Dear Methacton Families,

November 27, 2024 was designated in our school calendar as a snow day make up in the event we had to cancel school for snow or other emergency reasons.

For planning purposes, given the fact that we have not had a snow day/cancellation as of this writing, November 27, 2024 will most likely be a day off for students and staff.

Please note: Weather/emergency school closures between this writing and November 27, 2024 will result in the use of a Flexible Instructional Day. The only limitation to this planned determination is a widespread power outage. In such an event, we would have to cancel classes for the day and make up for the lost time by adding an extra day to the end of the school year.

Thank you,

Methacton School District

Dear Families,

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is a top priority at Methacton School District. It is essential that we are all aware of how to respond to threats and reports of bullying, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.

Reporting Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation

Our school uses several reporting mechanisms:

● School Building Leadership: The building principal and administrative team members serve as the first point of contact. In addition, you can reach out to your students’ school counselor and the Methacton School District Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Climate Counselor.

● Safe2Say Something (S2SS): Students, staff, and families can use the Safe2Say Something anonymous reporting system to report safety concerns or potential threats. This system is mandated under PA state law (Act 44) and helps us recognize warning signs and signals, particularly on social media, that may indicate a threat to individuals or the community. To submit an anonymous tip, please visit Safe2Say Something.

● Title IX Reporting: For incidents of harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying, hazing, dating violence, or retaliation, students, staff, and families may report directly to building principals in writing or verbally. Additionally, a report form can be submitted to the Methacton School District Compliance Officer, Dr. Che Regina.

Thank you for your commitment to our students’ safety and well-being. Should you have any questions or need further guidance, please contact me as your resource.

Sincerely,

Dr. Roberts

Principal

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Photos, videotape footage and personal interviews with Methacton School District students are often used as part of the district’s community relations efforts and on the district’s website.

If you do not want photos, videotape footage or interviews featuring your child used in district publications, cable access television programming or on the website, please complete the form below.

Be advised that signing this form prevents intentional use of your child’s photo or videotape footage only. In situations where large groups of people are participating, it is often impossible not to photograph or videotape certain students, and therefore, we cannot prevent the use of photos or videotape footage that unintentionally includes your child.

Additionally, students that participate in school activities and/or athletics may be photographed or videotaped by members of the media or the general public while participating. It should be noted that under these circumstances, the Methacton School District Publicity Refusal Form would not be a valid means of preventing photographs or videotape of a specific student.

* Please note: Signing this form does not prevent your child’s photos from being included in MSD yearbooks. If you DO NOT want your child’s photo included in the yearbook, please notify your child’s school secretary.

If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Toaso, Communications Assistant, at (610) 489-5000, ext. 15098.

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2024-2025 School Year Calendar at a Glance

The instructional calendar is approved by the Board of School Directors in the spring for the following school year. It is distributed to all families each year via email, and outlines days schools are in session, potential make-up days, etc. Find other events and activities for the coming school year on the district website calendar.

We highly recommend writing down your child’s bus number and attaching it to their backpack (luggage tags work great for this, you can find them at the dollar store). This will greatly assist students at dismissal time. Many students (even fourth graders), forget their bus number by the end of their first day. If you don’t have a tag, you can make one on paper with this template.

Following up on our August 30th message regarding food services, here's an update on the issues related to long lines, cash or check payments, and fund transfers.

1. Lunch line lengths have significantly decreased since the start of the school year. While there were initial challenges in the first two days of school, the implemented workaround for cash drawers has greatly improved wait times. We are currently testing and validating a software update to completely resolve this issue.

2. As a reminder, similar to previous years, cash or check deposits can be made at the cafeteria. This is a convenient way to avoid processing fees.

3. We recognize the value of transferring funds between children in the same family. We're actively working with PaySchools to develop a solution that meets this need. We anticipate a resolution to this issue in the near future.

Methacton School District is excited to announce the implementation of PaySchools Central payment portal for student cafeteria accounts. Beginning August 1, 2024, you can pay for your children’s school meals, find reporting, and so much more quickly and securely. No more lost cash or checks!

PaySchools System Highlights:

· Manage all your children’s accounts and fees in one place.

· Set up auto-replenish to automatically fill lunch accounts when they’re running low.

· Set up reminders and alerts.

· Review your children’s purchases.

· Restrict purchases by an amount, items, or category.

· Handle payments 24/7, at your convenience, on any device.

· View food allergies.

Steps to Get Started:

· Create your account using your computer or tablet at: www.payschoolscentral.com or download the PaySchools Central app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

· Complete account registration by selecting register, entering your profile details, setting up your password via the email link we’ll send you, then logging in.

· Add your children to your account using their student ID numbers (can be found on Power School)

· If you’d like, enter credit card and/or banking information as forms of payment to use with your PaySchools account, or simply plan to use guest checkout when the time comes.

