Hatter Chatter
Fall Edition
November 2019
Articles for the Chatter are written by students, teaching and support staff, coaches, and community members. This is our third year of publishing the Chatter electronically. We at the Hatter Chatter write about everything at Keith Valley, or that effects the lives of our students in the KVMS community.
Published November 21, 2019
Edition One
Recognition of Important Contributions to Keith Valley
A Brief History of Keith Valley's Principals
Two Keith Valley Staff Receive Recognition
Mrs. Erika Schwanbeck, a member of our Physical Education/ Health Education department, is recognized as the PSEA PE Teacher of the Year for the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania.
The Keith Valley Home and School Association
The Chatter interviewed Ms. Lisanne Liney, Keith Valley's staff liaison, to our Home and School Association.
Veteran's Day Breakfast and English Language Arts
KV Veteran's Day Breakfast
This year, the Hatter Chatter offers you the profiles of nine veterans from our community whose hard work and dedication have been an invaluable asset to our community and to our country.
English Language Arts Department
Often called the "Gateway" subject, the communications skills these teachers work hard to teach our students, such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, are the keys to success in studying all other subjects and to future success in the workplace.
Book Reviews
Our Reading Olympics Program promotes the reading of the latest and best in Young Reader's Literature. K.V. students love to read, and here they review some of their favorite reads for you.
Halloween Movies and Keith Valley Activities
Movie Reviews
Here are reviews of two of our favorite movies guaranteed to entertain you and keep you on the edge of your seat!
KV Clubs
KV Clubs are another example of Keith Valley as home of the "Whole Student"; a place where an incredible amount of diverse areas of learning are always happening!
Fall Sports
Read about a few of their seasons and students' reactions to being first time, interscholastic sports participants.
Halloween and the Chatter Staff
The Halloween Dance
Halloween at KV
This Year's Hatter Staff
Welcome to Keith Valley to Incoming 6th Graders and New Teachers!
What's it like to be new in middle school?
Justin Vanderberg from Blair Mill
by Jaznie Patel
Justin Vanderberg came to us from Blair Mill Elementary School. He is on the White Team for sixth grade. He says that his first day "..wasn’t as scary as I thought it was going to be. I got to spend time with the people I already know. The teachers were nice, and I really like math class. We also got to dance around which is fun. And I also got to meet new people." Christian thought being alone at KV for the first three hours was "fun." "I got to see most of the school without crowded hallways. My favorite place was the LGI."
Kendyl Davis - from Crooked Billet
by Jaznie Patel
Kendyl came to Keith Valley from Crooked Billet. She describes her first day at Keith Valley as
"confusing." " The hallways were crowded, and I didn’t know where any of my classes were." However, Kendall does say, "But, I like that it was different from elementary school on the first day also." Kendall found the three morning hours where KV is devoted to sixth graders only was "nice." "I liked the library, LGI, and the lower gym. I also think that KV TV is something cool and new."
Nolan Walker - from Pennypack
By Jaznie Patel
Nolan Walker comes to us from Pennypack Elementary School. He is on the 6-Grey Team this year. According to Nolan, the first day at KV "was good." "I enjoy science and band (Nolan plays the trumpet). I think that we communicate and collaborate a lot in different subjects." Nolan thought that the sixth grade having KV to themselves for the first three hours was okay. He enjoyed getting to know and interact with other people. Nolan says, "I liked to see the technology room."
Sophie Ransom - from Simmons
by Jaznie Patel
Sophie Ransom made the trek from Simmons to join Keith Valley. Sophie LOVES our music program at Keith Valley. "I enjoy going to band (she plays flute and saxophone). Also, I like enrichment with Miss Liney. When Sophie had three hours alone with the sixth grade on the first day of school, her response was of course, " I enjoyed going to the band room. "
Sophie plays in the KV Jazz Band and also plays piano outside of school.
Allison Joachin from Simmons
Allison Joachin was a student at Simmons Elementary School (the original Keith Valley) a year ago. Now, she is a member of the 6-White Team here at Keith Valley. Allison says that her first day here was "interesting and exciting." "My favorite class is math because Miss Terry is the best, and I like doing math. I also like social studies." Allison also feels that being alone in school for three hours was "fun because no eighth graders bumped into me."
Darius Graziani - from Hallowell
by Jaznie Patel
Darius Graziani comes to us from Hallowell Elementary School. When asked him to describe his first day, Darius replied "It was fun. I was a little nervous, but I still liked it. My favorite class is science." During the three hours, Darius loved the KV Cave. He responded "I like the KV Cave. It sounds fun because of all the games."
Laura Albrecht from Blair Mill
by Jaznie Patel
Laura Albrecht comes to Keith Valley from Blair Mill. She discovered that there are a lot of new things here at KV. "I get to go to my classes by myself. My favorite classes are ELA and Social Studies. I also like advisory, because I get to meet new people, and we get to do team building activities. Laura was happy that the sixth grade was alone at K.V. for the first three hours of the school year. "There were no crowded hallways, and no one bumped into each other."
Elementary School versus Keith Valley
A Cartoon by Ariel Roth
New Keith Valley Staff for 2018-2019
Miss Liz Wilson - 6th Grade Math
By Colin Daley
Keith Valley! Please welcome Mrs. Lyz Wilson to the Keith Valley staff this year. Keith Valley Hatter Chatter reporter Colin Daly sat down with Mrs. Wilson to ask her a couple questions.
Mrs. Wilson has a degree from Kutztown University. She said that when she was in school it was always a place of consistency. When there was a lot of change in my life, I felt that school was always there for me. That is why Mrs. Wilson got into teaching. She previously taught at New Foundations Charter school in northeast Philadelphia. She taught at that school for five years. When she was teaching there, she taught sixth and eighth science and math. Mrs. Wilson lives nearby and liked the idea of having a shorter commute to her job. She also likes to have a job in her local community. At Keith Valley, she teaches sixth grade math on the red team.
