Principal's Report
A Weekly Update from Perkiomen Valley Middle School East
A Word From Dr. Clune
As we started working to reduce the amount of plastic water bottle trash that we produce on a daily basis, we noticed that there was a lot more 'other waste' that we generate as well. We really want to help all of our students understand the impact that each of us has on the environment, so we are promoting the 'Waste Free Challenge'. I hope that you child will participate. There is more information further down in this newsletter.
Yesterday, (Friday) was the last day for vector 4. Students should check StudentVue for any missed assignments. PSSAs begin next week. Please review the information below. All students need a FULLY CHARGED Chromebook for each day of testing.
As always, do not hesitate to contact the counseling center or main office if you have any questions or concerns.
#EastROCKs
Sincerely,
Seamus Clune, Ph.D.
PSSA Testing & Keystone Exams
While this has been an unconventional school year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will be continuing with the annual assessment of students in the areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. The assessment window has been lengthened to permit districts additional time for administration. We recognize the importance of maximizing instructional time with our students and have opted to delay these assessments until May. We are required to administer the assessments onsite for all students and will work with families of virtual students to determine testing times and locations to ensure adherence to our Health & Safety Plan. Principals are diligently working on the logistical details and will provide additional information as we approach the testing dates, which are listed in the table below. For additional information on testing logistics and options for this year’s assessment, please review the 2021 PSSA Overview document.
At this time, we are anticipating administering the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) to grades 3 - 8 on the following dates:
English Language Arts ~ May 4, 5, 6
Mathematics ~ May 11 & 12
Science ~ May 13 & 14 (grades 4 & 8 only)
We will be administering the assessment as 'in person' through an online format with student Chromebooks. Virtual students will need to come into school to take the assessment on the scheduled dates and times. Please read the '2021 PSSA FAQ' and 'Electronic Devices' documents below. We will have an adjusted scheduled during PSSA testing days.
Bell Schedule
Grade 6
7:50 – 8:00 (Homeroom)
8:00 – 10:20 (PSSA)
10:20 – 10:35 (transition)
10:35 – 11:09 (4/5)
11:09 – 11:43 (2)
11:43 – 12:13 (LUNCH 6)
12:13 – 12:47 (3)
12:47 - 1:21 (7/8)
1:21 – 1:55 (9)
1:55 – 2:30 (1)
Grade 7
7:50 – 8:00 (Homeroom)
8:00 – 10:20 (PSSA )
10:20 – 10:35 (transition)
10:35 – 11:05 (Lunch 4)
11:05– 11:43 (2)
11:43 – 12:13 (5/6)
12:13 – 12:47 (3)
12:47 – 1:27 (7/8)
1:21 - 1:55 (9)
1:55 – 2:30 (10)
Grade 8
7:50 – 8:00 (Homeroom)
8:00 – 10:20 (PSSA )
10:20 – 10:35 (transition)
10:35 – 11:09 (4/5)
11:09 – 11:43 (2)
11:43 - 12:17 (6/7)
12:17 – 12:51 (3)
12:51 - 1:21 (LUNCH 8)
1:21 - 1:55 (9)
1:55 – 2:30 (10)
Keystone Exams, which are end of course assessments for students currently enrolled in Algebra I will be scheduled in late May. Specific dates will be shared in the near future.
Cards For School Lunch Heroes
School Lunch Hero Day is next Friday, May 7. We invite our students and families to make cards for our staff to show them how valued they are. Cards can be dropped off at our Drive Thru on Tuesday, May 4 or at schools on Friday, May 7.
We’re especially proud of our team this year, as they continue to improvise to best serve our students! In this year of free meals for all, they’ve been the ultimate team players and have worked tirelessly to prepare and serve up to 43,000 meals per month! They prepared healthy meals and occasional treats to brighten the days of our students and managed a daily Drive Thru service, running meals out to the line of cars in every weather condition.
They also developed relationships with our district families who came to rely on the free meals to help make ends meet or to give them a break from the kitchen. For many of these families, they were friendly faces during a very difficult time.
When we were able to welcome our students back into the buildings, they quickly adapted and helped us manage the new guidelines by redesigning our operations, opening additional servicing areas, delivering meals to students assigned seats and continued to operate the Drive Thru for our Virtual Students.
Waste Free Challenge
Did you ever wonder how much waste the average person produces in one day? Or, how about in one year? Do you know the problems that exist because of all the waste we produce?
In this challenge, you will learn about waste and why reducing the amount you produce is so important.
We have teamed up with Riverbend Environmental Education Center and our friends at FLUX to explore the impact of waste on our environment! In honor of Earth Day on April 22, 2021, we invite you to take part in this challenge, The Waste Free Challenge!
Watch the video and open the student learning guide below to get a better understanding of waste, it’s impact on our environment, and how you can change that!
Counseling Groups
We will be offering two counseling groups starting April 8th and running through the end of the school year. Both groups will be held once a week during advisory period.
- Anxious about returning to normal (Thursdays Advisory): This group is intended to assist students feel more comfortable in returning to school and while life in the community returns to normal.
- Transition to 9th grade (Fridays Advisory, for 8th graders only): This group will help 8th graders who are nervous about the transition to high school.
Please reach out to Kristin Hildreth if your child is interested (khildreth@pvsd.org).
