Community Conversations

During this season of giving thanks, we, as a school community should pause and reflect on the ways we work collaboratively together to provide the best possible educational experience for our students. Considering that we are always marching forward and giving it our all in our flawless pursuit of a better tomorrow – for everyone – let us pause and reflect, and give thanks to each other.

Let’s thank and praise our students who take on the daily challenges of school, after school activities, sports, work, and volunteering. Their hard work epitomizes their strong character and motivation to succeed.

Let’s thank the parents and guardians who trust in the teamwork among students, parents/guardians and teachers. Let’s recognize them for a strong volunteer effort that solidifies our collective commitment to growth.

Let’s thank our secretaries, aides, and assistants for continuing to honor our heritage of a strong public school education. These support professionals are instrumental in all that we do and provide a welcoming, nurturing environment for students and staff to thrive.

Let’s give thanks to our custodial, grounds and maintenance staff who open and close our schools and keep them running daily, ensuring that our buildings are clean and safe.

Let’s give thanks to the First Student and Aramark employees who are some of the kindest individuals on this planet. Together, our employees and contractors are a celebration of the diverse community of individuals and work that make Methacton Schools a truly special place to learn and work.

Let’s give thanks to our teachers who nurture the talents of our students daily – who open doors to new opportunities, help students discover their passions, and serve as trusted and caring role models.

Let’s give thanks for the administrators who empower all learners, students and staff to be their very best selves – daily. Their thoughtful leadership is crucial to the success of our community.

In my reflection, our students, parents/guardians, and staff – OUR METHACTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY - is special. It is special in its exemplary student-focused and community-centered approach to learning, leading and succeeding – Together!

So this Thanksgiving Holiday – let’s Pause – Reflect – Give Thanks.

This month's alumni spotlight shines on Michael Duong '15, a student whose passion for science permeated his school years, and led him to excel at Science Fairs. Now a Radiology Resident Physician and Neuroimaging Scientist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Michael Duong MD PhD exemplifies Methacton's core values, showcasing tireless commitment to helping others and transforming our future.

https://secure.smore.com/n/byf5pw

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

Now let’s take a look at some of the events and achievements

that took place across the district in November...

Arrowhead's Veterans Day Assembly was a beautiful tribute to those who served. The students sang patriotic songs, presented a recognition of all branches of service, and the ceremony ended with a touching slideshow honoring veterans connected to the Arrowhead community. Boy and girl scout groups participated in the opening and closing processions. Thank you Veterans!

Arrowhead students welcomed their older relatives and close adult family members to the school on Monday, 11/25/24 to celebrate Grandfriends Day. The Grandfriends joined students in their classroom for special activities.

Eagleville used morning announcements leading to Monday, 11/11 as a tool in preparing students for their Veterans Day gathering. The Veterans Day Assembly allowed opportunities for their scout groups to be part of the opening procession, for our student council to share recognition of the military branches, and for their fourth grade chorus to sing “America the Beautiful.”

Eagleville welcomed parents into their child’s classroom on Wednesday, 11/20/24 as part of American Education Week. Families enjoyed a portion of a math or ELA lesson, and their students loved the interactive centers observed in many classrooms. Eagleville is excited to bridge the winter months with their welcoming environment as they will showcase student work in the display case and have an engaging staff bulletin board so students can learn more about our “staffulty.”

Woodland held a heartfelt assembly in honor of Veterans Day. Scout groups participated in leading the pledge, students spoke about the branches of service, sang patriotic hymns, and Pennsylvania State Representative Joe Webster read a story about Veterans to Woodland students.

Congratulations to Woodland's entire school for working hard to reach this year's fundraising goal through Read-A-Poly. Together, students and families surpassed their goal and raised $33,585!

As a result of Woodland community's collective efforts, the staff participated in a human Hungry, Hungry Hippo game during a morning assembly. Congratulations to Ms. Williams and Mrs. Feidor for being crowned the Hungriest Hippo Team!

Special thanks to Woodland's Home and School Association for organizing the event, as well as to Woodland's staff that participated in the game and student prizes.

On Wednesday, Nov. 20th, Worcester hosted an American Education Visitation Day. Family members were invited to school to experience a portion of their child’s day. They had 92 family members attend this wonderful event!

On Monday, November 11, Worcester held their Veterans Day assembly. It was a wonderful tribute to Veterans across America. Worcester's music teacher taught students patriotic songs from each branch of the military. There were about 35 veterans in attendance, and some of them brought guests, for a total of about 60 visitors!

Skyview students and staff earned great gym activities on November 22 by showing over 15,000 times that they SOAR (SAFE, OWN THEIR ACTIONS, ARE RESPECTFUL, and RESPONSIBLE).

The PE department came up with a series of fun challenges for both students and staff to participate in together, fostering a sense of community and promoting physical activity. The event included basketball shooting, penalty kicks, and hula hoop challenges, and culminated in an exciting obstacle course. Staff members dressed up in inflatable animal costumes!

Positive Behavior Intervention Supports is a systems-wide approach to increasing positive behavior, decreasing unwanted behavior, and promoting a culture and climate within a school building where everyone feels safe and excited to be a part of their school community.

Skyview held a Veteran’s Day assembly in the Arcola auditorium on Monday, November 11th. Skyview students invited family members who were Veterans to attend and be recognized in this assembly. In addition, the Skyview chorus sang a song, the band performed, and members of our Scout Troops carried our American Flag into the assembly.

The Arcola SAP Team would like to thank everyone for their participation in Red Ribbon Week. Together, $770 was raised for Eagleville Hospital and its programs. This week, Eagleville Hospital Director of Development, Jessie Robinson, met with students from the Arcola Connections Club to share about the programs that the money raised would support.

The Veterans Day assembly went extremely well. Arcola's guest speaker shared what the life of a soldier looked like. Student essay winners were recognized and the top two winners, Rakshith Sivakumar and Victoria Copeland, read their essays during the assembly. Students were engaged and received overwhelming positive feedback from guests that attended. This tradition is something for which Arcola continues to be very proud!

Over 80 Methacton High School students signed up to be poll workers and served at several poll locations across our community on Election Day, November 5, 2024.

We thank you for your commitment, and applaud you for recognizing that civic engagement is essential for a strong community!

Fifteen Methacton High School student-athletes and their families celebrated College Commitment Signing Day with a special photoshoot in the LGI on Tuesday, November 20, 2024.

This exciting day symbolizes not only their athletic achievements but also the beginning of a new chapter in their academic and athletic careers. We are so proud of their achievements and look forward to what the future holds for them.

A second College Commitment Signing Day is scheduled for the spring.

Congratulations to the Methacton Theatre Company on their outstanding production of "A Christmas Carol"!

This district-wide effort involved 92 talented cast and crew members from grades K-12, representing every school in the district, including 15 seniors from the Class of 2025. Over 1000 audience members attended the three-night performance, making it a truly magical start to the holiday season.

A big shoutout to Ms. Mary Fitzgerald and Ms. Denise Naylor for all their hard work and dedication in bringing this show to life! And congratulations to all students and staff involved in this incredible performance.

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Website: www.methacton.org
Location: 1001 Kriebel Mill Road, Collegeville, PA, USA
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