DRAGONBITES
Welsh Valley Middle School
Home and School Association
Weekly Newsletter
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Calendar of Upcoming Events
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Thursday, April 10
- 8th Grade Choral Concert, 7 pm
Monday, April 14 - Friday, April 18
- All Schools Closed - SPRING BREAK!
Monday, April 21
Monday, April 28 - Friday, May 2
- PSSA Science Test Grade 8
Friday, May 2
- Spring BBQ (During Lunches) (Rain Date 5/9)
- Welsh Valley Jazz Festival, 7 pm
Monday, May 5 - Friday, May 9
- PSSA Make-up Science Test Grade 8
Tuesday, May 6
- CSE "ADHD and its Management" program (more details below)
Monday, May 12 - Friday, May 23
- Keystone Exams Grades 7 & 8
Tuesday, May 13
- 7th & 8th Grade Instrumental Concert, 7 pm
- ISC Meeting , "State of the School District", 9:30 -11:00 am (more details below)
Wednesday, May 14
- 6th Grade Instrumental Concert, 7 pm
Friday, May 16
- Music in the Parks (Instrumental & Choral)
- HSA Movie Night
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FORUM this week:
This month is Autism Awareness month, and part of our FORUM lesson Thursday, April 10th, Welsh Valley will support the FACES 4 Autism organization by simultaneously gathering the entire student body and faculty on the football field to blow bubbles into the sky; we are doing this to send messages of hope to families affected by Autism. On this day all WVMS students and staff, will be asked to wear Blue in honor of Autism Awareness month as well.
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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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Place an Ad in the program! Welsh Valley Jazz Festival, Friday, 5/2
The awesome Welsh Valley Jazz Festival is just around the corner, Many talented musicians and their parents come from area districts to enjoy a great night of music with our amazing jazz bands. You may support music at Welsh Valley by placing an ad in the program. Personal well wishes, and business ads welcome. Click here to view detailed information about placing an ad. Questions?? Please contact Trish Kreiser at wvjazzfest2014@gmail.com
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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 Parents of 8th Grade Students! Time to consider The Points of View program! Informational mtg: 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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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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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 31st: 6th Grade Jackson Winkler commended by Mrs. Quinn Claudia Combet commended by Mrs. Lawrence Marissa Weikert commended by Mrs. Lawrence Daniel Cook commended by Mrs. Lawrence 7th Grade Octavio Kim commended by the 7B Team Zachary Chulik commended by Mrs. Quinn Alonzo Johnson commended by Ms. Rendler 8th Grade Jill Kelekolio commended by Mrs. Morris Kincaid Ohara commended by Mrs. Morris Nick Bumbera commended by Mrs. Morris
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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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Strategic Planning Surveys for LMSD Students and Parents/Guardians
As we prepare to begin the 2014 LMSD Strategic Planning process, we are seeking the participation of middle/high school students and parents/guardians in a brief online survey about our schools and school district. Data collected from these anonymous surveys will be utilized to inform the planning process. Please take a few minutes to share your feedback, ideas and suggestions. Your participation is greatly appreciated! MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTSPARENTS/GUARDIANS A general community survey will be posted and distributed later this spring. The current surveys are for students and parents only. (LMSD staff will be receiving a survey as well via email.) Thank you for your cooperation.
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Witness. Inspire. Act. Gems Not Genocide Conference - Tues., 4/22, 6-9 pm @ Harrition
The conference will bring renowned experts who play a leading role in global activism in the areas of: Sexual Violence, Genocide Prevention, International Response and Awareness. The purpose is to witness, become inspired by, and interact with these experts in order to empower our own local community, students and teachers to act. The conference is free and open to all community members.
View the video about the conference. To RSVP email abribern@gmail.com.
