Falcon Flash
May 26, 2023
Principal Message
Good Evening Stetson Families,
As we countdown to the final days of the school year, I wanted to just reiterate a key date regarding our 8th Grade Celebration Ceremony. Our 8th Grade Celebration Ceremony will be held on June 5th (rain or shine) from 10am-12pm at Stetson Middle School. If the weather permits, we will host the ceremony around the back of Stetson on the football field. Should the weather not cooperate, we will adjust the ceremony to take place inside our gymnasium during that time. We will send out a School Messenger with specific logistics and details regarding the ceremony no later than Friday June 2nd.
Our music department wrapped up a phenomenal concert season this year with fantastic band and chorus concerts this week. I would like to personally thank our Music Department for all of their hard work with our students this year and helping them pursue their passions and growth musically and socially. We hope their trip to Hershey today was as sweet as they deserved.
As we head into this long weekend, it is important that we remember the significance of why we have a long weekend. Memorial Day is a day where we celebrate and honor all of America's fallen soldier's in battle. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. As we enjoy the extra time off and time with our families this weekend, let us remember what this extra day off is really all about.
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Puchalla
Principal
Calendar -- Look Ahead and Plan
Monday, May 29th-- (NO SCHOOL -- MEMORIAL DAY)
Tuesday, May 30th--Day 4 ***Falcon Period***
Wednesday, May 31st-- Day 5
Thursday, June 1st-- Day 6 ***Falcon Period***
Friday, June 2nd-- Day 1 (8th Grade Dance)
Monday, June 5th -- Day 2
Tuesday, June 6th--Day 3 ***Falcon Period***
Wednesday, June 7th-- Day 4
Thursday, June 8th-- Day 5 ***Falcon Period***
Friday, June 9th-- Day 6 (HALF DAY FOR STUDENTS)
Hoops for Heart Results
I am very pleased to announced that we had another incredible Hoops for Heart event this year at Stetson. A huge shoutout and thank you to our Physical Education Department for organizing this event for our school. The students had a great time competing and raising money for a great cause.
Stetson’s 2023 “Hoops for Heart” grand total: $5,916.78 for The American Heart Association.
Yearbook Ordering (Final Reminder)
If you forgot to pre-order a yearbook, there will be a limited supply sold in the cafeteria on June 7th and June 8th before homeroom! Books will be sold for $45. You may write a check to “Josten’s Yearbooks” or bring exact cash! No one is promised a yearbook, it is first come, first serve and yearbooks cannot be reserved. Please let Miss Verna know if you have any questions at sverna@wcasd.net!
Social Media Reminder
Parents,
As we head into the last remaining bit of the school year, I would like to ask your help in just checking in with your students regarding social media posts. Usually around the end of the school year we see an increase in social media issues and the impact that they have inside the school building. Please have a conversation with your child about appropriate communication and posting in regards to their peers and friends within the school community. We strongly emphasize our PRIDE motto to our students and extend that conversation into interactions outside of the building as well. Thank you for your support!
Spirit Week 5/30 - 6/2
During the week of May 29th – June 2nd, Stetson will be celebrating Pride week. This annual celebration occurs across the country to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for LGBTQ people. This celebration is designed to create a sense of belonging for our students and to foster an environment of inclusivity. During that week, Stetson students can participate in spirit days and understand the importance of treating others with respect and kindness through schoolwide announcements. We hope this awareness will encourage our students to find similarities while accepting and celebrating our differences.
Spirit Day Themes
Tuesday, 5/30: Reign the day! Dress like royalty…crowns, tiaras and your finest attire!
Wednesday, 5/31: Wednesdays we wear pink!
Thursday, 6/1: Born this Way! Wear something that represents you! (activity/sports related, favorite color, clubs)
Friday, 6/2: Wear your Pride gear! Wear the colors of the rainbow!*
*Note: Flags are not to be worn as capes or attached to your bodies in any way.
Dress Code Policy Reminder
Friendly reminder regarding the WCASD Dress Code Policy:
Students are expected to wear clothing appropriate for school. Unacceptable attire includes, but is not limited to, attire that is unsafe, unhealthy, disruptive, offensive to generally acceptable community standards, or contains obscene language; any clothing that reveals undergarments; torn clothing or clothing with holes in it; and tight fitting outfits that are inappropriate and/or revealing. During the school year and summer school, the following applies to male and female students:
1. Tops
a. Shirts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts shall not have inappropriate slogans, words, pictures, alcohol/smoking advertisements, etc.
b. No tank tops, no tops that show the midriff or cleavage, and no see-through tops shall be permitted.
2. Pants/Shorts/Dresses/Skirts
a. Dresses, shorts, and skirts shall be at an appropriate length, which has been determined to be no shorter than midway between the knee and the top of the leg.
b. No pants/sweatpants/shorts/etc. with writing located in inappropriate places are permitted.
c. Pants shall be appropriately sized and worn at the waist, and no lower than the top of the hips.
d. Undergarments shall not be displayed.
e. Pajamas shall not be permitted.
3. Outerwear
a. Coats, hats, hoods, scarves, and the like shall not be worn in the school building, except for religious reasons.
4. Footwear
a. No bedroom slippers shall be permitted.
b. Laces on shoes shall be secured.
c. Any footwear that poses a safety hazard shall not be permitted.
5. Other
a. No chain link belts.
b. Spike jewelry, chains or any other jewelry that could cause injury or constitute a hazard are not permitted.
8th Grade Dance Information
Please see the attached letter regarding the 8th grade dance on Friday June 2 from 6:30-9:00 at Stetson. We are excited to see all of our students enjoying themselves and celebrating the end of their middle school careers.
***NEW*** Stetson School Spirit Store
We have set up an online store for families to purchase Stetson apparel that can be delivered directly to your room. We look forward to seeing students wearing these items around the building!
Store Link: https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/stetson-middle-school
New--Falcon Flyer Spring 2023 Edition
Stetson Athletics
Stetson Spring Tennis
All…welcome back to our Stetson Tennis Program held at Rustin High School!
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with a rain make-up of Thursday, except the week of May 29th – we will do Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday with a rain make-up of Friday.
May 8th to June 7th
3:30 to 5:00
All levels welcome, co-ed and open to all 3 grades,
we will be limiting numbers to 24 players per week.
***Students must provide their own transportation***
Stetson Clubs and Opportunities
Stetson Library Summer Book Exchange
Stetson Library is planning a book exchange for the summer.
If you have middle or elementary school appropriate books at home that you no longer want, please donate them for our exchange.
There is a collection box outside the library.
We will collect throughout May. In June, we will distribute books for students to keep.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Stetson Library Books
All Library materials will be due by June 2nd. Please help us get library books back so that we can begin summer checkout. Currently we have over 200 books checked out. Thank you for supporting Stetson Library
Book Give-Away
Many thanks for the donations of books for our giveaway! Thanks also to PTO for helping us get some new books to include. Our giveaway will occur during English classes beginning on June 5th. Students are allowed to take one middle school level book to keep.
We also have a number of children’s books, which will also be available to students. Students must take a middle school level book if they want to select one or two children’s books as well.
Stetson Community Night: Union Game (PTO Organized)
Stetson Middle School families!
Stetson MS is partnering with the Philadelphia Union on a school night out this season! Families can purchase tickets the game on Wednesday, May 31st on Charlotte FC.
With Union tickets at an all-time high demand, we are opening this up well in advance. Tickets for the game are almost sold out and only about 75 tickets left. The Union do expect to sell out this game soon by the weekend so please purchase today.
Purchase your tickets ASAP at the following link: https://fevo.me/40bBpew
Questions? Contact Alex Carrington with the Union directly at 610-497-8796 or acarrington@philadelphiaunion.com.
Hope to see you at Subaru Park!
6th Grade Kindness Club
Kindness Club created post-its with positive messaging and put them on random lockers to celebrate 1-4-3 Day. This occurs on the 143rd day of the year, begun by Mr Rogers, as a day to practice kindness.
Kindness Club will have one final meeting this year, but we are looking forward to spreading more kindness when we return to school in the fall.
Stetson PTO Information
PTO welcomes new Board Members for the 2022-23 school year:
Patty Arabia, Vicki Babylon, Julie Finnegan, Jamie Grant, Dee Hurford, and Lindsey Rauch. We are asking families to consider making a contribution to the PTO, so we can continue to bring enhancements to our children’s education. Our suggested contribution is $25 per family, but whatever you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Cash and checks (made out to Stetson PTO) can be sent to school marked PTO Contribution.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR PARENTS for participating in Teacher Appreciation Week lead by our PTO Team. Our staff really enjoyed the daily treats.
PTO Candy Bowl
The PTO Candy Bowl is BACK!
Please help us show the Stetson teachers and staff some sweet appreciation by signing up to donate some candy!
Follow this link to pick a slot https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054AA8A72DA7F94-teacher.
Thank you!
Stetson P-R-I-D-E
As a school we are always looking to improve upon our building culture. This year we will be promoting positive relationships and growth with our students using the acronym PRIDE. Pride stands for:
P- Purpose (Having our students do things with intent and determination.)
R- Respect (Showing respect to our peers and adults.)
I- Integrity (Doing the right thing even when no one is looking. Strong moral principles.)
D- Diversity (Recognizing that we all come from difference places and experiences and we respect each others differences.)
E- Empathy (the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.)
One our first day of school, Monday, we held a Town Hall meetings with each of our grades to welcome them back and review expectations and PRIDE was the heart of our presentation. We encouraged all students to practice PRIDE every day at Stetson and we encourage parents to talk with their students about what PRIDE is and how they can show it. We wanted to make adults at home aware in case they hear their student mention it at home. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Falcon Period Explanation
Our Falcon Periods on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning. Falcon Period runs as an extended HR from 8:15-8:50. The purpose of this additional period is to provide an academic support period during the school day for students to have the opportunity to complete work, receive remediation/enrichment, and participate in our social and emotional activities. Our bell schedule is adjusted to accommodate for the Falcon periods. Tuesday Falcon Period will concentrate on executive functioning support and Thursday will be focused on social and emotional learning. We believe through these opportunities students can make stronger connections with teachers, counselors, administrators, and peers.
Counselor's Corner
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Week 5: May 29-31
We will end the month by focusing on hope and positivity and supporting one another by sharing key resources during May and beyond.
Key messages:
No matter the situation, there is always help and there is always hope.
· Be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues so that we can all work together to support one another.
· If you are worried about your mental health or are worried about someone you know, there are resources and people out there who are willing to help, no matter what your situation is.
· Whether we share resources, encourage others to seek help or simply are there for someone when they need us, we instill hope and can help other to reach out when they need it most.
If you would like further support or resources, please reach out to your child’s grade level counselor and/or visit the WCASD counseling resources page.
6th grade counselor: Mr. Schwartz – rschwartz@wcasd.net
7th grade counselor: Ms. Cerullo – ccerullo@wcasd.net
8th grade counselor: Ms. Selgrath – hselgrath@wcasd.net
Nurses Corner
Nurses Corner
Welcome Back! Below is a step by step breakdown to follow if you are experiencing Covid symptoms. Please pay close attention to the criteria for testing positive and experiencing symptoms as guidance has changed. Also, there are several options available for Covid testing kits and locations that are listed in the letter as well. As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out our school nurse, Mrs. Czerpak at 484-266-2706.
Please remember if your child exhibits symptoms of illness, please keep the home!
Reminder about phones- As a friendly reminder, if a student is not feeling well they should report to the Nurse's office. The office will then contact home with any health concerns or if a student needs to be picked up.
Nurses Corner Monthly Information
ATTENTION ALL INCOMING 7TH GRADE PARENTS
Dear Parents/Guardians of incoming 7th grade students:
The PA Department of Health issued stronger immunization laws that took effect August 2017 to ensure students are adequately protected against potential outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. This law affects all incoming 7th grade students. Students must have one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menactra, MCV4) and one dose of Tdap vaccine before entry into the 7th grade.
Most students would have received this vaccine at their 6th grade physical. Proof of vaccination or a medical certificate scheduling the vaccine will be due by the 5th day of school of your student’s 7th grade year, September 5, 2023, or your student will face exclusion. More information can be found on the WCASD homepage.
Parents can access their provider’s patient portals (such as MyCHOP, MyNeMours, or MyPennMedicine) which will allow you to print proof of immunizations to send to the school nurse.
Parents can also use vaccinfinder.org to find a facility that offers these immunizations or schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.
Your child may still obtain medical, religious or philosophical exemption from this new required immunization. Please notify the health office via email if this is your request.
You can send in proof of immunization with your student, or scan and email to mczerpak@wcasd.net.
Early attention to this matter is greatly appreciated!
ATTENTION ALL INCOMING 7TH GRADE PARENTS (PART 2)
Dental examinations are required of children first entering kindergarten or 1st, 3rd, and 7th grades, and students transferring from out of state, according to Article XIV, School Health Services, of the Public School Code and regulations, 28 Pa. Code 23.1-23.87, Health Services.
Attached for your convenience is the Private Dentist Report form to be filled out by your Dentist. It is important that your Dentist complete the Dental Report form. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to return that form to the school nurse as soon as possible. Exams conducted after June 1, 2022 will be accepted.
Proof of dental examination is required by October 29, 2023 or risk exclusion. You can send the completed dental form with your student, scan and email to mczerpak@wcasd.net, or fax to 484-266-2799.
If you are receiving this email, the nurse does not have a dental exam on file.
Early attention to this matter is greatly appreciated!
Melissa Czerpak MHEP, BSN, CSN
NEW: Field Trip Notice (Medication)
Medication Reminder
Field trip season is upon us! Please see attachment regarding medication requirements, and a blank medication authorization form for physician and parent completion. Thank you.
Dispensing of Medications
All medications, even over-the-counter (OTC) medications, must be dispensed by the school nurse. Do not send medications with your child to take during the day. Sending medicines with your child is against school policy and the WCASD Discipline Code. A signed permission note must accompany medications that need to be given during school and a written order from the doctor with type, dosage, and time. A copy of the prescription to the pharmacy is not the same and cannot be accepted. Students are not permitted to bring their medications to school. A parent/guardian must personally deliver the medication to the school nurse, who must secure and dispense the medication. Students are not permitted to dispense medications to themselves. Our Nurse, Mrs. Melissa Czerpak, will be available for early medicine drop-off at various times in August. Please contact her to schedule the medication delivery by calling her at 484-266-2706 or emailing her at mczerpak@wcasd.net.
Stetson Middle School Code of Conduct
All students will be given access to an electronic copy of the WCASD Discipline & Records Policy through the distribution of the 1 to 1 laptops. Additionally, the administration will review the policy manual with each grade level during their town hall meeting the first week of school. It is vitally important to review every page of these documents with your child. Each child will be required to verify through a signature that they have received the policy. Knowing what is expected of each student and what consequences are for various offenses will be important to have a successful experience at Stetson Middle School.
Bus Information
Each student is responsible for knowing their bus number, stop location, and pick-up time. Students should be at their bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. Per WCASD policy, students are neither permitted to ride a bus to which they are not assigned nor get off at an unassigned bus stop. Bus passes will not be permitted due to continued limited bus capacity. Bus drivers have the right to assign seats on their buses. BUS ARRIVAL TIMES MAY NOT BE EXACT IN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS SO PLEASE BE PATIENT AS WE WORK TO HIT OUR SCHEDULED TIMES.
Laptop Information
Accidental Damage Policy:
Our students will be covered for one incidence of accidental damage coverage for each academic year. Any cost of repair/replacement of damage beyond the one incident per year will become the responsibility of the student or parent/legal guardian. This accidental damage coverage will not cover device loss or intentional damage.