“I have always felt confident in math and I like that math is very objective and always has an answer. I enjoy trying to figure out that answer,” Mrs. Wilson stated.
Mrs. Wilson said that she likes to try and help kids understand the meaning behind it, rather than what to do, when understanding the meaning is important. She also mentioned in our interview that she has enjoyed her Keith Valley teaching experience thus far. She stated that all the other staff and students have been very welcoming, which has made the transition rather easy. It has been an awesome beginning to her KV teaching career so far. Good Luck Mrs. Wilson and we hope that you enjoy your year here at Keith Valley!
Mr. Chris Schmidt - 7th Grade Science
By Ryleigh Almond
Mr. Schmidt is one of the new 7th grade teachers at Keith Valley this year. He teaches life science here at Keith Valley. Mr. Schmidt attended high school in the Pennridge School District and graduated in 2012 with hopes of working with kids when he "grew up". While attending Penn State, he realized his real passion was teaching kids. Mr. Schmidt earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master's Degree from Penn State. He student taught in the Altoona Area School District. During the fall semester last year, Mr. Schmidt taught biology, environmental science, and physical science to 9th and 10th graders at Hatboro-Horsham High School. He helped the high school start their 1:1 program. During the spring semester, Mr. Schmidt moved to Central Bucks South High School, where he taught biology.
This past summer, Mr. Schmidt was chosen to permanently bring his vast knowledge of science and love of kids to the Keith Valley 7th grade! Mr. Schmidt has been enjoying his experience, his students, his fellow teachers,and his team, but most of all the atmosphere here at KV. He hopes to continue this for many years to come, and also hopes that when his students walk into his room they will live by his motto in life, "Always Smile!"
Mr. Schmidt and the Question Board
By Mr. Stewart Gross
Question: If you could teach one class you don't already teach, what would it be?
Ms. Kirsten Edmondson - 7th Grade Learning Support
By Zosia DeHaven
Mr. Dale Hoover - 7th Grade English Language Arts
By Ryleigh M. Allmond
Mr. Hoover is a new 7th grade ELA teacher this year at Keith Valley Middle School. Mr. Hoover went to Shippensburg University. Mr. Hoover then served as a building substitute at Hatboro-Horsham High school for the 2015-2016 school year. He then had the experience of a lifetime! Mr. Hoover was a teaching assistant at a high school in Madrid, Spain. There, he helped Spanish students to learn English. Learning English is heavily stresses in Spain, where students begin learning it in first grade. After returning to the United States, Mr. Hoover worked at the Excelsior School. This is a private elementary school in Philadelphia. It was an interesting experience as well, since Mr. Hoover taught math, writing, Spanish, and physical education. I asked Mr. Hoover how he feels about Keith Valley, and he stated, “Love it! Everyone has been very nice and helpful.” One interesting thing about Mr. Hoover is that he played rugby in College.
Ms. Allison Swartz - Learning Support
By Ryleigh M. Almond
Ms. Allison Swartz went to Council Rock South for high school and the University of Delaware for college where she duel majored in special education and elementary education with a minor in social studies. " I have always wanted to become a teacher, as my grandmother was a teacher and wanted to follow in her footsteps. I student taught in the Appoquinmack School District in Delaware in third and fifth grade. Once I graduated I became a teacher in the Philadelphia School District. I taught both 6th-8th grade learning support and K-2 learning support. So far at Keith Valley I have had an amazing beginning of the school year. Both, the students and staff have been so welcoming and helpful as I get to know the school. This school is a very special place and I am so excited to be a part of the community! A fun fact about myself is that I love water sports and over the summer I love to water ski and wakeboard. I used to be an instructor in water sports at Sleep Away Camp.
Ms. Lindsay Austin
by Zosia DeHaven
Another new addition to the Keith Valley staff this year, is Ms. Lindsay Austin, who is presently teaching math in the 6th grade this year. She is new to the teaching job, but that just means more opportunity for a pleasant surprise! Ms. Austin attended Arcadia University, one of the biggest local teacher education colleges. According to Miss Austin, “Arcadia leads the nation in study abroad participation.” Miss Austin graduated from Hatboro-Horsham High School in 2014. She is eager to help adolescents in the common quest for knowledge and learning.
Mrs. Colleen Cram - 8th Grade Learning Support
By Kateryna Mliuzan, Zosia DeHaven, Grace Rovinsky, and Samantha Murset
Mrs. Colleen Cram grew up in the Northeast section of Philadelphia where she attended St. Hubert’s High School for Girls. Mrs. Cram graduated in 1996 and went to Bloomsburg University, where she studied to become a special education teacher. She graduated Bloomsburg in 2000, and went to work in the Upper Darby School District. Mrs. Cram taught special education in their middle school. During her last five years in Upper Darby, Mrs. Cram was a part of Upper Dublin's special education leadership team. Mrs.Cram made a long commute from her home in this area to Upper Darby for nineteen years. She decided it was a good time to work and support the students and families in her own community, right here in Hatboro-Horsham. When we asked Mrs. Cram about her experience at Keith Valley thus far, she responded: "My experience thus far, ,has been nothing short of amazing! The teachers I work with on a day-to-day basis are phenomenal, professional, and supportive!" Welcome home Mrs. Cram.
Mrs. Ellen Nulf - Spanish
by Lilith Henely
"I did my undergrad at Temple and majored in Spanish and minored in Latin American studies. I worked as an interpreter which was rewarding in some ways but extremely autonomous and not creative enough. My sisters were a huge source of inspiration for me to become a teacher; they were always so fulfilled by their jobs as teachers and I wanted the same. I went back to school to get my masters degree in education last year at Villanova, a very rewarding (and difficult!) learning experience. I did my student teaching at Mt. Saint Joseph’s, an all girls Catholic high school, so coming to Keith Valley is a huge change from that, but it has been a very fun and exciting two months so far. The kids here are grea; they make me laugh every day and I learn just as much from them as they learn from me. All of the staff have been so supporting, kind and welcoming…I love it here!"
New from the Principal's Office
Mr. Kircher, what's new at K.V. in 2018-2019?
By Sadie Van Tassel
There have been a lot of changes this year at KV, including our schedule and a new class. Sadie Van Tassel interviewed our principle Mr. Kircher, to get the inside view on things.
Mr. Kircher pointed to the schedule as the first major change. "We’ve switched the schedule around, splitting CAR and PE into two segments, a 60 minute main period and a 30 minute extension. This will allow health to be taught all year round now, instead of just one trimester. We are hoping to turn the 30 minute extension period into a separate STEAM class.
There has been a class change as well. "As you might know, we recently replaced German with a coding class." Beside coding they, "are doing some awesome things including building their own drones."
Makerspace has been moved to the library. "We also added a new makerspace in the library." Makerspace is a work area where students can create with a 3-D printer, build with Legos, do crafts such as sewing, create things virtually using computer software applications, and more.
Another huge change at Keith Valley this year that Mr. Kircher notes, is the 1:1 pilot. One team in each grade is piloting the use of 1:1 devices (laptops) with students. Next year, every single student will be using a laptop to do academic work.
Mr. Kircher also mentioned a change in administration. "We are welcoming a new 7th grade assistant principle, Ms. Kai Coleman-Morris." Our former 7th grade assistant principal, Mrs. Brea D'Angelo, was promoted to be the head principal of Pennypack Elementary School last spring. We miss you and wish you all the best Mrs. D'Angelo!" Ms. Morris-Coleman comes to us from Downingtown, where she has an extensive background in Spanish education.
Mr. Kircher also noted that, "Pennsylvania just passed a new law asking schools to educate kids and get them ready for college, and we are especially working with 8th graders on this topic."
Turn Back the Clocks for K.V. History! A Brief 46-Year History of Keith Valley Principals
Amazingly, after 32 years of teaching at Keith Valley, I have worked with every single one of the principals who were ever the head principal of this middle school. Here is a brief biography of each.
Mr. Kircher is the 6th Principal in KV History
Mr. Jonathan Kircher is the sixth principal in the history of Keith Valley. He is also, the longest tenured principal, having served in his position for 16 years. Mr. Kircher is also the FIRST former KV student to come back to Keith Valley and serve as principal. During his time here, we have started a lot of student-centered/community building programs such as Advisory, Wednesday Clubs, Hatter Ambassadors, WEB, and more. We have also started a lot of technology-based programs such as Robotics and the Technology Club. If you look at the history of Keith Valley principals below, it is interesting what a strong connection Mr. Kircher has to to all former principals of this school, in continuing traditions such as the KV Challenge, "Teaming", and creating a lot of very student-centered programs.
Even though the other principals you will read about below are from different generations, different areas of Pennsylvania, the U.S., or from different eras of educational emphasis, they all understood and were emphatic about the importance of emerging adolescents as PEOPLE in their philosophies.
The First Five Principals of Keith Valley Middle School
Mr. Richard Luoma
Mr. Richard "Dick" Luoma was the very first principal of Keith Valley Middle School. He came here from New England, and opened up the brand new Keith Valley on Babylon Road, now the Simmons Elementary School. Principal Luoma was charged with running a middle school with "open space pods" and "team teaching," which were big educational movements in the early 1970's. TEAM TEACHING CONTINUES TO BE AN IMPORTANT CORNERSTONE of helping adolescent students here at KV.
Mr. Luoma moved on to become the Curriculum Coordinator for Hatboro-Horsham in 1987. I knew him in this capacity. In this position, Mr. Luoma helped us to transition into using State Standards, Outcome-Based Education, Student Collaborative Learning, project-based education (now called "deeper learning"), teaching to the four styles of student learning, and more.
Mr. David Hottenstein
Mr. Harrison D. Woodruff
Miss Christine Coleman
Mr. Neil Evans
Awards to Two Keith Valley Staff
Mrs. Kathy Finney
Mrs. Kathy Finney - 2018 Recipient of the Gerald Strock Commitment to Education Award
By Jaznie Patel
Congratulations to Mrs. Kathy Finney! Mrs. Kathy Finney is the winner of the Hatboro-Horsham School District's 14th annual Gerald Strock Commitment to Education Award for the 2017-2018 school year! The award was established in 2004, to capture former superintendent Dr. Strock’s “spirit, commitment, and dedication.” The award is given annually to the staff member who exhibits “dedication to students, excellence in the ability to motivate, and strong ethics and values…” Mrs. Finney was very "surprised and humbled” to receive the award at an assembly of the entire Hatboro-Horsham staff held at the high school on August 28th.
Mrs. Finney's Award comes one year after she battled for her own life! I interviewed Mrs. Finney to find out about her career in Hatboro-Horsham and her amazing story.
Mrs. Kathy Finney has been on staff at the Keith Valley Middle School for the past 34 years! She began as a grade level assistant in the sixth grade in 1985. There were two teams in the sixth grade at that time, when Keith Valley was at its original location at Babylon Road. Mrs. Finney helped all of the teachers in the classroom, especially math students who were struggling.
Mrs. Finney them moved to the guidance office as an assistant in 2001, when there were only two counselors in our school. From there, Kathy Finney went to work in the main office, helping with Keith Valley's budget. After the 2007 school year, Mrs. Barbara Renner, our head administrative assistant for years, retired. Mrs. Finney was promoted to head administrative assistant to our principal, Mr. Jonathan Kircher, and she remains there to this day, after quite a shocking experience that you will read about below.
Mrs. Finney is the heart and soul of our school. She is in charge of the every day personnel staffing of the school. When a teacher is ill or at a professional conference, she and Mr. Kircher are in charge of approving it, and seeing to staffing. When substitutes report to Keith Valley at 7:20 in the morning, Mrs. Finney assigns them to classes and does the same with building substitutes. She is also in charge of filling single period coverages. In addition, Mrs. Finney is in charge of all of the paperwork and reports that come through Mr. Kircher’s office. Keith Valley does not run without Mrs. Finney.
