Week in Review Volume 31
April 9, 2021 | Boyertown Middle School-East
This week is National Assistant Principals Week 2021 and I would like to take this opportunity to honor the contributions and hard work of assistant principal, Mr. Marsch.
During this challenging past year, Mr. Marsch collaborated closely with principals, administrators, teachers, and support staff to meet the changing needs of our students.
Let’s celebrate Mr.Marsch for his commitment, and dedication to Boyertown Area School District.
Upcoming Dates
April 21 - First day of in-person Wednesdays for all current in-person students
MSE PSSA/Keystone Information
Grab and Go Meal Program
Take home meals will continue to be available on all early dismissal days, including those on June 1 through June 4.
Important Clarifications About In-Person Learning on Wednesdays
1. The in-person learning on Wednesday that starts on April 21 is for all current in-person learners, including both 4-day students and hybrid 2-day students. Dismissal will be at 11:35am on Wednesdays.
2. There are several Wednesdays that will be utilized for state assessments. Students must attend school in person on those days to complete the assessments from the building.
3. State testing schedules will be sent out after spring break. Current virtual students will receive information at that time as to when they must come to the building to take their assessments.
4. At the present time, we will not be making any further changes to students' blended learning assignments. As presented at the school board meeting, the middle schools are both close to capacity with current social distancing guidelines.
Honor Roll Certificates
GET TO KNOW YOUR STAFF
Scott Thomas
8th Grade English | Pioneer Team
Mr. Scott Thomas has been an ELA teacher in the Boyertown Area School District for fourteen years, with this being his tenth at Middle School East. Prior to teaching 8th grade ELA, Mr. Thomas spent three years teaching seventh grade and four years teaching sophomores and seniors at BASH. Mr. Thomas grew up in our district, attending Colebrookdale Elementary School and Jr. High West before graduating from the High School as a member of the class of 2003.
At home, Mr. Thomas lives with his two favorite people, his wife of ten years and his four-year-old daughter. He spends most of his time away from school playing with his daughter and has amassed an extensive knowledge of Nick Jr.'s television shows. He is close with his extended family as well and each year looks forward to their annual summer trip to Cape May, NJ. His favorite time of the year, however, is fall, especially Sundays, where he spends a solid nine hours watching each week’s NFL action. He is a loyal fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. Mr. Thomas’s other interests include reading anything he can, creative writing, and playing classic video games, such as the early entries in The Legend of Zelda series. When he isn’t being sedentary, Mr. Thomas enjoys going for long walks and working in his flower gardens, where is constantly engaged in a losing battle against the deer that live in the woods behind his house.
Outsiders Book Pick-Up 7th grade
Any 7th grade students picking up The Outsiders book and would like to pick them up, please be advised that they will be available outside of MSE in a large green tote.
COVID-19 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
BASD has partnered with the Medicine Shoppe in Boyertown to host COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Clinics are being held every Saturday and Sunday through the months of April and May and are in need of volunteers. Volunteers fill many roles and do not need to be a medical professional.
If you are interested in volunteering, please click on the following link:
Student Council is proud to present Middle School East’s 2021 Virtual Talent Show! We are so impressed with all the talented students we have! Thank you to everyone who participated and submitted a video. Please enjoy viewing our Virtual Talent Show!
Attendance Reminder
Virtual families should also continue to use the attendance form if your child will not be accessing classes virtually.
Student Appointment Pick-Up
As more students are re-entering our building as in-person learners, we would like to remind parents of protocols that are still in place
· We are still following limitations on the amount of people that come into the front office area. Therefore, we ask that only essential and necessary items be brought to school for students if forgotten. If something must be forwarded to a student, please have that item bagged with a note attached that includes the student’s name and grade clearly visible.
· When you arrive, please ring the doorbell and announce the reason for your visit. You will then receive further direction.
· Masks must be worn to enter the building.
· If you need to enter the vestibule area where there are tables and directions for various items for pick up and drop-offs, we ask that you remain in that area.
· Please do not enter the inside office area unless directed by our secretary.
· If your student needs to leave during the school day for an appointment, they must present a note to the office staff upon arrival in the morning. The note must include the name of the person picking up. Phone calls are not accepted.
· When you or the designated person arrives to pick up, a driver’s license MUST BE PRESENTED for identification. You will remain outside until identification has been verified and a staff member will escort your student to you.
· Visits to administration and staff are by appointment only.
