The recommendation for full-day kindergarten topped the planned strategies under the healthy tenet with a recommendation coming before the Board in May 2021. Under the safe tenet, it was shared that the district is organizing their threat assessment teams as prescribed by the state following research-based protocol/structure. As a strategy of the engaged tenet, the alignment of curriculum with eligible content on the PSSA and Keystone exams in grades 3-11 will provide a targeted approach to increase student achievement scores, one of the major factors considered in state and national school rankings. The implementation of a student, parent, staff annual survey to gather feedback on the progress and work of the district is one of the items outlined under the supported whole child tenet. Entrepreneurship and STEM programs, currently under development at the high school, were emphasized as strategies under the challenged tenet of the whole child.

Dr. Zerbe emphasized that the next steps will include more communication with regards to the whole child tenets as well as communicating a schedule for engaging the community in a strategic planning effort beginning in October 2021.

R.E.A.C.H. Grant Presentation

Pennsylvania State Representative Joe Webster announced $100,000 in grant funding for the Methacton School District that will benefit R.E.A.C.H. -- a school-based intensive mental health program that provides daily access to mental health counseling services for students. Dr. Angstadt, Director of Pupil Services, also delivered a presentation on R.E.A.C.H. to update the Board and school community on the program’s achievements since its establishment during the 2018-2019 school year.

Mrs. Berical earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from University of Scranton, a master’s degree in Literary Education from Binghamton University, and her principal certification at Gwynedd Mercy University.

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Berical to the Methacton family.

Methacton’s Award of Excellence honorees for March 2021 represent Woodland Elementary School. They are: Bert Hogstrom, 4th Grade Teacher; Lauren Mackay, 3rd Grade Teacher; Kassie Williams, Art Teacher; Wendy Raquet, Reading Aide; Katie Shireman, Recess Aide; and Robin Sheard, Instructional Assistant.

All of these outstanding staff members provide support for students, staff, and our community. They are valuable team members and we are pleased to share with everyone how much we appreciate their commitment to the students of the Methacton School District.

A very special thank you to Rachna Natakala and Ryan Bower for representing Woodland Elementary School as Junior Board Representatives for March 2021.

Updated 2020-2021 Calendar

The Board has approved a revision to the 2020-2021 Instructional Calendar. The revised document can be found on www.methacton.org/calendar.