A Miracle!
On June 10th, 2017, Mrs. Finney came close to losing her life. She and her family were paying a visit to relatives in the Allentown area, and while driving, another vehicle crashed into her car. Mrs. Finney had to be cut out of the car by rescuers. She had a hole in her aorta, several shattered vertebrae, and eight fractured ribs. She had to have surgery to repair her heart, and bars and screws inserted into her backbone. Mrs. Finney was kept alive at first on a ventilator, and was in intensive care for three weeks. She went through a series of surgeries. It was touch and go, and no one, including doctors, were sure if Mrs. Finney was going to make it.
After spending four weeks in a hospital, Mrs. Finney was released to a rehabilitation center. Until August 29th of 2017, she wasn’t even allowed to touch the ground with her feet. Through all of this, Mrs. Finney was very happy to get phone calls, cards, hospital visits, and tremendous support from the Keith Valley staff, which she says “helped her get through” this ordeal.
Then last winter, Mrs. Finney returned to Keith Valley, and to her administrative assistant duties, and has never looked back!
This is an incredible story, nothing short of a miracle, a tribute to how strong a person Mrs. Finney is, and an inspiration to everybody!
Congratulations Mrs. Finney on a very well-deserved award!
More Hatboro-Horsham History - Who was Dr. Gerald Strock, the man this award was named for?
By Mr. Stewart Gross
Dr. Curtis Griffin, our current Superintendent, extended the "Champion of Learning Award" to recognize support staff including: secretaries, teacher assistants, maintenance, transportation, operations, food services, childcare, information technology, and central office workers, who are integral to the day-to-day success of our school district. It really does take a village to run a school district and educate each student!
The Dr. Gerald Strock Committment to Education Award, to recognize the top contributor to the overall success of our school district each year, was created in 2004 by Dr. William Lessa, at the behest of the Horsham Willow Grove Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Lessa was the Superintendent for a few short years following Dr. Strock's retirement. He was a student teacher and art teacher at KV at the beginning of his teaching career.
This is the award that Mrs. Finney very deservedly won!
Mrs. Erica Schwanbeck - PSAHPERD Physical Education/ Health Teacher of the Year
Congratulations Mrs. Schwanbeck!
By Jaznie Patel
A big congratulations goes out to Mrs. Erika Schwanbeck who was recently named the 2018 Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year for the state of Pennsylvania by PSAHPERD.
Miss Schwanbeck was nominated for the award by Mrs. Alisha DiMarzio, a Physical Education and Health teacher at Abington Junior High School who was very impressed by Mrs. Shwanbeck's teaching in a brief teaching stint at Keith Valley. Mrs. Shwanbeck was required to fill-out an application for the award. Mrs. Schwanbeck found out that she was selected as the Middle School Physical educator of the Year in the state of Pennsylvania in September and claimed the award of November 9th. Mrs. Schwanbeck is a past winner of Hatboro-Horsham’s Hendrickson Award, as one of our annual teachers of the year. She always brings her infectious smile, perky personality, and dedication to students at Keith Valley every day. Congratulations to Mrs. Schwanbeck.
PSAHPERD (Pennsylvania State Association for Heath, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance is a volunteer-run, organization that runs workshops for PE and Health teachers in the state of Pennsylvania. They hold an annual convention, and advocate for wellness education funding on the state and federal level.
This organization gives out four awards in Pennsylvania for public school teachers annually (they also award them on the college level). Mrs. Schwanbeck is the Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. The 2018 K-12 Health Educator of the Year is Kristen Hook from Wison School District. The Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year is Chris Jackson from North Allegheny School District, and the High School Education Teacher of the Year is Chris Bean from Cranberry School District.
Keith Valley Home and School Association
The HSA is an Invaluable Resource for our School's Programs
by Max Huertgen
I recently interviewed a seventh and eighth grade enrichment teacher Ms. Liney. She represents teachers at the monthly Home and School Assocation. The monthly HSA meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of each month in the school library at 7:00 pm.
The Home and School officers and parent volunteers spend endless housr of their time fundraising and supporting students in our school. One of the fundraisers the HSA does is the Winter Fun Night. Many students love to come and hang out with their friends on this extremely fun evening. All the students who come have an opportunity to dance, watch a movie, play bingo, purchase snacks, and participate in a raffle. The fun nights are one of the best fundraisers and loved by all Keith Valley students.
The HSA always does an amazing job of fundraising to support the students and staff of our school. One example of what the money supported was the 7th grade 2018 Black Bear Lake field trip. Some other fundraisers you might know are the cookie dough, Yankee candle and the coffee fundraisers.
Ms. Liney’s responsibility is to obtain updated information from the teachers to share during the meetings. She shares what activities or special events the students will be participating in and updates the parents and officers on different grade level and team initiatives.
All Keith Valley students and staff appreciate the ongoing commitment and dedication of the HSA officers, parent volunteers and members.
2018 Annual Veterans Day Breakfast
Keith Valley Honor Veterans from our Community
By Mrs. Julie Bardsley, Mr. John Ewerth, Mr. James Iaia, and Mrs. Valerie Fasy
Each year, for the past 15 years, Keith Valley has held a Veteran's Day Breakfast for members of our community who have served in the U.S. armed forces. They are escorted to the breakfast by their children and grandchildren who attend Keith Valley.
This event is organized by Mrs. Julie Bardsley, the eighth grade administrative assistant, eighth grade principal, Mr. John Ewerth. The veteran biographical slide show that ran throughout the program, was created by technology teacher, Mrs. Val Fasy.
At this year's breakfast, Mr. Iaia spoke as a former member of the Navy Seebees. Representative Todd Stephens and Mr. Ewerth addressed the veterans, Mr. Ewerth also and served as MC for the entire breakfast. Mr. Robert "Bing" Crosby, our fomer seventh grade principal and Athletic Director, (himself a naval veteran of Vietnam) manned a special POW-MIA table, created especially for this year's event. A special thanks go out to all of the Keith Valley staff involved in organizing this IMPORTANT EVENT, that recognizes our hard-working veterans, whose selfless contribution, helped to KEEP OUR NATION FREE AND SAFE.
