DRAGONBITES
Welsh Valley Middle School
Home and School Association
Weekly Newsletter
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Calendar of Upcoming Events
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Tuesday, April 8
- 6th Grade Choral Concert, 7 pm
Wednesday, April 9
- TSA State Conference at Seven Springs (April 9-12)
- 7th Grade Choral Concert, 7 pm
Thursday, April 10
- 8th Grade Choral Concert, 7 pm
Monday, April 14 - Friday, April 18
- All Schools Closed - Spring Break
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Spring Clean and Do a Good Deed
POV students are helping Philadelphia CeaseFire clients become business ready. You can help the POV Team by donating used business clothing: sport coats, pants, shirts, ties, belts, shoes etc for this local non-profit. If you don't have clothes to donate we're collecting new toiletries too: deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap or laundry soap. CeaseFire is affiliated with Temple University's School of Medicine. Clothing and toiletries can be dropped of in the boxes marked "POV" in the main office.
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Attention Sixth Grade Parents!
You will soon be receiving a packet containing information on the Waterbound program. Many of you may be familiar with the program, now in its 20th year. In addition, on April 21st or April 22nd, your sixth grader will visit the Waterbound classroom for an overview of the class.
If your child is interested in the program for the 2014-15 school year, a parent must attend one of the following meetings* at which time a full explanation of the program will be given and applications will be distributed.
Friday, April 25, 12:30-1:30 pm
Tuesday,April 29, 9:20-10:20 am
Wednesday, April 30, 7:00-8:00 pm
This is the only way to get an application, with the following exception:
* If an older son or daughter was a member of Waterbound from 2009-to the current year, it is not necessary to attend one of our meetings (although you're welcome to). Just have your 6th grader stop by for an application.
All meetings will be held in the Waterbound Classroom (A-108) in the "link building" (the area between the 7th and 8th grade buildings).
If you find that none of these meeting times fit into your schedule, please contact one of us by Wednesday, April 30, 3 pm, to set up an alternative time to come in and review the program.
Applications will be accepted in A-108, the Waterbound classroom. The deadline for turning in applications is Wednesday, May 7, 8:30 am.
We look forward to meeting many of you at one of our information sessions and to sharing the unique experiences we offer to our students.
- Marybeth Raidy (raidym@lmsd.org) and John V'Soske (vsoskej@lmsd.org)
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Attention Parents of 8th Grade Students! Time to consider The Points of View program! Informational mtgs: Wed., 4/9, 6-7 pm, Rm A-208 ; Wed., 4/23 12:00-12:30 pm, Rm A-210
Want to learn more about Welsh Valley's 8th grade thematic program, Points of View? Hear all about our social justice theme and unique experiences for your child! "When POV was created, it was done so with the goal of providing a unique experience for students, while simultaneously maintaining a district-wide standard of ensuring that all 8th grade students possess the skills necessary to be prepared for high school. I am pleased to express my confidence that these goals have been met. Overwhelmingly, students entering Harriton High School from either of Lower Merion's two middle schools, across all teams, are exceedingly prepared to be successful high school students. With that, I encourage students to make the most of their 8th grade year by pursuing their intellectual curiosity and passion. If the themes and philosophies of POV intrigue you, I encourage you to consider the program!" -Scott Eveslage Principal, Welsh Valley Middle School, 2009 - 2012 Principal, Harriton High School, 2012 - Present
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7th and 8th Grade Chorus Students:
Please send in your payment of $65 for Music in the Parks! Checks/money orders should be made out to Welsh Valley Middle School.
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Summer School Registration Deadline Extended to Friday, 4/4
The deadline to register for Summer School coursework for advanced credit has been extended to Friday, April 4. The District offers a six-week summer school program that provides opportunities for advanced credit or make-up credit. A full list of summer school offerings are shared in the District's summer school brochure. Registration for make-up courses for summer school runs through June 20, 2014. Read more.
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Free Eye Care & Eyeglasses - Sat., 4/12, 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
The annual Give Kids Sight Day sponsored by Wills Eye Hospital will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm at the Jefferson Medical College Hamilton Building, 10th & Locust Streets, Philadelphia, 19107. Walk-in only, no appointment needed, 2 free SEPTA tokens given to each child. This program is for children (18 years and under) who did have or did not pass an eye screening this year. A parent or guardian must accompany each child. Health insurance accepted but not necessary to receive a free eye exam and glasses. Click here for more details.
