About This Document

To ensure that we have a strong start to the 2025-26 school year, it is important that students and family members understand the important policies and procedures at Valor Flagship Academy and Valor Voyager Academy. We ask that you read each section below and that a parent or guardian sign his/her name at the form provided in order to indicate agreement with the policy or statement provided. Please Note: If you have more than one student attending any Valor school, you must complete a form individually for each student.

If you have questions or concerns about any of the items here, please contact:

• Flagship Operations Team – Eliana Marks and Jacob Huxley – flagshipfrontdesk@valorcollegiate.org
• Voyager Operations Team – Emily Peterson and Felicia Whitman – voyagerfrontoffice@valorcollegiate.org

Table of Contents

Family Communication at Valor

At Valor, we believe that we enroll families. We believe that strong communication between school staff and Valor families is a critical component to scholars’ success socially, emotionally, and academically. 

Valor Family News

ValorFamilyNews.com

Valor Family News is the home for weekly Principal Updates, announcements, important documents, and important upcoming deadlines. All families will receive an email notification on Sundays at 2pm alerting you that the newest Principal Update is now available on Valorfamilynews.com.  Also, if you subscribe on the website, you will be alerted by email when any new posts are made. 

After-school Fine Arts, Clubs, & Enrichment Program and Athletics

Announcements that our entire Valor community need to be made aware of (ie: try-outs, program registration, banquets, etc) will be shared via Principal Updates on Valor Family News blog. Once teams and individual program rosters have been formed, the coaches and program leaders will use email and text message groups to communicate directly with families.

Mentor/Pride Group Updates

Mentors and Pride Leaders send out weekly communications to families on Friday mornings via email.

If you would like for your contact information (name, phone number, and email address) to be shared with the other parents and guardians of your student’s mentor group, please indicate below in the dropdown. If you do not want your information shared, you will also not have the compiled contact list shared with you this fall.

1:1 Communication with Valor Staff Members

There is a tab on ValorFamilyNews.com that has all three schools’ entire staff directory that includes an email address for each staff member. Families are encouraged to correspond directly with teachers and administrators via email. Families may also submit a general contact form and request to be emailed, called, or texted back about their question(s). Finally, each school’s main office line is listed on this page for quick reference if families need to speak with any one of our main offices. 

What Do Parents/Guardians Need to Do Next?

We will begin sending notifications to the cell number and email address of parent/guardian 1 and parent/guardian 2 (if available) as filled out on your registration or re-enrollment paperwork with important communications beginning within the next couple of days! If you do not wish to receive these notifications (whether by email, text message, or both) the initial message you receive will offer instructions for how to opt out. We hope you won’t, though, as we deeply believe in the power of strong communication between families and the school. Additionally, please be aware that if you opt out of the text or email list you might miss very important and/or urgent announcements (school closings, early dismissals, campus emergencies, meeting reminders, etc.)

What Flagship and Voyager Communicate

Item	Frequency	Contents	Delivery Method
Pride Email Update	Weekly	Pride specific updates	Email
Principal Update	Weekly	Schoolwide updates	ValorFamilyNews.com
Paycheck	Weekly	BehaviorDaily snapshot of on and off compass behaviors	Paper
Progress Report	Four times a year at the midpoint of each quarter	Current Grade for the Quarter	Email
Report Card	Four times a year at the midpoint of each quarter	Final Quarter GradeAttendance information	Email
Attendance Notice of Concern	As needed when attendance thresholds are met	Notification regarding any attendance concerns	Email

Valor Family Group

At Valor, we believe that we enroll families, not just scholars. Valor’s Family Engagement team (FET) is a team of both parents, known as the Valor Family Group (VFG) and staff that seek to partner deeply with families and to create a school where their voices are central to shaping our community and practices. The purpose of the VFG is to create opportunities to ENGAGE, CONNECT, and INFORM families. 

ALL are invited and welcome to be involved with the VFG at a level of commitment that works for you.

The VFG Core team is composed of:

• Family Engagement Manager
• Family Engagement Assistants (Up to four)
• VFG Hospitality Chairs
• Parent/Guardian Volunteer (single event)
• Parent/Guardian Volunteer (ongoing)

The VFG has three committees:

• Special/ Signature Events (Welcome Breakfast, Family Bingo & Game Night, etc.)
• Arts & Enrichment (Music, theater, fine arts, robotics, STEM) supported by FACE
• Hospitality (Teacher luncheons, Teacher Appreciation Week, etc.)

Within these committees, guardians are able to support one, some, or all events sponsored by each committee.
VFG Mission Statement: The VFG exists to CONNECT, ENGAGE, and INFORM our diverse families in order to grow a supportive and inspiring community.

Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy

Attendance is crucial to a student’s success at Valor. Students cannot master the content and skills of our rigorous academic program without being here every day. To that end, we have very clear attendance requirements. If you are a long-time Valor family, please note that there are many changes to Valor’s attendance policy to support stronger student attendance.

School is required daily. At middle schools, teachers will take attendance in mentor time for scholars in the building. At VCP, teachers take attendance in each block daily. 

NOTE FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES FROM MNPS POLICY & TN STATE LAW

Tennessee law requires children ages 6 through 17 to attend school. Attending school daily helps students succeed academically. Missing school not only leads to difficulties for a student academically, but also socially and emotionally.

If a student is found to be unlawfully absent from school and/or habitually truant, the student may be taken into custody by law enforcement personnel and transported to the Metro Student Attendance Center (M-SAC). Juvenile court may also become involved if a student is truant.

