Weekly Message
an Update from Dr. Barbara A. Russell 3/30/22
Greetings PV Families,
Spring marches on...into April! The month of April is dedicated to Math Awareness, Financial Literacy, Poetry, and School Libraries! April is also the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan, a time of fasting, introspection, and charitable works.
World Autism Day is recognized on April 2nd. To celebrate, we invite our school community to participate in Light It Up Blue, a campaign to foster understanding and acceptance for those with autism, by wearing blue on Friday, April 1st.
Beginning next week, on April 3, we observe National Library Week! Sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA), this week is a time to celebrate our nation's libraries and library workers.
This spring, PVSD will be hosting several community events I'd like to highlight.
- On April 10, we are excited to welcome back the Lenape people to our region. A community celebration is planned to showcase some of the wonderful community partners we have here in the Valley, as well as dedicate the Lenape Arboretum to be located on the property of Middle School East and the High School. There will be a celebratory feast beginning at 5:30 as part of the PV Woods Community Day Event and ALL ARE WELCOME! More about this exciting event appears below.
- PVSD's Path to Health & Wellness is intended to provide information to our community about how we can overcome some of the challenges our students are facing. During the weeks of April 18, 25, and May 2, there will be virtual presentations on the topics of Community, Social Media, Substance Use, and mental health issues such as Anxiety and Depression. All of the information will be made available on our website as will links to additional resources.
On May 18, an onsite Resource Fair and Guest Speaker is being arranged to take place in the High School library from 6:30-8:30 pm. We are hoping that all that is shared during this event will promote health and wellness for our students, staff and community. - The Art and Food Truck Festival is back! The art department will host its 5th annual Art and Food Truck Festival on June 4 from noon-4:00pm. This event is a celebration of community and culture in Perkiomen Valley! Learn more below and at PV Art Fest.
I hope you are able to engage in one or more of these community events. Reconnecting in person has been wonderful for our community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara A. Russell
Superintendent
PVSD Campus Closed Saturday, April 2
Our hearts are heavy with the tragic passing of Pennsylvania State Trooper and PV Class of 2010 graduate Branden T. Sisca. A lifetime resident of the PV community, Branden was 29 years old, a husband, and soon-to-be father. He also served as Fire Chief of Trappe Fire Company.
The Pennsylvania State Police, together with the Trappe Fire Company and Branden's family, will be coordinating Branden's funeral services. They include:
- Public Viewing- Friday, April 1 from 12:00-3:00pm and 5:00-9:00pm at Boyd-Horrox-Givnish Funeral Home
- Funeral Procession- Saturday, April 2 between the hours of 10:30am-noon Community members are encouraged to line the route with Flags, Friends and Family. Announcement from Trappe Borough re: Funeral Procession: We ask that members of the community respect and understand that during the hours 10:00AM and 12:00PM there may be delays and temporary road closures on Main Street, 3rd Avenue (Route 113), Boro Line Road, and 5th Avenue. We thank you for your understanding as our community mourns this great loss.
- Funeral Services- Saturday, April 2 at noon at Perkiomen Valley High School. The PVSD Campus (Evergreen Elementary, Middle School East, and PV High School) will be closed on Saturday, April 2, from 6:00am- 4:00pm for funeral services.
For more information visit Funeral Information.
Let Us Entertain You!
PV Woods Community Day
PVSD is honored to be hosting members of the 5 federally-recognized Lenape tribes as they arrive in Pennsylvania. During their stay the Lenape will be reburying their ancestors at Pennsbury Manor, and will participate in PV Woods Community Day, Lenape Woods Dedication and Community Feast. Speaking of feast, do you have a favorite recipe? Please consider sharing it with the community on April 10th! For more information visit the PV Woods website.
Path to Health & Wellness
Teletherapy - Mental Health Services for Students
The District is considering teletherapy services for students. These services would be arranged through outside vendors and provided to students virtually (i.e., students would be in their home and connect with a therapist via Zoom). The services would extend for 30-60 minutes and offer mental health support.
The District is trying to gauge interest in this resource and learn how many families would be interested in these services for their child. There may be opportunities for PVSD to offset or cover the costs of some number of teletherapy sessions if families do not qualify for coverage through their insurance.
If you are interested in teletherapy services in support of your child’s mental health, please indicate your interest using this form: Teletherapy Interest Form. Once the District determines what is possible based on the number of families expressing interest, a representative from the PV counseling department will reach out to follow up.
Art & Food Truck Festival
Art is for everyone! The 2022 Art and Food Truck Festival will host a wide range of artists and vendors from within and outside of the Perkiomen Valley community. Our event is open to professional and student painters, woodworkers, ceramists, jewelry designers, photographers, fiber artists, etc.
We believe the arts in our community fosters social connection that bonds people.
PSSA Testing
Students in grades three, four, and five in our elementary schools and six, seven, and eight in our middle schools will be participating in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) during late April and early May. The PSSA is made up of three separate tests which assess to what degree our students have become proficient in English Language Arts (reading and writing), Mathematics, and Science. Principals will provide further details as we approach the testing dates. For additional information regarding this year’s assessment, please review our parent letter and frequently asked questions document.
Summer Program- LIFT
Are you or someone you know a certified teacher? PVSD is seeking certified teachers to provide remediation and enrichment instruction during our summer program, LIFT (Learning Is Fun Together). Remediation programs are scheduled in the mornings from June 27 - July 27. Enrichment programs are held in both mornings and afternoons the weeks of July 11, July 18, and July 25. Teachers receive $40/hour compensation. Applications are being accepted through the district’s human resources website. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Laurie Smith, Assistant Superintendent (lsmith@pvsd.org).
COVID-19 Dashboard
As a reminder, we have made changes to our district COVID-19 dashboard. In alignment with reporting to the Montgomery County Office of Public Health (MCOPH), PVSD data will now be shared weekly, on Mondays, to reflect onsite positive COVID cases for the previous week (Saturday through Friday). The information, broken down by level, includes onsite positive cases for students and staff. To view, visit District COVID-19 Dashboard.
Upcoming District Dates
- Wednesday, March 30: Education Committee @ 7:00pm
- Thursday, March 31: Finance Committee @ 7:00pm
- Saturday, April 2: PVSD Campus closed for funeral event, 6:00am-4:00pm
- Monday, April 4: Board Work Session @ 7:00pm
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 v28 3/30/22