Oley Valley School District
Digital Newsletter -- December 2017
Happy New Year from the Oley Valley School District. Thank you for your support of education in the Oley Valley.
Oley Valley Elementary School Update
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OleyValleyES/
Twitter: @ElemOley
Mobile Agriculture Lab Returns to OVES
Students in grades 1-5 had the opportunity to visit the Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab during the week of November 13th. Students participated in different hands-on science experiences. One of the experiments was called The Colorful Bean. Students were introduced to the scientific method as they experiment to decide if petroleum or soybean based crayons produce the brightest color with the least flakiness and best covering power. Students end the session with a crayon making demonstration where each student receives a soy-based crayon.
A big thank you to the Oley Valley Community Education Foundation for funding this great program and opportunity for the students at OVES.
Interest and Inquiry Characterize the Transition from Library to L:EAP
It may not match your vision of a traditional school library, but Oley Valley Elementary Students are L:EAPing into their futures in a flexible learning space that incorporates library, computer lab and makerspaces with plans for art project integrations. It is a vibrant and active learning space that often adapts to multiple classes with different tasks and goals engaging at the same time.
The L:EAP center, named for its goal of encouraging students to learn, engage, apply and persevere, grew out of STEM program development at the elementary school. Modeling 21st century workforce skills, Ms. Jenn Hoffman (IT and STEM Integration Teacher) and Mrs. Dawn Conrad (Librarian) work together to re-engineer their individual curriculum goals and lessons into inquiry-based projects that get students excited to learn. The duo began by considering how computer and library classes fit into the traditional 30-cycle school year, and then turned their collaboration loose as they dreamed of ways to create a greater impact on student learning, empowerment and accountability for learning. “We wanted to make sure our students have the skills to explore the ideas they are interested in, even if we can’t find a way to introduce every topic in class,” Hoffman explains. “Technology skills are universal and applicable to any subject matter. When we know what they are interested in, we can tailor the lessons to topics that engage their natural curiosity.”
Technology, research and information management concepts are the heart of individual subject-based lessons in a traditional classroom environment during first trimester when the students work in either the computer lab or the library. However by January, the connecting doors are open and students will begin working on class projects that present options and give them greater control of their learning. Ideally students will be free to move between the library and computer lab as their project and classwork require resources in the different space. As an added component, the nearby art classes can also be incorporated into larger projects.
“We have lots of ideas and are open to almost any way to engage students in learning across traditional curriculums,” Conrad adds. “There is so much to explore and we will run with just about any idea that a teacher or student group comes up with if we think we can get the resources.” This year the library has added a pet in the form of Maximus the corn snake. Owned by Dr. Broskey, OVES principal, Maximus observes the developments of the L:EAP center to the delight of his 700+ student fan club. He is credited with encouraging reluctant learners to dive into reading and research and encourages their analysis and conversation as he sheds his skin, changes his behaviour at feeding time, and interacts with faces intently gazing into his enclosure.
Other additions include a 102” multi-touch ActivWall with four separate projection zones and up to 20 independent touchpoints for interactive large group presentation and collaboration. Flexible seating to accommodate groups of learners, iPad and laptop carts and charging stations join limited desktop workstations throughout the re-engineered learning lab and library areas. At its maximum occupancy, the L:EAP center has hosted engineering design class in the lab, meetings in the adjacent conference room, primary class book selection and self-directed student inquiry. With a combination of explicit teaching and guided project-based learning, the OVES L:EAP center is becoming the hub of educational exploration.
The L:EAP center, which could alternately be identified as library, engineering, art and project spaces, is a fluid learning environment with spaces, furniture and procedures designed to meet the changing needs of 21st century students. Kindness, perseverance, creativity and collaboration are core values that are reflected throughout the spaces. It is an exciting place to learn and an ideal home for the teachers who call it home. “We love our jobs,” gushes Hoffman. “When they asked me what I was dressed as for my dream job on career day, I told them the OVES Librarian,” Conrad echoed. With enthusiastic teachers and empowered and excited students there is no telling what you will find next in the L:EAP center at Oley Valley Elementary School. You can be assured it will be pushing the limits of tradition, driven by the interests of our students.
Oley Valley Middle School Update
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OleyValleyMS/
Twitter: @OleyMS
Oley Valley Middle School Inducts 32 into NJHS
On Wednesday, November 29, the Middle School National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) inducted 32 new members. The National Junior Honor Society is more than just an honor roll…it serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. The academic requirements, however, are alone quite impressive. Students must have carried a minimum 93% overall average in every marking period throughout grades 6 and 7.
