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The Challenger Learning Center of ScienceAs part of their astronomy unit, our sixth grade students visited the Challenger Learning Center at Montgomery County Community College in Pottstown. The center “flies” students on a variety of space-related missions designed for elementary and middle school students in grades 5-8. Aligned with national education standards and informed by real science data, their in-person simulations excite students about STEM, introduce students to careers in these fields, and help students build important 21st century skills like critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration. | Autism Awareness DayApril is Autism Awareness Month with World Autism Awareness Day celebrated on Sunday April 2nd. The aim is to put a spotlight on the hurdles that people with autism and others living with autism face every day. West students, faculty and staff recognized the day by wearing blue or their Autism Day t-shirts. | CSI ZieglervilleAs an introduction to a unit on forensic science, Melissa Kashey escorted her eighth grade gifted students to the Center for Forensic Science Research in Willow Grove on Wednesday, April 13th. The CFSRE conducts research, development, and new technology assessment, and delivers educational and training services for the forensic science community and beyond. |
The Challenger Learning Center of Science
As part of their astronomy unit, our sixth grade students visited the Challenger Learning Center at Montgomery County Community College in Pottstown. The center “flies” students on a variety of space-related missions designed for elementary and middle school students in grades 5-8. Aligned with national education standards and informed by real science data, their in-person simulations excite students about STEM, introduce students to careers in these fields, and help students build important 21st century skills like critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration.
The space-themed simulation-based experiences are led by trained Challenger Flight Directors and take place in a fully immersive Space Station and Mission Control. Surrounded by technology, each student played a unique role in the mission as the team completed assignments, manipulated hands-on labs, and coped with simulated emergencies. Teamwork is crucial, if one member fails to complete a job, the entire mission can be put at risk. This differentiated approach allows for a truly personalized learning experience where students apply critical, scientific knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Autism Awareness Day
April is Autism Awareness Month with World Autism Awareness Day celebrated on Sunday April 2nd. The aim is to put a spotlight on the hurdles that people with autism and others living with autism face every day. West students, faculty and staff recognized the day by wearing blue or their Autism Day t-shirts.
CSI Zieglerville
As an introduction to a unit on forensic science, Melissa Kashey escorted her eighth grade gifted students to the Center for Forensic Science Research in Willow Grove on Wednesday, April 13th. The CFSRE conducts research, development, and new technology assessment, and delivers educational and training services for the forensic science community and beyond.
East/West Bowling Night Next Friday, 4/21
Next Friday, April 21st, is our second East/ West Activity Night which will be held at Limerick Bowl from 6:00 - 8:00.
Join us for a night of bowling, food, games, and lots of fun with old and new friends!
The cost is $27 per student and includes: unlimited bowling for 2 hours, shoe rentals, chicken fingers, pizza, fries and 2 soft drinks. Each child will also receive $7 gift card to the arcade and a $5 gift card for a future visit.
Spots are limited so don't wait to purchase your ticket(s). Once we are sold out, we cannot add any additional spots. This event is open to all PV Middle School Students.
Use this link to purchase your ticket(s): East/West Bowling Tickets
To reserve a lane to bowl with your friends (up to 7 kids per lane) complete this Bowling Lane Registration Google Form. Only one person needs to complete the form per group. Please do not complete the form until everyone has purchased their tickets.
We look forward to seeing everyone next Friday Night for a fun night of bowling.
COMING TO WEST Next Week! - Social Media Landmines Presentation
PVSD will welcome Robert Hackenson, of Dynamic Influence, on Monday, April 17th at 6:30pm for a middle and high school parent/guardian presentation on teen social media safety. This will be a one-hour virtual session (link below) with time for Q&A. The presentation, Social Media Landmines, will focus on topics such as:
- technology addiction & anxiety
- what makes up a digital profile?
- who is looking? (ie. coaches, colleges, employers)
- best practices for screen time structures
- monitoring and the best apps for it
- how to keep your child safe in a digital world
Meeting ID: 885 5153 5164
Passcode: 794532
We look forward to a meaningful and informative learning opportunity. Please reach out to Carla Zielinski (czielinski@pvsd.org) with questions.
Students will also be hearing Robert speak here at West on Wednesday April 19th. Please see the times below for more information as to when your child will hear this presentation.
Wednesday April 19th - Student Assemblies
- 8:30-9:30 - 6th graders from East and West will hear the 1 hour long presentation at East. We just need to arrange busing there for our 6th graders
- 9:45-10:45 - Presentation for East 7th/8th grade students at Middle School East
- 1:00-2:00 - Presentation for West 7th/8th grade students at Middle School West
8th Grade Field Trip to Washington DC - Chaperones Still Needed
For any additional parents interested in chaperoning the 8th Grade DC Trip on Monday May 15th please email Colleen Sitron at csitron@pvsd.org by the end of the day on Wednesday April 19th. Parents chaperoning the trip must pay the $75 trip fee. Do not pay for a chaperone spot until contacted by PVMS West. All chaperones must have the required security clearances on file with the district. For more volunteer/chaperone and clearance information go to the Volunteer Information page on the PVSD website. Parents of students with medical concerns/needs are encouraged to attend as a chaperone. There will be an information meeting on the evening of Monday May 8th for all West parents/guardians chaperoning the DC Trip. Note: Chaperones will be in charge of approximately 8 students throughout the day.
