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Across the district, staff and students took advantage of the excitement leading up to Super Bowl LVII - Eagles vs. Chiefs. Even though our home team was not victorious, we certainly learned how many dedicated fans we have at Wissahickon! All schools enjoyed an Eagles Spirit Day and participated in fun lessons and activities. Lower Gwynedd classes made Eagles hats, Lombardi trophies, T-shirts, posters for the big game, and football goal posts as part of a STEM activity. WHS had a special wing bar lunch. Blue Bell fourth & fifth grade orchestra students learned to play "Fly, Eagles Fly" (featured in the background of our video below). Stony Creek first graders spelled out ‘Go Eagles’ with their bodies and the whole school participated in a super spirited pep rally where they did the Griddy dance and sang the Eagles fight song at the top of their lungs! They also enjoyed a presentation by special guest Ben Hartranft, Chairman at Benergy1 Presentations, advocate for autism and Eagles ambassador. Check out some of the video highlights.

Students & staff wrapped up the 100th day of school on February 3rd, while fifth graders celebrated the 1,000th day of school. Wow! Check out the great costumes at Blue Bell! Students had fun by wearing clothes with 100 on it or dressing as a 100-year-old.

Leading up to Valentine's Day, staff and students across the district shared what they love about school. No surprise, students love their friends and teachers, but also the activities they participate in and the things they are learning. Staff love the sense of belonging at Wiss Nation and watching their students grow academically, socially and emotionally!

Silence from Wiss Nation blanketed the WHS Circle Gym until the boys basketball team scored their eighth point in the match against Upper Dublin. Cheers then erupted from crazy character-dressed spectators including superheroes, Teletubbies, cowboys and girls, thing1 and thing 2, Care Bears, leprechauns and the mighty Trojan. Wiss lost a hard-fought battle, 43-39.

Stony Creek students thanked our School Board members during School Director Recognition Month in January with a musical performance of Winter Wonderland! Bravo to our students and THANK YOU to our School Board for their dedication and hard work on behalf of our school community.

Tickets are now on sale for the WHS musical, Guys and Dolls! Don't miss out on a great night of entertainment. Set in Depression-era Times Square, Guys and Dolls is about a couple of big city gamblers and the women who love them. It tells the overlapping stories of high-roller Sky Masterson, who falls in love with mission worker Sarah Brown, and lovable rapscallion Nathan Detroit, engaged for 14 years to Miss Adelaide, a headliner at the Hot Box Club. Tickets may be purchased at the WHS Main Office. Show times are:

• Thursday, March 2 at 7 PM
• Friday, March 3 at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, March 4 at 7:30 PM

Shoutout to our awesome parent/guardians pictured below who assisted at the tech rehearsal on February 18th. Families are a huge help with our school productions, providing refreshments for our performers, assisting with costumes, set design and more!

Congratulations to Mara Allen, fourth grader at Blue Bell Elementary, who was selected as District Artist of the Month for her anime self portrait. Anime is a cartoon style art which often includes exaggerated physical features. Mara, who was congratulated by Principal Farlow and Art Teacher Mrs. Pawlowski, said she loves to sketch and paint with water colors.

Congratulations to the WHS artists highlighted in an exhibition at the Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill. WHS has over 90 works in a variety of art mediums including photography, ceramics, drawing, painting, and printmaking at the exhibit. If you are looking to add a little culture (and pride!) to your day, swing by and check it out like Superintendent Dr. Crisfield (pictured)! The exhibition runs through March 5th and admission is free on Sundays!

Wiss Nation is excited to announce the addition of a Boys’ Volleyball team at WHS. Thanks to the advocacy of WHS students and families, the School Board of Directors approved the new team at the February 6 Board Meeting.

“I am extremely appreciative of the WSD school board and central office administration for supporting this opportunity for the boys to play volleyball and find belongingness in a sport they love,” said Athletics and Activities Director Jim Cairnes.

Beginning last year, a number of boys expressed an interest in playing volleyball at the high school. This student group successfully created a new co-ed volleyball club that started last spring. “The boys started coming out to play and really enjoyed it, so interest just continued to grow,” said Mr. Cairnes. “The Suburban One League and their member school districts are also excited to have another school adding a boys’ volleyball team.”

