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Gens una sumusChess, which requires wit and intellect, is played by millions of people across the globe. It is one of the finest indoor games. Chess is played on a 64 square board of black and white. The aim of the game is to conquer the opposite king. On both sides, there are pawns, knights, bishops, rooks, and the queen to formulate a strategy to attack the opposite army in a war. Once the opposition king is blocked and doesn't have any option to make a move, the game ends. The West Chess Club members gave it their all against the East Chess Club in the second annual PV Middle School Chess Tournament on Wednesday, May 10th at PVMS East. Despite an impressive West effort, the East team eked out a win. We salute club adviser Sean Murphy and his brilliant team! | Alex and the Amazing Lemonade StandMiss Sandone's class read the book Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand with our librarian, Mrs. Piccione. This is the powerful story behind how this organization came to be, started by a little girl suffering with pediatric cancer. Students discussed her story and then reflected on how they can, as she did, make a difference to help others around them. We also made and enjoyed our own lemonade! | Mission to Mars!Just think! The first people to visit Mars have already been born! Students in Mrs. McGuigan and Mrs. Corr's sixth grade science classes were asked to formulate a plan to establish a colony on Mars. Working in groups, the junior space cadets could choose whether to address getting there (travel), living there (colonizing) or transforming the environment (terraforming) into a production zone for survival. They worked out their plans on paper, then constructed three dimensional models of their colony that they presented to their classmates. The activity was an effective and thought provoking STEM experience! |
Gens una sumus
Chess, which requires wit and intellect, is played by millions of people across the globe. It is one of the finest indoor games. Chess is played on a 64 square board of black and white. The aim of the game is to conquer the opposite king. On both sides, there are pawns, knights, bishops, rooks, and the queen to formulate a strategy to attack the opposite army in a war. Once the opposition king is blocked and doesn't have any option to make a move, the game ends.
The West Chess Club members gave it their all against the East Chess Club in the second annual PV Middle School Chess Tournament on Wednesday, May 10th at PVMS East. Despite an impressive West effort, the East team eked out a win. We salute club adviser Sean Murphy and his brilliant team!
Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand
Miss Sandone's class read the book Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand with our librarian, Mrs. Piccione. This is the powerful story behind how this organization came to be, started by a little girl suffering with pediatric cancer. Students discussed her story and then reflected on how they can, as she did, make a difference to help others around them. We also made and enjoyed our own lemonade!
Mission to Mars!
Just think! The first people to visit Mars have already been born! Students in Mrs. McGuigan and Mrs. Corr's sixth grade science classes were asked to formulate a plan to establish a colony on Mars. Working in groups, the junior space cadets could choose whether to address getting there (travel), living there (colonizing) or transforming the environment (terraforming) into a production zone for survival. They worked out their plans on paper, then constructed three dimensional models of their colony that they presented to their classmates. The activity was an effective and thought provoking STEM experience!
Love Your Mother 5K
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LIFT (Learning Is Fun Together) Summer Camps
We are excited to announce we have launched of our 2023 MIDDLE-LEVEL LIFT Summer Camps. We have several exciting offerings this summer (see below)! In order to register your child, visit our LIFT website. Clicking on “LIFT catalog” will take you to our webstore where you can create an account and register for the camps you are interested in. A few notes for this summer…
- All elementary camps will be held at Middle School East.
- Middle-level offerings are available to students currently in grades 5 through 8.
- Transportation must be provided by the family.
MIDDLE LEVEL SUMMER LIFT offerings include:
- Gr 5-8 All the Universe is a Stage
- Gr 5-8 Inventioneering
- Gr 5-8 The Forces of Flight
- Gr 5-8 Viking Genius Bar
- Gr 6-8 Bake it Up
- Gr 6-8 Sew Much Fun
- Gr 6-8 It's Just Rocket Science
- Middle School Jumpstart
Social Media Landmines Parent Presentation Recording Available!
MISSED THE PRESENTATION? VIEW THE RECORDING!
Earlier the week, PVSD welcomed Robert Hackenson Jr., of Dynamic Influence, for a middle and high school parent/guardian presentation on teen social media safety. Below is a link to view the presentation, “Parenting in a Digital Age," available through May 15.