The parent or guardian of any Valor student should consistently update address records and contact information with the school staff so the school can contact them. Any information regarding attendance and truancy will be sent home via U.S. Postal Service, email and automated phone calls.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

We realize that there are times when students will not be in school. Valor will only count as excused the following reasons for absence from school:

• An illness that prevents the student from attending school
  • Parent(s)/guardian(s) can send note of illnesses lasting 1 – 2 consecutive days
  • Absences lasting 3 or more consecutive days require a doctor’s note
• A death in the immediate family or other significant family crisis
  • For purposes of this policy, the immediate family is defined as parent/guardian, siblings, or grandparents 
• Religious observances for holidays and/or observances reflected on the ADL Calendar of Observances.
  • We ask families to consider the following when making a request for multiple day absences related to religious observations
    • Ongoing State/Standardized Testing
    • Total number of consecutive days requested
  • Families are encouraged to make requests as far in advance as possible to allow discussion of and/or planning for any potential conflicts
• Doctor’s appointments with documentation from the doctor indicating that the child was at the appointment for more than half of the school the day or should not return to school the same day.
• Head lice (up to three days per infestation)
• Deployment of a parent or guardian serving in the military (one day for deployment, one day for return and up to 10 days when the service member is on temporary leave at home)
• Court appearance or legally mandated meetings
• In 11th and 12th grade, up to three pre-approved absences for post-secondary related absences
• The principal may allow the following circumstances to be considered an excused absence if the parent or guardian submits a written request:
  • Unexpected emergencies such as car problems
  • Job interview or conference
  • Doctor or dental appointments
  • Other circumstances requested in writing by the parent or guardian that the principal considers to require a student’s absence

If you have any questions about if an absence will be excused or unexcused, please contact your campus principal. All other absences, and all absences without documentation, will be considered unexcused unless otherwise approved by principal. 

DOCUMENTING EXCUSED ABSENCES

In order for an absence to be excused (see above), students MUST bring in a note within one school week (5 days) of their return to school to the front office either in person or via email. The note must be dated and include:

• The date of the absence
• The reason for the absence
• A phone number where a parent or guardian can be reached
• The parent/guardian signature

Flagship Excuse notes should be emailed to flagshipfrontdesk@valorcollegiate.org 

Voyager Excuse notes should be emailed to voyagerfrontoffice@valorcollegiate.org 

VCP Excuse notes should be emailed to vcpfrontoffice@valorcollegiate.org

Please note: Valor will accept a handwritten note from a caregiver for a total of 10 days of Excused Absences. All absences beyond 10 days of school must have formal documentation.  If an absence is 3 or more consecutive days, a doctor’s note must be provided, otherwise, only two days will be excused.  

LATE ARRIVALS AND EARLY DISMISSALS

All instructional time is important. Arriving at school on time and staying in school all day allows students to receive all available instruction, engage in social and emotional experiences, hear important announcements, and develop positive lifelong habits. Alternately, students who arrive late or leave early miss valuable instruction time, disrupt the flow of class, distract students, and impede learning.

Partial attendance is highly discouraged because it means students are missing instructional time. 

• Students must attend at least 50% of the scheduled school day to be counted present.
  • In MS this means that a student is present for 3 hours and 45 minutes
  • At VCP this means that a student is present for 3 hours and 30 minutes
• If a student attends less than 50% of a scheduled school day, the student will be marked as absent. A written excuse note should be submitted to the front office for this to be considered an excused absence.

LATE ARRIVAL

• Late arrival to school is considered any time after the first bell rings.
  • For middle schools, this is 7:55 am
  • For VCP this is 7:28 am. 
• Students arriving to school late due to an appointment or family emergency must provide a written or emailed note from a caregiver in order for the tardy to be marked excused.
• Any student arriving more than 15 minutes late to school must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and signed in by them. This means that parents/guardians must physically escort students into the building.
  • For middle schools, parents must escort students who are tardy beginning at 8:15 am
  • For VCP, parents/caregivers must escort students who are tardy beginning at 7:45 am
  • For non-student drivers, parents or guardians are expected to come in person to sign student in to school if/when a student is tardy 
  • For student drivers, parents or guardians are expected to call school to notify the front office of the student’s late arrival. Failure to do so will trigger a call home to parent/guardian. 
• Failure to escort students into the building will trigger a phone call from the front office staff, school leadership, and/or students missing class time.

EARLY DISMISSAL 

• For any early dismissal, a parent/guardian must physically come to school to sign the student out before dismissal. Parents must present a photocopy of their Driver’s License or comparable identification. 
• For student-drivers, In order for a student to sign out before dismissal from school without a caregiver present, students must present a written note from a parent/guardian to approve any early dismissal from school. If providing permission via email, families should email the front office for the school of their student(s) with a picture of their driver’s license. After a student is dismissed for the day, they should not return to campus unless the excuse note specifies that a student will return after an appointment, etc.
  • For student drivers, parents or guardians must submit a written note before 7:30 am on the day of early dismissal.
    • There will be no exceptions to this policy.  
• The cutoff for all early dismissals at VCP is 2:00 pm Monday – Friday. No early dismissals will be permitted after 2:00 pm.
• The cutoff for all early dismissals at Middle School Campuses is 2:00 on Mondays and 2:55 on Tuesday-Friday.
• Reasons for early dismissal include unavoidable conflicts such as dentist or doctor appointment.  All efforts should be made to avoid scheduling such appointments during the school day. 

ATTENDANCE INCENTIVES

Valor wants to support students in finding joy in coming to school and enjoying full participation in the school environment, including school sponsored experiences and extracurriculars . In order to be able to participate in extracurriculars and student experiences at school, students do have to demonstrate satisfactory attendance. 

In order to be eligible to participate in a season of athletics, clubs, extracurriculars, grade level signature events, homecoming, prom, field trips, etc. students must be in good standing with attendance. 

• Participation eligibility will be managed by school leaders, FACE Director, and Director of Athletics.

Being ‘in good standing’ means:

• Students’ will have 4 or fewer unexcused absences in a quarter.
• Students’ will have 8 or fewer tardies to school in a quarter.

