DRAGONBITES
Welsh Valley Middle School
Home and School Association
Weekly Newsletter
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Calendar of Upcoming Events
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Friday, May 16
- Music in the Parks (Instrumental & Choral)
- Welsh Valley HSA Movie Night (details below)
Tuesday, May 20
- General HSA Meeting - 7 pm @ WV Auditorium (details below)
Wednesday, May 21
- 8th Grade Career Fair 8:30 am
Thursday, May 22
- Move-Up Day for 8th GR students attending HH or LM10:00 am
Friday, May 23
- Early Dismissal @ 11:55 am - No Lunch Served
- Staff Development Day
Monday, May 26
- All Schools Closed
- Administrative Offices Closed
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Message from Mr. Hall, Principal:
Dear Welsh Valley Families, As many of you are aware, Welsh Valley will be undergoing a construction project next school year (2014-15) that will consist of the addition of 12 new classrooms, a renovation of the main office/nurses suite, and the addition of a secure entryway vestibule. While these improvements to our facilities represent a significant benefit to our school program over the long term, this construction project will require some adjustments to student pickup and drop off procedures in the short term. In particular, the bus loop on Hagys Ford Road will be unusable for the 2014-15 school year, due to the primary location of the construction work on the Hagys Ford end of our campus. As a result, all buses will need to pick up and drop off students using the Tower Lane bus circle next school year. In our efforts to develop a plan that runs smoothly and ensures student safety next year, we plan to implement a "dry run" during the week of May 19th-23rd which will call for all buses to load on the Tower Lane side at afternoon dismissal. In developing the plan for next week, we have enlisted the support of the Lower Merion Police Department as well as district leaders from our transportation and school security departments. We will have additional school safety personnel on hand for the duration of the week to ensure a safe and efficient student dismissal. Additionally, temporary no-parking signs will be utilized in designated areas on Tower Lane to ensure that buses may evacuate the school parking lot safely. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and support. Implementing this afternoon bus dismissal procedure over the course of next week with additional personnel support will allow our team to learn more about the procedures and supports that may be necessary to ensure a safe dismissal of students next year. Please rest assured that we will remain in close communication with you throughout the summer and upcoming school year in order to provide you with additional updates on the construction progress. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. Sincerely, Christopher Hall
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WELSH VALLEY MOVIE NIGHT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY - Fri., 5/16, 7:30 pm 
Because of the expected rain tomorrow, Movie Night will be moved into the auditorium. Bring your friends and join us for "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2" on Friday, May 16th at 7:30pm. $5 donations per person. We will have pizza, popcorn, nut free snacks and drinks for everyone to purchase online at the WV HSA Store or that evening during the movie.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Nanette Taraya-Vonk at ntarayavonk@comcast.net.
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WV Latin Students Honored
Seventh and eighth grade Latin students participated in the National Latin Exam in March. Welsh Valley students were joined by 154,000 others from all 49 states and 17 foreign countries. Congratulations to all medal and certificate winners!
Summa cum laude gold medals were awarded to Jonathan Halter, Kareem Majid, Jacob Feingold, Jack Mendelsohn, Nicholas Kotler and Benjamin Feldman.
Maxima cum laude silver medals were earned by Emerson Ahn, Emma Danz, Anna Flieder, Ryan Kreiser, Andrew Kofsky, Jack Danz, Ron Nafshi and Lihui Wang.
Magna cum laude awards were presented to Jake Waldman, Myka Thomas, Sarah Marks, Jonah Hausman, Jamie Bregman, Nick Giangiardano, Zachary Manlin, Kate Seltzer, Maddie Jones, Alex Krauss and Kerren Matthews.
Cum laude awards were earned by Ben Siderowf, Anneke Vonk, Melanie Metz, Talia Braverman and Josie Blumencwejg.
Seventh grade student Michelle Qin earned a perfect score and was awarded a purple ribbon and Outstanding Certificate.
Other seventh grade students who earned purple ribbons and an Outstanding Student Certificate were the following: Helena Cahn Von Seelen, Erika Lutz, Tai Groeneveld, Radcliffe Edmonds, Grace Heifetz, Emma Deutsch and Eli Segal.
Seventh grade students who earned an Achievement Certificate were Aidan Bova, Simone Mutz, Anna Manning, Robby DePetris, Attila Toth, Reilly Short, Carly Siciliano, Jack Northington, Louis Benioff, Helen Cramer, Isabel Buhn, Zora Gamberg, Wil Molineaux, Nina Hoog, Kate dePillis, Rena Contract, Lonnie Davis and Ignacio Solon.
