2014-2015 First Semester Exam Schedule

Viking Sports Wrap

Girls Varsity Basketball

The varsity girls participated in the Pre-Season Palmetto Rehab Tip- Off Tournament on Monday, 11/24/14 at York Comprehensive High School. The result was a loss to RJ Renolds High School from Winston Salem, N.C. The final score was 70-52.  Christian Hithe led all scorers with 16 points followed by Megan Davis and Akia Dunlap with 10 each. Following them were Dominique Hill and Shantay Taylor with 5 points . Bayleigh Ponds, Brittany Joyner and Joi Jones netted 2 each. Joi Jones and Shantay Taylor were the leading rebounders with 6 apiece. Next game is Tuesday, 11/25/14 against Andrew Jackson High School at 6:00.

JV Girls Basketball

The JV girls lost a close one to Andrew Jackson last night 30-34. We were led in scoring by Breanna Martinez with 9 points, Fredi Pritchett 8 points, Sabrina Martinez 5 points, Shalyn Jacobs and Tierney Porter 3 points each and Ti'Asia Wilson 2 points. We play tonight at 5:30 vs either York or Rock Hill. First lost to break 26 game winning streak.

Flip Your Classroom Contest Winners

Congratulations to Kimberly English's Algebra 1 Part 1 Class on receiving the Honorable Mention award for McWaters' Flip Your Classroom Contest.

Piano Class With Dr. Shuko Watanabe

Dr. Shuko Watanabe is on the piano faculty at Washington and Lee University. A native of Japan, she has toured extensively and is a recording artists with Navona and Capstone Records. Dr. Watanabe was Dr. Hawkins' teacher when he, himself, was a teenager! Today, she coached students on music by Beethoven and JS Bach. Thanks to the Spring Valley Education Foundation for the purchase of the piano for our auditorium.

Spring Valley Players Presents 12 Angry Jurors

Thanksgiving Holiday November 26th - 28th

Photo courtesy of Sandy Marcotte

Richland Two schools will be closed in recognition of the Thanksgiving Holiday; Wednesday, November 26th, Thursday, November 27th, and Friday, November 28th. Happy Thanksgiving!

Engineering Students Puzzle Out Designs

Students in Introduction to Engineering Design hand-sketched, computer-modeled, hand-built, and hand-painted wooden toy puzzle cubes.

Viking 5K Run/Walk for Education Cancelled

The Viking 5K Run/Walk for Education & Kids Fun Run that was scheduled for Saturday, December 6th has been cancelled.

SV Air Force Junior ROTC Receives Highest Rating

Spring Valley AFJROTC received a rating of  "Exceeds  Standards" for our  unit evaluation inspection from the US Air Force Inspector Major Bailey, our HQ AFJROTC Region 6 Director. This is the highest rating across the board that any unit can receive. This is a testament to some very dedicated, talented cadets for preparing so thoroughly and performing so excellently during the inspection.

AFJROTC Students Receive Top Three Award

Pictured L to R Major Ward, John Webster, Carly BensVega, James Johnson, Chief  Langston, Major Bailey

On 19 November 2014 the Spring Valley AFJROTC program was inspected by the AFJROTC Region inspector Major Bailey.  The inspection covered all aspects of the AFJROTC program. The highlight of the inspection was a full Corps inspection formation where all cadets assembled in the Auxiliary gym. During the inspection on Wednesday the following three cadets were recognized as the "Top Three Cadets" in the SC-064 AFJROTC Corps of cadets. Congratulations!

Cadet Colonel Carly BensVega
Cadet Colonel James Johnson
Cadet Lt Colonel John Webster

Presenting the award was the Region 6  AFJROTC inspector, Major Bailey.

Students Earn Perfect Score on SAT Subject Tests

Two outstanding seniors scored the highest possible score of 800 on SAT Subject Tests.  Richard R. Chen; Chemistry and William R. Edwards; Chemistry and Math Level 2. Congratulations to these amazing seniors!

Apple Programming Course

Richland School Two will be offering an Apple programming course for its students. Students must return the completed form to their school counseling center by December 12th. Click here for more information or  here for the interest form.

Thanksgiving Holiday November 26th - 28th

Photo courtesy of Sandy Marcotte

Richland Two schools will be closed in recognition of the Thanksgiving Holiday; Wednesday, November 26th, Thursday, November 27th, and Friday, November 28th. Happy Thanksgiving!

