Wiss Watch

Click "open this email in a browser" for the best display. To translate or use ADA features, click the Translate icon at the top. Tap any image to enlarge it.

최상의 표시를 위해 "브라우저에서 이 이메일 열기"를 클릭하십시오. ADA 기능을 번역하거나 사용하려면 상단의 번역 아이콘을 클릭하세요. 이미지를 탭하면 확대됩니다.

Para traducir o usar las funciones de ADA, haga clic en el ícono Traducir en la esquina superior derecha. ¿Teniendo problemas? Haga clic en "abrir este correo electrónico en un navegador" para ver la barra de herramientas de Traducción/ADA en la parte superior. Toca cualquier imagen para ampliarla.

Check out this amazing story! Social media philanthropist Isaiah Garza known for his random acts of kindness made 7th Grader Chase Merriweather’s dream of meeting NBA superstar Luka Doncic a reality! Thanks to Garza, Chase attended the NBA All-Star Game in Utah February 17-19 as the special guest of Doncic. Chase, who lost his hands & feet when he was three years old, has long been a Wiss Nation hero. He never let the loss of his limbs slow him down! With help from the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Chase participates in multiple sports and lives life to its fullest. Chase’s journey is the inspiration for Chase UR Dream, a nonprofit organization his parents founded that raises money to provide support and resources to individuals with limb differences and their families. Shout-out to Garza and Doncic for providing this unforgettable experience for Chase, to the Merriweathers for their incredible work to help others, and to Chase for continuing to inspire us.

Another Highlight: When Mr. Garza visited WMS to surprise Chase with the NBA All-Star trip, he also visited a couple of classes to share his story about the power of helping others!

Nothing beats a good breakfast with someone you love to start the day right! You can see that from the smiles at Stony Creek's Breakfast Buddies. Thanks to the HSA and other volunteers for organizing this special event and to the parents, grandparents & other special guests who joined our students for breakfast!

Wiss Nation celebrated National School Breakfast Week March 6-10. Food services staff decorated the food lines and hosted activities and giveaways. Don't forget: Breakfast is provided at all schools for FREE this school year! Please encourage your student to take advantage of these meals.

At the WSD School Board of Directors meeting on March 6, the Board approved a revised 2023-2024 District Calendar that moves spring break next school year one week earlier - March 25-March 29, 2024. Please note that for the 2023-2024 year only, schools will also be closed the following Monday, April 1, 2024. There are no changes to the current 2022-2023 calendar. View and/or print the 2023-2024 district calendar.

Celebrations for the Class of 2023 will kick off this month with a variety of events and activities, including senior spirit days, Scholarship Night and Senior Awards night. Click the blue button below to view all of the Class of 2023 celebrations.

Senior spotlights on our social media will begin on March 27 featuring the future steps of our graduates. Visit the WSD Facebook, WSD Twitter and @wiss.23grads Instagram to view. All seniors are asked to complete a form to help us celebrate their next steps! Complete Senior Spotlight form

Shout out to all of the guest readers who visited our elementary schools for Read Across America Week to share the love of reading with our students. Special guests included bilingual family members and WHS students reading books in English and their native language; Whitpain police and fire departments; WHS alumna and Miss Pennsylvania 2022 Billie LaRae Owens; Duncan, the therapy dog; Philadelphia District Court Judge Sheila Woods-Skipper; and Superintendent Dr. Crisfield. Students and staff also dressed up as their favorite book character. So many fun events focused on the joy of reading!

Shout out to all of our talented WMS students who performed to four sold-out performances of Beauty & the Beast Jr.! There were 73 seventh & eighth graders in the show.

Bravo! Sixty talented students entertained audiences with three outstanding performances of the WHS musical, Guys and Dolls. Shoutout to the actors, musicians, staff, parents/guardians for bringing this great show to Wiss Nation.

Congratulations to our District Artists of the Month from WHS. These talented artists were selected by their teachers representing each art class offered at WHS.

Graphic Design 1, 2/3 (Mrs. McLaughlin): Kieran Middleton and Marcello Santo (Honors)

Photo 1 (Mr. Hood): Kyle Mair

Photo 2/3 (Mrs. LeClaire): JJ Butler

Art 1/2 (Mrs. Channick): Viivi Ronalter

Art 3/4/AP (Mr. Williams): Malka Goldberg

Ceramics 1, 2/3 (Mr. Williamson) – Nina Pavlov and Giselle Sacramento (Honors)

Congratulations to our student finalists in the Pennsylvania Invention Convention statewide competition held in the Poconos. Eighth graders Vera Geshev invented the app “MediTracker,” and Amelia Gipson and Emmy Schurr invented the app “Send-A-Smile.” Emma Geshev, third grader at Stony Creek invented the PENguin.

