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West Word
An Update from Perkiomen Valley Middle School West
A Word From Mr. Creeden
Winter break has begun, and I want to wish you and yours a happy and joyful holiday season as well as a Happy New Year. It was been an exciting and very productive school year. I am very proud of our staff and students for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to making Middle School West an enjoyable and supportive environment to learn and grow. It is very rewarding to see so many of our students performing on stage during our winter concerts, competing on our many athletic teams, participating in our many clubs & activities, and working hard in their academic classes on a daily basis. Students from our 7th and 8th grade band spread holiday cheer throughout our hallways this afternoon. See below for a brief video of their wonderful performance. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in 2024 as we continue to provide all students with a safe, enjoyable, engaging, and successful learning environment at West.
Quick Snapshot📸
- What's Up @ West
- Upcoming iReady and LinkIt Benchmark Assessments at West
- MLK Day of Service at Perkiomen Valley
- Attendance Announcement📢
- Family Meal Boxes
- After School Clubs & Activities @ West
- After School Athletic/Activity Transportation
- West School Store
- Order Your 23/24 Yearbook Early and Save!
- 23/24 PV Middle School Handbook
- Raptor System
- PV West Athletic Update
- Tween Talk Group
- School Cafe
- Community Education Registration
- Virtual Parent Support Group
- Be Part of the Conversation - Upcoming Programs
- Safe2Say
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- PV West on Social Media
- Community Bulletin Board
- West Weeks At A Glance
- HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
What's Up @ West
Still Life
The term “still life” describes a work of art that shows inanimate objects from the natural or man-made world, such as fruit, flowers, and/or vessels like baskets or bowls. The magic of still life art is that it can show us a new way of looking at the ordinary objects around us. Once they are placed into a specific arrangement and then captured in paint, ink, pastel, or any other medium - the objects take on a whole new meaning. They are imbued with a life beyond the ordinary.
Students in Marla DiCicco's seventh grade art classes created their own still life pieces with plastic fruit and ceramic pottery using soft pastel. Kate Tell and Ava Felty display their superior examples.
Little Viking Story Time
Eighth grader Matthew Schellinger practiced his reading skills during a story time for the tikes in the IU Pre-K Counts program. Studies show that older children often build confidence and critical literacy skills when they read to younger children. Our little Vikings are thrilled to be read to by their older West classmates!
WeVideo
Seventh grade students in Mr. Zacharias' Technology and Innovations classes were given the opportunity to explore WeVideo this week. WeVideo is an online, cloud-based video editing platform that works in web browsers and on mobile devices. Working individually or in groups, the students planned and recorded an instructional video of their choice. By using multimedia in the classroom, students develop collaboration, critical thinking, creative and problem-solving skills.
Gingerbread House Contest
The West library held its first annual Paper Gingerbread House contest this month. Librarian Lauren Piccione invited students to pick up a printed template to design or they could create their own! Gingerbread house submissions were due by December 21st with voting taking place on Friday, December 22nd. Seventh graders Colin Arnold and Lexi Alderfer, won first place and sixth grader Caitlin Bochanski was the runner-up. Each of the winners received a Target gift card. Congratulations!
Upcoming iReady and LinkIt Benchmark Assessments at West
To continue learning about our student's level of understanding in Math and ELA, they will be participating in some upcoming assessments during the first week in January. Some assessments will be given in class while others may be scheduled outside of their class time. The data received from these assessments will provide teachers with information to better inform their planning and instruction. The data will also allow students to know what areas in Math and ELA are strengths and areas that can be improved. Maximizing instructional time for our students is paramount and performance data supports our teaching staff in designing more purposeful and targeted instruction. Our goal is to make sure that every child is on target for success, and we thank you for your continued efforts at home. Please see below for more information about each assessment. If you have any questions please reach out to Jen Moylan, our West MTSS Facilitator, at jmoylan@pvsd.org.
iReady Diagnostic Math Assessment - Given in Math classes between the dates of 1/2 and 1/10
i-Ready Diagnostic is the heart of the i-Ready Assessment suite. The diagnostic evaluation prepares and equips teachers by delivering actionable data that addresses the first part of the learning process—knowing exactly where each student is. The testing assessments manifests the core belief that all students can grow and achieve grade-level expectations. These diagnostic assessment tools help educators see where students are, set high—but achievable—expectations for growth, and connect the right instructional tools to help them get there.
