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NESHAMINY SCHOOL DISTRICTPOQUESSING MIDDLE SCHOOLAugust 2016Dear Students, Parents and Caretakers:Greetings from Poquessing Middle School! Welcome to new and returning students and their families!We are eagerly preparing for your arrival and hope this newsletter will provide you with valuableinformation for the 2016-17 school year. We are anticipating the completion of the renovation projectand your return to school!Welcome to our new fifth grade students and welcome back our sixth, seventh and eighth gradestudents. We also reach-out to the new students and their families as they join our community.Poquessing Middle School students will share in experiences and challenges, which will help themgrow academically, physically, and emotionally. Our expectation is that our students will “Be Kind”to one another. We believe being kind is easily accomplished.Within the first few days of school, we will introduce our SOAR program to our new students andreintroduce it to our upperclassmen. This is a K-12 positive approach to school-wide behavior throughsupport and interventions. SOAR stands for SAFE, ORGANIZED, ACCOUNTABLE andRESPECTFUL. We will teach these behaviors in all settings of the building just as we teach reading,writing and math through mini-lessons. And will randomly reward students for exhibiting thosebehaviors as well and collect data to measure our efforts and reteach as needed.We anticipate an exciting new year of growing and learning. We have an outstanding staff atPoquessing and always maintain an excellent educational program for our students. Teams ofteachers, counselors and support staff will dedicate their time to understanding your child’s strengthsand needs. Poquessing parents and caretakers have been extraordinarily supportive throughout theyears and we look forward to continuing this relationship. Achievement levels for most of our studentsmeet our high expectations. A sense of pride and even greater accomplishments will result in a positiveschool experience with an emphasis on the importance of academics, involvement in school activitiesand a commitment to excellence. This happens when we work together as TEAM Poquessing.Attached, please find important information for the start of the school year. Do not hesitate to contactany member of the team with your questions or concerns. The Poquessing website is also a valuabletool. We look forward to open communication throughout the year as we facilitate the growth anddevelopment of your child through the middle years. We genuinely hope that the remaining days ofsummer vacation will be relaxing and enjoyable.Kindest regards.Joann HollandPrincipal

Main Office:215-809-6210Guidance Office:215-809-6215Attendance Office: 215-809-6211Structure forGRADES THROUGH585AMr. CiminoRm 2095BMrs.BoccagnoRm 210TEACHERTEAM AGRADE 65CMrs.ThierjungRm 212ENGLISH5DMr. RaivitchRm 211SOCIALSTUDIES5E5FMr.Mr. NortonPrendergastRm 213Rm 215MATH5GMrs. Hess5HMrs. KirkRm 217Rm 219SCIENCEREADINGTrepper/6CRm 206Heilig/6BRm 204Pecuch/6ARm 202Richardson/6ERm 207Kornblau/6DRm 208S. Marte/7ARm 205Scott/7ERm 104Zuschnitt/7CRm 200Brown/7BRm 203Farr/7DRm 201T. Marte/8ERm 113Palkovics/8GRm 119Presner/8ARm 106Schneider/8DRm 114Mann/8BRm 108BarnesRm 113GlaserRm 107Page/6FGerber/6GRm 102Pulford/8FRm 116Riddell/8CRm 1126A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6ETEAM BGRADE 77A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7ETEAM CGRADE 88A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E,8F, 8GTEAM DGRADE 6/86F, 6G, 8C, 8FIMPORTANT DATESxxNew Student Orientation--Thursday, August 25th, 2016at 9:00 a.m.in the Auditorium.IPAD Form andTechnologyFEE DUEby Friday Septembernd2 for GRADES 6 & 7. (no fee forstudents receiving free and reduced lunch).x Fifth IPad Technology Fee and Form Collection Opportunityx Back to School Night–Thursday, September 22nd, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Meet yourteachers and learn about our program.x School Picture Day–Wednesday,September28th, 2016chIMPORTANT INFORMATIONxBOOK BAGS - are not permitted during the school day to facilitate school safety. As students arrive in thebuilding they are required to place their book bags in their lockers. Students should carry only those itemsrequired for the first three classes. Two-minute5locker breaks are provided each day (10:30 a.m. and 112:4p.m.) During lockerbreak students will exchange their materials for the next assigned classes.Small gym bags containing a change of clothes on days when students have an assigned PE or swimming class willbe permitted.These must be egularkeptclasses.underBooks andtheother schoolstudentsupplies may not be carried in gym bags.xCAFETERIA CHATTER – Visit the Neshaminy web site for detailed information about menus, nutrition andprepayment options.All Neshaminy cafeteriasofhaveSalethePaymentcomputeriSysstudent has an account for the prepayment of all purchases made in the cafeteria. Prepayment can be madewith cash or by a checkmade payable toNeshaminy Food Service. You may also prepay for your student's mealsonline or by phone safely and conveniently. Access meal account balances online, or by phone. Choose Visa,MasterCard, Discover, electronic check or debit card. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of the

