DRAGONBITES
Welsh Valley Middle School
Home and School Association
Weekly Newsletter
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Calendar of Upcoming Events
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Sunday, June 8
- 8th Grade Class Party 7pm
Monday, June 9
Wednesday, June 11
- Community Day (Rain Date June 12)
Thursday, June 12
- POV Social Justice Research Fair 6:30-8pm in WV cafeteria (more details below)
Friday, June 13
- Variety Show (more info. below)
Monday, June 16
- Yearbook Sales/Distribution/Signing
Tuesday, June 17
- 6th/7th Grade Field Trips
Wednesday, June 18
- 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony 12pm in Gym at Harriton High School
Thursday, June 19
- Early Dismissal @11:55 am - No Lunch Served
Friday, June 20
- Early Dismissal @11:30 am - No Lunch Served
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8th Grade Promotion Party - Sun., 6/8, 7-9pm
It is not too late to get your tickets to the 8th Grade Promotion Party on Sunday, June 8th at Beat Street Station in Manayunk. The party will be from 7-9pm and it will be the party of the century. Everyone will be there so don't miss out! Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. You may purchase your tickets online at the HSA Store or send in a check made payable to "Welsh Valley HSA." Click here for the 8th Grade Promotion Party Invitation and Permission Form. (For 8th Graders only - No Guests)
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SAVE THE DATE! POV Social Justice Research Fair - Thurs., 6/12, 6:30-8:00 pm
Parents, guardians, and extended families are invited and encouraged to attend our research fair in the WV cafeteria! Students arrive for set up at 6pm (Each student is asked to kindly donate a nut-free dessert that serves 20 people and/or bottled water.) Families arrive at 6:30pm. Walk around and be amazed and impressed, as students teach you all they have learned on many timely & interesting topics such as: Bioethics Women's Rights in the Middle East Internet Privacy Student Privacy Ethical Questions of Chapter 11 Title Nine 2nd Amendment Issues Education Reform Guantanamo Bay Standardized Testing GLBTQA Issues The School to Prison Pipeline Cloning Climate Change & Endangered Species The Travon Martin Case Medical Marijuana The NAACP Stereotyping & Discrimination Feminism Sexism Death Penalty Stop & Frisk Genetically Modified Food Women & the Media Ethnic and Religious Profiling Designer Babies ...and many other topics to get us thinking and questioning!
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Welsh Valley Variety Show - Fri., 6/13 (during the school day)
Sign ups for the variety show are in the FACS room. Performers must be available for all their grade level practices! Be prepared to stay until the 5:30 bus! * 6th grade practice dates: Afterschool June 9, 11 * 7th & 8th grade practice dates: Afterschool June 5, 10, 12
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Welsh Valley Yearbook Sales - Mon., 6/16
Purchase the book that has all the memories from this past year. It captures your favorite friends, teachers, and students in action doing what they do best. Of course, we are describing the One and Only WELSH VALLEY YEARBOOK! It is available here at Welsh Valley for a limited time only. They will be sold on Monday, June 16th for the bargain price of $35.00 during the yearbook signing. You can pay by check made out to Welsh Valley Middle School or cash (exact change will be appreciated).
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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. We are also looking for a parent volunteer to fill the position of Dragonbites Newsletter Editor. The editor works from home and makes his/her own hours. Go to www.SignUpGenius.Com to signup to help.
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End of School Year Medication Pick Up
If your child has medication in the nursing office, please plan to pick it up by the last day of school. Medication that is not picked up by 3:00 on June 20th will be destroyed as required by law.
We will also send all 8th grade medication to the Harriton Nursing office for the promotion ceremony on Wednesday, June 18th. The Harriton Nursing office is located directly across the hall from the cafeteria. Parents can plan on picking up medications either before or after the promotion ceremony. Any medication that is not picked up after the promotion ceremony will be returned to Welsh Valley but must be picked up by 3:00 on June 20th.