Flagship and Voyager

Each week, school leaders will check in on scholar attendance and determine what interventions are needed. Families will be notified if their scholar is no longer in good standing with attendance and they will be asked to meet with a leadership team member. Families need to remain in contact with school staff in order to remain eligible for incentives. If the family is not responsive to meeting requests, students will lose the following incentives until contact has been established:

• No FACE/Athletic participation (including practices, games, and performances)
• No Grade Level Event participation
• No Field Trip participation
• Daily Check-ins with Staff until contact with family is complete

TRUANCY & CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM

Additionally, Valor will also notify families of scholars who are chronically absent. From the Tennessee Department of Education:

Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10 percent or more of the days the student is enrolled-for any reason, including excused absences and out-of-school suspensions. Excessive absences from school represent lost instructional time for a student.

Additionally, if a scholar has 10 or more unexcused absences, Valor is mandated by Compulsory School Attendance Law (TCA § 49-6-3001) to report a truancy concern to the Juvenile Courts. The principal will reach out to communicate this to families. 

A student is considered to be truant after he or she has more than four unexcused absences in a school year.

• The school staff may make a referral to various support staff, school-based programs, youth court and M-SAC (see more details below), as part of the district’s progressive attendance intervention strategy to alleviate any social, emotional or family issues that may be contributing to the student’s absences. School staff may also require students to take part in school-based community services, Saturday courses or after-school courses designed to improve attendance.
• When a student has five unexcused absences, the principal may make a referral to juvenile court so the court can intervene with the student’s truancy. If a juvenile court referral is made, the parent or guardian of the student must attend court and court reviews, as well as pay the fees that accompany court costs. If the student continues to miss school and remains truant, the court has the authority to remove the student from the parent or guardian’s home.
• If a student has an IEP, the school must hold a Manifestation Determination Review to determine whether the student’s absences were related to the student’s disability prior to making a referral to juvenile court. If the student’s disability had a direct and substantial relationship to the absences, a truancy referral to juvenile court will not be made.

Number of Absences	Attendance Support
3 days unexcused	Phone call home
5 days unexcused	Letter home (5-day state compulsory attendance letter)Meeting to determine root cause of absences
7 days unexcused	Meeting to establish attendance plan
7 – 11 days unexcused	Provide support in line with attendance plan
11 days unexcused	Truancy petition is filed

Academics at Valor: Grading Policy Updates 

Make-up Classwork and Homework Procedure 

All students are responsible for completing classwork and homework from the days they are absent. Students are responsible for reviewing all missed content and completing relevant assignments. Students should speak to the teacher in the classes they missed to determine relevant assignments. Students will receive a 0% on any graded missing homework, classwork, or exit tickets that they do not complete per the teacher’s discretion. 

It is the student’s responsibility to request make-up work from their teacher when they return to school. Teachers have discretion to excuse a limited number of assignments due to relevance with the exception of exit tickets. All exit tickets are required to be made up by the scholar. Any exit tickets not attempted within the makeup work timeline will earn a 0%  

To support students in completing missing classwork and homework, teachers will upload the guided notes and/or relevant links to google classroom weekly. Homework will be noted in school-based homework agendas. 

50 Percent Policy for Assessments: 

Minimum Grade for Attempted material: Our belief is that a student’s academic success should be seen holistically, and the weight of one assignment should not determine the overall success of a student. Due to the mathematical weight of a 0% within the grading scale,  if a student attempts an assessment, their grade should be curved to a minimum of 59%. 

Minimum Grade for Non-Attempted material: We believe that all students have the ability to attempt to complete grade-level material. If a student does not attempt an assessment, they will receive a minimum grade of 50%. Students who do not attempt non-assessment tasks (such as homework, classwork, or non assessment ET’s) will earn a grade of 0%.

See Academic Dishonesty Policy for additional information on grading policies when instances of academic dishonesty occur.  

Academic Dishonesty: 

MNPS & Valor expect all students to abide by ethical academic standards. Academic dishonesty—including plagiarism, cheating or copying the work of another, using technology for illicit purposes including AI Technology and Chat GPT, or any unauthorized communication between students for the purpose of gaining advantage during an examination—is strictly prohibited. This provision covers all school-related tests, quizzes, reports, class assignments, and projects, both in and out of class.

The determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be based on specific evidence provided by the classroom teacher or other supervising professional employee, taking into consideration written materials, observation, or information from others. Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be issued a 0% for classwork and homework. For all assessments students will earn a 0% that may be redeemed to a 50% if they thoughtfully complete an Academic Dishonesty Reflection and in some cases, complete a revised assessment. 

After-school Fine Arts, Clubs, & Enrichment Programs (FACE) at Valor

Our mission is to provide culturally-aware, high quality fine arts, enrichment, and elective programs which empower our diverse community to live inspired, purposeful, creatively-rich lives.  

FACE exists to instill in our diverse community a life-long appreciation for and bold application of fine arts, enrichment and elective offerings which results in personal and professional pursuits beyond Valor.

We believe that FACE is a place for our scholars to make new discoveries, expand their imaginations, and have fun exploring new creative skills and activities regardless of their race, gender, or socio-economic status.  

Simply put:  We believe FACE is a place for all faces. 

After School Program Important dates, FACE Calendar, & FACE Community News

• Club Registration begins August 5th, 2024
• Boys & Girls Club begins August 5th, 2024
• YMCA Fun Company begins August 6th, 2024
• FACE Family Forum is August 28th, 2024 at Compass Training Center (located at 4523 Nolensville PIke, Nashville, TN 37211. This event is your opportunity to engage with the FACE Team, ask questions, and connect with other families. Choose between two convenient sessions from 9-10am or 4-5pm. Don’t miss this chance to build community and get to know us better!
• First Day of afterschool programming is September 9th, 2024 
• FACE Calendar 
• FACE Community News
• FACE After School Handbook

FACE Define

Valor believes after-school arts, clubs, and enrichment programs help scholars extend their experience at Valor and dive into areas of interest with their peers. Therefore, we have created the Fine Arts, Clubs, and Enrichment team to help advocate for, support, and identify such opportunities for students. With limited resources for after-school programming, we rely on outside partnerships and parents to help create and run these FACE opportunities for our scholars. In order to provide high quality fine arts, clubs, and enrichment programs families may have to pay a fee (determined by the program leader or governing organization) to participate in these after-school activities. Most programming fees vary to ensure that all after-school programs are inclusive, equitable and self-sustaining.