Topics include:
- How to prevent or help teens with technology addiction
- What screen times actual effect is on teen mental health
- Digital communication and miscommunication
- Coaching your kids through hateful posting and how to be a positive bystander
- Cyber safety issues with online challenges, posting personal information, and online predators
- Teens and sexting (only discussed with students when age appropriate)
- Your child’s digital reputation
- Parenting tips and resources to help your child use technology responsibly.
Parenting in a Digital Age Presentation Link
To access the video use pw: perkiomen
***Note*** the video has both english and spanish closed captioning available. Just click on the cc button to select the captioning of choice.
For additional parent resources, visit https://dynamicinfluence.com/digital-and-social-media-resources-for-parents/
West Home & School Information - Penny War Fundraiser
Charity BINGO Night
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Cell Phones/Personal DevicesStudents should, whenever possible, communicate with their parents before and after school and arrange their schedules so the school day is not unnecessarily interrupted with phone calls. Only emergency messages will be taken by the office. Cell phone usage is prohibited from 7:40 AM-2:30 PM. All cell phones need to be turned off and stored in the student’s locker or backpack. If a student needs to contact their parent/guardian for emergency purposes, they will be permitted to use the office phone. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action. | Procedure for Administration of Medications in SchoolDespite medications being prescribed or helpful for students, the major responsibility for specific medications belongs to the student’s parents. On occasion, a student may require a specific medication during the school day. In order to provide proper care and protection for all students, the following method of administering medicine in school shall be followed: 1. All medications (prescription, and over-the-counter medications) administered at school require written permission of both the student’s physician and parent. The Medication Permission Form is available in the Quick Reference Guide below or on both the district and individual school building websites. Permission slips must be completed each school year. 2. No medication should be in the student’s possession (pockets, lunch, purse/handbag, or backpack). All medications are to be delivered directly to the nurse’s office and kept in the health room unless otherwise designated by the school nurse. | Student Responsibility & Care of ChromebooksPerkiomen Valley School District strives to create an environment where every learner has the power to meet the challenges of today’s world with confidence. Chromebooks support this environment in many ways. These devices break down classroom walls and provide both educators and students with the ability to access more educational resources than ever before. Chromebooks encourage collaboration and allow learning opportunities to be anywhere at any time. This tool will permit teachers to utilize mobile and social technologies in their everyday instruction, encouraging a habit of lifelong learning in their students, and continue to meet the ever-changing challenges of college and career readiness.
ALL REPAIRS MUST BE HANDLED BY THE PERKIOMEN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT. |
Cell Phones/Personal Devices
Students should, whenever possible, communicate with their parents before and after school and arrange their schedules so the school day is not unnecessarily interrupted with phone calls. Only emergency messages will be taken by the office.
Cell phone usage is prohibited from 7:40 AM-2:30 PM. All cell phones need to be turned off and stored in the student’s locker or backpack. If a student needs to contact their parent/guardian for emergency purposes, they will be permitted to use the office phone. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.
Procedure for Administration of Medications in School
Despite medications being prescribed or helpful for students, the major responsibility for specific medications belongs to the student’s parents. On occasion, a student may require a specific medication during the school day. In order to provide proper care and protection for all students, the following method of administering medicine in school shall be followed:
1. All medications (prescription, and over-the-counter medications) administered at school require written permission of both the student’s physician and parent. The Medication Permission Form is available in the Quick Reference Guide below or on both the district and individual school building websites. Permission slips must be completed each school year.
2. No medication should be in the student’s possession (pockets, lunch, purse/handbag, or backpack). All medications are to be delivered directly to the nurse’s office and kept in the health room unless otherwise designated by the school nurse.
Student Responsibility & Care of Chromebooks
Perkiomen Valley School District strives to create an environment where every learner has the power to meet the challenges of today’s world with confidence. Chromebooks support this environment in many ways. These devices break down classroom walls and provide both educators and students with the ability to access more educational resources than ever before. Chromebooks encourage collaboration and allow learning opportunities to be anywhere at any time. This tool will permit teachers to utilize mobile and social technologies in their everyday instruction, encouraging a habit of lifelong learning in their students, and continue to meet the ever-changing challenges of college and career readiness.
- Students are responsible for the general care of their issued Chromebook.
- Students must report Chromebooks that are damaged, lost, stolen, or fail to work properly.
- Report any issues to the Chromebook Service Center in your building’s library as soon as possible, and inform your teachers.
