WV Calendar |
APRIL Thursday, April 18 - HSA Meeting (Library) 7 pm - Facebook, Instagram, and Technology
- TSA Conference at Seven Springs
Friday, April 19 - TSA Conference at Seven Springs
Saturday, April 20 - TSA Conference at Seven Springs
Tuesday, April 23 - 6th grade Choral Concert 6 pm
- 7th grade Choral Concert 7:30 pm
Thursday, April 25 - 8th grade Choral Concert 7 pm
MAY Friday, May 3 - Spring BBQ (during lunches) (rain date 5/10/13)
- Jazz Festival 7 pm
Tuesday, May 14 - ISC General Meeting 9:30 am
- 7th & 8th Grade Band/Orchestra Concert
Wednesday, May 15 - 6th Grade Band/Orchestra Concert
Friday, May 17 - Movie Night 7:30 pm
- Music in the Parks (Instrumental & Choral)
Friday, May 24 - Early Dismissal 11:55 am (no lunch served) (Staff Development Day)
Monday, May 27 - School Closed (Administrative Offices Closed)
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Dragon Pride Commendations Random Acts of Kindness
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Weekly Dragon Pride Student Commendations
We are pleased to recognize our Dragon Pride Commendation award winners. The following students were recognized by our staff for demonstrating Random Acts of Kindness or Contributing to the Welsh Valley Community. We encourage all students to do the right thing for the sake of it being the right thing to do. We want to recognize students for good deeds, sometimes with a smile or thank you, other times with a commendation. But our overall goal is for our staff with the commendation program is to acknowledge students for doing the right thing in the most genuine sense. The Character and Citizenship Committee and WVMS faculty would like to thank these students for helping make Welsh Valley a better place.
Congratulations to the following students for receiving a "DRAGON PRIDE" commendation for the Week of April 8th.
8th Grade
Sophie Grady
Jordan Heller
7th Grade
Molly McDonough
Nate Navajara
6th Grade
Mikayla Braver
Bryn Rieke
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WV HSA Presents: Parenting your children through adolescence in a Technological world, Guest Speaker: Stephanie Newberg April 18
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Welsh Valley HSA Presents:
Facebook, Instagram, and Technology:
Parenting your children through adolescence in a Technological world
Come learn how to help your pre-teens and teenagers transition into, through, and out of middle school technology: from first exposure to personal lap tops!
Welsh Valley Middle School, Library
April 18, 2013
7:00 pm - free and open to all!
Stephanie Newberg
Stephanie Newberg is a licensed psychotherapist, working with individuals, couples and families. She has been in practice for 15 years specializing in: family and couples therapy, grief/loss, children and adolescents, bullying and cyberbullying, and the implications of divorce on families. She is a frequent presenter on adolescents and technology.
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Counselor Corner-New WV School Counselor Website
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The New Lower Merion website is up and running. If you have not had a chance, please check out the new Welsh Valley School Counselor Page. Please check out all of the information regarding the School Counseling Department and the Olweus Bullying Prevention program at WV. Here is how you get there.
lmsd.org
Click on Schools
Click on Welsh Valley Middle
Click on Student Services
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Letter Day 2012-2013 Update
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Letter Days A B C D E F Pay special attention to the letter day that follows a long weekend or break. This will help you plan for the materials you will need for your personal development classes.
Day
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April
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May
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June
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1
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F
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D*
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-
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2
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A
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E
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-
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3
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B
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F
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B
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4
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C
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-
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C
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5
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D
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-
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D#
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6
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-
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A
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E
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7
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-
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B
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F
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8
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E
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C*
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-
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9
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F
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D
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-
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10
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A
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E
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A
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11
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C
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-
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B
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12
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B
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-
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C
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13
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-
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F
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D
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14
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-
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A
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E
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15
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D
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B#
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-
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16
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E
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C
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-
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17
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F*
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D
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F
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18
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A
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-
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A
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19
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B
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-
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-
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20
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-
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E
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-
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21
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-
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F
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-
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22
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C
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A*
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-
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23
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D
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B
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-
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24
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E
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C
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-
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25
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F
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-
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-
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26
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A#
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-
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-
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27
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-
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-
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-
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28
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-
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D
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-
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29
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B
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E#
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-
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30
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C
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F
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-
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31
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-
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A
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-
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SSR = * Forum = #
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Walk-a-thon - Monday, April 22 @ WV School Track, 8th Grade Fundraiser
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Dear Parents and Welsh Valley Community,
Every year, as an extension to our study of the Progressive Era, the entire 8th Grade investigates the issue of child labor today in their Social Studies classes. Typically, students become very passionate about the topic as it resonates with them that children their age are living in very different circumstances with little opportunity to change their lives. Many take to heart the activism and inspiration from Craig Kielburger and Free the Children as well as Steve Shames and LEAD Uganda, two organizations working to educate former child laborers and end the vicious cycle of poverty and child labor.
