Principal Message
Good Evening Stetson Families,
This week we will begin our schoolwide state testing for PSSA's. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will all participate in our ELA and Math PSSA's, and our 8th grade class will also be taking the Science PSSA's at the end of next week. The schedule posted below provides the breakdowns for when we will test and host make-up sessions for each day. While we recognize and believe that these tests do not truly define our students capabilities and progress, we have been encouraging our students to put their best effort forward in the coming two weeks. We know our teachers and students have done incredible work this year and we are proud to have them show it.
Just a few gentle reminders regarding the next two weeks and how it relates to attendance and early dismissals. All students are still expected to be in homeroom by 8:05 in order to be counted present for homeroom. Additionally, we are unable to interrupt a testing session for an early dismissal. If your student has an appointment, please wait until after testing has concluded for that day (roughly 10:00) to pull them for an early dismissal.
Another friendly reminder that all cell phones and smart watches are prohibited during the testing sessions. Students are encouraged to turn them off and keep them in their lockers during the day. Additionally, for our math PSSA's students must bring their own calculators to their testing sessions. This can be the same calculator that they currently use for their math class. If you have any questions regarding PSSA's please do not hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your support from home during our upcoming testing weeks.
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Puchalla
Principal
Dress Code Policy Reminder
Friendly reminder regarding the WCASD Dress Code Policy:
Students are expected to wear clothing appropriate for school. Unacceptable attire includes, but is not limited to, attire that is unsafe, unhealthy, disruptive, offensive to generally acceptable community standards, or contains obscene language; any clothing that reveals undergarments; torn clothing or clothing with holes in it; and tight fitting outfits that are inappropriate and/or revealing. During the school year and summer school, the following applies to male and female students:
1. Tops
a. Shirts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts shall not have inappropriate slogans, words, pictures, alcohol/smoking advertisements, etc.
b. No tank tops, no tops that show the midriff or cleavage, and no see-through tops shall be permitted.
2. Pants/Shorts/Dresses/Skirts
a. Dresses, shorts, and skirts shall be at an appropriate length, which has been determined to be no shorter than midway between the knee and the top of the leg.
b. No pants/sweatpants/shorts/etc. with writing located in inappropriate places are permitted.
c. Pants shall be appropriately sized and worn at the waist, and no lower than the top of the hips.
d. Undergarments shall not be displayed.
e. Pajamas shall not be permitted.
3. Outerwear
a. Coats, hats, hoods, scarves, and the like shall not be worn in the school building, except for religious reasons.
4. Footwear
a. No bedroom slippers shall be permitted.
b. Laces on shoes shall be secured.
c. Any footwear that poses a safety hazard shall not be permitted.
5. Other
a. No chain link belts.
b. Spike jewelry, chains or any other jewelry that could cause injury or constitute a hazard are not permitted.
Calendar -- Look Ahead and Plan
Monday, April 24th-- Day 4
Tuesday, April 25th--Day 5 ***No Falcon Period*** (ELA PSSA)
Wednesday, April 26th-- Day 6 (ELA PSSA)
Thursday, April 27th-- Day 1 ***No Falcon Period*** (ELA PSSA)
Friday, April 28th-- Day 2 (PSSA MAKE-UP)
Monday, May 1st-- Day 3 (PSSA MAKE-UP)
Tuesday, May 2nd--Day 4 ***No Falcon Period*** (MATH PSSA)
Wednesday, May 3rd-- Day 5 (MATH PSSA)
Thursday, May 4th-- Day 6 ***No Falcon Period*** (SCIENCE PSSA- 8th Grade Only)
Friday, May 5th-- Day 1 (SCIENCE PSSA- 8th Grade Only)
CAR LINE REMINDER
As spring sports and clubs have begun, we are starting to see an increase in the number of students who are utilizing our car line both in the morning and afternoon (even after practices). We would like to reiterate a few reminders regarding our drop-off/pick-up practices to ensure a smooth experience for our students and families.
1. All students are able to be dropped off as early as 7:30am at Stetson. 6th grade students will report to the cafeteria, and 7th and 8th grade students will report to the LGI. We encourage parents to utilize this early drop off option to avoid a late rush close to the start of school time.
2. To help allow as many cars as possible to drop off their students, please pull all the way up and around the curve in our car line. This will allow more cars to drop students off closer to the building. Students are able to get out of their cars at any point on the sidewalk to allow them to walk into the building rather than wait in the car line until they are in front of the building.
3. Please make sure all students are ready to immediately disembark when the vehicle stops. This will help students will sports bags, instruments, etc. are able to easily and quickly exit their vehicles and head into the building on time.
***NEW*** Stetson School Spirit Store
We have set up an online store for families to purchase Stetson apparel that can be delivered directly to your room. We look forward to seeing students wearing these items around the building!
Store Link: https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/stetson-middle-school
Save the Dates -- PSSA's and Keystone Exams
Just wanted to pass along a friendly reminder about upcoming PSSA and Keystone testing dates at Stetson. We know families may plan vacations over the course of the school year, and we wanted to ensure we provided enough notice to help guide future plans.
Tentative schedule for testing is as follows:
April 25, 26 & 27 ELA PSSA
May 2 & 3 Math PSSA
May 4 & 5 Science PSSA for Grade 8
May 17 & 18 – Algebra Spring Keystone (Current Algebra 1 Students Only)
ORDER YOUR STETSON 22-23 YEARBOOK HERE!
