Perk E. Mail
Perkiomen Valley School District's Monthly E-Newsletter
November 2015
Welcome!
TOP STORIES
Webinar to Take Parents Inside Classrooms
Join the 21st Century Teaching and Learning Committee for a digital discussion on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 7 to 8 p.m.
The digital discussion will take place as a Blue Jeans webinar led by Mrs. Tara Parr, Technology Coordinator and Liaison, and Dr. Barbara A. Russell, Assistant Superintendent. Feel free to join this digital platform from wherever you would like; there will be NO in person meeting this month.
The topic of discussion will be about current teaching and learning activities in our schools. Mrs. Parr and Dr. Russell will take you into our schools (with video and pictures) and share the variety of learning activities occurring. There will be opportunity for discussion focused upon how we are moving our schools forward in the 21st century.
Thank you in advance for your participation and any feedback on this meeting format you are willing to provide. Click on the link provided to join the meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m., https://bluejeans.com/687631467.
Join us on Parent Visitation Day, Nov. 18
Parents are welcome to visit elementary schools between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the middle schools and high school between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
American Education Week is a celebration of public education and the people who contribute to our students' success.
Please note that we cannot make accommodations for parents to eat lunch with their students due to space constraints.
Clearances are not necessary to visit on this day, but you should be prepared to show your driver's license when you sign in at your child's school.
Please be respectful of student privacy issues and refrain from capturing photos/video during your visit.
PVHS Students Honored by Board for Athletic Achievements
At the Nov. 9 business meeting, the Perkiomen Valley School District Board of Directors honored the Perkiomen Valley High School volleyball and cross country teams, as well as individual athletes, who won Pioneer Athletic Conference championships this fall.
The Perkiomen Valley High School Volleyball Team finished the season as the Pioneer Athletic Conference Co-Champions and made history by qualifying for the PIAA Class AAA Championships for the first time. The team, coached by Drew Scheeler, won the PAC Championship with only one league loss all season. Team members include:
Amia Boone
Helena Clauhs
Jahlysa Cole
Caitlin Corcoran
Gabrielle Gauarnaccia
Grace Herbein
Adrianna Lattanzi
Emilia Leyes
Ellie Min
Emily Oltman
Alexis Prettyman
Hannah Rice
Cayla Veverka
Madisen Young
Managers:
Marissa Deuber
Emily Ward
The Perkiomen Valley High School Girls Cross Country Team also captured the Pioneer Athletic Conference Championship this fall and finished with an undefeated season. The team went on to place third in the District 1 Championship meet and won the prestigious PIAA Foundation Meet. The team was led by Annie Glodek, who also captured the individual PAC Championship and was the PIAA Foundation Meet Individual Champion. This past weekend, the team finished fourth in the PIAA Championships and Annie Glodek finished 10th. Congratulations to these students and their coach, Ryan Sullivan.
Michele Daniels
Julia Dorley
Annie Glodek
Jocelyn Rotay
Teagan Schein-Becker
Hannah Stolpe
Laura Styer
In addition to team PAC Champions, the Board recognized the following individual PAC Champions:
Jasmine Morris and Allison Newman, who won the PAC Tennis Doubles Championship. Jasmine and Allison are coached by Jennifer Dixon.
Carly Dorminy, who shot an even-par 70 to win the PAC Girls Individual Golf Championship, defeating the two-time defending champion in the process. Carly is coached by Barry Spencer.
EVERGREEN ELEMENTARY NEWS
Bullying Prevention Week Marked at Evergreen
During Evergreen Elementary School’s Bullying Prevention Week in October, students dressed up for various spirit days to increase their awareness of bullying and how to prevent it. Class discussions were paired with the theme for each day so that students had a better understanding of why they were dressing up and how it related to bullying prevention. On one day, students wore mismatched clothing to remind them that we are ALL different and that we should appreciate each other’s differences. Research has shown that building empathy is one of the best strategies for decreasing bullying behaviors.
Evergreen Students Get in the Groove
During their extra music class, fifth-graders have been learning various dances, from the Macarena to the Whip and Nae Nae (a popular student request). The culminating activity is an original dance choreographed by their teacher Ms. Maria Boland and set to Journey's "Don’t Stop Believing." What a great way to have fun while getting exercise!
Charting Their Own Courses
Students in Ms. Jenny Cochran’s fourth-grade class created their own treasure maps. After designing the maps using grids and keys, the students wrote a story about where their map would take them. Working with a partner, they answered questions and shared their work. Sam Koehler and Brayden Avery talk about the "hidden treasure."
SCHWENKSVILLE ELEMENTARY NEWS
Schwenksville Students Take Unity Walk
In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, Mrs. Stacia Hang, the school counselor at Schwenksville Elementary School, organized an all-out anti-bullying campaign including the following components:
- Videos of Mrs. Hang reading various anti-bullying books for classes to watch on-line were available throughout the week.
- Students and staff were asked to participate in spirit days during the week of Oct. 19 to show their support for our anti-bullying push. Spirit days included wearing crazy socks, wearing gold/yellow to represent the Golden Rule, and other fun dress-up days.
Snail Race Captivates Students
Snails may be slow, but sometimes they can still race. Students in Mrs. Kim James’ second grade class at Schwenksville Elementary School held their own snail race after borrowing the idea from Bedtime Math’s information regarding the World Snail Racing Championship in Congham, England.
The snails started in the middle of a table, and slimed their way through a circle 13 inches out. Every 15 minutes, the students would check the snails’ progress. The activity was a fun and engaging way for students to use their math skills.
Celebrating the Season at Freddy Hill Farm
SKIPPACK ELEMENTARY NEWS
Bus Drivers Thanked for Their Work
Home & School Organizes First Trunk-or-Treat Event
It’s been an exciting month for Skippack Elementary Home & School. We started out the month with our annual Walk-a-thon. We had 745 students participate in the 2015 Walk-a-thon, walking a total of 6,014 laps around the field. This is equal to 1,502.5 miles! As a school, we raised $25,751, surpassing our goal and setting a new school record.
A “spooktacular” time was had by all when we hosted our first ever Trunk or Treat on Friday, Oct. 23. Forty “trunkers” set up their cars in the front parking lot of the school to hand out treats to Skippack students, siblings and friends. Over 600 children donned their Halloween costumes and went from car to car collecting treats. The children made stops at the Big Top Circus, Hogwarts and the Spider’s Lair. They got to check out experiments at the Mad Scientist Lab, play a game of Candy Land, and ride on a Viking ship. The trunks were elaborate and the kids were excited as they danced to Halloween music and socialized with their friends. Prizes were handed out to the top 3 trunks, with Candy Land winning first, the Viking Ship winning second and the Dentist winning third.
We also took time this month to give back to our community. During the Trunk or Treat, we collected over 600 personal care and food items to donate to St. James Outreach House in Collegeville. Then, on Nov. 2, we invited students to bring in their extra Halloween candy to donate to the troops through Operation Gratitude. We collected 903 pounds of candy! Much of it will be donated to the troops as planned but, because of the large amount, we will also give some to local veterans and some to local food pantries for families to use in their stockings at Christmas time.
Students Enjoy Seasonal Science Lesson
Students in Mrs. Karen Groff's first-grade class at Skippack Elementary School did science experiments on pumpkins in October. Students weighed their gourds, counted the seeds, observed if they sank or floated, and counted the lines on the outside of their pumpkins.
SOUTH ELEMENTARY NEWS
Going Bananas Over Books
South Elementary School hosted the Scholastic Monster Book Fair in October. Students purchased books to support the South Elementary library. They also participated in a “Class Coin Challenge” to raise money for more books.
The teacher of the class that collected the most money won the principal's parking spot for two weeks. Also, all the students voted on the challenge they wanted their principal to complete. The students chose for the principal, Mr. Dave D’Andrea, to dress as a banana for a day!
Teachers Dress as Crayon Characters
Exploring Reverse Engineering
PVMS EAST NEWS
Students Build and Play Their Own Games During Arcade Day
Mr. Mike Heffernan and Mrs. Diane Terry's Math Exploration classes participated in a cardboard challenge (inspired by Cain's Arcade). Students collaborated to design, build, problem solve, and test their cardboard games. When they were satisfied with their "end products," classes came over for an Arcade Day. Students reported that they enjoyed building and playing the various games, and realized that it doesn't involve a lot of money!
Mix It Up Lunch Day Meant to Break Down Boundaries
Perkiomen Valley Middle School students participated in National Mix It Up Lunch Day on Oct. 27. Mix It Up Lunch Day is a national campaign that was launched by Teaching Tolerance a decade ago. Students are asked to sit at tables with students they don't normally eat lunch with in an effort to encourage them to identify, question, and cross social boundaries. In surveys, students have identified the cafeteria as the place where divisions are most clearly drawn. So on this day, students have the opportunity to move out of their comfort zones and connect with someone new over lunch. It's a simple act with profound implications. See more photos from the Mix it Up Lunch by following the PVMS East Library on Instagram.
Move-A-Thon Organized at West
Perkiomen Valley Middle School East students participated in the Move-A-Thon event in October. This event is sponsored by the Home and School Association and is meant to get the students moving and active. After lunch, the students were escorted to the football stadium where they walked around the track and played games.
PVMS WEST NEWS
West Walk-A-Thon Raises Almost $7,000
Perkiomen Valley Middle School West students raised $6,841.58 to purchase 25 Chrome Books through the seventh annual Walk-A-Thon fundraiser on Oct. 22. The walk was sponsored by West's Home and School Association, and it followed the school year’s first spirit week that featured: Pajama Monday, Crazy Hat and Hair Tuesday, and Super Hero Wednesday. Students were asked to generate donations from family and friends while walking laps on the school’s track. ATI Entertainment and Kona Ice were on hand to provide music and refreshments. This annual event incorporates wellness and fitness into the day while raising funds. Local businesses donated gifts and services that were won by students who generated the largest contributions. The top grossing homeroom from each grade won a pizza party, courtesy of Home and School, while the students with the largest donations from each grade won the privilege of being Principal for a Day! The week culminated with the Walk For West Dance that featured awesome music, snacks, drinks and pizza. A huge thank you to all of our participants, volunteers, and generous supporters!
So Easy, a Caveman Can Do It
Halloween Treats to Be Donated to Troops
Mrs. Andrea Nehila and Perkiomen Valley Middle School West’s Operation H.E.L.P. Club is sponsoring a Treats for Troops fundraiser. Students are encouraged to bring in a portion of their Halloween candy stash between Nov. 2-13 and drop it off in bins labeled with their team’s name. The team with the most donations will win a soft pretzel party for their efforts. A huge thank you to all who contribute to this wonderful cause!
PVHS NEWS
Students Selected to Play at Festival
Congratulations to Dellena Bloom, Ben Proto, Priya Ganesh, Tyler Duncan, and Ben Bafaloukos for being chosen to participate in the 2015 Montgomery County Honors String Orchestra Festival. The Festival is a concert that will be performed on Friday, Nov. 20, at Abington High School.
Project Doodle Art
Students Enjoy Senior Night
Support PV Cheerleaders by Eating Breakfast Out on Nov. 14
Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebees (Royersford)
Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8 to 10 a.m.
You can buy tickets in advance from Junior Varsity or Varsity Cheerleaders you know or contact Karie Middleton at Karmid09@gmail.com or Christy Berkheiser at cberk@spring-ford.net.
Children $5 and adults $7, or you can also buy tickets at the door.
Boys and Girls Basketball Clinics Offered Nov. 14
Get Your Holiday Shopping Done and Support South Elementary!
Shop at Learning Express Toys in the Providence Town Center on Nov. 19 and 20 to support South Elementary School. Show the coupon to receive 10% off your purchase and have 10% donated to South.
Or, if jewelry is more of what you're looking for, shop at Michelle's Jewelry Studio in Trappe from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 and 11. Mention the fundraiser, and 20% of your purchase price will be donated to South.
PVSD Foundation News
Here are some updates from the PVSD Foundation:
- Thanks to all who contributed to our Mixed Bag fundraiser - together we raised over $11,000! Stay tuned for a delivery date on these items.
- A reminder that tickets are on sale NOW for the Harlem Wizards, who are coming to PVHS on Friday, Nov. 20. Tickets purchased by Nov. 17 are $10. Click here for a ticket order form. Tickets purchased after that are $12. The PV DREAM TEAM is ready to take on the Wizards. Plan ahead and save!
- Registration for our next Dodgeball Tournament will be held from Jan. 9 to Feb. 6. Stay tuned for details!
- Would you like to be a part of the PVSD Foundation? If so, please email us at pvsdfoundation@gmail.com for information. We are a group of parents, community members and staff that work together to raise funds to enhance the education of the students in our district. #givebackgetback #teacherscountonus #dodgeball
Save the Date! Glenn Miller Orchestra is Coming Nov. 29
PVHS Biology Club Hosts Fundraiser at Michelle's Jewelry Studio on Dec. 1
Parents' Day Out - Dec. 5
The cost is $15 for one child and $10 for each additional child. Children will participate in games, stories, crafts and watch a movie. A soft pretzel and water will be provided. Please complete the application and send it to the high school with a check made payable to "Rotary Interact PVHS" by Dec. 2 to reserve a spot.
PVSD Policy Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Nov 17, 2015, 07:00 PM
Perkiomen Valley School District: District Office, 3 Iron Bridge Drive, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVSD School Visitation Day for American Education Week
Wednesday, Nov. 18
- 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for elementary schools
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for middle and high schools
Where:
All buildings
PVSD Athletic Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Nov 18, 2015, 06:30 PM
Perkiomen Valley School District, 509 High School Drive, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVSD Home & School Coordinating Council Meeting
Thursday, Nov 19, 2015, 09:15 AM
Perkiomen Valley School District: District Office, Iron Bridge Drive, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVSD Foundation Presents the Harlem Wizards
Friday, Nov 20, 2015, 06:30 PM
Perkiomen Valley High School, 509 Gravel Pike, Collegeville, PA, United States
High School Fall Play
Friday, Nov 20, 2015, 07:30 PM
Perkiomen Valley High School, Gravel Pike, Collegeville, PA, United States
High School Fall Play
Saturday, Nov 21, 2015, 07:30 PM
Perkiomen Valley High School, Gravel Pike, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVSD In-Service Days (No School for Students)/Parent-Teacher Conferences
Monday, Nov. 23
Tuesday, Nov. 24
Where:
All Schools
PVSD Holiday (No School for Students)
Wednesday, Nov. 25
Where:
All Schools
PVSD Holiday (Schools and Offices Closed) - Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, Nov. 26
Friday, Nov. 27
Where:
All Buildings
PV Music Boosters Present the Glenn Miller Band
Sunday, Nov 29, 2015, 07:00 PM
Perkiomen Valley Middle School East, 100 Kagey Road, Collegeville, PA 19426
PVSD Safety & Operations Committee Meeting
Monday, Dec 7, 2015, 06:00 PM
Perkiomen Valley School District, 509 Gravel Pike, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVSD School Board Reorganization/Work Session/Finance Committee Meeting-of-the-Whole
Monday, Dec 7, 2015, 07:30 PM
Perkiomen Valley High School, 509 Gravel Pike, Collegeville, PA, United States
About Us
Email: jlester@pvsd.org
Website: www.pvsd.org
Location: 3 Iron Bridge Drive, Collegeville, PA, United States
Phone: 610-489-8506
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pvschool
Twitter: @PV_Schools