Absences
Please send an email to mseattendance@pvsd.org whenever your child is going to be absent, tardy, or picked up early. Tardies - children may enter the building at the main office and obtain a pass to class. Early dismissal - please wait for you child in the main lobby and sign him/her out at that location. If your instructional mode is 'in person', you will be marked 'absent' if you are not present in the school building. We have created a separate 'Q code' for students who need to quarantine so that they are not marked 'absent'.
Spring Sports
Spring Sports will be starting on Monday, March 22. In order to limit traffic in the building, please send sports equipment to school with your child in the AM. Lockers are available for equipment storage during the school day. Student athletes may change in the locker rooms at the end of the day. The locker room will be secured after students drop off their equipment so that their property is safe.
COVID Information
Summer Lift
We hope you will consider joining our LIFT programs, so we can lift up our students through fun learning experiences. More details to come.
8th Grade Class Photo
Due to the pandemic, we were unable to gather the 8th graders together for a group photo. Instead, this year the photographer put together a mosaic with all of the 8th grade photos. Attached is a preview of the print and an order form. The photo will be mailed to your home address. All orders need to be placed by June 1.
https://showstopper.gotphoto.com/jobs/no-access-code-view-your-photos
Art Club T-Shirt
STEAM Challenge
The April STEAM challenge is "Build a Bridge."
Design and build the strongest bridge you can that spans 1.5 feet. Use materials around your house (craft materials, toy building materials, newspapers, etc) Be creative with the materials that you use. All we require from you is the final video that demonstrates your bridge. Videos must be uploaded to the PV East STEAM Challenge Google Classroom by the last day of each month. Join the classroom using the code 372x3q4.
ID Badges
We had many students who forgot their ID badges this week. After spring break, if a student forgets their ID badge, they will need to call home for a parent to bring it to school. Please remind your child every morning that they need to be wearing their ID Badge.
Chromebook
It is very important that your child brings a fully charged Chromebook to school. Children should also bring their charger in case it is needed during the school day. Please note that you child may not readily have access to a plug to charge their device.
PV Power Packs
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dQlvxEGXiDMpBsCQxL85g4uxkKoxOKBqAz5FuGvf-KE/edit
Yearbook Order
Yearbooks are currently for sale. Please follow the link: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/1136638/Perkiomen-Valley-Middle-School-East/Yearbook/2020092404343409754/CATALOG_SHOP/YB_BOOKS/001_006_1ST-LINE_21/2020092404343410354/#design/0
They are $30 and all orders will be completed online. Don't miss out!
Masks
Cellphones
Water bottles
Creative Health Services
Is your family feeling stressed by the demands of everyday life? Do you or a family member feel overwhelmed by any of the following emotions?
- Depression or anxiety,
- Trauma and loss,
- Substance abuse,
- Behavioral difficulties,
- Trouble coping,
- Domestic violence,
- Thoughts of suicide,
- Eating disorders, and/or
- Family relationship issues.
Chances are you don’t know what to do next. Let us help you figure out your next steps on the path to healing and restoration for your family. Our family programs promote understanding and cooperation among family members in order to solve the problems of one or more people in the family.
We provide integrated and caring treatment services that reach out to families in their homes or community environments. All family services are strength based and sensitive to ethnic, cultural, and spiritual differences and needs of each family.
We provide strength based, trauma informed and caring treatment services that reach out to families in their homes or community environments. All family services are strength based and sensitive to ethnic, cultural, and spiritual differences and needs of each family. The first step in getting help for your family begins with a thorough assessment of your family’s needs leading to the best care options to help improve the life of your family.
To learn more about our family based services, call one of the following locations:
Contact Us: Phone: 484-941-0500 Fax: 484-941-0515
Located at: 11 Robinson Street, Pottstown, PA 19464
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 8:30AM-9PM; Friday, 8:30AM-5PM
Saturday, by Appointment Only
Click Here For Directions
Contact Us: Phone: 610-326-9250 Fax: 215-679-9795
Located at: 452 Penn Street, Pennsburg, PA 18073
Click Here For Directions
Contact Us: Phone: 610-369-7271 Fax: 610-369-7299
Located at: 5th & Montgomery Avenues, Boyertown, PA 19512
Click Here For Directions
A Message from East Home & School Association
8TH GRADE PARENTS! It's time to register your son/daughter for our 8th Grade Celebration! The cost is $10.00 per student and will include a DJ & Music, Selfie Photo Booth, Yearbook Signing, Sweet Treats, Games & a Competitive Cornhole Tournament w/Prizes! Event will take place Friday night, June 4th at Middle School East from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Sign up using the below link.
Deadline to Register is Monday May 10th.
How To Earn - Box Tops for Education.
Home and School Meeting / scheduled for Wednesday, May 12th at 7pm via zoom. If you would like to find out what H&S has to offer (or interested in becoming a boars member for the 2021-2022 school year), please consider joining our call! Email pvmsehs@gmail.com for the zoom link.
Home and School Nominations! If you are Interested in being on the board next year, please email pvmsehs@gmail.com for more information or to nominate yourself or someone else. All positions are a one year commitment. Board positions are President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. If you have any interest or questions, please feel free to reach out!
Upcoming Dates
May 4 - 6 ELA PSSA testing
11-12 Math PSSA testing
13-14 Science PSSA testing - 8th grade
18 No school - In-service Day
25-26 Keystone testing
Perkiomen Valley Middle School East
Email: sclune@pvsd.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/pvsd.org/perkiomen-valley-middle-school-east/
Location: 100 Kagey Road, Collegeville, PA, USA
Phone: (610) 409-8580
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PVMSE/
Twitter: @PVMSEast