VNS Annual Newsletter

Welcome to 2026-2027

Happy August, VNS Parents/Guardians and Students!

We are excited to welcome students to the new school year later this month. Please read through this newsletter, mark your calendars, and get prepared. We look forward to learning and celebrating together throughout the year!

Important Dates

Keep up-to-date throughout the year with the VNS Google Calendar! 

Click the hyperlink above, and then click the “+ Google Calendar” button in the lower right corner of the calendar screen to add it to your own calendar app. It is also available on the VNS webpage. 
NOTE: As a lab school, we flex our learning environment to meet our community’s needs; the VNS calendar, therefore, does not always match the main AASD calendar.

Here are a few important dates as we start the new school year (keep reading for details about each event):

• New Student Orientation/Boot Camp - August 19 and 20, 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 
  • New students arrive at 9:00 a.m.
  • Mentors arrive at 8:40 a.m. on Aug 19 and 11:00 a.m. on Aug 20
  • Parents of new students attend August 20, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
• First Day of School - August 27, 7:55 a.m.-3:10 p.m.
• Picture Day - September 2, 11:00 a.m.
• All-school Field Trip - Thursday-Friday, September 17-18 (Overnight this year!) 
• Fall Student-led Conferences - September 89-October 2
• First Blended Learning Day - Wednesday, September 23
• Event Night #1 & Parent Orientation - Tuesday, October 20, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• First Evaluation Day and Community Lunch - Thursday, October 15

Getting Started

Our first day of school is Thursday, August 27!  

All students must arrive by 7:55 a.m. Bring school supplies, find your assigned workstation, and convene as a community! No hot lunch is available until September. Pizza will be provided on the first day, but please bring lunch after that. Students are dismissed at 3:10 p.m. This is intentionally aligned with Valley Transit as most routes depart at 3:15 p.m.; students will not be permitted to leave earlier than 3:10 p.m. to catch the city bus. Please see VNS Google Calendar for subsequent days of school as we gradually ramp up to full weeks in session. 

Hours of Operation: School doors open at 7:30 a.m. each day. Students must report by 7:55 a.m. School dismisses at 3:10 p.m. in support of students who utilize city buses (plenty of time to catch the bus--do not plan to leave early). Students should arrange to be out of VNS by 3:30 p.m. Those getting late rides can wait outside or at the Appleton Public Library. 

Registration & Fees: AASD registration MUST be completed online through the AASD Parent Portal before the first day of school. School fees (see below) will be assigned shortly, and Mrs. R. will send an email to let you know when they are ready.

Payment options are available through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal (Visa, MC, debit card, or direct withdrawal from your checking account; a $2.00 convenience fee will apply), or check/cash payment may be made in person at VNS. If assistance is needed, please contact Mrs. R. to schedule an appointment. 

 

New Student Orientation (aka Boot Camp)

Wednesday & Thursday, August 19 & 20, 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.  

New students should plan to arrive by 9:00 a.m. Please bring:

• A list of project topic ideas - complete the Project Topic Driving Questions form (on paper or digitally), and bring it with you.  
• A pen/pencil 
• Fully charged AASD Chromebook - If your student does not have an AASD Chromebook, one will be provided to them on the first day of Boot Camp. 
• Water bottle/beverage
• Lunch will be provided on Day 1; please bring your own lunch on Day 2. 

Mentors, please help us welcome new students with your experience and enthusiasm!  Arrive at Boot Camp at 8:40 a.m. on Aug 19 and 11:00 a.m. on Aug 20. Lunch will be provided on Day 1; bring your own lunch on Day 2. 

Parents of New Students: You are warmly invited to join us on the second day of Boot Camp from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.! This is a great opportunity to connect with other new parents and students as well as ask questions of your child’s Advisor and student mentors. (Please be advised that parking enforcement starts at 9:00 a.m. The East Ramp is an easy option.)

 

PAC Performances

The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is again offering school-day Education Series performances. Tickets are $5. Purchase tickets for interested students and family members on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.  

