ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Legislative Agenda
November 19, 2015
7:30 p.m.
I.
Call to Order
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
B.
III.
PSBA Recognition
Bill Tyson – Board of School Director
John Hanna – Board of School Director and Board President
Glenwood Elementary School – Using Technology to raise the level of
Student Achievement: Eric Bucci, Rachael Pinsley and Charlie Keeler
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
Bid Opening Minutes of November 4, 2015–SLMS Library Reconfiguration
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Roll Call
Presentations and Awards
A.
B.
C.
IV
Pledge of Allegiance
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports
Committee Highlights and Reports
School Reports
Superintendent’s Report
Solicitor’s Report
President’s Report
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
Agenda
RTMEA – Susan Howe
1
November 19, 2015
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Old Business
A.
IX.
None
New Business
A.
B.
C.
D.
X.
Rose Tree Media Residents
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Degree Advance
c.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
d.
Supplemental Contracts
e.
Create New Position
f.
Other
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest Girls Varsity and JV Lacrosse Team – Orlando, FL
Addendum – Personnel
1.
Nominations
a.
Professional
Addendum – Personnel
1.
Nominations
a.
Personnel
Finance
A.
B.
Agenda
Purchasing
1.
Bid Awards
a.
Springton Lake Middle School-Library Configuration
General
1.
Change Orders
2.
Budgetary Transfers
3.
2014-2015 Local Audit
4.
New Signers for Security Benefits
5.
Springfield Country Club
6.
Concordville Inn Contract
7.
Cini Construction Service Proposal
8.
Johnson Controls, Inc. Performance Contract Addendum
9.
Lifeworks School Contract
2
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
C.
D.
XI.
Financials for October 2015
Bill Lists for October 2015
Adjournment
ANNOUNCEMENT
There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel at
6:30 p.m. prior to the Legislative Meeting of December 17, 2015, at Penncrest High
School. The Legislative Meetings are recorded on tape.
Agenda
3
November 19, 2015
Rose Tree Media School District
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James Wigo, Superintendent
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
November 19, 2015
Minutes of the October 22, 2015 Legislative Meeting
I. Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
____________________________________________________________________________
Board Members in Attendance:
Tracy Barusevicius
Nancy Fronduti
John Hanna
Nancy Mackrides
William O’Donnell
Harry Postles
Elizabeth Schneider
Bill Tyson
Students:
Allison D’Ignazio
Eric Bilbrough
Absent:
Tanner Daggy
Absent:
Susan Nolen
Also in Attendance:
Peter Barry, Interim Principal IL
Michelle Britton, Asst. Principal SLMS
Eric Bucci, Principal GW
Anne Callahan, Dir. Human Resources
Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Dir.PS and Sp. Ed.
Donald DiPaulo, Asst. Principal SLMS
William Dougherty, Asst. to Superintendent
Grace Eves, Dir. Management Services
Joe Fuhr, Asst. Principal PHS
Ron Harris, Network Specialist
Ralph Harrison, Principal PHS
Heather Hogan, Accountant
Mack Johnson, Mgmt. Systems Admin.
Thomas Kelly, Esq., Solicitor
Patti Linden, Dir. Technology
Kim McCann, Info. Tech. Spec
Jenny Robinson, Principal Rose Tree Elem.
Robert Salladino, Principal SLMS
Christine Seeley, Acting Principal SYA
Steve Silva, Asst. Principal PHS
Sharon Sweeney, Asst. Principal PHS
Paula Voshell, Principal Media Elementary
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
1
November 19, 2015
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of September 24, 2015
Mr. Postles moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2015 – 2016 43
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Legislative Meeting Minutes of
September 24, 2015
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
B.
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
None
Susan Nolen
Special Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 13, 2015
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2015 – 2016 44
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Special Legislative Meeting
Minutes of October 13, 2015
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
None
Susan Nolen
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
2
November 19, 2015
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
Eagle Scout Award – Jonathan Cotton
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. Postles seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2015 – 2016 45
Resolve, the Board of School Directors present the Rose Tree Media Award to
Jonathan Cotton for achieving Eagle Scout Rank.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
B.
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
None
Susan Nolen
Nancy Fronduti – Board of School Director Recognition
Mr. Postles moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2015 – 2016 46
Resolve, the Board of School Directors recognize Nancy Fronduti for her fifteen
years of service to the students, staff and community members of the Rose Tree
Media School District. Nancy served as President of the Board of School Directors
for three years and Vice-President for three years and chaired many committees.
We would like to thank Mrs. Nancy Fronduti for her years of service to the entire
Rose Tree Media School District educational community and we wish her the very
best in her future endeavors.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
IV
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
None
Susan Nolen
Educational Presentation
A.
Transition Program from Springton Lake Middle School to
Penncrest High School: Ralph Harrison and Sarah Graham
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
3
November 19, 2015
V.
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
VII.
Nancy Nicely – September 9th Incident
Diane Wade – Superintendent Wigo Contract
Cynthia Sabatini – Cost Benefit
Paige Loper – Superintendent Wigo Performance Review
Joyce Laughlin – Taxes
Old Business
A.
IX.
RTMEA – Susan Howe
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports
Committee Highlights and Reports
School Reports – In Official Legislative Minutes of October 22, 2015
Superintendent’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of October 22, 2015
Solicitor’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of October 22, 2015
President’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of October 22, 2015
None
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Degree Advancement
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
d.
Supplemental Contracts – See Attachments A and B
e.
Salary Change
f.
Create a New Position
g.
Other – See Attachments C, D, E and F
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. Postles seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2015 – 2016 47
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following New Business:
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
4
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
1.
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
2.
Darlene DeMarse, .4 Special Education Teacher, SYA
Penncrest High School, resignation effective August 18, 2015.
Athena Valavanis, Secretary I, Education Center, resignation
effective October 2, 2015.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Carolyn Heaton, Night School Teacher for the 2015-2016
school year at the rate of $40.00 per hour.
2.
Recommend Board approval for the following personnel to
serve as Homebound Instructors for the 2015-2016 school
year at the rate of $46.00 per hour:
Alexis Azeff
Tiffany Bendistis
Jennifer Clarke
Alicia Commale
Susan Coyne
Kathleen Devine
Dorothee Diaz
Tom Durant
David Enterlin
Kim Enterlin
Vince Eppolito
Crystal Grace-Green
Christopher Grouzes
Sean HObdell
Jason Lazarow
Anthony Lombardo
Jeanine Williamson
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
Theresa Long
Ronni Miller
Laura Nemec-Osborne
Amanda Pfeiffer
Kelly Piecara
Catherine Poulos
Debbie Schnaars
Lynda Seery
Lee Sitkowski
Jeremy Smith
Amy Somerville
Betsy Spardel
Jodi Strevig
Sharon Williams
Sue Williamson
Michele Woodward
5
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
3.
Non-Instructional
1.
Lisa Brechemin, Substitute Cafeteria Worker,
October 23, 2015 at the rate of $11.20 per hour.
effective
2.
Alexander Penman, Support Staff II, effective October 23,
2015 at the rate of $16.99 per hour. Mr. Penman is assigned
to Penncrest High School. NOTE: Mr. Penman is being hired
pending completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
3.
Melissa Sabatino, Math Tutor, effective October 23, 2015 at
the rate of $16.00 per hour. Ms. Sabatino is assigned to Media
Elementary.
4.
Terri McCabe, Support Staff I, effective October 23, 2015 at
the rate of $13.43 per hour. Ms. McCabe is assigned to
Penncrest High School replacing Linda Rowley who resigned.
5.
Donna DiSantis, Bus Aide, effective October 23, 2015 at the
rate of $15.02 per hour. Ms. DiSantis is assigned to
Transportation. This is a new position.
6.
Karen Potts, Support Staff I, effective October 23, 2015 at the
rate of $13.43 per hour. Ms. Potts is assigned to Penncrest
High School replacing Dale Soring who was reassigned.
General
a.
Degree Advancement
1.
Recommend Board approval of the following personnel for
Degree Advancement and adjust their salaries accordingly
effective August 31, 2015:
Kelly Henry
ThaiFaa MayfieldPinket
Kelly Piecara
Andrea Rachubinski
Theresa Shannon
Dennis Smyth
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
Master’s/Step7
Master’s+40/Step13
Permanent/Step4
Master’s+20/Step4
Master’s+20/Step2
Master’s/Step 8
6
$54,861.00
$85,506.00
$49,205.00
$59,985.00
$59,271.00
$55,080.00
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
c.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
d.
Dana Vellios-Miller requests an unpaid leave of absence
effective February 23, 2016 through June 30, 2016 for the
purpose of child rearing.
Rescind appointment of Emily Ferdon as 1.0 Mathematics
Building Coordinator for the 2015-2016 school year at Indian
Lane Elementary.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Kristin Hartner, New Teacher Mentor for the 2015-2016 school
year at the annual salary of $870.00. Ms. Hartner is assigned
to Springton Lake Middle School.
2.
Emily Ferdon, (.5) Mathematics Building Coordinator for the
2015-2016 school year at the annual salary of $1,450.00. Ms.
Ferdon is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
3.
Nancy Novello, (.5) Mathematics Building Coordinator for the
2015-2016 school year at the annual salary of $1,450.00. Ms.
Novello is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
4.
Jacqueline Baker, Assistant Girls Lacrosse Coach for the
2015-2016 school year at the annual salary of $3,625.00.
5.
Sandra Dinnella, Saturday Detention Sponsor for the 20152016 school year at the rate of $46.00 per hour. Ms. Dinnella
is assigned to Penncrest High School.
6.
Timothy Fink, Intramural Leader for the 2015-2016 school year
at the rate of $21.26 per hour. Mr. Fink is assigned to Media
Elementary.
7.
Jennifer Alleva, Junior Variety Show Assistant Director for the
2015-2016 school year at the annual salary of $1,450.00. Ms.
Alleva is assigned to Penncrest High School.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
7
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Supplemental Contracts
8.
Alicia Commale, Emanon Theatre Assistant Director for the
2015-2016 school year at the annual salary of $1,595.00. Ms.
Commale is assigned to Penncrest High School.
9.
Colleen Hoy, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the 2015-2016
school year at the annual salary of $580.00. Ms. Hoy is
assigned to Penncrest High School.
10.
Antoinette Lyons, District Music Coordinator for the 2015-2016
school year at the annual salary of $5,928.00. Ms. Lyons is
assigned to Penncrest High School.
11.
Kimberly Riviere, District World Language Coordinator for the
2015-2016 school year at the annual salary of $5,928.00. Ms.
Riviere is assigned to Penncrest High School.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
8
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Supplemental Contracts
12.
13.
Recommend Board approval for the following Indian Lane
Elementary Personnel to serve as Club Advisors for the 20152016 school year:
STUDENT COUNCIL
R. LEWIS
$152.00
STUDENT COUNCIL
J. ARBUTINA
$162.00
STUDENT COUNCIL
S. HENDRIXSON
$145.00
STUDENT COUNCIL
L. SITKOWSKI
$152.00
BOARD GAMES CLUB
J. FRIEDGEN
$456.00
BOARD GAMES CLUB
K. DEVINE
$290.00
BOARD GAMES CLUB
E. ARIAS
$290.00
BROADCAST CLUB
K. BATTAVIO
$1,216.00
BROADCAST CLUB
T. HATTON
$1,216.00
GARDEN CLUB
K. DEVINE
$290.00
READING OLYMPICS CLUB
S. HENDRIXSON
$217.50
READING OLYMPICS CLUB
A. WASHINGTON
$228.00
READING OLYMPICS CLUB
T. HATTON
$228.00
READING OLYMPICS CLUB
C. CARMINITO
$217.50
SCRAPBOOKING CLUB
S. HUEBNER
$608.00
SKETCHBOOK CLUB
K. DEVINE
$1,216.00
LEGO/ROBOTICS CLUB
D. SMYTH
$290.00
BOBCAT ENSEMBLE CLUB
K. BATTAVIO
$580.00
BAND DIRECTOR
J. BOYLE
$608.00
ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR
J. WALLS
$304.00
MUSICAL CLUB
K. BATTAVIO
$1,160.00
THE FIFTH DIMENSION
K. BATTAVIO
$1,160.00
Recommend the following Indian Lane Elementary personnel
serve as Intramural Instructors for the 2015-2016 school year
at the rate of $21.26 per hour:
Caitlyn Carminito
Ryan Lewis
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
Jeff Leahan
9
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Supplemental Contracts
14.
