Knightly News
Knightly News
May 9th, 2025
Embedded Files
Campus-Wide
Campus-Wide
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!
TONIGHT IS OPENING NIGHT for Valor's production of GODSPELL, JR. There are three performances this weekend! It a fast paced retelling of the gospel of Matthew and it appropriate for all grades! Doors open tonight at 6:30 pm tonight and tomorrow 1:30 for the 2:00 pm performance and 5:30 for the 6:00 pm performance! We hope to see you there!!
Friday, May 9 @ 7pm
Saturday, May 10 @ 2pm & 6pm
Buy your Godspell tickets here!
Thank you for joining us at State of the School on Monday Night!
As we reflect on the celebration of launching our Bosque Square Legacy Campaign on Monday night at the State of the School event, we want to take a moment to thank each of you. It was a joy to gather together—to reflect on God’s faithfulness, share the vision for what’s ahead, and engage in meaningful conversation as a community. Your presence and thoughtful participation made the evening truly special, and we left deeply encouraged by your commitment to this mission. Here is a testimonial shared by one of our Valor families — we are thankful for the work the Lord is doing at Valor through their family and so many others! If you were not able to attend, we invite you to a follow-up session hosted by Mr. Kanawyer on Tuesday, May 13th at 3:30 p.m. via Google Meet. This will be an opportunity to hear key highlights and join in on continued dialogue.
Jones Bosque Square Testimonial.movFamily Ministries
Family Ministries
Mark Your Calendars:
Mark Your Calendars:
Uniform & Book Resale!
Uniform & Book Resale!
Our annual Used Uniform & Book Resale is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28 from 10:00am-1:00pm!
This is a great opportunity to sell your Valor uniform items, spirit wear, and gently used curriculum. It's also an opportunity for you to buy items for 25-50% of the retail price! Please see below for all the details and to submit the Seller's Agreement Form if you plan on selling any items during the sale.
New Details Added! Details Letter
Want to sell items at the sale? --> Seller's Agreement Form
Form to Attach to Items to Sell --> Printable Document Here
Want early access to the sale? Sign up to Volunteer for GS Field Day!
Grammar School (Prek-5th)
Grammar School (Prek-5th)
Balloons Week:
Grammar School Schedule!
Balloons Week:
Grammar School Schedule!
What's Balloon Week? Balloons is a tradition of celebration as we count down the days until summer break! This year, Mrs. Ramsey will be sharing Balloon themed celebration and activities as student's last chapel. The goal is connection and celebration with our buddies before summer. From Bingo with Buddies to a reading campout, there is a lot of fun to be had!
It's also an opportunity to wear spirit dress or dress according to the theme of the day and allow parents to gather and prep uniforms for the Uniform and Book Resale!
*If you are not able to dress according to theme, spirit dress is acceptable on Balloons Week! Dress code still applies.
Dia Del Knights
Dia Del Knights
Parents are welcome to attend the skating party! If you choose to attend, please be aware that you will need to pay the admission fee at the door.
Please sign up here to Volunteer for Field Day on May 23rd. We'd love to have your help!
Living History
Living History
Despite the stormy weather, second through fifth grade students shined last week as they presented their research about an influential person from history. It was such a joy to hear many of them tell their stories in first person, as if they had actually lived the adventures they learned about!
Thank you to all the parents, guests, and grandparents who braved the storms to see students' hard work and support our school community by attending this packed event.
It truly is one of my favorite days of the school year!
💙Mrs. Ramsey
NEW GRAMMAR SCHOOL STAFF
for the 2025-2026 School Year
Carolyn Harper
Carolyn Harper
Third-grade Teacher
Carolyn Harper is excited to be back in the classroom as a third grade teacher. She graduated with a degree in elementary education and taught third grade at Woodway Elementary before she and her husband Sam helped plant a church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Carolyn and Sam have been married for thirteen years and have three children; Everett, Oliver, and Neelie who will join her brothers this fall as a first grader at Valor.
Carolyn loves children and feels called to teaching and impacting the next generation. She enjoys watching her kids play sports, going on walks in nature, her chickens, colors and design, reading, and attempting to learn how to play the piano.
Heather Johansen
Heather Johansen
Director of Grammar School Operations
We are excited to welcome Heather Johansen back to Valor in the upcoming school year. Heather previously served as the Executive Assistant to Brooke Ramsey during the 2023–2024 school year. After spending a year focused on people development, she is thrilled to return to Valor in a new role as the Director of Grammar School Operations. In this position, Heather looks forward to supporting the Grammar School staff and partnering with families to cultivate a culture of academic excellence, joyful learning, and Christ-centered growth.
