PGMS August Newsletter

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful summer filled with time to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories. As we enter August, the start of a new school year is quickly approaching, and we are excited to welcome our students back to school!

The beginning of a school year is always a time filled with anticipation and new possibilities. Our staff has been working hard preparing classrooms, planning engaging learning experiences, and getting everything ready for a successful year. We are looking forward to seeing our hallways filled with the energy that our students bring each day as things get kind of boring over the summer.

As we prepare for the 26–27 school year, our focus remains on creating a safe, welcoming, and positive school environment where every student feels supported and challenged to grow. We encourage our students to come to school ready to learn, make new connections, try new things, and give their best effort each day.

For our returning students, we can't wait to see you again. For those joining us for the first time, we are excited to welcome you to our school community! Middle school is an important time of growth and discovery, and we are committed to partnering with families to help every student have a successful experience.

Please take some time in the coming weeks to review school information, complete any necessary forms, and prepare for the first day. We will continue to share important updates and reminders as we get closer to August 27th.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting school year. Together, we are ready to make 26–27 our best year yet!

Regards,

Mr. Palladino

PGMS Principal

610.326.8243 ext. 2050

spalladino2@pgsd.org

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:

August 17: Student Schedules Released on PowerSchool

August 18: Self Guided Tours 11-1 pm and 3-5 pm

August 24: MS Football Begins

August 27: Student First Day

August 31: All Fall Sports Begin

September 2: Fall Picture Day

September 4-7: No School-Labor Day Holiday

September 10: Back to School Night 6-8 pm

Dear PGMS Families,

Speeding toward the start of a new school year, I hope you and your family had a restful and enjoyable summer. As we prepare to welcome our students back, I want to share how excited we are for the opportunities that lie ahead.

The beginning of the school year is a fresh start—a chance to build positive habits, establish routines, and set goals for success. Together, we can help every student start on the right foot by encouraging consistent attendance, arriving on time, coming prepared to learn, and maintaining a positive attitude each day.

On this front, the Middle School is heavily invested in strong Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for all, robust Multi-Tiered Systems for Support (MTSS), dedication to recognize the demonstration of Positive Behaviors (PBIS), and many other efforts.

A strong partnership between home and school is one of the greatest factors in student success. We value open, honest, and consistent communication with our families. Throughout the year, we encourage you to stay connected by reading school updates, checking your child’s progress, attending school events, and reaching out whenever you have questions or concerns. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. We look forward to working together to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive.

Let’s make this an outstanding school year by working together, celebrating successes, and supporting one another along the way.

We can’t wait to welcome everyone back!

Best Wishes,

Mr. Frevert

Assistant Principal

Pottsgrove Middle School

610-326-8243 x 2053

TFrevert@pgsd.org

Dear PGMS Students and Families,

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer and finding the much needed time to relax, recharge, and create memories with family and friends! I am beyond excited to join the extraordinary community here at Pottsgrove Middle School (PGMS) as your Dean of Students.

To this role, I bring with me 13 years of experience in public education, including 10 years as a School Counselor in both the Philadelphia and Abington School Districts. In addition to this, I hold certifications as a Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services, Restorative Practices Trainer, Clinical Trauma Professional, and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Middle School is a unique and transformative time for our students. It is filled with exciting milestones, dynamic personal growth, and new opportunities to explore. My ultimate hope for your students this year is that each of them feels safe, seen, and supported.

As your new Dean of Students, you can expect me to treat your children with dignity and compassion; articulate clear and consistent expectations for student conduct; deliver transparent home and school communication; and guide your students through challenges to foster growth and resilience.

As your child navigates new academic and social milestones your alliance, encouragement, and engagement is essential. We seek your support with reinforcing school expectations, students attending school on-time, and being prepared and excited to learn. Our unity is our strength. With you as the experts of your children and PGMS faculty/staff as professional educators, together we can make 2026-2027 a remarkable school year!

I am honored to join the PGMS family. I am excited to celebrate your students' growth with you along the way. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime with questions, ideas, or simply to say hello!

Go Falcons!

Ms. Finesmith

Dean of Students

Pottsgrove Middle School

(610) 326-8243 ext. 2051

diana.finesmith@pgsd.org

As the days of summer come to a close, we want to help you and your child prepare for a smooth transition back to school with some tips:

1.Communicate. The most important tool for easing the back-to-school transition and helping children manage their stress is communication. Accept whatever your children are feeling and help them learn how to cope.

