A message from the Superintendent

September 6, 2023

I hope your child(ren) enjoyed a great first week of school. From our perspective, it seemed as though they had never been away. Our students seamlessly transitioned back into the school routine! Below, you'll find a short video collage featuring pictures shared with us by families. We truly appreciate these cherished memories!

As we embark upon another school year, I'd like to emphasize our commitment to inclusive school communities and the celebration of diverse cultures and traditions within our school community. We recognize the importance of acknowledging the holidays celebrated by our students and families and strive to schedule activities that do not conflict with these observances to the best of our ability. While we cannot eliminate all conflicts, we will make every effort to minimize them and provide alternatives when necessary. The UNITE for PV football event, originally scheduled for September 15, will now be held on October 27. We hope you consider joining us. Additional information, including the link to purchase t-shirts, is below.

Please view this list of holidays considered when developing the instructional calendar. We value your feedback and kindly ask that you reach out if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Barbara A. Russell

Superintendent

Families, thank you for sharing your first day photos with us!

• Safety in the Stadium
• Board Work Session 9/5/23 - Summary
• Community Education - Fall 2023
• Meet the Teacher Dates
• Superintendent Roundtables
• Visitor Management System
• Vikings U-Night Football Game - Fall 2023 - NEW Date!
• Power Packs
• Community Bulletin Board
• Important District Dates

The beginning of the school year is a very exciting time. Not only are students meeting new teachers, engaging in new coursework, and making new friends, there are lots of activities to participate in and events to attend onsite. As our fall athletic contests get underway, the district would like to review several safety measures it has in place pertaining to events held in Thomas J. Keenan Stadium.

When an athletic or Marching Band event is held in the stadium, the district requires all elementary and middle level students to be accompanied by an adult. No attendees are permitted to bring backpacks into the stadium. In the event someone happens to have a backpack with them, they will be asked to place the bag along the fence until the respective owner exits the stadium. There is no food or drink permitted to be brought in from the outside.

Attendees will continue to observe school security guards onsite during events and, as the year progresses, will likely begin to observe Perkiomen Valley School District school police officers in attendance as well. The school police will also be in and around our facilities, districtwide.

The efforts of the school district are to keep our students, staff, and community safe. In the event you have questions about any of the safety measures described here, do not hesitate to reach out to our Chief of Police, Mr. Dean Miller, dmiller@pvsd.org. Thank you for your commitment with us to do everything we are able to maintain safety in the Valley.

In section 2 of the meeting, a new policy was proposed regarding the use of restroom and locker room facilities. The agenda was revised to approve the addition of the policy approval next week during the Business meeting. A recommendation to review the language in Policy Committee before taking action to approve was put forth.

The Education Committee of the Whole (ECTW) focused on the assessment schedule for students and the possibility of full day kindergarten. The Finance Committee of the Whole (FCTW) presented information about the District's consideration for new human resources software along with updates on the capital projects.

As part of section 7, Professional Personnel, a new Director of Food and Nutrition Services, Ms. Kelsey Gartner, was approved. The remainder of the agenda focused on approval of leaves and positions in both the professional and support staff sections.

Programs and classes start soon. Registration opens 9/11/23! Visit PVSD Community Education

Thursday, September 7 - HS @7pm
Thursday, September 14 - MSE/MSW @7pm
Thursday, September 21 - Elementary @7pm

Do you have thoughts on a school-related topic or two? Would you like to engage with the superintendent about your child's school experience? If so, please feel free to attend any one or more of this year's Superintendent Roundtables for coffee and conversation. These meetings are open to the public and may focus on certain topics. The first session will afford attendees open time to share their questions and comments about any topic. Beverages and lite snacks will be provided.

Roundtable #1 - Wednesday, October 4, 9:00am-10:00am at District Office, 3 Iron Bridge Dr, Collegeville

As a friendly reminder, we have upgraded our visitor management system in each building. Visitors will need to scan their ID (driver's license) prior to being granted admittance into any of our schools. Visit our webpage for more information.

Vikings U-Night Football Game

NEW DATE! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27th

Order your shirt TODAY Order Form
(orders must be placed by 9/27)

At the Vikings U-Night football game, we will honor and recognize the diversity within our community and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for ALL learners. Be part of the fun as the community stands together to send a message of acceptance and belonging! Our goal is cover the stadium in blue in recognition of our commitment! Consider purchasing a United Vikings shirt to show your support.

Power Packs are weekend bags of food for students experiencing food insecurity. The bags include 2 breakfast items, 2 lunch items, 2 snacks, and 2 fruits. All food is non-perishable. There is no financial information required to participate in this program.

PV Power Packs is a volunteer run organization and all information is kept confidential. Names are shared with school counselors who arrange for students to pick up their bags prior to every weekend.

Please fill out a separate form for each child that you would like to receive a Power Pack, including children not yet in school. PV Power Packs Form

We will begin handing out Power Packs on September 8th. If your child received Power Packs last year, they will automatically receive them this year. If you have any questions, email Sarah at PowerPacks@pvsd.org.

Wondering about family and community events in the area? Curious to learn about local sports clubs and other opportunities? Thinking about summer plans? Visit our online Community Bulletin Board!

Learn about:

• No School Basketball Camp
• Fun-E-Farm Parent Night Out
• Be A Part of the Conversation Parent Info Night
• Skippack Fire Company Touch-a-Truck Event
• and more!

To submit an event for posting, please send a PDF version of your flyer to webmaster@pvsd.org for review.

Please note that Community Bulletin Board items may contain links to websites of organizations outside Perkiomen Valley School District. Items are posted to this bulletin board as a free service to the community, and should not be interpreted as being sponsored or endorsed by the district.

• Thursday, September 7: Meet the Teacher High School @7pm
• Monday, September 11: Board Business Meeting @7pm
• Thursday, September 14: Meet the Teacher Middle Schools @7pm
• Tuesday, September 5: Policy Committee @6pm
• Thursday, September 21: Meet the Teacher Elementary Schools @7pm
  

23-24 v1 9/6/2023