VCMS Viper Fund: Fall Giving 2024

Exciting News! The Game Truck is Coming to Campus! 🎮

All students who have raised $150 or more in our campaign by November 21st will get to enjoy an exclusive after-school Game Truck experience on November 22nd. Keep up the amazing work, and don’t miss out on this fun reward!

“Field trips are more than just a day away from the classroom—they’re unforgettable experiences that bring our students closer together.”

Mr. Gomez, our 8th-grade teacher, reflects on last year’s special 8th grade field trip, where students bonded with friends, learned new skills, and enjoyed outdoor activities like stargazing, archery, and s’mores. These unique trips and events, such as grad night, are invaluable in rewarding students for their hard work and creating lasting memories. With your support, we can ensure all our students continue to benefit from these enriching experiences.

“As a teacher, I can confidently say that both staff and students absolutely loved the special 8th-grade field trip last year. It was a completely different experience from a regular field trip—students were able to bond with their friends while learning new skills and building teamwork in a fun, outdoor setting. They got to try activities like stargazing, making s’mores, bracelet-making, archery, and more—many for the first time.

Field trips like this, along with events like grad night, are so important for our 8th graders. These experiences offer a well-deserved reward for all the hard work they’ve put into their education, and they create lasting memories of their time at VCMS with their friends and teachers. However, these trips depend on fundraising. I hope this year we can come together as a community to meet our goal, ensuring that not only the 8th graders, but all of our students, can continue to enjoy these enriching opportunities.”

🚀 We’re on the Path to $150!

Here’s How You Can Join Us!

Our goal is for each student to reach $150 in support of this year’s Viper Fund, and we’re excited to see so many families already participating! Reaching this goal is easier than you think, with three ways to make it happen:

• Lump Sum Donation: Make a one-time contribution to instantly get closer to $150. Every donation makes a direct impact! Donate online, or drop off a check or cash in the school office.
• Student-Led Fundraising: Encourage your student to gather support from friends, family, and neighbors. This is a great way for students to connect with the cause! Look up your student’s fundraising page (search for their name), and share the link!
• Chocolate Bar & Popcorn Sales: Participate in our delicious fundraising option! Sales add up quickly toward the $150 target.

Together, we’re making this fall campaign a success! Click here to learn more and get started.

Thank you for joining the Viper Fund path to $150!

Kevin Waterman, our 6th-grade history teacher, values the hands-on, engaging experiences that field trips offer his students.

“The 6th graders last year loved seeing the hedgehog, bald eagle, and all of the other animals at the Wildlife Learning Center. I’m grateful to all of our parent donors for making this field trip happen for our students!”

Coach Lopez, VCMS Athletic Director, shares his thoughts on the impact of our after-school sports program.

“As the Athletic Director at Valley Charter Middle School, I’m proud to say that we offer competitive sports for every student who wants to play, regardless of experience. Our program gives students the chance to build skills, be part of a team, and compete against other charter and private schools in the area. What makes our athletics special is that they are completely free because we believe every student should have the opportunity to participate.

Last year, I had a former student-athlete visit me during a soccer game. Now in college, he almost looked unfamiliar as he approached me, but when he said hello, we reminisced about his time at Valley Charter and the friends he still keeps in touch with.

Toward the end of our conversation, he said something I’ll never forget: “Thank you. I was able to attend college because of the opportunity I got to play soccer at Valley Charter.”

He shared how his family couldn’t afford new cleats and had only one car, which was used for work, making it hard to get to games. But his love for soccer, which began at VCMS, pushed his mom to sign him up for high school soccer, and he eventually went on to play in college.

Hearing stories like this is exactly why I started coaching and directing athletics at Valley Charter. I want to ensure that every student—regardless of their circumstances—has the chance to experience the joy and growth that come from playing sports.”

Get Ready for Pie in the Face Day! 🎉

On November 15th, all students who have raised $100 or more will have the chance to pie a staff member at lunch! Don’t miss this sweet opportunity to support our school and join in the fun – keep those donations coming! 🥧