The district is currently in the process of hiring a head coach and assistant coach for the team. Student try-outs are March 6th. Check out the enthusiastic response from our future team!

Congratulations to the WMS Spelling Bee winners! Champion - 8th grader Luca A., 1st runner up - 6th grader Andrew Z., and 2nd runner up - 7th grader, Brady S. Well done! Good luck to Luca as he heads to the regional spelling bee in March.

Congratulations to 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.

“I want to teach my class how to do this!” That’s what Lower Gwynedd Elementary second graders, Imogene, Talia, Kristina and Kim, had to say about a recent STEM lesson brought to them by WHS Senior, Abby Cooley. Over the next month, Abby is teaching small groups of girls at LGE to use conducting tape to power a lightbulb – a fun lesson that the younger students can then teach to their whole classroom!

“I wanted to show younger students – especially girls – how fun STEM activities are and provide one-on-one mentorship to give them the confidence to teach these lessons by themselves,” said Abby, who wants to study engineering when she graduates and is enrolled in courses in the WHS Fab Lab and taking AP Physics and AP Calculus. An alumna of LGE, Abby started mentoring students there last school year, working with small groups of boys on STEM. She coined her efforts as METI – Mentorship with an Eye Towards Individualism. What a great example of social emotional learning in action as the younger students develop STEM and critical thinking skills through a relationship with an older student!

Another neat tidbit: Abby obtained the materials she is using for free after participating in the Exelon Foundation STEM Ambassador Program last summer. She encouraged 10th and 11th grade girls to apply for the 2023 STEM Leadership Academy at www.exelonstemacademy.org.

Stony Creek students enjoyed a stupendous Vocabulary Day Parade, showing off their word mastery and demonstrating their meaning through costumes and a parade!

Shout out to the WMS Home & School, which graciously supplied the 6th-grade Gifted Design class with a virtual Destination Moon field trip through the Montgomery County Community College Challenger Learning Center. Working in teams, students explored the moon’s surface to establish a second habitat for astronauts to live and work. To get there, students launched and flew a reusable launch vehicle and explored the Moon’s surface using a lunar lander. While in orbit, teams monitored potentially dangerous space weather and space debris, conducted safety checks on the spacecraft systems, deployed and monitored satellites, and launched payloads. A great lesson in teamwork, research and analysis!

During a STEM lesson, Shady Grove kindergarteners had loads of fun with bee bots. Using their creativity and problem-solving skills, they created challenging obstacles for their bots to maneuver through.

Mrs. Klein’s students at Blue Bell Elementary enjoyed a virtual presentation by The Stumpy Brigade, a nonprofit team of rescue pet owners that advocate for adoption, fostering and volunteering to help other rescue animals in need. Students virtually met some of the furry members of the Brigade and learned about the team's rescue efforts.

Sixth graders in the Hawks & Griffins teams wrapped up a unit on natural resources with a fun and educational cookie mining activity. Students on both pods enjoyed mining for ‘ore’ - aka ‘chocolate chips’ - as they learned about the impact mining has on the environment. They discussed trade-off and ways to lessen the negative impact on the environment. It was a tasty way to learn science!

WHS students in Mr. Smyth’s Global History courses learned how to write a formal six-paragraph essay using a Star Wars comic, citing both textual and visual evidence. Small group debate was followed by writing a response to the prompt – are Stormtroopers good or evil? Students made powerful connections to historical events, such as Imperialism, Totalitarianism, and WWII. This particular comic was written from the stormtrooper’s point of view and required students to reconsider previously conceived ideas and to learn to delve deeply into what is historical “truth.” Students will then use these skills to write their own research papers based on a historical topic.

Blue Bell Elementary second graders had lots of fun shopping and selling hand-made items at their Market Place. This experience was designed to build an understanding about goods and services and develop math by counting coins and making change. Students brought in $2-$5 dollars in quarters to spend. Many creative and colorful items were for sale, including hats, tie-dyed socks, sun catchers, plants, bracelets, bouncy balls, chocolate frogs, artwork, and lots of slime. Students then used the coins - $364.70 - to donate to Our Best Friends Animal Rescue Inc. A wonderful way to learn and give back!

What is in the recipe? WHS students in Ms. Boxman's English Language Development Newcomer Class shared their culinary creations in a "How to Make" lesson. Favorite recipes included dumplings, guacamole, enchiladas, and chicken and rice. Yummy!

Students in Ms. Lowenstein and Ms. Blau’s WMS 8th grade French language class experienced hands-on baking with Dennis Darr from Alice’s Bakery. Dennis shared how to make French macarons and the story of how he became a chef and local business owner. Students sampled the goodies and enjoyed asking Dennis questions. What a treat!

Act I, Scene I, 12th-grade students in WHS Ms. Minges Klushman’s Language Arts class practiced their lines in the production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and learned how to prepare for a role with blocking techniques. Bravo! Students dressed for their roles in ornate gowns and crowns and used props, including the bottle of poison, a central theme in Shakespeare’s tragic play.

Shady Grove students enjoyed trying a new healthy treat - roasted chickpeas! Chef Steve served the chickpeas as part of Wellness Wednesday, and students were provided nutrition information. Did you know chickpeas help your brain and nervous system run smoothly? They are gluten-free, cholesterol free, high in vitamins A, E and C, an excellent source of plant-based protein, and a great alternative to bread and pasta!

Wiss Nation honors and recognizes the significant cultural, social, economic and political achievements, and contributions of Black Americans to American life. This month provides an opportunity to focus lessons and activities on the essential role Black American have played, and continue to play, in America's making and progress. We invite you to learn more by watching the short videos about notable Black Americans produced by students in the WHS Mass Media class. View all the Black History Month videos on our YouTube Channel.

WHS CASA hosted a Black WSD community members panel to celebrate Black History Month. Panelists included staff members Keziah LaTorre, WSD Director of Equity and Cultural Responsiveness; Lenny Robinson, Founder of Wissahickon Cares and Rising Stars Homework Club; Kimberly White, WSD Chemistry Teacher; Phillip Owusu-Antwi, african immigrant; Wissahickon parent and business owner; and PA State Trooper Jessica Tobin. Guests shared how experiences have shaped their identities and reflected on how race has played a role in their lives. Students were encouraged to ask for help and engage in community service.

Ms. Cmiel’s first-grade and Mrs. Abbonizio's fourth-grade buddy classes at Shady Grove Elementary 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.

WHS Library celebrates Black History Month by featuring newer fiction by black authors, including Jason Reynolds, Nic Stone, and Angie Thomas and many more non-fiction books highlighting the rich tapestry of black history and culture in America.

The Wissahickon Asian Cultural Committee hosted their first ever Lunar New Year celebration for Wiss Nation. Students, staff and families enjoyed homecooked traditional foods, listening to music, and watching beautiful dance performances.

Wissahickon School District is grateful to our Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Parent Group for their generous $600 donation to our elementary libraries to support the ongoing diversification of our collections. The donation was made to highlight AAPI stories and authors specifically. Pictured are librarians Amy Jones (SCE), Lisa Ruff (SGE), Colleen Meulstee (LGE), Jacqui Echevarria (BBE), and Katie Maahs, supervisor of curriculum.

Student Belonging Climate Survey Update

Students in grades fourth though twelfth will begin taking the Student Belonging Climate Survey on February 21st through March 1st. An important goal of Wissahickon School District is to create a culture of belonging for staff and students. The District Equity Planning Committee’s purpose for using the survey will be to help assess the degree to which staff and students in our district perceive their sense of belonging. A special thank you to the District Equity Planning Committee members for their vision of a student video and sincere gratitude to the students and staff who made it a reality: students Johan Acevedo-Gonzalez, Brett Darnell (editor), Emma Eby, Jaden McLean, Meena Rajesh, Olivia Seo and staff members Jessi Brasch and Dina Schuman. Check out the students’ survey kick-off video below.

Under the leadership of Ms. Keziah La Torre, Director of Equity and Cultural Responsiveness, members of the District Equity Planning Committee, consisting of administrators, staff, and students, continue to play an essential role in ensuring district efforts regarding priority areas of focus. The picture collage captures student leaders of the committee in action along with WSD staff and administrators.

