PGMS September Newsletter

What a great start we have had to the 2026–27 school year! September is a time when routines begin to take shape, students settle into their classes, and we start looking ahead to the goals and opportunities that will make this year a successful one.

One of my favorite parts of the beginning of a school year is goal setting. I encourage every student to think about what they want to accomplish this year, not only academically, but also socially, personally, and as a member of our school community. A goal gives us something to work toward and reminds us that growth happens one step at a time. I encourage families to have conversations at home about those goals and to celebrate the progress students make along the way.

September also brings several opportunities for students and families to get involved at Pottsgrove Middle School. Be sure to mark your calendars for Picture Day and our Back to School Night, which features our first in person PTA meeting immediately before. Also please consider participating in the PTA's Philadelphia Sports Ticket Fundraiser (more information found below). Your involvement and support make a tremendous difference in our school community.

I also encourage our students to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them throughout the year. Whether it is joining a club, participating in athletics, attending a school activity, getting involved in student leadership, or simply trying something new, getting involved is one of the best ways to make your middle school experience more meaningful.

As we move through September, let’s continue to build on the positive start we have made. Set a goal. Get involved. Try something new. Support one another.

Here’s to a great September and an outstanding school year!

Regards,

Mr. Palladino

PGMS Principal

610.326.8243 ext. 2050

spalladino2@pgsd.org

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:

September 2: Picture Day

September 8:

• School Board Meeting 7 pm @ District Office

September 8 - October 1: PTA Philadelphia Ticket Fundraiser

September 10:

• Back to School Night 6-8 pm
• In Person PTA Meeting to begin directly prior in PGMS Auditorium @ 5:40 pm

September 22: School Board Meeting 7 pm @ District Office

September 30:

• Act 80 Early Dismissal @ 11:45

Dear PGMS Families,

Welcome to a new school year! We are excited to have our students back and look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, connection, and new opportunities.

As we begin this journey together, we want to remind our students that we are a community. Every student has an important role in creating a school where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued. Small acts of kindness, including others, listening with empathy, and helping a friend can make a big difference.

We will also continue to focus on positive choices and social-emotional learning (SEL). Students will have opportunities to build skills such as self-awareness, managing emotions, making responsible decisions, and developing healthy relationships. We want our students to understand that mistakes are opportunities to learn and that asking for help is a sign of strength.

Thank you for partnering with us as we work together to make this a successful and meaningful year for every student. We are excited for all that the new school year will bring!

Warmly,

Mr. Frevert

Assistant Principal

Pottsgrove Middle School

610-326-8243 x 2053

TFrevert@pgsd.org

Hey Pottsgrove Middle School…let’s get ready for an epic year of growth!

During the WIN period every Monday, PGMS students will participate in interactive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) sessions designed to build your confidence, sharpen your social skills, boost your self-care, and master self-regulation.

Our SEL mission for the month of September highlights the Falcon Four: Safety, Responsibility, Respect, and Positivity!

"Once a Falcon, always a Falcon" isn't just a saying—it's how we roll! From the classroom to the halls, from the auditorium to the field, from the cafeteria to the bus, we challenge YOU, our PGMS students, to bring the Falcon Four to life every single day.

And here's the best part: doing the right thing comes with serious rewards! PGMS students can earn tickets for showcasing one or more of these behaviors, redeemable weekly and monthly for awesome prizes at our school store. You can win school swag, gift cards, gym time, and more! We’re also dropping exclusive cafeteria perks this year—self-selected seating, grade-level prizes, and front-of-the-line VIP lunch passes!

Let’s bring the energy and celebrate our students making smart choices!

Your Dean of Students,

Ms. Diana Finesmith

Dean of Students

Pottsgrove Middle School

(610) 326-8243 ext. 2051

diana.finesmith@pgsd.org

Greetings from the School Counselors!

We hope your children are off to a great start. This month, we thought we’d share some tips for talking with your middle schooler- not always an easy task!

1. Use Open-Ended Questions & Emotion Check‑Ins

• Encourage expression by asking things like:
  “Tell me something that made you proud today,” or “What was the best part of your day?” instead of "How was school?"

• Make check-ins are regular—during dinner, bedtime, or car rides—so talking about feelings becomes the norm.

• Try being creative with your questions- “If you could be any musical instrument, what would it be?”

2. Validate Emotions Without Judgment

• Let your child know it’s okay to feel what they’re feeling. Say things like, “I understand why you’d feel nervous—that makes sense,” rather than dismissive comments.

• Emphasize that emotions aren’t “good” or “bad,” but part of being human.

3. Model Language & Healthy Coping

• Talk about your emotions in simple, age-appropriate terms. For example, “I’m feeling a bit frustrated because we’re running late—I'm going to take a few deep breaths.”

• Pair your emotional description with a coping strategy to show kids how to calm themselves.

