June 1, 2020 - 6:15pm

Dear Methacton Families,

Providing an environment that is safe and inclusive for all our students is fundamental and our top priority. All students deserve equal opportunities afforded by our district and it is our responsibility as adults to nurture a respectful and inclusive environment.

The recent events throughout the country are having an adverse impact on many children and adults. It is important now more than ever that we support each other with compassion and empathy. As adults, as teachers, as parents, and school leaders, it is up to us to have meaningful conversations that can build trust and dispel racism.

Please find at the bottom of this message a few resources for help with the conversations. As always, our school counselors are available to speak with you should you need that support. Click HERE for School Counselor contact information.

·         ADL: Discussing Hate and Violence with Children

·         APA: Kids and Discrimination

·         PTA: Discussing Difficult Situations With Your Children

The Methacton community is a PROUD community – We are PROUD of all our students!

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

May 28, 2020 - 6:30pm

Dear Methacton Parents/Guardians and Community,

As part of our planning process to ensure a safe and productive return to school this fall, we are seeking input from parents/guardians and members of the community.

This input is being collected in two phases. First, we distributed a parent survey on May 27 to gather feedback from families on their experience from March 2020 through June 2020, while also seeking feedback on options associated with the return to school in late August 2020.

Second, we need to address potential challenges associated with a safe return to learning on premises this fall. While there are a number of challenges, we have grouped them into the following 4 focus areas: 

• (Focus Area 1)= Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education;
• (Focus Area 2)= Transportation, Facilities and Operations;
• (Focus Area 3)= Wellness/Food/Safety; and
• (Focus Area 4)= Extra-Curricular Activities and Communications.

Please keep in mind that there are a number of health organizations that have issued guidelines for the reopening of schools:

• CDC Guidelines for Reopening Schools
• American Academy of Pediatrics: COVID-19 Planning Considerations - Return to In-person Education in Schools
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Policy Review - Evidence and Considerations for School Reopenings

Each focus group will attempt to meet virtually as often as necessary in June. We will gather feedback from each focus group and use that information as part of our action plan that we will present to the School Board in July. We intend to communicate the definitive plan to parents and students at the most appropriate time in July/early August.

As always, the safety of our students, staff and community is of paramount importance in this process.

Meeting Dates/Times

• Focus Area 1 – Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education - June 4th, 6 pm -7:30 pm
• Focus Area 2 – Transportation, Facilities and Operations - June 9th, 6 pm -7:30 pm
• Focus Area 3 – Wellness/Food/Safety - June 4th, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
• Focus Area 4 – Extra Curricular Activities and Communications - June 8th, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

To express interest in participating in one or all of these virtual focus groups, parents/guardians and community members can sign up HERE by June 3rd at 3pm. Participants will receive a link to the virtual focus group(s) at least 24 hours before their scheduled meeting.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

May 18, 2020 - 6:50pm

Good Evening Methacton Families,

As we are approaching the end of what we can all agree will be a memorable school year – I want you to know that while our students and teachers continue online learning activities, we have already begun planning for the 2020-2021 school year.

Our planning for next school year will consider the feedback/suggestions from students, parents, and staff while keeping focus on student and staff safety, structure, rigor, and access for all students. Please look for the parent feedback and suggestion survey coming out later this week/early next week.

Please know that while we are planning, there remains some uncertainty from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Governor’s Office with regards to how schools in Pennsylvania will reopen in September. While I am receiving updates regularly, some decisions by the State are too early to make.

Regardless, Methacton will plan to provide rigorous educational opportunities that challenge students and allow for academic growth consistent with the high expectations of our students, parents and staff. It is likely that some form of a modified school year start consisting of on premises and online instruction may be allowed. While not definitive, please know that we will continue to plan for this and a number of other potential scenarios and will communicate those plans in the coming months as more definitive direction unfolds from the State.

We are focused on keeping the learning process moving forward->

Important Dates

We want to remind families of several important dates approaching. Please refer to the chart below. Your building principals will continue to communicate any updates regarding a specific schedule for student pick up or drop off of items.