• The Accidental Hero: October 23, 2026, 12:30 p.m.
• The Great Gatsby: October 27, 2026, 12:30 p.m.
• 360 ALLSTARS Urban Circus: November 16, 2026, 12:30 p.m.
• Exploring Nature’s Hidden Wonders: February 2, 2027, 12:30 p.m.

For more info on the shows, click the link: https://foxcitiespac.com/education/performances/

Please use the form below to select which shows your student will be interested in seeing. If you are interested in attending/chaperoning any of these shows, please email Mrs. R and let her know. 

All-school Field Trip

Get excited! Our annual culture-building field trip is always filled with learning, fun, and great memories--and this is an overnight year! More info will be shared as we start school. 

SAVE THE DATES: Thursday, September 17, 8:00 a.m. - Friday, September 18, 4:30 p.m. 

• Students, make sure you ask off work, let co-curricular coaches know, and schedule other appointments around these days. 
• Parents, we will need a few adult chaperones! If you are able to join us, please let us know when you complete the Parent Volunteer Survey (see below).
• Cost: $135/student

Let’s travel the world together!

Immersing yourself in other cultures deepens understanding, provides new perspectives, and inspires new ideas. Start planning now to travel abroad in Summer 2028! The trip is open to all VNS students, alumni, family members, and friends. Our destination(s) will be announced when school begins. We’re working now to finalize our plan and costs. Mark your calendars to learn more at our Foreign Travel Info Meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 7:00 p.m.!

School Pictures

Harmann Studios will be at VNS on September 2 at 11:00 a.m. to take school pictures. Picture retakes will be held on Thursday, October 1. Information about packages and prices will be shared as soon as it becomes available. 

Technology at VNS 

VNS students learn that practicing reflection, discernment, and critical thinking empowers us to become purposeful adults. These practices are essential as we mindfully consider the current needs of our community in light of societal shifts and technological advances.

As emerging research continues to reveal that constant digital media use is unhelpful and even detrimental to mental health, academic and social learning, personal growth, and our school culture, VNS remains committed to both innovation and studying how new technologies improve and/or decrease our effectiveness and quality of life. 

Personal Devices

• Use of personal devices (smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, laptops, smartwatches, etc.) will not be allowed during the school day. Devices other than mobile phones should be left at home.
• Students and Advisors will store their mobile phones in assigned slots in the phone lockers at Mrs. R.’s desk as they enter school each day. Mrs. R. will lock the case until 3:10 p.m. Students can retrieve their phones as they leave school for the day and when they leave the building alone (say, for an appointment).
• Students whose phone is not in the case when school starts will be subject to disciplinary action. Please see the Valley New School Policy Handbook (page 16) for details.
• Parents should notify Mrs. Rosenbaum if a student will not be bringing a phone.
• Exceptions: In rare cases where a student needs to utilize a cell phone for a specific reason (e.g., health-related issue), a written request must be submitted to and approved by the school/AASD administration in advance. Some exceptions for certain projects may apply; a written request form must be completed and approved as part of the project proposal process.
• If you need to speak with Advisors during the school day, please call the VNS main number. 
• In case of emergency, Advisors will carry their smartphones on field trips.

AASD-issued Laptops

• Students will continue to utilize AASD Chromebooks, learning academic content and skills while growing our purposefulness of time and task. We will focus on using technology as a tool and practice limiting distractions, including YouTube videos and reels.
• AASD desktops and numerous other tools and resources for schoolwork are available at VNS. 
• Usefulness of and time spent on laptops and various websites/apps will continue to be monitored and examined. Access will be limited as necessary to help students grow effective time management, strong reading and research skills, and healthy screen-time habits. One strategy: Literature Hour will be analog this year. Students should plan to have an actual printed-on-paper book to read (from the public library or your own stash) as we start the school year.

