Falcon Flash

Good Evening Stetson Families,

We have finally arrived at the final few days of the 22-23 school year. As we reflect upon the many, many events and highlights of the school year, it is evident that we had a fantastic school year of growth, laughter, and new relationships. We are excited to see our students off into summer and welcome them back in the fall rested and rejuvenated. We want to wish our graduating 8th graders the best of luck in high school. I was blown away but the level of support and attendance at our 8th grade celebration this past week. I hope you all enjoyed viewing the celebration of your student outside on that gorgeous day. It means a lot to us as a school that we have your support from home.

As always, please continue to check on assignments and wrap up final submissions with teachers via PowerSchool and Schoology, and do not hesitate to reach out to your students teacher with any concerns.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Puchalla

Principal

Monday, June 12th -- Day 1

Tuesday, June 13th--Day 2 ***FINAL DAY OF SCHOOL***

Monday, June 12th—

6th grade Regular classes (pd 3, 4, 6, 7, 8)

7th grade Locker clean out & regular classes (pd 1, 2, 5, 7, 8)

8th grade Field Day outdoors (weather permitting) *if rains, modify games for indoor fun

Tuesday, June 13th—

6th grade Field Day outdoors *note change from Monday

7th grade Regular classes (pd 1, 2, 5, 7, 8)

8th grade Breakfast & Clubs/Activities Celebration *note limited space in auditorium for spectators

Parents,

As we head into the last remaining bit of the school year, I would like to ask your help in just checking in with your students regarding social media posts. Usually around the end of the school year we see an increase in social media issues and the impact that they have inside the school building. Please have a conversation with your child about appropriate communication and posting in regards to their peers and friends within the school community. We strongly emphasize our PRIDE motto to our students and extend that conversation into interactions outside of the building as well. Thank you for your support!

Friendly reminder regarding the WCASD Dress Code Policy:

Students are expected to wear clothing appropriate for school. Unacceptable attire includes, but is not limited to, attire that is unsafe, unhealthy, disruptive, offensive to generally acceptable community standards, or contains obscene language; any clothing that reveals undergarments; torn clothing or clothing with holes in it; and tight fitting outfits that are inappropriate and/or revealing. During the school year and summer school, the following applies to male and female students:

1. Tops

a. Shirts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts shall not have inappropriate slogans, words, pictures, alcohol/smoking advertisements, etc.

b. No tank tops, no tops that show the midriff or cleavage, and no see-through tops shall be permitted.

2. Pants/Shorts/Dresses/Skirts

a. Dresses, shorts, and skirts shall be at an appropriate length, which has been determined to be no shorter than midway between the knee and the top of the leg.

b. No pants/sweatpants/shorts/etc. with writing located in inappropriate places are permitted.

c. Pants shall be appropriately sized and worn at the waist, and no lower than the top of the hips.

d. Undergarments shall not be displayed.

e. Pajamas shall not be permitted.

3. Outerwear

a. Coats, hats, hoods, scarves, and the like shall not be worn in the school building, except for religious reasons.

4. Footwear

a. No bedroom slippers shall be permitted.

b. Laces on shoes shall be secured.

c. Any footwear that poses a safety hazard shall not be permitted.

5. Other

a. No chain link belts.

b. Spike jewelry, chains or any other jewelry that could cause injury or constitute a hazard are not permitted.

We have set up an online store for families to purchase Stetson apparel that can be delivered directly to your room. We look forward to seeing students wearing these items around the building!

Store Link: https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/stetson-middle-school

We understand many guests did not receive a copy of the program at the 8th Grade Celebration on Monday. Please accept our apologies and we want to thank you for understanding that since it was our first time celebrating our 8th graders outside it was difficult to estimate how many to provide. Thank you and best of luck as your 8th grade student moves on to high school!

· June 19-23

· For all boys entering grades 3-9

· Staff includes Rustin Head Coach Mike St. Clair and staff from West Chester East and Penncrest High Schools

· Non-contact, skills-based camp

· Click link below for more details and registration

https://www.ccallstarfootballcamp.com/

*The West Chester Area School District does not sponsor or sanction this program/event/activity.

Please see the attached letter from our ELA Supervisor, Kara Bailey, regarding summer reading in the WCASD.

Stetson Library is planning a book exchange for the summer.

If you have middle or elementary school appropriate books at home that you no longer want, please donate them for our exchange.

There is a collection box outside the library.

We will collect throughout May. In June, we will distribute books for students to keep.

Thank you for sharing with us.

All Library materials will be due by June 2nd. Please help us get library books back so that we can begin summer checkout. Currently we have over 200 books checked out. Thank you for supporting Stetson Library

PTO welcomes new Board Members for the 2022-23 school year:

Patty Arabia, Vicki Babylon, Julie Finnegan, Jamie Grant, Dee Hurford, and Lindsey Rauch. We are asking families to consider making a contribution to the PTO, so we can continue to bring enhancements to our children’s education. Our suggested contribution is $25 per family, but whatever you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Cash and checks (made out to Stetson PTO) can be sent to school marked PTO Contribution.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR PARENTS for participating in Teacher Appreciation Week lead by our PTO Team. Our staff really enjoyed the daily treats.

