ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Legislative Agenda
December 20, 2012
7:30 p.m.
I.
Call to Order
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
B.
III.
8th Grade Lightweight Football Team - Undefeated Season
8th Grade Girls’ Soccer Team – Undefeated Season
American Red Cross Donation – Bernadette Dacanay
Glenwood Chorus - Directed by Kathryn Hong – Toni Lyons
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
Reorganization Meeting Minutes of December 4, 2012
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Roll Call
Presentations and Awards
A.
B.
C.
IV.
Pledge of Allegiance
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports
Committee Highlights and Reports
School Reports
Superintendent’s Report
Solicitor’s Report
President’s Report
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
Agenda
RTMEA – Sue Williamson
1
December 20, 2012
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Old Business
A.
IX.
None
New Business
A.
B.
C.
X.
Rose Tree Media Residents
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Supplemental Contracts
d.
Create New Position
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Science Olympiad Invitational Tournament Athens, NY
2.
Penncrest High School String Ensemble Festival of Music Williamsburg, VA
3.
Penncrest High School Ski Club - Killington, VT
Policies
1.
Policy #103 – Nondiscrimination in the School and Classroom
Practices. See Attachment A
Finance
A.
B.
Agenda
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers
2.
Johnson Controls, Inc., Project Development Agreement – NGV
3.
Addition to D’Huy Engineering contract for the Springton Lake
Middle School Project
4.
Cozen O’Conner Contingent Fee Agreement – Media Elementary
School
5.
Buxmont Academy Contract
6.
Devereux Contract
7.
Residential Agreement
2
December 20, 2012
C.
D.
XI.
Financials for November 2012
Bill Lists for November 2012
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 24, 2013, at Penncrest High
School. The Legislative Meetings are recorded on tape.
Agenda
3
December 20, 2012
Rose Tree Media School District
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Mr. James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
I.
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
Director of Management Services
Members of the Board of School Directors
James Wigo, Superintendent
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
November 15, 2012
Minutes of the November 15, 2012 Legislative Meeting Minutes
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Board Members in Attendance:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, President
John Hanna, Vice President
Peter Barry
Nancy Fronduti
Christopher Guilday
Nancy Mackrides
Stephen Miller
William O’Donnell arrived at 7:45
Elizabeth Schneider
Also in Attendance:
Baldino, Ron, Director of Maint. & Oper.
Bennett, William, ILE Principal
Bucci, Eric, GWE Principal
Callahan, Anne, Human Resource Director
DiMarino-Linnen, Eleanor, Dir.Pupil Services
Eves, Grace, Dir. Management Services
Fuhr, Joseph, SYA Principal
Gregg, Rick, Principal, PHS
Harris, Ron, Network Specialist
Harrison, Ralph, PHS Ass’t. Principal
Hogan, Heather Accountant
Jackowski, Anthony, SLMS Asst. Principal
Jeuell, Joyce, Supv. Elem. Special Ed.
Johnson, Mack, Mgmt. Systems Admin.
Kotch, Maria, ME Principal
Roll Call
Students:
Silvan Alour
Rahmi Halaby
Talia Kaplan
Zachary Schauerman
Kelly, Thomas, Solicitor
Linden, Patti, Director of Technology
McCallister, Wayne, RTE Interim Prin.
McCann, Kim, Info. Tech. Spec.
Olinger, Chip, Athletic Director
Schupp, Roxanne, Sup. Bus. Oper.
Sweeney, Sharon, PHS Ass’t. Principal
Taylor, Steve, Assist. Superintendent
White, Katherine, SLMS Asst’ Prin.
Wigo, James, Superintendent of Schools
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
1
December 20, 2012
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
B.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of October 25, 2012
Bid Opening Minutes of November 8, 2012 – See Attachments A, B and C.
Mr. Hanna moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 - 43
Resolve, that the Board approve the Legislative Meeting Minutes of October
25, 2012, and the Special Legislative Minutes of
November 8, 2012.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, Steve Miller, Peter Barry, Chris Guilday, Elizabeth
Schneider
ABSENT: William O’Donnell
III.
Presentations and Awards
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 – 44
A.
Penncrest High School Boys Cross Country Team – Central League
Championship
Resolve, the Board of School Directors present the Rose Tree Media Award
to the members of the Penncrest High School Boys Cross Country Team in
honor of their Central League Championship. Members of the team are:
Joseph Angelina, Nicholas Angelina, Julian Bonsall-Shepard, Connor Carey,
Timothy Carney, Stephen Clair, Ronald Frank, Brendan Hanna, Soham
Kamat, Christopher Kazanjian, Matthew Kazanjian, Garret Louth, Ryan
McAvoy, Robert McLaughlin, Nathan Michaliszyn, Maxwell Miller, Colin
Myers, Peter O’Donnell, Taylor Orcutt, Schafer Hudson Ortyn, Owen Patane,
Adam Sisson and Keiran Sloane. The team is coached by Rob Brown and
George Munro.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
2
December 20, 2012
Chris and Matt Kazanjian qualified for the Boys Cross Country State
Competition. Chris placed 20th with a time of 16:26 and Matt placed 47th with
a time of 16:49. Both of these times are the fastest by any Penncrest High
School runner on the Hershey course.
IV.
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Rose Tree Media Residents - One
Old Business
A.
IX.
RTMEA – Sue Williamson
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports
Committee Highlights and Reports
School Reports – In Official Legislative Minutes of
November 15, 2012
Superintendent’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of
November 15, 2012
Solicitor’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of
November 15, 2012
President’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of
November 15, 2012
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
VII.
World Language Immersion Trips and Exchange Programs
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 15, 2012
3
December 20, 2012
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Supplemental Contracts – Attachment D and E
d.
Create New Position
Mr. Hanna moved and M. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 – 45
Resolve, that the Board approve the following:
1.
Terminations
a.
b.
2.
Professional
1.
Walter Read, Long Term Substitute Science Teacher,
Penncrest High School, resignation effective October 19,
2012.
2.
Anjali DelPrato, ESL Teacher, Penncest High School,
resignation effective October 26, 2012.
3.
Colleen McFadden, English Teacher, Penncrest High
School, resignation effective November 9, 2012.
Non-Instructional
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
John Fickling, Long Term Substitute Chemistry Teacher
effective November 19, 2012 at the annual salary of
$57,539.00, Master’s+20/Step 1 to be pro-rated. Mr.
Fickling received his Bachelor’s Degree from Hobart
College and his Master’s Degree from Texas A & M
University. He is assigned to Penncrest High School
replacing Laura Diksa who is on leave. NOTE: Mr.
Fickling is being hired pending completion of his preemployment paperwork.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
4
December 20, 2012
b.
3.
Non-Instructional
1.
Theresa Allen, Substitute Bus Aide, effective October 15,
2012 at the rate of $14.15 per hour. Ms. Allen is assigned
to Transportation.
2.
Denim Senavitis, Title I Tutor, effective November 7,
2012 at the rate of $16.00 per hour. Ms. Senavitis is
assigned to Media Elementary.
General
a.
b.
Classification Change
1.
Suzanne Hoppus, from Substitute to Cafeteria Trainee
effective October 29, 2012 at the rate of $11.63 per hour.
Ms. Hoppus is assigned to Penncrest High School
replacing Terry Allen who resigned.
2.
Ruth Wigfield, from Part-time to Full-time Bus Aide
effective November 1, 2012 at the rate of $14.15 per
hour.
3.
Toya Coles, from Substitute to Part-time Bus Aide
effective October 24, 2012 at the rate of $14.15 per hour.
4.
Karl Eilinsfeld, from Part-time to Full-time Bus Driver
effective November 2, 2012 at the rate of $21.53 per
hour.
5.
David Moore, from Part-time to Full-time Bus Driver
effective November 2, 2012 at the rate of $21.53 per
hour.
6.
Nancy Fagan, from Part-time to Full-time Bus Driver
effective November 2, 2012 at the rate of $21.53 per
hour.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
Phoebe Simmington, requests an extension of her unpaid
leave of absence through June 30, 2013 for the purpose
of child rearing. Ms. Simmington is assigned to Springton
Lake Middle School.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
5
December 20, 2012
2.
3.
Jody Ruckle, requests an extension of her unpaid leave
of absence through June 30, 2013 for the purpose of
child rearing. Ms. Ruckle is assigned to Penncrest High
School.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Lisa McCarthy, New Teacher Mentor effective October
29, 2012 at the rate of $873.14. Ms. McCarthy is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
2.
Recommend Board approval for the following Glenwood
Elementary personnel to serve as Club Sponsors for the
2012-2013 school year:
Anthony Grisillo
Anthony Grisillo
Charles Keeler
Charles Keeler
Elizabeth Lutz
Rachel Pinsley
Keith Sharp
Rocketry Club
Astronomy Club
Rocketry Club
Astronomy Club
Scrabble Club
Scrabble Club
Art Club
$145.00
$145.00
$145.00
$145.00
$145.00
$145.00
$290.00
3.
Susan Howe, Chess Club Sponsor for the 2012-2013
school year at the annual salary of $870.00. Ms. Howe is
assigned to Media Elementary.
4.
Jana Maxwell, Sketch Club Sponsor for the 2012-2013
school year at the annual salary of $1,160.00. Ms.
Maxwell is assigned to Media Elementary.
5.
Recommend Board approval for the following Penncrest
personnel to serve as Dance Chaperones for the 20122013 school year at the rate of $55.00 per event:
Colleen Hoy
Marietta Rizzone
6.
Jeremy Smith
Svitlana Duffy, Dance Chaperone for the 2012-2013
school year at the rate of $18.33 per hour. Ms. Duffy is
assigned to Penncrest High School.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
6
December 20, 2012
7.
David Sikorski, Handchime Choir Sponsor for the 20122013 school year at the annual salary of $1,160.00. Mr.
Sikorski is assigned to Rose Tree Elementary.
8.
JoAnn Podlaski, (.5) New Teacher Mentor at the annual
salary of $580.00. Ms. Podlaski is assigned to Rose Tree
Elementary.
9.
Angela Lynch, (.5) New Teacher Mentor at the annual
salary of $580.00. Ms. Podlaski is assigned to Rose Tree
Elementary.
10.
Sara McKelvey, (.5) New Teacher Mentor at the annual
salary of $580.00. Ms. Podlaski is assigned to Rose Tree
Elementary.
11.
Crystal Grace-Green, Co Sponsor for Select Chorus at
the annual salary of $290.00. Ms. Grace-Green is
assigned to Glenwood Elementary.
12.
Kathryn Hong, Sponsor for Select Chorus at the annual
salary of $870.00. Ms. Hong is assigned to Glenwood
Elementary.
13.
Claire McGeehan, Spanish Club Sponsor for the 20122013 school year at the annual salary of $290.00. Ms.