Having been inducted, students are required to maintain this academic standing throughout 8th grade. Inductees must also complete community service hours to maintain good standing. NJHS induction is always a very nice, formal ceremony for both students and their parents.
The National Junior Honor Society inductees for 2017-2018 are:
Abigail Angelisanti
EliAnna Bermudez
Kelsey Biehn
Rian Daniels
Madeleine Farah
Samantha Field
Hannah Gollwitzer
Gernerd Graham
Brennan Gumeniski
Kaylee Kantner
Kristina Kauffman
Gretchen Kimmel
Ava Lottig
Luke Macdonald
Andrew McMullen
Kailyn Moyer
Natalie Muir
Freya Oesterly
Alexis Ott
Abigail Reinert
Samuel Repko
Madison Robb
Kendall Rohrbach
Kylie Sanders
Paige Schanely
Lydia Simchick
Corbin Teeters
Aiden Tobias
Andrew Truong
Madison Wartzenluft
Julie Weidman
Anthony Witt
Oley Valley High School Update
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oleyvalleyHS/
Twitter: @OleyValleyHS
OVHS Drama Club Delights Audiences
This year the Oley Valley High School Drama Club, under the direction of Mrs. Stacy Lyons, presented A Delightful Quarantine as its 2017 fall play. Set in Susqua Creek Acres a neighborhood of Willspier, Pennsylvania and narrated by Professor Lucy Fuller, played by sophomore Amelia Fisher; the show followed the stories of seven different quarantined houses during an alien invasion. Secrets were revealed, conflicts exploded between siblings, and new relationships were formed. This show not only had great comedy, but also a touch of emotion.
The show featured a wide range of talent from new freshman students to our seasoned seniors. Many students also took the opportunity to help out backstage and in the booth. Sarah Tathum, a senior, ran our audio board under the direction of Assistant Director Abby Hartenstine. Seniors Amelia Martin, Brionna Myers, and Carlee Hetman were able to lend their hand with costumes, and Vinny Ferrizzi stepped into the Student Assistant Director role.
The Drama Club is very blessed to continue to see its members grow and have the support of the school board and of the community. Without this support, this program would not exist. This program has been completely transformed into something this community can be very proud of and it has given students from all walks of life a safe place to call home. It is the hope that with continued support, Drama Club can keep putting on fantastic performances that bring the community together and show the importance of the performing arts.
Article submitted by OVHS Senior Savannah Martinic.
OVHS NHS Inducts New Members
Oley Valley Community Education Foundation
The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation's mission is "To enhance educational opportunities for the students, residents, employees, and alumni of the Oley Valley School District while encouraging community support and participation."
OVCEF has provided our students and teachers with activities and tools including Promethean Interactive Whiteboards, scholarships, and the mobile Ag lab.
Visit the OVCEF webpage at www.oleyvalleycef.org.
Additionally, The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF) is now an approved Amazon Smile organization. Amazon Smile rebates .5% of purchases made by Amazon customers who have registered for the program and who have designated charitable organizations of their choice as rebate recipients. More information about the Amazon Smile program and the registration process may be found at www.smile.amazon.com.
The Foundation will use all Amazon Smile proceeds to fund projects and programs that benefit the education of our Oley Valley students.
School Delay/Closing Information
The Oley Valley School District uses the following methods to inform the public of closings, delays and early dismissals:
- School Messenger -- Mass phone call system
- Social Media -- Facebook/Twitter
- School District Webpage -- www.oleyvalleysd.org
- Mass Media -- WFMZ, WGAL, CBS3, NBC10, 6ABC, WEEU
- Text Messaging -- REMIND
Athletics Update
For Athletic Schedules & Information visit www.ovlynx.org
For directions on where Berks County High Schools and Middle Schools play their home contests please visit www.bciaa.org. Please note that clicking on an opponent on www.ovlynx.org will only give you directions to the opposing school’s High School, which is not necessarily where they play their contests.
Follow the Athletic Department on Twitter @OVLynx for varsity scores and live playoff updates each season.
Reminder that you can sign up for schedule change alerts via text or email on the Athletic website. With impending winter weather, keep up to date with all postponements and cancellations as they occur by creating a fan account on the Athletic website and selecting which teams you want to receive schedule change notifications! Anyone having difficulty in creating a fan account should call the Athletic Office at 610-987-4111.
Interested in playing ice hockey? Body Zone offers learn to play ice hockey on Saturday's. Open to ages 4-15. Contact the Oley Valley Ice Hockey Club at oleyvalleyihc@gmail.com for more information.