May	May 22 - No School Grades K-12
	May 25 - No School Grades K-12
	May 29 - Last Day of New Instruction for Seniors - Last School Day for Seniors
June	June 2 - Teacher In-Service K-4 and 9-12
	June 3-4 - Material/Instrument/Computer/Books/Uniforms - Exchange for Seniors
	June 5 - Last Day of New Instruction for Grades K-11
	June 8-12 - Material/Instrument/Computer/Books/Uniforms - Exchange for grades K-11
	June 9 -  Last Day for Student Submission of Assignments
	June 11 -  Graduation
	June 12 - Last Day of 2019-2020 School Year
	June 15 -  Report Cards Issued

Food Distribution

The Methacton School District plans to host our third Backpack Program food distribution event on May 20, 2020. More than 600 backpacks have been packed for families in need in our school community since the school closure began. The food distribution event is led by School Board Vice President Elizabeth Drummond, School Board Directors Jen Cancro and Drew Maginnis, and Special Education Supervisor Dr. Jamie Gravinese. For information on additional Food Resources, please see this link.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

May 13, 2020 - 6:00pm

 

Dear Methacton students and families,

As educators, it is our top priority to nurture the whole child and that includes keeping those in our care safe. Social distancing has limited the contact students have with peers and other trusted confidants.  I would like to remind our students, parents, and staff of tools that remain available in our virtual learning environment to report concerns regarding child abuse, bullying, threats, self-harm, depression, and other troubling behaviors or actions. Those who feel unsafe or who are concerned about the safety of a friend are encouraged to utilize the Safe2Say Something app and helpline. All tips are anonymous. Safe2Say is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

Reach Safe2Say Online:  https://www.safe2saypa.org

Download the App:  https://www.safe2saypa.org/download/

Call the Helpline:  1-844-SAF2SAY

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

May 13, 2020 - 11:15am

Dear Methacton Families,

In cooperation with Montgomery County Bureau of Voter Services, the following Methacton School District schools will be used as polling locations for the upcoming June 2, 2020 Primary Election.

Please refer to the chart below:

Municipality	Precinct Name	Regular Polling Location	June 2 Polling Location	Location
Lower Providence	Lower Providence 1-1	I.B.E.W Local Union 380	Arrowhead School	Gym/Cafeteria
Lower Providence	Lower Providence 1-2	Arrowhead School	Arrowhead School	Gym/Cafeteria
Lower Providence	Lower Providence 2-1	Woodland Elementary School	Woodland Elementary School	Gym/Cafeteria
Lower Providence	Lower Providence 2-2	Lower Providence Township Building	Eagleville Elementary School	Music Room
Lower Providence	Lower Providence 2-3	Calvary Chapel	Woodland Elementary School	Gym/Cafeteria
Lower Providence	Lower Providence 2-4	Eagleville Elementary School	Eagleville Elementary School	Music Room
Lower Providence	Lower Providence 3-1	Audubon Elementary School	Audubon Elementary School	Gym/Cafeteria
Lower Providence	Lower Providence 3-2	St Andrews Lutheran Church	Audubon Elementary School	Gym/Cafeteria
Lower Providence	Lower Providence 3-3	Valley View Community Church	Skyview Upper Elementary School	Gym
Lower Providence	Lower Providence 3-4	Shannondell At Valley Forge	Woodland Elementary School	Gym/Cafeteria
Worcester	Worcester East 1	Bethel Hill United Methodist Church	Worcester Elementary School	Gym
Worcester	Worcester East 2	Variety Club Camp	Methacton High School	Main Gym Lobby
Worcester	Worcester East 3	Central Schwenkfelder Church	Worcester Elementary School	Gym
Worcester	Worcester West	Worcester Community Center	Methacton High School	Main Gym Lobby

Addresses for June 2 Polling Locations

• Methacton High School – 1005 Kriebel Mill Road, Eagleville, PA 19403
• Skyview Upper Elementary School – 4001-B Eagleville Road, Eagleville, PA 19403
• Arrowhead Elementary School – 232 Level Road, Collegeville, PA 19426
• Audubon Elementary School – 2765 Egypt Road, Aubudon, PA 19403
• Eagleville Elementary School – 125 Summit Avenue, Eagleville PA 19403
• Woodland Elementary School – 2700 Woodland Avenue, Eagleville, PA 19403
• Worcester Elementary School – 3017 Skippack Pike, Lansdale, PA 19446

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

May 7, 2020 - 3:00pm

Good Afternoon Methacton Families,

I wish you an outstanding day!

