The first day of school is Monday, Aug. 31 for Twin Valley School District students.
“We are looking forward to many exciting changes in the District this year! For example we are implementing a new student information system, eSchoolPlus,” said Dr. Robert Pleis, Superintendent. “The new system will provide teachers with more school district information and allow easier access to assessment data as well as expand our online gradebook system. eSchoolPlus will improve the user experience for parents with its parent portal that provides parents with feedback on students’ grades and schedules.”
He said the school district is also updating the wireless infrastructure in all buildings.
“This will be an ongoing project throughout the year that will improve our bandwidth usage and allow more students to be online at one time,” said Pleis.
In the elementary buildings, teachers will be adding the new Everyday Math series and the new Lucy Calkins’ Reading program to their instructional repertoire this year, he said.
“The Lucy Calkins Reading Program will complement the Lucy Calkins’ Writing program that was implemented last year. Both programs are aligned to the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards,” said Pleis.
At the middle school, two STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs are currently being developed. The first, Robotics will be offered to 7th grade students in 2015-2016 and the second Design and Modeling where students will learn to use the Autodesk design software will be offered to 8th grade students in 2016-2017.
“Both courses will provide students with an introduction to STEM-like projects and develop an interest in Project Lead the Way engineering courses offered at the high school,” said Pleis.
At the high school, teachers will be implementing two new standard aligned curriculums in English and Music and Art.
“Teachers and administrators are also looking forward to ongoing professional development on building initiatives such as learning walks and eSchoolPlus,” he said.
Pleis added that the Twin Valley Community Education Foundation has added a new fundraiser this year, the Pancake Breakfast, which will take place in the high school cafeteria on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 8 to 11 a.m. TVCEF will also be hosting their annual Gala on Dec. 4 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Brandywine Manor House. For more information visit www.tvsd.com.
A few upcoming events will help prepare students and parents for going back to school.
On Aug. 26 all three elementary schools will host Kindergarten Meet the Teacher Night for Parents at 7 to 8 p.m. For high school freshmen and new students, Twin Valley High School Freshman and New Student Orientation will be held at 6 p.m. Also, Twin Valley High School Senior College Information Night will be held at 6 p.m.
On Aug. 27, all three elementary schools will host Kindergarten Student Room Visitation from 2 to 3 p.m. Also all three elementary schools will host Grades 1-4 Back to School Night from 7 to 9 p.m.
