News from the 'View
Skyview Upper Elementary School
Farewell from Mrs. Gorla
I have been fortunate to serve as Skyview’s principal since the opening of the school in the fall of 2010. Over the past decade I’ve had the joy of watching students learn, grow and experience 5th and 6th grade. In January, the Board of School Directors approved my appointment to the position of Supervisor of Secondary Education and the countdown to the end of my role as building principal began. The district conducted a search for a new building principal and Mrs. Nicole Berical was appointed. I am excited to share that she will begin her journey as the next Skyview principal on Monday, May 24, 2021.
As my time walking through the halls of the ‘View closes, I have been reflecting on the successes, challenges, traditions and pieces of the Skyview community. Through everything, I am most grateful for the people that make our school community a T.R.R.F.C.C. place. Students who engage in activities, try new things and ask good questions. Families who support their students in their learning and the greater school community through actions and words. Teachers who give their all every day to create a positive learning environment and experience for their students. I am confident that Skyview will continue to be a vibrant community committed to students.
Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Berical as she begins her tenure at Skyview. My last day as Principal of Skyview will be Friday, May 21, 2021.I look forward to continuing to watch our students learn and grow in my new role. I remain committed to our district and in supporting the efforts of our staff to support student learning.
Mrs. Melissa Gorla
Welcome Mrs. Berical!
Dear Families,
I am thrilled to begin serving as the new principal for Skyview Upper Elementary! My passion around elementary education is helping each child grow to their fullest potential academically, socially and emotionally. With that said, I wanted to take some time to introduce myself, and to let you know how you can contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
My passion for education began when I was an elementary student, as I had many exceptional teachers who inspired me to pursue a career in education. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Scranton in elementary education. After spending a few years in the classroom and developing the passion for teaching literacy skills, I earned my masters degree in Literacy Education from Binghamton University. I most recently completed a Principal Certification program at Gwynedd Mercy University. These experiences have enabled me to serve as a classroom teacher for over ten years in both 4th and 2nd grade, as well as a School Climate Coordinator (similar to an assistant principal) for the last three years and as an elementary principal.
My belief around education is that in order for all students to succeed they need to feel safe, valued and welcomed into the school community. It is my priority to continue the hard work at Skyview and to make sure that all of our students feel safe, valued and included in our school! While the circumstances around this school year certainly look and feel different, I am dedicated to serving the students, the families and the staff so that our students can continue to grow and develop to their full potential.
Finally, I wanted to share with you a little bit about myself outside of school. I have been married for thirteen years and my husband and I have a daughter, Marissa, in 4th grade and a son, Joey, in 3rd grade. Marissa enjoys gymnastics, basketball and many arts and crafts and Joey has a passion for becoming a professional Lego builder! As a family, we enjoy spending time outside playing games or finding new trails or playgrounds to enjoy!
I am looking forward to getting to know the students and staff at Skyview, and am looking forward to continuing to foster a strong home and school connection with the families. With that said, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have as the year progresses. You can email me at nberical@methacton.org or call the school office at (610) 489-5000.
Best Regards,
Nicole Berical
Title I Corner
Parents/Guardians of students in Title I schools:
You are invited to register to attend the Title I State Parent Advisory Council (SPAC) for parents of students receiving Title I services. This year the conference will be held virtually.
If you are interested in attending, please complete the registration form on the following website www.spac.k12.pa.us/ and select SPAC Conference at the top. Scroll down and click Register Here.
Please note that the deadline to register is Wednesday, May 19, 2021. After registration, an email will be sent to you from SPAC on or around May 21, 2021 containing further information on presenters, topics, resources, and instructions on how to join. If you are unable to complete the registration online, please notify your child’s reading/math teacher.
If you have any questions, please contact me at keverett@methacton.org or 610-489-5000 ext. 15013
Kind regards,
Kathleen Everett
PSSA - Math Testing - Wednesday, May 19 and Thursday, May 20
Students need their district issued calculator on PSSA days!
PSSA General Info
PSSA testing will be held at Skyview on May 11, 12, 13 (ELA) and May 19, 20 (Math). Families seeking exemption from testing are reminded to contact Mrs. Gorla (mgorla@methacton.org) no later than May 4. General Information on the PSSA and exemption can be found in the letter sent from the district located here: https://www.methacton.org/cms/lib/PA50000637/Centricity/Domain/4/2021_PSSA_Parent_letter.pdf
Below is general information on procedures on testing days for Skyview. We will continue to provide updated information as necessary.
When virtual students arrive for testing:·
Virtual students will report to the main lobby to check in
· Car riders (virtual) are directed to arrive on campus between 8:30 and 8:45 (drop off is as main entrance); those riding bus will be normal 8 -8:15 time frame
· Students will be directed to their testing area (staff will assist with this)
When virtual students are done with testing:
· They will report back to main lobby
· Staff will assist with getting them to bus/car (anticipated departure 11:15); car pick up at main entrance
· Virtual students are not eating lunch at Skyview
· Virtual students will have assigned asynchronous work for the afternoon of testing days – this is required to be completed (for attendance purposes). Students will not be required to log into zoom in the afternoon; but are required to complete assigned tasks from their teachers. This will allow for time for students to transition home and eat lunch.
During the testing session:
· Students are not permitted to have electronic devices. All devices (phones, smart watches, chromebooks, etc.) will be powered off and in their backpacks. Backpacks will be lined up in the front of the testing area.
· Students should have their school-issued calculator for the Math PSSA test. (All students were issued a calculator at the start of year materials pick up).
Succeed (onsite) students who are not taking the PSSA:
· Will be assigned to an alternate area for supervision during testing session
· Will have option to work on ALEKS, Exact Path or read independently.
· Virtual students who are not testing should also work on ALEKS, ExactPath or read independently. Teachers will not be holding zoom sessions during the testing session.
Note that the building will operate on a revised lunch schedule:
· Astronomers/Celestials: 11:15-11:45
· Storm Chasers/Galaxy: 11:55-12:25
· Comets/Mountaineers: 11:55-12:25
· USA/Stars: 12:35-1:05
Is there homeroom on PSSA days?
Attendance for students who are virtual and on-site for PSSA testing will be taken when they check in at the main lobby.
Afternoon (Zoom) Expectations for Virtual Students who test on-site
Students in the building will be engaged in activities similar to those posted for asynchronous completion.
Mid-Marking period was May 12 - please review Power School with your student!
Skyview 2021-2022
Work continues on the Skyview master schedule. Highlights of revisions include:
- Fifth grade - teams of three with teachers instructing either ELA, Math or Science/Social Studies. (75 minutes of instructional time allotted daily for each.)
- PIE (practice, intervention, extension) time for grades 5 and 6 daily
Presentations made at Education Committee meetings may be found here: https://www.methacton.org/Page/758
Skyview Upper Elementary School
Website: https://www.methacton.org/Domain/10
Phone: (610)489-5000
Twitter: @skyview_msd