Arrival / Dismissal Procedures
Student Drop-Off/Pick-up: Safety is the top priority at Stetson. Please use the designated lane to drop off/pick up students. There will be only one lane available for drop-off and pick-up in the morning and afternoon. Prepare for long lines and plan accordingly. Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30 am. Stay in the car line and follow staff members’ instructions. You will find the carline traffic flow map attached below. Please review the map and feel free to reach out with any questions. Students may only enter or exit cars at the designated cones. Student drop-off and pick-up can be challenging with the high volume of cars that enter the campus. We appreciate your efforts in helping keep our students safe during this time.
Due to the start time of the staff workday, students can only enter school after 7:30 am unless directed by a teacher for a pre-determined appointment. Students dropped off before 7:50 am will be directed to wait in the cafeteria (6th grade) or LGI (7th and 8th grade) until dismissed to lockers/homeroom.
Being on Time to School: Homeroom begins at 8:05 am and ends at 8:15 am. Students arriving late to homeroom (after the homeroom bell rings at 8:05 am) must report to the office for a late pass. The administration will handle lateness following the WCASD Attendance Policies and PA State Laws.
Lateness Clarification:
a. All Stetson students who are assigned and ride a bus that arrives late will NOT be marked late due to the bus’s late arrival.
b. A student who is driven to school and dropped off in the car line will be marked late if the student is not in their homeroom when the homeroom bell rings at 8:05 am.
All Things Attendance
Please refer to the document below regarding our attendance policies. We have created a comprehensive document which should provide clarity on things such as early dismissals, late arrivals, absences, vacation requests, etc. If you have any questions, please reach out to our attendance secretary, Mrs. Heather Mazza, at hmazza@wcasd.net.
Attendance Codes UPDATE
Teachers will now have the ability to use attendance codes when taking attendance during their classes. Teachers will use the code "ACT" or activity for when a student has checked in and is participating in a school sponsored activity. If a student is not present in the classroom and has not previously checked in with their teacher, they will use the code "LAW" meaning they are not present in the classroom. Students must previously have checked in with their teacher in order for the ACT code to be used. We use these codes as a safety and accountability measure for our building.
Items Not Allowed In School
Cell phones and other unauthorized electronic devices are not allowed to be carried on a person during the school day. If a student chooses to bring a device to school, it must be turned off/silenced and stored in the student’s locker for the duration of the school day. Failure to follow this directive will result in the confiscation of the item and possible further disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, the student’s parent/guardian having to pick the item up from school.
Website & Social Media
Please check Stetson's website often to find updates and school information. You may also keep up-to-date on your child's academic progress by accessing our Parent Portal system. Please follow us on Twitter to check out our latest events and announcements @GAStetsonMS.
Student Leadership Conference Opportunity
Are you ready for the time of your life? Then you’re ready for the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation’s Life Skills Conference!
The conference is held at the Masonic Conference Center – Patton Campus, in Elizabethtown, adjacent to the world-renowned Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.
This active and exciting conference challenges attendees to develop leadership, respect, relational skills, and personal responsibility through a variety of creative approaches and various media. The program will also include active discussions of some of the toughest issues facing students today: drugs and alcohol, violence and conflict resolution, teen sexuality, and others. This year also brings the return of previous “hit” programs, including a day-trip to a high ropes course! It promises to be an even more exciting conference than ever before!
The Conference is limited to 100 participants and is open to youth 12 and older who have not reached their 18th birthday at the time of the conference. Registrations will be processed in order of receipt, and priority will be given to first-time attendees. Registration fee, medical history, emergency care, and ropes course releases will be required of conferees upon acceptance and prior to the start of the conference. Registration Deadline: June 15, 2023.
WCASD Special Ed Parent Training Series Flyers
West Chester Field Hockey Middle School Prep Camp
West Chester Hoops: Summer Basketball League
Lincoln University FREE STEM Camp
This summer (July 10 - August 3), Lincoln University is offering a FREE STEM camp on our main campus near Oxford, PA. The camp will run Monday through Thursday and is for rising 6th through 8th graders. While all students/families are welcome to apply, the grant requires that 80% of our student population qualify for free or reduced lunch and are members of marginalized groups.