As a culminating activity for our study, we have a fundraiser each year for which the students volunteer and organize. This campaign not only raises funds, but awareness of child labor and its effects around the world today. Strategies the students employ to accomplish these goals are varied. To inform about the topic, students create and place posters around campus, produce public service pieces for the morning announcements, and small teaching groups present to our sixth graders since they are new to the topic and and our fundraising efforts. To encourage donations this year, student crafted raffle baskets will be available at each lunch, and all donations are welcome!
As mentioned above, our fundraiser has several pieces; but, the biggest push for funds will be from the 8th grade. This year, the entire 8th grade will participate in a walk-a-thon at the end of the school day on Monday, April 22nd on the Welsh Valley school track. All money raised by Welsh Valley will go directly to the two organizations we have been supporting for the last nine years, Free the Children and LEAD Uganda. We are asking each 8th grade student to bring in a donation to support the walk- a-thon and our weeks of work to raise money for these organizations.
Students will bring their donation to their social studies teacher before Monday, April 22nd. They can either bring in an envelope marked "child labor donation" with cash, or checks can be made out to Welsh Valley Middle School with "child labor fundraiser" written in the memo portion.
We are so proud of our students' passion and perseverance in this task. They have been kind, generous, and energetic in their efforts to help others.
Thank you for your support and consideration,
Nancy Ferguson, Bernadette Bartholomew, Brett Davis, and Rosheen Campbell
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Chorus Concert Reminders
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6th and 7th Grade Concert Dress:
- Girls: White top with light SOLID colored pants or skirt (no boots or flip flops)
- Guys: White collared long or short sleeved shirt (no tie) with khaki or cargo tan or gray pants or shorts
7th Grade Advanced Concert Dress
- WV chorus shirt with light SOLID colored pants (no boots or flip flops)
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2013-6th GRADE Concert starts at 6:00PM ***students will need to be at WV by 5:45PM
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2013-7th GRADE Concert starts at 7:30PM ***students will need to be at WV by 7:15PM
8th Grade Concert Dress:
- Girls: WV chorus shirt with light SOLID colored pants (no boots or flip flops)
- Guys: White collared long or short sleeved shirt (no tie) with khaki or cargo tan or gray pants or shorts
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013-8th GRADE Concert starts at 7:00PM ***students will need to be at WV by 6:45PM
There will be no reception afterwards. Mrs. Vaughan usually receives a discount at a local frozen yogurt place for anyone who brings their program.
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Spring Athletics - 7th & 8th Grade
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With the weather getting warmer: 1. Athletes should eat a good breakfast and lunch and hydrate themselves throughout the day. 2. Bring a snack and water before, during, or after practice or a game/meet. 3. If athletes have meds or emergency meds (inhalers, epipens, etc.), they should bring their own or they can not participate especially during an away game/meet. 4. If they or they see a teammate struggling to breath, they are to let a coach know ASAP.
