West Word
An Update from Perkiomen Valley Middle School West
A Word From Mr. Creeden
Fall is a wonderful time to be at Middle School West. We are part of such a beautiful area filled with the brightest of fall colors. Speaking of fall colors I want to remind everyone to please consider registering for the Fall Colors 5K on Saturday, October 15th. The race will take place behind PV East and directly supports PV Woods. If interested please Register here. For more race information, click here.
Next week is bully prevention week here at West. Teachers and students will engage in a couple lessons during our Advisory period throughout the week. The topics of the lessons are "Dignity & Respect, Words That Matter" and "When & How Do I Speak Out? Building Empathy and Courage in Bystanders". Wednesday October 21st of next week is Unity Day. We are encouraging all students to wear orange to support those who have been bullied and are uniting to make a difference. Students will also participate in a UNITY project on this day to display around the school. Lastly, students will have the opportunity to sign a pledge to create a world without bullying through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. We are really looking forward to next week to raise awareness, inform, and do everything we can to prevent bullying here a West in order to create a safe, supportive, and successful environment for ALL of our students. For more information about bully prevention week please go to https://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/.
Half-Day for Students on Wednesday October 19th
Quick Snapshot📸
- What's Up @ West
- Monster Mash @ West
- PV West Halloween Guidelines
- Power Packs
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- After School Clubs/Activities @ West
- After School Activity Transportation
- PSSA Student Reports
- Quick Reference Guide for Parents/Guardians
- Yearbook Art Contest
- Nurse Notes
- West Home & School Information
- Special Education Spotlight
- PV West Athletic Update
- Middle School Handbook Highlights
- Be Part of the Conversation - Upcoming Programs
- PVSD Food Service Updates
- October Breakfast/Lunch Menus
- Safe2Say
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- PV West on Social Media
- Community Bulletin Board
- West Weeks At A Glance
- HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
What's Up @ West
Mapping Activity
May the Force Be With You
May the FORCE be with you! West students in Mr. Patterson’s eighth grade science classes took part in an exciting stomp rocket activity that demonstrated the common forces of friction, gravity and mass as well as Newton’s three laws of motion. The students also found that the acceleration of the force, rather than the mass of the force sent the rockets flying the farthest. The “rocket scientists” had a blast while learning important lessons about physical science principles that rule our world.
Monster Mash @ West
We are excited to announce a new and upcoming event, the Monster Mash on Oct 21st from 7-9 PM at MS West. This fun-filled event will feature a costume contest, pumpkin contest, games, treats, and more! School guidelines for costumes (see below) must be followed including no weapons and no blood/gore. Inflatable costumes however, will be permitted at this event. Additional details on the event can be found below and in the attached advertisement. Interested in helping out? Volunteers can sign-up to help at the following link, please note clearances need to be on file.
- $5 admission fee per student due upon admission at main entrance. Water, apple cider, cupcakes, candy, and chips will be for sale.
- Costume Contest- Come dressed-up! Awards for most creative, funniest, scariest, and best group costume.
- Pumpkin Contest- Bring a pre-carved or decorated pumpkin to enter into this competition!
- Fun games including Pumpkin Bowling, Eye Ball Roll, Photo Booth, and Hotel Transylvania movie showing.
- Take a guess at what’s in our Gory Boxes and race to wrap a friend in the TP mummy station!
We look forward to your student’s participation in this event sponsored by West Home & School.
PV West Halloween Guidelines
PV West students may celebrate the spirit of Halloween on Monday, October 31st by choosing to come to school in costume. Costumes are not required but if worn, all costumes must comply with each of the following guidelines below.
Power Packs
PV Power Packs will be collecting NEW, unwrapped toys and gifts at the Homecoming Football Game this evening. There will be bins at each of the gates, along with QR codes if you’d like to make a financial contribution. All items collected will be distributed to PV families who need assistance for the winter holidays. Last year, Power Packs provided gifts to over 100 PV students and they are hoping to do even more this year. For ideas of what types of items they are in need of, check out their wish list at https://tinyurl.com/powerpackshs. You can also learn more about Power Packs at https://www.pvsd.org/families/pv-power-packs/.
PV Power Packs is a weekend food program for students experiencing food insecurity. Bags of food, including 2 breakfast items, 2 lunch items, 2 snacks, and 2 fruits, are sent home with students prior to every weekend. There is no financial information required to participate in this program and students pick up their bags from their counselor or designated person every week.
