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Lower Merion School District

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Upcoming Community Events & Programs

The following is a listing of non-profit, community-based programs/events in Lower Merion and Narberth that have been approved for posting by Lower Merion School District. To submit your non-profit, community-based program/event for consideration, please email the LMSD Communications Office at info@lmsd.org.

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Community Meetings about Start Times and Full-Day K

Dear LMSD Families,

As members of our District Administration and I have discussed at recent meetings of the Lower Merion Board of School Directors, our staff members are investigating two important and interconnected possible initiatives to see if and how they may be implemented in the Lower Merion School District. These two investigations concern 1) Healthy Start Times and 2) Full-Day Kindergarten.

To ensure that all interested community members have an opportunity to learn more about these investigations, we are holding community meetings to share updates and answer questions. Please plan to attend the meeting for your elementary school catchment area, so that no meeting becomes overcrowded.

Penn Valley and Belmont Hills areas
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
6:30 p.m.
Harriton High School Auditorium

Cynwyd and Merion areas
Wednesday, October 19, 2022*
6:30 p.m.
Lower Merion High School Auditorium

Penn Wynne and Gladwyne areas
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
6:30 p.m.
Black Rock Middle School "Heart" area

* The October 19, 2022, meeting will also be livestreamed on the District website.

We hope that if you are interested in learning more about the explorations of Full-Day Kindergarten and/or Healthy Start Times, you will plan to attend your area's meeting.

I look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,

Khalid N. Mumin, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

LMHS Performing Arts to Host Fun-Filled 'Fall Fest'

Lower Merion High School Performing Arts is set to host 'Fall Fest' on Saturday, October 8th from noon to 4:00 p.m.!

This FREE event is open to the entire community and will feature touch-a-truck, meet-the-instruments, theater open house, games, face painting and more! The goal is simply to have an afternoon of fun through the performing arts and increase our engagement with the broader community as a whole. Hope to see everyone there!

Fall Fest will take place at Lower Merion High School, which is located at 315 E. Montgomery Avenue in Ardmore!

One Book, One Lower Merion to host 'Author Talk' with Kareem Rosser

The One Book, One Lower Merion Program will be hosting an 'Author Talk' with Kareem Rosser on Sunday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the Lower Merion Township Board Room, which is located at 75 E. Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore.

Rosser will discuss his poignant memoir Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport That Changed Their Lives. Rosser was raised in West Philadelphia and became part of the first all‐black squad to win the National Inter‐scholastic Polo Championship.

Lower Merion Aces Baseball Clinic Fundraiser

The Lower Merion High School baseball team will be hosting a series of clinics for boys and girls ages 8-12 at South Ardmore Park on the following dates:

  • Monday, September 26 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, September 27 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 5 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Each clinic costs $75. Financial aid available if needed. Please contact Coach Quinn for more information at quinnc@lmsd.org. Varsity coaches and LMHS players will run the clinics.

To register, click here.

Lower Merion Girls Lax to Host Clinic

The Lower Merion girls lax program is set to host a Lacrosse Clinic on Sunday, October 23 from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. on Lower Merion High School's Arnold Field. The clinic is open to players in grades 3-8. The cost of the clinic is $50. Pay at check-in on the day of the clinic. Financial assistance is available (see email below). All money raised will benefit the Lower Merion girls lax program! Thank you for helping to support our team!

Questions? Contact clarkka@lmsd.org.

Harriton Girls Lax 2nd Annual Fabric & Shoe Recycling Fundraiser

The Harriton High School girls lacrosse team will be hosting their second annual Fabric & Shoe Recycling Fundraiser on October 1st from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and October 2nd from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

On October 1st, items can be dropped off by the cafeteria. On October 2nd, items can be dropped off behind the high school at the stadium entrance.

Acceptable items: clothing, coats, shoes, boots, cleats, sheets, towels, blankets, bags, belts, hats or any items made of material.

All proceeds from the collection will benefit the Harriton girls lacrosse team. Questions? Contact fritzb@lmsd.org.

Remember to Stop for School Buses

School buses are about to return to the roads for the start of another school year. Please keep our students safe and abide by Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law.

  • When you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP.
  • When you approach an intersection where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP.
  • You MUST STOP at least ten (10) feet away from the school bus.
  • You MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving.
  • DO NOT MOVE until all the children have reached a place of safety.

