West Week in Review
March 8, 2019
Please check your email weekly for our West Week in Review! Home Access Center and the BASD app are now open. Also, be sure to follow us on the Boyertown Middle School West Facebook page and our Twitter / Instagram accounts @WhatsUp_West.
Upcoming Dates
March 15-17 Willy Wonka Jr. musical at West
March 20 – Early dismissal
New Information
Dance Marathon
Dance Marathon is coming up on April 5! Over 350 students attend this event each year and we need your help to make it successful! Parents can support the Dance Marathon through volunteering, donating food or prizes and helping us find businesses willing to donate food or prizes!
Volunteering: We are in need of about 10-15 parent volunteers to help from 1-7pm the day of the Dance Marathon (Friday, April 5th). Volunteers will help set up, serve food (snacks & dinner) and clean up in the cafeteria.
Donating: We have created two different sign up geniuses for parents to donate toward the Dance Marathon.
Link to donate food: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080e4eafa628a6fb6-food1
Link to donate prizes: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080e4eafa628a6fb6-prize1
Do you know a business that would be willing to donate food or prizes to the Dance Marathon? If so, please let us know as soon as possible! The more donations we receive, the more money we can raise to fight Cancer!
If you are willing to volunteer or have a question you can contact us at westdancemarathon@gmail.com.
Thank you for supporting West and the American Cancer Society!
BCCF/BASD Student Art Show
From March 18 to April 26, students from all ten schools in the Boyertown Area School District will have their work displayed at the Berks County Community Foundation at 237 Court St. (corner of Third and Court Sts.), Reading, PA. This is a fantastic honor for our students! The Foundation is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. There will be a reception on Sunday, March 24, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM for community members, students, and their families. See the attached flyer for more information.
Homework Club
West homework club continues to be held after school form 2:50-3:50pm. Upcoming dates are:
Mon. 3/11 Tues. 3/12 Wed. 3/13 Thurs 3/14 Mon. 3/18 Tues. 3/19 Thurs. 3/21 Mon. 3/25 Tues. 3/26 Wed. 3/27 Thurs. 3/28
For Continued Reminders
Title IX Survey for Grade 8
The Boyertown Area School District is conducting a student survey to determine student interest in sports programs. The survey was sent to all eighth grade students on March 5, 2019. The responses to this survey will help determine if the school district is accommodating the athletic interests and abilities of students, including whether to add additional teams. The survey is part of a Title IX self-audit being performed by the BASD Athletic Department in conjunction with High School Title IX Consulting Services, LLC.
Spring Sports Physical Info
Spring sports started for the high school and MS baseball on Monday, March 4 and all other MS sports will begin on March 11. All physical forms and recertification forms are due now to the athletic office. These forms are located on the district's website under Athletics. Student/athletes got information from their coach at their meetings this week. Any questions regarding physical forms, please contact the athletic office at 610-369-7452.
End of Second Marking Period
Wednesday, March 6, was the end of the second marking period. Report cards will be posted to Home Access Center on Friday, March 15.
Early Dismissal for Students
Students will be dismissed at 11:35 AM on Wednesday, March 20, due to afternoon staff development activities. No lunches will be served.
BASH TSA Back to the 80’s 5K Run/Mile Walk
BASH TSA (Technology Student Association) has set a goal to make the largest monetary donation ever to the American Cancer Society by any TSA chapter in the country. The goal is to donate $10,000 to the ACS by April 2019. As the primary fundraiser, TSA has chosen an event that the entire BASD community can support – the BASH TSA Back to the 80’s 5K Run/Mile Walk! As an added bonus, any amount raised over $10,000 will help TSA defray the cost of the chapter’s participation at the TSA National Conference in National Harbor, MD – a win-win for all! Please help us by gathering a group and using this link to register now: https://www.pretzelcitysports.com/calendar_event/back-to-the-80scharity-5k-and-1-mile-walk/. Thank you for your support!
Snow Make-Up
The snow make –up day for Wednesday, February 20, will be Thursday, June 6, 2019. June 6 will be an early dismissal day. May 31 will now be a full day of school.
If we have any further snow days the make-up days will be as follows:
Friday, June 7, 2019
Monday, April 22, 2019
Monday, June 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
New email for Miss Conklin
Our eighth grade counselor has gotten married. Miss Conklin is now Mrs. Jones! If you need to contact her, her email is now ljones@boyertownasd.org. Mrs. Jones visited all eighth grade math classes this week to complete BASH course registration with our students. She will be following up next week with anyone who was absent or forgot their course card.
East/West PSSA Testing Dates
The middle schools will be giving the PSSA tests on the following dates. To meet the participation rates mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, all educational trip requests will not be approved during these dates. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding.
Grade Test/Subject Dates
Grades 6, 7 & 8 PSSA English Language Arts April 24, 25, 26
Grades 6, 7 & 8 PSSA Mathematics April 29, 30
Grade 8 PSSA Science May 1, 2 2019-20
BASD Student Calendar Correction
Please note the calendar was corrected to remove the early dismissal indicated on Friday, May 29, 2020, as this should be a full student day. The corrected calendar is attached.
8th to 9th Grade Scheduling Meeting for Parents/Guardians
Thanks to all who came out to the high school on February 6. In case you were not able to make it, here is the link to the presentation http://prezi.com/atoohj8yusue/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy. Contact the high school counseling office with any questions at (610) 369-7435. A reminder to students to sign up for “Remind 101” by texting @b494d7 to 81010.
Important Summer Dates for Grade 8 to 9
For your planning purposes, please save the following dates: Grade 8 to 9 Parent/Guardian (no students please) Freshman Orientation on Thursday, August 22 in the evening. Link Crew Day (Freshmen Student Orientation) will be Thursday, August 22, during the day. Exact times and more details will be coming later this spring.
Eighth Grade Dance
The Eighth Grade Dance will be held on Friday, May 17, in the Senior High dining room from 7:00 to 9:30 PM. The dance is for eighth grade students from Middle School East and West only. The dance is meant to be a mixer – a chance for the students to celebrate the conclusion of eighth grade and get ready to move forward together at the high school – not a fashion show. We strongly encourage you not to rent tuxedos or purchase formal wear. All outfits must be in good taste. Students who attend the dance are expected to follow the following dress code: Dress slacks with a shirt and tie. Ties must remain on and shirts tucked in for the entire dance. Sweaters and jackets are optional. A dress or nice blouse and skirt or dress slacks. All dresses/skirts must be the required length according to the district dress code. No bare midriffs or backs. No jeans or sneakers will be permitted. An informational letter was sent home with eighth grade students explaining the rules and expectations for the Eighth Grade Dance. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
No Place for Hate Day
Our district-wide annual No Place for Hate Day is coming up on May 7. NPFH shirts are once again available for purchase. Please see the attached form for shirt order information.
Safe 2 Say Something
In January, we introduced a new safety measure mandated by the state. Safe 2 Say Something is an anonymous reporting system designed to help stop school shootings, suicides, and gun threats, reduce bullying and cyberbullying, and help intervene upon cutting, drug use, racial conflicts, and other violent and victimization acts. See the attached letter for more details.
Right-sizing and Student Enrollment/Assignment
The BASD School Board has directed the superintendent and district leadership team to develop a school utilization plan (right-sizing our facility usage) that more effectively, efficiently and equitably enroll and assign students to our schools. Due to change in growth patterns in our district, it is now necessary to reallocate/redistrict our students. For presentations on why, how, and when this will take place, attend the school board meetings. There is more information on the district webpage. A “FAQ” sheet is attached.
Middle School West is excited to present Willy Wonka, Jr.
At West, the show has been cast and rehearsals have begun! Purchase your tickets now to receive the best available seats! Showtimes are as follows: Friday, March 15 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, March 16 at 7:00 PM; Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 PM. Adults: $7.00. Students and Sr. Citizens (62 and older): $5.00. Advanced ticket orders may be placed using the attached form. Tickets may also be purchased at the door! Contact Mrs. Erica Creed with questions at ecreed@boyertownasd.org.
BASD is in search of new employees: The district is in search of people to fill various positions. West in particular has several paraprofessional openings. See the following link for employment opportunities: BASD HR Page
BASD Student Calendar for 19-20 Approved
At the latest meeting, the school board passed the school calendar for 2019-20. See the attachment.
Information from the West Nurse
Immunizations required for 7th grade entry:
• 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) • 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV). All parents have been notified if their child has not received one or both vaccine. If your child is participating in a school physical, a parent or guardian is responsible for getting their student immunized. Vaccine information can be found at www.dontwaitvaccinate.pa.gov
BASH Musical: Guys and Dolls (March 28-31)
The high school is proud to present Guys and Dolls. The show will be held at 7:00 PM on March 28, 29, and 30, with a matinee performance at 2:00 on March 31. There are several ways to purchase your tickets. You may complete the attached form (also available at https://www.boyertownasd.org/domain/115) and send it to Mr. Jeff Brunner at BASH. Tickets will be sold each Wednesday at the BASH East Entrance starting January 9 from 6-8 PM. All seats are reserved - $12 each. We hope you can join us!
Grade 6 HAC: Viewing Science and Social Studies Classes
Sixth grade parents/guardians and students have been informing us that they can’t see the percentage total for science or social studies class. The reason for that is because those courses are semester-long courses. We have found a way to view the classwork and current grade average. Unfortunately, there is no way to see the science or social studies class and the rest of the classes on the same screen. See the attachment for instructions.
Ways to Help West
There are several ways to help raise funds for student activities at West without spending any extra money.
Clip and send in BoxTops.
Register your Giant grocery card for Middle School West.
Sign up for the Shoparoo app and select Boyertown Area Jhs-West to earn money for our school when you snap your receipts.
Purchase grocery gift cards from the West office.
Send in gently used shoes in good condition for donation.
Send in Redner’s receipts from the Save-a-Tape program.
PSU-Berks Math Homework Hotline
We are pleased to share with you that Penn State Berks, with the support of Customers Bank, is offering free math tutoring to students in grades 6 through 12 via the Homework Hotline. Beginning Tuesday, September 25, 2018, students will be able to call the Hotline between the hours of 6-9pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for math homework assistance from our STEM Penn State Berks students. The number to call is (610) 396-6767. See the flyer for more details.
Community Bulletin Board
The district webpage is now displaying community events. Check out the Community Bulletin Board on the district's website for flyers highlighting sports and club registrations within the Boyertown community. This can also be found by going to the district website, clicking on ", and then selecting "Community Bulletin Board".
Attendance Procedures
A quick reminder that state law requires written notification of excuse from a parent/guardian within three days of return from absence. Please utilize the electronic options we have provided to make this as easy as possible. We greatly appreciate your cooperation. https://www.boyertownasd.org/Page/5317
Calendar 2018-2019
Please note the dates of district testing which are listed below. Educational trips for students involved in district testing will not be approved during those times. We appreciate your help in making sure all of our students are available for the testing.
April 15 – May 3 Grades 6,7,8 PSSA ELA, PSSA Math, PSSA Science (Grade 8 only) May 13 – 24 Grade 8 Keystone Algebra I Exam (Only students in Algebra I Advanced)
Boyertown Area Unity Walk-NEW DATE! (Saturday, March 30)
The Unity Walk has a new home. This year is the fifteenth annual Unity Walk will be held in March rather than October. The event will run in conjunction with the Wellness Council of Boyertown’s Annual Wellness Fair. The new date is Saturday, March 30 at 9:00 AM. The walk will begin at the Boyertown Area Senior High School Main Entrance. Participants are encouraged to stay for the Wellness Council’s Running of the Bears and the Wellness Fair. The Running of the Bears will begin following the walk and the Wellness Fair will be from 10 AM-1PM at BASH. Students who participate in the Unity Walk will get bonus points for walking in addition to their laps in the Running of the Bears Event. Unity Walkers are encouraged to organize a walking team. Four lucky teams will receive a $100 donation to a charity of their choice.
Please mark your calendars for both events. Two great events that highlight our appreciation for diversity, acceptance for all, and healthy living within the Boyertown Community. We hope to see you there.
Boyertown Middle School West
Email: sllandis@boyertownasd.org
Website: www.boyertownasd.org
Location: 380 South Madison Street, Boyertown, PA 19512
Phone: 610-369-7471
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoyertownWest/
Twitter: @WhatsUp_West