Stetson Families,

As we wrap up a spirited and eventful October, I wanted to reach out and share some highlights and updates!

We’ve just finished an incredible Spirit Week in honor of Red Ribbon Week, and I’m thrilled to see the enthusiasm and positive energy our students and staff brought each day! From themed dress-up days to impactful conversations about making healthy choices, our school community came together to celebrate our commitment to a safe and healthy lifestyle.

This past Wednesday also marked the end of our first marking period. Teachers are finalizing grades, and report cards will be available soon. I encourage you to review them together with your child, celebrate accomplishments, and set goals for the next quarter. Remember, we’re here to support each student’s growth and success.

We were excited to see all of the Halloween costumes at school on Thursday and had fun celebrating such a spooky and thrilling holiday!

Additionally, there is no school this Friday in celebration of Diwali. For all who observe, we wish you a joyous holiday filled with light, love, and family time.

Looking ahead, November is shaping up to be another exciting month, and we’re grateful for the strong support of our families and community. Thank you for partnering with us to make Stetson a wonderful place for learning and growth.

Warm Regards,

Mrs. Mary Kay Puchalla

Principal

Monday November 4th--- Day 5

Tuesday November 5th --- ***NO SCHOOL-- TEACHER IN-SERVICE***

Wednesday November 6th --- Day 6

Thursday November 7th --- Day 1 ***Falcon Period***

Friday November 8th --- Day 2

Monday November 11th--- Day 3

Tuesday November 12th --- Day 4 ***Falcon Period***

Wednesday November 13th --- Day 5

Thursday November 14th --- Day 6 ***Falcon Period***

Friday November 15th --- Day 1

The PTO is excited for another school year and all that it has to happen. We can not support our students and teachers without your support. Once again, we are asking for a donation of $25 (or any amount you would like).

Venmo - @StetsonPTO

Our board this year consists of Patty Arabia, Vicki Babylon, Lindsey Rauch, and Jennifer Watkins - we are always looking for more volunteers. Below please find a little about each of us:

Treasurer: Patty Arabia

Patty has served as PTO treasurer for the last three years and is excited about the growth in the organization and how much it supports our students. She has a daughter, Haylee (11th grade), a son, Joey (9th grade), and a daughter, Chelsey (6th grade).

President : Vicki Babylon

I have served previously on PWE's PTO as well as Stetsons PTO. I am looking forward to supporting our students with activities to enhance their middle school experience. I have an 8th grade daughter, Sydney, and a 6th grade son, Cooper.

Vice President: Lindsey Rauch

Lindsey has supported our teacher appreciation events and other PTO initiatives over the last two years, and is excited to continue serving our Stetson community in this role. She is the mother of Tyler (8th grade) and Carter (4th grade) and lives in West Chester with her husband, Andrew. Lindsey believes that one of our most important responsibilities as parents is supporting our children’s teachers.

Secretary: Jennifer Watkins

Jen is looking forward to her first year on the Stetson PTO Board. She has previously served on the Board of the Westtown-Thornbury Elementary PTO and enjoyed being a part of the community and supporting the school students and staff. She is excited to continue this role at Stetson, where both of her daughters attend: Valerie (8th) and Natalie (6th).

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.

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.

Next week we will be starting to run 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 clubs/activities run by Stetson staff. 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 either clubs/activities or additional building initiatives/academic expectations. We believe through these opportunities students can make stronger connections with teachers, counselors, administrators, and peers.

***STUDENTS THAT WHO WISH TO MEET WITH THEIR TEACHER FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT MUST COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR TEACHER BEFORE A TUESDAY OR THURSDAY SO THEY CAN COORDINATE A TIME TO MEET DURING FALCON PERIOD.***

Please see this latest update from the WCASD regarding secondary schools dress code policy below

The 2024-2025 Stetson Middle School yearbook is now available for purchase!

Please reach out to Mrs. DiNatale (ddinatale@wcasd.net) or Mrs. Brown (dbrown@wcasd.net) with any questions.

https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A07475500

...

All middle school families can complete the PIAA physical registration information required for sports participation online through https://hello.familyid.com/. We do not accept hard copies of the physical packet. Family ID is a secure, user-friendly registration platform that streamlines the registration process and helps the WCASD be more administratively efficient and environmentally responsible. When you register through FamilyID, the system keeps track of your information in your FamilyID profile. Please see the registration link and introduction letter to FamilyID.

Please have the following information when you register:

Doctor information

Health Insurance Information

Current Physical Exam – dated after May 1, 2024

REGISTRATION PROCESS:

Parent/guardian click the link to register https://www.familyid.com/organizations/g-a-stetson-middle-school

FamilyID Intro Letter

The 6th-grade intramural sports program is held after school (typically starts later in each season) and will focus on basic skills and provide healthy competition. 6th-grade students may use their entrance physical exam for sports participation, so no further physical is required for the year. Students should listen to morning announcements and families should check the Falcon Flash for information. Please call the athletic office voice mail at 484-266-2725 for daily sports information or leave a message for the Athletic Directors, Mr. Andy Logan (alogan@wcasd.net) and Mr. Jason Wolensky (jwolensky@wcasd.net) .

