GVMS Weekly Update

Garnet Valley Middle School Families,

On Wednesday, March 18th, we joined together to “Rock Our Socks” for World Down Syndrome Day. This event was a wonderful celebration of awareness, inclusion, and the incredible individuals with Down syndrome around the globe.

GV Summer Camp Registrations
Just a friendly reminder that GV Summer Camp registration will close on April 11th. Click here to view all we have to offer!

Order Your 2024–2025 Yearbook

• Visit www.barksdalephoto.com and select “Order Your Yearbook.” You can also click the direct link here: [HERE].

• Enter this access code: 14208YB.

• Softcover yearbooks are $18, and hardcover options are $24.

GVMS International Night and Celebration of the Arts featuring Unified Arts and Languages.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for our GVMS International Night and Celebration of the Arts featuring Unified Arts and Languages. The event, held on Wednesday, March 19th, was a tremendous success! It was an incredible opportunity to come together as a school community and celebrate the creativity, talent, and cultural diversity that makes Garnet Valley Middle School such a special place.

Event Highlights:

• Diverse Cuisine: With over 25 types of international foods, families were able to explore flavors from around the globe.

• Captivating Performances: Our Soloists, Jag Singers, Chorus, Band, and Orchestra delivered stunning shows, while Bollywood dancing and an accordion artist added extra excitement.

• Interactive Activities: Henna art, German and French games, and a caricature artist infused the evening with fun cultural experiences.

• School Spirit: Students and staff dressed in cultural attire, showcasing our school’s commitment to celebrating diversity.

• Art & Language Displays: Our hallways and cafeteria came alive with flags, artwork, and signs reflecting many world languages.

• Fundraising Success: Thanks to everyone who supported our Nitroball Tournament and International Night, we raised funds to benefit our Health & Physical Education Department and World Language Department for our hands-on projects and equipment.

We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our amazing World Language, Health and PE, Music, Business and Computer, Library, Technology and Engineering, Family and Consumer Science, Aquaponics, and Horticulture teachers for their tremendous efforts, with a special thank you to Mrs. Cisco and Mrs. Dorn for creating the most popular Cake Pop station of the evening!

Beyond the memorable performances and delicious food, what truly stood out was the sense of community and engagement throughout the evening. As the students proudly shared their talents, the entire event was a joyful reminder of how meaningful it is to learn from and celebrate one another’s backgrounds.

Once again, thank you for your attendance, enthusiasm, and support. We look forward to hosting this event next year bringing more of us together to celebrate our students’ achievements and foster a welcoming, inclusive environment. Please enjoy the video in this update.

Thank you for taking the time to stay up to date. Have a wonderful Friday and a restful weekend. We look forward to seeing everyone next week!

Thanks,

Lisa Stenz, Building Principal

Rick Martin, Assistant Principal

Gerry Weinhardt, Assistant Principal

• 3/26-4/3 - Incoming 7th Graders course selection

• 4/2-4/10 - Incoming 8th Graders course selection

• 4/14-21 - Spring Break

• 4/23-25 - PSSA - ELA

• 4/28-29 - PSSA - Math

• 4/30-5/1 - PSSA - Science *8th Grade Only

• 5/15-16 - Algebra I Keystone Exam *Only students enrolled in an Algebra I course

Dear Garnet Valley Secondary Families,

How can we help students balance screen time, social media, and digital distractions while staying focused on learning, well-being, and real-world connections?

Join us for the New Realities of Parenting & Technology symposium on Wednesday, April 30th, from 6:00–7:30 PM at the GVHS Library. Sponsored by the GV-CTC, child development expert Michael Blanche will share insights on how technology influences mental health, academic success, and social relationships. This event is designed for both parents and students—because navigating today’s digital world is a challenge we tackle best together.

To Register: CLICK HERE
To Submit Your Questions: CLICK HERE

Let’s work together to build digitally disciplined, mindful, and future-ready habits that support student success.

We hope to see you there!

Dr. Marc Bertrando, Superintendent
Screen Smart GV – Empower. Balance. Connect. Thrive.

Hi, GVMS Families!

It's time to order the 2024-2025 yearbook! Please see the bulleted list and flier below for all details.

• When you access www.barksdalephoto.com and click "What are you looking for?," choose "Order Your Yearbook." OR, access the link directly HERE.

• Type in this access code: 14208YB. Then, click the grey “yearbook pre-order” box.

• Softcover yearbooks are $18, and hardcover ones are $24.

• At checkout, you will be prompted with the shipping cost and address. All yearbooks will be delivered directly to the families and not to GVMS. Note: You have the option to "pay it forward" by purchasing an additional yearbook that will be delivered to the school and gifted to students by the counseling department.

