2/8/26 VCP Upper School (11/12) Principal’s Update

UPCOMING EVENTS:  

Feb 15th- Feb 27th- Family Survey and Re-enrollment window

Feb 16th- Navigating Technology: Parent Power Session

Feb 16th: Make-Up Day – School in session for students

Feb 19th- Q3 Academic Town Hall 

Feb 27th- March 4th- Q3  Benchmarks 

Feb 28th- Black History Month Festival 

UPCOMING Athletic EVENTS:  

WHOLE-CAMPUS ANNOUNCEMENTS:

We were so happy to reopen and welcome back our Wildcats this past week. We hope you have recovered from any damage caused by last week’s ice storm and that you and your loved ones stayed safe.

It was wonderful having our students back in action. To adjust for the days missed, our teachers have been hard at work reworking their instructional calendars to ensure students continue receiving the support they need. As part of these adjustments, February 16th will now be a regular day of school for students, and our Q3 Benchmark schedule has been pushed back to February 27th–March 4th. These changes allow us to regain 4 of the 6 instructional days that were missed.

It is vital that students are present each day as we prepare for Q3 Benchmarks and make every instructional minute count. Our teachers are working diligently to ensure students are prepared and confident heading into assessments.

Thank you for your partnership and continued support. We are grateful to have our Wildcat community back together.

Dr. Gill

#WildcatWay #AllDay #EveryDay

Inclement Weather Day Make-Up: February 16th

Given the recent inclement weather storm in Nashville, Valor needs to make up one school day. Valor had five built in inclement weather days coming into the school year and given the six days missed, we need to make up a day. To make-up for this day, we are aligning with MNPS and having school with our students on Monday, February 16th in lieu of previously planned professional development with our staff. 

If you are curious for more information about the calendar and why Valor needs to make up a day, please reach out to Valor’s Managing Director of Schools, Jamie Gutter at jgutter@valorcollegiate.org. He would be happy to explain! 

Q3 Benchmarks (Mock APs and EOCs) Tests- New Schedule

Below are the benchmark testing days and tests for Q3 Benchmarks. Note on days that your student does not have a test, they do not attend school. Arrival and dismissal times will vary depending on each test. Students and families should have received emails this weekend with their testing schedule. 

Friday, February 27th: English 1, English 2, US History, AP US History, and AP Government

Monday, March 2nd: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, AP Environmental Science, AP Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus 

Tuesday, March 3rd: AP Human Geography, AP Seminar, AP World History, Biology, AP Biology,  and AP Stats

Wednesday, March 4th: AP Literature and AP Spanish(Note: Makeups start and extending time for some Thursday courses will take place on this day).

 Wednesday March 4th and Thursday 5th: Make-up Testing

Q3 Progress Reports

Progress Reports will be distributed this week during Mentor Group. Please note that due to the six inclement weather days this quarter, there are currently a limited number of grades reflected in our teachers’ gradebooks. As instruction continues and additional assignments are completed and graded, families can expect to see significantly more grades posted by the end of the quarter.

2026-2027 School Year Calendar

The schedule adjustments will allow for the student circle to continue to happen on Monday and time at school will remain roughly the same from the current schedule. Additionally, students will go to all classes, five days a week, meaning they will start having Content Focus and Enrichment classes on Monday. The new times will not impact any after school programming. We’re excited for these shifts! 

Our 26.27 calendar has been approved by MNPS! You can find it in the link here. MNPS made some shifts to their approach for the 26.27 school year calendar which has impacted some of ours as well. While the base calendar has been approved, there are still some internal dates we are working to finalize, some of which are dependent on MNPS. These include things like ACT testing dates, TNReady windows, etc.. We’ll update our calendar and share with families as those dates get solidified. For now, those dates say “Dates TBD”. 

We are working on getting translated versions of the calendar and will share them in the coming weeks! 

VALOR FAMILY GROUP: FAMILY ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Quarter 2 was a blast and with so many amazing things going on we would like to celebrate our Fantastic Teachers and staff and would love for your support. Our hospitality chairs and family engagement team will be hosting the Middle School Teacher Luncheon on Tuesday, February 17th.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Hospitality Chair for your school or the Family Engagement Manager

  • VCP Hospitality Chair: Karin Simmons- karin.simmons@yahoo.com
  • Family Engagement Manager: Alexis Morris- alexis.morris@valorcollegiate.org

CELEBRATIONS & COMMUNITY CONNECTION 

February Observances

As we step into February, our community recognizes Black History Month, Ramadan, and Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, alongside many other important moments of reflection. As a diverse-by-design school, this month offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions that shape our community while standing in solidarity with our students and families. Together, we continue building a culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and a true sense of belonging.

