As we launch into the month of February, we look forward to a variety of opportunities to emphasize the importance of Black History and the many individuals who have positively influenced and contributed to our world. During the month, students can expect to learn through arts education and our social studies classrooms across the school. We are especially grateful for the opportunity to host a Black History Month assembly on February 20th.

Last week, our artists began working on Black History inspired pieces in the classroom. These pieces will be displayed around the school during this month, and a few of the pieces will be selected to be highlighted in our assembly. Our choir and band are working on pieces that will be shared at our assembly as well. We look forward to hearing from a special guest- author, speaker, and civil rights activist - Mrs. Lisa McNair. Lisa draws on the profound lessons she learned from the tragic loss of her sister, Denise, in the 1963 Church Bombing in Birmingham, AL. You can learn more about her story on her website here.

We hope to continue to build on our core values of acceptance and respect as we learn from courageous individuals who have gone before us.

It is hard to believe, but it is the time of year for us to begin all the preparations for next year's course selection. Whether students are in 5th grade (coming to Pizitz next year) or 8th grade (heading on to the VHHS-FC), all of our secondary students, in partnership with their parents, are preparing for their Next Steps.

Parents, as we have done in the past, all of the information you need for your student can be located on our website through the Live Binder here. Parent informational meetings will be held for current 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students via Google Meet. Check out the list below for dates and times available to you (according to your students' grade-level). All students will be receiving their course cards TODAY through their Academic Strategies classes.

Following a discussion at home, we encourage students to complete their course card and registration for these classes in Powerschool. Course cards are due on February 14. Once we have received the cards, an administrator or counselor will meet with each student individually to ensure questions and/or concerns are addressed regarding student preferences and needs.

Here are the dates for parent meetings in the next two weeks:

These meetings will vary based on the courses available to each group of students by grade-level. The noon and 5:30 p.m. conversations will be the same content. The Google Meet link will be shared in a reminder post on the morning of the meeting. Please make plans to attend!

We will have our Scoliosis screenings during PE on February 27. Only those who return the form as a YES to screen will be screened. If you do not want your child screened, you do not have to return a form. Paper copies are available if you are unable to print the form at home. You may also email the form to Nurse Nancy if that is easier. If there is a positive screen, you will receive a letter from her requesting that you follow up with your pediatrician.

Here is the link to Children's of Alabama Scoliosis information site and video.

Here is the link to the form.

Please email or text Nurse Nancy if you have any questions (Hennekern@vhcs.us or

205-936-1280).

The auditions clinic for the 2025-2026 Pizitz Majorettes is Monday, 3/10 - Wednesday, 3/12. Auditions are Thursday, 3/13. The team is open to any sixth and seventh grade girls interested.

Click this link for more information. Interested students should join the Google Classroom for auditions. The Classroom code is on the linked page.

For questions, contact Ms. Parker, the majorette sponsor, at parkera@vhcs.us.

Are you interested in being a Rebelette at VHHS next year? Check out the flyer and contact information to learn more here.

Details about tryouts, deadlines, and requirements are here. Applications are due March 3rd.

There will be a Cheer Tryouts Interest Meeting on Monday, February 3rd at 5:30 p.m. in the lunchroom. Parents, if your child is interested in trying out for cheer, you will need to attend this meeting. Please email logsdone@vhcs.us if you have any questions. Go Pirates!  

On Tuesday, February 11, Jordan Sonnenblick, author of Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie, will be visiting Pizitz. He will speak to the entire school at a morning assembly, autograph copies of his books, and hold a writer's workshop in the afternoon. Be sure to bring your book(s) to school February 11 for him to autograph.

Do you like to write poetry? Would you like your poem included in the Young American Poetry Digest? If so, stop by the library to find out more information and pick up an application! The deadline for entries is March 21, 2025.

First Priority is a student-led, Christian organization that meets before school at Pizitz. This semester, we will meet together every-other week. Mark your calendars for this Wednesday, February 5th and Wednesday, February 19th at 7:25 in the choir room. Join us for prayer, devotions, worship, games, fellowship, AND donuts!

If you are interested in being part of First Priority leadership or if you have questions, reach out to Mrs. Windle (windleh@vhcs.us).