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West Word
An Update from Perkiomen Valley Middle School West
A Word From Mr. Creeden
I want to remind everyone that Monday is an inservice day and there is no school for students. The day is recognized as Columbus Day, a federal holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. For many, the holiday honors Columbus’ achievements and celebrates Italian-American heritage. In recent years, this holiday has expanded in select states and cities to also be recognized as Indigenous Peoples' Day. The purpose of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not to erase Columbus Day from history, but rather to recognize, honor, and celebrate the Native American cultures and people who have inhabited the Americas since long before European explorers arrived. Here at West and all that we do as a District, we are creating greater awareness about all who should be. recognized and celebrated in our school communities and community at large.
Lastly, our students enjoyed getting out in the very warm weather during lunches this past week. This has become a routine time each day for students to get outside and have the opportunity to play and socialize with friends. Please take a look at some pics below of our students having fun outdoors.
No School For Students on Monday October 9th
Quick Snapshot📸
- What's Up @ West
- After School Back To School Bash @ West
- After School Clubs & Activities @ West
- The West MakerSpace Club Is Looking For Donations
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Homework Club
- After School Athletic/Activity Transportation
- 10th Period Advisory/Student Group Rotations
- Middle School West's Book Fair is Coming!
- West Home & School Info
- West School Store
- West Yearbook Art Contest
- Order Your 23/24 Yearbook Early and Save!
- 23/24 PV Middle School Handbook
- Raptor System
- PV West Athletic Update
- Vikings U-Night (DATE CHANGE!)
- PV Power Packs
- PV Is Seeking Substitute Food Service Assistants
- Tween Talk 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 WONDERFUL WEEKEND!
What's Up @ West
POV Disasters
Perkiomen Bird and Wildlife Festival
May the Force be With You
Students in Dave Patterson's eighth grade science classes participated in a demonstration of how forces affect falling objects. Mr. Patterson dropped a wooden block and a metal block of the same size, simultaneously from the roof of the school building. The students took note of the time it took for each of the blocks to hit the landing pad. Despite the fact that gravity accelerates the objects equally, the metal block consistently hit the ground first because it was more dense and was less affected by air resistance.
After School Back To School Bash @ West
The Back-To-School Bash will be taking place this coming Friday, October 13th, from 3-5pm. Any student attending the Bash must report to the auditorium at the end of the school day. This is where we will share the procedures and schedule for the Bash. The Bash will begin at 3:00pm and will consist of a number of activities and chances to win prizes. Some activities include Cornhole, KanJam, 4 Square in the Air, Basketball, Musical Chairs, and Bingo.
There will be food served by our West Home and School throughout the evening. The list of food items is below:
Pizza - $3/slice
Cotton Candy - $3
Candy - $2
Gatorade - $2
Chips - $1
Water - $1
The Bash concludes at 5:00pm so please pick up your children at that time. Parent pick up will take place in the second lot upon arriving at West. Please see the map below for more details.
We are looking forward to having a lot of fun at the Bash on Friday and hope to see many of our students there.
After School Clubs & Activities @ West
Math Lab
Literary Magazine Club
Literary Magazine Club is a club devoted to publishing the work of creative writers and artists within the school. Student staff will create both an online platform as well as a printed issue for the year that will show off student-selected student-produced poetry, short stories, novellas, and artwork in a professional-style school magazine. We will also offer writing and poetry contests to get all students and faculty involved as well as hold a publication party/launch. Meetings will be most Thursdays afterschool from 2:30-4:00 PM. Late buses are available for transportation. If there is no meeting, it will be announced to members prior to that date.
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 week to collaborate, plan, create, and help make positive change in our school community. The first meeting will take place on Tuesday October 31st from 2:30 - 3:45pm in Mrs. Moreno's room. If you are interested in joining The CAUSE Club please email Mrs. Moreno at tmoreno@pvsd.org.
The West MakerSpace Club Is Looking For Donations
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Homework Club
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.
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.
10th Period Advisory/Student Group Rotations
Our desire for this period of time is for all students to get what they need. As we continue to do this throughout the school year student group rotation topics may be adjusted to better meet the needs of our students and provide the necessary skills and support that promote success in and out of the classroom.
If you have any questions regarding this time please email Mr. Creeden at rcreeden@pvsd.org.
Middle School West's Book Fair is Coming!
The book fair is coming to Middle School West from 10/30-11/3! Please check out our book fair homepage here or scan the QR code below. There, you can view some of our book fair offerings, set up your child's e-wallet, order books online, and lots more! All students will visit the book fair during their ELA class on the dates below, and they may also shop throughout the week as their schedule allows. We look forward to your child having the opportunity to browse for and purchase some great books at our book fair!
- Monday, 10/30: 6th grade
- Tuesday, 10/31: 7th grade
- Friday, 11/3: 8th grade
West Home & School Info
The next West Home & School Meeting is on Monday October 16th at 7pm in the West Library.
Contact Jodi Lieb (jodilieb@verizon.net) with any questions.
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.
West Yearbook Art Contest
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
SAFETY IN THE STADIUM
The beginning of the school year is a very exciting time. Not only are students meeting new teachers, engaging in new coursework, and making new friends, there are lots of activities to participate in and events to attend onsite. As our fall athletic contests get underway, the district would like to review several safety measures it has in place pertaining to events held in Thomas J. Keenan Stadium.