Valor offers after-school programs that scholars have the opportunity to sign up for at the beginning of the school year. A list of program offerings will be listed on the FACE Website  with a link to sign up.  Families will be able to access the program list via the Principal Update in August. Days and times of programming vary, but the Boys and Girls Club is offered Monday thru Friday until 6:30 pm. Scholars are allowed to start their own FACE program but must submit a New Club Proposal before February to start the next academic year.   Approved clubs & enrichment programs must have at least 1 adult present during programming. Program leaders and student leaders must attend FACE training prior to the program’s first meeting. 

Scholars, Parent and/or CommunityMember- Initiated Programs Application Process 

• Complete the New Club Proposal
• Submit a proposal to face@valorcollegiate.org
  • Who is the designated adult or faculty advisor for the club?
  • Detailed list of events/ fundraisers with projected dates.
  • Please submit a 4-year plan outlining how you intend to ensure the sustainability of your club.
  • Provide a detailed recruitment plan demonstrating how you plan to attract new club members.
  • Projected Budget & Expenses
• The FACE After School Program Manager (ASPM) reviews the proposal and follows up with the potential program leader to discuss any questions or concerns 
• The FACE ASPM meets with the director of Fine Arts & Enrichment to evaluate the program’s proposal
• The FACE ASPM will contact the potential program leader to inform them of the committee’s decision regarding the program proposal
  • Denial of the request
  • Approval of the request, and the next steps
  • Request for additional information or a revision of the proposal

After School Program Sign-Up & Information

Parents can sign up for afterschool programs using My School Bucks

• Login or Create an Account: If you already have an account, simply log in. If not, create one by providing your email address, Valor 9-digit student ID number, and credit card details.
• Attach Student to Your Account: Once logged in, attach your student(s) to your account. This allows you to manage their afterschool program registrations.
• Register for Afterschool Programs: Explore the available afterschool programs and register your student(s) for the ones they’re interested in. Remember, each program may have its own requirements set by the leader, but inclusivity is encouraged.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for the list of offerings on the FACE website. Additionally, watch for announcements in the first Principal Update of the school year for any important updates or changes.

After School Program Leader 

• Program leaders will be provided rosters with scholar & parent contact information in order to be able to follow up with additional information about the program as well as the time and location of the first meeting.
• Program leader contact information and details of the club will be posted on the FACE Website at the bottom of the page under helpful links.

After School Program Dismissal, Late Pick-up, FACE Inclement Weather Policy & Event Policy

• FACE Afterschool Pick-up Procedures
• FACE After-school Late Pick-up Procedures and Fees
• Inclement Weather Policy
• Afterschool Event Policy

The policy listed above prioritizes the safety of all students. Everyone involved must understand and adhere to these policies diligently. This commitment to safety ensures the well-being of individuals and fosters a secure environment for all. For inquiries or assistance, please contact the FACE Team via email at face@valorcollegiate.org or phone at (615) 200-7647. The Fine Arts, Clubs & Enrichment Department periodically reviews and updates this policy and procedures in order to ensure effectiveness and alignment.

Athletics at Valor

Athletic Department Welcome

Valor Collegiate Academies provides interscholastic athletic opportunities for students in grades 6-12 at all three school campuses. It is our goal for participation in athletics to be accessible to all socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, and races. “We strive to educate and invigorate  through competitive athletics.”

The goal of participation in athletics is to develop young men and women who love competition and will be a positive influence on their community and on those around them. There are so many lessons that can be learned through the hard work and effort it takes to be an athlete. We believe that athletics provides our students the opportunity to work as a team, strive hard for common goals, and to develop leadership skills that will remain in them for the rest of their lives. The goal of our coaches coaching our student-athletes is to value People over Performance and to find ways to make sure every member of the team feels important!

Research shows us that experiences gained through participation in extracurricular activities at school help prepare our students for life beyond their years of formal education. Many of life’s lessons are learned through the challenges and discipline of a strong athletic experience. The Athletic Department recognizes coaches’ and parents’ roles in providing these opportunities for our student-athletes. Together, we can make these experiences positive, meaningful, and successful. We hope the information provided in this handbook will make both your and your child’s participation in the athletic program positive and enjoyable.

Athletic participation is a privilege granted to Valor Collegiate Academies students. Student-athletes must be in good standing academically and behaviorally at their respective schools in order to compete. Student-athletes will be ineligible if they are not in good academic standing or if they are behaviorally deemed ineligible.

If at any time you have questions regarding athletics at Valor Collegiate Academies, please feel free to contact Wildcat Athletics’ administrators.

Go Wildcats!

-Cameron Hill, CMAA

Managing Director of Athletics

Middle School Athletics—6th Grade-8th Grade

The Middle School Athletics program will offer various opportunities for students by sport, based on developmental appropriateness and readiness. Coaches will combine fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship in practices and play. Though all interested students are encouraged to play, if an excessive number of students are interested in playing, a tryout and team selection process will be utilized. Students will be placed according to attitude, skill, experience, and familiarity with the game. Once teams are assigned, one team (A Team) will participate in the highest competitive division of the HVAC, and the other team (B Team) will participate in the second-highest competitive division of the HVAC. These teams will be selected by both head coaches and will be divided based on each team’s needs. Sports are offered in three seasons, fall, winter, and spring, and vary by participation numbers and interest. Sports Labeled “Co-Op” are partnered with Harding Academy and Nashville Collegiate Prep.

Harpeth Valley Athletic Conference

Valor Collegiate Academy competes in the Harpeth Valley Athletic Conference (HVAC) league for middle school athletics. We adhere to the conference scheduling guidelines to provide our scholar-athletes the opportunity to participate in all four sports seasons. Many of the sports with two teams will be split into A and B teams.

The following sports (try-out based) are available for Middle School athletes in grades 6th through 8th:

Volleyball (Early Fall): Girls

Cross Country (Early Fall): Boys & Girls 

Football (Early Fall) *Co-Op*: Boys & Girls

Soccer (Late Fall): Boys & Girls

Basketball (Winter): Boys & Girls

Cheerleading (Winter)

Soccer (Spring): Boys

Baseball (Spring) *Co-Op*: Boys

Softball (Spring) *Co-Op*: Girls

Bowling (Spring): Boys & Girls

Golf (Spring): Boys & Girls

Track & Field (Spring): Boys & Girls

Final Forms

Our Athletic department requires all interested in participating in sports to create a Final Forms account and submit all required paperwork via the Final Forms account. Our athletic department is completely paperless and does not take hard copies of any paperwork!

Final Forms (How-To): https://www.vcawildcats.com/pages/athlete-registration

Link to Final Forms: Go to https://valorcollegiate-tn.finalforms.com

Final Forms Account Set-up Guide

English: FinalForms Parent Playbook (Orientation Packet).pdf

Spanish: Spanish Parent Playbook.pdf

2025-2026 Middle School Sports Tryout Dates

Please find below the middle school tryout dates:

Sport Tryouts	Date(s)	Time	Location
MS Volleyball (Two Days)	8/7 & 8/8	4pm-6pm	VCP Gymnasium
MS Cross Country	8/11/25	4pm-6pm	VCP Gymnasium
MS Girls Soccer (Two Days)	9/11 & 9/12	4pm-6pm	Ezell Road Park (5135 Harding Pl, Nashville, TN 37211)
MS Boys Soccer (6th grade)	9/11/25	4pm-6pm	Ezell Road Park (5135 Harding Pl, Nashville, TN 37211)
MS Boys Soccer (7th grade)	9/12/25	4pm-6pm	Ezell Road Park (5135 Harding Pl, Nashville, TN 37211)
MS Boys Soccer (8th grade)	9/15/25	4pm-6pm	Ezell Road Park (5135 Harding Pl, Nashville, TN 37211)
MS Boys Soccer (Final Day)	9/16/25	4pm-6pm	Ezell Road Park (5135 Harding Pl, Nashville, TN 37211)
MS Girls Basketball	11/7/25	4pm-6pm	VCP Gymnasium
MS Boys Basketball	11/7/25	6pm-8pm	VCP Gymnasium
MS Bowling	2/16/26	3pm-5pm	Tusculum Lanes (5315 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211)
MS Golf	2/16/26	3:30p-5:30p	Location TBD
MS Track & Field	2/17/26	4pm-6pm	Location TBD

Mission and Philosophy of Valor Collegiate Athletic Department

At Valor, our mission is to empower our diverse community to live inspired, purposeful lives. In keeping with this mission, the Athletic Department strives to educate and invigorate  through competitive athletics.”

The Valor Athletics Program aspires to provide a high-quality experience to every athlete. A high-quality experience is defined as:

• Athletes are coached using the principles of the Valor Compass Model
• Athletes are pushed to work hard, strive for sustained excellence, and give 100% effort
• Athletes have fun at practices/games, with experiences that value people over performance
• Athletes feel like an important part of the team regardless of performance
• Athletes learn skills of the game to improve as a player, but most importantly, improve as a human being

We recognize that coaches are the people who most directly make this all possible. It is our goal to provide every coach with the tools to succeed as a transformational Valor Coach. We are committed to creating a strong Compass-based culture in which coaches, parents, fans, officials, and athletes work together to achieve our mission.

More information can be found on our Athletics page online at www.vcawildcats.com

Coaching Staff Directory

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

Apple Devices: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/valor-collegiate-academies/id6450516184

Google Devices:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ballfrog.valor&pli

Media Release 

We’re very proud of our school community and welcome all opportunities to tell our story and showcase the hard work of scholars and staff to outside stakeholders. At times, Valor Collegiate Academies (Valor) may wish to include your child’s likeness, name, statement, or work product in these materials or media. We also value and respect each individual’s right to privacy. Please indicate below whether or not you authorize your preference below.

Directory information

In compliance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Valor is permitted to disclose directory information to third parties. Please indicate your preference if you wish to opt out of the sharing of your student’s directory information. Directory information includes the following: 

• Student’s name 
• Address 
• Parent/guardian name
• Parent/guardian phone number
• Parent/guardian email
• Photograph 
• Date and place of birth 
• Major field of study 
• Dates of attendance 
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports 
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams 
• Degrees, honors and awards received 
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended

School Calendar

Please see below for the most up-to-date version of our school calendar. This can also be accessed via ValorFamilyNews.com. 

English version

Spanish Version

Arabic Version

Student Meals and Payments at Valor

2025-26 Meal Prices

	Breakfast	Lunch
Paid	$3.05	$4.25
Reduced	$.30	$.40
Free	$.00	$.00

Valor Collegiate Academies participates in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program by offering nutritious meals every school day. Students may buy breakfast for $3.05 and $4.25. 

• Eligible students may receive meals free of charge or at the reduced-price. 
• You or your children do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify for free or reduced-price meals. 
• You must fill out a new Free/Reduced Meal Application at the beginning of each school year to see if you qualify. Applications are available at our front desk any time throughout the school year. If you have any questions about applying, please call the front office of your respective campus at 615-823 -7982.  