Important Upcoming Events
- 12/11/17 -- School Board Finance Meeting -- 7:00PM
- 12/13/17 -- School Board Meeting -- 7:00PM
- 12/14/17 -- ES Band & Orchestra Concert -- 7:00PM
- 12/14/17 -- MS PTSO Meeting -- 7:00PM
- 12/15/17 -- ES School Store
- 12/18/17 -- MS Band & Orchestra Concert -- 7:00PM
- 12/21/17 -- First Day of Winter
- 12/22/17 -- Early Dismissal -- MS/HS 10:45AM, ES 11:45AM
- 12/23/17 - 1/2/18 -- Schools Closed
- 1/3/18 -- Schools Reopens
- 1/5/18 -- MS School Store
- 1/8/18 -- School Board Committee Meetings
- 1/8/18 -- Athletic Boosters Meeting -- 7:00PM
- 1/9/18 -- Literature Keystone Exams
- 1/10/18 -- School Board Combined Committee Meeting -- 7:00PM
- 1/11/18 -- MS PTSO Meeting -- 7:00PM
- 1/11/18 -- Algebra I Keystone Exams
- 1/12/18 -- 6th Grade Dance -- 7:00PM
- 1/15/18 -- Martin Luther King Jr. Day -- Schools Closed -- Possible Snow Makeup Day
SAVE THE DATE!
Parent Forum -- Focused on Crisis Intervention Resources for Children
Audience
- Parents/Guardians of K-12 Students
Focus Areas
- Providing Parents/Guardians with Available School and Community Based Resources for Responding to Crisis Situations with Children.
Presenters
- Ms. Amy Groh, SAM
- Dr. Brian Wlazelek, County of Berks
- Ms. Tabitha Waldron, Progressions
- Ms. Christine Devine, Oley Valley School District
Register in advance to be entered into a prize drawing at: https://tinyurl.com/yauavug8
Wednesday, Jan 24, 2018, 06:30 PM
Oley Valley High School, Jefferson Street, Oley, PA, United States
Donation Opportunity
Calling All Veterans...
Please send or e-mail a photo, first name, last name, graduating year, armed forces branch, years of service and theater of operation to:
Oley Valley Middle School
Veterans Wall
3247 Friedensburg Road
Oley, PA 19547
or email Dan Marks with the information.
If you do not have a photo to give us, please stop by the Oley Valley Middle School so we may take a digital image of your photo.
Thank you for your service!
Attention Alumni!
- 1907-1915
- 1919
- 1960
- 1972
- 1985
Looking for Bus Drivers!
The Quigley Bus Service is looking for school bus and van drivers for the Oley Valley School District. Part-time positions are available driving morning, afternoon or both. Quigley will train new drivers.
Apply in person on weekdays between 9:00AM-5:00PM at 326 Main Street, Bally, PA.
Oley Valley Employment Opportunities
None
The Oley Valley School District currently has the following certificated vacancies:
Long Term Substitute Mathematics
- High School assignment from approximately January 11th, 2018 to March 19th, 2018
- PA certification in Mathematics 7-12
Long Term Substitute Guidance Counselor
- High School assignment from approximately February 6th, 2018 to May 11th, 2018
- PA certification in Secondary School Counselor 7-12
The Oley Valley School District currently has the following job opportunities:
None
The Oley Valley School District currently has the following substitute vacancies:
Substitute Certified Teachers
Substitute Instructional Assistants
Substitute Custodians
Substitute Licensed Practical Nurses
Substitute Clerical
Substitute Dining Services
The Oley Valley School District currently has the following coaching vacancies:
HS Asst. Cheerleading
Click here for more information regarding all employment opportunities.
Oley Valley School District Board of Directors
Stephen S. Burns, President
David R. Pollock, Jr., Vice-President
Carl J. Kubitz, Jr., Treasurer
Robert A. Heckman, Member
Darrell L. Markley, Ed.D., Member
Allyn S. Miller-James, Member
Ralph Richard, Member
Stuart Salen, Member
Dawn Zackon, Member
John M. Stott, Esquire, Board Solicitor
Maria H. Jones, Board Secretary, non-member
Oley Valley School District
The Oley Valley School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator who fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression and prohibits Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or practice in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination. Compliance issues/questions should be directed to the Office of the Superintendent.
Email: dschmaldienst@ovsdpa.org
Website: www.oleyvalleysd.org
Location: 17 Jefferson Street, Oley, PA, United States
Phone: 610-987-4100