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West Word
An Update from Perkiomen Valley Middle School West
A Word From Mr. Creeden
Next week is bully prevention week here at West. Teachers and students will engage in a couple lessons during our Advisory period throughout the week. Wednesday October 18th of next week is Unity Day. We are encouraging all students to wear orange to support those who have been bullied and are uniting to make a difference. Students will also participate in a UNITY project on this day to display around the school. Lastly, students will have the opportunity to sign a pledge to create a world without bullying through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. We are really looking forward to next week to raise awareness, inform, and do everything we can to prevent bullying here a West in order to create a safe, supportive, and successful environment for ALL of our students. For more information about bully prevention week please go to https://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/.
Quick Snapshot📸
- What's Up @ West
- West September Students of the Month🏆
- The Latest from the West Library
- After School Clubs & Activities @ West
- The West MakerSpace Club Is Looking For Donations
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Homework Club
- After School Athletic/Activity Transportation
- 10th Period Advisory/Student Group Rotations
- Middle School West's Book Fair is Coming!
- West Home & School Info
- West School Store
- West Yearbook Art Contest
- Order Your 23/24 Yearbook Early and Save!
- 23/24 PV Middle School Handbook
- Raptor System
- PV West Athletic Update
- Vikings U-Night
- PV Power Packs
- PV Is Seeking Substitute Food Service Assistants
- Tween Talk Group
- Be Part of the Conversation - Upcoming Programs
- Safe2Say
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- PV West on Social Media
- Community Bulletin Board
- West Weeks At A Glance
- HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!
What's Up @ West
Tower of Hanoi Puzzle
Students in Dr. Weir's sixth grade Technical Education classes were introduced to woodworking with the Tower of Hanoi puzzle project. In the Tower of Hanoi puzzle, a player attempts to move a large pile of disks, known as the Tower, from the leftmost peg to the rightmost on the puzzle board. The students manufactured their wooden puzzles using hole saws, disc sanders and drills , then hand sanded and stained them. Woodworking is a natural STEM activity that incorporates mathematical thinking, scientific investigation and develops knowledge of technology.
Geometry Proofs
A logically accurate argument that establishes the truth of a particular assertion is known as a proof. The logical arguments convince the reader about the truth of a given statement. In a proof, there is an answer for every "why." Proofs are useful in mathematics, computer science, and in many day-to-day life situations. A geometric proof uses the given statement, facts, deduction, logic, and a figure from which the given statement is proven. All of these arguments, together with their reasons, are written down, and then the answer is given. Students in Mrs. Nehila's eighth grade geometry classes practiced their proving skills by explaining scenarios posted around the classroom.
Digital Literacy
Students in Mrs. Piccione's sixth grade Digital Literacy classes concluded the vector by participating in a mini research project. After selecting a topic of personal interest, students used the skills that they learned related to digital citizenship, copyrights, avoiding plagiarism, selecting credible sources, and creating digital projects. Through the use of a print source, a library database, and a website that they had evaluated for credibility, students gathered facts and cited sources using the program Noodle Tools. They will share their findings with peers through a digital slideshow or poster on the last day of the vector, which is Thursday, October 19th!
West September Students of the Month🏆
The Latest from the West Library
Our West has had so many happy students visiting to read, browse for books, play games, work in small groups, color, play with Legos and more. Sixth graders are invited A and E days, 7th graders A and B days, and 8th graders D and E days during 10th period.
We are excited to have some print magazines available again! We have copies of the following titles here and arriving monthly for staff and students: Good Housekeeping, Food Network, J-14: Just for Teens, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Girls Life, Pennsylvania Game News, Dogster, and National Geographic will be coming soon.
After School Clubs & Activities @ West
Math Lab
Literary Magazine Club
Literary Magazine Club is a club devoted to publishing the work of creative writers and artists within the school. Student staff will create both an online platform as well as a printed issue for the year that will show off student-selected student-produced poetry, short stories, novellas, and artwork in a professional-style school magazine. We will also offer writing and poetry contests to get all students and faculty involved as well as hold a publication party/launch. Meetings will be most Thursdays afterschool from 2:30-4:00 PM. Late buses are available for transportation. If there is no meeting, it will be announced to members prior to that date.
The CAUSE Club
The CAUSE (Connecting And Uniting Students to Empower) is a student leadership group that works collaboratively to educate the larger school community on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as to support the individual club members. Students joining The CAUSE Club will meet every other week to collaborate, plan, create, and help make positive change in our school community. The first meeting will take place on Tuesday October 31st from 2:30 - 3:45pm in Mrs. Moreno's room. If you are interested in joining The CAUSE Club please email Mrs. Moreno at tmoreno@pvsd.org.
The West MakerSpace Club Is Looking For Donations
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Homework Club
Students attending Homework Club that need to take the 4:00 activity bus must sign up for the activity bus before 10:00am on the day of Homework Club. See below for more information about signing up for the activity bus.
After School Athletic/Activity Transportation
- 4:00pm Departure (outside main office) - Monday through Thursday.
- 5:00pm Departure (outside gym entrance) - Monday through Thursday. The 5:00 activity bus will begin running on Fridays starting after Thanksgiving break.
For each day students intend to take either the 4:00pm or 5:00pm 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.
10th Period Advisory/Student Group Rotations
Our desire for this period of time is for all students to get what they need. As we continue to do this throughout the school year student group rotation topics may be adjusted to better meet the needs of our students and provide the necessary skills and support that promote success in and out of the classroom.
If you have any questions regarding this time please email Mr. Creeden at rcreeden@pvsd.org.
Middle School West's Book Fair is Coming!
The book fair is coming to Middle School West from 10/30-11/3! Please check out our book fair homepage here or scan the QR code below. There, you can view some of our book fair offerings, set up your child's e-wallet, order books online, and lots more! All students will visit the book fair during their ELA class on the dates below, and they may also shop throughout the week as their schedule allows. We look forward to your child having the opportunity to browse for and purchase some great books at our book fair!
- Monday, 10/30: 6th grade
- Tuesday, 10/31: 7th grade
- Friday, 11/3: 8th grade
West Home & School Info
The next West Home & School Meeting is on Monday October 16th at 7pm in the West Library.
Contact Jodi Lieb (jodilieb@verizon.net) with any questions.
West School Store
The West School Store is open and ready for all of your school needs. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 - 7:40am in the Cafeteria. Students can purchase school supplies such as pencils (regular and mechanical), erasers, highlighters, and whiteboard markers. The store also has earbuds and PV West water bottles. Students can make their purchases in the cafeteria as they arrive in the morning and before they go to homeroom.
West Yearbook Art Contest
Order Your 23/24 Yearbook Early and Save!
23/24 PV Middle School Handbook
- Attendance (pg. 8)
- Educational Trips (pg. 9)
- Dress Code (pg. 13)
- Parent Questions/Concerns (pg. 20)
- Personal Equipment (pg. 20)
- Procedure for Administration of Medications in School (pg. 32)
Raptor System
PV West Athletic Update
SAFETY IN THE STADIUM
The beginning of the school year is a very exciting time. Not only are students meeting new teachers, engaging in new coursework, and making new friends, there are lots of activities to participate in and events to attend onsite. As our fall athletic contests get underway, the district would like to review several safety measures it has in place pertaining to events held in Thomas J. Keenan Stadium.
When an athletic or Marching Band event is held in the stadium, the district requires all elementary and middle level students to be accompanied by an adult. No attendees are permitted to bring backpacks into the stadium. In the event someone happens to have a backpack with them, they will be asked to place the bag along the fence until the respective owner exits the stadium. There is no food or drink permitted to be brought in from the outside.
Attendees will continue to observe school security guards onsite during events and, as the year progresses, will likely begin to observe Perkiomen Valley School District school police officers in attendance as well. The school police will also be in and around our facilities, districtwide.
The efforts of the school district are to keep our students, staff, and community safe. In the event you have questions about any of the safety measures described here, do not hesitate to reach out to our Chief of Police, Mr. Dean Miller, dmiller@pvsd.org. Thank you for your commitment with us to do everything we are able to maintain safety in the Valley.
8th Grade Football Head Coach: Dr. Matt Weir
Next Game: Tuesday October 17th (Home) vs. Arcola Intermediate School @ 3:45pm
7th Grade Football Head Coach: Christian Specht
Unsung athletes of the week: Kile Kelly, Enoch Adeleye, Julian Boughter, Sean Ortiz, Fenix Moyer, and Ethan Aiello.
Next Game: Wednesday October 18th (Home) vs. Owen J. Roberts Middle School @ 3:45pm
Middle School West Cross Country Head Coach: Matt Weygand
Results from last week: The West cross country team got off to a successful start on Thursday 9/28. In the boys race West lost to Arcola 15 to 42 but beat Upper Merion 15 to 50. There were strong showings for the Vikings on the 3000 meter course. Caden Aquirre 6th place (12:15), Lucas Keysock 7th place (12:16), Luke Snyder 8th place (12:17), Connor Bates 10th place (12:37), Matt Shuta 11th place (12:40).
