In Great Valley
a monthly e-newsletter from the Great Valley School District
DECEMBER 2018
25th Annual Senior Citizens' Luncheon
Great Valley High School hosted its 25th Annual Senior Citizens' Luncheon on December 5. Planned and orchestrated by students in the high school's Desmond Project in collaboration with the Desmond Hotel, the event welcomes the Great Valley community for lunch and entertainment, provided by students.
Traveling Science Show
The Franklin Institute Traveling Science Show wowed KDM second graders with a fascinating presentation on how air pressure, condensation, evaporation and barometric pressure affects our atmosphere. Fourth graders increased their knowledge about magnetism, electricity, and circuits.
MS Student Council Earns Distinction
Great Valley Middle School was one of eight middle-level schools to earn the Keystone Council Award at the 82nd Annual Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils State Conference.
Exploration of Full-Day Kindergarten Continues
The Great Valley School District initiated a process in October to study full-day kindergarten as a possibility, beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. To date, no decision has been made about whether a full-day program will be implemented next year. As part of our exploration of the topic, we have been asked two key questions:
WHY are we considering full-day kindergarten?
Our "why" for investigating a full-day kindergarten program would be to provide all students with a consistent foundation of skills as they begin their educational experience. Research shows that full-day kindergarten programs give students a strong foundation in critical literacy skills and social and emotional learning. Approximately 75% of schools in our state and nation offer a full-day kindergarten program.
Why NOW?
The District continues to see the growth of housing developments, leading to an increase in our school populations. Over the next 3-5 years, the District will need to begin having serious conversations and making considerations for the redistricting or realignment of its schools to accommodate our growing population of students. It is not realistic to think that the District could successfully consider and implement a full-day kindergarten program at the same time it is working on building realignment. The consideration of full-day kindergarten now allows us time to adequately study the factors associated with a full-day program and allows the community ample opportunity for input.
Additional questions are asked and answered on the District website. Please visit www.gvsd.org/FDK for a page of frequently asked questions (FAQ).
School Board Approves Calendar for 2019-2020 School Year
The Great Valley School District formed a Calendar Committee this year that was charged with gathering parent and staff feedback and opinions about the school district calendar. Part of its work was to develop a calendar survey that was distributed to all families and staff. The District received more than 1,800 responses.
The Superintendent used the input of the calendar committee and the survey data to develop a draft calendar for the 2019-2020 school year. The School Board approved that calendar at its meeting on December 3. The calendar is now posted on the District's website. Highlights include:
- School starts on August 26 (before Labor Day);
- Spring Break is extended for students to include the Monday after Easter;
- Fall conferences will remain in the beginning of November to allow for better alignment to the end of the secondary marking period. This also allows schools to be closed on election day in November.
- Graduation is Friday, June 5, with the last student day (for all others) on June 10.
- There are 5 days built into the calendar for snow. Any snow days past 5 will be made up at the end of the year.
Board Review
The Great Valley Board of School Directors conducted its regular (organization) meeting on Monday, December 3, 2018.
Complete meeting highlights and meeting agendas are available on our website. Meeting broadcasts are available on GVTV (Comcast Channel 14 and/or Verizon Channel 36), or via our website.
Board Officers Elected
Financial Approvals
The Board approved:
- the formation of the following clubs: Growing Minds Unite, Public Health Initiative, and Young Republicans.
- contract with CCRES for an educational consultant for Special Education Supervisor Support.
- proposal for True Time School Business Suite Software.
- contract with Keystone Collections Group for Real Estate Tax Collection Services.
- resurfacing of 9 tennis courts.
- agreement extension and addendum with Substitute Teacher Service.
- special education settlement agreements.
- donation to Great Valley Middle School from the Middle School PTO for updating the Faculty Break Room.
- Professional Development Training Agreement with Charted Courses for services specific to the High School Preschool/Child Development Course from December 2018 through April 2019.
2019-2020 Meeting Dates
Policy
The Board accepted the following policies for second reading and adoption:
621 – Taxpayer Bill of Rights (AG)
710 – Use of Equipment and Facilities by Staff
711 – Integrated Pest and Vegetation Management (AG)
718 – Service Animals in Schools (AG)
918 - Title 1 Parent Involvement
The Board approved the following policies for second reading and repeal:
713 – Protection of Property
715 – Use of Fax Machines
Contact us
Email: communications@gvsd.org
Website: www.gvsd.org
Location: 47 Church Road, Malvern
Phone: 610-889-2125
Facebook: facebook.com/GreatValleySD