Home / News / NMS_April 12 Parent & Guardian Weekly Email Information

 

 

 

 

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Attached is our Weekly Sunday Update, which can be found at the link or text below.

Thank you.

Dr. Mayes & Mr. Horlick

2020_4_12_Parent Weekly Email

This Week’s Major Headlines:

 

 

  • SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR REST OF 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR Governor Wolf announced this week that all schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year. However, that does not mean we are done! Teachers will continue to provide weekly assignments on Mondays at 9am through Schoology. Please see the FAQ below regarding questions about this closure. Video link from Dr. Mayes for students about the closure.

 

 

 

  • 3RD QUARTER REPORT CARDS Report Cards for the 3rd Quarter will be mailed and available on the Home Access Center this week. Please check in Schoology to see your child’s daily assignments to understand the 3rd Quarter grade.

 

 

 

  • STUDENTS NEED TECHNOLOGY or CHROMEBOOK HELP? Any BASD students needing Chromebook Help should fill out this form https://forms.gle/ZJE6SJNaX6RSSd927 Once submitted, a BASD Information Services Department team member will contact you via email (the email will come from “ISD Service Desk”). The Service Desk will then direct you to go to Nitschmann to pick up the needed supplies. 

 

 

 

  • SURVEYS
  • PARENT LEADER IN ME SURVEY: Please take a moment to complete our 2020 Leader in Me Survey for Parents/Guardians. Link: Parent Survey 
  • COMMUNITY STUDY OF NITSCHMANN: A group of doctoral students from ESU is completing a survey of parents, students, & staff of our school. Link: Community Survey 

 

 

Parent & Student Weekly Email

Nitschmann Middle School Weekly Update, Home of the Nitschmann Nation!

Sunday, April 12, 2020, to Sunday, April 19, 2020

All of this information can be viewed at our

Nitschmann Middle School Website  under Weekly Announcements (Click Here!)

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Links to Review

Schoology Directions for Parents

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Upcoming Dates to Be Proactive!

All dates are listed from our NMS Website, BASD Event Calendar, & BASD Academic Calendar 

 

Weekly Schedule & Highlights

Monday, 4/13/20 Online Day; Week 2 Remote Learning Assignments Due 12pm; Week 3 Remote Learning Begins 9am; Food & Supplies Distribution 10am-1pm

Tuesday 4/14/20 Online Day

Wednesday, 4/15/20 Online Day; Food & Supplies Distribution 10am-1pm

Thursday, 4/16/20 Online Day

Friday, 4/17/20 Online Day

Saturday, 4/18/20 

Sunday, 4/19/20 

Monday, 4/20/20 Online Day; Week 3 Remote Learning Assignments Due 12pm; Week 4 Remote Learning Begins 9am

 

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School Closure FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Link to NMS Website FAQ

 

Will there be any celebrations for 8th graders this year? There will be more information about 8th grade end of the year activities as we approach May & June. We want to help our 8th graders celebrate this milestone safely. We are waiting to plan any events until we see what the requirements are from the city, state, and federal government. 

 

What about awards for 8th graders that would have been handed out at the Moving Up Ceremony? Awards will be distributed eventually. We are waiting to plan any events until we see what the requirements are from the city, state, and federal government. 

 

Will 8th grade students be prepared for the transition to Liberty High School? Yes. Students completed course requests before the closure. All transition activities will be completed by Liberty High School prior to the start of the school year. 8th graders should watch their emails weekly for information.

 

Will 5th grade students be prepared for the transition to Nitschmann Middle School? Yes. The NMS administration gathered all the necessary information for transition. All transition activities will be completed by Nitschmann Middle School prior to the start of the school year.  

 

My child has a damaged BASD Laptop/power cord. What should we do? Use the link here to enter information to have our Instructional Technology (IT) team help you by phone. This can be for any BASD students with a Chromebook.

 

My child never picked up their Chromebook. What should we do? Please go to Nitschmann on Mondays or Wednesdays through the bus lane between 10am-1pm to get your child’s Chromebook. 

 

My elementary age child does not have a Chromebook. What should we do? Please email your elementary school principal. Information is listed on their school websites. 

