A letter from Valley Catholic Middle School Principal Dr. Jennifer Gfroerer

Jen Gfroerer V C M S Principal

Dear VCMS Families,

April was an exceptionally active and successful month at Valley Catholic Middle School, one that truly reflects the strength, generosity, and spirit of our entire community.

This past month, our students engaged in a wide range of meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that brought together innovation, service, and community connection:

  • Our Dog Mobility Project Showcase welcomed families, professionals, and community members to campus, where students presented innovative, student-designed mobility solutions for dogs. This project continues to be a powerful example of applied STEM learning, empathy, and real-world problem-solving.
  • Students participated in an evening lock-in event in support of the VCS Gala
  • Two grade levels attended Outdoor Education at Camp Howard, building community, resilience, and leadership skills.
  • Our students traveled to the Oregon coast for a microplastics cleanup experience, connecting environmental stewardship with scientific inquiry and service.
  • We celebrated Rejuvenation and Heritage Week, which included a variety of cultural learning opportunities and a vibrant performance by Jujuba.

Equally important to these experiences is the role our broader community played in making them possible.

We are deeply grateful to our parents, alumni, and community partners who supported these efforts in countless ways, serving as judges, sharing professional expertise, mentoring students, assisting at hands-on “fix-it” stations, leading outdoor and environmental learning, and guiding students in understanding complex topics such as microplastics and sustainability. These partnerships elevate our programs in ways that simply would not be possible otherwise.

April stands as a powerful reminder that the VCMS experience is not built solely by the school, but by a committed and engaged community. The energy, generosity, and expertise of those around us continue to enrich our students’ learning in meaningful and lasting ways.

Thank you for all that you do to support Valley Catholic Middle School.

Dr. Jennifer Gfroerer