LVA Jaguar Journal
May 2022 Edition
Upcoming Dates to remember
Staff Appreciation Week: May 2nd-6th
PSSA / Math: May 2nd-3rd
ES Band & Choir Concert (4-6): May 4th
7th Grade MYP Camp: May 4th
PSSA / Science: May 4th-5th
6th Grade Leadership Day: May 5th
8th Grade MYP Camp: May 10th
The Addams Family Musical: May 14th-15th
HS Band & Choir Concert: May 11th
Spring Keystones / Biology: May 16th-17th
Spring Keystones / Literature: May 19th-20th
Spring Keystones / Algebra I: May 23rd-24th
ES Field Day (Grades 2-6): May 25th
Senior Prom: May 26th
ES Field Day (Grades K-1): May 27th
LVA Night at the IronPigs: May 28th
Graduation: June 1st
Annie, Jr. Musical: June 4th-5th
Sr. High School Semi Formal: June 4th
HS Honor Roll Ceremony: June 6th-10th
6th Grade Exhibition: June 8th
HS Exams: June 9th-June 13th
6th Grade Dance: June 10th
8th Grade Dance: June 11th
Last Day of School: June 14th
Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School (LVA) earned high National, State, and Area rankings in the 2022 U.S. News and World Report
School Rankings and LVA took the top spot among Lehigh Valley high schools.
LVA Rankings for 2022
#1 High School in the Allentown Metro Area (Area includes high schools from the PA & NJ areas)
#2 Charter High School in Pennsylvania
#51 High School in Pennsylvania
#247 Charter High School in the United States
#1,477 High School in the United States.
This ranking is based on 2019-2020 data. U.S. News & World Report utilizes the following indicators to calculate rankings:
College Readiness (30%) – Measured by the proportion of the school’s 12th graders who took and earned a qualifying score on AP or IB Exams.
College Curriculum Breadth (10%) – Measured from the percentage of 12th graders who took and earned qualifying scores on multiple AP or IB exams (4 AP or IB exams = full credit, 2 or 3 AP or IB exams = 50% or 75% credit)
State Assessment Proficiency (20%) – School’s student proficiency in reading, math and science on state assessments. Since there were no Keystone exams in 2020, U.S. News and World Reports utilized 3 years of historical data for measures that involved state assessment data.
State Assessment Performance (20%) – The total assessment score for math, reading and science assessments is compared to the U.S. News predicted score based on demographic characteristics in the state the school is located in.
Underserved Student Performance (20%) – This measure assesses learning outcomes only among Black, Hispanic and low-income students.
Graduation Rate (10%) – Portion of students who entered ninth grade in 2016-2017 and graduated in four years by 2020.
LVA Family Night at the IronPigs
LVA Family Night at the Iron Pigs
with Fireworks & A Special Guest Performance by the LVA Elementary School Choir
Lehigh Valley IronPigs vs. Worcester Red Sox
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Gates open at 5:15PM
Game starts at 6:35PM
Tickets are $11.00
Deadline for tickets is 05/24/2022
For online ordering
For paper order form (please send cash or check payable to LVA)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-XlKYq9qB2u49EA5Z5qeEbR6ZYPBe9E9AO0YGg_HFcY/edit?usp=sharing
JR/SR High Yearbooks On Sale - $30 if ordered online by May 18th
Go to: https://orders.christmascitystudio.com
Enter session password: LVARCHSYB22
- The order form will ask for a student's name (their homeroom, teacher, and full name get auto populated into the form, which helps with delivery)
- New students may add their name
- The order form does not display the yearbook pictures of the students. Yes, their pictures are in the books if they were photographed.
- Once checkout is completed, you will automatically be emailed a unique discount code for the Elementary School yearbook (20%) should you wish to purchase both LVA books.
Yearbooks will be delivered to the school June 10-June 13.
Questions regarding technical issues with the online store can be directed to Christmas City's Director of Yearbook Operations, Kelsey Dennick, kdennick@christmascitystudio.com
Other questions regarding the LVA yearbooks can be directed to Yearbook Coordinator, Emilie Nunez, at yearbook@lvacademy.org
Elementary K-6 Yearbooks On Sale - $20 if ordered online by May 18th
Go to: https://orders.christmascitystudio.com
Enter session password: LVARCESYB22
- The order form will ask for a student's name (their classroom, teacher, and full name get auto populated into the form, which helps with delivery)
- New students may add their name
- The order form does not display the yearbook pictures of the students. Yes, their pictures are in the books if they were photographed.
- Once checkout is completed, you will automatically be emailed a unique discount code for the High School yearbook (20%) should you wish to purchase both LVA books.
Yearbooks will be delivered to the school June 10-June 13.
Questions regarding technical issues with the online store can be directed to Christmas City's Director of Yearbook Operations, Kelsey Dennick, kdennick@christmascitystudio.com
Other questions regarding the LVA yearbooks can be directed to Yearbook Coordinator, Emilie Nunez, at yearbook@lvacademy.org
Elementary School (Grades 4-6) Band & Choir Concert
The Elementary School (Grades 4-6) Spring Concert for Band, Choir, and Violin Club is just around the corner and the students have been working hard preparing for it.
Come out and join us on:
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022
At 6:00PM
DIMMICK PARK BANDSHELL
570 DURHAM ST, HELLERTOWN, PA 18055
THIS IS AN OUTDOOR EVENT. THE RAIN DATE IS THURSDAY, MAY 12TH.
Audience members should bring a chair or blanket to sit on in the grass.
Jr/Sr High School Band & Choir Concert
The Jr/Sr High School (Grades 7-12) Band & Choir concert is:
Wednesday May 11, 2022
At 6:30PM
Zoellner Arts Center
Lehigh University campus
420 E Packer Ave, Bethlehem PA, 18015.
The Addams Family Musical - Presented by the LVA High School Dramatics
Snap! Snap! The Addams Family Musical is coming to LVA!
Show information is as follows:
Nazareth Area Middle School
94 Friedenstahl Avenue
Nazareth, PA 18064
Saturday, May 14 2022 at 1:00PM
Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 7:00PM
Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 1:00PM
This is a full length show (Approximately 3 hours with intermission)
Annie, Jr. - Presented by the Elementary School 4-6 Drama Program
Come out and join us for the Elementary School production of Annie, Jr.
Show information is as follows:
Executive Education Academy Charter School
555 Union Boulevard
Allentown, PA 18109
Saturday, June 4 2022 at 1:00PM
Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 6:00PM
Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 1:00PM
Volunteers Needed for LVA Elementary School Field Day
Field Day (ES Grades 2-6) - May 25, 2022
LVA is hosting a Field Day on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 for students in Grades 2-6.
We ask that you dress your child in the comfortable clothes and the appropriate color shirt for their grade level. The colors are as follows:
2nd grade- Yellow
3rd Grade – Green
4th Grade - Red
5th Grade - Dark Blue
6th Grade - Tie Dye
Please wear sneakers and bring a water bottle. You may also send a hat with your child if necessary.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO APPLY SUNSCREEN TO YOUR CHILD BEFORE COMING TO SCHOOL.
Field Day (ES Grades K-1) - May 27, 2022
LVA is hosting a Field Day on Friday, May 27, 2022 for students in Grades K-1.
We ask that you dress your child in the comfortable clothes and the appropriate color shirt for their grade level. The colors are as follows:
Kindergarten- Purple
1st Grade – Orange
Please wear sneakers and bring a water bottle. You may also send a hat with your child if necessary.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO APPLY SUNSCREEN TO YOUR CHILD BEFORE COMING TO SCHOOL.
Health and Safety Plan
Health and Safety Plan
Below please see the updated Health and Safety Plan that LVA's Board approved at their last meeting.
Here are some highlights of the changes to the previous plan:
Mitigation levels (high, substantial, moderate, low) are determined by spread within the school rather than within the community. (We used the same percentages to determine the number of cases per level, but used 1,800 students rather than 100,000 county residents for the calculation.)
Masks are optional at the moderate and low level, instead of just the low level
Volunteers are permitted at the moderate level and the low level, instead of just the low level.
Quarantining is optional for those who are close contacts at school, as long as students do not exhibit any symptoms and families choose not to keep them home. Close contacts in the home still have to quarantine.
As we have in the past, we will look for two consecutive weeks of similar numbers in order to shift to a different level.
Volunteering at LVA (Background Certifications) - Get your clearances today! Field trips & events to come!
Pennsylvania laws (PA Act 153) related to volunteers changed as of July 1, 2015. Unlike in the past, when your background certifications remained active as long as you were associated with the school, all volunteers will now be required to update their background certifications every five (5) years so that they can continue to volunteer in public schools like Lehigh Valley Academy.
In order for the cost of the updated background certifications not hinder parents from volunteering, Governor Tom Wolf announced that PA Criminal Background Checks and PA Child Abuse Certifications would be available for free for volunteers.
The following are required for all volunteers:
- Criminal Record / Background Certification: PA Criminal Background Check
- Free for Volunteers
- Must be updated every 5 years
- Child Abuse History Certification: PA Child Abuse History Clearance
- Free for Volunteers. Must be updated every 5 years
- Mantoux (TB) testing:
- Varies according to medical provider
- This medical clearance is only required upon initial processing. It is not required to be updated every five years.
