Dear PVSD Families and Community Members,

It is difficult to believe we are half way through the month of May and almost at the end of another school year. I hope you are enjoying the signs of spring weather we are finally experiencing! As my first year serving as your superintendent quickly winds down, I wanted to share information about what we have been focusing on to improve the experiences of our students.

1. Digital Transformation and a 1:1 Initiative

We are striving to “do school differently” and engage the learners of today with modern resources and updated approaches in our classrooms. As a school district, we are shifting away from the traditional “sit and git” model of teaching and learning towards a more student-centered, teacher facilitated one. With this shift comes the implementation of more technology resources and a 1:1 initiative. Sometime next year, the goal is to provide all high school students with a device (Chromebook) as one of the many resources they have available to support their learning on a daily basis. This 1:1 initiative has been a topic of conversation in district and at public school board meetings for much of the year. The most recent Superintendent’s Roundtable (April 30) focused upon this topic too. Look for additional updates on this page as we continue towards the implementation of a 1:1 initiative and a morphing of the learning experiences of our students.

2. Kindergarten – Full Day

Earlier in the school year, there were discussions of implementing, or at least piloting, full day kindergarten. Next year, a study will be conducted under the leadership of our Curriculum and Instruction team, to investigate the idea of full day kindergarten for all students. A committee will be formed to understand the purpose, need, potential costs, and planning of such an implementation. The “Full Day K” committee will be comprised of teachers, administrators, parents, and Board members. Would you like to participate on this committee? If so, please let Mrs. Laurie Smith, lsmith@pvsd.org, know of your interest and look forward to assisting the District in preparing a recommendation on the experiences of our youngest learners.

3. Mental Health and Wellness

There have been efforts to strengthen the District’s mental health and wellness resources and support students socially, emotionally and behaviorally in the school setting so they can feel safe and learn. This year, the District contracted with Be a Part of the Conversation, a group that facilitates conversations among parents and their children, and also sponsored workshops on anxiety, resilience and the opioid crisis. Also, beginning this year, we have partnered with Holcomb Health Services to provide outpatient mental health services in our elementary schools. Next year, we are proposing additional counseling services at the elementary level, special education teachers, and a licensed social worker to assist our families through challenging situations and gaining access to available resources.

4. Redistricting – South Elementary to Evergreen Elementary

On May 14, the Board of School Directors approved a shift in the attendance boundaries for South and Evergreen Elementary schools. This decision means that approximately 75 students from the northern-most attendance area of South Elementary will be moving to Evergreen for the 2018-19 school year. The resulting elementary building enrollments will facilitate more equitable teaching and learning experiences. The principals from each of these elementary schools are planning additional activities to assist students in acclimating to their new school, the first of which is scheduled for Monday, May 21. On this day, parents of students scheduled to be redistricted, can opt to travel with their children from South to Evergreen and visit the school “in action” from 9:00-10:30 am. Parents who are unable to attend during this morning timeframe are invited to visit Evergreen in the evening (on May 21) from 6:30-8:00 pm. There will be additional transition activities scheduled and communicated to our families. Principals are also preparing to administer a survey to learn more about your thinking. Please know that I understand the emotional attachments, dedication, and commitment our South families have to their elementary school. Thank you for this and know that we are working to afford all students a comfortable and exciting start to the 2018-2019 school year. If you have suggestions for transition activities related to the redistricting, please feel free to contact me or Principals Mr. Dave D’Andrea(South) and Dr. Amy Sacks (Evergreen).

These items are a few of the many focused upon this school year. As 2017-2018 quickly winds down, I wish all a smooth conclusion to another year of learning. To our graduating seniors, I will see you on June 8 and in advance of the ceremony, offer you congratulations on your upcoming graduation from PVHS! This is an exciting time!

It is my honor and privilege to serve the Perkiomen Valley School District as your superintendent. Our District is a place where the school communities, family engagement, and local partnerships are strong. You and your children make this a wonderful place to learn and lead. Thank you for your continued support of our school district.