| WV Calendar |
MAY Tuesday, May 14 - ISC General Meeting 9:30 am (Admin Bldg, Board Rm, 1st floor)
- 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)
JUNE Tuesday, June 4 - POV Social Justice Research Fair 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Wednesday, June 5 - WV Community Day (Rain Date 6/6)
Friday, June 7 - 8th Grade Class Party 7 pm
Tuesday, June 11 Wednesday, June 12 - Yearbook Distribution/Signing & Variety Show
Thursday, June 13 Monday, June 17 - 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Harriton HS 12 pm
Tuesday, June 18 - Last Student Day; No Lunch Served; Early Dismissal
- Report Cards Issued
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Dragon Pride Commendations
Random Acts of Kindness
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Weekly Dragon Pride Student CommendationsWe 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 29th.
8th Grade
- Jamie Epstein - Having confidence in her values despite causing some hardships with friends.
- Max Santos - Helping others in class.
7th Grade
- Carmen Schuldt - Including others in lunch activities.
- Kathryn Lockwood - Considering other students feelings during lunch.
- Lizzie Penna - Helping others feel accepted during lunch.
- Phoebe Scherer - Being kind and considerate.
- Ron Nafshi - Respecting other students points of view.
- Madelynn Finger - Helping others feel better during lunch.
6th Grade
- Anna Wolverton - Participated in a charity run for her health class disease research project.
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Welsh Valley's HSA Board Nominees for 2013-2014
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The nominees for Welsh Valley's HSA Board are as follows: Co-President: Nanette Taraya-Vonk and Lynn Hertzfeld Co-Vice President: open Co-Treasurers: Bill Cook and Mary Copeland Secretary: Yaz Rosner A general vote will be taken on May 21st at 9:30am. Back to Top
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Dragons Shine in 2013 Reading Olympics
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On April 30th, 22 Welsh Valley Middle School students boarded a bus and travelled to Wissahickon Middle School to take part in the 2013 Reading Olympics competing against dozens of schools from throughout Montgomery county.
Although the Olympics are primarily a celebration of reading rather than a contest, the Dragons contingent, divided in to two teams, walked away with two Blue Ribbons for their efforts meaning the WV squads each tallied more than 50 points, placing them in the highest possible scoring bracket.
In preparation for the competition, the Welsh Valley students read more than 225 books spanning a variety of genres and reading levels - many of which they may have never encountered were it not for this program.
The goal of the Reading Olympics is to increase students' reading for enjoyment and increase reading skills. Students collaborate with their teammates to read books selected by a committee of librarians, reading specialists and classroom teachers.
These professionals read the books and write questions which teams of students answer during the competition. The Reading Olympics are a cooperative project of the Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware counties Intermediate Units and Public Libraries. Click here for a more in-depth look at the competition on the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit's website.
The book list for the 2014 competition has already been posted on the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit's website, which can be accessed here, so anyone interested in joining the Welsh Valley team next fall can start reading early! To signup for next year's competition, contact Welsh Valley teacher Debbye Wolfe (wolfed@lmsd.org) or parent Amy Norr (norrmetz@verizon.net).
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The Spring concert season is here!
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The 7th and 8th grade band and orchestra, along with the competition jazz band, will have their spring concert on Tuesday, May 14th at 7:00. The 6th grade band and orchestra, along with the lab jazz band, will have their spring concert on Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00. There is a dessert reception each night after the concert for the students and their families. The music teachers assign the kids to bring either drinks or treats. Parent volunteers are needed to help set up for and clean up after the receptions each night. Set-up: please arrive at 6:15 with your child. (You will be able to watch the entire concert.) Clean-up: stay after the reception approximately 15 minutes to help put serving trays away. The kids do most of the work by eating everything! We are in need 4-5 parents per shift. If you are available to help out in any way, please go to SignUpGenius.Com. Click on the "Find a Sign Up" tab. Use wvhsa1@gmail.com as the creator's email address. Then click on "Instrumental Concert." If you have any questions, please email Lynn Hertzfeld at lhertzfeld@gmail.com Back to Top
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Treats for Troops Drive
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The students and staff at Bala Cynwyd and Welsh Valley middle schools are joining together to collect items needed by American Service men and women overseas from May 13th through May 24th, which will then be sent to them in care packages. Below you will find a list of items designated by grade for our troops. Please find your grade, choose some items, and send them to school. These items will be collected and packed into boxes for shipment overseas on May 30th. Everyone can participate and everyone who participates will feel good about contributing. 6th Grade: beef jerky, body lotion, gum, Campbell's Chunky Chili, shampoo, candy bars, cereal bars, Chef Boyardee Ravioli, Campbell's Chunky Soup, Slim Jims, small packs of tissues, tuna/chicken in a pouch, deodorant, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, earplugs, granola bars, baby wipes/towelettes, white socks, insect repellant 7th Grade: peanuts, deodorant, mouthwash, microwave popcorn, Tastykakes, salt & pepper, shampoo (men's and women's), Slim Jims, toothbrushes, toothpaste, Tootsie Pops, cotton t-shirts, hand sanitizer, foot powder, Pop Tarts, peanut butter crackers, fruit cocktail, Visine, Silly String, q-tips 8th Grade: dental floss, Slim Jims, foot powder, candy bars, Lipton Instant Soup, shaving cream, beef jerky, sunflower seeds, chapstick, Tastykakes, knit hats, bar soap, tuna/chicken in a pouch, raisins, Ramen noodles, protein bars, deodorant, lip balm, hard candy, playing cards Back to Top
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Pay it forward for TSA
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What a great year for TSA! Many of our students have challenged themselves to new levels and have achieved amazing results! It is wonderful to see the motivation and dedication in these kids and their advisors.