- FBI fingerprint-based background certification: FBI Fingerprint Registration
- Approximately $25.00-$30.00
- USE CODE: 1KG6Y3
- Registration is available online at IdentoGO
- Fingerprinting is required for all volunteers who have not been a continuous resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the last 10 years. If you have been a continuous resident, you will be required to complete an official disclosure statement. Please complete the attached affidavit if this applies to you. Fingerprint Affidavit
- Must be updated every five years
All copies of updated results will need to be provided to the Community Relations Office for our files. Please send them into the school in an envelope marked "Clearances: Attention Shea Ace" or email to clearances@lvacademy.org
Board Development Committee Members Needed!
Purpose:
The Board Development Committee is commissioned by and responsible to the Board of Trustees to assume the primary responsibility for matters pertaining to Board of Trustees recruitment, nominations, orientation, training, and evaluation in accordance with the bylaws of the organization as well as established policies and practices approved by the Board of Trustees.
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Bus Transportation
MASKING ON BUSES IS DETERMINED BY THE TRANSPORTING DISTRICT. PLEASE CHECK THE DISTRICT WEBSITE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION, AS THIS MAY VARY BY DISTRICT.
Please remember to keep the number for your child’s home school district transportation department in your cell phone. In case of an emergency, they will have radio contact with the bus driver. See the list of transportation departments contact information below :
School Nutrition Program (Free Breakfast & Lunch)
LVA is participating in the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) for the 2021-2022 school year. All enrolled students are eligible to receive free breakfast and/or lunch when in attendance (no need to pre-order or sign-up in advance).
Menus are available on the Linton's Website at https://www.myschoolmenus.com/instance/1075/district/1088
Although no further action is required for your child(ren) to receive breakfast and/or lunch at no charge, this school year we are still encouraging families who think they may qualify for Free and Reduced benefits to fill out the Free and Reduced Application.
You can apply on-line on www.compass.state.pa.us or access an application on the LVA website and return to school. Any questions or concerns, please contact:
Lynn Berndt @ (610)866-9660 ext. 4104 or l.berndt@lvacademy.org.
LVA has a mobile App!
LVA offers a mobile app, which is available in the Apple, Android Stores, and on Google Play. With our app, you will have quick access to things like:
Online Attendance Forms
Payment options
K-12 Events Calendar
Breakfast and Lunch menus
And more!
For Apple: Lehigh Valley Academy RCS
For Android: Lehigh Valley Academy RCS
From the LVA Nurses
How to reach the nursing department?
Ms. Andrea Grube, CSN K-3 ext. 2347
Mrs. Brigitte Bortz, CSN 4-6 and 7-12 ext. 3146
Ms. Lois Spouse, RN 7-12 ext. 4127
Nursing Fax: 610-814-6048
Nursing Fax ES 4-6: 484-821-0369 (during school hours only)
- Just a friendly reminder that we are following the CDC guidelines regarding Covid-19 related symptoms at this time. Please keep your child home if he/she displays any symptoms that could potentially be Covid-19 and please consult with your pediatrician/healthcare provider before sending your child to school.
If a member of your household is waiting for covid -19 test results or tests positive, unvaccinated students/staff cannot come to school.
COVID - What to do
If you, your family, and/or your children have been exposed to Covid-19 and/or are experiencing Covid-related symptoms, please keep your child(ren) home until you have spoken to one of the campus nurses.
If a member of the household is awaiting Covid-19 test results, keep all non-vaccinated and symptomatic children home, as well as the individual who was tested regardless of symptoms, until the result has been confirmed. If the result is negative, please send a copy of the result displaying your child’s name and date of test to your child’s building school nurse for his/her health file. Please contact Mrs. Renee Kershner RN Covid Coordinator to discuss your situation prior to sending your child back to school.
r.kershner@lvacademy.org or at extension 3146.
If your child is considered a close contact to a family member and is not vaccinated, he/she is required to quarantine for a minimum of 5 days from the last day of exposure (may require 10 days if lives in the same household). Vaccinated students do not have to quarantine, unless they become symptomatic.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe and healthy.
Helpful Covid-19 related links:
Health Services Webpage: http://www.lvacademy.org/for_parents/health_services/c_o_v_i_d-19_resources
Quarantine and Isolation: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html
What to do if you are sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
Health Update/Standing Orders Form Due
This form was sent home with your child on the first week of school and again this fall. They do need to be completed at the beginning of every school year or when a new health condition has been diagnosed by your PCP. Please return asap to the nurse’s office. Forms may be found on the LVA website under Parent Resources >Health Services > Health Forms > Health Update and Standing Order Form 2021-22. It also allows the nurses to administer over-the-counter medications for mild ailments up to twice per month.
http://www.lvacademy.org/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=28535148
Medication Policy
http://www.lvacademy.org/for_parents/health_services/action_plans
Please do not send any medication to school with your child. Medications need to be dropped off at the nurse’s office by an adult. Doctor’s orders are required for the administration for both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. New orders are needed every school year. If you have any questions, please call the nurse’s office at 610-866-9660.
