Weekly Message
an Update from Dr. Barbara A. Russell 3/25/22
Greetings PV Families,
Spring has sprung and the weather is starting to provide a taste of what is to come. There is lots happening inside and out of our schools. Spring sports are in full swing at both the high school and middle levels and two of three musicals have been performed. Last weekend I attended West's performance of High School Musical Jr., and just as with East's Seussical!, our students did an outstanding job. Both shows were terrific and I applaud our middle schoolers for their willingness to showcase their talents. Next up is the high school musical beginning March 31.
Spring is often a time when we begin to think about getting outside more and often our physical health. You may be aware of the recent approval by our Board of School Directors to update and enhance the high school fitness center/weight room. This facility is accessed by many of our physical education students in grades 9-12 through their classes on a regular basis, as well as our athletes and those students (and some of our staff) that simply wish to exercise in this location. The upgrades to the fitness center are being funded by ESSER grant monies for the purpose of supporting student engagement in school and overall health and well-being. Administration is currently investigating ideas for allocating ESSER funds in the areas of art and music.
With respect to physical exercise and health, the District has also been discussing a proposal for the Montgomery County Planning Commission to conduct a walkability/biking audit. The study will be proposed to our Board of School Directors and if approved, provide the District with an analysis on the possibility of more students walking to school as well as students biking to school. I am aware of the interest on the part of some in our community to introduce biking to our schools in those locations where it makes sense to do so. Stay tuned for updates as they become available.
Wishing you an enjoyable weekend!
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara A. Russell
Superintendent
Lunchrooms are Back!
We are excited to continue the transition of our learning & gathering spaces and activities back to pre-pandemic (to as "close to the normal we know" as possible). Desks are being removed and tables returned in cafeterias and areas that previously had tables, for example kindergarten classrooms and some special area learning spaces, etc. We will continue to increase opportunities for small group instruction.
The annual percussion and colorguard invitational was held last weekend in our high school competition gym. There were more than 40 schools in attendance. The performances were impressive!
These changes and activities are exciting ones for our students and I am pleased we are able to make them.
Our Sincerest Sympathies
The Pennsylvania State Police, together with the Trappe Fire Company and Branden's family, will be hosting Branden's funeral services on the PVSD campus on Saturday, April 2. As a result, the PVSD Campus (including Evergreen Elementary, Middle School East, and PV High School) will be closed from 6am- 4pm.
Show Your Support!
Thank you to all those who participated in Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day!!
March is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, with National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day on Friday, March 25th. To honor and recognize Cerebral Palsy, think about wearing GREEN in the coming week! Why green? The color was chosen to reflect youthfulness and new growth, as well as hope for advancements in treatment and acceptance.
On Saturday, March 26, we recognize National Epilepsy Awareness Day. This day, created to increase the public’s understanding of this brain disorder and eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding it, is also known as PURPLE day. Wear purple to show your support.
Autism Awareness Day - Friday, April 1st. We invite you to wear BLUE for Light it up Blue in honor of Autism Awareness. The official day is Saturday, April 2nd but since it falls on the weekend, a Friday celebration is a great ending to the week!
Designing - while Desserting!
What’s your vision for Perkiomen Valley School District? Join us on March 28, 2022 in the High School Library to talk about your vision for the future of our District. As part of our comprehensive planning process, gathering input from our stakeholders is critical. Bring your ideas and hopes, enjoy some tasty desserts, and help us design our vision and goals for the future of Perkiomen Valley School District. If you are interested in participating, please complete this short survey so we can plan accordingly.
If you have questions about the comprehensive planning process, please contact Mrs. Laurie Smith, Assistant Superintendent (lsmith@pvsd.org). We look forward to the discussion.
Let Us Entertain You!
Summer Program- LIFT
Are you or someone you know a certified teacher? PVSD is seeking certified teachers to provide remediation and enrichment instruction during our summer program, LIFT (Learning Is Fun Together). Remediation programs are scheduled in the mornings from June 27 - July 27. Enrichment programs are held in both mornings and afternoons the weeks of July 11, July 18, and July 25. Teachers receive $40/hour compensation. Applications are being accepted through the district’s human resources website. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Laurie Smith, Assistant Superintendent (lsmith@pvsd.org).
Community Events
for details visit: www.pvsd.org/pvwoods
COVID-19 Dashboard
As a reminder, we have made changes to our district COVID-19 dashboard. In alignment with reporting to the Montgomery County Office of Public Health (MCOPH), PVSD data will now be shared weekly, on Mondays, to reflect onsite positive COVID cases for the previous week (Saturday through Friday). The information, broken down by level, includes onsite positive cases for students and staff. To view, visit District COVID-19 Dashboard.
Upcoming District Dates
- Thursday, March 24: Safety & Operations Committee @ 7:00pm
- Wednesday, March 30: Education Committee @ 7:00pm
- Thursday, March 31: Finance Committee @ 7:00pm
Superintendent's Office
Email: brussell@pvsd.org
Website: https://www.pvsd.org/about/superintendent/
Location: 3 Iron Bridge Drive, Collegeville, PA, USA
Phone: (610)489-8506
Twitter: @BarbaraARussell
Having Tech Issues? See Below for Details
- Chromebook malfunctions/damages: Email the helpdesk@pvsd.org
- Forgotten student passwords: Go to https://accounts.pvsd.org
- FAQs about Chromebooks can be found on our website
Safe2Say
As a note, in addition to always encouraging our students to share questionable or concerning information with a trusted adult, they can submit an anonymous tip through the Safe2Say Program. Tips are typically related to a variety of challenges our students experience or witness, such as bullying, harassment, disrespectful language, safety concerns, etc. When a tip is received, the State (who runs Safe2Say) immediately follows up with the respective building administrator and the information is investigated.
21-22 v27 3/24/22