West Word
An Update from Perkiomen Valley Middle School West
A Word From Mr. Creeden
As we continue to cultivate an inclusive community of learners here at Middle School West we recognized Rock Your Socks Day this past Thursday March 21st. Every year on March 21st, people all around the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored, mismatched socks. March 21st is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome. Socks were chosen because the karyotype of Ds chromosomes actually looks like mismatched socks! Together we will create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome in our schools, community, and around the world.
This coming Tuesday March 26th is a half day for students as Spring Break begins on Wednesday March 27th and concludes on Monday April 1st. I want to wish all students and families a wonderful, relaxing, and safe break.
Half-Day For Students on Tuesday March 26th
No School For Students (Spring Break) - Wednesday 3/27 thru Monday 4/1
Quick Snapshot📸
- What's Up @ West
- PA Hex Sign Project
- West H&S Spring Apparel Sale
- Proposed 24/25 Schedule Insights
- Spring Fling @ West
- PV West Student Bingo Night on 4/26
- Makerspace @ West
- PV Mountain Bike Team - Informational Meeting
- PVHS Info For 8th Grade Students
- Spring Break Meal Boxes
- After School Clubs & Activities @ West
- PVMSW Green Team's Native Plant Sale
- West Cleans Up The Perkiomen Creek
- After School Athletic/Activity Transportation
- West School Store
- Attendance Announcement📢
- 23/24 PV Middle School Handbook
- PV Hall of Fame - Now Accepting Nominations
- PV West Athletic Update
- Tween Talk Group
- School Cafe
- Art Department Trip to Italy
- The 7th Annual Perkiomen Valley Art and Food Truck Festival
- Perkiomen Valley Art Boosters
- Virtual Parent Support Group
- Summer Help @ PVSD
- 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 & SPRING BREAK!
What's Up @ West
Rainbow Lab
The budding chemists in Mr. Patterson’s eighth grade physical science classes honed their lab skills this week during the Rainbow Lab. The objective of the exercise was to develop skills measuring chemicals, to practice the metric system, to test precision and ability to follow directions, and to follow lab safety procedures. If done properly, the six test tubes ended up with equal amounts of colored water, each with a different hue of the rainbow. The activity was a colorful, hands-on kick-off to the chemistry unit!
Mary Fenstermacher Day!
West celebrated Mary Fenstermacher Day on Wednesday, March 20th, Mrs. Fenstermacher's birthday! Mary is a 1954 Schwenksville High School Graduate and was a physical education teacher and field hockey coach at Perkiomen Valley high School from 1974-1998. In retirement, Mary has become a beloved member of the West family as one of our favorite substitute teachers. Happy Birthday Mary!
Spelling Bee 2.0
Spellers competed at the Scripps Bucks-Mont Regional Bee, sponsored by the Mideastern Region of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools, and Merriam-Webster Dictionary. The competition was held at Wissahickon High School on March 16th. Spellers studied “Words of the Champions,” the 4,000-word list provided by the Scripps National Spelling Bee, to prepare for the competition. The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program, having been launched in 1925. Perkiomen Valley Middle School West eighth grader, Anusha Verma, placed third, winning a trophy and a $50 Amazon gift card. Congratulations Anusha!
PA Hex Sign Project
Students in Miss DiCicco's sixth grade art classes created Pennsylvania hex signs demonstrating the use of symbolic images and colors. All cultures use symbols to communicate messages and themes. Students learned how to identify and interpret symbols, both objective and non-objective. Non-objective symbols can be very open-ended and more abstract, making them more difficult to understand. Students are able to form opinions about the meanings behind the symbols. Then, a piece of art was developed using these concepts.Hex designs, usually round, with colourful, simple floral and geometric motifs, are typically painted on barns and said to protect farm animals from disease and crops from harsh natural occurrences.
West H&S Spring Apparel Sale
PV West Home & School Spring Spirit Wear Sale is now OPEN!
Orders must be placed by Sunday April 7th. Delivery of items will be approximately 3 weeks after the sale closes.
A portion of each sale benefits the West Home & School. Go to https://pvmswest24.itemorder.com/shop/home/ or see below for ordering information.
Please contact Jodi Lieb (jodilieb@verizon.net) with any questions.
Proposed 24-25 Schedule Insights
A middle school schedule, see below, is being proposed for the 24/25 school year. This proposed schedule would provide purposeful time (I&E) for intervention and/or enrichment (Math and/or ELA), core rotations, and character education to occur within the school day. This week we will share more information about core rotations with you. More information about character education will be shared next week.
If students do not qualify to participate in a small group intervention they will participate in a Tier 1 core rotation. During core class rotation time core area teachers (Math, ELA, Science, Social Studies) use extended instructional time with their students to provide necessary review or enrichment lessons based on assessment data (PSSA, STAR, LinkIt Benchmark, iReady) or classroom data. These lessons will be provided by using approved curriculum resources. The collective findings from a 2015 study by the National Center on Time and Learning (NCTL) determined that when combined with other factors like supportive school culture and effective leadership, extended instructional time can improve student achievement.
More information will be shared about the core rotations in next week's West Word. A virtual meeting will also take place for any parents/guardians interested in learning more about the proposed schedule. The virtual meeting will take place on Tuesday April 9th at 7:00pm. Zoom link information will be shared closer to the meeting. We will record the meeting and share questions and answers posted from the meeting.
Spring Fling @ West
Mark your calendars! West is having a Spring Fling on Friday, April 12! It will begin right after school, and pick-up is at 5 pm. We will have lots of fun activities and delicious food. The cost for students will be $10. Look for more details coming soon!
PV West Student Bingo Night on 4/26
Makerspace @ West
Our library is excited to announce the opening of our school's own makerspace, Viking Visionspace! A makerspace is an area where students can design, create, and problem solve; it is a place where their imagination and creativity can take flight, launching from personal interests or academic pursuits. Some of our stations include a LEGO wall, dye cutters, a cardboard challenge center, and lots of opportunities for "free builds," with many ideas to keep expanding in the future!
If you would like to contribute to our makerspace, we would appreciate donations of supplies listed below. These can be dropped off to the main office or the library at any time. Thank you to those who have already contributed to stocking our makerspace!
PV Mountain Bike Team - Informational Meeting
PVHS Info For 8th Grade Students
Currently the teachers are making their recommendations for the students core classes next year, and meeting with their students from January 23rd until February 8th. On February 6th & 8th, Mr. Specht will be speaking to social studies classes to inform the students of the process, and their options in regards to program planning. The powerpoint that Mr. Specht will use during the presentation will be posted to their Class of 2028 Google Classroom to have as a source of information. It is also linked below as the "2024 West Electives Presentation." On February 15th there will be a Parent Presentation at the High School. On February 16th, students will be able to go on StudentVue to see their recommendations, as well as make selections for all of their courses/electives. Mr. Specht will be going back into classrooms on February 20th & 21st to ensure all students have accurately selected their courses/electives. The window to select courses for the 24-25 school year will be open until March 7th. March 31st is the deadline for any changes to the course recommendations. The student's ability to select courses in StudentVue ends on March 7th, but changes can be made until March 31st through the school counselor.
Lastly, please save the date as there will be a mixer for West & East students on May 17th. Please see a number of resources below to help your discussions with your children regarding PVHS Program Planning.
Spring Break Meal Boxes
Perkiomen Valley alumni and community members are organizing family meal boxes for those in need to obtain during spring break. The box would include a complete meal box to feed a family of 6. Please use the form below to sign up to pick up or receive a meal box. Pick up will be on Wednesday, March 27th, between 11am and 1pm. Registration for this will close on Friday, March 22nd OR once we reach the 55 families signed up threshold.
After School Clubs & Activities @ West
Math Lab
Homework Club
Homework Club will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30pm in our Large Group Instruction room. Homework Club will provide a quiet, comfortable, and supportive setting for students to complete school work and become better organized. Students will receive assistance and support when needed. School resources will also be provided for all students in attendance. There is no sign-up required. If students are attending they can report directly to the Library after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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.
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 Tuesday to collaborate, plan, create, and help make positive change in our school community. If you are interested in joining The CAUSE Club please email Mrs. Moreno at tmoreno@pvsd.org.
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.
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.
Attendance Announcement📢
Just a few reminders for Student Attendance
Written Excuses are always required (per the State of Pennsylvania) - email is a valid written excuse mswattendance@pvsd.org
Phone calls are helpful but not necessary
If your child is going out of town for any reason (other than family emergency or funeral), a trip form must be completed and submitted for the absence(s). We can allow up to five (5) excused trip/travel related absences per school year.
Please see the helpful links below for forms and more information.
Kacie Kaufmann, kkaufmann@pvsd.org
Middle School West Attendance/Counseling Secretary
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)
PV Hall of Fame - Now Accepting Nominations
The Perkiomen Valley School District Hall of Fame was established in 2018 to recognize distinguished alumni, or others, whose outstanding athletic, professional, or civic endeavors have brought honor to Perkiomen Valley School District and serve to inspire future graduates to perform and serve in the same spirit.
Nominations for the Hall of Fame are now open! Nominations will be accepted through May 1, 2024. We are excited to return this tradition here in Perkiomen Valley. We ask that you please follow the criteria on the link below to make your nominations. Please click the link below to nominate.
PV West Athletic Update
Spring Sports start next week! See below for information on who will be coaching our Spring Middle School West athletes.
Middle School West 8th Grade Baseball Coach: Jeff Shuta
Head Coach Jeff Shuta is entering his 2nd year coaching baseball at PV West. Jeff has been coaching youth baseball for over 8 years at both the rec and travel levels, as well as serving as Director of Baseball with the Central Perk Youth Association. He currently resides in Schwenksville with his wife of almost 20 years, Alison, and their two sons. Coach Shuta's favorite part of coaching is seeing players grow in their love of the game while instilling a solid work ethic that will serve them in sports and life. When asked about his goals for this season, the Coach responded "We hope to build on our success from our 7th grade season last year - but even more importantly, we look to prepare these student athletes for playing at the next level in high school. We preach 'Attitude and Effort' at all times, and believe that gives each player the foundation for success"
Middle School West 7th Grade Baseball Coach: Jeff Whittaker
Jeff Whittaker will be coaching 7th Grade Baseball at Middle School West this Spring. He lives
in Skippack with his wife of 23 years, Jennifer, and their two sons Logan and Bryce. Jeff has
been involved with his sons’ baseball teams at both Lower Perkiomen Little League and
Central Perkiomen Little League over the past ten years in various coaching and support roles.
In addition to coaching both school and rec baseball this spring, Jeff will be playing baseball in
the Bux-Mont over 45 league this spring and summer – his first taste of organized baseball in 35
years.
Middle School West Softball Coach: Jeff Elmer
Head Coach Jeff Elmer is entering his 1st year as the PV Middle School West softball coach. He resides in Skippack with his wife Terry and his three children Corey (22), Carly (18) and Brielle (13). Going on his 9th year coaching softball, Jeff has coached rec and travel at Lower Perk Little League, Sting Fastpitch and is currently the head coach at Xtreme Fastpitch 14U. Developing the skills to become a better softball player while teaching the players how to work hard and work together as a team are skills coach Jeff believes will help them on and off the field to succeed in life.
Middle School West Girls Lacrosse Coach: Cynthia Strano
Cindy Strano is entering her 3rd year on the coaching staff for PV West lacrosse. Cindy is a school counselor at Schwenksville Elementary and a graduate of Drexel University where she played collegiate lacrosse. Cindy lives in Schwenksville with her husband, Rich. She has three sons: Richie, Brennan and Jackson. When asked about her favorite part of coaching, Coach Strano said, “I love the opportunity to share my love of lacrosse with 7th and 8th grade students. I believe sports are an opportunity for students to learn more about themselves, gain confidence, and understand what it means to work together as a team. I am so lucky I get to be part of watching this happen for the lacrosse team at West.”