ES K-3 Ms. Grube CSN ext 2347
ES 4-6 Mrs. Bortz CSN ext 3146
JrSr HS 7-12 Mrs. Sprouse RN ext 4127
Physical / Dental Exams Due
Dental exams are required for K , 3 , 7 grades. http://www.lvacademy.org/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=21350568
Physical exams are required for K, 6, 11 grades. http://www.lvacademy.org/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=21350570
We accept exams that were performed within one year of the beginning of the school year. Exams dated July 1st, 2020 and after are acceptable. Please submit the completed form by your provider to your school nurse as soon as possible.
Screenings
Every school year the nursing staff performs the state mandated screenings which includes: Height/Weight/BMI (all grades) , Vision (all grades), Hearing (K-3, 7th, 11th), and Scoliosis (6th and 7th grade). If your child wears glasses, they should be wearing them for the vision screening. Screenings will be conducted anytime as allowed by the nurses’ schedule.
Scoliosis Screening:
Pennsylvania State Health Law requires that students in 6th (letters were sent home for 6th grade physical and scoliosis screening on November 2nd) and 7th grade be screened for scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. When this condition is detected early and treated appropriately, progressive spinal deformity may be prevented or minimized. Scoliosis screening will be conducted at Lehigh Valley Academy for all sixth-grade (6th) and seventh grade (7th) students who do not have a current physical on file. The screening procedure is simple and can be performed in less than one minute. The school nurse will check your child’s back by observing it while your child is standing and bending forward.
Any objection to the scoliosis screenings requires notification in writing to your child’s building school nurse by March 11, 2022. A private exam by your provider will need to be submitted if you opt-out of screenings.
Change of clothes (for students in K-6)
Please keep a change of clothes in your child’s book bag in case of a mishap (bathroom accident, nosebleeds, spillage of food/liquid, fall in puddle, etc). We have limited sizes of clothing in our swap closets. Nurses do not have clothing in their offices.
PLEASE KEEP SICK CHILDREN HOME
IN ORDER TO TRY TO KEEP EVERYONE HEALTHY THIS SCHOOL YEAR, WE ALL NEED TO DO OUR PART.
The students and the staff have been fantastic about social distancing when possible and wearing their masks indoors. (Please note that vented masks are not permitted.)
It is also very important that you keep your child home if he/she is exhibiting symptoms (see list below) or if anyone in the household is covid positive or is currently waiting for the result of a covid test.
If your child is sick, please follow the guidelines for when to keep him/her home:
If you checked 1 or more symptoms, your child should stay home from school
Column A
☐Fever (100°F or higher)
☐Cough
☐Shortness of breath
☐Difficulty breathing
☐Nausea or vomiting
☐Diarrhea
☐Lack of smell or taste (without congestion)
If you checked 2 or more symptoms, your child should stay home from school
Column B
☐Sore throat
☐Chills
☐Muscle pain
☐Headache
☐Congestion or runny nose
LVA Alumni Update
Are you or someone you know a graduate of LVA? Update your alumni contact information today to stay in the know about upcoming alumni events and reunions!
We ask all Alumni to complete this Contact form.
Join LVA's official alumni group page on Facebook!
Connect on Social Media
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About Us
Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, located in Bethlehem, PA is an accredited, independent, K-12 public charter school authorized by the Bethlehem Area and Saucon Valley School Districts. LVA serves over 1,800 students from 19 different school districts in the Lehigh Valley Region.
LVA is a fully authorized International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years, Middle Years, Career-Related, and Diploma Programmes. LVA prides itself on being 1 of 3 schools in the United States to offer all 4 IB programmes.
Beginning with full-day kindergarten and continuing through a student's senior year, LVA emphasizes inquiry-based learning and critical thinking to prepare a student for higher education.
LVA is committed to developing the whole student with a strong emphasis on citizenship, both locally and globally, as well as attention to strong 21st century learning practices. Lehigh Valley Academy holds fast to our mission of developing young people into active, knowledgeable and caring members of a world-wide, diverse society.
Email: info@lvacademy.org
Website: www.lvacademy.org
Location: 1560 Valley Center Parkway, Bethlehem, PA, USA
Phone: 610-866-9660
Facebook: facebook.com/LVARCS/
Twitter: @LVACADEMY