Parent Emails for 24-25

April 9 & May 14

Last Parent Email for 24-25

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to address an incident today involving a Chromebook at school. Unfortunately, a student's Chromebook was damaged due to a small explosion of sparks and smoke. This was caused by another student jamming lead from a mechanical pencil into a Chromebook. This is known as the Chromebook TikTok Challenge. The room was evacuated, but there was no need for a whole school evacuation. Thankfully, no one was injured, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of safe technology use.

Mr. Waszo and I are in the process of interviewing all the students present in the classroom. When we find the person that is responsible there will be school discipline (suspension) and criminal charges filed (criminal mischief).

We take the safety and security of our students seriously, and incidents like these are opportunities for us to reinforce our policies. We encourage you to discuss responsible usage with your children and remind them they will face serious consequences - at school and with the police - if they do

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Your partnership in ensuring a safe learning environment is greatly appreciated.

Chromebook Return
Speaking of Chromebooks, as the school year comes to a close, there will be some changes regarding technology. This year ALL school-issued Chromebooks and chargers will be collected by the district and stored over the summer. Current 6th and 7th grade student chromebooks will be returned the first week of classes in the fall. Current 8th grade students will be issued new devices at the highschool. All PMS collections will take place the last week of school. See the schedule below for your child’s specific turn in date.

To ensure this process goes as smoothly as possible please read the following guidelines:

Return both the Chromebook and original charger.
Devices and accessories should be clean and charged enough to power on
Students should report any damages (beyond normal wear) at the time of collection so repairs can be made over the summer.
6th and 7th grade only - Chromebooks should be labeled as follows:
- First Name, Last Name, Next Year’s Grade Level
- Labels will be provided at school. If your child is turning in a device over the summer please label it this way.

Please note all devices will be inspected. If a Chromebook or charger is missing, damaged beyond normal wear, or covered in stickers/adhesive residue/excessive filth the following fees will be assessed.

Lost/Damaged Chromebook: $185.00
Lost/Damaged Charger: $15.00
Cleaning Fee: $15.00
These fees will be added to your student’s school account if necessary.

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain and manage our technology resources so we can continue to provide quality learning tools for all students. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jena Reott, our Librarian, at [email protected] or 724-744-4431 (X2004).

8th-Grade Farewell
Just a quick reminder about the 8th-grade farewell this Friday, any inquiries about monetary donation, gift card, and/or parent volunteering, please contact Mrs. Yackovich, yackovichd@penntrafford.org.

5K at Bushy Run
On Tuesday, May 20 the Jackie Landram Memorial 5K will take place. All Penn Middle students will participate in the event. This year we are encouraging all students to seek pledges from their families, friends, and neighbors. Some of you have already donated and we greatly appreciate your support. For those of you who have not, the deadline for submission has been extended until Friday, May 16. The funds generated will be donated to Landram's Light Charitable organization. If you have any questions contact Mr. Steele at [email protected]. Thank You!

If you would like to volunteer to help chaperone the 5K, contact Mrs. Yackovich, [email protected].

Event Calendar
May 14 & 15 - Keystone Algebra Testing for Algebra Students
May 16 - 8th-grade Farewell
May 19-22 - Chromebook Collection
May 20

Landram Memorial 5K
Locker Clean out

May 22 - Yearbook Dance
May 23 - Last Day of School - Early Dismissal at 1pm

Jim Simpson
[email protected]
724-744-4431

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Hope you Spring is off to a great start. Not the warmest spring on record, but the forecast is getting better. Remember these days when July and August roll around and its 90+.

Yearbooks

The deadline for ordering a yearbook is Thursday April 10th - this is tomorrow. Yearbooks must be ordered by 11:59 pm Thursday. The cost of the yearbook is $32.67 before tax. There will be no extra yearbooks purchased for the end-of-the-year sale.

If you haven't purchased before, please use our school code: 1016325111663265. Here is a link to purchase a yearbook. - https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1016325111663265

Please contact sponsor Heather Long ([email protected]) if you have any issues ordering.

7/8/9th Grade Football Parent & Player Meeting

Tuesday April 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the Penn Trafford HS Cafeteria

Meet the Coaching Staffs
Expectations
Calendars/Communication
Plans for Summer, Camp, Season

This meeting is for any student and his parents wanting to play football in 2025 for the school teams.

7/8th Grade - Coach Kerry Yacamelli ([email protected])

JVB/9th Grade - Coach Aaron Minor ([email protected])

POP UP Book Fair!