McGeehan is assigned to Media Elementary.
14.
Jayne Walker, Paper Crafting Club Sponsor for the 20122013 school year at the annual salary of $580.00. Ms.
Walker is assigned to Media Elementary.
15.
Susan Williamson, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the
2012-2013 school year at the annual salary of $608.00.
Ms. Williamson is assigned to Media Elementary.
16.
Recommend Board approval for the Penncrest High
School Winter Athletic Supplemental Contracts for the
2012-2013 school year. See Attachment A
17.
Recommend Board approval for the Springton Lake
Middle School Winter Athletic Supplemental Contracts for
the 2012-2013 school year. See Attachment B
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
7
December 20, 2012
d.
18.
Elijah Trusty, Assistant Boys Track and Field for the
2012-2013 school year at the annual salary of $3,915.00.
Mr. Trusty is assigned to Penncrest High School. NOTE:
Mr. Trusty is being hired pending completion of his preemployment paperwork.
19.
Quahsim Gredic, Freshman Boys Basketball Coach for
the 2012-2013 school year at the annual salary of
$3,915.00. Mr. Gredic is assigned to Penncrest High
School. NOTE: Mr. Gredic is being hired pending
completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
Create New Position
1.
Recommend Board approval for the creation of an
additional Assistant Wrestling Coach at Penncrest High
School for the 2012-2013 school year due to the number
of students participating in the program. The position will
be paid at 31 units.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
NAYS:
B.
Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, Steve Miller, Pete Barry,
Chris Guilday, Elizabeth Schneider, William O’Donnell
None
Overnight Trips
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Penncrest High School Cheerleaders – Orlando, FL
Penncrest Wrestling Team – Lancaster, PA
Penncrest Wrestling Team – Lancaster, PA
Penncrest Girls and Boys Indoor Track Team – State College, PA
Penncrest High School Wrestling Team – Hershey, PA
Penncrest High School Girls and Boys Swimming Team – Bucknell
University
Penncrest High School Roaring Lions Marching Band – Savannah,
Georgia
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 – 46
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
8
December 20, 2012
1.
Penncrest High School Cheerleaders – Orlando, FL
Resolve, that the Board approve an overnight field trip for The PHS
Cheerleaders to Orlando, FL, 2/08/13 – 2/11/13.
2.
Penncrest Wrestling Team – Lancaster, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve an overnight field trip for members of
the PHS Wrestling Team to Lancaster, PA, 12/28/12-12/29/12.
3.
Penncrest Wrestling Team – Harrisburg, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve an overnight field trip for members of
the PHS Wrestling Team to Harrisburg, PA, 1/11/13-1/12/13.
4.
Penncrest Girls and Boys Indoor Track Team – State College, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve and overnight field trip for the PHS
Girls and Boys Indoor Track Teams to State College, PA, 01/20/13
5.
Penncrest High School Wrestling Team – Hershey, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve an overnight field trip for members of
the PHS Wrestling Team to Hershey, PA, 3/16/13-3/10/13.
6.
Penncrest High School Girls and Boys Swimming Team – Bucknell
University
Resolve, that the Board approve an overnight field trip for members of
the PHS Girls and Boys to Bucknell University, 03/13/13-03/16/13.
7.
Penncrest High School Roaring Lions Marching Band – Savannah,
Georgia
Resolve, that the Board approve an overnight field trip for members of
the PHS Roaring Lions Marching Band to in Savannah, Georgia,
03/14/13-03/18/13.
C.
Class Rank and GPA
Mr. Hanna moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 - 47
RESOLVE, the Board shall modify the portion of resolution 2008-2009-99-B-8
which refers to class rank and GPA:
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
9
December 20, 2012
Replace
That class rank still be calculated by way of a weighted GPA, but not
be made available until the Junior year other than in extraordinary
circumstances.
With
GPA/class rank will be calculated twice a year based on completion of
coursework—at the end of the first semester and at the end of the
academic year. Unweighted GPA/class rank will be made available to
students and parents. Grades are final, and no changes will be made
except in cases where there has been a calculation error.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the
Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
D.
Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, Steve Miller, William O’Donnell,
Chris Guilday, Elizabeth Schneider and Peter Barry
None
Addendum - Personnel
1.
2.
3.
Terminations – Personnel
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
Nominations
a.
Professional
General
a.
Supplemental Contract
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 – 48
Resolve, that the Board approve the following:
1.
Terminations - None
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
10
December 20, 2012
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
Jenny L. Robinson, Elementary Principal, effective January 2,
2013, at an annual salary of $123,727. Ms. Robinson holds a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of
Natal in Natal, South Africa, a Master of Education Degree from
West Chester University and is a candidate for a Doctor of
Education Degree at Immaculata University. Ms. Robinson
comes to us from Oxford Area School District where she
currently serves as Principal of Nottingham School. Ms.
Robinson is assigned to Rose Tree Elementary School. She is
being hired pending completion of pre-employment paperwork.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES: Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
Steve Miller, William O’Donnell, Chris Guilday, Elizabeth Schneider
and Peter Barry
NAYS: None
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. Hana seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 – 49
Resolve, that the Board approve the following:
3.
General
a. Supplemental Contract
Robin Keevan, Girls Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach for the 20122013 school year at the annual salary of $5,655.00. Ms. Keevan
is assigned to Penncrest High School. NOTE: Ms. Keevan is
being hired pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, Steve Miller, William O’Donnell,
Chris Guilday, Elizabeth Schneider and Peter Barry
NAYS:
None
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
11
December 20, 2012
X.
Finance
A.
B.
C.
D.
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1. Budgetary Transfers
2. Change Orders
3. Change Order Limits
4. Woolery Enterprises, Inc.
5. Donations
6. Third Street Bridge
7. Results of the 2011-2012 Local Audit
8. Center on Central Contract
9. Transportation Agreement
Financials for November 2012
Bill Lists for October 2012
Mr. Hanna moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 - 50
1.
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 13-4 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Alternative Education – Contracted Services
$8,100.00
To:
AMOUNT:
Alternative Education - Salaries
$8,100.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to fund interventionist.
Background
This was discussed at the November 8, Finance Committee.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
12
December 20, 2012
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
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.
SLMS – Sargent Enterprise, Inc.
Change order AAC-02 in the amount of $5,984 for abatement
services for the Springton Lake Middle School Project.
b.
Johnson Controls – Media Elementary School
Change order 001 in the amount of $317,900 for floor piping
and duct work modifications/additions for the Media Elementary
School third floor roof truss replacement.
Background
This was discussed at the November 8, Operations Committee.
3.
Change Order Limits
Resolve, that the Board approve, between meetings of the School
Board, the Board Secretary the authorization to approve change orders
up to $10,000. Change orders between $10,000 and $50,000 require
the approval of the Board President, Vice-President, and Finance
Chairman.
Background
This was discussed at the November 8, Operations Committee.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
13
December 20, 2012
4.
Woolery Enterprises, Inc.
Resolve, that the Board approve an agreement with Woolery
Enterprises, Inc. to provide lifeguard services at the Springton Lake
Middle School at $15 per hour plus a one-time fee of $500 for
insurance coverage pending final review by the District’s solicitor.
Background
This was discussed at the November 8, Operations Committee.
5.
Donations
a.
Scoreboard – Penncrest Stadium
Resolve, that the Board approve the acceptance of a donation
from the Class of 2013 and various booster clubs for a new
scoreboard for the Louis W. Scott Stadium at Penncrest High
School. The value of the scoreboard is $25,000.
b.
Weight Room Equipment
Resolve, that the Board approve the acceptance of a donation
for a Weider Power Tower for the Weight Room at Penncrest
High School. The equipment is valued at $150.
Background
This was discussed at the November 8 Operation Committee.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, Steve Miller, William O’Donnell,
Chris Guilday, Elizabeth Schneider and Peter Barry
None
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
14
December 20, 2012
X.
Finance
B.
General
Mr. Guilday moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 – 51
6.
Third Street Bridge
Whereas, the re-opening of the Third Street bridge to vehicular
traffic as a two-way street will enable a safer and more timely
response for police, fire and emergency vehicles from each
municipality to service and protect not only the residents,
schools and businesses in the vicinity of the bridge itself, but
also allow a speedier response to all residents, schools and
businesses throughout each municipality, and
Whereas, the re-opening of the bridge to vehicular traffic as a
two-way street will allow a safer, more direct and faster
commute for the many elementary age school children of Upper
Providence Township who travel daily to and from the Media
Elementary School in Media Borough thus promoting not only
safety, but reducing school district transportation costs and
school district expenses to our taxpayers, and
Whereas, the bridge reconstruction has been fully funded by the
financial cooperation of Media Borough, the County of Delaware
and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania so that there will be no
local fiscal burden imposed on the residents of Media Borough
as a result of re-opening the bridge, and the re-opening of the
bridge is in the public interest of both municipalities as well as
the School District,
Therefore, the Rose Tree Media School District respectfully
requests and urges Media Borough Council to proceed with all
deliberate speed and action to complete the process of reopening the Third Street Bridge as a two-way street to vehicular
traffic for the benefit of the residents of both municipalities.
Background
This was discussed at the November 8, Operations Committee.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
15
December 20, 2012
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, Steve Miller, William O’Donnell,
Chris Guilday, Elizabeth Schneider and Peter Barry
None
Mr. Hanna moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 – 52
7.
Results of the 2011/2012 Local Audit
Resolve, that the Board accept the local audit report dated June 30,
2012 from the accounting firm of Barbacane, Thornton & Company.
Background
This item was discussed at the November 8, Finance Committee
Meeting.
8.
Center on Central Contract
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract from the Center on Central
to provide art and music therapy to special education students at
Indian Lane Elementary school.
Background
This service is provided as part of the special education services
delivered in the developmental kindergarten and primary special
education classrooms. Contracted services include three (3) one-hour
sessions weekly for the 2012-2013 school year at a cost of
$90.00/hour.
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
16
December 20, 2012
9.
Transportation Agreement
Resolve, that the Board approve an agreement to reimburse a parent
of a special education student for transportation home from HMS
School for Children with Cerebral Palsy.
Background
Due to the student’s medical needs, a nurse is required to be on the
bus with the student. The parent has agreed to transport the student
home from school to lessen the financial burden on the School District.
Reimbursement includes $360.00 dollars for insurance, mileage at the
IRS standard mileage rate, and mileage X $3.00/1000 miles traveled.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
NAYS:
C.
D.
Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, Steve Miller, William O’Donnell,
Chris Guilday, Elizabeth Schneider and Peter Barry
None
Financials for October 2012
Bill Lists October 2012
Mr. Hanna moved and Mr. Guilday seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 - 53
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, Steve Miller, William O’Donnell,
Chris Guilday, Elizabeth Schneider and Peter Barry
None
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
17
December 20, 2012
XI.