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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. | BackpacksStudents will be permitted to carry book bags, gym bags, and/or backpacks to school for the purpose of storing personal school supplies and equipment. Gym bags should be stored in the student hallway or gym lockers before homeroom when brought to school. Students will be permitted to carry their book bag or backpack throughout the day while following the guidelines below. 1. Students opting to carry book bags/backpacks throughout the day cannot allow them to weigh more than approximately 10 lbs. 2. Students are expected to maintain organization of school items in their book bags/backpacks and be prepared for class daily. 3. Book bags/Backpacks must be stored underneath student desks when brought to class or in areas designated by the classroom teacher. They are not permitted to clutter walkways or hallways. 4. Book bags/Backpacks are not permitted to be used to harm others, i.e., throwing/kicking/swinging book bags/ backpacks into others is prohibited. 5. Students are expected to follow the directions of their teachers when using any electronic devices during the school day. 6. Students can lose the privilege of carrying book bags/backpacks if they do not adhere to these guidelines. 7. Book bags/Backpacks will be searched in response to any reasonable suspicion of contents not permitted in school. | 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.
Backpacks
Students will be permitted to carry book bags, gym bags, and/or backpacks to school for the purpose of storing
personal school supplies and equipment. Gym bags should be stored in the student hallway or gym lockers before
homeroom when brought to school. Students will be permitted to carry their book bag or backpack throughout the day while following the guidelines below.
1. Students opting to carry book bags/backpacks throughout the day cannot allow them to weigh more than
approximately 10 lbs.
2. Students are expected to maintain organization of school items in their book bags/backpacks and be prepared
for class daily.
3. Book bags/Backpacks must be stored underneath student desks when brought to class or in areas designated
by the classroom teacher. They are not permitted to clutter walkways or hallways.
4. Book bags/Backpacks are not permitted to be used to harm others, i.e., throwing/kicking/swinging book bags/
backpacks into others is prohibited.
5. Students are expected to follow the directions of their teachers when using any electronic devices during the
school day.
6. Students can lose the privilege of carrying book bags/backpacks if they do not adhere to these guidelines.
7. Book bags/Backpacks will be searched in response to any reasonable suspicion of contents not permitted in
school.
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
There will be no Homework Club on Tuesday April 18th. Homework Club will take place on Thursday April 20th.
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.
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Native Plant Sale Support PVMS West's Green Team and buy some quality plants for your garden! Choose from a great variety of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native perennials. Print out the order sheet, complete it, and return it to Ms. Emers at PVMSW by April 24th OR order online through PayPal/Venmo & the Google Form. Proceeds will be used to beautify West's courtyard! | Love Your Mother 5K/Mile Fun Run Walk or run at the 2nd annual Love Your Mother 5K and Mile Fun Run! On Saturday, May 6th, join us as we traverse West's BEAUTIFUL cross country course or through the woods. If you register in time, you will be guaranteed to receive our eco-friendly t-shirt with an awesome design. There will be great music, food from Chick Fil A, a Goosechase scavenger hunt for gnomes, and fun to be had by all! Proceeds will be shared among PV Foundation, PV Woods, and the high school cross country team. This event is great for the whole family! AND in honor of the Earth and Mother's Day, "Moms" can race the 5K for half off! Watch the video to learn more and click here to register! | Charity BINGO Night Join Operation HELP at West's first charity BINGO night! On Friday, May 26th doors will open at 5:30 for our participants to get their BINGO boards and put in tickets for our fabulous raffle baskets! There are even GRAND RAFFLES for a $250 Visa Gift card and another for four tickets to a Phillies game! Games will begin promptly at 6:00. Proceeds will be used to benefit our community's active senior living center, Greenfield in Schwenksville, as we will plant a butterfly garden for them in their courtyard! |
Native Plant Sale
Love Your Mother 5K/Mile Fun Run
Charity BINGO Night
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
Middle School West 8th Grade Baseball
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday April 18th - Away vs. Upper Merion Middle School @ 3:45pm
Thursday April 20th - Home vs. Norristown Area @ 3:45pm
Tuesday April 25th - Away vs. Spring-Ford Middle School @ 3:45pm
Middle School West 7th Grade Baseball
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday April 18th - Away vs. Upper Merion Middle School @ 3:45pm
Thursday April 20th - Home vs. Norristown Area @ 3:45pm
Tuesday April 25th - Away vs. Spring-Ford Middle School @ 3:45pm
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday April 18th - Home vs. Upper Merion Middle School @ 3:45pm
Thursday April 20th - Away vs. Norristown Area @ 3:45pm
Tuesday April 25th - Home vs. Spring-Ford Middle School @ 3:45pm
Middle School West Softball
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday April 19th - Away vs. Norristown Area @ 3:45pm
Tuesday April 25th - Home vs. Spring-Ford Middle School @ 3:45pm
Thursday April 27th - Away vs. Boyertown Area Middle School East @ 3:45pm
Middle School Track and Field
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday April 18th - Away vs. Boyertown Area Middle School East @ 3:30pm
Monday April 24th - Home vs. Upper Merion Middle School @@ 3:30pm
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
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and is now active across the United States.
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. Please see below for more information.
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 April 17th - Social Media Landmines Parent/Guardian Presentation @ 6:30pm (Virtual)
Tuesday April 18th - No Homework Club; PVSD Policy Committee Meeting @ 6:30pm in PVHS Library
Wednesday April 19th - 6th Grade Social Media Landmines Presentation @ 8:30am at MSE Auditorium; 7th/8th Grade Social Media Landmines Presentation @ 1:00pm at MSW Auditorium
Thursday April 20th - Homework Club @ 2:30pm in LGI 123
Friday April 21st - Middle School Bowling Activity Night from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Limerick Bowl
For more details on the 22/23 school year go to the 22/23 Instructional Calendar
Perkiomen Valley Middle School West