2. Prepare. Start talking about the start of school. Ask your child what they hope for and if there anything they are worried about. Let them know that you are happy to hear what they are excited about.

3. Normalize. The beginnings of new experiences are often hard. It is normal for children to have fears and it is normal for transitions to be rough.

4. Cope. Many of us have the desire to solve our children’s problems. However, it is better to have a conversation with our children about how they can cope; how they can manage the academic challenges and the social anxiety, than to take care of these issues ourselves. Teaching our children on how to cope will bring benefits that last longer. Having your own coping skills is a confidence booster.

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)

ckleinfelter@pgsd.org

Miss DiAinni Dennis

School Counselor

(Last names M-Z)

ddennis@pgsd.org

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 6:30 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!

Dear Pottsgrove Families,

The start of the 2026–2027 school year is just around the corner, and we can't wait to welcome our students back!

Pottsgrove will utilize the same PowerSchool First Day Packet system as last year. The packet is not available through the Parent Portal. Instead, you will receive a separate email titled "Pottsgrove Annual First Day Packet SnapCode" from noreplyregistration@powerschool.com.

All families must complete the First Day Packet, even if no information has changed. This helps us ensure we have the most accurate contact, emergency, health and demographic information for every student.

What You Need to Do

• Check your inbox (and spam/junk folder) for the email from noreplyregistration@powerschool.com.
• Use the unique student code provided in the email.
• Review and update your student's information.
• Submit the completed packet.

Student Schedules

Student schedules and class assignments will not be released until the First Day Packet has been completed. Beginning August 17th, schedules will be available only for students whose First Day Packet has been submitted. Student schedules will be withheld until the first school day if this information is not completed.

Need Access to a Computer?

Computers will be available for families at each school building and the District Office Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Questions?

If you have questions about the First Day Packet, please email pgsdparentportal@pgsd.org.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this important process. We look forward to a great school year!

PGMS 2026-2027 Supply List

Please see the following supply list for the 26-27 school year. If you have any questions about your child's supply list, please contact their teacher directly.

6th Grade General Supply List

In an effort to prepare Pottsgrove Middle School students for great success, each teacher/team has prepared a list of required student materials to support their transition into 6th grade. We kindly ask that all students come to school prepared with the following materials.

ALL CLASSES: Pencils, pens, erasers, colored pencils, glue sticks, charged Chromebook, earbuds

Team 6-1 Supply List

Mrs. Pettine – LANGUAGE ARTS:

• 1 pocket folder

• 2 one subject notebooks or composition books

• 1 pack of multicolored highlighters

Mrs. Grindle- MATH:

• 1 single subject notebook or composition book

• 1 two-pocket folder

Mrs. Logan – SOCIAL STUDIES:

• College-ruled perforated notebook OR binder with loose leaf paper for note taking

• Highlighter

• Pocket folder

• Packs of 3x5 index cards

• Colored Pencils

• Wired Earphones

Mrs. Forwood – SCIENCE:

• 1-inch, 3-ring binder with clear plastic cover

• 1 COLLEGE-ruled composition books

• 1 pack of 4 x 6 index cards

• 3 LARGE glue sticks (.77 oz or larger) - Elmer's works the best

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Team 6-2 Supply List

Teachers:

Language Arts: Mrs. Parker

Math: Mrs. Schreiber

Science: Mrs. Stoudt

Social Studies: Mr. Lanza

Team Supplies:

• Pencils and Erasers

• Colored Pencils

• 4 Composition Books

• Glue Stick

• 4 Folders: Red, Blue, Yellow and Green

• Headphones (no bluetooth)

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Team 6-3 Supply List

Mrs. Kelly - MATH:

• 1 single subject notebook or composition book

• 1 two-pocket folder

SCIENCE

• 1 two-pocket folder OR 1 inch, 3-ring binder with clear plastic cover

• 2 college-ruled composition books

Mr. Hartzell - LANGUAGE ARTS:

• 2 single subject notebooks or composition books

• Independent Reading book (you can borrow from my library if needed)

• 1 pack of multi-colored highlighters

• 1 folder or binder

SOCIAL STUDIES:

• 1 inch, 3-ring binder with clear plastic cover

• 2 college-ruled composition books

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

6th Grade Learning Support

Mrs. Montanez- ELA LS

• 2 composition notebook
• 1 two pocket folder

Mr. DeCarolis- LS Math

• 1 single subject notebook or composition book
• 1 two pocket folder

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

7th Grade General Supply List

This is a general list of supplies that each student will need for the 26-27 school year. Once schedules are released, refer to individual teacher webpages for a more detailed and specific list of school supplies.

