
Board Appreciation Month: Thank you, Valor Board!
January is Board Appreciation Month, and we wanted to take the opportunity to publicly thank our Valor Board members for their dedicated service to our school.
Your Valor Board meets monthly, volunteering their time and efforts working diligently to protect the mission, vision and values of this most special school through setting policy, school oversight and strategic planning.
We are most thankful for their dedicated service, their sacrifice and work (for free!) on behalf of our students, families, faculty, and staff.
THANK YOU, VALOR BOARD!!!
Two Weeks Left to Enroll for 25-26: Deadline January 31st!!
Two Weeks Left to Enroll for 25-26: Deadline January 31st!!
Re-enrollment for the 25-26 school year is open and your student's current place in the next grade is secure up until the enrollment deadline of January 31st, 2025!
If you have a current student who will either be returning, or not returning, please let us know as soon as possible by logging in to the Family Portal and either enrolling, or selecting "Will not re-enroll."
We have waiting lists in several grades and while we would love to see everyone return, if you already know your student is not coming back, it's super helpful to us to know as soon as possible.
If your student is not returning to Valor next year, please click "Will not Re-enroll” as soon as you know.
If your student is returning (Yay!), then please let us know by enrolling them as soon as possible. Please note that there is a $210 non-refundable enrollment fee per student paid at the end of the re-enrollment process.
Please let Bethany Brown know (Admin@ValorPrep.com) if you have any issues with the enrollment process or any questions! Thank you!!!
Valor Spirit Week 2025
Valor Spirit Week 2025
January 27th - 31st
One of our favorite Valor traditions is Spirit Week! This is a week of whole-school theme dress up days (prek-12th grade!) We have daily competitions in the upper school for prizes, basketball games with half time fun, a pep rally on Friday for 6th-12th grade, and a full gym for the high school basketball games on Monday and Friday night! More details to come, but start planning your outfits now. This year's theme is "We Got the Beat" and each day comes with a song & dress up theme. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to reach out (Lauren.Allbritton@valorprep.com) and remember that all free dress guidelines still apply - keep it classy! ;)
Monday is Decades Day - Come dressed from any decade in history. Need some inspiration, click here to see a few ideas!
Tuesday is Rhyme Without a Reason - For RS only, choose 2 words that rhyme but don't necessarily go together. You can do both by yourself, with a friend, or even a whole group. Click here for a few ideas.
Wednesday is Grade Level Colors - Each grade is assigned a color (see graphic) and your goal is to go ALL OUT in that one color. Hats, clothes, face paint, etc. Which grade will come out on top? Here are a few ideas if you need them.
Thursday is House Choice - For RS only, each house will chose their own theme. Check in with your head of house to find out your theme!
Friday is All Out Valor - In true spirit week tradition, this day is the most Valor spirit. Allllllll blue and white. Get creative. Go knights!
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! It could be a great stocking stuffer! Cards are $15 each and all the money goes towards our student trips.
RSVP Now: January Parent University
RSVP Now: January Parent University
RSVP! Parent University will be held on Wednesday, January 22 on Valor Campus. At least one co-teacher is required to attend.
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Grammar School Training 1-3pm
*Be sure to read Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie before training!
Upper School Parent Reception 5-6pm
Upper School Training 6-8pm
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Please RSVP here to let us know which sessions you'll be attending and help us arrange space and seating!
Family Ministries
Family Ministries
Get your tickets!
Boots & Bows Father/Daughter Dance
Get your tickets!
Boots & Bows Father/Daughter Dance
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE for our 2nd Annual Boots & Bows Father/Daughter Dance at Old Bethany Events on Friday, February 21 at 6:30pm!
Valor students PK-6th grade are invited to attend! If you are parent to a 7th or 8th grade girl who would still like to attend this year, we invite you to join us and please use the link to register. Due to growth and capacity, we are slowly transitioning this dance to a GS event.
Please see this document for more details and to purchase tickets!
Last day to get tickets is February 12!