LinkIt Benchmark Math & ELA Assessments - Given on Tuesday January 3rd (ELA) and Wednesday January 4th (Math)
The LinkIt! Benchmark assessments help teachers determine student progress on specific topics in Language Arts and Math that are expected learning in a particular grade level/course. The LinkIt! assessments indicate progress on state standards, assisting teachers to target areas of instruction. LinkIt! Benchmarks will occur a minimum of two times during the school year.
MLK Day of Service at Perkiomen Valley
We are looking forward to the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 15th and hope you can join us! See below for information about the variety of opportunities for our families, including In Person and Take Home options.
This year's event features both In Person and Take Home opportunities. The Day of Service will take place in the Perkiomen Valley High School Cafeteria from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm. The day is broken into two sessions, 9 am & 11 am, where elementary and middle school students can take part in educational and service activities to benefit both local and international organizations.
If you are unable to join us for the In Person opportunities, we are offering a limited number of Take Home service projects for both elementary and middle school students. To participate in the Take Home activities, select the Take Home option in the sign up link below.
Join Us!
Select the link below to sign up for either In Person or Take Home opportunities (elementary and middle school levels).
Please note:
- This is a FREE event. (choose "other" on the registration where it asks if you want to make a donation to the PV Foundation and then finish your registration)
- Participants are asked to choose only one option: In Person or Take Home.
- Spaces are limited and subject to availability.
- Sign up for Take Home options will close on January 9th so that materials can be distributed.
- Sign up for In Person will be open through January 16th.
Please contact Patti Colucci, PV School Social Worker at: PColucci@pvsd.org or 267-346-2367 for additional information.
Attendance Announcement📢
It's that time of year again when all the absences start to pile up. Between illness and obligations there is always so much happening this time of year. Please know that we understand how life throws curveballs and sometimes absence communication is not feeling like a top priority. Please know that we are here to help! A quick email to mswattendance@pvsd.org with your student's name and a brief reason for their absence is typically all we need to get that absence excused. Please refer to the PV District Attendance Policy here - PV District Attendance for details. Always feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns as well. Don't forget to fill out trip forms for appropriate absences. Find that form on the PVSD.org website.
Happy Holidays!
Kacie Kaufmann, kkaufmann@pvsd.org
Middle School West Attendance/Counseling Secretary
After School Clubs & Activities @ West
Math Lab
Homework Club
Homework Club will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30pm in our Large Group Instruction room. 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 the Library after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Students attending Homework Club that need to take the 4:00 activity bus must sign up for the activity bus before 10:00am on the day of Homework Club. See below for more information about signing up for the activity bus.
The CAUSE Club
The CAUSE (Connecting And Uniting Students to Empower) is a student leadership group that works collaboratively to educate the larger school community on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as to support the individual club members. Students joining The CAUSE Club will meet every other Tuesday to collaborate, plan, create, and help make positive change in our school community. If you are interested in joining The CAUSE Club please email Mrs. Moreno at tmoreno@pvsd.org.
After School Athletic/Activity Transportation
- 4:00pm Departure (outside main office) - Monday through Thursday.
- 5:00pm Departure (outside gym entrance) - Monday through Thursday. The 5:00 activity bus will begin running on Fridays starting after Thanksgiving break.
For each day students intend to take either the 4:00pm or 5:00pm 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.
West School Store
The West School Store is open and ready for all of your school needs. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 - 7:40am in the Cafeteria. Students can purchase school supplies such as pencils (regular and mechanical), erasers, highlighters, and whiteboard markers. The store also has earbuds and PV West water bottles. Students can make their purchases in the cafeteria as they arrive in the morning and before they go to homeroom.
Order Your 23/24 Yearbook Early and Save!
23/24 PV Middle School Handbook
- Attendance (pg. 8)
- Educational Trips (pg. 9)
- Dress Code (pg. 13)
- Parent Questions/Concerns (pg. 20)
- Personal Equipment (pg. 20)
- Procedure for Administration of Medications in School (pg. 32)
Raptor System
PV West Athletic Update
This past fall the Middle School West Girls' Cross Country team went undefeated and placed in 2nd at the middle school PAC championships. Congratulations to the girls' cross country team for this great accomplishment. Please see a photo below of the team.
