DRAGONBITES
Welsh Valley Middle School
Home and School Association
Weekly Newsletter
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Calendar of Upcoming Events
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Friday, January 17
- Early Dismissal at 11:55 am, No Lunch Served
- MLK Afternoon of Service See details
- Cradles to Crayons drive, See details
Monday, January 20 (Martin Luther King Day)
- All Schools Closed
- Administration Offices Closed
Saturday, January 25
- Schuykill Valley Area Band Rehearsal at Great Valley MS
Monday, January 27
- 8/9 Transition - HS mailing to include parent letter, individualized course selection sheet and course offerings as presented in the Program Planning Guide
Tuesday, January 28
- Schuykill Valley Area Band Rehearsal at Great Valley MS
Thursday, January 30
- Schuykill Valley Area Band Rehearsal at Great Valley MS
Friday, January 31
- Schuykill Valley Area Band Concert at Great Valley MS 8 pm
Monday, February 3
Thursday, February 6
- Staff Appreciation Dinner
- Parent-Teacher Conferences
Friday, February 7
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School Supply Collection for MLK Day of Service - Fri., 1/17
Welsh Valley will be participating in the MLK day of service on Friday, 1/17. We will be collecting school supplies: paper, crayons, markers, rulers, scissors and pencils. These supplies will benefit the Philadelphia school students through the WePAC program. Please bring them with you to Lower Merion HS on the 17th from 1:30 to 3:30pm. If you can't make it to LMHS on Friday the 17th, we will have a collection box at WV in the office until 1/24. Thank you for your help! If you have any questions, please email kassieabrams2@yahoo.com
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This Year's ISC Art Show dedicated to Todd Marone
This year's ISC Art Show will be dedicated to Todd Marone. If you have any pictures of any artwork your child has made that was inspired by Mr. Marone or any pictures of your child with Mr. Marone that you would like to include in the memorial presentation to be shown at the Art Show, please forward them to Meg Haist at meghaist@me.com. All submissions should be made by Monday, January 27th.
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Staff Appreciation Dinner - Expressions of Thanks
As a way to thank our wonderful teachers and staff for the daily impact they make with our children, we are hosting a Staff Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, Feb 6th, 4:30-5:30pm. Please help us say thank you by donating your time and/or your favorite Italian dish. Use the following link http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A044AA9AD22AA8-staff and let us know how you would like to help.
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Nursing Office Needs
Cleaning out your closets? The nursing office can use some pants & shorts to provide as loaners when the occasion arises. Plain colored elastic banded sweat/athletic pants & gym shorts work best. All sizes needed but especially medium & large adult.
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Ads for the School Play Program
Hi Everyone! For those of you interested in putting in an ad for the school play (even if your child is not in the play), feel free to do so. Click here to view detailed information about the ads for the program. Should you have any questions, please contact Ms. Cassidy, Welsh Valley Art Teacher in room E204. Thank you! Lachele Vaughan and Megan Hunt
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Costume Attire Information for students in "Once Upon this Island"
Once on this Island Costume Attire is due Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at rehearsal for approval.
This year, Mrs. Eichman and Mrs. Keeney will be in charge of costumes. There will also be a student crew that will be designing, sewing, and helping out with costumes.
The reason why we have a deadline for costumes is so you can look your best on stage. In addition, for those of you who may need some help, you may let us know BEFORE this date. If you do not have these items we can not guarantee that you will be able to perform on stage. So, again, you either will need to get these items by Wed. Feb. 19th or let us know by Wed. Feb. 5th if you are having any issues obtaining these items.
Please read Once On This Island Costume Attire letter here.
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FORUM this week
Our FORUM was held on Wednesday, January 15. We modeled our FORUM theme around the idea of Character Strengths while tying in bullying and timely, relevant subjects that affect middle school aged students. The Character Strengths theme came from the work of Dr. Martin Seligman, director of The Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of Positive Psychology. If you would like to view the Character Strengths please refer to this link: http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/aiesec/content.aspx?id=821
Our staff took time early in the school year to review this work and ranked which of these traits we felt were most important in developing in our WV students. Later this year, we will have our students review them so that we can get their input on future FORUM lessons.
We have already covered one of the Character Strength topics, Gratitude, just prior to Thanksgiving because of the natural fit. This week the FORUM topic was Citizenship, another character strength. The placement of this topic was also intentional to tie into Martin Luther King Day.
Please take time to ask your students about what they discussed in FORUM.
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HSA Needs Volunteers
We have various school events that need volunteers. Please go to www.SignUpGenius.Com to signup to help. Attention Parents with a Green ThumbWe are looking for volunteers to join our Campus Beautification Committee and help organize, design and plant flowers in our new planters and throughout the school. If you are interested, please contact Nanette Taraya-Vonk at ntarayavonk@comcast.net or click the following link: www.SignUpGenius.Com
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8th Grade Parent Transition Presentation
Please find the 8th Grade Parent Transition Presentation from January 9, 2014 here.