National Observances

  • Sat., Feb. 15 — Nirvana Day (Buddhist): A day of reflection marking the Buddha’s achievement of Parinirvana, often observed through mindfulness and remembrance.
  • Sat., Feb. 15 — Susan B. Anthony Day (U.S.): Honors the birth and legacy of Susan B. Anthony and the ongoing work for women’s voting rights and equity.
  • Sat., Feb. 15 — Maha Shivaratri (Hindu): The “Great Night of Shiva,” a sacred festival of prayer, fasting, and spiritual renewal.

Local Highlights & Community Resources

  • Black History Month events and ways to engage across Nashville are linked here
  • As a diverse community that values civic learning and engagement, we encourage participation in bipartisan advocacy opportunities that center students and families.

1. EdTrust-Tennessee Day of Education Advocacy: Registration

2. Nashville CABLE Day on the Hill March 25th: Registration 

  • Families Together (TN Justice for Our Neighbors) offers a free, self-paced course that helps noncitizen parents better understand the U.S. immigration system, prepare their families, and access an attorney consultation to discuss legal options and create a family readiness plan—support that can bring greater stability for both parents and students. Learn more and sign up: Registration
  • If you have questions regarding our immigration and customs community guidance, please read our Family FAQ or reach out to your child’s principal. 

Together, may this month strengthen connection, understanding, and care across our community.

VALOR THEATRE ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Valor Theatre Presents: Disney’s Beauty & The Beast Jr
February 27th – March 1st
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! (CLICK HERE)

FACE: FINE ARTS, CLUBS & ENRICHMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Important Dates

  • 2/12: GSA Event
  • 2/13: BGC Closed
  • 2/16: Afterschool Clubs Normal Schedule

2nd Semester Club Registration is Open!

Register for 2nd-semester clubs NOW! Registration closes February 27th,  sign up today!

After-School Clubs Information

Check out the VCP Club ListingsSchedules & Upcoming Event

Afterschool Graduation Cord Requirements

Graduation is right around the corner, and we are excited to celebrate students who have demonstrated dedication, leadership, and active involvement in Afterschool Fine Arts, Clubs & Enrichment. Please review the eligibility requirements here. If you have questions, Ms. Pashion is happy to help at face@valorcollegiate.org.

After School & Partner Contacts 

Have questions, contact the After School Team at 615-200-7647, email us at face@valorcollegiate.org, or the FACE website.

Have questions, contact the Boys & Girls Club Team at 615-753-8451 or email boysandgirlsclub@valorcollegiate.org. Please review the BGC Member & Parent Handbook

ATHLETIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:

High School Tennis Update (Tryouts now 2/23)

Hello all, we now anticipate that we will be able to offer high school tennis this year after locating a coach and potential course to practice at.

Tryouts will be on 2/23 from 3:30pm-5:30pm at Hadley Park Tennis Courts:

Hadley Park Tennis Center

1037B 28th Avenue North

Nashville, TN 37208

If you intend to try out please fill out this short interest form!

High School Track & Field Tryout Update

Due to track availability, we have moved track & field tryouts to February 27, 2026, from 4pm-6pm at E.S. Rose Park (1000 Edgehill Ave, Nashville, TN 37203). Please plan accordingly.

High School Football Signups

We will be doing a high school football co-op with Nashville Collegiate Prep for the 2026-27 school year. Please complete this signup if interested.

Upcoming High School Sports Tryouts

Download the VCA Athletics App to stay up to date on all things athletics:

Apple Device Link and Google Device Link

Athletics Staff Directory of Coaches

Parents Night Out Hosted by Athletics 2/13/2026

The back-to-back state champions will be hosting a parents’ night out on February 13, 2026, from 4pm-10pm in the VCP gym. ($50 per student) All Ages welcome

SignUp Link 

Valor Athletics Summer Camp Dates Released

SignUp Link Here

11TH GRADE ANNOUNCEMENTS

12TH GRADE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Graduation will take place on Sunday, May 17th at the Gaylord Opryland Events Center (2806 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN, 37214) @ 5:00 PM.  Each student receives 10 tickets. A form to claim these tickets, and request additional tickets, will be released on March 6th. 

Senior Events TimelineHere is the Senior Events Timeline for all important events and dates for Seniors

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