A message from the Superintendent

August 9, 2023

Last week, with the start of August, we posted on social media that it was time to kick off the Back to School Countdown. The response was a mix of relief from some and reluctance to end summer break from others. I can certainly understand both perspectives. Regardless of your feelings, the start of school is a time filled with wonder and new opportunities. This week, class assignments and schedules were released on ParentVUE. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your child's school.

As we approach the first day of school, we are diligently preparing and eagerly anticipating the arrival of our students for the 2023-2024 academic year! Be sure to visit our Back to School website for important dates and information. As in previous years, we are excited to see your first day of school pictures. Please share them via email at webmaster@pvsd.org.

Furthermore, there are plenty of beginning-of-year activities planned at each level/school building. Refer to communications from your principal for more detailed information about these events. We can't wait to welcome everyone back and ensure this academic year is memorable!

Now, for a few updates:

• Raptor system: Safety is always our top priority. We have upgraded our visitor management system in each building. Visitors will need to scan their ID (driver's license) prior to being granted admittance into any of our schools. Visit our webpage for more information.
• SPOs: Administration is in the process of hiring school police officers for the upcoming school year. Policies and administrative regulations have been developed to guide our work together. The survey data gathered last spring has been helpful in identifying initial thoughts about the addition of these individuals to each of our building teams. We plan to survey secondary level students in the fall (details to be provided at a later date) and contribute to the baseline data gathered thus far. The results of the surveys also serve to guide our work.

Enjoy the final weeks of summer!

Sincerely,

Dr. Barbara A. Russell

Superintendent

• Back to School Dates
• Board Meeting Executive Summary
• PV Engage
• Summer Library Hours
• Vikings U-Night Football Game - Fall 2023
• Important District Dates

Each month, our Board of School Directors meets on two occasions. They hold a "work session" on the first Monday of the month, and a "business meeting" on the second Monday of the month. These dates can shift due to holidays. Over the course of this school year, administration will prepare an executive summary for both the work session and the business meeting. The goal is to keep you informed of the District's work at this level.

The agendas and information for the all Board meetings can be found on BoardDocs and accessed here. There is also a link to BoardDocs from our homepage through the School Board tab. Each Board agenda includes 10 sections, all of which are listed below, with summary information from Monday night's meeting.

1. Opening items - This section serves as the introduction to the meeting and includes approval of the agenda as well as an opportunity for public comment.
2. Reports and Presentations - There are reports presented by the Student Board representatives, Board President, Superintendent, and Solicitor. All committee meeting schedules and minutes are included in this section.
3. Consent Agenda - This agenda is developed to bring efficiencies to the business meeting.
4. Education - Dr. Smith, our Assistant Superintendent, lends her voice to this section of the agenda. She facilitates the Education Committee of the Whole (ECTW) meeting, i.e., a committee meeting that takes place with the entire Board. This section overall, is typically a "full" one on the agenda and focuses on all things teaching and learning that need to come before the Board. During this month's ECTW, a full day kindergarten investigation plan was discussed. Administration is preparing to share a recommendation for full day kindergarten with the Board in October or November. Full day kindergarten discussions are ongoing and if the shift from half day to full day is approved, it is targeted to be implemented in the 2024-25 school year. The ECTW also included discussions about a new garden at Middle School East, transition services updates for high school special education students, a district office feasibility study, and updates to a job description for a Supervisor of Equity and Student Services. Also, as part of the Education section, there were curriculum resources and guides presented along with a projected enrollment report.
5. Business - This section also includes a committee meeting, Finance Committee of the Whole (FCTW) facilitated by Mr. Jim Weaver, our Business Administrator. This month, Mr. Weaver provided updates on school police officers and vehicles and the search for a new Director for Food and Nutrition Services. He also presented the booster clubs and support organizations requiring approval by the Board each year as well as several capital projects being completed at the high school and in the stadium to the concession stand. Much of what is discussed during the FCTW meeting appears on the overall agenda for action/approval by the School Board. The same is true for the ECTW meeting and Education section.
6. Payment of Bills - Action by the Board in this section, authorizes the school district to make necessary payments for the month prior as indicated in the attachments.
7. Professional Personnel - In this section of the agenda, all recommended administrators, teachers, and co-curricular positions are presented to the Board for approval.
8. Support Personnel - Similar to section 7, this section presents recommended support staff for approval to be employed by the district.
9. Governance - There was a second reading of several policies, an exception to Board policy 810 Transportation to provide busing to three walking zones of students attending Evergreen, MS East and the high school. Lastly, in this section, a resolution was proposed to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students during the 2023-24 school year.
10. Closing Items - This section invites comments from the audience once again and comments from Board members. It also includes the adjournment by the Board President.

The work sessions can be lengthy and involve a lot of discussion on the part of the Board and administration. The goal is to be certain the Board is well informed and prepared to take action during the following week's business meeting. This executive summary includes introductory meeting information and is longer than what will typically be presented. Moving forward, some sections of the Board agenda will not be reported on based on their content, i.e., Opening Items, Payment of Bills, Closing Items. You can access the details of any Board meeting through BoardDocs or watch the livestream on YouTube.

This year, we are excited to introduce PV Engage, a valuable resource aimed at informing and empowering our most important partners: you, our families! Engaging with our families is of the utmost importance as it helps create a supportive and collaborative learning environment for our students.

Take a moment to watch one of our videos below, which will provide you with information about activities you and your child can participate in to prepare for Kindergarten. We believe these activities will be beneficial in getting your child ready for this new educational journey.

Look for a variety of topics to be presented in multimedia format in the upcoming school year.

REMAINING DATES

Middle School East (grades 6-12), 5 Tammanund Circle, Collegeville, PA

Tuesday, August 15 9:00am - 1:00pm

Schwenksville Elementary (grades K-5), 55 Second Street, Schwenksville, PA

Wednesday, August 16 9:00am - 1:00pm

Friday night! Football!

United Vikings! What a Night!

Join us for the Vikings U-Night football game this fall (Friday, September 15, 2023)!

At the Vikings U-Night football game, we will honor and recognize the diversity within our community and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for ALL learners. Be part of the fun as the community stands together to send a message of acceptance and belonging! Our goal is cover the stadium in blue in recognition of our commitment! Consider purchasing a United Vikings shirt to show your support. Order your shirt TODAY! Order Form

Consult the District calendar for details regarding these upcoming activities.

• Monday, August 7 (week of): Student Schedules & Class Assignments Released
• Thursday, August 10: Booster/Support Organizations - Officers Meeting @ 6:30pm
• Monday, August 14: Board Business Meeting @ 7pm
• Tuesday, August 22 thru Friday, August 25: In Service (no school for students)
• Monday, August 28: FIRST DAY for STUDENTS!

23-24 Summer v2 8/9/2023