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West Word
An Update from Perkiomen Valley Middle School West
A Word From Mr. Creeden
This past Thursday afternoon we held our annual West Spelling Bee. Twenty-seven students, representing all six teams at West, had the chance to prove their spelling abilities. It was a competitive contest with an audience of parents and sixth grade students cheering on the contestants. The winner of this year’s contest was eighth grade student Anusha Verma. Anusha will represent our school at the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee for Bucks and Montgomery County schools in a few weeks. Eighth grader, Kinley Schaeffer was the runner-up for our bee. If, for some reason, Anusha is unable to participate in the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee, Kinley will be our representative. Sixth grade student Ryan Martin was our third place winner. A huge thanks to West Reading Specialist Shannon McCloskey for organizing the contest, librarian Lauren Piccione for moderating the Bee, and to our MTSS Facilitator Jen Moylan as well as sixth grade teachers Stephanie O'Brien and Kari Ferlick for their role as judges for the event. Congratulations to all of our student spellers; you were all worthy competitors. You make us PV Proud!
Middle School West also received great news on Monday evening, January 8th, as the school board approved the implementation of a facility dog here at West. A huge thank you goes to West counselor, Carla Zielinski, for her dedication and hard work to inform, communicate, and advocate for this exciting initiative. We are looking forward to having a facility dog here at West that will further promote a culture of connectedness, community, and support here at Middle School West. Now what may be a months long process begins of choosing, training, and caring for a dog. More details to come in coming months.
West Spelling Bee Winners🏆
MLK DAY THIS MONDAY 1/15 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Quick Snapshot📸
- What's Up @ West
- West December Students of the Month🏆
- MLK Day of Service at Perkiomen Valley
- Middle School East/West Skating Night Event⛸️
- PVSD Climate Survey
- Winter Wonderland Dance @ West❄️
- West Talent Show Auditions Are Coming!
- Attendance Announcement📢
- After School Clubs & Activities @ West
- After School Athletic/Activity Transportation
- West School Store
- Order Your 23/24 Yearbook Early and Save!
- 23/24 PV Middle School Handbook
- Raptor System
- PV West Athletic Update
- West Home & School Information
- PVSD Foundation's 2024 Dodgeball Tournament
- Tween Talk Group
- School Cafe
- Community Education Registration
- Virtual Parent Support 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
Spelling Bee
Twenty-seven students, representing all six teams at West, had the chance to prove their spelling abilities on Thursday, January 11th at our annual Spelling Bee. It was a competitive contest with an audience of parents and sixth grade students cheering on the contestants.The winner of this year’s contest was eighth grader Anusha Verma. Anusha will represent our school at the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee for Bucks and Montgomery County schools in a few weeks. Eighth grader, Kinley Schaeffer was the runner-up for our bee. If, for some reason, Anusha is unable to participate in the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee, Kinley will be our representative. A huge thanks to West Reading Specialist Shannon McCloskey for organizing the contest, librarian Lauren Piccione for moderating the bee and to sixth grade teachers Kari Ferlick and Stephanie O'Brien and MTSS Facilitator Jen Moylan for their role as judges for the event. Thanks also to Technology and Innovations teacher Jonluc Zacharias for providing technical assistance and logistical support. Congratulations to all of our student spellers; you were all worthy competitors. You make us PV Proud!
Circuit Fitness
Circuit fitness is a workout method that alternates aerobic and strength-building exercises to efficiently burn calories, increase endurance, and improve muscle strength in a short period of time. Circuit fitness is a combination of six or more exercises performed with short jogs between them for either a set number of repetitions or a prescribed amount of time. One circuit is when all of the chosen exercises have been completed, but a session can include multiple circuits. Students worked up quite a sweat in Mrs. Burg and Mr. Weygand's physical education classes with circuit fitness this week.
Moon Shadow
It is a common misconception that the phases of the Moon are caused by Earth’s shadow falling on the surface of the Moon blocking out some of the light. This is not true. On relatively rare occasions, Earth’s shadow does fall on the Moon, but that is what causes lunar eclipses, not the phases of the Moon. Additionally, for this to be the case, the Moon would have to be positioned in its orbit so that the Earth’s shadow could fall on it. If you think about the Moon orbiting around and around the Earth, the opportunity for Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon will only occur once per trip around the Earth. This would occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are all in a line with the Moon on the opposite side of the Earth. Students in Mrs. Corr's sixth grade science classes performed a simple experiment that demonstrated these concepts using a lamp and Styrofoam balls on sticks.