 

What about field trips for students? All field trips are cancelled for the school year, including the music department trip to Boston scheduled for May.  

 

Will I get my money back that I paid for a school field trip? The Main Office staff is working on preparing to distribute field trip money back to parents via US Mail. This is a lengthy process to reissue checks to most of the student body, so please be patient. Mr. Zettlemoyer will be sending information separately about refunds for music department trips. 

 

My child ordered a yearbook. When will they get it? Currently the 2019-2020 yearbook printing is delayed due to closures at the factory. Once the factory reopens, we will have an expected delivery date to distribute to students.

 

My child has things in their locker. When will they get it? We are waiting to implement a plan to distribute student belongings and locker contents until we see what the requirements are from the city, state, and federal government. All items will be returned. Lockers will need to be emptied before summer cleaning. 

 

My child has a band uniform/school instrument. What should we do? Please hold onto in a safe place. We will have procedures to return band uniforms & school instruments. 

 

My child has a Nitschmann library book. What should we do? Please hold onto in a safe place. We will have procedures to return library books. We will get them back when we can. 

 

My child has an application for the National Junior Honor Society. What should we do with it? Please hold onto in a safe place. We will have a new application process when we return to school in the fall. 

 

My child was going to play a spring sport. What is going on with the sports season? PIAA has cancelled all spring sports in Pennsylvania. 

 

My child is planning on playing a fall sport. What should we do? Coaches will be communicating with students to get connected in a plan to prepare for the season. Do not worry about a sports physical at the moment, as we can not overburden the medical systems with unnecessary requests for sports physicals. Watch our Sunday emails for details from Mr. Ortwein. 

 

My child is planning on participating in instrumental music, color guard, or majorettes this fall. What should we do?  Watch our Sunday emails for details. Mr. Zettlemoyer & Mrs. Hriniak will have information posted. All music students should be practicing daily/weekly with their instruments through SmartMusic (online music program). 

 

We are moving and need to disenroll. What should I do?  Email Dr Mayes at pmayes@basdschools.org. He will forward the information to our office staff. 

 

I have a friend/family member moving to Bethehem and need to enroll. What should I do?  Email Dr Mayes at pmayes@basdschools.org. He will forward the information to our office staff. 

 

When will PSSA or Keystone Exams be rescheduled?  All exams have been cancelled for the 2019-2020 school year.

 

Will students continue to get weekly assignments in their school subjects?  Yes. This will continue until school closes for the summer in June. 

 

How will students be graded for the 4th Quarter and school year?  All students will be graded as “Pass/Fail” in all core subjects (math, english, science, & social studies) for the quarter and year. Only the assigned course material will be graded for each course. This is the same at all 4 BASD middle schools each week. Encore subjects will not be graded. Contact Dr. Mayes with any questions. 

 

Are students expected to complete their work on Schoology?  Yes. All work assigned to students will be graded in Schoology. 

 

How will this closure affect my child’s long-term educational goals?  Teachers are already planning for the fall to adjust next year’s courses to make up grade level course content that was missed. Your child is not behind anyone else, as all students are out of school. Contact Dr. Mayes with any questions. 

 

Will students be expected to repeat the school year?  No. Students will be promoted to the next grade level and teachers will accommodate the needs at that level. Contact Dr. Mayes with any questions. 

 

Why are teachers providing office hours or 1-1 sessions for students? Why aren’t teachers doing large-group Zoom classes for students?  The BASD developed a plan to provide “asynchronous” or “not live” instruction for all secondary students. That is what assignments are posted on Mondays and due back the next Monday. “Synchronous” or “live” lessons are not effective with large classes. If your child needs help or assistance, your child should email or Schoology messenger their teacher as soon as possible. They will find a way to communicate and support your child. Contact Dr. Mayes with any questions. 

 

What if my child has a question about an assignment?  Your child should email or Schoology messenger their teacher as soon as possible. 

 

What if my child can not complete an assignment due to illness in our home?  Your child should email or Schoology messenger their teacher as soon as possible. 

 

What if my child is having an issue and needs guidance support?  Your child should email or Schoology messenger their guidance counselor as soon as possible. Information is below. All guidance counselors have office hours to answer questions and help.

