Community Conversations

This month, we celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In thinking about his life of service, we must reflect on the great work that our young leaders are doing as part of their Student Council groups. All 7 of our schools have robust Student Councils that make significant contributions to the Methacton community, our townships and beyond. So far this year, they have collectively raised more than $6,300 for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Bringing Home Hope and for district families in need, collected non-perishable foods for local pantries, donated candy to troops, and spread joy by sending cards to hospital patients and nursing homes. On average, Methacton students regularly donate their time, their resources and themselves as exemplified by the 3,500 community service hours logged by the Class of 2024.

Another important event this month showcased our students' dedication to service. Each year, members of the Arcola Philanthropy Club and Connection Club along with volunteers participate in the Sock Roll Challenge, assembling socks filled with granola bars and sandwich crackers for local homeless shelters. This year, they once again rolled more than 1,000 socks, which will make a significant difference for people in need. See some photos below!

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of School Directors for their service to our students, staff, and community. January is School Board Recognition month, and I am deeply grateful for their many contributions to our district. Together, we are continuously working to improve the educational experience for students and make Methacton a great place to learn, work and thrive.

This month's Alumni Spotlight honors Darlene Balaguer-Piernock (MHS'83), whose journey from a science-enthusiastic student to an educator at Methacton exemplifies the values of transformation and commitment to growth within the Methacton School District. Learn more about Darlene here!

Sincerely,

Dr. David Zerbe

Superintendent of Schools

Now let’s take a look at some of the events and achievements

that took place across the district in January...

The Methacton Education Foundation visited Arrowhead Elementary school to raise awareness about their annual Dodgeball Tournament on March 16. Staff competed against students in a dodgeball demonstration, showing off their ducking, diving and dodging skills. The dodgeball tournament is set for March 16, and there's still time to sign up for a team.

This month, four students stepped into the role of Principal Corcoran - but just for a day! The students earned a Principal for the Day incentive for reading the most pages during Eagleville's Read-a-Thon event. The students-turned-principals enjoyed lunch with Principal Corcoran, went on classrooms visits, and spent some time towards the end of the day accompanying the principal with some routine items. We hope these students are now inspired to pursue a career in education!

Dr. Zerbe visited Woodland Elementary to celebrate Lunar New Year with Mrs. Geis' Kindergarten class! They read the book "Dragon Noodle Party" and showed off their festive Lion Dancer masks. They also made paper lanterns and held a parade in the school. Since this is the Year of the Snake, the students were even treated to a visit from Monty, Mrs. Geis' pet snake!

Worcester held the annual 2nd Grade “Dino Dig” which includes a presentation about dinosaurs and fossils! Pennsylvania paleontologists discussed the habitat of the earth 67 million years ago and displayed fossils, including a Triceratops skull discovered by their team in South Dakota. Students then had a chance to 'dig' for their own fossils in a sand box. This activity is much beloved by all second grade students and staff.

Fifth grade math students have been participating in 'Hawk Huddles' that will help reinforce the skills they learn each day. The teachers are reporting that they have seen an increase in homework completion and the students are feeling more confident to share their thinking with the class as they go through the mathematical process. Sixth grade math students are participating in “data chats” with their math teachers to review their progress from the beginning of the year to the mid-year point. These “data chats” create time for the teacher and student to talk one on one, reflect on their growth and set goals for the remainder of the year.

About 120 8th grade students visited the North Montco Technical Career Center to tour the facility and learn about the various programs of study. North Montco Technical Career Center offers 24 programs in different areas of study for high school students, including Construction, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Engineering/Manufacturing, Health and Human Services, Power and Transportation, and Visual Communications. The Arcola 8th graders will have the opportunity to enroll in these programs when they enter high school.

Methacton High School has once again earned the College Board's AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). Through these diversity awards, the AP Program acknowledges schools for their work toward improving female representation during the 2023-24 school year. Thank you to the staff, including Mr. Kevin Metz and Mr. Paul Spiewak, for creating conditions where all students feel welcomed and can thrive!

Congratulations to the members of the Methacton Electric Car Club for displaying their work at this year's Philadelphia Auto Show. Visitors had a chance to see and learn about the club's two converted electric vehicles. Both vehicles were classic cars that were converted into electric vehicles under the guidance of Club Sponsor Mr. Savitz and retired North Montco Technical Career Center teacher Bill Kirkpatrick. Congratulations to the club for showing off student innovation and ingenuity!

Email: information@methacton.org
Website: www.methacton.org
Location: 1001 Kriebel Mill Road, Eagleville, PA, USA
Phone: 6104895000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MethactonSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @Methacton