Spring Valley Choirs in Concert in December

The Beginning Choir and Viking Singers will be busy in December with concerts for the local Rotary Club as well as singing for Winter Days here at SVHS. They also have been asked to sing an Advent Lesson and Carols service in West Columbia on December 17th @ 6:00 p.m. We hope that you will be able to attend.

Students Assisting Students

Students Assisting Students (SAS) presented the Palmetto Children's Place as a charity option to the Thunder Tower Harley Owner's Group for their support this year.  The Thunder Tower HOG has chosen Palmetto Children's Place along with the Dickerson Center for Children to support this year. SAS will be working with the Thunder Tower HOG this spring on a poker run to raise funds for the shelter. The next SAS meeting will be 11/24 at lunch in the Health Room.

Winter Days 2014

A Spring Valley tradition since 1984, Winter Days engages staff, students, parents, churches, area businesses, and more.  Winter Days has a profound impact on our community, uniting both in the common aim of helping those who are less fortunate. You can help by donating cans, non-perishable food items, toys, blankets, coats, children’s books, or by a monetary donation to go towards Children’s Garden. Donations may be brought to the school any day and placed in our Winter Days box located at the front desk.  Also, students will be on hand to receive donations directly from cars in the drop off/carpool line on Tuesday, November 24th, Wednesday, December 3rd, Wednesday, December 10th, and Wednesday, December 17th. All of the donations and proceeds will go to our recipient agencies such as, Toys for Tots, Transitions, God's Storehouse, Hannah House, Epworth Children’s Home, the Carolina Women’s Shelter and Oliver Gospel Mission. Thank you for your support and look for more information and updates on Winter Days 2014 here at Viking Update. 

Having a Great HOSA Week at Spring Valley

Future Health Professionals celebrate HOSA week in style! The week is designed to bring awarenes to HOSA and the Health Care Profession. The week includes dress days, community service, recognition of Richland School District 2 Health Care professionals, and career awareness. 

Boys Basketball Scrimmage Against Lower Richland

The boys basketball team will scrimmage Lower Richland on Thursday, November 20th at Spring Valley gym. Start time is 5:30. The remaining tickets for the SV/Hammond game will be on sale at this scrimmage. Come out and see a great scrimmage and get your SV/Hammond tickets while you are here.

Making the Season Bright for Others

An important part of who we are at Spring Valley is our commitment to giving back.  That's why we find a variety of ways each year to make a difference in our local community and globally.  It's rewarding for those we serve, but even more so for our team. The Spring Valley FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) adopted families from The Ronald McDonald House this Thanksgiving by providing them with baskets containing food items for Thanksgiving.  Thanks to support from our very own Viking Mart, students, staff, parents and community, we were able to collect over twenty boxes of non-perishable food items for breakfast, dinner, dessert, drinks, and even snacks.  The Ronald McDonald House’s pantry will be filled with an abundance of options due to the support and kindness of a giving community.

Please Support the RSD2 B-A-M Toy Drive

France Trip Informational Meeting

Experience two weeks in France!  Come to our informational meeting to find out how on Wednesday, November 19th in the Spring Valley Multi-Purpose Room (on the second floor).  The meeting will held from 5:00-6:00 p.m. 

Gene Machine Introduces Students to Genetics Testing

Today, the Greenwood Genetic Center Mobile Genetics Laboratory, the Gene Machine, visited Spring Valley High School!  The Gene Machine allows the technology and expertise of the Greenwood Genetic Center to come directly to the classroom.  It allows students to engage in fun, entertaining and educational scenarios where they have the opportunity to learn about genetic traits and disorders, understand the lab techniques used in making a diagnosis, as well as consider the ethical implications of testing. 

HOSA Week

This year's HOSA Week will be held from Nov.17-21. To bring awareness to HOSA and the Health Care Profession we are sponsoring three dress days.

Dress Days:

Thursday: Dress for Success

Friday:  HOSA Spirit Day (Wear HOSA colors Navy, Maroon and Medical White)

Community Service: This year we will be collecting items for God's Storehouse. Items should be brought to Mrs. McDuffie's room no later than Friday, November 21st during lunch. Below is a list of donations that are acceptable.

• Clothes in good repair (clean, no stains, no tears)
• Household items
• Toys
• Furniture
• Food items (Always needed!!)
• Electronics, small appliances should be in working order.

2015 Miss Spring Valley Pageant Auditions Postponed

The 2015 Miss Spring Valley Pageant has been postponed. More information will be available after Jan 1st, and auditions will not be held until we get back from Winter Break.

