ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Legislative Agenda
November 20, 2014
7:30 p.m.
I.
Call to Order
II.
Board of School Director Approval
A.
B.
III.
None
2014 Glenwood Community Day Election - Second Grade Team
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VII.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
Educational Presentation
A.
VI.
New Board of School Director Approval – Susan Nolen
Swearing in of Susan Nolen, Board of School Director
Presentations and Awards
A.
V
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes
A.
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.
B.
Agenda
RTMEA – Bob Higgins
DeAnn Scherer - Celebrations and Concerns in RTM
1
November 20, 2014
VIII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
IX.
Old Business
A.
X.
None
New Business
A.
B.
C.
XI.
Rose Tree Media Residents
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
d.
Supplemental Contracts
e.
Create New Position
f.
Other – Attachment A
Rose Tree Media Comprehensive Plan for 2015-2018
Rose Tree Media Comprehensive Plan as per Chapter 4
Finance
A.
B.
C.
D.
Agenda
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1.
Change Orders
2.
Budgetary Transfers
3.
2013/2014 Local Audit
4.
MTI Productions Contract
5.
Tax Exemption/Refund
6.
Air and Gas Technologies Contract
7.
Vanguard School Tuition Contract
Financials for October 2014
Bill Lists for October 2014
2
November 20, 2014
XII.
Adjournment
ANNOUNCEMENT
There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel at
6:30 p.m. prior to the Legislative Meeting of December 18, 2014, at Penncrest High
School. The Legislative Meetings are recorded on tape.
Agenda
3
November 20, 2014
II.
New Board of School Director Approval
A.
Susan Nolen
Resolve the Board of School Directors appoint Susan Nolen as a
new member of the Board of School Directors.
B.
Swearing in of Susan Nolen, Board of School Director
The Honorable Nicholas S. Lippincott, Esquire will administer the
Oath of Office to Susan Nolen.
II. New Board of School Director Approval
1
November 20, 2014
Rose Tree Media School District
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James Wigo, Superintendent
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
November 20, 2014
Minutes of the October 23, 2014 Legislative Meeting
I. Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
____________________________________________________________________________
Board Members in Attendance:
John Hanna, President
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Vice President
Tracy Barusevicius
Nancy Fronduti
Nancy Mackrides
William O’Donnell
Harry Postles
Bill Tyson
Students:
Tanner Daggy
Allison D’Ignazio
Riley George
Absent:
Michaela Rheil
Absent:
Elizabeth Schneider
Also in Attendance:
Eric Bucci, Principal GW
Anne Callahan, Dir. Human Resources
Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Dir.PS and Sp. Ed.
Donald DiPaulo, Asst. Principal SLMS
William Dougherty, Asst. Principal PHS
Grace Eves, Dir. Management Services
Joe Fuhr, Principal SYA
Rick Gregg, Principal PHS
Ralph Harrison. Asst. Principal PHS
Mack Johnson, Mgmt. Systems Admin.
Thomas Kelly, Esq., Solicitor
Kim McCann, Info. Tech. Spec
Jenny Robinson, Principal Rose Tree Elem.
Robert Salladino, Principal SLMS
Roxanne Schupp, Supervisor of Bus. Oper.
Christine Seeley, Acting Principal IL
Sharon Sweeney, Asst. Principal PHS
Steve Taylor, Asst. Superintendent
Paula Voshell, Principal Media Elementary
Katherine White, Asst. Principal SLMS
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
1
November 20, 2014
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of September 23, 2014
Ms. Kinsler-Fox moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 26
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Legislative Meeting Minutes of
September 23, 2014
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Bill Tyson
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Elizabeth Schneider
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
Linda Kinsler-Fox – Board of School Director Recognition
Mr. Hanna moved and Mr. Postles seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 27
Resolve, the Board of School Directors recognize Linda Kinsler-Fox for her nine
years of service to the students, staff and community members of the Rose Tree
Media School District. Linda brought to the Board a very special skill set as she
came from her own classroom to serve as Vice-President for five years and
President for three years as well as serving as chairperson for Technology, Human
Resources and Curriculum and Instruction Committees. We would like to thank
Ms. Kinsler-Fox for her years of service to the entire Rose Tree Media School
District educational community and we wish her the very best in her future
endeavors.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Bill Tyson
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Elizabeth Schneider
IV.
Educational Presentation
A.
Core Extension at the Middle School:
Newsome
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
Bob Salladino, Pam Gregg and Carin
2
November 20, 2014
V.
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
VII.
RTMEA – Sue Williamson
Christian Busch, Middletown-Archery Program
Cindy Bevilacqua, Middletown-Archery Program
Kim McManiman, Middletown-Archery Program
Mike Mooney, Upper Providence-Archery Program
Karissa Mooney, Upper Providence-Archery Program
Jody Allen Evangelista, Media-Archery Program
Charles “Deac” Allen, Jr., Media-Archery Program
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports
Committee Highlights and Reports
School Reports - In Official Legislative Minutes of October 23, 2014
Superintendent’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of October 23, 2014
Solicitor’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of October 23, 2014
President’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of October 23, 2014
Rose Tree Media Residents - none
Old Business
A.
None
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
3
November 20, 2014
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
c.
Supplemental Contracts, See Attachment A and B
d.
Create New Positions, See Attachment C
e.
Other, See Attachment D
Ms. Linda Kinsler-Fox moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 28
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following New Business:
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Lisa Malara, Substitute Cafeteria Worker, resignation effective
September 22, 2014.
2.
Clifford Watson, Bus Driver, Retirement effective September
29, 2014. Mr. Watson joined Rose Tree Media School District
in 1989. He is retiring after 25 years of dedicated service.
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
4
November 20, 2014
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Recommend Board approval for the following Penncrest High
School personnel to serve as Night School Teachers for the
2014-2015 school year at the rate of $40.00 per hour:
Carley Dillon
Carolyn Fizzano
Sean Hobdell
b.
Sarah Ogada
Mark Williams
2.
Darlene Demarse, (.4) Special education Teacher effective
October 24, 2014 at the annual salary of $18,381.20,
Bachelor’s Degree/Step 1 to be pro-rated. Ms. Demarse
received her Bachelor’s Degree from West Chester University.
She is assigned to the Simon Youth Academy. NOTE: Ms.
Demarse is being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
3.
Marianne Hogue, Long Term Substitute Reading Teacher
effective date to be determined at the annual salary of
$53,056.00, Master’s Degree/Step 1 to be pro-rated. Ms.
Hogue received her Bachelor’s Degree from West Chester
University and her Master’s Degree from Virginia
Commonwealth University. She comes to us from Kennett
Consolidated School District where she served as an ESL
Teacher. Ms. Hogue is assigned to Media Elementary
replacing Tracey Fritch who was reassigned. NOTE: Ms.
Hogue is being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
Non-Instructional
1.
Brianna Convery, Support Staff II Personal Instructional
Assistant effective October 15, 2014 at the rate of $15.78 per
hour. Ms. Convery is assigned to Media Elementary replacing
Coleen Fickes who was reassigned.
2.
Rebecca Cancelosi, Interventionist effective October 17, 2014
at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Cancelosi is assigned to
Indian Lane Elementary. NOTE: Ms. Cancelosi is being hired
pending completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
5
November 20, 2014
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
3.
Non-Instructional
3.
Christine Cropper, Substitute Cafeteria Worker effective
October 21, 2014 at the rate of $10.98 per hour. NOTE: MS.
Cropper is being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
4.
Jennifer Gilligan, Math Tutor, effective October 24, 2014 at the
rate of $16.00 per hour. Ms. Gilligan is assigned to Glenwood
Elementary. NOTE: Ms. Gilligan is being hired pending
completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
5.
Rebecca Fiorentino, Support Staff II, effective October 24,
2014 at the rate of $16.66 per hour. Ms. Fiorentino is assigned
to Springton Lake Middle School replacing Marianne Nigolian
who was reassigned. NOTE: Ms. Fiorentino is being hired
pending completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
General
a.
Classification Change
1.
b.
Regina Simone from Substitute Cafeteria Worker to Trainee
effective September 22, 2014 at the rate of $11.31 per hour.
Ms. Simone is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Rescind appointment of Joseph Fisher as .5 Stage
Manager/Tech Crew for the 2014-2015 school year. Mr. Fisher
is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
6
November 20, 2014
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Recommend Board approval for the following Rose Tree
Elementary personnel to serve as Club Sponsors for the 20142015 school year:
Jean McPheeters
Margaret Barney
David Sikorski
David Sikorski
David Sikorski
Maureen Van Zant
Holly Clark
Matthew Moore
Jon Boyle
Jim Walls
2.
KIDS Club
Art Club
Chorus/Theater
Guitar Ensemble
Hand Chime Choir
Enviro Challenge
Enviro Challenge
Enviro Challenge
Band Director
Orchestra Director
$1,160.00
$1,216.00
$1,160.00
$ 580.00
$ 580.00
$ 290.00
$ 290.00
$ 290.00
$ 580.00
$ 290.00
Recommend Board approval for the following Springton Lake
Middle School personnel to serve as Intramural Leaders for
the 2014-2015 school year at the rate of $27.00 per hour:
Mark Crossman
Vince Eppolito
Joe Fisher
Bill Henderson
Kelly Hogan
Jessica Levy
Brittani Luterman
Brian Lynch
Mark Nixon
Paul Norris
Brian Reilly
Maureen Ruether
Michele Shaw
Megan Snyder
Sean Spratt
Andrew Virtue
3.
Diane Imburgia, Reading Lab Sponsor for the 2014-2015
school year at the annual salary of $290.00. Ms. Imburgia is
assigned to Glenwood Elementary.
4.
Sarah Pettit, Assistant Freshman Girls Basketball Coach for
the 2014-2015 school year at the annual salary of $3,915.00.
Ms. Pettit is assigned to Penncrest High School. NOTE: Ms.
Pettit is being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
7
November 20, 2014
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts
5.
Recommend Board approval for the following Indian Lane
Elementary personnel to serve as Club Sponsors for the 20142015 school year:
Karen Battavio
Karen Meile
Meghan Whalen
Ryan Lewis
Jackie Arbutina
Julia Friedgen
Sue Hendrixson
Lee Sitkowski
Ron Frank
Katie Devine
Elishia Arias
Tracy Hatton
David Woods
Shirley Huebner
Dennis Smyth
Jon Boyle
James Walls
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
Chorus
Broadcast Club
BobCat Ensemble
Musical Club
Arts & Crafts Club
Arts & Crafts Club
Student Council
Student Council
Student Council
Board Games
Student Council
Student Council
Student Council
Board Games
Garden Club
Sketchbook Club
Board Games
Broadcast Club
Envirochallenge
Scrapbooking Club
Lego/Robotics
Band Director
Orchestra Director
8
$1,296.00
$1,160.00
$ 580.00
$1,160.00
$ 290.00
$ 290.00
$ 97.15
$ 101.84
$ 95.70
$ 304.00
$ 97.15
$ 95.70
$ 95.70
$ 435.00
$ 290.00
$1,160.00
$ 290.00
$1,160.00
$ 435.00
$ 608.00
$ 290.00
$ 580.00
$ 290.00
November 20, 2014
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts
6.
Recommend Board approval for the following Media
Elementary personnel to serve as Club Sponsors for the 20142015 school year:
Karen Bellamy
Andrew Bugosh Band
Christa Consadene
Charles Jacien
Jacqueline Matusow
Brenda Millette
Patrick Murphy
Denim Senavitis
Jeanette Verdeur
James Walls
Art Club
Learning Lab
Chess Club
Book club
Reading Olympics
Reading Olympics
HOME
Piano/Stage Club
French Club
Handbell Club
Musical
Chorus
Orchestra
$ 290.00
$ 580.00
$1,160.00
$ 870.00
$ 870.00
$ 870.00
$ 870.00
$ 870.00
$ 290.00
$ 870.00
$ 290.00
$1,160.00
$1,296.00
$ 290.00
7.
Jennifer Blythe, Fall Cheerleading Coach for the 2014-2015
school year at the rate of $33.77 per hour. Ms. Blythe is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
8.
Recommend Board approval for the following Indian Lane
Elementary staff to serve as Reading Olympics Sponsors for
the 2014-2015 school year at the annual salary of $174.00.
Caitlyn Carminito
Tracy Hatton
Sue Hendrixson
Andre Washington
David Woods
9.
Recommend Board approval of the Penncrest High School
Winter Athletic Supplemental contracts for the 2014-2015
school year. Attachment A – In Official Legislative Minutes of
October 23, 2014
10.
Recommend Board approval of the Springton Lake Middle
School Winter Athletic Supplemental contracts for the 20142015 school year. Attachment B – In Official Legislative
Minutes of October 23, 2014
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
9
November 20, 2014
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
d.
Supplemental Contracts
11.
Ashley Turicik, (.5) Stage Manager/Tech Crew for the 20142015 school year at the annual salary of $725.00. Ms. Turicik
is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
12.
Ward 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.
13.
Martha Gumienny, Archery Club Sponsor effective November
1, 2014 at the rate of $22.32 per hour to a maximum of
$1,038.00. Ms. Gumienny is assigned to Springton Lake
Middle School.
Create New Positions
1.
Resolve the Board of School Directors approve the creation of
three new Support Staff II positions to serve as one-on-one
instructional assistants for the following:
Two kindergarten students at Indian Lane Elementary enrolled
in the Developmental Kindergarten program. Sixth Grade
student at Springton Lake Middle School.
These students have enrolled in district schools for the first
time this year. Each has been evaluated and found to need
one-on-one assistance for medical, learning and/or behavioral
issues.
2.
Resolve the Board create an Archery Club Supplemental to
run one day a week from October 1 through May 31 of each
school year. The position will be at 6 units and will be
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School. Attachment C – In
Official Legislative Minutes of October 23, 2014
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
10
November 20, 2014
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
e.
Other
1.
Superintendent's Contract
Resolve the Board approve a revised contract between the
Rose Tree Media School District and Mr. James M. Wigo, Sr
for the period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015. The terms
of the contract remain the same, only the dates are being
changed. Attachment D – In Official Legislative Minutes of
October 23, 2014.
2.