West December Students of the Month🏆
We recognized our WEST Strong December students of the month this week. Each of these students received an Amazon gift card and PV Strong Color Changing Cup. They were chosen by their teaching teams as students who have consistently modeled the WEST Strong characteristics throughout the past month and school year. Those characteristics are Respectful, Responsible, and Careful. Congratulations to Nolan Albrecht, Leah Springer, Tyler Sheeran, Kasey Stinson, Declan Guarino-McWilliams, and Jackson Powell (Not pictured).
We are very proud of our students of the month and look forward to recognizing many more students in the coming months. See below for a pic of our November students of the month.
MLK Day of Service at Perkiomen Valley
We are looking forward to the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 15th and hope you can join us! See below for information about the variety of opportunities for our families, including In Person and Take Home options.
The Day of Service will take place in the Perkiomen Valley High School Cafeteria from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm. The day is broken into two sessions, 9 am & 11 am, where elementary and middle school students can take part in educational and service activities to benefit both local and international organizations.
If you are unable to join us for the In Person opportunities, we are offering a limited number of Take Home service projects for both elementary and middle school students. To participate in the Take Home activities, select the Take Home option in the sign up link below.
An exciting new presentation this year, we will have a visit from our very own Perkiomen Township Volunteer Fire Company to talk about fire safety and experience some fun and engaging activities with volunteer fire fighters!
Students will also make paracord lanyards for Operation Gratitude, Valentine door hangers for a local nursing home facility, and encouragement cards to be included in blessing bags for the homeless in Philadelphia. We hope your middle school student can join us!!!
Please contact Patti Colucci, PV School Social Worker at: PColucci@pvsd.org or 267-346-2367 for additional information.
Middle School East/West Skating Night Event⛸️
Join us for a night of ice skating, food trucks, DJ, and lots of fun with old and new friends!
When: January 19, 2024 from 7:00 - 8:30pm
Where: Spring Mountain Ice Rink
Cost: $18.00
Tickets are limited. Please note we sold out the past 2 years, so don't wait to purchase your tickets.
Please note that parents are expected to stay to ensure there is proper adult supervision for their child(ren). All participants must bring a signed waiver, which can be accessed at https://bit.ly/springmtn-iceskatingwaiver.
Use the link below to purchase your ticket(s) and for more information pertaining to the event.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-eastwest-ice-skating-night-tickets-783697830307?aff=oddtdtcreator
PVSD Climate Survey
As a district, we are commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for students. To gather insights into the perceptions of our PV community, we are conducting a Climate Survey and seek the participation of our families and staff. The survey is confidential, and responses will be aggregated to ensure anonymity. The survey will be open from Tuesday, January 16, to Friday, January 26, 2024. Students in grades 4-12 will also be asked to participate; the survey will be administered in class during school hours with questions tailored to each level (elementary vs. secondary). Preview the 6-12 student survey using the link below.
The input received will be invaluable for assessing various aspects of the school environment, including safety, belonging, bullying, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Candid feedback from participants will inform decisions aimed at enhancing the overall experience for students, staff and parents.
Please email Ryan Creeden at rcreeden@pvsd.org with questions or concerns or if you would like to opt your child out of participating in the survey. Thank you in advance for your support.
Winter Wonderland Dance @ West❄️
The West Winter Wonderland Dance is scheduled for January 26, 2024 from 7:00 - 9:00pm in the PV West Cafeteria. The cost is $10 at the door. Food & Merchandise will be available for purchase at the dance.
We are in need of volunteers to make this a successful event, please consider volunteering using the below sign-up genius. All volunteers must have their clearances on file with the school district. If you have questions about obtaining your clearances please call the MS West main office at 484-977-7210
West Talent Show Auditions Are Coming!
West Talent show auditions are right around the corner! Be part of one of the most memorable events of the year! We are looking for a wide variety of talent to perform in our April show! And winners take home CASH prizes! Join the Google Classroom using the code 2257b5r and complete the permission slip to audition on either January 30th or 31st! It's time to shine! We hope to see you at auditions!
Attendance Announcement📢
It's that time of year again when all the absences start to pile up. Between illness and obligations there is always so much happening this time of year. Please know that we understand how life throws curveballs and sometimes absence communication is not feeling like a top priority. Please know that we are here to help! A quick email to mswattendance@pvsd.org with your student's name and a brief reason for their absence is typically all we need to get that absence excused. Please refer to the PV District Attendance Policy here - PV District Attendance for details. Always feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns as well. Don't forget to fill out trip forms for appropriate absences. Find that form on the PVSD.org website.
Happy Holidays!
Kacie Kaufmann, kkaufmann@pvsd.org
Middle School West Attendance/Counseling Secretary
After School Clubs & Activities @ West
Math Lab
Homework Club
Homework Club will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30pm in our Large Group Instruction room. 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 the Library after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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.
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 Tuesday to collaborate, plan, create, and help make positive change in our school community. If you are interested in joining The CAUSE Club please email Mrs. Moreno at tmoreno@pvsd.org.