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

• VNS students and staff will continue examination of ethical and effective ways to utilize AI in the project process.
• VNS will continue to lead the way as the AASD experiments with implementation of Magic School, an AI platform designed for schools.

Health Notes

Medications

If your student requires administration of prescription or over-the-counter medications at school, please review the requirements and fill out the correct forms found here.

Immunization updates

Please review AASD immunization updates to ensure compliance with AASD requirements. 

Medical forms can be found on the AASD website under “Families.” 

All 7th graders must review immunization information using this link.

Parents as Partners 

At VNS, parents truly are part of our school community! You serve as partners in actively growing purposeful adults at home by supporting your child and their personal learning plan and at school by sharing your time and talents to create a positive, inspired culture. Opportunities to engage in this meaningful work take place throughout the year. Start thinking about how you will get involved! 

How Do I Get Involved at VNS?

Consider your strengths and skills, and fill out this short Parent Volunteer Survey. We ask that everyone select one date to share a dish for one of our Community Lunches, but maybe you’d also enjoy driving kids to Savings Paws to care for cats, chaperoning our All-school Field Trip, serving on the Governance Board or a committee, serving as a live expert for a student’s project, or sharing your perspective at a Public Information Session for prospective families! 

Become our 2026-2027 Development Coordinator!

Do you have a passion for engaging and connecting people? Do you enjoy planning events and doing public relations work? Would you like to earn a stipend for helping VNS build community? Review the job description, and apply by September 1. 

Parents of 12th-grade students

Senior year is exciting! Learn how to support your child by attending (in person or via Google Meet) the introductory Senior Meeting on Wed., Sept. 9, 1:30-2:15 p.m. We will discuss Senior Project expectations, graduation requirements, and college application/post-high school planning processes.

Pro-Tips for VNS Success

1. School IDs are necessities at VNS. IDs will be issued shortly after school photos are taken.
2. Keep your YMCA pass handy. Students will receive a YMCA pass through VNS. Personal fitness and/or classes can be a great part of an individual Wellness project. Passes will also be used when we visit the Y for Advisory or all-school activities. Even if you already have a Y membership through your family, it is still a good idea to have the VNS Y pass, too. Lost cards can be replaced for a fee at the YMCA registration desk.
3. Get an Appleton Public Library card. VNS students are required to have a public library card. Families should plan to apply for and/or renew students’ accounts by the first day of school. Please remember to keep accounts in good standing by returning materials on time and paying off outstanding fines/returning overdue books.
4. Please read the All-school Meeting Minutes each week! All parents (and students) receive meeting minutes/announcements via email from Mrs. R at the beginning of each week. These are designed to keep every VNS community member in the loop. It is the responsibility of parents and students to read and be aware of all district/VNS policy content.
5. Connect via social media! Please follow/like our Facebook and Instagram pages to further stay up-to-date about VNS. Feel free to share often and connect others to our community!  Parents, don’t forget to connect with the Parents of VNS Students Facebook group, too! 
6. Access your student’s VNS Academic Report. Parents can follow their child’s academic progress in real time by accessing their VNS Academic Report (a Google spreadsheet). Students will create and share their 2026-2027 reports with Advisors and parents during the first week of school. We request that all parents set up a Google Account (if they don’t already have one) and accept the invitation to be a partner in their child’s academic progress.
7. Be proactive with lunch plans!  Students can either bring cold lunches or use the VNS kitchen facilities to prepare lunches (microwave popcorn is not allowed). Hot breakfast and lunch from Central High School continues to be available for the cost of $1.65 and $3.35, respectively. Students must place their lunch order with Mrs. R. immediately upon arrival at school at 7:55 a.m. Breakfast orders must be placed the day before. Meal fees can be paid through the Parent Portal or by cash or check at Central (unfortunately, we are not able to accept payments for lunch at VNS). Students will be allowed to pick up lunch from local restaurants on our block: Brewed Awakening, Toppers, Bonafide, Bowl 91, Legendairy, Josef’s Gyros, and Tomaso’s Pizza. Restaurant orders must be placed at the beginning of the school day to ensure speedy pick-up and time to return to VNS and eat before the lunch period ends (11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.).
8. Keep Mrs. R. informed about attendance! Please contact Mrs. R. (via phone or email) before 8:15 a.m. if your child will be absent from school that day. A pre-excused absence requires at least 24-hour notice and a completed Excused Absence & Student Activity form signed by an Advisor and submitted to Mrs. R. Parents/guardians can also use the Absence Request found on Campus Parent/Parent Portal to submit a request that informs us in advance when their student is not going to be in school. This feature can be used as an alternative to the traditional phone calls to the school office. Please see the instructions, found here, on how to submit an Absence Request via the Campus Portal.
9. Avoid tardies & absences. Practice good attendance habits by arriving on time every day. Per our Policy Handbook, “VNS students who are tardy three times in any six-week period will lose their off-site lunch privilege. Students with continued tardiness and/or excessive absences will be subject to a personalized plan for attendance which may include makeup time.” 
10. Reach out! As partners in your child’s education, we believe in keeping open lines of communication. Staff do not have cell phone access during the school day. Contact them at the main school number (920-852-5605) or leave a message at their extension. 