Please take some time to welcome her!
Upcoming in Grammar
Upcoming in Grammar
May 12 - Kinder field trip make-up day
May 14 - End-of-Year Chapel Celebration and 5th-grade send-off
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)
Balloon Week 2025
Balloon Week 2025
We've had an annual tradition at Valor ever since our first year to end our last few days of the year with a celebration. In the past we have dressed up for theme days, but we've decided that coming in costumes during finals is a bit counter prodcutive. Instead in the upper school, students may come in Valor spirit dress every balloon day! We'll have some fun treats and things to celebrate a great year and go out with a bang!
Logic School (LS):
Logic School (LS):
Current 8th graders: If you would like to sign up your child for the Summer Writing Intensive (July 21-24), it is available to rising 9th-11th graders. See the graphic beneath the Rhetoric School section for more information.
Current 8th graders: As part of Valors academic advising process, Dr. Escobar is hosting an information meeting for Year 8 Parents on Tuesday (5/13) from 6 to 7 pm. Contact kirsten.escobar@valorprep.com if you have any questions.
7th/8th: See the exam schedule below for 7th and 8th grades. Semester exams are cumulative; however, they only carry the weight of a regular unit test and they are completed within one class period. 6th graders do not take semester exams.
Beyond Next Week in LS:
May 22 - End of Q4
May 23 - Last Day of LS/Dia Del Knights
May 26 - Memorial Day/Valor offices closed
May 27 - Report card published
If you have questions related to LS, please contact krista.weathers@valorprep.com.
Logic School Semester Exams & Academic Calendar
Logic School Semester Exams & Academic Calendar
Rhetoric School (9th-12th)
Rhetoric School (9th-12th)
Rhetoric School (RS):
Rhetoric School (RS):
12th: The Senior Sunset Dessert is on Tuesday, May 13, 7:00-8:30 pm. (More info below.)
11th: Juniors who are not participating in the Europe trip will not come to school after the semester exams are over. Their last day of school will be Tuesday (5/20)
9th-11th: Remind your students to return a signed copy of their class schedule to Dr. Escobar in the Upper-School office.
Valor's third graduation ceremony will be at 11 a.m. at the Highland Baptist Church Chapel. Please enter the Village through the gated entrance and proceed to Room 101.
Beyond Next Week in RS:
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
May 27 - Report card published
2024-25 RS Non-Uniform Dress Code Days
If you have questions related to RS, please contact charlie.mooney@valorprep.com.
RS Semeser Exam Schedules (9th-11th)
RS Semeser Exam Schedules (9th-11th)
Semester exams are administered according to the daily schedule below. There are two test blocks each day--8:30-10:00 and 10:30-12:00--with a 30-minute break/study time in between.
9th-10th grade exams are Tuesday (5/20) through Thursday (5/22). In those three days, if a 9th or 10th grader does not have a scheduled test, the student should stay home. 9th and 10th will have regular school days on 5/16 and 5/19.
11th grade exams are Friday (5/16) through Tuesday (5/20). In those three days, if a junior does not have a scheduled test, the student should stay home.
Please contact the teacher if you have questions about the exams.
Senior Sunset Dessert
Senior Sunset Dessert
for Seniors and Senior parents
Join us on Tuesday, May 13th from 7pm - 8:30pm in the Valor Chapel to reflect on this year and to also encourage and speak identity to your son/daughter. You don't need to bring anything with you. We'll provide dessert and it will be a simple, but a meaningful time. We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate!
SUMMER ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
SUMMER ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
RS Summer Writing Intensive!
RS Summer Writing Intensive!
Limited seats are available; register soon! Sharpen reading, analysis, and writing skills and address individual challenges! The Summer Writing Intensive combines whole-group instruction with small-group and individual coaching from "What do I write about?" to the polished piece. Open to new (transfers) and returning Valor Rhetoric School students.
Parents, help me tailor your student's experience to his or her needs by registering here. Please see the infographic for more details and email julie.engebretson@valorprep.com with questions. Thank you!
