High School Happenings
*Special Summer Edition* July 13, 2023
High School Happenings- Summer Edition- August 8, 2023
Important Information:
Schedules for 23-24
Student schedules will go live in Powerschool on August 9th (tomorrow!!!). Classes cannot be changed for teacher preference. In the event a schedule is missing a major class, your student should email their school counselor to set up an appointment. An effort was made to have students in one of their elective or alternative choices whenever possible.
Freshman Orientation - Thursday, August 24, 2023
August 24, 2023
Freshman Orientation will run on the morning of August 24th. Freshman Orientation is not mandatory but is encouraged for all incoming 9th grade students and new upper-class students. Students must provide their own transportation.
For Orientation Day ONLY, parents should drop off students via the bus lane in front of the school between 7:30-7:45am. It will be a one way in/ one way out traffic flow to best facilitate drop off. (Normal car line drop off is in the East wing-- this route is only for Freshman Orientation Day!)
Students will report to the auditorium where our student ambassadors will escort them by homeroom to their first session of the day. Students will learn how to read their schedules, will have an opportunity to walk their schedule and see their teachers, participate in get-to-know-you games (students should wear comfortable clothes as they will be playing games in the gym), and visit our activities fair where they can sign up to be part of clubs/ activities. The program concludes at 11:05. For pickup, parents should park in the student lot (Lot B) by 11am and wait for their student to come out to them.
School Begins on Tuesday, August 29
We will see you for the first day of school on Tuesday, August 29!
You can find your bus number and times in Powerschool on Aug 21.
Students attending NMTCC will go on Tuesday, August 29. AM session will go to the cafeteria for homeroom, ID distribution and then will be dismissed to the busses. PM session will leave from the East wing lobby at 11:40 and will be bussed home at the end of the day. (There is one bus that comes back to the high school in case anyone has practice.)
Students must have a parking permit to park on campus. Seniors were issued over the summer.
The Junior lottery is open from 8/7-8/11. Our junior lot can accommodate 44 spots. Announcements of who received a spot and who is on the wait-list will occur the week of August 14. Junior parking tag pickup will be on 8/23 from 10-11am. (Juniors- check your school email! You have until the end of this week to enter!)
Don't forget to check out the summer school work website below -- this applies to all students!
Food Service for Next Year
**IMPORTANT** Our Food Service Program Has Changed-- What Does That Mean For You?
We have moved off of the National School Lunch Program for this school year. That means that we have MANY changes that are important for our students and families to understand.
First, you will see sample menus below. They are color coded -- gold is our standard meal; blue is our premium meal that costs extra. The price for the gold meal is $3.35; the pricing for the premium entree-only is $4.45. (Please note, the menus are samples so you can see what kinds of foods to expect. Final menus will be sent out before school begins.)
Second, we have a coffee bar this year- The Windy Hill Cafe. It will be open before school until 7:30am, and open during lunches. It will be a cashless system and students must have money on their school account/ student ID in order to purchase items from the coffee bar. Students will be getting a new ID on the first day of school to use this year.
(See directions for adding $ onto your child's account below.)
My School Account.com Instructions
Please visit this site for step by step instructions on how to set up your student's point of sale debit account and manage your account at myschoolaccount.com. From this unique website, you can view your child's lunch account activity and add money to the account as often as you wish. PLEASE NOTE: If your child's ID number starts with a zero, you must leave off the first zero when beginning the search. For example, if the student ID number is 012345, type in 12345, leaving off the first zero.
Questions? Contact Michele Pischl, Aramark's Food Services Director at Methacton. Ms. Pischl can be reached at Mpischl@methacton.org, or by calling 610-489-5000, ext. 30408
Procedural Updates
Cell Phone Usage at the High School
Our teachers will be clearly communicating their procedures for cell phone usage in the classroom at the beginning of the school year. We respectfully request students follow the classroom procedures outlined by the teacher as cell phones ended the year as a large distraction in the classrooms. We appreciate your support on this matter.
9th Grade Class Congress Elections
Attention Incoming Freshmen:
Interested in being a Class Officer? Please find our elections timeline below:
- Between September 5th and September 8th - Students interested in applying for officer positions must apply through their class sponsors, Mrs. Emery and Mrs. Dunbar. The hard-copy application must be handed in to the sponsors by the end of the day on September 8.
- September 11-15- Students will need to make a campaign video through our TV studio with Mr. Clark. Speeches should run no longer than 60 seconds. Speeches should be emailed to Mr. Clark (wclark@methacton.org) as attached rich text files one day in advance so that he can prep them in the teleprompter.
- September 20 - Videos will be viewed in English classes and elections would be done via google form with voting closing on Sept 21.
- September 21- We will announce winners. A meeting will be scheduled shortly thereafter for Homecoming planning.
Information for the Start of the School Year (Powerpoint)
Logistical Information
Parents,
This is information I have previously shared but I put it in a different format and put it all in one place for ease for you. After looking through this, if you have any specific questions about your child, please reach out to your grade level administrator:
- Gr 9, Last Names A-FP & Gr 11 - Dr. Kochenour: kkochenour@methacton.org
- Gr 9, Last Names Fr-Nf & Gr 10- Mr. Bontempo: dbontempo@methacton.org
- Gr 9, Last Names Ng-Z & Gr 12- Dr. Spiewak: pspiewak@methacton.org
We Need Your Help!
Information from Home and School
We can't thank our Home and School enough for their amazing support throughout the year. Even with kids in high school, we still need you! Below please find three opportunities to support our school:
Previously Shared Information:
School Supplies
What do you NEED for your student for the start of the year?
Your student needs to figure out a system of organization. Please have the conversation with them about how they want to take notes in class. Do they want a notebook for each class or just one with different sections for each class? Do they want a binder with dividers? Do they want to use folders for each class? Whatever system works for you, works for us!
One thing that you should definitely discuss is their system of recording homework. Some want an assignment book, some want to utilize Google Keep. Again, whatever system works for you and your student works for us, but figuring that out in advance of the start of school will set everyone up for success.
Expectations for what each student should bring to school every day:
Pens, pencils, something to write on (paper/ notebook), something to hold papers (folder/ binder), assignment book, calculator, Chromebook and charger, and student ID (they will get a new ID once school begins).
For physical education- students need to change into a crew neck t-shirt (full length, not cropped), shorts or sweatpants, and sneakers that tie. Students need a bathing suit and towel when they have swimming.
Teachers may have specific needs for their classes (the majority do not). They will share that when school begins at the end of August and will provide ample time for you to get whatever is needed.
School Counselor Update
Dear Methacton Families,
In June, Mrs. Cindy Hartson retired after 22 years with the Methacton School District. She served our students as a high school counselor and as the Secondary Counseling Department Coordinator. Mr. William Peck has been selected to replace Mrs. Hartson as the department coordinator. We are also thrilled to welcome Ms. Lauren Wells as a school counselor with the high school team.
With these changes, we need to realign the counselor/student distribution. As of July 1, the new student distribution is as follows:
- Mr. William Peck – Students whose last name begins A to B
- Mrs. Roxane Henning – Students whose last name begins C to Fp
- Mrs. Lianne Langan – Students whose last name begins Fr to Ki
- Mr. David Ruminski – Students whose last name begins Kj to Nf
- Mr. Robert Howard – Students whose last name begins Ng to Sc
- Ms. Lauren Wells – Students whose last name begins Sd to Z
With regards to senior letters of recommendation, the counseling office will work closely with you and our students to help navigate through the college selection and application process. Each counselor utilizes “brag sheets” as well as surveys to assist in the letter writing. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your counselor. We are here to assist you and we appreciate all your support and understanding as we navigate these changes. The counselors look forward to an excellent year in working with the Methacton students and their families.
Final Sitting of Senior Portraits for the Class of 2024
Attention Seniors and Parents/Guardians of Seniors!
It’s time to start thinking about your senior portraits!
Lifetouch will be hosting the third and final sitting for senior portraits: (Please note, we have not yet received the updated flyer for the Sept. sitting from Lifetouch. The flyer below is from the July sitting. We will send the updated one as soon as we receive it.)
- Sept 18, Sept 19, Sept 21, and Sept 22 (LGI)- enter through the outside door to the LGI.
Sign ups are through Lifetouch (not MHS)-- Click on the website below, scroll down to "Step 1. Locate Your School" and enter State: Pennsylvania, and City: Norristown. Methacton High School will pop up. You will get an individual code for your child and will be able to schedule their appointment from there.
Summer School Work
For all students in grades 9-12:
Summer Office Hours
Need working papers? Need to pick up a book for your upcoming AP course?
The East Wing office (carline pickup side) is our hub for the summer. No one is in the main office during the summer months. We are available in the East office on Mondays-Thursdays from 8am-11am and 1pm-4pm. Given vacation schedules of the office staff, it is always safest to call to make an appointment before coming over: 610-489-5000 ext: 25058.
STUDENT PARKING PASSES
Attention Seniors-- Senior Parking Information Below
The Senior parking pass sticker distribution date was Tuesday, July 11th at 8:00 am to 11:00 am in the HS auditorium lobby. The second senior distribution date was August 9 from 8-10am in the auditorium lobby. If you missed both of these pickup windows, please email Mrs. O’Neil at koneil@methacton.org or stop down to the East Wing Athletic/Activities Office.
Attention Juniors -- Junior Parking Information Below
The directions for registering for the Junior parking lottery (44 spots) was sent to your school email on 8/2. The lottery is open from 8/7-8/11 (only juniors with a valid driver's license are eligible to participate). Announcements of those who received a spot and those that are on the wait-list will occur the week of August 14. Junior parking tag pickup will be on Aug 23 from 10-11am in the east wing office.
Sports Registration for 2023-2024 School Year
Important registration info for next school year:
All info can also be found online at https://methactonwarriors.org/ - Go to the "Athletic Training" tab, use the drop down menu and select "Athletic Registration"
Methacton School District utilizes Student Central for athletic registrations and form submissions. The online registration platform allows Methacton students and families grades 7-12 to complete all required athletic department forms in order to play a sport for the district. All forms must be submitted and approved prior to any sport participation of your intended season.
The full link to Student Central can be found here: https://studentcentral.bigteams.com/?keyword=%2Fuser%2Fsignin&schoolID=0
The PIAA physical form must be printed out and taken to your physician to be completed and signed no earlier than June 1 of the academic year in which you are participating. The PIAA requires their form be used, no other versions of a physical form will be accepted. Please click the link below for a copy of the PIAA sports packet (physical form is section 6). Any physical forms other than the PIAA form will not be approved for athletic participation.
PIAA Registration Packet - http://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/PIAA_CIPPE_FORMS_SECTION(S)_1_-_10(1).pdf
Deadline for completion of registration forms:
Fall Season - August 3, 2023
Winter Season - November 9, 2023
Spring Season - February 22, 2024
Pay to Participate Information:
All info can also be found online at https://methactonwarriors.org/ - Go to the "Pay to Participate" tab
Methacton Athletics requires a Participation fee be paid for ATHLETICS, FALL PLAY & SPRING MUSICAL, MARCHING OR JAZZ BAND, WINTER GUARD & PERCUSSION ONLY.
Pay to participate fees are a ONE TIME ONLY fee per participating student for the full academic year. Fees can be paid online and/or by cash or check.
- Checks should be made out to Methacton School District.
- For online payments, please use the following link: https://www.methacton.org/Page/659
When are fees due?
Fees should be paid NO EARLIER than July 1st of the academic year in which you are participating. Fees are due two weeks after the tryout period for each sport season.
Deadline for participation fees (two weeks after tryouts):
- Fall season: August 28, 2023
- Winter season: December, 1, 2023
- Spring season: March 18, 2024
Cheerleading
Interested in joining the cheer team?
Have questions? Please send a message to the contact us page on the Methacton Warriors website and we will get your message directly to the coach.
Link: https://methactonwarriors.org/main/contact/
Boys Cross Country
Boys cross country tryouts will take place Monday August 14th at 7:30 AM on the HS track.
You can direct any questions to Coach Savitz via email: ssavitz@methacton.org
Preseason workouts will be organized through the group "Remind". To sign up, text the message: @mhsbxc to the number 81010
Girls Cross Country
Interested in joining the girls cross country team?
Have questions? Please send a message to the contact us page on the Methacton Warriors website and we will get your message directly to the coach.
Link: https://methactonwarriors.org/main/contact/
Field Hockey
Interested in joining the field hockey team?
You can direct any questions to Coach Parrezzi via email: aparrezzi@methacton.org
Football
Heat Acclimation Week will begin Monday, August 7th. There will be a kickoff meeting in the HS LGI at 10:00am.
Preseason practice will continue the following week, Monday 8/14 - Friday 8/18
Have questions? Please send a message to the contact us page on the Methacton Warriors website and we will get your message directly to the coach.
Link: https://methactonwarriors.org/main/contact/
Boys Golf
The Boys Golf team will hold tryouts Monday 8/14, Tuesday 8/15 and Wednesday 8/16 at 12:00pm. Location is Skippack Golf Course.
Please check the Methacton Warriors website (https://methactonwarriors.org/) under Varsity Boys golf page for any updates or changes, especially the week of 8/7.
Have questions? Please send a message to the contact us page on the Methacton Warriors website and we will get your message to the coach.
Link: https://methactonwarriors.org/main/contact/
Girls Golf
The Girls Golf Team will hold tryouts tryouts Monday 8/14, Tuesday 8/15 and Wednesday 8/16 at 9:00am. Location is Skippack Golf Course.
Please check the Methacton Warriors website (https://methactonwarriors.org/) under Varsity Boys golf page for any updates or changes, especially the week of 8/7.
Have questions? Please send a message to the contact us page on the Methacton Warriors website and we will get your message to the coach.
Link: https://methactonwarriors.org/main/contact/
Boys Soccer
Interested in joining the boys soccer team?
Have questions? Please send a message to the contact us page on the Methacton Warriors website and we will get your message directly to the coach.
Link: https://methactonwarriors.org/main/contact/
Girls Soccer
Girls soccer tryouts will take place on the Auxiliary turf field at the HS. Dates and times are below:
Monday 8/14: 8:30am-3:00pm
Tuesday 8/15 - Friday 8/18: 9am-3pm
Have questions? Please send a message to the contact us page on the Methacton Warriors website and we will get your message directly to the coach.
Link: https://methactonwarriors.org/main/contact/
Girls Tennis
Interested in joining the girls tennis team?
Have questions? Please send a message to the contact us page on the Methacton Warriors website and we will get your message directly to the coach.
Link: https://methactonwarriors.org/main/contact/
Volleyball
Volleyball tryouts will take place in the main gym at the HS. Dates and times are below:
Monday 8/14 - Tryouts from 8:00-10:00 and 12:00-2:00
Tuesday 8/15 - Tryouts from 8:00-10:00. First official practice from 12:00-3:00
Wednesday 8/15 - Friday 8/17 - Practice 5:00-8:00pm for varsity, 5:00-7:00pm for JV
Have questions? Please send a message to the contact us page on the Methacton Warriors website and we will get your message directly to the coach.
From the School Counseling Office...
Please find important information from our School Counseling Office:
FALL 2023 SAT Registration Dates Have Been Released:
Go to your College Board account to register.
Test Dates:
- August 26- register by July 28
- October 7- register by September 7
- November 4- register by October 5
- December 2- register by November 2
Methacton High School Look Ahead
Upcoming Events (subject to change):
August 9- Schedules are live in Powerschool
August 14- Fall sports begin
August 21- Bus assignments are in Powerschool
August 24- Freshman Orientation in the AM
August 29- First Day of School!
September 1- No School
September 4- Labor Day, No School
September 12- Back to School Night- grades 9&10- 6:30pm-8:30pm
September 14- Home and School Meeting- 9:15am-10:15am
September 20- Back to School Night- grades 11 & 12- 6:30-8:30pm
September 25- Yom Kippur, No School
October 7- SATs at MHS
October 9- Inservice Day, No School
October 11- PSAT day: gr 10&11; Career Day at MHS: gr 9; College Visit/Work Study/ Community Service offsite: gr 12.
October 12- Home and School Meeting- 7pm-8pm
October 16-20- Spirit Week! (Details to follow)
October 20- Homecoming
October 21- Homecoming Dance, 6:00-8:30pm
October 31- Halloween Costume Contest at Lunches