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CSE presents Dr. Wendy Ross speaking about:
"ADHD and its Management" - Tues., 5/6, 7 pm, @LMSD Admin Bldg - Board Rm A
Inattention and hyperactivity can have many causes. What do you do if you or the teacher thinks your child has attentional differences? How can you partner with the child's physician and teacher in identifying and treating ADHD and related conditions? What information will the doctor need from you and the teachers to help optimize medical management of ADHD while minimizing possible side effects of medicatons? ADHD is one of the few conditions where parents can be judged if their child has symptoms of it, and judged if they treat it. How can we better understand and address ADHD. Read more on the flyer.
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 Cynwyd Elementary School Hosts Community Parade -
Sat., May 10, 10-11:30 am
Everyone is invited to a celebratory parade on Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 10 am to approximately 11:30 am to honor Cynwyd Elementary's 100th anniversary. The parade will begin at the Lower Merion Academy Building located at 506 Bryn Mawr Avenue in Bala Cynwyd and conclude at Cynwyd Elementary's back field, where a short program will take place. The parade is the final event in Cynwyd Elementary's semester-long celebration of its 100th birthday. Parade route and more information can be found here.
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Harriton Night with the Philadelphia Phillies - Sat., 5/17, 7:05 pm
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds - Join the excitement as Harriton High School celebrates Bonnie Fox - Lower Merion School District educator, resident and co-founder of Fox's Fight Against Melanoma. Bonnie has been a devoted district teacher, Harriton parent and active community member for 15 years. In 2006, Bonnie's husband Andrew was diagnosed with metastatic Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Fox's Fight was soon established, raising awareness and funds for this deadly disease. For more information and to order tickets, click here.
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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/
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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LMSD's student business incubator now accepting applications for Summer 2014
Have an idea for a business or social action project? The LMSD Innovation Center is now accepting applications from high school students for its 2014 Summer Incubator. The purpose of the incubator is to help students transform entrepreneurial ideas into functioning businesses and social ventures. Accepted applicants receive up to $500 in seed funding for their idea as well as project mentorship and office space in the LMSD Innovation Center for the summer months. For more information and to apply, click here. Open to Harriton and Lower Merion high school students only. The Summer Incubator is a core initiative of the LMSD Innovation Center and is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Education Foundation of Lower Merion. For more information about the Innovation Center, click here.
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LMSD Special Education Plan
The District is currently engaged in a comprehensive planning process that is required for all Pennsylvania schools. The first step is the development of a Special Education Plan that must be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) by May 1, 2014. The proposed Plan is now posted to the District's website for the 28-day public comment period. See a letter about the plan and a report.
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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. Click here to view the recording of the program on the LMSD website. The program will also be on the district's cable TV channel. Dr. Owens was 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.).
-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" - Tues., 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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Philadelphia Boys & Girls Choir Auditions - Mon., 4/28, 4-6 pm @ Penn Valley ES
The Philadelphia Boys Choir and Philadelphia Girls Choir will hold auditions on Monday, 4/28 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Penn Valley Elementary School, 301 Righters Mill Road, Narberth, PA 19072. No musical training or preparation is necessary. See more information and a permission form.
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Alex's "Original" Lemonade Stand - Sat., 6/7, 10 am-3 pm @ Penn Wynne ES
Each June, one of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation's most important events is held to honor the tradition of former Penn Wynne student and founder of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004), and help fight childhood cancer. This year's event will be held Saturday, 6/7 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at Penn Wynne Elementary School.
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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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Summer Art Camp at Main Line Art Center
Summer Art Camp runs in 11 one-week sessions June 16-August 29 in half days for ages 4-5 (morning only) and full days and half days (morning or afternoon) for ages 6-13. For more information, see the brochure here. Additional information is available online on the Main Line Art Center Education page, including Summer Camp FAQs and scholarship information. Please scroll down to the Art Camp section for more details.
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Summer High School Theater Program at Harriton
Wolf Performing Arts Center is thrilled to collaborate with Lower Merion School District to present a four-week program this summer at Harriton High School. The NEW Wolf HIGH (grades 9-12) is an acting program for all students interested in exploring theatre, culminating in a one-act play. High-school aged performers develop their acting and performance skills while collaborating with others in a full production. For more information, please click here.
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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 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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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.
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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