Below is a short video message that I hope will continue to inspire you throughout the remaining weeks of this school year.

https://youtu.be/H2gSULSdDOM

End of the Year Schedule – Please see the dates and events to take us through the end of the year.

Please know that more information will be coming from Building Principals regarding the end of the year EXCHANGE and other specific building matters.

May	May 22 - No School Grades K-12
	May 25 - No School Grades K-12
	May 29 - Last Day of New Instruction for Seniors - Last School Day for Seniors
June	June 2  Teacher In-Service K-4 and 9-12
	June 3-4 Material/Instrument/Computer/Books/Uniforms - Exchange for Seniors
	June 5 Last Day of New Instruction for Grades K-11
	June 8-12 Material/Instrument/Computer/Books/Uniforms - Exchange for grades K-11
	June 9 Last Day for Student Submission of Assignments
	June 11 Graduation
	June 12 Last Day of 2019-2020 School Year
	June 15 Report Cards Issued

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

May 6, 2020 - 4:25pm

Dear Methacton Families,

Although schools remain closed due to the COVID-19 crisis, we recognize that it has resulted in hardships for our community. We want to remind you that there are various food resources available in the district.

PA State Representative Joe Webster recently announced a meal distribution program for Methacton families. Starting on Tuesday, May 12, meals will be distributed from 11:00am-1:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the Ridge Pike Plaza parking lot at 3200 Ridge Pike, Eagleville.  If you’re interested in receiving meals next week, please sign up with the form HERE by Thursday, May 7th, 12PM. 

Meals will be distributed in front of Via Roma Pizza, who is generously providing the cold storage. This will be a drive-up, no-contact model with volunteers placing the food directly into car trunks. You must wear a mask or face covering when you pick up your food.

Every week a new meal pick-up registration form will be sent out through various channels. Please sign up once each week for the days you plan to pick up food for that week. After your initial registration, you will receive an email every week with the new pick-up registration form.  All questions or inquiries should be sent to: Mealsfor150@gmail.com

Additional food resources are available below:

Food Resources for Families	Phone #	Address	City	Hours
Daily Bread Community Food Pantry	610-489-5540	3839 Ridge Pike	Collegeville	W-9am-11am; Th- 6:00pm-8:00pm; Sat- 9:00am-11:00am
St. James Episcopal Church	610-489-3481	3814 Germantown Pike	Collegeville	call for hours
Manna on Main	215-855-5454	606 E. Main St	Lansdale	M- 6:00-7:30pm; W- 9am-11am and 4:30-6:40pm; Th- 1:00pm-3:45
Catholic Social Services	610-279-7372	353 E. Johnson Highway	Norristown	M-9am-11am; W- 5:00pm-6:30pm; Th- 9am-11am and 5:00pm-6:30pm; F- 11am-12:30pm
Grace Lutheran	484-363-9378	506 Haws Ave	Norristown	M, Th, Sat- 8am-11am
Patrician Society	610-272-6316	121 E. Chestnut St	Norristown	T, Th- 1:00-3:00pm
New Hope Baptist	610-275-5814	204 E. Oak St	Norristown	T- 10:30am-12:00pm
Salvation Army	610-275-4185	533 Sweede St	Norristown	T- 11am-1:30pm
Haws Avenue Food Pantry	610-275-1283	800 W. Marshall St	Norristown	3rd T- 6:00pm-7:30pm; 4th Sat- 10am-12:30pm
Aim High Studio	484-686-0067	3015 Germantown Pike	Eagleville	FREE FOOD PICK UP, 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK. Pick up on the Aim High Porch right next to Ambler Savings Bank.

