It has been a busy and productive week at Valley, accompanied by some beautiful New England fall weather! With nearly a quarter of the school year behind us, we have much underway and have established a strong foundation for the work ahead. There is a great deal we intend to accomplish this year, and it is especially rewarding to see our students thriving both inside and outside the classroom.
Our parent-teacher conferences have been successful, providing valuable opportunities for families and teachers to connect, celebrate student progress, and discuss continued growth.
Our seniors continued the annual tradition of painting their parking spaces, bringing creativity and personality to our campus. Special thanks to our SAFE Grad Volunteer parents for making this tradition possible.
Students in grades 9,10, and 11 completed their PSAT assessments this week. We will notify students and families when scores become available. I encourage families to review these results together and explore the instructional resources available through College Board to identify strengths and areas for continued improvement.
As always, I encourage you to follow me on social media for a closer look at the many great things happening at Valley.
Instagram: @valleyregionalhighschool
Facebook: Valley Regional High School
Please take a few moments to review this week's edition of The Warrior Weekly for important updates, upcoming events, and celebrations from our school community. Have a wonderful weekend!
Your partner in education,
Mike Barile
Principal
SCHOOL COUNSELING UPDATES
How to Access Schoolinks for Parents
Schoolinks: Last year, Valley and the school counseling department switched from Naviance to Schoolinks, a platform for college and career planning. This program is widely used in post-high school planning to send documents, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, to colleges. Schoolinks is also where all local scholarships are posted. Below are directions for parents to access the program and view this information, should you choose to do so.
To access Schoolinks through the parent side, you should have your student log on and then:
- Click on settings (gear in the right-hand corner)
- Click on account settings
- Click on Your Guardians on the left-hand side
- Copy the claim code and have them email it to you
You will not be able to make changes in the program; however, you will be able to see information such as their college lists, the school counselor's college list (when created after their junior meeting), and the results of completed assessments.
FAFSA Completion as a Graduation Requirement- Starting with the Class of 2027, the completion of the FAFSA of a waiver form is required for graduation. Information about this was sent to senior parents earlier this week in the financial aid letter. If your student does not plan to attend a two or four year college or trade school, there is a waiver (linked in the email that was sent) that can be submitted to the school. Please reach out to your student’s school counselor if you have any questions.
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. Many Early Action and Early Decision deadlines are approaching (Nov1st & Nov 15). Students should reach out to their school counselor if they have any questions about the application process.
To assist with the 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.
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 ap
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:
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
MUSIC BOOSTERS
Thanks to everyone who volunteered to bake and man the refreshment table at last weekend’s G&S performances! Also, thank you for ordering your holiday decorations!!
Reminders: Coast Guard Band Trip 10/30/26 (Leave VRHS 9am/Return 12pm)
[Students should eat lunch 2]
Upcoming Concert, Music Festival Auditions & Performances
CMEA- Southern Region Music Festival Auditions, Foran HS, Nov. 21st- time TBA
Winterfest Concert- VRHS, Dec. 2nd- 7-9pm
Report: Jazz Band 5:30pm/ Choral Students 6:00pm/ Band 6:30pm
Attire: ALL BLACK CONCERT ATTIRE (see Miss Hilton & Mr. Lam with questions)
NEMFA- New England Solo & Ensemble Fest, Griswold HS, Dec. 12th- time TBA
Attire: Concert Attire or clothing that adheres to the nemfa.org policy
Shoreline Music Festival
Please see the WTNH Channel 8 story highlighting the experiences over the course of the two days. Congratulations on a wonderful concert!
1. Fundraiser: The class begins its big fundraiser of the year on Monday, October 5. The envelope includes information on how to register to sell online. All paper order forms and money are due to Mrs. White or Ms. O'Donnell no later than Monday, October 26. Half of a student's profit will go into an individual account to help defray the cost of proms and senior events. The top seller will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
2. Dues: We are collecting dues for sophomore year. Anyone who pays their dues in full through this year ($80) by December 1, 2026, will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. If you paid last year, you just need to pay this year ($40). If you paid in full last year ($120), you are all set. If you have any questions, contact Mrs. White (kwhite@reg4.k12.ct.us) or Ms. O'Donnell (vodonnell@reg4.k12.ct.us).
3. Bake Sale: The Class of 2029 will be having a bake sale at Adams, in Deep River, on Sunday, October 25, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This bake sale will have an autumn/Halloween theme. Please mark your calendar and consider donating baked goods and/or stopping by to make a purchase. You can drop off baked goods at the school on Friday, October 23, to Mrs. White or Ms. O'Donnell, or at the bake sale that morning.
JUNIOR CLASS NEWS
Class of 2028 Families: We have lots happening this fall, including our Bingo Night fundraiser on December 3rd, donation opportunities, and an important reminder that class dues are due on 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.
❄️🏃♂️Winter Sports - Stay Tuned! 🏀❄️
The VRHS/JWMS Winter Newsletter will be sent out via ParentSquare NEXT WEEK - this will include registration information, season start dates & more!
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
The VRHS and H-K Girls Shoreline Swim Co-op team is having a great season! With a 4-3 record, the team has earned 16 state qualifying spots, with additional swimmers qualifying through relays and individual events. The girls continue to work hard, support one another, and build strong team chemistry as they head into the final meets of the season and State Championships in November.
Upcoming Schedule:
Oct. 23: Senior Night vs. Waterford at H-K (3:45 p.m.)
Oct. 27: Annual breast cancer research fundraiser (3:45 p.m.)
Oct. 30: at Rocky Hill (3:45 p.m.)
Nov. 5: vs. Suffield Co-op at H-K (3:45 p.m.)
Nov. 14: State Championship Trials at Cornerstone Aquatics, West Hartford (5:30 p.m.)
Nov. 18: State Championship Finals at Cornerstone Aquatics, West Hartford (1:00 p.m.)
VRHS Girls Cheer team takes home 3rd place🥉at SCSU 2026 Gameday Showdown Competition!
Congratulations Annie Keck, Emma Reilly, Avery Soares, Matilda Boutilier, Sara Delouchry, and Makayla Spencer!
VRHS Girls Soccer Seniors 2026-27
Photo Credit: Emma Schultz
Fall Senior Nights Coming Up!
Boys Soccer: Friday, October 23rd
Girls Volleyball: Monday, October 26th
Football/Cheer: Thursday, November 5th
2026-27 Fall Youth Nights!
VHRS Girls Volleyball Dig Pink & Youth Night Event 2026-27
This past Wednesday, Valley Regional High School Girls Volleyball welcomed Waterford High School for a special Dig Pink and Youth Night celebration. The evening brought together our Warrior volleyball community, youth athletes, and families for a night of volleyball, school spirit, and fundraising in support of those affected by breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer.
Fans had the opportunity to support the team’s fundraising efforts by purchasing raffle tickets, making donations for face painting, and visiting the Dig Pink Treat Table. Youth players were also invited to participate in serving contests held during the match, adding to the excitement of the evening. We thank everyone who attended, volunteered, and contributed to making this event a meaningful celebration of our volleyball community and an opportunity to make a difference.
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
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 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!