 

My child was getting mental health services from before the closure. Will they still get them?  Yes. You or your child should email or Schoology messenger their guidance counselor as soon as possible to coordinate services. 

 

My child has an IEP. Will they still get the services included in the IEP?  Yes. Teachers are working together to continue to provide the services outlined in the IEP that can be provided safely while everyone is at home. You or your child should email or Schoology messenger their case manager for help. 

 

My child has an 504 Will they still get the services included in the 504?  Yes. Teachers are working together to continue to provide the services outlined in the 504 that can be provided safely while everyone is at home. You or your child should email or Schoology messenger their guidance counselor for help. 

 

My child has an GIEP. Will they still get the services included in the GIEP?  Yes. Teachers are working together to continue to provide the services outlined in the GIEP that can be provided safely while everyone is at home. You or your child should email or Schoology messenger Mr. Sukanick for help. 

 

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Academic Information

 

Weekly Assignments (Mayes) All students should be working on their weekly assignments on Schoology. If you have a wifi issue, please email your child’s teacher or guidance counselor (information below). 

 

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School-wide Announcements

 

BASD E-News (Dr. Roy) I hope this email finds you well, safe, and healthy.  This week’s BASD e-News keeps you updated on all the COVID-19 information that you may have missed from the District.  We also have a Fitness Challenge for you straight/virtual from Mr. Goodge from East Hills Middle School. Try out his challenge today! AND Did you see the LHS A Cappella Choir in their Virtual Concert? It is a must see! Or the Marvine Elementary School Staff Message to the Students?  It’s all in this week’s edition of the BASD e-News. BASD e-News from Dr. Roy

 

Lion’s Pride Second Edition

 

National Junior Honor Society (Wallach) Students should please hold on to their applications until the fall. We will have a new application process when we return to school in the fall and will induct our new members in September. 

 

Young Playwrights’ Festival (Hriniak): Congratulations to Abrielle, Marley, and Jason!  They participated in last summer’s Young Playwrights’ Lab and their plays have been selected for this year’s festival, which will be streaming live on May 9.  Here is the information from Touchstone Theatre:

Finalist The Marching Band Prince that Saved the Aliens by Abrielle Brennan

Semi-Finalist Brenda’s Zesty Adventure by Marley Hartnett-Cody

Semi-Finalist The Safari that Went Wrong by Jason DeJesus-Zayas

Leading up to the Festival we will be highlighting the semi-finalists each week.

On Saturday, May 9th at 7pm we’ll be streaming concert readings of our festival finalists on YouTube Live.  Touchstone company members, teaching artists and local community actors will be helping us bring these plays to life, from the safe distance of our homes. You and the whole school will be able to tune in for the family-friendly event, either dressed up in your festival best or with pajamas and popcorn. 

 

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Teacher Updates 

 

Assistant Principal – Mr. Horlick 

 

Student Services:  

Your school counselor will now have office hours where you can share concerns or talk. Please log on to their schoology group for the Zoom Meeting link or send an email to arrange a time to meet.  

OFFICE HOURS

Hipp/8th grade : Tuesday and Thursdays 9:30-10:30AM

Cenci/7th grade : Tuesday and Thursday 9:00- 10:00AM

Stewart/6th grade : Tuesday and Thursday 9:00- 10:00AM

 

 

Team Lafayette (6th) (Twitter @NMSLafayette Team Leader Mrs. Hackman) Hi Team Lafayette students and families! We hope you are all doing well. As you have heard, we will be continuing our online learning for the rest of the year. We miss seeing you during the week and would love to hear from you. Keep up the great work completing your assignments and putting forth your best effort. We also encourage you to expand on your learning and discover more about topics that interest you. Keep looking on Schoology for your weekly assignments and contact us if you have any questions. Have a great week, stay healthy, and be kind to each other. 

 

Team Lehigh (6th) (Twitter @NMSTeamLehigh Team Leader Mrs. Oliver) Hello Team Lehigh! As you have all heard by now, we are in this for the long haul. Though we kind of knew this all along, the news definitely saddened us.  We do miss you guys and miss being in the classroom with you. As you prepare for the rest of the year, it might be a good idea to go back and reread Mr. Fritzinger’s morning update from Thursday (he also sent this out in an email to students and parents Thursday morning) and decide what the rest of your school year is going to look like. Ponder the questions: What do you want to get out of it?  What are you going to learn from it? How are you going to leave this situation a better person?  