From the Athletic Department:

Winter Sports Registration is now open for 7th and 8th graders who would like to participate in Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball and Wrestling.

In order to participate you must register on FamilyID (https://students.arbitersports.com/stetson-middle-school/winter-2024-25-athletics-3)

1. If you did not tryout or participate in a Fall sport, you must upload a PIAA physical form(Section 6) completed, signed and dated after May 1, 2024 by your medical provider.
1. https://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/PIAA_CIPPE_FORMS_SECTION(S)_1_-_10(1).pdf
2. If you participated in a Fall Sport, you must upload a Parent Re-certification form(Section 7)
1. https://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/PIAA_CIPPE_FORMS_SECTION(S)_1_-_10(1).pdf
3. All participants must have a valid Impact Concussion Baseline test on file. If students took a concussion test in the Spring of their 6th grade year, that test is still valid and they do not need to take another test.

**Students may not tryout if the above requirements are not met.

Mr. Logan will be offering Impact concussion tests after school on Monday, October 28th and Tuesday, October 29th from 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM in Room B107. Rides should be to the school by 3:45. If students are unable to attend on one of these dates, they should contact Mr. Logan at alogan@wcasd.net to arrange for a time to take the test.

Please email Mr. Logan at alogan@wcasd.net or Mr. Wolensky at jwolensky@wcasd.net with any questions about registration.

Parents and Students,

Please read the information regarding basketball try-outs.

8th Grade try-outs: Thursday, October 31st 3 to 4:30 and Monday, November 4th, 3pm to 4:50pm

7th Grade try-outs: Wednesday, November 6thth and Thursday, November 7th from 3pm to 4:50pm

Players will need a completed PIAA physical dated after 6/1/24. (dated with a doctor’s signature). Students will not be allowed to try-out without a completed PIAA physical.

If you tried out for a fall sport, parents must fill out Section 7 PIAA recertification. No doctor signature is required

All forms must be uploaded to FamilyID.

If you have questions please contact Coach Ascareggi jascareggi@wcasd.k12.pa.us or Coach Newton znewton@wcasd.k12.pa.us

Hello Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! This communication is intended to provide information regarding nursing services for your student during the school year.

Have you completed the back to school information via the parent portal? This includes your student’s emergency information, important contact information, and permission for medication at school. Please note- we do not provide cold or allergy medication at school.

Does your student take medication that he or she needs to take at school? Does your student carry or keep an EpiPen or other medication needed for an emergency in the nurse’s office, such as an inhaler? The nurse’s office needs an MD order AND parent permission at the beginning of each school year.

THE ONLY MEDICATION THAT CAN BE CARRIED IN SCHOOL ARE EPI-PENS OR INHALERS (with proper documentation).

ALL OTHERS MUST BE KEPT IN THE NURSE’S OFFICE.

All medical notes that require medical adaptations or monitoring are asked to be sent to the nurse’s office first. A copy will be given to the appropriate parties. These notes include:

• Gym/PE note (both MD and parent)

• Concussion notes

• Medical notes for students needing adaptations during the day.

We recommend students keep a change of clothing in their locker in the event of unforeseen accidents.

Please be aware of the following state mandates while your student is in middle school:

• 6th Grade Physical. Please note that any physical completed after June 1st of their 5th grade year will count towards the 6th grade physical exam requirement. Physical exams are due to the nurse’s office within the first 60 days of your student’s 6th grade year or risk exclusion.

• 7th Grade Dental. Please note that any dental completed after June 1st of their 6th grade year will count towards the 7th grade dental exam requirement. Dental exams are due to the nurse’s office within the first 60 days of your student’s 7th grade year or risk exclusion.

• Vaccinations. tDap and Meningitis vaccination are due by the 5th day of your student’s 7th grade year or will be excluded from school until proper documentation is provided.

Each school year, your student will receive the state mandated screenings of height, weight, and vision assessments. Students in 7th grade will also receive a hearing test and scoliosis screening. Vision, hearing, and scoliosis referral forms will be sent home with your student. Please return the referral form after a doctor’s exam.

Illness and Nurse Visits

• Students should not attend school if they have a fever (temperature over 100 degrees), diarrhea, vomiting, persistent cough, or a communicable disease.

• If a student does not feel well during the school day, they should see the nurse for treatment.

• According to school procedure, students are not to notify their parents for pick up if they are not feeling well. The nurse will determine if a student should be sent home for medical reasons. If a student contacts a parent for pick up this will be counted as an early dismissal, NOT a nurse exclusion.

