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🐯 Good Evening, Tiger Families!

This is your principal, Courtney Hull, with a few important reminders as we prepare for an exciting new school year!

Our staff returns this week, and we are so excited to welcome your children back to Valdese Elementary. Teachers will be calling families on Monday and Tuesday to introduce themselves and personally invite you to Open House on Thursday from 5:00–7:00 p.m. For Open House, families may park in the staff parking lot or the bus/Pre-K parking lot. Please enter through the school's front entrance, as all other entrances will be locked.

During Open House, you will be able to find information and support for:
• Device fees
• Car rider tags
• YMCA programs
• Medical information from our school nurse
• Bus routes
• Infinite Campus and Parent Portal assistance with Mrs. Stallings in the office

We will also have photo opportunities set up in the main hallway intersection, so be sure to stop by and capture a first-day-of-school memory! 📸

📚 First Day of School Information
Monday, August 24 will be the first day of school for students in grades 1–5.

Our Pre-K and Kindergarten families will follow a different schedule:
• Conferences will be held on August 24 or 25
• Staggered-entry days will take place on August 26 and 27
• All Pre-K and Kindergarten students will attend on Friday, August 28

Please refer to the letter mailed to your home at the beginning of August for your child’s conference date, conference time, and staggered-entry start date. Pre-K and Kindergarten conferences are mandatory. If you have questions about your assigned date or time, please contact the school.

We are looking forward to an amazing 2026–2027 school year and cannot wait to see our Tiger families at Open House!

Attached is this week's edition of the Tiger Pride Family Newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/cek0z

Proud to be a Tiger,
Courtney Hull, Principal
Valdese Elementary School

2 months ago, Courtney Hull
Header for the 2026–2027 Valdese Elementary “Tiger Pride” Parent Newsletter. The design features a colorful abstract border, a lined-paper background, and the Valdese Elementary Tigers logo. School contact information includes hours of operation: doors open at 7:30 a.m., the tardy bell rings at 7:55 a.m., and dismissal is at 2:35 p.m. The school address is 298 Praley Street, Valdese, NC 28690, and the phone number is 828-874-0704. Links to the Valdese Elementary website and Facebook page are also included

🐯💛 Please help us welcome Ms. Gracie Ruff to the Valdese Tiger family! 💛🐯

Ms. Ruff will be joining us as one of our 2nd grade teachers for the 2026–2027 school year!

Ms. Ruff earned her Master of Science in Accounting from Appalachian State University, but her passion for teaching, learning, and working with students has led her to begin an exciting new adventure in education. She is looking forward to starting her first year teaching 2nd grade and becoming part of the Valdese Elementary community.

We are so excited to have Ms. Ruff join our team and cannot wait to see the positive impact she will make on our students!

2 months ago, Courtney Hull
🐯💛 Please help us welcome Ms. Gracie Ruff to the Valdese Tiger family! 💛🐯 Ms. Ruff will be joining us as one of our 2nd grade teachers for the 2026–2027 school year! Gracie earned her Master of Science in Accounting from Appalachian State University, but her passion for teaching, learning, and working with students has led her to begin an exciting new adventure in education. She is looking forward to starting her first year teaching 2nd grade and becoming part of the Valdese Elementary community. We are so excited to have Ms. Ruff join our team and cannot wait to see the positive impact she will make on our students! Please join us in giving Ms. Gracie Ruff a warm Valdese welcome! 🖤💛
Hello Tiger families!

Please fill out the following information if you need a car rider tag for the 2026-2027 school year. The Car Rider Tag is the tag that hangs from your rear view window in your car. The names and grades of the students you are picking up are written on this tag to help our car rider line run more smoothly and quickly for your convenience. Car Tags will be available for pickup at the Car Tag table at Open House. Please ensure that all information is provided. If you have multiple siblings, there is a place to enter that information below.