The penalties if convicted of violating Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law include:

  • $250 fine
  • Five points on your driving record
  • 60-day license suspension

For more information, review Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law Fact Sheet.

You're Invited to Join CARE, the Committee to Address Race in Education

LMSD's Committee to Address Race in Education (CARE) Wants You!

All members of the Lower Merion School District community – students, parents and guardians, staff and residents – are invited to join LMSD's Committee to Address Race in Education (CARE).

LMSD recognizes the value and necessity of engaging all community stakeholders in our efforts to provide a high-quality education to all students. CARE was formed in 1997 in order to forge school-community partnerships and opportunities for stakeholders to work collaboratively toward this goal.

CARE meets monthly from September through May each year to:

  • Communicate about issues of race that have implications for education
  • Advise the District on issues of policy and practice,
  • Report about programs that benefit all racial/ethnic groups
  • Educate all stakeholders in an effort to increase understanding and bring all students to the highest possible levels of achievement.

Meeting dates for the 2022-2023 school year are listed below. Meetings are held in the Lower Merion High School library from 4:00-5:30 p.m.

  • Oct. 19, 2022
  • Nov. 16, 2022
  • Jan. 18, 2023
  • Feb. 15, 2023
  • March 15, 2023
  • Apr. 19, 2023
  • May 17, 2023

To be added to the mailing list for CARE meeting reminders, please click here and enter your email address. To learn more about CARE, click here.

It's Sign Up Time for Free and Reduced Meals

The USDA's universal free meal program, which was put in place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, will not be available for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. To receive free or reduced-price meals during the upcoming school year, qualified families will need to go through the application process, which is NOW OPEN. To ensure that qualified students can receive their meals at the start of the year, I urge you begin the process now. The steps and important links are provided below, and on the Nutritional Services page of the District website.

See if your family qualifies for the program:

  • Visit www.schoolcafe.com to see if you qualify. Only one application needs to be submitted per household, even if your children attend more than one school in LMSD.
  • The application must be filled out completely to certify your children for free or reduced-price school meals.
  • Please follow the step-by-step instructions online.

If your family qualifies:

  • In addition to the application, a Sharing of Information Waiver must be signed to share your status of Free or Reduced with other departments in the District that may waive certain fees for your participation in the lunch program.
  • Click here to print out the waiver
  • Indicate yes or no for sharing
  • Sign and return to:

Lower Merion Nutritional Services
301 E. Montgomery Avenue
Ardmore, PA 19003

Notice of Direct Certification

  • If you have received a Notice of Direct Certification for free meals, do not complete the application.
  • But do let the school know if any children in your household are not listed on the Notice of Direct Certification letter you received.

For additional information on qualifying and applying, please see the Frequently Asked Questions available here. If you are unable to apply online or do not have access to a computer, please contact Nutritional Services at 610-645-1990 or email pinardk@lmsd.org for assistance with applying for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

We look forward to welcoming our students in September and to offering them delicious and nutritious meals. Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Affordable Internet Connectivity Program

Financial Help for Families to Connect to the Internet

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) will allow many American households to reduce their internet service costs by up to $30/month.

There are three different ways to qualify, and you'll be able to take advantage of this benefit if you meet any one of them.

  • The first category is income — specifically, whether the money you make annually is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. For an individual, that would be $27,180. For a couple (or any household of two), the total is $36,620. For a family of four, that total rises to $55,500. The full income chart is available here.
  • Second, you'll also qualify if you or someone else in your household is a beneficiary of assistance programs including Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, and more.
  • Finally, you're also eligible if you've already met the criteria for an existing low-income program from a local internet provider in your area.

If you'd like to claim this benefit for your family, you can start the process right here.

Which internet service providers are participating?

For more information about this service, click here.

LMSD can also help qualifying families get connected through the Comcast Internet Essentials program. For information about LMSD's Internet Essentials Program, call or email Anna O'Hora in the School and Community Relations Department at 610-645-1977 or ohoraa@lmsd.org.

Registration Reminder

As this school year draws to a close, everyone in the Lower Merion School District is busy getting ready for 2022-2023. That means it's registration time for students who plan to enter our schools in September.

Click here for registration information.

Orientations for registered kindergarten students begin the week of May 9, 2022.

LMHS Student Chosen to Perform National Anthem

Julian Bassman, a 10th-grade student at Lower Merion High School, has been selected to perform the National Anthem to kick off the Best Buddies of Pennsylvania's Annual Friendship Walk on Saturday, April 23, 2022.

Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The walk will take place at Commerce Square, 2005 Market St. in Philadelphia. Registration will be available from 9:30-11:00 a.m., with the walk beginning at 11:00 a.m. To cheer Julian on, supporters should plan to arrive by 10:00 a.m.

To register for the walk, or to make a donation, please click here. You can also support the team by purchasing a Best Buddies T-shirt here. The shirts are $10 each and you can choose among the ten LMSD schools and colors.

Congratulations to Julian and all of the students who are Best Buddies!

Students' participation in the Best Buddies program is an example of the Spirit of Community and Student-Driven Schools pathways of LMSD's Strategic Plan, All Forward. Click here to learn more about All Forward and how it serves as a guide for all we do in our District.


Lower Merion Aquatic Club

Swimmers and divers are invited to join the Lower Merion Aquatic Club! This announcement is geared towards students ages 5-18 ranging anywhere in skill level from developmental to competitive.

Learn more at: www.Lowermerionaquaticclub.com

Lower Merion Aquatic Club is a registered non-profit, 501(c)(3). Financial assistance is available.

For more information please contact: LMACheacoach@gmail.com.

Change to Committee Meetings for March 30

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

The March 30th Communications Committee Meeting will be held via Zoom at 7:00 PM to accommodate the addition of the Ad-Hoc for Equity & Anti-Racism Workshop which was scheduled for February. The Ad-Hoc Committee portion of the meeting will begin immediately following the Communications Meeting.

The Zoom link will be available when the agenda is posted in BoardDocs.

This meeting can also be viewed via Live Stream Video please click on the below link:
https://www.lmsd.org/zoom-live.


Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits Extended Through May 2022

The federal government's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been extended until May 2022. The average SNAP benefit increased by $36.24 per person.

SNAP maximum allotments (benefit amounts) are updated each year based on the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan in June and take effect on October 1. The Thrifty Food Plan is the cost of groceries needed to provide a healthy, budget-conscious diet for a family of four.

For more information about SNAP, click here.

To visit the Narberth Community Food Bank website, click here.

K-1 Registration for 2022-23 Now Open!

Registration for kindergarten and first grade is now open! In order to register a child...

To be eligible for kindergarten, a child must be five years of age on or before September 15, 2022.

For children who will be entering a LMSD school for the first time in the fall of 2022 as a first grader, the child must be six years of age on or before September 15, 2022.

Students currently enrolled in a LMSD kindergarten program do not need to register again for first grade.

Questions? Email registration@lmsd.org or call 610-658-3996 for assistance. Interpreter services are available upon request.

The 'Aces K-5 Virtual Homework Help' Program is Back!

The "Aces K-5 Virtual Homework Help" program is a free resource being offered by Lower Merion High School buildOn volunteers for elementary school students in need of academic assistance. This program aims to supplement in-class instruction and help younger students with difficult subject areas and homework assignments in a welcoming, supportive and productive environment. Sessions will be held using Zoom and will take place on a weekly basis.

To register your child(ren), click here!

Questions? Contact K5VirtualTutors@lmsd.org.

Montco Offering COVID-19 Vaccines for Ages 5-11

The Montgomery County Office of Public Health is now scheduling appointments for children ages 5-11 to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine following FDA and CDC recommendation.

Children ages 5-11 have been authorized to receive the Pfizer vaccine only. Moderna and J&J vaccines are still being evaluated for this age group. Any COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 is subject to the very same multi-step testing and approval process as all other COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 vaccines ─ including those routinely recommended for childhood vaccination. For the latest information on approval, visit the CDC website.

Vaccine appointments can be made online at www.montcopa.org/COVID-19vaccine or by calling (833) 875-3967 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Appointments will begin Thursday, November 4. Appointments are required, and there is no cost to receive the vaccine. Appointments are open to children who live or go to school in Montgomery County, PA.

All minors (under age 18) seeking to get vaccinated at a Montgomery County clinic must either be physically accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or an authorized substitute. For more guidance on this, click here and scroll to the 'Getting vaccinated as a minor in Montco' heading.

Montgomery County operates four COVID-19 vaccine clinics. They are located at:

Bethel Community Church of Pottstown, 575 North Keim Street, Pottstown, PA 19464

·Tuesdays 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

·Thursdays 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Human Services Center (First Floor, Community Room), 1430 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA 19401

·Tuesdays 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

·Thursdays 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

King of Prussia Mall at the Court (Third Floor, former Thomasville Furniture) 640 W. Dekalb Pike, Suite 3010, King of Prussia, PA 19406

·Mondays 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

·Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

·Fridays 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Willow Grove Parkside Shopping Center (former Petco) 2522 West Moreland Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090

·Mondays 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

·Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

·Fridays 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Can't find a time or location that works for you? Visit vaccines.gov for a comprehensive collection of clinics in our area, from all providers.

Montgomery County has partnered with the Montgomery County Immunization Coalition (MCIC) to hold a series of town halls for parents to discuss COVID-19 vaccines for children. During these live, virtual events, local healthcare & community leaders will share the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11 years old and answer parents' questions and concerns. Registration is free for the following events:

·Tuesday, November 9, 7 p.m.: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Ages 5-11: A Virtual Town Hall for Asian Parents in collaboration with the Asian American Coalition partners. Register at www.montcopa.org/townhall.

·Thursday, November 11, 7 p.m.: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Ages 5-11: A virtual town hall for Black parents in partnership with Norristown NAACP. Register at www.montcopa.org/vaccine.

·Tuesday, November 16, 7:30 p.m.: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Ages 5-11 (Spanish/Español): A virtual roundtable for Latino parents in partnership with ACLAMO. Register at www.montcopa.org/roundtable.

·Wednesday, November 17, 7 p.m.; COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Ages 5-11: A Virtual Roundtable for Parents. Register at www.montcopa.org/parents.

Montgomery County is currently administering the following vaccines for those who qualify at its four clinics:

·First and second doses for people ages 5 and older (Pfizer)

·One dose for people ages 18 & older (J&J)

·Booster doses for people who qualify (Pfizer, Moderna, J&J)

·Third dose for immunocompromised people (Pfizer & Moderna)

·Flu shots for people 6 months of age or older

COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time as a flu shot, however separate appointments are required for each vaccine. To get both vaccines at the same time, please schedule both appointments at the same clinic location with coordinating time slots if possible. To make an appointment for a first, second, third, or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.montcopa.org/COVID-19vaccine. To make an appointment for a flu shot, visit www.montcopa.org/Flu.

Montgomery County's Department of Public Safety is offering the COVID-19 vaccine to homebound individuals who are eligible through its Mobile Integrated Health Unit. Anyone who wants to set up a vaccination appointment for a homebound person should call (610) 631-3079 and leave a voicemail for a call back.

For general COVID-19 questions or to register for the vaccine by phone, call the Montgomery County COVID-19 hotline at (833) 875-3967. The hotline is open five days a week, Monday through Friday from 8 am. to 4:30 pm. General questions can also be emailed to covid19@montcopa.org.

Foster relationships. Link to resources. Advocate for you. Connect with you.

Do you need help and don't know where to start?

We can help you:

  • Navigate the human services system
  • Better understand services available to you
  • Make referrals to organizations that will best address your needs

We can help link you to resources:

  • Services for seniors
  • Mental health services
  • Drug & alcohol services
  • Employment
  • Child care
  • Housing
  • Food
  • And more!

Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Phone:610-278-3522 (FLAC)

• Navicates are able to assist by phone or email to maintain everyone's safety at this time.

Free service for Montgomery County residents. Language Line services available. Learn more here.

Montgomery County COVID-19 Testing

Montgomery County is offering COVID-19 testing to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in the County and who wants or needs to be tested, regardless of whether they are symptomatic.

To register, go to www.montcopa.org/COVID-19 and click on "County Testing Information." The registration website opens each day at 7:00 a.m. You can also call 610-970-2937 to make an appointment. That number is open Monday-Friday starting at 8:30 a.m.

The closest testing locations to LMSD are:

Ardmore
114 W. Lancaster Ave. (rear of the parking lot next to IHOP)
Mon/Wed/Fri 9 am - 5 pm
Tues/Thurs 10 am -6 pm

Norristown
1401 DeKalb St. (Norristown Regional Health Center)
Mon - Fri 9 am - 5 pm

Other locations are listed on the County website.