Oregon Trail: Go or Stay?
Students in Mr. Murphy's eighth grade social studies classes set out on the Oregon Trail during the unit on U.S. Western Expansion.The Oregon Trail interactive activity gave them a glimpse of what life was like on the actual trail. Following the arduous journey, the pioneers discussed the challenges, obstacles and hardships that they faced. The lesson culminated with a DBQ (Document Based Question) assignment that asked "In the 1850s, would I have migrated to the "far west" or stayed home?"
Pictionary
The use of symbolism can transform student art. Understanding and being able to use symbolic imagery and visual metaphors empowers students’ voices and creative depths.
After exploring the concept of symbolism through the interpretation of common symbols, students in Miss DiCicco's eighth grade art classes put this knowledge to use in a spirited Pictionary competition. The lesson will be incorporated into their upcoming surreal self portrait project.
Perkiomen Watershed Stream Clean-up
PVMS West students and their families joined seventh grade science teacher and Green Team advisor, Danielle Emers in an important community service event this past weekend. The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy hosted its annual Stream Clean-up on Saturday, April 15th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Ms. Emers would like to extend her sincere thanks to Dan, Angela, Emma, Jackson, Lilly, Void, and the Ellison family for their efforts. Together they collected 17 bags of trash, plus scrap metal and other garbage from the Perkiomen Creek! She encourages us all to contribute to the efforts to keep our watershed clean by disposing of waste properly and never littering! Next year will be the Watershed's 25th annual clean up! Consider donating your time next May!
PSSA Testing Next Week
PSSA Testing Dates
ELA PSSA ~ April 25, 26, & 28 (Grades 6, 7, and 8)
Math PSSA ~ May 2 & 3 (Grades 6, 7, and 8)
Science PSSA ~ May 4 & 5 (Grade 8)
MS Algebra Keystone ~ May 18 & 19 (Algebra 1 Students)
Middle School West Art Show
West's Annual Spring Art Show is this Thursday, April 27th, from 5-7:30PM. All students with art in the show received a personal email with details included. Most work will remain up in the library and art hallway for a few weeks after in case you cannot make the scheduled event. Hope to see you there!
Take Your Child To Work Day
Please be aware, if your child has 10 or more absences accumulated this year, this will be considered an unexcused absence, however no action will be taken in regards to this day. Thank You.
Facility Dog @ West Feedback
PV West is exploring the possibility of obtaining a facility (therapy) dog. There are quite a few steps that need to occur prior to introducing or purchasing a facility dog at West. We would like to hear your feedback as we consider these steps. Facility dogs are known for their ability to provide emotional support to students and staff and are anticipated to be a healthy addition to PV West.
In advance of this message, PV has conducted quite a bit of research into these dogs over the past 2 years, and there are currently several school districts who have successfully implemented a Facility Dog program. What have they found? Their dog has helped to calm students who are anxious, crying and overwhelmed with stress, and their dog has substantially increased the overall morale in the building.
To learn more about Facility Dogs in schools, feel free to check out the following article: https://www.nassp.org/2021/03/16/therapy-dog-programs-improving-student-and-staff-well-being/
Also, check out the Facility Dog program at East Penn School District: https://eastpenntherapydogs.weebly.com/
Please complete this brief 2-3 minute survey so we can ascertain parental support for this initiative. Thank You!
Social Media Landmines Parent Presentation Recording Available!
MISSED THE PRESENTATION? VIEW THE RECORDING!
Earlier the week, PVSD welcomed Robert Hackenson Jr., of Dynamic Influence, for a middle and high school parent/guardian presentation on teen social media safety. Below is a link to view the presentation, “Parenting in a Digital Age," available through May 15.
Topics include:
- How to prevent or help teens with technology addiction
- What screen times actual effect is on teen mental health
- Digital communication and miscommunication
- Coaching your kids through hateful posting and how to be a positive bystander
- Cyber safety issues with online challenges, posting personal information, and online predators
- Teens and sexting (only discussed with students when age appropriate)
- Your child’s digital reputation
- Parenting tips and resources to help your child use technology responsibly.
Parenting in a Digital Age Presentation Link
To access the video use pw: perkiomen
***Note*** the video has both english and spanish closed captioning available. Just click on the cc button to select the captioning of choice.
For additional parent resources, visit https://dynamicinfluence.com/digital-and-social-media-resources-for-parents/
Cell Phones/Personal Devices
Students should, whenever possible, communicate with their parents before and after school and arrange their schedules so the school day is not unnecessarily interrupted with phone calls. Only emergency messages will be taken by the office.