See you at Open House on Thursday, August 20th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmF8Zz1JGpH17vU0Z8lLomWUFT_oKl3t8LFxpi7B0_5UhGpA/viewform?usp=header
2 months ago, Courtney Hull
Social media graphic for Valdese Elementary School announcing Car Rider Tags for the 2026–2027 school year. The black, gold, cream, and green safari-themed design features tropical leaves, paw prints, a compass, binoculars, and a friendly tiger mascot wearing a black bandana with a gold “V.” The graphic reminds Tiger families to complete the required information if they need a car rider tag. It explains that tags hang from the rearview mirror and include student names and grade levels to help the car rider line run smoothly. Tags will be available for pickup at the Car Tag table during Open House. Families with multiple children should include sibling information. The bottom reads, “Adventure Awaits – Valdese Elementary Tigers.”
We still have available Pre-K spots at Valdese Elementary!

If your child turns 4 years old before Aug. 31, we would love to have them join us for Pre-K. To apply, please stop by the school to pick up an application.

We look forward to welcoming your family! 💛🖤
2 months ago, Courtney Hull
Valdese Elementary Pre-K registration graphic in black, gold, and tiger-themed colors. Large text reads, “Pre-K Openings — Register Now!” A smiling young child is shown working at a classroom table, alongside a cartoon tiger mascot, paw prints, books, pencils, and jungle leaves. A highlighted box states, “Pre-K Registration: Children must turn 4 years old before Aug. 31 to be eligible for NC Pre-K.” A banner at the bottom reads, “Now enrolling for available Pre-K spots.”
BCPS Parent Portal is now open for parents of returning students to complete their Annual Updates.

From your Parent Portal account, select
More > Online Registration Updates > 2026-2027 Annual Updates

If you do not have a Parent Portal Account, reach out to your child's school or you can find information on the BCPS Enrollment Page from the district website.
www.burke.k12.nc.us/parents/enrollment.

Parents will need a Parent Portal account to complete Online Registration Annual Updates each year for your student. Parent Portal is also a great place for parents to keep up with their student’s grades and attendance. Parents can obtain access to their Parent Portal Account by completing these simple steps.
To obtain your Portal Activation Code you will need:
Student ID Number (call our data manager, Mrs. Stallings)
Student First & Last Name
Student Date of Birth
Visit: https://portalaccess.ncsis.gov/

Follow the steps
https://www.burke.k12.nc.us/.../parent-portal-self-service
Annual updates help us ensure student and parent information is up to date and must be submitted by September 4th.
2 months ago, Courtney Hull
Graphic announcing the Annual Update for Returning Valdese Students. A smiling cartoon tiger wearing a black “Valdese” shirt holds a smartphone displaying the Campus app logo. Large black and gold text reads, “Annual Update for Returning Valdese Students.” A gold box states, “Complete your Annual Update to ensure a smooth start to the school year!” At the bottom, text reads, “Thank you for keeping your information up-to-date!” The design uses Valdese Elementary’s black, gold, and green colors with decorative stars and dots.
Please see the message below from the YMCA:

📢 YMCA Registration is NOW OPEN! 🎉

Looking for a safe, fun, and enriching after-school program for your child? The YMCA offers programs for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade that provide so much more than childcare!

🌟 Students enjoy:
📚 Academic support
🧪 STEM and creative activities
🍎 Daily snacks
🎲 Games and active play
🤝 Opportunities to build friendships and develop important life skills

💙 Financial assistance is available for qualifying families.

