VRHS Weekly Email - 9/18/2026
Dear VRHS Community,
Another busy and rewarding week has passed at Valley Regional High School. Throughout our classrooms, hallways, activities, and athletic events, our students continue to bring enthusiasm and purpose to their school experience. I am especially grateful for the many ways our faculty and staff create opportunities for students to learn, connect, and grow each day. Follow the great things happening at Valley throughout the week on social media:
Instagram: @valleyregionalhighschool
Facebook: Valley Regional High School
Reminder: There will be no school on Monday in observance of Yom Kippur. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday.
As we move further into the school year, I want to remind families that the 2026–2027 Required Annual Notifications to Parents and Students are now available. Please review the notifications and complete the brief acknowledgment survey by September 30, 2026.
View the 2026–2027 Required Annual Notifications
Complete the VRHS Acknowledgment Survey
Families with children attending more than one of our schools will receive a notification from each school and should complete a separate acknowledgment for each. Paper copies are also available in the VRHS Main Office, and an electronic copy will be available on the district website. Thank you for taking a few moments to review this important information and confirm receipt.
Please review the additional information and updates below. Have a wonderful weekend!
Your partner in education,
Mike Barile
Principal
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
We invite you to complete this survey to share your perspectives on your child's technology use at home, as well as your experiences and beliefs about how technology is being integrated into learning at school. Your feedback will help us make thoughtful, informed decisions as we continue this work. The survey should take approximately 2–5 minutes to complete. If you have children in multiple schools or grade levels, please complete a separate survey for each child so we can better understand the unique experiences across our district. The survey will remain open through Friday, September 18, 2026.
SCHOOL COUNSELING UPDATES
Seniors- The school counseling department will host a visit to UConn's Storrs campus for an information session and tour on Thursday, October 1st for seniors interested in seeing and possibly applying to UConn. Sign-ups for this visit have now ended. Students who are attending need to stop by the counseling office to get a permission slip. UConn will be offering a free application opportunity from October 15-November 2.
Seniors- School counselors have been holding senior meetings to discuss post-high school plans, including applying to two- and four-year colleges and technical/trade schools. Any student who plans to apply early action or early decision should reach out to their school counselor so we can schedule a meeting as soon as possible.
The school counseling department will be hosting a Financial Aid Night to review the process of completing the FAFSA and the CSS Profile and to discuss other ways to fund a college education on Thursday, October 8 @ 6:00. A letter will be sent to senior parents very soon; however, junior parents are welcome to attend. Junior parents are also welcome to attend!
For students who have started the college application process, we posted a checklist and a Common App help guide in the Class of 2027 Google Classroom. In addition, our VRHS School Counseling website has several links to assist students and families with the post-high school and college planning process.
Just a reminder to those applying to four-year college: the Common App https://apply.commonapp.org/login opened on August 1st. Students can now log on, create an account, and start filling it out. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school counselor. Below are links to our website, which provides helpful information regarding post-high school planning.
Four-Year College Planning
Two-Year Community College Planning
Trade and Technical Schools
Additional Resources
Seniors- College reps will be visiting Valley throughout the fall. Students can sign up to meet with the reps by clicking Engage, then Events in Schoolinks. We will post the upcoming schools each week on Google Classroom. We highly encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity, as the visiting rep is typically the person reviewing the college applications.
Freshmen- School counselors will schedule “transition to high school” meetings with all 9th grade students to introduce ourselves and our role over the next four years and to see how the start of the school year has been going. Please see below for the school counseling breakdown for 9th grade students by last name.
A-F Sarah McKinney smckinney@reg4.k12.ct.us
G-M Kori Milardo kmilardo@reg4.k12.ct.us
N-Z Chelsea Eimutus ceimutus@reg4.k12.ct.us
CLASS OF 2027
Seniors: Register to Vote!