A mini book fair will be held April 22, 23, and 24th in the afternoon only. All books are BOGO! This is the perfect opportunity to purchase books for after the PSSA's and/or add to your child's summer reading collection. The fair is optional to attend. You can pay by cash, card, digital payment (apple pay) or scholastic e-wallet. As always, book donations to our library are appreciated.

POP UP Book Fair! April 22, 23, and 24th afternoons only

Following the ELA PSSA exams, kids can unwind and explore a world of stories at the Scholastic Book Fair, where every book is a buy-one-get-one-free deal! This is a fantastic chance to enrich your child's reading list with engaging tales for after testing and the upcoming summer break. Payments can be made via cash, card, digital payment (Apple Pay), or the Scholastic E-Wallet.

Even if you're not in the market for books, your child can still participate in the fun by purchasing a lollipop from one of our displays for a shot at winning exciting prizes! Please note, lollipop purchases are cash only and exact change is appreciated. Every penny raised will go towards enhancing the library at PMS. Don't miss out on this wonderful event that combines the joy of reading with the thrill of winning!

Advanced Classes for the 2025-2026 School Year

We have begun the 25-26 middle school scheduling process. If your 6th or 7th-grade child is not in advanced literature or math and you would like him or her to be screened to be, please email Mrs. Schrinel ([email protected]) by May 1.

2025 State Testing

Below are the 2025 PSSA & Keystone Testing Dates. Please refrain from scheduling family trips on these days. We suggest medical appointments be made for the afternoon as the testing will require most of the morning.

April 22, 23, & 24 - PSSA English & Language Arts (Right when we return from break)

April 29 & 30 - PSSA Mathematics

May 6 & 7 - PSSA & Local Science

May 14 & 15 - Keystone Algebra

*On April 24, neither Penn nor Trafford Middle Schools will excuse students for “Take Your Child to Work Day”. However, we will accommodate any other non-state testing day you have scheduled for this event.

Mean Girls Jr

Show dates Friday April 25, 26, & 27.
Times to be announced
Visit our Drama Club Website for more information

Calendar of Events remaining for April

Apr 10 - Yearbooks must be purchased by 11:59 pm

Apr 11 - Civil War Cannon Demo

Apr 15 - Therapaws Visit

Apr 17-21 Spring Break - No school for students

Apr 22-24 - PSSA English & Language Arts

Apr 23 - Mid-point of Q4

Apr 25-27 Mean Girls Jr.

Apr 29-30 - PSSA Mathematics

March 23 & March 27


	2025 PSSA Testing Dear Parents and Guardians, It is that time of year when students across Pennsylvania prepare for the upcoming PSSAs (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment). This state testing is mandated by the Department of Education. At Penn Middle School, our staff and students have been working diligently throughout the year with curriculum and activities aligned to Pennsylvania’s Academic Standards in each subject area. Starting April 22, 2025, students in grades 6-8 will participate in the PSSAs. These state assessments evaluate your child’s proficiency in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and Science. The ELA and Mathematics assessments will be conducted using paper and pencil, while the Grade 8 Science PSSA will be administered online. Additionally, Penn-Trafford eAcademy students are asked to come to Penn Middle to take their assessments. PSSA Testing Schedule for Penn Middle School To help your child succeed, please ensure they: -Arrive to school on time and are well-rested. -Eat a healthy breakfast before testing. -Wear comfortable clothing. Additionally, we kindly ask that you avoid scheduling appointments during the mornings of the testing dates. We also ask that you encourage your child to take these assessments seriously and to give their best effort. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact us. Sincerely, Dr. Katie Datz Mr. Jim Simpson School Assessment Coordinator Principal

February 2 & 23

January 2nd & 13th

January 13 Parent Email

PTO Bookfair

The Penn Middle School book fair is returning Feb 10th -13th. Students will attend with their ELA teacher on assigned days and have opportunities to stop down during free time. Parent volunteers are needed! There are morning and afternoon shifts available. Please only sign up for ONE shift. If not all shifts are taken, we will then allow multiple shifts. Use the link below to sign up. Thank you in advance for making yourself available to help.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45AEA829A0F8CE9-54191005-penn

You must have clearances on file with the school. Any questions regarding the book fair can be directed to Heather Baker ([email protected]).

Welcome Mr. Farabik

Adam Farabik is our new science 7 & 8 science teacher, replacing Mr. Konopka. He attended Duquesne University and lives in Export. His experience includes field placements in a variety of urban and suburban schools, as well as several years of educational roles in both the Penn-Trafford School District and Highlands School District. He is excited to be part of the Penn-Trafford community and looks forward to working with the exceptional staff and students here.

