A heart-felt Thank You to our students, families, faculty and staff for an amazing 2018-2019 school year!  Wishing all a wonderful summer! AND a very humble and grateful thank-you to our retiring faculty members: Mrs. Pat Fischer, Mrs. Dorothy Sabol, Mrs. Kathy Todd, and Mr. Stan Yoder; we wish you all a happy, healthy, fun-filled retirement!  Thank you for your years of service and dedication to our students, families, Middle School West, and the Perkiomen Valley School District!

New News:

Digital Transformation and 1:1 Initiative, 2019-2020 – Phase 3 is intended to provide all middle school students with a Chromebook device (at no charge to parents) at the start of the 19-20 school year.  (Phase 3 is pending School Board approval on June 10th.)  -Chromebooks are viewed as an instructional tool to be used purposefully within the classroom.  Students will be expected to be prepared with a charged device every day.

-Sixth graders will receive new devices, and seventh and eighth graders will receive existing devices; in addition, a Chromebook service center will be located in the school library to assist students with any technical issues.

-Details for distribution and required paperwork will be shared over the summer in order to be prepared for the start of the school year.

-We anticipate scheduling an optional parent orientation regarding 1:1 on August 21, 2019 (tentative).

-In the meantime, please visit the district webpage (www.pvsd.org), specifically the 1:1 link, for information about Chromebook guidelines and FAQ’s.

Important Reminders:

Remaining Grading Periods – If you have any course-specific/grading questions or concerns to share with your child’s teacher/team, please reach out either by telephone or email.  The end of the third trimester, fourth quarter, and fifth vector will be June 11th.  HAC opens June 19th at noon.

Lost and Found - If your child is missing a lunch bag, article of clothing, anything, please remind him/her to double-check the lost and found!

Last Day of School – The last day of our 2018-2019 school year will be June 11th.  A reminder to all that June 10th and 11th are half days for students. Also, the 11th will feature our Eighth-grade Awards, referenced below.

Upcoming Events :

Eighth-grade Awards – The eighth-grade teams would like parents to know that the award ceremony is scheduled for the last half day, June 11, 2019, 9:45-11:15 a.m.  Parents will be notified by faculty members a week prior if their child will be receiving and award.

Home and School - The Home and School Association would like to thank everyone for all of your support this year!  The West students were great at all of our events and helped make it a wonderful year.

Our parents who helped to volunteer at events, sent in donations, made baked goods for dances, Teacher Appreciation, and Bus Driver Appreciation, came to meetings, and supported us financially were amazing!  A special thanks to Adrienne Ailinger and Chris Ciaudelli for helping to clean-up at the eighth-grade dance and our very own DJ extraordinaire, Gerry Kelly, for always bringing the fun at dances.

Mrs. Milligan, Mr. Creeden, and our H&S liaison, Dr. Weir, have been wonderful helping to structure the year and attending many of our meetings and events after school hours.  Mrs. Sitron and Mrs. Dickey help us on a weekly basis, and we could not do any H&S activities without them.

Finally, to all of the teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff at West-- you really are the best!  Our students are very lucky to have you all and so are we.

So thank you all and we would like to we wish our entire West family a safe and happy summer vacation!  Can't wait for the 2019-20 school year!

Nurse’s Notes - Letters were mailed out on 5/22 to those students who still require vaccinations prior to the start of seventh grade.   The required vaccinations are the Tdap (pertussis) and Meningitis vaccines. Please utilize this time before the start of the next school year to make sure your child is up to date with these vaccinations, or he/she risks the chance of being excluded from school on the first day.  If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Lind at clind@pvsd.org.  

Important - End-of-Year Medication Pick Up - Please remember to obtain your child’s medication from the nurse’s office no later than student dismissal time on June 11th. As per the PVSD Medication Procedure, students are NOT permitted to carry their own medication. Any unclaimed medication will be destroyed after dismissal. Please contact the nurse if you have any questions.

Counseling -  If anyone has any questions about the elementary-to-middle school or the middle school-to-high school transition, summer school, scheduling, outside counseling resources, etc., please do not hesitate to call West’s Counseling Center – 484-977-7210, ext. 3540.

Moving?  If you are moving out of PVSD or are planning to send your child to a different school, please return the form linked here to our main office by June 11, 2019.  Thank you.

Click here for Mrs. Milligan’s Weekly Reminders from past newsletters.

General reminders are available on Mrs. Milligan's Tips and Reminders Webpage, located under the Resources for Families tab on the Middle School West home page.

Warmest Regards,

Donna Milligan, Principal, PVMS West

A reminder to parents and guardians: If you ever need clarification or assistance with anything mentioned in my reports or if you have general questions, please email (dmilligan@pvsd.org) or call (484-977-7210, ext. 3505).  I will be happy to assist you.

Click here to follow us on Twitter!

Important Dates:

May and June - When not listed, please see your email for specific dates, times, and locations.