2025-26 Income Status – Free & Reduced Lunch (Meal) Determination

• Free & Reduced Lunch Application: All Valor families are asked to complete an official FRL application at https://www.myschoolapps.com/. Completing this form takes approximately 5 minutes and is the way qualifying families can have breakfast/lunch costs covered for their students.  Any unpaid meal balances become a financial responsibility of the school which impacts how we budget at the school level. 
• You can have any current balance cleared for your scholar by completing a Free and Reduced meal application online at www.myschoolapps.com by Thursday, August 28.  If you have already submitted an application, please disregard this message. 
•  By qualifying for free or reduced price lunch your family may also become eligible for cost-savings outside of food service (ie: reductions in field trip costs or home internet costs.  Additionally, there are state and federal funding opportunities that may support our schools when we accurately demonstrate the FRL status of our community.  
• Valor cares deeply about ensuring that we are adhering to our diverse by design model, and FRL status is a valuable data point.

Making Payments at Valor through MySchoolBucks.com

All Valor school related fees are paid through the website MySchoolBucks.com.  To create your MySchoolBucks.com account:

To Add The District:

1. Log into your MySchoolBucks account
2. Locate the “My School Districts”
3. Click “Add School District”
4. Select “Tennessee” in the top dropdown menu
5. Select “Valor Collegiate Academies” as the district in the bottom dropdown menu
6. Click the blue “Add District” button

To Add A Student:

1. Click the person icon in the top right of the screen
2. On the dropdown menu, select “My Students”
3. Click the blue “Add Students” button on the center right side of the page

1. 
   

Student Supplies

​	Required	Optional
Each student provides for themselves: Students must have these items with them every day when at campus.	Backpack Chromebook Sleeve (if backpack does not have sleeve)  1 inch binder (2 required)  Pocket folder with 3-holes (7 required) Pencils Water bottle
Each student to provide for the school community: Please deliver these items to the scholar’s Pride Leader.	2 boxes of tissuesC lorox wipes	Sharpies (any color) Dry erase markers

By initialing below, a parent/guardian confirms that he/she has read about required supplies and preparedness checks at Flagship and that he/she will ensure that students have all of their required supplies prior to the first day of school.

Dress Code: Standard School Attire (SSA)

Valor expects that all students will dress in a way that is appropriate for the school day or for any school sponsored event. Student dress choices should respect the network’s intent to sustain a community that is inclusive of a diverse range of identities. The primary responsibility for a student’s attire resides with the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s). The school is responsible for seeing that student attire does not interfere with the health or safety of any student, that student attire does not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student, and that dress code enforcement does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size. Any restrictions to the way a student dresses must be necessary to support the overall educational goals of the school and must be explained within this dress code.

1. Basic Principle: Certain body parts must be covered for all students at all times. 

Clothes must be worn in a way such that a student’s private parts (including the buttocks) are fully covered with non-see-through fabric. All items listed in the “must wear” and “may wear” categories below must meet this basic principle.

2. Students Must Wear, while following the basic principle of Section 1 above :

• A Shirt (with fabric at least covering the area of a typical tank top), AND
• Pants/jeans or the equivalent (for example, a skirt, sweatpants, leggings, a dress or shorts), AND
• Shoes

3. Students May Wear, as long as these items do not violate section 1 above or section 3 below:

• Religious headwear
• Hoodie sweatshirts
• Fitted pants, including non-see through leggings, yoga pants, and “skinny jeans”
• Ripped jeans, as long as underwear and private parts are not exposed.
• Athletic attire
• Valor swag given out by Valor, purchased online through Brand Your Code, or purchased online through BSN sports.
• Hats, beanies or other head coverings that do not cover the ears or face

4. Students Cannot Wear:

• Anything that covers the ears or face, save for religious headwear. (ex. hoods are down while in the school building)
• Any undergarments worn as outer clothing (Ex. Boxers as shorts or Bralettes as shirts)* 
• Violent language or images.
• Images or language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity).
• Hate speech, profanity, pornography.
• Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class or consistently marginalized groups.
• Any clothing that reveals visible undergarments (visible straps are allowed)
• Swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic practice).
• Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon.

*Families will be notified if students need a change of clothing

Student Chromebook, Tech, and Internet Use Policy

Valor Email

All Valor scholars will be provided a Valor email account. All emails sent are able to be seen by staff and will be looked at as if the scholar were speaking that out loud. We hold scholars to live up to all Valor Commitments in all of their relationships and communications and this extends to the digital world. All scholars are responsible for any email that is sent from their account.

The email account scholars are assigned is only able to receive emails from faculty and students via the valorcollegiate.org domain.  

Chromebook Campus Use

Chromebooks are like any other classroom material or tool – they should be used carefully and according to the discretion of the Valor faculty leading the class, club, or activity. Chromebooks should only be used for academic purposes. There are specific consequences for misusing chromebooks, or not upholding the rules of using chromebooks. Examples: Putting stickers on chromebooks, having liquid or food near or around the computer, carrying the computer open or with one hand 

Chromebook Off-Campus Use

All scholars will have the opportunity to take their Chromebooks home with them instead of leaving them at school each night. Chromebook use at home should be limited to homework and academic use only. Parents or guardians should monitor their scholar’s use of the Valor chromebook devices. Families should reach out to their scholar’s pride leader or compass team  if they have questions regarding any specific activity on the chromebook. 

Chromebook Appropriate Use

Chromebooks will only be used in academic classes, or when approved by staff. 

Valor chromebooks are intended for academic use.  We view access to a chromebook as a privilege.  Below are some tips to help you and your family once your scholar is in possession of a Valor chromebook. 