Spring Sports Schedule:
Baseball - Boys 8th Grade
04/18/13 Thu. 3:30 (H) Radnor Middle School
04/23/13 Tue. 3:30 (H) East Norriton MS
04/25/13 Thu. 3:30 (H) Eisenhower MS
Baseball - Boys 7th Grade
04/18/13 Thu. 3:30 (A) Radnor MS @ North Wayne Park 04/23/13 Tue. 3:30 (H) East Norriton MS 04/25/13 Thu. 3:30 (H) EISENHOWER M/HS Lacrosse - Boys 8th Grade 04/18/13 Thu. 3:30 (H) Springton Lakes 04/19/13 Fri. 3:30 (A) Northley 04/20/13 Sat. 10:00 AM (A) Bala Cynwyd @ Lower Merion H.S. 04/23/13 Tue. 3:30 (H) Valley Forge 04/24/13 Wed. 4:30 (H) Drexel Hill Lacrosse - Girls 8th Grade 04/22/13 Mon. 3:30 (H) Eisenhower 04/23/13 Tue. 3:30 (A) Eisenhower @ Eisenhower HS 04/25/13 Thu. 3:00 (A) Lower Merion vs. Harriton Harriton Turf Field Lacrosse - Boys 7th Grade 04/18/13 Thu. 4:30 (H) Springton Lakes 04/19/13 Fri. 4:30 (A) Northley 04/20/13 Sat. 10:00 AM (A) Bala Cynwyd @ Lower Merion H.S. 04/23/13 Tue. 4:30 (H) Valley Forge 04/24/13 Wed. 3:30 (H) Drexel Hill Lacrosse - Girls 7th Grade 04/12/13 Fri. 3:30 (H) ET Richardson MS Wv
04/15/13 Mon. 3:30 (A) Stewart MS @ Marshal St. Elem
04/17/13 Wed. 3:30 (A) Radnor MS @ Radnor MS
Softball - Girls 8th Grade 04/22/13 Mon. 3:30 (A) East Norriton MS 04/24/13 Wed. 3:30 (H) Eisenhower MS Softball - Girls 7th Grade 04/22/13 Mon. 3:30 (H) East Norriton MS 04/24/13 Wed. 3:30 (A) Eisenhower MS Patty Simmons Field Park Tennis - Boys 8th Grade 04/22/13 Mon. 3:30 (H) Radnor MS 04/25/13 Thu. 3:30 (H) Arcola Intermediate School
Tennis - Boys 7th Grade 04/23/13 Tue. 3:30 (A) Arcola Intermediate School 04/26/13 Fri. 3:30 (H) Springton-Lakes MS
Track - Boys 7th & 8th 04/24/13 Wed. 3:30 (H) Norristown Area H S
Track - Girls 7th & 8th 04/24/13 Wed. 3:30 (H) Norristown Area H S Please check the website: www.wvathletics.org for the most current information. The site provides parents and student athletes with information regarding Welsh Valley Athletics. Take advantage of the ability to receive "email blasts" regarding your student's athletic teams and events. If you have any photos taken at WV games and would like to share them on the website, you can submit them through www.wvathletics.org. Back to Top
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Before & After School Activities
| Click on the link below for a calendar of the upcoming April dates and times clubs will be meeting at Welsh Valley.
Click here for more information about WV Student Activities. Always check the Welsh Valley Hotline for up-to-date information regarding before and after school program cancellations or changes. Hotline: 610-658-3901 Back to Top
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5th to 6th Grade Transition Information
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8th Grade Families: IMPORTANT Lower Merion and Harriton High School Transition Dates and Information
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Harriton High School
Lower Merion High School
8/9 Transition
for 2013-2014 school year
May 23, 2013: Harriton and Lower Merion High Schools - 10:00 AM "Move up Day" June 1, 2013: Students will receive copies of the summer assignments in both English and Math. June 18, 2013: A list of summer transition activities will be published. Note:
While it is hard to believe, the course selection process for 8th graders transitioning to the high schools is beginning. Parents and students are encouraged to review this process which is outlined on page 15 of the student handbook (http://www.lmsd.org/documents/schools/wvms/handbook.pdf). Also, please consider reviewing the transition dates and/or the presentation which were included in the September 19th 8th grade parent meeting. The presentation and relevant transition dates are located on the website and can be viewed here (https://www.lmsd.org/harritonhs/student-services/transition/index.aspx )
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Parent Volunteer Opportunities for 2013-2014
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We are looking for parent volunteers to join our HSA Board. We have two Co-Vice Presidents positions available for next year. If being a chair and organizing single events is what you prefer, such as the All School Dance, Fall BBQ, Thanksgiving Luncheon, Staff Appreciation Breakfast/Dinner, Book Fair or Movie Night (to name a few), we could definitely use your help. We are looking for parents who have enjoyed volunteering in the past, parents new to the area or parents that would like to start getting involved. If you are interested, please log onto SignUpGenius.Com, click the "Find a Sign Up" tab, use wvhsa1@gmail.com as the creator's email address, then click Parent Volunteers. If you have any questions, please contact Nanette Taraya-Vonk at ntarayavonk@comcast.net.
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Families Helping Families
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The WV HSA would like you to know that a group of volunteers is available to help parents and guardians get to WV or a WV event at another LMSD school. If you are in need of a ride for any WV event or meeting, please feel free to contact Amanda Cunningham ( mandeebill@gmail.com or 917-560-9849). If anyone would like to help and be on our volunteer list - please contact me.