• 6/7/19 – Graduation

• 6/7, 10, 11/19 – Half-days, In-service; 11th (morning) Eighth-grade Awards

Dear PVMS West Families,

It is hard for us to believe that there are only seven days left of school when there are so many events and activities remaining on the calendar...!

Eighth-grade Dance – This is a very special event for our eighth-grade students. Many of the students refer to this dance as a "formal,” but we dissuade students from the term "formal" as there is only one true formal, the Prom. In terms of dress, we encourage students to dress as they would for a school photo.  Collars on the boys are appreciated, but they are not required. Dresses for girls are welcome, but blouses and slacks are acceptable. Dresses should have a modest neckline, and we will not permit dresses with "cut-outs.” (Shrugs are a wise accessory.) Students who arrive in cut out dresses will be sent home to change.

Regarding transportation, we do not permit limousines. If a student arrives in a limousine, we will send the limousine home with the students.

Students must be in school on the same day as an evening event.

Finally, we will be encouraging students to come in groups as we downplay the potential "date" aspect of this dance.

I trust that these expectations provide parents with timely information as this event approaches. We work very hard to make this a special event while keeping it appropriate for the grade level. Each year students and faculty alike have a wonderful time. Please contact the West office with any questions.

New News:

High Note Festival Results – Congratulations to West’s Select Choir, first-place/superior rating; Jazz Band, second-place/superior rating; and 7-8 Orchestra, excellent rating.  We are PV Proud!

Roy S. Leidy Post No. 203 Expresses Their Appreciation to West Musicians – On May 27th Mrs. Krown and twenty-five PV musicians played eight selections, including “Taps,” at the annual Memorial Day program.  Commander John Hightower shared, “They performed well and reflected great credit to Perkiomen Valley Middle School West. Their performance is also a reflection of the time and effort Mrs. Krown spends in preparing the students.  I cannot begin to tell you how many attendees told me this year how wonderful their performance was.” Participating students will receive a certificate of appreciation from the American Legion.

Reminders:

Remaining Grading Periods – If you have any course-specific/grading questions or concerns to share with your child’s teacher/team, please reach out either by telephone or email.  The end of the third trimester, fourth quarter, and fifth vector will be June 11th.

Last Day of School – The last day of our 2018-2019 school year will be June 11th.  A reminder to all that June 7, 10, and 11 are half days for students.  Also, the 11th will feature our Eighth-grade Awards, referenced below.

Home and School:  Congratulations to the winners of our final Box Tops contest:  1st place - Ms. Emers class, 2nd place - Mr. Ponzio and 3rd place - Ms. Smith.  A big thanks to all of our parents who sent in Box Tops this year. The program is changing next year and we'll be sure to pass along the new information next school year.

Nurse’s Notes - Letters were mailed out on 5/22 to the parents of students who still require vaccinations prior to the start of seventh grade.   The required vaccinations are the Tdap (pertussis) and Meningitis vaccines. Please utilize this time before the start of the next school year to make sure your child is up to date with these vaccinations, or he or she risks the chance of being excluded from school on the first day.  If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Lind at clind@pvsd.org.

End-of-Year Medication Pick Up - Please remember to obtain your child’s medication from the nurse’s office no later than student dismissal time on June 11th. As per the PVSD Medication Procedure, students are NOT permitted to carry their own medication. Any unclaimed medication will be destroyed after dismissal. Please contact the nurse if you have any questions.

Counseling:  If anyone has any questions about the elementary-to-middle school or the middle school-to-high school transition, summer school, scheduling, outside counseling resources, etc., please do not hesitate to call West’s Counseling Center – 484-977-7210, ext. 3540.

Moving?  If you are moving out of PVSD or are planning to send your child to a different school, please return the form linked here to our main office by June 11, 2019.  Thank you.

Upcoming Events :

Eighth-grade Arnold’s Trip:   All payments made after Tuesday will have to be in cash.  Also, Arnold’s does not allow open-toed shoes.

The yearbooks are coming! The yearbooks are coming! The PVMS West 2019 yearbooks will be distributed on Tuesday, June 4th! Copies of the Junior Voyager will be available for purchase on June 4th, 5th, and 6th in the main lobby during morning homeroom. The cost is $30.00 cash or check made out to PVMS West. Quantities are limited. First come, first served. Get your own piece of West history! You’re in this book!

Click here for more information.  A reminder to all: Please refrain from defacing or writing inappropriate material in others’ yearbooks. Offenders will be required to purchase and replace vandalized yearbooks. Thank you.

Be a Part of the Conversation is a local organization that presents programs about substance use to Perkiomen Valley parents. BPOC would like to hear your thoughts and ideas about what parents are most concerned about in the community. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 5th, from 10:00 to 11:30 am at the Center for Families in Bryn Mawr.  Please see the attached flyer, or visit this page to register: parentleaders.eventbrite.com  There is no charge to attend and refreshments will be served. Click here for more information.