• Know your scholar’s username and password. You should know your scholar’s username and password and they should be comfortable with you reviewing their email and chromebook use.  
• Please feel empowered to set limits around your scholar’s use of his/her Valor chromebook. Have a specific time and place for when and where your scholar can use the device.  We have seen that scholars with unlimited access to their chromebook at home are the ones most likely to misuse or mistreat the device.  
• Our safety features are enabled 24 hours a day, regardless of chromebook location. Compass Team members will review activity and follow up with scholars the next day if there is misuse during the evening hours or on the weekend.
• Your scholar is held accountable for all of the activity on the device.
• Once a scholar is signed in to the device, they are responsible for all of the activity of the device.  They should not allow friends, classmates, siblings or other people to use their chromebook.  
• Chromebook physical upkeep
  • Scholars and families are responsible for returning their device and charger at the conclusion of their enrollment for the school year.  Failure to turn in the chromebook or any related items will result in a charge to replace the item.  Lost or damaged chromebooks may be subject to a charge of up to $300.     
• Scholars should be careful to place their backpacks down when transitioning from space to space.  We have seen damaged chromebooks from scholars dropping their backpacks/binders as opposed to placing them down. 

GoGuardian

GoGuardian is a web service designed to monitor student activity at all times on the Chromebook. We use this service to monitor scholar chromebooks at all times. Parents are able to have an account that they can login to. Guardians/caregivers will receive information about how to sign up to monitor their student’s account by August 15.

Google Web Services

Valor utilizes Google Workspace, including core services such as Gmail, Google Docs, Drive, and Classroom, which are governed by Google’s educational terms and privacy protections.

We also use Additional Google Services for educational purposes only such as:

• YouTube (education-appropriate content only)
• Google Search (education-appropriate content only)
• Google Photos (when needed for projects)
• Blogger (classroom publishing)

These services are not covered by Google’s core educational terms and may collect limited personal information.

Important Notice:
By signing this agreement, you acknowledge that your child will be granted access to these Additional Google Services as part of their instructional experience. This notice satisfies Google’s requirement that educational institutions obtain informed parental acknowledgment before enabling access for students under 18.

By initialing at the bottom of this page, you agree to the policies described in the “Parent/Guardian Agreement” section, as well as to reviewing the expectations listed underneath the “Scholar Agreement” section with your student. 

​Student agreement:

• I acknowledge that the Chromebook is to be used specifically for Valor coursework and if I violate any of the Valor Chromebook policies that I may be subject to additional consequences and loss of technology privileges
• I will not lend my device to any family members or friends. 
• I understand and agree to the following:

• I understand that I am responsible for treating and transporting my Chromebook with care
• I will secure my account by keeping my password secret and logging off of the device when I’m not using it.
• I have reviewed Valor’s Acceptable Use policy and understand that I will face consequences if I use a Chromebook inappropriately
• I understand that my Chromebook is equipped with monitoring software that will send Valor staff an alert if I access/attempt to access inappropriate content/sites, and that I will face consequences for triggering such an alert, including possible loss of Chromebook privileges.
• I will notify Valor staff as soon as possible if my device is damaged, lost, or stolen
• I will not place any stickers or other markings on my device
• I will not change the desktop background image to anything not school appropriate (see acceptable use policy)
• I understand that my family is financially responsible for any damage, vandalism, loss, or theft of the Chromebook
• I acknowledge that the use of the Chromebook is a privilege, not a right, and that I may lose that privilege if I do not meet these expectations or demonstrate responsibility
• I understand that I will be held accountable for activity on my account and Chromebook, even if I was not aware that it was happening. Keeping my Chromebook/account secure is my responsibility.

Parent/guardian agreement:

• I acknowledge that the Chromebook is to be used for Valor coursework and if my child violates any of the Valor Chromebook policies that he/she may be subject to consequences and loss of technology privileges
• I assume financial responsibility for any damage, vandalism, loss, or theft of the Chromebook and power adapter. I understand that the replacement cost of the chromebook is $300 and the power adapter is $20.  
• I understand that if my scholar purposefully or accidentally damages his/her Chromebook or another scholar’s Chromebook that I will be asked to pay a $25 damage fee. If damage occurs to the charger, I will be asked to pay $20.
• I agree to monitor and supervise my scholar’s use of the device at home 
• I will make all necessary arrangements to ensure wireless internet access is available at home. I will let the school know if that creates a hardship for my family. 
• I understand that Chromebooks are owned by Valor and that all content and activity is subject to monitoring by Valor staff. I understand that Valor may request that I return the device at any time.
• If my scholar fails to return the Chromebook or power adapter to Valor by the end of the school year, upon transfer/withdrawal, or other termination of enrollment, I will pay the replacement cost of the Chromebook and power adapter. Failure to do so may result in criminal and/or civil court prosecution. 

Device and Internet Readiness Survey

All scholars will be required to take their chromebook home to complete assignments. Please complete the survey below to let us know your scholar’s access to the internet so that we may support where possible.

Do you have reliable internet access at home?

• Yes
• No

Valor School Nurse Support

In this packet you will find information about the health services at Valor. If your scholar needs medications given, or has any medical needs, we are here to help the best we can. Please email or call the nurse with any questions or concerns.

Nurse Policy:

At Valor we have a registered nurse onsite to support scholars. The nurse will be available to our students with high medical support needs. When our nurse is not available immediately, our office staff is annually trained in providing basic first-aid for small cuts, bruises and bumps. High acute injuries, will warrant a call to parents and if necessary emergency service (911) for serious injuries or medical concerns.

Sick Scholar Protocol:

The front office can see up to 15-30 scholars per day with minor injuries (scrapes and bumps) or ailments (stomach aches and headaches). Our scope of practice is limited to cleaning wounds, giving bandaids, ice packs and stabilizing an injury. We can not administer anything that is classified as a medication (i.e Acetaminophen/ibuprofen, Tums, medicated cough drops or medication creams/ointments) without a completed medication administration form signed by a parent or guardian.

The front office staff evaluates visually, then asks the scholar questions and performs temperature checks. Depending on those results, the nurse will further evaluate and determine if it warrants a call home to be dismissed or if a few minutes of rest would suffice.

• In general scholars are given 10 minutes before calling home. Many scholars will feel better and choose on their own to go back to class.

