Arrowhead News

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

Dear Families,

The Cognitive Abilities Test Screening Form, (CogAT Form 7 Level 8), will be administered to all second grade students in Methacton School District during the week of October 5th.* The CogAT measures general reasoning abilities in three domains: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. This assessment provides a universal screening, facilitated by the Gifted Specialists and administered by the classroom teachers.

CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) Screening Form:

The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) Screening Form is a K-12 assessment that is designed to measure students' learned reasoning abilities. Generally, the CogAT is utilized to help educators make important student placement decisions, such as selecting students to be screened further for gifted programming considerations. It allows for all 2nd grade students to participate in a cognitive assessment where individual results can help recognize the potential for exceptional ability and/or gifted potential. The scores, reported in national percentiles by age using the most current norms, provide a cognitive snapshot helping parents and school staff better understand individual learners. Some students may be referred for a building gifted screening based on assessment results. Teachers and administrators will have access to student scores in November.

What does it test?

CogAT measures students' learned reasoning abilities in the three areas most linked to academic success in school: Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal. All items are pictorial and presented as multiple choice where the student selects the best answer from the options provided. The three subtests are:

CogAT Screening Form PictureNerbal Analogies

• Picture Analogies measures the student's reasoning skills. A student is shown a series of images, and must choose the most appropriate one to correspond to the theme from the options given. The goal of this portion of the test is to measure a child's reasoning skills.

CogAT Screening Form Number Analogies/Quantitative

• Here, students are tested on their recognition of mathematical patterns. For the younger grades, students are given a pair of pictures connected to each other through some sort of mathematical rule. Their task is to recognize this rule and apply it to the next pair of images by choosing the correct option.

CogAT Screening Form Figure Matrices

• The questions in this section are presented as two by two matrices with three cells containing either figures or shapes, and the fourth one being empty. A student should analyze the top two cells, recognize the pattern between them, and fill the final cell with the option that reflects the same pattern with the third cell.

How should my child prepare/what if I have questions?

It is not possible to study for this type of test. Parent(s)/Guardian(s), however, can help their child come to school prepared by assuring a good night's sleep and an adequate breakfast. *Individual schools and classroom staff schedule exact days/times for test administration.

Please contact the Gifted Specialist or principal at your child's school if you want to opt your child out of taking the Cognitive Abilities Test or have additional questions.

Contact information:

Arrowhead:

Principal: Dr. Aaron Roberts aroberts@methacton.org

Gifted Specialist: Mrs. Darlene Balaguer-Piernock dbalaguer-piernock@methacton.org

Dear Families,

Each month, we will be highlighting important topics intended to provide valuable insights, resources, and strategies to help create and maintain a supportive and welcoming environment for all students and staff.

Here’s a preview of some of the topics we will be covering:

● Signs of Bullying and Appropriate Response

● Signs of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

● Supporting Your Student’s Mental Health Needs

● Focusing on the Whole Child: Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

● Increasing our Sense of Belonging

If you have any questions, suggestions, or require further assistance on these topics, please feel free to reach out to me.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to another great academic year.

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.

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.

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

Methacton Education Foundation Website:

The Methacton Education Foundation seeks to recognize our most outstanding teachers, alumni, and community members. Nominate a teacher, alumni, or community member here: www.methactonfoundation.org/nominate

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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