The Arcola Winter Concert was held on Tuesday, December 7th, at 7:00 PM. The band, chorus, and orchestra performed in the Arcola auditorium. It was an excellent show!

Members of NJHS, in collaboration with Arcola's Toys for Tots club and the organization No Longer Bound Development Center, are collecting NEW, UNWRAPPED toys for children ages 3-14. Please drop your donation in the collection boxes located near the entrances. The collection drive runs through Thursday, 12/16. Help make a child's holiday joyful.

Many students are struggling with social skills due to the social isolation that happened as a result of the pandemic. Here is an article about rebuilding their social skills that you may find helpful: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/special-matters/202112/rebuilding-children-s-social-skills-during-covid

We are aware that many students are struggling with their mental health, including anxiety and other emotional issues due to the pandemic, the holiday season, and world events. Most middle school students are reluctant to admit they are having difficulties or visit their school counselor. As their parent/guardian, please reach out to your student’s counselor if you have concerns about your children (7th Grade – Mr. Mueller – mmueller@Methacton.org; 8th Grade – Ms. Berardelli – sberardelli@methacton.org.

We also offer a whole library of materials on various mental health and wellness topics for parents and students to read, print, and use. There are tips on how to feel less stressed or lonely, how to cope with anxiety and grief, and dealing with social media, among many others. Click this link and use the username of "arcola" and the password "arcola" to check them out!

https://plus.woodburnpress.com/arcola-intermediate-school

On January 6, 2022, Mr. Joe Paddock will be coming to Arcola to meet with the entire 8th Grade during Advisory to talk about NMTCC (North Montco Technical Career Center). As rising 9th graders, students will have the opportunity to apply into one of the many labs they have to offer in place of taking electives at MHS. This meeting will be very informative for those students that are interested in a vocational skill.

On January 21, 2022, any 8th Grader interested in taking a tour of the NMTCC facility will be able to do so during the school day from 8:30-11:30. Information and permission slips can be obtained from the Counseling Office on January 7th. There are limited spots available, so students should not wait until the last minute to sign up!

If you have any questions about NMTCC, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Berardelli.

Arcola has a Giving Tree. We are collecting gloves, hand warmers, and foot warmers for the Norristown Hospitality Unit.