Mr. Iaia - Navy Seebees, adresses the veterans
Mrs. Bardsley and Mr. Ewerth - Breakfast Organizers
One tough Marine Dog! Leatherneck II is a yearly visitor to our veterans breakfast.
Here are short biographies of some of our veteran attendees.
Kirk Radcliffe - U.S. Navy
Kirk Radcliffe served in VP 64 (Condors) stationed at Willow Grove Air Base. He served from 1971-1991. He was an airplane mechanic who worked on P-3 Orion which is an anti-submarine surveillance aircraft used for detecting submarines.
Officer Jeffrey Biggins - United States Air Force
Sergeant Vince Flanagan - United States Army
Tom Trageman - United States Navy
Joseph Hall - U.S. Navy
Mr. Hall, is the creator of the POW/MIA table!
Arthur Richman - U.S. Army
Paul Brosky - U.S. Navy
Commander Robert S. Ruby - U.S. Navy
Bob is a 1998 graduate of HHSD and a 2002 graduate of Penn State University where he was in the ROTC program. He is a naval aviator assigned to the E 2-C Hawkeye. Bob recently completed his second tour of duty aboard the Carl Vinson. He has been in the Navy for 15 years and is currently stationed in Florida. His mother, Maryanne Ruby has been a grade level assistant and Creative Arts assistant at K.V. for decades.
Leroy P. Ziegler, U.S. Navy
POW/MIA Table
State Representative, Todd Stevens, addressed the veterans.
Area Veterans Reminiscing
100th Veterans Day
By Mr. Stewart Gross
English Language Arts
Reading, Writing, Speaking
However, no mater where life takes you, strong reading analysis, written communication, and strong speaking skills remain the key to success. The most technical of fields REQUIRE technical and scientific reading and writing.
Also, with the tremendous amount of information that is now easily accessible, young people, more than ever, need to know how to comprehend it critically and process it, in almost every area of their lives.
Here are some highlights of activities going on in Keith Valley's ELA classes this year.
6th Grade ELA
Highlights of the 6th Grade ELA for this Year
By Mr. Peter Tang
The sixth grade school year begins with writing workshop activities focused on personal narrative writing, where students utilize the writing process to describe significant life events.
Later in the year, students will read monologues in the Newberry Medal winning book Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! to explore medieval village life which connects with the sixth grade's corresponding social studies unit. It also leads to students writing concrete poetry.
Medieval first person poetry
Concrete Cat Poetry
Concrete Star Poetry
Survival!
Sixth grade students do a culminating activity at the end of the school year, where they do survival activities to demonstrate "deeper learning."
7th Grade ELA
Highlights of 7th Grade ELA for this Year
By Mr. Stewart Gross
Students kick off the year studying themes and doing a literary analysis of Linda Sue Park's A Long Walk to Water, which tracks the plight of the Lost Boys who were refugees of the Sudanese Civil War in the 1980's and 90's. The largest issue the South Sudanese dealt with, was their lack of access to fresh water. Four years ago, the Keith Valley seventh grade started the"Water for the Sudan" fundraising club and built the Keith Valley Well. We are very proud of our fundraising, and Miss Sarah Beltz who runs it at lunch time.
8th Grade ELA
Left to Right: Mrs. Spots, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Hogan, Mrs. Davis
Highlights of 8th Grade ELA for This Year
By Mrs. Lindsay Spotts
One thing that we have done the past couple of years as our “Deeper Learning” project is a “Taking a Stand” project where students identify an issue about which they feel passionate, do a little research on it, then create something using their strengths (writing, art, technology, etc.) to try to persuade others to want to take a stand on that issue, too. It goes along with our To Kill a Mockingbird unit in the spring.
Socratic Seminars
Book Reviews
Chatter Staff Writer, Zosia DeHaven, is giving a "book talk" in ELA class. Her shirt aptly reads, "You're never ALONE when you have books."
Paperboy
By Raina Conaway
Paperboy by Vince Vawter is about a boy living in the South in the 1950s who has a speech impediment and takes over his best friend’s paper route, so his friend can visit his grandparents. The boy, who prefers to be referred to as Little Man, the name given by his black caregiver, meets some interesting people on the route and later finds some interesting information, sparking new questions in his mind that he doesn’t feel able to ask.
I found this book profound and it put many things into perspective. I could somewhat relate to the main character because of his love to write and his aversion to speaking.
I would recommend this book to people who like realistic fiction, are in Reading Olympics, or are looking for a new favorite genre. This book can be found in the juvenile or Reading Olympics shelf of your local library.
Tuck Everlasting
By Raina Conaway
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit is a magical story about three occurrences that would never seem to tie together: Mae Tuck meeting her sons at a spring, Winnie Foster finally deciding to run away, and a man in a yellow suit looking for a family who he did not name. But unlikely events come together in strange ways.
This was an amazing book that included incredible descriptions. I could not stop reading it and finished it in two nights. I would recommend it to anyone, as it was an easy read with short chapters.
Tuck Everlasting is a great book for people who love fantasy or science fiction, love shorter books, or are looking for a new favorite genre. This book can be found in the juvenile section of your local library.
Broadway Musical Tuck Everlasting
By Raina Conaway
Tuck Everlasting was on Broadway from April 26, 2016 to May 29, 2016 in the Broadhurst Theatre. Based on the ever-popular literary classic with the same name, the original cast includes Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Jesse Tuck, Sarah Charles Lewis as Winnie Foster, Carolee Carmello as Mae Tuck, Michael Park as Angus Tuck, Robert Lenzi as Miles Tuck, Terrence Mann as Man In The Yellow Suit, Fred Applegate as Constable Joe, Michael Wartella as Hugo, Pippa Pearthree as Nana, and Valerie Wright as Mother.