Adjournment
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 – 54
Resolve, there being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was
adjourned.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, Steve Miller, William O’Donnell,
Chris Guilday, Elizabeth Schneider and Peter Barry
None
______________________
Grace A. Eves
School Board Secretary
II. Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2012
18
December 20, 2012
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Mr. James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
I.
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
Director of Management Services
Members of the Board of School Directors
James Wigo, Superintendent
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
December 4, 2012
Minutes of the December 4, 2012 Reorganization Meeting
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Board Members in Attendance: John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides arrived at 6:40, Stephen Miller and Elizabeth Schneider
Absent: Chris Guilday and William O’Donnell
Also in Attendance: James Wigo, Anne Callahan, Grace Eves, Patti Linden, Tom Kelly and Steve
Taylor. 3 Members of the Public
________________________________________________________________________________
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 read the list of legally elected and qualified School Board Members and the
expirations of their terms:
Peter Barry
Linda Kinsler-Fox
Nancy Fronduti
Chris Guilday
John Hanna
Nancy Mackrides
Stephen Miller
William O’Donnell
Elizabeth Schneider
II. Board Re-organization Meeting Minutes
December 2013
December 2013
December 2015
December 2015
December 2015
December 2013
December 2013
December 2015
December 2015
1
December 20, 2012
IV.
Nominations for Temporary President
Mr. Hanna moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 - 55
Resolve, that Nancy Fronduti be nominated as temporary President.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the chair, the vote being:
AYES:
John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
Stephen Miller and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
None
ABSENT: William O’Donnell and Chris Guilday
V.
Nominations for President
Ms. Kinsler-Fox moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 - 56
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:
John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
Stephen Miller and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
None
ABSENT: William O’Donnell and Chris Guilday
VI.
Nominations for Vice President
Mr. Barry moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012 -2013 - 57
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:
John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
Stephen Miller and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
None
ABSENT: William O’Donnell and Chris Guilday
II. Board Re-organization Meeting Minutes
2
December 20, 2012
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
Lightweight Football Team – Undefeated Season
Resolve, the Board of School Directors present the Rose Tree
Media Award to the members of the Springton Lake Middle School
Lightweight Football Team. They completed an undefeated season
with a record of 5 wins and 0 loses. They had only 17 players for
the season. 13 out of the 17 made honor roll. Captains this year
were Terrell Benson and Manny Ruffing. Coach Sessoms and
Coach Strowbridge were very proud of the players and their
performance this year. Members of the seventh grade team
include: Anthony Copertino, Matthew Gress, Naz Lennon, Caleb
Mahalik, Joseph Schaeffer-Ferrara and Bobby Steiner. Eighth
grade members are: Terell Bensen, Zachary Granger, Patrick
Gusler, Conner Moretti, Aidan Poole, Joseph Quintiliano, Dylan
Reilly, Emmanuel Ruffin, David Stevens, Ryan Stocku, Devon
Turner, and Jordan Volciak. Emily Ditzel is the Team Manager and
the team is coached by Mr. Sessoms and Mr. Strowbridge.
B.
8th Grade Girls’ Soccer Team – Undefeated Season
Resolve, the Board of School Directors present the Rose Tree
Media Award to the members of the Eighth Grade Girls’ Soccer
Team. The team finished up a wonderful season, this past fall. To
start, over 75% of the team made it onto the Honor Roll for the first
marking period, and not one player became ineligible to play due to
their academic progress. Springton dominated offensively and
scored 28 goals throughout the season, 4 of them being off of
headers. Defensively they only gave up four goals and never more
than one in a game. The ladies commitment to sportsmanship,
athletics, and academics is a source of pride for Springton Lake.
Members of the Eighth Grade Girls Soccer Team are: Alex Boleto,
Alyssa Bonatsos, Katarina Borichevsky, Madelaina DiDomenico,
Christina DiFelice, Erin Gilligan, Caroline Hagen, Lydia Hanneman,
Danielle Heller, Caroline Hosier, Olivia Mancarella, Giannina
Martyun, Sarah McCloskey, Amy McGroarty, Molly O’Brien, Joy
Om, Olivia Ridgy and Sarah Roberts. The coach is Ms. Kelly Kunz.
III.
Presentations and Awards
1
December 20, 2012
III.
Presentations and Awards
C.
American Red Cross Donation – Bernadette Dacanay
Joy Jones, Director of Donor Relations for the American Red
Cross, will be presented a check from the students of the Rose
Tree Media School District. Due to the devastation of Superstorm
Sandy, the students of Rose Tree Media conducted a school
district-wide fundraiser to benefit the affected families. Each
building had their own approach to raising the monies. Thanks to
the generosity of our community, we proudly donate $3,613.84 to
the American Red Cross.
Presenting checks to Ms. Jones are: Zachary Schauerman Penncrest High School, Nabeel Khan - Springton Lake Middle
School, Kevin Mills - Indian Lane Elementary School, Nicole
Westcott - Media Elementary School, Nicole Torrillo - Rose Tree
Elementary School and Nathan Dickert - Glenwood Elementary
School presented a check from each of their schools.
III.
Presentations and Awards
2
December 20, 2012
VII.
Appointment of Solicitor
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 - 58
Resolve, that the Board approve Thomas L. Kelly, from the firm of Kelly, Grimes, Pietrangelo and
Vakil, as the District Solicitor for the ensuing year. As in previous years, the solicitor’s retainer fee
will be $7,200 and the hourly fee will be $140.00.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
VIII.
John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
Stephen Miller and Elizabeth Schneider
None
William O’Donnell and Chris Guilday
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
Peter Barry
Chris Guilday
Nancy Fronduti
Linda Kinsler-Fox
Nancy Mackrides
William O’Donnell
Elizabeth Schneider
Nancy Mackrides
Elizabeth Schneider
All Committees are a committee of the entire Board
IX.
Other Business - None
X.
Adjournment
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Ms. Linda Kinsler-Fox seconded a motion to approve the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2012-2013 - 60
Resolve, that there being no further business to come before the Board the meeting
adjourned.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the chair, the vote being:
AYES:
John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
Stephen Miller and Elizabeth Schneider
NAYS:
None
ABSENT: William O’Donnell and Chris Guilday
II. Board Re-organization Meeting Minutes
3
December 20, 2012
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 4, 2012
RE:
December 4, 2012 Curriculum & Instruction Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mr. Peter Barry
Board Members in Attendance: Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Linda KinslerFox, Nancy Mackrides, Steve Miller, Liz Schneider
Also in Attendance: Elisha Arias, Anne Callahan, Jo Dizon, Grace Eves, Patti Linden,
Jennifer McLeod, Steve Taylor, Jim Wigo, and members of the community.
Update on Rose Tree Media Strategic Plan
The Annual Review for the RTM Strategic Plan was held earlier in the day, and Dr. Taylor
reported on the results of the meeting. Fifteen stakeholders, including teachers,
administrators, and parents, participated in the Annual Review of the Plan, which is in its
fifth year. The stakeholders reviewed the status of goals and action plans for Student
Services, Technology, and Academic Achievement, using data whenever possible to
measure progress. They also made recommendations to revise the data reporting to
include Adequate Yearly Progress and to replace the 11th grade PSSAs with Keystone
Exams, to add action steps under the Opportunity goal, and overall to consider accelerating
the planning timeline so that the next strategic plan is drafted in 2013-2014, not the year
after.
Update on Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in RTM
Mrs. Arias, Mrs. McLeod, and Dr. Dizon, representatives of the 6th grade Professional
Learning Community at Springton Lake, joined Dr. Taylor to update the Board on
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in Rose Tree Media. The advent of the Phase
III Pilot of the PA Teacher Evaluation System, in conjunction with funding from Race to the
Top, have enabled the district to move ahead with a pilot program of PLCs in 2012-2013.
Ten groups of teachers, including teachers from each building and organizational level,
have formed PLCs. Their work is centered around alignment and integration of RTM
curricula and the Common Core, promoting higher-order thinking skills, and shifting
pedagogy on the basis on technology. The 6th grade PLC, for example, includes four
English teachers, two science teachers, three social studies teachers, and one special
education teachers. Their goal consists of spreading higher-level reading and writing into
the content areas by developing common language, common assignments, and common
assessments. Early feedback from the PLCs has been very positive. Based on
subsequent evaluations, the administration will consider ways to broaden participation in
PLCs and to fit them within our regular program of professional development once the
Race to the Top grant funds expire.
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 Service
Mr. James M Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
November 30, 2012
Subject:
December 4, 2012 – Finance Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Bill O’Donnell
_____________________________________________________________
In Attendance: John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, Steve Miller, Elizabeth Schneider
Absent: Bill O’Donnell, Chris Guilday
Also In Attendance: Phil Solomon, Joe Solomon, Dennis Cini, Ron Baldino,
James Wigo, Anne Callahan and Grace Eves
Taxpayer Request
The administration received several requests for relief from the 10% late penalty on tax
bills after the face period of October 31st due to super storm Sandy. The administration
will review the requests and provide relief as needed.
Action: Discussion
Budgetary Transfers
FY 13-5 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction and Curriculum Development - Supplies
$4,000.00
To:
AMOUNT:
Care and Upkeep of Equipment Services – Replacement Equipment
$4,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase three cafeteria tables.
FY 13-6 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Technology Support Services - Supplies
$2,000.00
To:
AMOUNT:
Technology Support Services- New Equipment
$2,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase guidance department ipads.
Action: This item will be moved to the December 20th Legislative meeting for approval.
2013-14 Revenue Budget Review
The assessment value for the District is projected to increase to a level close to the
assessment value of 2008/09. Assessment values have declined since 2010/11 due to
tax appeals. Assessment value by category is as follows: residential 66%, commercial
18%, exempt 15% and 1% miscellaneous. The Act 1 Index for the District is 1.7%. The
District has been at or below the Index six out of the past seven years. Based on an
average residential assessment of $204,941 a 1.7% tax increase equates to an annual
increase of $77 or monthly increase of $6.42. Local revenue is projected to increase by
2.26% due to the higher assessment value and miscellaneous revenue items. State
revenue is projected to increase by 11.16%. The increase is due as a result of the 50%
reimbursement for retirement expense the District receives from the state. The
retirement costs will increase by approximately $1.8 million, which results in an increase
of state revenue of approximately $900,000. Federal revenue is projected to increase by
7.4% as a result of ACCESS funds. Other federal programs such as Title I & II are
projected to decrease. A highlight of the 13/14 revenue budget is the increase in
assessment value. The challenges are increases in retirement and health care cost.
The Administration will continue to use efficiencies and other cost savings measures as
they proceed through the budget process.