4. Reflect and Summarize What You Hear

• Show active listening by summarizing how your child might be feeling: “It sounds like you're upset because your friend didn't invite you to play—did I get that right?”

5. Avoid Automatic Problem‑Solving

• Resist the urge to jump in with solutions right away. Often, children just need empathy and connection first.

• Use “I-statements” to express your feelings without blaming or shaming:
  e.g., Instead of “You're shouting,” try “I feel unheard when we talk over each other.”

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, promote hope, and normalize help-seeking. Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Whatever you are facing, your voice matters. This month is dedicated to recognizing the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and connecting people to proven treatment and resources. When we stand together we can make a difference—we can help save lives.

If you’re in emotional distress there are options available to help you. You can call/text 988 Lifeline at any time to connect with a skilled, caring counselor and get support. Confidential support is available 24/7 for everyone in the United States and its territories.

Please reach out to Mrs. Kleinfelter or Miss Dennis if you want more information or assistance.

Mrs. Cristina Kleinfelter

School Counselor

(Last Names A-L)

610-326-8243 X 2054

ckleinfelter@pgsd.org

Miss DiAinni Dennis

School Counselor

(Last names M-Z)

610-326-8243 X 2052

ddennis@pgsd.org

Pottsgrove School District Superintendent Meet & Greet

• Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
• Location: Pottsgrove High School, 1345 Kauffman Rd., Pottstown
• Featured: Meet & Greet with Superintendent Dr. Gregory Puckett
• Presentation: Student Rights and Protections Training
• Special Presenter: Mark W. Cheramie Walz, District Legal Counsel
• Dinner: Provided and sponsored by The Lincoln Center & Hopewell Psychology
• Child Care: Available during the event

Picture Day Information:

• Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026

• School: Pottsgrove Middle School

• Order Online: mylifetouch.com

• Picture Day ID: EVTBQGSM4

The Pottsgrove Village is a collaboration between families of children with special needs and the school district's Special Education Department with a goal of increasing understanding, inclusion and advocacy through education and networking. We look forward to sharing monthly updates across our schools and communities which can be accessed below.

The Pottsgrove Booster Club is comprised of a dedicated group of parents and community volunteers supporting the student-athletes of Pottsgrove Athletics. The Booster Club meetings are at 6:00 PM on the first Tuesday of every month in the PGHS library.

Please use the link below to learn more about the organization, how to become a member, or ways you can help to support!

Thank you!

Katie Coppa

President

Pottsgrove Booster Club

Follow Us on Social Media 👇

Facebook: Pottsgrove Booster Club

Instagram: Pottsgrove Boosters

As the Pottsgrove High School Football season gets underway, the district will continue to adhere to the following policies for adult and student entry.

1. Middle school and elementary-aged students MUST be accompanied and supervised by a parent/guardian at all athletic contests. The parent/guardian must remain onsite during the entirety of the contest. Every student must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is responsible for their behavior at all times. An older school-aged sibling does not count as a parent/guardian. PGSD staff will be at each entrance to help continue to enforce this procedure.

2. All student spectators should be seated in the stands. The area around the concession stand is NOT a play or hang-out area. Security will monitor this area and ask all to take a seat.

3. All bags/purses are subject to search before entering Pottsgrove Stadium, Home of Pennypacker Field.

4. No food or drink is permitted in the stadium. The P.T.S.A. and Music League will have concession stands available for food and drink purchases.

5. It is recognized that Pottsgrove Athletic events should be conducted in such a manner that good sportsmanship prevails at all times. No foul language, menacing actions, or indecent gestures will be tolerated.

6. Spectators are not allowed on the field before, during, or after the game unless authorized personnel. This is for everyone's safety. When the game is over, we ask that all spectators leave the stadium in an orderly fashion.

7. Ticket prices this year are $5 for adults and $3 for students. For ticket purchases, we are offering cash sales at the gate as well as an online option. To purchase tickets in advance, please visit S2 Pass. Our gates will open at 6:00 PM.

8. You must have a digital ticket on your phone or a paper ticket to enter the gate. Spectators who leave the stadium before the start of the 3rd quarter will be subjected to paying the FULL admission price to return to the stadium.

9. Handicap parking spaces are available along School Lane facing the stadium.

10. You may livestream the game by clicking HERE if you are unable to attend.

PGHS Home Football Schedule

9/10 v. West Chester Henderson

9/25 v. Pottstown

10/2 v. Upper Merion

10/23 v. Phoenixville

10/30 v. TBA (PAC Crossover Game)

PGMS students have the option of participating in a fundraiser selling tickets for the chance to win a Philadelphia sports fan's dream... 2 pairs of Home tickets to every sport franchise in Philadelphia for a whole season!

HOW IT WORKS:

• On Tuesday September 8th, WIN teachers will distribute envelopes with student tickets. There will be 5 tickets in each envelope.