Sign up for your child(ren) to receive a Power Packs bag by filling out this form: 2022-23 Power Packs or by emailing PowerPacks@pvsd.org.
If you would like to make a donation to Power Packs, please do so by sending a check to the District Office at 3 Iron Bridge Dr. Collegeville made out to PVSD and note Power Packs in the memo line or donate through PayPal. For PayPal the email to send a donation is donations@pvsd.org. Thank you for your support!
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
After School Clubs/Activities @ West
Disc Golf Club
The Disc Golf Club will meet every Wednesday weather permitting and will conclude before 4:00pm. All levels are welcome! Discs will be provided, so you don't need your own discs (but are welcome to bring them if you have them). All you need is a positive attitude, sneakers, and a water bottle. The club will meet in the gym hallway at the end of school day. If you have questions, please see Ms. Bangert in Rm. 222 during tenth period.
Homework Club
Homework Club takes place next Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 2:30 - 3:45pm in the West library. Homework Club will provide a quiet, comfortable, and supportive setting for students to complete school work and become better organized. Students will receive assistance and support when needed. School resources will also be provided for all students in attendance. There is no sign-up required. If students are attending they can report directly to the Library after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The CAUSE Club
The CAUSE (Connecting And Uniting Students to Empower) is a student leadership group that works collaboratively to educate the larger school community on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as to support the individual club members. Students joining The CAUSE Club will meet every other week to collaborate, plan, create, and help make positive change in our school community. Our next meeting will take place on Wednesday October 26th from 2:30 - 3:45pm in LGI 125. If you are interested in joining The CAUSE Club please email Mr. Creeden at rcreeden@pvsd.org.
After School Activity Transportation
- 4:00pm Departure (outside main office) - Monday through Thursday
- 5:00pm Departure (outside gym entrance) - Monday through Thursday
PSSA Student Reports
The report provides you with your child’s overall performance level and raw scores in ELA, Mathematics, and Science. The report also provides a Strength Profile which indicates your child’s performance within each of the reporting categories of the standards. While these scores are used to assess a student’s academic proficiency, they are only one factor to consider in your child’s overall educational attainment. For more information about the PSSA, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website at www.education.pa.gov.
Quick Reference Guide for Parents/Guardians
Yearbook Art Contest
Nurse Notes
SCOLIOSIS SCREENING: School law requires that a screening for scoliosis be performed on all children in grade 7. The Perkiomen Valley School District will conduct a scoliosis screening program beginning October 18, 2022. The purpose of the screening program is to detect possible curvature of the spine in children. If the condition is detected early and appropriately treated, progressive spinal deformity may be prevented. All grade 7 students are scheduled to be screened.
The screening test is very simple and can be performed in less than a minute. The school nurse will check your child’s back by observing it while your child is standing and bending forward. You will be contacted if there is any reason to have your child examined by your pediatrician, family physician, or orthopedist.
Your cooperation is essential to help us make the program run smoothly. If you have any objections to having your child participate in the screening program, please inform the school nurse Sharon Saks (ssaks@pvsd.org) in writing by October 14, 2022.
West Home & School Information
If you would like to volunteer at any events that Home and School may have in the Spring, please email pvmswesths@gmail.com
Special Education Spotlight
PV West Athletic Update
At our recent home football games, administration has observed the need for greater oversight of our elementary and middle school students. For the remainder of the football season, these students must be accompanied by an adult to gain entry into the game. Student safety is our highest priority and we appreciate your support.
Important Winter Sports Dates
Winter sports registration must occur by NOVEMBER 7.
First day of Middle School Wrestling is NOVEMBER 18.
First day of Middle School Basketball is NOVEMBER 28.
Registration for winter sports must occur by November 8. This can be done at http://www.planeths.com. In addition to registering, student-athletes must have a PIAA physical examination done by a doctor and the proper paperwork completed by the doctor. In order to count for the 2022-2023 school year, the physical must occur June 1 or later. The form is found on www.planeths.com when you register. If you played a fall sport, you only need to complete and submit section 8.
Girl's Soccer
Unsung athletes of the week: The girls had a tough loss after having a few days off. The team pulled it together and played with 10 players on the field. They kept their heads up and pushed through it.