As we know, participating on State and National levels comes at a financial cost. This year, Nationals participants received the benefit of past fundraising efforts. I am seeking parental and student participation for a short year-end effort to help financially support TSA students for the upcoming 2013-14 school year. Should this be successful, I am happy to coordinate this again in the fall, as well as other possible fundraising activities.
TSA students will be selling concessions of single serve pre packaged snacks and ice cold bottled water at after school athletic activities on Thursday, May 9, Tuesday, May 14, and Thursday May 16. Mr. Weaver has already gotten 11 generous students to volunteer. Please check with him to see if more are needed.
How can you help?
I need a parent volunteer to help supervise on Tuesday May 14 from approx. 3:15 till 4:15 as I will be unavailable that day. I can drop off ice, water, and snacks, or make arrangements to get them to you.
I will be purchasing all of the items to sell, but if you would like to make a donation of pre-packaged snacks (big box of single serve items such as goldfish, pretzels, cookies, chips, etc...) or cases of bottled water for the sale, please let me know and I will purchase less. You may drop them off at my home, or send them to school with your child.
Show your Welsh Valley pride and support TSA!
Thank you,
Trish Kreiser
610-649-3974 (h)
610-764-5892 (c) trish.kreiser@me.com Back to Top
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Welsh Valley Movie Night presents "Rise of the Guardians" - May 17
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Welsh Valley Movie Night presents "Rise of the Guardians" on Friday, May 17th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $5 each and is available online at the WV HSA Store. We will also be selling tickets during the lunch hours on May 16th and 17th. Pizza, candy, popcorn, drinks and baked goodies will also be available for purchase at the event. Bring a picnic blanket or your favorite lounge chair and join your friends and family for a fun night on May 17th at Welsh Valley's Quad. link to WV HSA StoreBack to Top
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POV Social Justice Research Fair - June 4
SAVE THE DATE!
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Students arrive for set up at 6pm (Each student is asked to kindly donate a dessert that serves 20 people and/or bottled water.)
Families arrive at 6:30pm
Event ends at 8pm
Parents, guardians, and extended families are invited and encouraged to attend our research fair in the WV cafeteria!
Walk around and be amazed and impressed, as students teach you all they have learned on many timely & interesting topics such as:
2nd Amendment Issues
Health Care
Education Reform
Police Corruption
Guantanamo Bay
Standardized Testing
North Korea
GLBT Issues in Schools
The School to Prison Pipeline
Cloning
Global Warming
The Travon Martin Case
The War on Drugs
The Mental Healthcare Crisis
Stereotyping & Discrimination
Women's Equality in the Workplace
Animal Testing
Death Penalty
Stop & Frisk
Immigration Issues
Genetically Modified Food
Forensic Investigation
Women & the Media
Drones
...and many more topics to get you thinking!
Hope to see you there!
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8th Grade Promotion Party June 7, 2013 7-9pm at Beat Street Station
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All WV eighth graders are invited for a night of fun to celebrate your completion of middle school. We will be celebrating on June 7th at Beat Street Station from 7-9pm. The admission is $25 if paid by June 1st, $30 at the door. You can pay by paypal at http://www.lmsd.org/welsh-valley/store.aspx. All students attending also need to fill out the permission form (link below). If you don't have a paypal account, please send a check into the office with the completed permission form. Any questions, please contact: kassieabrams2@yahoo.com. Click here for 8th Grade Promotion Party Invitation & Permission Form
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8th Grade Mentoring Program needs mentors!
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What is a mentor?
A mentor is a student who serves as a positive role model. A mentor should be a kind person, a good listener, and offer support and guidance. The goal in the mentor relationship is to help new students feel comfortable with the transition to WVMS through a positive peer relationship. 8th grade mentors will be matched up with a new 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student(s) new to WVMS.
To read more, click here.
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Counselor Corner
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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
Ask.fm Ask.fm is another conversation site (similar to Formspring) that allows users to post anonymously or with their name attached to their contribution. The answers can be either in text or video format. Students have been using this app/website to cyber-bully each other while staying anonymous.