• Students have the option to sell these tickets to friends, family, etc. for $20/ticket. The PTA earns HALF of all the proceeds. Please note- only cash will be accepted.

• Students should return all cash earned, along with the tear away tickets, to the first floor office.

• Students will not receive more tickets unless they sell their first 5 tickets or new tickets will be available upon request

• If students lose the tickets that were distributed or choose not to sell at all, there is no penalty. Students also have the option of returning the original envelopes if they choose not to sell.

• Many organizations participate in this fundraiser.

• Grand Prize Winner receives home game tickets for every Philadelphia team- Eagles, Sixers, Phillies, Flyers, Union, and Wings- Over 200 pairs of tickets

• 2nd Place- Phillies Spring Training Trip for 4 people

• 3rd Place- 70” TV and a catered Super Bowl party

• Ticket sales will be final at PGMS on 10/1

• Ticket Drawings will be Sunday October 18, 2026

• Students may begin entering the building at 7:45 am. Students should not be waiting in the lobby for the start of school as there is no adult supervision at this time. Doors will remain locked until 7:45.

• Parent/guardian drop-off & walkers

• Parent/guardian drop off is at the main entrance at the first floor office.

• Please make sure that you are following a single lane traffic pattern (one-way) as this will help to ease up any congestion. As cars move up, please continue to move up in the line.

• Walkers may enter through the front of the building as well or the back of the building if buses are arriving.

• Bus Students

• Students who ride buses will be dropped off at the back locker room entrance.

Breakfast

• As students arrive, they have the option to get a FREE breakfast in the cafeteria. Breakfast must be eaten in the cafeteria. If a bus is late, we will allow students to finish their breakfast in the cafeteria. There will be no more food in the classrooms.

• Students eating breakfast will receive a pass. They must report to their homeroom/attendance period within 3 minutes of their pass in order to avoid being marked tardy.

Lunch

• All students have the opportunity for a FREE healthy and balanced lunch each day. If students want to purchase additional items or snacks, they may be purchased at an ala carte price.

• Students may pack lunch and bring their own snacks. Door dashing or food delivery is not permitted. Meals will be confiscated and stored in the office if this occurs. We must be vigilant of student allergies and building security.

Tardiness

• Students are considered late when they arrive after 8:10 am. Students must be in their attendance period at 8:10 am. Students who are late to class 3 or more times will receive a formal write-up and a consequence will be provided.

Dismissal

• Car pick-up and walkers are dismissed at 2:50 pm. The location is the same as arrival.

• Bus riders should wait until their bus is called to leave their classrooms. Students must listen to the announcements to ensure they get to their assigned bus.

• Students who miss their bus will need to be picked up by a parent/guardian or emergency contact listed on their first day packet.

• If a student is being picked up early, the adult doing so must be considered a parent/guardian or should be listed as the one of student's emergency contacts. The adult also must present a valid ID in order to pick up the student.

Bus riders- You must ride the bus you are assigned to. There are no exceptions.

Headphones/Cell Phones

• Cell phones and wireless headphones are expected to be off and in their lockers during the school day. At any time if a student is in possession of a cell phone we will follow the procedure outlined in the student handbook.

• Headphones that are being used for educational purposes must have a cord that connects to their Chromebooks.

Backpacks/Purses/Handbags/Fanny Packs/Satchels

• Backpacks are permitted at arrival and dismissal but are not permitted to be used during the school day.

• Backpacks/Purses/Handbags/Fanny packs/Satchels are not permitted throughout the school day.

• Feminine products may be kept in the student’s locker. If a student needs a feminine product they may ask to go to their lockers and to the restroom. Additional supplies are available in the nurse's office.

• During the cooler months, students are encouraged to wear coats to school, however, they must be stored in their lockers during the day. It is recommended that students keep a sweatshirt in their lockers in case they are cold inside the building.

Nurse’s Office

• Students who are ill at school may only be sent home under the nurse’s discretion. If you do not receive a phone call from the nurse, the student will not be sent home.

Our first PTA meeting of the school year will take place on Thursday, September 10th @ 5:40 pm in person. This meeting will take place in our auditorium before Back to School Night begins. The remainder of meetings throughout the school year will take place virtually through Zoom or Google Meet. If you are interested in joining the PTA, the membership is $12/year and can be purchased using the following link below:

We are also currently collecting donations to help stock the PGMS staff pantry. This is a great way to show our amazing staff how much we appreciate everything they do!

Donations can be dropped off in the PGMS office between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM during the school day. Donations can also be brought with you to Back to School Night on Thursday, September 10th.

Suggested donations include:

• Bottled water
• Juice
• K-Cups
• Paper products
• Silverware
• Soda
• Gatorade
• Breakfast bars
• Snacks
• Candy
• And more!

Any donation is greatly appreciated! Together, we can make this a fantastic year for our students and staff!

Thanks,

PGMS PTA