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Assistance Statement
| Assistance is gladly offered to all Welsh Valley families to participate in school-wide events. For information or help, please contact your school counselor. Every student is welcome at all school events.
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No Bus Passes Permitted
| Reminder: We are not permitted to issue bus passes to students. This is a transportation policy, which is written in our handbook. Please know that this policy is in place for safety reasons and is in the best interest of all students. We appreciate your understanding.
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ISC Meeting: Sustainability and LMSD
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During last Tuesday's ISC meeting, Mr. Arthur Mitchell, the school district's Supervisor for Secondary Math, Science and Technology & Engineering, Family & Consumer Education and Health/PE, presented "Sustainability and STEM", an overview of sustainability education in our school district. Mr. Mitchell's hope is that all LMSD students will learn to "use research-based evidence to make personal, consumer and political choices that have an impact on the sustainability of resources." See Mr. Mitchell's slides here.
Continuing the theme, Patrick Guinnane, Director of Operations, highlighted sustainability initiatives in LMSD buildings and operations. Even policy mentions sustainability: the district strives to "provide facilities to insure high quality educational initiatives while reducing the impact on the environment." For an overview of the many initiatives in place, see Mr. Guinnane's slides.
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Science Carnival on the Parkway Saturday, April 20, 11 am - 4 pm, Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
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You've never experienced an outdoor carnival like this one! The carnival features more than 140 exhibitors offering non-stop, family-friendly experiments, interactive activities, games, and a packed line-up of live entertainment. Enjoy liquid nitrogen ice cream, make gak, meet live zoo animals, check out the inner-workings of robots, take a tour of a helicopter, extract DNA from a strawberry, test a "crime scene" for forensic evidence, and so much more! Read more.
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Internet Safety/Cyber Bullying Presentation for Secondary Parents - April 24 at 7 pm
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Are you a parent of a middle school or high school student who would like to learn more about Internet Safety and Cyberbullying? The PA Attorney General's Office will host a presentation in the LMHS auditorium on Wednesday, April 24th at 7:00 pm about keeping our children safe and away from internet child predators and cyberbullying. Come join the LMSD community to learn more about these topics.
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Join the Sean King Best Buddies Friendship Walk Team - April 27
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C-MITES - April 27 - Time to Register
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C-MITES, a program based at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, provides Weekend Workshops for academically talented students in kindergarten through 9th grade. The next session is Saturday, April 27, 2013, at Lower Merion High School. C-MITES will be offering 12 classes at this location. Classes include: American Math Idol, Bug-bots, Bubbleology, Chess for Beginners, Intermediate Chess, Extreme Weather, Eye on the Sky, Fossil Dig, Money Matters, Physics and Our World, The Mysterious Human Heart and The Physics of Toys.
The brochure listing the classes and descriptions is available at http://www.cmu.edu/cmites/weekend_workshops.html . You may register online or fax or print and mail the registration form. Register soon because classes fill quickly! Registrations is on a first-come, first-served basis. Financial aid is available.
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The Lower Merion Players Present "Moon Over Buffalo" May 2-4 in the LM Auditorium
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The Lower Merion Players are proud to present the spring comedy "Moon Over Buffalo" with three performances May 2, 3 and 4 at 7:00 pm in the LMHS auditorium.
Moon Over Buffalo is a comedy set in the winter of 1953 in Buffalo, New York. This hilarious tale deals with a family of traveling actors - the Hays - whose daughter, Roz, runs away in pursuit of a "normal life." Roz's return to introduce her new fiancee, Howard, incites chaotic adventures involving past-their-prime divas, former lovers, and deaf, blundering old ladies.
The show promises hilarious action and entertainment for those over 12. Tickets are $6 for students/seniors and $12 for adults.
Read more or get tickets here.
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Save the Date - Bala Cynwyd Library Re-Opening
Sunday, May 19, 1-4 pm
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Come to the grand re-opening of the newly renovated and expanded Bala Cynwyd Library. There will be a ribbon cutting, dancing for young children, and music for teens and adults. Books and checkout records from Lower Merion's first library, opened in 1842, will be on display. Come dressed as your favorite literary character (kids and adults alike). The library will be open for all services.
Visit the library's facebook page for details and updates.