Girls MS Volleyball Sign-ups

7th & 8th-grade girls must be cleared with an active physical and imPACT test in order to participate in tryouts on Monday, January 27. Registration/Sign Ups for 7/8 Girls Volleyball will CLOSE on Thursday, January 23rd. You can NOT sign up after this date at 8:00pm.

The link to register is below, please don’t wait until the 23rd to begin the registration process. If your daughter is interested, I suggest registering today.

https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/2024-2025-winter-sports-registration-10

Door Security Update

Previously, we kept one door open from 3:00 to 7:00 PM, to allow parents and students to return to the building for forgotten items. However, after reviewing this practice, we have decided to keep all doors locked for safety reasons.

If your child forgets an important item, please call by 3:30 PM or email me at [email protected]. I will do my best to assist, either by returning to the building myself or coordinating with a custodian to meet you at the door.

Please note, this system is not foolproof. While I check my email regularly, I may not see your message immediately—especially in the evening. The closer to dismissal you contact me, the better the chance we can help you retrieve the item. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in prioritizing safety.

Semester Change

Today, Monday, January 13 is the end of the 1st semester. Student schedules will change for the 2nd semester on Tuesday January 14. Students’ core classes (Math, ELA, Science, & Social Studies) will not change, only specials, such as Computers, Art, Music, and Physical Education will change. Every student received an updated copy of their schedule in homeroom this morning. If you want to digitally review the schedule with your child, log on to the parent portal app, click on classes, then on top of the page click on Q3. Your child's schedule for the 3rd quarter will be listed. Just to be clear, Semester 1 (S1) consists of Quarter 1 (Q1) and Quarter 2 (Q2), Semester 2 (S2) consists of Quarter 3 (Q3) and Quarter 4 (Q4).

Upcoming Events

Jan 20

MLK Day - Teacher Professional Development - no school for Students
Report Cards Posted on Powerschool Parent Portal

Jan 22 - Club Day

Feb 5 - Club Day

Feb 7

7th-grade Dental check-ups
8th-grade Reality Fair at TMS

Feb 10-13 Book Fair

Feb 12 - Midpoint of Q3

Feb 13 - Central Westmoreland Career and Tech Center (CWCTC) Roadshow to visit PM

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns,
Jim Simpson
Principal
[email protected]
724-744-4431