Congratulations to the WMS Black Dog Band, who competed at their first jazz band competition at Upper Moreland Middle School. They earned an ‘Excellent’ rating and won the ‘Best Flute Section’ award! 8th grader Mihir Khanna earned a best solo award for his work on the bari sax, playing solos on all three songs.

The Wissahickon robotics team started the new year of competition this month with 63 students playing matches. The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics team went far into the elimination bracket, just steps away from the finals, ending as the 4th best alliance at the event. Congratulations to Tiffany L., named a Dean's List District Championship Semi-Finalist, in recognition of her team and community leadership to increase awareness for FIRST and its mission while achieving personal technical expertise and accomplishment. Shout out to the entire team and coaches who were recipients of the Industrial Design Award. This award celebrates the team demonstrating industrial design principles, balancing form, function, and aesthetics.

Nine amazing Lower Gwynedd Reading Olympics teams participated in a successful event with students from across Montgomery County. Teams competed in three rounds of intense competition to score points. Earning a 3rd place green ribbon was our Dino Nuggies team! Earning a 2nd place red ribbon was: The Grim Readers, The Toasty Reader Gators, The Chapter Champions, the Reading Rainbows, The Rockin’ Rad Rapid Readers, and Starbooks Coffee. And earning a 1st place blue ribbon pictured below was: The Screaming Cocomelons and The Beloved Bookworms. Congratulations LGE readers!

Cheers for the WMS MATHCOUNTS team and their advisor, Mr. Troy Deckebach, on their 2nd-place strong finish at the Valley Forge Regionals. The team was led by 7th Grader Albert H. and 8th Grader Gabe G., whose written round scores placed them in the top 10 out of over 150 competitors. The team awaits news on a possible trip to States via a wild card berth and now focuses on earning Gold Level recognition for a 16th consecutive year.

Did you know pickleball is the fastest-growing sport? That's because it's fast-paced, fun, and social, said WMS students. Taught in WMS and WHS physical education classes, the sport is a cross between tennis, ping pong and badminton and is played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball. "It's easy to pick up and really fun. I play it at camp and at the beach," said Tyler, 8th Grade.

Mr. Radel's AP Physics 2 class completed calculations and measurements of how capacitors work in circuits. Capacitors are devices that store charge. Students in this lab use their knowledge to calculate the expected voltage and charge on each capacitor and then compare them to measurements in the real world.

Blue Bell students recently enjoyed two presentations with the authors of some of their favorite books! Second graders had a virtual visit with MacKenzie Cadenhead, former comic book editor at Marvel Comics and author of children’s books, including young adult science fiction and the chapter book series "Marvel Super Hero Adventures".

Students in grades 3-5 participated in an assembly with Debbie Rovin Murphy, a Bucks County elementary school teacher and author of “Jackie and the Mona Lisa,” an account of how the 35th first lady helped bring one of the most famous paintings in the world to American shores. Students enjoyed looking at artwork as part of her presentation.

You’ve got mail–in space! WMS sixth graders in Ms. Rachubinski’s gifted class join students worldwide in sending postcards with their dreams of the future and vision for life in space. Club for the Future asked students to share, “Why do you think Earth needs space?” Postcards will be launched into space and back on the Blue Origin New Shepard rocket. Stamped “Flown in Space,” the postcards will be mailed back to the students as a special space-flown keepsake.

WMS students enjoyed a wide variety of presentations from professionals during the annual Career Day on March 17th. Students got to hear firsthand about careers in a wide variety of fields, including law, real estate, plumbing, cybersecurity, human resources, business ownership, advertising, physical therapy, engineering, mechatronics, medicine, education, media and communications, law enforcement and more!

The WHS School Counseling Office kicked off a new spring speaker series to allow students to hear from and connect with professionals in various careers. Throughout March and April, sessions will be promoted to WHS students across the areas of the arts, communications, business, technology, engineering, law, education, the skilled labor trades, healthcare, and more! Read details here.

Thanks to the 50 parents, grandparents, alumni, business and community members, and staff who volunteered to present!

Stony Creek kindergarten classes had the pleasure of meeting farmer Carol Spacht who taught them about agriculture and local farming. To celebrate Pennsylvania Agricultural Literacy Week, Farmer Spacht read "The Day the Farmers Quit" and donated the book to each of the five kindergarten classes.

Another neat highlight: Maya Chester-Ziv, alumna of LGE ‘08 and WHS ’15, is the Education Programs Manager for the theatre. Thanks to the HSA and WEOF for funding this great opportunity.