Action: Discussion
Public Comment: none
The next Finance Committee meeting will be held on January 8, 2013
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
Mr. 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
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
___
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Mr. James M. Wigo, Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
November 30, 2012
Subject:
December 4, 2012 - Operations Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Nancy Mackrides
___________________________________________________________________
In Attendance: Nancy Mackrides, John Hanna, Peter Barry, Steve Miller, and
Elizabeth Schneider
Absent: Bill O’Donnell, Chris Guilday, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti,
Also In Attendance: James Wigo, Anne Callahan and Grace Eves
Natural Gas Buses – Phil Solomon
Phil Solomon from Johnson Controls, Inc. presented a financial analysis on converting
27 diesel fueled buses to CNG buses, purchasing 8 new CNG fueled buses and the
installation of a fueling station. The cost of the project will be repaid over a10 year
period of time through savings in fuel costs and cost avoidance. The project is similar to
our current ESCO project. Competitive grants are available over the next three years.
NGV are quieter and cleaner which provides an environmental benefit for the
community, students and staff members. The committee agreed to have Johnson
Controls, Inc. prepare a feasibility study at a cost of approximately $25,000. However, if
after the study is completed and there is no savings, JCI will not bill for the study. If
there are savings and the District does not proceed with the project, the District is
responsible for the cost of the study, but if the District proceeds with the project the cost
of the study will be included in the project.
Action: This item will be moved to the December 20, Legislative meeting.
Capital Projects
 Springton Lake Middle School
o The installation of sod on the athletic field has been completed.
Contractors continue to work on punch list items. Delivery of the partitions
for the natatorium locker room is scheduled for the end of December. The
District has the opportunity to expand a nature trail as a result of work that
was performed along the streambed on the property. Due to additional
scope of work that was added to the project D’Huy Engineering is
requesting an extension to their contract. An addition of $45,000 will be
added to their purchase order.
Action: $45,000 will be added to the purchase order for D’Huy Engineering at the
December 20, Legislative meeting.

ESCO
o The project continues with the near completion of lighting throughout the
District. Work will commence at the Ed Center at the end of December.
Employees will be relocated for up to 6 weeks at a time within the building
during the construction process. It will be necessary to relocate Board
room activities during the months of May and June. The administration
will contact Penncrest for the use of the library for the May and June
committee meetings.

Media Elementary School
o Contingent Fee Agreement
 The District has engaged the legal services of Cozen O’Conner to
evaluate any claims as a result of the roof truss failure at Media
Elementary School that occurred in January of 2012.

Action: This item will be moved to the December 20, Legislative meeting for approval.
o Schedule
 Demolition – has been completed
 Structural Renovations – 10/25/12 through 2/15/13 for substantial
completion
 General Construction - 2/18/13 through 5/31/13 for substantial
completion
 Plumbing Construction – 2/18/13 through 5/31/13 for substantial
completion
 Fire Suppression - 2/18/13 through 5/31/13 for substantial
completion
 Electrical Construction - 2/18/13 through 5/31/13 for substantial
completion
Public Comment: 3 members of the public were present
The next Operations Committee meeting will be on January 8, 2013.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Anne D. Callahan
Director of Human Resources
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
From:
Anne D. Callahan, Director of Human Resources
Date:
December 7, 2012
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting – December 4, 2012
Board Members in attendance: L. Kinsler-Fox, Chair, E. Schneider, S. Miller, P.
Barry, J. Hanna, N. Fronduti, N. Mackrides
Also in attendance: A. Callahan, J. Wigo, G. Eves, Several members of the public
I.
Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
The committee discussed the items presented for inclusion on the agenda of the
Legislative Meeting on December 20. All items were approved to move forward
for a vote at the legislative meeting. Additional Items will be added to the agenda
between now and the legislative meeting. A final agenda will be sent to the
Board of School Directors on December 14.
II.
Delaware County Health Care Consortium Self-Funding Presentation
Tom Belmont of Gallagher Associates, the consultants to the Delaware County
Health Care Consortium, made a presentation to the committee on a proposal to
move to a self-funded trust. The members of the committee had many questions
and asked for additional information to be gathered for them to assist them in
making a decision on whether to support the move.
Action: The administration will get answers to the questions raised by the
committee and will gather data as requested.
III.
Request for One-on-One Instructional Assistant at Indian Lane
Mrs. Callahan presented a request from the Special Education Department to
create a one-on-one instructional assistant position to serve the needs of a fourth
grade student at Indian Lane Elementary School.
Action: The creation of the one-on-one position will appear on the agenda of the
Legislative Meeting on December 20 for approval.
IV.
Executive Session
An executive session of the Personnel Committee was held to discuss matters of
personnel.
The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held on January 8, 2012, in the
Board Room at the Education Center.
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6028
Fax 610.565.5317
www.rtmsd.org
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, PhD
Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
From:
Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, PhD
Date:
December 7, 2012
Subject:
December 4, 2012 Pupil Services Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Ms. Nancy Fronduti
Board Members in Attendance: Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides, John
Hanna, Stephen Miller, Elizabeth Schneider,
Others in Attendance: James Wigo, Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen, Anne Callahan, Grace
Eves, 1 community member
Contract
A contract for tuition payment to Buxmont Academy has been submitted for the
education of a special education student. This is a recommended placement by
the School District through the student’s IEP. The tuition cost is $120.34 for each
day of the applicable school term that the student remains lawfully enrolled.
Action: Approval will be on the December 2012 Legislative Agenda.
A contract has been provided by Devereux Ascent Partnership services to
provide transition support to a special education student in compliance with
special education requirements. The cost of the total contract is $15,630.00 and
includes 329 hours of support over 24 weeks.
Action: Approval will be on the December 2012 Legislative Agenda.
Agreement
A settlement agreement has been presented for a student with significant
disabilities to attend an out-of-state specialized residential treatment center.
Terms of the agreement include payment of a daily rate of $152.00 for
educational expenses for no more than 180 school days. This settlement
agreement was reached through the IEP team process and legal fees were
limited to payment to District special education counsel for consultation and draft
of the agreement.
Action: Approval will be on the December 2012 Legislative Agenda.
Overnight field trips:
The PHS Science Olympiad Team will participate in the Science Olympiad
Invitational Tournament in Athens, NY, 1/18/13-1/19/12. The registration fee is
$100.00 dollars and is being paid by the Science Olympiad account. The
approximate cost to the student is $40.00 dollars for hotel and meals.
Action: Approval will be on the December 2012 Legislative Agenda.
Members of the PHS String Ensemble will participate in the Festival of Music in
Williamsburg, VA, 04/19/13-04/21/13. The approximate cost to the district is
$204.00 for 2 substitutes for one day. The approximate cost to the student is
$500.00 but actual costs depend on monies raised through fundraising.
Action: Approval will be on the December 2012 Legislative Agenda.
Members of the PHS Ski Club will attend a ski trip to Killington, VT, 01/18/1301/21/13. There is no cost to the District. The cost to the student is approximately
$ 389.00.
Action: Approval will be on the December 2012 Legislative Agenda.
Costa Rica Immersion Trip-Due to high student interest, the Committee was
notified that there would be an additional cost of 408.00 dollars for one substitute
for 4 days to provide coverage for an additional chaperone. This trip had already
been approved at the October Legislative Meeting.
School Board Policy
The School Board Policy on Nondiscrimination in school and classroom
practices, No. 103 was presented for a first reading. The policy needs to be
reviewed and re-adopted every three years in accordance with the School Code.
The current Board Policy was last adopted in March of 2009 and needs to be
updated. PSBA has reviewed our current policy and offered revisions that reflect
language that is aligned with School Code. Added or modified language is in
bold-face on the new policy. (First reading)
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.891.0959
www.rtmsd.org
James M. Wigo, Sr.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Patti Linden
Director of Technology
and Information Science
Members of the Board of School Directors
James, M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent
Patti Linden
December 7, 2012
Technology Committee Meeting Minutes for December 4, 2012
Chairperson: Mr. Christopher Guilday
Board Members in attendance: Peter Barry, John Hanna, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Steve
Miller, Elizabeth Schneider, Nancy Mackrides, Nancy Fronduti
Also in attendance: Patti Linden, Jim Wigo, Anne Callahan, Grace Eves, Members of
the community
Yearly update and review of Educational Technology Report
Patti Linden updated the Board of Directors on the progress that we have made toward
our Strategic Plan goals for Educational Technology. The current Technology Report is
in effect from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015.
Under the goal of Enhance Teaching and Learning, we have purchased a module from
Pentamation called Performance Tracker that enables administrators and teachers to
view student scores from all of our assessments in one database. Currently, viewers
must access separate databases to view these scores. The Technology department is
currently loading files to this product and will be setting up training to use it in the very
near future. Secondary teachers are currently investigating, researching and modeling
the use of many different apps on the iPads and secondary students are experiencing
many resources on pilot programs with shared iPad carts.
For the goal of Lead and Manage, we are reducing power and print costs by undergoing
an Energy Audit, requiring more print services to be sent to our district Print Shop,
removing and redeploying many classroom printers across the district and moving to
centralized printing models, having teachers create more digital resources for students
and parents, and rolling out an online-only high school report card for students. We
have implemented a new wireless network at both secondary school buildings and are
moving toward an Identity Management solution for our students.
The goal of Creating Partnerships continues as we improve communications with our
parents and community. Parents of high school students now have access to online
course selection, and our new voice broadcasting tool allows parents to self-manage
where and how they want messages and information from our school district to be
delivered. Parents can choose a home number, cell phone number, text messaging,
and/or e-mail for delivery options. Our classrooms continue to utilize distance learning
options for in-class experts and virtual field trips.
Major parts of this plan always include staff development options which are delivered
via our flex program, induction program, inservice opportunities, and “lunch and learn”
sessions for our administrators.
Next meeting: Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. in the Education Center
Board Room
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SCHOOL REPORT’S – December 20, 2012
GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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. Harrsch and
Mrs. Keinath whose hard work made it all possible. And a special thank you to students,
parents, and staff members who donated a total of thirty-four book fair books to the library
in honor of Glenwood’s 50th birthday celebration!
Glenwood Students Visit Lima Estates
Mrs. Hennessey’s class, along with Aide, Suzanne Carroll, and Art Teacher, Mr. Sharp
traveled to Lima Estates Retirement Center to work on a craft project with the residents
and staff. While sharing stories and getting to know each other, students and residents
worked together to create poinsettia wreaths that were cut out, glued, and assembled.
The wreaths were then used to decorate the hallways. A joyous time was had by all.