Recommend Board approval for the following Glenwood
Elementary Personnel to serve as Club Advisors for the 20152016 school year:
HANDBELLS
K. HONG
NEWSPAPER CLUB
C. GRACE-GREEN
$1,216.00
STUDENT AMBASSADOR
A. FIZZANO
$1,160.00
LEGO/ROBOTICS CLUB
A. GRISILLO
$304.00
ENVIRO CLUB
A. GRISILLO
$456.00
READING OLYMPICS
R. PINSLEY
$456.00
READING OLYMPICS
A. BARRY
$435.00
RHYTHM IN MOTION
K. HONG
$760.00
RUNNING/WALKING
A. FIZZANO
$290.00
RUNNING/WALKING
A. BARRY
$304.00
ASTRONOMY
A. GRISILLO
$152.00
SCRABBLE
E. LUTZ
$228.00
SCRABBLE
R. PINSLEY
$228.00
BAND DIRECTOR
A. BUGOSH
$608.00
ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR
J. WALLS
$304.00
ART CLUB
K. SHARP
$725.00
RUBIKS CUBE CLUB
C. KEELER
$290.00
VIDEO CLUB
C. GRACE-GREEN
YOGA CLUB
K. MAZZELLA
$217.50
YOGA CLUB
E. YEPREMIAN
$217.50
MAGIC CLUB
C. KEELER
$290.00
CHEMISTRY CLUB
C. KEELER
$145.00
ARTS AND CRAFTS CLUB
M. WHALEN
$145.00
ARTS AND CRAFTS CLUB
M. SALERA
$72.50
ARTS AND CRAFTS CLUB
H. GALLAGHER
$72.50
READING LAB
F. MATHIS
$290.00
READING LAB
M. OMLOR
$290.00
READING LAB
L. LISTA
$580.00
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
10
$145.00
$1,160.00
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
e.
Supplemental Contracts
15.
Recommend Board approval of the Penncrest High School
Winter Athletic Supplemental contracts for the 2015-2016
school year. See Attachment A – In Official Legislative
Minutes of October 22, 2015.
16.
Recommend Board approval of the Springton Lake Middle
School Winter Athletic Supplemental contracts for the 20152016 school year. See Attachment B – In Official Legislative
Minutes of October 22, 2015.
Salary Change
1.
f.
Create a New Position
1.
g.
Dolores Taylor, Food Service Worker, pay rate correction to
$13.21 per hour.
Resolve the Board approve an additional Support Staff II
position to serve as a One-on-One Personal Instructional
Assistant at Indian Lane Elementary. An additional
Instructional Assistant is required for a special education
student who has transitioned from outside of the District to the
Intensive Learning Support Classroom at Indian Lane
Elementary. This position was discussed at the Personnel
Committee Meeting.
Other
1.
Recommend Board approval of the Memorandum of
Understanding between Rose Tree Media School District and
Administrators and Supervisors I. See Attachment C – In
Official Legislative Minutes of October 22, 2015.
2.
Recommend Board approval of the Memorandum of
Understanding between Rose Tree Media School District and
Administrators and Supervisors II. See Attachment D – In
Official Legislative Minutes of October 22, 2015.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
11
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
g.
Other
3.
Recommend Board approval of the Memorandum of
Understanding between Rose Tree Media School District and
Administrative Assistants and Confidential Secretaries. See
Attachment E – In Official Legislative Minutes of October 22,
2015.
4.
Recommend Board approval of the agreement between Rose
Tree Media School District and General Healthcare
Resources, Inc. for the 2015-2016 school year. GHR will
provide substitute services for Paraprofessionals, Nurses,
Special Education Teacher, Physical Therapists and
Occupational Therapists. See Attachment F – In Official
Legislative Minutes of October 22, 2015.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
None
Susan Nolen
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
12
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
2.
3.
4.
Penncrest High School students to Hickory Run State Park
Penncrest High School Orchestra – Chicago, IL
Penncrest High School Science Olympiad Team – Ithaca, NY
Penncrest High School Science Olympiad Team – Juniata College
Mr. Hanna moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2015 – 2016 48
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Students to Hickory Run State Park
Resolve the Board of School Directors approve a request for an overnight
field trip submitted for Penncrest students to explore PA deciduous forest
and river areas at Hickory Run State Park (back up is the Delaware Water
Gap) from Nov. 6-8, 2015. The registration fee of $61.00, transportation
costs of $580.00, and campsites/meal costs of $550.00 are being paid by
the students.
2.
Penncrest High School Orchestra – Chicago, IL
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a request for an
overnight field trip submitted for Penncrest orchestra students to attend the
Invitational Festival of Gold in Chicago, Illinois from 4/17-4/21/2016.
Substitute costs of $856.00 are being paid by the District. Transportation
costs of $150.00/student and hotel/meal costs of $650.00/student are being
paid by the students. Student costs will be offset by fundraising.
3.
Penncrest High School Science Olympiad Team – Ithaca, NY
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a request for an
overnight field trip submitted for members of the Science Olympiad Team to
attend the Invitational Tournament for the Science Olympiad Team at
Cornell University in Ithaca, New York from 2/5-2/6/16. The registration fee
of $100.00 is being paid for by the District. Transportation, lodging, and
meal costs are being paid for by students (approximate cost to student is
$91.00/student) and are offset by fundraising activities.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
13
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
4.
Penncrest High School Science Olympiad Team – Juniata College
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a request for an
overnight field trip submitted for members of the Science Olympiad team to
attend the State Championship Tournament for the Science Olympiad Team
at Juniata College from April 22-24, 2016. Substitute costs of $408.00,
transportation costs of $960.00, and hotel/lodging costs of $1728.00 are
being paid by the District.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
None
Susan Nolen
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
14
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing
1.
B.
None
General
1.
Advanced Refunding of Series A of 2010 and Series 2011 Bonds-RBC
Capital – See Attachment G – In Official Legislative Minutes of October 22,
2015.
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the parameters
resolution for the advanced refunding of Series A of 2010 and Series of
2011 bonds.
RESOLUTION: 2015 – 2016 49
INCURRING NONELECTORAL DEBT TO BE EVIDENCED BY ONE OR
MORE SERIES OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN THE MAXIMUM
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF TWENTY SIX MILLION ONE
HUNDRED SEVENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($26,170,000), TO
CURRENTLY REFUND ALL OR A PORTION OF THIS SCHOOL
DISTRICT’S OUTSTANDING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES A
OF 2010, GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES OF 2011, AND PAY
THE COSTS OF ISSUING THE REFUNDING BONDS; ACCEPTING A
BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT; SETTING FORTH THE PARAMETERS,
SUBSTANTIAL FORM OF AND CONDITIONS FOR ISSUING THE
BONDS; PLEDGING THE FULL FAITH, CREDIT AND TAXING POWER
OF THIS SCHOOL DISTRICT TO SECURE THE BONDS; APPOINTING A
PAYING AGENT AND SINKING FUND DEPOSITORY; PROVIDING FOR
REDEMPTION OF THE REFUNDED BONDS; AND AUTHORIZING
RELATED DOCUMENTS AND ACTIONS.
The aforementioned was approved following a roll call vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
None
Susan Nolen
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
15
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Change Orders
Budgetary Transfers
Walnut Street Theatre
Music Theatre International
Media Borough Improvements
Emerson Network Power – See Attachment H – In Official Legislative
Minutes of October 22, 2015.
Delaware County Intermediate Unit 25 Internet Service Agreement
See Attachment I – In Official Legislative Minutes of October 22, 2015.
Contract with Devereux Schools – Brandywine Campus
Contract with Timothy School
Contract with Green Tree School
Contract for Nursing Services for a student at George Crothers Memorial
School
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2015 – 2016 50
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Change Orders
Change Orders are acted upon in accordance with Resolution 1997-98 –
124, as approved by the Board of School Directors on April 23, 1998.
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following change
orders:
a.
GEM Mechanical in the amount of $535.00 for a permit fee for
Middletown Township.
b.
S. B. Conrad in the amount of $2,415.00 for additional paving to
reduce driveway ponding in the amount of $7,935.00 as well as a
credit in the amount of $5,520.00.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
16
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
3.
Budgetary Transfers
Rose Tree Media School District Policy #612…(Public School code section
609) when funds are not available for a proposed appropriation, a legal
transfer from one class of expenditure to another may be made in the last
nine (9) months of the fiscal year by the board.
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following
budgetary transfers:
FY 16-2 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – Salaries
$14,246.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – Software
$14,246.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for the fee for 34 students to take Latin
Class.
4.
Walnut Street Theatre
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the agreement for
Walnut Street Theatre in the amount of $745.00. This agreement is for an
Anti-Bullying program at Springton Lake Middle School on January 21,
2016. Funding for this agreement is through the General Fund.
5.
Music Theatre International
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the contract with
MTI in the amount of $760.00. This contract pays for royalty fees and
materials for the Lion King Kids musical being performed by Indian Lane
Elementary School students. Funding for this contract is through the
General Fund.
6.
Media Borough Improvements
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the request from
Media Borough to make improvements to Barrall Field by adding lights over
the doors and replacing a missing sign and making improvements to the
playground at the Media Elementary School by repainting the basketball
court and hanging new nets. The improvements are at no cost to the
District.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
17
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
7.
Emerson Network Power
Further resolve, the Board approve the Proposal for Service between
Emerson Network Power, Liebert Services, Inc. and the Rose Tree Media
School District. The Service Proposal includes essential and preventative
maintenance service for Nfinity Uninterruptible Power Systems located at
Penncrest High School. The one (1) year proposal will commence on
November 15, 2015, with payment not to exceed One Thousand Seven
Hundred Ten dollars and ten cents ($1,710.10). See Attachment H. The
background for this Proposal was reviewed at the Technology Committee
meeting on October 13, 2015. Solicitor, Tom Kelly, has reviewed and
approved this proposal.
8.
Delaware County Intermediate Unit 25 Internet Service Agreement
Further resolve, the board approve the Internet Service Agreement between
the Delaware County Intermediate Unit 25 and the Rose Tree Media School
District for Internet access service via the fiber wide area network. The term
of the agreement begins July 1, 2015, and continues through June 30, 2016
with payment not to exceed Fifteen Thousand Three Hundred Dollars
($15,300.00). See Attachment I. The background for this Proposal was
reviewed at the Technology Committee meeting on October 13, 2015.
Solicitor, Tom Kelly, has reviewed and approved this proposal.
9.
Contract with Devereux Schools- Brandywine Campus
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract for a
special education student to attend the Devereux Schools-Brandywine
Campus for the 2015-2106 school year. The program is required to meet
the needs of the student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act. Tuition costs are $209.00/day. Approximate annual costs
are $37,620 if student is in full attendance for the school year.
10.
Contract with Timothy School
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve five contracts that
have been submitted for five special education students to attend the
Timothy School for the 2015-2016 school year. The program is required to
meet the needs of the student in accordance with the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act. Tuition costs are $65,150.00/student/year.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
18
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
11.
Contract with Green Tree School
Further resolve the Board of School Directors approve a contract submitted
for a special education student to attend the Green Tree School for the
2015-2016 school year. The program is required to meet the needs of the
student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Tuition costs are $168.51/day. Approximate annual costs are $30,331.80 if
student is in full attendance for the school year.
12.
Contract for Nursing Services for a student at George Crothers Memorial
School
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract submitted
to provide nursing services to a RTMSD student at George Crothers
Memorial School for 2 hours/day during the 2015-2016 school year. The
program is required to meet the needs of the student in accordance with the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The fee is $32.50/hour.
Approximate annual costs are $11,700.00 if student is in full attendance for
the school year.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
None
Susan Nolen
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
19
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Contract with Jeanne Kluger Arabia
Contract to Provide ABA 1:1 Services
Contract with Elwyn Therapeutic Camp
Contract with Elwyn Davidson School
Agreement Between RTMSD and Child Guidance Resource
Centers
Mr. Postles moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2015 – 2016 51
X.
Finance
B.
General
13.
Contract with Jeanne Kluger Arabia
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract submitted to
engage Jeanne Kluger Arabia as a private investigator for residency issues
on an as needed basis. Costs are $500.00/case which includes up to 10
hours of investigation and 100 miles per case. Costs for investigative hours
beyond 10 hours are paid at the rate of $60.00/hour and $.35/mile. This is a
renewal contract with the same terms as the previous contract.
14.
Contract to Provide ABA 1:1 Services
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract submitted
to provide ABA 1:1 services for the length of the school day to a student for
the 2015-2016 school year. The program is required to meet the needs of
the student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act. Cost of $50.00/hour with an additional 4 hours/week of behavior
consultation at the rate of $95.00/hour. Approximate annual costs are
$37,620.00 if student is in full attendance for the school year. Approximate
annual costs are $76,285.00 if student is in full attendance for the school
year.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
20
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
15.
Contract with Elwyn Therapeutic Camp
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract submitted
by Elwyn Therapeutic Camp to provide ESY services for the 2015 summer
term for 5 students. The program is required to meet the needs of the
student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The total cost of the contract is $17,100.00.
16.
Contract with Elwyn Davidson School
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract submitted
for an Elwyn resident student to attend the Elwyn Davidson School for the
2015-2016 school year. The program is required to meet the needs of the
student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The tuition cost is $274.64/diem. Approximate annual costs are $49,435.20
if student is in full attendance for the school year. The cost of the student’s
tuition will be reimbursed to the District by the student’s parents’ resident
school district.
17.
Agreement between RTMSD and Child Guidance Resource Centers
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve an affiliation
agreement between the RTMSD and Child Guidance Resource Centers.
The agreement supports the cooperation and coordination of services
between the District and CGRC. This contract was discussed at the
October 13, 2015 Pupil Services Committee meeting
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
None
Susan Nolen
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
21
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
C.
D.
Financials for September 2015
Bill Lists for September 2015
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2015 – 2016 52
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following Financial Reports:
X.