While the main points in the plot follow those of the original book, some details are slightly different, such as the existence of a fair, the father’s death, and that the cat drank from the spring instead of the horse. Along with overall amazing dialogue and choreography, the music is amazing, with upbeat songs like “Top of the World” and “Partner in Crime”, heart-wrenching songs like “Time” and “The Wheel (Finale)”, the light-hearted and hilarious, “You Can’t Trust a Man”, and even a lesson taught through “The Wheel”.
Although I am an advocate for exact interpretations of books in other types of entertainment, I thoroughly enjoy the songs and everything else about the musical. The messages portrayed in this amazing story are very important in our lives today, one of the messages being to not wish for something if you haven'tr thought through consequences that can result. I would recommend this musical for everyone, as there are no swears in any of the songs in the soundtrack. It is a shame that the show closed so soon.
Everything, Everything
By Grace Rovinsky
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon tells the story of a girl who has been locked away her entire life, and is just now learning about the outside world. Maddy has SCID, a very rare diagnosis meaning that a single germ could cause deathly harm. Maddy’s mother has tried to shelter her for her entire life, but when new neighbor Olly moves in, she can’t contain her curiosity.
Maddy and Olly start to communicate through instant messaging, but soon they want to do more than just chat online. They want to meet face-to-face. Maddy’s personal nurse decides that the two can meet, and soon they are completely obsessed with each other. Maddy’s mother ends their meetups when Maddy runs outside to stop Olly’s alcoholic dad from hurting Ollie and his family.
Everything, Everything has now been developed into a major motion picture starring Amandla Stenberg as Maddy and Nick Robinson as Olly. It was directed by Stella Meghie and released in 2017.
This book deserves a 10 out of 10. It puts comedy and tragedy together, to create a stellar novel that some might be able to relate to. This is a must-read.
Spitfire (non-fiction)
The Spitfire: Britain’s Greatest Warplane, as John Nichol puts it, was a warplane used by the English during World War II. It was developed in 1938 and put out of service in 1948. It has seen the worst of World War II, and, as every Englishman will tell you, saved the world. It has seen the fall of France, the Battle of Britain, Blitzkrieg, D-Day, and the fall of Germany. It has flown over virtually every continent on the planet.
John Nichol takes you through the whole story of the Spitfire, from its problems with development to its sad discontinuation, from Mark I to Mark 24, and from the fall of Czechoslovakia to the fall of Germany.
Nichol not only gives you facts, but also first-hand stories from some of Britain’s finest pilots. For example, he describes the life of one of the youngest Spitfire pilots ever. He explains why he became a pilot, his participation in the Battle of Britain, then his life protecting Malta in the later stages of the war.
Though the book is about the Spitfire, Nichol also explains what is happening everywhere else in the world. For example, he explains how well the BF109, the Spitfire’s German rival, was progressing to attempt to fight off the Spitfire’s superior design.
Nichol is a very good author, who engages and teaches the mind. I am a history-buff, and within the first ten or so pages, I learned several things I had no idea about before.
If you are not into nonfiction, that much, I still recommend it. Some of the passages you might find “boring” are skippable. As I mentioned before, Nichol also gives accounts of people’s experiences with the Spitfire, some of which are quite riveting.
If you are a lover of nonfiction, fiction, or simply just a good read, I can highly recommend Spitfire.
Poetry
Keith Valley students enjoy doing creative writing. We have quite a few, who in their spare time, like to write some very creative poetry. Here are a few samples.
Hello, My Name is Nobody
By Sadie Van Tassell
Hello, my name is nobody,
That is what I do.
I am that empty seat,
Sitting ‘cross from you.
I’ve never had my name called,
I haven’t ever been late.
I never have to worry,
‘bout who I like or hate.
So please come on over,
You’re welcome to take a seat.
I’m that kind of friend,
That you never have to meet.
I’ve been in songs and poems,
Books and phrases too.
Remember, nobody’s perfect,
In anything they do!
I’ve never got a question wrong,
But never really right.
I’m still stone throughout the throng,
And never ever fight.
Hello, my name is nobody,
That’s who I am to you.
I am that silent friend,
Sitting ‘cross from you.
Halloween
By Stephen Plefka
Halloween is like no other
As you hear those screams like the screech of a tire
Candy scattered all over the place
Just like the leaves in the middle of a good old fall
You see the cops in the distance
Handing out those milky delicious chocolate bars
Walking around with your friends and feeling the vibe
Just like the feeling of acing that test
You walk up to that black screen door
You ring that bell feeling like its Christmas day
You see the man wearing his black hoodie watching a movie
You spot him getting out of his green speckled chair like an elder seeing their Grandchild
You see that 5’7" man walk over to the fogged glass door
He opens the door as you say, “Trick or Treat” with a picture-perfect smile
He hands you the orange plastic bowl
You take your hand and stick it into the cocoa filled basket and feel the plastic surrounding you hand
You take out those candies with a face looking as bright as the full moon on a pitch-dark night
You say thanks with a handful of a dentist’s nightmare
You say we are going to the house with a Spooktacular display of horror
Only to be restarting again
Everyone's Gone to the Movies
Halloween: Michael Myers is Back!
By Riley Treloar and Gianna Isabella
This past weekend, we three girls went to go see the newest Halloween movie at Regal Theaters in Warrington. This movie takes place in Illinois in 2018. It’s been 40 years since Michael Myers was first captured and brought into a mental asylum. Although he is under secure watch by police, Laurie Strode, his sister and main victim, is still terrified and paranoid. She is ready for him to come and haunt her again on Halloween. Her daughter, Karen, and granddaughter, Allyson, have cut her out and stop talking to her completely. They believe she has been driven insane over the memory of Michael. Then, when all of the patients from the mental asylum are being transferred to prison, the bus crashes, and all the psychopaths escape. After 40 years, Michael Myers is on the loose again.
There is the predictable Halloween gore and shock that will make you jump out of your seats. There was also a girl power part when Karen thwarts Michael and Laurie shouts the iconic phrase, “Happy Halloween Michael”.
