Welcome
to the Oley Valley Middle School and the 2007 – 2008
school term. We are proud of our students' achievements and
we look forward to another busy and productive school year.
A core element
of our strength as a school is an outstanding faculty and
staff. New faces this year include Ms. Stephanie Rishell who
will be teaching English and Mrs. Joan Weidman who will be
teaching German class. We also have Nora Fisher and Theresa
Robinson joining us as school counselors. When you stop by
the office, you will now be greeted by Mrs. Stacy Skokowski
along with Mrs. Betty Reber at the front desk.
On the first day of school, students will receive an important
information packet that needs to be filled out by the parents/guardians
of each student. They will also receive a handbook that explains
a majority of the procedures and guidelines for our school.
The school district calendar is another source of information
available. It lists important dates for the upcoming school
term. To keep you informed during the school year, a newsletter
is sent home each month. It will highlight important dates,
special activities, and accomplishments of our students. Parents
can also call the “Homework Hotline” to find daily
assignments for each subject area. A student assistance program
called PASS (Pupil Assistance Support System) is available
to serve as a resource for students/parents, to address barriers
to learning, and to promote success.
Throughout the school year, we communicate student progress
in several ways. Report cards are issued in November, January,
March, and at the end of the school year. Interim reports
are sent home during the marking period if a child is experiencing
difficulties. Parent/Teacher conferences are planned the month
of October and to further support our students, parents/guardians
may request meetings by calling the school.
The key elements of the Oley Valley Middle School Academic
Program offer students an opportunity to think critically
and prepare themselves to be successful citizens in a rapidly
changing world. Many programs are offered to meet the individual
needs of our students. In our classrooms, reading, writing,
and mathematics are a priority. We are involved in the Accelerated
Reader program to help increase skills. During the summer
months, information is mailed regarding our twenty book reading
requirements. We have a gifted education program and learning
support for those students who would benefit from assistance.
Technology and library skills have been integrated into the
curriculum. Students are engaged in science fair projects,
social studies reports, book responses and other research
assignments many of which are often displayed in our lobby
showcases. Interactive learning is utilized to increase student
participation and interest. Algebraic concepts are presented
to students at different levels in our mathematics program.
Pre-algebra students will be introduced to a new textbook
this year. Students explore Spanish in seventh grade and German
in eighth grade. A study skills class is part of the middle
school experience. Study Island is available as we prepare
for PSSA testing. Our school has been designated as a Keystone
Healthy Zone. Physical education class and life education
class promote health and wellness. Family/Consumer Science,
art, music, and technology education are an integral part
of out learning environment.
This past year our Reading Olympics team earned first place
in their competition and our Science Envirothon team won accolades
for their performance. Our orchestra, jazz band, concert band,
and chorus have been rated in the categories of excellent
and superior. We sponsor two Spelling Bees and a Geography
Bee. Our Odyssey of the Mind teams qualified for the World
Finals. We had winners at the Reading – Berks Science
Fair, and in the Stock Market game. Our sports teams had notable
seasons, and we held our first drama presentation during the
spring.
Students are urged to get involved with our athletic teams,
intramural sports, music programs, and our monthly competitions
and service projects. Parents and community volunteers are
also always welcome in our school. There are many opportunities
to assist the PTSO (Parent, Teacher, Student Organization),
help in the library, or tutor students. Annual projects supported
by the PTSO include field trips, the book fair, dance/activity
nights, student recognition programs, assemblies, and our
school store. Please join us at our PTSO meetings held the
first Thursday of each month.
We look forward to working with you and your child. Together
we can achieve the best for all students. Please contact us
at 610-987-4100 if you have any questions or concerns.
