Preparing for 9th Grade
February 3, 2016 Edition
A Message from the Principal
First, I'm a proud alum of PGHS and have served as a Principal in Pottsgrove since 2007 both at the middle and high school. I currently reside in Boyertown with my wife, Kim, with our two children who attend Boyertown High School .
Secondly, Pottsgrove has so much to offer you as a student:
- Outstanding Faculty/Staff - Our Faculty/Staff are Amazing!! They are committed to supporting students throughout their high school years and routinely go above and beyond to assure student success.
- Rigorous Academic Offerings - PGHS provides students with several Advanced Placement Courses, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) courses, and an array of Dual Enrollment courses through Montgomery County Community College. In addition, our course of studies is filled with rich opportunities for students to challenge themselves academically and to fulfill their college/career goals.
- Co-Curricular Activities - PGHS is proud to have 22 PIAA sanctioned varsity sport programs. In addition, we have numerous clubs, musical groups, and a strong theatre program.
- Western Montgomery County Career & Technical School - WMTC provides a large selection of career & technical pathways for students to prepare for college/career. Some examples of courses include Cosmetology, Automotive Technology, Culinary, & Protective Services.
I look forward to working with your son/daughter next school year. If at anytime you have questions, please contact me on my cellphone at 610-960-2386.
8th Grade Parents Meeting Set for February 8, 2016
Tips from a 9th Grade Student, Rayna Amiri
Hello Parents and 8th grade students, my name is Ranya Amiri and I am currently a 9th grade student at the Pottsgrove High School. 9th grade is approaching sooner than later. It is quite an eye opener. When I first entered the high school, I was quite excited. I quickly adjusted to the building as well as my teachers. This may cause some to feel nervous and others to feel excited. Do not worry! The Pottsgrove High School is a great school to be in. But despite how you feel, being successful at the high school is extremely important. Your high school years are the most important four years of your life. It determines your future. To help guide you on how to be successful in the high school, I have created a guideline that I have used since I was at the middle school.
1) Set your Priorities Straight
- Being concerned with how many friends you have should not be at the top of your priority list. Sure, you may have had your fun at the middle school, but the high school is the time to get grinding. Worry about completing an essay rather than when you want to hangout with friends. Now don't get me wrong! There is absolutely nothing wrong with having free time with friends, but should that really be your priority? Chances are, you will be going to a completely different college than the rest of your friends and will not be in contact with them for a while so do not make hanging out with friends more important than school. Your grade will impact you in the future.
2) Extracurricular Activities
- You have most likely been told this ever since you were in the middle school, but join any extracurricular activities of your interest. These may include in school activities like an art club, or an after school activity like soccer. Only join activities that you will be committed to and have the time for. If your schedule does not allow for an additional activity, don't join an extracurricular activity. It is not ideal to have too much up your sleeve, but it is recommended to try at least one throughout the year.
3) It is NOT too Early to Start Planning
- I often hear "It's too early to talk about college". It is never too early! High school is preparation for our future. Write out a realistic life plan like...
Attend a four year college
Attend medical school
Complete a two year residency
Become a pediatrician
This will show that you have an idea of what it is that you really want to do, BUT It is okay if you are not at
the point where you know what it is that you want to do in the future.
4) Study....Study...STUDY!
- I cannot stress this enough. Use your time wisely by staying after school the day before a big test, or even something as small as a quiz. Whether you understand the concept you are being graded for or not, staying after school and really taking that time to comprehend the subject will help with your grades and will also help with your learning habits. Use your surrounding sources!
5) Challenge Yourself
- I am currently taking three honors classes and I will also be taking a geometry college course during the summer. Set the bar high and always strive for excellence. Do not be too easy on yourself. Test yourself to see that you are capable of doing the best that you can.
6) Surround Yourself with Positivity
- In high school, you are going to see people do unmoral things . Do not follow their lead whether they are seniors or even freshman, it does not matter. Surround yourself with mature students that understand what it is that you would like to achieve and that share similar interests. High school will determine who are your REAL friends from the ones that like to use you for your status, athleticism, or intelligence.
Parents, I hope that these tips will help ease the transition from the middle school to the high school. High school is a time to make memories, but make sure that your child (children) have a mature mindset when entering the high school. They will be in 9th grade, that is a big deal.
Best Regards,
Ranya Amiri
AP/Dual Enrollment/STEAM Night at PGHS
Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center
Calendar for 9th Grade Scheduling
Below is a schedule that begins scheduling classes for high school (9th Grade) - The Middle School Counseling team will be meeting with students on various occasions to guide students through the 9th grade scheduling process. Plus, a parent information night will be held on Monday, January 25, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the HS Cafeteria.
2/1: 8th grade assembly with HS counselors during the school day
MS counselors meet with 7/8 team in math classes (Mr. Liebel’s students.)
MS counselors meet with 8-1 team in math classes (Mr. Bailey’s students.)
MS counselors meet with 8-2 team in math classes (Mrs. Kelly’s student.)
MS counselors meet with students in Mrs. Davis’ math classes.
2/4 - HS presents AP/Dual Enrollment/STEAM Night for Parents and Students to learn more about high school courses.
Starting 2/2 and through the next several weeks: MS counselors have short 1:1 meetings with 8th graders to go over class selections and enter those selections on powerschool.
2/8 - 8th Grade Parent Meeting at PGHS Cafeteria 6:30 pm
3/1/16 - All course selections must be entered
Sign Up for Updates about High School
Sign Up for Remind Alerts for the Class of 2020 by Clicking HERE
This Remind Class will be used throughout your son/daughter's entire high school career for important updates about class events, field trips, and other important items.
Below are the HS School Counselors - All 8th Graders Should Meet with Mrs. Kleinfeltor or Mr. Haupt for Scheduling 9th Grade Courses
Ms. Jill Bossler
Mr. Don Petrella
Middle School Counselors
Mrs. Kyra Ebert
Mrs. Lisa Childs
Mrs. Renee Olkewicz
Email: Rolkewicz@pgsd.org
Phone: 610 - 326 - 5105, ext. 7387