Elementary

Complete Lunch Meal is $2.95

· A complete meal consists of an entrée, 1 vegetable, 1 fruit or 4oz juice, and milk.

· You can find the monthly breakfast and lunch menus HERE.

· You can find the free/reduced meal application HERE.

· Please visit HERE to learn how to manage your child’s cafeteria account and add money to the account.

The safety of your children is our top priority. To ensure everyone’s well-being, we ask that students always enter and exit vehicles from the passenger side. We understand that some families may have other car seats or obstacles in their cars. If this applies to you, please consider sliding the front passenger seat forward to allow your child to climb through or having them carefully move to the front passenger seat after the vehicle has come to a complete stop before exiting.

To keep the line moving smoothly, we also encourage parents to practice having their child unbuckle themselves, so that parents can remain in the vehicle.

Lastly, please avoid passing other vehicles while in the parent pick-up line.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our carline safe, efficient, and timely!

Hi Arrowhead families,

If your child will be a regular/daily car rider during the 2024-2025 school year, please click on the link and complete the form.

Car rider form completion required below:

https://forms.gle/SHuHUELCkuVHDR8Y7

Methacton is thrilled to announce a new and streamlined way to purchase tickets for the 2024-25 school year events, beginning August 1! Through our partnership with Hometown Ticketing, you can now buy tickets directly from your phone or computer, pay with your preferred credit card, and present your digital ticket at the event. Cash will no longer be accepted at events.

Steps to get started:

1. Download the Hometown Fan App using the QR code or visit www.methacton.org/tickets.

2. Search for Methacton HS, choose your event and number of tickets, and enter your payment/contact info.

3. Enjoy the event by presenting your ticket’s QR code in the app or from your email confirmation.

Ticket prices are: $3 for students, $5 for adults, and FREE for staff and gold card ticket holders. Staff must reserve their seats using the Hometown Ticketing app or website. Gold card ticket holders (MSD residents aged 60+) can show their gold card at the door for entry. Fall season passes are also available: $15 for students and $30 for adults.

Get your tickets and enjoy a seamless event experience with Methacton!

Officers of the Lower Providence Police Department will be a routine presence on our school campuses to promote school safety. As such, you may see their vehicles at our schools or police within the schools throughout the school day.

https://www.methacton.org/cms/lib/PA50000637/Centricity/Domain/4/Opt%20In%20Text%20Message%20Chart.pdf

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFhCxA7QEI/TKF6xOAaeJnJcXdpPt8Z3A/view?utm_content=DAFhCxA7QEI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=GHw0mxfbiA

There are 2 primary goals of the WATCH D.O.G.S. ® program.

1) To provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important.

2) To provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.

WATCH D.O.G.S. ® (Dads Of Great Students) began in 1998 in a single school in Springdale, Arkansas and has since grown into a nationally recognized program that has brought hundreds of thousands of fathers and father figures into the school classrooms and hallways across the country, creating millions of hours of “in school” volunteer time and having a tremendously positive impact on the educational process.

If you are interested in becoming a WATCH D.O.G.S. volunteer, please refer to the following link with district information relative to volunteering.

If you are interested in serving as a Watch Dog Dad please email ihoff85@outlook.com or call the Arrowhead School Office at 610-489-5000 ext. 44200. Watch Dog Dads must have all the Methacton District required clearances. We can assist you in scheduling your special day as a Watch Dog Dad! If you have any questions about the program, clearances, and scheduling please contact us. You can also email, our school counselor, Mrs. Kelly Cohen, @ Kcohen@methacton.org as she will serve as our Watch Dog Coordinator.

Click on the link below for open positions.

https://www.methacton.org/Page/274

Exciting news from Arrowhead Spirit Wear! We are bring back another great way to show off your Arrowhead pride! Arrowhead Elementary car magnets are back and now available for purchase. They are $5 each. Look out for them at our next event where spirit wear is sold or feel free to reach out to Mary Beth Verano at mbpollino@gmail.com to purchase one anytime.

And as always, you can browse our spirit wear anytime at the following link:

Arrowhead Spirit Wear

AHSA Newsletters and event announcements will typically only be distributed via the Konstella communication system. So, don’t miss out on important news! Please make sure you are registered. Below are easy directions for how to get signed up!

We also recommend that you download the Konstella app so that you can receive instant notification through the app.

Start by visiting: www.konstella.com and clicking “Find Your School” in the upper right side. Select "Arrowhead Elementary". Complete registration as prompted.

*To Join a Room*

Web: Click your name in the top left corner. Click “Your Children” to add/modify your children.

Mobile App: Click the “Settings” icon in the top left corner. Click “Your Children”.

Please be sure to add your child to the correct classroom. If you have multiple children, you must add each child.

Help Raise Hundreds for Arrowhead - Just Download the BOX TOPS app and SCAN your receipt!

