Sunday Feb 2nd
Introduction: Hello families! Last week was FILLED with so much joy and celebration. Between Spirit Week, Awards Ceremonies, the Scholastic Book Fair, and 8th Grade Night! it was such a wonderful way to end January. I am thrilled to begin moving into February, our celebrations of Black History Month, and slowly move to Spring weather! Thank you again for your continued partnership, and never hesitate to reach out should you need anything.
– Roll Deep
Mr. Palmer
| UPCOMING EVENTS |
2/13: SAFT TNReady Field Test
| UPCOMING ATHLETIC EVENTS |
| CAMPUS ANNOUNCEMENTS |
SAFT Test – February 13th <IMPORTANT!>
Stand-Alone Field Test (SAFT)
Please mark your calendars for Thursday, February 13th as both Valor middle schools will be joining all MNPS schools in administering a Stand-Alone Field Test for the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE).
This SAFT test is administered by TDOE to support the creation of new test items for TCAP. This year students will be taking a Reading and Writing section that will be about 91 minutes long. While student test scores will not be reported to schools or families, the test will still have the same security and student behavior expectations (e.g. no phones, students must remain silent during the testing administration, etc.). All accommodations, with the exception of Large Print, will be provided to students. Students who receive a Large Print paper test will be exempted from this test.
Students will report to testing in the morning, so we are asking families for support in getting students to school on time this day. We greatly appreciate your efforts in getting students to campus by 7:55 AM this day. After testing, students will receive a brain break and then return to their normal classes by 11:30 AM. We will have normal dismissal at 3:25 PM this day.
8th Grade to High School Transition Meeting
Dear 8th Grade Families,
We know the transition to high school is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming time, and we want to support you every step of the way! To help answer your questions and provide important information, we invite you to join us for one of our upcoming parent meetings.
Meeting Options:
- Friday, February 7th at 3:00 PM – Room 155 at VCP
- Monday, February 10th at 8:20 AM – Room 155 at VCP
During these sessions, we’ll cover key details about high school expectations, course selection, and how to best support your student through this transition.
We hope to see you at one of the meetings!
Update on Immigration Changes and Impact on Valor
We know that many of our faculty, students, and families have questions about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and how recent federal changes may impact our school community. We recognize that these uncertainties can bring concerns, and we want you to know that we are listening and working on guidance to support our families.
We are carefully reviewing Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) policies and working closely with our legal team to ensure that our approach aligns with all requirements while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our entire community. MNPS recently shared the following:
“In the absence of an emergency, any law enforcement activity, including immigration enforcement, requires legal authorization. This includes accessing student records or access to students on school property. We do not ask for or document the immigration status of our students. We are committed to ensuring that all such requests are thoroughly reviewed by our legal team.
When parents entrust their children to our schools, they also trust us to protect their privacy, constitutional rights, and overall well-being. If immigration enforcement officials make a request, our legal department will review the matter, and parents will be notified in accordance with the law.”
For more details from MNPS, download and share the Immigration Enforcement FAQs for families: English | Spanish | Arabic
Our goal is to maintain a school environment where every student, staff member, and family feels informed, supported, and valued.
We will share our Valor policy when it is finalized and will provide updates on any new information we receive.
25.26 School Year Calendar
As we’ve shared in prior Principal Updates, we have our base 25.26 school year calendar. We are working on continuing to finalize some internal dates, we anticipate doing that over the coming months. Those dates include things like assessment days, field trips, signature events, etc. and won’t impact the overall days in school vs. out of school. We are excited to be able to share translated versions of the calendars with our families, you can see links to Spanish and Arabic versions below.
We’ll reshare the calendars later in the year once we have the final internal dates solidified!
English version of 25.26 calendar
Spanish version of 25.26 calendar
Arabic version of the 25.26 calendar
| DIVERSITY EQUITY INCLUSION AT VALOR |
National Calendar: Honoring February Observances
As we step into February, we continue our commitment to celebrating the rich diversity and meaningful traditions that shape our school community. Below are key observances and upcoming events:
- Black History Month – A time to honor the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black communities in the U.S.
- National Freedom Day (Feb. 1, 2025) – Commemorating the signing of the resolution that led to the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery.
- Shrove Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2025) – Observed in many Christian traditions as a day of feasting before Lent.
Community Event: Chinese New Year Celebration
📅 Saturday, Feb. 8 | 11 AM – 3 PM
📍 Nashville – Free and open to all!
The Year of the Snake is upon us! Celebrate with CAAN as they host an exciting lineup of activities: 🎭 Lion & Dragon Dances | 🎨 Frist Art Museum’s Crafts | 🎭 Nashville Public Library’s Puppet Show | 🎶 Chinese Music & Dance | 🖌 Chinese Calligraphy | 🎮 Yoyo Workshop | 🎭 Snake Finger Puppet Making | 🍜 Food Trucks & More!