Questions? Please email brittany.fowler@valorprep.com
Grammar School (Prek-5th)
Grammar School (Prek-5th)
Teaching from Rest:
Teaching from Rest:
An afternoon of training and conversation
An afternoon of training and conversation
On Wednesday, January 22, all co-teachers are invited to St. Matthew's chapel for a time to consider the book, Teaching From Rest, and how we might apply its principals on homedays. After a time of worship, conversation and prayer, break-out sessions will be offered.
This is a required training, but we need your RSVP to this LINK in order to arrange space and seating.
Please park behind and around St. Matthew's and enter through the side sanctuary doors.
All sessions will promptly end at 3pm so that parents may enter the carline for student pick-up.
We can't wait to see you!
MLK Day of Service
MLK Day of Service
A Note from Mrs. Ramsey
Monday is a day off from school to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Traditionally, Valor has encouraged families to get out and serve together. Think about ways you can:
visit a new neighbor
make cards for a nearby nursing home
find a way to practically serve your in your church or a local ministry which serves the underpriveleged
participate in the book drive for local ministries at Fabled Bookstore
Read about MLK or watch his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
bring a meal for the homeless on your way to a family field trip to the Mayborn Museum (It's FREE!)
💙 Brooke Ramsey
Something Fishy
Something Fishy
5th grade dissected a perch last week. It was so wonderful to see their excited, curious faces and their readiness to work together to discover the intricate insides of these swimming creatures. Is someone in your family an avid fisherman who would like to come and inspire your child's class? Contact their classroom teacher! We would love to have you!
Save the Date!
Save the Date!
This year, Grandparent's Day is Friday, April 11th. In partnership with Family Ministries, the Grammar School has already begun planning this meaningful event which showcases your child's work to the ones you love. Would you like to serve as the committee head, helping to coordinate volunteers for this beautiful day? We need YOU!
Contact brooke.ramsey@valorprep.com
Upcoming in Grammar
Upcoming in Grammar
Jan. 20 - MLK Day holiday
Jan. 22 - Grammar School Parent Training 1-3pm @St. Matthew's Chapel.
Jan 27-31 - Spirit Week
Feb. 17 - Presidents Day, NO SCHOOL
Feb 21 - Daddy/Daughter Dance
March 7 - End of Q3, early dismissal/teacher training
March 10-14 - Spring Break, NO SCHOOL
Also, our Knight's Noel Christmas Program recording has been uploaded to Vimeo. You can view HERE or pass along to family members. Please do not post to social media. Thank you again for a wonderful event!
Logic School (6th-8th)
Logic School (6th-8th)
Logic School (LS):
Logic School (LS):
FINAL CALL: Mr. Mooney is looking for parents who are interested in helping Valor students develop in the classical common arts (such as woodworking, blacksmithing, gardening, welding, cooking, livestock care, fence mending, knitting, carpentry, hunting, agriculture, etc.) While we already develop our students in the seven liberal arts through our academic programming, we're looking for creative ways to build programming around the common arts. If you are interested in helping realize this vision, email charlie.mooney@valorprep.com! (See the video in the Rhetoric School section below.)
There is NO SCHOOL on Monday (1/20), in recognition of the achievements of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement.
January Chapel: Our Logic School chapel hymn for the month of January is Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. In Quarter 3, students will memorize Psalm 139:1-18
Upper School Fine Arts Night is April 10. More information regarding times, preparation, dress code, etc is coming soon.
6th Grade Field Trip: On the events calendar given out at the beginning of the year, Jan. 17th was scheduled for a 6th grade field trip to UTA. For a few reasons, we have rescheduled this trip. More to come soon!
Beyond Next Week in LS:
Jan. 22 - Parent University
Jan. 27-31 Spirit Week!
Feb. 17 - Presidents Day, NO SCHOOL
March 7 - End of Q3, early dimissal
March 10-12 - Spring Break, NO SCHOOL
April 10 - Upper School Fine Arts Night
If you have questions related to LS, please contact krista.weathers@valorprep.com.