• Ms. Luedtke’s Extension: 54020, luedtkenicole@aasd.k12.wi.us 
• Mr. Busch’s Extension: 54021, buschwilliam@aasd.k12.wi.us
• Mrs. Fourness’s Extension: 54022, fournessandrea@aasd.k12.wi.us 
• Ms. Kosloski’s Extension: 54023, kosloskijennif@aasd.k12.wi.us 
• Mrs. Rosenbaum/Main VNS Phone #: 920-852-5605
• Extension: 54000, rosenbaumtanya@aasd.k12.wi.us 

School Supplies

Donations for Community Use: Please consider donating one or more of the following items to help keep VNS running smoothly. Thank you in advance!

• Disinfecting wipes
• Tissues
• Pencils
• Pens
• Dry Erase Markers
• Permanent Markers
• Lined Index Cards
• Post-it Notes (assorted sizes)
• Artist’s paint brushes
• Grocery Gift Cards (for snacks)
• Ironing Board
• Flatware
• Dishwashing liquid 
• Dish sponges
• Dish cloths and towels
• Disposable hot-beverage cups, plates, plastic flatware, and/or napkins (for school events)
• Amazon Gift Card
• Purchase something from our Amazon Wishlist

Individual School Supplies

VNS students design and implement their own education, so they must essentially build their own office space—a place where they can work efficiently, be creative, and stay organized!  Be prepared to work productively whether at school or at home on Blended Learning Days. Consider the supply list below as you plan your home workspace as well as your VNS workstation.

Supply costs for new students might seem high, but veteran students know that reusing materials keeps costs down in later years! Start with the items on this list. As students reflect on their own learning styles and develop their productivity, they will find what works best for them.

Books

• 1 book you’d like to read (personal or library book)

Personal Equipment

• Reusable water bottle
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• Reusable fork, spoon, & knife
• Cardholder/wallet to keep school ID, YMCA pass, library card, and Valley Transit pass secure

Organizational Tools

• Personal planner/calendar (paper or digital/accessible on Chromebook)
• 3-ring binder for Math
• New students: binder for Guided Project
• Post-it Notes (assorted sizes)
• Desk supply organizers/containers 
• Notecard box/index

Productivity Tools

• Earbuds (corded/compatible with Chromebooks)
• Scientific calculator (capable of higher math)
• 2 notebooks and/or loose-leaf paper
• Graph paper
• 3” x 5” notecards (minimum 500)
• Pens
• Pencils (No. 2)
• Eraser
• Black Sharpie markers (fine and ultrafine)
• Highlighters
• Stapler with staples
• Glue sticks
• Tape (invisible, double-sided, & masking)
• Scissors
• Ruler
• White-out tape