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HSA Needs Volunteers for 2014-15
Are you interested in getting involved and joining the Welsh Valley HSA Board? We have a Secretary position that is available for any parent who is interested. We also have various school events throughout the year that we'll need help organizing. If you have an hour or two to spare, we would really appreciate your help. Go to www.SignUpGenius.Com to signup to help.
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Do you have kids at Harriton? Will your child be an incoming Freshman in 2014-15?
Are you looking to become involved in the Harriton HSA? We are always looking for parents to help out!
Would you consider volunteering for the Harriton HSA for the 2014-15 school year? The HSA is in need of 9th grade reps, a School Board rep, a directory editor and a newsletter writer. Please email todorow@comcast.net if you are interested in any of the above positions or have questions about the HSA.
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Career Fair for 8th Grade Students:
Welsh Valley Counselors are holding our annual Career Fair for 8th Grade students on Wednesday, May 21st from 8:15 am to 9:45 am. We are looking for presenters for that day. If you are interested please call or email Ms. Pitts 610-658-3925 pitts@lmsd.org. Read more.
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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 March 24th:
8th Grade
Kincaid O'Hara commended by Mrs. Morris
Nick Bumbera commended by Mrs. Morris 7th Grade Zachary Chulik commended by Mrs. Quinn 6th Grade Jackson Winkler commended by Mrs. Quinn
Marissa Weikert commended by Mrs. Lawrence
Claudia Combet commended by Mrs. Lawrence
Daniel Cook commended by Mrs. Lawrence
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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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Welsh Valley Athletics - Go Dragons
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Spring Sports
Baseball, Lacrosse, Softball, Tennnis, and Track and Field **All PIAA forms must be turned in to Kim Petty in Main Office before students are allowed to try out or practice! Visit the WV athletics webpage for more information on schedules and forms.
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Harriton Theatre Company Presents Godspell, Thurs., 4/3-Sat.,4/5, Harriton (Aud)
Harriton Theatre Company Presents Godspell, Thurs., 4/3-Sat., 4/5, Harriton (Aud) Godspell, the beloved musical from Stephen Schwartz, the Grammy® and Academy Award®-winning composer of Wicked, has returned! This irresistibly exuberant new production will make you a believer in the power of musical theater. Enjoy one of the most enduring shows of all time as it comes to Harriton High School in a brand new and up-to-date, intimate, one-of-a-kind production. Performances take place on: Thursday, 4/3, 8 pm; Friday, 4/4, 7 pm; Sat., 4/5, 2 pm and 7 pm. Buy tickets at htc.tix.com
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Parents Night Out - Sat., 4/5, 6:00-9:30 pm
LMHS staff and student volunteers will provide babysitting service for children ages 4-11, featuring a fun-filled night of board games, open gym, arts & crafts, nail painting, movies and more. Cost is $25 or one child, $40 for two. Read more and spread the word to families who might be interested. Parents must fill out an online registration form to register their child.
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LMSD Earns "Best Communities for Music Education" Distinction
LMSD has been named one of the nation's "Best Communities for Music Education" by the NAMM Foundation for 2013-14 school year. The District is one of only 376 communities across the country to earn the distinction, which honors schools for exceptional efforts to maintain music education as part of the core curriculum. The award is given to districts that "set the bar in offering students access to comprehensive music education." Read more.
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"Heathful Tips" from the LMSD Wellness Council
A nutritious, well-balanced diet and physical exercise are key to helping children grow into healthy, confident adults. But did you know that children may need to be offered a new food as many as 10-15 times before they will eat it?
Here are a few ways parents can encourage kids to eat a wider range of new foods:
·Model good habits by eating a wide range of healthy foods. Studies show that children's food preferences are strongly influenced by parents' preferences.
· Have regular meals together. Eating together is comforting and promotes appetite.
·Allow children to select what goes into their lunch box and to help prepare meals. When children have input, they have greater investment in the success of the meal.
·Keep a variety of healthy snacks on hand. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are nutrient dense and delicious too!
For more information, check out Maya Adams, MD at Just Cook For Kids http://justcookforkids.com/
Parents interested in more information about the Nutrition Committee, are welcome to join our next meeting Monday, April 7 at 11 am. Contact diannemoore@comcast.net for location.