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Summer To Do List from the Nurse's Office
Many parents schedule routine doctor and dental exams during the summer months. If you haven't already submitted the following state mandated exam forms for your child, please plan on taking school district exam forms to your child's next scheduled visit. Comparable camp or computerized visit forms used by area practices, such as CHOP and Nemours, are also acceptable. Forms can be mailed, faxed (610-667-4749) or emailed to me at bromlek@lmsd.org
6th grade: Physical exam form
7th grade: Dental exam (click here for form), one dose of Meningococcal Conjugate vaccine, Tetanus, diphtheria, & acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine (if 5 years have elapsed since last tetanus immunization)
8th grade: no exams or vaccines required
All students: Doctor's orders needed for all medications, including over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and Advil (click here for form)
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Middle Summer Reading List
Reading is very important to your students' futures. The higher their level of literacy, the greater the opportunities they will have in education. Please keep your child reading this summer by checking out the summer reading clubs at your local public library or by using the attached suggested summer reading list. Read more here.
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High School Summer Reading Lists
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 May 26th: 7th Grade Alyia Dhuique-Hein commended by Mr. Birch 6th Grade Yasmeen Majid commended by Mrs. Wisser Ryan Davis commended by Mrs. Wisser Michael O'Connor commended by Mrs. Wisser Anna Lee commended by Mrs. Wisser Nick Derk commended by Ms. Porter
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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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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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Attention 6th & 7th Grade Students: 2014-2105 School Sports Physical Forms
A reminder to rising 7th and 8th grade students who plan to play a sport for the 2014-2015 school year. Fall sports begin on September 8, 2014. Students must have a physical form filled out before they are able to participate in a sport. Physicals and PIP forms must be dated 6/1/14 or later for a student to participate in athletics during the 2014-2015 School Year. Link to Physical and PIP form.
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ATTENTION RISING 9TH GRADE STUDENTS:
LMHS & HHS Athletes: Reduced fee PIAA sports physicals offered on Wed., June 11
The Rothman Institute is offering PIAA physicals to all athletes participating in high school sports next year for $20 (cash or check) on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. This offer is limited to students attending LMHS, HHS, or Radnor High Schools next year. Athletes must arrive between 6:00 - 6:30PM and will be seen on a first come, first serve basis. The Rothman Institute is located at 825 Old Lancaster Road, Suite 200, Bryn Mawr.
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Harriton Football
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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Harriton Field Hockey 2014-2015 Season - Mandatory Team Meeting for All Players & Parents - Thurs., June 19, 4:30-6:00pm
Pizza Dinner: $10.00 per family Please see flyer for more details.
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As the end of the school year is quickly approaching, are you looking for a way to acknowledge exceptional teachers or staff members? Use Lower Merion Township Scholarship Fund Recognition Cards to express your appreciation. For $45 you receive a pack of three tasteful cards and envelopes to personalize for the recipients and you will be supporting our township's college scholarship fund. These cards do not conflict with the LMSD policy of gifts to teachers and are a perfect tribute to educators you want to recognize or thank. Cards are available at the front office of all schools. For more information or to order cards, please contact your HSA or e-mail Fran Guinnane at guinnaf@lmsd.org.
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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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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 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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Lower Merion Ice Hockey Club Summer Team begins Thurs., 6/5
Click here to see more details.
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2014 NLS Football Summer Camp Registration Now Open
Grades: 2nd - 5th (as of September 2014)
4 bunks total & 20 campers per bunk!
(Mondays - Fridays) 9:00AM to 3:00PM
Session 1: August 11-15, 2014
Session 2: August 18 - 22, 2014
Session 3: August 25 - 29, 2014
$175.00 per session
Contact us at info@nlsports.org for Financial Assistance guidelines. Go to www.nlsports.org to register, view sample schedule, and more. View flyer here. Sign up Today!!
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Next Level Football 2014 Fall Season begins 9/13/14 @ Vernon Young Playground in Ardmore
Divisions - Boys & Girls: Freshmen (Pre-K, Kindergarten) Sophmore (1st grade, 2nd grade) Junior (3rd grade, 4th grade) Senior (5th, 6th, and 7th grade) For more information, click here.
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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; for more information, or to register for the event, see www.educationfoundationoflm.org. |
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.
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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