High School Happenings
High School Happenings- December 14, 2023
Important Information:
Welcome Dr. Euker
Methacton High School Parents and Guardians,
I am delighted and honored to introduce myself as your new High School Principal starting January 3, 2024. Over the past 25 years, I have served in Methacton as a teacher, math coordinator, math specialist, acting assistant principal and acting principal. I have been the principal of Woodland Elementary School for the past seven and a half years. I am eager to collaborate with Methacton’s dedicated staff to uphold and build upon the excellent standard of education for which we are known. Additionally, I encourage open communication and collaboration between home and school, as we are partners in the educational journey of our students.
Every student needs to feel safe and included in their school community. Methacton High School is committed to fostering an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered. As a mother of four boys ranging in age from seventeen to twenty-one, I understand the need for students to feel a sense of belonging. I firmly believe that education extends beyond textbooks, computers and classrooms. It encompasses a wide array of experiences, opportunities, and interactions that shape our students into well-rounded individuals.
Over the past several weeks, I have been able to attend various activities and functions at the high school. The spirit of unity, dedication, and passion for education permeates throughout the school and is truly inspiring. So many students, parents, and staff have shown me such a warm welcome and for that I am grateful.
Please join me at one of the two Meet the Principal nights that I will be hosting in the Methacton High School cafeteria. Adding your name to the Google Form will ensure I have enough treats for everyone!
Complete the form here: https://forms.gle/dL3T84GrJiQpcpFV8
· January 18th @ 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
· January 30th @ 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
I am genuinely excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for Methacton. Together, let us create an environment where every student feels inspired, challenged, and supported in their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.
Warm regards,
Dr. Deb Euker
Grades -
REMINDER:
Reminder: We are 1/2 way through the second marking period. Interim reports are being sent out at the beginning of next week. All report card grades for MP 2 and moving forward will be noted as the earned grade on the report card; for grades earned under a 50%, they will NOT rounded up to a 50% as it was previously during Covid. Teachers will be reviewing this with students to remind them of this procedure. Any questions about this- please ask your student and/or their teacher.
Midterm Schedule
Midterms are coming!
Midterm Exams are approaching quickly! During midterms week- January 23, 24, 25, 26, we have a modified schedule (see attached). Students are on-site for their designated exams each day and then go home to study. Attached please find three documents explaining the details to the midterm schedule, transportation, and NMTCC.
If a student has a question about midterms, or their schedule, or a conflict, they should speak directly with their teacher.
How should your student prepare? Best practice for preparing and studying for these cumulative exams is to review your notes every day. Students should dedicate a few minutes every day (starting now!!) to reviewing their notes from marking periods 1 and 2, and continue this practice up until midterms. Students are encouraged to talk with their teachers about specifics to their classes, what to expect, and the best way to study based on their individual preferences.
Course Selection for NEXT school year
Scheduling for NEXT year
Scheduling will be here before we know it!
Some important dates to note:
- January 17, 2024 - Program Planning Guide Published and Live on MHS Website
- January 17, 2024, 6:00pm- 8th grade parent night (auditorium)
- January 26 - Parent email to inform of the scheduling process, inclusive of 8th grade.
- January 31 - High School Counselors Present to Eighth Grade Students at Arcola during the day; Elective Teachers during 8th period.
- First week of February - Counselors Speak to current MHS Students in Social Studies Classes grades 9, 10, 11
- Second week of February - Course Recommendation Process by Teachers- completed by teachers after marking period grades are posted on 2/5/24. Parents should log on to PS to check these recommendations.
- February 12-March 8 - Counselors meet with students 1:1 to do course selection. Parent verification form will be online. (Students- Check Smartpass for Your Appointment!) Students will be directed to contact parent before leaving meeting to inform parents selections are live in PS. Online parent verification form available for parents to review course requests and e-sign .
- Feb 12-21: Counselors meet w/ 11th graders to pick classes for 12th grade
Feb 22-28: Counselors meet w/ 10th graders to pick classes for 11th grade
March 1: Counselors meet w/ 8th graders to pick classes for 9th grade
March 4-March 8: Counselors meet with 9th grades to pick classes for 10th grade
PARENTAL DUE DATES:
- Third week of Feb - 11th grade course selection parent verification forms due (picking classes for senior year).
- First week of March - 10th grade course selection parent verification forms due. (Picking courses for junior year).
- Second week of March - 8th grade course selection parent verification forms due. (picking courses for freshman year)
- Second week of March - 9th grade course selection parent verification forms due (picking classes for sophomore year).
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- March 6-March 17 - Any parental questions after verification; Final call for last minute changes and missing verification forms for all grades.
- March 24 - Final date for course request changes by students/parents.
- April 28 - Due date for waivers.
- End of MP 3 & 4 - Teachers confirm recommendation eligibility.
Senior Banquet Tickets
Senior Banquet Ticket Sales
ATTENTION SENIORS!!!! Ticket sales for the senior banquet will start the week we return from holiday break: January 4 - Jan 19, during lunches. Tickets are $50. Cash or Checks made out to Methacton Activities Fund will be accepted. This is a SENIOR-ONLY event.
The senior banquet will be held on February 23, 2024 at Normandy Farms at 7pm.
Honor a Teacher
Nominate a Teacher:
Dear Methacton High School Families,
Citadel Credit Union is honoring teachers in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster and Philadelphia counties with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. The Citadel Heart of Learning Award is one of the areas longest standing initiatives.
If you know a teacher who truly cares about their students and puts in the extra effort to enhance their educational experience, please submit a nomination. Prizes will total $60,000 for the best teachers in the region along with a glass heart award for each winner.