Cell phone usage is prohibited from 7:40 AM-2:30 PM. All cell phones need to be turned off and stored in the student’s locker or backpack. If a student needs to contact their parent/guardian for emergency purposes, they will be permitted to use the office phone. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.
Backpacks
Students will be permitted to carry book bags, gym bags, and/or backpacks to school for the purpose of storing
personal school supplies and equipment. Gym bags should be stored in the student hallway or gym lockers before
homeroom when brought to school. Students will be permitted to carry their book bag or backpack throughout the day while following the guidelines below.
1. Students opting to carry book bags/backpacks throughout the day cannot allow them to weigh more than
approximately 10 lbs.
2. Students are expected to maintain organization of school items in their book bags/backpacks and be prepared
for class daily.
3. Book bags/Backpacks must be stored underneath student desks when brought to class or in areas designated
by the classroom teacher. They are not permitted to clutter walkways or hallways.
4. Book bags/Backpacks are not permitted to be used to harm others, i.e., throwing/kicking/swinging book bags/
backpacks into others is prohibited.
5. Students are expected to follow the directions of their teachers when using any electronic devices during the
school day.
6. Students can lose the privilege of carrying book bags/backpacks if they do not adhere to these guidelines.
7. Book bags/Backpacks will be searched in response to any reasonable suspicion of contents not permitted in
school.
Student Responsibility & Care of Chromebooks
Perkiomen Valley School District strives to create an environment where every learner has the power to meet the challenges of today’s world with confidence. Chromebooks support this environment in many ways. These devices break down classroom walls and provide both educators and students with the ability to access more educational resources than ever before. Chromebooks encourage collaboration and allow learning opportunities to be anywhere at any time. This tool will permit teachers to utilize mobile and social technologies in their everyday instruction, encouraging a habit of lifelong learning in their students, and continue to meet the ever-changing challenges of college and career readiness.
- Students are responsible for the general care of their issued Chromebook.
- Students must report Chromebooks that are damaged, lost, stolen, or fail to work properly.
- Report any issues to the Chromebook Service Center in your building’s library as soon as possible, and inform your teachers.
- Students are responsible for bringing completely charged Chromebooks to school each day.
ALL REPAIRS MUST BE HANDLED BY THE PERKIOMEN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT.
Homework Club Updates
There will be no Homework Club for the next two weeks while PSSA's are taking place. Homework Club will resume on Tuesday May 9th.
Homework Club will provide a quiet, comfortable, and supportive setting for students to complete school work and become better organized. Students will receive assistance and support when needed. School resources will also be provided for all students in attendance. There is no sign-up required. If students are attending they can report directly to LGI 123 after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
After School Activity Transportation
- 4:00pm Departure (outside main office) - Monday through Thursday
- 5:00pm Departure (outside gym entrance) - Monday through Thursday
For each day students intend to take either the 4:00pm or 5:30pm activity bus, they are asked to inform the school district and bus company for routing purposes using the electronic form provided. The form links are below and also available to students via the PV LaunchPad - Classlink. Students must submit their information each morning by 10:00 am if they intend to ride the afternoon activity bus that day.
Transportation Reminder
According to our student handbook all students must ride the bus to which they are assigned. The only time a student may ride an alternate bus is for emergency purposes only. If you have any questions or need an emergency situation approved please contact our office at 484-977-7210 ext. 3500. Thank You!
Makerspace Club
Makerspace is a club where you get to learn to create anything. You get to learn and explore high tech to not tech tools. It can be learning to code or designing anything into something.
If you are interested please stop by Ms. LaCava's room for a permission slip to join the club
Debate Club
Disc Golf Club
Disc Golf will be starting back up Wednesday, March 22nd weather permitting. We will meet in the gym lobby at 2:40p and go until 3:45p. All you need is an old pair of sneakers in case it is muddy, and a bottle of water. Make sure to dress for the weather! We also have discs you can borrow. Hope to see you there! Any questions, please see Ms. Bangert in room 222 during homeroom or tenth period.
Native Plant Sale
Love Your Mother 5K/Mile Fun Run
Charity BINGO Night
Power Packs
PV Power Packs is a weekend food program for students experiencing food insecurity. Bags of food, including 2 breakfast items, 2 lunch items, 2 snacks, and 2 fruits, are sent home with students prior to every weekend. There is no financial information required to participate in this program and students pick up their bags from their counselor or designated person every week.
Sign up for your child(ren) to receive a Power Packs bag by filling out this form: 2022-23 Power Packs or by emailing PowerPacks@pvsd.org.