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Special Education Transition Presentation
To view a copy of the Special Education Transition presentation to parents and guardians of 8th grade students, click here.
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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 January 6th:
8th Grade Jared Robinson commended by Mr. Wyatt Charles Veasey commended by Mr. Wyatt 7th Grade Victor Ghosh commended by Mrs. Quinn Patrick Dorman commended by Mrs. Quinn Cole Sanchez commended by Ms. Kiely 6th Grade Jen Armon commended by Mr. Gari Wynter Johnson commended by Mrs. Infield Joseph Baskin commended by Mrs. Infield Alex Turner commended by Mrs. Infield
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Welsh Valley Athletics - Go Dragons
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Winter Sports - 7th & 8th Grade
Winter sports include Boys & Girls 7th and 8th grade basketball and Boys wrestling.
Please review the Transportation Policy for home and away games and practices. Please contact Megan Kiczek, athletic director, if you have further questions.
Athletics Schedules
Welsh Valley Middle School uses DigitalSports.com to share all important information related to our athletic teams. http://wvdragons.digitalsports.com is where you can see all upcoming events, sign up to receive email alerts of any schedule changes, and access complete team schedules. For more information, visit the link above or see the documents linked below.
DigitalSports.com Guide
Athletic Director: Megan Kiczek KiczekM@lmsd.org
Link to WV Athletics
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LMSD, Cradles to Crayons "Keep a Child Warm" Drive 
Lower Merion School District is partnering with Cradles to Crayons to "Keep a Child Warm" by collecting new and gently used essential children's items as part of the District's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Afternoon of Service!
The drive will take place January 2-17 with drop off sites in the main offices of each of the ten District schools. Your donation of new and gently used children's items will support Cradles to Crayons' efforts to provide children living in homeless or low-income situations with the essentials they need to thrive. Cradles to Crayons supplies these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that "have" with communities that "need."
Link to flyer.
Click here to view more information on the Cradles to Crayons, what they do, and how you can help the "Keep a Child Warm" drive.
Click here to view Cradles to Crayons' impact Statement.
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Afternoon of Service - Fri., 1/17 @1 pm, LMHS
Join us as Lower Merion School District celebrates the life and works of Martin Luther King, Jr. with an Afternoon of Service at 1 PM on Friday, January 17th at Lower Merion HS. Service projects for all ages including Valentine cards for veterans, packing care boxes for military families, music, the Dream Flag project, hunger advocacy activities and more. Please bring donations of food for our local food banks. Any questions or to sponsor or volunteer to setup the event, please contact Leslie Bullitt bullittl@lmsd.org or 610-891-7974.
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Harriton and Lower Merion High Schools buildOn Fundraiser - Sun., 1/19
On Sunday, January 19th come to Ten Thousand Villages in Suburban Square, Ardmore to buy that perfect Valentine's Day gift or just enjoy one of their thousands of handcrafted items for yourself . In addition to supporting fair trade, 15% of all proceeds will be donated to Lower Merion and Harriton buildOn as they try to fundraise $92,000 to go and build a school in Nepal over spring break.
For more information go to the following link:
http://www.lmsd.org/news/article/index.aspx?pageaction=ViewSinglePublic&LinkID=1989&ModuleID=21&NEWSPID=1
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 2nd Annual Zumbathon Event - Help Support Gems not Genocide, Sun., 2/2,11am-12pm
Interested in Zumba? Want to have fun and raise money for Gems not Genoicde?! Come out on Sunday, February 2nd to the Highlander Gym at Harriton High School, 600 N. Ithan Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010 and join us for the 2nd Annual Zumbathon Event! From 11-2 there will be three hour long sessions, and for just one great price of $15 for adults and $10 for students, you can stay for one, two or all three sessions! There will also be free refreshments and the club's jewelry will be on sale. Where is the money raised going? The money raised will be donated to the Darfur Dream Team, an organization that subsidizes schools in Chad for refugees of the genocide in Darfur. This is an event you don't want to miss!
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ISC Art Show at the Main Line Art Center - February 1-9, 2014
Come enjoy a gallery exhibit of student artwork from all LM schools!
The Interschool Council of LMSD is proud to sponsor this annual exhibit of student artwork selected by the art teachers of all ten schools in the district. Over 200 pieces on exhibit highlight the creativity and skills of students in drawing, painting, mixed media, photography, ceramics and metal works. This year's show is dedicated to Todd Marrone, a LMSD art and challenge teacher.
The community is welcome anytime February 1-9 to view the exhibit!
Families of students in the show will receive an Evite to receptions on
Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 9.
