The Warrior Weekly - 11/6/2026

Another exciting week at Valley Regional High School has highlighted the many ways our students contribute to our school community. From spirited athletic competitions to meaningful classroom experiences, our students continue to demonstrate what it means to Belong, Believe, and Become.

In recognition of Veterans Day, Valley Regional High School will welcome local veterans on Friday, November 13, for a day of appreciation and learning. While Veterans Day is observed on November 11, our program is scheduled for Friday to accommodate veterans participating in other community events. Our guests will enjoy a luncheon with students considering military service, followed by small-group discussions with all juniors later that afternoon. These conversations will provide students with firsthand perspectives on military service while deepening their understanding of sacrifice, citizenship, and gratitude for those who have served.

I am once again sharing the Quarter 1 edition of Voices of Valley, our student-run newspaper, and I encourage our families, alumni, and community members to take a look. This publication highlights student voice and leadership while offering a unique perspective on the people, experiences, and traditions that connect our school and the communities we serve.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. As always, I encourage you to explore this week's edition of The Warrior Weekly for important information, upcoming events, and highlights of the many great things happening at Valley.

Your partner in education,

Mike Barile

Principal

Freshman- The school counselors went into the 9th grade Freshman Seminar classes this week to "onboard" the students to SchooLinks. Students completed a Learning Style Assessment and we discussed the academic and social/emotional resources available at Valley.

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 previously sent to senior parents 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.

CSS Profile- Many schools require the completion of the CSS Profile as well as the FAFSA to obtain financial aid. Please have your students check the list of colleges on College Board to see if this needs to be done.

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 p

BOSTON HERITAGE MUSIC FESTIVAL TRIP - ATTENTION ALL PARENTS and GUARDIANS - Boston Music Festival: April 22-25th, 2027. Students were given their current fundraising balance from Miss Hilton & Mr.Lam. 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.

Chester’s 1st Selectman has organized the town’s Veteran’s Day Program for next Wednesday where VRHS vocal students will perform the National Anthem and God Bless America. Everyone is welcome to attend! 

Performers- Susanne Ray, Emma Reilly, Oliver Smith, Owen McCuin,and Kajsia Wright

The Lyman Orchard pies arrive this Thursday (Nov. 12th) and will be available for distribution and parent pick-up at 1pm by the side music room door. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE MAIN DRIVE (from 2:10-2:30pm) WHEN YOU PICK UP PIES… 

WE CAN’T BLOCK THE BUSSES. All pies must be delivered ASAP or put in a freezer (by 4pm).

Time: 9am-4pm (students have audition times)

Location: Foran High School, Milford, CT

Transportation: Parents (no bus transportation due to performance times)

Attire: Dress Nicely 👍

General Information:

For those of you who are unfamiliar with CMEA, it is an organization which provides various activities for music educators and music students. One of its many activities is providing an opportunity for high school students to perform in an ensemble with other musicians from the southern region of CT. As part of the process, students will audition in front of an adjudicator (parents, teachers, and friends are not allowed in the room). Students will prepare a solo (vocalists choose one of the two required solos), associated scales, and sight read. After the audition the scores will be processed and students who score well will be invited into one of four ensembles- Band, Mixed Choir, Treble Choir, Orchestra and Jazz Band. For more information, please go to cmea.org.

If you have any questions, please contact Miss Hilton or Mr. Lam.

Good luck to all 13 participants!!

Thank you to all who participated in the wreath fundraiser; it was a huge success!!

Don’t forget!! Wed. Dec. 2nd 2-4pm please pick up your plants/wreaths outside of the music room.

Concert Attire: All Black (Please make sure your child checks their attire ahead of time to ensure that it still 

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).

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!

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.

2026-2027 VRHS & JWMS Winter Sports Registration is Open!

Please view the VRHS & JWMS Athletics: 2026-2027 Winter Sports Informational Newsletter for more information.

In order to participate in athletic programs, students must do all of the following:

Mr. Pappariella

Valley was recently awarded the CIAC Michael’s Jewelers Cup for Sportsmanship at a statewide sportsmanship conference. This recognition is a testament to the sportsmanship, character, and commitment demonstrated by our student-athletes, coaches, and school community.

Please see the article below for more details:

We can all be proud to know that VRHS is recognized for fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and sportsmanship.

Click here → Boys Soccer

Click here → Field Hockey

11/14 @ 5:30pmState Championship Trials - Cornerstone Aquatics, West Hartford 

11/18 @ 1:00pm State Championship Finals - Cornerstone Aquatics, West Hartford 

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 

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.

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

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

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!

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***

November 9 - Musical Auditions (4:00-7:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium

November 11 - Musical Auditions (4:00-9:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium

November 12 - Musical Auditions (4:00-9:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium

November 13 - Musical Callbacks (4:00-9:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium

November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Break (No School)

December 2 - Winterfest Concert (7:00-9:00 pm) VRHS Auditorium

December 3 - Junior Class Bingo Night (5:00-7:00 pm) - VRHS Cafeteria

December 23 - Early Dismissal

December 24 - January 1 - Winter Break (No School)

January 18 - Holiday (No School)

February 10 - Early Dismissal - NGSS Testing

February 15 - Holiday (No School)

February 16 - February Break - (No School)

March 10 - Professional Development Day - (No School for Students)

March 18 - Early Dismissal - Parent Teacher Conferences

March 19 - Early Dismissal - Parent Teacher Conferences

March 26 - Holiday (No School)

256 Kelsey Hill Road | Deep River, CT 06441

860-526-5328 | mbarile@reg4.k12.ct.us