Fifth-grade Parents’ Night - On Wednesday, June 5, 2019, Perkiomen Valley Middle School West is sponsoring a Fifth-Grade Parents’ Night in each school’s respective auditorium from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.  The purpose of this forum is to provide fifth-grade parents the opportunity to learn about the sixth-grade program at the middle schools. Our schools’ guidance counselors and administrators will be on hand to welcome you to the Perkiomen Valley Middle School community and begin/continue your orientation as a parent of a middle-level learner.

While the June 4th meeting is intended for just parents, please reserve Thursday, August 22, 2019 on your calendar for 6th Grade Orientation Night/Meet The Teacher Night (formerly known as Jitters Night) for all incoming sixth-graders and new students, together with their parents.

Eighth-grade Awards – The eighth-grade teams would like parents to know that the award ceremony is scheduled for the last half day, June 11, 2019, 9:45-11:15 a.m.  Parents will be notified by faculty members a week prior if their child will be receiving and award.

Click here for Mrs. Milligan’s Weekly Reminders from past newsletters.

General reminders are available on Mrs. Milligan's Tips and Reminders Webpage, located under the Resources for Families tab on the Middle School West home page.

Regards,

Donna Milligan, Principal, PVMS West

A reminder to parents and guardians: If you ever need clarification or assistance with anything mentioned in my reports or if you have general questions, please email (dmilligan@pvsd.org) or call (484-977-7210, ext. 3505).  I will be happy to assist you.

Click here to follow us on Twitter!

Important Dates:

May and June - When not listed, please see your email for specific dates, times, and locations.

• 6/7/19 – Graduation

• 6/7, 10, 11/19 – Half-days, In-service; 11th (morning) Eighth-grade Awards

Dear PVMS West Families,

I hope this communication finds you doing well and looking forward to Memorial Day weekend!   Please see the informational items about all that is happening here at West.

New News:

Talent Showcase - Thank you to the entire PV West community for supporting our first-ever West Talent Showcase. This coffeehouse-style event was combined with our traditional art show and featured visual, vocal, instrumental, magical, and poetic talents of our sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students. Staff members and local businesses contributed items for an amazing selection of premium raffle baskets that were awarded at the end of the evening.  Coffee, hot chocolate, soft pretzels, cookies, and hand-crafted art items were sold to benefit our Middle School West Library update. Our Library Innovation Discovery Engagement Area (IDEA) is a student-centered environment that encourages spontaneous brainstorming, discussion, creativity, and small-group as well as large-group instruction and presentations. It is designed to allow students to use 1:1 mobile devices throughout the space. Marla DiCicco, Melissa Overholser, and Barbara Quintangeli coordinated the event with members of West’s Mural and Reading Olympics Library Assistants clubs.  A special note of appreciation goes out to Matt Weir, our West custodial staff, and the PV Maintenance Department for their logistical expertise. We look forward to having visitors check out our updated Middle School West Library, which is the comfortable, welcoming, and enlightening heart of our school.

PV’s Inaugural Big Sing – On Tuesday evening Middle School West’s auditorium was filled with the sounds of 110+ singers, grades 6-12, from MS East, MS West and PVHS.  Performing ensembles included: West’s Select Choir, East’s Music Makers and Honor Choir, PVHS’s Men's, Women's, and Jazz Choirs; and the Combined Choir.  Kudos to Mrs. Yeagle, Mr. Sands, and Mr. Griffie for providing such a wonderful performing opportunity for our young musicians. Mrs. Jill Birney, Mr. David Overholtzer, and Mr. Vince Ryan provided outstanding piano accompaniment for the varied musical selections.  The grand finale, "Let There Be Peace On Earth," moved audience and performers alike. In the words of American Songstress, Ms. Ella Fitzgerald, "The only thing better than singing is more singing!"

Farewell, Mr. Yoder - Our talented orchestra students treated family, friends, and the community to a wonderfully entertaining concert on Wednesday evening.  To celebrate Mr. Yoder’s long and illustrious career and retirement, West alumni joined our instrumentalists in an amazing grand finale. Bravo, West Orchestras and Mr. Yoder!

Reminders:

Memorial Day - Members of the seventh- and eighth-grade band will perform for a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Keely Cemetery in Schwenksville on Monday, May 27th, at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony is run by the Roy S. Leiby Legion.

May Spirit Week – (May 27 – Memorial Day, No School)

May 28 - USA Day

May 29 - Hawaiian/ Beach Day

May 30 - Avengers/Super Hero Day - no masks

May 31 - Hat Day (Eighth-grade Dance)

Remaining Grading Periods – If you have any course-specific/grading questions or concerns to share with your child’s teacher/team, please reach out either by telephone or email.  The end of the third trimester, fourth quarter, and fifth vector will be June 11th.

Last Day of School – The last day of our 2018-2019 school year will be June 11th.  A reminder to all that June 7, 10, and 11 are half days for students.  Also, the 11th will feature our Eighth-grade Awards, referenced below.