We want to make sure every family is aware of this wonderful opportunity. If you're looking for a supportive environment where your child can learn, grow, and have fun after school, the YMCA may be the perfect fit!
3 months ago, Courtney Hull
YMCA Before and After School Program registration is open for the 2026–2027 school year. Programs are available for students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Burke County Schools locations, including Ray Childers, Salem, Hildebran, WA Young, Oak Hill, Drexel, George Hildebrand, Valdese, and New Dimensions. Before-school care is available from 6:00 a.m. until the school bell, and after-school care is available from the school bell until 6:00 p.m. YMCA programs provide a safe, fun, and enriching environment and include academic support, tutoring, STEM and creative arts activities, daily snacks, games, team-building activities, and caring, trained staff. Flexible rates are available for YMCA members and non-members. Financial assistance of 25–65% is available. Spots fill quickly. To register or learn more, visit ymcacv.org.
We still have available Pre-K spots at Valdese Elementary!
If your child turns 4 years old before Aug. 31, we would love to have them join us for Pre-K. To apply, please stop by the school to pick up an application. We look forward to welcoming your family! 💛🖤
3 months ago, Courtney Hull
We still have available Pre-K spots at Valdese Elementary! If your child turns 4 years old before Aug. 31, we would love to have them join us for Pre-K. To apply, please stop by the school to pick up an application. We look forward to welcoming your family! 💛🖤
Valdese Elementary is looking for a morning-only bus driver. Apply below by clicking on the link!

Burke County Public Schools is now hiring bus drivers and monitors at multiple schools. If interested, be sure to join the bus driving class August 3 through August 5. Call the bus garage at 828-437-4770 to sign up. This is the last class before the new school year.
Drivers are needed for the afternoon route at East Burke Middle and Forest Hill Elementary. Drivers are needed for morning at Valdese Elementary. Drivers are needed for both morning and afternoon routes at Glen Alpine Elementary, Liberty Middle, George Hildebrand Elementary, Oak Hill Elementary and East Burke High School.
Bus monitors are needed at Heritage Middle, W.A. Young Elementary.
Visit the BCPS website to apply. https://www.burke.k12.nc.us/.../employment-opportunities
3 months ago, Courtney Hull
Burke County Public Schools is now hiring bus drivers and monitors at multiple schools. If interested, be sure to join the bus driving class August 3 through August 5. Call the bus garage at 828-437-4770 to sign up. This is the last class before the new school year. Drivers are needed for the afternoon route at East Burke Middle and Forest Hill Elementary. Drivers are needed for morning at Valdese Elementary. Drivers are needed for both morning and afternoon routes at Glen Alpine Elementary, Liberty Middle, George Hildebrand Elementary, Oak Hill Elementary and East Burke High School. Bus monitors are needed at Heritage Middle, W.A. Young Elementary. Visit the BCPS website to apply. https://www.burke.k12.nc.us/.../employment-opportunities
🎉 Kindergarten Registration is still OPEN! 🎉

If your child will be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2026, now is the time to enroll for the upcoming school year!

For more information or to register, visit burke.k12.nc.us/parents/enrollment. You may also call or stop by the school with any questions.

📞 828-874-0704

We can’t wait to welcome our newest Tigers! 🐯✨
3 months ago, Courtney Hull
🎉 Kindergarten Registration is still OPEN! 🎉 If your child will be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2026, now is the time to enroll for the upcoming school year! For more information or to register, visit burke.k12.nc.us/parents/enrollment. You may also call or stop by the school with any questions. 📞 828-874-0704 We can’t wait to welcome our newest Tigers! 🐯✨
Thank you to everyone who joined us last night to meet Mrs. Hull and Mrs. Cole! We are so thankful the rain held off and that our Tiger families could enjoy a fun evening together. It was wonderful meeting everyone, watching the children play, and sharing a sweet treat!

A special thank you to Mrs. Dixon and Mrs. Walker for helping prepare everything and for their continued dedication to our school. We look forward to seeing everyone at Open House! 🐯💛🖤
3 months ago, Courtney Hull
Students at enjoying lemonade and popsicles on the playground with the principals.
Students at enjoying lemonade and popsicles on the playground with the principals.
Just a reminder about tomorrow's event:
Join us for a sweet afternoon as we welcome our new principal, Mrs. Hull, and our new assistant principal, Mrs. Cole, to Valdese Elementary.