Jim Simpson posted in Penn Middle School


	January 1 Parent Email Dear Parents and Guardians, School resumes tomorrow, January 2nd. As we step into 2025, we are excited to embark on a new year filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. As we begin the new year, we are re-committed to fostering an environment where every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired. Our dedicated teachers and staff are here to guide your children through an engaging curriculum, meaningful extracurricular activities, with an emphasis on individual accountability. We value the partnership between home and school and encourage open communication throughout the year. Together, we can ensure that your child’s middle school experience is not only successful but also memorable and transformative. Let’s make 2025 a year of achievement and celebration! After School Math Tutoring We are pleased to announce that Penn Middle School will offer After-School Math Tutoring beginning in January. The benefit of the program is to help your child get the extra support they may need for their math class. This can range from working on homework, reviewing for a test, reviewing concepts that a student is struggling with, or helping a student catch-up on work they have missed due to an absence. After-School Math Tutoring will begin Tuesday, January 7. LOCATION: Penn Middle School Room 115 DAYS: Every Tuesday & Thursday TIME: 3:00 - 4:00 PM Transportation is NOT provided and is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Please be in the front parking lot by 3:55pm for pick-up. If you are planning to have your child stay for tutoring, please contact Mrs. Bondra ([email protected]) via email. You must contact her before your child can attend. Flexible Instruction Days (FID) In previous emails, I have explained the FID process. Please go to this link for an explanation of the process when we have to close school. Yearbook Ordering is now open for this year's yearbook! The cost of the yearbook is $32.67 before tax. If you ordered last year, you should be able to log in and purchase one for this year. There is an option for personalization pages in your child's yearbook. You do not have to do the personalization when you order. You have until April 1st to personalize your child's pages. If you haven't purchased before, please use our school code: 1016325111663265. Here is a link to purchase a yearbook. - https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1016325111663265 Please contact sponsor Heather Long ([email protected]) if you have any issues ordering. If you would like to order a yearbook for a student from a less fortunate family, please send in a check to Miss Long in an envelope marked “additional yearbook”. Thank you in advance for considering this request! What is Landram's Light? Our friend, Jackie Landram, taught seventh grade English/Language Arts at Penn Middle School for 16 years. She battled cancer for seven years; unfortunately, she lost her battle at age 44 on January 25, 2022. In an effort to keep her spirit and memory alive, her friends and colleagues formed the charitable organization Landram's Light. What does Landram’s Light do? Last year, Landram’s Light donated 50 tote bags (a canvas bag filled with a blanket, water bottle, beanie, puzzle books, hand sanitizer, lip balm, tissues, hand warmers, and hard candy) for cancer patients at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Monroeville. In addition, they provided over 75 holiday meals to families in the Penn-Trafford community and assisted multiple local families during family emergencies or tragedies. The funds used to support these activities are primarily raised through student events, such as school dances, a dodgeball tournament, teacher pie in the face contest, and district wide dress-down days for teachers. Why Support Landram’s Light? This year, we are noticing a greater need to help our community. We had an increase in requests for our Thanksgiving dinner program, and are anticipating this trend to continue for our Christmas and Easter dinner programs. In addition, we would like to increase our cancer tote donations from 50 to 100. In order to meet this new demand, we are asking for your help. Below is a QR code that will provide a direct link to the Landram’s Light Venmo account or if you would prefer to donate via check, make the check payable to Penn Middle School adding Landram's Light in the MEMO line (please drop it off at Penn Middle School or mail to: Penn Middle School, 1007 Penn Middle Way, Jeanette, PA 15644). Through our fundraising efforts and the community support, we are hoping to meet the needs of the Penn-Trafford community! Please scan this QR code to make a donation to Landram’s Light. Please scan this QR code to visit the Landram’s Light website. Thank you. Upcoming Events Jan 2 - First Day Back from Winter Break Jan 6 - Mrs. Schrinel introduces HS scheduling process to 8th-grade students during SS class Jan 8 - Club Day Jan 9 - HS students meet with 8th-graders to discuss activities and opportunities at PTHS Jan 13 - Last day of 2nd Quarter and 1st Semester Jan 14 - First day of 3rd Quarter and 2nd Semester Jan 20 - MLK Day - Teacher Professional Development - no school for Students - Report Cards Posted on Powerschool Parent Portal Jan 22 - Club Day Feb 5 - Club Day Feb 7 - 8th-grade Reality Fair at TMS Feb 10-13 Book Fair Thank you for your time and please contact me with any questions or concerns. I hope your 2025 is fabulous! Jim Simpson Principal Penn Middle School [email protected] 724-744-4431

October 6 & Oct 28

October 28 Parent Email

Hello Parents and Guardians,

Enjoy Halloween this Thursday - Trick or Treat is 6 to 8 pm. Also, don't forget to "Fall Back" this weeked.

Event Communications
Parents often ask, how do the middle schools share communications like the elementary schools share Take-Home-Tuesday information? We don't send paper fliers home but all fliers are posted to our take-home Tuesday website please see the link below and bookmark for future reference. https://penntrafford.edlioschool.com/apps/pages/take_home_tuesday

Lunch Bunch
We are excited to offer a new opportunity for our 6th-grade students as they navigate the transition to middle school. Starting soon, our Bridges Therapist, Taylor Yuhasz, will be leading a "Lunch Bunch" group for 6th graders. This group is designed to provide a safe and supportive space for students to discuss the challenges they face as they adjust to middle school.
The Lunch Bunch will meet every Tuesday during lunch and will focus on helping students develop important life skills, including:
Coping strategies for managing stress
Social skills to help them form positive relationships
Techniques for handling the demands of school and social life
Building emotional maturity and responsible decision-making
Please note that space is limited to 10 students, and spots will be filled based on need. If you believe your child could benefit from joining, please let us know by October 25 to ensure they can be considered.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Schrinel. We appreciate your support as we work to help our students thrive during this important transition.

Student Council
Reminder to parents that the Student Council fundraiser pick up is Tuesday October 29 in the cafeteria from 5-7 PM. Please contact Mrs. Yackvoich with any questions, [email protected].

