School Board Notes

The Board of School Directors approved the Instructional and Health and Safety plans for the 2021-2022 school year with a return to 5 days per week in-person instruction as the primary instructional delivery model. While the plan includes alternative options for online only instruction, the in-person plan will be the default option for all students. The parent/student selection process is to begin on June 1, 2021. The district will be providing additional information around the selection process and the plan itself prior to parents/students making any determinations. Dr. Zerbe stated that the plan was developed based on several key assumptions including a wider vaccination reach among adults and students and with keeping many of our safety protocols in place with some minor modifications. See the Health and Safety Plan here and the 2021-2022 School Year Instructional Plan presentation here.

Summer Programs

Dr. Matt Walsh, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, along with members of his department, presented to the Board of School Directors the student programming options available this summer to engage, support and challenge our students in preparation for next school year. These programs include:

• Kindergarten Ready! Program will introduce incoming Kindergarten students to procedures, routines, building relationships (social and emotional connections with peer groups), tour of school, and an overview of basic early learning skills.

• K-6 Supplemental Program will provide programming in reading and math to reinforce and strengthen foundational skills and math fact fluency and computation available for all students in Grades K-6 offered through self-paced online.

• K-6 Intervention Program will reinforce and strengthen foundational skills and math fact fluency and computation for students in Grades K-6 based on need and by invitation and will be offered online and in-person.

• 7-12 Supplemental Program will provide self-paced online learning in core content areas for all interested students in Grade 7-12.

• 7-12 Course Recovery Program will be provided for Middle and High School students eligible to remediate failed coursework through a self-paced online program.

More information, along with registration process, for all of these programs will be provided in the coming weeks.

New Programs and Curriculum

As a result of the generous donations from individuals and corporations over the past several years to the Methacton Education Foundation, the Board of School Directors were able to adopt three new curricular programs for implementation at the high school in the 2021-2022 school year. The programs include:

• Hydroponic Farm Lab: The new lab will differentiate Methacton’s Environmental Science and Biology programs with a vertical hydroponic farm inside an insulated, custom-built shipping container. Methacton will be the first school in Pennsylvania with this state-of-the-art greenery farming system.

• Forensics & BioChemistry Lab: This course will allow students to research, collect and interpret data to form a conclusion and think critically to apply this conclusion to real-world examples. The course concepts that are taught will focus on organic chemistry, biochemistry, forensics, and nutrition.

• Entrepreneurship Program: This course is designed to get students excited about becoming entrepreneurs by giving them the opportunity to create and fully develop their own product or service. Real-world entrepreneurs and business experts serve as coaches and mentors who will guide student teams through the process of ideation, market research, and business plan development.

Earned Income Tax Credit

In an effort to support the tremendous efforts of our local volunteer fire fighters, the Board approved an Earned Income Tax Credit for qualifying volunteer fire personnel from Lower Providence Township and Worcester Township up to earned income of $100,000. We recommend that volunteer firefighters contact their respective company leadership for additional details or email info@worcesterfd.com or chief@lpfire.com.

All other items listed in the April 27, 2021 agenda were approved.

Mrs. Nikki Krelovich, Methacton Education Foundation Executive Director, also announced that the Foundation’s SHARE THE LOVE program will return in May in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Month. SHARE THE LOVE is an opportunity to recognize Methacton teachers and staff for the incredible things they do for our students and families. Visit www.methactonfoundation.org/love to learn more about SHARE THE LOVE. Donations support innovative educational opportunities for Methacton students through the Methacton Education Foundation.

Methacton’s Award of Excellence honorees for April 2021 represent Eagleville Elementary School. They are: Michelle Petko, Office Assistant/Attendance Secretary; Melissa Goffer-Bayler, Personal Care Assistant; Jane Holmes, 4th Grade Teacher; Nicole Kraus, Art Teacher; Melanie Cotter, Reading Department Aide; and Charane Juckniewitz, Kindergarten Teacher.

All of these outstanding staff members provide support for students, staff, and our community. They are valuable team members and we are pleased to share with everyone how much we appreciate their commitment to the students of the Methacton School District.

A very special thank you to Chrisette Brailsford-Kimber and Claire Kwon for representing Eagleville Elementary School as Junior Board Representatives for April 2021.

Arrowhead Construction

On a monthly basis, we will be providing updates on the construction project for the new Arrowhead Elementary School on the district’s website: www.methacton.org/ArrowheadConstruction.

The Methacton School District's Board of School Directors meets each month. School board work session meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of the month, followed by the regular meeting on the fourth Tuesday (except during the month of December). Regular Board and work session meetings typically take place in the MHS LGI, and all residents are invited to attend. Committee meetings may take place in the Board Room at the Farina Center, or the MHS LGI. During the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings will be held virtually. Meeting agendas are posted to agenda manager, and start times and locations are posted on the District's website. Please confirm meeting time and location before attending. Download the meeting calendar here. Watch the meeting video online.

Email: information@methacton.org
Website: www.methacton.org
Phone: 610-489-5000