🔗 RSVP & Details: Chinese New Year Celebration
| VALOR FAMILY GROUP: FAMILY ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS |
Spring Family & Student Surveys – Your Voice Shapes Valor!
At Valor, we believe that listening to our families, students, and staff makes us stronger. Your feedback helps us refine our organization and make key day-to-day decisions that impact our community. For example, last year, student survey responses led to a policy change allowing middle schoolers to carry backpacks!
📅 Survey Dates:
- Student Experience Survey: Feb. 10 – 14, 2025
- Family Valor Voice Survey: Feb. 16 – 28, 2025
Our leadership team reads every response and will share what we learn from the surveys, what changes we’ll make based on feedback, and what will remain the same. Be on the lookout for the survey link in February—we value your voice and appreciate your partnership!
| ATHLETIC ANNOUNCEMENTS |
Upcoming Tyrouts
Middle School Track & Field Tryouts & Interest
Middle School Track & Field tryouts will take place on February 18, 2025 at John Overton High School from 4pm-5:30pm. There will be a Valor bus to tryouts and parents will be expected to pick their students up from Overton at the conclusion of tryouts.
If interested please fill out this interest form here!
Middle School Golf Team Interest
Tryout date for middle school Golf is going to be February 24 at Vinny Links Golf Course from 4pm-5:30pm.
If interested in tryouts please complete this interest form!
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Coach Lamb at vcpgolf@valorcollegiate.org
Important Athletic Links
Please find the link to the Middle School 2024-25 Athletics Guide for important athletic information for the school year.
Download the VCA Athletics App to stay up to date on all things athletics: Apple Device Link and Google Device Link
| VALOR THEATRE ANNOUNCEMENTS: |
Valor Theatre needs your help!
Volunteers Needed!
Are you skilled at carpentry? Are you good at building things? Do you own a drill? Are you enthusiastic about helping, but don’t have a ton of experience? WE WANT YOU! Valor Theatre is looking for help building our set for Frozen Jr. Our build days are below. All materials (wood, screws, etc.) and lunch will be provided on build days. Bring your own tools and drills!
Frozen Build Days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday – February 7th, 8th, and 9th
Click this link to sign up for what/when you are available! (Tab 3)
Are you skilled at painting? We need your help too! Please fill out the same link for painting/set dressing to denote when you’re available.
Frozen Paint Days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday – February 7th, 8th, and 9th
Click this link to sign up for what/when you are available! (Tab 3)
High School students – this can count toward your service hours!
General Theatre Updates:
Little Shop of Horrors Website – Tickets on Sale March 3rd!
Performances: April 3rd- April 11th
Directed by: Chelsea Nevil
Frozen Jr. Website – TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Performances: February 21st – February 23rd
Directed by: Jacob Waid
| MIDDLE SCHOOL ART SHOW |
Get ready for an unforgettable Middle School Arts Show showcasing the incredible talents of our students! There will be so much to see and experience as you explore the work our students have created under our amazing MS Art teachers: Ms. Jennie Crum & Ms. Lacey Peterson
When? April 28th – May 2nd
- Students will have the chance to explore the show during the school day.
- Families, stay tuned for special afternoon and evening events!
Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more details soon! In the meantime, check out some amazing examples below of what to expect from our brilliantly talented students.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Director of Fine Arts & Enrichment, Jacob Waid at jwaid@valorcollegiate.org
| FACE: FINE ARTS, CLUBS, & ENRICHMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS |
Join the Lovely Lavish Ladies of Valor Dance Team!
Ready to dance with confidence, poise, and self-love? We’re looking for passionate dancers for the 2025-2026 school year! Explore dance styles, build self-esteem, and be part of an empowering community. Submit your interest form today! For more info, contact: Ms. Aliah Woods at msdance@valorcollegiate.org or FACE Team at face@valorcollegiate.org or (615) 200-7647
Lead a Club for the 25-26 School Year!
We’re seeking leaders for middle school and VCP clubs, including Wild Cat Yoga, Tutoring, Valor Debate, and Show Choir. If you’re passionate about student growth, click here to learn more and sign up!
Stay connected with the latest updates from our FACE Team and upcoming events by viewing the FACE Calendar and the 24.25 FACE Community News.
Contact the FACE Team!
Have questions, concerns, or feedback please call us at 615-200-7647, email us at face@valorcollegiate.org, or the FACE website.
Contact Boys & Girls Club!
Please review the BGC Member & Parent Handbook for important information. If you have questions, concerns, or feedback please call us at 615-753-8451 or email boysandgirlsclub@valorcollegiate.org
Contact YMCA Fun Company!
Have questions, concerns, or feedback please call us at 615-473-5514 or email ymcafuncompany@valorcollegiate.org