We hope this list makes it easier to understand our Deer Valley lingo so everyone can stay informed and engaged!
Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) Testing - standardized testing for grades 2–5 performed in March and/or April
Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) Singers - Deer Valley's choir group of auditioned 5th graders who compete against other schools at the AMEA Choir Festival
Battle of the Books - Team book challenge for 4th and 5th graders in the spring
Change for Cheetahs - Biggest PTO fundraiser of the year; collect coins throughout the week (Monday - pennies, Tuesday - nickels, Wednesday - dimes, Thursday - quarters, Friday - cash and checks)
Cheetah Charge - PE's fundraiser in the fall for Field Day - timed race (½ mile for K–2nd grade and 1 mile for 3rd–5th grade)
Cheetah Cheers - Monthly award given to students caught demonstrating the Deer Valley Way
Circool - Deer Valley’s secure program to check in school visitors and invite for events held at the school
Dad Brigade - Coordinated by Deer Valley dads to perform projects inside and outside the school; typically held twice a year
Deer Valley Singers - 4th and 5th grade singers who choose to participate and perform throughout the year
Duty Free Lunches - Classroom teachers get to eat lunch without students thanks to our parent volunteers
Family & Friendsgiving Lunch - An opportunity for family and friends to eat lunch at school with their favorite student(s) before Thanksgiving break
Family Weekend - PTO event in the spring semester for families (typically a dance or similar event)
Finley Awards - In honor of the late Coach Bob Finley, the Finley Awards recognize those who display remarkable character and excellence. One outstanding Hoover City Schools employee is selected for the Finley Award (along with one senior from each high school). From Deer Valley (and each Hoover City School), a grade-level winner who exemplifies the very best in character is chosen.
Football Fridays - Students, faculty, and staff support their favorite football team by wearing their team's colors throughout the fall
Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) - Groups of female students create a STEAM project and present it at the GEMS Expo in February
Girls on the Run - An after school program for girls in grades 3–5; empowers girls and combines running with valuable life lessons to build confidence and character
Grand Team - A group of grandparents and retired teachers who tutor weekly in the library
Great Shake - A competition for 4th and 5th graders in the spring which places emphasis on manners, discipline, respect, and professional conduct
Hovercraft project - In-house field trip for 5th graders to create and drive a hovercraft
House System - Based on Deer Valley's six core values representing what we believe and hope to live out as a school family. Each house name has a special meaning and represents different languages represented within our school family. ALL students, faculty, and staff are assigned a House and remain in the same house throughout their entirety of their Deer Valley life! House meetings are held about once a month and students are encouraged to wear the colors of their assigned house. 6 Houses: Wema—kindness in Swahili (red); Kuleana—responsibility in Hawaiian (purple); Daya—compassion in Hindi (pink); Quantum—respect in Latin (blue); Yili—perseverance in Chinese (green); Kaliwohi—integrity in Cherokee (orange)
Inclusion Week - A week in February dedicated to celebrating inclusion and spreading awareness; a celebration of the progress made in supporting all students' education and a time to discuss improvements to become an even more inclusive school
Kindness Week - This is a special week to celebrate kindness and take a stand against bullying. All Hoover City Schools come together to "embrace the theme of 'spread kindness' as a cornerstone of the District's commitment to promote empathy and take a stand against bullying."
Leadership Passport Challenge - An optional challenging opportunity presented to all fifth grade students to complete a self-paced Leadership Program which includes scheduling and meeting with several faculty and staff members, completing the Leadership Workbook which is based on Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, completing three hours of community service, and passing the Leadership Exam. Students then design and decorate a ceiling tile with the support and guidance of Mrs. Collier!
Maker Spaces - Dads and grandpas lead small group activities in the library throughout the year; look for sign-ups from your teacher for your student's specific class
Multicultural Day/Around the World Day - A day devoted to educating students about the cultural diversity within our community through a variety of interesting and fun activities. Students learn about the history, geography, art, music, dance, and foods associated with several cultures. We also have a Parade of Nations to celebrate our students from around the world.
MySchoolFees - Website where parents/guardians can pay for school fees (field trips, yearbook, shirts, etc.)
MySchoolBucks - Website where parents/guardians can add money to a student's cafeteria account
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) - Group of parent volunteers dedicated to support the teachers and staff to make Deer Valley the best school possible
Pink Shirt Day - As a part of Kindness Week, Pink Shirt Day is all about standing up to bullying. Started in 2007 in Nova Scotia, Pink Shirt Day was organized after a male ninth-grade student, Chuck McNeil, was bullied for wearing a pink shirt during the first day of school. Today, Pink Shirt Day is a global movement that brings awareness to bullying and encourages kindness.
PowerSchool Parent Portal - website containing student's attendance and grades
School Resource Officer (SRO) - Deer Valley has one full-time SRO who is a law enforcement officer; responsible for the safety and crime prevention of our school. They are employed by the Hoover Police Department and there are different SROs located at each Hoover City School.
Sunshine Volunteers - Parent volunteers volunteer to bring food items or paper products for special events; look for a sign-up in the fall
Walk the Halls - Graduating seniors who attended Deer Valley are invited to walk the halls of the school; 5th graders walk the halls of Deer Valley and enjoy an end of the year celebration followed by a picnic in May