A message from the Superintendent

February 3, 2023

Greetings PV Families,

February marks the start of Black History Month and an opportunity to consider more thoughtfully the contributions of Black Americans over time. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of our most celebrated Black Americans. He was recently honored in a ceremony hosted by Ursinus College entitled, "His Words Still Speak." The ceremony invited individuals from the community, clergy, and Ursinus staff and student body to select a quote from the late Dr. King and share personal reflections. I participated in this ceremony and was moved when hearing Dr. King's words from the voices of others along with their thoughtful reflections.

As a superintendent of schools, it won't surprise you that my Dr. King quote was one connected to education: “We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education. The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.” This quote is taken from a published article entitled, “The Purpose of Education” written by Dr. King for the January/February 1947 edition of the Maroon Tiger, the campus newspaper for Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.

In the Perkiomen Valley School District, our mission commits us to developing students intellectually, socially and emotionally. We strive to empower our students to grow in each of these areas and ultimately, to continue to grow beyond the years we spend together. It is not only about academic learning in our schools, it is also about the development of character that matters to us.

The celebration of Black History Month prompts us to more deeply understand one another's life experiences, celebrate successes, recognize needs, and consider the possibilities for a better world. As we advance our District's mission and uphold Dr. King's words in the educational experiences we provide, our students graduate as young adults who are knowledgeable, empathetic, and ready to change the world in positive ways. It takes a village, and your partnership with us supports these outcomes.

I thank Dr. King for sharing the words he offered during his brief life. May we celebrate the lives of our fellow Blacks Americans this month and always.

Sincerely,

Dr. Barbara A. Russell

Superintendent

• Vaping - Information Video #2
• PV Showcase - February
• 8th Grade Parent Night at the High School
• Community Education Newsletter -Sign Up!
• Kindergarten Registration
• FID Reminder
• Important District Dates

This second video in our series introduces viewers to actual vaping devices and carts. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Ryan Marsh, rmarsh@pvsd.org, or to Dr. Barbara A. Russell, brussell@pvsd.org, with follow-up questions. Thank you for viewing.

Visit Activities & Happenings from Around the District. Learn about:

• Trout in the Classroom
  
• The Dodgeball Debate
• Engaging in STEAM
• Wooden Passive Speakers
• and more!

Join us at PV High School to review topics such as graduation requirements, program planning, course sequencing and special programs.

As the weather begins to turn, I thought it best to remind everyone about the possibility of FIDs (Flexible Instructional Days) in response to inclement weather. After utilizing all three (3) built-in inclement weather days, the District may implement a FID to provide virtual instruction to students. FIDs assist schools in meeting the required 180 student days while avoiding the need to extend the instructional calendar year. PA Schools may use up to five (5) FIDs per school year.

Learn more on our website.

• Monday, February 6: Board Work Session (including Education & Finance Committees of the Whole) @ 7pm
• Wednesday, February 8: Educational Equity Task Force @ 7pm
  
• Monday, February 13: Board Business Meeting @ 7pm
• Wednesday, February 15: Half-day Inservice (Early Dismissal for Students)

22-23 v12 2/3/2023