Home and School - West’s Home and School is very excited to host the eighth-grade dance.  If anyone would like to help with set-up or clean-up, please contact Amy Butler at amyjpowers@hotmail.com.

Nurse’s Notes - Letters were mailed out on 5/22 to the parents of students who still require vaccinations prior to the start of seventh grade.   The required vaccinations are the Tdap (pertussis) and Meningitis vaccines. Please utilize this time before the start of the next school year to make sure your child is up to date with these vaccinations, or he or she risks the chance of being excluded from school on the first day.  If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Lind at clind@pvsd.org.

Upcoming Events :

Fifth-to-Sixth-grade Transition – Between May 22nd-28th, our counselors will visit fifth-grade classes.  Then, our transitioning fifth graders will visit West on May 29th (Schwenksville) and May 30th (Evergreen and Skippack); they will tour the building as well as engage in a question/answer/advice session with our Viking Ambassadors.

MS-HS Transition – On the morning of May 31st, all six high school counselors will visit with our eighth-grade students in counselor-specific groups.

8th Grade Dance – This is a very special event for our eighth-grade students. The Eighth-grade Dance is scheduled in May. Many of the students refer to this dance as a "formal,” but we dissuade students from the term "formal" as there is only one true formal, the Prom. In terms of dress, we encourage students to dress as they would for a school photo.  Collars on the boys are appreciated, but they are not required. Dresses for girls are welcome, but blouses and slacks are acceptable. Dresses should have a modest neckline, and we will not permit dresses with "cut-outs.” (Shrugs are a wise accessory.) Students who arrive in cut out dresses will be sent home to change.

Regarding transportation, we do not permit limousines. If a student arrives in a limousine, we will send the limousine home with the students.

Finally, we will be encouraging students to come in groups as we downplay the potential "date" aspect of this dance.

I trust that these expectations provide parents with timely information as this event approaches. We work very hard to make this a special event while keeping it appropriate for the grade level. Each year students and faculty alike have a wonderful time. Please contact the West office with any questions.

Summer Power Packs - The PV Power Packs Program is offering nutritious meals and snacks, free of charge, to students in need. Bags of food will be available throughout the summer and can be picked up at the District Office, Schwenksville Elementary School, or sent home with your child if he or she is in a PVSD summer program. There is no requirement to provide personal financial information to qualify for this program.

The bags will include: · 1 breakfast item for each day · 1 lunch item for each day · 1 snack item for each day · 1 fruit or vegetable for each day.

If your student would benefit from this program, you are encouraged to enroll him/her by providing the information requested (click here for form) and returning it to your school counselor by Friday, May 31st. Once your student is enrolled in the Power Packs Program, he/she will receive bags of food each week throughout summer or until you no longer need to participate. All bags can be picked up on Mondays, beginning June 10th, in the front office at Schwenksville or District Office as part of a confidential system. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sarah by email at PowerPacks@pvsd.org or call 610-489-8506.

Eighth-grade Arnold’s Trip:  All payments made after Tuesday will have to be in cash.  Also, Arnold’s does not allow open-toed shoes.

The yearbooks are coming! The yearbooks are coming! The PVMS West 2019 yearbooks will be distributed on Tuesday, June 4th! Copies of the Junior Voyager will be available for purchase on June 4th, 5th, and 6th in the main lobby during morning homeroom. The cost is $30.00 cash or check made out to PVMS West. Quantities are limited. First come, first served. Get your own piece of West history! You’re in this book!

Click here for more information.  A reminder to all: Please refrain from defacing or writing inappropriate material in others’ yearbooks. Offenders will be required to purchase and replace vandalized yearbooks. Thank you.

Be a Part of the Conversation is a local organization that presents programs about substance use to Perkiomen Valley parents. BPOC would like to hear your thoughts and ideas about what parents are most concerned about in the community. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 5th, from 10:00 to 11:30 am at the Center for Families in Bryn Mawr.  Please see the attached flyer, or visit this page to register: parentleaders.eventbrite.com  There is no charge to attend and refreshments will be served. Click here for more information.

Fifth-grade Parents’ Night, Change of Date - On Wednesday, June 5, 2019, Perkiomen Valley Middle School West is sponsoring a Fifth-Grade Parents’ Night in each school’s respective auditorium from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.  The purpose of this forum is to provide fifth-grade parents the opportunity to learn about the sixth-grade program at the middle schools. Our schools’ guidance counselors and administrators will be on hand to welcome you to the Perkiomen Valley Middle School community and begin/continue your orientation as a parent of a middle-level learner.

While the June 4th meeting is intended for just parents, please reserve Thursday, August 22, 2019 on your calendar for 6th Grade Orientation Night/Meet The Teacher Night (formerly known as Jitters Night) for all incoming sixth-graders and new students, together with their parents.

Eighth-grade Awards – The eighth-grade teams would like parents to know that the award ceremony is scheduled for the last half day, June 11, 2019, 9:45-11:15 a.m.  Parents will be notified by faculty members a week prior if their child will be receiving and award.