From Nurse Stukus
Parents of 6th Graders - As part of Pennsylvania’s School Health requirements, all 6th graders are required to submit a physical/well child exam and updated immunizations to the school nurse. If you haven’t submitted this already, please email a copy of the exam and updated immunizations to the school nurse at [email protected] Blank Physical forms are located on the district website on the Health Services page. CLICK here for Health Forms

Parents of 7th Graders - As part of Pennsylvania’s School Health requirements, all 7th graders are required to submit a copy of a recent dental exam done within the last year. If you haven’t submitted this already, please email a copy of the dental exam to the school nurse at [email protected] Blank Dental forms are located on the district website on the Health Services page. CLICK here for Health Forms

Drama Club News
Exciting news! This spring, Penn Middle Drama Club will present Mean Girls Jr., and for the first time, we’re inviting ALL students—not just current club members—to audition!
This is a fantastic opportunity for any student interested in acting, singing, and being part of a memorable performance. We encourage everyone, regardless of experience, to consider joining us for what promises to be a thrilling production.
Audition Details:

Audition Dates: November 5th & 6th after school 3:00 - 6:00 approx. (students must sign up in advance)
Callbacks: November 7th 5:30 - 8:30 (Callback list will be posted the night of November 6th - not everyone will get a callback)

Show Dates: April 25–27, 2025. Students can find more information about the audition process, including what to prepare, and sign up directly at www.pennmiddledrama.com.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or new to the stage, we can’t wait to see all the amazing talent Penn Middle School has to offer!

New Quarter
Today is the first day of the 2nd Quarter. Our students are generally “in the swing of things” by now and should have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. This is much easier said than done, but I am pleased with our progress thus far. In any case, if your son or daughter is struggling with academics, friendships, or something else. Please contact the individual teacher, our counselor Mrs. Schrinel, or me. We are ready to help.

1st Quarter Report Cards will be posted to PowerSchool this Friday November 1st.

Joking Around
Often when investigating a bullying report, an alleged bully will say "I was just joking around." Then the child and sometimes parents expect me to just give a warning about this "joking around" behavior. This is not going to happen. If a child is "joking around" and doesn't realize he/she is causing another student distress, he/she should have known better and will be punished accordingly. I don't like to highlight negative issues, but we will not allow any type of bullying. If bullying is substantiated, discipline will fit the behavior.
If your child tells you about bullying behavior, we are ready to listen and investigate the issue; please have him/her see me, Mr. Waszo, or Mrs. Schrinel as soon as possible. We also have the Safe2Say website, which accepts anonymous reports of bullying and/or related events. Lastly, we have two physical bully boxes, these are drop-off boxes for students to give us anonymous written notes of bullying reports.

Red Ribbon Week - October 28 to November 1 - Say NO to Drugs!

Upcoming Important Dates and Events
October 30 - Club Day
November 1 - Q1 Report Cards Posted
November 6 - Picture Make-up Day
November 7 - Teen Savers
November 8 - Intruder Drill
November 11 - Veterans Day - Staff Professional Development - No School for Students
November 13 - Club Day
November 20 - Student Council Mega Event
November 22 - 7th & 8th Band to Seton Hill
November 26 - Midpoint of Q2
November 27 - Early Dismissal Schedule
November 28 to Dec 2 - Thanksgiving Break

Please email me ([email protected]) or call (724-744-4431) about any questions or concerns you have regarding your son or daughter.
Jim Simpson
Principal

View, Appreciate or Reply

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Parent Email for October 6

Hello to parents and guardians of Penn Middle School,

This week, Penn Middle School will celebrate GRIT week, a special tribute to our dear friend and colleague, Jackie Landram. Jackie bravely battled cancer for seven years, demonstrating Grace, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity, and inspiring all who knew her. In her memory, Jackie's friends and colleagues established Landram’s Light, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting others. Funds raised during this week's activities will support Landram’s Light in providing Cancer Totes for those fighting cancer and Holiday Meal Boxes for families in need. For more information about Landram’s Light or a list of activities, please visit Landram’s Light.

GRIT Week Spirit Events

Monday - Teal Day
Tuesday Class color day - 6th=Plaid, 7th=Camo, 8th=Neon
Wednesday - Penguins
Thursday - Kenny Chesney/Country
Friday - Fitness Wear for the Dodgeball Tournament

Reality Tour

The Reality Tour is a parent/child drug-prevention experience with lasting impact. It provides the foundation for open discussion during the teen years.

The Reality Tour Includes:

Dramatic presentation of choices made and consequences of a teen on drugs
Coping skills to use as a family
Q & A with youth in recovery

Requirements: Your child must be at least 10 years old and attend with you. Parent involvement is so critical to the experience.