Middle School West 8th Grade Girls' Basketball; Head Coach: Alesia Davis
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday January 3rd - Home vs. Pottstown Middle School @ 3:30pm
Friday January 5th - Away vs. Pottsgrove Middle School @ 3:45pm
Middle School West 7th Grade Girls' Basketball; Head Coach: Alesia Davis
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday January 3rd - Home vs. Pottstown Middle School @ 4:30pm
Friday January 5th - Away vs. Pottsgrove Middle School @ 4:45pm
Middle School West 8th Grade Boys' Basketball Head Coach: Reynone Frederick
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday January 3rd - Away vs. Pottstown Middle School @ 3:30pm
Friday January 5th - Home vs. Pottsgrove Middle School @ 3:30pm
Middle School West 7th Grade Boys' Basketball Head Coach: Nagash Cockburn
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday January 3rd - Away vs. Pottstown Middle School @ 4:30pm
Friday January 5th - Home vs. Pottsgrove Middle School @ 4:30pm
Middle School Boys' Wrestling Head Coach: Kyle Barnes
Wednesday January 3rd - Home vs. Phoenixville Area Middle School @ 3:30pm
Middle School Girls' Wrestling Head Coach: Mike Moyano
Mike Moyano is the Head Coach for the inaugural season of Girls Wrestling at PV. Coach Moyano has coached boys and girls wrestling for almost 25 years, most recently at Pope John Paul II last year where he grew the program from just 6 athletes to 18. Originally from California, Coach Moyano moved to the area with his wife, Denise, and their two children, Michael and Samantha in 2020. They love their new home and the opportunities to be part of the community. Coach Moyano owns a sports card shop, "What's Hot Cards & Collectibles" in Limerick, and has a passion for all sports, especially the San Francisco Giants. When asked about what brought him to PV, Coach Moyano said, "I came to PV because I'm excited about the opportunity to start a new program and tradition at the school. Wrestling is a sport that teaches lessons that the athletes will carry with them the rest of their lives, and I'm passionate about building a legacy that our student-athletes can be proud of when they graduate."
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
School Cafe
School Cafe is a secure, online system that can be used by parents to make payments to their child’s cafeteria meal accounts, to review student buying history, and to set low-balance alerts. If you already have an account, you may log in to School Cafe using the button below. For more information on how to set up an account, please review the documents below.
Virtual Parent Support Group
Embark Behavioral Health continues to expand our services to meet the growing need to teen and young adult mental health needs throughout our country. With incidents of depression in adolescents up by 216% since 2006 and suicide as the 2nd leading cause of death for our preteen youth, it is our responsibility to act now and act quickly. In partnership with all of you, we can reverse this youth mental health crisis and change the trajectory of the next generation.
Continuing on our mission to be the leader in driving teen and young adult depression, anxiety, and suicide rates from all-time highs to all-time lows, Embark Behavioral Health is proud to offer our FREE Monthly Virtual Multi-family Support Group. This structured group, led by a licensed clinician is open to the public (ages 18+) and assists with the challenges that many loved ones and caregivers face while caring for someone with a behavioral health concern.
Please see the flyer below for more info about Embark Behavioral Health and the free monthly virtual multi-family support group.
Be Part of the Conversation - Upcoming Programs
Be a Part of the Conversation equips families and communities in Pennsylvania with skills and resources to understand substance use, addiction, and related health issues. We provide community programs, foster supportive connections, highlight lived experiences, and challenge stigma.
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.
Safe2Say
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Did you know that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisit Lifeline?
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.
https://988lifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/
The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
PV West on Social Media
We would love to have you join our social media accounts to stay updated on the latest West news and happenings. Please see below on where to find each of our accounts.
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 December 25th - Monday January 1st - School Closed (Winter Break)
Tuesday January 3rd - ELA LinkIt Benchmark Assessments in Homeroom; Homework Club @ 2:30pm in LGI
Wednesday January 4th - Math LinkIt Benchmark Assessments in Homeroom
Thursday January 5th - Homework Club @ 2:30pm in LGI; PVSD Assessment Committee Meeting @ 5pm in District Office; PVSD Safety & Operations Committee Meeting @ 6:30 in District Office