To learn more go here
Student Spotlight:
MHS Student Council
THANK YOU SO MUCH to our amazing student body for the generously donated items for our food drive. Our student council partnered with Sgt. Mark Stead of the Lower Providence Police Department and the Norristown Salvation Army for distribution to local food banks. I am so proud of our students in this season of giving; they collected hundreds of pounds of food for others in need.
Teacher Spotlight:
Mrs. Van derKwast - Creative Writing
Mrs. Van derKwast's Creative Writing class enjoyed an author visit from Sharon Sorokin. Sharon spoke to Creative Writing classes about her writing journey, inspiration, and publication. The students were engaged listening to her read Ziggy's Potato, discussed the inspiration behind the story and the publication process. Sharon also spoke to the students about the importance of reading, writing, sharing, revising, and editing. Finally, Sharon ended with reading the beginning of a novel she is working on about time travel. Sharon also volunteered to read three pages of writing, or three original poems written by the students and give feedback on their writing, which is a great opportunity for students.
Student Feedback from the Day:
Thank you so much for talking with my class, it was so inspiring and interesting to hear the point of view of an actual published author. The advice and inspiration you gave us are going to stick with me for who knows how long and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have you give me feedback on my work.
Previously Shared Information:
From the SEA:
FAFSA Completion Night:
On January 23, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, the Counseling Office will host Cindy Whitley from MCCC’s Office of Financial Aid to assist with FAFSA Completion.
The US Dept. of Education has made many changes to the FAFSA application (due to be released in December), so both of these programs will be an excellent opportunity to speak with the professionals about financial aid and navigating the new rollout.
FAFSA Completion Night
Tuesday, Jan 23, 2024, 06:00 PM
Methacton High School, Kriebel Mill Road, Eagleville, PA, USA
Save the Date!
Need some tips/ tricks for taking the SAT?
Save the date! On Saturday, February 03, 2024 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, The counseling office will host “Dan the Tutor” for a free tutoring workshop regarding SAT test prep for current 10th and 11th grade students. Sign up information will be coming out shortly.
Free SAT Prep Class with "Dan the Tutor"
Saturday, Feb 3, 2024, 09:00 AM
Methacton High School, Kriebel Mill Road, Eagleville, PA, USA
Scholarship Applications -
Deadlines are Approaching!
Have you checked out our Virtual Bulletin Board? It contains all of important information for students, including our scholarship opportunities. Many of the deadlines are approaching at the end of the month.
Winter Keystone Exam Schedule:
Winter Keystone Exams- January 2024
In October, individual student Keystone score reports were mailed home. Any student who did not pass the Keystone exam was subsequently sent a notification from their counselor about the opportunity to sit for the winter retakes.
The winter exam dates are:
- Literature retakes- January 4 and 5
- Algebra 1 retakes- January 9 and 10
- Biology retakes- January 11 and 12
Dr. Kochenour will be sending out details about testing when we return from Thanksgiving break. This will include the testing rooms students will report to, schedule for those that are testing, and details to what students need to bring to the exam. Dr. Kochenour will also be sending a reminder message to parents of those that are scheduled to retest.
Spirit Wear:
Letter Days:
Yearbook Information:
Attention Senior Parents- The Yearbook Staff Needs Your Help!
See the attachment below for details:
2024 Yearbook Sales
It's time to reserve your yearbook! Please see the attached flyer for details.
ATTENTION SENIORS- It's Time for Cap and Gown Orders & Diploma Name Confirmation
Cap and Gown Order Info:
Once again we have partnered with Student Services Company to provide our seniors with Methacton High School’s Custom Caps & Gowns and Official Graduation Products. They have also put together a short video presentation to explain these programs.
You can view the short video presentation here.
The deadline for these orders is Wednesday, October 18th!
Please be sure to go to sscgradstore.com to place your Cap and Gown and Graduation Products order online.
To avoid late fees and product restrictions, please be sure to place your orders by the deadline.
If you have any questions, their professional staff is ready to help!
Phone: 610-539-1330
Email: gowns@studentservicesco.com
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Name on your Diploma:
It is also time to share with us the how you would like your name to appear on your diploma. Please fill out the form below -- PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK THE SPELLING BEFORE YOU HIT SUBMIT!
We are also asking for a phonetic pronunciation to assist us with ensuring your name is read correctly. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this!
Graduation 2024
Graduation Reminder- School Obligations Up Until Graduation Day!
As a reminder, our graduation date is set for Tuesday, June 11 at 4pm. Full details will be released closer to the date. Until then, please note that students have mandatory graduation practices at school leading up to graduation, including Friday June 7, Monday, June 10, and Tuesday, June 11. The graduation parade is also scheduled for Monday, June 10. Please do not make any plans or book any trips that overlap these days as practice is mandatory on all three days for students participating in the graduation ceremony. Thank you!
Methacton High School Look Ahead
Upcoming Events (subject to change):
December
December 18- Interims - mid-marking period
December 20 - Winter Concert
December 21- Winter assembly Pd.1 Chorus, Band, Orchestra
December 22-January 2- OFF
January 2024
January 3 - Welcome Back to School! Welcome, Dr. Euker!
January 4 & 5 -Literature Keystones - by invitation only
January 9 & 10- Alg 1 Keystones - by invitation only
January 11 & 12- Biology Keystones - by invitation only
January 15- OFF
January 17- 8th grade parent scheduling night; 6:30-8pm
January 23- Midterm exams: Pd 1 & 2 (detailed schedule will be released before the holiday break)
January 24- Midterm exams: Pd 3 & 4 (detailed schedule will be released before the holiday break)
January 25- Midterm exams: Pd 5 & 6 (detailed schedule will be released before the holiday break)
January 25- Home & School teacher appreciation lunch
January 26- Midterm exams: Pd 7; District ½ day- PD in PM; End of 2nd marking period (detailed schedule will be released before the holiday break)
January 29- Semester 2 begins