Finance
C.
D.
Financial Reports
September
2015
Treasurers Reports
September
2015
Investment Reports
September
2015
Summary Expenditure Status Report
September
2015
Revenue Status Report
Bill Lists
September
2015 General Fund Bill List
$ 5,491,431.89
September
2015 Capital Fund Bill List
$ 1,065,834.14
September
2015 Bond Series 2011 Bill List
$
96,988.13
September
2015 Activities/Special Revenue Fund
$
16,991.87
$ 6,671,246.03
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
None
Susan Nolen
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
22
November 19, 2015
XI.
Adjournment
Mr. Postles moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2015 – 2016 53
Resolve, there being no further business to come before the Board of School
Directors, the meeting was adjourned.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
None
Susan Nolen
__________________________________
Grace A. Eves
School Board Secretary
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2015
23
November 19, 2015
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Grace Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
BID OPENING MINUTES
A bid opening was held on November 4, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the Education Center, 308 N.
Olive Street, Media, PA 19063
Present were: Ron Baldino, Dennis Cini, Grace Eves, Anthony Combs from Bonnett
Associates and 4 bidders.
Bids in the following category were opened and read by Grace Eves.
Library Reconfiguration at Springton Lake Middle School
Electrical Construction
Goldhorn Electrical Construction
20 Commerce Drive
Aston, PA 19014
AJM Electric, Inc.
2333 Concord Road
Chester Township, PA 19013
C.A.D Electric
1021 Saville Avenue
Eddystone, PA 19022
Cook’s Service Company
300 Industrial Drive
Avondale, PA 19311
General Construction
Donald E. Reisinger, Inc.
717 East Washington Street
West Chester, PA 19380
L.J. Paollela Construction
278 Bridgewater Road
Brookhaven, PA 19015
McCarthy Construction, Inc.
601 West Ashland Avenue
Suite A
Glenolden, PA 19036
Window Repair and Restoration
10 Forest Drive
Glassboro, NJ 08028
Bids will be tabulated and presented to the Board of School Directors.
Grace A. Eves
Board Secretary
II. Bid Opening Minutes of November 4, 2015 SLMS Library Reconfiguration
November 19, 2015
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
PSBA Honor Roll of School Board Service
School directors today have a challenging job in our complex society,
giving more and more of their personal time to this nonpaid, volunteer
effort. The Pennsylvania School Board Association recognizes Board
members for their service and contributions as a dedicated school
director. PSBA says thank you for you to those individuals who
exemplify leadership and statesmanship, giving unselfishly of your time
and talents for the future of your public schools, and putting something
back into your local communities through the guidance of the education
of youth.
PSBA says thank you Nancy Mackrides for your sixteen years of service
and John Hanna for your eight years of service to Rose Tree Media
School District.
B.
Recognition of Outgoing Board Member, Bill Tyson
Resolve, the Board of School Directors recognize Bill Tyson in
grateful appreciation for your service to the Rose Tree Media
School District Community and Board of School Directors.
C.
John Hanna – Board of School Director and Board President
Resolve, the Board of School Directors recognize John Hanna for
his eight years of service to the students, staff and community
members of the Rose Tree Media School District. John served as
Vice President, chaired numerous committees and was President
of the Board of School Directors for four years. We would like to
thank Mr. John Hanna for his years of service to the entire Rose
Tree Media School District educational community and we wish the
very best in his future endeavors.
III.
Presentations and Awards
1
November 19, 2015
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6015
Fax 610.627.6015
www.rtmsd.org
James M. Wigo
Superintendent of Schools
William M. Dougherty
Acting Assistant to the Superintendent
OFFICE OF CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Superintendent of Schools
From:
William M. Dougherty
Date:
November 10, 2015
Subject:
Office of Curriculum & Instruction Committee Meeting
Chairperson: Mrs. Elizabeth Schneider
Board Members in Attendance: John Hanna, Susan Nolen, Bill O’Donnell, Harry
Postles, Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Mackrides, Elizabeth Schneider
Also in Attendance: Anne Callahan, Grace Eves, William Dougherty, Jim Wigo, Patti
Linden, and members of the community.
Minutes
Office of Curriculum & Instruction Committee Meeting
November 10, 2015
Elementary Math Curriculum Update:
Mr. Dougherty provided background of the Envisions 2.0 Math program and Lindsi
Cuifetelli and Tina Loveland Smith provided an in depth overview of the program and
demonstrated the processes for solving specific problems in grade k-5. They both
spoke to the rigor of the program and indicated that they believe that all parties
(teachers, students, and parents) are beginning to feel more comfortable with the
expectations of the common core. Mr. Dougherty is continuing to facilitate professional
development opportunities for teachers and supports for parents.
Course Selection:
Mr. Ralph Harrison and Sharon Sweeney presented the proposal to “unweigh” certain
elective courses at Penncrest. In addition, several new course offerings were
presented.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 19, 2015 Legislative Agenda for a
vote of the Board.
Public Comment
One member of the public asked a question.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
November 13, 2015
Subject:
November 10, 2015 Finance Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Bill O’Donnell
______________________________________________________________________
Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Sue Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell Harry Postles and Elizabeth Schneider
Absent: Nancy Fronduti and Bill Tyson
Also in Attendance: Anne Callahan, Bill Dougherty, Grace Eves, Ralph Harrison,
Heather Hogan, Jeff Kowalczyk BTC, Steve Kutsulfakis BTC, Patti Linden, Sharon
Sweeney and James Wigo.
1.
Local Audit – Barbacane, Thornton & Company, LLC
Jeff Kowalczyk from BTC presented the results of the June 30, 2015 audit. The
auditors issued an unmodified opinion which resulted in no findings or
observations.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 19, 2015 Legislative agenda for
a vote of the Board.
2.
Budgetary Comparison Report
The District has expensed 63.5% of expenditures and has received 75% of
revenue. Revenue is slightly less than this time last year due to the State budget
impasse.
Action: Discussion
Dedicated to Excellence
3.
Signer for Security Benefits
Due to the retirement of the District’s payroll specialist, the District needs to
approve authorized signers for the HRA ERIP accounts for retirees. Grace Eves
and Heather Hogan will be recommended to fill this role, which does not include
additional compensation.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 19, 2015 Legislative agenda for
a vote of the Board.
4.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 16-3 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Budgetary Reserve – Other Objects
$250,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Legal and Accounting Services – Other professional services
$250,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to give funds back to accounts that were
previously transferred out of to pay a settlement.
FY 16-4 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Nonpublic Transportation – Contracted Carriers
$10,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Vehicle Servicing & Maintenance Services – Supplies
$7,500.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Nonpublic Transportation – Supplies
$2,500.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for the cost of parts.
FY 16-5 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Other Community Services – Services Purchased Locally
$4,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Public Library Services – Grants to Community Organizations
$4,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the increased donation to the libraries.
Dedicated to Excellence
FY 16-6 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Regular Program Instruction – Supplies
$1,070.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Regular Program Instruction – New Equipment
$1,070.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase rolling book carts for the Language
Arts Department.
FY 16-7 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – Supplies
$1,044.79
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$1,044.79
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase an indoor practice net for golf.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 19, 2015 Legislative agenda for
a vote of the Board.
5.
Agreements/Contracts
•
Springfield Country Club
The contract in the amount of $21,000 is for the 2017 Penncrest Junior
Prom. The cost of the prom is funded by the students.
•
Concordville Inn
The contract is for the 2018 Senior Prom. The cost of the prom is funded
by the students.
•
Cini Construction Services
The agreement is for owner’s representative services for various
2016/2017 capital projects at an hourly rate of $98 for up to 1,000 hours
with a maximum not to exceed $98,000. The committee requested
information on previous agreements.
Action: These items will be moved to the November 19, 2015 Legislative
agenda for a vote of the Board.
Public Comment: Eight members of the public were present.
The next Finance Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Dedicated to Excellence
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
November 13, 2015
Subject:
November 10, 2015 Operations Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Harry Postles
_____________________________________________________________________
Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Sue Nolen, Harry
Postles and Elizabeth Schneider
Absent: Nancy Fronduti, Bill O’Donnell and Bill Tyson
Also in Attendance: Ron Baldino, Anne Callahan, Dennis Cini, Grace Eves, Patti
Linden and James Wigo.
1.
Library Bid Results
The district solicited bids for changes to the configuration of the Springton Lake
Middle School’s library to provide an area for large group meetings. Four
contractors submitted bids for electrical construction. AJM Electric, Inc. had the
lowest bid at $4,460. Four contractors submitted bids for general construction.
Donald Reising, Inc. had the lowest bid at $5,700.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 19, 2015 Legislative agenda for
a vote of the Board.
2.
Change Orders
•
•
GEM Mechanical M-02
The change order in the amount of $3,000 is a credit for the Indian Lane
Elementary School leak remediation project.
SB Conrad GC-02
The change order in the amount of 8,242.50 is for additional sidewalk
work at the SLMS.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 19, 2015 Legislative agenda for
a vote of the Board.
Dedicated to Excellence
3.
CNG Compressor
The initial CNG project included 23 CNG buses and an additional 10 buses to be
added in 5 years. The project was accelerated last year with the purchase of 12
CNG buses and an additional 3 to be purchased in the summer of 2016. The
District received a grant that offset a portion of the new purchase. As a result,
there is a need to add an additional compressor. The station’s infrastructure has
the capacity to support an additional compressor. There are two options, a 50
horse power for $267,941 and a 100 horse power for $326,397. The second
option will double the compressor power of the fueling station and will allow for a
more productive fueling pattern. Phil Solomon from Johnson Controls estimates
the additional 12 buses will produce $53,000 in savings per year which will offset
the cost of the Compressor in approximately six years. There is funding for the
new compressor.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 19, 2015 Legislative agenda for
a vote of the Board.
4.
2016/2017 Capital Projects Review
Ron Baldino, Dennis Cini, Jim Wigo and Grace Eves met with each building
principal to review a list of capital project requests for each building. The
committee will have the opportunity to review the list of projects over the next
month. The administration will provide recommendations based on prioritization
of the projects at the December 8th Operations Committee Meeting.
Action: Discussion
5.
Springton Lake Middle School Transformer
Work has begun on the replacement of the transformer that was damaged at the
Springton Lake Middle School last June. The District has been in contact with
the insurance company.
Action: Discussion
Public Comment: One member of the public was in attendance.
The next Operations Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Dedicated to Excellence
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Anne D. Callahan
Director of Human Resources
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
From:
Anne D. Callahan, Director of Human Resources
Date:
November 13, 2015
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting - November 10, 2015
Tracy Barusevicius, Chair
Board Members in attendance: T. Barusevicius, J. Hanna, N. Mackrides, S. Nolen,
W. O’Donnell, h. Postles, E. Schneider
Also in attendance: A. Callahan, J. Wigo, G. Eves, Several members of the public
I.
Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
The committee reviewed the items for the legislative agenda for November.
There was some discussion about the number of coaching appointments being
rescinded. Mrs. Callahan reported that the positions were approved as they had
been presented to her from the Athletic Department. Changes were made after
the October legislative meeting.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 19, 2015 Legislative agenda
for a vote of the Board.
II.
Speech and Language Staffing
Anne Callahan and Dr. Eleanor Dimarino-Linnen presented a proposal to
increase the Speech and Language staff by .3 FTE to accommodate an
increased case load which has put us out of compliance with PDE regulations.
One current staff member will be increased from .8 FTE to 1.0 FTE and one staff
member will be increased from .8 to .9 FTE.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 19, 2015 Legislative agenda
for a vote of the Board.
III.
Addition of an Instructional Assistant – Indian Lane
A request was made to add an additional instructional assistant position to
accommodate the needs of a kindergarten student at Indian Lane. The student
has been evaluated over the past two months and found to need full time support
from an instructional assistant.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 19, 2015 Legislative agenda
for a vote of the Board.
IV.
Addition of an Assistant Wrestling Coach – Penncrest High School
A request from the Athletic Department to add an additional assistant wrestling
coach was presented. Once again this year the number of participants in the
wrestling program has increased. An additional assistant coach is needed to
insure the safety of the student athletes. It was agreed to put the addition of this
position on the legislative agenda for the 2015-2016 school year only.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 19, 2015 Legislative agenda
for a vote of the Board.
V.
Substitute Teachers
A discussion of the substitute teacher shortage was held. Mrs. Barusevicius
expressed concern that the shortage might be impacting the quality of some of
the substitute teachers we are getting. She cited an incident that occurred last
month.
Mrs. Callahan assured the committee that we monitor the substitute teachers
carefully and if one is not performing to our satisfaction, we will inform our
substitute teacher provider not to send that teacher to Rose Tree Media School
District again. There is unquestionably a substitute teacher shortage. It is being
experienced all over the commonwealth. We are continually looking at ways to
alleviate the problem.
Mr. Wigo stated that we may be coming to the Board in the future to request the
addition of more building subs. In the meantime, we are continuing to monitor
the situation.
VI.
Executive Session
An executive session was held to discuss matters of personnel.
The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held at Penncrest High School
Library on December 8, 2015.
James M. Wigo
Superintendent of Schools
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.565.5317
www.rtmsd.org
Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, PhD
Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James Wigo, Superintendent of Schools
From:
Dr. Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
Date:
November 11, 2015
Subject: November 10, 2015 Pupil Services/Special Education Committee Meeting
Minutes
Chairperson: Ms. Nancy Fronduti/Ms. Nancy Mackrides
Overnight Field Trips
A request for an overnight field trip has been submitted for Penncrest Girls Varsity
and JV Lacrosse Teams to attend the Disney World/Wide World of Sports Spring Training
Event in Orlando, Florida from March 21- 25, 2016 (Spring Break). The registration fee of
$1250.00 will be paid by the Boosters. Parents will transport their own children at their own
expense.
Action: This item will be moved to the October 22, 2015 Legislative agenda for a vote of
the Board.
Contracts
A contract has been submitted for a special education student to attend the
Lifeworks School for the 2015-2106 school year. Tuition costs are $273.00/day. Annual
costs are up to $49140.00 for full attendance.
Action: This item will be moved to the October 22, 2015 Legislative agenda for a vote of
the Board.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SCHOOL REPORT’S – November 19, 2015
GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Glenwood AM Kindergarten students visited LIma Estates and sang Halloween and fallthemed songs and showed off their costumes to the residents who live there. The
residents really enjoyed visiting with the little boys and girls and listening to their songs.
Glenwood PM Kindergarten students enjoyed participating in the school-wide Halloween
parade and both classes celebrated Halloween in their classrooms with parties lead by
our wonderful Homeroom Moms.
First Grade
First graders celebrated Pumpkin Day. The first graders learned about pumpkins inside
and out. The first graders learned about the life cycle of pumpkins, the weight and
buoyancy of pumpkins, measured pumpkins and did many reading activities related to
pumpkins.
Each first grade student decorated a pumpkin to go along with his/her
classroom theme. Mrs. Imburgia’s class (Pooh’s Place) decorated Tigger pumpkins, Mrs.
Maher’s class (Under the Sea) decorated various pumpkins, and Miss Fizzano’s class
(Fizzano’s Frogs) decorated frog pumpkins. We had a great day of learning!
Second Grade
Second graders have begun our second Reading Workshop unit: Reading Nonfiction,
Reading the World. We have discussed the different features of some nonfiction texts.
We are looking for and finding text features such as chapter headings, subheadings,
indexes, glossaries, diagrams, captions, cross-sections and the like. Second graders also
participated in Community Day. Each class elected a town Mayor and chose jobs for their
class ‘town.’ They also carefully rehearsed and performed a play and sang community
songs for their parents.
Third Grade
The third grade students at Glenwood are working on studying characters through a book
series in book partnerships and clubs in Reading Workshop. We have learned how to
identify character traits, how to empathize with a character, provide examples of how a
character has changed throughout the book, and made predictions through the series
based on what we know about that character. We have been working on how to write as
experts on a topic as we began our unit on Informational Writing in Writing Workshop. In
Math, we have learned how to use the Distributive and Associate Properties of
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Multiplication to help us solve more difficult multiplication equations as well use what we
know about multiplication to help us solve division equations. We were able to make real
life connections to our Social Studies unit on Colonial Pennsylvania as we went on a field
trip to the Colonial Plantation in Ridley Creek State Park. We are looking forward to our
parents hearing about all of the great progress we have made this marking period at the
parent/teacher conferences at the end of this month.
Fourth Grade
This month, the fourth graders are working to complete their first writing unit, realistic
fiction/narrative. They have created characters that are similar to themselves, that face
realistic events that any 4th grade student could relate to. Our stories begin with an
interesting lead, and move through an entire story arc. They are looking forward to
publishing soon! In reading, we are getting reading to move into our non-fiction unit, and
are excited to explore a new genre of books. All 4th graders are currently working in Topic
3 for math, and enjoying the variety of new math center options. On November 12, the 4th
graders enjoyed an educational trip to Tyler Arboretum where ecosystem concepts were
explored, which helped to support the Science PSSA’s.
Fifth Grade
The month of November is here and with it comes parent/teacher conferences and
progress reports. Academically, in math, Ms. Pinsley, Ms. Astfalk and Mr. Dieter are
finishing up Topic 3, which takes a look at multiplying with large whole numbers. In
writing, the 5th grade is finishing up its unit on personal narratives and launching into the
writing of informational essays. In Reader’s Workshop, Glenwood’s 5th grade students
continue to develop a deeper understanding of how best to read works of fiction. In
particular, 5th grade students are paying careful attention to the importance of character
development in works of fiction. In social studies, the 5th grade continues to look at the
first Europeans in North American and how their arrival in North America impacted the
Native American population. In science, the 5th grade continues to use the scientific
method in our study of weather. In grammar, students are focusing attention on best
practices in the art of writing a good sentence, in particular how to best use a semicolon
and commas.
Library
Fifth grade students will explore finding and using non-fiction books to identify mystery
insects.
Second grade students will be locating non-fiction books about specific animals using the
Destiny search engine, discovering unique names for groups of animals.
First grade students will explore Destiny as a search tool using the “Visual” tab for nonreaders.
INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Message from our Principal
Grandparents and Special Friends Day was a wonderful success in October. The turnout
was amazing. It was evident that students and grandparents truly enjoyed spending time
together at school. Many morning and afternoon clubs have started, fifth grade band
rehearsals began, we celebrated October birthdays and featured artists, and we had a
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visit from the Philadelphia Zoo. Our staff and parents met Mr. John Reid, IL’s new
principal. The introductions were well received. All of Indian Lane participated in Breast
Cancer Awareness Month with a “Think Pink”
Day. Students and staff dressed up in anything
and everything PINK.
Another beautiful day
greeted us for Indian Lane’s Halloween
festivities. Our Halloween parade was well
attended by parents and visitors and our new
Principal. Although Mr. Reid has not yet
started in his position as principal, it was
wonderful to meet him, learn a little about him,
and share one of our great traditions, the
Halloween parade, with him. Students are
honoring our veterans by decorating a star to be place on our glass wall in the lobby.
This is a wonderful tribute to our veterans and a meaningful way to teach our students
about veterans. Teachers discussed the importance of Veterans Day.
American
Education Week is coming up. Once again, Indian Lane will invite parents to visit their
child’s classroom followed by Parent/Teacher conferences the following week.
Red Ribbon Week
An informative and healthy Red Ribbon Week was had by all! Students in grades
kindergarten through fifth enjoyed healthy morning announcements with topics ranging
from sleep to exercise to healthy ways to take medicine. In the classroom, teachers
followed up with morning meetings revolving around the same messages.
CandyCare Drive
Indian Lane participated in a county-wide candy drive to benefit Life Centers of Delaware
County, an organization that provides food and shelter to homeless families in the area.
Students brought in their extra candy starting and the donations were weighed and sent
to Marple Presbyterian Church along with donations from across the district. There, our
donations combined with donations from school districts and organizations across the
county. We’re waiting to see how much we helped the cause. Last year, they collected
over 3,000 pounds of candy!
Kindergarten
In Reading Workshop, the kindergarten students completed Unit 1. In the unit the
students discovered they all can read books through pictures and words. The children
learned how to read with a partner, connect the title and pages, read the patterns, read
words they know, retell a story, and think about the important parts. They also learned
how to read the story like the author and how to read the character's expressions to
determine how they are feeling. At the end of the unit the children received a certificate
and celebrated by reading with new partners. Along with reading the popcorn words in
our books and reading the patterns; the children are learning to read more carefully. They
are looking at pictures and focusing on the body language and facial expressions of the
characters. They are also learning how important it is to remember the character's
names. The children have been practicing retelling stories and comprehending what they
have read. Some of the stories we have read are The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Caps for
Sale, The Carrot Seed, and Harry the Dirty Dog. The children have been practicing the
letter sound for Tt. We made a very long list of words that begin with the letter Tt. The
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kindergarten children have met Miss A and have been learning about the short A sound.
Miss A sneezes when she is happy and her sneeze helps us remember her sound-Achoo!
The children shared objects that began with short A. They shared things like apples,
Aurora, ambulance, Anna, and even their ankles.
In Writing Workshop the children learned how to add onto their writing to make it more
interesting. The children were excited about Halloween and were busy writing about this
special holiday. They are learning to write interesting pieces to keep their reader's
attention.
In Math the children completed learning about the numbers 0-9. They have been learning
how to make these numbers in different ways, and learned how to form the numbers
correctly. We are preparing the kindergarten for addition. They have been using red and
yellow counters to show all of the different ways to make numbers one through ten. The
children have completed Topic 3 in math. In Topic 3 the children have learned how to
count to ten using manipulatives and ten frames. This topic also has prepared the
children for addition by having them show different ways to make numbers up to ten.
Students have been comparing sets of objects and numbers. The children are quite
experienced at identifying greater than, less than, and equal groups of objects.
Grandparents and special friends enjoyed visiting the class last month. They learned
about Morning Meeting and Reading Workshop. Our special visitors were thrilled to hear
the students read to them at the end of the visitation.
First Grade
In Reading Workshop, students practiced being word detectives. They learned ten
different strategies to use for solving tricky words. Each strategy is connected to a cute
and catchy animal phrase. These strategies will replace the old-standby “sound it out”
strategy. This week they learned:
o Eagle Eye – Check the pictures for clues
o Lips the Fish – Say the first sound
o Stretchy Snake – stretch out all the sounds slowly but not
individually
o Skippy the Frog – skip the word, read on and go back to it
o Stripes the Zebra – if the story has a pattern like repeated
lines or rhyming, use the pattern
Students also began partner reading. The lessons focused on cooperation and the ways
good partners can read together. Cooperative practices are partners sit side by side with
the book in the middle so both partners can see the text and pictures; partners make
decisions and plan ways to read together and how they will choose books. While reading
together, partners practiced echo reading, choral reading, and ‘I Read, You Read’.
Partner reading should help build stamina.
In Writing Workshop students tried 3 new ways to bring their stories to life. The first
strategy they practiced was to unfreeze the people in their stories by making them move
and talk. The second strategy was to tell the story in itsy-bitsy steps instead of giant
steps. For example, one student wrote, We got ready then we made s’mores. After we
told it bit by bit the story became much more interesting. The story now includes details
like putting a marshmallow on a stick and turning it over the fire so it wouldn’t burn,
adding the mushy marshmallow to the chocolate and graham cracker to make a s’mores
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sandwich! The third strategy we learned to help bring our stories to life was to tell the
‘inside story.’ Characters have thoughts and feelings and it is the author’s job to include
them in the story.
Our hands-on experience at the Colonial Plantation really helped us to understand life of
long ago. The kids enjoyed and learned a lot from the stations. Sawing wood, candle
making, spinning wool into yarn and getting buckets of water from the well were a few of
the chores we tried. We visited the farm animals and learned the ways they were
important to life on the plantation. We saw the kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms in the
house. We really enjoyed playing the games. You really needed a lot of hand-eye
coordination to be successful. It was a beautiful day and a great wrap-up to our Social
Studies unit.
Second Grade
In Reading Workshop, the children now have new reading partners! One purpose of
having a partner is to push each other’s understanding of text. For example, a student will
ask his or her partner to explain what he or she just read by asking, “What does that really
mean?” We have also started guided reading groups. This is when we meet with a small
group to work on identified areas needing growth and/or to extend skills. The children
chose topics of interest and were placed into book clubs based on their chosen topics.
The children then began their research! Small group work focused on text features to
make sense of information. The groups were charged with the task of narrowing their
research to three focus questions. For example, instead of researching the incredibly
large topic, “outer space,” the group may come up with focus questions based on Saturn.
One question to investigate might be, “Of what are Saturn’s rings made?” Small group
work focused on creating “mental containers” in which to file learned information.
Writing Workshop had the students focusing on making sure their writing made sense and
sounded right. They also worked on creating powerful endings for their small moments.
Some even began to revise their stories to create an effect on the reader. All along, we
continued to learn from our mentor authors. Students have been busy with continuing to
practice emulating “moves” from mentor authors. They worked at making their writing
more powerful by allowing their characters to move, talk, think and feel. The children also
worked with their peers as they helped each other make their writing stronger. Our goal is
not to produce a perfect piece of writing, but rather to grow a solid writer. The children
listened to a partial reading of Owl Moon, one of our mentor texts. Each student shared
one part that they found to be written beautifully. We then shared our discoveries in what
we call a “Symphony Share.” The children also found the practice of rereading to be a
strong editing tool.
In Math, the children completed addition and subtraction word problems. Another
objective was to use words, pictures, numbers and symbols to construct a math argument
and to critique the math work of others. They can talk about the math others do, too.
Finally, we have been focused on distinguishing between odd and even numbers and
making arrays. Arrays and repeated addition are the foundations of multiplication.
Students completed, reviewed and assessed Topic 2. We ended with Math Workshop
centers. The children played math games, solved math problems and participated in math
computer activities.
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In Social Studies, we are demonstrating our knowledge of urban, rural and suburban by
creating community themed triptychs. A triptych is a set of three panels of pictures,
carvings, etc.
Our group communities look fantastic and are now hanging in the hall. What you can’t
see, however, are the wonderful conversations that we heard taking place as students
were planning their communities. It was exciting to hear such comments as, “We need
more roads so people can get to the hospital” and “Let’s put more stores near these
houses.” We continue to work on understanding the differences and similarities among
the various types of communities.
Despite the early rain, we had an awesome day for our Media trip. Thanks to our
chaperones for joining us as we explored our wonderful town. At our first stop, we heard
many exclamations of, “I never knew this science museum existed!” We promised the
children we would provide the website: http://delcoscience.org/
Third Grade
In Math, our third graders continued to learn about multiplication, practicing our 0, 1, 2, 5,
9, and 10 math facts. We also enjoyed Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day during
math, where we played multiplication bingo! We finished Topic 2 and had our second
assessment. Students continued to use the Distributive Property to help us solve our
three, four, six, seven, and eight times tables.
In Reading Workshop, we began a new unit focusing on characters. We started reading
series books with our reading partners, and learned to ask questions to makes our
reading conversations more meaningful. Students have continued to read their series
books with their reading partners. Some of our students are starting their second book in
the series! We have learned to put ourselves in the characters’ shoes by using different
strategies and took another look at ways to figure out tricky words.
In Writing Workshop, we continued to work with our personal narratives. We spent time
revising and adding stellar endings. We began nonfiction writing. Third graders
brainstormed about a topic on which they are experts, and “talked across their fingers” to
organize their thoughts into chapters. Then, students reorganized their chapters so they
would make more sense. Finally, third graders rehearsed each chapter so that they were
ready to begin drafting and adding some research into our pieces.
In Social Studies, we finished our travel brochure project, researching one of three places
around the United States. Our places are Roseburg, Oregon; Las Cruces, New Mexico;
and Gloucester, Massachusetts. They shared their travel brochures with other students.
In Word Study, students have continued to move through their schedule, learning new
word patterns.
Third graders began Topic 3 in math. We began with learning about the Distributive
Property, a tricky topic for third graders! Then, we learned our three times tables.
In Science, third graders began to learn about electricity, beginning with a KWL chart and
ending with a trial experiment. After time to experiment, we learned how to light a light
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bulb using a battery and two wires. We also started an experiment using conductors and
insulators while trying to light the light bulb.
Fourth Grade
Grandparents and Special friends really seemed to enjoy their visit to fourth grade
classrooms. They were treated to students thinking and acting like geographers and
scientists. In two classes, visitors were able to witness students interacting with maps
and globes, and learning how to find places using a variety of specialty maps. In the
other classes, students had begun working with microscopes, and were observing
microfiche and different types of newspaper and magazine photographs under the
microscope.
Fourth Graders are finishing up reading realistic fiction and using strong thinking and
interpretation skills. Students are making connections to the text by considering character
traits, looking for turning points or big events in a character’s life, and developing
theories/ideas about life lessons. The BIG IDEA or THEME has been the focus by
looking for what the author really wants us to take away into our own lives. We are letting
books teach us and change us!
As fourth grade delves deeper into “Reading High Interest, Informational, and Literary
Non-Fiction,” students will learn that strong readers of nonfiction texts set themselves up
to read “lots and lots” of books. By planning what they will read, students will gather a
bunch of books or texts so that when they finish one, they can begin another right away.
Some collections of nonfiction pieces used in the classroom will include our Pennsylvania
Studies and National Geographic Explorer. This is just another sampling of the fourth
grade making connections among the different subject areas.
In Science, fourth graders are finishing up their study of micro worlds. The focus has
been on the properties of magnifiers, using microscopes, and scientific investigation. In
social studies, students are examining diversity of the United States before launching into
the five regions of the U.S.
Fifth Grade
In Reading, we wrapped up Reader’s Workshop Unit 1. The big focus for this unit has
been finding just right books, learning classroom procedures for workshop, developing
theories about characters and stories, and seeing how characters change over time in the
story. Students have also worked on written reflections of their writing by using sticky
notes to spark discussions that can turn into a written idea.
In Writer’s Workshop, we are continuing with personal narratives, using story arcs to
develop the heart of the story, bringing out the real meaning and lessons readers can
learn from their writing. This published piece will be revised with teachers and students
partners, and have several focused areas of revision to make these personal narratives
come alive. Students have worked hard to “show” their stories, and not just “tell” what
has happened.
In Envisions math, we will begin to multiply 3-digit by 2-digit numbers, estimate products,
solve word problems with multiplication, learn various methods and strategies of
multiplication, and how to check multiplication problems using the inverse operations.
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Art
First graders created spooky landscapes with a plastic straw and ink. They also explored
line and shape while studying about the artist Mondrian. Second grade is learning about
warm and cool colors. They celebrated the art of Mexico by forming clay suns. They
finished their tour of Indian with their Banyan trees. Third graders are celebrating the art
of Egypt. They are adding neutral colors to their line drawings and creating their own
Egyptian jewels. Fourth graders are reviewing the art of Andy Warhol. They are also
making a regions folder to celebrate the United States and reviewing the world of Pop Art.
Fifth graders had their wire sculptures spray painted silver. They are now learning the
blind contour method while creating their self-portrait.
Gym
First and Second grades finished their tag game unit then started a unit on hula-hoops
and throwing/catching skills. Third and Fourth grades continued soccer skills and small
game activities then moved on to Frisbee skills/games. Fifth Grade continued football
skills and small game activities then started tennis skills/games. All classes played our
“Classic Games” such as, Castle Ball or Endless Tag!
Library
In library class, kindergarteners learned facts about pumpkins in the book, Fall Pumpkins:
Orange and Plump by Martha E. H. Rustard. First and second grade students explored
fiction and non-fiction books on BookFlix.Third, fourth, and fifth graders learned,
reviewed, and applied knowledge of how books are organized in the Fiction section of the
library. They are rapping about the Dewey Decimal System and learning about
organization in the Non-Fiction section of the library. Students in all grades began to
select books for Birthday Book Club. The Scholastic “Monster” Book Fair is coming up.
Did you know that last fall the Scholastic Book Fair raised over $8,400 in profits that went
directly back to our students in the form of new books for classroom libraries? Isn’t that
amazing? Every dollar spent at the book fair benefits Indian Lane students, and our next
book fair is coming up soon.
Music
First grade - On the serious side we composed so-mi songs on a staff but for fun we did
the “Gummy Bear” dance. Students were “surprised” by Haydn’s Symphony #94 as they
learned about piano and forte. Prior to Halloween, student actors and actresses were “on
stage” to perform “Five Little Pumpkins.” They are working hard on pitch matching (so
and mi) with songs and games. Second graders can now distinguish between a
Beethoven symphony and a Sousa march! They were singing about Columbus, pirates,
and Halloween. “Skin and Bones” provided a great opportunity to illustrate what we
imagined the song was about. They practiced steady beat on the Orff xylophones. Third
grade danced to a “New England Jig.” French composer, Paul Dukas, and animator, Walt
Disney, showed students why “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” is called program music.
Students also used glockenspiels to practice scales and note patterns. Fourth graders
have learned a new note on the recorder and now know “Shave and a Haircut”. They
took a written assessment on note names, note values and “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Sticks were used to show ABA form in the song “Dry Bones Come Skipping Up the
Valley.” Fifth grade performed a dance to “Who Let the Dogs Out” at the end of the
Halloween parade. They were introduced to chimes during class and learned the
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fingering for low C on the recorder.
Addams Family” theme. What fun!
Riplet patterns plus glockenspiels equals ‘The
MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten Visit and Visitors!
Kindergarten celebrated “Fall Theme Day “with classroom stations related to seasonal
changes (Science: The Five Senses) located around the room. We are most grateful for
our parent volunteers who assisted with the day! In math, we have been exploring the
math centers in our new Pearson Envision Math program. The children are enjoying
them! Parents visited the classroom for our annual Parent Visitation Day! They were able
to see our kindergarten students in action during Readers’ Workshop and using our new
math program.
First Grade Mathematicians, Scientists, and Writers!
First grade has been busy during the month of October. On Halloween, students
engaged in a grade level room rotations. Each room involved students in different fallthemed activities. Students sequenced events in a fall-themed story, followed a process
to construct a skeleton after reading the story Skeleton Hiccups, created and solved a
Halloween-themed addition story problem, and created a Halloween themed glyph.
Students have also researched bats this month in science. They have deepened their
research skills by creating a bat fact book. Our study of bats has also become part of our
informational writing unit. The students wrote a nonfiction text describing what bats eat,
where they live, and why bats are an important part of nature.
Second Grade Develops Community!
Second Grade has been very busy preparing for Community Day. We have been
learning about communities and the people in them. Our walking tour of Media was a
success with each student using his/her map skills to find and mark places on the map.
Each class has prepared a three-dimensional town and has elected mayors for the
classroom community. Community Day was held at Media Elementary School November
and was followed with a Parent Showcase for the students. It seemed that everyone in
attendance enjoyed the Halloween Parade and the array of creative costumes. We are
looking forward to publishing our stories and sharing them in Writing Workshop.
Third Grade Writers and Mathematicians!
This month students in MES’ third grade students have become teachers. Yes, that’s right
– they’ve selected topics in which they have expertise and are writing informational
pieces. If you want to learn more about ice-skating, Super Smash Brothers, or camping,
then check out their work. They have learned how to add text features like diagrams,
“How to” guides, fact boxes, and pictures with captions to enhance their writing. Watch
out, RTMSD, these kids know how to teach – in a few years they could be taking our jobs!
In math, students have become quite comfortable with using many multiplication
strategies and solving very challenging word problems. Students have discussed and
applied concepts like the Commutative, Distributive and Associative Properties. These
mathematicians are showing their number sense each day.
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Fourth Grade Scientists and Historians!
Fourth Grade visited the Tyler Arboretum to participate in an ecological pond study.
Students compared and contrasted adaptations that invertebrates have to survive in lentic
and lotic environments. At one of the arboretum’s retention ponds, students participated
in chemical and biological testing to determine if the pond is healthy or unhealthy.
Students can apply what was learned during the field trip to the ecosystems unit they will
study later this year. Fourth grade students also participated in an introduction to the
“Passport to History Program,” in which they were given an overview of the program as
well as the opportunity to explore various artifacts from Colonial times. The goal of the
“Passport to History Program,” which is organized by the Delaware County Historical
Society, is to have students “walk in the footsteps of history” by visiting and exploring the
many historical sites right here in Delaware County. Students earn a stamp in their
passports each time they visit a new site. They have already earned a stamp for visiting
Tyler Arboretum.
Fifth Grade Takes on the American Revolution!
In Social Studies, fifth graders have been studying Early American History.
They
investigated European Explorers, their exploration routes, motives, and their impact on
the new world. Later, students learned about early English Settlements. They created
act-outs to understand the reasons for settlement, hardships the settlers endured, and
reasons for the success or failure of each settlement. In reader’s workshop, fifth graders
are learning to think analytically about the texts they are reading. They are currently
engaged in interpretation book clubs. Students have been working on Writing Well about
Reading, pushing themselves to grow, refine and support new ideas. As students
sharpen their reading and thinking skills, they develop their eyes to see more in the text
they are reading and to make more significance.
Art is Alive and Well!
Fifth Grade: Students studied the art element of value: the lightness or darkness of a
color. They observed American landscape paintings to learn about atmospheric
perspective and demonstrated their understanding of this concept by creating landscapes
in which the trees and objects that are farther in the picture are lighter in tone, smaller in
scale, and less detailed.
Fourth Grade: Students in fourth grade continued their study of American artists by
observing Pop Art by Andy Warhol, born in Pittsburgh, PA. Each student drew a shoe
from observation. Similarly to Warhol, they copied the drawing several times before
painting each image using different analogous color combinations.
Third Grade: Students in third grade continued their study of the history of Western Art by
examining the art of ancient Egypt. Each child used a variety of materials create a relief
reminiscent of bejeweled collars worn by Egyptian pharaohs and queens.
Second Grade: Students in second grade observed ceramic suns from Mexico as part of
their study of art from around the world. They created their own sun relief sculptures with
clay and glazed them with vibrant colors.
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First Grade: First graders learned about a fundamental element of art: shape. They used
paper Tangrams to form animals, people, or objects and glued them to a landscape that
they drew. Students located the horizon line in many landscape examples before
sketching their own pictures and drawing patterns of black and white lines to fill in each
part.
Library News
New York Times best-selling author Sarah Mlynowski visited Media Elementary School
where she met with third and fourth grade students in the library. Ms. Mlynowski, the
author the bestselling middle grade series, Whatever After, shared advice with Media’s
young budding authors and read from her new book, Upside-Down Magi. The author told
students that her book is not only about magic; it is also about embracing differences.
During an extended question and answer session, students asked Ms. Mlynowski about
the writing process she used for writing her books. Ms. Mlynowski spoke to the extensive
editing, rewriting, and length of time that it takes to get a final story. In some cases it can
take as much as seven years!
Music
The second grade completed a unit on Native American Music with a focus on drumming.
The students learned several Native North American songs, which they accompanied with
a drum constructed in class. The drums were adorned with a story skin using pictographs
and decorated with feathers. There were also movement activities and games
incorporated, with the final project being the Navajo Rain Ceremony. Expect wet weather
for the next few weeks! The Mustang Chorale and Fifth Grade Class will present a
program of seasonal concert music and a performance of Disney’s “The Aristocats” on
Thursday, December 10, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the Media School Auditorium. All
are invited to attend. The Mustang Chorale will also appear in the lobby of the
Courthouse Annex on Monday, December 14, at 12:30 pm. The public is welcome to
attend.
Physical Education
The students have identified and used principles of exercise to improve movement and
fitness activities. They have been sharing and describing the relationship between
practice and skill development. The students recognized and applied game strategies to
basic games and physical activities such as the “give and go,” “one on one,” and peer
communication.
American Education Week
American Education Week is an opportunity for all Americans to celebrate public
education and recognize and honor those individuals who make a difference by ensuring
that every child receives a quality education. This year’s theme is "Great Public Schools:
A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." Media Elementary School was proud to share this
special week with you. Thursday, November 12 - Monday, November 20: MES Book Fair,
Friday, November 13: Family Book Fair Night, Tuesday, November 17: Parent Visitation
Day, Coffee and Conversation with the Principal, PM Kindergarten and Grades 4-5, and
Friday, November 20: Proud to be a Media Mustang (Wear Your School Colors!)
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ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Kindergarten will be busily preparing for the Thanksgiving Holiday! The students will
learn about different traditions from family to family, including talking about destinations
families travel to and from. In Reading Workshop, students are learning how to read
longer and stronger both in school and at home. Kindergarten will begin to learn some
word-solving strategies to solve unknown words. In Math, the focus is comparing groups
of numbers on a number line and by matching the items one-to-one. It's another busy,
wonderful month.
First Grade
First grade is working on "Small Moments", writing and publishing books about
themselves and a moment in time that they remember well. In reading, the students are
building strategies to use when tackling hard words and in math we are working on
addition and subtraction strategies. Education Week was celebrated and the first grade
students and teachers enjoyed having the families visit and see all that is accomplished
during the school day.
Second Grade
Second graders at Rose Tree experienced a "soft and cuddly" history lesson on Theodore
Roosevelt Day. The children brought their favorite teddy bear to school for the day. The
children rotated in mixed groups to participate in literature, math and history activities to
learn about President Roosevelt's life. It was an enjoyable way to celebrate his October
27th birthday and the creation of the teddy bear in his honor.
Third Grade
In November, third grade students are participating in an enrichment activity to learn the
names of all 50 states. Students are provided with clues, working with their family, and
identifying the state the next day in class. To add art and creativity to the process,
students have randomly selected a state and will disguise a turkey in attire that provides
clues to the name of the state. Families enjoyed working on this project together! During
Parent/Teacher Conferences, parents guessed which state the turkeys represented. In
Reading Workshop, students completed Unit 2 which focused on understanding character
development across a series, identifying character traits, and recognizing themes. At the
end of the month, students were focusing on understanding the key concepts of nonfiction
reading. As writers, students are focused on informational writing and building the
foundational skills needed to teach their readers factual information about a topic. Each
student is writing and illustrating personal informational text. In Science, third grade
students rotate. This month, some students finished a Solar System Unit, others
completed the Magnetism and Electricity Unit, and a final group completed a Land and
Water Unit. Students will rotate classrooms and teachers throughout the year to
experience all three Science Units. The hands-on experiential learning is being enjoyed
by both the students and teachers.
Fourth Grade
The fourth grade students at Rose Tree concluded their study of Microworlds by using
their expertise to successfully view living creatures. Students researched the specimens
and then prepared slides for viewing the microscopic creatures while keeping in mind that
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these creatures are alive. Students worked from the easiest specimens to view to the
most difficult. They worked to locate and track the creatures which range in speed of
motion from large slow rolling balls, Volvox, to transparent quick moving eels, Vinegar
Eels. During the unit students practiced and utilized all phases of the scientific method.
They became skilled at making observations, using hand lens and microscopes and
recording their results and drawing conclusions from those results.
Fifth Grade
Many fifth grade students have taken advantage of extracurricular opportunities at Rose
Tree Elementary this month. In Chess Club, students have enjoyed learning new chess
moves, as well as discussing problem-solving strategies with their peers and applying
these skills to best their opponents. The Envirochallenge Club had its first meeting and
students enthusiastically researched topics in the hopes of selecting an environmental
topic in which they would become the expert. Many of the fifth grade students are
involved in these clubs and have exhibited true school spirit.
Music
In the general music classroom, first grade continued work on identifying and performing
steady beat with body percussion and instruments. The students also learned their first
two music notes, the quarter note and quarter note rest. Students did activities relating to
Thanksgiving in recognizing what they are thankful for and performing in a round. The
students in second grade discovered American Indian cultures through the use of
instruments. Students designed a traditional drum and performed on it in music class.
Students learned how the tribes decorated their instruments and the significance to the
different cultures. Third grade students continued identifying the fundamentals of musical
notation if preparation for recorder. The students also composed program music pieces
and using the app Toontastic, and interactive story illustrator, brought their compositions
to life. Students were also able to record their own voices narrating their stories and
performing on the instruments that related to their characters. The students in fourth and
fifth grade continued progressing in of their recorder books. Fourth grade students
learned all about Ludwig Van Beethoven, including composing music through visal aids
and vibrations due to being deaf. The students also participated in a recorder assessment
on Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. The students in the fifth grade continued rehearsing
selections for our winter concert. The students identified and performed the subdivisions
of rhythms, vowel color in singing, and performing in the Hebrew language. Both after
school clubs met regularly and continued concert prep.
Library
The students in grades three through five demonstrated the ability to locate fiction titles,
including subject topics, using the Online Destiny Catalog and locating those books on
the library shelf. Kindergarten students, as well as first and second grade students, were
able to compare and contrast fiction and non-fiction books.
Physical Education
During the month of November, the students in first and second grade finished working on
tagging and dodging skills, and practiced rolling, underhand and overhand throwing, and
catching. Third and fourth grade students focused on soccer skills such as dribbling,
passing, trapping, kicking and shooting. The students practiced skills for maintaining
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November 19, 2015
possession of the ball and strategies for offense and defense. Fifth grade students
focused on football skills such as carrying, running, dodging, throwing, catching, and
snapping. The students also practiced skills for maintaining possession of the ball and
strategies for offense and defense.
Academically Gifted Program
The third grade students in the Academically Gifted Program are currently working
through our Advertise Yourself Unit of Study. The students are analyzing what makes
them unique, developing a product that reflects who they are and creating a short
commercial about their product. The fourth grade students in the Academically Gifted
Program are preparing for their trip to Ellis Island. The students and their
parents/guardians are very excited! The fifth grade students in the Academically Gifted
Program are currently working through our Architecture Unit of Study. The students are in
the process of building prominent buildings from the LEGO Architecture Series.
SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
The following students of the month for November were honored at a breakfast this
morning with their families and teachers: Team 6-1: William Rubin and Sarah Bonhage;
Team 6-2: Elisabeth Kelk and Jason
Luthultz; Team 6-3: Hannah Marr and Evan
Havel; Team 7-1: Abigail Wanck and Jack Hunsberger; Team 7-2: Brett Bonebrake and
Mira Patel; Team 7-3: Benjamin Chang and Sophia Pastino; Team 8-1: Ethan Emery
and Holly Werner; Team 8-2: George Grable and Maura Morris;
Team 8-3: Kristian Sigismondi and Victoria Kutzmonich
Art
Ms. Sycz’ grade eight students completed a design project which challenged students to
use the principle of emphasis to create a focal point supported by the layout of images
and colors. The principles of design helped students arrange the lines and shapes in
their artwork. Students also used the principles of design to help choose their color
scheme and the arrangement of those colors. This design unit also showcases the
students' ability to use color pencil effectively to enhance their design. Some sections
have begun to analyze Leonardo da Vinci painting "The Last Supper" focusing how the
paining was arranged to create a focal point. Grade seven students are in the final stages
of creating a portrait. Students are adding color with colored pencils and watercolor
pencils trying to make the work more attractive and add information to the setting as well
as character. Grade six students are in the final stages of adding color to their leaf
composition projects as they continue to explore the principles of balance, pattern and
contrast.
The RTM Art Department spent a full day immersed in "Still Life from Audubon to Warhol"
exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Each school level found valuable history as
well as information about the many artists represented, connecting to already current
assignments taught in their perspective classes. The 1st-12th grade group was then
given a private tutorial on various time period still life paintings in the museum’s collection.
As the exhibit stated, A still Life portrays objects and things that surround us, while they
also depict cultural information of the times. There is much more if you learn to look past
the surface, something we teach our students every day! We also will take back to our
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November 19, 2015
classes information on Project Zero from Harvard University- or Artful Thinking Metaphoric thinking with support!
Mrs. Going’s eighth graders move into the Art of The Ancient Chinese Water Dragon. Not
only have students learned the history and importance of these magical creatures that
date back to the time of Buddha, students can recite to you the nine characteristics each
and every dragon has. This study will help the students with their drawing skills as they
venture to draw with only a white pencil, forcing them to "Think" with every mark, and
students will learn blending technique with colored pencil as well as creating a wellconstructed, well balanced composition. Seventh grade have begun their ceramic unit,
Art of the Fish. Artist / Architect, Frank Gehry will be the artist of focus, with his numerous
"fish" interpretations from sculpture to light fixtures! Students will construct an original fish
form reinforcing and building off of the many hand-building techniques learned the
previous year. Sixth grades are very involved in a Metal Repousse Mask design. They
have learned the difference between symmetry and a-symmetrical balance, implied and
actual texture, and, of course, masks of Africa.
Mrs. Prior’s sixth graders are focusing on colored pencil rendering techniques such as
tonal, hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and scumbling to create various values and
textures on their drawings. After completing a reading assignment about color and value,
students are applying their knowledge of color schemes to their assignments. Students
are choosing monochromatic, complementary, or analogous colors schemes and a range
of values to make their forms look even more dimensional. Eighth graders are observing
light and shade in the photographs of their scenes and using colored pencils to create the
various colors and values on their drawings.
Language Arts
In sixth grade language arts, teachers have continued to combine the Lucy Calkins Units
of Study narrative writing program with the Teacher’s College Reading and Writing
Project. Both curriculums have provided many resources for us. In addition we had an
in-service with Elizabeth Lacey from Educator’s Continuum, who provided concrete
classroom techniques. We were able to build some of her ideas right into our lessons the
very next week. A few teachers attended Saturday workshops at a Teacher’s College
reunion at Columbia to hear about new methods to use in the classroom to support the
reading curriculum. These have all been helpful supports!
Students continued to use Jots to Thoughts as a way to grow their understanding of
reading from post-it ideas into universal big ideas, and then into notebook entries. We
began by working through this process with a read aloud, and then built independence
using mentor texts. Gradually students have moved to using this process with their
partner reading books.
Our goal as teachers has been to conference on a bi-weekly basis with each student in
our classes. As we meet, we have tracked students’ reading habits, strategies that show
deeper thinking about reading, goal setting, as well as the use of post-it notes to track
ideas for conversation and reading response.
In our writing unit, we have moved from generating ideas for writing to actually drafting
stories. When looking for topics, we have encouraged students to consider small
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November 19, 2015
moments when they actually learned or realized something.
help their stories show emotion and a universal message.
This is a stepping stone to
During the month of November, the seventh grade language arts students analyzed
characters in short stories and in their independent reading novels. The students noticed
what characters thought, said, and did, how they reacted and interacted with other
characters, and questioned how characters responded to conflict. They also recognized
how characters used their strengths and faced their flaws and compared and contrasted
dialogue with inner thinking and reactions. Students will use these strategies and apply
them when writing their own short stories.
Library
As the cold weather approaches, we’re staying warm in the library with hot new titles for
this school year. An assortment of fabulous new fiction, continuing series, biographies,
and nonfiction books continue to make the library “the happening spot.” Language arts
classes have been focusing on personal memoirs and nonfiction narratives, so a number
of titles in these genres were also added to the collection. National French Week occurs
in November, and the library promoted this with a display of books, highlighting Frenchspeaking countries and their customs and cultures, as well as novels that are set in
French countries or that have French-related themes. Attention now turns to the Book
Fair, a hugely popular event, which is held in the library during American Education
Week. There are evening hours so that parents and families have an opportunity to stop
by if they so desire, and as always, there will be a wide array of book titles to
accommodate a variety of needs and interests.
Math
The Geometry students cruised through Chapter 2--Logic. Although the concepts are
often difficult to put into words, the “If-Then” statements will be important in future
chapters which involve proving angles congruent and lines parallel or perpendicular. The
kids are beginning to realize just how important a strong understanding in Algebra
concepts will help this year in Geometry as well as future math courses. We plan to
continue the pace and hope to be through Chapter 5 by winter break.
Algebra 1 students are finishing up with Chapter 2 in the next week and students will have
learned all about slope. Students were also given graphing calculators to work with and
practice graphing lines and finding intercepts. As we look ahead we will begin working on
Chapter 3. Students will be able to apply all the concepts we learned in the first two
chapters to be able to solve and graph inequalities. They will start off with one step
inequalities and work their way up to solving and graphing compound inequalities using
“and/or”.