Symposia looking for submissions!!
Symposia looking for submissions!!
Symposia, Valor's annual literary magazine, featuring poetry, fiction, and art by LS and RS students, is seeking submissions through March 7. Please submit your original works of poetry, hand-drawn art, and short fiction to julie.engebretson@valorprep.com or drop off hard copy submissions in the golden basket located in Room 102. Contact julie.engebretson@valorprep.com or jeni.harris@valorprep.com with questions!
Rhetoric School (9th-12th)
Rhetoric School (9th-12th)
Rhetoric School (RS):
Rhetoric School (RS):
There is NO SCHOOL on Monday (1/20), in recognition of the achievements of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement.
The VASE Art competition is coming up on February 15, at Harker Heights High School. Students who have questions or are interested should contact kaylee.davis@valorprep.com. Any RS student may participate.
The RS Mock Trial team will have a Saturday clinic tomorrow (1/18) at the Jensen/Escobar household from 1-5pm. If you have questions, contact chrisleeking@gmail.com. The Mock Trial Regional Competition is coming up February 6-8.
See the Non-Uniform Dress Code Calendar. Next week, RS students will have their usual Spirit Day on Thursday; however, on Friday they are expected to wear their house shirts. If they are not in house-specific clothing, they are expected to be in their uniforms. We still want to reinforce the principle of uniformity through our house dress.
Beyond Next Week in RS:
Jan 27-31 - Spirit Week!
Feb. 6-8 - Mock Trial Regional Competition
Feb. 15 - VASE Art Competition
Feb. 17 - Presidents Day, NO SCHOOL
March 6-8 - Mock Trial State Competition
March 7 - End of Q3, early dismissal
March 10-14 - Spring Break, NO SCHOOL
April 10 - Upper School Fine Arts Night
2024-25 RS Non-Uniform Dress Code Days
If you have questions related to RS, please contact charlie.mooney@valorprep.com.
See the video below for a brief introduction to the common arts from classical educator, Mr. Chris Hall, who has written a number of excellent works on the topic.
The event below is not a Valor event; however, this is an event for area youth, many of whom attend Valor. For more information contact Harris Creek Church.
Symposia looking for submissions!!
Symposia looking for submissions!!
Symposia, Valor's annual literary magazine, featuring poetry, fiction, and art by LS and RS students, is seeking submissions through March 7. Please submit your original works of poetry, hand-drawn art, and short fiction to julie.engebretson@valorprep.com or drop off hard copy submissions in the golden basket located in Room 102. Contact julie.engebretson@valorprep.com or jeni.harris@valorprep.com with questions!
Valor Athletics
Valor Athletics
High School Basketball
Winston Winter Classic Champions
The varsity boys competed in a tournament up in Dallas, January 3rd & 4th, against other TAPPS & charter schools. The championship game culminated in a 74-61 win vs Wylie Prep (TAPPS 3A) with Connor McFarling being named MVP after a 32 pt & 10 rbd performance.
Duke Gaines, Matthew Schlappe, Maddox Meline, & Connor McFarling
were named to the All Tournament team.
Caedmon Thompson & Matthew Schlappe finished 2nd & 3rd in the 3pt shootout.
Varsity Girls & Boys District Play
Valor Prep competes in a TAPPS 2A district in volleyball & basketball with the following schools:
Holy Trinity Catholic (Temple)
Summit Christian (Cedar Park)
Austin Waldorf (Austin)
Bishop Reicher Catholic (Waco)
In our district, the top 51% of teams will advance to the next level of competition.
Since there are 5 schools in the district, the top 3 performers will qualify for playoffs.
We are excited for our student athletes to compete and represent Valor in these upcoming events!
