Perk E. Mail
Perkiomen Valley School District's Monthly E-Newsletter
October 2015
Welcome!
Top Stories
Have a pre-school aged child? GetSet4K!
Early literacy begins with you - help your pre-school aged child get ready to read by signing up for Perkiomen Valley School District's GetSet4K texts. Every week, you'll get three texts designed to help you prepare your child for kindergarten. On Mondays, you'll receive a fact about early literacy. On Wednesdays and Fridays, you'll receive tips for helping you to practice literacy skills with your child at home. Sign up online to receive the texts. Email Chris Halus at chalus@pvsd.org with any questions.
A Reminder About Publicity Refusal Forms
As the school year progresses, our teachers and staff members will likely be engaging students in a variety of different learning activities designed to generate enthusiasm for reading, math, etc. Some of these activities include the use of social media platforms like Instagram, or may incorporate video interviews or other types of photography. While we would hope that all students can participate in these activities so that they can experience using these types of platforms responsibly, we understand that some parents may have reservations about students' images being shared in public forums.
If you have a strong objection to your child's image being used on social media, in photos or on video, we encourage you to complete a publicity refusal form and return it to your child's school office. The form can be downloaded from our website. When a form is received, we will make accommodations for your child to participate in ways where his/her image will not be used.
PVHS Students Honored by Board for Academic Achievement
The Perkiomen Valley School Board recognized 10 Perkiomen Valley High School students for their achievements in the National Merit Scholarship Program during the Oct. 12 business meeting. Seven students were honored for achieving “Commended Student” status. Commended Students are named on the basis of a nationally applied selection index score on the PSAT/NMSQT. Commended Students are among the nation’s 34,000 highest scorers. PV’S Commended Students are:
- Emily Daubenspeck
- Layne Gustafson
- David Moran
- Joshua Noel
- Tyler Perla
- Hannah Stolpe
- Quinn Verbeke
The School Board also congratulated the three students who achieved Semifinalist status in the National Merit Scholarship Program. These students are among the 16,000 highest scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT. Semifinalists are eligible to advance to Finalist standing. Congratulations go to:
- Shaan Kewalramani
- Tucker Spencer-Wallace
- David Wang
EVERGREEN ELEMENTARY NEWS
Evergreen's Library Becomes a "Makerspace"
The library at Evergreen Elementary School has incorporated “makerspaces” to promote STEM activities for fourth- and fifth-graders. Makerspaces are spaces where people get together to create, invent and learn using supplies, tools, technology and more. Students worked in small groups to strategize and complete a given task using minimal tools. Seen here are Jack Santosusso and Derek Ruth, working with their partners on the “Cup Challenge."
Firefighters Visit Evergreen for Fire Prevention Week
Perkiomen Township firefighters presented a lesson on fire safety to the students at Evergreen Elementary School as part of Fire Prevention Week, which is typically held in October.
The firefighters reviewed "stop, drop, and roll" practices and gave students many safety tips for home, emphasizing the importance of installing smoke detectors.
Firefighters also dressed in full gear and showed students how a thermal-imaging device is used to find people during a fire. Students also got a close-up view of the fire trucks and equipment used by firefighters.
Author Talks About Writing Process
Sarah Mlynowski, author of the New York Times best-selling Whatever After series, recently visited Evergreen Elementary School, courtesy of the Towne Book Center. Ms. Mlynowski spoke to third-, fourth- and fifth-graders about the writing process that she uses when creating her characters and books. She is currently working on her new series, Upside Down Magic.
SCHWENKSVILLE ELEMENTARY NEWS
Health Question of the Month Winners Celebrated
Schwenksville Elementary School recently honored Health Question of the Month winners for September. The school nurse, Mrs. Beth Hallowell, organizes the Health Question of the Month contest. Through it, students are asked a variety of health questions by grade level. These questions are presented to students on the morning announcements. Two winners from each grade are drawn from the correct answers. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are Lucino Soto, Amberly Bravo, Damian Mongan, and Nina Hills. In the back row, from left to right, are Taylor Mundondo, Wade Detweiler, Andrew Hazzard, Morgan Stockton, Ashley Castillo, and Dylan Harris.
Fifth-graders Mentor Second-Graders During Math Lessons
Mrs. Kate Conaron’s fifth-grade students at Schwenksville Elementary School took time to work side-by-side with Miss Melody Fennell’s second-graders during math class recently. This was a wonderful opportunity for the older students to interact with the younger ones. Along with providing math support, the fifth-graders served as role models for the younger students by demonstrating their work ethic and leadership skills.