Box Tops are located on hundreds of products that you already purchase:
Kleenex, Betty Crocker, General Mills, Ziploc, Huggies, Hefty, Juicy Juice, Pillsbury & SO MANY MORE!

Simply follow these steps and these companies will give money to our kids' school! -

1. Download the BOX TOPS App

2. Choose "Arrowhead Elementary" (Zip Code 19426) as your school

3. Scan your receipts within 14 days of purchase. Digital receipt also accepted!

and CHA CHING you're done!

Check out bonus box tops offers in the app for extra $$!

For a complete list of participating products, see http://www.boxtops4education.com/participating-products
Questions? Please contact Larah Kornfeind, AHSA Boxtop Coordinator, at arrhowheadhomeandschool@gmail.com

Hi Arrowhead families,

We are providing families with a Communications Tool Guide Link where you will find important information regarding the district’s communication tools. Here is the link: https://www.methacton.org//cms/lib/PA50000637/Centricity/Domain/62/CommunicationsTools_FINAL.pdf

In this link you will find information on PowerSchool, SchoolMessenger, Social Media, Lower Providence Community Access Channel, Smore Newsletter< Konstella,

(*Note* Arrowhead uses SchoolMessenger and Smore for our weekly newsletters)

(*Note* Arrowhead Home and School Associations uses Konstella to send out information) and key district contacts. Please take a moment to read the the Communications Tool Guide.

All volunteers must have obtained their clearances to participate in any capacity at the school.

Please visit https://www.methacton.org/volunteer or click on the link to review the procedures to begin the process.

https://www.methacton.org/cms/lib/PA50000637/Centricity/Domain/62/Volunteer%20Manual%202022.pdf

If your child is absent/tardy, please call the Child Check Line at 610-831-5331 and give your child’s name, grade, teacher’s name and a reason for the absence. Your child is considered “unexcused” until we receive that information. If we not receive a message from you, we will “attempt” to reach you.

The Methacton Backpack Program provides students in need with supplemental food items. Families who qualify for free/reduced meals are eligible to apply for the Backpack Program.

Complete the following form to register your child(ren) for the 2024-2025 school year. Backpack Program distributions for families are done on a monthly basis. This form will remain open through the end of the school year to accommodate our families as their needs may change.

If you have any questions or issues registering your family, please contact Dr. Dani Fowlston at dfowlston@methacton.org.

There are several ways you can contribute to the Backpack Program:

Collection Bins:

· Donations can be dropped off (Monday through Friday) at Arcola Intermediate School. Collection bins are located near the entrance.

Or contact Dr. Dani Fowlston at dfowlston@methacton.org if you need to arrange a pick-up or drop-off.

Amazon:

· You can place an order through Amazon and ship it directly to Arcola Intermediate School. Please remember to select "No Weekend Delivery".

The address is: Arcola Intermediate School c/o Backpack Program, 4001-A Eagleville Road, Eagleville, PA 19403

· Financial Donation

o Provide a one-time donation or recurring donation to the Backpack Program. Click here to be directed to the RevTrak web payments system.

· Volunteer

o Volunteers can help sort donated items and pack bags for distribution. Visit the district's volunteer page to learn how to become a volunteer.

· What items can I donate?

Individual Food Items Needed (single-serving only):

· Shelf stable/not refrigerated boxes of milk (individual)

· Mini cereal boxes

· Canned soup (cans with "pop tops")

· Oatmeal packets or cups

· Applesauce and fruit cups

· Chef Boyardee, Hormel, Dinty Moore Meals, etc.

· Easy Mac cups

· Cracker Packs

· Sweet snacks: fruit gummies, pudding, granola bars, etc.

· Salty snacks: pretzel packs, Goldfish, popcorn, etc.

· 100% juice boxes

Thanks for all you do to support our school community!

Dear Arrowhead Families,

Just a reminder that students must ride home on the buses that they are assigned. Notes from the parents giving them permission to ride home on another bus is not permissible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Hi Arrowhead families,

Due to food allergy reasons, we are not permitting edible birthday treats to be brought into school. We realize that birthdays are special to our students and families. We appreciate your support.

See hiring opportunities below:

Methacton School District & STS (The Sub Service) have partnered to provide a $150 per week PAY RAISE to substitute teachers who commit to five days a week!

Join a passionate team of educators and pursue a rewarding career path all while impacting the lives of children in an exemplary learning environment!

STS provides all necessary training and resources to support a successful partnership.

APPLY TODAY!: https://help.thesubservice.com/methacton-open-positions

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children? Methacton School District is looking for people with a bachelor’s degree to join our Guest Teacher program. To learn more, visit www.methacton.org/GuestTeacherProgram or call STS at (800) 357-SUBS.

https://twitter.com/DrAaronRoberts1

Arrowhead Elementary School

232 Level Road, Collegeville PA 19426

Office: (610) 489-5000 Extension 44200 | aroberts@methacton.org

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