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Register for EFLM's Run for Our Schools
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The Education Foundation of Lower Merion's Fifth Annual Run for Our Schools is set for Sunday, June 9th at 9 AM at Harriton High School. The event includes a 5K run, a 1.5M Fun Walk, a Track Trot for children ages 7 and under and a Fitness Fair. For more information, including sponsorship and registration, visit www.educationfoundationoflm.org. The Run for Our Schools is a popular, family-oriented event that brings students, staff, parents and friends together from across the community. Last year, more than 300 people participated. Proceeds directly benefit educational programs in our schools.
Run for Our Schools Brochure
Run for Our Schools Flyer
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Summer Writing and Reading Enrichment Programs Registration
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Lower Merion School District, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project, is offering Summer Writing and Reading Enrichment Programs for students of all ages. Students will gain confidence in their reading and writing abilities while focusing on brainstorming, prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, reading response activities and more. Classes are available the weeks of July 8-19 and July 22-August 2; space is limited. Read more.
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Tickets for Harriton Night at the Phillies Saturday, May 5
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Saturday, May 5th - Harriton Night at Phillies
Limited Tickets Available - Deadline to order is Thursday, April 18th!
Harriton Music Dept Featured and Benefits Harriton Alumni '93 Kyle Helton
Link to flyer
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Green Council of LMSD - Meeting - May 8
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The Green Council of LMSD is a grass-roots organization consisting of staff, students, and parents which works to promote sustainable practices within all parts of the school district. The Green Council is open to any and all who wish to engage in this important work with others of like mind. Meetings take place monthly at Lower Merion High School in the Large Group Instruction room from 4:00-5:00pm. The last meeting for this school year is May 8, 2013.
For more information, please contact Joseph Mudd, Director, Green Council of LMSD, at MuddJ@lmsd.org
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Community Links - Activities & Events
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For additional information and links for more information, go to:
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Listserv Information
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Dragonbites is published every Thursday during the school year. New submissions should be emailed by noon on Tuesday to WVDragobites@gmail.com in order to be included in Thursday's email edition. Dragonbites is intended to publish news and announcements related to Welsh Valley Middle School and the Lower Merion School District.
An Archive of past Dragonbites is available by using the link in this issue or go to the WV page of the LMSD website under Parents/HSA.
To unsubscribe to Dragonbites, click on the "SafeUnsubscribe" link below.
To update your information and/or to sign up for other HSA listservs, click on the "Update Profile/Email Address" link below.
To forward this email to another WV parent who may not be receiving our weekly newsletter, please click on the "Forward email" link below.
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Welsh Valley
Middle School
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Dr. Orathia T. Bradley Principal
Ms. Beth Persofsky Assistant Principal
Mr. Jon Fadely
Interim Assistant Principal
Welsh Valley Middle School 325 Tower Lane Narberth, PA 19072 Phone Number: 610-658-3920 Absentee, Lateness & Safe Arrival Hotline: 610-658-3946 Daily Activities Hotline: 610-658-3901
School Closing Number: 302
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School Counselors
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6th Grade Guidance Counselor Mrs. Beth Cooke
610.-658-3942 Room D117
7th Grade Guidance Counselor
Mr. Boris Oden
610-658-3943
Room D116
8th Grade Guidance CounselorMr. Josh Gansky
610-658-3941 Room D115
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Welsh Valley Office |
Mrs. Mary Ann Fusaro
Principals Secretary
Mrs. Cheryl Campbell
Attendance
Mrs. Sherri Pitts
Guidance
Mrs. Kim Petty Athletics
Mrs. Lori Davies
Scheduling Secretary
School Hours
8:20 am - 3:05 pm
Early Dismissal
8:20 am - 11:55 am
for absentee procedures, permission slips and current WV calendar
Link for daily schedule, daily before and after school programs and announcements.
Link for the athletic website with information about the sports at WV.
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Welsh Valley Home & School Association 2012-2013 Board
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President
Kiki McKendrick
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LMSD School Board Meeting Schedule April 2013
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April 2, 2013
8:30 AM
Curriculum Committee
April 2, 2013
7:00 PM
Finance Committee
April 5, 2013
8:30 AM
Policy Committee
April 8, 2013
8:00 PM
Education Committee & Supplementary Regular Board Mtg
April 11, 2013
8:00 AM
Facilities/Purchasing
April 15, 2013
8:00 PM
Regular Board Business Meeting
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LMSD School Board Members
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Diane DiBonaventuro
Virginia Pollard
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Community Information
| COMMUNITY INFORMATION
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Archived Dragonbites
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Past Dragonbites can be viewed by clicking on the link above.
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