Leaders at the Reality Tour are looking forward to another year of serving families in Westmoreland County with our drug prevention program. Their first program will be October 29th. Here is the registrationlink: https://bit.ly/3TR7M13

First Club Day

Our first PTO Club Day is scheduled for October 16th, running from 9:30 to 10:00 am. We look forward to welcoming parents and community members back to Penn Middle School to lead clubs and enrich students' learning experiences in various subjects of interest. If you are a first time club sponsor, please arrive at 9:10 for a brief meeting with me.

If you are interested in helping in any way, please contact our PTO President, Jamie Yaremko, at [email protected]. There are usually two club meetings per month.

If you would like to join the PTO, you can Venmo Jenny Martin our Treasurer @PennMiddlePTO. The membership fee is $5. Please give your first and last name. You can also send in the membership fee with your child.

Instagram

Please follow our Penn Middle Instagram page. Instagram is a free social media platform where we share photos, videos, and happenings at Penn Middle to connect school to home. Here is the link to our page:

“Penn Middle Insta”

2024-2025 Yearbook

Orders are open for this year's yearbook. The cost of the yearbook is $32.67 before tax. If you ordered last year, you should be able to log in and purchase one for this year. There is an option for personalization pages in your child's yearbook. You do not have to do the personalization when you order. You have until April 1st to personalize your child's pages. If you haven't purchased before, please use our school code: 1016325111663265. Here is a link to purchase a yearbook. - https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1016325111663265

Please contact sponsor Heather Long ([email protected]) if you have any issues ordering. If you would like to order a yearbook for a student from a less fortunate family, please send in a check to Miss Long in an envelope marked “additional yearbook”. Thank you in advance for considering this request!

Events Calendar

October 7 to 11 - GRIT Week

October 10 - School Dance 6:30 to 8:30 - Informational Flier Attached

October 14 - No School for Students - Teacher Professional Development

October 25 - End of 1st Quarter

October 28 - Beginning of 2nd Quarter

October 31 - Halloween (There is no 2-hour delay on November 1st)

November 1 - Report Cards posted on Powerschool

November 6 - Picture Make-up Day

Thank you for taking time to review this email. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

jim Simpson
Principal
724-744-4431
[email protected]