The School Board of Directors were challenged to use critical thinking with various clues to break out of a box in five minutes at the March 6 meeting. The challenge was part of a Maker Space and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) presentation by Blue Bell Elementary students, Principal Farlow and librarian Ms. Echevarria. Watch the students' presentation about their experience in applying the 4 C’s – critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

WMS sixth grade students in the gifted design class created their own Minecraft worlds as a working farm, Rube Goldberg Machine, or original house for a favorite book character using Minecraft Education. Guided by WMS librarian Ms. Conger and Minecraft Certified Educator/Gifted Education Teacher Mrs. Rachubinski, students found a camera, book, and quill to journal their learning experiences. A lot of creativity and ingenuity were demonstrated through using this virtual instructional tool!

At a recent School Board of Directors meeting, WMS students and teachers Mrs. Fenstermacher, Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Fiorito presented on the new Social Studies curriculum and engaging learning experiences. Watch the students share examples of technology tools used to facilitate learning as well as examples of their creative projects. You can also check out iCivics, a website created by retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, which is being used to teach students about the U.S. government.

Excitement filled the LGE Kindergarten classrooms with the arrival of WHS students for the Health Careers Club Handwashing Event. Singing, coloring, reading and hands-on learning helped the kindergarteners learn that proper hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses. Kudos to the students in the Health Careers Club, which explores careers in the health field and organizes great activities like the annual blood drive!

WHS students and teachers, Mr. Fleming and Mrs. Pucetas, attended the Delaware Valley Consortium for Equity and Excellence (DVCEE) Leadership Conference at Upper Merion High School. This experience provided a great opportunity to discuss leadership and equity and listen to the students' perspectives.

Fourth graders at Blue Bell Elementary learned about the Indian holiday Holi. Students and teachers read about the legend of Holika and Prahlada. They learned that this Holi is a celebration of new beginnings and forgiveness. The holiday is also about spreading kindness, love, and COLOR so students brightened up the front of the school with all the colors spring!

WMS Ed Tech students promote Cultural Heritage Months by producing videos that are played during Advisory period throughout the year. Check out the great video linked below created for National Women’s History Month this March. It spotlights Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells are the source of the HeLa cell line. This medical technology has been a source of invaluable medical data that has led to the creation of immunizations, including the polio vaccination. Watch Video Clip

Families celebrated International Night with the creation of interactive exhibits showcasing countries and cultures from all over the world! The immersive stations allowed Shady Grove students to stamp their passports in Italy, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Vietnam, China, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, and France.

WHS Band students played traditional New Orleans tunes during morning arrival in the natatorium lobby to entertain students and staff. Band Director, Mike Hood, played with The Hoppin’ John Orchestra for their 18th year of Mardi Gras. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Mrs. Tecce's students at SCE brought to life the stories of notable Black Americans through a Living Wax Museum for Black History Month. Students researched a historical figure, created storyboard displays, dressed in costume as the person, and recited a monologue speech about their life for parents and student visitors from other classes. What a great way to cover biographies, showcase our students' creativity and public speaking skills and teach others.

Mr. Meyer's students at Stony Creek wrapped up Black History Month by researching influential Black Americans and making 3D displays to demonstrate their achievements and impact. Check out the creative designs that tell the stories of President Obama, Maya Angelou, Jesse Owens, Nelson Mandela, Shirley Chisholm & more.

Ms. Cmiel’s first-grade and Mrs. Abbonizio's fourth-grade buddy classes at SGE joined together for a lesson in honor and recognition of Black History Month. The older students helped their first-grade buddies research a notable African American using PebbleGo and create a research sheet.

Each month this year, our schools are incorporating lessons and activities that support social emotional learning (SEL) skills - self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making. The SEL theme for March is Self-Awareness. Check out a few of the great learning activities below.

March 10 was International SEL Day! Schools and communities around the globe celebrated the importance of social emotional learning skills (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making). Learn more about how Wiss Nation integrates SEL in lessons and activities across the district by watching a presentation by Director of Equity and Cultural Responsiveness Mrs. LaTorre at a recent School Board of Directors meeting.

In partnership with The Giving Tree, Blue Bell fifth graders completed a service project on SEL Day. After learning about the merits of helping worthwhile causes, students made Kindness Cups, filled with healthy snacks, to benefit the homeless and created hand-made cards of encouragement, gratitude, and positive thoughts that are given to homeless individuals, children in the hospital, elderly communities, police and fire personnel, military and health care workers.

Stony Creek students of Turkish heritage sent love and support to the people of Turkey following the February 6 earthquake that resulted in widespread damage and more than 50,000 fatalities. Nehir (Lyla), a fourth-grade student council member at SCE, reads a beautiful video message which will be shared with the students’ family and friends and in Turkish schools. Other students designed signs with different phrases in Turkish language such “thinking of you” and “you have our support.” Students, staff and families also collected necessities for relief packages with the help of HSA that were brought to the Turkish embassy and continues to collect and send the relief packages. Shout out to our students from Turkey for showing how much Wiss Nation cares: Ela (Kindergarten), Can and Ozan G (1st Grade), Derin and Okan (2nd grade), Nehir - Zeynep C - Ozan K - Kaan Go (4th grade) and Zeynep Y and Kaan Ki (5th grade).

On designated Friendship Fridays, Stony Creek students make new friends! Pictured are kindergarten students visiting other classrooms to play games, build with Legos/blocks, paint with watercolors and do other activities. Meeting their classmates, playing and working together is a great way to build relationships and social skills.

Boom! There was a kindness explosion at Blue Bell Elementary. All students agreed to complete as many random acts of kindness as possible during a 15-day challenge competing against schools across the nation. During an assembly with the Think Kindness founder and Kindness Ninja, Brian Williams, students learned the three most important life skills needed to change the world: Have no fear of being made fun of for doing the right thing, be committed to being a good person, and always live your life as if you were the hero of your dreams. Dr. Williams challenged student not to just ‘talk’ about kindness, but to document 5,000 acts of kindness! Can they do it? Stony Creek students are competing too!

Mr. MacMinn’s students use a "We Have Space Ball" during the 6 minutes scheduled at the beginning and end of each day. Students take turns passing the ball to allow everyone to respond to a morning prompt and share their afternoon "roses (highlight) and thorns (challenge).

The Wissahickon Board of School Directors welcomes residents and community members to attend its monthly public meetings (e.g., work sessions, regular meetings, and committee meetings). These public meetings are held in-person at the District Administration Office and/or virtually via Zoom and YouTube. Click here to learn more about the school board.

One Thing to Know about the March 6 Board Meeting (click here to watch the meeting)

• The Board approved the HS multipurpose artificial turf fields project. The district will construct two artificial turf multipurpose fields in place of current fields located next to the student parking lot off of Dager Road at the high school. Our student-athletes as well as community groups will have access to these new fields! Construction begins summer 2023.
  
  

Upcoming Board Meetings

Before some meetings, the School Board invites the community to 'Coffee with the Board' from 6:30 to 7 PM in the Administration Office - an opportunity to chat face to face and share questions and concerns. 'Coffee with the Board' is advertised on our social media and website.

• March 20, 2023 – Board Racial Equity Oversight Committee Meeting at 7:00 p.m. (virtual)
• March 21, 2023 – Communications Committee Meeting at 7:00 p.m. (virtual)
• March 27, 2023 – Work Session Public Board Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
• April 10, 2023 – Regular Public Board Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Trivia Night is ALMOST SOLD OUT - 2 tickets available! We’re excited to welcome 15 teams to this annual event of fast-paced trivia and community-building on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the event begins at 7:30 p.m. This is an adults-only event.

Purchase Easy Passes to help your team be the 2023 Trivia Champions! Each team (table) may purchase up to 10 Easy Passes at $10 each. An Easy Pass counts as one (1) correct answer and can be used in any round. Participants may purchase Easy Passes online before the event or during the event. Click here to purchase Easy Passes.

Raffle Baskets! Raffle tickets will be 3 for $5, 7 for $10, 15 for $20 - cash only.

1. City of Brotherly Love: featuring two (2) tickets to the Philadelphia Orchestra on Saturday, April 29 at the Kimmel Center; a night at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia: superior room including valet parking and breakfast (not time bound)
2. Game On: featuring four (4) tickets to a Phantoms game at the PPL Center on Saturday, April 1; two (2) lower-level tickets to Phillies game versus Atlanta Braves on Thursday, June 22 at 1:05 p.m.; a round of Golf with cart for four (4) people at Bluestone Country Club (not time bound)
3. Cheers and Chance: featuring assorted adult beverages and lottery tickets.

We’re looking forward to an awesome night of fundraising for the Wiss Nation community! Visit www.weof.org for more information.

Thanks to GIANT Feeding School Kids initiative, Wiss Nation is the lucky recipient of a $12,083 donation to support the food service programs for our students. The store managers of the Blue Bell GIANT and Spring House GIANT presented the donation to our WMS principal, food services staff and students. The initiative is supported by GIANT customers who can choose to round up their grocery purchases to the nearest dollar or convert their CHOICE points into a donation. GIANT matches the first $250,000 donated by customers. Thanks to GIANT for being such a GREAT community partner!

As a reminder, the district is sharing bi-weekly health and wellness tips and resources with families to help support our students' physical and emotional well-being. Follow us on social media and subscribe to subscribe to receive all of our Wiss Well-being tips on the WSD website.

• April 3 - 7: No School - Spring Recess
  
• May 16: No School - Staff Inservice
• May 29: Schools Closed - Memorial Day

Join us! Wissahickon will participate in the Montgomery County Diversity in Education Recruitment Fair on Wednesday, March 22nd. For more details go to: www.mciu.org/diversityfair