For more information on the full LMSD Wellness Council and a complete schedule of Council meetings check out: http://www.lmsd.org/departments/health/wellness/index.aspx
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Updates to 2013-14 Academic Calendar
The District has revised the 2013-14 academic calendar due to multiple, weather-related school cancellations this winter. For details, see Superintendent Christopher McGinley's 2/26 letter to families. Watch for further updates as the year progresses.
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"Sleep and the Teenage Brain" Program - Recordings and Follow up Discussion
-Presentation recording: Thanks to all who attended the Sleep and the Teenage Brain presentation by Dr. Judith Owens earlier this week. The recording of the program will be available on the LMSD website within a few days, and on the district's cable TV channel next week. Additionally, Dr. Owens was just interviewed by Marty Moss-Coane on WHYY's Radio Times (Teens and Too Little Sleep, 4-1-2014);
-Follow up discussion with administrators--Tues. May 13th, 8:30 - 9:30 am: The ISC will host a follow-up community conversation with administrators on factors that impact adolescent sleep and how we can help our children. Please note that this conversation will not include discussion of changing high school start times. This discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13th, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. at the Academy Building (the white building adjacent to Bala Cynwyd Middle School). Immediately following this discussion, the ISC hosts Superintendent Christopher McGinley for our final ISC program this year (9:30 - 11:00 a.m.). (Please note that this community conversation was rescheduled from the announced April 7th date, due to a conflict).
-Email list for sleep issues: If you are interested in receiving emails for upcoming meetings on sleep issues (including factors impacting adolescent sleep as well as any discussion regarding school start times), please send your name and email address (and the grade(s) of your child(ren)) to Amy Norr at norrmetz@verizon.net
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Save the date: "State of the School District" - Mon., 5/13, 9:30 am
Tuesday, May 13th, 9:30 am - Dr. McGinley, LMSD Superintendent, will join us for his semi-annual presentation and conversation
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Adam Spector '99 Walk Set for 4/5
The 6th Annual Adam Spector Walk to Win is set for 10 AM on Saturday, April 5th at Harriton High School. Register for the event, which benefits Hodgkin's research, at The Adam R. Spector Foundation website, www.adamspector.org. Read more.
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LMSD Best Buddies Friendship Walk - Sat., 4/14, 10 am
Lower Merion Best Buddies Chapter will be participating in the Annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk on Saturday, April 5th at 10 a.m. at Archbishop Carroll High School. Come on out and support! Read more.
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Belmont Hills Library is looking for vendors for their annual Community Festival and Flea Market - Sat., 5/3, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (rain date Sat., 5/10)
The event will be held on the grounds around the Belmont Hills Public Library. Vendors may sell flea market items, original artwork, handmade crafts and any other items approved by the Library. Spaces are $25. The application deadline is April 24. Proceeds from the event benefit the Belmont Hills Public Library. If you have any questions or would like a copy of the Vendor Application, please contact danjamie@hotmail.com. View flyer here.
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C-MITES Weekend Workshops - Sat., 5/10
C-MITES is once again offering Weekend Workshops at Lower Merion High School this spring. Classes include Adventures in Physics, Bubbleology, American Math Idol, Game Design for Minecraft, Incredible Anatomy, Pathology 101, Playing with Probability, Tangram Math, WeDo Robotics, and Wonderful Writing Workshop,
These challenging, hands-on classes are designed for academically-talented students in grades K-9. Classes meet from 9am-noon or 1-4pm on Saturday, May 10th. Parent sessions will also be offered - One Size Does Not Fit All and Gender Issues in Educating Gifted Students. For more information or to register online, click here. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and financial aid is available.
C-MITES (Carnegie Mellon Institute for Talented Elementary Students), based at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, has offered challenging and fun classes for gifted students for more than 20 years.
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A Better Chance Lower Merion 5K Run - Register Now - Sun., 5/18, 9 am
1st Annual A Better Chance Lower Merion 5K Run Sunday, April 18, 2014 9:00 am at the Cynwyd Heritage Trail in Bala Cynwyd Time: Check-in starts at 8:00 AM, race begins at 9:00 AM Location: Cynwyd Heritage Trail, Barmouth Trailhead at Levering Mill Rd. Parking: Barmouth Trailhead, Bala Cynwyd Playground and Cynwyd Station Prices: $20.00/adult, $12.00/student, $55.00/family all registration costs include a free t-shirt This event will raise money to provide educational opportunity to academically gifted, economically challenged minority male students attending Lower Merion High School. Our goal for the program is designed to increase the educational achievement amongst outstanding young men through our in-house tutoring and mentoring program. The students, young men who are successfully attending high school, attend four years of school while receiving support from host families, committed academic advisors and in-house tutors. Read more and register at http://www.abclowermerion.com. Link to flyer.