Students who will be 18 by Election Day (November 3, 2026) can register to vote in Connecticut. Register online, by mail, or through the DMV. Visit myvote.ct.gov for more information or contact your town’s Registrar of Voters:
Chester Registrar of Voters
Chester Town Hall
203 Middlesex Ave, Chester, CT 06412
860 526 0013 ext 221
registrar@chesterct.org
Office hours: most Tuesdays 1-3 pm
Deep River Registrar of Voters
174 Main Street, Deep River, CT 06417
850 526 6059
drregistrars@deepriverct.us
Office hours by appointment
Essex Registrar of Voters
Essex Town Hall
29 West Avenue, Essex, CT 06426
860 767 4340 ext 142
MelissaOzols: mozols@essexct.gov
Barbara Ryan: bryan@essexct.gov
Office hours: Wednesdays, 9:30 am-12:00 pm
Voter Info QR Codes
Valley Fall Registration Info
HOSA NEWS
The students in the HOSA club (Health Occupations Students of America) at Valley Regional High School are sponsoring a fundraiser in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Hats for Hope is a nationally recognized event that helps schools and surrounding communities collect donations for the Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer. On Thursday, September 24th, students at Valley who choose to participate can donate $1 or more to wear a school-appropriate hat for the day. Participants can donate cash when they arrive at school or donate online using the link posted around the building. Students who do not wish to wear a hat can still donate. All proceeds will go to the Tommy Fund.
VRMP NEWS
VRMP will be holding an Audition and Choreography Preparation workshop on Thursday, October 29. Please note the date change. Follow this and other news surrounding VRMP’s MARY POPPINS in the VRMP2027 Google Classroom.
Valley Regional Musical Productions will be producing MARY POPPINS in March 2027. To learn more and access participation forms, please join the VRMP2027 Classroom. Classroom code: k6mczagw
Email VRMP@reg4.k12.ct.us to request information. An information session will be held in the auditorium during flex on October 28!!
MUSIC BOOSTERS
If you have a student in band, choir, or theater, you are a Music Booster! Be on the lookout for the Music Booster Welcome letter, calendar of all musical functions for the year, a volunteer questionnaire, and our annual "Unfundraiser" that was sent home this week. We would love your involvement in any capacity this year! The "Unfundraiser" is green; please fill it out and send it to Miss Hilton or Mr. Lam. Our biggest goal this year is to help our kids offset the cost of the Heritage Music Festival trip to Boston. Follow us on social media for updates and info. If you have questions, please reach out to Celeste Wright at 917-284-1343 or reg4musicboosters@gmail.com.
BROADWAY NIGHT at SCOTCH PLAINS TAVERN FUNDRAISER
Join us on Wednesday, September 23rd for a spectacular “Broadway Night” at Scotch Plains Tavern! VRHS students and alumni will present an Ellen’s Stardust Diner experience while you dine. Scotch Plains is donating a portion of the proceeds to Region 4 Music Boosters.
There will be two seatings: 5:15 PM and 7:00 PM. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Call Scotch Plains at 860-662-4032. Seating is extremely limited, and tables are almost filled!
See our social media pages and flyers around town for more information.
Come enjoy a night of Broadway show tunes fit for the whole family and support our talented stars!
PIES! PIES! PIES!! VRHS Music Program is selling pies from Lyman Orchard until September 18th! Forms and money are due by the end of the school day. This fundraiser is for ALL MUSIC STUDENTS to raise funds individually to attend the Boston Heritage Music Festival (these trips are every other year). $5+ from each pie they sell will go directly into their individual music accounts and be applied to the music festival. There are pumpkin, sky-high apple pie, berry, and a variety of cream pies. Sign up now to get your pies for Thanksgiving! Any questions? Please reach out to Ms. Hilton. SELL! SELL! SELL! The more you sell, the less you have to pay for the trip! (If they forgot their forms, they have to be in by Tuesday, Sept. 22nd. The online ordering system is still active. I encourage kids to use this option. (I believe the online portal closes next Friday.)
ALL CHECKS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO “VRHS ACTIVITY FUND,” AND IN THE BOTTOM MEMO SECTION WRITE: “STUDENT'S NAME & PIES”
BOSTON HERITAGE MUSIC FESTIVAL TRIP - ATTENTION ALL PARENTS and GUARDIANS - REGISTRATION DEADLINE TUESDAY, September 22ND
Boston Music Festival: April 22-25th, 2027. If you already made the deposit last spring, it will be applied to your student's account once registration is complete. All trip details and registration steps are posted in Google Classroom. You can log in or check it in your student's Google Classroom on their Chromebook. Your student must participate in all Music Boosters fundraisers. All funds earned go directly into your student's individual account to help offset the total cost of the trip. Please contact Miss Hilton or Mr. Lam with any questions. Please make all payments payable to “VRHS Activity Fund,” and in the memo section, write your child’s name and Boston. Full payment is due at the beginning of January.
If you need financial assistance, please write Miss Hilton a letter stating your need, how much you can pay, and how much aid you are requesting. This letter is 100% confidential. Only Miss Hilton will know the individual situations.
SHORELINE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Congratulations to the Band and Choir students who were selected for the Shoreline Music Festival at North Branford HS! The first rehearsal will take place on Tuesday, October 6, from 1-5 p.m. (eat lunch 1), and the second rehearsal will take place on Wednesday, October 14, from 1-5 p.m. (eat lunch 1). The concert will also be on October 14 starting at 7:00 PM. Come and support our Valley musicians! Transportation will be provided both ways on Oct. 6th and only a drop-off on Oct. 14th. Parents should plan on bringing their child home after the concert.
Ticket order forms are available through both Mr. Lam and Miss Hilton (due Oct. 6).
*Choir- Lila Connelly, Ella Richardson, Zuhany Nieuwoudt, Emma Reilly, Ace Trippconey, Kajsia Wright, Dean Bostrom, Owen McCuin, Oliver Smith, Parker Brennan
*Band- Josephine Porter, Benjamin Snyder
REG 4 MUSIC BOOSTER BOARD MEMBERS for 26-27'
President, Celeste Wright
Vice-President, Maureen Connelly
Secretary, Caroline Porter
Treasurer, Miriam Morrissey
Committee Members: Susan Holt, Melissa Ozols
JUNIOR CLASS NEWS
Class of 2028 Families: Please take a few minutes to review the attached Junior class update! We have lots happening this fall, including our Bingo Night fundraiser on October 22, donation opportunities, and an important reminder that class dues are due December 11. We appreciate your support and are looking forward to a great junior year!
NEW BACKPACKS AVAILABLE
Local donors have generously provided several new, high-quality backpacks (including school supplies) for students in need who cannot afford a backpack or a replacement for a worn-out one. If your student would benefit from this assistance, please contact school social worker Brad Pitman. You can reach him at bpitman@reg4.k12.ct.us or 860-526-5328 ext. 2563.
VRHS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT UPDATES
VRHS & JWMS FALL ATHLETIC NEWSLETTER 2026-27
FALL SPORTS MEDIA DAY PHOTOS
The Fall Media Photos are now available for purchase!
Visit → Steady Photography at https://my.photoday.com/g/PGTC48834
Access Code: PGTC48834
Fall Athletic Schedule
Please follow the CIAC link to the VRHS athletic schedules for all of our sports. We encourage our entire Warrior community to come out, show your support, and cheer on our athletes throughout the year! → VRHS Fall Sports Schedule 2026-27
UPCOMING GAMES:
→ VRHS Athletic Schedule 9/18-9/26
Fall Sports Important Events
Boys Soccer
Youth Night – Thursday, October 15th vs. Old Lyme | 6:30 PM
Senior Night – Friday, October 23rd vs. Amistad | 6:30 PM
Girls Soccer
Youth Night – Tuesday, October 13th vs. H-K | 6:30 PM
Senior Night – Thursday, October 22nd vs. Cromwell | 6:30 PM
Field Hockey
Youth Night – Monday, October 5th vs. Westbrook | 6:30 PM
Senior Night – Wednesday, October 21st vs. Mercy | 6:30 PM
Girls Volleyball
Youth Night/Dig Pink– Friday, October 16th vs. Hale Ray | 5:30 PM
Senior Night – Monday, October 26th vs. Branford | 5:30 PM
Football & Cheer
Homecoming Game – Friday, October 16th vs. Rockville | 6:30 PM
Youth Night – Friday, October 30th vs. Morgan | 6:30 PM
Senior Night – Thursday, November 5th vs. Coginchaug | 6:30 PM
VRHS Sideline Store
Looking to show your Warrior pride this season? Check out the VRHS Sideline Store for a variety of gear and apparel. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or supporting our athletes on the sidelines, represent VRHS in style!
Check out the Sideline Store via the link → VRHS & JWMS Apparel Store
FUNDRAISERS:
Support Our Booster Clubs! Approved Fundraiser List
Our athletic booster clubs work hard to make all the extras happen for our kids. Please support their fundraising efforts.
TICKET INFORMATION:
Game Ticket Info: Spectators need a ticket for all night games that begin at 6 pm or later (field hockey, football/cheer, boys soccer, girls soccer, boys basketball, girls basketball, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, baseball/softball)
- Adults - $6
- Students/Seniors - $4
- Children (10 & Under), Shoreline Conference Teachers (with ID), and Military - Free
- We accept GoFan, credit card, and cash. You can purchase GoFan tickets at https://gofan.co/app/school/CT17497.
LIVESTREAM:
All games will be livestreamed via Hudl Fan - https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ct/deep-river/organization/20653/valley-regionalold--high-school. Selected games will be livestreamed via ValleyTV -
https://www.youtube.com/@ValleyTvLive
SPECTATORS - CLASS ACT GUIDELINES:
We hope to see a massive turnout of students supporting our teams this winter! Our games/events should be fun and exciting for everyone! With that said, Valley Regional is a CIAC Class Act School. That means we uphold the standards of SPORTSMANSHIP, RESPECT, TEAMWORK, and CHARACTER at our athletic events. Our student-athletes and spectators will demonstrate these standards at all times. I look forward to seeing Warrior Nation at all our games!
FOR MORE INFORMATION - UPDATES:
***Follow Valley Regional Athletics social media accounts on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X, refer to the VRHS Athletics Website, or add game schedules to a mobile device at ArbiterLive***
HEALTH POLICY FOR ATTENDING SCHOOL
Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Region 4 Public Schools do not have a COVID-19-specific protocol in place for the 2024-25 school year. Parents seeking COVID-19 guidance should contact their healthcare provider or visit the CDC website. Please note: Our schools will follow district health policies for all medical concerns, including COVID-19. If we need to change this practice, the district will communicate with families and staff, as appropriate.
Please be aware that immunization remains our most effective tool for minimizing the spread of communicable diseases. We will continue to collaborate with our local health departments to host vaccine clinics and manage potential outbreaks in our schools.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING INFORMATION
BOE Minutes
DATES TO REMEMBER
September 21 - Holiday (No School) Yom Kippur
October 1 - Abroad Trips Parent Meeting (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm) VRHS Library
October 8 - Financial Aid Night (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium
October 9 - Professional Development (No School)
October 17 - Homecoming Dance (7:00 pm - 10:00 pm) VRHS Cafeteria
October 22 - PSAT’s (9th, 10th, 11th grade)
October 22 - Teacher Conferences (Half Day)
October 22 - Junior Class Bingo Night (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm) VRHS Cafeteria
October 23 - Teacher Conferences (Half Day)
October 28 - Musical Information Session (9:02 am - 9:27 am) VRHS Auditorium
October 28 - National Honor Society Induction (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium
November 2 - Musical Auditions (4:00 pm - 7:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium
November 4 - Musical Crew Night (4:00 pm - 7:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium
November 9 - Musical Auditions (4:00 pm - 7:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium
November 11 - Musical Auditions (4:00 pm - 9:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium
November 12 - Musical Auditions (4:00 pm - 9:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium
November 13 - Musical Callbacks (4:00 pm - 9:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium
November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Break (No School)
December 2 - Winterfest Concert (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium
December 23 - Half Day
December 24 - January 1 - Winter Break (No School)
ATTACHED DOCUMENTS
If applicable documents or fliers are needed, I will attach them to these emails for your reference. Please note that our central office must approve all documents.
Tri Town Youth Services Babysitting Training
Valley Basketball Bake Sale
Broadway Night VRHS Music Boosters
Spectrum Fashion and Design Class
Ivoryton Pumpkin Chase
Sustainable Essex
Deep River Day
Deep River Day Run to the River
Deep River Day Pet Parade
Essex Library September Teen Calendar