News from Spring-Ford Area School District
August 2018
RAM REVIEW: eNews
Welcome Back to School!
Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year! Please review this special Back-to-School Ram Review, as it contains a wealth of information for both new and returning parents and families including contact information, immunization updates, volunteer news and much more! We're excited to welcome nearly 8,000 students back to school on Monday, August 27, 2018! Parents, don't forget to send your First Day pictures! Send via Facebook Message to Spring-Ford Area School District or by email to ecrew@spring-ford.net. Click here to download your signs!
2018 Golden Ram Award Winners
The Spring-Ford Area School District was pleased to announce the third annual Golden Ram Award recipients during Convocation. The Golden Ram Award identified and recognized Spring-Ford staff members' outstanding performance and commitment to education. Golden Ram Award recipients demonstrated an attitude of excellence, teamwork, and went "above and beyond" the expectations of their job duties. All staff members who were full-time or part-time employees, with one or more years of service, were eligible to be nominated by a co-worker, supervisor or someone from another department.
Congratulations to Mrs. Laura McNeill Murphy, Evans Elementary School Nurse; Mr. Shawn Riordan, Limerick Elementary School Ram QUEST Teacher; and Dr. Patrick Nugent, Spring-Ford Area High School Principal. Click the images below to watch their nomination videos:
First Day Checklist
Before you send your student back to school, did you…
• Fill your lunch account or pack a healthy lunch
• Complete the online First Day Verification Packet
• Pack necessary school supplies
• Double check bus number/location
• Check classroom/teacher assignments
• Print your "First Day Of..." sign
Skylert Reminder
Skylert is an automated phone and email program used to notify parents with messages related to emergencies, attendance, cafeteria balances and other general messages from the district. In the event of a school closing, in addition to Skylert notifications, information will be posted on the school website and provided to local broadcast media.
Skyward Family Access allows you to select how to be contacted in an emergency. Parents can update preferences and contact information anytime and as often as they like.
WANTED: Spring-Ford Volunteers!
The Spring-Ford Area School District Board values the unique contributions made by parents, guardians and community volunteers to the educational and extracurricular programs of the school district.
A volunteer is defined as any individual who performs a service for the school district without compensation, remuneration or other consideration and who otherwise meets the requirements of this policy. A volunteer must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. A volunteer need not be a parent/guardian of a student enrolled in the school district. A volunteer, for purposes of this policy, shall include but is not limited to the following opportunities:
• Serving as a daily classroom, library or office assistant
• Assisting with classroom or building events/celebrations
• Chaperoning a field trip and/or overnight trip/competition
• Volunteering with any of the district interscholastic athletic teams and musical performance groups
• Advising or assisting an extracurricular activity
• Providing supplemental assistance to a student
Holding the position of a volunteer is not a right, but a privilege conferred upon the volunteer by the board, acting through the building principal of each school within the school district. All volunteers have specific requirements that need to be completed PRIOR to participating in any volunteer experience. Please click here to learn more.
A volunteer is defined as any individual who performs a service for the school district without compensation, remuneration or other consideration and who otherwise meets the requirements of this policy. A volunteer must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. A volunteer need not be a parent/guardian of a student enrolled in the school district. A volunteer, for purposes of this policy, shall include but is not limited to the following opportunities:
• Serving as a daily classroom, library or office assistant
• Assisting with classroom or building events/celebrations
• Chaperoning a field trip and/or overnight trip/competition
• Volunteering with any of the district interscholastic athletic teams and musical performance groups
• Advising or assisting an extracurricular activity
• Providing supplemental assistance to a student
Holding the position of a volunteer is not a right, but a privilege conferred upon the volunteer by the board, acting through the building principal of each school within the school district. All volunteers have specific requirements that need to be completed PRIOR to participating in any volunteer experience. Please click here to learn more.
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SFASD Administration Changes
The Spring-Ford Area School District is pleased to announce the following changes to the administrative team:
- Ms. Lori Bignotti will join the Limerick Elementary School family as Building Principal. Ms. Bignotti is looking forward to building strong relationships with the staff, students, and families at Limerick Elementary School. She focuses on excellence every day and providing a safe and nurturing learning environment so that all students will be successful.
- Dr. Robin Moyer has moved to Brooke Elementary School. Dr. Moyer was honored to have the opportunity to lead a school steeped in a strong tradition of community spirit and learner success. Continuing to grow this tradition and the learning environment at Brooke will be one of his priorities.
- Dr. Moyer's move has left a vacancy at the 5/6 Grade Center. Both Mrs. Nuneviller and Mrs. Rinehimer will be heading up the 5th grade until a permanent person is in place. Once available, more information about this vacancy will be shared with 5th Grade Parents.
- Dr. Melissa Patschke (Upper Providence Elementary School and Spring City Elementary School Principal) will work collaboratively with Mrs. Sue Choi (a Teacher on Special Assignment) to provide a high quality, positive school experience at Spring City Elementary School. While Dr. Patschke will be overseeing activities at both schools, Mrs. Choi will be working at Spring City on a daily basis.
- The district is also pleased to announce that a Coordinator of Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness position has been created to oversee the safety and security of the Spring-Ford Area School District. Mr. David Boyer has been selected to fill this new role. Mr. Boyer has a strong background in safety and security, and is a welcome addition to the school district.
TOP: Dr. Robin Moyer;
BOTTOM: Mrs. Lori Bignotti
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Immunization Reminder
The Department of Health has changed school immunization regulations. The changes will be in effect for the beginning of the 2017/18 school year.
PA School Immunization Requirements MUST be met by 5th day of school or student will NOT be allowed to attend school. If you are unsure, please check with your pediatrician.
Children in ALL grades (K-12) need the following immunizations for attendance:
- 4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis
- 4 doses of polio
- 2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella
- 3 doses of hepatitis B
- 2 doses of varicella (chicken pox)
Seventh through 12th Grade ADDITIONAL immunization requirements for attendance:
- 2 doses meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)
- 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap)
Y Care at Spring-Ford
The Spring Valley Y is committed to providing a quality school age program that is both fun and safe for children. Each day, Y Care's qualified staff provides creative learning experiences and supervised activities for a child's development and enjoyment. Contact 484-984-0561 or 484-984-0560 for more information and fees.
Before Care (7-9 a.m.): Before Care is designed to promote child development by providing activities in the form of arts and crafts, games, fitness, etc.
After Care (After school to 6 p.m.): After Care offers an opportunity for children to engage in a variety of activities expanding learning beyond what they experience during school hours, including homework assistance. Before and After Care is located at:
• Brooke Elementary
• Evans Elementary
• Flex 5-6 Grade Center School
• Limerick Elementary
• Royersford Elementary
• Spring City Elementary
• Upper Providence Elementary
• Oaks Elementary (provided by Audubon Y Care)
BTS Shopping Tips
Know your stores: Many chain retailers will provide shopping lists for all area districts, please keep in mind these retailers do NOT consult with school districts when creating these lists. Not all items are required for the start of school.
Shop end-of-summer sales: The big rush to buy school supplies occurs in August. If you avoid this peak time and buy after the rush, when items often go on sale for 50%-75% off retail prices, you can save a lot of money.
Stick to the list: Extra supplies, while they may be cute, probably won't get used and just leave your pockets empty. Stick to the supply list, or check with your students teacher for additional items.
Head to the dollar store for basic supplies: Check for great deals on pens and loose-leaf paper!
Let the kids raid your cabinets: The kids can select home-office supplies to personalize. For example, decorate inexpensive white binders with photos by creating a collage and inserting the page into the plastic cover.
Host a back-to-school swap: Round up a couple of other parents with kids to host an annual clothes swap. Trade toys and books, too! You'll save a bundle.
Take inventory: Sort through last year's supplies to see what is left over or can be reused.
Browse Craigslist: Yes, you can find top-quality items "on the cheap," but you can be a seller, too. Why not get some cash for that barely worn, now outgrown brand-name outfit? Just enter your location and click on "Baby and Kids."
Start/Dismissal Times
In order for a child to receive the maximum benefit from school, timely attendance is imperative. School times are as follows:
Elementary (K-4)
Doors open at 8:45 a.m.
School from 9 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Kindergarten Schedule
Morning Kindergarten – 9 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.
Afternoon Kindergarten – 1 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Intermediate (5 and 6)
Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
School from 9 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Middle School (7 and 8)
Doors open at 7:45 a.m.
School from 8:05 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
High School (9-12)
Doors open at 7 a.m.
School from 7:40 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.
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Free/Reduced Lunch
Studies have suggested a strong link between child nutrition and learning in school. This supports the importance of the availability of school meal programs in improving the educational performance of our children. Spring-Ford offers healthy meals every school day.
Children from families with incomes at or below 130% of the poverty level, children from families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and children in families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are eligible for free lunches.
Children in families whose income is between 130% and 185% of the poverty level are eligible for reduced price lunches. Learn more at spring-ford.net, click on "For Parents," then "Food Service."
Please note: Free & Reduced applications must be completed each year, information will not carry over from year-to-year.
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Spring-Ford Area School District Title IX Information
The Spring-Ford Area School District affirms that no person shall, on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, age, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, veteran's status or genetic information be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any educational program or activity. In addition, no person shall, on any of these bases, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in employment, or recruitment, or consideration, or selection, therefore, whether full-time or part-time, under any educational program or activity operated by the District. The District shall make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Notice of Non-Discrimination. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, the District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities that it operates. This requirement not to discriminate in the District's education programs and activities extends to employment with and admission to the District.
Anti-Harassment/Anti-Retaliation Statement. The District does not tolerate sexual harassment. Any student who believes he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment is strongly encouraged to report the harassment to the District. The District is committed to promptly investigating all such reports. Retaliation against individuals who file complaints about sexual harassment, or participate in the investigation of such complaints, is strictly prohibited.
Students found to have engaged in sexual harassment or retaliation will be promptly disciplined, and such discipline may include, if circumstances warrant, suspension and/or expulsion. District staff found to have engaged in sexual harassment or retaliation will be promptly disciplined, and such discipline may include, if circumstances warrant, termination of employment. The District strongly encourages students, parents and District staff to work together to prevent sexual harassment.
Designated Title IX Coordinator. In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, the District has a designated Title IX Coordinator. The District's Title IX Coordinator should be contacted regarding any inquiries as to the application of Title IX or filing a harassment complaint. The District's Title IX Coordinator can be contacted via phone, mail or email using the following contact information:
Beth Leiss, Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator
857 S. Lewis Road
Royersford, PA 19468
610-705-6000 ext. 6218
TitleIXCoordinator@spring-ford.net
UPCOMING EVENTS
First Day of School!
August 27, 2018
No School for Students/10-Month Staff
August 31, 2018
Labor Day
September 3, 2018
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Spring-Ford Area School District
857 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468 || 610-705-6000 || news@spring-ford.net