Sept 10 & Sept 24


	Parent Email for Sept 23 Parent Email Sep 23 Happy Fall to all parents and guardians of PM Students, I am resending this parent email. I originally sent it yesterday, but for some reason, it didn't go out to all parents and staff. If this is a duplicate for you, please delete. I am still learning the new alert communication system. Today is the midpoint of the 1st Quarter, your son or daughter should now be comfortable with his/her schedule. Hopefully he or she is excited about the new year. If there are any issues or questions you have, please feel free to contact the subject teacher, our counselor, or me. Academic Struggles in class What should you do as a parent if your child is struggling in school? Support at Home: Provide a supportive environment at home for studying and completing homework. Ensure they have a quiet place to work, necessary materials, and a regular schedule for study time. Encourage Communication: Keep open lines of communication with your child. Encourage them to talk about their challenges and frustrations with schoolwork. Has he or she visited the teacher during Personalized Learning Time (PLT) at the end of the day. Are you checking the teacher lesson plans? Promote a Balanced Lifestyle: Ensure your child is getting enough sleep, proper nutrition, and physical activity. A balanced lifestyle can support their ability to focus and learn effectively. Identify the Issue: Talk to your child's teachers to understand specific areas where they are struggling. Is it in particular subjects, study habits, organization, or something else? Meet with Teachers: Schedule a meeting with your child's teachers to discuss their academic performance and any concerns you or they have. Ask about strategies for improvement and how you can support their learning at home. Stay Involved: Stay involved in their school activities and progress. Attend parent-teacher conferences and keep updated with their academic performance. Check Powerschool once or twice a week, not every day. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If the struggles persist despite your efforts, consider seeking advice from our counselor, Mrs. Schrinel, or me. Explore Tutoring or Extra Help: Look into tutoring programs either through the school or privately if your child needs additional help in certain subjects. Please know, our staff wants every student to find success here at Penn Middle. 7/8 Girls Basketball 7/8 Girls Basketball Starts September 30, 2024. Tryouts will be September 30 thru October 2 at Trafford Middle School from 3pm - 5pm. A Middle School shuttle provided from Penn to Trafford (Drop Only). Mr. Fontana sent an email out to the parents of the girls that signed-up to try-out. Contact him ([email protected]) if you have any questions. PTO Welcome back everyone! We hope that you had a fantastic summer and the new school year is off to a great start. The Penn Middle PTO has set up a Venmo account so that membership dues and donations can be made more easily. You can Venmo Jenny Martin our Treasurer @PennMiddlePTO. The membership fee is $10. Please give your first and last name. Club Sign-ups are this week during lunches Tuesday - 8th Wednesday - 7th Thursday - 6th Clubs offerings are Chess, Diamond Art, Board-gaming, Bible, Fantasy Sports, Cooking, Firefighters, Drama, Kindness, Karate, & STEM. Until we have sponsors for previous clubs like photography and Legos, we cannot have these clubs. Please contact our PTO President, Jaime Evanuik at [email protected] if interested in sponsoring a club. Clubs are offered twice a month from 9:30 to 10am. Community Info/Take Home Tuesday Page Please visit the info page on the Penn Middle Website often. There are numerous district and community flyers for students and residents. Upcoming Events Calendar Spirit Week - all this week Oct 3 - Teen Savers during Homeroom Oct 4 - Motivational BMX Assembly Oct 12 - Drama Club Workshop (See Flyer Below) Oct 14 - Teacher Professional Development Day - No School for Students Oct 25 - End of First Quarter PSSA Results PSSA Results can now be found in PowerSchool by using the PowerSchool Website, NOT the app. Click on Student Reports then PSSA Scores to view results. Our students will also bring a physical copy of their scores home this week. If you have any questions after reviewing the information, please feel free to contact Mrs. Schrinel ([email protected]), our counselor. Upcoming Drama Club Workshop Please contact me with any questions or concerns regarding your son or daughter. Jim Simpson [email protected] 724-744-4431 Penn Middle Parent Email for Sept 10 Penn Middle Families, We hope your September is off to a great start, please review all the important announcements below. Jim Simpson PT Hoops PT Travel Basketball Tryouts - Today, Tuesday the 10th, is the last day to sign up. To register please go to: www.penntraffordtravelbasketball.com Registration will close Tuesday night at 11:59pm. Once registration is closed, a tryout schedule will be created and sent out. Note: This is our first season using this website so please message us on Facebook or email us at [email protected] if you have any issues. PTARC or In-house Basketball sign-ups are also currently taking place. Here is a link for sign-ups. Deadline to sign-up for PTARC in-house is September 30. PT Travel Basketball and PTARC In-house Basketball are two separate organizations. 9/11 Remembrance We have an important plan for commemorating the upcoming 9/11 anniversary on Wednesday. Throughout the morning, we will make brief announcements over the PA system, starting at 8:15 AM when the First Tower was hit and ending around 10:30 AM when the Second Tower fell. These announcements will recreate the timeline of events from that day in 2001, offering a glimpse of what it was like. There will be approximately 6-7 announcements in total, each providing key updates from that time. We hope this helps our students better understand the significance of 9/11 and its impact. Thank you for your participation and remembrance. Picture Day is Wednesday September 18 Students will bring home a flier with a unique access code. Parents will use this access code to choose and order picture sets online. Student pictures are taken during the morning from 8 to 10 am. Each student will be given a form that contains their unique access code and the website where to go to view the image. Parents should also get an email from JN Photos when the images are online. Please allow up to 3 weeks for images to be posted online. If for some reason you do not like your proof a makeup day will be scheduled at a later date in October. Any questions please feel free to reach out to JN Photos at 724-382-4177 or [email protected] Care Closet The Care Closet was recently established to provide essential resources like clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies to students in need, ensuring they can focus on their education without worry. It fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, promoting equity and well-being for all students. On behalf of Penn Middle School, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations to our care closet. Your support plays a crucial role in ensuring that our students have access to essential items they need, helping them focus on their education and well-being. We deeply appreciate your commitment to supporting our students and fostering a positive school culture. If anyone wishes to make further donations, you can do so through our Amazon wish list or drop donations off at Penn Middle. Again, thank you for your generosity! - Dr. Datz Student Council Fundraiser We are 4 days into our Fundraiser. Let's make this your best fundraiser ever! Now would be great time to: 1. Register your student at https://www.gwrcfundraising.com/ 2. You can enter your contacts in the "Contacts" section for automatic emails to friends and family. This way they pay online and have it delivered directly to them. 3. All orders are due by September 24th. If you are turning in the cookie and popcorn order form, make sure all checks are made out to Penn Middle School. 4. Check the school website for more information and prize list. Upcoming Events September 18 - Picture Day September 23 - Midpoint of Quarter 1 Spirit Week - Sept 23-27 23 - America - Red White Blue 24 - Twin Day 25 - Soccer Mom & BBQDad 26 - Jersey Day 27 - Whiteout October 3 - Teen Savers during Homeroom October 14 - Teacher Professional Development Day - No school for students October 25 - End of 1st Quarter Please email or call me if you have any questions or concerns. Jim Simpson [email protected] 724-744-4431

July 25 & August 21

Penn Middle School

Welcome to Penn Middle School for the 24-25 School Year

Files

Parents and Guardians of Penn Middle School Students,

I am so glad to welcome your family to Penn Middle School. This is going to be an outstanding year. Please review the information below and contact me if you have any questions.