The PTO Candy Bowl is BACK!

Please help us show the Stetson teachers and staff some sweet appreciation by signing up to donate some candy!

Follow this link to pick a slot https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054AA8A72DA7F94-teacher.

Thank you!

As a school we are always looking to improve upon our building culture. This year we will be promoting positive relationships and growth with our students using the acronym PRIDE. Pride stands for:

P- Purpose (Having our students do things with intent and determination.)

R- Respect (Showing respect to our peers and adults.)

I- Integrity (Doing the right thing even when no one is looking. Strong moral principles.)

D- Diversity (Recognizing that we all come from difference places and experiences and we respect each others differences.)

E- Empathy (the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.)

One our first day of school, Monday, we held a Town Hall meetings with each of our grades to welcome them back and review expectations and PRIDE was the heart of our presentation. We encouraged all students to practice PRIDE every day at Stetson and we encourage parents to talk with their students about what PRIDE is and how they can show it. We wanted to make adults at home aware in case they hear their student mention it at home. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Our Falcon Periods on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning. Falcon Period runs as an extended HR from 8:15-8:50. The purpose of this additional period is to provide an academic support period during the school day for students to have the opportunity to complete work, receive remediation/enrichment, and participate in our social and emotional activities. Our bell schedule is adjusted to accommodate for the Falcon periods. Tuesday Falcon Period will concentrate on executive functioning support and Thursday will be focused on social and emotional learning. We believe through these opportunities students can make stronger connections with teachers, counselors, administrators, and peers.

Welcome Back! Below is a step by step breakdown to follow if you are experiencing Covid symptoms. Please pay close attention to the criteria for testing positive and experiencing symptoms as guidance has changed. Also, there are several options available for Covid testing kits and locations that are listed in the letter as well. As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out our school nurse, Mrs. Czerpak at 484-266-2706.

Please remember if your child exhibits symptoms of illness, please keep the home!

Reminder about phones- As a friendly reminder, if a student is not feeling well they should report to the Nurse's office. The office will then contact home with any health concerns or if a student needs to be picked up.

Dear Parents/Guardians of incoming 7th grade students:

The PA Department of Health issued stronger immunization laws that took effect August 2017 to ensure students are adequately protected against potential outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. This law affects all incoming 7th grade students. Students must have one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menactra, MCV4) and one dose of Tdap vaccine before entry into the 7th grade.

Most students would have received this vaccine at their 6th grade physical. Proof of vaccination or a medical certificate scheduling the vaccine will be due by the 5th day of school of your student’s 7th grade year, September 5, 2023, or your student will face exclusion. More information can be found on the WCASD homepage.

Parents can access their provider’s patient portals (such as MyCHOP, MyNeMours, or MyPennMedicine) which will allow you to print proof of immunizations to send to the school nurse.

Parents can also use vaccinfinder.org to find a facility that offers these immunizations or schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.

Your child may still obtain medical, religious or philosophical exemption from this new required immunization. Please notify the health office via email if this is your request.

You can send in proof of immunization with your student, or scan and email to mczerpak@wcasd.net.

Early attention to this matter is greatly appreciated!

Dental examinations are required of children first entering kindergarten or 1st, 3rd, and 7th grades, and students transferring from out of state, according to Article XIV, School Health Services, of the Public School Code and regulations, 28 Pa. Code 23.1-23.87, Health Services.

Attached for your convenience is the Private Dentist Report form to be filled out by your Dentist. It is important that your Dentist complete the Dental Report form. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to return that form to the school nurse as soon as possible. Exams conducted after June 1, 2022 will be accepted.

Proof of dental examination is required by October 29, 2023 or risk exclusion. You can send the completed dental form with your student, scan and email to mczerpak@wcasd.net, or fax to 484-266-2799.

If you are receiving this email, the nurse does not have a dental exam on file.

Early attention to this matter is greatly appreciated!

Melissa Czerpak MHEP, BSN, CSN

Medication Reminder

Field trip season is upon us! Please see attachment regarding medication requirements, and a blank medication authorization form for physician and parent completion. Thank you.

All medications, even over-the-counter (OTC) medications, must be dispensed by the school nurse. Do not send medications with your child to take during the day. Sending medicines with your child is against school policy and the WCASD Discipline Code. A signed permission note must accompany medications that need to be given during school and a written order from the doctor with type, dosage, and time. A copy of the prescription to the pharmacy is not the same and cannot be accepted. Students are not permitted to bring their medications to school. A parent/guardian must personally deliver the medication to the school nurse, who must secure and dispense the medication. Students are not permitted to dispense medications to themselves. Our Nurse, Mrs. Melissa Czerpak, will be available for early medicine drop-off at various times in August. Please contact her to schedule the medication delivery by calling her at 484-266-2706 or emailing her at mczerpak@wcasd.net.

Stetson Middle School Code of Conduct

All students will be given access to an electronic copy of the WCASD Discipline & Records Policy through the distribution of the 1 to 1 laptops. Additionally, the administration will review the policy manual with each grade level during their town hall meeting the first week of school. It is vitally important to review every page of these documents with your child. Each child will be required to verify through a signature that they have received the policy. Knowing what is expected of each student and what consequences are for various offenses will be important to have a successful experience at Stetson Middle School.

Each student is responsible for knowing their bus number, stop location, and pick-up time. Students should be at their bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. Per WCASD policy, students are neither permitted to ride a bus to which they are not assigned nor get off at an unassigned bus stop. Bus passes will not be permitted due to continued limited bus capacity. Bus drivers have the right to assign seats on their buses. BUS ARRIVAL TIMES MAY NOT BE EXACT IN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS SO PLEASE BE PATIENT AS WE WORK TO HIT OUR SCHEDULED TIMES.

Accidental Damage Policy:

Our students will be covered for one incidence of accidental damage coverage for each academic year. Any cost of repair/replacement of damage beyond the one incident per year will become the responsibility of the student or parent/legal guardian. This accidental damage coverage will not cover device loss or intentional damage.

Student Drop-Off/Pick-up: Safety is the top priority at Stetson. Please use the designated lane to drop off/pick up students. There will be only one lane available for drop-off and pick-up in the morning and afternoon. Prepare for long lines and plan accordingly. Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30 am. Stay in the car line and follow staff members’ instructions. You will find the carline traffic flow map attached below. Please review the map and feel free to reach out with any questions. Students may only enter or exit cars at the designated cones. Student drop-off and pick-up can be challenging with the high volume of cars that enter the campus. We appreciate your efforts in helping keep our students safe during this time.

Due to the start time of the staff workday, students can only enter school after 7:30 am unless directed by a teacher for a pre-determined appointment. Students dropped off before 7:50 am will be directed to wait in the cafeteria (6th grade) or LGI (7th and 8th grade) until dismissed to lockers/homeroom.

Being on Time to School: Homeroom begins at 8:05 am and ends at 8:15 am. Students arriving late to homeroom (after the homeroom bell rings at 8:05 am) must report to the office for a late pass. The administration will handle lateness following the WCASD Attendance Policies and PA State Laws.

Lateness Clarification:

a. All Stetson students who are assigned and ride a bus that arrives late will NOT be marked late due to the bus’s late arrival.

b. A student who is driven to school and dropped off in the car line will be marked late if the student is not in their homeroom when the homeroom bell rings at 8:05 am.

Please refer to the document below regarding our attendance policies. We have created a comprehensive document which should provide clarity on things such as early dismissals, late arrivals, absences, vacation requests, etc. If you have any questions, please reach out to our attendance secretary, Mrs. Heather Mazza, at hmazza@wcasd.net.

Teachers will now have the ability to use attendance codes when taking attendance during their classes. Teachers will use the code "ACT" or activity for when a student has checked in and is participating in a school sponsored activity. If a student is not present in the classroom and has not previously checked in with their teacher, they will use the code "LAW" meaning they are not present in the classroom. Students must previously have checked in with their teacher in order for the ACT code to be used. We use these codes as a safety and accountability measure for our building.

Cell phones and other unauthorized electronic devices are not allowed to be carried on a person during the school day. If a student chooses to bring a device to school, it must be turned off/silenced and stored in the student’s locker for the duration of the school day. Failure to follow this directive will result in the confiscation of the item and possible further disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, the student’s parent/guardian having to pick the item up from school.

Please check Stetson's website often to find updates and school information. You may also keep up-to-date on your child's academic progress by accessing our Parent Portal system. Please follow us on Twitter to check out our latest events and announcements @GAStetsonMS.

Are you ready for the time of your life? Then you’re ready for the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation’s Life Skills Conference!

The conference is held at the Masonic Conference Center – Patton Campus, in Elizabethtown, adjacent to the world-renowned Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.

This active and exciting conference challenges attendees to develop leadership, respect, relational skills, and personal responsibility through a variety of creative approaches and various media. The program will also include active discussions of some of the toughest issues facing students today: drugs and alcohol, violence and conflict resolution, teen sexuality, and others. This year also brings the return of previous “hit” programs, including a day-trip to a high ropes course! It promises to be an even more exciting conference than ever before!

The Conference is limited to 100 participants and is open to youth 12 and older who have not reached their 18th birthday at the time of the conference. Registrations will be processed in order of receipt, and priority will be given to first-time attendees. Registration fee, medical history, emergency care, and ropes course releases will be required of conferees upon acceptance and prior to the start of the conference. Registration Deadline: June 15, 2023.

This summer (July 10 - August 3), Lincoln University is offering a FREE STEM camp on our main campus near Oxford, PA. The camp will run Monday through Thursday and is for rising 6th through 8th graders. While all students/families are welcome to apply, the grant requires that 80% of our student population qualify for free or reduced lunch and are members of marginalized groups.