Class of 2029

Incoming Freshmen (Class of 2029): Worksheet & Course Codes

Buses are available for all students and most freshmen arrive to campus on a bus.  Students are required to show their student ID to get on a bus so remind students to keep that with them at all times.  Electronic IDs (on their phone) work as well.  The start of the year always includes tweaks to bus routes so don’t hesitate to call the Dean’s Office with questions or concerns about busing.  Parents also have the option to drop students off and pick them up.  Parents can drop off either in front of the school by the pond or behind the school by the main entrance.  Get here early if dropping off as traffic is busy during this time.  After-school pick-up is restricted to the south parking lot behind the school.

The majority of students have six academic classes, one lunch/study hall, and one 30-minute period called “T-Bolt Time.”  Students need to be in their first-period class by 8:00 a.m.  Eighth-period classes end at 3:00 p.m.  See our graduation requirement and course selection page for more information about courses.

Nearly all Wednesdays are late start days.  This means that first-period does not start until 9:30 a.m.  There are no zero-hour classes and no T-Bolt Time on Wednesdays.  Students are still released at 3:00 p.m.  Bus routes are adjusted accordingly on late start days.

Students who elect to take a zero-hour schedule will start their school day at 7:00 a.m. as opposed to 8:00 a.m. and thus have the opportunity to take an additional class.  Zero-hour classes are only recommended for students who don’t mind getting up early and want to maximize the number of courses they take.  Buses are available for zero-hour students.  There are no zero-hour classes on Wednesdays. 

VJA offers many supports and interventions for students, many of which take place during second hour - what we call “T-Bolt Time.”  On most Mondays, students are scheduled during this time in an Advisory.  This is like a homeroom that they will be with for four years.  They cover all sorts of things from upcoming events to mindfulness techniques.  On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, students are required to sign up to see one of their teachers or go to other resources or quiet areas to supplement their learning.  Students will learn how to sign up for “T-Bolt Time” when they start school.

Most freshmen have ½ hour of lunch and ½ hour of study hall in the same one-hour class period during 4th, 5th, or 6th period.  Some students have lunch during the first half of the period and study hall during the second half and others have study hall first and lunch second.  With only 30 minutes to eat, we encourage students to bring a lunch with them the first few days of school so that they can see how long their lunch lines are and decide a plan from there.  The lunchroom does not take cash.  Students pay for lunch by “loading” money onto their ID card through Skyward.  Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch will also use their ID but will not have to “load” money onto their ID card.

Passing periods at VJA are six minutes long which allows students ample time to stop at their locker, use the restroom, chat with a teacher, fill their water bottles, or have a snack.  A warning tone will sound one minute prior to the start of each class.  Students are expected to be in class before the bell rings. 

Wait to see your child’s syllabus from each of their classes before buying too many school supplies.  Pens, pencils, and notebooks will be needed but don’t overbuy until you see what teachers want you to have.

Every student at VJA has a school-issued Chromebook that they will use every day at school.  Students must use a school-issued Chromebook as outside devices are not allowed.  Chromebooks are issued on Freshman First Day and students will use that device all four years.  Our Technology Department is available to assist students with any software trouble or damage to Chromebooks.  The cost for student Chromebooks is built into the annual fees paid by parents.  Therefore, students keep their Chromebooks upon graduating from high school.  Cell phones are allowed on campus but are not allowed for personal use during class.  Pay attention to instructions from teachers on their classroom policy for phone usage as rules vary from class to class.

All students must have a graphing calculator for their math class.  The recommended calculator is the NumWorks Calculator.  Students on fee waivers can rent a calculator at no cost through the Math Department. More information regarding rentals and a discount link for purchasing will be sent over the summer.

Students are expected to wear PE uniforms every day for P.E.  Students will receive their uniforms - a VJA PE t-shirt, shorts, and a lock - on the first day of school.  The cost of these items is included in the school fees.  Sweatpants and long-sleeved shirts are not issued but are available for purchase.  Only VJA-issued locks can be used on PE lockers.

Most students come to school with a backpack.  Many students wear them throughout the day as a way to limit the number of trips they take to their lockers.  However, we encourage students to use their lockers in between classes or minimally a couple of times a day.

Every freshman will be issued a Student Planner and color-coded folders for each subject area to help them plan, organize, and prioritize their schoolwork and schedule. Teachers will explain to students how these materials are to be used. Parents can help by making sure that students bring planners and folders to school every day and by asking students to show them their planners at night to reinforce good habits around writing down assignments, studying, noting due dates, and planning for exams.

Students in need of academic help should first talk to their teacher and/or sign up to see that teacher during T-Bolt Time.  Students can also sign up to go to “The Center” for peer tutoring during their study hall.  Some students qualify for more intensive interventions such as an after-school program and a program that runs during T-Bolt Time.  Regardless of the need, we want students to be proactive in getting help as there are many opportunities available.

Every student is assigned a School Counselor who will be with them for all four years.  School Counselors help with course selection, emotional concerns, post-secondary planning, academic progress, and more.  Students will meet with School Counselors during advisory, classes, and enrichments, and are encouraged to meet with their School Counselor regularly.

VJA strongly encourages all students to get involved in our co-curricular programs.  With more than 70 clubs and organizations and 31 sports, there is something for everyone so please make sure your student stays after school and gets involved.  Students who are involved do better in school, perform higher on standardized tests, and develop social skills beyond those taught during the school day.  Contrary to popular belief, involved students manage their time better than students who leave right after school.  Check out our Athletics and Activities pages on our website to learn more. Students wanting to participate in athletics must first register in our Snap athlete registration system, and have an active sports physical uploaded to our Laserfiche system.  Resource links are available to assist with both on our athletic webpage.

Prior to the first day of school, all 9th-grade families must submit a completed State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination form signed by a licensed medical professional and dated no earlier than one year prior to the first day of school.  A sports physical does not meet the requirements and is insufficient.  See our Health Services web page for more information.