Upcoming Schedule
Monday October 17th - Home vs. Pottsgrove Middle School (3:45)
Tuesday October 18th - Home vs. Upper Perkiomen Middle School (3:45)
Thursday October 19th - Away vs. Owen J. Roberts Middle School (3:45)
Football
Upcoming Schedule
Tuesday October 18th - Home vs. Pottstown Middle School (3:45)
Tuesday October 25th - Away vs. Owen J. Roberts Middle School (3:45)
Field Hockey
Unsung athletes of the week: The entire team. The forwards were well supported by mids and defense to play a very attacking and skillful game, resulting in their 2nd shutout win in a row.
Upcoming Schedule
Monday October 17th - Away vs. Pottstown Middle School (3:45)
Tuesday October 18th - Home vs. Pottsgrove Middle School (3:45)
Thursday October 20th - Away vs. Boyertown Area Middle School East (3:45)
Cross Country
Unsung athletes of the week: Both teams ran a hard race against two very competitive teams on a soggy West course. Evin Martin continues to impress with a first place finish in the boys race setting a personal best in the muddy conditions. He ran against 44 runners. His work ethic is paying off and he is an inspiration to the rest of the team.
Tiadora Berkey continues to make big strides as she took 2 minutes off her personal best on our muddy course this week. Great job and effort to all of our runners
Upcoming Schedule
Thursday October 20th - Away vs. Phoenixville Middle School (3:45)
Volleyball
Unsung athletes of the week: Our Varsity unsung athletes of the week are Sarah Moy for her offensive attacks and Natalie Curci for her solid defense. Our JV unsung athletes of the week are Pressi Paragova and Lilly Tobin for their growth this season and key plays against Spring-Ford.
Upcoming Schedule
Tuesday October 18th - Away vs. Pottsgrove Middle School (3:45)
Thursday October 20th - Away vs. Upper Merion Middle School (3:45)
Monday October 24th - Away vs. Perkiomen Valley Middle School East (3:45)
Middle School Handbook Highlights
Dress Code
Cell Phones
Procedure for Administration of Medications in School
No medication should be in the student’s possession (pockets, lunch, purse/handbag, or backpack). All medications are to be delivered directly to the nurse’s office and kept in the health room unless otherwise designated by the school nurse. Please contact our school nurse Sharon Saks at ssaks@pvsd.org with any questions.
Be Part of the Conversation - Upcoming Programs
Be a Part of the Conversation equips families and communities in Pennsylvania with skills and resources to understand substance use, addiction, and related health issues. We provide community programs, foster supportive connections, highlight lived experiences, and challenge stigma.
We are a collaboration of community leaders, clinicians, students, school district representatives, and families who believe that having meaningful, inclusive conversations about substance use and addiction will support individuals and their families in their efforts to develop healthy coping skills and access support whenever there is a need. Learn more about us. See the link below for a number of programs that Be a Part of the Conversation offers.
PVSD Food Service Updates
Parents/Guardians put money in their student(s) accounts electronically in SchoolCafe or by sending cash or checks in with their students. For more information about SchoolCafe please go to https://www.pvsd.org/departments/food-service/school-cafe-information/. If you are sending funds in with your students, please note the students’ names and account number on the envelope and ask them to give the envelope to their cashier in the cafeteria.
Upon entering the serving area, students make their selections and enter their 6 digit Student ID number on the pin pad or scanner. Our staff will be happy to help them become more comfortable with the system.
October Breakfast/Lunch Menus
Safe2Say
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and is now active across the United States.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. Please see below for more information.
The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
PV West on Social Media
We would love to have you join our social media accounts to stay updated on the latest West news and happenings. Please see below on where to find each of our accounts.
Community Bulletin Board
Want to find out what’s going on in the PV Community? Visit here for flyers about upcoming events in and around our area!
To submit an event for posting, please send a PDF version of your flyer to webmaster@pvsd.org for review.
Please note that Community Bulletin Board items may contain links to websites of organizations outside Perkiomen Valley School District. Items are posted to this bulletin board as a free service to the community, and should not be interpreted as being sponsored or endorsed by the district.
West Weeks At A Glance
Monday October 17th - Friday October 21st - Bully Prevention Week at West
Tuesday October 18th - Wellness Committee Meeting @ 3:45pm in the PVHS Library; PVSD Policy Committee Meeting @ 6pm in PVHS Library or Zoom
Wednesday October 19th - UNITY DAY at West (Wear Orange); Half-Day for Students (Dismissal at 11:30)
Friday October 21st - Monster Mash Activity Night @ West (7-9pm)
Monday October 24th - Friday October 28th - Red Ribbon Week at West
For more details on the 22/23 school year go to the 22/23 Instructional Calendar