Again, you may access the link HERE. Be sure to submit your orders by Friday, April 30th! Students will receive their yearbooks during the third week of June.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Dr. Rebecca Robbins, the GVMS Yearbook Advisor, at robbinr@garnetvalley.org.

Dear Parents and/or Guardians,

The Social and Emotional well-being of our students is at the forefront of our decision making in Garnet Valley School District. In order to inform our decision making related to social and emotional support at school, we plan to administer a brief 10-20 minute universal survey to all of our students. The survey, entitled Renaissance Fundamentals (formerly known as PASS: Pupil Attitudes to Self and School), provides schools with reliable and valid data about how students feel about themselves as a learner and how they feel about school. The research- based survey assists schools in detecting possible barriers to student learning, including issues around confidence, resilience, motivation, and concentration so that we can attempt to proactively intervene to provide support for our students and school community. More information about Renaissance Fundamentals can be found by clicking HERE.

As with any survey, participation is voluntary, parents have the right to preview the questions prior to participation, and can opt their children out of the survey. If you would like to preview the survey or to opt your children out, please contact: Kim Doyle, Supervisor of Social and Emotional Wellness at: doylek@garnetvalley.org or 610-579-7381.

Specific information about how and when our building will be administering our survey will be shared in the upcoming weeks. Thank you in advance for your consideration of Renaissance Fundamentals.

Beginning in mid-to-late February, portions of the Old Pennington Building (245 Bethel Road, Glen Mills, PA) will be demolished. This work is expected to take approximately 4 to 6 weeks and will occur during designated township construction hours once the required permits are granted.

For additional details and ongoing updates, please visit the Pennington Project webpage by clicking here.

Click the image below to learn more about the following summer courses.

ChemQuest: ChemQuest is a youth-led organization that provides free STEM activities and resources for children in the community.

We just launched our newsletter, designed to inform students and parents about upcoming STEM events, programs, and resources!

Check out the newsletter here: https://secure.smore.com/n/

Make sure to subscribe to stay connected: https://smore.com/n/#subscribe_user

Dear Garnet Valley School Community,

I’m excited to share information about the incredible work of the Garnet Valley Community That Cares (GV-CTC). This organization is dedicated to enhancing our school community through programs, resources, and support for families and students.

GV-CTC continues to empower and inspire our students and families through innovative programs and initiatives. The "New Realities of Parenting" series equips parents with essential tools and insights to navigate the evolving challenges of raising children in today's world.

In addition, GV-CTC's annual Senior Walkthrough provides a meaningful opportunity for reflection and celebration, while its scholarship program directly supports graduating seniors in pursuing their future goals. These efforts exemplify our shared commitment to fostering both community connection and individual growth.

At this time of year, GV-CTC also focuses on supporting Garnet Valley families in need, providing donations that make a meaningful impact during the holiday season. This effort embodies the spirit of compassion and community that makes Garnet Valley so special.

How You Can Help

Your support can make a real difference! GV-CTC gratefully welcomes donations of any amount to help sustain and expand these impactful initiatives. Contributions can be made easily via Venmo @GVCTC or by visiting the GV-CTC website and navigating to the donation section. Every gift, no matter the size, directly supports families in our community, empowering them with resources and opportunities.

Thank you for making a difference!

Dr. Marc Bertrando, Superintendent

The GVMS After School Activity Program offers a multitude of clubs that meet the varied interests of our students. If you have any questions regarding club details, please contact the sponsor at the email listed in this brochure. Thank you for showing an interest in in our clubs and after school activities!

Click the image above or here to access our online club brochure.

If your child's parent or guardian is an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces during the 2024-2025 school year, please fill out this form, even if you’ve done so in previous years. We are required to report this information annually to the Pennsylvania Department of Education to meet federal data reporting requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Our counselors are grade-based. Below, you will find the counselor assigned to each class cohort:

• 6th Grade: Mr. Matt Bradshaw

• 7th Grade: Mrs. Marisa Mahon

• 8th Grade: Ms. Wendy Xanthopoulos

• School Counselor: Mrs. Christy Francart

Our commitment to your child’s well-being remains our top priority. Please do not hestiate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

• Doors will open at 7:40am.

• You will have TWO options for carline drop-off only in the morning. You may utilize the Poolside entrance drop-off location or the GVES parking lot drop-off location.

• Please do not let students out of the car until you’ve reached the GREEN drop-off area.

• School buses will drop off in front of GVMS.

• Carline students are not permitted to use the main entrance of the building.

Students should be seated in 1st period by 8:00am. Late students must be checked-in at the main office.

• We will begin dismissal at 2:54pm.

• Students will be dismissed into two bus locations.

• There will be one parent pick-up area and is located in the GVES parking lot. Please enter off of Station Road.

• Parents needing to also pick up a student from GVES should exit and join the GVES pick-up line.

• The GVES pick-up line forms off of Temple Road entrance at the star on the map.