We look forward to working with you to provide excellent care for your student!

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns!

Mrs. Melissa Czerpak, MHEP, BSN, CSN

Mrs. Anne Elduff, RN

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.

Large or Dangerous Objects

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation regulations mandate that the interior of a school bus must be free of objects which could cause injury. Objects must be secured and the aisles and emergency exits cannot be blocked. The following must be adhered to at all times:

1. No items can be placed in the driver’s compartment, doorway, or aisle. These areas must be kept clear to exit in case of emergencies.
   
2. Animals are not permitted on the bus except as otherwise required by law.[14]
   
3. Large musical instruments or school projects are not permitted on the bus unless they can be held on the student’s lap.
   
4. Items may not be placed under seats, as they can become projectiles upon impact.
   
5. Objects that endanger other students are strictly prohibited. Such objects include, but are not limited to, glass objects, large metal objects, and certain sports equipment that is large and cumbersome, including but not limited to skis, skateboards, or ice skates, unless the ice skates are in an enclosed bag.

Thank you for your cooperation with the start of this new school year. We have had a very successful start of the school year in regards to drop-off and pick-up. We enjoy seeing our parents smiling faces, waves, and cute dogs!

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.

Stetson Middle School enforces the WCASD Attendance Policy and PA State attendance laws related to absences and tardies. Students are required to be in attendance daily to keep current with school work. When your child must be absent, please call our absence line as early in the day as possible (please do not call the nurse.) Automated phone calls are sent out by the district to notify families of absences every day, regardless of whether the absence is called in or not.

PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING NEW POLICY REGARDING LATENESS TO SCHOOL:

Eight unexcused lateness will result in an after-school detention for the student.

If you would prefer to avoid that automated phone call, you can email a note on the morning of an absence to SMSAttendance@wcasd.net which will forward directly to our attendance secretary.

Call 484-266-2710 or email SMSAttendance@wcasd.net

before 9:00 am

IMPORTANT! Submission of Excuse Notes for Absences

After an absence, a parent or doctor’s note must be submitted to the Attendance Secretary or emailed to SMSAttendance@wcasd.net within three days of the student's return to school, or the absence will be considered unexcused/unlawful. Emailed excuse notes are acceptable, as long as they are received within three days of the absence.

Attendance

· Please call the Safe Arrival Line 484-266-2710 if your student will be absent or arriving late to school.

· After an absence, a hand-signed parent note, a note from a parent’s e-mail or a doctor’s note must be submitted to the office with student’s name, grade, date and reason for their absence. If documentation is not provided within 3 days of your student’s return, the absence will be considered unlawful.

· A maximum of 10 parent notes (PN) per school year may be excused. Any additional absences will require a doctor’s note (DN).

Lateness

· All Students are expected to locker and report to their homeroom by 8:05 AM every day. Students arriving after this time will be considered unexcused tardy (TDY).

· A tardy is defined as a minimum of one minute of lateness to school. Eight (8) late arrivals/unexcused early dismissals to school will result in after school detention in grades 6-12.

· Late arrivals to school due to medical appointments (doctor’s, dentist orthodontist, etc.) will be excused (ET) with a note from the medical office.

· Any late arrival where the student does not arrive by 11:30 AM will be considered a full day absence and the student will not be allowed to participate in after school sports/activities.

Early Dismissals

· If it is necessary for your student to leave school early, a hand-written request by a parent must be presented to the office upon the student’s arrival to school. A pass with the dismissal time will then be given to your student (No parent sign-out required). In cases where a note is not provided, the parent/guardian is required to sign the student out in the main office at the time of dismissal.

· Any early dismissal, where the student is gone at any point during the school day, will be considered unexcused unless a note is provided from a medical office stating that the student was seen in their office or the time missed will be considered Unexcused Early Dismissal (UED). Eight (8) late arrivals/unexcused early dismissals to school will result in after school detention in grades 6-12.

· Any early dismissal where the student leaves before 11:30 AM and does not return to school will be considered a full day absence.

Family Vacations

· Students may be excused from school for up to 5 days of school per year for a family vacation. Family Vacation days (FV) must be pre-approved by the grade level Administrator. A Family Vacation form must be completed and turned into the office no fewer than five (5) days prior to the proposed trip. Once approved, Power School will reflect FV (Family Vacation) on the days of the trip. Parents will be contacted via e-mail if the trip is not approved.

Forms

· Absence Note: Excuse Form.PDF (wcasd.net)

· Vacation Request: AbscenceForm (wcasd.net)

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.

Each student will have a locker assigned with a built-in lock. Students must lock the locker consistently and the combination kept private to maintain security. It is suggested that all students bring a combination lock to school to secure belongings in a locker during PE and in the athletic locker rooms.

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.