This food resource information can also be found HERE on our website.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

April 29, 2020 - 9:00am

Good Morning Methacton,

My administration and I would like to wish everyone a very, very good morning!

In other news…

Please know that Principals will be communicating in the near future regarding many of the traditional end of year processes such as distribution of Yearbooks, handing in of books/computers/materials where applicable, and gathering of student personal belongings. We are taking great care to organize a safe and efficient means to exchange materials and will communicate the dates, times and procedure soon.

In addition, Principals are organizing traditional end of year recognition and transition activities to help recognize outstanding achievement and support student progress to the next grade and/or to a new building. Stay tuned.

Kindergarten registration has opened for the 2020-2021 school year. The district has organized an online process as a result of the COVID-19 matter. You can find information here.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

April 23, 2020 - 6:35pm

Dear Methacton Families,

Thank you for being a true partner with us in the education of your children. While we were partners prior to the closing of schools, it is, more now than ever, clear how much we depend upon each other to educate and support your children and our students.

I know our professional, support, and administrative staff are working within the Methacton Virtual Learning program in a variety of ways to provide instruction, check the wellbeing of students, provide supports, and simply connect. It is without a doubt, that while our learning environment has changed and we continue to cheer each other on from a distance, challenges are being transformed into opportunities that will keep us strong and supportive as we tackle this together.

So - thank you students, thank you parents, and thank you teachers, staff and administrators for all that you do and will continue to do.

Graduation and Senior Recognition

One of the most significant matters before us is how we can best recognize our seniors in the most appropriate and respectful manner considering the traditional celebratory nature of this culminating life event. There is no question that our seniors deserve a graduation that has traditionally been afforded to previous graduating classes, but as you know, our challenge is unique.

As you now know, the county is not planning on relaxing the large gathering order currently in place any time soon and potentially for the remainder of the summer. As such, High School Principal Dr. Sorgini and his team have been working on an alternative to a traditional graduation. He and his team have received suggestions on how to recognize and appropriately celebrate graduation and I want thank everyone who provided suggestions.

In an effort to provide our seniors with a timely, appropriate, and safe Class of 2020 Graduation, we will on June 11, 2020, be holding a Drive-In Movie style ceremony for graduates and their immediate families. Some of the major highlights of this ceremony include:

• Opportunity for graduate to be properly recognized in the presence of their peers and their immediate family;
• Traditional wearing of caps and gowns and recognition of group and individual student accomplishments;
• Several opportunities for professional photography of graduate;
• Livestreamed event to participants and community to allow for viewing of stage, scheduled speakers, and recognition of accomplishments from the safety and convenience of their own vehicle;
• Filming of entire event on the ground and by a drone fly-over;
• Opportunity to demonstrate personality through the decoration of vehicle;
• Graduates will receive diploma at the conclusion of ceremony;
• Additional photo opportunities on field/building in Cap and Gown to be scheduled in July/August;
• Senior student/parent luncheon/cookout on August 5 – details to come in June;
• Safety and security measures organized to support these celebratory activities before, during and following the event.

Dr. Sorgini has shared this plan with local law enforcement, many staff members, and the senior class officers – all of which support these planned activities and are thrilled for the opportunity to share one last moment together, as a class, and to be recognized in the presence of their immediate family and the larger Methacton community.

More detail on Graduation to come out next week from Dr. Sorgini.
In terms of Senior Recognition – Dr. Sorgini and his team have communicated with students and parents on the following activities underway:

• Decision Day Video – Culminating video being produced of student announcements of their future career, service, and college plans.
• Yard Signs – In coordination with the Post Prom Committee – all seniors will be provided a sign.
• Yearbooks - Are being mailed. A spring supplement will be mailed this summer.
• Senior Shirts - A Senior tradition that will be produced and disseminated in June prior to graduation.
• Senior Superlatives – Will be sent out in the coming weeks.
• Student Awards Ceremony – A virtual event to be sent out on May 20.
• And More…information to be released next week.

