VIKING NEWS
UpperMerionAreaMiddle School
A NationalSchool of Character
Fall/Winter Newsletter
2013-2014
Dr. Karen Geller
Principal
(610) 205-8801
Mr. Adam SlavinAssistant Principal
(610) 205-8807 / Mr. Michael Fabrizio
Assistant Principal
(610) 205-8808
MORNING DROP OFF/AFTERNOON PICK UP
Parents are reminded that morning drop off and afternoon pick up is at the back of the building on Crossfield Road. Students should not be dropped off in the morning or picked up at the end of the day at the Keebler Road entrance. The Keebler Road entrance is for buses only.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
The music department would like to invite everyone to attend their upcoming concerts. All concerts are in
the middle school auditorium and begin at 7:00 PM. The events are listed below:
December 3, 2013 – Orchestra Winter Concert - Featuring both 5th & 6th grade Orchestra and the 7th & 8th grade Orchestra. (7:00 PM)
December 12, 2013-5th Grade Band, Choral & Handbell Ensemble Concert. (7:00 PM)
YEARBOOK
The yearbook may be purchased on pre-order through the end of January. Order online at or send in cash or check for $40.00 made out to UMAMS. Students should bring their money in an envelope to Mrs. McKelvey in room C205 labeled clearly with their name and homeroom teacher. We have sold out in past years so please reserve your copy by pre-ordering.
UPPER MERION AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL CELEBRATESCOMMUNITY OF CARING WEEK
Students in the Upper Merion Area Middle School planned Community of Caring Week October 28-November 1 to celebrate Diversity, the Drug Free Lifestyle and to showcase clubs, activities and sports that unite the entire school family under the umbrella of Community of Caring:
Monday, October 28
Representative Briggs read the Red Ribbon Proclamation on the PA.
CAST celebrated Red Ribbon Healthy Lifestyles and planted bulbs near the cafeteria as a symbol to be drug free.
Red Bracelets were distributed that said “DRUG-FREE, Plant the Promise” and inscribed on the inside, “I PROMISE TO BE DRUG-FREE”. Students and Staff wore red as a statement to be Drug-Free.
October 29
CREATE students read announcements in celebration of our diversity and held a fun activity during lunches which was a visual demonstrating our various origins that make up our school community.
October 30
Community of Caring assembly: Students presented the variety of clubs, activities, and athletics that come together under our umbrella of Community of Caring and outlined the many services they provide our community.
Students viewed an anti-bullying video which led to the Gold Chorus singing “Lean on Me”.
Teacher Jason Quenzer spoke about character, teamwork and responsibility as a student and athlete.
Dr. Geller presented Community of Caring Awards to Derek Leflar and Anthony Littlewood.
Upper House Assistant Principal, Mr. Slavin recognized Athletic Director Joy Power, coaches and athletes for the PIAA Good Sportsmanship Award – the 7th time the Middle School has received this prestigious award.
Dr. Geller, Principal, closed with a heartfelt message unifying students and challenging them to be good citizens and stewards of our Community of Caring.
October 31
Viking Relief Day – students competed against faculty in a heated football game in which the faculty defeated the students 60 to 18.
Students completed a service learning project and after researching charities they raised $4630.00 and 409 canned goods to be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand, National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Viking Relief Fund.
November 1
During a class meeting students completed a Community of Caring activity making an umbrella of activities and writing how they are linked to our school community.
Thus students celebrated Red Ribbon healthy lifestyles, our diversity, and the service activities and clubs that draw us together as a caring respectful and responsible family.
The following people were recognized at the November 4 School Board Meeting:
Recognition of Outstanding Parent Partnership: Karen Urbisci and Michelle Suess, Co-Presidents PTC, Becky DiSanto, longtime former President
Chris Levy, Vice President, and Meg Donahue, Treasurer
Outstanding Community Partnership:
Valley Forge Optimist Club, LaVera Seymour, Garfield Jackson
Outstanding Community Partnership:
King of Prussia Rotary, Carl Pinto, David Rebmann, Tom Phillips
Girls with Goals: Pat Davis, Connie Marinello, Carla Showell-Lee, La Vera Seymour
TSA Grant Supplier Sponsor: Matt Cullen and Grant Supplier Gerald Gormley
PIAA Good Sportsmanship Award: Coaches, students and Athletic Director Joy Power and Adam Slavin, Upper House Assistant Principal
UM Police: Detective Glauner
Community of Caring Awards: Presented by Community of Caring leader Grace Donahue:
Awards for Visionary Leadership to Dr. Jane Callaghan and Susan Silver
Medical News
Protect your child against the flu by getting a flu shot. Talk to your child about steps to prevent the spread of all flu virus. Some of the steps are: washing hands frequently with soap for 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday two times), cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, stay home if you are sick.
SPORTS
Parents are reminded that the athletic schedules are posted on the middle school website. Click on middle school and athletics. Parents should check this web site for cancellations and the rescheduling of games.
DATES TO REMEMBER
11/20PTC Meeting – Library
11/21MS Early Dismissal 11:10
Afternoon & Evening Conferences
11/25Patriotic Concert 7:00 PM
11/26MS Early Dismissal 11:10
Afternoon & Evening Conferences
11/27End of First Semester
90 Minute Early Dismissal
11/28-11/29Thanksgiving Break
12/3Orchestra Concert 7:00 PM
12/12Grade 5 &6 Band/Choral & Handbell Ensemble Concert 7:00 PM
Week of 12/16Interims
12/20Districtwide 90 Minute Early Dismissal
12/23-1/1Winter Break
1/2/14School Resumes
1/8/14Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
6:30 PM
1/20/14Holiday Schools and Offices Closed
1/23/14End of 2nd Marking Period
1/29/14Report Cards Issued
2/14/14Teacher In-Service
2/17/12Holiday – Schools/Offices Closed
Help the Middle School by doing some of your holiday shopping at the Book Fair at Barnes & Noble on December 10th. The fun starts at the 150 Swedesford Road location at 4PM and lasts until the store’s closing. There will be a scavenger hunt, an exhibition of student art work, Middle School musicians, and story readings by our teachers.
STUDENTS, SENIORS & PATRIOTS
On Monday November 25th, students in the Upper Merion 7th & 8th Grade VIKING Band will perform a concert of patriotic music. “Each November I program a concert of music to celebrate our ‘patriot’s’ and to show thanks for what they have done and continue to do for our country”, said Mr. Al Homicz, the director of the student musicians.
Mr. Homicz noted that a few years ago he performed The Star-Spangled Banner as part of a similar ensemble on board the U.S.S. John Brown as it sailed past FortMcHenry on a WWII re-enactment cruise. “That is one of my most memorable musical experiences and was definitely amotivation for the Patriot’s Concert”, says Homicz.
That Patriot’s Concert will be held in the Upper Merion Area Middle School Auditorium on Monday, November 25th at 7:00 PM.
WEATHER EMERGENCY CLOSING PROCEDURES
When snow, ice or other adverse weather conditions require Upper Merion Area Schools to be closed, the procedures listed below will take effect:
The Superintendent or her designee makes every effort to determine to close schools before 6:00 AM on the day in question.
If schools are closed, UMASD’s school closing number – 307 – will be broadcast on KYW Newsradio 1060 AM, on the Viking Channel, and on the school district cable television access channel. In addition, parents will be contacted via the automatic calling system—Connect Ed.
Occasionally, the Superintendent determines that schools must be closed early. This decision is based on weather, traffic and area road conditions. These factors sometimes change hourly. If schools are closed early, the information will be on the Viking Channel and parents will be contacted via the Connect Ed system.
If schools are closed or dismissed early, all extra curricular activities, adult education classes and “Use Permit” activities are cancelled for that date.
Please note: In case of an unexpected early dismissal, please be sure your child knows what to do if you are not at home.
Now that all monies have been deposited and accounted for we totaled: $4630.00 and 409 canned goods. This week we are deciding how much will go to Alex's Lemonade Stand, National Breast Cancer Foundation and the initial Viking Relief Fund.