Thank you to all those that attended our Harry Potter Hogwarts K-8 Family Night last week. The evening was a huge success with over 1,000 muggles visiting (as per the Harry Potter series, a muggle is a person without magical ability). The night itself was, in fact, magical and it was wonderful to see the community gathered to engage in an awesome opportunity for families.

Participants constructed wands, listened to read alouds, attempted escape rooms, engaged in science experimentation, and so much more....we even enjoyed a visit from a snowy owl and other small creatures! We’d like to hear your feedback about the event to assist in our future planning of similar events. If you attended Hogwarts Academy, please complete this short feedback form.

Sincerely,

Dr. Barbara A. Russell

Superintendent

The Health & Safety Transition Plan version 4, approved by the Board of School Directors this past Monday (3/14/22), includes masking as "optional." The plan has been streamlined and also includes several updates in accordance with guidance from MCOPH (Montgomery County Office of Public Health) and the current circumstances of the pandemic. In addition to what is articulated in the plan document, we are preparing for the following adjustments to our learning environments and website.

1. Learning & Gathering Spaces - will begin to transition back to pre-pandemic arrangements; to as "close to the normal we know" as possible. Desks will be removed and tables returned in areas that previously had tables, for example kindergarten classrooms, some special area learning spaces, cafeterias, etc. and we will increase opportunities for small group instruction. The transition back to pre-pandemic arrangements in lunchrooms is scheduled to be completed by next Friday, March 25. As a note, our principals will have limited availability in smaller eating areas for those that prefer it to the cafeteria.

2. Contact Tracing - is no longer required to be conducted in the same manner it once was per the Montgomery County Office of Public Health (MCOPH). In the event there is an "outbreak" of 3 or more positive cases in a particular classroom, the District will send a letter informing parents as directed by MCOPH. Our Pandemic Liaison, Mrs. Meg Lewis, will continue to work with representatives of MCOPH in the event this occurs.

3. Dashboard - beginning Monday, March 21, the District's COVID dashboard will reflect cases on a weekly basis. Information will be reported every Monday by level and include total positive cases (students and staff together).

We will continue to monitor conditions of the pandemic and remain abreast of the most current research. Recommendations will be brought forward as appropriate. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions about health and safety connected to COVID-19. Thank you for your partnership in the efforts to mitigate spread in our schools over the past two (very long) years.

Please join us in celebrating two upcoming dates/events!

World Down Syndrome Day - Monday, March 21st. We invite you to "Rock Your Socks" by wearing your most colorful socks! World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

Autism Awareness Day - Friday, April 1st. We invite you to wear BLUE for Light it up Blue in honor of Autism Awareness. The official day is Saturday, April 2nd but since it falls on the weekend, a Friday celebration is a great ending to the week!

What’s your vision for Perkiomen Valley School District? Join us on March 28, 2022 in the High School Library to talk about your vision for the future of our District. As part of our comprehensive planning process, gathering input from our stakeholders is critical. Bring your ideas and hopes, enjoy some tasty desserts, and help us design our vision and goals for the future of Perkiomen Valley School District. If you are interested in participating, please complete this short survey so we can plan accordingly.

If you have questions about the comprehensive planning process, please contact Mrs. Laurie Smith, Assistant Superintendent (lsmith@pvsd.org). We look forward to the discussion.

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.