Oley Valley School District
Digital Newsletter -- May 2017
Oley Valley SD Recognized as Best for Music Education
According to the NAMM Foundation website, "the awards program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of the curriculum. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education. These districts and schools set the bar in offering students access to comprehensive music education."
Oley Valley Elementary School Update
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OleyValleyES/
Twitter: @ElemOley
STEM Festival Challenges Young Minds on High Stakes Testing Days
Young engineers and scientists at Oley Valley Elementary School are spending their days exploring and applying concepts in structural engineering, aerodynamics and mathematical principles. Oh, and some of them are taking the PSSAs this week, too.
Oley Valley Elementary School launched their STEM Festival this week with an in-house exploration center and class challenges presented throughout the building. The festival takes place during the school day on PSSA testing days scheduled throughout the month of April. The school is striving to provide fun, high interest activities to keep students engaged in learning during the seemingly long days of PSSA testing.
“We wanted to create an activity to unite all of the students in the building and provide fun, high interest activities to keep them engaged when PSSA testing disrupts our regular schedule,” event coordinator Ms. Jenni Mowry said. STEM learning incorporates concepts and skills from science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an interdisciplinary and applied approach to education.
During the Oley Valley Elementary School STEM Festival, students work together to explore a hands-on exploration center created by staff and parent volunteers in the building’s front lobby. The center features a Construction Zone, Math Magic stations and Flight Zone that each includes a variety of activities and projects to be completed in small groups. While exploring the stations, students must apply a variety of academic concepts, develop a few construction skills and collaborate with classmates they may not encounter in their daily routines. In addition, classes are presented with challenges to resolve together, using tools on hand and gathering and sharing ideas throughout their classroom. The rigorous schedule of the PSSAs tends to create an undue focus and sense of anxiety among young learners. Oley Valley Elementary School has re-engineered their standardized testing experience to release the enthusiasm and energy of discovery and exploration shared by engineers and scientists of all ages.
2017-2018 Kindergarten Registration is Now Open
Click here to access registration documents.
Oley Valley Middle School Update
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OleyValleyMS/
Twitter: @OleyMS
OVES & OVMS Students Compete in K'nex Competition
This year we had 8 elementary teams (consisting of 4th and 5th graders) and 4 middle school teams compete at the annual K’NEX competition at the Berks County Intermediate Unit on March 22 and March 23. The 2017 challenge was that students needed to construct an amusement park ride for an amusement park that had an environmentally friendly theme. Some of the ideas the students used included using solar panels, designing wind turbines to reduce the pollution put into the air, elevating the ride on stilts to save the ecosystem underneath, and educating about saving the rainforests. In addition to the design and construction of the ride, the teams of 4 needed to create blueprints, a journal of their journey using the STEM process, a budget, and a presentation showcasing their final product. They also needed to demonstrate teamwork. It was a fantastic learning opportunity, and an exciting day for all.
Article Submitted by Mrs. Dawn Roman, ES/MS Gifted Coordinator
OVMS Students Participate in Choral Festival
Representing Oley Valley were Madison Wartzeuft, Madison Robb, Kylie Sanders, Kyleigh Schlegel, Abigail Reinert, and Autumn Wolf.
Oley Valley High School Update
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oleyvalleyHS/
Twitter: @OleyValleyHS
2017 Spring Musical “Spamalot” Delights Audiences of all Ages
The high schools spring musical production of Monty Python’s “Spamalot” was the delight of all ages in the Oley Valley in April breaking records with its highest number for audience attendance in over two decades. Under the direction of Mrs. Stacy Lyons, the Drama Department has grown not only in numbers but in talent and quality. Accolades and patron attendance was also far reaching as found in an article published in the Hummelstown Sun covering the Hummelstown, Hershey and Palmyra area; “Their performance was outstanding, with not a weak voice in the production and choreography equal to anything I’ve seen at Hershey Theatre with the traveling Broadway casts.” – William S. Jackson
The production team and administration couldn’t be prouder of the cast, crew and pit for their amazing talent and commitment to the performing arts. Mark your calendar for next year’s performances: OVHS Fall Play - November 9-11, 2017 and Spring Musical - April 12-14, 2018.
Article submitted by: Ms. Stacy Lyons, Musical Director
Guest Speaker Shares Personal Story About the Holocaust
Kim Yashek, a second-generation Holocaust survivor, visited Oley Valley High School on March 10th to share the experiences of her late father, Richard Yashek, with Mrs. Stephanie Kallis’s English II CP students. The students are currently studying Elie Wiesel’s narrative Night, and Ms. Yashek’s personal account helped them to have a greater understanding of both Wiesel’s work and the Holocaust.
Born in 1929 in Luebeck, Germany, Richard Yashek lived a normal life until the Nazi Party took control of Germany. Mr. Yashek survived four concentration camps and eventually prospered to become co-owner of J.C. Ehrlich Company. He died on April 15, 2005.
Kim Yashek, who currently resides in Vail, Colorado, delivered an exceptional presentation that utilized the Yashek Digital Archive Collection provided by Albright College. Through the collection, students viewed photographs of Richard and his family, as well as images of historical documents.
Wiesel once remarked, “In the word question, there is a beautiful word - quest. I love that word. We are all partners in a quest. The essential questions have no answers. You are my question, and I am yours - and then there is dialogue.” The dialogue generated as a result of Ms. Yashek’s visit is invaluable and greatly appreciated.
Article submitted by Mrs. Stephanie Kallis, OVHS ELA Teacher
OVHS Student Takes State Award
Congratulations to Rian Nihart our Oley Valley Future Business Leader’s member who qualified to compete in Hershey, Pennsylvania this April 4th by winning our Berks County Regional contest this winter. Rian placed first overall on the objective test on Personal Finance covering topics in credit, savings, investing, and insurance. He competed against approximately 70 students from 28 different regions in Pennsylvania. By scoring first in the contest of Personal Finance he qualifies to compete in Anaheim, California this June 27 – July 3rd.
Seniors Have a Bash at the Annual Fashion Show
----------------------------------------------------------------
Athletics Update
For Athletic Schedules & Information visit www.ovlynx.org
Follow the Athletic Department on Twitter @OVLynx for varsity scores and live playoff updates each season.
Fall 2017 sport signups took place during lunch periods the first week of May. Anyone who missed the signups should contact the Athletic Office. Physical packets for the 2017-2018 school year were given when students signed up, and any student who is only planning on playing a Winter or Spring sport next year should also pick up a physical packet from the Athletic Office or Middle School Office. All physicals for the 2017-2018 school year must be completed after June 1, 2017.
This year we will hold our sport physicals on Thursday, June 1st from 5:00PM-7:00PM. To register for the school sport physicals you must submit a completed physical packet with payment to the Athletic Office by Friday, May 26th. More information on the school sport physicals is included in the packet received when the students signed up. We will have new physician coverage this year for the sport physicals that will allow us to make the process quicker. No gender-specific exams will take place (no hernia checks) and we will again assign specific times when students return their physical packets. Attending the school sports physicals is the easiest way to ensure your child is cleared to participate in a sport for the 2017-2018 school year!
The High School All-Sports and Senior Athletic Awards will take place on Friday, June 2nd at 7:00 in the High School Auditorium. All High School Student-Athletes are encouraged to attend!
Congratulations to Rebecca Snyder for breaking the school record this spring season in both the 1600-meter and 3200-meter races. Rebecca set the record in the 3200-meter last year but broke it again with a time of 11:00. She then broke a 25-year old record in the 1600-meter running the event in 5:06.
The Baseball team will start BCIAA playoffs on Thursday, May 11th (site/time/opponent TBD). The Track and Field team will be at the BCIAA Championships at Governor Mifflin on Saturday, May 13th and then at the District 3 Championships at Shippensburg University on Friday May 19th and Saturday May 20th. Good Luck to all of our Spring athletes in the post-season!
NEW Immunization Requirements
Children in ALL Grades (K-12) need the following immunizations for attendance:
- 4 doses of Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis* (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
- 4 doses of Polio** (4th dose on or after 4tH birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose)
- 2 doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella***
- 3 doses of Hepatitis B
- 2 doses of Varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity
* Usually given as DTP or DTaP or if medically advisable, DT or Td
**A fourth dose is not necessary if the third dose was administered at age 4 years or older and at least 6 months after the previous dose
* ** Usually given as MMR
Seventh through 12th Grade ADDITIONAL immunization requirements for attendance:
- 2 doses Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV)
- First dose is given 11-15 years of age: a second dose is required at age 16 or entry into 12th grade.
- If the dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required.
- 1 dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis (Tdap)
Exemptions to the school laws for immunizations:
- Medical reasons
- Religious beliefs
- Philosophical/strong moral or ethical conviction
VACCINE SAFETY
- Vaccines are held to the highest standard of safety.
- The United States has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in history.
- Vaccines are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness.
Pennsylvania’s school immunization requirements can be found in:
- 28 PA Code Ch.23 (School Immunization)
Contact your health care provider or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at:
- 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258)
Vaccine information can be found at: www.dontwaitvaccinate.pa.gov
Oley Valley Community Education Foundation
The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation's mission is "To enhance educational opportunities for the students, residents, employees, and alumni of the Oley Valley School District while encouraging community support and participation."
OVCEF has provided our students and teachers with activities and tools including Promethean Interactive Whiteboards, scholarships, and the mobile Ag lab.
Click here for more information and ways to donate toward this great organization.
Oley Valley Community Education Foundation to Benefit from Stone Products Auction
An auction of natural stone products hosted by Rolling Rock Building Stone will benefit the Oley Valley Community Education Foundation. Rolling Rock officials Gary and Eric Weller stated that the OVCEF will receive a substantial percentage of the net profits from the auction, which will begin at 9 A. M. on Saturday, May 20. The auction will take place on the premises of Rolling Rock Building Stone, 40 Rolling Rock Road, Boyertown, PA. George Frey of Frey Auctioneers will donate his time and talents as auctioneer for the event.
Items for sale at the auction will include 200 separate lots of natural stone, millstones, and troughs.
Refreshments--including hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade soups, and homemade pies and cakes—will be available at the auction site. They will be provided and served by the Oley Fire Company, also to benefit the Foundation.
Photographs and additional details about the products offered for sale, along with directions to Rolling Rock, are available at www.rollrock.com by clicking on the “Stone Auction” link.
The 2017 stone products auction will be the ninth such event in OVCEF history. The Foundation wishes to thank Gary and Eric Weller of Rolling Rock Building Stone for their invaluable assistance in organizing and staging the products for this fundraising event.
The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation will use funds raised at the auction to continue to fulfill its mission of providing enhanced educational opportunities for students of the Oley Valley School District and members of the Oley Valley community.
Oley Valley Community Education Foundation Seeks Award Nominations
The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF) is seeking nominations for the annual Oley Valley Distinguished Alumni Award and for the Distinguished Service to the Oley Valley School District Award.
In past years these awards have recognized alumni of Oley Valley High School for their efforts and achievements and other individuals who have provided outstanding service to the Oley Valley School District.
One or more awards are presented each October to alumni for outstanding achievement in their professions, humanitarian efforts, volunteerism, or service in their communities, or a single exceptional achievement. One or more awards may also be presented to individuals who have provided unselfish service to the Oley Valley School District.
Award nomination forms are available at the Oley Valley High School Office, 17 Jefferson Street, Oley; the OVCEF website www.OleyValleyCEF.org; and the OVSD website www.oleyvalleysd.org. The deadline for receipt of nominations is June 30, 2017.
Nomination forms will be reviewed by a committee of Foundation members, school district representatives, and community members. Award recipients will be recognized at the annual Alumni Awards Program, which will be held during fall 2017 Homecoming activities of the Oley Valley School District.
Donation Opportunity
Sponsorship Opportunity
Calling All Veterans...
Please send or e-mail a photo, first name, last name, graduating year, armed forces branch, years of service and theater of operation to:
Oley Valley Middle School
Veterans Wall
3247 Friedensburg Road
Oley, PA 19547
or email Dan Marks with the information.
If you do not have a photo to give us, please stop by the Oley Valley Middle School so we may take a digital image of your photo.
Thank you for your service!
Attention Alumni!
- 1919
- 1956
- 1958
- 1959
- 1960
- 1961
- 1962
- 1972
- 1975
- 1982
- 1985
- 1986
- 1987
Looking for Bus Drivers!
The Quigley Bus Service is looking for school bus and van drivers for the Oley Valley School District. Part-time positions are available driving morning, afternoon or both. Quigley will train new drivers.
Apply in person on weekdays between 9:00AM-5:00PM at 326 Main Street, Bally, PA.
Oley Valley Employment Opportunities
None
The Oley Valley School District currently has the following certificated vacancy:
Dual Certified Mathematics and Technology Education Teacher
Contract position beginning July 2017.
PA certification in Secondary Technology.
Interested and/or experience in STEM preferred.
Long-Term Substitute Special Education Teacher
Elementary School assignment August through December 2017.
PA certification in Special Education.