The seventh grade math students have worked through the first and second chapters of
their new textbook, Big Ideas Red Accelerated. They have reviewed operations with
integers and applied this knowledge towards computing with rational numbers. The
seventh graders are enjoying the many online resources that Big Ideas has to offer them!
Our sixth grade students seem to be adjusting well to both the new common core
standards aligned curriculum and textbook. Students continued studying numerical
expressions and factors. Identifying keywords that indicate a specific operation is an
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November 19, 2015
important factor to comprehend in order to solve real-world problems. Operations with
whole numbers—specifically solving numerical expressions involving order of operations
is a skill that must be utilized for years to come. Although it’s taken a while to get started,
we will begin to pick up the pace in the upcoming months.
Physical Education
Seventh and eighth grade classes started mountain biking. Students were taught the
basic skills of gear shifting, reading terrain, and proper bike maintenance and fitness
components associated with biking. In addition, students who had little to no experienced
biking were taught how to ride with over a ninety percent success rate.
Sixth, seventh and eighth students were also introduced to net games. Pickle ball was
done in sixth grade, which is a precursor to tennis, badminton in seventh grade and tennis
in eighth grade. Students were taught the similarities between the three sports in terms of
strategy, striking and use of equipment.
All grade levels that were not in the pool experienced a variety of cooperative activities.
These activities not only challenged the students physically, but they were engaged both
mentally and socially as well. Students were exposed to problem solving where success
was centered on the group achieving a common goal. Group dynamics were explored
and expressed to the students so that they could learn not only how to work with others in
challenging situations but also how to look for and identify the needs of a group.
The first round of sixth, seventh and eighth grade classes experienced swimming.
Students learned the foundational parts of what it means to be considered “water safe.”
The sixth, seventh and eighth grade students will rotate throughout the school year and
have a total of eighteen lessons in the pool. The seventh grade and eighth built upon the
water safety foundations from the previous school year as they reviewed and refined their
basic survival and swim strokes.
Science
In sixth grade science, cells were introduced and students viewed a plant cell (elodea)
and an animal cell (human cheek cell) under a microscope. Students were able to
compare and contrast plant and animal cells. Students learned about how cancer
spreads and cancer treatments that are available to patients.
The seventh grade science program changed gears from atomic investigations to the
universal laws that dictate forces and energy. The forces were introduced when the
teachers performed several spectacular demonstrations, which included student
participation. Once a basic understand of forces and motion was established, vector
diagrams were used to represent direction and magnitude of forces working in
cooperation or opposition.
In eighth grade science, students finished the mass, volume, and density unit in early
November. We started the next unit on States of Matter. Students described the
characteristics of a solid, liquid, and gas on a molecular level. Our class discovered many
of these characteristics through hand-on activities while also reading the textbooks. They
also learned what happens to a substance during changes between states and how
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November 19, 2015
energy is gained/lost during the changes. Students then focused specifically on the
unique behavior of gases, learning Boyle’s and Charles’s Law.
Social Studies
Sixth grade students have been learning about European geography, the rise of Hitler,
and the causes of World War II in preparation for the study of the Holocaust and World
War II in Europe. In conjunction with the study of the historical concepts, the students
have been working on reading, vocabulary, and note-taking skills. In addition, the gifted
social studies class has been working with the gifted language arts class to design,
create, and edit a music video about heroes from around the world.
Seventh grade students are studying the Bill of Rights and completing a project on court
cases related to the rights.
Eighth Grade World History Students have been in the MAC Lab evaluating online
sources to prepare for their Early Human-First Civilizations Project.
They have been
using ABC Clio and Student Resources that they now recognize as being solid academic
reliable online articles for their research. These resources are funded by Rose Tree
Media School District. Students are also learning or relearning how to write a MLA style
Works Cited, or bibliography. In addition World History Classes have been analyzing
early societies and defining the characteristics of civilization. They have been looking at
photos of the early inventions of Mesopotamia, reading about them, and evaluating how
these early invention impacted human life.
The students used the interactive program, Decisions, Decisions: Ancient Empire by Tom
Snyder to learn about early civilizations and problem solve. The Early law and justice
system of Hammurabi, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” will also be examined
by 8th Grade World History students.
Special Education
Students in Ms. Snyder’s sixth grade language arts class have been working hard on the
research-based Read 180 program. Students have been working independently on the
computer system to work on their individual reading needs. In whole group instruction, the
class finished the first Read 180 workshop “The New Americans”. This workshop focused
on the main idea and details of a story, summarizing, fluency, and writing. Students wrote
an informational essay about America’s changing landscape, supporting their ideas by
using information from the text. The month ended with students getting into the
Thanksgiving spirit by writing a narrative piece about what they are thankful for this
Thanksgiving.
World Language
Springton Lake welcomes Mrs. Marcia Vela as Spanish teacher. She is replacing Ms.
Jackie Baker who is now teaching at Penncrest.
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November 19, 2015
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
Veterans’ Day Parades
Penncrest High School students participated in the first ever Veterans’ Day Parade in the
city of Philadelphia on Sunday, November 8, 2015. 40 students and Penncrest staff
opened the parade by unfurling a 30’ x 60’ American flag. Paratroopers landed just
beside us on the grass in front of Independence Hall to start the ceremony. It was a
proud moment for Penncrest High School and the Rose Tree Media School District.
Penncrest Students also participated in the annual Veterans’ Day Parade in Media on
November 11, 2015. Students carried and unfurled the same flag in a ceremony during
the parade that honored our veterans. It was another proud moment for PHS and the
RTMSD.
Student Leadership
Over 100 students and 12 teachers and administrators volunteering their time traveled to
Camp Tockwagh for the PHS Leadership Retreat. Workshops were held all weekend
long in communication skills, team building, organizational skills, project management and
boundary breaking. Students learn the skills necessary to become an effective leader in
a setting that is positive, fun and educational.
Music
The Penncrest Roaring Lions Marching Band finished their season with a 3rd place finish
at Atlantic Coast Championships and a score of 92.115. Our band took home the award
for High Percussion. This is the highest competitive score the band has received in over
15 years.
This week the Roaring Lions will be performing in the Media Veterans Day Parade. The
parade steps off on State Street at 11:11 on Wednesday, 11/11.
The High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall takes the best high
school students from all over the world and puts them on stage to perform world-class
repertoire. This year, they reviewed nearly 750 finalists representing 49 US states,
Guam, four provinces of Canada, Armenia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Oman, the
Philippines, Quatar, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. Charlotte Croquette and
Gizcomo Fizzano were both chosen to sing in the Honors Concert choir, and will perform
at Carnegie Hall in February.
Health and PE
All first semester students have completed their fall fitness program. Many seniors have
run their "personal best" mile time.
Science Department
AP environmental classes did raptor study at Hawk Mountain last month. The Physics
Olympics team won their first match by 60 points. The meet was held at Harriton High
School – we went into their house and dominated the match. The next match will be held
in December.
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November 19, 2015
Simon Youth Academy
At the 2015 Simon Youth Foundation Conference in San Antonio, Texas, Rose Tree
Media Simon Youth Academy was honored at the annual awards dinner. Ronni Miller,
our math and science teacher for Rose Tree Media Simon Youth Academy, was
nominated as the 2015 Simon Youth National Teacher of the Year. Although Mrs. Miller
was not recognized as the finalist, she was one of six nominees from a pool of 74 eligible
teachers for Simon Youth Academies nationwide. Out of 27 Simon Youth Academies,
Rose Tree Media Simon Youth Academy proudly accepted recognition for having a 100%
graduation rate. Only five Simon Youth Academies earned this recognition. Additionally,
Rose Tree Media Simon Youth Academy has had a 100% graduation rate for five years in
a row.
Students who attend the Rose Tree Media Simon Youth Academy work regularly on their
post-graduation plans and goals. With the help of the RTMSYA Interventionist, Lauren
Newman, and the web-based Naviance service, students create résumés, complete
college applications, research careers, and schedule college visits. Recent POWR Day
interviews with POWR Coordinator, Louise Naismith, revealed that students have diverse
career interests such as dental assistant, forensic pathology, lawyer, cosmetology, real
estate, barber, and psychologist. Students who attend the RTMSYA will have an
opportunity to explore possible career interests at the Careers Awareness Fair sponsored
by The Delaware County Workforce Investment Board, Youth Council, at Delaware
County Community College.
World Language Department
National French Week at Penncrest High School 2015
November 16th- November 20th
v The French department will host several activities to promote French and
French-speaking counties.
v The week will kick off with a presentation about travel to Southeast France by
Kelly Flood. Kelly will share photos and stories about her summer 2015 Phyllis
Kavanaugh scholarship adventure during periods 4 and 6.
v On Tuesday after school, Penncrest students will take buses to SLMS for a
pétanque tournament (the French version of bocce ball.)
v On Wednesday, Penncrest students are invited to watch the film:
Le Petit Nicolas.
v Thursday night, staff members and students will dine and dance at Marrakesh
restaurant in Philadelphia and experience a traditional, six-course Moroccan
meal complete with couscous and baklava.
v Friday is French t-shirt and game day.
v There will also be a French trivia contest. Contest winners will receive gift
certificates to area French restaurants. Bonne Chance!
The World Language Honor Society members are selling fair trade items from the Equal
Exchange catalog as a way to raise money for the Phyllis Kavanaugh Scholarship. Fair
trade items include coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, wrapping paper, scarves, bath and body
items, housewares, etc.
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November 19, 2015
World Language teachers from Springton Lake and Penncrest met for the afternoon
session of the November 3rd inservice. The department revisited goals for target
language instruction in the classroom and shared best practices.
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November 19, 2015
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS – EXECUTIVE SESSION
“In accordance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, executive sessions of the
School Board were held on the following dates to review and discuss matters
permitted under Section 8 of the Act.”
October 22, 2015
November 10, 2015
November 16, 2015
November 19, 2015
There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel
at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Legislative Session of December 17, 2015, at Penncrest
High School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
Presidential Announcement
1
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
1.
b.
2.
Non-Instructional
1.
Nicholas Polidori, Bus Driver, resignation effective
June 30, 2016.
2.
Diane Swantek, Food Service Worker, Penncrest
High School, resignation effective November 11,
2015.
3.
Carol Constantine, Bus Driver, resignation, effective
June 30, 2016.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
b.
IX. New Business
Patrick O’Neill, (.4) French Teacher, SYA, Penncrest
High School, resignation effective December 31,
2015.
Katie Magliochetti, Homebound Instructor for the
2015-2016 school year at the rate of $46.00 per hour.
Non-Instructional
1.
Margaret McNamara, Bus Aide, effective November
20, 2015 at the rate of $15.02 per hour. Ms.
McNamara is assigned to Transportation. NOTE: Ms.
McNamara is being hired pending completion of her
pre-employment paperwork.
2.
Larry Price, Bus Aide, effective November 20, 2015 at
the rate of $15.02 per hour. Mr. Price is assigned to
Transportation. NOTE: Mr. Price is being hired
pending
completion
of
his
pre-employment
paperwork.
1
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
3.
3.
Kimberly Bostwick, Math Tutor effective November
20, 2015 at the rate of $16.00 per hour. Ms. Bostwick
is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
4.
Julie Hemmert, Math Tutor effective with the
completion of her pre-employment paperwork, at the
rate of $16.00. Ms. Hemmert is assigned to Rose
Tree Elementary. NOTE: Ms. Hemmert is being hired
pending
completion
of
her
pre-employment
paperwork.
5.
Sharon Dunlap, Support Staff I, effective with the
completion of her pre-employment paperwork, at the
rate of $13.43 per hour. Ms. Dunlap is assigned to
Indian Lane replacing Laura DelCasale who was
reassigned. NOTE: MS. Dunlap is being hired
pending
completion
of
her
pre-employment
paperwork.
General
a.
IX. New Business
Non-Instructional
Classification Change
1.
Lisa Brechemin, from Substitute Cafeteria to Cafeteria
Worker effective October 26, 2015 at the rate of
$11.77 per hour. Ms. Brechemin is assigned to
Penncrest High School replacing Keisha Davis who
resigned.
2.
Nariman Shaer, from Part Time Cafeteria to Full Time
Cafeteria Worker effective November 12, 2015 at the
rate of $13.21 per hour. Ms. Shaer is assigned to
Penncrest High School replacing Diane Swantek who
resigned.
3.
Mary Jane Quinn from Support Staff II to Office Clerk
I effective November 20, 2015 at the annual salary of
$26,362.63. Ms Quinn is assigned to Indian Lane
Elementary replacing Joann Raport who retired.
2
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
b.
Classification Change
4.
Amanda Spinogatti, from .8 Speech and Language
Teacher to 1.0 Speech and Language Teacher
effective November 20, 2015 at the annual salary of
$54,642.00. Ms. Spinogatti is assigned to Rose Tree
Elementary and Indian Lane Elementary Schools.
5.
Gina Kokoska, from .8 Speech and Language
Teacher to .9 Speech and Language Teacher
effective November 20, 2015 at the annual salary of
$74,694.60. Ms. Kokoska is assigned to Springton
Lake Middle School and Penncrest High School.
Degree Advance
1.
c.