Start Time Change for Annual Powderpuff Game

The time for our annual powderpuff game has changed from a 6 pm start to a 5:30 start. The games are still on Tuesday, November 18th. The seniors take on the freshmen in the first game, followed by sophomores versus juniors. Games will be played on the soccer field. Admission is $3.00 or 5 canned goods. All proceeds go to Winter Days.

2015 Journalism Contest

The winner of the 2015 Journalism Contest receives a four-year scholarship to the South Carolina state-supported institution of his or her choice provided, of course, that the winner is otherwise qualified. Entries must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2015. If you have any questions or need more information, please call the S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department at (803) 896-6503, or visit journalism.scvrd.net. Examples of past winning articles are available on that website.

2015 Miss Spring Valley Pageant

Any student interested in auditioning for the 2015 Miss Spring Valley Pageant may pick up an application from Mrs. Summers in C213, Mrs. Marcotte in the Main Office or Ms. Garner at the front Atrium desk.  Applications are due by 3:00 pm, Tuesday, November 18, 2014.  See Mrs. Summers in C213 if you have questions.   

2014-2015 Impact Aid Program Survey Form

Richland School District Two schools are funded primarily by local taxes. However, due to the large federal presence in our area and the tax exemptions available to federally-connected personnel, businesses, and agencies; Richland School District Two is eligible to apply for federal Impact Aid funds. Impact Aid is a federal program designed to assist local school districts that enroll federally connected students. Federally connected students are children of active duty uniformed services personnel, children who live on federal property, and children whose parents work on federal property. The Impact Aid Program funds become a part of Richland School District Two’s general operating budget and are critical to maintaining high standards for educational excellence. We need your assistance in identifying students with federal connections. The information provided on this form is confidential. It is available only to school officials and will be used solely to complete our request for Impact Aid funds under Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Please complete a separate survey form for each school-aged student in your household. 

There are three categories:

• Sections A, B & D if either parent/guardian of the student is an active member of the US uniformed services.
• Sections A, C & D if either parent/guardian of the student is a civilian working on federal property.
• Parents do not have to fill out the form if neither parent/guardian of the student is an active member of the US uniformed services or works on federal property.

These are examples of federal property: Headquarters, USATC & Fort Jackson, J. Bratton Davis, U. S. Bankruptcy Courthouse, Matthew J. Perry U. S.Courthouse, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Savannah River Site, Shaw Air Force Base, Strom Thurmond Federal Building, Strom Thurmond U. S. Courthouse, Veterans Administration Regional Office, Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center.

Click here for a copy of the Impact Aid Survey Form or here for Spanish copy of Impact Aid Survey form.

Mark Your Calendars for Annual Powerpuff Game

Mark your calendars for next Tuesday, November 18th for our annual powderpuff game. The seniors take on the freshmen in the first game, followed by sophomores versus juniors. Games start at 6:00 PM and will be played on the soccer field. Admission is $3.00 or 5 canned goods. All proceeds go to Winter Days.

Cooking Up Career Interest One Bisque at a Time

Jushawn P. Carter, a Culinary Road Runner and student from Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, N.C., spoke to Ms. Formyduval’s Culinary Arts classes on November 12th about educational opportunities at Johnson and Wales University.  She also demonstrated culinary techniques while making tomato bisque with Parmesan croutons with the assistance of several students in each class.

PJ Dozier Headed to USC

All eyes were on Spring Valley High School today as PJ Dozier announced his decision to attend the University of South Carolina next year during a press conference in the school's gymnasium. Students seated in the stands, and Gamecock fans everywhere, rejoiced when PJ slipped on the school's hat. Dozier took a moment to thank his family, the Spring Valley coaching staff and student body, and the coaches from all of the schools who had recruited him, but in the end, he said the decision to attend USC was an easy one to make. We're happy PJ will remain in Columbia.  We look forward to seeing him as a Gamecock.  Congratulations to PJ, his family, and the basketball coaching staff. You make us proud.

WorkKeys Pre-Test Announcement

The WorkKeys Pre-Test Assessment will be given on Thursday, November 13, 2014.

Junior Testing Location

All juniors should report to the 3rd Floor. Signs will be posted!

Freshman, Sophomore, Senior Locations 

Freshman-Auditorium

Sophomores-Commons

Seniors-Gym

(Once you report to your location, please look for your homeroom teacher.)

Everyone remember to charge your chromebooks!

Dozier to Announce Today

PJ Dozier is set to announce his plans for college. The 6' 7" senior will announce what school he plans to attend at a press conference in the Spring Valley gym today at 12:45 PM. Louisville, Georgetown, Michigan, North Carolina, and South Carolina are all in the mix. Viking Update will let you know as soon as we know.

TSA/VEX Robotics Club Getting Ready for Competition

Pictured (L-R) Benjamin Wagner, Nicholas Junker, Vijay Tripathi, Elaine Patterson, and Arius Thomas.

The TSA / VEX Robotics Club took their robot on Saturday, November 8th to a practice event at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies (CATS) in Chapin, SC.  

The club's initial design achieved the goal they set, to be able to score points in the Skyrise competition by placing a red VEX cube on a yellow scoring post.

The club will redesign and rebuild their robot for the competition at CATS on Saturday, December 6th.  If you are interested in helping, please join the TSA / VEX Robotics Club.  We meet Tuesdays and Thursdays afterschool in Dr. Rodgers's room, E120.

MAN UP Members Enjoy an Evening of Bowling

Members of Spring Valley's MAN UP mentoring program enjoyed an evening of bowling and fun at Royal Z Lanes.  The program will be looking to add participants next semester.  If you are interested in becoming a mentor contact Mr. KaRon Webb at kwebb@richland2.org.

Dr. Patrick Hawkins' New CD Released Internationally

Dr. Patrick Hawkins', director of choral music and piano studies at Spring Valley, new CD "Haydn and the English Lady" has been released internationally.  The recording is the first known CD of a square piano built by William Geib in the year 1831, it also features two premieres by the classical composer, Maria Hester Park, who was a friend of Franz Joseph Haydn .  It can be purchased through any major vendor. Congratulations to Dr. Hawkins!

WorkKeys Pre-Test "Test Day" Information

11th grade advisory testing location & freshman, sophomore and senior activities & location.

Mark Your Calendars for Annual Powerpuff Game

I hope you have marked your calendar for next Tuesday, November 18th for our annual powderpuff game. The seniors take on the freshmen in the first game followed by the sophomores taking on the juniors. The games start at 6 pm and will be played on the soccer field. Admission is three dollars or 5 cans. All proceeds go to Winter Days.

Veterans Appreciation Day

PJ Dozier Set to Announce College Choice

PJ Dozier is set to announce his plans for next year. The  6' 7" senior will announce what school he plans to attend at a press conference in the Spring Valley gym on Wednesday, November 12th at 12:45 PM. Louisville, Georgetown, Michigan, North Carolina, and South Carolina are all in the mix. Good luck in deciding, and we wish you well wherever you go. You can check out some of PJ's summer camp highlights below.

Artwork from Homeless Not Hopeless

The SV Arts Academy students provided artwork in response to monologues written from case studies from homeless youth at Spring Valley High School and Richland School District Two. A few are on display outside the Spring Valley Media Center, others can be viewed at Spring Valley Visual Arts website.

All of the work will be on display throughout the month of December at the Good Life Cafe on Main Street. There will be an opening in conjunction with First Thursdays on Thursday, December 4th. All proceeds of art sales will be donated to the homeless outreach program.

Homelessness Facts: Nationwide & In Your Area

• There are approximately 1.7 million homeless teens in the US              
• The average age a teen becomes homeless is 14.7 years.        
• 39% of the homeless population is young people under 18.
• In Richland School District Two, 523 students were identified as homeless during the 2013-2014 school year.
• During the 2006-2007 school year, Richland School District Two identified only 64 students as homeless.
• 73% of students who are homeless are doubled-up and living with another family.
• About 33% of students who are identified as homeless were absent 20 or more days of school.

Girls Interested in Joining the SV Track & Field Team

The official start of Spring Valley Girls Track & Field is December 1st at 4:15 pm. Any young lady seeking to join the team must have an updated physical packet completed and turned in by that date. Additional information can be found here. Issues or concerns should be directed to Coach McFadden.

Bell Schedule November 10th

1st period       10:11- 10:47 (36 min.)
2nd period     10:52 - 11:28 (36 min.)
3rd period     11:33 -12:09 (36 min.)
4th period     12:14 - 12:50 (36 min.)
Lunch           12:50 - 1:30 (40 min.)
5th period     1:35 - 2:11 (36 min.)
6th period     2:16 - 2:52 (36 min.)
7th period     2:57 - 3:33 (36 min.)

Thank You from National Technical Honor Society

National Technical Honor Society would like to thank the community for supporting our pet supplies drive.  The items will be delivered to PETS Inc. this weekend.  Thank you for helping to make our community service activity a success.