Open House is tonight August 21 from 6 to 8 pm

Parents of students in grades 6, 7, & 8 will follow their child's daily schedule during the evening. A time schedule is listed below and a map of the building is attached. Please take time before Open House to review your child's schedule on Powerschool and location of rooms.

During each open house, teachers will share a brief outline of the course content, classroom procedures, and other pertinent information. Open House is not a time to talk about specific concerns regarding your child. Individual parent conferences can be arranged at a later date as needed.

Due to space limitations, students and other siblings should NOT come to Open House. Lastly, parking space is at a premium, so I suggest carpooling.

Please use the chart below to write down your child’s schedule or you can you the Powerschool App.

PERIOD	TIME	TEACHER	CLASSROOM
1st	6:00-6:15
2nd	6:20-6:30
3rd	6:35-6:45
4th	6:50-7:00
5th	7:05-7:15
6th	7:20-7:30
7th	7:35-7:45
8th	7:55-8:00

Attendance - Parent/Guardian excuses when students are absent

When your child is absent from school you will need to either send the excuse in with your child to give to their homeroom teacher or email the absence excuse to [email protected] with the following information:

Student’s full name
Grade level
Homeroom Number
Specific date of absence (i.e. 11/9/2024)
Reason for absence
Parent/guardian signature and phone number

All absences will be marked (U) or Unexcused absence until we receive the excuse for absence. If the excuse is not received within 3 days the absence will remain unexcused.

Care Closet

This year, we are excited to establish a "Care Closet" at Penn Middle. Our goal is to provide clothing, shoes, hygiene products, and school supplies to students in need. If you have items to donate, we would greatly appreciate your contributions. Travel-sized toiletries like toothpaste and body wash are especially welcome, as well as clothing donations, from shirts and pants to shoes and coats, in good condition. In addition to this, here is a link to our Amazon wish list. You can also purchase items on the list at any store you wish for cheaper prices. The Amazon list serves as a guide to what we are looking for. We will happily take any donations. You can contact Dr. Datz directly with any questions at [email protected].

Picture Day is Wednesday September 18

Every student will be photographed on Wednesday September 18 for our school yearbook. Student pictures are taken during the morning from 8 to 10 am. Each student will be given a form that contains their unique access code and the website where to go to view the image. Parents should also get an email from JN Photos when the images are online. Please allow up to 3 weeks for images to be posted online. If for some reason you do not like your proof a makeup day will be scheduled at a later date in October. Any questions please feel free to reach out to JN Photos at 724-382-4177 or [email protected]

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones will remain in student lockers during the school day. Cell phones will not be used in class, during study hall, or during lunch. Students may check their cell phones between class changes. During the end of the day PLT, students are permitted to use their cell phones.

We instituted this change based on disruptions to the learning environment and social media bullying during the day, but mainly for socialization. Our children need to learn to communicate with each other, it is that simple. I have to admit lunch times are much noisier than the recent past, but this is a good thing. Kids are talking with each other and interacting, not just sitting by each other scrolling on their phones.

Instagram

Please follow our Penn Middle Instagram page. Instagram is a free social media platform where we share photos, videos, and positive happenings at Penn Middle to connect school to home. Here is the link to our page:

Penn Middle Insta

Picture Opt-out - Often we take pictures of students and post on our Instagram site or another district publication. If you do not want your child photographed, please email me ([email protected]) before September 1, 2024.

Upcoming Events

August 21 - Penn Middle Open House - 6pm to 8pm

Parents will walk their child’s schedule. Parents should begin in their child’s first period class at 6pm.k
Students should NOT attend Open House

August 22 - First Student Day

September 2 - No School Labor Day

September 5 - Teen Savers during Homeroom

September 6 - Student Council Fundraiser Cherrydale Kickoff

September 18 - Picture Day

September 23 - Midpoint of Quarter 1

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to be “up to date” on events here at Penn Middle School.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Jim Simpson

[email protected]

724-744-4431

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PMS Map.pdf

Jim Simpson posted in Penn Middle School, PMS Staff, PMS Teachers

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