IX. New Business
Recommend Board approval of Molly Ries for Degree
Advancement to Master’s Degree/Step 4, $54,207.00
and adjust her salary accordingly effective October
28, 2015.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Rescind appointment of Ricky Stroup as (.5) Assistant
Freshman Girls Basketball Coach.
2.
Rescind appointment of Sandra Dinnella as (.5)
Assistant Freshman Girls Basketball Coach.
3.
Rescind appointment of Timothy Brown as Assistant
Girls Basketball Coach.
4.
Rescind appointment of Karen Battavio as Fifth
Dimension Club Sponsor at Indian Lane Elementary.
5.
Rescind appointment of Anthony Grisillo
EnviroChallenge for Glenwood Elementary.
3
as
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Rescind Supplemental Contract
6.
Rescind appointment of the following Reading Lab
Sponsors at Media Elementary for the 2015-2016
school year:
Fern Mathis
Mackenzie Omlor
Lynn Lista
7.
d.
Rescind appointment of Jennifer Brotman as (.5)
World Language Honor Society Sponsor for the 20152016 school year.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Recommend Board approval for the following Rose
Tree Elementary Personnel to serve as Club Advisors
for the 2015-2016 school year:
Kids Club
Handchimes
RT Rumble
Chorus Theater
Envirochallenge
Envirochallenge
Orchestra Director
Band Director
Student Council
Chess Club
IX. New Business
$290.00
$290.00
$580.00
4
Jean McPheeters
David Sikorski
David Sikorski
David Sikorski
Maureen Van Zant
Holly Clark
James Walls
Jon Boyle
Jean McPheeters
Matt Moore
$1,384.00
$608.00
$608.00
$1,160.00
$435.00
$456.00
$304.00
$608.00
$870.00
$580.00
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Supplemental Contracts
2.
Recommend Board approval for the following Media
Elementary Personnel to serve as Club Advisors for
the 2015-2016 school year:
Chorus
Chess Club
Musical Club
Handbell Club
Art Club
Band Director
Orchestra Director.
Home Club
Reading Olympics
Reading Olympics
Book Club
Envirothon Club
Robotics 4th grade
Robotics 5th grade
Garden Club
IX. New Business
Jeanette Verdeur
Charles Jacien
Jeanette Verdeur
Jeanette Verdeur
Karen Bellamy
Andrew Bugosh
James Walls
Patrick Murphy
Jackie Matusow
Brenda Millette
Jackie Matusow
Evan O’Neill
Sue Williamson
Sue Williamson
Cathy Poulos
$1,296.00
$1,015.00
$1,160.00
$290.00
$290.00
$608.00
$304.00
$912.00
$870.00
$870.00
$870.00
$290.00
$290.00
$290.00
$580.00
3.
Ricky Stroup, Freshman Girls Basketball Coach for
the 2015-2016 school year at the annual salary of
$3,915.00. Mr. Stroup is assigned to Penncrest High
School.
4.
Sandra Dinnella, (.5) Assistant Girls Basketball Coach
for the 2015-2016 school year at the annual salary of
$2,247.50. Ms. Dinnella is assigned to Penncrest
High School.
5.
Timothy Brown, (.5) Assistant Girls Basketball Coach
for the 2015-2016 school year at the annual salary of
$2,247.00. Mr. Brown is assigned to Penncrest High
School.
5
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
IX. New Business
Supplemental Contracts
6.
Megan Lee, Dance Team Coach for the 2015-2016
school year at the annual salary of $1,160.00. Ms.
Lee is assigned to Penncrest High School. NOTE:
Ms. Lee is being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
7.
Gina Lucente, Winter Cheerleading Coach at the
annual salary of $2,755.00. Ms. Lucente is assigned
to Penncrest High School.
8.
Karen Battavio, Chorus Director for the 2015-2016
school year at the annual salary of $1,296.00. Ms.
Battavio is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
9.
Margaret Barney, Lion’s Mane Coordinator at the
annual salary of $5,073.00.
10.
Donna Montich, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the
2015-2016 school year at the annual salary of
$580.00. Ms. Montich is assigned to Penncrest High
School.
11.
Jennifer Diaz, New Teacher Mentor effective October
28, 2015 at the annual salary of $919.30. Ms. Diaz is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
12.
Charles Keeler, EnviroChallenge Sponsor for the
2015-2016-school year at the annual salary of
$456.00. Mr. Keeler is assigned to Glenwood
Elementary.
13.
Jackie Baker, (.5) World Language Honor Society
Sponsor for the 2015-2016 school year at the annual
salary of $580.00. Ms. Baker is assigned to Penncrest
High School.
6
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
IX. New Business
Supplemental Contracts
14.
Ronni Miller, (.5) New Teacher Mentor effective
November 9, 2015 at the annual salary of $436.49.
Ms. Miller is assigned to the SYA Penncrest High
School.
15.
Marilyn Wilt, (.5) New Teacher Mentor effective
November 9, 2015 at the annual salary of $436.49.
Ms. Wilt is assigned to the SYA Penncrest High
School.
16.
Daniel Gordy, Boys Tennis Coach at the annual
salary of $3,625.00. Mr. Gordy is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
17.
Zachary Musselman, Assistant Indoor Boys Track
Coach effective with the completion of his preemployment paperwork at the annual salary of
$3,770.00. Mr. Musselman is assigned to Penncrest
High School. NOTE: Mr. Musselman is being hired
pending
completion
of
his
pre-employment
paperwork.
18.
Jean McPheeters, New Teacher Mentor effective
October 28, 2015 at the annual salary of $963.68. Ms.
McPheeters is assigned to Rose Tree Elementary.
19.
Sean Graham, Assistant Wrestling Coach for the
2015-2016 school year at the annual salary of
$4,495.00. Mr. Graham is assigned to Penncrest High
School.
20.
Jonathan Stroup, Assistant Wrestling Coach for the
2015-2016 school year at the annual salary of
$2,465.00. Mr. Stroup is assigned to Springton Lake
Middle School.
7
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Supplemental Contracts
21.
Recommend Board approval of the following
Penncrest High School Staff to serve as Game
Workers for the 2015-2016 school year:
Colleen Hoy
Jessica Jacovini
22.
e.
Hope Kaut
Dale Soring
Elijah Trusty, Assistant Girls Indoor Track Coach for
the 2015-2016 school year at the annual salary of
$3,770. Mr. Trusty is assigned to Penncrest High
School. NOTE: Mr. Trusty is being hired pending
completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
Create New Position
1.
Recommend Board approval of an additional
Instructional Assistant position at Indian Lane
Elementary.
Background
An additional Instructional Assistant is needed at
Indian Lane Elementary to serve the needs of a
kindergarten student. This position was discussed at
the Personnel Committee Meeting on November 10,
2015.
2.
Recommend Board approval of an additional
Assistant Wrestling Coach for the 2015-2016 school
year at Penncrest High School.
Background
The addition of an Assistant Wrestling Coach is
required due to increased participation in the
Wrestling Program. The position would be at 31 units
for the 2015-2016 school year. This position was
discussed at the Personnel Committee Meeting on
November 10, 2015.
IX. New Business
8
November 19, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
e.
Create New Position
3.
Recommend Board approval of the addition of .3 FTE
Speech and Language Teacher.
Background
The addition of a .3 Speech and Language Teacher is
required due to an increase in caseloads and to keep
the District in compliance with PDE regulations. This
position was discussed at the Personnel Committee
Meeting on November 10, 2015.
f.
Other
1.
B.
Recommend Board approval of the agreement
between Rose Tree Media School District and the
Rose Tree Media Educational Support Personnel
Association for the period of June 25, 2015 through
June 30, 2016.
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest Girls Varsity and JV Lacrosse Team – Orlando, FL
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve a request for
an overnight field trip for Penncrest Girls Varsity and JV Lacrosse
Teams to attend the Disney World/Wide World of Sports Spring
Training Event in Orlando, Florida from March 21- 25, 2016 (Spring
Break).
Background
The registration fee of $1,250.00 will be paid by the Boosters.
Transportation, lodging, and meal costs will be paid by the
students.
IX. New Business
9
November 19, 2015
ADDENDUM
IX.
New Business
C.
Addendum – Personnel
1.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
IX. New Business Addendum
Recommend Board approval for Anne
Callahan to serve as Interim Director of Human
Resources effective December 1, 2015 through
no later than March 31, 2016 at the per diem
rate of $592.00.
1
November 19, 2015
ADDENDUM
IX.
New Business
D.
Addendum – Personnel
1.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
IX. New Business Addendum
Thomas Haupert, Director of Human
Resources effective January 4, 2016 at the
annual salary of $145,000.00. Mr. Haupert
received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
from Rider University. He comes to us from
Southeast Delco School District where he
served as Director of Human Resources since
2009. Mr. Haupert has also served as Director
of Human Resources in Cheltenham Township
and Upper Perkioman School Districts. Mr.
Haupert is assigned to the Education Center
replacing Anne D. Callahan who retired.
NOTE: Mr. Haupert is being hired pending
completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
1
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing
1.
Bid Awards
Recommend the following bids be awarded in the categories listed, such
recommendation being the lowest bid received from a responsible bidder, kind,
quality and materials having been considered.
Resolve, the Board of School Directors award the following bid:
a.
Springton Lake Middle School-Library Configuration
Base Bid
Alternates
Total
AJM Electric, Inc.
(Electrical Construction)
$4,460
$ 4,460
Donald E. Reisinger, Inc.
(General Construction)
$5,700
$ 5,700
GRAND TOTAL
$10,160
Background
This item was discussed at the November 10, 2015 Operations Committee
Meeting.
X.
Finance
1
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
1.
Change Orders
Change Orders are acted upon in accordance with Resolution 1997-98 – 124,
as approved by the Board of School Directors on April 23, 1998.
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following change orders:
a.
Change Order M-02 from GEM Mechanical is a credit in the amount of
$3,000.00 for the leak remediation project at Indian Lane Elementary
School.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 10, 2015 Operations Committee
Meeting.
2.
Budgetary Transfers
Rose Tree Media School District Policy #612…(Public School code section 609)
when funds are not available for a proposed appropriation, a legal transfer from
one class of expenditure to another may be made in the last nine (9) months of
the fiscal year by the board.
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following budgetary
transfers:
FY 16-3 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Budgetary Reserve – Other Objects
$250,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Legal and Accounting Services – Other professional services
$250,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to replenish funds back to accounts that money
was previously transferred out of to pay a settlement.
X.
Finance
2
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers (cont’d)
FY 16-4 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Nonpublic Transportation – Contracted Carriers
$10,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Vehicle Servicing & Maintenance Services – Supplies
$7,500.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Nonpublic Transportation – Supplies
$2,500.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for the cost of parts.
FY 16-5 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Other Community Services – Services Purchased Locally
$4,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Public Library Services – Grants to Community Organizations
$4,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the increased donation to the libraries.
FY 16-6 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Regular Program Instruction – Supplies
$1,070.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Regular Program Instruction – New Equipment
$1,070.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase rolling book carts for the Language
Arts Department.
X.
Finance
3
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers (cont’d)
FY 16-7 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – Supplies
$1,044.79
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$1,044.79
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase an indoor practice net for golf.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 10, 2015 Finance Committee
Meeting.
3.
2014/2015 Local Audit
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the 2014/2015 Local
Audit report which contained no observations or findings. This report was
presented by Jeff Kowalczyk from Barbacane, Thornton & Company.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 10, 2015 Finance Committee
Meeting.
4.
New Signers for Security Benefits
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve Grace Eves and
Heather Hogan to be authorized signers for the HRA ERIP accounts for
retirees. This role does not include additional compensation.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 10, 2015 Finance Committee
Meeting.
X.
Finance
4
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
5.
Springfield Country Club Contract
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Springfield Country
Club Contract in the amount of $21,000.00. This contract is for the 2017 Junior
Prom that will take place on Friday, April 7, 2017. Funding for the contract is at
no cost to the District and is through Penncrest’s Student Activity Account.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 10, 2015 Finance Committee
Meeting.
6.
Concordville Inn Contract
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Concordville Inn
Contract for the 2018 Senior Prom which will take place on Saturday, June 2,
2018. Funding for the contract is at no cost to the District and is through
Penncrest’s Student Activity Account.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 10, 2015 Finance Committee
Meeting.
7.
Cini Construction Services Proposal
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Cini Construction
Services proposal in an amount not exceed $98,000. This proposal is for
various 2016/2017 capital projects.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 10, 2015 Finance Committee
Meeting.
X.
Finance
5
November 19, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
8.
Johnson Controls, Inc. Performance Contract Addendum
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve an addendum to the Act
39 Energy Saving Performance contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. in the
amount of $326,397 to provide additional compressor power to the existing
fueling station which will allow for a more productive fueling pattern for the
District’s CNG buses. Approval is pending review by the solicitor.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 10, 2015 Operations Committee
Meeting
9.
Lifeworks School Contract
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract that has been
submitted for a special education student to attend the Lifeworks School for the
2015-2106 school year.
Background
The program is required to meet the needs of the student in accordance with
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Tuition costs are $273.00/day.
Annual costs are up to $49,140 for full attendance.
X.
Finance
6
November 19, 2015