Free to Focus
We wanted to remind all parents, and students that the “Free to Focus” initiative has fully implemented as students return to campus last week. This is a state-mandated policy aimed at enhancing the learning environment and ensuring that all students can concentrate better on their studies. The policy includes specific guidelines and support measures designed to reduce distractions and foster a more productive educational experience. We encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the details of this policy to ensure a smooth transition and successful implementation. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to creating an optimal learning atmosphere for our students.
NO SCHOOL JANUARY 20TH: MLK HOLIDAY
SAVE THE DATE: Spring Open House
Congratulations to Ellis Savitz!
We are thrilled to announce that Ellis Savitz, a talented sophomore, has achieved an incredible accomplishment in the world of theater arts. Her extraordinary artwork for last spring’s musical, Alice by Heart, has been recognized by Playbill.com as one of the top 10 playbill covers in the entire nation!
Congratulations to Clare Hassell!
We are thrilled to announce that Spring Valley senior, Clare Hassell, has achieved a remarkable accomplishment with her painting Black Roots, which won 1st place in the “My Street, My Story: Celebrating History and Community through Youth Expression” competition. Alongside this prestigious recognition, Clare receives a monetary prize of $400. Her artwork will also be proudly displayed at the Richland Library Community Art Gallery in Spring 2025 and will be featured in the Spring 2025 issue of The Jasper Project/Online.
Clare was honored at the Center for Civil Rights Holiday Celebration, held on Thursday, December 19th, at 6:00 PM at the Columbia Museum of Art, located at 1515 Main Street.
Clare Hassell’s Statement on Black Roots
Through this work, I aim to capture the beauty, strength, and vibrancy of Black culture and the natural world. This painting is a reflection of the powerful stories I’ve encountered in the Historic Black Business District of Columbia—stories of resilience, community, and the lasting legacy of those who have shaped and continue to shape this city.
The murals that adorn downtown Columbia have long inspired me, not just for their visual beauty but for the deep history they hold. These works of art serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of Black entrepreneurs, families, and activists who built, fought for, and sustained a thriving community through decades of struggle and triumph.
In my piece, I sought to draw connections between the past and present, illustrating how the energy and resilience of Black culture continue to fuel the heartbeat of Columbia today. Through the lens of a cityscape, I depict how the legacy of the Historic Black Business District has evolved into a modern-day symbol of empowerment, creativity, and life. It is a celebration of how the community has always found ways to thrive and rise, no matter the challenges they face.
This painting is my tribute to the past, present, and future of Columbia’s Black community—a living, breathing expression of history, culture, and resilience.
Clare’s work stands as an inspiring testament to the power of art in celebrating and preserving cultural heritage. Her ability to capture the essence of her community’s legacy through vibrant and meaningful imagery is truly commendable. Congratulations once again to Clare Hassell on this well-deserved recognition!
Key Club Just Socks January
Key Club is hosting Just Socks January and would like to send out this information! Can this information be posted on the next Viking Update to go out? We have a flyer that we would like to be posted with the message:
Throughout January, Spring Valley Key Club will be hosting a sock drive! This year we will be sending the socks to the ROAR hub in Marshall, NC. Socks (among other things) are in high demand from people who are still living through the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. A warm pair of socks can go a long way in warming their hearts throughout the cold winter months.
Here are some ways you can help:
1. Purchase a NEW pack of socks and drop off donations in the box located in the atrium or the box in room E303.
2. Don’t feel like going to the store? Shop our Amazon wish list instead and have your donations delivered directly to the school with Key Club on the label. (Make it a gift and sign that it is from you so that we know who to thank!)
3. Participate in our Sock Spirit Week from January 20-24! More details will be coming soon!
4. Share this information and encourage your family and friends in the community to also donate.
FAFSA WORKSHOP
Off-Campus Lunch Pass: Junior Privilege
SVHS JUNIOR PRIVILEGE AGREEMENT
SV THIRST : COINS FOR CLEAN WATER
SPRING 25 MUSICAL AUDITIONS
SVEF: INVEST IN A VIKING
The Spring Valley Education Foundation is excited to invite you to Invest in A Viking with your $20 donation.
Please visit https://spring-valley-education-foundation.square.site/ to support our students.
By participating, you can also win a $100 Amazon gift card or a $250 Jostens certificate, which can be used toward your student’s class ring.
Student Parking
Students will no longer be allowed to utilize the parking lot in front of the gym upon arrival to school. This parking lot is reserved for Staff and Visitors only in the mornings. Students will begin receiving tickets and parking fines when parking in this area. All students are required to have the appropriate parking pass to utilize any campus parking and must park in the Upper/Junior Lot unless they have been assigned a designated Senior Parking Spot elsewhere on campus. Upon returning from lunch, or for after school activities, students may use the Gym Lot. Again, students may not use the Gym Lot any earlier than the beginning of 5th period.
LUNCH REMINDER
Attendance Matters
CLUB NEWS & INTEREST MEETINGS
INTERESTED IN JOINING A SPRING VALLEY CLUB? CLICK THE LINKS BELOW FOR INTEREST MEETINGS, CLUB SCHEDULES, AND ADVISOR LIST
REGULAR CLUB MEETING SCHEDULE
ADVISOR LIST
SPRING VALLEY ATHLETICS
WAYS TO SERVE DETENTION
After School Tutoring
We will offer both on-campus and virtual tutoring options. Offering both platforms allows us to provide more options for students to get academic assistance after school. Please visit the SVHS Tutoring website for a complete schedule of tutoring opportunities.
A special thank you goes out to the Spring Valley Education Foundation for funding this important initiative.