Recommend Board approval of the following Food Service
Workers pay rates effective September 3, 2014 for the 20142015 school year:
Penncrest
Elisa Ettien
Diane Swantek
Michele Frisoli
Lorretta De Wees
Jennifer McNabb-Jones
Chris Lomas
Nancy McHugh
Nariman Shaer
Leslie Virbitsky
Anna Marie Ottolenghi
Sherry Voorhees
Carol Neill
Debbie Tyson
Springton Lake
Laura Netwall
Kathleen Simpson
Regina Simone
Isabelle Boudazin
Brenda Wolters
Linda Gagliardi
Christine Duncan
Terry Mawson
Anna Charlton
Noreen Plotts
Indian Lane
Jennifer Clements
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
$16.89
$12.95
$12.95
$12.95
$12.95
$12.95
$12.95
$12.95
$12.10
$12.95
$12.95
$12.95
$13.67
$16.89
$12.95
$11.54
$12.95
$12.95
$11.54
$12.95
$11.54
$12.95
$12.95
$16.89
11
November 20, 2014
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
e.
Other
2.
Recommend Board approval of the following Food Service
Workers pay rates effective September 3, 2014 for the 20142015 school year:
Andrea Pedrick
Kathy Moffett
Nancy Sands
Glenwood
Jane Beverly
Amy McKernan
Media Elementary
Maureen Dooner
Dolores Taylor
Suzanne Hopppus
Rose Tree Elementary
Joan Breslin
Susan Dunn
Substitutes
Lee Ann Trusty
Eileen Inglsby
Beverly Hoffman
3.
$12.95
$12.95
$12.95
$12.95
$12.95
$12.95
$12.10
$12.95
$12.10
$12.95
$12.10
$12.10
$12.10
Recommend Board approval of the ADSUP II salaries
effective July 1, 2014 for the 2014-2015 school year:
Bost, Greg
Pysher, Gene
Ragni, Armondo
Price,Michael
Schupp, Joel
Feltner, Kerry
Brown, Ivan
Jones, Michael
Quinzi, Phillip
Simpson, Donna
$43,146.84
$63,524.74
$50,999.37
$40,436.19
$40,800.33
$40,800.33
$73,063.13
$62,867.21
$62,474.98
$45,557.04
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Bill Tyson
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Elizabeth Schneider
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
12
November 20, 2014
IX.
New Business
B.
C.
D.
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Future Business Leaders of America - Hershey, PA
2.
Penncrest High School Students – Italy
Comprehensive Plan
Penncrest Course Selection Guide for 2015-2016
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Ms. Kinsler-Fox seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 29
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Future Business Leaders of America- Hershey, PA
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve an overnight field trip for
the Future Business Leaders of America club to attend the FBLA State
Championship in Hershey, PA from 4/12-4/15, 2015. Students will be
participating in and competing at the FBLA State Leadership Conference.
The trip is contingent upon results from the Regional Leadership
Conference in December, 2014. Registration costs of $1,050, substitute
costs of $612, and lodging costs of $700 are being paid by the District.
Costs of meals are being paid by the student. Student costs are $295.
2.
Penncrest High School Students - Italy
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve an overnight
educational trip to Italy from 6/22/15-7/2/15. This is the fourth biennial class
trip to Italy. The trip will focus on the influence of classical society on the
history, art, and architecture of Renaissance and Modern Europe through
excursions to appropriate sites and museums in Venice, Florence, Rome,
and Pompeii. All costs are being paid by students in the amount of $3,850.
C.
Comprehensive Plan
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the publication of the
Comprehensive Plan sections for 28 days of public review and comment, as per
Chapter 4 regulations: Gifted, Induction, Professional Education, and Student
Services. Each school district in Pennsylvania is required under new Chapter 4
regulations to submit five plans to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
every three or six years. The Special Education plan was already approved last
spring. RTM’s plans were created between April 2014 and October 2014 by a
wide range of stakeholders. Each of these reports follows a template provided by
PDE. The plans were presented and discussed at the October 14, 2014
Curriculum & Instruction Committee meeting.
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
13
November 20, 2014
D.
Penncrest Course Selection Guide for 2015-2016
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve changes to the Penncrest Course
Selection Guide for 2015-2016, as indicated by the tables below.
Department
Music
World Language
Department
English
Music
Technology and
Engineering
Education
World Language
General
Courses NOT Offered in 2015-2016
Course NOT Offered in 2015-2016
Music Theory and Composition
2 Ambassador Choir
Piano A, Piano B
Business Chinese Communication and Cultural Awareness
New Courses for 2015-2016
New Course
Women in Literature (semester)
AP Music Theory (not new, but offered in 2015-2016, as per
course rotation)
Singers and Songwriters (semester)
Visual Design II
Engineering and Design Manufacturing II
Monsters and Gods: Mythology in the Classical World
Francophone Culture, Conversation, and Cuisine
Keystone Lab I and II: Algebra
Keystone Lab I and II: Biology
Keystone Lab I and II: Literature
Courses With Different Rank Levels in 2015-2016
Department
New Level
Career
and 2 DCTS Career and Technical Education (for first year of
Technical
program)
1 DCTS Medical Careers
Music
1 Upscales Choir
Special Education Remove rank level from Academic Enrichment
World Language
Advanced Chinese
Business Chinese Communication and Cultural Awareness
Add rank level 2 versions of: Elementary Chinese, Elementary
French, Elementary Latin, Elementary Spanish
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
14
November 20, 2014
IX.
New Business
D.
Penncrest Course Selection Guide for 2015-2016
Department
English
Health and PE
Department
English
Music
Technology and
Engineering
Education
Other Changes
Change
Theater Lab: offer it as a one-semester elective
All Health and PE courses will be included in GPA
Courses With New Names in 2015-2016
Former Name
New Name
Verbal SAT
SAT Boot Camp
Computers and Music A, B, C
Music Tech A, B, C
Information Communications
Visual Design I
Technology
These course changes were discussed at the October 14, 2014 Curriculum & Instruction
Committee meeting. The courses will be offered pending results of the budgeting process
for 2015-2016.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Bill Tyson
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Elizabeth Schneider
IX.
New Business
E.
Board Member Resignation
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 30
Resolve, the Board of School Directors accept the resignation of School Board
member of the Rose Tree Media School District, Ms. Kinsler-Fox, effective
November 1, 2014.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Bill
O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Bill Tyson
NAYS:
None
ABSENT: Elizabeth Schneider
ABSTAIN: Linda Kinsler-Fox
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
15
November 20, 2014
X.
Finance
A.
B.
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1.
Change Orders
2.
Budgetary Transfers
3.
Rachel’s Challenge Agreement
4.
Cini Construction Services Proposal
5.
Paradise Farm Contract – Ratification
6
All Around Entertainment Contract
7.
Dovetail Presentations Agreement
8.
TIPS Cooperative Purchasing Agreement
9.
Gerety Presentations Contract
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 31
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 order:
a.
Tri-State Balancing in the amount of $8,000.00 for additional
balancing work at Springton Lake Middle School. The work was
necessary for unforeseen conditions due to clogged existing piping.
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
16
November 20, 2014
X.
Finance
B.
General
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.
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the following
budgetary transfers:
FY 15-2 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Other Expenditures – Budgetary Reserve
$35,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Health Services – Professional Services
$35,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer is needed to cover the costs of nursing services for a
new student.
FY 15-3 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services - General Property and Liability
Ins.
$7,803.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Board Service - General Property and Liability Ins.
$7,803.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed due to a decrease in General property and
liability insurance for buildings and an increase in Board Services coverage.
FY 15-4 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Vehicle Servicing & Maintenance Services – Automotive Liab.
Ins.
$6,150.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – Other Insurance
$6,150.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed due to a decrease in vehicle insurance and
increase in School sponsored activities.
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
17
November 20, 2014
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 15-5 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Technology Support Services- New Equipment
$2,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Technology - Supplies
$2,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of additional bulbs for
Epson projectors at Springton Lake Middle School
FY 15-6 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Office of the Superintendent - Supplies
$1,900.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Office of the Superintendent – Dues and Fees
$1,900.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of additional dues and fees.
FY 15-7 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Care and Upkeep of Equipment – Replacement Equipment
$1,200.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Care and Upkeep of Equipment – Repairs and Maintenance
$1,200.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of additional upkeep for PE
equipment at Springton Lake Middle School.
3.
Rachel’s Challenge Agreement
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the agreement with
Rachel’s Challenge. This agreement is for an anti-bullying program to be
held at Springton Lake Middle School. The amount of the agreement is
$4,100.00 and is being funded out of the general fund. Approval is pending
review by the solicitor.
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
18
November 20, 2014
X.
Finance
B.
General
4.
Cini Construction Services Proposal
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Cini
Construction Services proposal in the amount not exceed $97,344. This
proposal is for the 2015/2016 capital projects. The proposal represents a
$1,000.00 increase or approximately a 1% increase from last year. Approval
is pending review by the solicitor.
5.
Paradise Farm Contract – Ratification
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Paradise Farm
Contract. This contract is for students from Springton Lake Middle School
for environmental education and team building activities.
6.
All Around Entertainment Contract
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the All Around
Entertainment Contract in the amount of $2,400. This contract is for
Springton Lake Middle School who will be holding several dances
throughout the year. Funding for these dances is at no cost to the District
and is through the student activity account. Approval is pending review by
the solicitor.
7.
Dovetail Presentations Agreement
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the agreement with
Dovetail Presentations in the amount of $650. This agreement is for an
anti-bullying program for Media Elementary School. The funding for this
program will be through the Media Elementary PTG. There is no cost to the
District. Approval is pending review by the solicitor.
8.
TIPS Cooperative Purchasing Agreement
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the TIPS
Cooperative Purchasing Agreement. TIPS is a cooperative purchasing
agency which will allow the district to purchase goods and services that
have already gone through the bid process. There is no fee for joining.
Approval is pending review by the solicitor.
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
19
November 20, 2014
X.
Finance
B.
General
9.
Gerety Presentations Contract
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the contract with
Gerety Presentations. The presentation will be taking place during the
leadership retreat for Penncrest students on November 23, 2014. The
$5,000.00 fee will be at no cost to the district and will be funded through the
student activity account. Approval is pending review by the solicitor.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Bill Tyson
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Elizabeth Schneider
X.
Finance
B.
General
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
C.
D.
Delaware County Reading Olympics Memorandum of
Understanding
Johnson Controls Preventive Maintenance Proposal
Advanced Power Technical Support Agreement
Johnson Controls Test Site Agreement
Emerson Network Power
ABA2DAY Behavior Services, LLC Contract
Life Works School Tuition Contract
Davidson School Tuition Contract
Financials for September 2014
Bill Lists for September 2014
Ms. Kinsler-Fox moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 32
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
20
November 20, 2014
X.
Finance
B.
General
10.
Delaware County Reading Olympics Memorandum of Understanding
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Memorandum of
Understanding with the Delaware County Reading Olympics. This year the
Reading Olympics will be held at Springton Lake Middle School, with teams
from all over Delaware County competing.
11.
Johnson Controls Preventative Maintenance Proposal
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Johnson
Controls Preventative Maintenance Proposal. Approval is pending review
by the solicitor.
12.
Advanced Power Technical Support Agreement
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Advanced Power
Technical Support Agreement. This agreement is for technical support for
the Alerton building automation system for Glenwood, Springton Lake and
Media. Approval is pending review by the solicitor.
13.
Johnson Controls Test Site Agreement
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Johnson
Controls Test Site Agreement. This agreement will enhance the District’s
ability to have remote access to our chillers. Approval is pending review by
the solicitor.
14.
Emerson Network Power
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Proposal for
Service between Emerson Network Power, Liebert Services, Inc. and the
Rose Tree Media School District. The Service Proposal includes essential
and preventative maintenance service for Nfinity Uninterruptible Power
Systems located at Penncrest High School. The one (1) year proposal will
commence on November 15, 2014, with payment not to exceed One
Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Five dollars ($1,675.00). The background
for this Proposal was reviewed at the Technology Committee meeting on
October 14, 2014. Solicitor, Tom Kelly, has reviewed and approved this
proposal.
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
21
November 20, 2014
X.
Finance
B.
General
15.
ABA2DAY Behavior Services, LLC Contract
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a contract by
ABA2DAY Behavior Services, LLC for the provision of consultation and
training in applied behavioral analysis. These services are on an as-needed
basis to build the professional capacity of special education teachers to
work with students with significant disabilities. The contract provides for up
to 12 hours per week on an as needed basis. Costs are $95.00/hour.
16.
Life Works School Tuition Contract
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a tuition contract for
a special education student to attend Life Works School operated by
Foundations, a private psychiatric facility. Placement is necessary to
address the student’s special education needs in accordance with IDEA.
The tuition rate is $186.00/day.
17.
Davidson School Tuition Contract
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a tuition contract for
a special education student to attend the Davidson School at Elwyn.
Placement is necessary to address the student’s special education needs in
accordance with IDEA. The tuition rate is $274.64/day.
C.
Financials for September 2014
September
September
September
September
2014
2014
2014
2014
Treasurers Reports
Investment Reports
Summary Expenditure Status Report
Revenue Status Report
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
22
November 20, 2014
X.
Finance
D.
Bill Lists for September 2014
September
2014 General Fund Bill List
$ 2,766,688.32
September
2014 Imprest Fund Bill List
$
8,866.50
September
2014 Capital Fund Bill List
$
380,170.40
September
2014 Construction Fund
$
30,000.00
September
2014 Bond Series 2004 Bill List
$
18,719.25
September
2014 Bond Series 2013 Bill List
$
156,800.00
September
2014 Activities/Special Revenue Fund
$
20,580.03
$ 3,381,824.50
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Bill Tyson
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Elizabeth Schneider
XI.
Adjournment
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2014 – 2015 33
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 Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Bill Tyson
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Elizabeth Schneider
_____________________________
Grace A. Eves
School Board Secretary
III. Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2014
23
November 20, 2014
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:
November 11, 2014
RE:
November 11, 2014 Curriculum & Instruction Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Vacant
Board Members in Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, John Hanna, Nancy Fronduti, Bill
O’Donnell, Harry Protzman, Liz Schneider, Bill Tyson
Also in Attendance: Anne Callahan, Lindsi Ciuffetelli, Grace Eves, Heather Hogan,
Patti Linden, Ken Phillips, Steve Taylor, Jim Wigo, and several members of the
community.
Pennsylvania School Performance Profiles
Dr. Taylor reviewed the School Performance Profiles for 2013-2014, which became
available to the public statewide on November 7th. The Profiles, which were first
calculated for 2012-2013, pull together various kinds of data about a school’s
performance, including achievement and growth data, data on closing achievement
gaps, and other indicators of a school’s success, such as promotion rate, graduation
rate, attendance rate, and the presence of AP courses, among others. Each of these
scores receives a specific weight, and the resulting points are aggregated into a single
score from 0 to 100. All three of the district’s schools that scored in the 90s in the
previous year stayed in the 90s, and the other three schools all increased their scores
by several points each.
RTM Comprehensive Plan
Dr. Taylor asked the Board’s approval of the RTM Comprehensive Plan for 2015-2018.
As first described at the October Curriculum & Instruction Committee meeting, the
Strategic Planning process has changed substantially since the district’s last plan was
drafted in 2007-2008: the name has changed to Comprehensive Plan, a new online tool
guides the process, and the requirement to submit a plan has actually been eliminated
as of the most recent Chapter 4 revisions. Instead of a complete plan, districts must
submit sections of the plan: Professional Education (every 3 years), Student Services
(every 6 years), Induction (every 6 years), Gifted (every 6 years), and Special Education
(every 3 years). These reports were presented to the Board in October. At this meeting,
the Board received further information on the district’s plan, which goes above and
beyond the PDE requirements. It lays out four goal areas: effective instructional
practices, standards-aligned assessments, standards-aligned curricula, and support for
students at risk.
Specific strategies, implementation steps, and indicators of
effectiveness accompany each step. Following the presentation, the Board gave
permission for a resolution to approve the plan to appear on the November Legislative
Agenda.
Public Comment
A member of the public asked about the state’s ultimate plans for use of the School
Performance Profiles. At the present time, the Profiles are factored into every teacher’s
and principal’s annual evaluations, but beyond that, the state has not communicated
future uses.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
November 14, 2014
Subject:
November 11, 2014 Finance Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Bill O’Donnell
______________________________________________________________________
Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Bill O’Donnell, Harry
Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
Absent: Nancy Mackrides
Also in Attendance: Anne Callahan, Grace Eves, Heather Hogan, Patti Linden, James
Wigo, Ken Phillips from RBC Capital, and Pam Baker and Jeff Kowalczyk from
Barbacane , Thornton & Company, LLC
1.
Local Audit – Pam Baker, Barbacane, Thornton & Company, LLC
Pam Baker and Jeff Kowalczyk presented the results of the 13/14 local audit.
The auditors issued an unmodified opinion which resulted in no findings or
observations.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 20th Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
2.
RBC Capital – Ken Phillips
Ken Phillips gave a review of the District’s debt. The debt will be paid in full in
eleven years. He also discussed possible savings for refundings of the 2010 A
and 2011 bonds. He will return next spring for an update
Action: Discussion
3.
2015/2016 Budget Timeline
The Act 1 Index is 1.9%. The committee reviewed the timeline which does not
include the use of exceptions. Historically the District has not used exceptions.
If the Board chooses to approve a resolution not to exceed the Index, it cannot
seek exceptions. According to the timeline, the Board will be required to adopt a
resolution not to exceed the Index at the January 22, 2015 Legislative meeting.
The Proposed Final budget will require approval on April 14, 2015 at a special
Dedicated to Excellence
legislative meeting following the Finance committee meeting on that night. Final
approval will be at the May 28th Legislative meeting. The budget can change
between the April 14th meeting and the May 28th meeting. Next month the
committee will review the revenue budget.
Action: Discussion
4.
Budgetary Comparison Report
The District has expensed 64% of expenditures and has received approximately
79% of revenue. Tax collection at the face amount was completed on October
31st. Taxes collected from now until December 31st will be with a 10% penalty.
Salaries are increased over last year because this October there were 3 pays in
the month. Federal Revenue is higher than last year due to the timing of federal
funds.
Action: Discussion
5.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 15-8 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Special Education- Professional Educational Services
$9,027
TO:
AMOUNT:
Special Education- Travel
$9,027
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for Wilson training and certification of special
education teachers.
FY 15-9 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services – Supplies
$5,500
TO:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services – Repairs and Maintenance
$5,500
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of the purchase and installation
of corridor tackboards for Springton Lake Middle School.
Dedicated to Excellence
FY 15-10 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Curriculum & Instructional Development – Supplies
$3,000
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction- Books
$3,000
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to additional classroom books.
FY 15-11 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – Supplies
$2,640
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction- New Equipment
$2,640
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of an additional message display
board for Springton Lake Middle School.
FY 15-12 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Student Activities – Meals & Refreshments
$1,700
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – Meals & Refreshments
$1,700
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of academic excellence banquet.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 20th Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
6.
Contract
The contract in the amount of $2,325 for MTI Productions is for the spring
musical at Penncrest. Funding is through the student activity account at no cost
to the District.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 20th Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
7.
Tax Exemption
The District received a disabled veterans real estate tax exemption certificate for
the 14/15 school year from a taxpayer. The exemption is for real estate taxes
due on or after October 9, 2013. The taxes are considered due on the first day of
a tax period even though payment may not be due for several months.
Dedicated to Excellence
According to this certificate, county taxes were exempt in January of 2014 and in
July of 2014 for the school district. The veteran is asking to also be exempt from
2013/2014 and is seeking an additional refund. The additional refund is
approximately $2,600. The District has refunded his 2014/2015 tax payment.
The committee was in favor of granting the request for the 13/14 fiscal year.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 20th Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
Public Comment: 2 members of the public were in attendance.
The next Finance Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Dedicated to Excellence
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-6136
Fax: 610-627-6136
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
November 14, 2014
Subject:
November 11, 2014 Operations Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Elizabeth Schneider
_____________________________________________________________________
Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Bill O’Donnell, Harry
Postles, Elizabeth Schneider and Bill Tyson
Absent: Nancy Mackrides
Also in Attendance: Ron Baldino, Dennis Cinni, Anne Callahan, Grace Eves, Patti
Linden and James Wigo
1.
CNG Project Update
Eight new CNG buses have arrived. Four have been assigned to routes and the
others need to be inspected by the State Police. Six diesel buses have been
converted to CNG. One bus should arrive at NGV Motori this week which will
leave only one bus to be converted.
Action: Discussion
2.
Capital Project Updates
Contractors were on site last Tuesday during the in-service day to work on punch
list items for various projects throughout the district.
Action: Discussion
3.
Change Orders
There are several change orders. Change order GC-09 from ER Stuebner for
the Sprigton Lake Middle School project is the Warko roof on the music suite and
auditorium. The District recently received the final amount for the change order
which was reviewed last year. The change order is in the amount of $40,348.
Change order GC-10 from ER Stuebner for the Springton Lake Middle School
project is for additional paving. One area needs to be repaired to reduce
ponding. It also included areas that needed to be repaved at the contractor’s
expense. The amount of the change order is $29,797.68. Change Order FP-05
Dedicated to Excellence
from Wayman Fire Protection for the Media Elementary School project is for
window repair work that was the result of the contractor. The contract will be
reduced by $2,900. Change order GC-02 from Window Repair and Restoration’s
is for the window repair. The cost of the change order is $2,900. The cost of the
repair is offset by the reduction in Wayman’s contract.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 20th Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board.
4.
Contract
The contract from Air & Gas Technologies is for monthly Preventative
Maintenance inspection services of the CNG system that will be performed at
various intervals. The District will purchase an inventory of stock parts. Ron
Baldino and Phil Quinzi perform daily inspections.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 20th Legislative agenda for a
vote of the Board
5. Bus Bid
An advertisement was recently placed for seven 72 passenger CNG buses and
five 60 passenger CNG buses. The round 2 of the Natural Gas Energy
Development Program grant will offset the costs by $300,000. There is also a
need of an additional wheelchair lift bus due to an increase in special
transportation needs. The wheelchair lift bus will have a diesel engine. The
results of the bid will be reviewed at the December 2nd Reorganization meeting.
Action: Discussion
6.
Media Little League
The league would like to move its current shed to another location on the site at
Springton Lake Middle School. The shed is currently located near center field.
The league is requesting permission to move the shed near right field. They also
want to move the scoreboard near the same location as the shed at a later date
which will require adding additional electrical work. These changes will be near
the walking trail and will not be on the trail. The league will be responsible for all
costs. The committee approved the request.
Action: Discussion
Public Comment: Two members of the public were in attendance.
The next Operations Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Dedicated to Excellence
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Anne D. Callahan
Director of Human Resources
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
From:
Anne D. Callahan, Director of Human Resources
Date:
November 14, 2014
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting – November 11, 2014
Tracy Barusevicius, Chair
Board Members in attendance: T. Barusevicius, N. Fronduti, J. Hanna,
W. O’Donnell, H. 2, B. Tysonj
Also in attendance: A. Callahan, J. Wigo, G. Eves, one member of the public
I.
Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
The Committee discussed the items to be included on the agenda of the
Legislative Meeting on November 20, 2014. After answering a few questions,
Mrs. Callahan received approval to move the items forward.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for these items on the
November 20, Legislative agenda for a vote of the Board.
II.
Extra (.8) Assistant Wrestling Coach – Penncrest
Mrs. Callahan presented a request from Athletic Director Charles Olinger to add
an additional assistant wrestling coach for this year. Due to the increased
number of students participating in the program, it is necessary to add a second
assistant wrestling coach for the safety of the students and the program. This
additional position will be added for the 2014-2015 season only. The committee
asked Mrs. Callahan to send them the cost of the position. That cost will be
approximately $3595 depending on the experience level of the coach hired.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
November 20, Legislative agenda for a vote of the Board.
III.
Substitute Teacher Shortage
Mrs. Callahan discussed with the committee the substitute teacher shortage
being experienced in Rose Tree Media School District and throughout the region.
Studies show that there has been a decrease of 32% in the number of students
pursuing careers in education in the past eight years. This, in combination with
other factors, is leading to a severe shortage of substitute teachers. The
shortage is making it very difficult to fill classrooms when a teacher is absent.
Mrs. Callahan and Mr. Wigo explained that we are monitoring the situation and
will come back to the committee in December with recommendations to alleviate
the situation if it continues. Mrs. Callahan discussed that one solution might be
the addition of extra permanent substitutes in the district. Permanent substitutes
are substitutes that report every day. If they are not needed to replace an absent
teacher, they work with students in other capacities such as giving extra help with
reading groups, working with at risk students, etc.
IV.
Executive Session
An executive session was held to discuss matters of personnel.
The next session of Personnel Committee will be held on December 9, 2014, in
the Board Room at the Education Center.
James M. Wigo
Superintendent of Schools
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.565.5317
www.rtmsd.org
Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, PhD
Director of Pupil Services and
Special Education
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James Wigo, Superintendent of Schools
From:
Dr. Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
Date:
November 12, 2014
Subject:
November 11, 2014 Pupil Services/Special Education Committee Meeting
Chairperson: Ms. Nancy Fronduti
In lieu of a formal committee meeting, all Board members reviewed the listed contract and
approved it being placed on the November Legislative agenda.
Contracts
A tuition contract has been submitted for a student to attend the Vanguard School
for the 2014-2015 school year. The tuition rate for the 2014-2015 school year is
$49,115.
Action: This item will be moved to the November 20, Legislative agenda for a vote of the
Board.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SCHOOL REPORT’S – November 20, 2014
GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Art with Mr. Sharp
First graders began to learn about traditional subject matter in art. They learned about
Still Life by creating a fall still life of vegetables with a woven paper tablecloth. After
creating the various vegetables, students were shown how to create a more realistic
looking image by composing a picture in which the vegetables appeared like they are on
the table, as opposed to floating in the air, as well as by overlapping the objects.
Second graders continued their investigation of art from different countries and cultures
around the world. We just finished learning about pattern by creating a Mexican Oaxacan
animal. We painted in the animal using pattern with fluorescent paint and created a
border with pattern as well. We will soon begin visiting Australia to learn about warm and
cool colors.
Third graders are continuing their art history time line by learning about Egyptian art. We
created a picture of an Egyptian god by drawing the figure in profile, or side view, like the
Egyptians would have. Students also printed a cartouche or name plate of their name for
the background.
Fourth graders are learning about art from different regions of the US by looking at the
work of George Rodrigue and his Blue Dog paintings. Students drew their own animal
and colored in abstractly using a monochromatic color scheme. They then painted a
swirled background using two analogous colors.
Fifth graders are finishing up a tree weaving. We looked at various reasons why art is
made. Weaving is traditionally an art form to create something that is functional such as a
rug or blanket. On a paper plate, students used value to paint in hills that show depth
along with a sky. We then cut in notches on the plate and added the warp string to create
a tree with branches. We then used various colors to weave the weft to create the leaves
for the trees.
Fifth Grade Art Club
Alumnae and illustrator, William Kirkpatrick, recently returned to Glenwood to work with
Art Club to create 6 new murals for the school’s library. Will showed us images from his
School Reports
1
November 20, 2014
forthcoming children’s book. Students asked questions about being an artist/illustrator as
well as about his process. For the murals, each grade level selected their favorite
storybook character or illustrator. Students drew them onto primed boards, outlined using
a marker, and then painted in using acrylic paint.
Poster Contest Winners
Glenwood students, Isabella Proper and Lila Curci were two of five winners in the
Pennsylvania School Board Association Poster Contest. The association received over
300 poster entries from across the state. The poster was on display at the School
Leadership Conference October 21 – 24 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.
Kindergarten
A.M. Kindergarteners went to Lima Estates on Halloween, in their costumes, to sing
songs and entertain the residents. When they returned to Glenwood, they participated in
a party of stations made up of a craft, games and a food station. The P.M.
Kindergarteners participated in the school-wide Halloween parade. When they returned
to their classrooms, they, too, participated in a party of stations made up of a craft, games
and a food station.
First Grade
The first graders are learning about geometry. The students are comparing the
similarities and differences between pattern block shapes. They are recognizing shapes
in quick images, finding many different ways to fill in an outline, finding ways to fill in an
outline using the fewest number of pattern blocks, and exploring different ways to make
pattern quilts.
Second Grade
Second graders have begun our second Reading Workshop unit: Reading Nonfiction,
Reading the World. We have discussed the different attributes of some nonfiction texts.
We are looking for and finding text features such as chapter headings, subheadings,
indexes, glossaries, diagrams, captions, cross-sections and the like. Ask your students to
explain to you the usefulness of some of these features, and see if they can be found in
some of your books at home.
Third Grade
Third grade math students started Unit 3. Students will be using various strategies to add
and subtract 2- and 3- digit numbers. Students will understand how subtraction and
addition are related and discuss different ways they solved problems.
Students are solving problems and playing math games about particular collections such
as stamps, toys, animals, and sports. Students are sequencing the numbers in each
collection and estimating the sums of 2- and 3- digit numbers.
Students will also be making our own collection, a collection of compliments! Each
student will write 1 compliment for each classmate on a strip of paper. We will connect
10 compliments and construct them into a paper chain and then we will connect 10 chains
to make chains of 100. Finally, with all three classes we will come together as a grade
and connect all of our compliments. Our goal is to collect more than 1,000 compliments in
third grade!
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Fourth Grade
The fourth graders will be visiting the watershed at Tyler Arboretum in November.
Students are studying the nonliving and living components of an ecosystem. They will be
using this knowledge to identify various plants and animals, and how they interact with
one another, in the ecosystem at Tyler Arboretum.
Fifth Grade
In Writer’s Workshop, The 5th grade has spent the past two months writing personal
narratives. As we move into November, 5th grade students are turning their attention to
the writing of non-fiction.
Likewise, in Reader’s Workshop, 5th grade students have
spent the past two months understanding works of fiction on a deeper level. However, as
we begin November, the 5th grade is turning our attention to the best practices in the
reading of non-fiction. In Social Studies, the 5th grade has spent the past month looking
at the causes of the American Revolution. In Social Studies in November, we will turn our
attention to understanding the importance of the Constitution in American History. In
Science, the 5th grade will be looking at the causes of both hurricanes and tornadoes.
The 5th grade will also be taking a trip to the Franklin Institute on November 24 to take a
deeper look at the human brain works.
American Education Week
Monday, November 17, students will participate in Mix It Up at Lunch Day, as well as
wear mismatched clothes, Tuesday, November 18, students wear their favorite sports
clothing, Wednesday, November 19, Student Ambassador Club will host a breakfast for
the Bus Drivers in our district. All Glenwood students can thank their bus driver today.
November 20, Throw Forward Thursday, dress what you want to be when you grow-up
and Friday, November 21, Open House and Glenwood Spirit Day, wear your Glenwood
items or any green and white clothing.
INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Veterans Wall
Indian Lane students and staff honor Veterans with a visual reminder of the friends and
family who serve or served our country. Names of family and friends shine brightly and
proudly from the decorated stars showcased in the main lobby of Indian Lane Elementary
School.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students work on fine motor skills with cutting, stringing beads, drawing and
writing capital letters. In math, they learn many things such as recognizing and writing
numbers, counting, patterns, and calendar routines. Students read at their just right level
at school. At home, they practice popcorn words. They are learning poems and reading
them for Shared Reading. Kindergarten students practice retelling the beginning, middle,
and end of a story in reading workshop.
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First Grade
In Reading Workshop, first graders learn that part of previewing a book means looking at
the cover and the pictures and making a “movie in our mind” about what the story may be
about. Students learn that sometimes they have to change their movie as they read the
book. In Writing Workshop, first grade students learn how to bring their stories to life by
making their characters move, feel, think, and speak. Two of the first grade classes go to
the Science Lab to work on the science unit of Balancing and Weighing. Scientists
conduct experiments on balancing objects using weights and fulcrums. The other two
classes work on the social studies unit titled Schools of Long Ago where the students
learned that schools today look much different from the schools of the past.
Second Grade
Second grade readers engage in Book Clubs as part of the Reader’s Workshop
approach. Each group identifies three topic areas on which to focus their reading and
learning. Each group visits the library to assist their research efforts. The children
discover that various texts can sometimes offer conflicting information. A strong reader
evaluates the information and makes a decision based upon the validity of each. In
Writing Workshop, students continue to write in powerful ways, based upon the “writing
moves” emulated from our mentor authors. After identifying powerful writing techniques,
the children rush off to find where they can try out some of these moves in their own
writing. Some of these moves include comparisons, using the senses and using actions to
convey feelings. Second grade students take a walking tour of Media as part of their
social studies unit on communities. Using maps of Media, chaperones and students visit
the following destinations: The Media Theater, the Delaware County Science Museum,
the Media Police Station, and 10,000 Villages. business. They learn about what “fair
trade” is and how fortunate we are to be part of a community that honors this concept and
process.
Third Grade
Third grader writers publish personal narratives in Writer's Workshop. Students enjoy the
exciting accomplishment of a published piece of writing. In Reader's Workshop, students
continue to develop reading partnerships by conversing about the texts, role-playing
scenes from our stories, and discussing their feelings when they put themselves into the
shoes of their characters. For Word Study, students switch classes to target instruction
and meet the needs of each learner through instruction, word sorts, and games. In Math,
students count and add money and focus on place value concepts.
Fourth Grade
Fourth grade readers delve into Navigating Nonfiction by determining the importance of
their reading and synthesizing. When students pay attention to the texts’ underlying
structures, then they can more easily take in, synthesize, learn from, and respond to large
swaths of nonfiction texts. Scientists in fourth grade use microscopes to view various
microscopic living organisms. Students see the characteristics of small creatures such as
blepharisma and vinegar eels. Mathematicians collect data and learn more about the
structure of pumpkins as part of the annual Pumpkin Day. In groups, students weigh,
measure, count creases and number of seeds for three sizes of pumpkins to compare
data. Bar graphs, line plot and pictographs display the compiled data from the classes.
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Fifth Grade
In Reader’s Workshop, students compare and contrast expository non-fiction and
narrative non-fiction. Students examine text features and structures to find main idea and
supporting detail. In Writer’s Workshop, students use timelines and attend closely to
geography of a location in order to write about moments in history. In Investigations
math, students apply algebraic thinking in adding and subtracting to solve “Stadium
Problems”. In Social Studies, students begin to look at specific groups of Native
Americans and where they chose to settle.
Art
First graders learn about still life drawings and cast shadows. They give unity to their still
life drawings through outlining their fruit shapes and they add watercolor to their paintings.
Second grade artists render drawings of folk art animal images and apply patterns while
studying Mexico. Third graders review Egyptian gods and create Egyptian profiles using
multiple media. Fourth graders create images of Blue Dog in honor of George Rodrigue
using analogous colors. Fifth graders review the five reasons artists create: functional,
ceremonial, realism, ornamental and expressive.
Physical Education
First and second grade students continue tag game progressions as well as units on
throwing and catching and hula-hoop activities. Third through fifth grade students engage
in soccer, football, and tennis units. Third graders and fourth graders practice their
school-safe soccer skills. Third graders continue Frisbee activities and field hockey, too.
Library
Students in kindergarten through second grade enjoy seasonal fiction and non-fiction
read alouds in class. Third through fifth grade students learn more about non-fiction text
features to support the non-fiction units happening in reading workshop.
Music
First grade musicians celebrate music with apple songs and games. Second grade
students engage in cross-curricular activities by learning Native American songs and
dances. Third grade students use sign language in music. Fourth grade students learn
new recorder notes and fifth grade students practice more part singing.
American Education Week
Parent visitation is scheduled at a different time every day. November 17, Movement
Monday - activities will include move and groove with movement activities throughout the
day including impromptu dance parties and Bobcat sightings. November 18, Teammate
Tuesday – students and staff will wear their favorite team logo and go the extra mile to
include someone new at their lunch table, in a recess game or on the seat next to them
on the school bus. November 19, Wise Wednesday – students and staff share their
wisdom and bring an interesting fact, book or item to share with their class. November
20, Thankful Thursday – students and staff demonstrate thanks to other members of the
community with a kind note, friendly smile or thoughtful words. November 21, Fun Friday
– students and staff celebrate Indian Lane Bobcat Pride Day. They will dress in their
favorite Indian Lane gear and sport purple, green and Bobcat paw prints.
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MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten Visit and Visitors!
Kindergarten visited Milky Way Farm and applied their knowledge of the five senses as
they explored a working dairy farm. Grandparents visited the classroom on Grandparent’s
Day and enjoyed seeing how much five and six year olds CAN do! Reading, graphing and
writing were areas that our special friends said they were not introduced to until they were
much older.
First Grade Mathematicians, Scientists, and Writers!
First grade has been busy during the month of October. Throughout the past few weeks,
students have completed a geometry unit in math. During this unit, the students explored
characteristics and attributes of different shapes. For example, students learned that
triangles must have three straight sides and three vertices. They also explored various
quadrilaterals and other closed shapes. As a culminating activity, students will create a
class quilt using various shapes and patterns.
Also this month, students researched owls in science. Students deepened their research
skills by creating an owl fact book. As a culmination of our owl unit, they dissected owl
pellets, designed a lifelike owl puppet, and created an owl math story problem. Our study
of owls has also become a part of our information writing unit; the students wrote a
nonfiction piece describing what owls eat, where they live, and why owls are an important
part of nature.
Second Grade Develops Community!
Second Grade has been very busy preparing for Community Day. We have been
learning about communities and the people in them. Our walking tour of Media was a
success with each student using his/her map skills to find and mark places on the map.
Each class has prepared a three-dimensional town and has elected mayors for the
classroom community. Community Day will be held at Media Elementary School on
November 13, 2014 at 9:15 and will be followed with a Parent Showcase for the students.
Second grades recently participated in their first Seed to Snack presentation. Students
got to taste, describe and comment on different varieties of locally grown lettuce, spinach,
arugula and green lettuce. At the end of the session, a salad was prepared using each
lettuce type and tossed with a balsamic dressing. The students enjoyed this tasty, healthy
treat! We consider ourselves very fortunate to once again have the opportunity to
participate in monthly Seed to Snack presentations this year.
The Halloween parade was enjoyed by all with some very creative costumes. We are
looking forward to publishing our stories and sharing them in Writing Workshop.
Third Grade Scientists
Third grade students at Media Elementary School have worked at examining electrical
circuits in science. They explored conductors and insulators both at home and in the
classroom. Students critiqued various types of circuits to determine which types are most
efficient (think of Christmas tree lights where a whole strand goes dark because of just
one bulb). Students wrapped up the unit by expanding their circuits into electromagnets
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that served as telegraphs. Students had a great time using Morse code to communicate
and looking at the ways communication has changed through the years.
Fourth Grade Historians
Fourth grade students recently joined the Delaware County Passport to History Program.
Docent Karen Confer presented an assembly to introduce the program to the students.
Each student received a passport and will participate in the program by visiting at least
five historic sites in Delaware County during the school year. We are looking forward to
visiting Tyler Arboretum in November, later in the year walking to the Minshall House, the
Delaware County Institute of Science, the Delaware County Court House, and the
Veteran’s Museum. Many other visits will be made by students and their families outside
of school.
Fifth Grade Takes on the American Revolution!
Fifth grade students recently completed their second published writing pieces, personal
narratives, of the school year.
We have embarked on a new writing unit, which is
focused on having the students prepare research papers on the American Revolution.
This unit of writing emphasizes higher-level thinking skills, the craft of writing, and writing
structure. We continue to use the Confer apps during our reading and writing workshops,
which help us to differentiate our reading and writing instruction by pinpointing individual
goals for students.
Art is Alive and Well!
Fifth Grade: Students in fifth grade observed the wearing blankets and weavings of the
Navajo Native Americans as part of their study of the reasons why art is created. They
learned how the weavings have both ceremonial and functional purposes for the Navajo
people. Using inspiration from the geometric shapes and symmetrical designs seen on
the Navajo’s works, students created their own weavings on cardboard looms.
Fourth Grade: Students in fourth grade created projects reminiscent of Colonial tin ware
after learning about the Thomas Minshall House, the oldest house in Media. The pierced
aluminum projects incorporated symmetry and designs seen in Colonial crafts of fruit,
birds, and flowers. The children’s projects will be displayed at the Minshall House during
the December holidays as part of any on-going tradition that takes place every two years
between Media Elementary and the Minshall House.
Third Grade: Students in third grade continued their study of the history of Western Art by
examining the art of ancient Egypt. They learned how to write their names using
hieroglyphics and created a portrait of a god or goddess showing a profile view.
Second Grade: Students in second grade studied Oaxacan animal sculptures from
Mexico as part of their study of art from around the world. They learned about patterns
when creating brightly colored paintings of animals.
First Grade: First graders learned about the subject matter of still life. They created a still
life of fruit in a bowl while developing fundamental skills involving painting, cutting, gluing,
and drawing.
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Library News
On November 10, Mrs. Matusow attended a Caldecott Medal forum, at Friends Central
School. The panelists were Caldecott winners all: David Wiesner (Tuesday, The Three
Pigs and Flotsum), Chris Van Allsburg (Jumanji,The Polar Express and The Garden of
Abdul Gasaz), and Brian Selznick (The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, The Invention
of Hugo Cabret and When Marian Sang).
The discussion centered on their training at The Rhode Island School of Design, their
choice to center their careers on authorship and illustration- after pursuing other artistic
paths- their passion for the art of the book, and the artists that continue to influence them.
The audience, which consisted of teachers, librarians, and students, had the opportunity
to ask questions, meet the authors and have their books signed.
Physical Education
The students have identified and used principles of exercise to improve movement and
fitness activities. They have been sharing and describing the relationship between
practice and skill development. The students recognized and applied game strategies to
basic games and physical activities such as the “give and go,” “one on one,” and peer
communication.
American Education Week
American Education Week is an opportunity for all Americans to celebrate public
education and recognize and honor those individuals who make a difference by ensuring
that every child receives a quality education. This year’s theme is Raise Your Hand for
Student Success. Media Elementary School is proud to share this special week with you.
Monday, November 17-Friday, November 21: MES Book Fair. Monday, November 17:
MES Book Fair Evening for Families. Wednesday, November 19: Parent Visitation Day.
AM K and Grades 1-3: 9:30-10:30 AM. Coffee and Conversation with the Principal: 10:3011:15 AM. PM K and Grades 4-5: 1:45-2:45 PM. Coffee and Conversation with the
Principal: 2:45-3:15 PM. Friday, November 21: Spirit Day (Wear Your School Colors!)
ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Kindergarteners are continuing on their quest of becoming Readers. The students are
learning how to identify characters as well as describe the plot of a story. They’re using
their five-finger retell to help remember the most important parts of the story. In Math, the
students are learning how to count and identify objects with one-to-one correspondence.
They’re also learning about counting strategies and how to compare numbers.
Kindergartners are also learning different letter sounds, practicing forming capital letters,
and identifying social skills that help everyone cooperate in the classroom.
First Grade
First grade students have been building a toolbox of strategies for “Tricky Words.” They
are persevering and learning how to try more than one strategy if the first one isn't helpful!
The students are beginning their science unit on animal classification - a favorite first
grader topic! They are also going to start writing non-fiction stories, and will have an
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opportunity to be an expert on a topic! Parents have enjoyed visiting classrooms where
they were entertained to Thanksgiving poems and songs!
Second Grade
Second grade students experienced a "soft and cuddly" history lesson on Theodore
Roosevelt Day. The students brought their favorite teddy bear to school for the day.
They rotated in mixed groups to participate in literature, math and history activities to
learn about President Roosevelt's life and celebrate his October 27 birthday and the
creation of the teddy bear in his honor.
Third Grade
In early November, third grade students focused their reading on understanding character
development across a book series, identifying character traits, and recognizing themes.
Students are now working towards understanding the key concepts of nonfiction reading.
Identifying main idea, supporting details, and using evidence from the text to support
their writing responses. As writers, the students are focused on informational writing and
building the foundational skills needed to teach their readers factual information about a
topic. Third grade students are rotating through three different science units - the Solar
System, Magnetism and Electricity, as well as Land and Water. Both students and
teachers are enjoying the hands-on experiential learning that the units offer.
Fourth Grade
Fourth grade students have been practicing their geography and map skills in Social
Studies classes. In addition to applying basic map skills such as cardinal and intermediate
directions, they have also practiced interpreting elevation, annual rainfall and population
density maps. As an extension activity, the students turned pumpkins into globes. This
project allowed the students to make a little bit of a mess, and have a lot of fun while
reinforcing their knowledge of the continents, oceans, and lines of longitude and latitude.
Fifth Grade
Fifth Grade students enjoyed an interactive field trip to historic Chadds Ford earlier this
month. They spent the day experiencing household life as it was during the Revolutionary
Period of our country’s history. The tour began with a tour of the Barnes-Brinton Tavern,
where students learned about life in the tavern and were treated to the hands-on
experience of weaving tape. The students then traveled to John Chads House and
Springhouse, where students learned about colonial life habits and education in the oneroom schoolhouse. After the tour, students molded clay marbles and stitched pouches to
store them. Upon return to the classroom, students competed in a colonial marbles
tournament. A great time was had by all.
Art
The Rose Gallery at Rose Tree Elementary celebrated its first Artist Reception for the
2014-2015 school year. Students in grades one through five shared their descriptions of
how they created their artworks as appreciative parents and friends listened and watched
from the audience. Snacks were enjoyed as photos were taken of artists with their
artworks. The artworks will remain on display for two months before the next Artist
Reception.
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Music
In the general music classroom, first grade students continued identifying and performing
steady beat with body percussion and instruments. They also learned their first two music
notes - the quarter note and quarter note rest. The students did activities relating to
Thanksgiving in recognizing what they are thankful for and performing in a round. Second
grade students discovered American Indian cultures through the use of instruments. An
art and music collaboration resulted in students designing and making a traditional drum
that was then used to perform during music class. The students learned how the tribes
decorated their instruments and the significance to the different cultures. Third grade
students continued identifying the fundamentals of musical notation in preparation for
playing the recorder. The students also composed music pieces and using Pow Toons,
an interactive story illustrator, brought their compositions to life. Students were also able
to record their own voices narrating their stories and performing on the instruments that
related to their characters. Fourth and fifth grade students continued to make progress in
playing the recorder. Fourth grade learned all about Ludwig Van Beethoven. They
experienced what it was like to be deaf but still compose music through visual aides and
vibrations. Fifth grade continued rehearsing selections for their winter concert. The
students identified and performed the subdivisions of rhythms, vowel color in singing, and
performing in the Hebrew language.
Band
Fifth grade band students at Rose Tree and Indian Lane have learned a modern version
of a popular classical favorite. The song “Joyful Rock,” arranged by Scott Watson, gives
Beethoven’s 9th symphony a modern rock feel with shout chorus interludes.
Fourth grade band students have recently begun to put all of their newly acquired skills
into practice by learning how to play “Hot Cross Buns.” The acquired skills include:
instrument assembly; breath control; stick control; posture; playing position; embouchure;
fingerings; note reading; and performing in a steady tempo with others.
Library
Third, fourth and fifth grade students demonstrated the ability to locate fiction titles using
the Online Destiny Catalog and locating those books on the library shelf. These students
also demonstrated the ability to locate fiction titles using subject topics in the Destiny
Catalog and locating those books on the library shelf. Kindergarten, first and second
grade students are learning to compare and contrast fiction and non-fiction books.
Guidance
November brings Student Council to Rose Tree Elementary School. Student Council is
co-facilitated by Mrs. Jean McPheeters, Guidance Counselor and Dr. Meg Barney, Art
teacher. Talk of running for Student Council began at the end of October when students
in grades 3,4 and 5 learned what would be involved in being a Student Council
representative for their class. After seeking parent permission to run, interested students
wrote a speech and presented it in class for their classmates. Elections were held on
November 5 and each class voted in one boy and one girl representative. Student
Council members will be leaders in the school as they seek to represent the concerns of
their classmates. This year, they will also be helping to coordinate our "High Five" tickets
that is part of our School-wide Positive Behavior Support System. Students can earn
"High Five" tickets for being Ready, Respectful and Responsible. Every ten tickets
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earned are traded in for a "High Five" charm. Student Council members will be working
to coordinate this exchange. Everyone is very excited to have both programs off and
running.
Physical Education
During the month of November, first and second grade students completed their work on
tagging and dodging skills, and practiced rolling, underhand and overhand throwing, and
catching. Third and fourth grade students focused on soccer skills such as dribbling,
passing, trapping, kicking and shooting. They practiced skills for maintaining possession
of the ball and strategies for offense and defense. Fifth grade students focused on
football skills such as carrying, running, dodging, throwing, catching, and snapping. They
also practiced skills for maintaining possession of the ball and strategies for offense and
defense.
Gifted
Fifth grade AGP students are currently writing screenplays and creating storyboards for a
district-wide logic puzzle television show. Fourth grade AGP students are currently
evaluating Sir Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion and how they apply to everyday situations.
Third grade AGP students are currently finishing up their Advertise Yourself Unit of Study.
The students analyzed what makes them unique and created commercials.
American Education Week
Tuesday, November 18 - Kindergarten: Feel free to join an Interactive Read Aloud with
some fun follow-up activities - AM Kindergarten 10:10 – 10:40 AM : PM Kindergarten
1:10 – 1:40 PM. First Grade (Allen): Please feel free to drop in on Art class 1:45 –
2:35PM. Third Grade (Maguire): Enjoy a “Seed to Snack” presentation 12:45 – 1:30 PM.
Third Grade (Hartert and Smith): Enjoy a “Seed to Snack” presentation 1:30 – 2:15 PM.
Wednesday, November 19 - First Grade (Johnson): Please feel free to drop in on Art
class 1:45 – 2:35PM. Grade 2: Enjoy interacting with your child during Math 12:45-1:45
PM. Thursday, November 20 - All classrooms will have visitation times today. Please note
that they are different for each grade level. Please join us for Thanksgiving lunch!
Kindergarten: AM Kindergarten 9:30 – 10:30 AM and PM Kindergarten 1:30 – 2:30 PM
First Grade: 10:15 – 11:00 (LA); 11:00 – 11:20 Thanksgiving Sing Along; Lunch 11:20 –
11:50 AM. First Grade (Thompson): Please feel free to drop in on Art class 1:45 – 2:35
PM. Second Grade: 9:30 – 10:50 (LA); 10:50 – 11:20 (Lunch); 11:20 – 11:40 AM
(Recess) Third Grade:
10:15 – 11:05 (LA); 11:05 – 11:55 (Encore); 11:50 – 12:20
(Lunch); 12:20 – 12:40 PM (Recess) Fourth Grade: 11:05 – 11:55 (CE); 11:55 – 12:50
(LA); 12:50 – 1:20 (Lunch); 1:20 – 1:40 PM (Recess) Fifth Grade: 11:05 – 12:20 (LA);
12:20 – 12:50 (Lunch); 12:55 – 1:45 PM (Encore). Friday, November 21 - Fifth Grade:
1:45 – 2:30 PM (Writing).
SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
The following Students of the Month for the month of November were honored at a
breakfast November 20, with their parents and teachers: Team 6-1: Jake Kearney and
Keegan Bradley; Team 6-2: Sarah Ahlgren and Jackson Schweitzer; Team 6-3: Gabrielle
DiAntonio and Connor Meek; Team 7-1: Candido Dalton-Negron and Lindsay Allison;
Team 7-2: Jason Fliegelman and Yu Pan; Team 7-3: Samuel Elfenbein and Nicole
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Torrillo; Team 8-1: Kiersten Busch and Joshua Dunn; Team 8-2: Harrison Layne and
Morgan King; Team 8-3: Sophia Shayeghi and Martin Holahan.
American Education Week
Please join us for a celebration of public education and experience a sampling of what
makes our school an incredible place for kids to learn, grow and shine. Monday,
November 17, Rachel’s Challenge comes to Springton Lake, Tuesday, November 18,
Parent Visitation Day for Grades 7 and 8, Wednesday, November 19, 42nd Annual Turkey
Trot from 3:05 to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, November 20, Spartan Students of the Month
Breakfast and Friday, November 21, Parent Visitation Day for Grade 6 and a traditional
Thanksgiving feast during lunch period.
Art
The district art department spent our in-service touring Brandywine River Museum to see
the Landscapes of American artist, Charles Burchfield. A private tour was given with
plenty of useful information! Each grade instructs with the elements of art and principles
of design. Burchfield's paintings explore landscape, the element of space, depth on a two
dimensional surface and unusual use of water color as the medium.
Ms. Sycz’ grade eight students have completed and mounted their design projects which
incorporate the principles of balance, planned pattern, contrast and emphasis. Afterward
students completed a worksheet, which strengthens the main concepts and vocabulary
used in the design project. Most grade eight students have viewed and discussed the
concepts that they studied in their own design projects to the works of art of well-known
contemporary artists. Finally, most students have written their observations of the
composition of Leonard da Vinci's painting "The Last Supper.” Grade seven have begun
to finish applying color to their portraits demonstrating their understanding how even color
can support the sense of space in an artwork as well as making the piece more attractive.
Students are combining regular colored pencil with water soluble pencils. Grade six
students have completed applying oil pastel to their leaf compositions having continued to
use the principles of design as a guide. All work has been mounted. Students have also
reviewed and written the main concepts and vocabulary used in this unit of study. With
this review, students have been able to confidently use these words and their
understanding of design to look at works of art and write an analysis of Joseph Raffael's
painting "Koi Fish.”
Mrs. Going's sixth grades are working directly with landscape and the use of water colors
as a medium as they add color to their Chinese Zodiac paintings. Slides of Burchfield's
work are shown to enhance the understanding of the horizon line and placement of
subject, middle and background to show depth and distance! Seventh grades begin the
tackling of "The Art of the Fish" with their ceramic unit. Students explore numerous artists’
use of "fish" as their subject, especially architect/ sculpture, Canadian artist, Frank Gehry!
Students will construct a form of a fish in motion! Eighth grades move to discover the art
of the Middle Ages and Renaissance period, also studied in their Social Studies
curriculum. Students will create an original Illuminated Manuscript based on the artists
and monks of the Medieval period and well as construct sculptures based on
Renaissance proportioning and the "new way” to approach the human figure. History, UTube videos, Discovery Education clips and more will enhance the planning and final
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constructions from students. An analysis of the work of Michelangelo, Master sculptor will
begin and conclude the unit!
Mrs. Prior’s sixth graders are focusing on colored pencil rendering techniques such as
tonal, hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and scrumbling to create various values and
textures on their drawings. After completing a reading assignment about color and value,
students are applying their knowledge of color schemes to their art. Students are
choosing monochromatic, complementary, or analogous colors schemes and a range of
values to make their forms look even more dimensional. Eighth graders are observing
light and shade in the photographs of their scenes and using colored pencils to create the
various colors and values on their drawings.
Core Extension
In November, the Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum classes finished up their
first marking period portfolios. Work samples from the first marking period, the completed
rubric/checklist of skills, and the Learning Log went home for the parents/guardians to
review. The focus for the second marking period is on informational writing and effective
researching. Sixth grade students chose a teen activist to study; seventh grade students
chose to study either an atomic or electrical scientist; and eighth grade students chose to
study, a world leader, a mathematician, or a novelist. Each student uses a Writer’s
Notebook to track his or her progress and to research effectively.
Guidance
All sixth grades students were taught a lesson about support systems. Each student
identified adults and peers at home and at school that they could go to for help if they
need it. Since they are also part of their classmates’ support systems, Mrs. Griffin
discussed the importance of reporting concerns about other students to adults who can
help. STAR, bully reporting and Friend Watch were explained. Students were encouraged
to ask for help after trying to solve problems on their own. Smart people ask for help!
Language Arts
In sixth grade Language Arts, students continued their path in the personal narrative
writing unit and moved from generating ideas for stories to developing engaging leads,
finding ways to add deeper meaning to their stories, elaborating and adding important
scenes, and using resources to aid with final revisions and editing. Students closely
studied “Everything Will Be Okay” by James Howe to notice what the author did in his
writing that they could try in theirs.
As readers, SLMS sixth grade students embarked on a Character Study unit. Using
stories from The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez as anchor texts, students read selfselected texts purposefully to learn life lessons from literature, especially by paying
attention to the complexity of characters: to characters’ external and internal selves, to
differences in perspective and motivation in a story, and to lessons characters learn (or
should learn but don’t).
In November, seventh grade students delved into the new Units of Study program for
writing. They began the unit by learning how authors write stories using small moments
from their own lives. They read short stories that were inspired by this technique. The
School Reports
13
November 20, 2014
students then took their own small life moment and transformed it into a piece of wellwritten realistic fiction. To support their writing, seventh grade language arts students read realistic fiction novels
and discussed their reading once a week in the classroom. At the end of the month, our
seventh graders used the Literary Text Analysis framework to analyze the elements of
literature in their book.
Eighth grade Language Arts students are writing a memoir about an important event in
their lives. They are learning how to map out their ideas, plot them on a diagram, lend
personal voice to their writing, develop dialogue, and enhance their writing through the
use of author's craft. To assist them with this task, students are reading narrative
nonfiction novels for their independent reading and monitoring their progress.
After Thanksgiving, eighth graders will begin a historical fiction reading unit focused on
The Diary Of Anne Frank which will lead into our historical fiction book clubs.
Library
Personal memoirs, nonfiction narratives, and realistic fiction seemed to be the flavor of
the month for November, and book talks on these genres were presented in support of
these themes. New books continued to be promoted as well, given the large number of
new and continuing series titles that arrived this summer. The library promoted National
French Week with a display of books, highlighting French-speaking countries and their
customs and cultures. Attention now turns to the Book Fair, a hugely popular event, which
will be held in the library and will run throughout American Education Week. There will be
evening hours so that parents and families have an opportunity to stop by if they so
desire, and as always, there will be a wide array of book titles to accommodate a variety
of needs and interests.
Math
Geometry students completed their first quarter of the year by solidifying relationships
between certain types of angle pairs. Some of these have congruent relationships while
others have supplementary/complementary relationships. Students explore some of their
first geometric constructions as they begin to explore the next chapters with triangles and
their properties.
Our Algebra I students are continuing in Chapter 3 that involves solving linear equations
in one variable. We are finishing Chapter 3 with a review of ratios, rates, and
proportions—in preparation of our next chapter of study that deals with linear equations in
two variables. Our next chapter deals with writing and graphing linear equations.
Our eighth grade math students are continuing their practice of linear relationships. They
are following steps to solve for the solution in one variable. Students are solving one-,
two-, and multi-step equations. These problems are “fool-proof” meaning that if time is
taken to check their solutions, they could get them all right. Investigation 4 moves back to
our dealings with rate and y-intercept. Students will be solving for the slope (rate) and yintercept given points in a table or on a graph.
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November 20, 2014
The students in the Seventh Grade Connected Math Program are currently working on
Variables and Patterns. This unit is focusing on identifying variables, describing patterns
of change shown in tables and graphs, constructing tables and graphs to display
relationships between variables, using algebraic symbols to write equations relating
variables, and using tables, graphs, and equations to solve problems. The next unit of
focus in seventh grade math is Moving Straight Ahead. This unit will continue to focus on
algebraic concepts of linear relationships and solving linear relationships.
Sixth grade students studied exponents and order of operations. To introduce exponents,
students read and solved a poem entitled St. Ives. Students enjoyed creating their own
St. Ives poem and then swapped and solved one another’s poems.
Students in sixth grade Accelerated Math studied integer operations and order of
operations. To culminate our study of integer operations, students created their own set of
Who Has cards. Students have thoroughly enjoyed playing one another’s Who Has cards.
Next month, all sixth grade students are studying algebraic expressions. They will be
focusing on identifying parts of an expression (terms, variables, coefficients, constants),
simplifying expressions by combining like terms, and using substitution.
Music
On November 21, the Seventh and Eighth Grade Select Choir under the direction of Mr.
Joseph Fisher will be performing the Star Spangled Banner at the Philadelphia 76ers
game against the Phoenix Suns.
Physical Education
In October the physical education department continued to have classes go through their
first six sessions of swimming. Sixth grade was introduced to achieving levels one and
two of the American Red Cross guidelines, while seventh and eighth grade classes
focused on achieving levels three through six. Testing occurred in all three grade levels
to best place students in the water developmentally.
Sixth grade students experienced cooperative activities while not in the pool. These
activities provided opportunities for students to work on communication, cooperation,
problem solving, respect and team building skills. Students were posed with problems
that the group had to solve. These activities provided both the students and the teacher
insight into how the dynamics of the group worked when posed with a challenge.
Students also had a chance to review the process of how they came up with the
solutions they attempted. Finally, students learned how the concepts learned in this unit
can translate into skills needed in everyday life situations, both now and their future
endeavors.
Seventh and eighth grade male classes participated in the mountain biking unit. Students
In both grades learned how to ride the bike if they did not previously know how to or had
prior difficulties. Classes followed Pennsylvania State bilking standards in terms of rules
of the road, safety and signals. Students also learned basic bike maintenance skills for
both the school bikes and the ones they use at home.
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November 20, 2014
Seventh and eighth grade female classes participated in net games. Students learned
basic techniques of net games such as badminton and tennis. In addition to techniques,
students learned basic strategic techniques to better enhance both gameplay and overall
physical movement.
Finally, students finished off the month by completing the first of several reflective writing
pieces. Students used their physical fitness test scores to come up with a process of
setting goals and achieving them throughout the school year. Students have provided
good responses thus far and the department is looking forward to seeing how students
not only view how they did but how they will construct a process of either maintaining or
improving their overall fitness.
Science
In sixth grade science, cells were introduced and students viewed a plant cell (elodea)
and an animal cell (human cheek cell) under a microscope. Students were able to
compare and contrast plant and animal cells. Students learned about how cancer
spreads and cancer treatments that are available to patients.
Current electricity is the flow of electrons. This concept was explored in the seventh grade
science curriculum. Simple circuits were constructed using batteries, switches, test leads,
light bulbs, motors, and voltmeters. The students collected data based on the strength of
their batteries. This lays the foundation to more complex circuit building.
In eighth grade science, students finished the mass, volume, and density unit in early
November. We started the next unit on States of Matter. Students described the
characteristics of a solid, liquid, and gas on a molecular level. Our class discovered many
of these characteristics through hand-on activities while also reading the textbooks. They
also learned what happens to a substance during changes between states and how
energy is gained/lost during the changes. Students then focused specifically on the
unique behavior of gases, learning Boyle’s and Charles’s Law.
Social Studies
Sixth grade students have been learning about European geography, the rise of Hitler,
and the causes of World War II in preparation for the study of the Holocaust and World
War II in Europe. In conjunction with the study of the historical concepts, the students
have been working on reading, vocabulary, and note-taking skills. In addition, the gifted
social studies class has been working with the gifted language arts class to design,
create, and edit a music video about geographic concepts.
The Seventh grade students are studying the Bill of Rights and completing a project on
court cases related to the rights.
Eighth Grade Social Studies is studying ancient Mesopotamia. Students have been
studying and analyzing the empires of Mesopotamia. A comparative study was done on
the Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Neo-Babylonian Empires. Students recently
completed a project with multiple options. Students could make ancient artifacts or fossils
from Mesopotamia or replicas of Babylon's Hanging Gardens, while others wrote papers
on the importance of scientific advancements in understanding history.
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November 20, 2014
Special Education
In Mrs. Kusheba’s sixth grade, Core Extension-Resource period, students participated in
the Executive Functions curriculum. Lessons were designed to improve study skills
allowing students to self-assess their progress in regards to following directions,
preparing for different reading and writing assignments, using a variety of memory
strategies, organizing information, and preparing for tests. We also continue to work on
managing materials, putting work in correct folders and checking HAC on a weekly basis.
During Mrs. Kusheba’s sixth grade language arts class, students participated in various
models of instruction within the Read 180 Program, including teacher-facilitated
instruction, instructional technology, and modeled/independent reading. Each segment
was broken into 20 minute time periods. Workshop skills focus on four key areas:
comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and conventions. These skills were based on the
unit, “When Disaster Strikes” which includes informational text and narrative writing
pieces.
In Mrs. Krautzel’s seventh grade language arts class, we completed our unit on poetry.
The beginning of the unit consisted of learning and identifying different types of poetic
devices, including figurative language and sound devices. Students read and analyzed
many different types of poems by various authors. The month ended with a culminating
project in which students wrote a Halloween inspired Creature Poem. The students
illustrated the creature from their poem in secret. On October 31, the students presented
their poem orally to the class, while the other students tried to match the poem being read
with the correct picture hanging up in the classroom. Accompanying the poem and
illustration, students also completed a Justification analysis that identified and explain the
poetic devices that were used in the author's poem.
World Language
Exchange students from a High School in Avignon, France visited SLMS on October 22nd.
Activities were organized so our students in French classes as well as French club
members could interact. The French students were greeted by Mme Diaz’ Eighth
graders, giving them a chance to dialog in French and English. Then for the last period of
the day, Mme Diaz and Mme Hensley organized groups to play Quizzo games in the
cafeteria. Quizzo included questions related to French and American culture. The
students had fun learning and speaking together. From 3pm to 4pm, many SLMS
students chose to stay after-school in order to converse further with the French students.
They also played board games as well as created Halloween related craft. We really
enjoyed their visit, and the students’ feedback was very positive.
The Spanish students in all three grades recently celebrated Día de los muertos (Day of
the Dead), a holiday widely celebrated in Mexico and Mexican-American communities in
the United States. Sixth grade students created brochures related to the festival, its food,
and its decorations. Seventh grade students viewed a video of how the festival is
celebrated in the town of Oaxaca. Some students chose to color a José Posada skeleton
figure for display in the classroom. The eighth grade students participated in several
learning stations. They read articles, created artwork for display in the classrooms and
hallways, and completed an internet WebQuest. In the near future, the seventh grade
students will be completing “A Day at Springton Lake” presentations, and the eighth grade
students will be completing family tree presentations.
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17
November 20, 2014
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
Science Department News
The Penncrest Envirothon program was honored this month by the Chester Ridley Crum
Watershed Association. Penncrest received the Organizational Stewardship Award for its
work in developing citizens who have an understanding of natural resources, and
maintaining a balance between the quality of life and the quality of the environment.
Penncrest Envirothon was also recognized for its accomplishment of 21 consecutive
county titles, ten state championships, and three North American championships.
Music Department News
The Penncrest Roaring Lions Marching Band captured the Tournament of Bands Atlantic
Coast Championship in Group 4-A competition recently. The band, along with Director
Craig Snyder would like to thank the band parents, as well as Penncrest and District
administration for their support throughout the season.
World Language News
National French Week at Penncrest High School: The French department hosted several
activities to promote French and French-speaking countries. The week kicked off with a
presentation about travel to Senegal, Africa by senior Riley George. During lunch
periods, Riley shared photos and stories about his summer 2014 Phyllis Kavanaugh
scholarship adventure. On Tuesday after school, Penncrest students were invited to
watch the film Marie Antoinette. Wednesday evening, staff members and students dined
at Marrakesh restaurant in Philadelphia and experienced a traditional, six-course
Moroccan meal complete with couscous and baklava. Thursday afternoon, Penncrest
students joined with Springton Lake Middle School students for a pétanque tournament
(the French version of bocce ball). The week culminated with a French t-shirt day on
Friday. There was also a French trivia contest that ran the week.
World Language Honor Society members sold fair trade items as a way to raise
awareness of fair trade, as well as funds for the Phyllis Kavanaugh Scholarship. Fair
trade items included coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, wrapping paper, scarves, bath and
body items, housewares, and more.
World Language teachers from Springton Lake and Penncrest met for the afternoon
session of the November Inservice day. The workshop provided an opportunity for the
entire department to fine-tune vertical articulation, revisit goals for target language
instruction in the classroom, and share best practices.
Rose Tree Media Simon Youth Academy
Our school welcomed a new member to our staff this month, Ms. Darlene DeMarse. Ms.
DeMarse will serve as a special education teacher. Mr. Fuhr attended the PTG meeting
this month to provide an overview of the program and gave members of the PTG a tour of
the Rose Tree Media Simon Youth Academy. We will be celebrating our annual
Thanksgiving Luncheon this month and encouraging students to reflect on the good
things going on and discuss what they are thankful for in their lives.
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November 20, 2014
Biology students continue to explore the scientific method and inquiry through hands-on
experiments and demonstrations. Students will begin to investigate more introductory
biology concepts, such as organization and homeostasis. Tenth and eleventh grade
students wrote an essay for language arts, titled "Dream Car.” Students selected a
particular vehicle model with at least three features that they would like to have or design.
The class followed the steps in the writing process. Students used a writing rubric for
self-assessment for paragraph structure/organization, vocabulary, grammar, and spelling.
Readers Theatre
Penncrest's theatrical troupe, the Emanon Players, presented their annual fall production,
Readers Theater: Identity. The show was presented eight times to Penncrest students
and once for the community. Members of the International Thespian Society directed five
ten-minute scenes that all encompassed the common theme of identity. Scenes included:
The Great Gatsby, The Sword in the Stone, Alice in Wonderland, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr.
Hyde. ITS directors worked as actors in a scene called @Frank’sSteakHouse. Thirtythree students worked together to create what has been regarded by many as one of
Emanon's best Readers’ Theatre performances to date -- an impressive feat, considering
this is a 30+ year tradition!
National Honor Society Induction
Sixty-three new members were inducted into the Penncrest High School chapter of the
National Honor Society this year. English teacher Lisa Lobitz was selected by the current
members to address the students and share in their celebration. Our NHS officers did a
wonderful job welcoming their newest members.
The 2014-2015 NHS Officers are president, Jessica George; vice president, Antonella
DeCicci; secretary, Michaela Rhile; treasurer, Riley George; and historian, Lily Diefes.
Congratulations to all our inductees! Seniors: Brianna Davies, Erin Dougherty, Taryna
Hollinger, Raman Ishwar, William McCall, Christopher McCann, Alexander Messam,
Samuel Messer, Jaime Metzger, Nathan Reagle, April Summers and Mark Teamerson.
Juniors: Megan Abdul, Michael Arndt, Jacqueline Beausoleil, Andrew Bernstein, Cody
Bregande, Jason Campbell, Ava Chong, Michaela Combs, Louis Croquette, Tanner
Daggy, Samantha Daugherty, Allison Davis, Caitlin Davis, Jessica Davis, Diana Dunn,
Isabella Evangelista, Seth Fein, Alec Fishman, Kelly Flood, Victoria Fyfe, Vy-Linh Gale,
Megan Greer, Lea Hart, Rachel Hooker, Lauren Jackson, Ciara Kain, Megan Kitchin,
Hannah Laffend, Derek Leung, Kelly Long, Rudy Loper, Ryan McAvoy, Madeline McGee,
Sean McNally, Helena Mueller, Michael Murphy, Tamar Orens, Mrunalini Patil, Julia
Pearse, William Prakash, Justin Rosenberg, Daniel Rosenberger, Merritt Samuel,
Emmanual Sessegnon, Taylor Sharkey, Caroline Sisson, Marie Sminkey, Talia
Steinmetz, Samantha Taddei, Alexander Tumolo and Andrew Wilps.
American Education Week
Penncrest kicked off American Education week with the annual Senior Citizens Luncheon
where almost 300 senior citizens attended. Pride Tours are scheduled all week.
School Reports
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November 20, 2014
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS – EXECUTIVE SESSION
“In accordance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, executive sessions of the
School Board were held on the following dates to review and discuss matters
permitted under Section 8 of the Act.”
October 23, 2014
November 10, 2014
November 11, 2014
November 20, 2014
There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel
at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Legislative Session of December 18, 2014, at Penncrest
High School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
Presidential Announcement
1
October 20, 2014
X.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
b.
Professional
1.
Susan Cooper, Language Arts Teacher, Springton
Lake Middle School, resignation effective January 23,
2015.
2.
Alicia Mathisen, Math Teacher, Penncrest High
School, resignation, effective January 5, 2015.
Non-Instructional
1.
Arlene Silva, Bus
December 31, 2014.
Driver,
retirement
effective
Background
`
Ms. Silva joined the staff of Rose Tree Media School
District in 1994. She is retiring after 20 years of
dedicated service.
2.
Nominations
a.
X. New Business
Professional
1.
Darlene Demarse. (.4) Special Education Teacher
change of effective date to November 3, 2014. Ms.
Demarse is assigned to Penncrest High School,
Simon Youth Academy.
2.
Christiana Kuntz, PSAT Review Session Teacher at
the rate of $75.00 per session. Ms. Kuntz is assigned
to Penncrest High School.
3.
Alicia Mathisen, PSAT Review Session Teacher at
the rate of $75.00 per session. Ms. Mathisen is
assigned to Penncrest High School.
1
November 20, 2014
X.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
4.
b.
X. New Business
Kathleen Sandiford, Reading Specialist, effective
January 5, 2015 at the annual salary of $54, 191.00,
Master’s Degree/Step 6 pro-rated. Ms. Sandiford
received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from
Saint Joseph’s University. She comes to us from
Upper Darby School District where she serves as a
Reading Specialist. Ms. Sandiford is assigned to
Indian Lane Elementary replacing Judy DiMaio who
will be retiring. NOTE: MS. Sandiford is being hired
pending
completion
of
her
pre-employment
paperwork.
Non-Instructional
1.
Julia Pickett, Support Staff II, effective November 21,
2014 at the rate of $16.66 per hour. Ms. Pickett is
assigned to Penncrest High School. NOTE: Ms.
Pickett is being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
2.
Steve Collins, Custodian, effective November 21,
2014 at the rate of $17.62 per hour. Mr. Collins is
assigned to Penncrest High School replacing James
McCusker who resigned. NOTE: Mr. Collins is being
hired pending completion of his pre-employment
paperwork.
3.
Lisa Malara, Substitute Cafeteria Worker effective
September 23, 2014 at the rate of $10.98 per hour.
4.
Stephanie Beckett, Support Staff II, Personal
Instructional Assistant effective November 21, 2014 at
the rate of $16.66 per hour. Ms. Beckett is assigned
to Indian Lane Elementary. NOTE: Ms. Beckett is
being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
2
November 20, 2014
X.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
3.
Non-Instructional
5.
Kimberly Bostwick, Math Tutor for the 2014-2015
school year at the rate of $16.00 per hour. Ms.
Bostwick is assigned to Media Elementary. NOTE:
Ms. Bostwick is being hired pending completion of her
pre-employment paperwork.
6.
Kathryn McKeone, Support Staff II, Personal
Instructional Assistant, effective December 1, 2014, at
the rate of $15.78 per hour. Ms. McKeone is assigned
to Springton Lake Middle School. This is a new
position. NOTE: Ms. McKeone is being hired pending
completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
General
a.
Classification Change
1.
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
c.
X. New Business
Christine Cropper, from Substitute Cafeteria Worker
to Cafeteria Worker effective October 27, 2014 at the
rate of $11.54 per hour. Ms. Cropper is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
Amanda Slattery requests an unpaid leave of
absence effective January 26, 2015 through June 30,
2015 for the purpose of child rearing.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Rescind appointment of Andrew Radomicki as Boys
Assistant Freshman Basketball Coach for the 20142015 school year.
2.
Rescind appointment of Sarah Pettit as Girls
Assistant Freshman Basketball Coach for the 20142015 school year.
3
November 20, 2014
X.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
d.
Rescind Supplemental Contract
3.
Rescind appointment of Christa Consadene as Dance
Team Sponsor for the 2014-2015 school year.
4.
Rescind appointment of Stacy McMorrow as (.5) New
Teacher Mentor at Indian Lane Elementary.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Tiffany Wheeler, Indoor Drumline for the 2014-2015
school year at the annual salary of $1,450.00. Ms.
Wheeler is assigned to Penncrest High School.
NOTE: MS. Wheeler is being hired pending
completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
2.
Ryan Lewis, Intramural Sponsor for the 2014-2015
school year at the rate of $21.26 per hour. Mr. Lewis
is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
3.
Jeffrey Leahan, Intramural Sponsor for the 2014-2015
school year at the rate of $21.26 per hour. Mr. Leahan
is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
4.
Recommend Board approval of the following
Penncrest High School personnel to serve as Event
Chaperones at the rate of $55.00 per event:
Debbie Schnaars
Carolyn Fizzano
5.
X. New Business
Emily Plummer
Svitlana Duffy, Event Chaperone at the rate of $18.33
per hour. Ms. Duffy is assigned to Penncrest High
School.
4
November 20, 2014
X.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Supplemental Contracts
6.
Recommend Board approval for the following
personnel to serve as New Teacher Mentors for the
2014-2015 school year:
Jeffrey Davies
Candace Krautzel
Erin Schievert
Maureen Shields
7.
$1,160.00
$1,160.00
$1,160.00
$ 580.00
Recommend correction of Supplemental Contract
salaries for the following:
Phoebe Simmington .5 Mentor
Jean McPheeters
KIDS Club
X. New Business
$ 608.00
$1,384.00
8.
Andrew Radomicki, (.66) Boys Assistant Basketball
Coach at the annual salary of $2,966.70. Mr.
Radomicki is assigned to Penncrest High School.
9.
Sean Spratt, (.34) Boys Assistant Basketball Coach at
the annual salary of $1,528.30. Mr. Spratt is assigned
to Penncrest High School.
10.
Sarah Pettit, Girls Assistant Basketball Coach at the
annual salary of $4,495.00. Ms. Pettit is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
11.
Timothy Brown, Boys Freshman Assistant Basketball
Coach at the annual salary of $3,915.00. Mr. Brown is
assigned to Penncrest High School.
12.
Quahsim Gredic, Boys Assistant Basketball Coach at
the annual salary of $4,495.00. Mr. Gredic is assigned
to Penncrest High School.
13.
Rick Stroup, Girls Assistant Basket Ball Coach at the
annual salary of $4,495.00. Mr. Stroup is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
5
November 20, 2014
X.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
X. New Business
Supplemental Contracts
14.
Kristen Manderachi, (.5) Girls Freshman Assistant
Basketball Coach at the annual salary of $1,957.50.
Ms. Manderachi is assigned to Penncrest High
School.
15.
Eileen Hunger, (.5) Girls Freshman Assistant
Basketball Coach at the annual salary of $1957.50.
Ms. Hunger is assigned to Penncrest High School.
16.
Christa Consadene, (.5) Dance Team Sponsor at the
annual salary of $608.00. Ms. Consadene is assigned
to Penncrest High School.
17.
Lindsay Podsobinski, (.5) Dance Team Sponsor at the
annual salary of $580.00. Ms. Podsobinski is
assigned to Penncrest High School.
18.
Sharon Williams, Game worker for the 2014-2015
school year. Ms. Williams is assigned to Penncrest
High School.
19.
Melissa Finsterbusch, Game Worker for the 20142015 school year.
20.
Gina Lucente, Assistant Winter Cheerleading Coach
for the 2014-2015 school year at the annual salary of
$2,755.00. Ms. Lucente is assigned to Penncrest High
School. NOTE: Ms. Lucente is being hired pending
completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
21.
Sean Graham, (.8) Assistant Wrestling Coach for the
2014-2015 school year only at the annual salary of
$3,596.00. Mr. Graham is assigned to Penncrest High
School.
6
November 20, 2014
X.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
e.
Create New Position
1.
Recommend Board approval to create a new (.8)
Assistant Wrestling Coach at Penncrest High School
for the 2014-2015 school year only.
Background
Due to high participation this school year, an
additional coach is required.
3.
General
f.
Other
1.
3.
X. New Business
Resolve the Board of School Directors approve an
annual performance bonus in the amount of $10,000
for Superintendent James M. Wigo, Sr. for the 20132014 school year. The bonus is being awarded in
accordance with Mr. Wigo's contract.
Resolve the Board of School Directors approve the contract
between the Rose Tree Media School District and James M. Wigo,
Sr., Superintendent of Schools, for the period July 1, 2015 through
June 30, 2020. Attachment A
7
November 20, 2014
X.
New Business
B.
Rose Tree Media Comprehensive Plan for 2015-2018
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Rose Tree Media
Comprehensive Plan for 2015-2018.
Background
Chapter 4 regulations no longer require the submission of a strategic plan.
Instead, they require the submission of five reports, which have been
presented in a separate resolution for Board approval. The district has
gone above and beyond the required reports by crafting a Comprehensive
Plan for 2015-2018 with Goals, Strategies, Implementation Steps,
Indicators of Effectiveness, and a Timeline. This Plan was created
between April 2014 and October 2014 by a wide range of stakeholders. It
was presented and discussed at the November 11, 2014
C.
Rose Tree Media Comprehensive Plan Reports as per Chapter 4
Resolve, the Board approve the required Comprehensive Plan reports as
per Chapter 4 regulations: Gifted, Induction, Professional Education and
Student Services.
Background
Each school district in Pennsylvania is required under new Chapter 4
regulations to submit five reports to the Pennsylvania Department of
Education every three or six years. The Special Education plan was
already approved last spring. RTM’s reports were created between April
2014 and October 2014 by a wide range of stakeholders. Each of these
reports follows a template provided by PDE. They were presented and
discussed at the October 14, 2014 Curriculum & Instruction Committee
meeting, and were available for public review and comment from October
24 until November 20.
X. New Business
8
November 20, 2014
XI.
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-09 from ER Stuebner in the amount of
$40,348.00 for the Warko roof in the music suite and
auditorium at Springton Lake Middle School.
b.
Change Order GC-10 from ER Steubner in the amount of
$29,797.68 for additional paving repairs at Springton Lake
Middle School.
c.
Change Order FP-05 from Wayman Fire Protection is a
credit in the amount of $2,900.00 for window repair work that
was a result of the contractor at Media Elementary.
d.
Change Order GC-02 from Window Repair and Restoration
in the amount of $2,900.00 which is for the window repair
work at Media Elementary.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 11th Operations
Committee meeting.
XI. Finance
1
November 20, 2014
XI.
Finance
B.
General
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 15-8 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Special Education- Professional Educational Services
$9,027
TO:
AMOUNT:
Special Education- Travel
$9,027
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for Wilson training and certification
of special education teachers.
FY 15-9 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Operation of Building Services – Supplies
$5,500
TO:
Operation of Building Services – Repairs and
Maintenance
$5,500
AMOUNT:
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of the purchase
and installation of corridor tackboards for Springton
Lake Middle School.
XI. Finance
2
November 20, 2014
XI.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers (continued)
FY 15-10 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Curriculum & Instructional Development – Supplies
$3,000
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction- Books
$3,000
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to additional classroom books.
FY 15-11 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – Supplies
$2,640
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction- New Equipment
$2,640
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of an additional
message display board for Springton Lake Middle
School.
FY 15-12 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Student Activities – Meals &
Refreshments
$1,700
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – Meals & Refreshments
$1,700
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the cost of academic
excellence banquet.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 11th Finance Committee
meeting.
XI. Finance
3
November 20, 2014
XI.
Finance
B.
General
3.
2013/2014 Local Audit
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the 2013/2014
Local Audit report which contained no observations or findings.
This report was presented by Pam Baker and Jeff Kowalczyk from
Barbacane, Thornton & Company.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 11th Finance Committee
meeting.
4.
MTI Productions Contract
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the MTI
Productions Contract in the amount of $2,325.00 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 November 11th Finance Committee
meeting.
5.
Tax Exemption/Refund
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the refund of the
school real estate taxes for the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 school
years. The District received a disabled veterans tax exemption
certificate which entitled the taxpayer to the refund.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 11th Finance Committee
meeting.
XI. Finance
4
November 20, 2014
XI.
Finance
B.
General
6.
Air and Gas Technologies Contract
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Air and Gas
Technologies Contract for monthly preventative maintenance
inspection services of the CNG system.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 11th Operations
Committee meeting.
7.
Vanguard School Tuition Contract
Resolve, the Board of school directors approve a tuition contract for
a student to attend the Vanguard School for the 2014-2015 school
year. The tuition rate for the 2014-2014 school year is $49,115.00.
Background
The student requires placement at the Vanguard School for the
delivery of their special education program in accordance with
IDEA.
XI. Finance
5
November 20, 2014
Attachment A THIS AGREEMENT (hereinafter “the Agreement”), made this 20th day of November
2014, by and between the ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT, a school
district situate in Delaware County, Pennsylvania with its administrative offices at 308 N.
Olive Street, Media (hereinafter referred to as the “School District’) and JAMES M.
WIGO, Sr. currently residing in Springfield, Delaware County, Pennsylvania (hereinafter
referred to as the “Superintendent”).
WITNESSETH:
AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors (hereinafter referred to as the “School
Board”) of the School District, pursuant to Article 10, Section 1071, et seq. of the Public
School Code 1949, as amended (hereinafter referred to as the “School Code”), (24 P.S.
§10-1071), by action taken at its meeting on November 20, 2014, elected to retain the
services of the Superintendent commencing on July 1, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto, in consideration of the covenants and promises contained
herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby for themselves, their respective heirs,
successors and assigns, agree as follows:
1.
Effective Date and Term - The effective date of the Agreement is July 1, 2015
and shall be for a term of five (5) years, commencing on July 1, 2015 and
terminating on June 30, 2020.
2.
Duties - The Superintendent shall, subject to the supervision and authority of the
School Board and its successors, serve as Superintendent for the School District,
performing those duties as set forth in the School Code, the School Board Policies
of the School District as the same may be amended from time-to-time, and such
other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned to the Superintendent from
time-to-time by the School Board and as further delineated in paragraph six (6)
hereafter.
3.
Compensation
a)
Annual Base Salary
During the first year of the Agreement, the School District shall pay the
Superintendent a base salary of $205,000.00, in bi-weekly equal
installments. The Superintendent’s salary will be further increased on July
1 of each year by the Act 1 index the School District is subject to for that
year. In each of the last two (2) years of this contract, the increase shall be
capped at three percent (3%) per year of the then base salary.
b)
The Superintendent may be eligible for an annual performance bonus not
to exceed $10,000 based upon the Superintendent’s successful completion
of certain goals and objectives mutually agreed upon by the School Board
and Superintendent by the School Board’s legislative meeting in August of
each year. The School Board shall approve the Superintendent’s goals by
the September legislative meeting. The payment of a performance bonus
shall not be calculated as any part of the succeeding annual base salary for
the Superintendent but which performance bonus, when received, may be
placed by the School District into a tax sheltered annuity at the discretion
of the Superintendent.
c)
Annual Performance Bonus
Tax Sheltered Annuity
Each year the School District will pay the Superintendent a non-elective
employer contribution to a 403(b) or 457 plan of his choice equal to 3.75%
of his annual base salary. The IRS Code shall govern such employer
contributions and the Superintendent will have no cash option. The
Payment will occur in June of each year of this agreement.
4.
Benefits
a)
Medical/Dental/Vision/Prescription
The Superintendent and the Superintendent’s spouse shall enjoy the same
benefits including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision and
prescription, as those provided in the Administrators and Supervisors I
Handbook; provided, however, that to the extent that the benefits provided
for by this Agreement exceed those set forth in the Handbook, this
Agreement shall control. In the event that the Handbook is amended
during the term of the Agreement for all or any of these benefits, the
Superintendent and the Superintendent’s spouse shall receive those
benefits as enumerated in the amendment(s) to the Handbook to the extent
that such benefits exceed those provided for by this Agreement. The
Superintendent may elect to waive any or all benefits and, to the extent
that he elects such a waiver, the School District shall pay him the value of
the contribution and/or payment that the School District would otherwise
have made for such benefit(s). The Superintendent may, at any time
thereafter, elect to revoke his waiver and he and his spouse shall then be
entitled to such benefit(s) that were formerly waived, in which case the
School District shall no longer pay to him the cost of such benefit(s).
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b)
Vacation
In the first year of the Agreement, the Superintendent shall be entitled to
thirty (30) days of paid vacation. On the first anniversary of the
Agreement, and on every anniversary thereafter, an additional day of
vacation shall be added to the total to which the Superintendent was
entitled to the prior year. The Superintendent must take at least ten (10)
vacation days per year but may receive payment for up to twenty (20) days
of unused vacation each year which may be deposited by the School
District into a tax sheltered annuity at the discretion of the Superintendent.
The rate of pay for each day of vacation for purposes of payment shall be
the sum of the annual base salary in the year of the Agreement when the
payment is to be made, divided by 260 days (hereinafter “the per diem rate
of pay”). The Superintendent may carry over from one year to the
following year under the Agreement no more than ten (10) unused
vacation days. Upon his retirement, resignation or termination from
employment, except for cause, with the School District, the
Superintendent may receive severance payment for not more than fifty
(50) unused vacation days at the Superintendent’s per diem rate of pay in
effect at the time he ceases employment with the School District.
c)
Sick Leave
The Superintendent shall be entitled to twelve (12) work days sick leave
annually. Upon his retirement, resignation or termination from
employment, except for cause, with the School District, the
Superintendent shall receive severance payment for unused sick leave
days at his then per diem rate of pay. The School District shall credit the
Superintendent with his full balance of unused sick leave days he had at
his previous School District.
d)
Disability Insurance
The School District shall provide to the Superintendent, through insurance
or otherwise, with weekly disability benefits in an amount equal to 66
2/3% of his annual base salary then being paid. These weekly disability
benefits shall commence upon the exhaustion by the Superintendent of his
accrued, unused sick leave, and shall continue for a maximum period of
two (2) years from the commencement of benefits or, earlier, if he is no
longer disabled. The amount of the disability benefits shall be reduced by
the amount of any benefit payable from worker’s compensation, social
security disability of any other benefits payable from retirement or
disability plans.
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e)
Life Insurance
The School District shall purchase a level term life insurance policy
(hereinafter “the Policy”) for the Superintendent in the amount of three (3)
times the Superintendent’s annual base salary, as set forth in paragraph
3(a) above, for a period of ten (10) years with the Superintendent to name
the beneficiary(s) under the Policy. The annual cost to the School District
for the payment of the premium(s) for the Policy shall not exceed $2,000;
to the extent that the School District is unable to purchase such a policy
with premium(s) that do not exceed $2,000, the Superintendent may
choose to either pay the premiums in excess of $2,000 or to reduce to the
amount of the Policy so that the annual premium(s) does not exceed
$2,000. If the Superintendent terminates employment with the School
District prior to the end of the ten (10) year period under the Policy, the
Superintendent may elect to retain the Policy, in which event the
Superintendent will be responsible for the paying the annual premium(s)
for the Policy. The School District agrees to execute any documents that
may be necessary to effectuate this election by the Superintendent.
f)
Physical Examination, Medical Expenses and Prescriptions.
The Superintendent shall undergo a comprehensive annual physical
examination performed by a physician licensed in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, who shall provide the School District with a statement
certifying the Superintendent’s physical fitness. Such statement shall be
filed in the Superintendent’s personnel file and shall be strictly
confidential. In addition to providing the Superintendent with health
insurance pursuant to paragraph 4(a), the School District shall reimburse
the Superintendent for out of pocket medical expenses including, but not
limited to, those for physical examinations, prescriptions and health club
memberships, in a total amount not to exceed $2,500.
g)
Automobile Allowance
The School District shall provide the Superintendent with an annual
automobile allowance of $6,000 payable in twelve (12) equal monthly
installments to cover the cost of all automobile expenses including, but not
limited to insurance, fuel, maintenance and other miscellaneous
automobile expenses, incurred by the Superintendent in the performance
of his duties for the School District. In light of the automobile allowance,
the Superintendent shall not be reimbursed for mileage.
4
h)
Conferences, Professional Memberships and Civic Organization
Memberships
The School District shall pay up to six thousand dollars ($6,000) annually
for the Superintendent to attend professional conferences, conventions and
other meetings, and for the dues for professional and civic organization
memberships. Such payments shall not require prior School District
approval, but instead shall be made at the direction of the Superintendent.
In the event that, in any given year, the total of such expenses and dues
exceeds $6,000, the School Board must approve all additional
expenditures in excess of that amount.
i)
Course Reimbursement
Subject to prior School Board approval, the Superintendent may continue
his professional development by attending a recognized college and/or
university program of his choice for course study related to his position
with the School District for which the School District shall reimburse the
Superintendent up to $3,000 annually. The reimbursement(s) shall be
made at such time as the Superintendent provides the School District’s
Business Office with a receipt or a bill for tuition together with
documentation of satisfactory completion of the course work .
j)
Medical Benefits until Age 65
Following the termination of this Agreement due to the retirement of the
Superintendent pursuant to paragraph 9(b), and continuing until the
Superintendent is eligible for Medicare, the School District shall provide
the Superintendent and the Superintendent’s spouse with the health
insurance plan offered to Administrators as set forth in the Administrators’
and Supervisors’ Handbook, as may be amended from time to time. The
School District shall pay 92% of the premium charges for such medical
coverage, while the Superintendent shall pay the balance.
k)
Leaves
The Superintendent shall be entitled to leaves of absence as provided for
professional school employees by the Public School Code and the policies
of the School District.
l)
Liability Insurance Coverage
The Superintendent shall be covered by the School District’s Errors and
Omissions Liability Insurance in an amount that shall be no less than the
coverage in existence at the time of the approval of this Agreement.
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5.
Certificate - During the term of the Agreement, the Superintendent shall hold a
valid certificate issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of
Education, qualifying him to serve as Superintendent of the School District. This
certificate shall be properly registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
6.
Duties and Responsibilities - The Superintendent shall be charged with the
responsibility for administration of the schools under the direction of the School
Board. He shall be the chief executive officer of the School District. He shall
direct and assign teachers and other employees of the school buildings under his
supervision; shall organize, reorganize and arrange the administrative and
supervisory staff of the School District, including the School District’s instruction
and business affairs to serve the School District subject to approval by the School
Board; shall select personnel for the School District subject to approval by the
School Board; shall from time-to-time suggest the regulations, rules and
procedures deemed necessary for the efficient and proper operation of the School
District; and, in general, shall perform all duties incidental to the office of the
Superintendent and such other duties as may appropriately be prescribed by the
School Board from time-to-time and as set forth in the Public School Code.
7.
Performance Evaluation - The School District and Superintendent agree that an
annual formal assessment of the performance of the Superintendent shall be
conducted by the School Board based on an evaluation process and guidelines as
mutually agreed between the School Board and Superintendent. The performance
evaluation shall be conducted in a private session limited to members of the School
Board and the Superintendent. Each judgment in the evaluation shall be supported
by rational and objective standards. The performance evaluation shall be set forth
in writing by the School Board. Both the School Board and Superintendent agree
that the written performance evaluation made shall be privileged and the School
Board and Superintendent shall respect the confidentiality of the discussions
related to the written performance evaluation. After the completion of the
evaluation for a particular school year, the Board will post on the District's official
website the date on which the evaluation was completed and whether the
Superintendent satisfied the agreed performance standards.
The performance evaluation shall be used for the following purposes:
a)
To strengthen the working relationship between the School District and
Superintendent;
b)
To enhance the Superintendent’s effectiveness;
c)
To clarify for the Superintendent and individual School Board members
the responsibilities which the School Board relies upon the Superintendent
to fulfill;
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d)
e)
To discuss and establish goals and objectives for the ensuing school year;
and
To establish the annual compensation and other benefits for the
Superintendent for the ensuing school year in accordance with the
compensation and benefits provisions of the Agreement.
8.
Teaching/Consulting - The Superintendent may teach elsewhere, other than in the
School District, and/or may provide consulting services to parties other than the
School District, or its employees, so long as those activities do not interfere with
the Superintendent’s ability to discharge his duties and responsibilities to the
School District.
9.
Termination - This Agreement may be terminated by:
a)
Mutual agreement. In the event the Superintendent unilaterally decides to
seek termination of the Agreement, he shall notify the School Board no
later than May 1 of any year of the Agreement in order to give the School
Board sufficient opportunity to select and appoint a successor.
b)
Retirement.
c)
Disability. Should the Superintendent be unable to perform his duties by
reason of illness, accident or other cause beyond his control, and said
disability continues for a period of more than three (3) calendar months
beyond all sick or other usable leave to which the Superintendent is
entitled under the Agreement, or otherwise, including sabbatical leave of
absence, and if the said disability is determined by an agreed upon
physician to be permanent or irreparable, the School District may
terminate the Agreement whereupon the respective duties, rights, and
obligations contained herein shall terminate except as otherwise provided
in the Agreement; provided, however, that the School District’s
obligations pursuant to paragraphs 4(e) and (k) shall not terminate but
instead shall remain in full force and effect. The School District shall
provide disability insurance as described under Section 4(d) of the
Agreement.
d)
Dismissal. The Superintendent shall, throughout the term of the
Agreement, be subject to termination of the Agreement for valid and just
cause for reasons specified under Section 1080 of the Public School Code.
However, the School District shall not arbitrarily and capriciously call for
his dismissal without first providing the Superintendent with written
charges, adequate notice of a hearing, a fair and impartial hearing, all
7
elements of due process, and the right to appeal to a court of competent
jurisdiction. If the Superintendent is found innocent of charges made, the
School District shall be responsible for paying any and all costs he
incurred in his defense including, but not limited to, reasonable counsel
fees.
e)
Death.
10.
Reappointment - The School District shall notify the Superintendent in writing
by certified mail, no later than January 31st of the final year of the Agreement,
of the School District’s intent not to reappoint the Superintendent. Should the
Superintendent not be timely notified, by the School District of the School
District’s intention not to reappoint him, the Superintendent shall be
automatically reappointed for a term of years not less than the length of the
expiring term of the Agreement and the terms and conditions of the Agreement
shall be incorporated in a Successor Agreement, unless mutually agreed
otherwise by the School Board and the Superintendent. Similarly, the
Superintendent shall notify the School District in writing no later than January
31st of the final year of the Agreement of his intention not to seek
reappointment. If the Superintendent fails to timely notify the School District
by January 31st of his intention not to seek reappointment, and subsequently
seeks to terminate the Agreement, the Superintendent shall forfeit his right to
be paid for unused vacation days and sick days at the time of his termination
of employment with the School District.
11.
Savings Clause - If any term, condition, clause or provision of the Agreement
shall be determined or declare to be void or invalid at law, or otherwise, then
only that term, condition, clause or provision shall be stricken from the
Agreement and in all other respects the Agreement shall be valid and continue
in full force, effect and operation.
12.
Obligations - The Agreement shall be binding upon and shall enure to the
benefit of the parties hereto, their heirs, successors and/or assigns.
13.
Statutory References - All references to the Public School Code contained
herein shall also refer to and incorporate any amendment or recodification of
said Code.
14.
Applicable Law - The Agreement shall be construed in accordance with
and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
15.
Entire Agreement - The Agreement constitutes the entire understanding
between the parties and, except as expressly set forth herein, supersedes all
prior oral or written communications, proposals, representations, warranties,
covenants, understandings or agreements between the parties relating to the
subject matter of the Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the School District, through its duly authorized officers, and the
Superintendent have set their hands and seals this 20th Day of November, 2014.
Attest:
Rose Tree Media School District
Grace Eves, Secretary
John R. Hanna, President,
Board of School Director
Witness:
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent
9