First Grade
First grade visited Adventure Aquarium in Camden. The students had an educationally
rewarding day filled with lots of hands on experiences. The students learned "What
makes a fish a fish", and classified living things into groups. The first graders were
excited and eager to touch baby sharks and stingrays of all sizes. The students were
amazed by the many types of fish and sea creatures that live in the ocean. The favorite
attraction was the walk through the shark tunnel. The students were surrounded by
different types of sharks, swimming next to, and above them as they walked through the
tunnel. First and third grade families have adopted two families in need this holiday
season. The teachers have asked the students to bring in a gift for a less fortunate family
in lieu of a teacher gift. This is an annual service project that has been well received by
parents and students for many years. It is very heartwarming to see our children learn
that often it is better to give than to receive.
Second Grade
Second graders have begun a unit on solids and liquids. We studied the properties of
solids and liquids, and we learned new vocabulary to describe both. Some of the new
vocabulary we’ve learned is flexible, rigid, translucent, opaque, and viscous.
School Reports
1
December 20, 2012
We are also lucky enough to have a parent visiting this month with a Science
Ambassador lesson from ExxonMobil. Yi Xu, father of Andy in Mr. Davies's class will
make two visits this month to share a lesson about Rocks and Geology with our students.
Students will apply their new knowledge about solids to the learning we will do through
this visit. A big thanks to ExxonMobil and Mr. Xu for this exciting opportunity.
Third Grade
The third grade students have just started their Nonfiction reading unit and are excitedly
learning about animals, planets, sports, and more! Each day they read information, record
important information, and share with their reading partners. The students are also
learning how to identify a Just Right Nonfiction book by using several self-monitoring
strategies.
Third Grade scientists have completed their unit of study on Electricity and Magnetism.
The end of unit activity asked them to build an electromagnet and each group was able to
do so effectively and could explain what allowed it to turn on and off.
Fourth Grade
Fourth grade has been working hard on essay writing based on Lucy Calkin’s “Breathing
Life into Essay’s” unit. To tie essay writing in with the holidays, their essay topic was to
write about someone they are thankful for and to then support their thesis with three
paragraphs, each supporting three different reasons. These will then be mailed out to
their special person so as to promote the long-lost art of letter writing. Fourth grade will
also be starting their reading unit on non-fiction books which is always a welcomed and
exciting change for the students. Math consists of multiplication and division, as well as
factors, multiples and arrays. Our science Ecosystems are complete and will be sent
home next week, thus beginning a new unit in both SS and Science.
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade spent time learning about the causes of wind. They designed and conducted
several experiments in order to prove the sun’s role in causing wind. First, they figured
out a way to measure if water or soil heats faster and which one cools faster. In the next
experiment, they literally saw how the heating and cooling of air causes it to move in a
convection cycle. This concept was reinforced in a short video that used hot and cold
water which was colored so they could see how the hot water will rise if it is on the
bottom, but the cold water will remain on the bottom.
INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students at Indian Lane have been busy constructing all kinds of patterns
throughout the fall. As the season changes, students will be using their senses to see,
hear, taste, touch and smell signs of winter! They will also be building ice castles and
singing Jingle Bells in the December Holiday Show! Happy Holidays!
First Grade
First grade has been learning all about addition and subtraction in math. We have
learned how to show our work using strategies like Draw a Picture, Counting On/Back,
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and Using a Number Line. We learned how to identify key words in story problems such
as in all, altogether, left, gave away) to help us figure out which operation to use to solve
the problem. In Social Studies, first grade is learning about the different winter holidays
celebrated around the world. We are using the unifying symbol of light to compare and
contrast each of the holidays to each other. Some of the holidays we will learn about
are: Hanukkah, Diwali, Las Posadas, St. Lucia, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. The children
are reading about the holidays, playing holiday-related games and creating holidaythemed crafts.
Second Grade
In Reading Workshop, we discovered how our schema helps us to be better readers.
Schema is everything we already know, combined with our life experiences. We are now
revisiting making connections with our reading. These include text-to self, text-to-text, and
text-to-world connections. This time around, we are distinguishing between those
connections which help us to understand the story better and those which are distracting
connections. 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 classifying the three
main types of angles: acute, obtuse and right. In Social Studies, we completed
our communities and mapping unit. We are now learning about geography by studying
landforms such as the ocean and mountains. We planned and created our own landform
maps by using homemade play dough. 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
In Reading Workshop, we finished up The Chalk Box Kid. The students really enjoyed
this novel. In addition to discussing character traits, we focused a great deal on making
predictions, making connections and visualizing the story. We are now ready to begin
reading The Canada Geese Quilt. In addition to practicing our “good reader strategies,”
we will be talking a lot about traditions and doing some fun activities with this novel.
The students LOVE to write!!! In Writing Workshop, we will continue to practice
strategies that great writers use throughout the writing process. We have successfully
finished writing our personal narratives and are looking forward to doing some
informational writing this month. The students will be researching the Canada Goose
using a variety of resources and writing their first research paper...so exciting!!! They will
be using a rubric as a guide and to help them better understand the following writing
components: focus, content, organization, style, and conventions. We feel it is important
that students, even as early as third grade, be exposed to these terms, as well as how to
use and read a rubric. In Word Study, we switched groups for our second rotation and
will be focusing on vowel team spelling patters in the upcoming weeks. In Science, we
began our unit on The Amazing Body. The students are learning about the purpose and
function of the major organs in their bodies. In addition, they are enjoying creating their
own life-size bodies in the hallway. If you are at school, be sure to stop down and check
them out! In Investigations, we began our second of three units on addition, subtraction,
and the number system called Collections and Travel Stories. In this unit, students will
practice and refine addition and subtraction strategies and focus on different types of
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subtraction problems. In class, students will spend time discussing problems in depth
and are asked to share their reasoning and solutions. It is important that they accurately
and efficiently solve math problems in ways that make sense to them.
Fourth Grade
Fourth grade students honored diversity, after their study of the peopling of the United
States, with their own version of This Land is Your Land. Using the tune, students
created their own verses including all of the wonderful contributions of Latinos, African
Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Europeans. Many students
collected artifacts from their homes to share and use as props for the video taping of the
song.
Also in fourth grade, students are exploring the rich unit of “Motion and Design.” Just as
engineers do, students test their vehicle designs and repeatedly evaluate and refine them
until the designs meet specifications. They apply physics concepts to solve practical
problems. Their introduction to technical drawing improves their record-keeping skills and
extends their visual perception. As a class, students share in the creativity of solving
problems, testing ideas, and presenting results. Finally, students reflect on their work
throughout the unit and grasp how they can apply these problem-solving skills and
concepts in their own world.
Fifth Grade
Fifth graders are tracking the sweep of spring in the Northern Hemisphere by keeping an
eye on plants (Red Emperor tulips) as they burst forth and bloom! This exciting seasonal
event begins underground each fall. In this international science experiment, students in
hundreds of classrooms plant tulip bulbs in schoolyard gardens this fall. Each group will
use the same bulb variety (Red Emperor Tulips) and planting guidelines. When the tulips
finally emerge and bloom, the young scientists will announce to classmates throughout
the hemisphere that spring has arrived in their part of the world. As students make
observations in their own schoolyards, and observe the wave of spring on our interactive
maps, they begin to see how seasonal climatic factors influence plant growth. The
relationship between geography, temperature, and the arrival of spring is revealed, one
garden at a time.
AGP
The third grade AGP students are in the process of creating a scale model of our solar
system. The fourth and fifth grade AGP students are exploring the American Film
Institute's Door Scene Challenge. Students are investigating the planning, filming and
editing of a short movie meeting specific criteria.
American Education Week
American Education Week 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 235 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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Assemblies
Don the Beekeeper, owner of the Philadelphia Bee Co., visited Indian Lane for an
assembly about the school's adopted beehive. The students were excited to learn about
all the work that went into their hive, including how the bees survived hurricane Sandy!
This was Don's second visit to Indian Lane as part of an extended beekeeping program
arranged by Mr. Bennett.
Our fifth graders attended an assembly on the Dangers of Smoking presented by a
representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Students were able to view,
and touch, the lungs of pigs that were exposed to cigarette smoke and view a
presentation on the effects of smoking.
Geography Bee Preparations
A select group of fifth graders will participate in our Annual Geography Bee. Students
were given a pre-test in December and eight students from each fifth grade class were
selected to compete. Mr. Bennett will be reading some very challenging questions that
were provided by the National Geographic Society. It begins at 2:00 p.m.
PTG Activities
Indian Lane held their 5th Annual Gingerbread Decorating Party and Secret Holiday
Shop. Indian Lane students and their families converged in the gym to decorate a
gingerbread house for their family. This extremely popular event was paired with
Breakfast with Santa and a secret holiday shopping area for kids. Sponsored by the
Indian Lane PTG, kids shopped and parents had the opportunity to browse a few vendors
for items for their gift giving as well. This was a wonderfully organized event thanks to the
efforts of many parents and volunteers.
Our PTG is planning, once again, for our annual Morning of Service in honor of Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Students can come to the school and participate in activities such as
baking cookies and assembling toiletry kits for City Team, making meal kits for the Ronald
McDonald House, bagging clothing for Cradles to Crayons, learning about civil rights
heroes, packing pet supplies for local animal rescue organizations and even a special
presentation on the abolition movement by the Hedgerow Theater.
MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Music- Music –Music
We have just concluded our major holiday performances.
The fifth grade chorus,
Mustang Chorale, and Chime Group are to be commended on their preparation and effort
this concert season. We will end 2012 with our annual Holiday Sing-a-Long on December
21.
Performances included The Delaware County Courthouse (twice), Sunrise Assisted
Living, and our winter concert at Springton Lake Middle School.
Third graders are learning the placement of notes on the treble clef in preparation for
beginning recorders in January. We are using several SMARTBoard activities which
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teach and drill the basic elements of music theory. This is one highlight of the third grade
year! The halls are dotted with 88 very original verses to the classic Dreydl Song. Stop
on by and sing a few.
Art News
Fourth grade students have been examining how Quaker artist Edward Hicks encouraged
harmony among America’s native people and early settlers from England. To depict their
understanding, they worked with partners to make animals that have a predator- prey
relationship. Those animals are decorating a holiday tree at the Thomas Minshall House
in Media. Each class went on a field trip to visit the house and hang their ornaments. The
Minshall House, along with our students’ ornaments will be featured in The Media
Historical Society’s Annual Holiday House Tour.
The Academy of Natural Science Presents
The Academy of Natural Sciences presented two programs on animal habitats. A live
possum, burrowing owl, Cooper hawk, and alligator were part of the program. The
presenter was extremely knowledgeable and was able to tailor the information for all
grade levels. The program was funded by WAWA.
Red Cross Donation
All RTM schools collected for The Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. Media families
contributed $514. Everyone who donated was eligible to win two tickets to The Media
Theatre production of Dr. Doolittle. Our winner and her family enjoyed the show.
