Weekly Message
an Update from Dr. Barbara A. Russell 2/3/22
Greetings PV Families,
February is a busy month of celebrations and acknowledgements! February 1 marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year. 2022 is the Year of the Tiger; those born in the Year of the Tiger are said to be natural leaders, adventurous, and ambitious (other Tiger years include: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938). To learn about the year you were born, visit National Geographic’s Chinese New Year Animals.
Designated as American Heart Month, February is a time dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of cardiovascular health. The first Friday of the month, this year February 4th, is Wear Red Day. Dig out your red to show your support! Learn more about American Heart Month on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood website. And, you may want to keep the red garb handy as Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, a day to celebrate love and show appreciation to those around you.
Another annual observance in February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments and history of Black Americans. The theme for 2022 is “Black Health and Wellness,” with special emphasis on healthcare access and improving wellness. Learn more on The Library of Congress website: Black History.
We have much to celebrate and appreciate. Stay tuned for next week's message when we will expand on additional February celebrations.
Did you know that there is a celebration for every month and sometimes every day? National Inspirational Role Models Month is in November and Positive Role Model Day is June 10. I’d like to propose that these celebrations also be recognized this month. As community role models, I am appreciative of those who demonstrate civil discourse when expressing thoughts and engaging with others. A willingness to ask questions, listen, and learn from those with opposing points of view is key. Under the circumstances of the pandemic, whether we agree or disagree on a guideline, rule, or procedure, I recognize that all of our efforts are for the kids. The best interest of our students is, and always has been, a top priority in the PV community. The potential impact of positive communication on our community, and most importantly our students, long after the pandemic concludes, will prove to be a lasting benefit.
I continue to focus on ideas and opportunities for strengthening the unity of our school community and I hope you will too. More information to follow, stay tuned.
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara A. Russell
Superintendent
PV Showcase - January
- Instrument Petting Zoo
- Candy in Science
- Scientist Visits
- Calcusolve Competition
- Creating Augmented Reality (AR)
- and more!
COVID Related News & Reminders
COVID Dashboard
We continue to track positive onsite Covid cases on our Dashboard. The data is reported by building and broken down by students/staff. We are observing a downward trend in positive cases. Also, we can confidently report there has been NO linked transmission identified in any of our schools. We continue to confer with the Montgomery County Office of Public Health (MCOPH) on an as needed basis, for example, whenever two or more cases arise in a classroom. The MCOPH has shifted the requirement on schools for reporting positive cases from a daily basis to a weekly one. Visit our dashboard at: PV COVID Dashboard. The link to report a child's confirmed positive COVID case is below.
Masks Required through 2/8/22
In response to a recent claim filed against the district, a judge ordered a temporary restraining order requiring the district to reinstate the mask mandate beginning 1/25/22 through 2/8/22.
All students, staff, and visitors are required to wear masks when in our school buildings or as part of extra curricular activities, participating or spectating. The mask requirement extends to any committee meetings, community education classes, and all activities being held in our school buildings.
Mask Exemption Information
Requests for a mask/face covering exemption must be signed by a licensed medical or mental health provider who is also qualified to diagnose condition(s) precluding a child from safely wearing a mask/face covering. The information must be submitted on the school district’s Mask/Face Covering Exemption Form (version8) and presented to your child’s school nurse for review. The District may recommend possible options prior to granting a full mask/face covering exemption, such as the use of a face shield. In the event your child does not qualify for an exemption and/or refuses to wear a mask/face covering indoors, a virtual instruction option will be assigned.
Hogwarts Academy Coming to PVSD ~ March 9
Get your wands ready! On March 9, PVSD will be transforming into Hogwarts Academy, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! All K-8 wizards and witches are invited to join us for a night of adventure, laughter, and learning. The evening will include learning activities, magical beasts, and all things Harry Potter. From 6:00 - 8:00 pm, students and their families can participate in various activities. Check out our promotional video for more details. We hope you will join us for what is sure to be a mystical experience!
PV Partners for Equity & Inclusion
The meeting will take place on February 8 at 7:00 pm in person and via Zoom.
Kindergarten Registration 22-23 School Year
Will your child turn 5 years old before September 1, 2022? If so, he/she is eligible to attend school in the Perkiomen Valley School District next fall. Below are kindergarten registration dates for the 22-23 school year:
- Skippack Elementary – February 28, March 1,2,3, 2022
- Evergreen Elementary– March 7, 8, 10, 11, 2022
- Schwenksville Elementary– March 14, 15, 16, 17, 2022
- South Elementary– March 21, 22, 23, 24, 2022
Visit New Student Registration for more information including the registration packet.
Upcoming Dates
- February 3 Wellness Committee @ 7pm
- February 7 Secondary Report Cards (MP2) Available via ParentVUE @ noon
- February 7 Board Work Session @ 7pm
- February 8 PV Partners @ 7pm
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 v20 2/3/22