Weekly Message
an Update from Dr. Barbara A. Russell 12/1/21
Greetings PV Families,
Today marks the first day of winter, the meteorological winter, which runs from December 1 through February 28. This is different from the first day of the astronomical winter season on December 21, known as the Winter Solstice, which is based on the position of Earth in relation to the sun. The meteorological winter season is defined by the three calendar months with the lowest average temperatures (December, January, and February). We've all noticed the recent dipping temperatures; I think it's safe to say the time is here to prepare for the chillier season! So...happy first day of meteorological Winter.
Speaking of winter, there were snow flurries in the air yesterday and conversations about what to do in the event of inclement weather days now that we have become accustomed to virtual learning days. At this point, our instructional calendar for the 2021-22 school year includes 3 built in inclement weather days. We have already used one of those days in early September during Hurricane Ida. In the event we have conditions that warrant additional closing schools, i.e., snow storm, flood, major power outage, etc. we will utilize the remaining 2 built in inclement weather days. Once we have used all 3 days, we will call virtual learning days. Virtual learning days count towards the required number of days our students must attend and will therefore allow us to avoid keeping our students in school any later than June 15. More to come on the details of virtual learning days, if we even get there. Maybe there won’t be any snow days this year...
I hope you enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday and recent break from school. We are already gearing up for the next set of holidays. The celebration of Hanukkah began this past Sunday evening after sundown and extends until nightfall on Monday, December 6. Hanukkah, often called the Festival of Lights, is a holiday celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts. We look forward to also celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa before the end of the month. Winter break for our students is scheduled to begin on Thursday, December 23. They return for classes in the New Year on Monday, January 3.
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara A. Russell
Superintendent
Holiday Dinner Drive
Special thank you to PV Alum Zenon Janicki for coordinating this opportunity for our community. Interested families may sign up using this form.
Masking Update
On November 30, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the mask order will remain in place pending further consideration of the Court. The Supreme Court will not hear arguments on the matter until December 8, 2021, so the mask order will remain in place until at least that date. This is an update from the information communicated in the November 17th issue of the weekly message.
PV Power Packs Holiday Shop
During this holiday season, we are proud to give back to our community in support of our families in need. The PV Power Packs Holiday Shop is open through Thursday, December 2 from 3:30 – 7:30pm in the Middle School East Auditorium.
FAMILIES IN NEED - If you are a parent or guardian of an in-district student (a student attending a PVSD school) and in need of assistance this holiday season, you may visit the store during the times above to shop for your student(s) and any younger siblings. There is NO COST to our shopping families.
DONATIONS – This event would not be possible without the generosity of our community! We will continue to accept donations at Middle School East until Thursday morning, December 2. To make other arrangements, or if you have any questions, please reach out to powerpacks@pvsd.org.
To learn more about Power Packs and donations or shopping at the Power Packs Holiday Shop visit: Power Packs Holiday Shop
COVID-19 Vaccine for Children - Information Webinar
Call for Guest Teachers!
Registration Open for Winter Swim Lessons
In addition to group swim lessons for ages 3+, we are pleased to offer parent/child lessons for ages 6 months - 3 years, private lessons, competitive diving, and small group water polo instruction. Lessons are scheduled to be held on Saturdays, January 15 - March 12, 2022 (no lessons February 12). Online registration is required. For additional information, and to register, please visit the Community Education webstore.
Save the Dates!
- Wednesday, December 1: Education Committee Meeting @7pm
- Thursday, December 2: Finance Committee Meeting @7pm
- Monday, December 6: School Board Reorganization Meeting & Work Session @ 7pm
- Monday, December 6: End of Trimester 1 (Elementary)
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
21-22 v12 12/1/21