Veteran’s Day
A Media tradition is to have our grade 5 students participate in The Veteran’s Day
Parade. The rest of the school lines State Street to cheer them up. Retired PCHS
teacher, Jon Pauley, coordinates the event for us. Media Mayor, Bob McMahon, also
makes a special effort to include us. It was an inspiring day. First grade students at Media
Elementary learned about the contributions of past and present members of the armed
forces. To celebrate and honor veterans on Veteran’s Day, first grade students made
patriotic symbolic necklaces to wear at Media’s Veteran’s Day parade. Students also
participated in the AMILLIONTHANKS.ORG campaign by writing letters of appreciation to
our military – active, reserve and veterans. These letters are delivered during the
holidays to soldiers serving at home, abroad, or who are injured in hospitals.
Race for Education
Our PTG sponsored The Race for Education which invites families and friends to
contribute to our school. The event was held at Barrall Field. Our students were really
happy to be back at their “old school.” Each grade walked for an hour. Parents and
friends joined us. The “race” raised over $18,000 for our PTG.
Make a Difference Award
This month’s “I Make a Difference at Media Elementary School” recipient was custodian,
Mrs. Janina Jancyzk. Mrs. Jancyzk truly makes a difference at our school by her
dedication, eagerness to help, and ready smile.
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Parent Visitation and Conferences
American Education Week looked a bit different for us this year. Due to space constraints,
we staggered the parent visits and had several grade levels visit special area classes. It
worked out very well. Parent-teacher conferences, just before Thanksgiving, also went
very well.
Rotary Visit
Mrs. Kotch joined Mr. Wigo, Mrs. Eves, Mrs. Callahan, and Mrs. Linden at a recent
meeting of The Media Rotary Club. Members were anxious to hear about our transition to
The Nativity building and about progress on the Media Elementary project.
KIDBIZ Training
Susann Mullins from Achieve 3000 (KidBiz) did demonstration lessons in our third, fourth,
and fifth grade classes. Teachers had an opportunity to observe and ask questions.
ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The staff and students of Rose Tree Elementary are very proud of teacher Nancy
Gheysens for being one of twelve teachers who were nominated as “Teacher of the
Year.” Her student speaker, Trey Pompetti, did an outstanding job introducing her in
Harrisburg.
Kindergarten:
The Kindergarten students have been working diligently to learn their letters and sounds
and prepare for new challenges in reading. Our reading curriculum has focused on
blending and segmenting words in word families. Our list of sight words is growing every
day which is strengthening the students’ sight vocabulary for reading fluently. An at-home
enrichment sight word program began in the beginning of the month that will continue all
year. In Math, we are working on Investigations Unit 3 which encourages children to
recognize, build, and extend patterns. In Social Studies, we studied different holiday
traditions focusing on the cultural traditions in different countries. Parent volunteers
visited to share about their holiday celebrations. In an additional experience, the
Kindergarten students have been learning about being a part of a community and our role
in the helping the community. The students collected can goods to donate to the Media
Food Bank for the holiday season at the end of the month. The students were very
excited to be able to help others with the simple act of donating can goods.
Second Grade
Second graders at Rose Tree Elementary School experienced a "soft and cuddly" history
lesson on "Theodore Roosevelt Day". The children rotated in mixed groups to participate
in literature, math and history activities to learn about President Roosevelt's life and
celebrate his birthday and the creation of the teddy bear in his honor.
Fourth Grade
The fourth grade students at Rose Tree concluded their study of Microworlds by using
their expertise to successfully view living creatures. Students researched the specimens
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and then prepared slides for viewing the microscopic creatures while keeping in mind that
these creatures are alive. Students worked from the easiest specimens to view to the
most difficult. They worked to locate and track the creatures which range in speed of
motion from large slow rolling balls, Volvox, to transparent quick moving eels, Vinegar
Eels. During the unit students practiced and utilized all phases of the scientific method.
They became skilled at making observations, using hand lens and microscopes and
recording their results and drawing conclusions from those results. The students loved
this unit and asked if it was possible to view blood under the microscope. Our school
nurse was able to get prepared slides of blood, bone and other specimens for the
students to view.
Library
Students have been learning location and access strategies in the library. Students have
been demonstrating mental connection strategies during reading. The Rose Tree
Elementary Reading Olympics team includes 12 hardworking and motivated 5th grade
students. We have been meeting for 50 minutes on days 6 and 12 to discuss reading
Olympic books, summaries and strategies for the competition which takes place on April
30, 2013 at Marple Newtown High School.
Guidance
December is the time for Rose Tree’s annual Winter Holiday Giving Project! During this
winter holiday season, the children were again 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 over 40 needy children in nearby Chester, PA. Fifth
grade service club members, K.I.D.S., traveled to the Wesley House Shelter in Chester to
personally deliver the gifts to the children. We also visited Kidz First Daycare to spread
some holiday cheer and treats. (Both of these sites are part of the Community Action
Agency of Delaware County.) We also had the opportunity to sing two songs from the
recent holiday chorus concert to the folks at both of these sites. We were joined again
this year by our music teacher, Mr. David Sikorski, who led the students in song. What a
joyful time for all!
This generous outpouring came on the heels of TWO other fundraisers. We had another
successful Trick or Treat for UNICEF campaign in which the school raised $852.67.
While these coins were still being counted Rose Tree reached out again to raise money
for the American Red Cross to aid the victims of Super Storm Sandy. Student brought in
pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and even dollar bills in support of this effort. In three
short days Rose Tree School raised $869.82! Rose Tree is a very generous school
indeed!
On another note, Student Council is well underway at Rose Tree School just having
finished our second meeting. Nineteen students are serving as class representatives on
the council. They are now armed with “Huskaforms” where they will write down the
suggestions/ideas that are given to them by their classmates. These ideas will then be
discussed and acted upon, as we are able, at future meetings.
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SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Art
Ms. Sycz’ grade eight students have begun the new project which is based on the
illuminated manuscripts of the middle Ages. During the first phase of the lesson, students
are learning the about the living conditions, the art forms and the impact of a culture’s
beliefs on the style of the artwork. At this time students have viewed film clips and art
reproductions. Also students have read from their textbooks and have written about their
observations and conclusions about the influences on the artwork at this time. Grade
seven students have completed their portraits, mounted their work and are in the process
of writing about what they learned during this unit of study. Grade six students have
completed their leaf composition having used watercolor paints in the final stage.
Students have mounted their work and completed a reflection paper listing the concepts
that they learned during this lesson. Students are now learning how to analyze a work of
art by writing an art criticism of the painting “Koi Fish” by Joseph Raffael.
In Mrs. Going's art room, sixth grades continue to answer the essential questions, “Do
you know the difference between A-Symmetrical and Symmetrical Balance? Can you
explain the difference between Implied and Actual Texture? Can you read a ruler properly
and measure a two inch frame accurately?" Students continue to develop a Metal
Repousse African Mask based on original designs. Seventh Grades are immersed with
the element of Form, creating a sculpture in the round. Their Fish in Motion project
continue to develop at the same time studying the Art of The Fish. Eighth Grades have
moved into the art of the Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts. History, U-Tube videos, and
their first Formal Analysis, all combined to help them understand this art form as they
progress to create their original Illuminated Manuscript page.
Guidance
The guidance department organized support groups in all three grades related to family
issues and coping skills. All sixth graders participated in a lesson on support systems at
Springton Lake and were introduced to our anti-bullying, S.T.A.R., and Friendwatch
programs. In seventh grade, Mrs. Griffin regularly conducts organizational groups for
students. The counselors participated in a Flex Workshop in which they improved their
curriculum by reorganizing lessons and adding activities to increase higher order thinking
skills. The counselors attended parent conferences and arranged follow-up conferences
with students to implement academic improvement plans. The department is also
involved in community service projects which include visits to Fair Acres Geriatric Center
with students and the holiday “Joy Drive.”
Language Arts
Mrs. Raichek’s eighth grade Enhanced Language Arts class has been reading Daniel
Keyes' novel Flowers for Algernon, and we've had an interesting several weeks. An
award-winning novel written in 1959 and considered science fiction, the novel tells the
story of an experiment to artificially alter the intelligence of a man and a mouse. The
novel is written as a series of "Progress Reports" in a journal by the main character, who
writes about his feelings and experiences both as a mentally retarded person and as the
genius he becomes. The book describes many of the psychological experiences the
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character faces, including "ink blot" tests, so after reading and discussing this section the
students made their own ink blots and then evaluated each other's work to see if they
could learn more about their respective personalities through the ink blots. The class also
had a guest speaker, Dr. Ken Curran, the Springton Lake school psychologist, who
discussed the ideas of intelligence, IQ testing, some of Freud's theories about personality
and other related issues. Finally, along with the novel, the students are watching the
Academy Award-winning movie Charly, starring Cliff Robertson (1968) that is based on
this novel.
Mrs. Somerville's sixth grade ELA classes have just finished a nonfiction unit on
"Overcoming Obstacles." The students spent time identifying nonfiction elements such as
text structure, text features and text evidence. The students read stories and biographies
about people who faced obstacles and the ways they chose to overcome those obstacles.
Some of the nonfiction text included: “Matthew Henson at the Top of the World,”
“Chinatown,” “Lexi Youngberg: Invincible,” “Orphan Train,” “Michaela, Triumphant” and
“Bethany Hamiliton, Soul Surfer.” The students completed many activities such as
comparing and contrasting, graphic organizers and analysis charts identifying different
elements of stories and poems. As summative assessment, the students are writing an
essay about overcoming obstacles and including evidence and examples from the
biographies they read to include character traits, personal relationships and past
experiences.
In other sixth grade classes, students read the Karen Hesse’s Newbery-winning Out of
the Dust, a historical fiction novel set in the Dust Bowl of the Great Depression. This
beautiful and vivid novel is written in free verse poetry and tells the story of a girl who
faces and overcomes personal tragedy. Students analyzed the author’s use of free verse
poetry as a vehicle for story-telling and wrote their own poems following Hesse’s model.
Themes of hope and forgiveness were discovered and discussed by the students as they
viewed the world through the narrator Billie Jo's eyes. After a thorough discussion of
universal themes in literature, students applied their new understandings to their selfselected individual reading books as they prepared summaries and reflections for their
upcoming book chat. Ongoing studies in prefixes, Latin roots, and suffixes continued to
help students build their vocabularies.
Math
Geometry students are finishing Chapter 4 in which students prove triangles are
congruent. Students have learned how to use all types of proofs; two-column, paragraph,
and flow proofs. We start Chapter 5 in December. In this chapter, students use properties
of mid-segments to find lengths of segments in triangles. They learn to write a coordinate
proof. They explore perpendicular bisectors and use the concurrency of perpendicular
bisectors of a triangle to solve problems. They use angle bisectors to find distance
relationships and explore the concurrency of angle bisectors of a triangle. Students use
medians of a triangle to find the centroid and to find segment lengths, and they use
altitudes of a triangle to find and explore the orthocenter. Students relate side length and
angle measures of a triangle, find possible side lengths for the third side of a triangle, use
inequalities to make comparisons in two triangles, and use the Hinge Theorem and its
converse to solve multi-step problems. Finally, students learn to write indirect proofs.