TRANSPORTATION
If your child utilizes district transportation, please be reminded that masks are required on school buses for the entirety of the time. Additionally, please be advised that if there was a change to your child’s instructional model, that you check infinite campus for their transportation information. Students are expected to arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes prior to their scheduled pick-up time.
LIBRARY UPDATES
Chromebook Chargers
The library has only nine Chromebook chargers that students can borrow if they forget to charge their laptops at night. Please encourage your student to charge their Chromebook nightly.
The Battle of the Books!
Sixteen books are battling to be the best of the books. We are down to the final two books! Students can vote for their favorite books through the link in the library’s Google Classroom. They can join GC using the code TBJ6L5D.
Library Open for Students in the Building
Students who are in the building may visit the library to browse and check out books during study halls,10th period, or during any free time. Books are quarantined for seven days once they are returned to the library.
Library Books for Virtual Students
Virtual Students may select books through the digital East Library Guidebook, (https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQSqKQEQg9GvvERVtyGyA3cUwSrdk62tuU7s3Yrel-54EEkVXTOgFX9oqfI2gL2D9Di1c3gNnkJsT6t/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000&slide=id.g8cee744244_0_770) which can be found on the East Library page. Click on the page to turn it or use the tabs to go to a specific section. Log on to your school Google account to order books here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQtNPvKvm2iD3n4NtFmKfLGNxP15TdNCzKSEk2EjWja4A6ZQ/viewform?usp=sf_link )
Virtual students will receive their books through Grab and Go Library Pickup from 7-4 on school days. Books are quarantined for seven days once they are returned to the library.
Audiobooks and eBooks available!
Students have access to eBooks and audios books through MackinVIA. This video explains how to login to MackinVIA. https://youtu.be/zibcfLyiz5c Kids can listen to audiobooks or read eBooks on their Chromebooks or other devices. Students can visit Mrs. Mento’s 10th-period Zoom with questions (link in library Google Classroom). Mrs. Mento is also available on virtual Wednesdays to help students with MackinVIA. Email her to schedule a time to meet.
Library on Instagram
The Boyertown East Library is on Instagram! Follow the library on Instagram @BoyertownEastLibrary https://www.instagram.com/boyertowneastlibrary/ to see new books, cool programs, featured readers, and more.
FACE COVERINGS
The CDC has updated their mask guidance on their website again this week. Masks must continue to be worn at all times in accordance with our district health and safety plan. Staff and students should wear masks that loop around the ears for the best protection. Gaiters are only permitted if a double layer is worn, per CDC guidelines.
AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK HELP
After School Homework Help (ASHH) is back! For those not familiar with the program, ASHH is a time when students may work on schoolwork from 2:45 to 3:45 PM every Tuesday (A Group and 4/5-day students) and Thursday (B Group and 4/5-day students) under the supervision of East teachers. Students must have transportation home at 3:45pm and will be dismissed to the front loop entrance area. Students do not need to sign up ahead of time, however they MUST make sure they have a ride home.
- For virtual students, there will be an open ASHH Google Meet from 3:30pm to 4:15pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please Note: This virtual option may be expanded or reduced once we determine the number of students utilizing the sessions. Google Classroom Code: zikg65b
- If you have a question about ASHH please email Mr. Howard jhoward@boyertownasd.org
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION REGARDING ILLNESS AND TRIPS
As we are bringing students back to the building, we want to review recommended protocols for attendance, especially in light of the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our hope is that students are able to participate in their classes as they are scheduled whether it is in person or virtual. We recognize that there may be circumstances in which a child is unable to attend in person, but would be able to attend virtually. Please review the guidelines below as you make decisions regarding your child’s attendance in school in person and/or virtually. And, note the guidelines the building will follow for illness including Covid-19 symptoms or positive cases.
-Student cannot participate virtually or in person due to illness:
1. If your child is sick, not feeling well and unable to participate in classes whether it is in person or virtually, follow our typical attendance procedures by notifying the main office via the attendance email or completing the attendance form.
-Student is ill and cannot participate in person, but can participate in virtual instruction (e.g due to Covid-19 positive OR exhibits COVID-19 Symptoms for which quarantine is necessary):
1. If your child is ill or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms but feels he/she is able to participate in virtual instruction, please follow the steps below:
1. Email your child’s teacher and the attendance secretary stating that he or she will attend virtually for the day.
2. It is expected your child will participate virtually the entire day and in all classes to be marked present for the day.