prepayment system, as all children will benefit fromquicker lunch lines, giving them a quality lunch time.Theschool board has approved the lunch price increase to 3.00 for secondary schools. Breakfast has beenincreased to 1.50. Please plan accordingly.xGUIDANCE: THE GUIDANCE OFFICE CAN BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY AT 215-809-6215.COUNSELORassignmentsare as follows:GRADE Student5Last NamesͶF:A Mr. PassmanGRADE 5 Student Last NamesͶO:G Mrs. LenahanGRADE 5 Student Last NamesͶZ:P Mrs. AbrohmsGRADE 6:Mrs. LenahanGRADE 7:Mr. PassmanGRADE :8Mrs. AbrohmsxHOME BASE - Students must be aware of their“HOME BASE”. This is the room they are assigned for WINinitially. Home Base is also the name associated with emergency evacuation and drills.This is referred to asHOME BASE. 6th, 7th and 8th grade STUDENTS WILL REPORT TO HOME BASE on the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOLHOME BASE is listed on yourSCHEDULESstudent’sWILL BE LIVE ONschedule.HOME ACCESS AUGUST 22ndxINTRAMURAL AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES - We offer a comprehensive intramural programand as well extracurricular activities for students after school. Some of these activities may include:cheerleading, band, chorus, orchestra, student council, school store, yearbook, Reading Olympics, ScienceOlympiad, basketball, weight training, eetstr hockey, computer club, etc.Programs are offered based on studentinterest and demand.No physical exam is required to participate in the extracurricular or activity programs. Asigned parent permission slip is required.xIPAD INFORMATION:Redeployment for grades 6 & 7 during the week of September 6thTechnology Fee and one page form submitted prior to that time. Please submit fee onlineand send in form first day of school.Deployment for grade 5 mid-September. Technology Fee and IPad Packet. Furtherinformation forthcoming at Orientation.xLOCKERS - A HALLWAY locker and lock will be assigned to each student onsecondthe day of school.Each student is responsible for the cleanliness and care of the interior and exterior of his/her locker.The security of the locker is the responsibility of each student. Do not allow other students to use your locker.Lost or damaged locks can be replaced for 5.00.GYM LOCKERS - Students are REQUIRED to provide a lock for use during gym class. Theckloneeds to beremoved at the end ofthe PE classperiod. Students are advised that they should not bring valuable items intothe gym area. The school will not assume responsibility for lost or stolen items. Lockers belong to the school andwill be checked periodically to ensure the safety and well being of all our students at Poquessing.x LUNCH WITH THE PRINCIPAL – Students will be given a choice early in the school year to indicate whetherornottheywouldliketohaveent names “Lunchare selected bywitha random thedrawing. Prin

Lunch includes pizza and soda or water. Students may bring their own lunch. Parents will be notified if theirstudent’s name is selected.xNURSE INFORMATION - Pleasesend documentationtions to ofthe nurse.yourAllchilstudents in all grades are required to have two measles vaccines. See the nurse’s web linksite for updated information throughout the 127/site/default.aspthThe School Health Law requires medical examinations for all childrengradein 6 and dental examinations for allthchildren in 7 grade. It is recommended that these examinations be done by your family physician and dentist.Please see the Nurse’s webpage on Poquessing’s websicompleted forms should be st. in the Nurse’s office by Ox NOT A NUT FREE SCHOOL -There are members of our building that have eresevallergies to foodand environmental antigens. Please help us continue to promote an environment that all can enjoywithout allergic reactions by instructing your child that food cannot be shared in the classroom, thelunchroom, on the bus or at the busstop or at after school activities. Because the consumption ofcertain foods or even the scent of certain foods may cause complications that may leave childrenand or adults in compromised conditions requiring health care, children are asked to bringir theown snacks for the various special celebrations when permissible throughout the year. Pleasecontact your child’s teacher before you sendwash their hands after they eat snacks and lunch. We areo askingals students to refrain frombringing scented body sprays, perfumes, hand sanitizers, or any scented items. Similar unwantedreactions can occur to those within the building.xOne-Way traffic pattern – Parents/guardians dropping students off are asked to enter the main drivewayon Heights Lane and proceed left around the building for drop-off at the gym door then continue out PoquessingWay exit. To help insure the safety of students and drivers,one-way patterns are in effect at all times.Parents/guardians dropping off and picking up students during bus transport times cannot use the main busport.x You will be able to use the rear entrance near the gymmorningfordrop-off and afternoonpick-up. Doors willopen at 7:25 a.m. –8:00 a.m. and at 2:55 p.m. We ask that you pull close to the curb to avoid blocking the drive.During non-busing times (8:00am –2:35 pm), earlydismissals and late drop offs may use front entrance/ circle.Signs are posted and arrows paintedon the drives to assist motorists with directions.xAfternoon Pick-Up - Parents maypark in theFerderbar bus circle or the rear of Poquessing to Pick–UpStudents. Pleasevoida the crowded area around Poquessing.Please communicate with your child andvehasroutine.*NEW* Security System at Entrance - Please be advisedas a part of Poquessing’spleased to report an enhancement toour school security.We now have the addition of a secure entrancevestibule ANDan entrance security management system calledEasyLobby Secure Visitor. Easy Lobbyis a securevestibule and check-in system. The system will allow the school office staff to track who is entering and exitingthe school. The key benefits not only include improved security butl enhancewilthe visitor check-in procedures.It will also provide additional safeguards by screening against certain individuals. The system will improvesecurity by identifying who is in a facility quickly and accurately, especially in emergency situations.Moreinformation will be forthcoming once the system is fully installed.A secure STATE ISSUED PHOTO ID will berequired for entrance to the building.xSPORTS - Students interested in participatinghockeyinor coeda fallsoccer must have a physical on file in the physical education office prior to tryouts. A PIAA physical card is signedby a doctor and parent in order to participate.The form can be obtained on line (see our web site). Students