*It is suggested that iPad chargers and earbuds be purchased at Five Below, then students can leave their valuables at home. Please label all chargers and earbuds with the student's name.*

Required Materials for all classes

• Charged chromebook

• Chromebook Charger

• Earbuds/headphones

• Pencils (replace often)

• Erasers

• Pencil Sharpener

• Blue/Black pens

• Colored Pencils

• Multi-Colored Highlighter Pack

• Pencil case
  

Math:

• You will need a place to organize your handouts, classwork, and notes. Please choose one of the following that works best for you:

• Graphing Composition Notebook (2) OR

• Spiral Bound Graphing Notebook (2) AND

• Binder or Folder

• Suggested Calculator - TI 84 CE (this is the calculator that will be used from here on out at PGSD)

ELA

• 2 Single Subject Notebooks or Composition Notebooks

• Independent Reading Book (Grade level chapter book)

• You will need a place to organize your handouts, classwork, and notes. Please choose one of the following that works best for you:

• 2 folders OR 1.5 inch binder with loose-leaf paper OR Expandable Portfolio

Social Studies

• 3 subject spiral Notebook for writing prompts and taking class notes

• (2) folders for organizing handouts and classwork

Science

• Graphing Composition Notebook
• 2 Pocket Folder

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PGMS Team 7/8 General Supply List

This is a general list of supplies that each student will need for the 26-27 school year.

Required Materials for all classes

• Charged chromebook

• Chromebook Charger

• Earbuds/headphones

• 2-3 Packs of Pencils (replace often)

• Erasers

• Pencil Sharpener

• Blue/Black pens

• Colored Pencils

• Multi-Colored Highlighter Pack

• Pencil case
  

Math:

• You will need a place to organize your handouts, classwork, and notes. Please choose one of the following that works best for you:

• Graphing Composition Notebook (2) OR

• Spiral Bound Graphing Notebook (2) AND

• Binder or Folder

• Suggested Calculator - TI 84 CE (this is the calculator that will be used from here on out at PGSD)

ELA:

• 2 Single Subject Notebooks or Composition Notebooks

• Independent Reading Book (Grade-level chapter book)

• You will need a place to organize your handouts, classwork, and notes. Please choose one of the following that works best for you:

• 2 folders OR

• 1.5-inch binder with loose-leaf paper OR

• Expandable Portfolio

Social Studies:

• A pair of headphones to leave in the classroom

• (2) folders for organizing handouts and classwork

• Highlighters will be used often during class

Science:

• Graphing Composition Notebook

• 2 Pocket Folder

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8th Grade General Supply List

This is a general list of supplies that each student will need for the 26-27 school year.

Required Materials for all classes:

• Charged Chromebook

• Chromebook Charger

• Wired Earbuds/headphones

• A 1 subject notebook for every core class (4 total)

• 2 notebooks needed for Mr. Carter (SS)

• One folder or 1-inch binder for every core class (refer to the individual teacher for specific requirements)

• Pencils (replace often)

• Blue/Black pens (replace as needed)

• Colored Pencils/Crayons/Markers- Any type of coloring supply

• Highlighters

• Pencil case

• Handheld Pencil Sharpener

• Red pens

Math:

• TI84 Plus Calculator - this is not required, but highly recommended as you will use it throughout High School

ELA:

• Sticky Notes

• Silent Reading book

• Notecards (4x6)

Social Studies:

• Markers

• Crayons

Attached below you will find our grade level schedules for the 26-27 school year. If your child is a returning student, you will notice that schedules are different this year. This year, all core classes will last 60 minutes and each encore period will remain 40 minutes. Schedules will continue to operate on a 6 day cycle with letter days A-F. Here are some specifics about the new schedule:

• Students first report to their Attendance/"Homeroom" period- Attendance for the day is taken here
• This classroom is the same as their Period 1
• Core classes consist of ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies
• Encore classes consist of Physical Education, Health, Music, Art, Foreign Language, etc.

- All encore classes will be semester based, including Phys. Ed. Computer Lab classes have been eliminated.

