Ed Gerety, an author and motivational speaker, came to Arcola on January 26th to deliver a message to our students. He spoke of the importance of gratitude and recognizing the greatness in all of us. He spoke of the importance of kindness and the importance of respect for ourselves and for others. One powerful message the students received, “If you don’t choose your greatness, someone else will choose your mediocrity.” Many students stayed behind to talk to Mr. Gerety at the conclusion of the assembly to let him know how much they appreciated his presentation, and they were heard giving their personal takeaways from his program. You can learn more about Ed Gerety on his website: https://www.edgerety.com/about/.

January is a big month for our 8th Grade students as they begin the process of thinking about what classes they would like to take in high school. This past Tuesday, they heard from the high school counselors regarding the scheduling process for next year and were introduced to the various electives available to them in 9th Grade. They also attended a detailed presentation about electives given by a number of high school teachers. Students are in the process of completing their course registration forms in preparation for registering for classes on March 1.

If your student is interested in the programs at the North Montco Technical Career Center (www.nmtcc.org), they will be hosting an open house for students and their families on Thursday, February 2, from 5 – 7 PM. Details about the open house can be found on their web site. Applications to North Montco are due to the Arcola Counseling Office by March 1; students can pick up a paper application in the Counseling Office. Space is limited, so it is extremely important to meet the deadline in order for a student to be considered in the first round of applicants. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Mueller.

On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, we will host our annual STEAM Day, a school-wide career day event designed to promote the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics careers, plus show how the Arts support STEM fields. We are in need of presenters who are willing to share information about their careers in an interactive manner. For more information about STEAM Day, please click here: https://www.methacton.org/Page/471. Or contact Mark Mueller at 610-489-5000 x30220 or email at mmueller@methacton.org. If you are ready to talk to students about your career, please fill out the presenter form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5JVplj_cHpTgN6kEz0Nw-YXnvHvB3m3zMbZvign8EAFnsCA/viewform?usp=sf_link.

Finally, attached to this newsletter is the February issue of Parents Still make the difference!, a newsletter focused on helping you improve your student’s success in school. Also attached is the February issue of Daily Learning Planner, a list of daily topics that will also help your student do well. We hope you enjoy both!

Scheduling season is upon us for 8th graders transitioning to the High School. An email was sent on January 13th with an overview of the scheduling process with associated dates and details. You can also use the following link to view the MHS scheduling site: https://sites.google.com/methacton.org/mhs-scheduling-22-23/home

Methacton School District’s Office of Community Education is looking for instructors to lead enriching activities in Fall 2023 and Winter 2024:

· Friday Night Swims

· Basketball

· Ski Trips

· Line Dancing

Please email your interest to information@methacton.org by May 15, 2023.

A Math Virtual Helpdesk is available to students who need assistance Monday through Thursday from 7:00 - 8:00 PM. This is a great opportunity for students who need assistance! Please see the attached flyer for details.

How can I donate to the Backpack Program?

There are several ways you can contribute to the Backpack Program:

Collection Bins

· Donations can be dropped off (Monday thru Friday) at the Methacton High School East Wing or Arcola Intermediate School. Collection bins are located near the entrance.

Amazon

· You can place an order through Amazon and ship it directly to the High School. Please remember to select, "No Weekend Delivery". The address is:

Methacton High School

c/o Backpack Program

1005 Kriebel Mill Rd.

Eagleville, PA 19403

What items can I donate?

Individual Serving Food Items Needed

· Single serving boxes of milk (shelf-stable/not refrigerated)

· Mini Cereal Boxes

· Canned Soup (cans with "pop tops")

· Oatmeal packets or cups

· Applesauce and Fruit Cups

· Chef Boyardee, Hormel, Dinty Moore Meals, etc.

· Easy Mac Cups

· Cracker packs

· Sweet Snacks: Fruit gummies, pudding, granola bars, etc.

· Salty Snacks: Pretzel packs, Goldfish, Popcorn, etc.

· 100% Juice boxes