-Student presents with Covid-19 symptoms at school:
1. If the school nurse sends your child home from school due to symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection, the parent/guardian will pick up the child from school. The parent/guardian will be advised to contact their medical provider to obtain a note to clear the child to return to school or follow the next steps of the medical provider which may include a Covid-19 test. If the parent/guardian chooses to not seek a medical provider’s guidance, then the child must participate virtually for 10 days. (See Options # 1 or #2 above)
-Exposure to “Close Contacts”:
1. Members of the same household are close contacts. If a member of a student’s household tests positive for Covid-19 or is symptomatic of Covid-19, please follow the steps outlined below.
2. A “close contact” can also be a non-household member. If the child has contact with a person within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more, and the non-household person tests positive for Covid-19, please follow the steps outlined below.
1. Contact your school’s nurse so they can advise you to follow the current protocols in testing and length of quarantine.
2. Email your child’s teacher and the attendance line stating that he or she will attend virtually for whatever time period is appropriate.
3. If your child is well and able to participate in their classes virtually, they should login and participate virtually for the entire day and length of quarantine.
-Educational Trips:
1. Educational trips are still being approved for students who are attending BASD Virtual or returning to the school buildings. The protocols remain the same.
2. If your family is traveling outside of Pennsylvania, your child must produce a negative result on a Covid test completed within 72 hours prior to their return to PA or participate virtually for 14 days upon returning to Pennsylvania. This information should be included in your trip form request.
VIRTUAL EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS
VIRTUAL EXPECTATIONS FOR PARENTS
MSE IN-PERSON FAQ'S
MSE VIRTUAL FAQ'S
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Please be sure to visit our Community Bulletin Board at https://www.boyertownasd.org/domain/1321. During the pandemic, we are restricting the number of community flyers we are sending home. Instead, we are posting this information on this bulletin board. There you will find scouting information, PTO information, community information, and more. Be sure to visit the site frequently for updates.
ATTENDANCE PROTOCOLS
A few suggestions as to how East teachers will accomplish gathering this Completion evidence in a simple/useful manner (this is not an exhaustive list):
- response to a Question of the Day
- exit ticket
- participation in a discussion via ‘chat’ feature
- participation in a poll
- assignment completion after the lesson (posted in Google classroom/Seesaw)
- Regarding Access- teachers shall change a students’ attendance from “Absent” to present should a student provide the Completion of artifacts within 5 days of the class that was not accessed. Teachers would need to notify Carol Sue Bullick to make these changes when appropriate.
- Should a student regularly not show up to class (more than three times), please contact Mr. Buck or Mr. Marsch to assist you in following up with the student and parent who chronically does not access class.
- The chart below may help you better understand the different scenarios:
The attendance expectation is the same for classes that are double periods. If students are not engaged (present) and completing work for the second half of the double period, they will be marked absent for the second half of the period. Additionally, it’s important to be reminded that absence forms must come from parents and not students.
Please be advised that absence forms must come from a parent or guardian and not students.
PERSONAL LAPTOPS/TABLETS NOT ALLOWED
PARENT DROP OFF/PICK UP GUIDELINES DURING HYBRID A/B MODEL
This communication is intended for parents who will be dropping off their children at Middle School East during the morning hours, along with those parents who will be picking up children in the afternoon beginning on Monday, October 12th.
Thank you for your cooperation with our staggered, grade level, arrival/dismissal procedures. We recognize that during these times, it is likely that we will have an increase in commuting families thus guidelines were put in place to ensure the safety of all our stakeholders.
We will continue with these same procedures in the morning, however, due to your tremendous cooperation at dismissal we can move up the 7th and 8th-grade parent pick up by 5 minutes. Please review the times below to see the slight change.
SAFETY ALERT:
ALL CARS MUST EXIT RIGHT ONTO 73 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7:15AM - 7:35AM and 2:30PM - 2:55PM.
Please be sure to follow this as it is designed to prevent potentially dangerous situations. Please see the map below for a visualization of the traffic pattern.
Morning Drop-off Guidelines:
Please make every effort to drop your child off during the times indicated below. Your efforts help us manage traffic and keep the students safe. (If you have children in multiple grade levels choose the time that works best for you.) All students should be dropped off between 7:15am -7:30 am.
