PGMS October Newsletter

Greetings PGMS Families,

It is hard to believe that we are already heading into October! The first month of school has been a very positive one, and I want to thank our students, staff, and families for helping us get the school year off to such a smooth start. Our students have settled into their routines, classrooms are buzzing with learning, and we continue to see the positive energy and school spirit that make PGMS such a great place to be.

September also brought several exciting opportunities for our students. We are beginning to wrap up our PTA Philadelphia Sports Ticket Fundraiser, and we appreciate the support from our students and families. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the fundraiser a success!

We also celebrated the Falcon 4 with our PBIS Pep Rally. The energy and enthusiasm throughout the event were fantastic! It was a great opportunity to recognize our students, celebrate positive behavior, and reinforce the expectations that help make PGMS a welcoming and respectful place for everyone. We are proud of the way our students continue to demonstrate what it means to be a Falcon.

As we look ahead to October, there are several exciting events on the horizon. Our PTA Halloween Dance will provide students with an opportunity to enjoy some time together and show their school spirit. We will also have Picture Re-Take Day for students who may have missed Picture Day or just want another chance with the camera.

In addition, our students will participate in Firefly Diagnostic Testing during the month. These assessments provide our teachers with valuable information about student progress and help us identify areas where students may need additional support or enrichment. We appreciate our students giving their best effort as they complete these assessments.

Thank you once again for your continued partnership and support. We are off to a great start, and I am excited about everything October has in store for our Falcons. I look forward to another month of learning, growth, school spirit, and Pottsgrove Pride!

Regards,

Mr. Palladino

PGMS Principal

610.326.8243 ext. 2050

spalladino2@pgsd.org

Dear PGMS Families,

As summer comes to an end and we head into fall, we welcome this new season with excitement and enthusiasm. I wanted to take a moment to reaffirm our focus on community and partnership.

It has been a pleasure getting to know so many of the families whose students have recently entered middle school. We are committed to keeping parents and guardians informed about both positive situations and choices that may provide opportunities for learning and growth. Your support is vital as we work together to help our students become well-rounded, responsible members of our community.

As the middle school continues to focus on our School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), we remain committed to promoting positive behavior throughout all areas of the school environment. This year, we will continue to place a strong emphasis on student behavior in the cafeteria and on the bus.

In the cafeteria, grade levels will compete for special incentives on a monthly basis. Our focus will be on all four of our Falcon Four expectations, with particular attention to Respect, Volume, and Cleanliness. As grade levels consistently demonstrate positive behavior and follow cafeteria expectations, we anticipate offering students more choices when it comes to seating.

These efforts are designed to recognize and celebrate the positive choices made by both individual students and groups of students who consistently demonstrate our PBIS expectations.

With regard to our buses, we will again partner with First Student to encourage drivers to recognize students who make positive choices and lead by example. Drivers may award students a special Falcon Ticket, which can be redeemed for a prize at the end of the week.

We are looking forward to a wonderful school year filled with growth, positive choices, and great things to come!

Warmly,

Mr. Frevert

Assistant Principal

Pottsgrove Middle School

610-326-8243 x 2053

TFrevert@pgsd.org

Hello PGMS Families,

Pottsgrove Middle School (PGMS) is proud to once again be a No Place for Hate (NPFH) designated school. In partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), PGMS has formed a student-led school climate committee dedicated to challenging bias, bullying, and hatred and cultivating a school environment where everyone feels like they belong.

Beginning October 5th, our student-led committee will be introducing the NPFH program to our student body during WIN. Here, all PGMS students will learn about the purpose of NPFH, learn how they can contribute to the mission, and make a pledge to the following:

I WILL seek to understand and respect those who are different from me.

I WILL address and challenge prejudice, bias, and discrimination.

I WILL act as an ally to support those who are targets of bias, bullying, and hate.

I WILL help students in my school feel included, respected, and treated fairly.

I WILL help make our school No Place for Hate ®.

Throughout the course of the school year, students will participate in additional NPFH activities designed to educate all PGMS students on important topics including but not limited to how to stand up against bias, prejudice, and bullying and what they can do to help make our community a place where every student feels welcomed and valued.

Your Dean of Students,

Ms. Diana Finesmith

Dean of Students

Pottsgrove Middle School

(610) 326-8243 ext. 2051

diana.finesmith@pgsd.org

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Student safety is our top priority. We want to create a school environment where students feel safe and comfortable to learn, can be themselves, and feel accepted and connected. Below is information on what bullying is, what it looks like, and the difference between “snitching” vs. reporting.

Career Counseling:

During the Fall months, students are introduced to our Naviance Career Program. This program is available to all students as a portfolio that saves their work in grades 6-12. In 6th grade, students answer questions that provide results on their top 3 strengths. In 7th grade and 8th grade, students take a Career Key quiz. From that, we talk about what career path is right for them. 8th grade dives deeper in this exploratory lesson. 6th grade completed their lessons at the end of September. 7th and 8th graders will be later this Fall.

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: Thursday, October 22, 2026

• School: Pottsgrove Middle School

• Order Online: mylifetouch.com

• Picture Day ID: To Be Announced and emailed home

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

Throughout the course of the year (3x), PGMS students will participate in Pennsylvania Firefly testing. Firefly is an online assessment from the Pennsylvania Department of Education that helps teachers understand what students know and what skills may need additional support. It is aligned with Pennsylvania Academic Standards and skills measured on the PSSA, but Firefly is not the PSSA.

How will the results be used?
Teachers will use Firefly results to identify student strengths, areas for growth, and instructional needs. The information will help us provide appropriate support, intervention, and enrichment throughout the school year. Data will provide an indication of how students are progressing toward the skills measured on the end-of-year PSSA.

How should students prepare?
There is no special studying required. Students should:

• Get a good night's sleep.
• Eat breakfast and arrive ready to learn.
• Read each question carefully.
• Take their time and do their best.
• Stay focused and ask questions if they need clarification.
• Do their best

Most importantly, students should relax, do their best, and show what they know!

Get ready for a fun night of music, dancing, and Halloween spirit at our upcoming PTA Halloween Dance! Costumes are welcome but not required. Students who choose to wear a costume should abide by the requirements below. We look forward to seeing everyone and celebrating Halloween together!

1. The School Dress code still applies along with all rules/procedures in the student handbook.

2. No masks or anything to cover the face will be permitted - face paint is permitted as long as it does not cover a majority of your face.

3. No inflatable costumes.

4. No look alike weapons, replica weapons, or weapons of any type are permitted.

5. No gory, violent, or bloody costumes are permitted.

6. All school rules and policies apply.

Dance Tickets: https://pottsgrovemiddleschoolpta.givebacks.com/shop

Donation request: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EAEAB29A3F4C52-66275717-bash

Volunteer Request: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EAEAB29A3F4C52-66275664-10162026

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:

• At the beginning of September, students will be issued an envelope with 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 10/5- Deadline Recently Extended

• 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: