|
The Pizitz Post
for Students, Parents & Families
February 18, 2025
|
|
|
We are committed to keeping students up-to-date on the classroom expectations through each teachers' Week-at-a-Glance. Along with meaningful learning experiences in classrooms across Pizitz, students and teachers are committed to providing opportunities to engage in building relationships through new experiences and to explore activities that are aligned with student interests. In reflecting on last week, there were a host of opportunities that should be highlighted.
Check out last week's Week-in-Review:
-
Peerhelpers led the school in Kindness Week- providing opportunities for students to increase kindness through note-writing, regular encouragement from students, and a get-to-know-you lunch.
-
Mr. Leonard visited Montgomery to receive our school's commendation for being named in the top 25 schools in Alabama. He was accompanied by representatives from East, West, and Dolly Ridge.
-
Competition Cheer came home from the opportunity to compete at a national competition in Florida- representing our school well through their routine.
- Many of our students and staff traveled to Florida on Tuesday for an immersive learning experience for Spanish in St. Augustine and Orlando.
- Pizitz tennis teams kicked off their season with a dominant victory over Thompson.
-
Teachers and leaders from around the state came to visit Pizitz through Hope Academy on Friday to learn more about our experience in building up character in our students. Students from SGA and Ambassadors helped to host our guests and escort them to classrooms around the school.
-
Mathcounts competition took place at Pizitz this weekend. Students earned 1st place for the team competition, and Pizitz students earned the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place spots for the individual competitions.
-
Theatre students volunteered at the Jr. Thespian Festival this weekend to support the arts programs across the state.
We hope to keep you connected with your child's learning experiences and opportunities available to them through regular communication. We also update our Facebook and Instagram (@pizitzms and @pizitz_athletics) accounts so you can see regular highlights from in and around the school.
|
|
|
|
Course Selection & Next Steps
|
We are working to prepare our students for their next steps in Vestavia Hills City Schools. Many of you joined our Google Meets these last two weeks for our students.
All of the information you need for your student can be located on our website through the Live Binder here. Your child should have brought home their course card last Monday. Following a discussion at home, we encourage students to complete their course card and registration for these classes in Powerschool. Course cards were due on Friday, but we understand that many of you were out of town for the long weekend. Please plan on sending in course cards THIS Wednesday. 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.
|
|
|
|
Please Read: Procedure Update!
|
As we progress through the school year, sometimes we need reminders about our procedures. Please note these regular procedures for Pizitz:
- We work to protect our instructional time. We will ONLY call into classrooms in the last five minutes of the class period. The exception to this rule will be for days that we are running an altered schedule.
-
If students need to check out at a different time throughout the day, please provide them with a written note for the time of check-out. Students can show their teacher and meet their parent in the lobby at the previously arranged time.
-
Due to carpool and an abbreviated 8th period, we do not allow checkouts during 8th period (from 2:30-3:00). If you need to get your child from school early, please make plans to pick up prior to 2:30 p.m.
-
Carpool ends by 3:30 p.m. each day. If you are unable to have your child picked up by that time, please make alternate plans for pick-up or make use of our after-school program, EDP. You can learn more about this opportunity here.
- In the morning, supervision begins at 7:15. Please do not drop off your child prior to 7:15 a.m.
- For carpool, please remember to pull all the way down to allow for space for cars behind you and to help us maintain our emergency lane.
Thank you for your help in making things run smoothly and safely for students and staff.
|
|
|
Reminder: Students report back-to-school on Wednesday, February 19.
|
|
|
|
Every year, our whole community comes together to support VHHS in their efforts to engage and serve The O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center in partnership with UAB through a spring event called R.I.S.E. Read more about the work at VHHS here.
At Pizitz, we support these efforts in a variety of ways. We host a kickball tournament for our 8th graders prior to spring break, we have a teacher team, and we host a PJ day for the school. In addition, our middle school students and their families can participate by being part of the Rebel Run to be held at the high school on Saturday, March 1st. Here is a quick video about the Rebel Run. Here is the link to register in Go Fan.
