Weekly Message
an Update from Dr. Barbara A. Russell 12/23/21
Greetings PV Families,
This week we welcomed the first day of Winter for the 21-22 season. The Farmer’s Almanac predicts this will be a Season of Shivers, with frigid temperatures and above-average snowfall. However, other weather outlets, such as the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), are forecasting a milder winter for the Philadelphia area with above average temperatures and below average snowfall. It’s interesting that data can present itself differently to the varying agencies that study weather! In any event, whether you are anxiously awaiting snow or avidly hoping to avoid it, be sure to keep those mittens and heavy coats handy in response to whatever the days may bring. Also, please visit our Emergency School Closings page to learn more about our procedures in response to inclement weather.
Winter break begins today; all offices and schools will be closed through the New Year. Students will return to class on Monday, January 3. Over the break, we recognize three holidays: Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Years. Christmas, observed on December 25, is a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, who, according to the Christian religion, is the son of God. Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture held from December 26 to January 1. In Swahili, Kwanzaa means "first" and signifies the first fruits of the harvest. New Year’s Day marks the start of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar. Welcome 2022!
Regardless of which holidays you celebrate or how you choose to celebrate them, I wish you a safe, joyous, and restful break this holiday season. Enjoy time with family and friends!
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara A. Russell
Superintendent
Masks Strongly Recommended as of 1/3/22
Beginning January 3, 2022, as per the District's updated Health & Safety Plan (v11), we will be shifting from required face coverings/masks to strongly recommended. All other mitigation measures will continue to be upheld. In alignment with our mission to foster an inclusive environment, we will respect the personal choices of our students and their families.
Please visit this page for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Winter 2022 Community Education - Registration is OPEN!
Registration is now open! Visit Community Education for class information and registration.
Back by popular demand are two after-school programs for elementary school students - Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO Club and Shining Knights Chess Club. Spaces are limited and may fill quickly, so please register early. In addition to these programs, we are pleased to partner with the Community Music School in offering Musical Theatre, Jazz Band, and Rhythm Building through Drumming for kids.
Our offerings also include many programs for adults that appeal to a wide variety of interests including Latin, Ballroom, and Line Dance, Aquasize, Yoga, Tai Chi, Golf, Real Estate, Estate Planning, Dog Obedience training, important health topics, and more!
MLK Day of Service
Our annual Martin Luther King Day of Service will be held Monday, January 17, 2022. In light of current COVID conditions, the activities will be modified. Here's how you can get involved:
Take Home Projects for elementary and middle school students
Drop off donation stations at Middle School East: We will be collecting old cell phones, eyeglasses, coats and non-perishable food items
Online workshops with Ursinus College faculty, staff and students
Community Service and Education stations at The Thomas Keenan Stadium
Volunteer On-Site opportunities (High School Students only)
Look for more details the first week of January! Follow us on Facebook: @MLKDayatPVSD
Call for Guest Teachers!
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.
Save the Dates!
- Thursday, December 23 - Friday, December 31: Winter Break (Schools & Offices Closed)
- Saturday, December 25: Christmas
- Sunday, December 26 - Saturday, January 1: Kwanzaa
- Saturday, January 1: New Year's Day
- Monday, January 3: School Board Meeting - Work Session
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
21-22 v15 12/23/21