- Students are responsible for bringing completely charged Chromebooks to school each day.
ALL REPAIRS MUST BE HANDLED BY THE PERKIOMEN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT.
Homework Club Updates
Homework Club will be on Thursday of next week. The final day of Homework Club for the school year will be next Thursday May 18th.
Homework Club will provide a quiet, comfortable, and supportive setting for students to complete school work and become better organized. Students will receive assistance and support when needed. School resources will also be provided for all students in attendance. There is no sign-up required. If students are attending they can report directly to LGI 123 after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
After School Activity Transportation
- 4:00pm Departure (outside main office) - Monday through Thursday
- 5:00pm Departure (outside gym entrance) - Monday through Thursday
For each day students intend to take either the 4:00pm or 5:30pm activity bus, they are asked to inform the school district and bus company for routing purposes using the electronic form provided. The form links are below and also available to students via the PV LaunchPad - Classlink. Students must submit their information each morning by 10:00 am if they intend to ride the afternoon activity bus that day.
Transportation Reminder
According to our student handbook all students must ride the bus to which they are assigned. The only time a student may ride an alternate bus is for emergency purposes only. If you have any questions or need an emergency situation approved please contact our office at 484-977-7210 ext. 3500. Thank You!
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Makerspace Club There will be a new club happening every other Wednesday after school called Makerspace. Makerspace is a club where you get to learn to create anything. You get to learn and explore high tech to not tech tools. It can be learning to code or designing anything into something. If you are interested please stop by Ms. LaCava's room for a permission slip to join the club | Debate Club Join the PV West Debate Club. Learn the art of constructing, supporting, and discussing arguments. These skills are an integral part of life in a free society. In Debate club students will engage in a variety of discussions centered around group selected topics. They will learn to argue both their own perspective and the perspectives of others. Students will use evidence based practice to back up arguments as well as learning about logical fallacies and cognitive biases that may lead to poor argument construction. Debate club will take place on the second and last Tuesday of each month. | Disc Golf ClubDisc Golf will be starting back up Wednesday, March 22nd weather permitting. We will meet in the gym lobby at 2:40p and go until 3:45p. All you need is an old pair of sneakers in case it is muddy, and a bottle of water. Make sure to dress for the weather! We also have discs you can borrow. Hope to see you there! Any questions, please see Ms. Bangert in room 222 during homeroom or tenth period. |
Makerspace Club
Makerspace is a club where you get to learn to create anything. You get to learn and explore high tech to not tech tools. It can be learning to code or designing anything into something.
If you are interested please stop by Ms. LaCava's room for a permission slip to join the club
Debate Club
Disc Golf Club
Disc Golf will be starting back up Wednesday, March 22nd weather permitting. We will meet in the gym lobby at 2:40p and go until 3:45p. All you need is an old pair of sneakers in case it is muddy, and a bottle of water. Make sure to dress for the weather! We also have discs you can borrow. Hope to see you there! Any questions, please see Ms. Bangert in room 222 during homeroom or tenth period.
Power Packs
PV Power Packs is a weekend food program for students experiencing food insecurity. Bags of food, including 2 breakfast items, 2 lunch items, 2 snacks, and 2 fruits, are sent home with students prior to every weekend. There is no financial information required to participate in this program and students pick up their bags from their counselor or designated person every week.
Sign up for your child(ren) to receive a Power Packs bag by filling out this form: 2022-23 Power Packs or by emailing PowerPacks@pvsd.org.
Learn more about Power Packs at https://www.pvsd.org/families/pv-power-packs/ and follow us on Facebook @PVPowerPacks.
PV West Athletic Update
FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS AT PERKIOMEN VALLEY
St. Luke's will be providing FREE sports physicals in the cafeteria at the High School on Friday, June 2 from 3pm to 7pm. Information on how to register will be in next week's newsletter.
Middle School West 8th Grade Baseball
Unsung athletes of the week: The 8th Grade Baseball Team beat Pottstown 14 - 0. Jake Riccio pitched 3 innings, and along with Ben Felty and Tommy Wuerstle shut out the Trojans offense. Josh Caldwell and Ben Felty both had 3 RBI's to lead our team to victory.
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday May 17th - Home vs. Boyertown Area Middle School West @ 3:45pm
Middle School West 7th Grade Baseball
Unsung athletes of the week: Colton Perone came out of the bullpen to strike out 4 of the 7 batters he faced, not giving up any runs or hits.
Dylan Glauner goes 2 for 3 with 5 rbi’s and 2 runs scored.
Barrett Gehman went 1 for 1 with 2 runs scored.
Daniel Shuta went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI’s and 2 runs scored.
Upcoming Events:
Friday May 19th - Home vs. Spring-Fort Middle School @ 3:45pm
Middle School West Softball
Unsung athlete of the week: Brynn Schultz, Gianna Nicolosi, and Lili Clemens went 7 for 7 with 4 RBIs and 6 Runs Scored. Payton Krapf threw a perfect game with 5 K's.
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday May 17th - Away vs. Boyertown Area Middle School West @ 3:45pm
Middle School Track and Field
Upcoming Events:
No Upcoming Events
Middle School West Girls Lacrosse
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday May 17th - Away vs. Boyertown Area Middle School West @ 3:45pm
Friday May 19th - Home vs. Perkiomen Valley Middle School East @ 3:45pm
Nurse Notes - Physical and Dental Exams
Parents of 6th grade students, please know that you are required to submit a physical form for your child during this school year. In addition, if your child receives any immunizations, please submit those as well. Prior to the start of 7th grade, your child will need to receive the Tdap and Meningitis vaccinations, so now is a good time to get those immunizations!
Parents of 7th grade students are required to submit a dental form for your child.
The school physician and the school dentist will be at Middle School West in the Spring of 2023, and your child will be seen by them if the proper form is not handed in prior.
Tween Talk Group
Tweens, ages 11 to 13, are invited to chat in a fun, informal atmosphere with Erin McMonagle, a guidance counselor at Perkiomen Valley East Middle School - as part of our Julia’s Joy Youth Empowerment Program. We have created a safe group, where they can come relax, unload and learn they are not alone all while meeting new friends. We believe learning Stress Management tips will help youth deal with the pressures they are feeling at this age and into the future!
This group is free thanks to donations, if you would like to make a donation, it is always appreciated, but not necessary!
Learn more about our workshops and our mission at http://www.JuliasJoy.org
Be Part of the Conversation - Upcoming Programs
We are a collaboration of community leaders, clinicians, students, school district representatives, and families who believe that having meaningful, inclusive conversations about substance use and addiction will support individuals and their families in their efforts to develop healthy coping skills and access support whenever there is a need. Learn more about us. See the link below for a number of programs that Be a Part of the Conversation offers.
PV West Attendance Information
If your child will be absent or missing any class time, please send an email (from the email you have listed in our new SIS system) to:
This will count as your call-out AND parent excuse. Please indicate in your email the date of absence, student’s grade and the reason for the absence. An absence is considered unexcused when the child’s school has not received an email or written parent note providing an acceptable reason for the absence, within a 3-day period.
You may also call our attendance line at: 1 (484) 977-7210, option 1. If you do this, you would still need to submit an email with the above information in order for it to be excused.
Any medical notes or Dr.'s notes should be placed in the Attendance Box, right outside the Guidance Department.
If you have any questions at all, please contact Lori Tropea at ltropea@pvsd.org or you may call her at x3540.
PVSD Food Service Updates
Parents/Guardians put money in their student(s) accounts electronically in SchoolCafe or by sending cash or checks in with their students. For more information about SchoolCafe please go to https://www.pvsd.org/departments/food-service/school-cafe-information/. If you are sending funds in with your students, please note the students’ names and account number on the envelope and ask them to give the envelope to their cashier in the cafeteria.
Upon entering the serving area, students make their selections and enter their 6 digit Student ID number on the pin pad or scanner. Our staff will be happy to help them become more comfortable with the system.
Safe2Say
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Did you know that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisit Lifeline?
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
https://988lifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/
The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Community Bulletin Board
Want to find out what’s going on in the PV Community? Visit here for flyers about upcoming events in and around our area!
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.
West Weeks At A Glance
Monday May 15th - 8th Grade Field Trip to Washington DC (6:00am Departure, 8:30pm Arrival)
Tuesday May 16th - No School for Students (Election Day)
Wednesday May 17th - West Spring Orchestra Concert @ 7pm in Auditorium
Thursday May 18th - Algebra Keystone Exam for select students
Friday May 19th - Algebra Keystone Exam for select students
Perkiomen Valley Middle School West