SEPTEMBER BVNW PTO UPDATE

A monthly e-newsletter with valuable updates on your PTO and school happenings. Didn't get the newsletter in your inbox? Sign up HERE.

WHAT'S NEWS

While it still feels like summer around here, the school year is in full swing and fall is coming soon (I hope!)! Lots of FUN & GAMES and PTO activities on deck - here are a few highlights!

The Varsity Huskies first home football game is a bit late in the season this year: kicking off at the DAC at 7pm on September 25th. Come cheer on our boys and don't forget to visit concessions to support your PTO - it is our biggest revenue generator and we only have three home games this year so let's all cheer for playoff games too!!!!

Don't forget to cheer on our kiddos playing all the other Fall Sports as well: Girls' Tennis, Softball, Cross Country, Boys Soccer and Golf! Click HERE for the school calendar in bound.

Mark October 16th on your calendar as the PTO will sponsor a Homecoming pre-game tailgate and "DAWG Walk" open to all BVNW families.

Spirit Wear is still on sale - up to 35% off sitewide - with fast shipping! Click HERE to order yours in time for the big game!

Sign-ups are now open for FUN & GAMES for both students - free Student Day Out @ Main Event on 11/9 - and parents - Trivia & Game Night Party and Fundraiser on 11/14. Scroll for more and to reserve your spot!

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The PTO Fall Grant program is open and accepting applications! Does your club or sport or class need equipment? Have the sponsor, coach or teacher submit an application. While the PTO does not fund operating expenses or uniforms - that is typically what dues or club/sport fundraising pays for - we DO purchase equipment or supplies needed to start up, upgrade or maintain the activity. Learn more about past grant recipients HERE. Grants will be approved during our October 5th PTO meeting.

Did you know? The PTO now provides "Pop-up Grants" to support academic-related projects that "pop-up" through the year. Typically smaller than our bi-annual grant requests, these funds empower our teachers and staff to launch their ideas that improve and enrich our students' learning and school experiences. Last year the PTO funded the Kindness Rock Garden, Spanish language books, book reading incentives and more!

You can directly support our Grant programs by donating to "Invest in Northwest" HERE.

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OLD NEWS - Repetitive - but still relevant - Information

The Teens in Need program will continue this year and is currently collecting new or gently used school supplies (folders, notebooks, colored and regular pencils, pens) and Walmart gift cards (for back-to-school clothing) and donations (click HERE to donate). Last Spring T.I.N. helped 3 students with sports unforms and class project supplies. We aim to help even more this year!

It's time to renew or become a BVNW PTO Member for the 2026-27 school year and support our teachers, staff and students. You can do so HERE or when you register your kiddo for school online. Please also consider donating to our "Invest in NW" fund that directly supports our grant programs.

Trivia Night Party & Fundraiser is BAAAAACK!!!

Last year's attendees had so much fun, they asked us to do it again! This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever! Gather your friends - or come make new ones - and CLICK HERE to reserve your spot. All Seats (including Table Packages) purchased by 10/10 will receive one free Raffle/Game ticket per seat.

p.s., There are still a few sponsorship opportunities remaining as well - email BVNWPTO@gmail.com to learn more.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Homecoming Dance Volunteers Needed on 10/17 to make the evening a success for our kiddos! Early and/or late shifts available! Click HERE to sign up.

Trivia Night Carnival FUNdraiser help needed to plan and/or work the event on 11/14. Loads of fun for a good cause! Email Kelly at altansky@yahoo.com if you can help.

1 or 2 more Hearing and Vision Day Volunteers Needed on 12/1 to help the morning run smoothly! Click HERE to sign up.

2026-27 Board & Committee Positions Available

Co-Treasurer to shadow our current Treasurer and take over the following year.

Email BVNWPTO@gmail.com to learn more about any of these opportunities.

WHAT WE'VE DONE

At the end of August, the PTO helped our Teachers and support Staff like Counselors start the new year right by issuing Teacher Stipends! This supports our philosophy that teachers and school staff should not have to reach into their own pockets for supplies!

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The PTO kept parents hydrated and sugared up during Back to School Night on August 19th!

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On August 24th, the BVNW PTO Kick Off Meeting was attended by 25 BVNW parents. Mrs. Bakalar, Assistant Principal, provided an update on school Activities and Performing Arts. Some highlights:

Activity groups fundraise from parents to pay for ongoing costs like uniforms and operating expenses; PTO grants cover one-time expenses like new equipment or supplies.
Concessions revenue is expected to be down this year since we have one less home game and Johnny would like to keep prices the same to be affordable for students and families.
Trivia Night fundraising proceeds hopes to bridge this Concessions revenue gap.
PTO financial position is sound overall and this year's budget was approved.

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The PTO sponsored a Pre-Game Tailgate for the Boys Soccer Black out Game against our rival BVN on Friday 8/28. Attendance was modest given that we were Visitors this year but everyone was well fed and had fun! A big THANK YOU to our Soccer parents who organized this event and especially to our VP of Activities, Whitney Johnson.

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Dr. Alexander, Principal, and Mr. Aman, Asst. Principal, joined PTO President, Kelly Bhagat, and co-President Janie Snider, at BVEF's annual foundation breakfast on 9/3. BVNW PTO supports the Blue Valley Educational Foundation by donating to their annual breakfast event and their Battle of the Bands fundraiser.

This year's theme was Why BV? with inspiring stories of BVEF-funded successes including a presentation about a Femineers project by our very own Karen Stohlmann-Henderson. BVNW's very talented Ryan Peterson sang a solo during the program. Did you know that BVEF has given out over $10million in grants! If you would like to learn more about their efforts or donate, click HERE.

So how would YOU answer the question: WHY Blue Valley?

TEENS IN NEED Program

We will use this purple section to highlight Teens in Need requests each month in hopes that parents will step in the help along with the PTO. The purpose of the program is to give all BVNW students the opportunity to participate in academics, sports, performing arts, and school-sponsored activities regardless of financial circumstances.

How can you help?

Right now, the school still needs:

new or gently used TI-80 calculators
school supplies (folders, notebooks (both 5-subject and single subject, pens, regular and colored pencils)
Walmart gift cards for back-to-school clothes.

Drop donations off at the front desk and tell Sherri they are for "Teens in Need."

Or make a monetary donation to stretch the PTO budget and purchase items requested. Click HERE and select "T.I.N. Donation" to donate directly to the fund or drop off at the BVNW front desk a check made out to BVNW PTO with "TIN Fund" in the notes.

WHAT'S TO COME

Heads up on a few important dates!

September 25th - Fall Grant Applications due

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October 5th - BVNW PTO Meeting, 6:30pm BVNW Library

*Open to all PTO Members and Prospective Members

*Mr. Richards, Asst. Principal, will provide an update on Athletics

*Main PTO agenda item: Fall Grant Approvals!

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No School - 10/9 - Enjoy your day off!

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October 16th - Homecoming Football Game, "Dawg Walk" and Pre-Game Tailgate Party hosted by the PTO

*PTO will judge club Dawg Walk Banners based on creativity, effort and 'on theme'

*Winning clubs will earn 1st place: $150, 2nd place: $100 or 3rd place: $50

October 17th - Homecoming Dance - Parent Volunteers Needed!

*Sign up HERE!

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Fall Conferences - 10/21-22: PTO Staff Appreciation committee will provide a 'conference meal' to energize our teachers!

No School - 10/23 - Enjoy your day off!

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Monday, November 9th - No School and FREE Student Day Out @ Main Event

*Have fun with friends courtesy of the PTO - see flyer for details and link to reserve your kiddo's spot!

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Saturday, November 14th - Parent Trivia & Game Night Party & FUNdraiser

*This event is BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND and will be the parent party of the year - all to support your school!

*Gather your friends and reserve your spot! Click HERE for more!

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P.S. Link to the BVNW Calendar is HERE for visibility to everything going on at school!

We Have a Winner!

Big congratulations to the Moore Family who contributed to the BVNW Mascot upgrade and replacement and was chosen randomly from all donors to win an EKL Family Activity Pass! This generous family contributed at a level to also be recognized on the school's digital Hall of Fame Board!

The PTO is inching ever closer to the goal and ability to launch the 8-10 month project (soon we will be the only BV school without a bronze mascot statue...)! You can help and leave your BVNW legacy - either on the HoF Board or even in bronze! - by clicking HERE or scanning the QR code below.

Get Your Spirit Wear!

Click HERE to purchase your BVNW Spirit Wear and take advantage of the Back to School sale! Fun styles, huge variety, options for the entire family - and FAST SHIPPING! Get yours today!

Order Your Yard Signs Today!

Husky Yard Signs are a great way to show your school spirit in your community. Click HERE to order your sign and placards today!

ABOUT YOUR PTO

Our Mission is to foster a strong sense of community, support student spirit and achievement, and strengthen the partnership between parents, teachers and administration.

We plan to do this by:

Supporting our teachers, counselors and school staff, so they feel appreciated and equipped with resources needed.
Supporting events, sports, clubs and extracurricular activities that enable all students to have positive experiences and build pride for their school.
Informing, engaging and growing our community of PTO Members and Donors.

Click HERE to become a PTO Member and/or Donor today.

SUBJECT: YOUR BVNW PTO Update - September 2026