6th Grade: 7:15am-7:20am
7th Grade: 7:20am-7:25am
8th Grade: 7:25am-7:30am
ALL STUDENTS SHOULD BE DROPPED OFF BY 7:30AM
Afternoon Pick up Guidelines:
Please make every effort to pick up your child from school during the times indicated below. Your efforts help us manage traffic and keep the students safe. Please note that students are dismissed by grade level, thus if you arrive early and are in line, you may be asked to loop around to keep traffic moving. (If you are picking up children who are in multiple grade levels, please arrive during the time slotted for your child in the lowest grade level). All students should be picked up between 2:30pm - 2:50pm.
6th Grade : 2:30-2:40pm
7th Grade 2:40-2:45pm
8th Grade: 2:45-2:50pm
ALL STUDENTS SHOULD BE PICKED UP BY 2:50PM
DAILY STUDENT ATTENDANCE
As we are bringing students back to the building, we want to review recommended protocols for attendance, especially in light of the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our hope is that students are able to participate in their classes as they are scheduled whether it is in person or virtual. We recognize that there may be circumstances in which a child is unable to attend in person, but would be able to attend virtually. Please review the guidelines below as you make decisions regarding your child’s attendance in school in person and/or virtually. And, note the guidelines the building will follow for illness including Covid-19 symptoms or positive cases.
1. Students cannot participate virtually or in person due to illness.
- If your child is sick, not feeling well and unable to participate in classes whether it is in person or virtually, follow our typical attendance procedures by notifying the main office via the attendance email or completing the attendance form.
2. Student is ill and cannot participate in person, but can participate in virtual instruction (e.g. due to Covid-19 positive OR exhibits COVID-19 Symptoms for which quarantine is necessary
- If your child is ill or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms but feels he/she is able to participate in virtual instruction, please follow the steps below:
- It is expected your child will participate virtually the entire day and in all classes to be marked present for the day.
3. Student presents with Covid-19 symptoms at school:
- If the school nurse sends your child home from school due to symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection, the parent/guardian will pick up the child from school. The parent/guardian will be advised to contact their medical provider to obtain a note to clear the child to return to school or follow the next steps of the medical provider which may include a Covid-19 test. If the parent/guardian chooses to not seek a medical provider’s guidance, then the child must participate virtually for 10 days. (See Options # 1 or #2 above)
4. Exposure to “Close Contacts”.
- Members of the same household are close contacts. If a member of a student’s household tests positive for Covid-19 or is symptomatic of Covid-19, please follow the steps outlined below:
- Contact your school’s nurse so they can advise you to follow the current protocols in testing and length of quarantine.
- Email your child’s teacher and the attendance line stating that he or she will attend virtually for whatever time period is appropriate.
- If your child is well and able to participate in their classes virtually, they should log in and participate virtually for the entire day and length of quarantine
5. Educational Trips
- Educational trips are still being approved for students who are attending BASD Virtual or returning to the school buildings. The protocols remain the same.
- If your family is traveling to a quarantine state on a vacation, your child must participate virtually for 14 days upon returning to Pennsylvania. This information should be included in your trip form request.
- To find the most current list go to https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Travelers.aspx&sa=D&ust=1600434762458000&usg=AFQjCNF_VMgVgVp8KJREXQxuGFimND9uMA
NOTES FROM TECHNOLOGY
Chromebooks:
- Please remember that students are responsible for maintaining their Chromebooks (no physical damage, no loose or missing parts) and chargers. -
- Students should not be writing on or placing stickers on their Chromebooks.
- District supplied protection cases MUST always be kept installed on the Chromebook. If damage occurs to the Chromebook and the cases are not installed, students are subject to additional repair costs due to removal.
- Chromebooks should be charged daily. They should not be allowed to drain the battery completely as this will shorten battery life and cause damage to the Chromebook. Never use the Chromebook to charge phones as this too causes damage to the battery and life of the Chromebook.
- Please ensure you Shut Down your Chromebook at the end of use – not just close the lid. This will help with the performance of your Chromebook.
If you have an issue with your Chromebook:
Face to face: please stop in to see Mrs. Marshall in the Tech Office located in the East Library
Virtual or issues during a virtual day: please call 610-473-3972
Please visit us online for more technical advice and assistance: https://www.boyertownasd.org/Page/5970
Here you will find links to sign up for an appointment as well as technical tips.