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WV General HSA Meeting - Tues., 5/20, 7 pm @ WV Auditorium
All parents are invited to attend our General HSA Meeting on Tuesday, May 20th, 7pm at the Welsh Valley Auditorium. We will be discussing the upcoming construction this summer and how that will affect your child during the school year. Speakers will include: Director of Operations - Pat Guinnane; Construction Manager -Damion Spahr, Project Executive, Reynolds Construction; Architects - Danielle Hoffer, Vice President, Gilbert Architects and Rod Frey, Senior Project Manager, Gilbert Architects
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HSA Needs Volunteers for 2014-15
Are you interested in getting involved at Welsh Valley? We have various school events throughout the year that we 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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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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Do you have kids at Harriton? Will your child be an incoming freshman?
Are you looking to become more involved in the HSA?
We are always looking for parents to help out!
For the 2014-15 school year we are in need of:
Please email todorow@comcast.net if you are interested in any of the above positions or have questions about the HSA. Thank you.
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Summer Reading Lists for Rising 9th through 12th Graders
Look online for summer reading for rising 9th through 12th graders.
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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 April 28th: 6th Grade Ellie Ferenchick Kat Berbarian commended by Mr. Gari Lucas Nelson commended by Mr. Gari Sarah Heppen commended by Mrs. Wisser 7th Grade Emily Hersh commended by Mr. Wyatt Siobhan Daley-Gibson commended by Mr. Wyatt 8th Grade CJ Scott commended by Mrs. Morris Cory Scott commended by Mrs. Morris Jake Berberian 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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Attention rising 9th Grade Harriton students:
Any student interested in playing football next year at Harriton High School please visit the Harriton Football website and complete the 2014 Player Sign-Up so you can be kept up to date on important meeting and practice times. No experience necessary.
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Spring Sports
Baseball, Lacrosse, Softball, Tennnis, and Track and Field Visit the WV athletics webpage for more information on schedules and forms.
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Special Education Plan Report submitted to Pennsylvania Department of Education
The public comment period for Lower Merion School District's Special Education Plan began on March 24th and ended on April 21st. The Board of School Directors approved the Plan for submission to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) at its April 28th Regular Business Meeting. The District has submitted the Plan to PDE and is awaiting PDE's approval. The approved Plan will be posted at a later date.
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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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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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Exercise Boosts Children's Health and Academic Performance
We have all heard that exercise helps to reduce body fat and heart disease and improves muscle strength and mood, but it may also help in children's academic performance. A 2013 study from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies reports that children who engaged in 60 minutes or more of vigorous to moderate physical activity "showed greater attention, have faster cognitive processing speed, and perform better of standardized academic tests than children who were less active." Physical activity could include gym class, recess, supplemental sports or even a brisk walk or bike ride.
Encourage your child to get more physically active at home too. An after dinner walk, weekend bike ride or pick-up game of basketball at a playground are healthy choices that get the whole family moving.
Another fun option is to join LMSD's Wellness Council for our annual Spring into Fitness event being held on May 7th from 6:30 - 7:30 PM at the Cynwyd Elementary School Outdoor Playing Field. Fitness Co-Chair, Robert Jones III of Riley FAST (Fitness and Sports Training) will be leading fun-filled fitness activities for the whole family. With questions, contact: WellnessCounciil@lmsd.org - Diane Moroe, Principal, diannemoore@comcast.net
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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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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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Charity Yard Sale - Sat., 5/31, 8 am - 1 pm @ 336 Thornbrook Ave., Bryn Mawr
Kayla Finn, a Welsh Valley 7th grader, is holding a charity yard sale. on Saturday, May 31. There are two ways you can participate: - Donate Your Unwanted Household Items: Used books, clothes, electronics, china, pots/pans, linens, sports equipment, toys, etc. The only thing we can't accept is furniture. Donations can be dropped off any time in advance of the yard sale or on the morning of the yard sale by 9:30am. Feel free to put suggested prices on your donated items. In good weather, you can leave donations on our front porch with a note that they are for the yard sale; in bad weather, please arrange a drop-off time by emailing ellenfinn@gmail.com. - Come Buy Something at the Yard Sale: All proceeds from the yard sale will go to Room to Read, a globally recognized charity that promotes literacy and girls' access to education. Unsold items will be donated to local charities. If you have questions, please email ellenfinn@gmail.com.
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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, 250 Haverford Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096. Appropriately named, Alex's "Original" Lemonade Stand, Alex's friends, family and the entire community come together to continue to hold her annual summertime lemonade stand, which has evolved into a family fun event complete with food, games, crafts, face-painting, music, raffles, and, of course, lemonade. Young Hollywood star and ALSF supporter, Bailee Madison will attend the event again this year! Thanks to the support of the school and community, more than $640,000 has been raised at past Alex's "Original" Lemonade Stands - amazing! Learn more about this fun and meaningful event and how you can get involved. We hope to see you on June 7!
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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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Young Rams Instructional Football Camp
This non-contact camp is for all children ranging from grades 1 - 8 (entering 1st next school year, entering 8th next school year). Hosted by new Harriton High School Head Football Coach Justin Mellor and his staff, campers will experience success in a fun and friendly environment with the help of current and former Harriton players. Click here for more information and registration form.
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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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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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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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