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The eighth grade math classes have completed their first unit book on linear relationships
during the month of November. Students completed four different investigations in this
book and have become well versed in analyzing linear relationships. During this unit,
students learned how to: recognize problem situations in which two or more variables
have a linear relationship to one another; construct tables, graphs, and symbolic
equations that express linear relationships; interpret and translate information given in a
table, graph or equation to one of the other forms; solve linear equations; understand the
connections between linear equations and patterns in the tables and graphs of those
equations; and use tables, graphs, and equations of linear relations to answer questions.
Our Algebra I students are working on Chapter 4—Linear Equations. This chapter
introduces us to slope-intercept form—a form of the equation that tells us a lot. We can
graph linear equations directly from slope-intercept. The concepts introduced in this
chapter will continue through chapters 5 and 6.
In seventh grade Algebra, we have worked through chapter four. In this chapter, students
used linear equations and their graphs to model real-life situations. These relationships
are represented in a table of values, two coordinate points, and by a point and the slope
of a line.
In Accelerated math, we have worked through the book Looking for Pythagoras. In this
book, students began by finding distance between two points on a grid. They discovered
the Pythagorean relationship by exploring squares drawn on a side of a triangle. Students
concluded the unit by applying the Pythagorean Theorem to a variety of problems.
Music
More than six hundred students performed during the month of December in winter
concerts at Springton Lake Middle School. Community outreach concerts included the
tree lighting at Rose Tree Park, the Media Courthouse, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and
senior citizen homes and luncheons. Sixth grade general music students built musical
“sandwiches” as they explored melody and rhythm and created original compositions. In
seventh grade general music, students are celebrating the holiday season with a study of
“The Nutcracker” and Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky. Continuing a study on the history of
music, eighth graders completed the Renaissance era by soloing on “Scarborough Faire”
and ringing a chime ensemble to “Greensleeves.”
Physical Education
All classes and grades concluded the cooperative games unit. Students were put through
large group challenges that focused on cooperation, communication and coordination of
the group. Students also were exposed to writing and grammar challenges that were
embedded within the cooperative activity.
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
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opportunity to learn basic fundamentals of basketball, and apply them to game-like
situations.
Boys: The seventh and eighth grade boys and 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 girls 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. In terms of implementing writing and
mathematics into physical education lessons, students while in the weight room recorded
and wrote about how the machines affect specific muscle groups and students learned
proper identification.
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. In addition, we
had Lloyd Wilkinson author of the book Self Protection come in and show the girls various
self-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.
In eighth grade science, students have been exploring mixtures, solubility and 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
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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
The sixth grade students have been studying Japan, North Korea and China. They have
compared and contrasted the present day countries and the historical contexts that
created the modern countries. For Japan, the students worked in cooperative groups to
create presentations explaining how population density affects housing, health,
transportation, and land use. In the study of North Korea, the students have been
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
which affected student rights. Students completed the unit by creating story panels which
depicted the events of the various Supreme Court cases.
The eighth grade students have researched and prepared presentations on various topics
concerning Ancient Egypt. Students have explored how the Great Pyramid may have
been built as well as Egyptian medicine and surgery. Students have role-played being
traders from Ancient Egypt and Kush and evaluated the advantages and disadvantages
of trade for both societies.
Special Education
In Mrs. Debessay’s eighth grade emotional support resource room, students worked on
strategies that focused on empathy and communication. In this unit, students were able
to identify the goal of the lessons focusing on increasing empathic, responsible, and
helpful behavior. Students were engaged in partner and group activities to explore topics
such as inspiring others, advice for sixth graders, offering support, and identifying
situations in which someone might need an ally. At the conclusion of our unit, students
were able to explore strategies to show responsible leadership and support for others.
In Mrs. Wilson’s seventh grade learning support classroom, students are working in a unit
titled "Variables and Patterns". The goal of this unit is to prepare students with situations
that occur and are a part of everyday life. Throughout the unit, students analyze various
situations that change in a predictable pattern. Data is recorded into a table, and then
students create graphs in order to visually display the noticeable pattern. By the end of
the unit, students will be able to analyze a situation, determine the independent and
dependent variables, identify patterns from tables and graphs, and write equations to
represent the patterns of change.
School Reports
13
December 20, 2012
World Language
During French week, all French classes enjoyed a French breakfast with a hot chocolate
and a croissant. Sixth grade classes discussed "the French culinary world" in class and
created menus in French for their Thanksgiving celebration. Students were encouraged to
read the menu to their family. Springton Lake hosted a petanque (bocceball) tournament
against Penncrest. We also had the traditional trivia questions during the morning
announcements which allowed all homerooms to participate to win cookies made in
French-speaking countries.
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
Powder Puff Football
The juniors played the seniors in the tenth annual Powder Puff flag football game and
raised over $1,420 for the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation. Brittany
Kashner threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Lauren Huggins with one minute left in the
game to seal the 14-6 victory for the juniors. Allie Kirkpatrick scored the two-point
conversion. The other junior touchdown was scored by quarterback Brittany Kashner on
a 68-yard touchdown run. Jen Davidson was the juniors’ center and had some great
blocks throughout the game. Lexie Raspa and Megan Bradson were all over the field on
defense. The seniors’ lone touchdown was scored by Melissa Roller on a 20-yard
run with great blocking by center Jessica Labish. The combination of quarterback Kara
Volpe and running back Sabrina Barbieri propelled the seniors’ running attack throughout
the game. Nora Rogers and Natasha Canavarro anchored the senior defense. The
senior team was coached by Joey Gartland and the juniors were coached by Tyler
Butz. Thank you to our co-event organizers: junior Brittany Kashner and senior Charlene
Mulholland.
The Giving Tree
Penncrest students collected gifts for local residents in need during the month of
December through our annual “Giving Tree” project. The project was a collaboration of
the Child Development II classes and the National Honor Society. Paper ornament tags
indicating needed items were hung on the tree. The tags were selected by anonymous
students and staff 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 visitor, Mrs. Bernadette Dacanay.
Annual Senior Citizens Luncheon
Senior residents from our area recently attended a holiday concert and luncheon hosted
at Penncrest High School. Attendees had the opportunity to hear our wonderful
Ambassador Choir (under the direction of Mrs. Sherre Gaertner) and Strings Ensemble
(under the direction of Mrs. Toni Lyons) in performance. Following the concert, the
seniors were treated to a holiday luncheon complete with all the trimmings. The luncheon
was prepared by the Penncrest cafeteria staff and served by students in Mrs. Jessica
Anderson's Foods and Nutrition course.
Keystone Exams
Juniors at Penncrest High School and dozens of ninth and tenth graders sat for Keystone
Exams in Algebra, Biology, and Literature during December. Students worked hard to
School Reports
14
December 20, 2012
complete these rigorous exams, and teachers worked together to provide an efficient and
effective testing experience. The Keystone Exams are designed to measure student
proficiency in various academic subjects. These state assessments are one component of
Pennsylvania’s proposed system of high school graduation requirements.
Music Department News
The Penncrest String Ensemble had their fall concert recently. Highlights of the
performance included "Pirates of the Caribbean," featuring members of our Indoor
Drumline. Many soloists were featured in the concert including Meilin Else, John
Sweeney, Gabe Bury, JJ Teal, Andy Shores, and Emily Guo.
Grammy award-winner Sarah McLachlan, internationally acclaimed singer/song writer
Loreena McKennitt, multi-platinum selling Irish singer Andrea Corr, and classical
crossover sensation Hayley Westenra, along with a 200-voice choir and a 90-piece
orchestra led by composer Tim Janis held a concert on November 30 at Carnegie Hall in
New York City. Among the members of the orchestra was Penncrest senior violist, John
Sweeney. The concert was a fund-raiser to support Kate Winslet’s Golden Hat
Foundation. The Golden Hat Foundation is dedicated to changing the way people with
autism are perceived by shining a light on their abilities and emphasizing their enormous
potential.
The Penncrest choirs are proud to announce that both Maurah Steinmetz (Alto 2) and
Sarah Vengen (sop 1) successfully auditioned for positions in the PMEA District Choir
and will be performing with this prestigious group in February. Congratulations to them
both!
The choirs have had a busy month. The Ambassadors sang at Riddle Hospital’s annual
tree lighting ceremony and joined the Springton Lake Middle School eighth grade choir at
their winter concert. All choirs performed at an open air concert in Media and several
small ensembles participated in our second annual Holiday Carol Stroll downtown. (The
evening was supported in part by the Front Street Fountain.) A season highlight this year
was our traditional holiday concert held in the auditorium where Penncrest Choir alumni
were invited to participate in a sing-along portion of the performance.
Social Studies Department News
Penncrest High School has been accepted as a Gilder Lehrman Institute of American
History affiliate school.
The program is a unique gateway to education resources,
events, and tools designed to bring American history to life in the classroom. Funded in
part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School
Program provides free resources and support for teaching and studying American
history.
Health and PE News
Mrs. Long's health classes just completed a basic first aid course. Students were taught
how to treat choking, bleeding, common emergencies, and alcohol poisoning. Students
were informed PA Law states that an underage person who is drinking will not have
charges pressed against them if they believe another person has alcohol poisoning and
they make the call to save a life.
School Reports
15
December 20, 2012
All eleventh and twelfth grade PE students will rotate through a "components of fitness"
class during the winter months. Students will know how they can improve or maintain
their personal fitness level. Fourth period eleventh and twelfth grade girls had the
opportunity to take a tango class recently. A Penncrest alumna, owner of Sangha Space
in Media, received a grant and extended the services to Penncrest.
World Language News
The Phyllis Kavanaugh Scholarship committee interviewed four excellent candidates
during the past month. The committee selected junior Sebastian Weinmann as the 20122013 recipient. A Spanish IV and Mandarin Chinese II student, Sebastian plans to study
in China this summer.
The World Language Honors Club is actively providing free tutoring to world language
students. Interested students and parents are encouraged to contact Ms. Laura Nemec
at lnemec@rtmsd.org.
School Reports
16
December 20, 2012
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 15, 2012
December 4, 2012
December 20, 2012
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 24, 2013, at Penncrest
High School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
Presidential Announcement
1
December 20, 2012
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
b.
2.
1.
Lotalinda Castro-Anderson, Math Teacher, Springton
Lake Middle School, resignation effective November
30, 2012.
2.
Kristine Acker, Learning Support Teacher, Indian
Lane Elementary School, resignation effective
November 30, 2012.
Non-Instructional
Nominations
a.
IX. New Business
Professional
Professional
1.