Reminders:

Click here for Mrs. Milligan’s Weekly Reminders from past newsletters.

General reminders are available on Mrs. Milligan's Tips and Reminders Webpage, located under the Resources for Families tab on the Middle School West home page.

Regards,

Donna Milligan, Principal, PVMS West

A reminder to parents and guardians: If you ever need clarification or assistance with anything mentioned in my reports or if you have general questions, please email (dmilligan@pvsd.org) or call (484-977-7210, ext. 3505).  I will be happy to assist you.

Click here to follow us on Twitter!

Important Dates:

May and June - When not listed, please see your email for specific dates, times, and locations.

• 8th Grade Dance

• 5/20/19 - T5/27/19 - Memorial Day holiday - no school

• 6/7/19 – Graduation

• 6/7, 10, 11/19 – Half-days, In-service; 11th (morning) Eighth-grade Awards

Dear PVMS West Families,

I hope this email finds you doing well as we head into the weekend. As I write this email, our jazz band, select chorus, and grades 7-8 orchestra students are preparing for the High Note Festival on May 24th, and our Art/ROLA Clubs are simply abuzz with last minute Talent Showcase/Art Show, May 20th, preparations. Our last fifteen days of sports, concerts, trips, and activities will most certainly prove to be as busy as they will be FUN!

Remaining Grading Periods – We passed mid-marking period last week, so if you have any course-specific/grading questions or concerns to share with your child’s teacher/team, please reach out either by telephone or email. The end of the third trimester, fourth quarter, and fifth vector will be June 11th .

Last Day of School – The last day of our 2018-2019 school year will be June 11th.  A reminder to all that June 7, 10, and 11 are half days for students. Also, the 11th will feature our Eighth-grade Awards, referenced below.

Coming Next Week – Information regarding the sixth graders’ selection of Spanish, French, Coding, or Language Arts… Given Google Form links, our sixth graders will select (Spanish, French, Coding, or Language Arts) to study in seventh and eighth grade. (Special education students typically opt for Instructional Seminar in lieu of one of these options.)

Library Books – All books were to be returned today, May 17 th , so if parents/guardians see any MS West library books at home, please encourage your son/daughter to bring them in on Monday.

Home and School – A big thank you to all of the parents who helped with our Teacher Appreciation lunch.  The desserts were amazing, and the room looked great! Thank you for helping us to make a great day for our teachers and staff at West.

Elections for our 2019-20 school year H&S Board were held at our last meeting: President, Amy Butler; Vice President, Kim Fortino; Treasurer, Stacey Verguldi; and Secretary, Christine Leifer.  The Board is excited to plan next year and is happy to hear any suggestions you have for new events.

Also, a big Thank You and Good-bye to Karen Litak, our current H&S Vice President.  Karen has been involved with H&S for several years both at West and in the elementary schools, and she has done an amazing job.  We will all miss her here at West as she moves on to helping at the high school level.

Nurse’s Notes - Please know that there is still time to send in your child’s sixth-grade physical examination.  Physical exams will be done by the school physician in the spring, so unless a form is received for your child, he or she will be scheduled to see the school doctor.  Mrs. Lind can be reached at 484-977-7210, ext. 4 or emailed at clind@pvsd.org. Thank you to all parents who have either called, emailed, or sent in their forms! It is greatly appreciated!

A note for parents of sixth graders - Please be mindful that your child will require two vaccinations prior to the start of seventh grade.  The required vaccinations are the Tdap (pertussis) and Meningitis. Please utilize this time before the start of the next school year to make sure your child is up to date with these vaccinations, or he/she runs the risk of being excluded from school on the first day.

Upcoming Events

Tonight: Class of 2023 Mixer, Save the Date – (a free event!) The high school’s Link Crew has invited MS East and MS West’s eighth-grade students to the high school on May 17, 2018 from 6:00-9:00 p.m.  Please see your email for details.

Tomorrow: The PVHS Viking Buddies Club is sponsoring the first annual Buddy Walk on Saturday, May 18th, from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm.  All are invited to join us for a one-mile walk on the Perkiomen Trail to raise awareness of inclusion and acceptance for all students in the Valley. Click here to see flyer.

Monday: Talent Showcase/Spring Art Show - This year’s Talent Showcase/Spring Art Show, sponsored by Reading Olympics Library Assistants and The Mural Club, will mimic a coffeehouse-style event.  Event Date, Monday, May 20, 2019, 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Note – This event is not competitive in nature.  Additional information can be found on our website under “News from Around the School.”  Click here for flyer.

West is selling the "West, Locally Famous" t-shirts and long-sleeve shirts to raise money during the Talent Showcase. The online store is open only from Monday, May 13th- Monday, May 20th. The ordering link will close at midnight on the night of the showcase. Please use this link to order:  http://myteam.svsports.com/stores/pvms2019.  All proceeds go towards finishing the library's updates.