January 17th
Varsity Boys 7pm @Summit Christian
High School Boys Basketball Practice Week of:
Monday: Texas Legends, 3-5pm
Tuesday:
JV2 & JV1 vs JCSA 4 & 5pm
Varsity vs Austin Waldorf: 7:30pm
Wednesday: Texas Legends, 3-5pm
Thursday: JVs & Varsity Texas Legends, 3-5pm
Friday: JV Practice @Valor; 6:30-7:45am
Varsity Practice @Valor; 4:30-6pm
*IF THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER ON TUESDAY.
WE WILL POSTPONE GAME TO THURSDAY OR FRIDAY.
High School Girls Basketball Practice Week of:
Monday: Valor, 4-5:30pm
Tuesday:
Varsity vs Austin Waldorf: 6:00pm
Wednesday: Valor, 4-5:30pm
Thursday: Valor, 4-5:30pm
Friday: Varsity Practice 4-5:30pm
OR GAME, FOY WILL NOTIFY BY
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON NEXT WEEK
Tennis Clinic- January 18th
We are excited to invite you to a special Tennis Clinic at Waco Regional Tennis on Saturday, January 18th, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. This clinic is open to students currently in 6th–12th grade and will feature instruction from our very own Coach Huber, along with other highly ranked tennis professionals. This is a great opportunity for our current tennis athletes and prospective athletes to experience high level training.
This event is open to all Valor families as well as friends of Valor families, so feel free to spread the word!
We hope to see many of you there for this fun and engaging tennis experience!
Details at a Glance:
What: Tennis Clinic for 6th–12th Grade Students
When: Thursday, January 18, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Waco Regional Tennis
Cost: $40
Register: HERE
Junior High Basketball
Upcoming Games
JH WHITE, GRAY & BLUE @West ISD Tournament
January 18th, 2025
MONDAY:
OFF
Check with your coaches for open gym times.
THURSDAY:
JH Girls: 5:00pm @Providence Prep
JH White: OFF
JH Gray: 6:00pm @Providence Prep
JH Blue: 7:30pm @Crawford
Junior High Basketball Practices
JH Blue Tuesday & Wednesday 6:30-7:45am @ Valor
JH White/Gray 4:00-5:30p @ WFC
JH Girls 4:00-5:30p @ The Center
League Basketball
League games started this week amidst the dreary conditions. Our families are spread far and wide between league, JH & HS basketball games. Please provide grace to your classmates and look for ways to help if you have the capacity!
It's a fun time of the year for basketball but can be stressful for many families, look for ways to help with rides, volunteers, etc. THANK YOU!
Athletic Trainer: Tammy Marton
IMPORTANT NOTICE: to better serve our athletes and families Mrs. Marton’s hours on Monday and Wednesday have changed. See below.:
Monday/Wednesday: 2:30-4pm
Tuesday/Thursday: 10:30am-12:30pm
Friday: 2:30pm-4pm
Human Resources
Human Resources
Now Hiring!
Now Hiring!
Executive Assistant to the Head of School
This position will work closely assisting Mr. Kanawyer with administrative support, as well as fundraising, donor care and branding/communications. If you are a detail oriented, excellent communicator who thrives working in a fast paced environment as part of a team, please consider applying!
To learn more, or to apply, please visit https://valorprep.com/careers/
Upcoming Faculty/Staff Birthdays
Upcoming Faculty/Staff Birthdays
Byrd, Ashley- 7th grade Humanities Teacher...1/17
Durham, Jennifer- RS Bible Teacher... 1/17
Menn, Sharon- PreK Teacher... 1/28 (half bday)
Whitehorn, JW- RS History Teacher... 1/31 (half bday)
Brown, Bethany- Operations Manager...2/4
Allbritton, Lauren- Director of Spiritual Formation and Alumni Relations...2/5
Hasse, Elizabeth- LS Art Teacher... 2/5 (half bday)
Shirley, Maddie- LS Bible Teacher... 2/5 (half bday)
Franks, Chaney- Kindergarten Teacher... 2/7 (half bday)
Foy, Michael- Asst. Athletic Director... 2/12 (half bday)
Folks, David- Full time Upper School Teacher... 2/12 (half bday)
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
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!!!!!!
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