In partnership with the Guide Right Leadership Team, the secondary mentorship program offers students valuable leadership and networking opportunities to cultivate their potential and interests in an environment that fosters belonging and inclusion.

The District also continues to provide staff with learning opportunities centered on Restorative Practices to develop proactive and preventative approaches in response to behavior.

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 - a great opportunity to discuss leadership and equity and listen to the students' perspective.

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 February is Relationships/Empathy. Check out a few of the great learning activities below.

WHS 9th Graders are building community in their Study Skills class. Before tossing the skein of yarn across the circle to form a connection, students would say, “Something I want you all to accept about me this year is….” This sharing led to great conversations that created student connections throughout the school year!

Shady Grove Elementary fourth graders had lots of fun participating in a learning service project funded by a grant from The Giving Tree organization. This amazing organization provided all the necessary supplies, teacher lesson plans, and real-world connections. The fourth-grade team loved filling bags with warm supplies for homeless individuals and food snack bags for children.

Thank you to Wiss Nation for demonstrating again what a caring community we have! In partnership with Giant Stores Fill A Plate program, 261 pounds of food was collected and donated to the Mattie Dixon Community Cupboard in Ambler. The service and fundraising efforts our students, staff and families support make us proud!

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.

Two Things to Know about the February 6 Board Meeting (click here to watch the meeting)

• Fourth graders in Mrs. Madden’s class at Shady Grove shared their knowledge on whole brain teaching with our school board (start at two minutes, fifteen seconds to watch their presentation)
• The Board approved the addition of a Boys Volleyball team for Wissahickon High School. The team’s season begins in spring 2023.
  
  

Upcoming Board Meetings

• February 21, 2023, Communications Committee Meeting, 6:00 p.m. (virtual format)
• February 21, 2023, Board Racial Equity Oversight Committee Meeting, 7:00 p.m. (virtual format)
• February 27, 2023, Work Session Public Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
• March 6, 2023, Regular Public Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

WEOF will host its annual Trivia Night event on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Gwynedd Firehouse. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. This awesome annual fundraiser features several rounds of fast-paced Q&A and community-building for Wiss Nation. This is an adults-only event.

Purchase individual tickets or team tickets up to 8 people per team. The maximum capacity for this event is 15 teams. Ticket sales begin on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. A portion of the ticket is tax deductible.

• Individual: $60
• Table (Team up to 8 people): $450

Purchase Easy Passes to help your team be the 2023 Trivia Champions! Each team (table) may purchase up to 8 Easy Passes at $10 each. An Easy Pass counts as one (1) correct answer and can be used in any round. Purchase your Easy Passes when you purchase your event tickets.

Raffle Baskets! We will have two baskets to raffle during the event. Prizes include two tickets to a June Phillies game and a night at the Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia.

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

Check out the awesome WSD Spring Spirit Wear Store! Choose from short and long-sleeve t-shirts, polos, hoodies, shorts, joggers, jackets, tie dyes, hats, fleece vests, racer back tanks and more! Wear our WSD vision statement with pride: "Belong, Inspire, Engage, Excel." Order now thru February 26th at https://runaroundinc.tuosystems.com/stores/wsdspring23

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.

Nominations for the 2023 WHS Alumni Hall of Fame are open until Friday, March 3, 2023. If you know an alumnus with exemplary post-graduate achievements, take a moment to submit a nomination. By induction in the WHS Alumni Hall of Fame, they will forever be recognized as representing the best of Wissahickon. Their post-graduate success is a reflection of the opportunities provided them throughout their high school experience as a Wissahickon Trojan.

• March 15 and 16: Early Dismissal (K-12) Parent Teacher Conferences
• March 17: Early Dismissal (K-12)
• April 3 - 7: No School - Spring Recess

Wissahickon will participate in the 19th Annual Educators of Color Career Open House on Thursday, March 9, 4- 6 PM at Penn GSE 5th Floor Conference Rooms. Stop by to connect with staff from DVCEE member districts in the greater Philly region and to learn more about the districts and potential job openings in Wiss Nation.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2023-DVCEE-Career-Open-House

The district will also be at the Montgomery County Diversity in Education Recruitment Fair on March 22nd. For more details go to: www.mciu.org/diversityfair