🗓️ July 28th, 2026
⏰ 4:30-6:00 PM
🛝 Meet at the playground
🍧 Enjoy popsicles and lemonade 🍋
3 months ago, Courtney Hull
Join us for a sweet afternoon as we welcome our new principal, Mrs. Hull and our new assistant principal, Mrs. Cole to Valdese Elementary. 🗓️ July 28th, 2026 ⏰ 4:30-6:00 PM 🛝 Meet at the playground 🍧 Enjoy popsicles and lemonade 🍋

🚌 Bus Transportation Information for the 2026-2027 School Year 🚌
To ensure we have accurate transportation information ready for Open House, please complete the Bus Transportation Form using the link below if any of the following apply:
✅ Your child will be a new bus rider next school year
✅ Your family has moved to a new address
✅ Your child is a rising Kindergartner attending VES
❌ You do NOT need to complete the form if your child rode a VES bus this school year and there have been no changes to transportation information.

Completing this form will help us provide the correct bus number, pickup location, and drop-off information at Open House.

If you have questions, contact Mrs. Cole or the front office.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEyh6gXeJ8wDy7Te3BQ-Fqj8dhSBRzW3kAA9pHSgD88HsOlQ/viewform

3 months ago, Courtney Hull
🚌 Bus Transportation Information for the 2026-2027 School Year 🚌 To ensure we have accurate transportation information ready for Open House, please complete the Bus Transportation Form using the link below if any of the following apply: ✅ Your child will be a new bus rider next school year ✅ Your family has moved to a new address ✅ Your child is a rising Kindergartner attending VES ❌ You do NOT need to complete the form if your child rode a VES bus this school year and there have been no changes to transportation information. Completing this form will help us provide the correct bus number, pickup location, and drop-off information at Open House. If you have questions, contact Mrs. Cole. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEyh6gXeJ8wDy7Te3BQ-Fqj8dhSBRzW3kAA9pHSgD88HsOlQ/viewform
**Tomorrow is the last day to register for jumpstart. Please spread the word.**
Middle school is right around the corner, and we are excited to welcome our newest Eagles to HMS Jumpstart 2026-27!
Jumpstart is a great opportunity for students to begin their middle school journey with confidence. Students will have the chance to explore the school, meet staff members, learn expectations, make new friends, and get comfortable before the first day of school.
📅 HMS Jumpstart Registration 2026-27
🗓 Thursday, August 13, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
⚠️ Registration Deadline: July 25, 2026
Simply scan the QR code on the flyer and complete the Google Form to register your student. https://forms.gle/ob9ZGzF1GfMzsfeW6
We can't wait to help our rising 6th graders start their middle school experience strong and soar into a successful school year! 🦅❤️🖤
3 months ago, Courtney Hull
**Tomorrow is the last day to register for jumpstart. Please spread the word.** Middle school is right around the corner, and we are excited to welcome our newest Eagles to HMS Jumpstart 2026-27! Jumpstart is a great opportunity for students to begin their middle school journey with confidence. Students will have the chance to explore the school, meet staff members, learn expectations, make new friends, and get comfortable before the first day of school. 📅 HMS Jumpstart Registration 2026-27 🗓 Thursday, August 13, 2026 ⏰ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM ⚠️ Registration Deadline: July 25, 2026 Simply scan the QR code on the flyer and complete the Google Form to register your student. https://forms.gle/ob9ZGzF1GfMzsfeW6 We can't wait to help our rising 6th graders start their middle school experience strong and soar into a successful school year! 🦅❤️🖤
📣The Tools for School Program (Previously the Backpack Program) application is now open through August 9th!! Any K-12 student attending school in Burke County, NC can apply. Please read the directions on the application carefully for information about receiving your backpack!
🎒Apply and learn more here: https://www.bcuw.org/backpacks
📌The application is in English and Spanish.
This program is made possible by Burke County Public Schools and Chartwells K12!
3 months ago, Courtney Hull
The Tools for School Program (Previously the Backpack Program) application is now open through August 9th!! Any K-12 student attending school in Burke County, NC can apply. Please read the directions on the application carefully for information about receiving your backpack! Apply and learn more here: https://www.bcuw.org/backpacks . The application is in English and Spanish. This program is made possible by Burke County Public Schools and Chartwells K12!