Fifth-to-Sixth-grade Transition – Between May 22nd-28th, our counselors will visit fifth-grade classes. Then, our transitioning fifth graders will visit West on May 29th (Schwenksville) and May 30th (Evergreen and Skippack); they will tour the building as well as engage in a question/answer/advice session with our Viking Ambassadors.

Members of the seventh- and eighth-grade band will perform for a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Keely Cemetery in Schwenksville on Monday, May 27 th , at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony is run by the Roy S. Leiby Legion.

May Spirit Week – (May 27 – Memorial Day, No School)

May 28 - USA Day

May 29 - Hawaiian/ Beach Day

May 30 - Avengers/Super Hero Day - no masks

May 31 - Hat Day (8th grade formal)

8th Grade Dance – This is a very special event for our eighth-grade students. The Eighth-grade Dance is scheduled in May. Many of the students refer to this dance as a "formal,” but we dissuade students from the term "formal" as there is only one true formal, the Prom. In terms of dress, we encourage students to dress as they would for a school photo.  Collars on the boys are appreciated, but they are not required. Dresses for girls are welcome, but blouses and slacks are acceptable. Dresses should have a modest neckline, and we will not permit dresses with "cut-outs.” (Shrugs are a wise accessory.) Students who arrive in cut out dresses will be sent home to change.

Regarding transportation, we do not permit limousines. If a student arrives in a limousine, we will send the limousine home with the students.

Finally, we will be encouraging students to come in groups as we downplay the potential "date" aspect of this dance.

I trust that these expectations provide parents with timely information as this event approaches. We work very hard to make this a special event while keeping it appropriate for the grade level. Each year students and faculty alike have a wonderful time. Please contact the West office with any questions.

The Yearbooks are coming! The yearbooks are coming! The PVMS West 2019 yearbooks will be distributed on Tuesday, June 4th! Copies of the Junior Voyager will be available for purchase on June 4th, 5th, and 6th in the main lobby during morning homeroom. The cost is $30.00 cash or check made out to PVMS West. Quantities are limited. First come, first served. Get your own piece of West history! You’re in this book! A reminder to all: Please refrain from defacing or writing inappropriate material in others’ yearbooks. Offenders will be required to purchase and replace vandalized yearbooks. Thank you.  

Summer Power Packs - The PV Power Packs Program is offering nutritious meals and snacks, free of charge, to students in need. Bags of food will be available throughout the summer and can be picked up at the District Office, Schwenksville Elementary School, or sent home with your child if he or she is in a PVSD summer program. There is no requirement to provide personal financial information to qualify for this program.

The bags will include: · 1 breakfast item for each day · 1 lunch item for each day · 1 snack item for each day · 1 fruit or vegetable for each day.

If your student would benefit from this program, you are encouraged to enroll him/her by providing the information requested (click here for form) and returning it to your school counselor by Friday, May 31st. Once your student is enrolled in the Power Packs Program, he/she will receive bags of food each week throughout summer or until you no longer need to participate. All bags can be picked up on Mondays, beginning June 10th, in the front office at Schwenksville or District Office as part of a confidential system. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sarah by email at PowerPacks@pvsd.org or call 610-489-8506.

Fifth-grade Parents’ Night - On Tuesday, June 4, 2019, Perkiomen Valley Middle School West is sponsoring a Fifth-Grade Parents’ Night in each school’s respective auditorium from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.  The purpose of this forum is to provide fifth-grade parents the opportunity to learn about the sixth-grade program at the middle schools. Our schools’ guidance counselors and administrators will be on hand to welcome you to the Perkiomen Valley Middle School community and begin/continue your orientation as a parent of a middle-level learner.

While the June 4th meeting is intended for just parents, please reserve Thursday, August 22, 2019 on your calendar for 6 th Grade Orientation Night/Meet The Teacher Night (formerly known as Jitters Night) for all incoming sixth-graders and new students, together with their parents.

Eighth-grade Awards – The eighth-grade teams would like parents to know that the award ceremony is scheduled for the last half day, June 11, 2019, 9:45-11:15 a.m.  Parents will be notified a week prior if

their child will be receiving and award.

Jump Start Your Way into Middle School (June 17-20, 8-11:45 a.m.): Rising sixth-graders can get a sneak peek at middle school life during this summer camp held at both Middle School East and Middle School West. Recognizing that the transition to middle school may be daunting for some, Jump Start offers a way for students to learn more about what’s in store for the coming year. Camp will feature get-to-know-you activities, building tours, locker relays (for practice with those combination locks), computer games, math and language arts reinforcement, and introductions to the principal and to school clubs and activities. Click here for more information.

Reminders:

Click here for Mrs. Milligan’s Weekly Reminders from past newsletters.

General reminders are available on Mrs. Milligan's Tips and Reminders Webpage, located under the Resources for Families tab on the Middle School West home page.