Order your 2022-2023 yearbook at jostensyearbooks.com. They are currently $40 +tax! Sales end May 7th. Please let Miss Verna know if you have any questions! sverna@wcasd.net
8th Grade Graduation Yard Sign SALE!
Attention 8th Grade Families: Our 8th Graders are almost High School Students! Please use the link below to purchase a yard sign, if you would like, to celebrate this milestone. All proceeds will benefit our PTO. Deadline to purchase 8th grade Yard Signs is Wednesday, April 26th
6th Grade Intermural Track
The 6th Grade Intermural Track Program is an after school activity in which 6th Grade boys and girls will learn the fundamentals of track and field, participate in a tri meet, interact with their peers and get physical exercise. Practices will be spread out throughout the month of May and culminate with a track meet with Fugett and Pierce tentatively scheduled for May 24th. If you would like to sign your child up for 6th Grade intermural Track please fill out the google form. Please sign up by May 2nd. To join the 6th Grade Intermural Track page on schoology use the access code MHSDS-STR8D. Our Schedule will be posted on the schoology page. Feel free to contact Mr. David Loescher with any questions dloeschervelazquez@wcasd.net
The following guidelines explain how the program will operate.
-Students will be required to follow the WCASD Discipline Codes and Conduct at all times.
-Each session will run from 3pm-4:15pm.
-Spectators are not allowed at practice.
-Rides are expected to be at SMS by 4:15pm and should be no later than 4:20pm. If rides cannot make it by 4:30pm please reconsider applying for the program.
-Students should bring appropriate clothing(sweatpants or shorts, sneakers) and a water bottle.
-Practices are from: 3pm-4:15pm and will begin May 4th and run through May 25th
Student Ineligibility List
It is Stetson’s mission to help all students maintain passing grades, however, if a student is failing two or more academic subjects, or one academic subject, and two unified arts classes, they will be placed on our ineligibility list. Students who are on the ineligibility list are unable to participate in any extracurricular sport/activity. A report is generated every Thursday to determine eligibility status for the following week. Parents will receive an email the Friday before the ineligible week and students will receive a letter in homeroom. Students are encouraged to check their grades frequently on PowerSchool and Schoology.
Hoops for Heart Celebration
Stetson Community Night: Union Game (PTO Organized)
Stetson Middle School families!
Stetson MS is partnering with the Philadelphia Union on a school night out this season! Families can purchase tickets the game on Wednesday, May 31st on Charlotte FC.
With Union tickets at an all-time high demand, we are opening this up well in advance. Tickets for the game are almost sold out and only about 75 tickets left. The Union do expect to sell out this game soon by the weekend so please purchase today.
Purchase your tickets ASAP at the following link: https://fevo.me/40bBpew
Questions? Contact Alex Carrington with the Union directly at 610-497-8796 or acarrington@philadelphiaunion.com.
Hope to see you at Subaru Park!
6th Grade Kindness Club
Any 6th grade students interested in joining the Kindness Club please see Dr. Markiewicz in the library. The first project will have students creating Kindness Jars that feature paper slips with positive messages on them to be used in classrooms for positive affirmations.
***UPDATE: 6th and 7th grade students are meeting in the library for Kindness Club! We are finishing up our Kindness Jars and will begin another Kindness project in April! All students are welcome.
PTO Candy Bowl
The PTO Candy Bowl is BACK!
Please help us show the Stetson teachers and staff some sweet appreciation by signing up to donate some candy!
Follow this link to pick a slot https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054AA8A72DA7F94-teacher.
Thank you!
Stetson P-R-I-D-E
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.
Falcon Period Explanation
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 our social and emotional activities. 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 social and emotional learning. We believe through these opportunities students can make stronger connections with teachers, counselors, administrators, and peers.
Nurses Corner
Welcome Back! Below is a step by step breakdown to follow if you are experiencing Covid symptoms. Please pay close attention to the criteria for testing positive and experiencing symptoms as guidance has changed. Also, there are several options available for Covid testing kits and locations that are listed in the letter as well. As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out our school nurse, Mrs. Czerpak at 484-266-2706.
Please remember if your child exhibits symptoms of illness, please keep the home!
Reminder about phones- As a friendly reminder, if a student is not feeling well they should report to the Nurse's office. The office will then contact home with any health concerns or if a student needs to be picked up.
ATTENTION ALL INCOMING 7TH GRADE PARENTS
Dear Parents/Guardians of incoming 7th grade students:
The PA Department of Health issued stronger immunization laws that took effect August 2017 to ensure students are adequately protected against potential outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. This law affects all incoming 7th grade students. Students must have one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menactra, MCV4) and one dose of Tdap vaccine before entry into the 7th grade.
Most students would have received this vaccine at their 6th grade physical. Proof of vaccination or a medical certificate scheduling the vaccine will be due by the 5th day of school of your student’s 7th grade year, September 5, 2023, or your student will face exclusion. More information can be found on the WCASD homepage.
Parents can access their provider’s patient portals (such as MyCHOP, MyNeMours, or MyPennMedicine) which will allow you to print proof of immunizations to send to the school nurse.
Parents can also use vaccinfinder.org to find a facility that offers these immunizations or schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.
Your child may still obtain medical, religious or philosophical exemption from this new required immunization. Please notify the health office via email if this is your request.
You can send in proof of immunization with your student, or scan and email to mczerpak@wcasd.net.
Early attention to this matter is greatly appreciated!
Bus Information
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.
Laptop Information
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.
Items Not Allowed In School
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.
Website & Social Media
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.