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.
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.
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
Middle School West 8th Grade Girls' Basketball; Head Coach: Alesia Davis
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday January 16th - Away vs. Upper Perkiomen Middle School @ 3:30pm
Friday January 19th - Home vs. Phoenixville Area Middle School @ 3:30pm
Middle School West 7th Grade Girls' Basketball; Head Coach: Alesia Davis
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday January 16th - Away vs. Upper Perkiomen Middle School @ 4:30pm
Friday January 19th - Home vs. Phoenixville Area Middle School @ 4:30pm
Middle School West 8th Grade Boys' Basketball Head Coach: Reynone Frederick
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday January 16th - Home vs. Upper Perkiomen Middle School @ 3:30pm
Friday January 19th - Away vs. Phoenixville Area Middle School @ 3:30pm
Middle School West 7th Grade Boys' Basketball Head Coach: Nagash Cockburn
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday January 16th - Home vs. Upper Perkiomen Middle School @ 4:30pm
Friday January 19th - Away vs. Phoenixville Area Middle School @ 4:30pm
Middle School Boys' Wrestling Head Coach: Kyle Barnes
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday January 16th - Away vs. Pottsgrove Middle School @ 3:45pm
Friday January 19th - Home vs. Upper Merion Middle School @ 3:30pm
Middle School Girls' Wrestling Head Coach: Mike Moyano
Mike Moyano is the Head Coach for the inaugural season of Girls Wrestling at PV. Coach Moyano has coached boys and girls wrestling for almost 25 years, most recently at Pope John Paul II last year where he grew the program from just 6 athletes to 18. Originally from California, Coach Moyano moved to the area with his wife, Denise, and their two children, Michael and Samantha in 2020. They love their new home and the opportunities to be part of the community. Coach Moyano owns a sports card shop, "What's Hot Cards & Collectibles" in Limerick, and has a passion for all sports, especially the San Francisco Giants. When asked about what brought him to PV, Coach Moyano said, "I came to PV because I'm excited about the opportunity to start a new program and tradition at the school. Wrestling is a sport that teaches lessons that the athletes will carry with them the rest of their lives, and I'm passionate about building a legacy that our student-athletes can be proud of when they graduate."
PVSD Foundation's 2024 Dodgeball Tournament
Join us for our 2024 Dodgeball Tournament on Saturday, March 2nd (rain date: Sunday, March 3rd) at the High School (509 Gravel Pike). The event starts at 12:00 pm, but times will vary based on divisioning.
Registration is open from now until Monday, February 5th. The cost per team is $175 due at the time of registration. There is an option to upgrade the WHOLE team's tee to a dri-fit tee for an additional $25. Please note, the whole team must do either cotton tees or dri-fit tees, we cannot accommodate mix-and-match team tees. See the link below to register.
What you need for registration:
Team Name
Information for 6-10 players on a team (70% must be PV residents):
- Name
- Parent/Guardian Email Address
- School
- Grade
- Shirt Size
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
School Cafe
School Cafe is a secure, online system that can be used by parents to make payments to their child’s cafeteria meal accounts, to review student buying history, and to set low-balance alerts. If you already have an account, you may log in to School Cafe using the button below. For more information on how to set up an account, please review the documents below.
Virtual Parent Support Group
Embark Behavioral Health continues to expand our services to meet the growing need to teen and young adult mental health needs throughout our country. With incidents of depression in adolescents up by 216% since 2006 and suicide as the 2nd leading cause of death for our preteen youth, it is our responsibility to act now and act quickly. In partnership with all of you, we can reverse this youth mental health crisis and change the trajectory of the next generation.
Continuing on our mission to be the leader in driving teen and young adult depression, anxiety, and suicide rates from all-time highs to all-time lows, Embark Behavioral Health is proud to offer our FREE Monthly Virtual Multi-family Support Group. This structured group, led by a licensed clinician is open to the public (ages 18+) and assists with the challenges that many loved ones and caregivers face while caring for someone with a behavioral health concern.
Please see the flyer below for more info about Embark Behavioral Health and the free monthly virtual multi-family support group.
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 January 15th - School Closed (PVSD Holiday): MLK Day of Service @ 9am in PVHS Cafeteria
Wednesday January 17th - Chris Ferguson, retired NASA astronaut visiting West from 9:45 - 12:15pm in Auditorium
Friday January 19th - Middle School East/West Skating Night from 7-8:30pm at Spring Mountain Ice Rink
Wednesday January 24th - End of Marking Period 2
Wednesday January 26th - Winter Wonderland Dance @ West from 7-9pm in West Cafeteria
Tuesday January 30th & Wednesday January 31st - West Talent Show Auditions from 3-5pm