Students Research Family Names
Fourth-grade students in Mr. Josh Brecht’s and Miss Susan Horenci’s classes at Schwenksville Elementary School became historians for a week. They interviewed their parents about the history of their name and the family stories behind their name. The class then paired up and created a Google Slides project through the Google Classroom portal. The partners also used web resources to find the history of their name worldwide. To wrap up the activity, the students presented their findings to the class.
SKIPPACK ELEMENTARY NEWS
Local Heroes Teach Students Fire Prevention Strategies
Skippack Elementary School first-graders had some special visitors this month as local firefighters made the trip to school to celebrate Fire Prevention Month. Students had a wonderful time touring the fire truck and getting to work the big fire hose. Students learned a lot from these local heroes during their visit.
Kindergarteners Visit Skippack Fire Company
The Skippack Fire Company hosted Skippack Elementary School kindergarten students during Fire Prevention Month. The students were treated to a tour of the fire station and the fire trucks, and all got to take home their very own fire hat. As you can see by the big smiles on Mrs. Cynthia Mannon’s kindergarten students' faces, a good time was had by all!
Skippack 99th in the World in Reading
SOUTH ELEMENTARY NEWS
South Collects Food for People in Need
Ready to Read at South
South Elementary School honored students who read over summer during the second annual Ready Awards. South Elementary participated in the Scholastic Read for the World Record, and those who logged over 2,000 minutes were honored. The “World’s Strongest Man” (aka, Principal Dave D’Andrea) came to celebrate the students' accomplishments.
Firefighters Teach South Students Safety Lessons
PVMS EAST NEWS
Employing the Scientific Method at East
The eighth-grade students in Mr. Chris Hughes and Mrs. Sarah Lanzetta’s science classes at Perkiomen Valley Middle School East worked on a project with parachutes to demonstrate the scientific method. Students went from asking questions about and researching parachutes, to designing, building, and testing them. Students dropped the parachutes from the 17.5-foot lighting balcony in the auditorium, and then collected data, which they used to analyze and make conclusions about their designs and the designs of their classmates.
PVMS East Celebrates Spirit Week
The week of Oct. 5 was Spirit Week at Perkiomen Valley Middle School East. Each day featured a theme for students to wear certain clothes to show their school spirit. Monday was Vacation Day, Tuesday was Twin Day, Wednesday was Tie-Dye Day, Thursday was Breast Cancer Awareness Day and Friday was PV Spirit Day, when students had to wear PV colors.
Sixth-Graders Go to Camp
PVMS WEST NEWS
Science Rules at West
Students in Mr. David Patterson and Mrs. Amanda Herzog’s eighth-grade science classes participated in an action-packed lesson stressing the use of the scientific method. Working in small groups, the students devised an experiment that tested three different forms of motion to determine which resulted in the greatest velocity. After creating a procedure, materials list, and hypothesis, the students collected data, analyzed and graphed their results, and wrote a conclusion. The students will use and practice the scientific method often in science class during their eighth-grade year in preparation for their high school experience.
Viking Block Offers Students Opportunities for Enrichment, Extra Assistance
Perkiomen Valley Middle School West is implementing a new schedule this year that increases core class time from 45 minutes to 53 minutes and adds the new Viking Block at the beginning of the day, three days per cycle. Viking Block provides students with opportunities to participate in band, chorus, and orchestra, as well as exploratory activities that provide enrichment, creative thinking, and/or personal responsibility. During this period, students may also take advantage of advisory opportunities that allow for character education, Olweus (anti-bullying), and service learning. Students can also seek tutoring, assessment make-up, or teacher assistance during Viking Block. Seventh- and eighth-grade students have been offered a wealth of exploratory activities that include, but are not limited to crocheting, Zumba, and Fantasy Football. Special thanks to Assistant Superintendent Dr. Barbara Russell and district administrators for creating this new and innovative schedule.
Green Team Hits the Ground Running
PVHS NEWS
Students Learn Business Skills at PA Free Enterprise Week
This past summer, 19 Perkiomen Valley High School sophomores and juniors attended the Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week annually held at Lycoming College and Pennsylvania College of Technology (both in Williamsport, PA).
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week is an intensive program that educates high school students about the American free enterprise system. Bringing motivated students together with business people from throughout the state, this unique concept in learning has enhanced the lives of nearly 38,000 young adults for 37 years. Participants are challenged with a plethora of economic concepts, terms, facts, figures, and projections for the future. Inspirational speakers creatively address subjects concerning marketing, business and government cooperation, supply and demand, and the role of business in our global economy.
During PFEW, participants not only learn to appreciate our free enterprise system, but they also see from a practitioner's perspective what it takes to be successful in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Student companies simulate the actual operation of their own business for the equivalent of three years. Facing all of the decisions that real executives are confronted by, the student companies are mentored by dedicated business volunteers who serve as Company Advisors.
Through the Perkiomen Valley High School Business IT Department, students have been attending PFEW for the past 10 years and over 300 students have participated. The Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce is a proud partner of PFEW and has provided student scholarship opportunities over the years as well.
Students who attended this past summer include: Michael Breeding, Julia DeNucci, Amber Fields, Christopher Fiore, Christopher Fiorillo, Kayla Gehringer, Joshua Gordon, Shannon Leonard, Jason Lewis, James Lowery, Julia Lyons, Kevin O'Reilly, Garrett Patla, Braelin Quigley, Karlee Ruth, Rachel Spurlock, Jace Tagert, Danielle Trommelen, and Luke Waite.
Marching Vikings Win Band Competition on Oct. 3
The Perkiomen Valley Marching Vikings accepted the High Overall Score award at the Plymouth-Whitemarsh competition on Oct. 3. The award is given out annually by a representative of the US Marines and his dog – Sgt. Leatherneck.
The Marching Vikings placed first in their division with a score of 82.6, which was also the highest score in the entire show of 15 bands. Additionally, the Marching Vikings received awards for the Best Music and Best Percussion in their division, as well as the Adam Wilson Memorial Award for Best Music in the entire show.
Perkiomen Valley students pictured accepting the award are (left to right): Megan Gentleman, Kevin Soffera, Rosemary Corcoran, Brandon McKenna, and Cameron Lawrence.
Students Hear from Big Names on Topic of Leadership
Sixteen Perkiomen Valley High School students took part in a Youth Leadership Summit organized by Congressman Pat Meehan and held recently at Marple Newtown High School.
Students had the opportunity to hear from various speakers on the topic of leadership, with themes ranging from how to be an effective leader, to how leaders must be willing to step out of their comfort zones.
Speakers included Congressman Meehan; Nicole Brewer, CBS correspondent; Cheryl Colleluori, President of Head Strong; Vince Papale, former Philadelphia Eagles football player and author; and Jay Wright, Villanova University basketball coach.
Career Professionals Sought to Participate in PVHS Career/Volunteer Fair
Q: What can you do to prepare high school students for careers?
A: Participate in Perkiomen Valley High School’s annual Career Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 11. This highly interactive, trade-show type of event allows students the opportunity to discuss with you topics like career paths, secondary education, growth in your fields and so much more. Our annual Career Fair helps our students explore a variety of career options while giving them a realistic picture of the job market and dispelling some career myths.
The most important part of this event is you.
Fill out the online registration form to reserve your spot at the Career Fair:
Shop Skippack and Support the PV Student Loan Association Nov. 6-7
PV Post Prom Committee Clothing Drive Set for Oct. 25
The PV Post Prom Committee is partnering again with Impact Thrift Stores for the upcoming fall clothing drive, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25, at South Elementary School, 200 E. Third Ave., Trappe.
The clothing drive has expanded to include a number of other items in addition to attire, and all donated items will remain in the local community. The items that are being collected through the fall drive include:
- Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, belts, hats
- Shoes
- Handbags, backpacks, luggage
- Linens such as blankets, sheets, curtains, pillows, rugs
- Small housewares (dish sets, decorative items in good condition)
- Electronics (no TVs or computer monitors unless they are flat-screen)
- Costume jewelry
- Books, CDs, DVDs
To simplify the sorting process, please bag your items by the categories listed above and secure/tie. Smaller bags are appreciated. Volunteers are also appreciated! If you would like to assist with the clothing drive, please email Jill Tagert at sjjjtagert@comcast.net.
The PV Post Prom Committee receives money for every pound of donated items it collects, and the items go to people who need them instead of to waste. The PV Post Prom Committee funds, organizes and hosts the drug and alcohol-free Post Prom event every year at Perkiomen Valley High School in an effort to ensure the safety of students and the community during prom season. The event is FREE for students and open to all juniors and seniors, regardless of whether or not they attend the prom. This event relies solely on donations/fundraisers.
If you cannot make the clothing drive on Oct. 25, outdoor drop-off red metal bins are located at the following schools: Perkiomen Valley High School, 509 Gravel Pike, Collegeville; Evergreen Elementary School, 98 Kagey Road, Collegeville; Skippack Elementary School, 4081 Heckler Road, Collegeville; Perkiomen Valley Middle School West, 220 Big Road, Zieglersville; South Elementary School, 200 E. Third Ave., Trappe; and Schwenksville Elementary School, 55 Second Street, Schwenksville. The bins will be available until mid-December, and will then be removed for the winter season. They will be replaced again in the spring once the threat of winter weather has subsided.
Last fall, PV Post Prom collected over 49,000 pounds of donated items to help those in need.
Support PV Cheerleaders by Eating Breakfast Out on Nov. 14
Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebees (Royersford)
Saturday, Nov. 14, from 8 to 10 a.m.
You can buy tickets in advance from Junior Varsity or Varsity Cheerleaders you know or contact Karie Middleton at Karmid09@gmail.com or Christy Berkheiser at cberk@spring-ford.net.
Children $5 and adults $7, or you can also buy tickets at the door.
"Music in the Valley" Show Planned for Oct. 24
On Saturday, Oct. 24, Perkiomen Valley High School will host 10 area high school marching bands at the annual "Music In The Valley" competition. Part of the Cavalcade of Bands Association schedule, "Music In The Valley" is the home exhibition opportunity for the Perkiomen Valley Marching Vikings, who compete in the Yankee Division.
This year's PV show is titled "BoxMusik," an original suite for marching bands featuring the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The show is written and directed by PVHS Band Director David Overholtzer and a staff of music professionals overseeing winds, percussion, color guard and other sections. Thus far in the 2015 competitive season, the Marching Vikings have come in first place in three regional Cavalcade competitions, and are on their way to Championships next month.
Through year-round events like this show, the Cavalcade of Bands provides students with a broad array of educational opportunities for the development of abilities in music and the performing arts.
"Music In The Valley" starts at 6 p.m. on Oct. 24. The PV Marching Vikings will perform at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the gate for $10 (adults) and $7 (seniors and students). In addition, a Family Ticket is available for $30.
PVSD Home & School Coordinating Council Meeting
Thursday, Oct 15, 2015, 09:15 AM
District Office, 3 Iron Bridge Drive, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVSD Policy Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Oct 20, 2015, 07:00 PM
Perkiomen Valley School District: District Office, 3 Iron Bridge Drive, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVSD Athletic Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Oct 21, 2015, 06:30 PM
Perkiomen Valley High School, 509 Gravel Pike, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVSD Superintendent's Roundtable
Wednesday, Oct 21, 2015, 06:30 PM
Perkiomen Valley School District: District Office, 3 Iron Bridge Drive, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVSD Foundation Board Meeting
Tuesday, Oct 27, 2015, 06:30 PM
3 Iron Bridge Drive, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVSD Safety & Operations Committee Meeting
Monday, Nov 2, 2015, 06:00 PM
509 Gravel Pike, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVSD School Board Work Session/Finance Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting
Monday, Nov 2, 2015, 07:30 PM
Perkiomen Valley High School, 509 Gravel Pike, Collegeville, PA, United States
Election Day/PVSD In-Service Day - No School for Students
Tuesday, Nov. 3rd
Where
All Schools
End of Marking Period 1 (Secondary)
Monday, Nov. 9
PVSD School Board Business Meeting
Monday, Nov 9, 2015, 07:30 PM
509 Gravel Pike, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVSD Communications Advisory Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Nov 10, 2015, 03:00 PM
3 Iron Bridge Drive, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVHS Career/Volunteer Fair
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2015, 08:00 AM
509 Gravel Pike, Collegeville, PA, United States
PVSD 21st Century Teaching & Learning Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2015, 07:00 PM
509 Gravel Pike, Collegeville, PA, United States
About Us
Email: jlester@pvsd.org
Website: www.pvsd.org
Location: 3 Iron Bridge Drive, Collegeville, PA, United States
Phone: 610-489-8506
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pvschool
Twitter: @PV_Schools