In the girls race PV posted wins against both Arcola and Upper Merion. The girls beat Arcola 19 to 36 and Upper Merion by a 15 to 50 score. Grace Beitler led the way, winning the girls race with a time of 12:47. She was followed by Abby Seo 3rd place (12:55), Charlie Reed 4th place (12:59), Shamiso Mpofu 5th place (13:42) and Stella Ewing 6th place (13.44). All of our runners had a great effort, many for their first ever cross country meet.
The cross country teams put in a great effort against two strong teams on 10/6. They competed against OJR and Upper Perk. The boys lost both contests on the hilly 1.7 mile course. Top ten finishes were earned by Lucas keysock 7th place, Luke Snyder 9th place, and Matt Shuta 10th place.
The girls beat both opponents to stay undefeated. Against the OJR team they won by a score of 21 to 30 and against Upper Perk they won 21 to 36. Top scores were Abby Seo 2nd place, Charlie Reed 4th place, Grace Beitler 5th place, and Shamiso Mpofu 8th place.
Unsung athletes of the week: Jackson Skonier has quietly turned himself from a part time runner into a full time runner by working hard and building up his cardio and strength. He deserves to be recognized for his efforts.
Next Race: Thursday October 19th (Home) vs. Owen J. Roberts Middle School @ 3:45pm
Middle School West Field Hockey Head Coach: Naveen Mehta
Next Game: Monday October 16th (Away) vs. Boyertown Area Middle School West @ 3:45pm
Next Game: Friday October 20rh (Away) vs. Phoenixville Area Middle School @ 3:45pm
Middle School West Boys Soccer Head Coach: Chuck Heaps Sr.
Next Game: Wednesday October 18th (Away) vs. Phoenixville Area Middle School @ 3:45pm
Next Game: Friday October 20th (Home) vs. Arcola Intermediate School @ 3:45pm
Middle School West Girls Soccer Head Coach: Alesia Davis
Next Game: Tuesday October 17th (Away) vs. Perkiomen Valley Middle School East @ 3:45pm
Next Game: Wednesday October 18th (Home) vs. Phoenixville Area Middle School @ 3:45pm
Next Game: Friday October 20th (Away) vs. Arcola Intermediate School West @ 3:45pm
Middle School West Volleyball Head Coach: Stephanie Glover
Next Game: Monday October 16th (Away) vs. Norristown Area Middle School @ 3:45pm
Next Game: Wednesday October 18th (Home) vs. Spring Ford Area Middle School @ 3:45pm
Next Game: Friday October 20th (Home) vs. Arcola Intermediate School @ 3:45pm
Vikings U-Night
PV Families: Are you looking for something fun to do on a Friday night? Are you looking to be part of a night where we are UNITED as a PV community? If you are, then mark your calendars for Friday, October 27, 2023, and plan to attend the Vikings U-Night football game
This is the game where we as Vikings UNITE to honor the diversity within our community and to foster an inclusive environment for ALL learners. Be part of the fun and watch as students stand together to send a message of acceptance and belonging for the many types of learners we have in our district.
PV Power Packs
ower Packs are weekend bags of food for students experiencing food insecurity. The bags include 2 breakfast items, 2 lunch items, 2 snacks, and 2 fruits. All food is non-perishable. There is no financial information required to participate in this program.
PV Power Packs is a volunteer run organization and all information is kept confidential. Names are shared with school counselors who arrange for students to pick up their bags prior to every weekend.
Please fill out a separate form for each child that you would like to receive a Power Pack, including children not yet in school.
We will begin handing out Power Packs on September 8th. If your child received Power Packs last year, they will automatically receive them this year.
If you have any questions, email Sarah at PowerPacks@pvsd.org.
PV Is Seeking Substitute Food Service Assistants
The Perkiomen Valley School District is seeking qualified, flexible applicants to work in our
schools as Substitute Food Service Assistants. Assignments are generally 4.5-6 hours per day.
Previous food service experience is welcomed but not required. The starting hourly rate is $14.00, without benefits. Please see below for the link to apply.
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
Be a Part of the Conversation equips families and communities in Pennsylvania with skills and resources to understand substance use, addiction, and related health issues. We provide community programs, foster supportive connections, highlight lived experiences, and challenge stigma.
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.
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.
PV West on Social Media
We would love to have you join our social media accounts to stay updated on the latest West news and happenings. Please see below on where to find each of our accounts.
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
Monday October 16th - West Home & School Meeting @ 7pm in West Library
Tuesday October 17th - Homework Club @ 2:30pm in LGI; PVSD Policy Committee Meeting at 6pm in the PVHS Library
Wednesday October 18th - Unity Day (Wear Orange)
Thursday October 19th - Homework Club @ 2:30pm in LGI