These are difficult times, but like all difficult times we work through them together and come out stronger on the other side. We encourage you to come out the other side a better student.  Look at this as an opportunity to learn how to learn. We are here to help!!! Remember all of the Week 2 assignments are due Monday Have a good week and stay healthy!!!

 

Team Moravian (6th) – (Twitter @NMSTeam Moravian/Facebook@NMSTeamMoravian Team Leader Mrs. Roufakis)

Hey Team Moravian! It has been great to hear from so many of you.  Don’t be afraid to email us with questions about the weekly assignments or just email us to check in. We love to hear from you! The next assignment will be posted on Monday. We are here to help.  We miss you! Stay safe.

 

Team Kutztown (7th) (Twitter @TeamKutztown Team Leader Mr. Hess) Team Kutztown Teachers wish all of our students  good health and happiness. We know that this is not the way that any of us expected the seventh grade year to end, but obviously this health crisis is beyond our control. We will continue to make the most of our remote education.  It is great to see that so many students have checked in on Schoology and are completing the required assignments. During week #1, around 95% of Team Kutztown’s students completed and passed the required assignments. Please email us on Schoology or through school district email if you need any clarification on your assignments. Please try to invest some time for your studies each day, and of course, do your best work. There are approximately 40 days remaining in the school year; please know that we (your teachers) are here to support you and help you to be successful. We just need to see some good effort on your part! ELA (Mr. Falteich and Mrs. Gomez) – We hope that everyone had a Happy Passover/Happy Easter!  – This week’s required ELA assignment will be posted on Monday morning 4/13 at 9:00. This week’s project is a research project posted on Schoology. Please make sure to ask us via email if you have any questions about this week’s assignment or even about weeks #1 or #2. (ANOTHER BONUS EXTRA CREDIT 10 POINTS FOR MR. FALTEICH) – Some of you may have noticed little oval stickers on my desk that read… “John Prine is Pretty Good, or Blow Up Your TV.” These are quotes from one of my favorite folk singers, John Prine. John Prine passed away this week at age 73 from coronavirus complications. I had tickets to see him on June 28 in Philadelphia; sadly I will miss seeing him in concert. A few years ago, he performed at the Library of Congress and was interviewed there by the 13th poet laureate of the United States, Ted Kooser. If you love poetry with great images, I would recommend reading Ted Kooser poems. Anyway, here is the extra credit assignment. We have discussed “theme” in literature. Songwriting is a specific literary genre. Listen to the following John Prine Song… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVhA01J0Zsg It is a bit sad, but has a strong message for the listener. All you need to do to receive the 10 points is to listen to the song in the Youtube link and explain the theme to me in a few sentences via email. If you explain a correct theme, I will post the extra credit points within 24 hours. Good luck.Congratulations to E.J. Powers who was the first to submit last week’s bonus extra credit! MATH (Van Woert) – Make sure you are using ALL the resources given to you in the Weekly folder. Watch the videos THEY WILL HELP YOU. And of Course Email me with questions you have BEFORE you hand in your assignment. Science (Mr. Pearson) – Please make sure that you completed and SUBMITTED THROUGH SCHOOLOGY the “Remote Learning Week #2 Assignments” by Monday, April 13th at 12 noon.  This includes the required LEAD assignment that is posted to your Schoology class page.  The “Remote Learning Week #3 Assignments” will be posted to Schoology and activated as of Monday, April 13th at 9 AM and are due the following Monday, April 20th at 12 noon. I will post in Schoology an announcement, as well as, a document with specific instructions on how to complete and submit the assignment.  As always, keep checking Schoology and email regularly for updates and email me if you have any questions, problems, or just want to keep in touch.  Stay safe and healthy!

 

Team Penn State (7th) (Twitter @NMSPennState/Facebook @NMSTeamPennState/ Instagram pennstatenms Team Leader Mrs. Miller) As you have heard, we will be continuing the online format for the remainder of the year.  We are very proud of the many students who have completed assignments and checked in on Schoology. We encourage you to strive to always give your best effort in all you do. Parents and students, please continue to email us (through Schoology or district email) with any assignment that needs clarification or any other difficulty you may be experiencing. Please keep us informed….we are here to help! Use the habits learned in LEAD and budget your time for your coursework. We encourage students to help out with family needs as well. Remember…together…we are strong!   We also enjoy getting emails from students and parents sharing how your family is doing. Reminder: All coursework for week two is to be submitted by noon on Monday, April 13.

 

Team East Stroudsburg (8th) (Twitter @@nmsteamesu Team Leader Mr. Amen Instagram @nmsteamesu8

History students: I have posted two videos that are OPTIONAL, they are meant to bridge the gap in the chapters or topics that were not covered. The videos are short, and OPTIONAL. Crash course videos on Youtube are great reviews for various history topics, again OPTIONAL. ELA students should check Schoology Monday morning for your weekly Study Sync assignments.  There will be more options for some background learning this week. As always, Mrs. Pogue and Mr. Danyi are available to answer any of your questions. And we both love hearing how all of you are doing. Mrs. Jarosz will be posting next week’s assignment along with supplemental materials meant to help you learn. Any questions or trouble, PLEASE message her or email her for help. That’s what we’re here for.

 

Team Northampton (8th) (Twitter @TeamSpartanNMS Team Leader Mrs. Hood)   In ELA classes (Hinkel and Wallach), we are posting 3 ELA StudySync assignments each Monday morning. Two are extension/enrichment activities and one is a mandatory and graded assignment. Please look on Schoology for complete updates and directions and email us with any questions and/or concerns. We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.  Math students should check Schoology Monday morning for your weekly assignment. I have also posted additional materials to help with the assignment (guided notes / formula sheets, video tutorials, practice worksheets (with answers) and additional Math XL and IXL sections (all optional).

History – as per the District – Week 3 lesson is focused on how Andrew Jackson’s policies affected Native Americans in the early 1800s. Keep checking out the political cartoons – there are some good ones!  Talking politics, the Former Vice President Joe Biden will be the Demorcatic nominee for the 2020 Presidential race after Senator Bernie Sanders dropped out of the race. Biden plans to nominate a woman for his Vice Presidential candidate.   What a historical time in history – the 100th year anniversary of women gaining the right to vote (1920 – 19th Amendment) and the potential to have a woman vice president! 

 

Encore (All Grades):    

 

From Mr. Carlstrom. Once again, go into Schoology to check for your assignment.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. All questions are good ones.  

 

Kocon&Burzynski: 

 

Music (de Vries): Your Incredibox projects were excellent! Feel free to check out your class playlist and make positive comments about the projects you enjoyed listening to. Please check Schoology for the week 3 lesson. This week, Flipgrid will be the tool to explore the connection between science and music. Flipgrid is easy to use. You can disguise yourself with emojis or filters, and even take a selfie at the end. As always, stay in touch. I love hearing from you.

 

Spanish (Bouhana & Sierra): Make sure to check Schoology for your weekly assignments. If you have any questions, feel free to message me directly on Schoology or email me.  The projects we have been getting are great. Check schoology for Zoom conference times.

 

French (Lare): 

 

German (Sofka/Schwarz): Hallo alle!! We are bummed that we won’t be able to see most of you until next year, but we want to make sure you have access to awesome German review activities! So…make sure to check Schoology for your weekly assignments and announcements from us. We are thrilled with the hard work you are putting into the assignments!  If you have any questions, feel free to message us on Schoology or email us.

 

Team PITT (Hoffman/Villani/Long/Weinert)

 

Library (Pohlidal) Hello everyone!  Don’t worry about trying to return library books at this time. There are no due dates even if you received an email about an overdue book.  Keep on reading! Have you looked at the OverDrive eBooks on the library web page? You can read these books right from home. I’ve also added a page of extra activities for you to try just for fun.  Miss you!

 

ESL (Bartolacci) 

 

Art (Lund/Kozero) Check Schoology for your weekly assignment. Fun at-home projects!! Don’t be afraid to challenge 

yourself with the Enrichment Extensions!! 