Regards,

Donna Milligan, Principal, PVMS West

A reminder to parents and guardians: If you ever need clarification or assistance with anything mentioned in my reports or if you have general questions, please email (dmilligan@pvsd.org) or call (484-977-7210, ext. 3505).  I will be happy to assist you.

Click here to follow us on Twitter!

Important Dates:

May and June - When not listed, please see your email for specific dates, times, and locations.

• 5/17/19 – Class of 2023 Mixer, PVHS

• 8th Grade Dance

• 5/20/19 - Talent Showcase and Art Show

• 5/21/19 - In-service Day

• 5/21/19 - Combined East,West, PVHS Chorus Concert

• 5/22/19 – Orchestra Concert

• 5/27/19 - Memorial Day holiday - no school

• 6/7/19 – Graduation

• 6/7, 10, 11/19 – Half-days, In-service; 11th (morning) Eighth-grade Awards

Dear PVMS West Families,

May is our fantastically musical month!  Our bands impressed family, friends, and the community on Monday evening, and on Tuesday morning, they treated the student body to an entertaining assembly.  Not to be outdone, our choruses simply shined on Thursday evening. We are very fortunate to have so many talented students devoted to musical studies here at Middle School West.  Upcoming musical events are included in the “Important Dates” section at the end of this update.

Remaining Assessment Windows –

On Monday, May 20

The Art Show is included as visual talent. If you have art displayed in the art show, you should have received an invitation by mail. Art may be viewed throughout the performances. The Art Show is free from 5:00-6:00 p.m.. From 6:00-8:00 p.m., attendees will need to purchase a ticket for the Talent Showcase. Show your art invitation for one free admission.

Talent Showcase tickets cost $6. Ticket pre-sales will be May 6th- May 10th. All tickets will be sold in the library, so please stop down during advisory or lunch. We also have over fifteen amazing raffle baskets. Pre-sale raffle tickets will also be sold in the library. Raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Raffle winners will be selected  the night of the showcase, but you do not need to be in attendance to win. Light refreshments, t-shirts, and pottery will be sold at the event. Please support your friends with extraordinary talents. All profits go towards updates for the library we all love and use.

T-shirts will be sold online. Live link coming soon.

Raffle Basket List:

Green Team

Summer Fun 1&2

I Love to Read 1&2

Family Fun 1&2

I Heart Art 1&2

Pet Lovers

Pallets & Paints

Coffee Lovers

Beauty
I Love Wawa

Lazy Days

Home Decor

Home

Vincent’s Pizza 1&2

FREE Yearbook Voucher

Thirty-One (multiples)

Dear PVMS West Families:

From a visit from PVHS’s Link Crew to fire truck, ambulance, and police car explorations, we’ve had some uniquely wonderful experiences at MS West this week!  Similarly, the next few weeks will be filled with a flurry of activities! Please be sure to visit our school and district websites for information about events across the district.  Below are several reminders for your review.

Two Concerts:  Please join us for the MS West Band Concert, May 6th; and the MS West Chorus Concert, May 9th.(Both begin at 7:30 p.m.)

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10th.

Remaining Assessment Windows –

• PSSA Make-ups -  5/6-10

• Algebra I, Keystone Exam – 5/13 and 5/14

Home and School –  Thank you for sending in your Box Tops!

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and MS West’s Home & School Association would like to say THANK YOU to all of our teachers and paraprofessionals here at West and in the entire PV school community.  We are lucky to have you all! To celebrate our great staff here at West, we will be hosting a Staff Appreciation Lunch on Thursday, May 9th. If you would like to donate a dessert on Thursday, please visit our Sign-up Genius link at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E054DA5A92AA57-teacher.

And, if you are free Tuesday, May 7, join us in the cafeteria at 7:00 P.M. for our last meeting of the year.  We will be holding elections for next year's officers and scheduling activities. We'd love to have your input!

Upcoming Events:

MS West Book Fair – May 6-10, 2019.  Click here for more information. Click here for flyer.

Class of 2023 Mixer, Save the Date – The high school’s Link Crew has invited MS East and MS West’s eighth-grade students to the high school on May 17, 2018 from 6:00-9:00 p.m.  More to come…

The PVHS Viking Buddies Club is sponsoring the first annual Buddy Walk on Saturday, May 18th, from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm.  All are invited to join us for a one-mile walk on the Perkiomen Trail to raise awareness of inclusion and acceptance for all students in the Valley. Click here to see flyer.

Talent Showcase/Spring Art Show - This year’s Talent Showcase/Spring Art Show, sponsored by Reading Olympics Library Assistants and The Mural Club, will mimic a coffeehouse-style event and will be held in West’s library.  Event Date, Monday, May 20, 2019.  Note – This event will not be competitive in nature. Click here for flyer.

