ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Legislative Agenda
January 22, 2015
7:30 p.m.
I.
Call to Order
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
III.
Board of School Directors
RTM Work Place Safety Committee – Ivan Brown
Richard Gregg
Transition: The Linking Learning to Life Program
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2014
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 – Sue Williamson
1
January 22, 2015
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Old Business
A.
IX.
None
New Business
A.
B.
C.
X.
Rose Tree Media Residents
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Sabbatical Leave
b.
Rescind Supplemental Contract
c.
Supplemental Contract
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Honors Musical Ensemble – Upper Merion
High School
2.
Penncrest High School District Orchestra – Great Valley High
School
Policies
1.
Policy #806 Child Abuse – First Read and Review – Attachment A
Finance
A.
B.
Agenda
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1.
Change Orders
2.
Budgetary Transfers
3.
Grosh Backdrops Contract
4.
Music Theatre International Contract
5.
Raffaele & Puppio Agreement
6.
Johnson Controls Planned Service Agreement
7.
Donations
8.
Act 1 Index Resolution for 2015-2016
9.
Mill Creek School Contract
10.
Settlement Agreement to AIM Academy
11.
COSTAR/CAT 2 Purchase Order
12.
Math Programs for 2015-2016
2
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
C.
D.
XI.
Financials for December 2014
Bill Lists for December 2014
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 February 26, 2015, at Penncrest High
School. The Legislative Meetings are recorded on tape.
Agenda
3
January 22, 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
January 22, 2015
Minutes of the December 18, 2014 Legislative Meeting
I. Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
____________________________________________________________________________
Board Members in Attendance:
John Hanna, President
Tracy Barusevicius
Nancy Fronduti
Nancy Mackrides
William O’Donnell
Elizabeth Schneider
Bill Tyson
Students:
Tanner Daggy
Allison D’Ignazio
Riley George
Absent:
Michaela Rhile
Absent:
Harry Postles
Also in Attendance:
Ron Baldino, Maintenance and Operations
Anne Callahan, Dir. Human Resources
Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Dir.PS and Sp. Ed.
Donald DiPaulo, Asst. Principal SLMS
William Dougherty, Asst. Principal PHS
Grace Eves, Dir. Management Services
Joseph Fuhr, Principal SYA
Rick Gregg, Principal PHS
Ron Harris, Network Specialist
Ralph Harrison, Asst. Principal PHS
Heather Hogan, Accountant
Mack Johnson, Mgmt. Systems Admin.
Thomas Kelly, Esq., Solicitor
Bonnie Kinsler, Supervisor of Transportation
Patti Linden, Supv. Technology
Kim McCann-Roller, Info. Tech. Spec.
Chip Olinger, Athletic Director
Jenny Robinson, Principal Rose Tree Elem.
Robert Salladino, Principal SLMS
Christine Seeley, Acting Principal IL
Sharon Sweeney, Asst. Principal PHS
Steven Taylor, Assistant Superintendent
Paula Voshell, Principal Media Elementary
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2014
1
January 22, 2015
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 20, 2014
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014-2015 50
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevisius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan
Nolen, Bill O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
NAYS:
None
ABSENT: Harry Postles
II.
Approval of Minutes
B.
Reorganization Meeting Minutes of December 2, 2014
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mrs. Schnieder seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 51
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevisius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan
Nolen, Bill O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
NAYS:
None
ABSENT: Harry Postles
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
PSBA Certificate of Appreciation – William O’Donnell
The Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania School Board Association proudly
presents this Certificate of Appreciation to School Director William O’Donnell, from
the Rose Tree Media School District, in recognition of the unique role of School
Board service and the long-term contributions of individuals who bring their
energy, talent and values to the guidance of youth and public education in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
IV
Educational Presentation
A.
Penncrest Chamber Ensemble and the Springton Lake Honor Strings
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2014
2
January 22, 2015
V.
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
VII.
Rose Tree Media Residents - 18 residents of the community spoke.
Old Business
A.
IX.
RTMEA – Robert Higgins
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports
Committee Highlights and Reports
School Reports – In Official Minutes of December 18, 2014
Superintendent’s Report – In Official Minutes of December 18, 2014
Solicitor’s Report – In Official Minutes of December 18, 2014
President’s Report – In Official Minutes of December 18, 2014
None
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
b.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
c.
Supplemental Contracts
d.
Salary Correction
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 52
Resolve the Board of School Directors approve the following New Business.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2014
3
January 22, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
2.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Judy Blair, Payroll Clerk, retirement effective
January 23, 2015. Mrs. Blair joined the staff of Rose Tree
Media School District in 2002. She is retiring after 12 years of
dedicated service.
2.
Leslie Virbitsky, Food Service, Penncrest High School,
resignation effective December 6, 2014.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Erin Warner, Mathematics Teacher, effective date to be
determined, at the annual salary of $54,191.00, Master’s
Degree/Step 6. Ms. Warner received her Bachelor’s Degree
from the University of Delaware and her Master’s Degree from
Cabrini College. She comes to us from Owen J. Roberts
Middle School where she served as a Math Teacher. She is
assigned to Penncrest High School replacing Alicia Mathisen
who resigned. NOTE: MS. Warner is being hired pending
completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
2.
Marci Carmeans, Long Term Substitute Science
Teacher effective January 26, 2015 for the second semester,
at the annual salary of $45,953.00, Bachelor’s Degree/Step 1
pro-rated. Ms. Carmeans served as a Long Term Substitute
for the first semester of the 2014-2015 school year. Ms.
Carmeans received her Bachelor’s Degree from Temple
University.
She is assigned to Penncrest High School
replacing Amanda Slattery who is on leave.
3.
Rescind appointment of John Phillips as Long Term Substitute
English Teacher for the 2014-2015 school year at Penncrest
High School.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2014
4
January 22, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
b.
Professional
4.
John Phillips, English Teacher, effective January 26, 2015 at
the annual salary of $46,091.00, Bachelor’s Degree/Step 2.
Mr. Phillips served as a Long Term Substitute for the 20132014 school year and for the first semester of the 2014-2015
school year. Mr. Phillips received his Bachelor’s Degree from
West Chester University. He is assigned to Springton Lake
Middle School replacing Susan Cooper who resigned.
5.
Kortney Mazzella, Long Term Substitute Elementary Teacher
effective January 26, 2015, at the annual salary of $45,953.00,
Bachelor’s Degree/Step 1, pro-rated. Ms. Mazzella served as
a Long Term Substitute for the first semester of the 2014-2015
school year. Ms. Mazzella received her Bachelor’s Degree
from West Chester University. She is assigned to Glenwood
Elementary replacing Melissa Miller who is on leave.
Non-Instructional
1.
Ron Tyson, Substitute Maintenance for the 2014-2015 school
year at the rate of $12.00 per hour. NOTE: Mr. Tyson is being
hired pending completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
2.
Recommend Board approval for the following District
personnel to serve as Substitute Custodians at the rate of
$12.00 per hour:
Michael Finn
3.
Michael Willauer
Robert Hodson
General
a.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
Melissa Miller requests an extension of her unpaid leave of
absence effective January 26, 2015 through June 30, 2015 for
the purpose of child rearing.
2.
Lindsay Groy requests an extension of her unpaid leave of
absence effective January 26, 2015 through June 30, 2015 for
the purpose of child rearing.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2014
5
January 22, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
b.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
c.
Rescind appointment of Rick Stroup as Winter Fitness Club
Sponsor at Penncrest High School.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Steve Adams, Assistant Wrestling Coach for the 2014-2005
school year at the annual salary of $2,465.00. Mr. Adams is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
2.
David Wood, Assistant Freshman Baseball Coach for the
2014-2015 school year at the annual salary of $3,625.00. Mr.
Wood is assigned to Penncrest High School. NOTE: Mr. Wood
is being hired pending completion of his pre-employment
paperwork.
3.
Bethany Zeleznick Event Chaperone for the 2014-2015 school
year at the rate of $18.33 per hour. Ms. Zeleznick is assigned
to Penncrest High School.
4.
Colleen Hoy, New Teacher Mentor effective November 3,
2014 at the annual salary of $890.30. Ms. Hoy is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
5.
Andrew Abrams, Assistant Baseball Coach for the 2014-2015
school year at the annual salary of $3,625.00. Mr. Abrams is
assigned to Penncrest High School. NOTE: Mr. Abrams is
being hired pending completion of his pre-employment
paperwork.
6.
Stefan Dashkiwsky, Winter Fitness Club at the annual salary
of $725.00. Mr. Dashkiwsky is assigned to Penncrest High
School.
7.
Caitlyn Carminito, Intramural Sponsor for the 2014-2015
school year at the rate of $21.26 per hour. Ms. Carminito is
assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2014
6
January 22, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
4.
General
d.
Salary Correction
1.
Supplemental salary correction for Jean McPheeters, KIDS
Club Sponsor to $1,384.00. This salary was incorrectly
reported on the October Board.
2.
Supplemental salary correction for Phoebe Simmington, (.5)
New Teacher Mentor to $608.00. This salary was incorrectly
reported on the August Board.
3.
Recommend Board approval of the pay rate corrections for the
following Food Service Workers effective September 3, 2014:
Joan Breslin
Terry Mawson
$12.95 per hour
$12.10 per hour
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevisius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan
Nolen, Bill O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
NAYS:
None
ABSENT: Harry Postles
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
2.
Penncrest High School - PMEA District Band to Downingtown, PA
Penncrest High School PMEA District Chorus to Immaculata University
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 53
1.
Penncrest High School - PMEA District Band to Downingtown, PA
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve an overnight field trip for
four students to participate in the PMEA District Band in Downingtown, PA
from 1/8-1/10/15. The registration fee is $660.00. Students will be
transported by District bus to the site but parents will pick up for the return
trip. The students successfully auditioned for the PMEA District 12 Festival.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2014
7
January 22, 2015
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
2.
Penncrest High School PMEA District Chorus to Immaculata University
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve an overnight field
trip for one student to participate in the PMEA District Chorus at Immaculata
University from 1/22/14-1/24/14. There are no transportation costs. The
registration fee is $160.00. This student successfully auditioned for the
PMEA District 12 Festival.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevisius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan
Nolen, Bill O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
NAYS:
None
ABSENT: Harry Postles
IX.
New Business
C.
D.
Change to Penncrest Course Catalog
Proposed Book Adoptions for Springton Lake Middle School Language Arts
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 54
C.
Change to Penncrest Course Catalog
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve a change in the Penncrest
Course Catalog from and Title of a course previously limited to special education
students entitled “Academic Enrichment” to a course called “Achievement Center”
open to both regular and special education students upon recommendations from
the guidance counselor, Individual Education Plan Team, and/or Student Support
Team. It is recommended that the following course description be included in the
course catalog:
The Achievement Center course is designed to assist
selected students who have demonstrated a need for
support in academic areas and/or in organization and
study skills. Students will receive a grade based on
their class performance and individual work. The class
will meet daily for full credit as a non-ranked course.
Students may attend on a daily, partial-cycle, or partial-year
basis for partial course credit. In order to be eligible for Achievement Center,
students must be recommended
by the case manager, guidance counselor, an administrator,
or by the Student Support Team.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2014
8
January 22, 2015
IX.
New Business
C.
Change to Penncrest Course Catalog - continued
This change will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of providing interventions
and supports to all students.
D.
Proposed Book Adoptions for Springton Lake Middle School Language Arts
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the attached list of books
for use immediately.
Gathering Blue
The Maze Runner
Chains
My Brother Sam is Dead
Lincoln’s Grave Robbers
Between Shades of Gray
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
The President Has Been Shot: The Assassination of John F.
Kennedy
Girl With the Pearl Earring
The Guernsey Library and Potato Peel Pie Society
Moloka’i
In compliance with Policies 108 and 109, the Board of School Directors approves
books and materials for use in Rose Tree Media schools. Purchases will be funded
by the building budget at Springton Lake and the Office of Curriculum & Instruction.
This issue was discussed at the December 2014 Curriculum & Instruction
Committee meeting.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevisius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan
Nolen, Bill O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
NAYS:
None
ABSENT: Harry Postles
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2014
9
January 22, 2015
IX.
New Business
E.
Addendum - Personnel
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 55
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following Addendum.
E.
Addendum – Personnel
1.
Terminations
1.
Richard Gregg, Principal, Penncrest High School, resignation
effective January 31, 2015.
2.
Nominations - none
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevisius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan
Nolen, Bill O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
NAYS:
None
ABSENT: Harry Postles
X.
Finance
A.
B.
C.
D.
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1.
Change Orders
2.
Brain Show Contract
3.
Timothy School Contracts
4.
Elwyn-Davidson School Contract
5.
Oral Language Proficiency Assessment Contracts
Financials for November 2014
Bill Lists for November 2014
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 2015 56
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following Finance.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2014
10
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing - None
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, that the Board of School Directors approve the following change
order:
a.
2.
Change Order MC-02 from Allstates Mechanical in the amount of
$3,144.44 for a replacement of a gas regulator at Indian Lane
Elementary School. This item was discussed at the December 2nd
Operations Committee meeting.
Brain Show Contract
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Brain Show
Contract in the amount of $1,650.00. This contract is for an assembly at
Media Elementary School and is being funded by the PTG with no cost to
the school district. This item was discussed at the December 2nd Finance
Committee meeting.