Middle School Girls Track and Field Head Coach: Ashley Lewis
Middle School Boys Track and Field Head Coach: William Cobb
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
School Cafe
School Cafe is a secure, online system that can be used by parents to make payments to their child’s cafeteria meal accounts, to review student buying history, and to set low-balance alerts. If you already have an account, you may log in to School Cafe using the button below. For more information on how to set up an account, please review the documents below.
Art Department Trip to Italy
The PVHS Art Department is traveling to Italy for Summer 2025. Current 8th Grade students are invited to participate in this travel adventure. If interested, please see the attached flier below.
The 7th Annual Perkiomen Valley Art and Food Truck Festival
Good Afternoon West Families,
The Perkiomen Valley School District Art Department is proud to host its 7th annual Art & Food Truck Festival on Saturday, June 1st from 11 - 3 pm at PV High School. The festival was established to create awareness for our students and community members of the numerous careers in the art fields. Our mission is to encourage students to pursue their aspirations in the arts while also supporting local artists.
In addition to the Art and Food Trucks, we pride ourselves in promoting our local businesses, large and small. I am reaching out to see if anyone in the West Community has a local business or connection to a company that might be interested in donating items for our raffle. The donation could include a company themed basket, gift card, coupons or even an offered service. All proceeds of the event raffle will benefit our PV art students in grades K-12 through PVAB, the Perkiomen Valley Art Booster Club! Check out our booster club at www.pvab.org!
If you are interested in supporting our event, please contact Christina Bolc, AFTF Raffle Basket Coordinator at Raffles@pvartfest.com to coordinate your donation. All donations are due by Friday, May 17th, 2024.
Thank you in advance for supporting the Perkiomen Valley Art Department!
Sincerely,
Miss Marla DiCicco
Middle School West Art Teacher
Perkiomen Valley Art Boosters
The K-12 Art Department is thrilled to introduce you to the Perkiomen Valley Art Booster, a dynamic organization dedicated to fostering creativity and artistic expression within our community.
The Perkiomen Valley Art Booster is a passionate group of individuals committed to supporting and enhancing the arts in our local schools and beyond. Through collaborative efforts, fundraising initiatives, and community engagement, we aim to create an environment where every
artistic spark can ignite a flame of inspiration.
We encourage you to follow PVAB on Facebook, Instagram, and www.pvab.org
for upcoming events, fundraisers, and collaborative projects.
Virtual Parent Support Group
Embark Behavioral Health continues to expand our services to meet the growing need to teen and young adult mental health needs throughout our country. With incidents of depression in adolescents up by 216% since 2006 and suicide as the 2nd leading cause of death for our preteen youth, it is our responsibility to act now and act quickly. In partnership with all of you, we can reverse this youth mental health crisis and change the trajectory of the next generation.
Continuing on our mission to be the leader in driving teen and young adult depression, anxiety, and suicide rates from all-time highs to all-time lows, Embark Behavioral Health is proud to offer our FREE Monthly Virtual Multi-family Support Group. This structured group, led by a licensed clinician is open to the public (ages 18+) and assists with the challenges that many loved ones and caregivers face while caring for someone with a behavioral health concern.
Please see the flyer below for more info about Embark Behavioral Health and the free monthly virtual multi-family support group.
Summer Help @ PVSD
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.
We love being with you in person, but we are also pleased to provide you with recorded programing that can be viewed at your convenience on our YouTube Channel! See the link below to view and subscribe.
Safe2Say
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Did you know that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis 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
Tuesday March 26th - Half Day for Students (Teacher In-Service)
Wednesday March 27th - Monday April 1st - No School for Students (Spring Break)
Friday April 12th - After School Spring Fling @ West