• All students will have a 30 minute lunch in the cafeteria
• All students end the day in WIN (What I Need)- This is an intervention/extension period
• 6th and 7th graders will have the same teacher as Period 1
• 8th graders will have the same teacher as Period 4

This is a good opportunity for incoming 6th graders and new students to tour our building before the school year begins. After completing the first day packet, students/families will be given a copy of their schedule and they will have the opportunity to explore the building, practice opening a locker and complete a scavenger hunt.

Please enter through our second floor bridge entrance where you will be greeted by a member of our staff.

*Computers will be available in the library for any families who need to complete a first day packet in order to receive their child's schedule.

Please clear your schedule and take time out to attend Back to School Night. This event will provide you with the opportunity to meet specific school staff and your child's teachers. We look forward to seeing you there!

The district has adopted our new bus company, First Student, to provide our transportation needs. Families should receive bus route information by the week of August 17th.

As we transition to our new company, please abide by the following guidelines:

• Students are required to be visible at their designated stop 5 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time.
• Drivers will wait a maximum of 1 minute past the scheduled pick-up time (or 3 minutes for students with special transportation needs) before departing. Drivers will not wait indefinitely.
• Buses will not turn around, re-route, or return to a completed stop or school building for a student who missed the bus.
• If a student misses the bus, it is the sole responsibility of the parent, guardian, or emergency contact to arrange safe alternative transportation to school.
• No student may eat or drink on any school district owned or contracted vehicle.
• Cell phones and district issued electronic devices are permitted for appropriate use on the bus. (Upon exiting the bus, students must put these items away).

Students and families will enter the building using the 2nd floor bridge entrance and will meet members of our tech department as they come through the entry way, outside our library. Families will be encouraged to purchase the insurance package for the devices using My School Bucks. These are the only dates and times set aside to pick up computers early. Any students/families that do not pick up their Chromebooks will receive them on the first day of school.

Chromebook Distribution Date/Time

August 24th- 6th Grade from 12-3 pm

August 25th- 7th Grade from 12-3 pm

August 26th- 8th Grade from 9-12 pm

Dear Pottsgrove Families,

To make sure our student-athletes are completely cleared and ready to hit the ground running on day one, the athletic department has organized key dates and system updates for the upcoming 2026 Fall sports season.

CRITICAL UPDATE: Transition to Arbiter Registration

Please note that Pottsgrove has transitioned to a new athletic registration platform. We are no longer using Student Central. All student-athletes in grades 7–12 must register and create a new profile created by their family on Arbiter Sports. Please use the link below to register.

Fall Sports Registration Link

The athletic department will not collect paper forms. All forms must be signed digitally, and physicals must be uploaded directly to your Arbiter portal.

Key Fall 2026 Start Dates and First Week Practice Schedule

August 10, 2026: High School Football Official Start Date.

August 17, 2026: All other High School Fall Sports Official Start Dates. (Volleyball, Field Hockey, Girls Tennis, Cross Country, Golf, Cheerleading, and Soccer).

August 24, 2026: Middle School Football Official Start date.

August 31, 2026: All other Middle School Fall Sports Official Start Dates, (Volleyball, Field Hockey, Cross Country, Cheerleading, and Soccer).

Practice Schedules: Below are two links that have sport specific mandatory practice schedules and coaches contact information for the first week of our Interscholastic Fall Sports season.

High School Fall Sports First Week Practice Schedule

Middle School Fall Sports First Week Practice Schedule

Physical Reminder: To be valid for the 2026–2027 school year, your child's PIAA physical must be completed and signed by a doctor on or after May 1, 2026.

Let's make it a fantastic, healthy, and successful Fall season. Go Falcons!

NEED HELP?

If you have any questions regarding the sign-up process, form submissions, or need help with technology, please contact a member of the athletic department staff. As needed, appointments can be scheduled with the student and parents to complete this process in the athletic office.

Mr. Anspach - Director of Athletics and Activities sanspach@pgsd.org

Ms. Cappiello - Administrative Assistant to Athletics victoria.cappiello@pgsd.org

Mr. Schreiber - Middle School Assistant Athletic Director mschreiber@pgsd.org

Mr. Jack Thomas - Athletic Trainer JThomas3@pgsd.org

Arrival

• 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.

• 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.

This is our only fully IN PERSON meeting of the school year. Remaining meetings will take place on ZOOM with links being communicated via our newletter. If you are interested in joining the PTA, the membership is $12/year and can be purchased using the following link below: