Principal Welcome
Dear VAHS Scholars and Families,
I hope this message finds you rested, recharged, and ready for another exciting year at Verona Area High School! As we enter this new school year, I am filled with pride for all we accomplished together last year and energized by the opportunities ahead.
Celebrating Our Academic Success
Last year, our scholars set a new standard of excellence. We saw dramatic gains in both Advanced Placement (AP) participation and AP scores. Of the students who took an AP exam, approximately 83.75% earned a score of 3 or higher, allowing them to qualify for college credit at many universities. This translated into an impressive $1,812,000 in total tuition savings for our families—an increase of more than $300,000 from the previous year. These results reflect the hard work, curiosity, and determination of our scholars—and the deep commitment of our staff to provide challenging, engaging, and supportive learning experiences.
The community’s continued investment in our professional learning model was a key driver of this growth. Our Monday late starts allow teachers to collaborate, align curriculum across grades, and refine their craft using research-based instructional practices. This dedication to continuous improvement has made a measurable difference, and we thank you for your steadfast support in making it possible.
Expanding Opportunities: Collegiate and Noncollegiate Pathways
While many of our scholars pursue college-bound pathways, we are equally committed to supporting those whose goals lead to careers, skilled trades, military service, or entrepreneurial endeavors. One of our priority areas this year will be strengthening communication connections with families to ensure that every student’s postsecondary plan is clear, purposeful, and well-supported.
Every year, our team will meet individually with each scholar to review and refine their five-year plan, mapping out the steps they’ll take during and after high school to achieve their goals. We will share the outcomes of these conversations, along with relevant data and resources, with families so you can continue meaningful career and education planning discussions at home.
Our Focus for the Year Ahead
Building on our momentum in academics, we will expand our focus this year to include two equally important priorities:
- The Social and Emotional Health of All Scholars – We know that academic achievement and well-being go hand in hand, and our goal is to ensure every scholar feels seen, supported, and connected—both in and out of the classroom. Through intentional programming, strong student-staff relationships, and expanded opportunities for student voice, we will work to create an environment where every scholar can thrive.
- A Safe and Structured Learning Environment – We are committed to ensuring that VAHS remains a place where scholars feel physically, socially, and emotionally secure. This year, we will implement multiple feedback loops so scholars can share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions directly with their teachers, me as principal, and our leadership team. We want to address challenges before they grow and strengthen our school community.
Specific areas of attention will include:
- Supervision of Key Spaces – Scholars have identified specific areas, such as bathrooms, where they want increased supervision to ensure safety and respect for all. We saw significant improvement based on this feedback, and our scholars can expect the same level of detail and attention to their concerns.
- Supporting Healthy Technology Habits – We will work alongside students who find it challenging to step away from their cell phones during class, helping them develop habits that keep their focus on learning while still responsibly using technology. There will be a streamlined system for staff to request administrative support when a scholar struggles to manage impulsivity, as well as clearly defined consequences for the scholar, leading up to and including checking in cellphones and working with caregivers to keep the phones at home.
Communication from the School
Clear and consistent communication is key to a strong school community. This year, the high school and Savanna Oaks Middle School will pilot the Mobile App through Finalsite as part of our district’s transition toward a single, unified communication platform for all schools—similar to Remind. Please do not block messages from this app, as it will be the primary way you receive:
- Links to newsletters
- Updates about activities and events
- Requests and opportunities for input
- Surveys and feedback opportunities to guide our system
We are excited about the potential of this tool to streamline communication and better connect our families with what’s happening in our schools.
If you want to join our Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council, please email me at coxb@verona.k12.wi.us, and I will add you to our list.
Looking Forward
The start of a school year is always filled with possibilities. Together, as scholars, families, staff, and community, we will continue to raise expectations, celebrate successes, and ensure that every VAHS scholar has the tools, confidence, and resilience to succeed in high school and beyond.
Thank you for your trust, partnership, and unwavering commitment to our school. I look forward to welcoming you back to the halls of VAHS very soon.
Let’s make it a great year, Wildcats!
With gratitude and excitement,
Mr. Brian Cox, Principal
Mr. Michael Murphy, Associate Principal
Mr. Shawn Harris, Associate Principal
Ms. Tamara Sutor, Associate Principal
Mr. Dave VanNostrand, Associate Principal
Key dates and events coming up:
Homecoming Week September 29th - October 4th
Academic Career Exploration Expo, November 13th
Programs and Pathways January 22nd, 2026
For any questions not detailed below, please visit our VAHS Back to School Landing Page.