3.
Timothy School Contracts
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve five contracts from
Timothy School for 5 students (ID #s 0967, 4735, 4534, 5441, 6923) to
receive educational services for the 2014-2015 school year. The annual
tuition is $63,250.00/student. These students have significant disabilities
and are in need of these services and special placement, as specified in
their IEPs.
4.
Elwyn-Davidson School Contract
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract for a
student to attend the Elwyn-Davidson School. The student is a resident of
Quakertown School District and is temporarily residing at Elwyn, Inc. The
per diem rate is $274.64. The District will pay Elwyn-Davidson and then
submit the invoice to Quakertown School District in accordance with the
regulations for the determination of residence of children living in
Pennsylvania institutions, BEC 24 P.S. §13-1308.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2014
11
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
5.
Oral Language Proficiency Assessment Contracts
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve contracts with
Kathleen Clark, Andrea Varricchio, and Meilin Shieh to provide oral
language proficiency assessments in French, Spanish, and Chinese to
students in AP French, AP Spanish, and Chinese IV in May 2015. The total
amounts of the contracts are $600, $680, and $80 respectively.
The
contracts were discussed at the December Curriculum and Instruction
Committee meeting.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevisius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan
Nolen, Bill O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
NAYS:
None
ABSENT: Harry Postles
XI.
Adjournment
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 57
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:
Tracy Barusevisius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Susan
Nolen, Bill O’Donnell, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
NAYS:
None
ABSENT: Harry Postles
_____________________________
Grace A. Eves
School Board Secretary
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2014
12
January 22, 2015
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
Board of School Directors
January is School Director Recognition Month. The theme for 2015
is “Stronger School Boards. Stronger Schools. Stronger
Pennsylvania.” School Board Members volunteer more than twenty
hours per month to the job of making difficult decisions for our staff
and students. These volunteers are your voice in your school
district. They make sure your concerns are heard. Rose Tree
Media School District would like to join PSBA in recognizing our
Board of School Directors for their outstanding service. Thank you
for your commitment to the children, the staff and the citizens of our
school district.
B.
Rose Tree Media Work Place Safety Committee
Ivan Brown and Michael Finn will give a brief overview of the Rose
Tree Media Work Place Safety Committee. The committee meets
once each month to discuss safety issues throughout the district.
The Inspection Committee, which consists of members of the
Safety Committee, inspect each building and report back any safety
issues or concerns.
C.
Richard Gregg
Resolve, the Board of School Directors acknowledge Richard
Gregg and his 7 ½ years of service to the students of Penncrest
High School. That said, serving as Principal and Educational
Leader has resulted in both increased achievements and
increased opportunities for the Penncrest High School students.
Be it also resolved, that the Board of School Directors
acknowledge Richard Gregg for his part in the increased status of
Penncrest High School in all educational communities and for
local, state and national ratings.
Be it also resolved, that the Board of School Directors recognize
Richard Gregg’s opportunity for advancement within the profession
and wishes him the best of luck and continued success.
Further resolve, “We’ll keep the lights on for you.”
III.
Presentations and Awards
1
January 22, 2015
OFFICE OF CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
TO:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Mr. James M. Wigo, Superintendent of Schools
FROM:
Dr. Steve Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
DATE:
January 13, 2015
RE:
January 13, 2015 Curriculum & Instruction Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mrs. Liz Schneider
Board Members in Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna,
Nancy Mackrides, Sue Nolen, Harry Protzman, Liz Schneider, Bill Tyson
Also in Attendance: Anne Callahan, Lindsi Ciuffetelli, Nancy Gheysens, Bridget
Laubach, Patti Linden, Brian Lynch, Rachael Pinsley, Bob Salladino, Dana Sudall,
Steve Taylor, Jim Wigo, and one member of the community.
Math Curriculum Revision Proposal
Dr. Taylor, along with Miss Ciuffetelli, Mrs. Gheysens, Mrs. Laubach, Mr. Lynch, Miss
Pinsley, Dr. Salladino, and Mrs. Sudall, presented proposed revisions to the K-12 math
curriculum to go into effect in the 2015-2016 school year. The group began by
explaining and illustrating changes under the new PA Core Standards for Math that
contribute to the need for a new program. They went on to describe the selection
process, to identify the recommended programs, and to explain the strengths of each.
The recommended elementary program is enVision 2.0, the recommended middle
school program is Big Ideas Math and Big Ideas Algebra, and the recommended high
school program is Big Ideas Algebra I and Big Ideas Algebra II. All the other high
school programs remain the same. At the end of the presentation, the Board gave
permission for the programs to appear in a resolution for approval on the January
Legislative Agenda. The programs are being recommended pending approval of the
2015-2016 budget.
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:
January 14, 2014
Subject:
January 13, 2014 Finance Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Bill O’Donnell
______________________________________________________________________
Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Sue
Nolen, Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles, and Elizabeth Schneider
Absent: Bill Tyson
Also in Attendance: Anne Callahan, Grace Eves, and James Wigo
1.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 15-13 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Printing –Professional Services
$5,500
TO:
AMOUNT:
Printing - Supplies
$5,500
RATIONALE: RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase paper for the print
shop.
FY 15-14 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instructional Staff Development –Professional Educational Services
$5,000
TO:
AMOUNT:
Regular Programs Instruction - Books
$5,000
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase new books for the level reading
libraries. The request is from the principal at Rose Tree Elementary.
Dedicated to Excellence
FY 15-15 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – Dues and Fees
$4,157.63
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$4,157.63
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of new equipment for field
hockey teams at Penncrest
FY 15-16 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Regular Programs Instruction - Software
$3,000
TO:
AMOUNT:
Technology - Equipment
$3,000
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for smart board purchase for the library at Rose
Tree Elementary School.
FY 15-17 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Student Athletics- Dues and Fees
$2,999
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Student Athletics - Software
$2,999
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for cover costs for Huddle software that is used to
review games at Penncrest.
FY 15-18 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics- Replacement Equipment
$2,400
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics - Supplies
$2,400
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover costs of athletic supplies at Springton
Lake Middle School.
Dedicated to Excellence
FY 15-19 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Technology- Supplies
$2,319
TO:
AMOUNT:
Regular Programs Instruction- New Equipment
$2,319
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for a new smart board for art room at Indian Lane
Elementary School.
FY 15-20 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Regular Programs Instruction – New Equipment
$2,299
TO:
AMOUNT:
Learning Support – New Equipment
$2,299
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for a smart board in a new special education
classroom.
FY 15-21 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – Dues and Fees
$2,107.11
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$2,107.11
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover new equipment for freshmen and JV
baseball teams at Penncrest.
FY 15-22 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics- Dues and Fees
$1,979.73
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$1,979.73
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover new equipment for girls JV and varsity
lacrosse teams at Penncrest.
Dedicated to Excellence
FY 15-23 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics- Dues and Fees
$1,376.38
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$1,376.38
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover new equipment for girls soccer teams at
Penncrest.
FY 15-24 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction and Curriculum Development – Refreshments
$1,350
TO:
AMOUNT:
Regular Programs Instruction - Refreshments
$1,350
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover monthly bobcat citizen’s breakfasts at
Indian Lane Elementary School.
FY 15-25 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics- Dues and Fees
$1,276.38
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$1,276.38
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover new equipment for boys soccer teams at
Penncrest.
FY 15-26 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Staff Development- Dues and Fees
$1,200
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction- Dues and Fees
$1,200
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of contest and exam fees at
Penncrest.
Action: This item will be moved to the January 22nd Legislative agenda for a vote
of the Board.
Dedicated to Excellence
2.
Contracts
a.
Grosh Backdrops
The contract in the amount of $540.08 is for the musical at Penncrest.
Funding is though the Student Activity account at no cost to the District.
b.
Raffaele & Puppio
The District is filing an appeal for ACCESS funding for the 12/13 school
year. Several districts and the IU have also filed appeals. The IU has hired
Kate Meehhan from Raffaele & Puppio to represent them. The District will
seek consolidation of services with the IU and other districts wherever
possible for the appeal. The hourly rate is $150 per hour for the attorney
fees, $90 per hour for legal assistant fees and out of pocket expenses.
c.
Music Theatre International
The contract in the amount of $535 is for the music rights for a musical at
Indian Lane Elementary School.
Action: These item will be moved to the January 22, 2015, Legislative
agenda for a vote of the Board.
3.
Donations
a.
Lego Set
A parent from Rose Tree Elementary School has donated a Lego kit for
the students. The amount of the donation is $2,447.10
b.
Springton Lake Middle School saxophone case
A parent from Springton Lake Middle School donated a Yamaha Tenor
Saxophone case.
c.
Springton Lake Middle School drum set
A parent from Springton Lake Middle School donated a Tama Swingstar
drum set and accessories valued at $499.99
Action: These item will be moved to the January 22, 2015, Legislative
agenda for a vote of the Board
4.
Budgetary Summary Comparison Report
The District has expensed 70% of expenditures and received 85.3% of its
revenues.
Action: Discussion
Dedicated to Excellence
5.
2015/2016 Operations of Non-Instructional and Other Financing and Financing
Uses Budget Review
The committee reviewed the Operations of Non-Instructional and Other
Financing Uses Budget. This budget includes athletics, supplemental contracts,
community services such as the libraries, pool and crossing guards, as well as
debt service.
Student activity salaries increased due to the need for additional coaches for
wrestling and golf.
In addition, the experience level of individuals for
supplemental contracts has caused an increase. Benefits increased due to
PSERS (21.4% to 25.8%) and health care increases. In 2016 the district-wide
PSERS expenditure will be approximately $10 million. The expenditure in 2011
was $2,141,472. The rate is projected to increase to $13 million in 2019.
Purchased professional services increased due to rental fees for travel. Other
professional services. increased due to post season travel. The overall increase
for student activities is 5.4%.
Other Finance Uses has an overall increase of 1.7%. Other Objects such as
interest has a decrease of 6.7% and Other Uses such as principal payments on
bonds has an increase of 4.9% for an overall increase of 1.7%.The District’s
outstanding debt at the of 2015 is approximately $72 million and the outstanding
debt decreases to $66 million at the end of 2016. The current debt will be paid
off in 2025.
Action: Discussion
6.
ACT I Resolution
In accordance with the Act 1 Index timeline the committee will adopt a resolution
at the January 22, 2015, Legislative agenda to not exceed the Index of 1.9%.
Once approved, the District will not have the ability to apply for exceptions for the
2015/2016 budget.
Action: This item will be moved to the January 22, 2015, Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
Dedicated to Excellence
Public Comment
The next Finance Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, February 10, 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:
January 14, 2015
Subject:
January 13, 2015 Operations Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Harry Postles
_____________________________________________________________________
Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides, Sue Nolen, Bill
O’Donnell, Harry Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
Absent: John Hanna
Also in Attendance: Ron Baldino, Anne Callahan, Dennis Cinni, Grace Eves, Patti
Linden, and James Wigo,
1.
Change Orders
a.
b.
Fayette Group – GC-01
The change order is for work performed at Media Elementary School’s
library circulation desk. The wood backsplash at the curved wall counters
was substituted in lieu of a quartz backsplash to accommodate the
curvature of the desk. The change order is a credit of $340.00
Apex Plumbing – PC-02
The change order is for work performed at Springton Lake Middle School
by the plumbing contractor. A pipe leaked during construction and
damaged some materials and required additional professional services.
The credit to cover those damages is $8,013.72.
Action: These items will be moved to the January 22, 2015 Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
2.
Johnson Controls Planned Service Contract
The term of the contract is three years and covers the Ed Center, Indian Lane
Elementary School, Penncrest High School, and Rose Tree Elementary School.
Pricing is as follows: Year 1 $25,436
Year 2 $26,199
Year 3 $26,985
Action: These items will be moved to the January 22, 2015 Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
Dedicated to Excellence
3.
Master Capital Plan Update
Ron Baldino, Dennis Cinni and Grace Eves have met with the building principals
and facility foreman to update the two year capital projects plan. Dennis will
gather pricing and present the proposed projects at the February Operations
Committee meeting.
Action: Discussion
4.
Turf Field at Penncrest High School
Harry Postles, John Hanna, Jim Wigo, Gus Houtman, Chip Ollinger, Ron Baldio,
Dennis Cinni and Grace Eves met with three turf vendors to review their
products. All three vendors participate in cooperative purchasing.
Topics
covered included seaming, hash marks, coloring, G-Max factors, Crum rubber,
resilience of the field and most importantly safety features. Ron Baldio has visited
Hatboro Horsham’s turf field. Chip Ollinger has received correspondence from
other athletic directors that have turf fields. The track around the stadium is in
need of repair due to age and condition. This provides the opportunity to replace
the stadium with turf as the grass stadium would have needed to be redone due
to the installation of the replaced track. Several vendors have the capability of
providing services for the track, field and site work. The advantage of having one
contractor for these services is to ensure the timely completion of the project.
Action: Discussion
5.
Springton Lake Middle School Fields
Ron Baldio will install signage at the fields of the Springton Lake Middle School
for each field. The signage will also include Media Little League and the
American Legion fields.
Dennis Cinni will research the installation of a sidewalk from the parking lot near
the auditorium to the front of the building.
Action: Discussion
Public Comment: One member of the pubic was present.
The next Operations Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, February 10, 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:
January 15, 2015
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting – January 13, 2015
T. Barusevicius - Chair
Board Members in attendance: T. Barusevicius, J. Hanna, W. O’Donnell, E.
Schneider, N. Mackrides, N. Fronduti, S. Nolen, B. Tyson and H. Postles
Also in attendance: A. Callahan, J. Wigo, G. Eves, and One Member of the Public
I.
Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
The Committee reviewed items to be included on the agenda of the Legislative
Meeting on January 22, 2015. There will be additional items added to the
agenda prior to January 16, 2015, when a final agenda will be sent to the Board
for review.
Action: The committee agreed to place resolutions for these items on the
January 22, 2015, Legislative agenda for a vote of the Board.
II.
Child Protective Services Act – Impact on Employees and Volunteers
Mrs. Callahan presented information on the amendments to the Child Protective
Services Act that impact employees and volunteers in our district. The new
regulations require that every employee renew his/her Pennsylvania State Police
Criminal Background Check, Child Abuse Clearance and FBI Clearance every 36
months. This will require verifying and tracking by the Human Resource
Department. Any employee whose clearances expire and who has not obtained
new clearances will be suspended pending receipt of the updated clearances.
Any employee, whose clearances contain a conviction which prohibits
employment in public schools in Pennsylvania in accordance with Act 126, will be
terminated.
The new regulations also require any volunteer who works with students to
obtain all three clearances and to renew them every 36 months. Again this
requires verification by the Human Resource Department and tracking. There
was discussion of the burden this requirement places on volunteers and the
impact it will have on obtaining volunteers in the future.
The committee also discussed Act 168 of 2014 pertaining to the hiring of new
employees. The Act requires the district to obtain background information on any
candidate to be recommended for employment in the district from the current
employer of the candidate and from all former employers where the candidate
worked directly with students or children.
A form has been developed for this purpose and no new employee can be hired
until the forms have been returned from all former employers. The purpose of
the check is to learn whether the candidate has ever been investigated for or
found guilty of sexual misconduct or if the candidate resigned to avoid
termination for such charges.
III.
Policy 806 – Child Abuse
The Committee reviewed the revised Policy 806 which deals with detecting and
reporting Child Abuse and Student Abuse by school employees.
The
amendments to the Child Protective Act have changed the requirements for staff
to report suspected Child Abuse and Student Abuse.
Action: Policy #806 – Child Abuse will be placed on the January 22, 2015,
Legislative agenda for a first reading.
IV.
V.
Substitute Teacher Rates
At the request of the Committee Chair, Mrs. Callahan conducted a study of
substitute teacher rates in the county. The results of the survey were reviewed
and discussed in light of a substitute teacher shortage currently being
experienced throughout the region.
On the recommendation of the
superintendent, the committee decided not to take any action on this issue at this
time. The administration will continue to study the issue throughout the 20142015 school year and come back to the committee with a recommendation at a
later date.
Executive Session
An executive session was held to discuss matters of personnel.
The next session of the Personnel Committee will be held on February 9, 2015, in the
Board Room at the Education Center.
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.565.5317
www.rtmsd.org
James M. Wigo
Superintendent of Schools
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:
December 4, 2014
Subject:
December 2, 2014 Pupil Services/Special Education Committee Meeting
Chairperson: Ms. Nancy Fronduti
A request for a potential overnight field trip has been submitted for Penncrest
Honors Musical Ensemble students who may qualify for a re-audition at the
Regional level at Upper Merion High School from 2/12-2/14/15. The
registration fee will be paid for by the student activity fund and the amount is
not yet determined (based on the number of students who qualify). There are
no costs to the District.
Action: This item will be moved to the January 22, 2015, Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
A request for a potential overnight field trip has been submitted for three
members of the Penncrest District Orchestra to participate in the PA Music
Educators District 12 Orchestra Festival taking place at Great Valley High
School from 2/5-2/7/15. Registration fees of $435.00 and substitute costs of
$102.00 dollars are being paid by the District. Parents are transporting
students.
Action: This item will be moved to the January 22, 2015, Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
A contract has been submitted for a special education student to attend the
Mill Creek School for the remainder of the 2014-2015 school year. The per
diem rate is $239.00. The student requires an intensive therapeutic school
program.
Action: This item will be moved to the January 22, 2015, Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
A contract for an extension for one month of a previously approved settlement
agreement to cover the tuition costs of a student at AIM Academy has been
submitted. The monthly tuition is $4,562.00. The student has remained at AIM
Academy since the beginning of the school year until an appropriate Individual
Education Program could be developed for his educational program and
services at Penncrest High School. He has begun attending Penncrest High
School on January 5, 2015.
Action: This item will be moved to the January 22, 2015, Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
A settlement agreement has been submitted for a special education student to
receive the ADM rate ($14,000.00) for the remainder of the 2014-2015 and
2015-2016 school years to cover partial tuition at a private school.
Action: This item will be moved to the January 22, 2015, Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board, pending receipt of signed contract.
The Director of Pupil Services and Special Education provided an update on the
transition of the Rose Tree Media Simon Youth Academy from its previous location at
Granite Run Mall to its current location at Penncrest High School. Student
Attendance rates have remained consistent over the move, with an enrollment rate of
34 students. The space is smaller and they occasionally need to use the lecture room
at the back of the auditorium. Increased support and supervision for students
attending lunch in the cafeteria is provided when necessary. Access to Penncrest
courses such as art, music, and AP classes are easier since they are now in the
same building. The need to maintain the integrity of the program as an alternative
option to the traditional high school program was discussed.
The Director of Pupil Services and Special Education provided an update on the
return of special education students from out of district programs, the development of
the K-2 intensive learning support program, and the creation of the District’s new
transition program. Benefits to the special education students and the general
education students with regards to high-quality, cost-effective, and inclusive
programming that supports the students’ ability to remain part of the District school
community was discussed.
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.891.0959
www.rtmsd.org
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
Patti Linden
Director of Technology
and Information Science
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
From:
Patti Linden
Date:
January 16, 2015
Subject:
Technology Committee Meeting Minutes for January 13, 2015
Chairperson: Mrs. Sue Nolen
~ Purchase Order for Verizon POTS Service
The purchase order for service from Verizon includes 43 POTS (Plain Old Telephone
Service) lines to connect alarms in each of our district buildings. The alarms include
burglar, fire, and elevator. Those alarms are currently connected to separate lines;
however, they are running over PRI circuits that are dependent upon power. These lines
need to be connected to lines not dependent on power, and Verizon is the only vendor
who can provide true copper POTS lines not dependent on power. The order is for the
43 lines which will cost $28 per line per month. The current lines are billed in a bundled
package service that we have with Level 3 Communications. Once Verizon has
completed the work, we will be able to eliminate the billing from Level 3. In the
meantime, there may be some overlap in billing for a couple of months.
The purchase order is currently under review by our Solicitor, Tom Kelly, and once
approved, will be placed on the Legislative Agenda for January 2015.
Next meeting: Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. in the Education Center Board
Room
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SCHOOL REPORT’S – January 22, 2015
GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
The kindergarten children enjoyed participating in the Holiday Sing Along as well as many
fun holiday festivities.
First Grade
First grade would like to thank all the families that participated in our “Adopt-A-Family”
project this past December. The first grade teachers asked the parents to help support
two families in need this holiday season in lieu of teacher gifts. The children, with the
help of their extremely generous parents, shopped for and brought in gifts that were
delivered to two families in Delaware County that were down on their luck this past year.
The students enjoyed wrapping the gifts and seeing for themselves that even small
gestures of kindness can make a huge difference to someone in need.
Second Grade
Second grade is beginning their study of economics and banking by learning about
assembly lines. They are learning that specialization of skills can make manufacturing
more efficient. To demonstrate this point, they held an assembly line lunch. Families
donated hot dogs, rolls, chips, pretzels, and other lunch supplies and the students formed
an assembly line to build a lunch plate. We even had students in charge of transportation
at the end of the process to deliver the plates of food to their classmates in other
classrooms. This was a real life, delicious way to show how assembly lines work.
Third Grade
Third graders will be going on a field trip to Lankenau Hosital. Students are working
together like studious doctors and nurses to study each of the body systems: skeletal,
muscular, nervous, digestive, circulatory, and respiratory. The students are keeping track
of specific parts (organs) that make up each system, describing how each system works,
and how to keep each system healthy. We have discussed times in which they have
visited the doctor or hospital in order to look closely at the various systems affected. Did
you break a bone? That’s your skeletal system! Did you have a bad cough? That’s your
respiratory system!
School Reports
1
January 22, 2015
Fourth Grade
The fourth graders will be working on their measurement unit in math. They will learn
about many different polygons and measuring with rulers and protractors. The students
will find the area and perimeter of different shapes. They will even be going on scavenger
hunts to find parallel and perpendicular lines.
Fifth Grade
As we begin the year 2015, the fifth grade will be beginning a new unit in Reader’s
Workshop. During the month of January, the fifth grade will be taking a close look at best
practices in the reading of historical fiction. Here, students will be organized into historical
fiction book clubs to read and discuss various works of historical fiction. In Writer’s
Workshop, the fifth grade will also be beginning a new unit of study. Here, the fifth grade
will turn its attention to the proper procedure for organizing and writing informational
essays. In social studies, the fifth grade will be moving into the 19th century and
examining Western Expansion during the month of January. In science, the 5th grade will
continue to observe and experiment on topics related to weather.
INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Hour of Code
Students in grades one through five participated in a computer science initiative, “Hour of
Code.” Students chose drag-and-drop programming activities, made repeated loops, and
tip toed into basic algorithms, all of which are the basis for the many apps used today.
Indian Lane students eagerly participated with wide smiles and determined faces as they
coded with their favorites like Anna and Elsa and Angry Birds.
Kindergarten
In Language Arts, kindergarten students learned to read so it "sounds like talking.” They
continued to help each other use reading strategies during shared/partner reading. In
Math, students created holiday patterns. They broke their patterns into chunks to show
repeating parts (AB, AB, AB or ABC, ABC, ABC). The kindergarten classes celebrated
the end of our Reading Workshop Unit 3- Readers use Super Powers to Read Everything
in the Classroom and Beyond! The children were officially labeled Super Readers and
given a Super Reader cape to wear. Mathematicians also started measurement. The
students measured their feet and moved on to measuring objects in the classroom.
First Grade
First grade students enjoyed interactive holiday-themed read aloud texts and used their
artistic talents to create crafts related to the books. In Math, they learned how to find
patterns on a hundreds chart and they used their new knowledge to determine missing
numbers. First grade students learned about the celebrations of Hanukkah and Las
Posadas in Social Studies.
Students began a new unit about non-fiction books in Reading Workshop. They learned
that non-fiction books have many different types of text features like photographs,
captions, labels and fact boxes. They learned how to navigate through these non-fiction
text features to make students stronger readers. In Writing, students began turning
teaching books into teaching CHAPTER books! They started by learning how to write a
School Reports
2
January 22, 2015
Table of Contents with catchy, short titles instead of a sentence. Students talked about
how to write a topic sentence for their first chapter. Wow! In Math, students began a new
unit about collecting data. They practiced doing this with sorting shapes and buttons by
their different attributes and rules.
Second Grade
Second grade readers analyzed texts: unfamiliar settings, changing character’s feelings,
why character’s feelings change, and character’s experiences. They also evaluated and
considered the author’s intentions. In Writing Workshop, second grade students
composed persuasive writing pieces. In Math, the students practiced the concepts of
congruency and symmetry. They worked with rods and units as they explored place value
and double-digit addition. In Social Studies, students improved their map skills and
practiced using a map grid.
They also learned about landforms as part of their
geography unit. Second grade scientists began their solids and liquids unit, including the
properties of matter and identifying its three states: solids, liquids and gases.
Third Grade
In Reader’s Workshop, students worked on identifying transitions between topics during
reading, using key terms, figuring out meanings of unknown words, and asking questions
to answer as they read more about the topic. They also began thinking about topics for
their final non-fiction poster assessment. Third grade readers started their Mystery Unit in
reading. In Writer’s Workshop, third grade writers worked toward finishing their nonfiction publication. Students participated in a Gallery Walk or shared their non-fiction
published books with their classes. Now, they moved into a unit on Persuasive Writing.
Students became quite opinionated in their introductory activities for this new unit. In
Science, students are continuing to learn about the human body. They began creating
models of their human bodies while learning about their brains, hearts, tracheas, and
lungs. In Math, students are continuing to learn new multiplication facts and review all the
ones they've learned thus far.
Fourth Grade
Fourth grade scientists continued their ecology study with terrariums and aquariums
constructed with plastic soda bottles. Critters (snails, mosquito fish, crickets, and
isopods) were added to their terrariums and aquariums. Students experienced how
important it is to have a good habitat for the survival of their living organisms. Fourth
grade students discussed how sensitive the creatures are to changes and how it may be
difficult for them to survive those changes. After winter break, students observed the
decomposition that took place. The students also have a separate ecology column, which
does not have any critters, and they will determine what impact the introduction of rock
salt has on that environment. In Language Arts, fourth grade students discussed and
analyzed nonfiction texts and looked at the differences between narrative, expository, and
hybrid nonfiction texts. In Social Studies, fourth graders continued their tour of the
Northeast region. They moved south, after learning about the Erie Canal, to learn about
Milton Hershey and the concept of mass production.
Fifth Grade
In Writing Workshop, fifth grade students began the study of the concepts behind an
argument essay. They read and gathered information to make a strong opinion on a topic.
Fifth grade readers engaged in historical fiction book clubs. In science, fifth grade
School Reports
3
January 22, 2015
students planted tulip bulbs in the Norm Kelly Courtyard. They weighed and measured
the bulbs before planting them. They made predictions about when the bulbs will sprout in
the spring. Each science class studied earthquakes, while the social studies classes
studied the New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies. In math, students worked
through a unit on adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.
Art
First grade artists created a tissue paper collage frame, which will complement their still
life image. They used acrylic paint to create a wash for their frame and are using gold
markers to render frames for their still life work. They also used family images to pursue
their portrait drawings. Second grade students studied the “Land down Under” and
acquired more map skills. They also are creating scratch boards. Third grade worked
with paper manipulatives to pursue their Roman Temples. They drew details on their
paper Greek temples. Fourth grade created watercolor washes for their prints, including
analogous colors. Fifth graders are outlining their portrait drawings.
Physical Education
Third, fourth, and fifth grade athletes began basketball skills in gym. First and second
grade athletes played hoop games.
Music
Students in all grades showcased their musical talents and their enthusiasm for the arts
with the variety of concerts during the holiday season. Many thanks to our dedicated
music department staff, Karen Battavio, Jon Boyle, and Jim Walls. The Indian Lane
community enjoyed the many opportunities to appreciate music. In first and second
grades, students engaged in a lot of singing and dancing as they continue to learn
musical concepts. Third grade musicians received their soprano recorders.
Guidance
Students completed their third round of Guidance classes in grades one through five. In
first grade, students learned about coping skills. Second graders had a relaxing lesson
as they practiced ways to handle stress. In third grade, students used teamwork to build
marshmallow towers! In fourth grade, they conducted an experiment to look at the
importance of good listening. Fifth graders also took part in an experiment that
encouraged discussion about peer pressure.
Library
Students read biographies about authors and illustrators such as Mo Willems and Brian
Selznick. The students made personal connections to their lives and explored some of
the authors’ and illustrators’ award-winning books. Students also learned about the
Caldecott Medal, which is awarded to an outstanding picture book each year. Honor
books are also named yearly. Students read the award-winning books in class, as well as
learned about the illustrators.
School Reports
4
January 22, 2015
MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten Readers!
Kindergarten has been busy learning about holidays celebrated in the month of
December and the meaning of friendship. A writing activity followed a story about sharing
and friendship. Additionally, we have been working very hard on tapping and sweeping cv-c words and comparing and contrasting three stories with similar characters. Let us not
forget that we were able to show our love for our families by creating a winter votive
candle as a gift. December was a busy, exciting time for all!
First Grade Readers and Writers!
During the month of December first grade students at Media Elementary researched
various holidays that are celebrated during the month. We discussed Hanukkah,
Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Students learned about the food people eat and the activities
they participate in while celebrating each holiday.
Students continued their work with nonfiction texts throughout December. Lessons were
focused on identifying the text features found in nonfiction writing. A few of the text
features discussed were table of contents, index, glossary, and bold or highlighted words.
Students also worked to complete a final copy of a nonfiction story during the month.
Students participated in the editing process while also illustrating their stories. Everyone
will have the opportunity to share their final copy with classmates and family members.
Second Grade Taste-Testers!
Second graders completed their first round of MAP assessments in December. The
students used iPads to complete the tests, and they rose to the occasion meeting this
new challenge with a positive attitude. The ladies from Greener Partners came to visit
and shared another tasty snack of locally grown vegetables with our classes. The
students sampled cauliflower, broccoli, kale and kale popcorn.
To celebrate the winter holiday season, the second grade classes traveled to Penncrest
to enjoy the music performed by the high school band, orchestra, and choral groups.
They were able to demonstrate their own musical abilities with their rendition of “Must Be
St. Nick” during the Media Elementary School sing-a-long.
Third Grade Investigators!
Third grade students at Media Elementary School have become quite convincing. They
have just finished their persuasive writing pieces. In these pieces, students stated an
opinion, supported their idea with reasons and examples, and provided a “call to action”
for the readers.
Students in third grade have also begun their detective work in the mystery unit of study
in reading. They work to solve cases while gathering clues through close reading and
examining characters’ motivations.
School Reports
5
January 22, 2015
Fourth Grade Historians
Fourth grade students walked to the Minshall House, the oldest house in Media, and
traveled back in time to the 1700s. Students toured the house, exploring period artifacts
and learning about period furniture. Students were also able to see the Minshall House
tree decorated with the tin ware ornaments they had made in their art class. The trip
earned students a stamp in their Passport to History Passports (sponsored by the
Delaware County Historical Society).
Fifth Grade Takes on the American Revolution!
Fifth grade students are busy! We recently completed and published research papers
relating to the Revolutionary time period. Additionally, preliminary rounds to determine
the classroom participants for the school’s annual National Geographic Bee have been
determined. Eight students, two from each classroom, will participate in the final school
competition on January 16. Lastly, we are beginning Historical Fiction Book clubs and
look forward to "traveling" to many amazing time periods.
Art Explorers!
Fifth Grade: Students in fifth grade discussed Pablo Picasso’s The Tragedy. They
explored the reasons why artists create artwork and looked at Picasso’s work as an
example of art that expresses emotion. The Tragedy expresses a somber mood
particularly through its monochromatic, blue color scheme. For their own projects,
students created a monochromatic background for a landscape painting by mixing tints
and shades of one color. They painted the landscape itself in silhouette form.
Third Grade: Third grade continued their exploration of Western art by looking at the
architecture of Ancient Greece and discussing examples of modern buildings, including
Media’s Courthouse, that incorporate columns or other architectural elements first used
by the Greeks. Each student designed a building reminiscent of the Parthenon, or another
temple, including a frieze showing a god or goddess, Greek columns, and patterns along
the edges of the pediment.
First Grade: First-grade art students studied the subject matter of landscape by
comparing works made by several artists. Students traced horizon lines on the SMART
board and created their own landscapes by stamping and joining black lines with acrylic
paint and cardboard strips on watercolor paper. Each section of the picture was painted
with watercolors mixed on a palette to create unique hues not directly taken from the paint
box.
Library News
All students are exploring the library in different ways- all at the same time! We have
started Learning Centers where students get to learn, explore and demonstrate mastery
of a variety of skills. Some examples are: Literacy Centers where students read and
judge potential Caldecott and Newbery winners; Research Centers where students use
the Destiny Library Catalog, as well as various databases to locate information;
Reference Centers for students to use their knowledge of nonfiction text features to find
information; and Game Centers that challenge students to know genres, the Dewey
Decimal System, authors, and reference materials.
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Music News
It is recorder time for third grade. Students spent the fall preparing for this big event by
diligently learning the notes of the treble staff. All students took a competency test in
December and everyone is indeed ready! Recorders and books were distributed in early
January. Students will focus on playing B, A, and G over the next two months to the
delight of their teacher and families.
Physical Education
This month the students have been identifying and applying game strategies to team
games and physical activities such as offense, defensive, give and go, one on one, and
peer communication. They have been sharing and describing the relationship between
practice and skill development, and have identified and used scientific principles that
affect basic movement and skills using appropriate vocabulary such as force, balance,
and flight through winter-themed games.
ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
In Reading Workshop, Kindergarten students are identifying Superpowers! For example,
they point to each word, identify sight words they already know, make and check
predictions, and look at the cover to identify the subject of the book. In Math, students
are exploring and building lots of patterns! We're creating our own, identifying existing
patterns, and comparing different types of patterns. We are also preparing to celebrate
hibernation day. During this day, students immerse themselves in activities that teach
about how animals adapt, migrate, or hibernate to survive the frigid temperatures. It's
always a busy month in Kindergarten!
First Grade
First grader have had a busy month learning about Martin Luther King, and appreciating
all that he did to make our world a better place. Many of us participated in the MLK Day of
Service. We have been learning about animals in winter and reading non-fiction text to
support our studies.
Second Grade
Second graders participated in an afternoon of gingerbread fun before winter break. They
experienced a distance learning opportunity with the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta,
GA to compare and contrast variations of The Gingerbread Man. Students enjoyed
centers which included writing a new creative ending for the story, creating and
interpreting a gingerbread man glyph, and measuring the perimeter/area of a gingerbread
man with various materials. It was a fun way to keep children engaged and learning
during a time of holiday excitement.
Third Grade
Third graders have had a busy month. They spent lots of time reading and writing
nonfiction. All students chose a topic in which they felt like an "expert.” They wrote
informational chapter books that included a table of contents, glossary and an index.
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January 22, 2015
Books include An Eagles History; Cheerleading; All About Dogs and Qualities of a Good
Artist. We are so proud of their terrific efforts.
Students also spent time learning about immigration. They studied the reasons for
immigrating, hardships faced as well as early life in America. They read some amazing
books. Among those was The Memory Coat by Elvira Woodruff. All students participated
in an activity where they brought in four favorite objects from home. They had to decide
which items they owned would be taken with them if they had to move to a new land.
They pretended that some items didn't make it safely through the journey. This happened
more often than not to our ancestors. The children learned a powerful lesson of the risks
people took to immigrate to America.
Fourth Grade
We will be ready, respectful, and responsible. Each day at Rose Tree begins with this
pledge. The fourth graders at Rose Tree have put this pledge into practice with the use of
Buddy Bands. Each day at recess, fourth grade volunteers wear a plastic band bracelet
to recess. These bands represent the idea of everyone being included. By wearing these
bands, students are saying, "I am respectful and will include anyone and everyone at
recess." If at any time a student does not know where to go, or who to play with, they
simply look for another student wearing a Buddy Band. When a student finds a Buddy
Band volunteer, the student is automatically included into the game or recess activity.
The students have taken ownership and pride in the use of buddy bands and continue to
implement them daily.
Fifth Grade
Fifth graders are learning about decimal notation and the expanded form of decimals in
math class. Students will also be exploring the multiplication and division of mixed
numbers and fractions. Rose Tree Elementary is proud to announce that all fifth grade
students have passed all operations in the Tools for Success program.
Students are preparing for the Rose Tree Elementary Geography Bee. Our school wide
competition will take place the afternoon of January 22nd. Children are also discovering
the social, cultural, and economic diversity of the early English colonies. Students will be
designing their own advertisements that entice would be settlers to their colony.
Fifth graders are reading non-fiction with particular emphasis on biographies. Students
are identifying non-fiction by its particular text structure to further their reading
comprehension.
Art
Clay experiences have been underway for students at Rose Tree Elementary. First grade
students completed leaf dishes and container shapes using the leaves from trees on the
school campus. Second grade students completed textured house facades. Third grade
students created prehistoric plaques in the style of the cave paintings found in Lascaux,
France. Fifth grade students used a sgraffito technique on a hand built form of their own
design, incorporating underglaze colors. Fourth grade will use clay later in the spring, in
conjunction with the fourth grade theme of regions of the United States.
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January 22, 2015
Music
In the general music classroom, first graders built upon their musical vocabulary by
discovering 8th notes. The students performed them on instruments and identified them
through dictation in a formal assessment. Second graders also had a formal rhythmic
dictation example focus around 16th notes. They learned a new patriotic song, “This Is My
Country” and both grades learned about the famous composer Sergei Prokofiev and his
most famous composition “Peter and the Wolf.” Third graders began recorder lessons and
completed their first assessment. Fourth and fifth graders continued progressing in of
their recorder books. Fourth graders learned all about low register notes and
incorporating their right hand into their recorder playing. They also began preparations for
our National Music In Schools Month concert in the month of March. The concert is based
around the day in the life of a fourth grade music student. Fourth graders also began their
first of 3 16th note variations and a unit on Louis Armstrong. Fifth graders completed their
C major scale belt test, and began discussing the composer John Williams who is most
famous for his film scoring. His credits include Star Wars, Superman, and Jaws among
many others.
Our Chorus Theater Club had auditions and cast the roles for this year’s musical Aladdin.
Rehearsals start in February and last until June, culminating in two performances. In
addition to music curriculum, at the end of January we did a short unit on Martin Luther
King Jr. that is adapted to each grade level. First graders sang a spiritual identifying and
describing what freedom, justice, friendship, and happiness is. Second graders learned a
rap all about Dr. King. Third and fourth graders watched short videos of his famous
speech and learned a song which incorporates famous quotes into it’s lyrics. Fifth graders
also watched “We Are The World” and discussed the musicians involved and the purpose
for composing that song.
Band
The 4th grade Band at Rose Tree performed their "in-progress" concert. Songs performed
included: Hot Cross Buns; Merrily We Roll Along; Au Claire De La Lune; Our First Street
Beat; Lightly Row; and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
Library
Students have been learning location and access strategies in the library. Students have
been demonstrating mental connection strategies during reading. The Rose Tree
Elementary Reading Olympics team is made up of 15 hardworking and motivated fifth
grade students. They have been meeting for 50 minutes on days 6 and 12 to discuss
Reading Olympic books, summaries and strategies for the competition which takes place
in April at Springton Lake Middle School.
Gifted
The third grade AGP students are in the process of creating a scale model and video tour
our solar system. The fourth grade AGP students are exploring the American Film
Institute's Door Scene Challenge. Students are investigating the planning, filming and
editing of a short movie meeting specific criteria. The fifth grade AGP students are in the
process of creating a Logic Puzzle Game Show.
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January 22, 2015
Physical Education
During the month of January, all students focused on net games. They performed a
variety of throwing and catching activities with the net. First and second graders
performed volleying activities using balloons. Third, fourth and fifth graders performed
volleying activities using a variety of balls. Submitted by Diane Heiland
Guidance
First grade Guidance classes are off and running! BABES lessons are delivered to all
first grade students every school year. BABES stands for Beginning Awareness Basic
Education Studies. The program is designed to enhance individual development by
providing accurate information to children while they are still formulating attitudes about
health related matters. There are seven lessons in all. Topics covered during BABES
lessons include self-image and feelings, decision making and peer pressure, coping skills,
alcohol and other drug information, getting help and helping children from chemically
dependent homes. Lessons are facilitated by the Guidance Counselor with the help of
either our former or current School Nurse. However, the main part of the lesson is
delivered via a puppet show. Students are delighted to meet and get to know Buttons,
Bows, Myth Mary, Recovering Reggie, Early Bird, Donovan Dignity, and Rhonda Rabbit.
Submitted by Jean McPheeters
SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
The following students were selected as our Students of the Month for the month of
January and will be honored at a breakfast with their parents and teachers: Team 61:Zachary Allen and Lucy Buscaglia; Team 6-2: Kara Mullaney and Shane Kokoska;
Team 6-3: Abigayle Stauffer and Mary Pahides; Team 7-1: Ryan Salladino and
Mackenzie Rosin; Team 7-2: Emily Tang and Tony Pan; Team 7-3: Jasleen Gill and
Matthew Brader; Team 8-1: Nikole Koenig and Connor Bonebrake; Team 8-2:
AshleighVogel and Tyler Sims Jr.; Team 8-3: Colby Schnyder and Abagail Race
Art
Ms. Sycz’ grade eight students are continuing to sculpt a figure out of clay comparing the
elements of shape and form in the process. Students are now modifying the basic cone
form used as a foundation to the figure. Both subtractive and additive methods are being
used to create the subject of the sculpture. Students are engaged in problem solving as
they construct a strong, standing figure from soft clay. Thought is not only being used on
construction issues but on proportioning the parts of the figure accurately. Grade seven
has finished two drawings on their own using properly proportioned lines and shapes to
create an image to be used in a printmaking unit. Students needed to decide which of the
two drawings would transition better into a relief print that accents line and texture. Once
this decision was made, students transferred their drawn images onto a printing plate. At
this point student varied the thickness of the lines that had been pressed into the plate.
More texture could be added at this point. After viewing a demonstration on the tools and
techniques required to pull an inked impression from the printing plate, students are
beginning to demonstrate their understanding of the printing process as they make their
own prints. In addition to demonstrating the ability to print, students must demonstrate an
understanding of the color theory reviewed during the printmaking demonstration.
Because different colored inks may be combined, students must be able to predict the
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resulting color. Applying the principle of contrast will be necessary when choosing ink
colors to work with a variety of colored paper. Grade six students are completing a
composition of a bird drawn along with a decorative or realistic background. By adding
color to the artwork, students have applied different aspects of color theory most notably
color value and intensity to impact areas of emphasis and space. Students distinguished
the characteristics of water soluble colored pencils and oil pastels before beginning to
color their work in order to choose the coloring medium best suited for the desired effect.
Both coloring mediums could be used in the same artwork to achieve different effects.
Assessing the impact and craftsmanship of the applied coloring medium, students were
able to revise the areas that did not provide the expected outcome. Students are now
beginning to mount their drawings choosing colored paper to accent the artwork.
Mrs. Going’s Eighth Grades learn the struggles first hand that artists of the Middle Ages
and Renaissance endured creating our current masterpieces! Students continue to
develop an original Illuminated Manuscript page using authentic manuscript slides from
You Tube series as well many library books and exemplary student samples to use as
inspiration. Students have also tried their hands at “Calligraphy” or the art of lettering
using actual feathers cut at angles and dipped into ink to see how difficult it was to write
these books and how easy they have it with a #2 Ticonderoga! Students also continue to
sculpt figures utilizing their skills with proportioning and numerous ceramic techniques. As
the figures begin to come to life with faces and legs and arms, the interest perks! The
Pieta is always referred to on a daily basis as a reminder that Michelangelo was only a
few years older than these students when his marble Pieta was created and greatness
can certainly be achieved! Seventh grades have created “Fish” masterpieces based on
the sculptures and interest in “Fish” forms by architect /artist Frank Gehry. Students have
worked to become better problem solvers constructing realistic mouths, bodies, gills and
fins and tails. They now begin the challenges sculpting environments for their fish in
motion! Sixth grades are immersed in color! They have gone from a blank page to
creating their own original landscapes using the Zodiac Animal of their choice as subject
in the foreground and discovered how artists such as Albert Bierstadt to Vincent Van
Gogh use the horizon line to create the illusion of depth and distance in their middle and
backgrounds, just like their landscapes! Students have worked to continue this illusion by
their use of watercolor pencils and watercolor paints to add color. Their last step will be to
add the Chinese character letters for their animals using printmaking techniques to finish
the paintings!
Mrs. Prior’s students are also focusing on the use of proportions while drawing the
features of the face. Leonardo da Vinci’s portrait of a woman serves as inspiration for the
use of proportions and light and shade to create the forms of the face. The classes are
able to utilize YouTube to observe various artists’ techniques on drawing the features of
the face and the form and texture of hair. Students are developing their skills using
various drawing pencils in preparation for creating portraits using other media. After
reading about and participating in a class discussion on the style of Abstract art and
artists such as Pablo Picasso and Sonia Delauney, seventh graders are creating their
own abstract pastel drawings. Starting with a visual clue, a triangle cut from a magazine,
students are incorporating the elements and principles of art as they develop their
drawings. Medieval art is the focus of the eighth graders as they read about Celtic,
Romanesque, and Gothic art and architecture in their text, A Global Pursuit. Students are
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studying the characteristics of different manuscript pages in order to compare and
contrast them. These works of art will serve as inspiration for their own illuminations.
Core Extension
In January, the Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum class finished their
informational writing unit. Each student in sixth grade created a “chapter” about one area
of teen activism from a menu of suggested topics: Abandoned Pets, Child Labor,
Environmental Issues, Malala & Girls’ Education, or Bullying. Seventh grade completed
an essay about a scientist (electric or atomic) of their choice. Eighth grade completed an
essay on a famous person of their choice. They had been given three categories to
choose from: mathematicians, novelists, or world leaders. The new unit for third marking
period has an emphasis on the art of argument and how to write an argumentative essay.
One focus for all grade levels is on the difference between persuasion and argument.
Additionally, students at each grade level have a Writer’s Notebook for the argumentative
unit.
Guidance
Each of the counselors will be meeting with students in their grade who are interested in
continuing to spread the message of kindness throughout Springton Lake. This group,"
Friends of Rachel” is an extension of the school-wide Rachel’s Challenge assembly in
November. Weekly meetings during the grade level lunch period will be scheduled.
Activities to build on the classroom meetings will be planned. Mrs. Griffin will be teaching
a lesson on goal setting to all sixth grade students. Students will use the SMART goals
approach to identify one academic and one pro-social goal.
Language Arts
In Mrs. Patton’s sixth grade Language Arts classroom, students completed their Personal
Narratives. This was a culmination of the personal narrative writing unit, using the Lucy
Calkin’s Units of Study. We had focused our learning on how to generate effective
narrative topics, engaging leads, elaboration and character development, and effectively
building the ‘heart’ of the story. Students will complete a follow up on-demand
performance assessment to see their growth since the beginning of the unit. This piece
will then be revised and edited for submission in the Delaware County Young Author’s
Project. We continue to work on Study Island weekly, selecting skill topics that support
other learning in the classroom. Currently it is time for students to complete the
Benchmark Assessment in Study Island.
We are building grammar lessons into our
warm-ups. These are vital to address student’s improvement in the use of conventions as
well as the fact that grammar questions will be part of this year’s PSSA testing. It is also
Spelling Bee time again! Each LA teacher will conduct spelling bee competitions is our
LA classrooms and two students from each teacher will progress to the school-wide
spelling bee. Finally the bulk of January will be spent diving into the study of Characters
through Key Details in student’s independent reading books. Through our Reading
Curriculum, we will focus on helping students recognize three key areas: 1) characters’
external pressures and internal strengths and flaws; 2) characters’ perspectives and
motivations; 3) how characters change, learn lessons, and teach lessons.
The seventh grade Language Arts students continued a unit on writing realistic fiction
stories. They used arcs, timelines, and storyboards to plot several versions of their
stories. Students drafted 3-D stories while including evidence of their characters' actions,
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thoughts, and feelings. Students also learned how to manage space and time, when
writing realistic fiction, by using summaries and transitional words and phrases to show
changes in time and place.
In Ms. Azeff’s eighth grade Language Arts classes, students have been reading the Diary
of A Young Girl, by Anne Frank. This study began with a non-fiction text exploration into
the real life experiences of Anne Frank and others living in the Netherlands during World
War II, in collaboration with cross-curricular activities in Mark Crossman’s Social Studies
classes. Then, in order to better understand and visualize the limitations of the Frank
family’s hiding space, students measured out the classroom and Team Center to the
dimensions of the attic. As students read the diary, they responded to the text through
journal entries that helped connect their lives and other Holocaust-related texts to the
Frank family’s experiences. Students also watched the play version of The Diary of Anne
Frank to explore author’s purpose and authorial intent in dramatizing the text. By creating
five-paragraph essays in Google Drive as part of their writing portfolio, students explored
layers of text evidence from fiction and non-fiction as they compare and contrast version
of the text. As a culminating activity for the unit, ELA students will study the
Kindertransport through memoirs and documentary clips, and complete a Socratic
Seminar discussion about Holocaust survivors and Displaced Persons that highlights
critical and higher-order thinking skills.
Library
Core Extension classes at Springton Lake are abuzz with research as we begin the new
year. Grades six through eight are utilizing library books and electronic resources for a
variety of topics, including scientists, world leaders, authors, and mathematicians.
Students are involved with all phases of the research process, from formulating a thesis
statement to citing sources in a bibliography, and heavy emphasis is being placed on the
writing process for the projects. It has been quite a challenging and rigorous exercise for
our students. In other news, Reading Olympics preparation has begun, and students are
busily reading titles from a list of 45 books. We are currently meeting twice a month after
school and will move to every week as the competition draws near. Students are very
enthusiastic about the club and seem to be committed to creating strong (well-read)
teams. This year, SLMS has the added honor of hosting the Reading Olympics
competitions for Delaware County.
Math
Accelerated geometry students continue their deeper exploration of triangles. They
discovered that triangles have several different types of centers: circumcenter, incenter,
centroid, and orthocenter. They took time to carefully construct each of these different
types of centers to see how these were originally discovered. From triangle congruence
the students transition into studying how similarity of triangles can be viewed and proven.
They eagerly prepare for their midterm at the completion of the similarity chapter.
Our Algebra I students are continuing our practice with linear relationships. They will be
introduced and practice two additional forms of linear equations—standard form and
point-slope form. Slope and y-intercept will still be the pieces of information that are most
helpful in writing linear equations and applying them to real-world problems. We are
working towards preparing ourselves for the mid-term exam at the end of the second
marking period.
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January 22, 2015
Eighth grade Connected Math classes will be exploring the side lengths and areas of right
triangles and squares during the month of January. This will help them to discover the
relationships that are at the core of the Pythagorean Theorem. Students will develop and
apply their understanding of irrational numbers using this theorem. They will also
estimate the values of square roots of whole numbers and use the Pythagorean Theorem
to solve everyday problems using these newly learned concepts.
The current math unit being covered in your child’s seventh grade math classroom is
“Expressions and Equations.” Throughout this unit, students have been using properties
of operations to generate equivalent expressions. Students understand that rewriting an
expression in different forms in a problem can shed light on the problem and how the
quantities in it are related. For example, a + 0.05a = 1.05a means that “to increase by
5%” is the same as “multiplying by 1.05.” Students have also been applying algebraic
skills to solve real-life math problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and
equations. For example: As a salesperson, you are paid $50 per week plus $3 per sale.
How much money will you make in one week if you have 20 sales? Write an equation
you can use to solve for any number of sales on any given week. By applying these
higher order thinking skills, students are able to algebraically represent quantities in a
real-world problem to solve problems by using reasoning.
Sixth grade math has been working on an Introduction to Algebra Unit throughout the
second marking period. Students were taught the parts of an algebraic expression
including a variable, constant and coefficient. We taught the students how to create an
algebraic expression from a verbal expression and also how to write a verbal expression
for an algebraic expression. Next, we instructed the students on how to calculate the
answer for algebraic equations. Currently, we are working on creating algebraic
equations to solve real world problem solving.
Music
The music department had a very busy and successful December and will be concluding
the winter concert season with the Seventh and Eighth grade band and jazz band
performing on Wednesday, January 14th.
Physical Education
Sixth and seventh grade students started their second round of lessons in the pool.
Students started to build upon the swimming skills learned in their first swim unit. All
students have been swimming in accordance to American Red Cross developmental
guidelines. In addition, comfort in and around pool or water settings has been worked on
in terms of safety and awareness.
Sixth grade classes completed their opportunities to experience a variety of activities
including a weight room introduction, scooter activities, and basketball. In the weight
room the students learned about the different machines that are available for them to use.
In addition, they were given instructions on safe weight training practices and how simple
weight training exercises at their ages can be beneficial. For the scooter unit, students
were instructed on proper scooter safety and experienced adaptive games including
sports that were related to wheelchair activities and continued physical disability
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awareness in athletics. In basketball, the students had the opportunity to learn basic
fundamentals of basketball, and apply them to game-like situations.
The seventh grade boys and eighth grade girls completed their basketball unit where they
worked on a variety of skills. They had the opportunity to use their skills in a 4 on 4 halfcourt tournament after several classes of refining skills. In addition to playing in this
tournament, the students had to complete a team assignment. Within this assignment
each team member was responsible to complete a choice in three different sections that
focused on mathematics with percentages, rates and graphing; a creative writing
basketball situational prompt; and artistic or musical option that related to their basketball
skills learned and teammates that they had for parts of the unit. This interdisciplinary
assignment allowed for the students to see the connections and additional strands that
basketball could have outside the actual game play itself.
Science
Sixth grade science students began the study of genetics and DNA. Students created
Punnett Squares to determine the probable percent of a specific trait in an organism.
They explored Punnett Squares via the computer using the Explore Learning program.
This program allowed students to investigate the offspring of mice. Students learned
about the structure of DNA and created large paper models of DNA. In a lab setting,
students were able to extract DNA from strawberries.
Seventh grade science was in the full swing of electrical investigation. The students
compared and contrasted series and parallel circuits by exploring current (Amperes),
electromotive force (Voltage), and resistance (Ohms). The students learned basic
electrical diagramming as well as proper use of ammeters, L.E.D.’s, circuit breakers, and
fuses. Electrical safety in the home was reinforced throughout the unit.
Eighth grade science studied the origin and development of the modern Periodic Table!
The models proposed over the years are used to explain interesting observable
phenomena today. Students used the table and atomic models to predict the chemical
properties of the elements. Eighth grade science learned about chemical bonding,
balancing equations and conservation of matter. Using a variety of manipulatives, along
with our Gizmos online, this culminated with an interactive activity “Bonding with a
Classmate”. Finally, we completed a lab activity that explores how open systems are
different from closed systems, by carrying out a reaction to demonstrate the law of
conservation of matter.
Social Studies
The sixth grade students finished their study of Europe by creating presentations about
specific aspects of the Cold War, giving context to a reading and discussion about Putin’s
control of Russia today. The students are currently studying the economics, government,
history, and geography of East Asia. The students have created maps and notes related
to the effects of the geography and political situations on the relative wellbeing of the
people.
Seventh grade students recently explored the origins of political parties in early America
(1800) while studying the Federalist and Democratic Republicans parties. In addition,
students have been learning about President Thomas Jefferson and the expansion of the
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United States through the purchase of the Louisiana Territory. Students will be doing an
interactive project on the topic of Lewis and Clark's exploration to the Pacific Ocean and
discussing the causes and effects of the War of 1812.
Students in eighth grade social studies classes have been comparing and contrasting the
ancient African empires of Egypt and Kush (current day Sudan and South Sudan).
Students have taken an experiential "tour" of the Nile River, which highlighted famous
sites and structures. Students actively gained information as to how the transitional
Egyptian government is trying to protect their ancient past.
Classes are also examining statistical information in their supplementary reader, the New
York Times UPFRONT magazine. Students are able to view categories such as life
expectancy rates, literacy rates, and political systems for one hundred and ninety six
countries. Many students recall viewing similar information when they were in sixth grade
leading to rich discussions and predictions about the future of the United States and other
countries we are studying such as Egypt and Greece.
All social studies teachers organized and ran the National Geographic Bee in each of
their classes. The top 11 students in the school qualified for the School Championship.
The following students participated in the School Championship in a spirited competition:
William Flounders, Saikrithika Govindaraju, Lucas Hastings, Sarah Hughes, Hannah
Lehman, Bryn McLaughlin, Yu Pan, Nicholas Santangelo, Ben Sniegowski, Aiden Sottile
and Andrew Wickman.
Special Education
Mrs. Krautzel’s Special Education Language Arts classes worked on completing their unit
on Edgar Allen Poe. Students read the short story "The Fall of the House of Usher" and
focused on each of the story elements. Classes illustrated the setting and the characters
from the story and identified each of the story elements that made up the plot. The month
concluded with students writing a literary analysis (four to five paragraph essay) of the
characters, plot, and theme of the story. All of the Special Education Language Arts
classes continued to utilize the Read 180 software, as well as independently reading texts
(matching their Lexile level) that they self-selected.
Mrs. Bucci’s Special Education Resource classes (Core Extension) worked on their
Executive Functions skills. Students focused on reading for different purposes, skimming
articles, previewing a chapter in a textbook, and reading a math text. The students
worked on monitoring their individual progress by checking their grades on HAC, noting
missing assignments, and answering questions relating to executive function skills and
goals they set for themselves for the second marking period. The students also worked
on a variety of transition activities throughout the month.
World Language
Sixth and Seventh grade Spanish classes this year, we explored how Mexicans celebrate
Christmas every year with Las Posadas, which mirror the journey that Joseph and Mary
took in the days prior to the birth of the baby Jesus. We learned Cascabeles, the Spanish
version of the universally loved "Jingle Bells".
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PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
NHS News
The National Honor Society teamed up with the Red Cross Club this winter to
provide Military Care Packages for our local homeless veterans. Sample-sized toiletries
were collected by the entire school and 80 "Totes for Hope" were assembled and
delivered.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) News
Members of FBLA traveled with Mrs. Rachubinski and Mrs. Carmeans to Springfield High
School for the annual Regional Leadership Conference, which included students from
twelve schools across Delaware County. At the conference students heard presentations
from various business professionals and industry leaders across Delaware County. Also
at the conference, an award assembly was held, and students were notified if they
advanced to the State Leadership Conference in Hershey, PA in their respective events.
Over half of Penncrest’s members placed in their event and ten members qualified for the
State Competition in April by placing in the top four in their event. One of our members,
Sophia Fadgen, was also selected to be the ‘Region 19 Secretary’ for the 2015-2016
school year, which is a great honor. It was a great evening for all involved!
Ian Dong – 1st Place, Business Math, Nathan Reagle – 1st Place, Impromptu Speaking,
Marie Sminkey – 1st Place, Client Services, Raman Ishwar – 2nd Place, Economics,
Andrea LaRosa – 2nd Place, Insurance and Risk Management, Kevin Delaney – 3rd Place,
Personal Finance, Ally McLaughlin – 3rd Place, Accounting II, Devan Sloane – 4th Place,
Accounting II, Alex Anderson – 4th Place, Business Law and Rutu Patil – 4th Place,
Economics
Model UN Club News
Twenty-two members of the Model UN Club recently attended the 28th annual Delaware
Model United National Conference hosted by Salesianum School. Prior to the
conference, students were divided into groups of two or three and assigned a country to
represent in the United Nations. They then researched topics ranging from human rights
concerns in Qatar to the escalating crisis in the Ukraine to the progression of women's
rights worldwide. At the conference, these students debated and negotiated resolutions
to address each of these issues. Seniors Ryan Blessington, Soham Kamat, and Nick
Whalen were awarded Honorable Mention as the Moroccan delegation in the Human
Rights Council. Junior Bryce Haver was also awarded Honorable Mention for his
representation of Latvia in the General Assembly.
Freshman Semi-formal Dance
The class of 2018 held its semi-formal dance in January and it was a huge success! More
than 350 students danced the night away under a snowflake-filled Frozen theme. A
wonderful time was had by all.
FAFSA Completion Workshop
The Penncrest Guidance Department, along with Fran McKeown from AES/PHEAA, Mary
Kay Klara, Senior Associate Director of Financial Assistance, Villanova University, and
Kevin Armalay of Penn State Brandywine Office of Financial Aid recently conducted
a FAFSA Completion Workshop for parents of seniors. More than seventy-five families
took advantage of the opportunity to receive assistance in completing the FAFSA onsite
School Reports
17
January 22, 2015
in the PHS computer lab. This is the fourth year Penncrest has offered the informative
work session to Penncrest parents as a follow-up to the Financial Aid Night that took
place in November.
Art Department News
This month, thirty-four students were inducted into the National Art Honor Society. The
induction ceremony took place at in the Penncrest auditorium. Lauren Stakias, class of
1998, was the guest speaker. Lauren is the Director of Exhibition and Program Funding at
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. As a senior member of the
development team, she oversees fundraising initiatives and stewards relationships with
major corporate, individual, and foundation donors for exhibitions, education programs,
and other special projects. She helped to launch the museum's international fundraising
strategy in 2011 and is also responsible for MoMA's Corporate Membership program of
over 250 companies. Lauren began working at MoMA in 2005 and, prior to that, was
contributor to ArtReview magazine and a marketing writer at a national architectural firm.
She is a member of ArtTable and a Susan Schiffer Stautberg Leadership Foundation
Fellow. Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania ('02) with a degree in art
history and French.
School Reports
18
January 22, 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.”
December 18, 2014
January 13, 2015
January 22, 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 February 26, 2015, at Penncrest
High School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
Presidential Announcement
1
January 22, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
2.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
Julia Pickett, Support Staff II, Penncrest High School,
resignation effective January 23, 2015.
2.
Karla Askfalk, Interventionist, Glenwood Elementary,
resignation effective January 2, 2015.
3.
Lawrence Owens, Support Staff II, Springton Lake
Middle School, resignation effective January 15,
2015.
4.
Brett Macaulay, Summer Maintenance, resignation
effective July 1, 2014.
Nominations
a.
IX. New Business
1.
Professional
1.
Julia Pickett, Long Term Substitute Special Education
Teacher effective January 26, 2015 at the annual
salary of $45,953.00, Bachelor’s Degree/Step 1, prorated. Ms. Pickett received her Bachelor’s Degree
from West Chester University. She is assigned to
Penncrest High School replacing Lindsay Groy who is
on leave.
2.
Ann Squires, Long Term Substitute Elementary
Teacher effective January 26, 2015 at the annual
salary of $45,953.00, Bachelor’s Step 1 pro-rated for
the second semester. Ms. Squires received her
Bachelor’s Degree from West Chester University. She
served as a Long Term Substitute for the first
semester. Ms. Squires is assigned to Glenwood
Elementary replacing Stacy Gallagher who is on leave
1
January 22, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
b.
IX. New Business
Professional
3.
N. Ralph Harrison, Acting Principal, effective
February 2, 2015 at the annual salary of $140,985.00,
pro-rated. Mr. Harrison is assigned to Penncrest High
School.
4.
Steven Silva, Assistant to the Principal, effective
January 26, 2015. Mr. Silva will receive a
supplemental contract in the amount of $3,625.00. Mr.
Silva is assigned to Penncrest High School.
5.
Hollis Fishman, Long Term Substitute English
Teacher effective January 26, 2015 at the annual
salary of $45,953.00, Bachelor’s Degree Step 1, prorated for the second semester. Ms. Fishman received
her Bachelor’s Degree from Temple University. She is
assigned to Penncrest High School replacing John
Phillips who was reassigned. NOTE: Ms. Fishman is
being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
Non-Instructional
1
Steve Collins, Custodian, Penncrest High School,
change in effective date to December 10, 2014.
2.
Kathryn McKeone, Support Staff II, Springton Lake
Middle School, change in effective date to December
15, 2014.
3.
Stephanie Beckett, Support Staff II, Indian Lane
Elementary School, change in effective date to
December 10, 2014.
4.
Connor McCormick, Substitute Custodian at the rate
of $12.00 per hour.
2
January 22, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
Sabbatical Leave
1.
b.
c.
IX. New Business
Elizabeth Clements requests a Sabbatical Leave for
the 2015-2016 school year for the purpose of
professional development.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Rescind appointment of Adrienne Kutney as 1.0
World Language Building Coordinator at Springton
Lake Middle School.
2.
Rescind appointment of Lindsay Groy as Assistant
Girls Basketball Coach. Ms. Groy is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Carley Dillon, Night School Director for Fall 2014 at
the annual salary of $2,500.00. Ms. Dillon is assigned
to Penncrest High School.
2.
Debra Schnaars, Night School Director for Spring
2015 at the annual salary of $2,500.00. Ms. Schnaars
is assigned to Penncrest High School.
3.
Gina Lucente, Assistant Winter Cheerleading Coach,
change in effective date to December 12, 2014 and
salary change to $1,887.69. Ms. Lucente is assigned
to Penncrest High School.
4.
Adrienne Kutney, (.5) World Language Building
Coordinator effective January 5, 2015 at the annual
salary of $2,013.00. Ms. Kutney is assigned to
Springton Lake Middle School.
5.
Jennifer Diaz, (.5) World Language Building
Coordinator effective August 25, 2014 through
December 23, 2014 at the annual salary of $1,258.70.
Ms. Diaz is assigned to Springton Lake Middle
School.
3
January 22, 2015
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts
6.
Recommend Board approval for the following
Penncrest High School support staff to serve as Event
Chaperones at the rate of $18.33 per hour:
Florence Brown
7.
Recommend Board approval for the following
Penncrest High School staff to serve as Event
Chaperones for the 2014-2015 school year at the rate
of $55.00 per event:
Alicia Commale
Colleen Hoy
8.
B.
Julia Pickett
Kristen Manderachi
Marilyn Wilt
Berit Haahr, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the 2nd
semester at the annual salary of $580.00. Ms. Haahr
is assigned to Rose Tree Elementary.
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Honors Musical Ensemble – Upper Merion
High School
Resolve the Board of School Directors approve a potential
overnight field trip for Penncrest Honors Musical Ensemble
students who may qualify for a re-audition at the Regional level at
Upper Merion High School from 2/12-2/14/15.
Background
Students may qualify to participate at the Regional level if they are
successful on local auditions. The registration fee will be paid for by
the student activity fund and the amount is not yet determined
(based on the number of students who qualify). There are no costs
to the District.
IX. New Business
4
January 22, 2015
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
2.
Penncrest High School District Orchestra – Great Valley High
School
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a potential
overnight field trip for three members of the Penncrest District
Orchestra to participate in the PA Music Educators District 12
Orchestra Festival taking place at Great Valley High School from
2/5-2/7/15.
Background
Students may qualify to participate at the Regional level if they are
successful on local auditions. Registration fees of $435.00 and
substitute costs of $102.00 are being paid by the District. Students
are being transported by parents.
C.
Policies
1.
Policy #806 Child Abuse – First Read and Review
Resolve, the Board of School Directors review Policy #806 Child
Abuse. See Attachment A
Background
The revision of this policy is necessary due to amendments made
to the Child Protective Services Act. This policy was discussed at
the January 2015 Personnel Committee Meeting.
IX. New Business
5
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing - None
B.
General
1.
Change Orders
Change Orders are acted upon in accordance with Resolution
1997-98 – 124, as approved by the School Board of Directors on
April 23, 1998.
Resolve, that the Board approve the following change orders:
a.
Change Order GC-01 for a credit from Fayette Group in the
amount of $340.00 for the substitution of a curved wood
backsplash in lieu of a quartz backsplash.
b.
Change Order PC-02 for a credit from Apex Plumbing in the
amount of $8,013.78 for damages at Springton Lake Middle
School.
Background
This item was discussed at the January 13th. 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, that the Board approve the following budgetary transfers:
FY 15-13 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Printing –Professional Services
$5,500
TO:
AMOUNT:
Printing - Supplies
$5,500
RATIONALE: RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase paper for the print
shop.
X. Finance
1
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 15-14 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instructional Staff Development –Professional Educational Services
$5,000
TO:
AMOUNT:
Regular Programs Instruction - Books
$5,000
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase new books for the level reading
libraries.
FY 15-15 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – Dues and Fees
$4,157.63
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$4,157.63
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of new equipment for field
hockey teams at Penncrest
FY 15-16 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Regular Programs Instruction - Software
$3,000
TO:
AMOUNT:
Technology - Equipment
$3,000
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for smart board purchase for the library at Rose
Tree Elementary School.
FY 15-17 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Student Athletics- Dues and Fees
$2,999
TO:
School Sponsored Student Athletics - Software
AMOUNT: $2,999
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the costs for Huddle software that is used
to review games at Penncrest.
X. Finance
2
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 15-18 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics- Replacement Equipment
$2,400
TO:
School Sponsored Athletics - Supplies
AMOUNT: $2,400
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover costs of athletic supplies at Springton
Lake Middle School.
FY 15-19 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Technology- Supplies
$2,319
TO:
AMOUNT:
Regular Programs Instruction- New Equipment
$2,319
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for a new smart board for art room at Indian Lane
Elementary School.
FY 15-20 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Regular Programs Instruction – New Equipment
$2,299
TO:
AMOUNT:
Learning Support – New Equipment
$2,299
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for a smart board in a new special education
classroom.
FY 15-21 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – Dues and Fees
$2,107.11
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$2,107.11
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover new equipment for freshmen and JV
baseball teams at Penncrest.
X. Finance
3
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 15-22 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics- Dues and Fees
$1,979.73
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$1,979.73
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover new equipment for girls JV and varsity
lacrosse teams at Penncrest.
FY 15-23 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics- Dues and Fees
$1,376.38
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$1,376.38
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover new equipment for girls’ soccer teams at
Penncrest.
FY 15-24 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction and Curriculum Development – Refreshments
$1,350
TO:
Regular Programs Instruction - Refreshments
AMOUNT: $1,350
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover monthly bobcat citizen’s breakfasts at
Indian Lane Elementary School.
FY 15-25 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics- Dues and Fees
$1,276.38
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – New Equipment
$1,276.38
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover new equipment for boy’s soccer teams at
Penncrest.
X. Finance
4
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 15-26 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Staff Development- Dues and Fees
$1,200
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction- Dues and Fees
$1,200
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of contest and exam fees at
Penncrest.
Background
This item was discussed at the January 13, 2015, Finance
Committee meeting.
B.
General
3.
Grosh Backdrops Contract
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Grosh
Backdrops Contract in the amount of $540.08 for the spring musical
at Penncrest High School. Funding is through the student activity
account and is at no cost to the district.
Background
This item was discussed at the January 13, 2015, Finance
Committee meeting.
4.
Music Theatre International Contract
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Music Theatre
International Contract in the amount of $535 for the musical Annie
at Indian Lane Elementary School.
Background
This item was discussed at the January 13, 2015, Finance
Committee meeting.
X. Finance
5
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
5.
Raffaele & Puppio Agreement
Whereas, the District has taken an administrative appeal to
DHS/DPW and PDE regarding the School Based Access Program
cost settlement for the 2012-2013 school year; and
Whereas, the Board understands that several other Delaware
County Districts have also taken appeals on similar issues; and
Whereas, the Board wishes to participate in and take advantage of
consolidating its appeal with other districts;
Be it resolved, that the Board of School Directors of the Rose Tree
Media School District hereby approves the retention of Katherine
Meehan, Esquire and Raffaele & Puppio, LLP, to represent it with
regard to the appeal of the School Based Access Program cost
settlement for the 2012-2013 school year, only. Representation
shall be pursuant to the following fee agreement to be approved by
the Board. Attorney fees are $150 per hour. Legal assistance
fees are $90 per hour. Out of Pocket expenses are also included
the agreement.
Background
This item was discussed at the January 13, 2015, Finance
Committee meeting.
6.
Johnson Controls Planned Service Agreement
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approves the
planned service agreement with Johnson Controls for the
Education Center, Indian Lane Elementary School, Penncrest High
School, and Rose Tree Elementary School for a three-year term for
the following amounts:
Year 1 $25,436
Year 2 $26,199
Year 3 $26,985
Background
This item was discussed at the January 13, 2015, Operations
Committee meeting.
X. Finance
6
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
7.
Donations
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors accepts and approves
the following donations and recognizes the generosity of the
donors.
a.
A Lego Mindstorms Set with of value of $2,447.10 was
donated to the Rose Tree Elementary School by a parent.
b.
A Tama Swingstar drum set and accessories with a value of
$499.99 was donated by a family to the Springton Lake
Middle School.
c.
A Yamaha Tenor Saxophone case was donated to the
Springton Lake Middle School.
Background
This item was discussed at the January 13, 2015, Finance
Committee meeting.
X. Finance
7
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
8.
Act 1 Index Resolution for 2015-2016
WHEREAS, on June 27, 2006, the Pennsylvania legislature passed
Act 1 of Special Session 2006, entitled the “Taxpayer Relief Act”
(hereinafter “Act 1);
WHEREAS, Act 1 requires school districts to limit tax increases to
the level set by an inflation index unless the tax increase is
approved by voters in a referendum or the school district obtains
from the Department of Education or a court of common pleas
certain referendum exceptions;
WHEREAS, Act 1 does, however, allow a board of school directors
to elect to adopt a resolution indicating that it will not raise the rate
of any tax for the support of the public schools for the following
fiscal year by more than its index, provided this resolution must be
adopted no later than 110 days prior to the date of the election
immediately preceding the upcoming fiscal year;
WHEREAS, the Rose Tree Media School District index for the
2015/2016 fiscal year is 1.9%;
WHEREAS, the Rose Tree Media School District Board of Directors
has made the decision that it shall not raise the rate of any tax for
the support of the Rose Tree Media School District for the
2015/2016 fiscal year by more than its index.
AND NOW, on this 22rd day of January, 2015 it is hereby
RESOLVED by the Rose Tree Media School District (hereinafter
“District”) Board of Directors (hereinafter “Board”) the following:
1.
2.
X. Finance
The Board certifies that it will not increase any school district
tax for the 2015/2016 school year at a rate that exceeds the
index as calculated by the Pennsylvania Department of
Education.
The Board certifies that it will comply with the procedures set
forth in Section 687, of the Pennsylvania Public School Code
(hereinafter “School Code”), 24 P.S. §6-687, for the adoption
of its proposed and final budget.
8
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
8.
Act 1 Index Resolution for 2015-2016 (continued)
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The Board certifies that increasing any tax rate less than or
equal to the index will be sufficient to balance its final budget
of the 2015/2016 fiscal year.
The Administration of the District will submit the District’s
information on a proposed increase in the rate of a tax levied
for the support of the District to the Pennsylvania
Department of Education on the uniform form prepared by
the Pennsylvania Department of Education no later than five
days after the Board’s adoption of this Resolution.
The Administration of the District will send a copy of this
Resolution to the Pennsylvania Department of Education no
later than five days after the Board’s adoption of this
Resolution.
The Board understands and agrees that by passing this
Resolution it is not eligible to seek referendum exceptions
under Section 333 (f) of Act 1 and is not eligible to request
approval from the voters through a referendum to increase a
tax rate by more than the index as established for the
2015/2016 fiscal year.
Once this Resolution is passed, the Administration of the
District is not required to comply with the preliminary budget
requirements set forth in paragraphs (a) and (c) of Section
311 of Act 1. Provided, however:
a.
X. Finance
The Board understands and agrees that, upon receipt
of the information submitted by the District as set forth
in paragraphs 4 and 5 above, the Pennsylvania
Department of Education shall compare the District’s
proposed percentage increase in the rate of the tax
with the index.
9
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
8.
Act 1 Index Resolution for 2015-2016 (continued)
b.
c.
9.
Within ten days of the receipt of this information, the
Pennsylvania Department of Education shall inform
the District whether its proposed tax rate increase is
less than or equal to the index.
If the Pennsylvania Department of Education
determines that the District’s proposed increase in the
rate of the District’s tax exceeds the index, the District
is subject to the preliminary budget requirements as
set forth in paragraph (a) and (c) of Section 311 of Act
1.
Mill Creek School Contract
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract for a
special education student to attend the Mill Creek School for the
remainder of the 2014-2015 school year. The per diem rate is $239.
Background
The student requires an intensive therapeutic school program to
meet the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act.
10.
Settlement Agreement to AIM Academy
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract for one
month extension of a previously approved settlement agreement to
cover the tuition costs of a student at AIM Academy.
Background
The monthly tuition is $4,562. The student has remained at AIM
Academy since the beginning of the school year until an
appropriate Individual Education Program could be developed for at
Penncrest High School. The student began atttending Penncrest
High School on January 5, 2015.
X. Finance
10
January 22, 2015
X.
Finance
B.
General
11.
COSTARS/CAT 2 Purchase Order
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Purchase
Order for Services ordered between Verizon Business Services and
the Rose Tree Media School District. The Purchase Order includes
Forty-three (43) POTS service lines as a new service to be located
in buildings across the district.
Background
The background for this Purchase Order was reviewed at the
Technology Committee meeting on January 13, 2015. Solicitor,
Tom Kelly, has reviewed and approved this purchase order. See
Attachment B
12.
Math Programs for 2015-2016
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following math
programs for 2015-2016: enVision 2.0 for the K-5 program, Big
Ideas Math and Big Ideas Algebra I for the middle school
program, and Big Ideas Algebra I and Big Ideas Algebra II for the
high school versions of Algebra I and Algebra II.
Background
RTM math programs are reviewed and renewed on a regular cycle,
as per the district’s curriculum revision cycle. Math courses not
named above, including Geometry at the middle school, remain the
same. These revisions were discussed at the January 13, 2015
Curriculum & Instruction Committee meeting.
X. Finance
11
January 22, 2015
No. 806
ROSE TREE MEDIA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
SECTION:
OPERATIONS
TITLE:
CHILD ABUSE
ADOPTED:
REVISED:
Attachment A
806. CHILD ABUSE
1. Authority
SC 1205.6
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6301 et seq
Pol. 333, 818
The Board requires district employees, independent contractors and volunteers to
comply with identification and reporting requirements for suspected child abuse, as
well as the training requirement for recognition and reporting of child abuse in order
to comply with the Child Protective Services Law and the School Code.
2. Definitions
The following words and phrases, when used in this policy, shall have the meaning
given to them in this section:
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Bodily injury - impairment of physical condition or substantial pain.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Child - an individual under eighteen (18) years of age.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Child abuse - intentionally, knowingly or recklessly doing any of the following:
1. Causing bodily injury to a child through any recent act or failure to act.
2. Fabricating, feigning or intentionally exaggerating or inducing a medical
symptom or disease which results in a potentially harmful medical evaluation or
treatment to the child through any recent act.
3. Causing or substantially contributing to serious mental injury to a child through
any act or failure to act or a series of such acts or failures to act.
4. Causing sexual abuse or exploitation of a child through any act or failure to act.
5. Creating a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to a child through any recent
act or failure to act.
6. Creating a likelihood of sexual abuse or exploitation of a child through any
recent act or failure to act.
Page 1 of 9
806. CHILD ABUSE - Pg. 2
7. Causing serious physical neglect of a child.
8. Engaging in any of the following recent acts:
a. Kicking, biting, throwing, burning, stabbing or cutting a child in a manner
that endangers the child.
b. Unreasonably restraining or confining a child, based on consideration of the
method, location or the duration of the restraint or confinement.
c. Forcefully shaking a child under one (1) year of age.
d. Forcefully slapping or otherwise striking a child under one (1) year of age.
e. Interfering with the breathing of a child.
f. Causing a child to be present at a location while a violation of 18 Pa. C.S. §
7508.2 (relating to operation of methamphetamine laboratory) is occurring,
provided that the violation is being investigated by law enforcement.
g. Leaving a child unsupervised with an individual, other than the child's
parent, who the actor knows or reasonably should have known: Is required to
register as a Tier II or Tier III sexual offender under 42 Pa. C.S. Ch. 97
Subch. H (relating to registration of sexual offenders), where the victim of
the sexual offense was under eighteen (18) years of age when the crime was
committed; has been determined to be a sexually violent predator under 42
Pa. C.S. § 9799.24 (relating to assessments) or any of its predecessors; or has
been determined to be a sexually violent delinquent child as defined in 42 Pa.
C.S. § 9799.12 (relating to definitions).
9. Causing the death of the child through any act or failure to act.
The term child abuse does not include physical contact with a child that is involved
in normal participation in physical education, athletic, extracurricular or recreational
activities. Also excluded from the meaning of the term child abuse is the use of
reasonable force by a person responsible for the welfare of a child for purposes of
supervision, control or safety, provided that the use of force:
1. Constitutes incidental, minor or reasonable physical contact in order to maintain
order and control;
2. Is necessary to quell a disturbance or remove a child from the scene of a
disturbance that threatens property damage or injury to persons;
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3. Is necessary for self-defense or defense of another;
4. Is necessary to prevent the child from self-inflicted physical harm; or
5. Is necessary to gain possession of weapons, controlled substances or other
dangerous objects that are on the person of the child or in the child’s control.
SC 1205.6
Direct contact with children - the possibility of care, supervision, guidance or
control of children or routine interaction with children.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Independent contractor - an individual who provides a program, activity or service
who is otherwise responsible for the care, supervision, guidance or control of
children. The term does not include an individual who has no direct contact with
children.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Perpetrator - a person who has committed child abuse and is a parent/guardian of
the child, a spouse or former spouse of the child's parent/guardian, a paramour or
former paramour of the child's parent/guardian, a person responsible for the child’s
welfare, an individual residing in the same home as the child, an individual fourteen
(14) years of age or older who is responsible for the child’s welfare or who resides in
the same home as the child, or an individual eighteen (18) years of age or older who
does not reside in the same home as the child but is related within the third degree of
consanguinity or affinity by birth or adoption to the child.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Person responsible for the child's welfare - a person who provides permanent or
temporary care, supervision, mental health diagnosis or treatment, training or control
of a child in lieu of parental care, supervision and control. The term includes any
such person who has direct or regular contact with a child through any program,
activity or service sponsored by a school, for-profit organization or religious or other
not-for-profit organization.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Program, activity or service - a public or private educational, athletic or other
pursuit in which children participate. The term includes, but is not limited to, the
following:
1. A youth camp or program.
2. A recreational camp or program.
3. A sports or athletic program.
4. An outreach program.
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5. An enrichment program.
6. A troop, club or similar organization.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Recent act or failure to act - any act or failure to act committed within two (2)
years of the date of the report to the Department of Human Services of the
Commonwealth or county agency.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
School employee - an individual who is employed by a school or who provides a
program, activity or service sponsored by a school. The term excludes an individual
who has no direct contact with children.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Serious mental injury - a psychological condition, as diagnosed by a physician or
licensed psychologist, including the refusal of appropriate treatment, that:
1. Renders a child chronically and severely anxious, agitated, depressed, socially
withdrawn, psychotic or in reasonable fear that the child's life or safety is
threatened.
2. Seriously interferes with a child's ability to accomplish age-appropriate
developmental and social tasks.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Serious physical neglect - any of the following when committed by a perpetrator
that endangers a child's life or health, threatens a child's well-being, causes bodily
injury or impairs a child's health, development or functioning:
1. A repeated, prolonged or egregious failure to supervise a child in a manner that
is appropriate considering the child's developmental age and abilities.
2. The failure to provide a child with adequate essentials of life, including food,
shelter or medical care.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Sexual abuse or exploitation - any of the following:
1. The employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement or coercion of a child
to engage in or assist another individual to engage in sexually explicit conduct,
which includes, but is not limited to, the following:
a. Looking at the sexual or other intimate parts of a child or another individual
for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire in any individual.
b. Participating in sexually explicit conversation either in person, by telephone,
by computer or by a computer-aided device for the purpose of sexual
stimulation or gratification of any individual.
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c. Actual or simulated sexual activity or nudity for the purpose of sexual
stimulation or gratification of any individual.
d. Actual or simulated sexual activity for the purpose of producing visual
depiction, including photographing, videotaping, computer depicting or
filming.
Paragraph 1. does not include consensual activities between a child who is
fourteen (14) years of age or older and another person who is fourteen (14) years
of age or older and whose age is within four (4) years of the child's age.
2. Any of the following offenses committed against a child: rape; statutory sexual
assault; involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; sexual assault; institutional
sexual assault; aggravated indecent assault; indecent assault; indecent exposure;
incest; prostitution; sexual abuse; unlawful contact with a minor; or sexual
exploitation.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6303
Student - an individual enrolled in a district school under eighteen (18) years of age.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6344.2
Volunteer - an individual in an unpaid position with a program, activity or service
who is individually responsible for the welfare of one or more children or has direct
contact with children.
3. Delegation of
Responsibility
In accordance with Board policy, the Superintendent or designee shall:
SC 111
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6344
Pol. 302, 304,
305, 306
1. Require each candidate for employment to submit an official child abuse
clearance statement and other background checks as required by law.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6344.3,
6344.4
Pol. 309
2. Require each applicant for transfer or reassignment to submit an official child
abuse clearance statement unless the applicant is applying for a transfer from one
position as a district employee to another position as a district employee of this
district and the applicant’s official child abuse clearance statement is current.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6344.2
3. Require each volunteer to submit an official child abuse clearance statement and
other background checks as required by law.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6344.4
School employees, independent contractors and volunteers shall obtain and submit
new background checks and clearances every thirty-six (36) months.
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The Superintendent or designee shall annually inform students, parents/guardians,
independent contractors, volunteers and staff regarding the contents of this Board
policy.
The Superintendent or designee shall annually notify district staff, independent
contractors, and volunteers of their responsibility for reporting child abuse in
accordance with Board policy and administrative regulations.
4. Guidelines
SC 1205.6
Pol. 317.1, 333,
818
Training
The school district, and independent contractors of the school district, shall provide
their employees who have direct contact with children with mandatory training on
child abuse recognition and reporting. The training shall include, but not be limited
to, the following topics:
1. Recognition of the signs of abuse and sexual misconduct and reporting
requirements for suspected abuse and sexual misconduct.
24 P.S.
Sec. 2070.1a
Pol. 317.1
2. Provisions of the Educator Discipline Act, including mandatory reporting
requirements.
3. District policy related to reporting of suspected abuse and sexual misconduct.
4. Maintenance of professional and appropriate relationships with students.
SC 1205.6
Employees are required to complete a minimum of three (3) hours of training every
five (5) years.
{ } The district shall provide each volunteer with training on child abuse
recognition and reporting.
Duty To Report
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6311
School employees, independent contractors and volunteers shall make a report of
suspected child abuse if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is the
victim of child abuse under any of the following circumstances:
1. The school employee, independent contractor or volunteer comes into contact
with the child in the course of employment, occupation and the practice of a
profession or through a regularly scheduled program, activity or service.
2. The school employee, independent contractor or volunteer is directly responsible
for the care, supervision, guidance or training of the child.
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3. A person makes a specific disclosure to a school employee, independent
contractor or volunteer that an identifiable child is the victim of child abuse.
4. An individual fourteen (14) years of age or older makes a specific disclosure to a
school employee, independent contractor or volunteer that s/he has committed
child abuse.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6311
A child is not required to come before the school employee, independent contractor
or volunteer in order for that individual to make a report of suspected child abuse.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6311
A report of suspected child abuse does not require the identification of the person
responsible for the child abuse.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6318
Any person who, in good faith, makes a report of suspected child abuse, regardless
of whether the report is required, cooperates with an investigation, testifies in a
proceeding, or engages in other action authorized by law shall have immunity from
civil and criminal liability related to those actions.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6319
Any person required to report child abuse who willfully fails to do so may be subject
to disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.
18 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 4906.1
Any person who intentionally or knowingly makes a false report of child abuse or
intentionally or knowingly induces a child to make a false claim of child abuse may
be subject to disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.
18 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 4958
Any person who engages in intimidation, retaliation, or obstruction in the making of
a child abuse report or the conducting of an investigation into suspected child abuse
may be subject to disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6320
The district shall not discriminate or retaliate against any person for making, in good
faith, a report of suspected child abuse.
Reporting Procedures
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6305, 6311,
6313
School employees, independent contractors or volunteers who suspect child abuse
shall immediately make a written report of suspected child abuse using electronic
technologies or an oral report via the statewide toll-free telephone number. A person
making an initial oral report of suspected child abuse must also submit a written
electronic report within forty-eight (48) hours after the oral report. Upon receipt of
an electronic report, the electronic reporting system will automatically respond with
a confirmation, providing the district with a written record of the report.
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23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6305, 6311,
6313
A school employee, independent contractor or volunteer who makes a report of
suspected child abuse shall immediately, after making the initial report, notify the
school principal and if the initial report was made electronically, also provide the
principal with a copy of the report confirmation. The school principal shall then
immediately notify the Superintendent or designee that a child abuse report has been
made and if the initial report was made electronically, also provide a copy of the
report confirmation.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6305, 6311,
6313
When a report of suspected child abuse is made by a school employee, independent
contractor or volunteer as required by law, the school district is not required to make
more than one (1) report. An individual otherwise required to make a report who is
aware that an initial report has already been made by a school employee,
independent contractor or volunteer is not required to make an additional report. The
person making an initial oral report is responsible for making the follow-up written
electronic report within forty-eight (48) hours, and shall provide the school principal
with a copy of the report confirmation promptly after the written electronic report
has been filed. The principal shall in turn provide a copy of the report confirmation
to the Superintendent or designee.
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6314
{ } When necessary to preserve potential evidence of suspected child abuse, a
school employee may, after the initial report is made, take or cause to be taken
photographs of the child who is the subject of the report. Any such photographs shall
be sent to the county agency at the time the written report is sent or within fortyeight (48) hours after a report is made by electronic technologies or as soon
thereafter as possible. The school principal shall be notified whenever such
photographs are taken.
SC 1302.1-A,
1303-A
Title 22
Sec. 10.2, 10.21,
10.22
Pol. 805.1
If the Superintendent or designee reasonably suspects that conduct being reported
involves an incident required to be reported under the Safe Schools Act, the
Superintendent or designee shall inform local law enforcement, in accordance with
applicable law, regulations and Board policy.
Investigation
23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6311, 6346
The school principal shall facilitate the cooperation with the Department of Human
Services of the Commonwealth or the county agency investigating a report of
suspected child abuse, including permitting authorized personnel to interview the
child while in attendance at school.
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23 Pa. C.S.A.
Sec. 6368
Upon notification that an investigation involves suspected child abuse by a school
employee, the principal shall immediately implement a plan of supervision or
alternative arrangement for the school employee under investigation. The plan of
supervision or alternative arrangement shall be submitted to the county agency for
approval.
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 111, 1301-A et seq.
State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 10.1 et seq.
Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training – 24 P.S. Sec. 1205.6
Child Exploitation Awareness Education - 24 P.S. Sec. 1527
Educator Discipline Act – 24 P.S. Sec. 2070.1a et seq.
Endangering Welfare of Children – 18 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 4304
False Reports of Child Abuse – 18 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 4906.1
Intimidation, Retaliation or Obstruction in Child Abuse Cases –
18 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 4958
Child Protective Services Law – 23 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 6301 et seq.
Board Policy – 302, 304, 305, 306, 309, 317, 317.1, 333, 805.1, 818
PSBA Revision 11/14
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© 2014 PSBA