Valor Athletics
Valor Athletics
Parent Meeting FAQ's
Parent Meeting FAQ's
Valor Athletics Quick FAQs
2025-2026 Sports Registration: 2025-26 Sports Registration
Summer Camp Registration: 2025 Summer Camp Registration
TMS Login: TAPPS Student / Guardian Checklist
SportsYou Codes– Summer and Fall 2025-
HS Volleyball- SBPV - 7MCS
HS Football- N4Y2 - 2AAE
JH Volleyball- HHM9 - QBZQ
JH Football- QEVD - 7KBR
Cross Country- AVWV - 9QLP
HOT Hoops/Cen-Tex BB- F96P - 5VFD
Summer Weightlifting- LZR3-ESYL
HS Cheer- 7YHP-MK7B
JH Cheer- 67RS-PMQJ
BSN Store- Order Valor Sports Apparel: Valor Team Shop
Important Dates:
May 10th: Physicals 8a-10a
May 27th: First Day of Summer Lifts
June 13th-15th: Varsity Boys Basketball Tournament
June 30th: July 4th CLOSED FOR ALL ATHLETIC EVENTS
July 22nd-24th HS Volleyball Team Camp by Rylee Bales. rbales@umhb.edu
August 1st: Football Equipment Pickup
August 4th: First date of Fall Practice- Practice times will be posted in SportsYou
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
2025 3rd-6th Grade Football Camp- All incoming 3rd-6th graders are invited to join us at Woodway Family Center from 11a-1p May 27th- May 30th! Invite your friends and neighbors to learn offensive/defensive skills and participate in games!
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.
Cheerleader Stunt Clinic
May 13th and May 20th at 7:30p
Spring Football and 7 on 7
SportsYou Code: U8XS-AWQE
Saturday Practice- 10:30a-11:45a (JH/9th/HS)
Monday (5/12)- 3p-5p at Woodway Family; 9th Grade 7 on 7 (vans will be available to take the 9th graders to the game)
Tuesday (5/13) 3p-5p at Woodway Family; JH 7 on 7 (vans will be available to take the JH boys to the game)
Wednesday (5/14)- 3p-6p at Woodway Family Center
Thursday (5/15)- 3-5p at Woodway Family Center; Varsity 7 on 7 (vans will be available to take the V boys to the game)
Monday (5/19)- 3-5p at Woodway Family Center
Tuesday (5/20)- NO Practice; Varsity 7 on 7 at Troy HS (Van available); JH 7 on 7 at Live Oak
Wednesday (5/21)- 3-6p at Woodway Family Center; LAST PRACTICE
Tuesday (5/27)- Varsity 7 on 7- Times TBD
Knight Cards 2025
Due May 9th!
Grammar School students: Turn in to their homeroom teacher on May 9th
Logic & Rhetoric students: Turn in during athletics to Coach Byrd, Coach Foy, or Coach Madi on May 9th
We’ve designed this fundraiser so that 100% of the funds go directly to our athletic department—
helping us offset costs and keep athletic fees as low as possible for our families.
Your partnership makes all the difference. Without adequate funding, we face difficult decisions regarding staffing and team offerings.
But with your continued support, we are confident we can keep building something special—together.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Coach Byrd or Coach Foy.
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
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.
Physical Day
May 10th, 8:00-10:00 AM, Location: Valor Gymnasium
This is highly recommended for Valor athletes. $20 for a physical checkup.
CASH/CHECK ONLY
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 2025-2026 school year.
Get a head start on completing your STUDENT PHYSICAL & MEDICAL HISTORY forms prior to your examination NEXT Saturday!
HOT Hoops Boys Practices
JH Athletes can attend both football & basketball.
HS athletes must finish spring football before coming to HS basketball.
Sportsyou Code: F96P-5VFD
May 7th, May 8th, May 19th, May 20th
JH/HS Boys 6:30-7:45am
May 13th, May 15th, May 23rd
HS Boys 6:30-7:45am
May 22nd 1-3pm
May 12th & 14th
JH Boys 6:30-7:45am
May 21st-23rd
JH Boys 3:30-5pm
Centex Basketball Girls Practices
Sportsyou Code: F96P-5VFD
May 12th-14th, 16th
3:30-5pm
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!
Grammar School Classroom Teachers
Grammar School Classroom Teacher Aides
Rhetoric School Science Teacher
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
Etter, Rebecca- 4th Grade Classroom Teacher... 5/10
Jones, April- Asst. Head of the Grammar School... 5/15
Thompson, Lauren- 3rd Grade Classroom Teacher... 5/15
Phillips, Kristi- Rhetoric Science Teacher... 5/25
Curtice, Stephanie- LS Latin Teacher... 5/31
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'd still like to order pictures, please fill out this form by the end of the day on Sunday, 3/30.
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!
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!!
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!
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