• Students may not cut across the parking lot.

Health Information

Please update your child's SNAP Health Portal. This needs to be completed each year for your child's medical history as well as OTC medication administration permission.

SNAP Directions

6th Grade Requirements

Physical Exam - Students entering 6th grade are required to have a Physical Exam completed within the last year according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and submitted to the school nurse. Your child’s physician may use their own form or you can provide the form below for your physician to complete

PhysicalExam.pdf

7th Grade Requirements

Dental Exam: Students entering 7th grade are required to have a Dental Examination form submitted to school.

2024 dental form.pdf

For more health related information, please visit our website.

Breakfast will continue to be free for the the 24-25 school year. Students are able to pick up a breakfast prior to 8:00am. A paid lunch program also remains available.

Click here to learn more about our Young Adult literature section and our opt-out process.

Click here to access and learn more!

This eBook contains tips and tricks for navigating the transition to middle school as well as how to best support your learner in their quest for agency and growth toward independence. The contents express the ideas of teachers, caregivers, students, and administrators who understand what life is like "in the middle."

Remember to trust in your learner's resilience and embrace the opportunity for growth!

We know that there is so much information shared at the beginning of the school year. Please access Garnet Valley's parent portal, which keeps all of our information in one place. Click here to access the parent portal. To get direct access to some of our services please click the following links.

• Alma - Garnet Valley's Student Information System
• My School Bucks - Register your child for our school lunch program
• Safe Arrival - Report an absence
• Schoology - Garnet Valley Middle School Learning Management System
• GVSD Parent Tech Support - Issues with district technology.
  

Video - Alma Navigation for Parents

We look forward to welcoming caregivers into our building throughout the school year. In order to volunteer, community members must obtain clearances. If you have previously submitted clearances to our Human resources Department they are good for five years.

In order to obtain or re-obtain clearances, check out the info provided by the district: Volunteer Clearances document. If you have any questions please contact our office at 610.579.5102 or our district HR office at 610.579.7387.

Below are a few suggestions for helping your family navigate the ever-increasing presence of technology:

PA Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force - Safety Tips & Resources

https://onlinesafety.com/#

American Academy of Pediatrics Family Media Plan

https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/family-media-plan-promotional-materials/

Common Sense Media - age recommendations for games, apps, movies, books and more

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Shape the Sky Parent App guide

https://shapethesky.org/app-guide/

Cannabis Resources:

• Cannabis 101 Series for Parents and Caregivers – This video series offers tips and strategies for parents to have open and honest conversations with their child related to substance use, specifically marijuana.
  
• Cannabis Fact Sheet - This fact sheet provides research-based information to help lessen some confusion and help children make educated decisions about what they put into their bodies.
  
• Conversations that Matter Podcast– Cannabis – How it Affects the Behavioral Health of Our Youth Learn why our children and teens are more at risk and how cannabis impacts the developing brains and bodies of our youth.

The GVMS HSA would like to welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year! We are looking forward to a great year ahead as we plan a fun and engaging year for the students of GVMS. Here are some details about the HSA that we'd like to share.

1. GVMS HSA Events - Each year, the HSA hosts two events for each grade. In the winter, we host fun nights for each grade individually. In addition to being a fun event for students, these events serve as fundraisers for the HSA. In the spring, 6th grade has another fun night, 7th grade has a dance and 8th grade has a semi-formal Send Off.

Mark your calendars now...here are the event dates!

Winter Funtimes

6th Grade - January 10th

7th Grade - January 24th

8th Grade - February 7th

Spring Events

6th Grade - May 2nd

7th Grade - May 16th

8th Grade - June 6th

2. Want to help? - In order to organize these events, we need your help! Would you consider chairing an event and oversee the planning of it? How about volunteering at the event? We are also in need of new board members too. Most of the current board are parents of 8th graders. Please take a moment to complete this google survey and let us know how you'd like to help.

3. What do we do? - GVMS HSA supports a variety of activities that enhance our school and student experience. Some examples of activities that the HSA supports are: Red Ribbon Week, Grade-level Book Giveaways, End of year fun nights, dances and send off, In school celebrations, Staff Appreciation Week and so much more! Thanks to your generous support, we are able to provide these things!

Volunteer Survey - https://forms.gle/PGKzxmxwNrpSJY257

4. Membership Drive - At the start of each school year, we host a membership drive. These funds go to support the variety of activities described in #3.

To donate:

Venmo - @GVMSHSA

Cash/Check - Drop off in an envelope to the front desk, marked "GVMS HSA".

5. Questions - Email us! gvmshsa@gmail.com

Thank you! ~ GVMS HSA Board

Email: stenzl@garnetvalley.org
Website: https://www.garnetvalleyschools.com/gvms
Location: 601 Smithbridge Road
Phone: 610-579-5100
Twitter: @GarnetValleyMS