Arrowhead News

Monday, Oct. 14 – Youth Heart Screening

Ages 14-25 only. Individuals under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

9:00am-2:00pm

Methacton High School Main Gym

Pre-registration required: www.methacton.org/heart_screening

Monday, Oct. 21 – Free Flu and/or Covid Vaccination

Open to Methacton staff and families

3:00pm-7:00pm

Methacton High School Main Gym

Pre-registration required: https://form.jotform.com/SkippackPharmacy/Methacton2024

Tuesday, Oct. 29 – Community Blood Drive

2:30pm-7:30pm

Methacton High School Main Gym

Sign-up Online: www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: Methacton

Methacton School District is partnering with Simon’s Heart to host a Free Youth Heart Screening on October 14, 2024. This event aims to identify and address potential heart conditions in individuals between the ages of 14 and 25.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death for young athletes, claiming thousands of lives each year. Through this free screening, Methacton and Simon’s Heart hope to provide early identification for these often-undetectable conditions.

EVENT DETAILS:

This event is open to individuals ages 14 to 25 only. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Date: Monday, October 14, 2024
• Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Methacton High School Main Gym, 1001 Kriebel Mill Rd, Eagleville, PA 19403
• Pre-Registration Required: www.methacton.org/heart_screening

The comprehensive heart screening will involve four steps:

1. Completing a brief medical history and consent form
2. Blood pressure, height, and weight evaluation
3. Heart examination and electrocardiogram (ECG)
4. Echocardiogram for select students, if deemed necessary

To volunteer at the event, visit: https://bit.ly/methacton_protects_hearts_VOLUNTEER

Students will be having a fall festival party in their classrooms on Thursday, October 31st . Homeroom parents will be organizing fall themed games and crafts for students on this day. Teachers will communicate fall festival party times to their families.

Students are invited to wear fall colored clothing or a school appropriate costume that day (no large, inflatable, or gory costumes, no face paint or masks covering the entire face). Students will not be changing into, or out of, costumes during the day, so please be sure your child is wearing something comfortable that does not interfere with their safety. All students will follow their regular daily schedule with Physical Education, Art, Library, Music, Recess and Lunch. We are excited to have our classroom parties, and we appreciate the support of our home and school volunteers!

Dear Families,

We want to reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Bullying of any kind, by any person, is unacceptable. All students must be free from worries about being bullied. Students who bully others must be taught appropriate ways of interacting with peers.

We are pleased to announce that our school community will observe Unity Day on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, during National Bullying Prevention Month. This annual event, initiated by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, promotes unity, kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. It serves as an opportunity for us to come together and emphasize the importance of creating a positive school climate where every student feels respected and valued. We encourage all students to wear orange on this day to show support for Unity Day.

Methacton School District’s Policy on Bullying

Our bullying policy is included within this communication and can also be accessed on the district’s website via the following link:Methacton School District Board Policy 249.

As defined in policy 249 linked above, bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting, that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:

1. Substantially interfering with a student’s education.
2. Creating a threatening environment.
3. Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyberbullying. School setting is defined as in the school, including in a virtual setting, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop, at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school, or in any other location (on or away from school property) where the district has jurisdiction over a student's conduct.

What does bullying look like? Bullying can happen on school grounds and can also happen online. Bullying can be teasing, saying mean things, deliberately ignoring someone, physically harming someone, and encouraging others to behave in the same way. Warning signs that your child might be bullied include chronic absenteeism from school, trouble sleeping, mood changes, lost interest in school work, change of appetite and/or increased anxiety.

Response to Bullying:

Parents play a crucial role in helping their child navigate and cope with bullying. Talking to your child about bullying is the first step.

● Encourage your child to share their experiences without interruption or judgment. Make sure they know they are heard and supported. Let your child know that it's okay to feel hurt, angry, or scared. Validate their emotions and assure them that bullying is not their fault.

● Empowering your child to solve problems is important by helping them develop strategies for responding to bullies confidently. Teaching your child to seek help and report bullying to a trusted teacher, counselor or administrator.

● Encourage your child to stand up for others who may be bullied. This includes telling a trusted adult if they have witnessed bullying.

● Involve the school. Make sure the school is aware of the bullying so that appropriate measures can be taken to protect your child.

● If cyberbullying is involved, teach your child how to block or report abusive users. Keep an open dialogue about their online interactions.

If you suspect your student is being impacted by bullying, communication is of critical importance. The District utilizes two reporting forms: Safe2SaySomething and MSD Title IX Form. Additionally, students are welcomed and encouraged to report any suspected bullying to a trusted adult, teacher, counselor, or administrator.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me or our counseling team.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Dr. Roberts
Principal

If you answered yes, see Kid writing training flyer below. For potential new volunteers access the district's website for position volunteer requirements which can be found here.

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.

Our 3rd and 4th grade students were honored to have several Methacton High School students visit their classrooms and help them with goal setting for the school year. Students wrote goals like learn to become a scientist, become a better reader, learn more about math, and improve handwriting! Thank you MHS!

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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