Coming Soon – Information regarding the sixth graders’ selection of Spanish, French, Coding, or Language Arts…

May Spirit Week – (May 27 – Memorial Day, No School)

May 28 - USA Day

May 29 - Hawaiian/ Beach Day

May 30 - Avengers/Super Hero Day - no masks

May 31 - Hat Day (8th grade formal)

8th Grade Dance – This is a very special event for our eighth-grade students. The Eighth-grade Dance is scheduled in May. Many of the students refer to this dance as a "formal,” but we dissuade students from the term "formal" as there is only one true formal, the Prom. In terms of dress, we encourage students to dress as they would for a school photo.  Collars on the boys are appreciated, but they are not required. Dresses for girls are welcome, but blouses and slacks are acceptable. Dresses should have a modest neckline, and we will not permit dresses with "cut-outs.” (Shrugs are a wise accessory.) Students who arrive in cut out dresses will be sent home to change.

Regarding transportation, we do not permit limousines. If a student arrives in a limousine, we will send the limousine home with the students.

Finally, we will be encouraging students to come in groups as we downplay the potential "date" aspect of this dance.

I trust that these expectations provide parents with timely information as this event approaches. We work very hard to make this a special event while keeping it appropriate for the grade level. Each year students and faculty alike have a wonderful time. Please contact the West office with any questions.

The Yearbooks are coming! The yearbooks are coming! The PVMS West 2019 yearbooks will be distributed on Tuesday, June 4th! Copies of the Junior Voyager will be available for purchase on June 4th, 5th, and 6th in the main lobby during morning homeroom. The cost is $30.00 cash or check made out to PVMS West. Quantities are limited. First come, first served. Get your own piece of West history! You’re in this book! A reminder to all: Please refrain from defacing or writing inappropriate material in others’ yearbooks. Offenders will be required to purchase and replace vandalized yearbooks. Thank you.  

REMINDERS:

Backpacks - As noted in emails sent prior to spring break, we are continuing to study the pros and cons of allowing students to carry backpacks throughout the school day. Superintendent Dr. Barbara Russell would like to form a committee of parents, students, teachers and administrators to review some of these pros and cons so that all can come to an agreement about how to proceed for the coming school year. If you are interested in providing feedback by serving on the committee, please email Laurie Weidner at lweidner@pvsd.org.

Spring Sports Pick-Up - The spring sports season is a very busy one at PVMS West.  We are asking parents to park in a parking spot or along the sidewalk curb when picking-up children from sports games and practices.  Please do not park along the parking lot curbing as it makes it difficult for cars (and returning buses) to maneuver in and out of the area.  Also, I recommend that you communicate a designated area in the parking lot to meet your child/children each day. Our primary concern is the safety of students.  If everyone can park in a spot and be wary of pedestrian traffic in the lot, we can make athletic pick-up run more smoothly. Thanks for working with us on this issue.

Lost and Found - Is your child missing prescription glasses, a winter coat, a lunch bag, a sweatshirt, etc?  We have many lost items waiting to be reclaimed. Please ask your child to check the lost and found table in the cafeteria hallway, the locker room lost and founds, or the main office for misplaced items.

Nurse’s Notes -   

Please know that there is still time to send in your child’s sixth-grade physical examination.  Physical exams will be done by the school physician in the spring, so unless a form is received for your child, he or she will be scheduled to see the school doctor.  Mrs. Lind can be reached at 484-977-7210, ext. 4 or emailed at clind@pvsd.org.  Thank you to all parents who have either called, emailed, or sent in their forms!  It is greatly appreciated!

A note for parents of sixth graders - Please be mindful that your child will require two vaccinations prior to the start of seventh grade.  The required vaccinations are the Tdap (pertussis) and Meningitis. Please utilize this time before the start of the next school year to make sure your child is up to date with these vaccinations, or he/she runs the risk of being excluded from school on the first day.

Click here for Mrs. Milligan’s Weekly Reminders from past newsletters.

General reminders are available on Mrs. Milligan's Tips and Reminders Webpage, located under the Resources for Families tab on the Middle School West home page.

Regards,

Donna Milligan, Principal, PVMS West

A reminder to parents and guardians: If you ever need clarification or assistance with anything mentioned in my reports or if you have general questions, please email (dmilligan@pvsd.org) or call (484-977-7210, ext. 3505).  I will be happy to assist you.

Click here to follow us on Twitter!

Important Dates:

May and June - When not listed, please see your email for specific dates, times, and locations.

• PSSA Make-ups -  5/6-10

• 8th Grade Dance

• 5/6/19 - Band Concert

• 5/6-10/19 – MS West Buy-One-Get-One Free Book Fair!

• 5/7/19 - Home and School Meeting, MSW Cafeteria, 7:00 pm

• 5/9/19 - Choir Concert - BOGO Book Fair will be open!

• 5/13,14/19 - Keystone Algebra I Testing

• 5/20/19 - Talent Showcase and Art Show

• 5/22/19 – Orchestra Concert

• 5/27/19 - Memorial Day holiday - no school

• 6/7/19 – Graduation

• 6/7, 10, 11/19 – Half-days, Inservice