Community Conversations

May 2023

Dear Methacton Families,


It’s hard to believe we are so close to the end of another school year. Thank you to our students, staff, parents, volunteers and community for all you’ve done to get us here. There are a few weeks left, so let’s finish strong!

As we prepare to enter the Memorial Day weekend, I encourage you to reflect on the genuine significance of this holiday. It's a special time to remember and honor the brave people who gave their lives while serving our country. We should also appreciate the sacrifices of those who are currently serving or have served in the past to protect our freedoms. Additionally, please take some time to relax and enjoy being with the people you care about. Have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day holiday weekend.


Sincerely,


Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

Welcome Chef Furman Boykin, Aramark Executive Chef

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Furman Boykin as the new Aramark Executive Chef for Methacton School District.


Chef Boykin’s diverse background in various culinary settings -- including K-12, campus, corporate contracts, and fine dining establishments -- provides him with a unique perspective that will be invaluable to our school district. His nearly two decades of experience will undoubtedly enhance our culinary offerings in each building and ensure that our students and staff receive outstanding meals and dining experiences.

Additionally, Chef Boykin is an active father of two children and a cat named, Nugget. He looks forward to working closely with the Aramark food services staff to bring positive changes and culinary innovations to our schools.

Alumni Spotlight

In other news, this month we are recognizing Chris Drummond, MHS '86 as the featured graduate in our Alumni Spotlight series! Chris is a well-known member of the Methacton community and serves as the President of Penny’s by Plaza Flowers. Chris tells us which Methacton staffer made a big impact on his life and he also shared his advice for current students. Read his story at www.methacton.org/alumnispotlight.

Now let’s take a look at some of the events and achievements that took place across the district in May...

DISTRICTWIDE

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Special Olympics

Methacton student athletes showcased their indomitable spirit at the Special Olympics held at Spring-Ford High School on May 24, 2023. Schools across Montgomery County converged to participate in a dazzling array of competitions including running events, standing long jump and softball throw. As our Methacton students engaged in each activity, their commitment and perseverance painted a vivid portrait of what it means to be a Methacton Warrior. They showcased their talents and earned ribbons based on their performance in each game. A good time was had by all!

ARROWHEAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

3rd Graders Recognized by LP Police

We are SO proud of Arrowhead third graders, Sarah and Christian, for showing excellent citizenship. They received a certificate, special ride to school, & other rewards from the Lower Providence (LP) Police Department. Thank you Sergeant Stead and LP Police for recognizing these two wonderful people!

Mobile Career Day

Second grade students and staff enjoyed Arrowhead's Mobile Career Day!

Field Day Fun!

Arrowhead students were all smiles for Field Day this month! They had a blast!
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Arrowhead Band Students

Band students in Mrs. Direnzo's class sounded GREAT at their in-school rehearsal!

EAGLEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Valley Forge National Park

Third graders had perfect weather for their field trip to Valley Forge National Park!

Math 24 Competition

Congratulations to Eagleville students, Sophie and Joseph, who attended the county-wide Math 24 Competition this month at Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU).

Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy

Second graders took a field trip to the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy!

WOODLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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Field Day

Woodland had an amazing 2023 Field Day. It was one of the most beautiful days of the year and each grade level spent a good chunk of their day outside playing fun sports related games. It was a friendly competition between green and white as each homeroom was given one of those colors. Green won in the morning and white in the afternoon.

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Spring Concert

The Woodland 4th grade musicians did a fabulous job at their Spring Concert. Woodland students collaborated with Worcester students to perform. It was an amazing experience for both schools. The Woodland students were able to have a dress rehearsal during school hours in front of the Woodland student body.

Staff Appreciation

Woodland Home and School did an excellent job showing their appreciation for Woodland's staff. They had an amazing lunch set up from the Collegeville Italian Bakery. All of the Woodland staff appreciated their special treat for Staff Appreciation. Also, Dr. Euker went around to all the classrooms to serve the staff popcorn and soft pretzels. It was a baseball themed day to show appreciation for our “Most Valuable Staff"!

WORCESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Perkiomen Watershed Field Trip

Second graders at Worcester enjoyed their field trip to the Perkiomen Watershed!
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Mobile Career Day

Worcester's Mobile Career Day was held in May. Students spoke to local and state police, firefighters, Mascaro employees, and more!

Field Day

Thank you to all of Worcester's parent volunteers for their help in making Field Day amazing! We could not have done it without your support. Thank you to Mrs. Naldzin for capturing the memories!

SKYVIEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Spring Concert

Skyview held a Spring Music Concert on the evening of Monday, May 15th for all families. Students in the band, chorus and orchestra displayed their musical talents and put on a great show! The Arcola auditorium was packed with many families!

Art Exhibit & Reader's Theater

Skyview held an Art Exhibit and Reader’s Theater performance on Wednesday, May 17th from 5:30-7:30! Families were able to come out and see their child’s artwork as well as watch performances from our Reader’s Theater!

Owl Pellet Dissection

Fifth graders have been dissecting owl pellets in their Science Labs this month. During dissection, they determine which food the owls ate last based on the bones they find!

ARCOLA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Arcola Science Fair Team Competes At Penn State

Congratulations to the Arcola Science Fair Team for a SUCCESSFUL state competition held at Penn State! First place awards went to Aryan, Reid, Jeffrey, Bhavi, Siddarth, Tarini, and Ryan. Second place awards went to Cameron and Rohit. Reid earned a Perfect Score and was awarded a Special Award by the judges. Extra thanks to our technicians Chelsea, Adhara, and Samrithaa.

NJHS Visits Woodland Elementary

Arcola students in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) visited first graders at Woodland Elementary School for "Reading to First Graders".

Spring Concert

Congratulations to Arcola's chorus student on their wonderful performance at their annual Spring Concert on May 9th!

METHACTON HIGH SCHOOL

IncubatorEDU Pitches 2023

Congratulations to the four MHS student groups who presented their final IncubatorEDU pitches to an audience full of administrators, peers, teachers, mentors, and judges! After a spirited deliberation, the panel of judges settled on TWO first-place winners: S.N.S. Wallet Company and Wakey Wakey Tech!
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Debate Team is going to Nationals!

Max W. and Matthew C. won 3rd place at the Valley Forge NSDA National Qualifiers tournament in Public Forum Debate! Only the top 3 teams advance to Nationals. NSDA Nationals will be held in Phoenix, Arizona in June. The boys did really well for their first in-person debate tournament and were thrilled to hear “3rd place.. Methacton High School”!

NMTCC Students of the Month

Congratulations to Deanna W. (9th grade/Diesel) and Sophia R. (12th grade/Cosmetology) for being awarded the NMTCC Students of the Month for May!

Windy Hill Hydroponic Farm Featured on 6ABC

6ABC took a look inside Methacton High School's Windy Hill Hydroponic Farm as students prepared produce for delivery to Tosco's and Elmwood Park Zoo. Click here to watch and fast forward to the 21:29 minute mark.

Firefighter Recruitment Day

On May 10th, 2023, the Lower Providence Township Fire Company and the Worcester Volunteer Fire Department hosted a joint Firefighter Recruitment Day and welcomed 17 Methacton High School 11th and 12th grade students. The event was filled with exciting activities and invaluable experiences. Students were taken on an engaging tour of the Lower Providence Fire Department where they learned about the fire service and various positions. Then, they participated in three interactive stations. Students used several firefighter tools during a simulated vehicle rescue and practiced entering an obstructed doorway. The last interactive station gave students the chance to handle a fire hose, where they learned how to control and direct a powerful stream of water.