Main Line Art Center, 746 Panmure Road (behind Lexus dealership), Haverford, PA 19041 610-525-0272 Gallery Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Interschool Council Meeting (ISC) Feb 11th, 9:30-11 am @ Academy Bldg
The December 10th ISC meeting, cancelled due to snow, has been rescheduled for Feb 11th, 9:30 -11 am, at the Academy Buidling (adjacent to BCMS). The topic will be "Getting Beyond Survival Mode: How to Parent in the Teen Years"; LMSD psychologists Craig Cosden (BCMS) and Andrea Fina (Harriton) will lead an interactive discussion
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Cynwyd Elementary is turning 100 in 2014!
We cordially invite all alumni 18 and older to our Alumni & Community Reception on Tuesday, February 11 from 7:30-9:30pm. Take a tour of the school, view the premier of our commemorative video, and connect with neighbors and alumni. We hope you can celebrate this momentous occasion with us! Heavy hors d'oeuvres, "mocktails," and birthday cake will be served! Buy tickets online to get advance pricing. Click here to buy tickets online.
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10th Annual "FREE Sealant Day" at Harcum College - Mon., 1/20
Harcum College is hosting its 10th annual "Sealant Day", A Day of Preventive Oral Care, event on Monday, January 20th (Martin Luther King Jr Day). Appointments are still available. Harcum College is located in Bryn Mawr PA and will be offering free preventive services to children ages 6-13. Space for this event is limited, therefore an appointment is necessary. Appointments will be offered at either 9am or 1pm. Appointments can be made via phone at 610-526-6113 or email at dentalclinic@harcum.edu. For more information, please click here. Link to flyer.
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LOWER MERION LITTLE LEAGUE SPRING SOFTBALL
LOWER MERION LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL IS OPEN TO ALL GIRLS WHO LIVE IN LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP. The League is entering its 4th season and prior softball experience is not required. It is an instructional league which focuses on player development, and it is great way for your children to have fun, learn about softball and make friends. Most games are played on Saturdays from April-May. Games are played at local fields such as South Ardmore Park and Penn Valley Elementary School.
The League has the following divisions:
- TEE BALL (1st and 2nd Graders)
- MINORS (3rd and 4th Graders)
- MAJORS (5th, 6th and 7th Graders)
- JUNIORS (7th Graders)
Registration is now open! To sign-up online, visit LMLL.ORG.
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The Coalition for Youth of Lower Merion and Narberth is offering its first newsletter for parents, "Spotlight on Parenting"
The newsletter will be published 4-5 times each year and includes parenting tips, news items pertaining to youth, and community events for youth and/or their families. Link to the coalition website.
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Special Education: Know Your Child's Rights
Concerned Black Parents' Special Education Buddies program is hosting a seminar series with Sonja Kerr of the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia (PILCOP). Attend "live" seminars with PILCOP or join Concerned Black Parents for webinars at the Ludington Library. Topics include: psychological testing, children with autism, transition services and children with emotional needs. For more information, see flyer here.
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RESOURCES: Contact information and links
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School Hours: 8:20 am - 3:05 pm
Early Dismissal: 8:20 am - 11:5 am Welsh Valley Administration
| MAIN OFFICE | | 610-658-3920 | | PRINCIPAL | Mr. Christopher Hall | | | ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS | Ms. Sarah Stout | | | | Mr. Scott Weinstein | | | COUNSELORS | | | | 6th Grade | Mr. Josh Gansky | | | 7th Grade | Mrs. Beth Cooke | | | 8th Grade | Mr. Boris Oden | | | SCHOOL NURSE | Kathy Bromley | | ABSENTEE, LATENESS &
ARRIVAL HOTLINE | | 610-658-3946 | | DAILY ACTIVITIES HOTLINE | | 610-658-3901 | | SCHOOL CLOSING NUMBER | | 302 | | WELSH VALLEY OFFICE | | | | Principal's Secretary | Mrs. Mary Ann Fusaro | | | Attendance | Mrs. Cheryl Campbell | | | Guidance | Mrs. Sherri Pitts | | | Athletics | Mrs. Kim Petty | | | Scheduling Secretary | Mrs. Lori Davies | | | TRANSPORTATION | | 610-645-1940 |
Reminder: WV is not permitted to issue bus passes to students. This is a transportation policy, which is written in the WV student handbook. Please know that this policy is in place for safety reasons and is in the best interest of all students. WVMS Home and School Association (HSA) 2013-14
Co-Presidents: Lynn Hertzfeld & Nanette Taraya-Vonk
Co-Vice Presidents: Ellen Finn & Rebecca Segall
Secretary: Yaz Rosner
Co-Treasurers: Bill Cook & Aliza Remer
President Emeritus/Member at Large: Kiki McKendrick
Helpful Links
WELSH VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL:
DISTRICT INFORMATION:
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Listserv Information
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 the Resource section of 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.
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