OTHER DISTRICT MATTERS

Activity Refund Processing

As a result of school closings, we had to cancel a number of events, trips, and activities that parents had pre-paid. The Methacton Business Office is currently working with activity sponsors and others in charge of these canceled matters to issue complete and full refunds for all of these activities. Checks should be arriving in the mail over the next several weeks.

Books/Computers/Material Returns and Pickup

Building Principals are finalizing plans for the return and pick up of items from home to school and from school to home that will provide an efficient and safe exchange. The plan will allow teachers to begin the end-of-year classroom prep process in May, with exchanges being scheduled beginning in June.

Final Student Medication Distribution

While we provided opportunity to parents to acquire student medication stored in schools back in the early part of the school closure process, final arrangements are being made by the school nurses this week and next to complete any remaining distribution.

Computer/Technology Distribution

To date, we have distributed nearly 350 Chrome Books to families for use by students. If there is a need for additional technology, please contact information@methacton.org.

Food Distribution

The Methacton School District has had two large distributions of food and has a third planned for May 20, 2020. The large Backpack Program food distribution, led by School Board Vice President Elizabeth Drummond and members Jen Cancro and Drew Maginnis along with Supervisor Dr. Jamie Gravinese, will have distributed more than 600 back packs during the school closure. For information on additional Food Resources, please see this link.

Methacton Virtual Backgrounds

While teachers and support staff from around the district have already or are beginning to leverage synchronous communications and instructional methods, we felt as though providing some Methacton Virtual Backgrounds would be appropriate.  Use one of these the next time you have a Zoom connection.

In closing - The past several weeks have been nothing less than incredible. Thank you for your support and partnership. So while our buildings are closed -- we will continue to be there for your children. Now let’s all imagine a return to normalcy with the thought of seeing each other at graduation and for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. 

 

 

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

April 9, 2020-  11:25am

Dear Methacton Families,

Please be advised that all Methacton Schools are now ordered to be closed through the end of the school year.

This morning, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education announced that he issued an order under Act 13 of 2020 to close all public schools through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year, as defined by the local school calendar.

Additionally, Governor Wolf is ordering all K-12 schools and programs, public and private, to be closed through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, Head Start Supplemental Assistance Programs and Preschool Early Intervention programs will also remain closed, and institutions of higher education are prohibited from offering in-person instruction.

This announcement will allow us to better communicate and execute, with certainty, the remaining matters of the school year to students, parents, staff, and the community.

I recognize that each group of individuals will have particular questions going forward. We have planned for this and will be back in Virtual Classrooms with students on April 14 and I will be back in contact with families regarding the many other proceedings that will need to occur as a result of today’s announcement.

Thank you for your commitment to all things Methacton!

Enjoy the Holiday - Stay safe, Stay home, and Stay Methacton Proud!

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

April 7, 2020 - 4:00pm

Dear Methacton Families,

I share this message in hope that your family and you can find time during this spring break to enjoy and value your time together. As per the approved district calendar, all Methacton Virtual Classrooms will be on holiday from April 8 through April 13, 2020. There are no requirements for student attendance during this time. All students will return to the Methacton Virtual Classrooms on April 14, 2020.

As a reminder, there are a number of resources organized to provide students and families with information on how to access educational resources, food resources, counseling resources and more. In terms of frequently asked questions, see our FAQ page. Of particular importance, please know that the Safe to Say system is operational and serves as a valuable tool to support your child in time of need and crisis.

We suggest that you take time over this holiday to separate yourself from the computer, phone, and other life-distracting gadgets, to truly embrace your family and loved ones, read a good book, and simply reflect.

Stay safe, Stay home, and Stay Methacton Proud!!!