There are cases where a scholar must be sent home automatically:

• A scholar has vomited (must remain home till 24hrs vomit free)
• A scholar has a fever of 100.4 or greater (must remain home till fever free 24 hrs without fever reducing medication)
• A scholar with a serious injury that requires further examination (broken bones, serious wounds or concussions)
• Exhibiting signs and symptoms of potentially communicable illness (pink eye,strep throat, ringworm)

Medication Disbursement:

The parent must complete a Valor Collegiate Academies medication administration form Scholars with chronic medical daily needs will also need an individualized health plan IHP filled out and signed by physician and parent or guardian.

Medication Administration Form:

• Each form is valid for one school year and one medication
• Over the counter (OTC) medications may be filled out by a parent or guardian.
• For prescription medications, a physician must fill out the 2nd and 3rd part of the form.
• Each medication must have its own form attached to it separately. 

How to Bring Medication to Valor:

• All medications must be in its original container/label
• Any changes to dosing instructions during the school year will need to be accompanied by a new form.
• An adult must bring all medications (prescription and OTC) to the school
• Scholars must NEVER be sent with medications to school
• An adult must pick up any unused medications at the end of each school year. Medications that are not picked up will be discarded.

School personnel shall not receive medication from parent(s) nor dispense medication without the VCA Medication Administration Form completed, returned to the school and reviewed by our school nurse prior to first medication administration.

What to do for the Coming School Year (2025-26)

Fill out all medication associated forms for OTC or prescription medications. One for each medication. Please bring the forms with medications in August when the school year starts to the front office.  The medication will be locked in a cabinet and used only as directed on the signed form. The medication will be administered by a nurse or trained professional as directed. Your scholar can not keep medications on self. 

Exceptions:

Asthma medications, epi pens, inhalers, diabetic medications and seizure rescue medications are allowed with the scholars only if instructed by a physician on a medication administration form. It may be kept in the scholar’s bookbag/backpack.

If your child has any complex medical needs or conditions, in addition to the medication administration form, an individualized health plan  (IHP) will also need to be provided. This will allow our school to know how to properly care for your scholars’ needs.  For questions, please contact:

Flagship: Elizabeth Arevalo earevalo@valorcollegiate.org

Voyager: Alphonsine Haslet-Phillips ahasletphillips@valorcollegiate.org

7th Grade Only – Immunization Records

If you have an incoming 7th grader and have not submitted their updated Tdap booster record, please ensure that is taken care of as soon as possible. Scholars are required to have updated immunization records documented on the official Tennessee Immunization Certificate (sample of what certificate looks like is linked here) before returning in person this fall. Please make sure the box at the bottom is checked by the doctor’s office as, “Complete 7th Grade or Higher.” All scholars without documentation of a Tdap booster, medical exemption from a medical provider, or a note from a parent/guardian stating a religious objection to it before day 10 of the school year  will not be allowed to attend school until documentation is received.  Please refer to the Tennessee Department of Health website here for more information.

Please note: due to HIPAA and privacy laws, we are generally unable to contact your scholar’s physician directly to obtain this information. If you have questions, please email your school nurse:

• Flagship: Elizabeth Arevalo earevalo@valorcollegiate.org
• Voyager: Alphonsine Haslet-Phillips ahasletphillips@valorcollegiate.org

Please contact your scholar’s doctor’s office or the Lentz Public Health Center, phone number (615) 340-5616, for further Tdap booster information. 

There are multiple ways that you can submit your record: 

1. Email a PDF or picture copy to your scholar’s school nurse
2. Fax them to 615-577-8320

Arrival and Dismissal Logistics

	Monday	Tuesday – Friday	Notes
Doors Open	7:30 AM	7:30 AM	Breakfast available from 7:30 AM – 7:55 AM
School Starts	7:55 AM	7:55 AM	Marked Tardy if not in Pride Space at 7:55 AM
Dismissal Starts	2:30 PM	3:25 PM
Dismissal Ends	2:45 PM	3:40 PM	All Flagship and Voyager late dismissal students must be picked up at Flagship

Arrival

• Doors open at 7:30am. 
• Breakfast is served from 7:30am – 7:55am.  
• Scholars are marked tardy if they are not in their Pride space at 7:55 AM.  We recommend that your scholar is in the building no later than 7:50am.  

Dismissal

• Monday Dismissal begins at 2:30 PM.  
• Tuesday – Friday Dismissal begins at 3:25 PM.  Families who are picking up Flagship scholars only will continue to use the pick-up circle in front of Flagship. 
• Families who are picking up scholars from multiple schools will use the carpool circle around the parking lot for afternoon dismissal.
• In order to complete dismissal in a timely fashion, vehicles that do not pick up their student(s) within 120 seconds of being in the loading area will be asked to re-circle. Make sure to tell your students to be on the lookout for your car! 

Family Parking

• Families will be unable to park in Valor’s parking lot from 2:50 – 3:45pm while dismissal is taking place. If you have a meeting at the school, please try to arrive before 2:50pm. If you absolutely must park during dismissal, roll down your window and ask a parking monitor for assistance. 

Carpooling

Interested in carpooling with other families to transport your student(s) to and/or from school? You’re not alone! Many Valor families take advantage of carpooling groups to share driving responsibilities throughout the week. If you are interested in connecting with other families about carpooling, please follow the directions linked below.

Valor Carpool GroupMe Links

Community Handbook

Valor Collegiate Academies (Valor) has made the Community Handbook available online at https://valorfamilynews.com/resources/. A printed copy can also be requested at any campus front office. The handbook is available in English, Spanish, and Kurdish. Translation of the handbook will be available in other languages upon request. The handbook contains a great number of important policies that apply to all three Valor schools. Please sign below to indicate that you have access to the handbook (can be an online or print version) and that you commit to read and comply with the policies on behalf of your scholar and family. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your campus’s principal prior to the first day of school.