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Before & After School Activities
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Click on the link below for a calendar of the upcoming May 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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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
05/09/13 Thu. 3:30 (A) Upper Merion Area MS @ Caley Elementary
05/10/13 Fri. 3:30 (A) Bala-Cynwyd MS @ Harriton HS
05/14/13 Tue. 3:30 (H) Valley Forge Middle School
05/16/13 Thu. 3:30 (A) Stewart Middle School
Baseball - Boys 7th Grade
05/09/13 Thu. 3:30 (H) Upper Merion Area MS 05/14/13 Tue. 3:30 (A) Valley Forge Middle School 05/16/13 Thu. 3:30 (H) Stewart Middle School Lacrosse - Boys 8th Grade
05/09/13 Thu. 3:45 (H) Bala Cynwyd Harriton HS Lacrosse - Girls 8th Grade
05/09/13 Thu. 3:30 (H) Drexel Hill
05/10/13 Fri. 3:30 (A) Spring-Ford Spring-Ford MS 05/13/13 Mon. 3:30 (A) Valley Forge Valley Forge MS 05/14/13 Tue. 3:30 (H) Bala-Cynwyd
05/15/13 Wed. 3:30 (H) Stewart Lacrosse - Boys 7th Grade 05/09/13 Thu. 3:45 (H) Bala Cynwyd @ Harriton HS Lacrosse - Girls 7th Grade 05/09/13 Thu. 3:30 (H) Drexel Hill
05/10/13 Fri. 3:30 (A) Spring-Ford MS
05/13/13 Mon. 3:30 (A) Valley Forge Middle School
05/14/13 Tue. 3:30 (H) Bala-Cynwyd Middle School
05/15/13 Wed. 3:30 (H) Stewart Middle School
Softball - Girls 8th Grade 05/10/13 Fri. 3:30 (A) Radnor Middle School
05/15/13 Wed. 3:30 (A) Stewart Middle School Softball - Girls 7th Grade 05/13/13 Mon. 3:30 (A) Valley Forge Middle School
05/14/13 Tue. 3:30 (A) Bala Cynwyd MS @ Bala Park Tennis - Boys 8th Grade
05/09/13 Thu. 3:30 (A) Radnor Middle School
05/16/13 Thu. 3:30 (A) Arcola Intermediate School
Tennis - Boys 7th Grade
05/14/13 Tue. 3:30 (H) Arcola Intermediate School
Track - Boys 7th & 8th
05/15/13 Wed. 3:00 (A) Lower Merion Invitational @ Lower Merion
Track - Girls 7th & 8th 05/15/13 Wed. 3:00 (A) Lower Merion Invitational @ Lower Merion 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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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
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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
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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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The Nelly Berman School of Music presents a free concert: "Celebrating Nelly" Gala Concert: A Tribute to a Life in Music -
Saturday, May 11 at 7:00 pm
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Centennial Hall at The Haverford School for Boys (450 W. Lancaster
Ave, Haverford, PA 19041)
Please join us at the "Celebrating Nelly" Gala Concert to honor the founder of the Nelly Berman School of Music, who is retiring after 30 years of extraordinary contribution to music education in Philadelphia. The concert will feature local and national award-winning students, ages 8 to 15, performing on piano, violin, viola, cello, clarinet, flute, trumpet, voice and chamber music. If you are looking to open the world of classical music to your kids, as well as pay tribute to an important visionary in our community, this is a great event to attend! Reserve your free tickets at www.nbsmusic.com or call 610-896-5105.
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High School Enrollment Growth: Special Board Meeting - Mon., 5/13, 8 pm @ District Admin Bldg
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The Board has extended the timeline for community input and engagement regarding the plan to accommodate high school enrollment growth. The Board will hold a Special Board Meeting dedicated entirely to this topic on Monday, 5/13 at 8 pm in the Board Room. Items to be discussed/presented on 5/13 include:
* Updated high school enrollment projections
* Information on cost of DAO renovations or other alternatives (construction at Harriton, etc.)
* Information on community impact if LMHS choice area is expanded
The Board is expected to formally consider a resolution to address high school enrollment growth at the 5/20 Regular Business Board meeting. More information, including an updated set of Frequently Asked Questions, can be found in the Enrollment Growth section of the District website. Click to view:
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ISC Meeting - Tuesday, May 14
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The last ISC General meeting this year will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at 9:30 a.m., at the Administration Building, Board Room, 1st floor. Come to this last ISC meeting of the school year to hear our presenter, School Superintendent Dr. Christopher McGinley as he reflects on the past school year and discusses plans for next year. All parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend!
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LMSD Bus Drivers Shine in 2013 "Road-eo"
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 LMSD bus drivers recently competed in the 2013 Montgomery-Bucks County School Bus Safety Competition at Central Bucks High School in Warrington. More than 60 drivers from 10 competing school districts tested their knowledge of state laws and safety regulations in a written exam before hitting the pavement to navigate their buses through a series of 12 events full of twists, turns and obstacles. The LMSD contingent placed second overall out of the ten competing districts. Read more.
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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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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
May 2013
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May 6, 2013
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Curriculum Committee
May 10, 2013
8:30 AM
Policy Committee Meeting
May 13, 2013
8:00 PM
May 16, 2013
8:00 AM
Facilities/Purchasing Committee Meeting
May 20, 2013
8:00 PM
May 22, 2013
8:30 AM
Communications Committee 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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