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

April 2, 2020 - 7:00pm

Dear Methacton Families,

Good Evening  -- I want to extend a sincere thank you to all of our parents/guardians for your patience during our first week of the Methacton virtual learning environment. In order to keep you apprised of important matters, please see notes below:

1. As a reminder from last week, the Governor revised the stay-at-home orders for Montgomery County to continue through April 30, 2020. As such, Methacton Schools will also be closed for at least that same period.
2. Please be reminded that daily student attendance is mandatory. See instructions here.
3. In an effort to assist parents and students with common questions during their Methacton Virtual learning experience, please review these frequently asked questions.
4. For assistance on most other family/individual financial or life-sustaining needs, please review these resources.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

March 30, 2020 -  7:00pm

Dear Methacton Parents,

Beginning Tuesday, March 31, our teachers will be providing instruction via Google Classroom online. This means we will be taking attendance and providing work that will be counted toward advancing students to the next grade level/graduation.

Important Matters:

1. We are here for you, your children and this community. Know that we are all facing personal, work and education challenges. Know that as parents/guardians, you are best suited to support your child in their education. If you find that you need advice or additional information, please contact your child’s school counselor or principal.

2. Daily attendance is designed to safeguard all students in this new environment. Aside from supporting them with the assignments, etc., please ensure that each child in your household submits their attendance online daily. Simple instructions are found here.

3. Please find the Methacton School District Remote Learning Guide that summarizes the planned instructional program.

As always – thanks for being a true METHACTON WARRIOR!

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

March 29, 2020 - 7:00pm

Dear Methacton Families,

With the Methacton Virtual Instruction program ready to begin on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, we believe that the following items will be helpful in navigating along with us.

Key Matters:

ACCOUNT ACCESS

Parents must know that our teachers will be communicating with your child through the child’s district provided email account.

• We will be sending more detailed instruction to the email addresses of the Primary parent/guardian contact on Monday, March 30, 2020 of students in grades K-4 to further help in this matter.
• All students can find their email address in PowerSchool by going to the School Information section.
• Passwords for Elementary student emails are a combination of school abbreviation + period + Student ID. Click HERE for detailed instructions.
• Student ID number is also found in PowerSchool.
• If Skyview, Arcola, or HS student forgets password, they can reset it using the following accounts page: https://accounts.methacton.org/

HOW TO ACCESS GOOGLE CLASSROOM

Especially for parents of elementary-aged children and parents new to Google Classroom, we have provided a slide show on using Google Classroom and a simple step process to guide you through logging into your child’s Methacton Google Classroom.

GRADING

As a reminder, grades K-8 will use a pass/fail grading system for the fourth marking period.  We will be providing guidelines and expectations on this pass/fail system in the coming days. 

In grades 9-12, we will continue to use our current grading system to score completed assignments and activities. However, we are fully aware that we will need greater flexibility in grading knowing that the virtual environment is going to be new for many of our students. 

Our building administrators, teachers, and instructional aides will be monitoring your child’s work, attendance, and grades to safeguard this new learning process.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance for all students will be taken on a daily basis.  While the student expectations for completing work provide for the student to flex their learning and assignment time, we are requiring students to log on each day by 12noon and submit their attendance for the day through the provided Google Classroom for daily attendance.

The submission of daily attendance by students should take no longer than 1 minute each day. The process of submitting attendance allows our teachers, administration, and instructional aides to maintain a check on the status of each child on a daily basis to safeguard all children in this new learning process.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

March 27, 2020 - 5:00pm

Dear Methacton Families,

Third marking period report cards will be posted in PowerSchool on April 22^nd  for parents of students in grades 1 through 12. The grades will be determined based on assessments/assignments students completed through March 11^th, our last day in buildings.

Parent and student visibility of the report card section will be disabled as of Monday, 3/30, while teachers complete the report card process. You will, however, continue to be able to view the grades being entered for tests and assignments.

Parent portal information and instructions on how to access and/or establish your account may be found on the district’s website at www.methacton.org/powerschool.

As a reminder, paper report cards will not distributed, except in the case of families who have expressed a need. Please contact the building principal or secretary if you are in need of a paper report card.

Thank you,

MSD Administration