This movie deserves a 5-star, 10/10 rating. We believe this was the best out of the Halloween series. It has been the number one box office smash in America, two weeks in a row! It's now our favorite movie!
If you are looking for a scary movie with a strong female lead, then this movie is definitely the one for you! And let's not forget, “Happy Halloween Michael.”
2001: a Space Odyssey (Fifty Year Anniversary Re-Release and 4K Remastery)
Critics have called Stanley Kubrick's 2001:A Apace Odyssey a masterpiece and the best science fiction film ever made. It is always ranked in the American Film Institute's top 15 American movies ever made.
There are also some people who think this movie is a pretentious piece of garbage with great special effects, and have no clue what it is about.
I just re-saw it on the BIG screen for the first time in 50 years!
I saw the original premier of 2001 at the Sameric Theatre in downtown Philadelphia in 1968 for my eighth birthday. My father, and all the engineers he worked with at General Electric's Space Division in Valley Forge, got free tickets to view the premier with their families. The movie was shown in a large 70MM format called Cinerama, which is similar to today's IMAX.
Whether you are a fan, thinks it's garbage, or don't have a clue what the movie is about, it's certainly one of the most influential films ever made and is deserving of attention at its 50th anniversary. 2001 REVOLUTIONIZED special effects in all movies, and predicted future technologies that have come to be, with extreme accuracy.
Monolith Machines
The movie attempts to trace the origins of intelligent life on earth at "The Dawn of Man" and follow it to the year 2001, where we are exploring space. Kubric and co-author, Arthur C. Clarke, the inventor of the artificial space satellite, postulate that an alien intelligence sends monolith machines to earth to influence the development of mankind. The extra-terrestrials then wait for us to develop space travel, in order to see: "how we turned out." Finally, we make first contact with another monolith on the moon, which signals to the aliens that it's time to study humans again. The kernel idea of 2001, is based on Clarke's 1953 short story, "The Sentinel."
HAL is the Star
Astronauts follow the monoliths to Jupiter, along with the latest in Artificial Intelligence, a super computer named HAL. Many call HAL the most interesting character in the movie. This is based on the fact that the movie is done as a video and musical montage, featuring brilliant outer space scenes, and the classical music of Richard and Johann Strauss. There is very little dialogue or acting in the movie, for the three main actors, William Sylvester, Keir Dullea, and Gary Lockwood. 2001 is one of the few movies that has ever taken this approach, outside of silent films.
During the denouement of the film, the aliens place the lead astronaut, played by Keir Dullea, in an artificial environment that looks like a hotel room, so they can study him. They have constructed this temporary environment out of his memories. Many viewers of the film, become confused by this first contact scene. Interestingly, the same approach was taken in the film, Contact, where aliens place Jodie Foster in an artificial beach environment, and communicate with her through a re-creation of her deceased father. Either you're a hard-core Sci Fi fan, and love this divergent creativity, or you think it's utter non-sense. Either way, the film was groundbreaking!
Lucas and Spielberg Call 2001 the "Big Bang of Special Effects"
2001 revolutionized special effects in movies. Up until its release, science fiction effects consisted of aliens in rubber masks, acting on sets made of plastic rocks and silver spray paint. Stanley Kubrick, a master cinematographer and director (Dr. Strangelove, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Spartacus) and his special effects director, Douglas Trumball, made space travel LOOK REAL.
In fact, 50 years later, 2001 is not outdated and is still the most "real" depiction of what deep space travel should look like. At the time of it's release in 1968, both American astronauts and Russian cosmonauts, who had actually traveled in space, commented that watching the film made them "feel" like they were in space again. This was a fitting tribute to how technically advanced the special effects in 2001 were.
Industrial Light and Magic
Two of the most famous film makers of our time, refer to 2001 as "The Big Bang" of Special Effects movies. The movie set the bar so high, special effects could never look ridiculous again in any movie.
Director George Lucas says that he could not have created Star Wars, until 2001's special effects breakthroughs. Director Stephen Spielberg says that Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and ET could not have happened, without 2001 as a template for making an epic special effects film.
2001 prompted Lucas to invent his special effects laboratory, Industrial Light and Magic. Amazingly, Kubric and Trumball created their effects for 2001 without a computer. George Lucas' company INVENTED computers to create what we now call CGI (Computer Generated Images) and has made special effects in all genres of movies very believable!
Now, All Movies Look Real
James Cameron's (a current epic special effects movie wizard) Titanic actually looks like the Titanic hits an iceberg and sinks in the North Atlantic in 1912.
42, which is the biopic about Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, includes scenes where lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, plays baseball games in Brooklyn's Ebbets Field, Pittsburgh's Forbes Field, and Cincinnati's Crosley Field. These are stadiums which were torn down over 50 years ago. However, through the magic of CGI, they look as though they still exist.
Below, it really looks like Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese are standing in Crosley Field in Cincinnati. The "magic" of modern special effects, that can create realistic-looking scenes like this one, began with 2001: a space odyssey.
2001: Science Fiction Technology Becomes Reality
Some science fiction stories try to predict the future, and are not always successful. 2001 gets an A+ for predicting technologies that we are using right now.
- 2001 depicted a computer named HAL talking to humans and helping them run their ship, research, and solve problems. Today Alexa and Siri are starting to do just these things.
- 2001 showed astronauts using tablet technology for the first time. Today we have android tablets and iPads.
- 2001 depicted a space station orbiting around the earth, and people visiting it for vacations. Today we have the International Space Station, and Space-X is developing the technology for civilian travel into space, which would dock with and allow non-professional astronauts to visit an actual space station.
- 2001 showed us an astronaut making a video call to earth. Today we have Skype and Facetime. Also, this Skype call from space to earth, presumes the existence of the Internet.
Kubric showed us an astronaut using an iPad/tablet to hold a "Skype/Face Time" conversation over the Internet in 1968. It was more than three decades before these technologies became a reality for consumers on earth.