The Oley Valley School District currently has the following job opportunities:
Full-Time 260-Day, Second Shift Custodial (Middle School and High School)
Tuesday – Saturday work schedule with benefits
The Oley Valley School District currently has the following substitute openings:
Substitute Certified Teachers
Substitute Instructional Assistants
Substitute Custodians
Substitute Licensed Practical Nurses
Substitute Clerical
Substitute Dining Services
The Oley Valley School District currently has the following coaching vacancies:
None
Click here for more information regarding all employment opportunities.
Important Upcoming Events
- 5/8/17 -- School Board Committee Meetings
- 5/8/17 -- AP Biology, Music Theory, and Physics Exams
- 5/9/17 -- AP Calculus Exam
- 5/9/17 -- MS Chorus Concert 7:00PM
- 5/10/17 -- School Nurse Appreciation Day
- 5/10/17 -- School Board Combined Committee Meeting 7:00PM
- 5/10/17 -- AP English Language Exam
- 5/11/17 -- MS PTSO Meeting 7:00PM
- 5/11/17 -- AP Statistics Exam
- 5/11/17 -- HS Jazz Band & Orchestra Concert 7:00PM
- 5/11/17 -- Athletic Booster Meeting 7:00PM
- 5/12/17 -- AP European History Exam
- 5/13/17 -- Prom at Stokesay Castle
- 5/15/17 -- MS Jazz Band, Percussion, and 6th Grade Band Concert 7:00PM
- 5/15/17 -- HS Parent Discussion Meeting 6:30PM
- 5/16/17 -- ES Orchestra Concert 7:00PM
- 5/16/17 -- Biology Keystone Exam
- 5/17/17 -- School Board Meeting 7:00PM
- 5/17/17 -- AP Dual Enrollment Night 6:30PM
- 5/18/17 -- Alegbra I Keystone Exam
- 5/18/17 -- HS Band & Orchestra Concert 7:00PM
- 5/18/17 -- ESL Parent Meeting 7:00PM
- 5/22/17 -- HS Academic Awards 7:00PM
- 5/23/17 -- ES Band Concert 7:00PM
- 5/23/17 -- Literature Keystone Exam
- 5/24/17 -- Grade 5 Olympic Day
- 5/24/17 -- MS Orchestra & 7/8 Grade Band Concert 7:00PM
- 5/25/17 -- Grade 4 Olympic Day
- 5/25/17 -- HS Music Banquet
- 5/29/17 -- Memorial Day -- Schools Closed
- 5/30/17 -- Grade 3 Recorder Concert 2:30PM
- 5/30/17 -- ES PTO Meeting 6:30PM
- 5/30/17 -- Senior Awards Banquet
- 5/31/17 -- Grades K & 1 Game Day
- 5/31/17 -- OVSD STEAM Expo 5:30PM
- 6/1/17 -- Grades 2 & 3 Game Day
- 6/1/17 -- Senior Portraits
- 6/1/17 -- 2017-2018 Sports Physicals 5:00PM
- 6/1/17 -- Spring Fling & Bonfire
- 6/2/17 -- 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony 9:00AM
- 6/2/17 -- MS Music in the Parks Trip
- 6/2/17 -- Senior Portraits
- 6/2/17 -- All Sports & Senior Awards 7:00PM
- 6/3/17 -- SAT Assessment
- 6/5/17 -- MS Awards Ceremony
- 6/5/17 -- Baccalaureate 7:00PM
- 6/6/17 -- Last Day of School for Students/Half Day
- 6/6/17 -- Graduation Ceremony 7:00PM
- 6/7/17 -- Half Day In-Service
Oley Valley School District Board of Directors
Stephen S. Burns, President
David Pollock, Jr., Vice-President
Carl J. Kubitz, Jr., Treasurer
Joanne Ewing, Board Member
Christopher Hannum, Board Member
Robert Heckman, Board Member
Darrell L. Markley, Ed.D., Board Member
Ralph Richard, Board Member
Dawn Zackon, Board Member
Maria Jones, Board Secretary (non-member)
John Stott, Esquire, Board Solicitor
Oley Valley School District
The Oley Valley School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator who fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression and prohibits Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or practice in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination. Compliance issues/questions should be directed to the Office of the Superintendent.
Email: dschmaldienst@ovsdpa.org
Website: www.oleyvalleysd.org
Location: 17 Jefferson Street, Oley, PA, United States
Phone: 610-987-4100