 

Gifted Seminar ( Sukanick/Kozero) Make sure to keep up with assignments on Schoology.  If you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact us by email or on Schoology.  Stay well.

 

 Nitschmann Middle School Performing Arts Department Updates

 

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Nitschmann Middle School Instrumental Music Website (Click Here!)

Mr. Daniel Zettlemoyer, Instrumental Music 

 

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

Due to the Governor closing school for the remainder of the school year, all instrumental music concerts, festivals, and banquets are cancelled for the remainder of the school year and will not be rescheduled.  It is impossible to reschedule these events due to the unknown time of our return to school now or in the future.

 

I am moving forward with the traditional scheduling of all our events for next year.  All dates are subject to change pending federal, state, and local directives due to the pandemic.

8th GRADE MUSIC AND DRAMA TRIP UPDATE

 

I will be sending out information to the participants of the NYC trip regarding the status of refunds and the procedures ensure accuracy and efficiency.

 

Complete details are on the website at http://www.nmsim.org/8th-grade-trip/

 

FUNDRAISERS

 

 

 

  • The Nitschmann Instrumental Music Association is now part of the Amazon Smile program.  Now you can shop at Amazon, get great deals and support the Nitschmann Instrumental Music Association all at the same time.   Please share this with your friends and family. Go here for more information: http://www.nmsim.org/nimas/fundraising/

 

SPRING TRIP TO BOSTON

 

Complete details of the trip are on the website at http://www.nmsim.org/spring-trip/

 

 COLOR GUARD:

 

LHS MAJORETTES & BAGPIPES

  • Any individuals who are interested in auditioning for or joining any of our auxiliary units (majorettes, bagpipes and colour guard) to please be patient. Realistically, auditions may not occur until summertime or early fall. I know many of our rising 8th graders would like a definitive answer but at this time we have none and it would be irresponsible for me to give one.   Stay well and stay safe. Mr. Long

PRACTICE INFORMATION

  • All Band & Orchestra students should continue to work on the three pieces in the SmartMusic band & orchestra class.
    • Begin with the BASIC LEVEL first. 
  • All instrumental students should enroll in a SmartMusic class for their lesson book.  You should aim to pass 10-20 exercises per week. (While the number seems high, remember you are beginning with exercises you have already “mastered”)
  • Complete and submit the music theory worksheets via Schoology.  
  • Information for parents on how to tune your child’s string instrument is available at http://www.nmsim.org/orchestra/

 

ONLINE LISTENING 

 

NEWS OF NOTE:

  • LHS bagpipe information If you are interested in receiving information regarding playing the bagpipes at Liberty text @piping2020 to the number 81010. 
    • Any individuals who are interested in auditioning for or joining any of our auxiliary units (majorettes, bagpipes and colour guard) to please be patient. Realistically, auditions may not occur until summertime or early fall. I know many of our rising 8th graders would like a definitive answer but at this time we have none and it would be irresponsible for me to give one.   

Stay well and stay safe

Mr. Long

  • Stay up to date on the latest by following the instrumental music groups on Twitter.  @NMSBandOrch
  • Do not forget to check the Instrumental Music Website www.nmsim.org for everything dealing with instrumental music.

 

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE:

2020 -2021 Schedule of events will be available shortly.

 

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Nitschmann Middle School

A LEAD School, partnering with The Leader in Me

“Lions Lead the Way!”

 

Our Collective Vision Nitschmann Middle School is committed to cultivating a respectful community of innovative learners who are socially competent citizens ready to meet the challenges of their future.

 

Twitter @NitschmannMS

Facebook @NitschmannMiddleSchool

Instagram @BASDNitschmannMS,

Web http://basdwpweb.beth.k12.pa.us/nitschmann/

 

1002 West Union Blvd

Bethlehem, Pa 18018

Main Office (610) 866-5781

Fax (610) 866-1435

 

IMPORTANT/CONFIDENTIAL: This communication is intended solely for the confidential use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and the privileges are not waived by virtue of this having been sent by electronic mail.  If the reader of this email is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify me immediately & permanently delete this message including all attachments.  Thank you.