Keith Valley Sports
7th Grade Volleyball
7th Grade Volleyball
By Coach Erika Richards
7th Grade girls volleyball had an amazing season. With every girl on the team contributing, they ended with an overall record of 7-1. All girls on the team have greatly improved their passing and serving skills. The season has produced many memories, including a trip to Dairy Queen and a few balls hitting girls in the face (ouch!). It was amazing to see almost every girl on the team be able to successfully serve overhand. Thanks to everyone who has supported us this year, and we hope to see you again next season!
KV Football
By Coach Charles Farrell
The Keith Valley Football Team is once again representing The Red and Black very well. The team presently has 7 wins with only 1 loss.
The young Hatters have been led this year by an offensive and defensive line that have wreaked havoc on the opposition all season long. Two year starter and one man wrecking crew, Kyree Butler has been an unstoppable force of nature all season long on both sides of the ball. The addition of Daniel O’ Donnell to play alongside Christian Daniels, and Wesley “speed demon” Hudson, took an already good group, and made them even better.
Alex Cerminara, Joseph Imperato, and Ryan Long were also big contributors along our offensive line. Justin Buanato stepped up and had to replace our starting center as we faced our toughest opponent of the season. He played a big role in our 41 -20 victory over previously undefeated Colonial Middle School.
First year players, Colin O’ Sullivan and Dylan Constantini, were instrumental parts of our backfield, and helped the offense to run smoothly. On the defensive side of the ball, Matt Roughton, D.J. Cersierer, James Longstratton, Trey Bondy and Will McCabe helped to support our line play, and made some timely stops.
To top off the season, we defeated Upper Moreland 34-19 to become league champions.
What a tremendous season!
Color Guard
By Lorali Minde
Color guard is a great activity. The instructors, Mr. Brown for indoor guard, and Mrs. Bareyn for marching band, are excellent, and make it a lot of fun! A common misunderstanding about guard, is that all we do is toss around flags. It’s much more complex, and takes a lot of hard work and dedication.
First you learn how to walk by marking time. You must always start with your left foot, and take the same sized steps as everyone else. You always need to look up at the ceiling, fit a lot of steps in a little space, or fit a small number of steps in a big space. Then, you have to end in “mark time.”
The second thing you learn is how to control your flag. This consists of spinning the flag, the cone, the back scratch, and so forth. Then you work with a fake rifle. The three main moves you make with a rifle are: spin, toss and pie. Middle school is a great time to join Color Guard, and many students stick with it through high school. It was also a thrill to participate in this year’s “Tip of the Hat” competition.
KV Clubs - Every Other Wednesday Afternoon
What are Wednesday Afternoon Clubs?
By Ms. Stephanie Keene
The KV Clubs program started last year. After speaking with students, we found that there was a need for students and teachers to do an activities of interest that they normally do after school, or want to learn about. It is another in a long line of programs to educate "the whole child" and recognize that that students have many interests outside of the traditional curricular experiences Keith Valley offers.
There are currently 86 clubs being offered at Keith Valley every other Wednesday afternoon. Students can do crafts, play ultimate Frisbee; play chess, card games, board games, and Math 24; practice mindfulness, meditation, and yoga; learn calligraphy, ballroom dancing, and sign language; do creative and journal writing; do knitting, and scrap-booking; study surf movies; discuss local and national sports, and discuss Harry Potter or Disney.
The students below are practicing meditation in yoga class, making friendship bracelets, cooking, and doing mind challenging puzzles during a fun Wednesday afternoon here at KV.
The next club selection will be at the end of January. Students are encouraged to try something new!
Scenes of KV Students at Clubs
Keith Valley's Halloween Dance - Friday, October 26th
Keith Valley's Halloween Dance
By Mrs. Elizabeth Daleandro
Scenes from the 2018 Halloween Dance
Hatter Chatter Staff for 2018-2019
Meet this year's Hatter Chatter Staff:
Jaznie Patel - Staff Writer
Sadie "Katrina" Van Tassel - Staff Writer
Zosia DeHaven Staff Writer and Editor
Joseph Acton Staff Writer
Raina Conaway Staff Writer
Samantha Murset Staff Writer
Ariel Roth Cartoonist
Grace Rovinsky Staff Writer and Editor
Loralie Minde Staff Writer
Steven Plefka Staff Writer
Max "The Flash" Huertgen - Staff Writer and Photographer
Katherine Morrell Photographer
Riley Treloar Staff Writer
Gianna Isabella Staff Writer
Sarah Smith Editor
Ryleigh Almond Staff Writer and Editor
Lilith Henley Staff Writer
Kali Ruby Staff Writer
Madj Victor, Editor
Iasossa Idahossa Editor
Zach Ibrahim Editor
Mr. Gross Faculty Sponsor
The Hatter Chatter staff wish everyone in the Keith Valley community a wonderful holiday season. We all have reason to give thanks for every day we have!
The Hatter Chatter is the Official Newspaper of the Keith Valley Middle School
Trivia Questions:
2. There have been six (6) principals in the history of Keith Valley Middle School. Name them.
3. What number Veterans Day was this? What was the original name of Veterans Day?
4. Two Keith Valley staff members won important awards in 2018. Name the two staff, the job they do, and the award they won.
5. There are eight new teachers at Keith Valley this year. Name the eight (8) teachers, their grade, and the subject they teach.
6. Seven (7) new incoming 6th grade students were featured in the first article of the newspaper. Name the seven (7) students, and the elementary school each comes from.
7. The English Language Arts department is featured in this issue. There are four (4) stories mentioned, that are read by sixth, seventh, and eighth grades in the article. Name the four (4) stories.
8. There are four (4) books reviewed in our "Book Reviews" section. Name the four (4) books and their respective authors.
9. One movie reviewed was the 50th anniversary of 2001:a space odyssey. This science fiction movie predicted the invention of 5 things that didn't exist in 1968, that now do exist, and we take for granted in our everyday lives. Name the five (5) inventions.
10. Four (4) coaches are named in the sports section. Name the four (4) coaches.