Learn more about Power Packs at https://www.pvsd.org/families/pv-power-packs/ and follow us on Facebook @PVPowerPacks.
PV West Athletic Update
Middle School West 8th Grade Baseball
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday April 25th - Away vs. Spring-Ford Middle School @ 3:45pm
Thursday April 27th - Home vs. Boyertown Area Middle School East @ 3:45pm
Middle School West 7th Grade Baseball
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday April 25th - Away vs. Spring-Ford Middle School @ 3:45pm
Thursday April 27th - Home vs. Boyertown Area Middle School East @ 3:45pm
Middle School West Softball
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday April 25th - Home vs. Spring-Ford Middle School @ 3:45pm
Thursday April 27th - Away vs. Boyertown Area Middle School East @ 3:45pm
Middle School Track and Field
Upcoming Events:
Monday April 24th - Home vs. Upper Merion Middle School @@ 3:30pm
Nurse Notes - Physical and Dental Exams
Parents of 6th grade students, please know that you are required to submit a physical form for your child during this school year. In addition, if your child receives any immunizations, please submit those as well. Prior to the start of 7th grade, your child will need to receive the Tdap and Meningitis vaccinations, so now is a good time to get those immunizations!
Parents of 7th grade students are required to submit a dental form for your child.
The school physician and the school dentist will be at Middle School West in the Spring of 2023, and your child will be seen by them if the proper form is not handed in prior.
Tween Talk Group
Tweens, ages 11 to 13, are invited to chat in a fun, informal atmosphere with Erin McMonagle, a guidance counselor at Perkiomen Valley East Middle School - as part of our Julia’s Joy Youth Empowerment Program. We have created a safe group, where they can come relax, unload and learn they are not alone all while meeting new friends. We believe learning Stress Management tips will help youth deal with the pressures they are feeling at this age and into the future!
This group is free thanks to donations, if you would like to make a donation, it is always appreciated, but not necessary!
Learn more about our workshops and our mission at http://www.JuliasJoy.org
Be Part of the Conversation - Upcoming Programs
We are a collaboration of community leaders, clinicians, students, school district representatives, and families who believe that having meaningful, inclusive conversations about substance use and addiction will support individuals and their families in their efforts to develop healthy coping skills and access support whenever there is a need. Learn more about us. See the link below for a number of programs that Be a Part of the Conversation offers.
PV West Attendance Information
If your child will be absent or missing any class time, please send an email (from the email you have listed in our new SIS system) to:
This will count as your call-out AND parent excuse. Please indicate in your email the date of absence, student’s grade and the reason for the absence. An absence is considered unexcused when the child’s school has not received an email or written parent note providing an acceptable reason for the absence, within a 3-day period.
You may also call our attendance line at: 1 (484) 977-7210, option 1. If you do this, you would still need to submit an email with the above information in order for it to be excused.
Any medical notes or Dr.'s notes should be placed in the Attendance Box, right outside the Guidance Department.
If you have any questions at all, please contact Lori Tropea at ltropea@pvsd.org or you may call her at x3540.
PVSD Food Service Updates
Parents/Guardians put money in their student(s) accounts electronically in SchoolCafe or by sending cash or checks in with their students. For more information about SchoolCafe please go to https://www.pvsd.org/departments/food-service/school-cafe-information/. If you are sending funds in with your students, please note the students’ names and account number on the envelope and ask them to give the envelope to their cashier in the cafeteria.
Upon entering the serving area, students make their selections and enter their 6 digit Student ID number on the pin pad or scanner. Our staff will be happy to help them become more comfortable with the system.
Safe2Say
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Did you know that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisit Lifeline?
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
https://988lifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/
The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Community Bulletin Board
Want to find out what’s going on in the PV Community? Visit here for flyers about upcoming events in and around our area!
To submit an event for posting, please send a PDF version of your flyer to webmaster@pvsd.org for review.
Please note that Community Bulletin Board items may contain links to websites of organizations outside Perkiomen Valley School District. Items are posted to this bulletin board as a free service to the community, and should not be interpreted as being sponsored or endorsed by the district.
West Weeks At A Glance
Tuesday April 25th - ELA PSSA Testing (7:50-10:30am); PVSD Safety & Operations Ad Hoc Committee @ 6:30pm in the PVHS Library
Wednesday April 26th - ELA PSSA Testing (7:50-10:30am)
Thursday April 27th - MSW Art Show @ 5pm in the West Library
Friday April 28th - ELA PSSA Testing (7:50-10:30am)