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 Lower Merion (EFLM) 6th Annual "Run for Our Schools" - Sat., 6/8
The sixth annual Education Foundation of Lower Merion "Run for Our Schools" will take place on Sunday, 6/8, at 9 am. This community-wide event starts and ends at the Harriton stadium and includes a 5K run, a 1.5-mile walk, a "Track Trot" for the youngest children, and a Fitness Fair. Prizes will be awarded for top individuals overall and by age group in the 5K, and a participation trophy will be awarded to the LMSD school with the greatest number of overall participants (including volunteers). The first 150 registrants receive a Run t-shirt. Proceeds benefit the Education Foundation's grants program in our public schools. Business and individual sponsorships are available. Read more and see how to register on the flyer and the brochure. |
The Starfish Project for Children in Grades K-12
Have a look at a great, new non-profit that is run by a Lower Merion Community parent for students K-12 living in Lower Merion/Narberth! Check it out and enter your child to be recognized by the Starfish Project for Children. For more information please go to www.thestarfishprojectforchildren.org.
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Lower Merion Summer Basketball Camp - Registration Now Open!
Registration is now open for the Lower Merion Summer Basketball Camp which will take place June 23-27 in the Kobe Bryant Gymnasium at Lower Merion High School. Join three-time Coach of the Year Gregg Downer, current Aces' players, NCAA alumni, professional players, and some of the area's best instructors for a week of action-packed skill development and fun! Register today at http://aceshoops.com/camp. Link to flyer.
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Rams Baseball Summer Camp
Sign up today to improve your fielding, throwing, situational hitting, pitching, base running and more! Signups are limited! 16 & under camp - June 23-27, 2014, 8am until noon 12 & under camp - July 21-25, 2014, 8 am until noon Cost: $175 per week For sign-ups and questions contact us at: Matt Rowley 610-858-3954 Scott Kurzinsky 484-889-6265 rams4040baseball@gmail.comCamps are located at Harriton High School 600 North Ithan Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010 Checks payable to: "RAMS BASEBALL"
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Narberth Athletic Association Baseball On-line Registration Now Open - ages 5-19 yrs
The NAA Cal Ripken Baseball League has the following divisions: Tee Ball (5 & 6 yrs. old), Rookies (7 & 8 yrs. old), Minors (9 & 10 yrs. old), Majors (11 & 12 yrs. old). Click here to view flyer.
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Narberth American Legion Baseball Teams
Summer Baseball for the following divisions: PREP Legion (13 yr. old), Sandlot (14 yr. old), Jr. Legion (15 yr. old) & Sr. Legion (16 to 19 yrs. old). Tryouts for each will be held in March/April. Please visit www.NarberthAA.com for more information or email NarberthAA@gmail.com
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2014 Aces Soccer Camp for Boys & Girls Ages 7-15 - Register Now
Aces Soccer Camp at Lower Merion Turf Field - Mon., June 30 - Thurs., July 3, 2014. View flyer here. For more information email severini@worldclasssoccerschool.com or call 610-449-3640.
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Wolf Performing Arts Center Presents Camp Summer Stock for Grades 9-12
June 30-July 25, 2014 1 to 4 PM at Harriton High School
The new Wolf High program for rising 9th-12th graders offers 4 weeks of focused actor training led by one of Wolf PAC's expert teaching artists. Performers will spend their afternoons in workshops and rehearsals in Harriton High School's Black Box Theatre.
Click here to view flyer.
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Lower Merion Little League Baseball & Softball - Ages 5-16 - Spring Registration now Open
Lower Merion Little League Spring registration now open for Baseball & Softball. For Ages 5-16 years old. Visit www.lmll.org to register and for more information. Limited spots available. All players must be residents of LM Township, the Borough of Narberth or attend school in the Township. Season runs from early April to mid-June. Link to flyer
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Ashbee Lacrosse - Boys 1st-8th grades - Register now for 2014
The Ashbee Lacrosse Club is for boys in 1st-8th grades residing in Lower Merion Township. For more information go to www.ashbeelax.org
Link to fllyer
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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 - 11:55 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.
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