There is also Chamber of Commerce and RISE event for Family Putt-Putt on April 5. Check out the flyer to sign up here.
Students, see the video our high school students made for YOU, here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The VHHS tennis team is selling umbrellas and blankets featuring the VH logo. This is a great way for families to show school spirit and support our athletes!
Orders can be placed through School Shares. Here is the link to place your order today!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An Update from The Justice League
|
We are thrilled to announce that we are preparing for the full-time arrival of our facility dog, Justice! He has been visiting Pizitz regularly for several months. The trainers are attending weekly sessions to ensure that he (and the team of handlers) are ready for his full-time work at Pizitz. He is currently finishing up his training and will be ready to join our team by the end of February.
In the meantime, we’ve created an Amazon Wishlist to help him get settled in. Check it out and consider contributing to his new adventure if you are able.
Thank you to those of you who have already contributed!
|
|
|
|
|
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).
|
|
|
|
Attention: 6th Grade Parents!
|
6th grade parents: You are invited to visit your child's science class on Wednesday, February 26th! We will have a fun review of the moon phases by creating them from Oreo cookies.
Be on the lookout for a message from your child's science teacher with a link to sign up.
|
|
|
|
Celebrating Black History
|
At Pizitz this week, we look forward to celebrating Black History Month through our assembly on Thursday: A Legacy of Character, Excellence, and Family. You will hear from our band, choir, and student artists to highlight unique contributions that black individuals have made throughout history. In addition, we look forward to hearing from speaker and author, Lisa McNair, who will share about her personal experience involving the Civil Rights movement. You can learn more about her at her website here.
We will have an alternate schedule on Thursday.
|
|
|
|
Have you ever gotten in an argument with a friend and didn't know how to fix it? Do you struggle with choosing the right friends? If so, grab your lunch and join your counselors, Mrs. Payne, Miss Little, and Mrs. Howell, in the library during your lunch and academic strategies period.
We meet on February 26th to discuss friendships!
Sign-ups are available on your grade-level counselor's Google Classroom!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pizitz Pirate Ambassador Tryouts
|
Any 6th or 7th grader interested in trying out for the 2025-26 Pizitz Pirate Ambassadors should see the information in the tryout handout link.
- Find the 2025-26 Pizitz Pirate Ambassador Tryout Handout here.
- Join the Google Classroom using the link here.
Interviews will be held on Saturday, April 12th. In order to try out, all tryout materials must be turned in by Friday, March 14th at 3:00 p.m. No application will be taken after this time. There will be an OPTIONAL Ambassador Interview Clinic Wednesday, April 2nd in the library from 7:20-7:50 a.m.
If you or your parents have questions, please contact Mrs. Farrar at farraral@vhcs.us.
|
|
|
|
Robotics Team Applications & Information Meeting
|
Anyone interested in learning more about Pizitz Robotics is invited to attend an information meeting on March 6th in the Media Center at 5:15 p.m. Attendance is not required for application.
Robotics Team applications are now open! Please read the information packet, complete the application, and request 2 teacher evaluations. Join us for a year of designing, building, coding, and driving real robots!!! DUE MARCH 14.
Here is the link to apply.
|
|
|
|
Pizitz Treasures Dance Team
|
Clinic and auditions for the 2025-2026 Pizitz Treasures Dance Team begin Monday, February 24, 2025. If you are interested in participating in this year's clinic, please join our AUDITION Google Classroom using the code: XHY72LT |
|
|
|
Auditions for 2025-2026 Pizitz Majorettes
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Attention: 8th Graders Interested in Being a Rebelette!
|
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.
|
|
|
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. Join us this Wednesday morning, February 19th at 7:25 in the choir room. We will have prayer, devotion, games, fellowship, AND donuts!
Mark your calendars for next month's meetings on March 5th and March 19th.
If you are interested in being part of First Priority leadership or if you have questions, reach out to Mrs. Windle (windleh@vhcs.us).
|
|
|
|
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
