FAQs

 

Q: When did the middle school’s name change?

A: Prior to the start of the 2017-18 school year, the school board renamed our middle school in honor of our recently retired superintendent Dr. Huesken.  It has been renamed Gerald G. Huesken Middle School.  We will frequently use Huesken Middle School or GHMS to refer to our building.

 

Q: Does my child really need updated immunization records, and are you really going to exclude students from attending school if they do not have all immunizations completed?

A: Yes, due to the new Pennsylvania law, students will need to have their immunization records in compliance and on file at the school. If a student is not in compliance, he/she will be excluded from attending on the fifth day of school until the school receives the required immunization records.

 

Q: My child has recently completed his immunizations.  How do I notify the school?

A: Please drop off all immunization records to the middle school main office. You can also ask your doctor or physician to fax the school the completed records. The fax number is 717-397-4404.

 

Q: How does the new state attendance law (Act 138, passed in November 2016) affect my child this school year?

A: The state passed Act 138 with the purpose of improving school attendance and deterring truancy through “a comprehensive approach to consistently identify and address attendance issues as early as possible with credible intervention techniques.” Conestoga Valley School District will be focusing on improving school attendance and communication regarding attendance policies in all six buildings this school year.

 

As required by law, a student who has 3 unexcused absences will be considered “truant,” which will trigger interventions and actions including a School Attendance Improvement Plan. A student who has 6 unexcused absences will be considered “habitually truant,” which will require the school to take additional steps to address the truancy.

 

Bottom line: CVSD wants all children to attend school every day in order to grow, learn, and achieve. However, we realize your child may need to be absent from school. Please make sure your child brings in a note/excuse card within three school days of returning from an absence. Please also keep open lines of communication with the school if your child is unable to attend school for an extended period of time. We are here to partner with you to maximize your child’s education.

 

Q: What is the dress code policy at the middle school?

A: The district dress code policy is enforced by staff at the middle school. Specific information about our dress code policy can be found under Parent Information > Information > Dress Code Policy Information on the left toolbar of the middle school website.

 

Q: How do I get breakfast/lunch menus and pricing information?

A: By visiting conestogavalley.org, clicking on “District” at the top of the page, and then clicking on “Food Services” in the drop-down menu, you can find the following information in links on the left side of the page: breakfast/lunch menus, prices, application process for Free & Reduced lunch, and how to set up online payment accounts.

 

Q: Does my child need a sports physical to participate in sports at the middle school?

A: All middle school students who plan to participate in a school-sponsored sport this school year must have a current sports physical on file with the Athletic Trainer. Hard copies of the forms are available in the main office at the middle school.

 

Q: How can I get involved as a parent volunteer this year in the middle school?

A: We would love your help! Thanks for asking! VIA, Volunteers in Action, is an “energetic and friendly group of parent and community volunteers committed to supporting students, teachers, faculty, and staff to make a difference in the lives of students.” By visiting conestogavalley.org, clicking on “District” at the top of the page, and then clicking on “Volunteers In Action” in the drop-down menu, you can find the following information in links on the left side of the page: how to join VIA, how to get your clearances, and other FAQs. You can also email Nicole Reinking, assistant principal, directly to get connected to the district VIA coordinator: nicole_reinking@conestogavalley.org.

 

Q: What is the Community Portal, and how do I get an account?

A: CVSD uses the Community Portal to communicate with parents/guardians. Information regarding schedules, grades, attendance, report cards, and fees is shared here. By visiting conestogavalley.org, clicking on the “Parents” icon in the middle of the screen, then clicking on “Sapphire Community Portal for Parents,” you can gain access. If you need an account, click on “Create a Web Portal Account” at the bottom of the screen. You will be prompted to enter a keyword, which is “sapphire.”

 

Q: What is Schoology and how do I get a Parent Account?

A: Schoology is a tool that classroom teachers use to design and implement their lessons, assignments, and assessments. They also use Schoology to post updates to their classes and communicate with parents/guardians.

 

Parents/guardians can register for a Schoology account that can be linked with their children's accounts. When parents/guardians log in, they will see a Facebook-like interface that links them to the District Schoology page as well as to the school pages where their children attend and to each child's classroom. A student-specific Schoology Parent Access letter was posted in each parent/guardian’s Community Portal account under the Student Backpack > Reports > Letters.

 

Q: What upcoming events should be on my parent calendar?

A: Check out our calender.