When an athletic or Marching Band event is held in the stadium, the district requires all elementary and middle level students to be accompanied by an adult. No attendees are permitted to bring backpacks into the stadium. In the event someone happens to have a backpack with them, they will be asked to place the bag along the fence until the respective owner exits the stadium. There is no food or drink permitted to be brought in from the outside.
Attendees will continue to observe school security guards onsite during events and, as the year progresses, will likely begin to observe Perkiomen Valley School District school police officers in attendance as well. The school police will also be in and around our facilities, districtwide.
The efforts of the school district are to keep our students, staff, and community safe. In the event you have questions about any of the safety measures described here, do not hesitate to reach out to our Chief of Police, Mr. Dean Miller, dmiller@pvsd.org. Thank you for your commitment with us to do everything we are able to maintain safety in the Valley.
8th Grade Football Head Coach: Dr. Matt Weir
Next Game: Tuesday October 10th (Away) vs. Owen J. Roberts Middle School @ 3:45pm
7th Grade Football Head Coach: Christian Specht
Next Game: Thursday October 12th (Away) vs. Boyertown Area Middle School West @ 3:45pm
Middle School West Cross Country Head Coach: Matt Weygand
Next Race: Tuesday October 10th (Away) vs. Upper Perkiomen Middle School @ 3:45pm
Next Race: Thursday October 12th (Away) vs. Spring-Ford Middle School @ 3:45pm
Middle School West Field Hockey Head Coach: Naveen Mehta
Next Game: Tuesday October 10th (Home) vs. Pottsgrove Middle School @ 3:45pm
Next Game: Wednesday October 11th (Away) vs. Owen J. Roberts Middle School @ 3:45pm
Next Game: Friday October 13th (Home) vs. Upper Perkiomen Middle School @ 3:45pm
Middle School West Boys Soccer Head Coach: Chuck Heaps Sr.
Next Game: Wednesday October 11th (Home) vs. Upper Perkiomen Middle School @ 3:45pm
Next Game: Thursday October 12th (Away) vs. Owen J. Roberts Middle School @ 3:45pm
Next Game: Thursday October 13th (Away) vs. Boyertown Area Middle School West @ 3:45pm
Middle School West Girls Soccer Head Coach: Alesia Davis
Unsung athletes of the week: Avery Stewart started the game as goalie with 2 saves against Spring-Ford. Samantha Young came in as goalie with 11 saves. Team Captains, Sarah Hartey and Maddie Hawkins, played strong defense attacking the ball. The game against Boyertown East started out slow with only one goal by Boyertown, Avery Stewart had 3 saves. In the second half the girls came out strong. Team captain Aria Vitelli scored two goals with an assist from center-mid Amiah Rivera and left-wing Willow Morgan. Kiana Leconte played amazing defense as center back. Great effort by all!
Next Game: Wednesday October 11th (Away) vs. Upper Perkiomen Middle School @ 3:45pm
Next Game: Thursday October 12th (Home) vs. Owen J. Roberts Middle School @ 3:45pm
Next Game: Thursday October 13th (Home) vs. Boyertown Area Middle School West @ 3:45pm
Middle School West Volleyball Head Coach: Stephanie Glover
Next Game: Tuesday October 10th (Home) vs. Upper Merion Area Middle School @ 3:45pm
Vikings U-Night
PV Families: Are you looking for something fun to do on a Friday night? Are you looking to be part of a night where we are UNITED as a PV community? If you are, then mark your calendars for Friday, October 27, 2023, and plan to attend the Vikings U-Night football game
This is the game where we as Vikings UNITE to honor the diversity within our community and to foster an inclusive environment for ALL learners. Be part of the fun and watch as students stand together to send a message of acceptance and belonging for the many types of learners we have in our district.
PV Power Packs
ower Packs are weekend bags of food for students experiencing food insecurity. The bags include 2 breakfast items, 2 lunch items, 2 snacks, and 2 fruits. All food is non-perishable. There is no financial information required to participate in this program.
PV Power Packs is a volunteer run organization and all information is kept confidential. Names are shared with school counselors who arrange for students to pick up their bags prior to every weekend.
Please fill out a separate form for each child that you would like to receive a Power Pack, including children not yet in school.
We will begin handing out Power Packs on September 8th. If your child received Power Packs last year, they will automatically receive them this year.
If you have any questions, email Sarah at PowerPacks@pvsd.org.
PV Is Seeking Substitute Food Service Assistants
The Perkiomen Valley School District is seeking qualified, flexible applicants to work in our
schools as Substitute Food Service Assistants. Assignments are generally 4.5-6 hours per day.
Previous food service experience is welcomed but not required. The starting hourly rate is $14.00, without benefits. Please see below for the link to apply.
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
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 October 9th - No School for Students (Holiday)
Tuesday October 10th - Homework Club @ 2:30pm in LGI; Green Team Health & Wellness Fair @ 6pm at Schwenksville Elementary School; PVSD School Board Meeting at 7pm in the PVHS Library
Thursday October 12th - Homework Club @ 2:30pm in LGI
Friday October 13th - Back-To-School Bash from 3-5pm