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A message from the Superintendent
Weekly Communication
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October 4, 2023
Dear PV Families,
Happy October! I have two topics to inform you about. Feel free to reach out with questions.
The first topic is full day kindergarten. The District has been actively engaged in the exploration of a full day kindergarten program. On Monday, October 2, Dr. Smith presented information to the Board during its work session. Based on all that has been considered, administration is recommending the implementation of full day kindergarten in the 24-25 school year. Many factors have been taken into account in arriving at this recommendation.
As part Monday's presentation, Special Presentation to the BoSD - Full Day Kindergarten - Oct. 2, facilities and the space for additional kindergarten classes were discussed. As the research into possibilities was shared, Dr. Smith mentioned that one of the brainstorming ideas involved a shift in grade alignments at the elementary and middle schools (i.e., move 5th grade out of the elementary schools and create a 5/6 building and a 7/8 building). This information has quickly raised questions from some parents about "what might be..." Please know, this is not part of the current recommendation.
If full day kindergarten is approved by the School Board on Tuesday, October 10, administration's planning efforts will focus on curriculum development, furniture and equipment requirements, transportation, and staffing needs. The prospect is exciting and as information becomes available over the course of the school year, it will be shared.
In other news, I would like to provide an update regarding the investigation of the events that led to an early dismissal on September 21. On that date, a number of District personnel received a threatening email, a bomb threat to the high school and district office, which was the subject of an investigation by law enforcement. Regrettably, there is uncertainty surrounding the possibility of determining the true origin of this message. Additionally, it has come to our attention that the swatting messages, circulating nationally on the same day, were traced back to another country.
The District actively reviews our emergency response protocols, and remains focused on strengthening procedures and processes. Safety remains our utmost priority, and in collaboration with local law enforcement, our security department, and other agencies, we are committed to considering all that we can do to provide the most secure environments for our students and staff.
Enjoy the long holiday weekend!
Go Phillies! #RedOctober
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara A. Russell
Superintendent
- Celebrations and Unity Day
- Activities & Happenings
- Board Work Session 10/2/23 - Summary
- Superintendent Roundtables
- Community Education - Fall 2023
- Community Bulletin Board
- Important District Dates
Unity Day- WEAR ORANGE
Unity Day, the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, fosters a sense of togetherness in advocating for kindness, inclusivity, and acceptance as essential tools for preventing bullying in all environments.
Wear ORANGE, a color symbolizing warmth and safety, on Wednesday, October 18 to express your support!
Activities & Happenings
View our monthly collection of Activities & Happenings from across the district!
Thank you to our Building News Coordinators for their contributions: Mrs. Komara (EG), Mrs. Ledford (SCH), Mrs. Jacobson (SK), Ms. Derstine (SO), Mrs. Kratz (MSE), Mrs. Muscatello (MSW), and Mr. Komp (HS).
Board Work Session - Summary from 10/2
Dr. Smith shared a "Special Presentation" to include information about the possibility of a full day kindergarten program. Administration is recommending the program be implemented in the 24-25 school year. The School Board will consider approval during its Business meeting on Tuesday, October 10.
Two policies connected to restroom and locker use were presented for approval: Policy 720, Use of Restroom and Locker Room Facilities, and Policy 103.2, Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students. Policy 720 was approved indicating that restroom usage will be based on biological sex.
There was no Education Committee of the Whole (ECTW) presentation this month.
The Finance Committee of the Whole (FCTW) focused on several updates and purchase requests including an ESCO Update, Capital Projects Update, and information regarding the 2024-2025 Budget Timeline.
Superintendent Roundtables
The first Coffee & Conversation Superintendent Roundtable for the 23-24 school year was held today. The turnout was impressive! We look forward to additional opportunities to interact and plan to hold the next roundtable discussion during evening hours. Our aim is to accommodate everyone's schedules by alternating between morning and evening sessions, ensuring that all interested parties have the chance to participate. Your input and involvement are highly valued, and we look forward to further productive discussions. Look for upcoming dates to be published in the next newsletter.
ABOUT Superintendent Roundtables: Do you have thoughts on a school-related topic? Would you like to engage with the superintendent about your child's school experience? If so, please feel free to attend any one or more of this year's Superintendent Roundtables for coffee and conversation.
These meetings are open to the public.
Online Community Bulletin Board
Wondering about family and community events in the area? Curious to learn about local sports clubs and other opportunities? Visit our online Community Bulletin Board!
Learn about:
- Vets & Pets Family Event
- Kids Fitness Boxing
-
Trunk or Treat
Holiday Marketplace
- and more!
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.
Upcoming District Dates
- Monday, October 9: Act 80 Day - No School for Students
- Tuesday, October 10: Board Business Meeting @7pm
- Wednesday, October 11: Asynchronous Day HIGH SCHOOL ONLY
- Tuesday, October 17: Policy Committee @6pm
- Wednesday, October 18: Unity Day - Wear Orange
National School Lunch Week (10/9-13)
National School Bus Safety Week (10/16-20)
23-24 v3 10/4/2023
www.pvsd.org/about/superintendent
Perkiomen Valley School District
3 Iron Bridge Drive, Collegeville, PA
(610) 489-8506
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