Please Note: *** The Acceptable Use Policy for technology is in effect. Students are expected to use their devices and technology resources in accordance with the policy. This includes refraining from engaging in "Zoom bombing". Violations of this policy will be addressed in accordance with the discipline code up to and including the involvement of law enforcement.
https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/boyr/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=AF4GGF433A3CSTUDENT COUNCIL VIRTUAL EVENTS
Student Council is planning some virtual events and activities for you to participate in this year! In order to have all the information and details about each event, you will need to join your grade level “East Activities” Google Classroom using the codes below:
6th Graders: lk3ko7w
7th Graders: ysplaok
8th Graders: ujon6km
If you have any questions, please contact Miss Young at jyoung@boyertownasd.org.
FROM THE NURSE'S DESK
We are pleased to be back either in-person or in a virtual learning classroom. This year has certainly been a challenge for everyone. The purpose of this note is to summarize the health room procedures and related resources.
Covid-19 information
As per the BASD Health and Safety Plan, please complete a symptom and temperature check PRIOR to your child boarding the bus or arriving at school. For more information, click here for an overview of health room changes, and here for general school reopening updates.
If your child is exhibiting any of the symptoms of Covid-19, you will be notified to come and pick them up. It is our expectation that you will be at school in a relatively short period of time. Please understand that the symptoms of Covid-19 are like other illnesses, such as allergies/colds/flu/asthma. Therefore, children will be sent home for suspected symptoms.
*CDC resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
Medication Information
Click here for medication guidelines.
Medication Dropoff: The medication authorization form and or action plans are available on the district website and must be completed by your primary health care provider before medications can be accepted. Once the documentation is complete, call, or email the school nurse to schedule an appointment for medication drop-off. The medication must be in a labeled container. Parents will not be permitted into the building to drop off medication.
Immunizations
Click here for immunization requirements.
Mandated Health Services
Click here for mandated health service requirements.
All current state mandates are still in effect and will be required to be submitted.
Returning Paperwork: Please return immunization records, private dental or physical forms either by fax, photograph, or email to the nurse at the building your child attends. Your school nurse can be found by going to the BASD website, choosing the school your child attends, clicking on resources then choosing Nurse.
Thank you for your cooperation,
The BASD Nurses
TECHNOLOGY REMINDERS
1. If you are having technical issues, please notify your teacher and attempt to reconnect. If there is an issue with your device, please reach out to the IT department at https://www.boyertownasd.org/Page/5970 .
2. The Acceptable Use Policy for technology is in effect. Students are expected to use their devices and technology resources in accordance with the policy. This includes refraining from engaging in "Zoom bombing". Violations of this policy will be addressed in accordance with the discipline code up to and including the involvement of law enforcement. http://go.boarddocs.com/pa/boyr/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=AF4GGF433A3C
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
- The school counseling office is up and running virtually for you and your child(ren)! Need to talk to a school counselor in a virtual setting? Please have your student visit the Virtual Counseling Office to video conference during school hours.
We understand that families are experiencing financial and emotional stress right now. Below are some local resources that may be helpful for you and your family during this difficult time:
- Salvation Army | 409 S Reading Ave Boyertown, PA 19512 | (610) 367-4089
- Boyertown Area Multi-Service | 301 Spring St Boyertown, PA 19512 | (610) 367-6957
- Angela Bellino | Grade 6 School Counselor
Phone #: 610-473-3990
- Charlee Malfaro | Grade 7 School Counselor
Phone #: 610-473-3987
- Stephenie Williams | Grade 8 School Counselor
Phone #: 610-473-3991
WEBSITE QUICK LINKS
FREE & REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION
Please be reminded to complete the free and reduced lunch application. You will need to apply in order to avoid disruption in benefits. This will not roll over from previous years, so new applications will need to be completed.
Click here to read full details:
https://www.boyertownasd.org/cms/lib/PA01916192/Centricity/Domain/40/2020-2021LettertoHousehold.pdf
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
For technical support during remote learning, please call the IT Help Desk
610-473-3500, Option 1.
If you are experiencing issues with Infinite Campus Parent Portal, Student Portal, or Messenger, please contact
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFO
Middle School East Main Office: 610-754-9550
MSE Attendance Office: 610-473-3904
Nurse’s Office: 610-473-3970
*Voicemail is available to leave a message at any time of the day or evening.
Boyertown Middle School East
Email: rbuck@boyertownasd.org
Website: http://www.boyertownasd.org/Domain/9
Location: 2020 Big Rd, Gilbertsville, PA, USA
Phone: (610) 754-9550
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoyertownEast