ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Legislative Agenda
December 19, 2013
7:30 p.m.
I.
Call to Order
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
B.
III.
Mr. Anthony Grisillo – 2014 Teacher of the Year
Ambassador Choir, under the direction of Sherre Gaertner
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
Reorganization Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2013
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Roll Call
Presentations and Awards
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.
Agenda
RTMEA – Sue Williamson
1
December 19, 2013
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Old Business
A.
IX.
None
New Business
A.
B.
X.
Rose Tree Media Residents
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
d.
Supplemental Contracts
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Future Business Leaders of America,
Hershey, PA
Finance
A.
B.
Agenda
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1.
Change Orders
2.
Budgetary Transfers
3.
2012/2013 Local Audit
4.
Starlite Productions Services Agreement
5.
All Around Entertainment – Ratification
6.
Feasibility Study at Penncrest Stadium
7.
Springton Lake Middle School Mechanical Room Emergency
Repair
8.
Sunoco Pipeline Survey Permission Form
9.
American Red Cross Shelter Agreement
10.
Kathleen Clark and Andrea Varricchio Contracts
11.
Settlement Agreements
2
December 19, 2013
X.
Finance
C.
Financials for November 2013
D.
Bill Lists for November 2013
XI.
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 January 23, 2014, at Penncrest High
School. The Legislative Meetings are recorded on tape.
Agenda
3
December 19, 2013
R ose Tree M edia 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 Service
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James Wigo, Superintendent
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
December 12, 2013
Minutes of the November 21, 2013 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
Peter Barry
Nancy Fronduti
Chris Guilday
Nancy Mackrides
Elizabeth Schneider
William O’Donnell
Students: Riley George
Talia Kaplan
Michaela Rheil
Absent:
Rahmi Halaby
Absent:
Also in Attendance:
Ron Badino, Maintenance and Operations
William Bennett, Principal IL
Eric Bucci, Principal GW
Anne Callahan, Dir. Human Resources
Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Dir.PS and Sp. Ed.
William Dougherty, Asst. Principal PHS
Grace Eves, Dir. Management Services
Joe Fuhr, Principal SYA
Rick Gregg, Principal PHS
Ron Harris, Network Specialist
Ralph Harrison, Asst. Principal PHS
Heather Hogan, Accountant
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
Mack Johnson, Mgmt. Systems Admin.
Thomas Kelly, Esq., Solicitor
Bonnie Kinsler, Supervisor of Transportation
Maria Kotch, Principal Media Elem.
Kim McCann, Info. Tech. Spec
Chip Olinger, Athletic Director
Jenny Robinson, Principal Rose Tree Elem.
Sharon Sweeney, Asst. Principal PHS
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
1
December 19, 2013
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
B.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 24, 2013
Special Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 7, 2013
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 41
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Legislative Meeting Minutes of
October 24, 2013 and Special Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 7, 2013.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
ABSENT:
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
PSBA Poster Contest Winner – Joey Talone
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 42
Resolve, the Board of School Directors award Joey Talone, a fifth grade student from
Glenwood Elementary School, the Rose Tree Media Award for his winning entry in the
PSBA poster contest. Through art, elementary school students across the state
completed the sentence, “my education will help me to….” Joey was one of four
students out of nearly 400 students from Pennsylvania who had art work chosen. Their
artwork was displayed throughout the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center during the
PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
ABSENT:
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
2
December 19, 2013
III.
Presentations and Awards
B.
Penncrest High School Boys Cross Country Team – Chip Olinger
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 43
Resolve, the Board of School Directors present the Rose Tree Media Award to the
members of the Penncrest High School Boys Cross Country Team. The team placed
9th in the State Championship. Chris Kazanjian placed 6th and Matthew placed 26th in
the race. Members of the team include: Joseph Angelina, Joshua Carmon, Brendan
Hanna, Christian Kazanjian, Matthew Kazanjian, Taylor Orcutt, Owen Patane, and
Adam Sisson. The team is coached by George Munro.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
ABSENT:
C.
Mr. Peter P. Barry – Board of School Director Recognition
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. Guilday seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 44
Resolve, the Board of School Directors recognize Mr. Peter P. Barry for his six years of
service to the students, staff and community members of the Rose Tree Media School
District. Mr. Barry attended every event possible over the last six years. You could find
him day and night at all activities throughout our district. He volunteered his time on
many committees including interview and policy committees as well as being the
Chairman of the Technology and Curriculum and Instruction Committees. We would
like to thank Mr. Barry for his years of service to our staff, students and community of
the Rose Tree Media School District.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
ABSENT:
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
3
December 19, 2013
IV.
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
From Rockets to Running... The Clubs of Glenwood
Newspaper Club - Brandon Gall & Robert Eckberg - Mrs. Grace-Green,
Sponsor
Scrabble Club - Bella Proper and Bridget Dawson, Mrs. Lutz & Miss
Pinsley, Sponsors
Art Club - Jamie Umberger - Mr. Sharp, Sponsor
Running and Walking Club - River Downend -Mrs. Barry & Mrs. VelliosMiller, Sponsors
Lego/Robotics Club - Carleigh Garland, Logan Sampson, & Gianna
Petschelt - Mr. Grisillo & Mr. Keeler, Sponsors
Video Club - Danielle Carnevale, Gabriella Keener, Jennifer Plick - Mrs.
Grace-Green, Sponsor
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports
Committee Highlights and Reports
School Reports - In Official Minutes of November 21, 2013
Superintendent’s Report - In Official Minutes of November 21, 2013
Solicitor’s Report - In Official Minutes of November 21, 2013
President’s Report - In Official Minutes of November 21, 2013
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
None
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Old Business
A.
IX.
Rose Tree Media Residents – 4 members of the public spoke
None
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
4
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 45
Resolve, the Board of School Directors Approve the following New Business:
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
1.
b.
2.
Andrea Seaner, Elementary Teacher, Indian Lane Elementary,
resignation effective October 30, 2013.
Non-Instructional
1.
Christina DiGregorio, Math Tutor, Indian Lane Elementary,
resignation effective October 24,2013.
2.
Katherine Johnson, Support Staff II, Media Elementary, resignation
effective November 29, 2013.
3.
Diane Gibson, Custodian, Springton Lake Middle School,
termination due to abandonment of position effective November 21,
2013.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Miriam Horrocks-Isenberg, Support Staff II effective October 30,
2013 at the rate of $15.47 per hour. Ms. Horrocks-Isenberg is
assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
2.
Donnamarie Nespoli Substitute Bus Aide, effective October 29,
2013 at the rate of $14.43 per hour. Ms. Nespoli is assigned to the
Transportation Department.
3.
Recommend Board approval for the following Penncrest High
School personnel to serve as PSAT Review Tutors at the rate of
$75.00 per session:
Chrissa Kuntz
Joseph Peleckis
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
Lauren Newman
5
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
4.
James McCusker, Custodian, effective November 22, 2013 at the
rate of $17.28 per hour. Mr. McCusker is assigned to Penncrest
High School. This is a new position. NOTE: Mr. McCusker is being
hired pending completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
5.
Jenni Rebecca Smith, (.5) 10-month Secretary I, effective
November 22, 2013 at the annual salary of $17,143.95. Ms. Smith
is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School replacing Anita Garber
who was reassigned. NOTE: Ms. Smith is being hired pending
completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
6.
Mary McConville, Reading Interventionist for the 2013-2014 school
year at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. McConville is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
7.
Cheryl Clarke, Substitute Custodian, effective November 22, 2013
at the rate of $12.00 per hour. NOTE: Ms. Clarke is being hired
pending completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
8.
Paulette Goolsby, Custodial Night Supervisor for the 2013-2014
school year at the annual salary of $1,000.00. Ms. Goolsby is
assigned to Glenwood Elementary.
9.
Joseph Way, Custodial Night Supervisor for the 2013-2014 school
year at the annual salary of $1,500.00. Mr. Way is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
10.
Recommend Board approval for the following Penncrest High
School personnel to serve as Interventionists at the rate of $25.00
per hour:
Kyle Abbott
Paul DelPrato
Brian Dougherty
Greg Jacobs
Joseph Peleckis
Edward Somers
11.
12.
English
Science
Science
Science
Math
Science
Ronald Houser, Mechanic, effective November 25, 2013, at the rate
of $23.73 per hour. Mr. Houser is assigned to the Transportation
Department replacing Nick Faluvegi who resigned. NOTE: Mr.
Houser is being hired pending completion of his pre-employment
paperwork.
Julie DiRemigio, Interventionist, change in start date to November
18, 2013 at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. DiRemigio is assigned
to Penncrest High School.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
6
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
ABSENT:
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Supplemental Contracts – See Attachments A and B
d.
Salary Change
e.
Create New Position
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Ms. Kinsler-Fox seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 46
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following New Business:
3.
General
a.
b.
Classification Change
1.
Andrea Worley, Bus Driver from full time to part time effective
October 29, 2013.
2.
Diane Battey, Bus Driver from part time to full time effective
October 30, 2013.
3.
Toya Coles, Bus Aide, from part time to full time effective October
13, 2013.
4.
Marianne Nigolian, from Support Staff I to Support Staff II, effective
December 2, 2013 at the rate of $16.33 per hour. Ms. Nigolian is
assigned to Media Elementary replacing Katherine Johnson who
resigned.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
Katherine Megahey requests an extension of her unpaid leave of
absence through June 30, 2014 for the purpose of child rearing.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
7
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
2.
c.
Meghan Cristaldi requests an extension of her unpaid leave of
absence through June 30, 2013 for the purpose of child rearing.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Karen Walker, New Teacher Mentor effective October 28, 2013 at
the annual salary of $882.00. Ms. Walker is assigned to Penncrest
High School.
2.
Andrea Rachubinski, (.25) Head Fall Cheerleading Coach effective
September 26, 2013, at the annual salary of $978.75. Ms.
Rachubinski is assigned to Penncrest High School.
3.
Andrea Rachubinski, (.25) Assistant Fall Cheerleading Coach
effective September 26, 2013 at the annual salary of $761.25. Ms.
Rachubinski is assigned to Penncrest High School.
4.
Jessica Anderson, (.25) Head Fall Cheerleading Coach effective
September 26, 2013 at the annual salary of $1,167.75. Ms.
Anderson is assigned to Penncrest High School.
5.
Jessica Anderson, (.25) Assistant Fall Cheerleading Coach
effective September 26, 2013 at the annual salary of $908.25. Ms.
Anderson is assigned to Penncrest High School.
6.
Sean Spratt, Field Hockey Coach effective October 14, 2013 at the
annual salary of $801.30. Mr. Spratt is assigned to Springton Lake
Middle School.
7.
Recommend Board approval of the following Media Elementary
personnel to serve as Club Sponsors for the 2013-2014 school
year:
Karen Bellamy
Andrew Bugosh
Brenda Millette
Julie Plater
Christine Seeley
Jeanette Verdeur
Jeanette Verdeur
James Walls
Dana Welc
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
Art Club
Band
Scrabble Club
Scrabble Club
Puzzles Club
Chorus
Musical
Orchestra
Lego/Games Club
8
$ 290.00
$ 580.00
$ 290.00
$ 290.00
$ 435.00
$1,216.00
$1,160.00
$ 290.00
$ 290.00
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts
8.
Recommend Board approval of the following Penncrest High
School personnel to serve as Event Chaperones for the 2013-2014
school year at the rate of $55.00 per event:
Lorraine Bury
Alicia Commale
Chris Grouzes
9.
Colleen Hoy
Anthony Lombardo
Kristen Manderachi
Recommend Board approval of the following Penncrest High
School personnel to serve as Event Chaperones for the 2013-2014
school year at the rate of $18.33 per hour:
Svitlana Duffy
Joan King
Cynthia Miller
Linda Rowley
Bethany Zeleznick
10.
Recommend Board approval of the Penncrest High School Winter
Athletic Supplementals for the 2013-2014 school year. See
Attachment A
11.
Recommend Board approval of the Springton Lake Middle School
Winter Athletic Supplementals for the 2013-2014 school year. See
Attachment B
12.
Timothy Fink, Intramural Instructor effective October 2, 2013 at the
rate of $21.26 per hour. Mr. Fink is assigned to Media Elementary.
13.
Patrick Carney, Assistant Football Coach effective October 17,
2013 at the annual salary of $750.00. Mr. Carney is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
14.
Recommend Board approval of the following Rose Tree Elementary
to serve as Club Sponsors for the 2013-2014 school year:
Margaret Barney
Jean McPheeters
James Walls
Jonathan Boyle
Holly Clark
Maureen VanZant
Matthew Moore
David Sikorski
David Sikorski
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
SMART Art Club
KIDS Club
Orchestra
Band
EnviroChallenge
EnviroChallenge
EnviroChallenge
RTES Rumble
Hand Chimes
9
$1,160.00
$1,384.00
$ 290.00
$ 580.00
$ 290.00
$ 290.00
$ 290.00
$1,160.00
$1,160.00
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts
15.
d.
Salary Change
1.
e.
Andrew Ikeler, Temporary Head Girls Swimming Coach effective
November 18, 2013 through December 17, 2013 at the annual
salary of $1,860.00. Mr. Ikeler is assigned to Penncrest High
School.
Karen Battavio, Bobcat Ensemble Club Sponsor at the annual
salary of $580.00. This salary was incorrect on the October Board.
Ms. Battavio is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
Create New Position
1.
Recommend Board approval to create a new Support Staff II –
Classroom Assistant at Media Elementary. A new Elementary
Teaching position was added at Media Elementary at the beginning
of the 2013-2014 school year, a new assistant was not added at
that time.
2.
Recommend Board approval to create a new Assistant Wrestling
Coach at Penncrest High School for the 2013-2014 school year
only. Due to high participation this school year, an additional coach
is required.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
ABSENT:
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
10
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
4.
General
f.
Other
Ms. Kinsler-Fox moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 47
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following New Business:
f.
Other
1. Recommend Board approval of the Superintendent’s performance
bonus in the amount of $10,000 for the 2012-2013 school year.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
ABSENT:
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Girls and Boys Outdoor Track and Field Teams - PIAA
Outdoor Track and Field State Championships – Shippensburg, PA
2.
Penncrest High School Girls and Boys Indoor Track Teams -Kevin Dare
Invitational Track Meet – State College, PA
3.
Penncrest High School Wrestling Team - PIAA State Wrestling Championships –
Hershey, PA
4.
Penncrest High School Girls and Boys Swimming Team – PIAA Swimming State
Championship – Bucknell University
5.
Penncrest High School Indoor Track State Championships – Indoor Track State
Championships – State College, PA
6
Penncrest High School String Ensemble – Lake George, NY
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
11
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. Bill O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 48
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following Overnight Trips:
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Girls and Boys Outdoor Track and Field Teams - PIAA
Outdoor Track and Field State Championships – Shippensburg, PA
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve an overnight field trip for
Penncrest Girls and Boys Outdoor Track teams to attend the PIAA Outdoor
Track and Field State Championships at Shippensburg, PA from 05/22/1405/24/14. Lodging/meals, registration, and transportation costs totaling $2,220
will be paid through the Athletics budget and Boosters.
2.
Penncrest High School Girls and Boys Indoor Track Teams -Kevin Dare
Invitational Track Meet – State College, PA
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve an overnight field trip for
Penncrest Girls and Boys Indoor Track teams to attend the Kevin Dare
Invitational Track Meet at State College, PA from 01/17/14-01/18/14.
Lodging/meals, registration, and transportation costs totaling $704 will be paid
through the Athletics budget and Boosters.
3.
Penncrest High School Wrestling Team - PIAA State Wrestling Championships –
Hershey, PA
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve an overnight field trip for
Penncrest Wrestlers to attend the PIAA State Wrestling Championships in
Hershey, PA from 03/05/14-03/09/14.
Substitute, lodging/meals, and
transportation costs totaling $1,504 will be paid through the Athletics budget.
4.
Penncrest High School Girls and Boys Swimming Team – PIAA Swimming State
Championship – Bucknell University
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve an overnight trip for
Penncrest Girls and Boys Swim team to attend the PIAA Swimming State
Championships at Bucknell University from 03/11/14-03/14/14. Substitute,
lodging/meals, registration, and transportation costs totaling $2156 will be paid
through the Athletics budget.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
12
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
5.
Penncrest High School Indoor Track State Championships – Indoor Track State
Championships – State College, PA
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve an overnight field trip for
Penncrest Girls and Boys Indoor Track teams to attend the Indoor Track State
Championships at State College, PA from 02/28/14-03/01/14. Lodging/meals,
registration, and transportation costs totaling $1020 will be paid through the
Athletics budget.
6
Penncrest High School String Ensemble – Lake George, NY
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve an overnight field trip for
the Penncrest String Ensemble to attend a music performance, an educational
tour, and participate in music clinics at Lake George, NY from 02/27/14-03/2/14.
Substitute costs totaling $204.00 will be paid by the District. Other expenses
including lodging/meals, registration, and transportation costs approximately
totaling $500 will be paid by the students and fundraising.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
ABSENT:
IX.
New Business
C.
D.
Curriculum Cycle Plan for 2014-2019
Penncrest Course Selection Guide Changes
Ms. Kinsler-Fox moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 49
IX.
New Business
C.
Curriculum Cycle Plan for 2014-2019
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following curriculum cycle plan for
2014-2019 as indicated by the following table.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
13
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
C.
Curriculum Cycle Plan for 2014-2019
SUBJECT AREA
World Languages
14-15
Intermediate
Levels
FISCAL YEAR
15-16
16-17
17-18
Advance
d Levels
AP Levels
18-19
Beginner
Levels
English/Language
Arts
Mathematics
Phys Ed and Health
Science
Social Studies
Art
Family/Consumer Sci
Music
Business Education
Information Literacy
Technology
Education
ESOL
The proposed curriculum cycle plan provides each curricular area two years for formal
curriculum revision, during which time members of the participating department will
conduct needs assessments, align curricula with current standards, research new
materials, purchase new materials, engage in professional development and training,
implement new curricula, and draft curriculum documents. The cycle was discussed at
the November 7, 2013, Curriculum & Instruction Committee meeting.
D.
Penncrest Course Selection Guide Changes
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve additional changes to the
Penncrest Course Selection Guide for 2014-2015, as indicated by the table below.
Renamed Courses
Former Name
New Name
Modern Europe
European History
AP Europe
AP European History
1 Physic
AP Physics 1
These course changes were discussed at the November 7, 2013, Curriculum &
Instruction Committee meeting. Changes are being made to reflect the official
nomenclature used by the AP program. The courses will be offered pending results of
the budgeting process for 2014-2015.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
14
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
D.
Penncrest Course Selection Guide Changes
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
ABSENT:
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing
1.
B.
None
General
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Change Orders
Budgetary Transfers
MTI Contract
Bystander Contract
BCIU Tax Software Contract
Donations
Walter Brucker & Company Contract
Timothy School Tuition Contracts
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 50
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.
L. J. Paolella Construction change order #GC-01 in the amount of $42,500
for additional work required for the Penncrest Stadium Seating.
b.
M. Schnoll & Sons change order #GC-01 in the amount of $3,945 for
additional painting in the auditorium and vestibule area at Media
Elementary School.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
15
December 19, 2013
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 approve the following budgetary transfer:
FY 14-8 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
TO:
AMOUNT:
Athletics – Supplies
$3,000.00
Athletics – Replacement Equipment
$3,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for reconditioning football equipment.
3.
MTI Contract
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the contract in the
amount of $3,120.95 for Penncrest’s musical that will be held in March.
4.
Bystander Contract
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the contract in the
amount of $1,595 for bullying prevention assemblies at Springton Lake Middle
School.
5.
BCIU Tax Software Contract
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the contract in the
amount of $28,000 for new real estate tax software.
6.
Donations
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors accept a $1,000 donation
from the Giant Food Store in Edgmont.
Further resolve, that the Board accepts a dorm size refrigerator to be used by the
school nurse at Glenwood Elementary.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
16
December 19, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
7.
Walter Brucker & Company Contract
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve the contract for
Springton Lake Middle School in the amount of $4,439 to install railings at the
auditorium exit ramp and for $3,712.53 to install window mullion closure panels in
the music suite. The total amount of the contract is $8,151.53
8.
Timothy School Tuition Contracts
Further resolve, that the Board of School Directors approve tuition contracts for
five students to attend the Timothy School to receive special educational services
for the 2013-2014 school year. These educational services are required under
the students’ IEP’s to meet federally mandated requirements for the provision of
special education services. The annual tuition is $60,825.00 per student. These
students have significant disabilities and are in need of these services and
special placement, as specified in their IEPs.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
ABSENT:
X.
Finance
C.
D.
Financials for October 2013
Bill Lists for October 2013
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Ms. Kinsler-Fox seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 51
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the following Finance Reports:
C.
Financials for October 2013
October 2013
October 2013
October 2013
October 2013
Treasurer’s Reports
Investment Reports
Summary Expenditure Status Report
Revenue Status Report
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
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December 19, 2013
X.
Finance
D.
Bill Lists for October 2013
October 2013
General Fund Bill List
$ 2,567,972.16
October 2013
Imprest Fund Bill List
$
8,766.50
October 2013
Capital Fund Bill List
$
382,700.12
October 2013
Bond Series 2011 Bill List
$
57,868.82
October 2013
Activities/Special Revenue Fund
$
33,665.24
$ 3,050,972.84
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
ABSENT:
XI.
Adjournment
Mr. Barry moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 52
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:
Peter Barry, Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
ABSENT:
_____________________________
Grace A. Eves
School Board Secretary
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2013
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December 19, 2013
R ose Tree M edia 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 Service
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James Wigo, Superintendent
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
December 13, 2013
Minutes of the December 3, 2013 Reorganization Meeting
I. Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
____________________________________________________________________________
Board Members in Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Chris
Guilday, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Elizabeth
Schneider
Absent:
Also in Attendance: Anne Callahan, Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Grace Eves, Steve Taylor and
James M. Wigo, Sr.
______________________________________________________________________________
II.
The Board is meeting this day for the purpose of reorganization under the appropriate sections
of Article IV of the School Laws of Pennsylvania as amended.
III.
The Board Secretary will read the list of legally elected and qualified School Board Members
and the expirations of their terms:
Tracy Barusevisius
Linda Kinsler-Fox
Nancy Fronduti
Chris Guilday
John Hanna
Nancy Mackrides
William O’Donnell
Harry Postles
Elizabeth Schneider
December 2017
December 2017
December 2015
December 2015
December 2015
December 2017
December 2015
December 2017
December 2015
II. Reorganization Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2013
1
December 19, 2013
IV.
Nominations for Temporary President
Ms. Kinsler-Fox moved and Mr. Guilday seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 53
Resolve, that Nancy Mackrides be nominated as temporary President.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
V.
Tracy Barusevisius, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John
Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Elizabeth
Schneider
None
None
Nominations for President
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Ms. Kinsler-Fox seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 54
Resolve, that John Hanna be nominated as President for the ensuing year.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
VI.
Tracy Barusevisius, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John
Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Elizabeth
Schneider
None
None
Nominations for Vice President
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 55
Resolve, that Linda Kinsler-Fox be nominated as Vice-President for the ensuing year.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Tracy Barusevisius, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John
Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Elizabeth
Schneider
None
None
II. Reorganization Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2013
2
December 19, 2013
VII.
Appointment of Solicitor
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Ms. Kinsler-Fox seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 56
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve Tom Kelly, from Kelly, Grimes, Pietrangelo
and Vakil, as the District Solicitor for the ensuing year. The solicitor’s retainer fee will be
$7,200 and the hourly fee will be $145.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
VIII.
Tracy Barusevisius, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John
Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Elizabeth
Schneider
None
None
Committee Chairman and Liaison Assignments
The following Committee Chairman and Liaison assignments are as follows:
Committee
Curriculum and Instruction
Technology
Pupil Services
Personnel
Operations
Finance
DCCC
DCIU
DCIU Legislative
Chairman/Liaison
Linda Kinsler-Fox
Harry Postles
Nancy Fronduti
Tracy Barusevisius
Nancy Mackrides
Bill O’Donnell
Linda Kinsler-Fox
Nancy Mackrides
Harry Postles
All Committees are a committee of the entire Board
IX.
Other Business - none
II. Reorganization Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2013
3
December 19, 2013
X.
Adjournment
Ms. Kinsler-Fox moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2013 – 2014 57
Resolve, there being no further business to come before the Board of School Directors, the
meeting was adjourned.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Tracy Barusevisius, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John
Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, Harry Postles and Elizabeth
Schneider
None
None
II. Reorganization Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2013
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December 19, 2013
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
Mr. Anthony Grisillo – 2014 Teacher of the Year
Resolve, the Board of School Directors recognize Mr. Grisillo for
being chosen Pennsylvania’s 2014 Teacher of the Year. During the
Keystone Awards of Excellence in Hershey, PA, Mr. Grisillo was
chosen from 12 finalists from around the state. Mr. Grisillo’s name
will be entered into the list of nominees for the National Teacher of
the Year Award in 2015. The Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year
program is co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of
Education and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Sate
Teacher of the Year. It is with great honor we recognize Mr. Grisillo
for his dedication to his students in Rose Tree Media.
III.
Presentations and Awards
1
December 19, 2013
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SCHOOL REPORT’S – December 19, 2013
GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
On Monday, November 4, 2013 Glenwood celebrated Heritage Day. Students visited four
classrooms and learned about the culture and customs of other countries. They even had
their own “passport” stamped! The students might have had a chance to learn about
India, Switzerland, Belgium, Peru, South Korea, South Africa, Italy, Poland, or China. We
were honored and grateful to have the parent volunteers, who shared their family’s
heritage with the students. In the afternoon, we enjoyed an assembly about Spanish
dancing...with students having the chance to get up on stage and try out their own moves!
We celebrated American Education Week by conducting an Open House and had over
200 special guests attend Glenwood's Open House.
A Book Fair Thank You
Glenwood’s book fair was very successful! Students were able to purchase brand-new
books at a 25 percent discount. A special thank you to PTG co-chairs Mrs. Keinath, Mrs.
Psaris, and Mrs. Troy whose hard work made it all possible. And a special thank you to
students, parents, and staff members who donated a total of forty-four book fair books to
the library.
Kindergarten
The Kindergarteners are beginning to get familiar with the Project Read phonological
awareness game "Say It, Move It." This game will help the children learn to stretch
sounds in words to become stronger readers.
First Grade
The first graders published their all about books. They wrote chapter books about topics
they knew all about. After drafting a few copies of a few all about books, they chose their
favorite book to publish. The kids revised and edited their book with a partner. The books
were typed and illustrated. To celebrate, the first graders had a publishing party to show
off their awesome books. We will keep them in our classroom libraries for all to enjoy
throughout the year.
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December 19, 2013
Second Grade
We have just finished a reading workshop unit on nonfiction. Students worked in book
clubs, researching topics of interest. They created a poster displaying information they
had learned to teach the class. We are beginning a fiction unit on understanding
characters more deeply.
Third Grade
The third graders have been working on Nonfiction Reading, Literary Essays, and
Addition and Subtraction strategies. In writing, students have picked a fictional character
to study, analyze, and write about in depth. Students have been combining their skills as
fiction readers and writers to discuss turning points, character traits, and author’s
purpose. At the end of the unit, students will come together as a grade level to celebrate
what they wrote about.
Fourth Grade
The Fourth graders are using what they learned in our “Boxes and Bullets” lessons from
the new Writing Workshop curriculum. They are using “Boxes and Bullets” to research a
state in the Northeast Region during Social Studies and winter holiday traditions from
around the world during Core Extension.
Fifth Grade
Fifth graders finished writing their second informational pieces this month. During the
initial stages of writing, they researched, looked at mentor texts, tried to add craft to their
writing, and began drafting. In the final stages, they worked on writing introductions,
conclusions, drafting, revising, and publishing their published pieces that show what they
have learned about crafting an interesting informational piece while including text features
such as pictures or maps that will help readers to understand their topics.
Art
Glenwood students in Mrs. Hennessey’s class, along with Art teacher, Keith Sharp, went
to Lima Estates Retirement. Students and residents worked together to create holiday
wreaths while sharing stories. Wreaths were used to decorate the resident’s doors. The
residents always enjoy it when the students visit.
INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students at Indian Lane are working on creating and extending patterns.
Students explored their home and school to find patterns on carpets, curtains, wallpaper,
and clothing. They then made their own patterns using tiles, pattern blocks, cubes, and
candy! Students sorted patterns by type: ABAB, AABB, ABCABC, etc. PM kindergarten
students will participate in the ILES Holiday Show on December 17th. They will sing
Jingle Bells and shake bells! Happy Holidays!
First Grade
First graders at Indian Lane recently began their nonfiction unit in Reading Workshop.
The students have learned the difference between fiction and nonfiction while exploring
books in their classrooms. Now they are evaluating which is the most effective way to
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December 19, 2013
read each nonfiction book they find: read it all the way through, read the central text then
the text features, or read the text features then the central text. Many books lend
themselves to one method of reading, and the readers need to decide how to proceed.
In Writing Workshop, we are working as a group of experts to write nonfiction chapter
books. Each student selected a topic on which he/she is an expert. Armed with an
expert word list, the students have organized their ideas in a Table of Contents. From
there they are writing and illustrating chapters to teach their readers with details,
diagrams, labels, zoom ins, and even how-tos’.
Our students just completed a unit on fractions where they learned how to divide shapes
into 2, 3, and 4 equal parts. They shaded parts to make a given fraction and labeled
shapes with fractions. We are now learning addition and subtraction strategies to help us
as we begin working on story problems. Knowing how to find turn around facts, find
missing addends, make ten, count on, count backward, and use doubles will help as we
solve those tricky word problems.
Second Grade
In word study, we have been spelling and reading words with vowel teams. In Reading
Workshop, we are focusing on getting to know our characters. This includes their
personality traits, what their goals are and how they change. In Writing Workshop, we are
using mentor authors to become better writers. By observing authors and their styles, we
can enhance our own writing. In Math, we continue our unit on geometry by comparing
and contrasting three-dimensional shapes. We are identifying their faces, edges and
vertices. We are using the area of shapes to measure how big shapes are so we can put
them in order by size. We are classifying the three main types of angles: acute, obtuse
and right. In Social Studies, we completed our communities and mapping unit. Taking a
walking tour of Media was one of the highlights of our communities unit. We visited the
police station, Media Theater, 10,000 Villages and the Delaware County Science
Museum. We also discovered how a compass rose, keys and symbols are all required to
help us read maps. Of course, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving time around Indian Lane
without the annual Friendship Feast! The first and second graders gathered in the hallway
to recite a special poem about friendship.
Third Grade
We are continuing to build our reading lives with lots of reading. Students finished
reading their series books this week, concluding our character study unit. This unit taught
students to read with inference and interpretation, develop text-based theories about
characters and support those theories with evidence from the text. From now on, each
time we begin to read, we slip into our character's shoes and read ourselves awake to the
feelings and emotions of our characters! Next up: nonfiction! In this unit of study,
students will be reading texts across a wide range of topics, learning how to construct
meaning by attending to the structure of expository texts. The students are very excited
about our next unit on informational writing where they will be writing about a self-chosen
“expert” topic. In this unit, students will explore the structure of informational writing
(Table of Contents, Introduction, Topics and Sub-Topics, Headings, Bold Words,
Pictures/Diagrams, Captions, Conclusion, Glossary) and apply it to their own writing.
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December 19, 2013
Cursive has been coming along nicely. We have the letters c, a, d, g, t, h, p, e, l, and f
under our belts. More letters are to follow each week.
In Social Studies, we studied communities in different regions of the United States. We
researched and took notes about the physical geography, climate and natural resources
in each community and created brochures to persuade people to visit there.
In Science, we began our unit on The Amazing Body. During this unit, the students will
be learning about the purpose and function of the major organs in their bodies. In
addition, they will create their own life-size bodies in the hallway. We are looking forward
to our trip to Lankenau Hospital in December!
The kids are getting the hang of our math program. They learned so much in our second
unit of study. It was all based on number theory, but we covered the following: making
trades (regrouping) the tens and the ones, mental addition, adding two 2-digit numbers
with and without regrouping, ways to make 100, how close to 100, ways to make $1.00,
finding different ways to make the same amount of money using coins, and counting
coins and dollars. Now that we wrapped up this unit, we will continue practicing the
algorithms associated with addition and subtraction, as well as place value concepts, in
preparation for our next unit called Collections and Travel Stories.
Fourth Grade
Fourth Grade has been creating an environment where living things depend on one
another. The created "eco-columns" are mini ecosystems that show the relationship and
interactions between aquatic and terrestrial environments. By the end of the unit,
students will understand and know relationships, describe the effects of pollutants on an
ecosystem, and explain ecological problems in our community.
Fifth Grade
This fall for the sixth year running, the fifth grade students will be planting an experimental
garden of bright red tulips. This activity is part of an international scientifically controlled
investigation called “Journey North.” In this international science experiment, students in
schoolyards across the northern hemisphere plant tulip bulbs in their Journey North Test
Gardens each fall. When the plants emerge and bloom, children announce that spring
has arrived in their part of the world. Indian Lane fifth-graders planted their bulbs on
Wednesday in what will be the 7th annual garden. Having weighed and measured their
bulbs, they then hypothesized when the tulips would emerge and bloom in the spring.
Many of the students will create an independent experiment measuring the effect of
changing other variables.
American Education Week
American Education Week (November 18-22) presents our parents with a wonderful
opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a
difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. Over 285 Indian Lane
parents visited their child’s classroom to observe a portion of their academic day. In
honor of Veterans Day during this week, students hung stars on the wall in the lobby with
the name of a family/friend Veteran.
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December 19, 2013
Music
Our Fifth Dimension choral group performed at the Delaware County Court House. They
joined students from the other three RTM elementary schools in singing winter-themed
songs.
Positive Behavior Program
We are beginning a new school-wide positive behavior recognition program. The
program entails students getting recognized by adults for making good and positive
choices. Students will be given a “Bobcat Brag” form and teachers will recognize them at
their morning meetings. Students will be asked to stand at our pride assemblies and
random names will be drawn at the assemblies to earn a pencil. We hope that this
recognition program will help our students make good choices even more frequently.
Posters of the universal behaviors will be hung throughout the school and in each
classroom to remind students to Be Ready, Be Respectful and Be Responsible.
Holiday Extravaganza
Our annual Holiday Extravaganza was held where students decorated their
very own gingerbread house. Our PTG provided the pre-assembled
houses and the basic candies and the students created their own
masterpieces. The “Holiday Kids Shop” was open for students to purchase
quality gifts for family members and secret shopping helpers were available
to help navigate the process. There was a visit with Santa and a station
where kids could learn about and play the Dreidel game. Vendors were
available for parents to do a little shopping too!
In celebration of the holidays, the Reischer family created and donated
their annual gingerbread house to Indian Lane. This year’s Victorian
House is displayed in the main office.
MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
American Education Week
This year’s theme for American Education Week, which is celebrated each November,
was “Raise Your Hand for Student Success.” Media celebrated the week with daily
events: On Monday, November 18th, Superintendent James Wigo was our “principal for
a day.” He observed in every classroom, joined the students for lunches, and attended
rehearsals for Grade 2’s Community Day presentation. He reported that he enjoyed the
day and our school community reported that they really enjoyed having him here.
Tuesday was Community Day. Second Grade spent a tremendous amount of time
memorizing and preparing songs, poems, and chants for their presentation. Each class
elected a mayor and each student assumed the role of a community worker. After the
students’ show, parents volunteered to be a part of a career showcase for the second
grade children. Featured careers included midwife, nurse, engineer, and electronics’
technician. It was a well planned and informative event. Wednesday was School Spirit
Day. Staff and students proudly wore their “Mustang Blue.” Check out our web site for
some photos of truly spirited students and teachers. Thursday was an exciting day. We
gathered on the field to make the shape of the #100. (Thanks to the maintenance
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department for outlining the numbers on the field.) A helicopter flew over us and took
some amazing pictures. Parent and professional photographer Maura McConnell was on
board. We will use the aerial photos as part of our 100th birthday celebration. On Friday,
we had an all-school assembly. The Penncrest Dance Team kicked off the program. They
were accompanied by their sponsor, Mrs. Christa Consadene. Good Citizens for the first
marking period were recognized as were a few folks who received “I Make a Difference
Awards.” Mrs. Williamson’s class performed “Wake Up Everybody” for the grand finale.
Caryn Lin Performs
Electric violinist Caryn Lin returned to Media School this month. She explained a lot about
how electronic music is created and gave a very important personal message about not
giving up just because someone says you can’t do something. She is an outstanding
musician.
VFW Post # 3460
Members of VFW Post # 3460 showed our students how to do a proper flag ceremony.
They shared their thoughts on patriotism as it relates to Pearl Harbor Day and other
events in World War II. We thank the members of the ladies auxiliary for visiting with us.
Parent Teacher Conferences
The end of the first marking period coincides with the distribution of progress reports and
the first parent-teacher conferences. Teachers were very well prepared to share data and
information about student growth. Our PTG very generously provided a meal and treats
during the conference days and nights.
Arts and Crafts Night
Our generous PTG sponsored a free Arts and Crafts Night. This fun event has become a
holiday tradition. Fifth graders from our service club (HOME) were there to help.
Holiday Giving
We were able to provide generous food baskets (complete with turkeys) and gift cards for
thirteen of our families. The generosity of staff and parents made this happen. The fifth
grade HOME team helped assemble the boxes and Mr. Murphy and Mrs. Kotch made
their traditional shopping trip to pick up everything that was needed to complete the
holiday boxes.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students were introduced to the computer lab and were able to navigate
through a handful of web sites. Additional practice occurs in the classroom where the
students use MacAirs. During reading workshop, the students were introduced to verbs
and adjectives. After a mini-lesson, they had the opportunity to look for verbs and
adjectives in emergent readers through illustrations. Kindergarten teacher extraordinaire,
Kristin Connell, was just selected as Acme’s TEACHER OF THE MONTH. She plans to
enjoy her “reign.”
Grade 1
First grade just started grade level flexible grouping for phonics instruction. The groups
were organized by looking at individual strengths and weaknesses in the area of phonics.
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December 19, 2013
Several assessments were used to create these groups, as well as teacher observation.
Groups will remain flexible throughout the year.
Grade 2
Second grade students had a very successful Community Day presentation. The students
demonstrated their knowledge of communities and how to care for the environment. After
their presentation, parents were invited to see the classroom communities that were
designed and built in each classroom. The students participated in a fun and educational
Career Showcase and learned many interesting facts about the jobs of our parent
volunteers. In this month’s Seed to Snack presentation, the second grade children
learned about root vegetables. Students tasted different varieties of potatoes (sweet,
purple, and white) and learned the important nutrients contained in each. They concluded
the lesson by tasting a healthy and delicious snack using sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and
maple syrup.
Grade 3
Students in third grade at Media Elementary School spent the month writing “baby”
literary essays. The students developed a theory about characters in a text they were
reading. Students then had to find and incorporate evidence from the text to support their
theory. They defended their theories in a mini-essay. In math, students worked to
analyze data and discuss how to use data in a meaningful way. The students conducted
many surveys, questionnaires, and compiled data in a variety of presentations. The
students then began to analyze places in the real world where data is used in a prevalent
way and what its purpose is there.
Grade 4
Fourth graders took a tour of the Minshall House as part of The Passport to History
program. This was the first “stamp” in the students’ passports for their year long project.
Students were also treated to an assembly about the Pledge of Allegiance and respect for
our country’s flag presented by the local VFW post.
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade students are preparing for their production of Alice in Wonderland. Fifth grade
also visited the Media Veteran’s Museum to more deeply understand and appreciate their
involvement in the Veteran’s Day Parade. (Fifth grader Gaby DiAntonio participated in a
flag exchange with her father which was deeply moving.)
Physical Education
In physical education classes 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. They have also been recognizing
and applying game strategies to basic game and physical activities such as the give and
go, one on one, and peer communication.
Music
The fifth grade gave their spectacular off-Broadway rendition of Alice in Wonderland. The
show involved a speaking cast of 32 with the remainder of the fifth grade serving as the
chorus. The children rehearsed before and after school learning their blocking,
choreography, and songs. Everything came together during the week with the assistance
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December 19, 2013
of parents and teachers. Thanks to all who helped with the colorful scenery, fabulous
costumes, and the many logistics of doing a show. Members of the Mustang Chorale
sang a concert of holiday music. The venue was the steps of The Media Courthouse. Our
students were part of a district wide choir. Additionally, the full choir went out into the
community with two performances of their holiday concerts.
ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
The month of December is a busy and exciting time in Kindergarten. Students have been
working diligently to increase their reading stamina during Reading Workshop. They have
successfully transitioned from reading at their tables with friends to independent reading
and partner reading. Each student has a leveled bag of books to read and browse
through during Reading Workshop. Students have learned several ways to tell a story
and focus on the details an author includes in the writing. In addition to Reading
Workshop time, students are also strengthening their blending and segmenting skills
while working with words in word families. The list of sight words grows every day and
increases the students’ sight vocabulary, which will in turn increase their reading fluency.
An at-home enrichment sight word program began in the beginning of the month and will
continue throughout the year. This enrichment program is differentiated for each student
and allows each student to move at his/her own pace.
In Math, students are working through Investigations Unit 3, which requires students to
recognize, build, and extend patterns. Social Studies have been the focus this month as
the children read and study different holiday and cultural traditions from around the world.
Students were extremely lucky to have parents visit the classroom and share their
traditions. In an effort to make all of their experiences hands-on, for the third year in a
row, in lieu of purchasing a small gift for the teachers and aides at this time of year,
students are donating can goods for the Media Food Bank. Students have learned about
community members in Social Studies and the importance of being an active part of the
community. This experience is a hands-on way for students to give back and play an
important role this winter. It is an exciting time for all of us!
Second Grade
Second graders at Rose Tree completed a very successful persuasive writing unit. Using
Lucy Calkins' Units of Study for Primary Writing, mini lessons and mentor texts, students
learned that their words can make a difference and they could persuade a reader to think
like they think or believe what they believe. They also learned that powerful words can
make a difference in the lives of others and persuasion can improve our world. Our
writers learned the structure of persuasive writing, gathered ideas in their Writer's
Notebook and applied techniques and strategies to their persuasive pieces. Their work
included Writing Persuasive Letters and Writing Persuasive Reviews. Students decided
how to deliver their persuasive writing to the targeted audience and enjoyed the
satisfaction of knowing that their voices count
Third Grade
The third grade students had a terrific time writing stories about how our turkeys escaped
being eaten on Thanksgiving Day. The students disguised their turkey and wrote an
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accompanying story about how they escaped becoming part of the Thanksgiving meal.
The stories were creative and hilarious. Zoe Mackenzie, one of the third grade students,
wrote about how the turkey dressed as a grandmother. It sang a song and lulled the
family to sleep. She included that everyone knows that eating turkey causes people to
fall asleep after dinner. Thankfully, her turkey escaped when the family fell asleep. The
students read their stories to the class. We enjoyed hearing about all of the creative ways
these turkeys avoided being dinner.
Library
Students continued to practice information literacy skills which include thinking critically,
making informed decisions and sharing knowledge. Students have continued to practice
using research databases such as Culturegrams, Webpath Express and Worldbook
Online to gather information for their research projects. The Rose Tree Elementary
reading Olympic team continues to work hard to prepare for the reading Olympic
competition in April 2014.
Guidance
In our on-going effort to help our children appreciate the spirit of giving, Rose Tree
Elementary School again decided to share our good fortune with those who are less
fortunate. During this winter holiday season, the children were encouraged to look
outward by giving to others. During the month of December the whole school worked
together for our Winter Holiday Project donating items for needy children in Chester, PA.
All grade levels were assigned a different item to bring to school. Each class was
assigned a specific age range to help target their purchases. Items included crayons,
coloring/activity books, socks, mittens/gloves, books and small inexpensive toys. It was a
smashing success! We were able to provide gift bags for needy children in nearby
Chester, PA. Fifth grade service club members, K.I.D.S., traveled to the Wesley House
Shelter and Kidz First Daycare in Chester to personally deliver the gifts to the children.
Both of these sites are part of the Community Action Agency of Delaware County. We
also had the opportunity to share some holiday cheer by singing two songs from their
recent holiday concert. We were joined this year by our music teacher, Mr. David
Sikorski, who led the students in song. The joy on everyone’s faces was a sight to
behold!
This generous holiday outpouring came on the heels of another successful Trick or Treat
for UNICEF campaign in which the school raised $1,361.55! That is $93.26 more than
our highest total from back in 2007.
SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
The following students of the month for December were honored at a breakfast this
morning along with their parents and teachers: Team 6-1: Daniel McLoughlin and Mika
Wesley; Team 6-2: Ethan Emery and Julie Gilligan; Team 6-3: Mason Peck and Isabella
Phillips; Team 7-1: Bryn McLaughlin and Casey Loper; Team 7-2: Benjamin Gordon and
Katherine Poissant; Team 7-3: Jacob Lamb and Hollyn Downend; Team 8-1: Daniel
Esparragoza and Katharine-Thi Koethe; Team 8-2: William Angelina and Jordyn Kaplan;
Team 8-3: Yuanyuan Chen and William Plotts
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Art
Ms. Sycz' art classes are involved in the following activities: Grade eight students have
finished analyzing in written form Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" focusing on how
the principles of design that students used in their own design project were used in this
famous painting. Students have started their sculpture unit properly storing clay and
showing the ability to roll out a large slab of clay. Using their creativity, students are
thinking of a subject and the details needed to bring the character to life. Grade seven
students have now completed coloring their portraits using both regular and watercolor
pencils combined. Grade six students have finished and mounted their leaf composition
projects. Students are now focusing upon the elements of line and shape along with the
principle of proportion to create a realistic drawing of a bird. After following a step by step
demonstration of drawing a bird, students have now begun drawing on their own a bird
looking at resource image.
News You Can Use from Mrs. Going's Art Room: Eighth Grades are now immersed in
the drawings of their Ancient Chinese Water Dragon! They have found out that this
unfamiliar subject is quite manageable to draw when fully understood! Ask any of them to
list the nine characteristics required of these mystical creatures that are loved and
revered in China. Ask about the number of claws and what this number distinguishes.
They are now learning the skill required to use colored pencil like a true artist, not just "to
color something in!” Blending skills and Color Theory knowledge are tested throughout
the completion of the dragon. This unit continues with the focus on the art of the dragon,
its importance in the culture of China and other countries. Seventh Grades continue with
their ceramic unit, “The Art of The Fish". Students see the theme of the fish through a
variety of artists and art forms. Students have moved past basic construction and have
marveled as a fish has suddenly emerged! Vocabulary and proper building techniques
continue through construction! Of course mastering the tools of this construction of a
three dimensional form take great problem solving skills. They continue to solve this
problem happily and with great success! Sixth grades continue with their study of The
Masks of Africa. As the details have emerged, students can't wait to add more! The
symmetrical designs stress the Principles of pattern, rhythm and balance. Students now
move to reviewing use of a ruler and how to properly measure a two inch frame. Mrs.
Going stresses the proper way to read and to measure with a ruler, also a required skill
on PSSA'S
Mrs. Prior’s sixth graders are reinforcing their knowledge of clay vocabulary and skills by
writing songs, poems, or comic strips that use the important concepts and words. They
are also learning about ceramic glaze and the steps needed to glaze their projects.
Seventh graders are putting the finishing touches on their clay sculptures of food by using
paint or glaze to add a touch of realism. Eighth graders are finishing their site-specific
sculptures. Also, they are adding color and value to their two-point perspective scenes
using colored pencils. Miss Bialek, our former student teacher, will be showing student
work at the University of the Arts this December.
Guidance
Guidance groups have begun and counselors are meeting with these students weekly.
The guidance department has been reaching out to families in need during this holiday
season. ACME gift cards were given to 30 families and parents were contacted for gift
ideas for the upcoming Angel Tree. Our own students have been selecting gifts to
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purchase for elementary level students. Many parents have expressed gratitude for the
support of the RTM community.
Susan Howe attended a workshop at the Horsham Clinic on Non-Suicidal Self-Injury:
Causes, Treatments & Current Perspectives. The presenter was Dr. Oluwabusi. Nonsuicidal self -injury (NSSI) includes cutting, self-abuse, self-injury, and self-mutilation. The
purpose of self-injury is to produce a positive feeling. People do it to resolve
interpersonal difficulties and conflicts in order to overcome a sense of emptiness. Many
people self-injure because they receive sympathy or support if they have a physical
ailment. 90% of self-injury starts during the teenage years and is equally common among
males and females. Social networking, celebrities and the news media have impacted
self-injurious behavior.
Language Arts
Students in sixth grade Language Arts are reading and responding to the novel Out of the
Dust. Prior to reading, we cultivated background information about the dust bowl era
through articles in Teen Biz, Scope Magazine, and a PBS video. Students are working on
character development, story plot structure, as well as figurative language skills through
this novel.
The first of our ‘on demand’ writing prompts was conducted through Language Arts.
Students responded to an informational prompt with a 5-paragraph essay. These essays
are being graded by teams of teachers and then returned to students for revisions. The
goal is to get every student to both improve his or her writing and reach a proficient level
on this essay.
Scope magazine, word study and grammar continue to be pursued through our
curriculum. Scope is proving to offer excellent fiction and non-fiction choices to
supplement our studies of various genres. The students are really engaged in the topics
offered and the instructional support materials are well-matched to the rigors of the PA
Core Standards.
Language Arts teachers met with Science teachers and then Social Studies teachers to
promote writing across the curriculum. We worked to combine paired reading texts with
text dependent analysis questions. We also identified informational and persuasive
prompts for future monthly five-paragraph ‘on-demand’ essays.
Reading Olympics has just begun at the middle school. Our first meeting brought about
25 interested 6-8th graders. We will meet weekly to read, review, quiz, and prepare for
the spring competition.
Students in seventh grade language arts classes are participating in a Reader’s Theater
adaptation of Charles Dickens’s ghost story, A Christmas Carol. They will analyze the
literary devices and elements of plot learned earlier this year. They will investigate the
theme of “Lightening Burdens” or helping people who are less fortunate. Dickens once
said, “no one is useless in this world that lightens the burdens of others.” They will finish
the unit by writing a five-paragraph persuasive essay analyzing/evaluating the ghost that
had the biggest impact on Scrooge’s transformation. As a culminating activity, students
will then create a visual character analysis for the transformation of Scrooge’s character.
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In Ms. Azeff’s eighth grade classes, students made connections between fiction and nonfiction, while looking at the traits of heroes and discovering how to overcome obstacles in
life. As part of an analysis activity, where we worked with texts as “detectives,” students
uncovered evidence in a non-fiction article about Malala Yousefzai and her struggle to
fight the Taliban for educational opportunities in Pakistan. Then, students made
connections between Malala’s real-life struggles and successes and the obstacles our
fictional characters are facing in our novel study. Recently, students visited the library to
select non-fiction independent reading texts about heroism or a hero, so that they can
continue their “detective work” as part of their independent reading project, due in
January. By creating a five-paragraph essay in Google Drive as part of their writing
portfolio, students will explore the layers of text evidence from fiction and non-fiction, as
they apply these struggles and triumphs against adversity to their personal goals and
aspirations in the future.
Library
The library media center was abuzz with activity during American Education Week, when
our Fall Book Fair was featured. Students, staff, and parents enjoyed perusing the Book
Fair offerings, and the event was hugely successful. Popular sellers this year included
titles by authors James Patterson, Susan Beth Pfeffer, Karen Healey, Michael Grant,
Ruta Sepetys, Janet Tashjian, Rachel Vail, and Caroline Cooney, to name a few. Parent
volunteers were absolutely fabulous and helped to keep chaos to a minimum. The library
is currently featuring a display of new book arrivals (including some of those titles
acquired through the Book Fair) and is hosting a staff “Books and Bagels” time to give
faculty an opportunity to see what new materials are available. We are especially proud
of a new collection of age-appropriate titles for struggling and reluctant readers.
December is an exciting month!
Math
Geometry students have polished their ability to formulate a mathematical proof by
proving various types of triangles congruent. We've discussed how triangles provide
structural stability and are frequently used in engineering and construction projects. One
ongoing project that is rather close-to-home is the Route 252 construction project.
Geometry classes have seen the architect/engineer plans for the project and have applied
the terms and concepts to this real life project. Last week, parents had an opportunity to
visit and see their geometry classes. Not only was attendance excellent, but participation
was also strong as parents participated in the homework review and got involved with
some geometric constructions with their children as well as their classmates.
Our Algebra I students are working on linear relationships—graphing linear equations that
are given in both slope-intercept form and standard form; using the x-and y-intercepts to
identify possible solutions in real-life situations and identifying patterns found in linear
equations. Our next chapter continues with more on linear relationships—introducing yet
another form of a linear equation—point-slope form.
Eight Grade Connected Math students have completed the first book called Moving
Straight Ahead. They learned how to write, solve, and check equations. Now the students
begin a short unit on perimeter, area, volume, and surface area. This unit helps prepare
the students for the PSSA in Measurement and Geometry. Students will be working with
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two-dimensional (perimeter and area) and three-dimensional figures (volume and surface
area) along with making nets of figures and using those nets to calculate surface area.
The seventh grade math students are finishing the “Comparing and Scaling” unit of the
Connected Math Program. During this unit, the students have learned how to calculate
proportions and ratios. The students are currently completing a group unit project that
requires them to choose two similar companies or products and to survey their
classmates on their preferences. Then, the students needed to analyze their data to
create ratios, differences, and fractions that displays their results. The third step of their
project is to create a commercial to advertise one of the products. The project has
enabled students to collaborate with one another and to be creative. It also demonstrates
how to students can apply what we are learning in the classroom to the real world.
After the “Comparing and Scaling” unit, the seventh grade students will be moving on to
the “What Do You Expect” unit. The “What Do You Expect” unit focuses on the concept of
probability.
Sixth grade math has recently finished the unit titled Prime Time. Prime Time offers
hands-on discovery based approach to learning factors and multiples. To introduce the
concept of finding factors of a number, the students played “The Factor Game”. This
was a highly motivating game that allowed students to practice finding factors of numbers
while engaging in some friendly competition with a classmate. They also played “The
Product Game” which allowed students to practice finding multiples. Once they mastered
the concept of multiples and factors, we explored several different word problems in
which the students were expected to apply what they learned about multiples and factors
to solve the problems. At the end of the unit we discussed prime factorization. We used
“the Product Puzzle” to introduce factor strings. Students discovered that the longest
factor string was a number’s prime factorization. We discussed and practiced strategies
for determining a number’s prime factorization including creating factor trees.
Music
More than five hundred students performed during the month of December in winter
concerts at Springton Lake Middle School. Our five choral groups, orchestras, sixth
grade band and sixth grade jazz lab gave concerts throughout the month. Our
seventh and eighth grade select choir sang at Brinton Lake Medical Center in the morning
and then at the Media Courthouse for their Holiday Songfest at 12:30pm.
Physical Education
Students of all grade levels continued to hand in their weekly Physical Activity Journals.
Students write two sentences a day about their physical activity or what they did instead.
As the journals have been handed in, the teachers have been keeping them together so
that by the end of the school year the students will have produced a mini training book on
their physical activity. The staff has been expressing to the students the benefits of
record keeping and being descriptive with the physical activity experiences that they are
going through. In addition, the physical education department has been trying to get
students to understand the connection between school and the real world in terms of their
individual physical activity experiences. In the second semester, the staff will start the
discussion on how physical activity can influences a variety of areas like energy levels,
focus and mood.
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The sixth and seventh grade classes finished their first round of classes in the pool. All
sixth and seventh grade students go to the pool with their physical education teacher for
six classes. After each class has gone to the pool, the cycle is repeated. The students
have a chance to have six straight pool lessons in addition to experiencing all of the units
that are presented by the physical education staff.
Sixth grade classes have had the opportunity to experience a variety of activities including
a weight room introduction, scooter activities, and basketball. In the weight room the
students learned about the different machines that are available for them to use. In
addition, they were given instructions on safe weight training practices and how simple
weight training exercises at their ages can be beneficial. For the scooter unit, students
were instructed on proper scooter safety and experienced adaptive games including
sports that were related to wheelchair activities. In basketball, the students had the
opportunity to learn basic fundamentals of basketball, and apply them to game-like
situations.
Boys: The seventh grade boys and eighth grade girls participated in a basketball unit
where they worked on a variety of skills. They had the opportunity to use their skills in a 4
on 4 half-court tournaments. In addition to playing in this tournament, the students had to
complete a team assignment. Within this assignment each team member was
responsible to complete a specific job that connects with another school subject.
Students had their choice of completing a social studies, artistic, musical, language arts
or mathematical job. The interdisciplinary packet that the students had to complete in
addition to the physical skills allowed for the kids to see the additional strands an activity
could have that focused on the mental side of the game.
The eighth grade boys worked different training programs in the weight room and
aerobics. In the weight room unit, the students have been learned about identifying
muscle groups and how caloric expenditure works in regards to how diet and exercise
can affect one another. In aerobics, the students were exposed to activities with the Bosu
balance Ball trainers, step aerobics and Taebo.
The seventh grade girls have been working on a self-defense unit. The students have
worked on understanding potential harmful situations and how to handle them. We had
two special guests come in and present to the girls. State Trooper Maguire demonstrated
and discussed various physical, mental and cyber defense techniques.
Science
Sixth grade science students are studying the kingdoms of living things. They will use
graphic organizer to organize information they read in the new science textbooks about
protists, fungi, plant, and animals. They will view microorganisms under the microscope to
compare and contrast their characteristics.
Seventh grade science is now in the full swing of electrical investigation. The student will
compare and contrast series and parallel circuits by exploring current (Amperes),
electromotive force (Voltage), and resistance (Ohms). The students learn basic electrical
diagramming as well as proper use of ammeters, L.E.D.’s, circuit breakers, and fuses.
Electrical safety in the home is reinforced throughout the unit.
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In eighth grade science, students looked at the differences between physical and
chemical changes generally, and then focused back in on solubility and properties of
water. Students determined procedures and planned activities to determine both how to
separate a mixture of various substances (salt, sand, oil, water, and/or iron) using a
variety of techniques, as well as how to extract and measure the amount of iron found in
Total cereal. We have also been working on using graphs of solubility curves to answer
questions related to saturation and overall solubility. As a hands-on connection to this,
students have used hot water baths to dissolve unknown salts and use their data and
their previously developed graphs to determine their identities. Finally, we have learned
about properties of water, including demonstrations of cohesion, adhesion, capillary
action and surface tension. Classes discussed the parts of the water cycle and
connected this with previous learning on phase changes and states of matter.
Social Studies
All Springton Lake students will participate in the classroom level competition for the
National Geographic Bee during December. The school champion will be determined in
January.
Sixth grade students have been studying Japan, North Korea, and China. They had to
compare and contrast the present-day countries and the historical contexts that created
the modern countries. In the study of North Korea, the students were particularly intrigued
by the fierce control and secrecy that Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un wield over their
people. In addition, the classes have been using an article about China along with
comprehension questions and writing prompts developed by the 6th Grade PLC for Social
Studies, Science, and Language Arts. The study of Asia continues with the study of India
and the IT revolution that has transformed the nation into a global power.
Recently, the seventh grade students successfully completed the “Bar Exam” on the U.S.
Constitution and were then presented with various dilemmas in simulated law cases. The
team of students who successfully answered the most questions based upon their
knowledge of Constitutional laws was recognized as the top achieving young lawyers.
The students then transitioned into the unit on the Bill of Rights. Here students examined
the first ten amendments with particular attention to 4 landmark Supreme Court cases
that affected student rights. Students completed the unit by creating story panels that
depicted the events of the various Supreme Court cases.
Eighth grade students have been studying the geography and history of ancient
Mesopotamia. The earliest people of this region were called the Sumerians and students
analyzed and evaluated their many achievements using primary sources and photos of
artifacts such as: the wheel, the arch, astronomy, and a number system based on the
number sixty. Currently, eighth grade students are exploring ancient Egypt. They are
examining artifacts and replicas from the University of Pennsylvania during this unit. In
addition, the students are analyzing readings about mummification, the economy of Egypt
and Nubia, and the leadership of the pharaohs.
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December 19, 2013
Special Education
Students in Mrs. Arias’ class have worked hard to revise their language arts essays. They
have worked weekly in groups to improve a variety of skills including social, study, and
organizational skills. Students finished MAP testing with their classes.
In Mrs. Hartzell’s Emotional Support Resource class, students worked on making
progress towards their IEP goals. Students participated in a weekly group session with
the Elwyn Psychologist in order to promote social skills. The teacher and Psychologist
facilitated various problem-solving activities that require cooperation, communication, and
reflection. In Mrs. Hartzell’s Learning Support and Emotional Support Resource classes,
students participated in executive functioning lessons in order to enhance their skills in
planning, strategizing, organizing, setting goals, and paying attention to the important
details that will help to achieve their IEP goals. Using the skills learned in the executive
functioning lessons this month, students focused on planning for a formal writing piece by
using different brainstorming techniques, graphic organizers, outlines, and the steps of
the writing process.
World Language
This month the French classes of Springton Lake celebrated National French Week.
Classes participated in fun French activities as well as sampled tasty French treats. Daily
trivia questions were read on the announcements so that the whole school could
participate. Delicious French prizes were awarded to a selected homeroom with the
correct answer.
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
Penncrest Student Leadership Retreat
During the month, 125 students and 13 staff members of Penncrest High School departed
for Camp Tockwogh in Worton, Maryland for the seventh annual student leadership
retreat. At the retreat, students were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones by
participating in team-building activities. The event required attendees to think of
themselves as leaders and what that means. This year, the retreat also offered students
the opportunity to attend workshops on communication, goal setting, and motivation, in
addition to project planning and leadership style sessions. Faculty sponsors, Mr. Greg
Jacobs and Mr. David Stango, who designed this year’s program, take great pride in the
leadership retreat at Penncrest High School. The trip would not be possible without their
hard work and dedication, as well as the commitment of PHS staff volunteers who
sacrificed time away from home to serve as chaperons.
The Giving Tree
Penncrest students and staff collected gifts for local residents in need during the month of
December through our annual “Giving Tree.” The project is a collaboration of the National
Honor Society and Child Development II classes. Paper ornament tags indicating needed
items were hung on the tree. Tags were then selected by anonymous donors who
purchased the items as gifts for area residents and placed them under the tree.
Penncrest faculty then arranged for the gifts to be delivered to those in need with the help
of our district’s home and school visitors, Bernadette Dacanay and Jen Mosher.
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December 19, 2013
Penncrest Cares!
The Penncrest National Honor Society, Student Council, and the World Language
Department were busy in December supporting the relief effort to folks in the Philippines
after the recent natural disaster. Two of our students, Kira and Kate Panzer, have family
in the Philippines whose homes and village were destroyed. The Panzer's uncle, Sandy
Javier, is the mayor of a small town in the Philippines and he is leading the effort to
provide relief to his own town as well as many neighboring communities. Students
collected a wide array of household items such as school supplies, toothbrushes and
toothpaste, gently used towels and washcloths, light weight clothing for adults and
children, solar powered flashlights, and sheet sets and pillow cases to send to those in
need.
Powder Puff Football
The juniors played the seniors in the 11th annual Powder Puff Flag Football Game for a
Cure recently. Senior Brittany Kashner and junior Natalie Kron were the captains and
event organizers. Tyler Butz was the head coach of the seniors and Dan Fisher served
as head coach of the juniors. Over 120 girls participated in the fund-raising event.
Brittany Kashner scored twice, on a nine-yard and then 12-yard run to lead the seniors as
quarterback. Nicole Mancarello scored on a 70-yard touchdown run for the juniors. The
seniors won the game by a score of 16-6. All proceeds go to the Linda Creed Breast
Cancer Foundation.
Annual Senior Citizens Luncheon
Members of Rose Tree Media’s M.A.N.E. were treated to a holiday concert and luncheon
hosted at Penncrest High School. Attendees had the opportunity to hear the Ambassador
Choir (under the direction of Mrs. Sherre Gaertner) and the Roaring Lions Marching Band
(under the direction of Mr. Craig Snyder), as well as eleventh-grade harp soloist Susanna
Koethe in performance. The senior citizens then enjoyed a holiday luncheon prepared by
the Penncrest cafeteria staff and served by students in Mrs. Jessica Anderson's Foods
and Nutrition course. Students from the Lion’s Paw Society, Penncrest’s goodwill
ambassadors’, were also on-hand to assist with the day’s festivities.
Art Department News
Art teacher Concetta Mattioni will be the guest speaker at Hatboro-Horsham High
School's National Art Honor Society's induction ceremony on Thursday, December 12,
2013. She was invited to speak by Penncrest graduate of the art major program, Lauren
Economou (class of 2001), who is now the AP art teacher at Hatboro-Horsham.
Science Department News
Penncrest Medical Scholars attended a live surgery this month as an introduction to the
tenth annual Annenberg High School Science Symposium. This year, the medical
scholars are researching the topic of how sleep affects performance and will present their
findings in a competition held in March. The medical scholars are also working in
preparation for this year’s Bio Olympiad. First testing for the competition is held in
February.
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December 19, 2013
World Language News
In December, the Phyllis Kavanaugh Scholarship committee interviewed eight highlyqualified candidates. The committee may choose only one winner. Students will be
notified of the committee’s decision by mail in by the end of the month.
The World Language Honor Society sponsored a fair-trade fund-raiser. The club raised
over $1,600 for the Phyllis Kavanaugh Scholarship. The World Language Honors Society
is actively providing free tutoring to World language students. To set up a peer tutor,
students and parents are encouraged to contact Ms. Laura Nemec-Osborne at
lnemec@rtmsd.org.
The World Language department teachers have been meeting after school to complete
three webinars from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language. Topics
include: using technology in the World Language classroom, increasing interpersonal
speaking, and maintaining the target language in all classes.
Rose Tree Media Simon Youth Academy News
Simon Youth Academy is proud to be a part of the Fair Acres Gift Tree again this year.
We will be accepting donations for residents until Thursday, December 19, at our school,
which is located in the Granite Run Mall, Entrance 3, upper level. We would like to thank
everyone in advance for all the great gifts we receive for the residents of Fair Acres!
Students volunteered at Fair Acres and assisted the residents with playing Bingo and
participated in gift wrapping outside the lower level of Boscov’s Department Store.
Our Thanksgiving luncheon was a great success! Good times were had by all. We hope
everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday.
Seniors Rachael Meil and Chris Thompson completed all of their credits with the
exception of physical education. They will continue at the RTMSYA to finish this
graduation requirement while working and are in the process of planning a community
college schedule for the spring.
Several students applied for jobs this month and are waiting to hear back from
prospective employers. Currently, 11 out of 15 seniors are working in the local
community.
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December 19, 2013
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.”
November 21, 2013
December 19, 2013
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 January 23, 2014, at Penncrest
High School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
Presidential Announcement
1
December 19, 2013
A
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:
December 3, 2013
RE:
December 3, 2013 Curriculum & Instruction Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mrs. Linda Kinsler-Fox
Board Members in Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy
Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna, Bill O’Donnell, Harry Postles, Liz Schneider
Also in Attendance: Anne Callahan, Grace Eves, Mack Johnson, Patti Linden, Steve
Taylor, Jim Wigo.
PA Teacher Effectiveness System: Teacher-Specific Data and PIMS
Dr. Taylor and Mr. Johnson updated the Board on the teacher-specific-data piece of the
new Pennsylvania Teacher Effectiveness System, in particular how data from the
Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS) will feed into the
Pennsylvania Information Management System (PIMS). Heretofore, data from the
PVAAS system has been aggregated and reported for large groups of students. In
2013-2014, for the first time it will be aggregated and reported at the classroom level
and used to evaluate teachers’ effectiveness. PDE has provided formulas to calculate
the percentage of “instructional responsibility” borne by each teacher so that the ratings
will include a fair calculation of each teacher’s contributions to a student’s learning. Mr.
Johnson describes the numerous steps required for the district to assign instructional
responsibility on a student-by-student basis and track it through PIMS. The system
must be established and operational by the spring. Three years of data will be collected
before the three-year average affects any teacher’s evaluation in the Fall of 2016.
Oral Proficiency Assessors’ Contracts
Dr. Taylor asked approval of contracts for two oral language assessors, who will
evaluate the oral proficiency of Penncrest students in AP French and AP Spanish in
May 2014. The total amounts of the contracts are $940 for French and $720 for
Spanish, and the funds are budgeted. The Board gave permission for a resolution to
appear on the December Legislative Agenda.
Public Comment
Members of the public asked several questions about the Teacher Evaluation System.
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:
December 6, 2013
Subject:
December 3, 2013 Finance Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Bill O’Donnell
______________________________________________________________________
Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, Nancy Fronduti, Chris Guilday, John Hanna, Harry
Postles, Bill O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
Absent: Linda Kinsler-Fox and Nancy Mackrides
Also in Attendance: Pam Baker and Jeff Kowalczyk from Barbacane, Thornton &
Company, Ron Baldino, Anne Callahan, Dennis Cini, Grace Eves, Patti Linden and
James Wigo
______________________________________________________________________
1.
2012/2013 Local Audit
Pam Baker from the accounting firm of Barbacane, Thornton & Company
presented a draft of the 2012/2013 Audit Report. She reviewed several new
GASB accounting standards changes; some of which relate to titles and labeling
of paragraphs in the Audit Report. Future GASB standards changes will be
related to the State’s retirement liability. There were no observations or findings
in the Audit Report.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
December 19, 2013 Legislative Agenda for a vote of the Board.
2.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 14-9 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Curriculum and Instructional Development - Supplies
$4,107.35
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction - Supplies
$4,107.35
RATIONALE: To purchase Handwriting Without Tears – grades K-4
FY 14-10 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Special Education - Books
$2,500.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction - Books
$2,500.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase classroom books
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
December 19, 2013 Legislative Agenda for a vote of the Board.
3.
Budgetary Summary Comparison Report
The District has received 82% of revenue and has expensed 66% of
expenditures, which is comparable with last year. Salaries are lower in November
of 2013/14 at this time due to a pay freeze by the teachers until February.
Action: Discussion
4.
Starlite Productions Services Agreement
The contract is for the musical and will be paid for through the Student Activity
account at no cost to the district.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
December 19, 2013 Legislative agenda for a vote of the Board.
5.
All Around Entertainment – Ratification
This contract is for DJ services for a dance at the Springton Lake Middle school
to be held on Friday, December 6, 2013. Funding for the contract is through the
Student Activity account at no cost to the District.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
December 19, 2013 Legislative Agenda for a vote of the Board.
6.
New LST Tax for Middletown Township
Middletown Township as enacted a Local Services Tax. Employees that work at
Glennwood Elementary School, Indian Lane Elementary School and Penncrest
will now be subject to the LST from Middletown at $42/year
Action: Discussion
7.
2014/2015 Revenue Budget
The committee reviewed the 2014/2015 Revenue Budget. Two factors that
formulate local revenue are the assessment value and the milage rate. Due to
the economy and tax appeals over the past several years, the District’s
assessment value is now near the same level as the 2009/2010 fiscal year. The
maximum real estate tax increase according to the Act 1 Index is 2.1% without
the use of exceptions or referendum. Over the past nine years the District used
the exceptions once. The revenue budget is currently based on 2.1% increase.
The rate cannot be increased above 2.1%, but can be lowered. The Board will
adopt a resolution at the January Legislative meeting not to exceed the Index.
Based on an average residential assessment of $206,625 a 2.1% increase
equates to an annual increase of $97 or $8.08 monthly. The only anticipated
increase in State revenue is for the 50% reimbursement of the retirement
expense. This is due to the retirement rate increasing from 16.93% to 21.4% in
2014/2015. Federal revenue budget increase slightly through the use of
ACCESS fund, which are used for special education services.
Action: Discussion
Public Comment: Four members of the public were in attendance.
The next Finance Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, January 14, 2014
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
Mr. James M. Wigo, Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
December 6, 2013
Subject:
December 3, 2013 Operations Committee Agenda
Chairperson: Nancy Mackrides
_____________________________________________________________________
Attendance: Tracy Barusevicius, Chris Guilday, John Hanna, Harry Postles, Bill
O’Donnell and Elizabeth Schneider
Absent: Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti and Nancy Mackrides
Also in Attendance: Ron Baldino, Anne Callahan, Dennis Cini, Grace Eves, Patti
Linden and James Wigo
______________________________________________________________________________
1.
Capital Project Updates
Dennis Cini gave an update on the 2013/2014 capital projects. The majority of
the projects have been completed. The general contractor for the Springton Lake
Middle School was on site to continue to work on punch list items. An initial list of
capital projects for the 2014/2015 fiscal year was reviewed. Information from the
principals, Dennis Cini and Ron Baldino was used to formulate the list. Some of
the items may put be put on a phasing schedule over the next two to three years.
The administration will be meeting with an architect to review security
improvements for all buildings which may be added to the list. A revised list will
be presented in January.
Action: Discussion
The committee gave approval for a feasibility study on the installation of turf at
Penncrest’s stadium for an amount not to exceed $25,000. The outdoor track at
Penncrest, which is located adjacent to the stadium field, will need to be replaced
in the near future. This provides the opportunity to complete both projects at the
same time, which will diminish damage to either surface if the projects are done
at different times.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
December 19, 2013 Legislative Agenda for a vote of the Board.
During different periods of wet weather water penetrates the lower level area of
the Springton Lake Middle School near the mechanical room. This area is not
occupied by students. Last week water penetrated the electrical switch gear at
the lower level of the Sprinton Lake Middle School. As a result the switch gear
was damaged and power was lost to the server room. This resulted in a loss of
phone service, and Internet connectivity throughout the District for the day. The
District consulted with the architectural firm of Bonnett Associates, Inc. to do
preliminary evaluation. Don Bonnett recommends proceeding as as possible to
find the location of the leaks and waterproof the area. The Board will move
forward as this is an immediate safety concern. Don Bonnett will solicit at least
three quotes to complete the work as soon as possible.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
December 19, 2013 Legislative Agenda for a vote of the Board.
2.
Sunoco Pipeline Survey Permission Form
The District received notification from Sunoco of an upcoming land survey they
will be performing near Glenwood Elementary School. The purpose of the
survey is to evaluate the viability of their plans to install a liquid petroleum gas
pipeline. While their letter states they do not need the District’s approval to
conduct the survey, they prefer to obtain our consent.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
December 19, 2013 Legislative Agenda for a vote of the Board.
3.
American Red Cross Shelter Agreement
The American Red Cross is seeking the use of Penncrest High School and
Springton Lake Middle School as emergency shelters during an emergency.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
December 19, 2013 Legislative Agenda for a vote of the Board.
4.
Dale Construction Change Order #SC-07
There is a credit change order in the amount of $2,677.79 for unused allowances
for the structural steel contract with Dale Construction for the Media Elementary
School project.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
December 19, 2013 Legislative Agenda for a vote of the Board.
Public Comment: 4 members of the public were in attendance.
The next Operations Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, January 14, 2013
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
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:
December 6, 2013
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting - December 3, 2013
Board Members in attendance: W. O’Donnell, C. Guilday, L. Schneider, N.
Fronduti, L. Kinsler-Fox, J. Hanna, H. Postles, T. Barusevicius, Chair
Also in attendance: A. Callahan, J. Wigo, G. Eves, P. Linden, and Several
Members of the Public
I.
Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
The committee reviewed items to be brought before the Board of School
Directors at the legislative meeting on December 19, 2013.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
December 19, 2013 Legislative agenda for a vote of the Board. Additional items
will be added to that agenda as they come up and a final version will be sent to
the Board for review on Friday, December 13, 2013.
II.
Request for Additional Instructional Support Personnel
Mrs. Callahan reviewed a request for two additional one-on-one instructional
assistants, one for a 5th Grade student at Media Elementary School and one for a
2nd Grade student at Glenwood Elementary School. Information on the needs of
the students was shared with the committee. Both students have IEPs
stipulating that they will have a one-on-one instructional assistant.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the
December 19, 2013 Legislative Agenda for a vote of the Board.
III.
Executive Session
There was no executive session held.
The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held on Tuesday,
January 14, 2014, in the Board Room at the Education Center.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Mr. 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: 610.565.5317
www.rtmsd.org
Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Ph.D.
Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James Wigo, Superintendent of Schools
From:
Dr. Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
Date:
December 6, 2013
Subject:
December 3, 2013 Pupil Services/Special Education Committee Meeting
Chairperson: Ms. Nancy Fronduti
______________________________________________________________________________
Overnight field trips
A request for an overnight field trip has been submitted for the Future Business Leaders of
America to attend the state competition on Hershey, PA from 04/06/14-04/09/14. The trip is
contingent upon results from the Regional Leadership Conference on 12/16/13. The
approximate costs to the District are $1662.00 and include a registration fee of $1,050 and
substitute fees of $612. Student costs are $210.00 per student for transportation, meals and
lodging.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the December 19, 2013
Legislative agenda for a vote of the Board.
Settlement Agreements
A settlement agreement has been offered to provide for an appropriate educational placement
for a special education student. The agreement calls for tuition reimbursement of $17,000 per
school year for the 2013-2014 through 2016-2017 school years, until the student reaches
graduation. Reimbursement is for a private school that provides a program for students with
special needs.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the December 19, 2013
Legislative agenda for a vote of the Board.
A settlement agreement has been offered to resolve a dispute regarding an appropriate
educational placement for the 2013-2014 school year. The agreement calls for a reimbursement
fund not to exceed $21,500 to be used for the student’s tuition and transportation to a private
special education school, and attorney fees of $7500.
Action: The committee agreed to place a resolution for this item on the December 19, 2013
Legislative Agenda for a vote of the Board.
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Elizabeth Hones, Support Staff I, Springton Lake
Middle School, retirement effective January 2, 2014.
Background
Ms. Hones joined the staff of Rose Tree Media School
District in 2000. She is retiring after 14 years of
dedicated service.
2.
2.
IX. New Business
Jean Kenney, Office Clerk I, Rose Tree Elementary,
resignation effective January 6, 2014.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
MaryJane Quinn, Math Tutor, effective December 20,
2013 at the rate of $16.00 per hour. Ms. Quinn is
assigned to Indian Lane Elementary replacing
Christina DiGregorio who resigned.
2.
Arthur Pavoni, Substitute Bus Aide, effective
December 20, 2013 at the rate of $14.43 per hour.
Mr. Pavoni is assigned to Transportation.
3.
Trisha Elmer, Support Staff II, effective January 2,
2014 at the rate of $16.33 per hour. Ms. Elmer is
assigned to Media Elementary. This is a new position.
NOTE: Ms. Elmer is being hired pending completion
of her pre-employment paperwork.
1
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
b.
Classification Change
1.
Joseph Doyle from Substitute Bus Aide to Part-Time
Bus Aide effective November 19, 2013. Mr. Doyle is
assigned to Transportation.
2.
Rahel Taddese from Substitute Custodian to
Custodian effective December 20, 2013 at the rate of
$17.28 per hour. Ms. Taddese is assigned to
Springton Lake Middle School replacing Diane Gibson
who was terminated.
3.
Mary Grasty from Food Service to Custodian effective
December 20, 2013 at the rate of $17.28 per hour.
Ms. Grasty is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary
replacing Barry Yeager who was reassigned.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
c.
d.
IX. New Business
Michelle Kirk requests an extension of her unpaid
leave of absence through June 30, 2014 for the
purpose of child rearing.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Rescind appointment of Ted Woolery as Girls Swim
Coach.
2.
Rescind appointment of Andrew Ikeler as temporary
Girls Swim Coach.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Andrew Ikeler, (.20) Girls Swim Coach for the 20132014 school year at the annual salary of $1,004.40.
Mr. Ikeler is assigned to Penncrest High School.
2.
Jessica Levy, (.8) Girls Swim Coach for the 20132014 school year at the annual salary of $3,596.00.
Ms. Levy is assigned to Penncrest High School.
2
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
IX. New Business
Supplemental Contracts
3.
Jackie Matusow, Book Club Sponsor for the 20132014 school year at the annual salary of $870.00. Ms.
Matusow is assigned to Media Elementary.
4.
Megan Rozinski, Event Chaperone for the 2013-2014
school year at the rate of $42.50 per event. Ms.
Rozinski is assigned to Springton Lake Middle
School.
5.
Steven Resnick, Assistant Wrestling Coach, effective
January 2, 2014 at the annual salary of $2,465.00 to
be pro-rated. Mr. Resnick is assigned to Springton
Lake Middle School. NOTE: Mr. Resnick is being
hired pending completion of his pre-employment
paperwork.
6.
Daniel Sardella, Head Varsity Baseball Coach for the
2013-2014 school year at the annual salary of
$5,655.00. Mr. Sardella is assigned to Penncrest High
School. NOTE: Mr. Sardella is being hired pending
completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
7.
David Miller, Challenge Mentor for the 2013-2014
school year at the annual salary of $580.00. Mr. Miller
is assigned to Penncrest High School.
8.
Patrick Murphy, Piano/Stage Club for the 2013-2014
school year at the annual salary of $290.00. Mr.
Murphy is assigned to Media Elementary.
9.
Eileen Hunger, Intramural Instructor for the 20132014 school year at the rate of $21.26 per hour. Ms.
Hunger is assigned to Media Elementary.
10.
Lindsi Ciuffetelli, Chess Club Advisor effective
January 2, 2014 at the annual salary of $435.00. Ms.
Ciuffetelli is assigned to Media Elementary.
3
December 19, 2013
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
B.
Supplemental Contracts
11.
Andrea
Rachubinski,
(.5)
Assistant
Winter
Cheerleading Coach for the 2013-2014 school year at
the annual salary of $1,377.50. Ms. Rachubinski is
assigned to Penncrest High School.
12.
Jessica Anderson, (.5) Assistant Winter Cheerleading
Coach for the 2013-2014 school year at the annual
salary of $1,643.00. Ms. Anderson is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
13.
Jackie Matusow, Reading Olympics for the 2013-2014
school year at the annual salary of $870.00. Ms.
Matusow is assigned to Media Elementary.
14.
Evan O’Neill, Envirothon Sponsor for the 2013-2014
school year at the annual salary of $435.00. Mr.
O’Neill is assigned to Media Elementary.
15.
Christine Seeley, Learning Lab Club Sponsor for the
2013-2014 school year at the annual salary of
$1,160.00. Ms. Seeley is assigned to Media
Elementary.
16.
Patrick Murphy, HOME Club Sponsor for the 20132014 school year at the annual salary of $870.00. Mr.
Murphy is assigned to Media Elementary.
Overnight Trips
1.
IX. New Business
Penncrest High School Future Business Leaders of America,
Hershey, PA
Background
A request for an overnight field trip has been submitted for the
Future Business Leaders of America to attend the state competition
on Hershey, PA from 04/06/14-04/09/14. The trip is contingent
upon results from the Regional Leadership Conference on
12/16/13. The approximate costs to the District are $1,662 and
include a registration fee of $1,050 and substitute fees of $612.
Student costs are $210 per student for transportation, meals and
lodging.
4
December 19, 2013
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.
Dale Construction Change Order #SC-07 in the amount of
$2,677.79 for unused allowances pertaining to the structural
steel contract for the Media Elementary School Project
Background
This item was discussed at the December 3, 2013 Operations
Committee meeting.
2.
Budgetary Transfers
Rose Tree Media School District Policy #612…(Public School code
section 609) when funds are not available for a proposed
appropriation, a legal transfer from one class of expenditure to
another may be made in the last nine (9) months of the fiscal year
by the board.
Resolve, that the Board approve the following budgetary transfers:
FY 14-9 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Curriculum and Instructional Development – Supplies
$4,107.35
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – Supplies
$4,107.35
RATIONALE: To purchase Handwriting Without Tears – grades K-4
X. Finance
1
December 19, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers
FY 14-10 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Special Education – Books
$2,500.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction – Books
$2,500.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase classroom books
Background
This item was discussed at the December 3, 2013 Finance
Committee meeting.
3.
2012/2013 Local Audit
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the 2012/2013
Local Audit report which contained no observations or findings.
This report was presented by Pam Baker from Barbacane,
Thornton & Company.
Background
This item was discussed at the December 3, 2013 Finance
Committee meeting.
4.
Starlite Productions Services Agreement
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Starlite
Productions Services Agreement in the amount of $3,000 which is
a contract for the Musical to be paid through the Student Activity
Account with no cost to the District.
Background
This item was discussed at the December 3, 2013 Finance
Committee meeting.
X. Finance
2
December 19, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
5.
All Around Entertainment – Ratification
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the All Around
Entertainment contract in the amount of $1,500 which is for DJ
services for a dance at Springton Lake Middle School which was
held on December 6, 2013. This contract was paid out of the
Student Activity Account with no cost to the District.
Background
This item was discussed at the December 3, 2013 Finance
Committee meeting.
6.
Feasibility Study at Penncrest Stadium
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a feasibility study
regarding the installation of turf at the Penncrest stadium for an
amount not to exceed $25,000.
Background
This item was discussed at the December 3, 2013 Operations
Committee meeting.
7.
Springton Lake Middle School Mechanical Room Emergency
Repair
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve moving forward to
find the location of the leaks in the Springton Lake Middle School
Mechanical room and the waterproofing of that area. The District
will solicit quotes so the repair work can be completed on an
emergency basis.
Background
This item was discussed at the December 3, 2013 Operations
Committee meeting.
X. Finance
3
December 19, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
8.
Sunoco Pipeline Survey Permission Form
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the Sunoco
Pipeline Survey Permission Form to conduct a land survey near
Glenwood Elementary School to evaluate the viability of installing a
liquid petroleum gas pipeline.
Background
This item was discussed at the December 3, 2013 Operations
Committee meeting.
9.
American Red Cross Shelter Agreement
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve the American Red
Cross Shelter Agreement which will allow the Red Cross to use
Penncrest High School and Springton Lake Middle School as
shelters during an emergency.
Background
This item was discussed at the December 3, 2013 Operations
Committee meeting.
10.
Kathleen Clark and Andrea Varricchio Contracts
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve contracts with
Kathleen Clark and Andrea Varricchio to provide oral language
proficiency assessments in French and Spanish to students in AP
French and AP Spanish in May 2014. The total amounts of the
contracts are $940 and $720 respectively.
Background
The contracts were discussed at the December Curriculum and
Instruction Committee meeting.
X. Finance
4
December 19, 2013
X.
Finance
B.
General
11.
Settlement Agreements
a.
Resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a settlement
agreement to provide for an appropriate educational
placement for a special education student.
Background
The agreement calls for tuition reimbursement of $17,000
per school year for the 2013-2014 through 2016-2017 school
years, until the student reaches graduation. Reimbursement
is for a private school that provides a program for students
with special needs.
b.
Further resolve, the Board of School Directors approve a
settlement agreement to resolve a dispute regarding an
appropriate educational placement for the 2013-2014 school
year.
Background
The agreement calls for a reimbursement fund not to exceed
$21,500 to be used for the student’s tuition and
transportation to a private special education school for the
2013-2014 school year, and attorney fees of $7,500. Any
unused monies at the end of the school year will revert back
to the District.
X. Finance
5
December 19, 2013