Ralph Harrison, Acting Principal, effective January 1,
2013 at the annual salary of $129,619.00, to be prorated. Mr. Harrison is assigned to Springton Lake
Middle School for the remainder of the 2012-2013
school year replacing Dr. Troy Czukoski.
2.
David Stango, Acting Assistant Principal, effective
January 1, 2013 at the annual salary of $111,943.00,
to be pro-rated. Mr. Stango is assigned to Penncrest
High School replacing Ralph Harrison who was
reassigned for the remainder of the 2012-2013 school
year.
3.
Sean Graham, Long Term Substitute Special
Education Teacher effective January 28, 2013 for the
second semester at the annual salary of $52,458.00,
Master’s Degree/Step 2 to be pro-rated. Mr. Graham
received his Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State
University and his Master’s Degree from Temple
University. He is assigned to Penncrest High School
replacing Nick Bell.
1
December 20, 2012
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
IX. New Business
Professional
4.
Jeanne Richter, ESL Teacher, effective January 28,
2013 at the annual salary of $47,957.00, Permanent
Certification/Step 6 Ms. Richter received her
Bachelor’s Degree from Millersville University. Ms.
Richter served as a Long Term Substitute ESL
Teacher for the first semester. She is assigned to
Penncrest Hgih School replacing Anjali DelPrato who
resigned.
5.
Jacqueline Baker, Spanish Teacher, effective January
23, 2013 at the annual salary of $45,725.00,
Bachelor’s Degree/Step 3. Ms. Baker received her
Bachelor’s Degree from West Chester University. She
has served as a Spanish Teacher in the Springfield
School District and an English Teacher in the Marple
Newtown School District. Ms. Baker is assigned to
Springton Lake Middle School replacing Todd McKay
who resigned. NOTE: Ms. Baker is being hired
pending
completion
of
her
pre-employment
paperwork.
6.
Kyle Abbott, English Teacher, effective January 2,
2013 at the annual salary of $52,607.00, Master’s
Degree/Step 3 pro-rated. Mr. Abbott receive his
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from LaSalle
University. He comes to us from Agora Learning
Center in Philadelphia. He is assigned to Penncrest
High School replacing Colleen McFadden who
resigned. NOTE: Mr. Abbott is being hired pending
completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
2
December 20, 2012
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
7.
8.
Jeffrey Leahan, Long Term Substitute Physical
Education Teacher effective January 2, 2013 at the
annual salary of $45,289.00, Bachelor’s Degree/Step
1 pro-rated. Mr. Leahan received his Bachelor’s
Degree from West Chester University. He is currently
serving as a Night School Teacher. Mr. Leahan is
assigned to Glenwood, Indian Lane and Media
Elementary Schools replacing Carly Lloyd who is on
leave.
Recommend the Board recognize the following
personnel for attainment of tenure, effective August
27, 2012:
Julie Denton
Evan O’Neill
Berit Haahr
Lisa Sukanick
Kristin Smith
Lisa Jacinto-Cassidy
Kristin Maderachi
David Miller
b.
9.
Lynda Seery, Homebound Instructor for the 20122013 school year at the rate of $46.00 per hour.
10.
Adrienne Kutney, Homebound Instructor for the 20122013 school year at the rate of $46.00 per hour.
Non-Instructional
1.
IX. New Business
Glenwood
Media
Rose Tree
Rose Tree
Rose Tree
Penncrest
Penncrest
Penncrest
Joseph DiIenno, Substitute Bus Driver, effective
January 2, 2013 at the rate of $21.53 per hour. Mr.
DiIenno is assigned to the Transportation
Department. NOTE: Mr. DiIenno is being hired
pending
completion
of
his
pre-employment
paperwork.
3
December 20, 2012
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
3.
Non-Instructional
2.
Michael Willauer, Substitute Bus Driver effective
January 2, 2013 at the rate of $21.53 per hour. Mr.
Willauer is assigned to the Transportation
Department. NOTE: Mr. Willauer is being hired
pending
completion
of
his
pre-employment
paperwork.
3.
Joseph Doyle, Jr., Substitute Bus Aide effective
January 2, 2013 at the rate of $14.15 per hour. Mr.
Doyle is assigned to the Transportation Department.
NOTE: Mr. Doyle is being hired pending completion of
his pre-employment paperwork.
General
a.
Classification Change
1.
b.
IX. New Business
Brian Cook from Substitute Maintenance to
Maintenance Worker effective December 21, 2012 at
the rate of $18.80 per hour. Mr. Cook is assigned to
the Maintenance Department.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
Carly Lloyd has requested an unpaid leave of
absence effective April 5, 2013 through June 30, 2013
for the purpose of child rearing.
2.
Julie Fetsch has requested an unpaid leave of
absence effective April 24, 2013 through June 30,
2013 for the purpose of child rearing.
3.
Meghan Cristaldi has requested an extension of her
unpaid leave of absence through June 30, 2012 for
the purpose of child rearing.
4.
James Tiedemann, Support Staff II, has requested an
unpaid leave of absence effective January 14, 2013
through April 26, 2013 for the purpose of completing
his student teacher requirements.
4
December 20, 2012
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Diane McElhenney, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the
2012-2013 school year at the annual salary of
$648.00. Ms. McElhenney is assigned to Media
Elementary.
2.
Kelly Kunz, (.5) Homework Club Sponsor for the
2012-2013 school year at the annual salary of
$362.50. Ms. Kunz is assigned to Springton Lake
Middle School.
Jeanette Verdeur, Professional Development Building
Coordinator for the 2012-2013 school year, correction
to salary $1,450.00. Ms. Verdeur is assigned to Media
Elementary.
3.
IX. New Business
4.
Julia Davis, Student Council Advisor for the 20122013 school year at the annual salary of $145.00. Ms.
Davis is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
5.
James Walls, Orchestra Director for the 2012-2013
school year at Glenwood, Indian Lane, Media and
Rose Tree Elementary Schools at the annual salary of
$1,160.00.
6.
Andrew Bugosh, Band Director for the 2012-2013
school year at Media and Glenwood Elementary
Schools at the annual salary of $1,160.00.
7.
Jonathan Boyle, Band Director for the 2012-2013
school year at Indian Lane Elementary School at the
annual salary of $580.00.
8.
Karen Battavio, Musical Club Sponsor for the 20122013 school year at the annual salary of $1,160.00.
Ms. Battavio is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
9.
David Miller, Eco Club Sponsor for the 2012-2013
school year at the annual salary of $1,160.00. Mr.
Miller is assigned to Penncrest High School.
5
December 20, 2012
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts
10.
d.
Margaret Barney, Smart Art Club Sponsor for the
2012-2013 school year at the annual salary of
$580.00. Ms. Barney is assigned to Rose Tree
Elementary.
Create New Position
1.
Recommend Board approval to create a new (.5)
One-on-One Instructional Assistant at Indian Lane
Elementary.
Background
The position will serve the needs of a fourth grade
student with behavioral issues. The student is new to
our District this year. A two month observation and
evaluation have determined the need for the
instructional assistant.
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Science Olympiad Invitational Tournament
– Athens, NY
Resolve, the Board approve the Penncrest High School Science
Olympiad team to participate in the Invitational Tournament in
Athens, NY, 1/18/13-1/19/12.
Background
The purpose of the trip is for the PHS Science Olympiad Team to
participate in the Science Olympiad Invitational Tournament. The
registration fee is $100.00 dollars and is being paid by the Science
Olympiad account. The approximate cost to the student is $40.00
dollars for hotel and meals.
IX. New Business
6
December 20, 2012
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
2.
Penncrest High School String Ensemble Festival of Music –
Williamsburg, VA
Resolve, the Board approve the Penncrest High School String
Ensemble to participate in the Festival of Music in Williamsburg,
VA, 04/19/13-04/21/13.
Background
The purpose of the trip is for the Penncrest High School String
Ensemble to participate in the Festival of Music. The approximate
cost to the district is $204.00 for 2 substitutes for one day. The
approximate cost to the student is $500.00 but actual costs depend
on monies raised through fundraising.
3.
Penncrest High School Ski Club – Killington, VT
Resolve, the Board approve the Penncrest High School Ski Club to
attend a ski trip to Killington, VT, 01/18/13-01/21/13.
Background
The purpose of the trip is for the Penncrest High School Ski Club to
go skiing. There is no cost to the District. The cost to the student is
approximately $ 389.00.
C.
Policies
1.
Policy #103 – Nondiscrimination in the School and Classroom
Practices
Background
The current Board Policy was last adopted in March of 2009 and
needs to be updated. PSBA has reviewed our current policy and
offered revisions that reflect language that is aligned with School
Code. Added or modified language is in bold-face on the new
policy. This is the second reading of the policy.
IX. New Business
7
December 20, 2012
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing
1.
B.
None
General
1.
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 13-5 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction and Curriculum Development Supplies
$4,000.00
To:
Care and Upkeep of Equipment Services –
Replacement Equipment
AMOUNT: $4,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase three cafeteria
tables.
FY 13-6 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Technology Support Services - Supplies
$2,000.00
To:
AMOUNT:
Technology Support Services- New Equipment
$2,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase guidance
department iPads.
X. Finance
1
December 20, 2012
X.
Finance
B.
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers continued
FY 13-4 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Alternative Education – Contracted Services
$8,100.00
To:
AMOUNT:
Alternative Education - Salaries
$8,100.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to fund interventionist.
Background
This was discussed at the December 4th Finance
Committee.
2.
Johnson Controls, Inc. Project Development Agreement –
NGV
Resolve, that the Board approve a Project Development
Agreement with Johnson Controls, Inc. for a feasibility study
on developing a transition plan to CNG busing in the amount
of $24,800.
Background
This was discussed at the December 4th Operations
Committee.
3.
Addition to D’Huy Engineering contract for the Springton
Lake Middle School Project.
Resolve, that the Board approve an increase up $45,000 to
the existing construction management contract for D’Huy
Engineering for the Springton Lake Middle School project.
X. Finance
2
December 20, 2012
X.
Finance
B.
General
4.
Cozen O’Conner Contingent Fee Agreement – Media
Elementary School
Resolve, that the Board approve the Contingent Fee
Agreement from Cozen O’Conner for the Media Elementary
School renovation project.
Background
This was discussed at the December 4th Operations
Committee.
5.
Buxmont Academy Contract
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract for tuition
payment to Buxmont Academy for the education of a special
education student.
Background
This is a recommended placement by the School District
through the student’s IEP. The tuition cost is $120.34 for
each day of the applicable school term that the student
remains lawfully enrolled.
6.
Devereux Contract
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract submitted by
Devereux Ascent Partnership services to provide transition
support services.
Background
Transition services are required for a special education
student in compliance with special education federal
mandates. The cost of the total contract is $15,630.00 and
includes 329 hours of support over 24 weeks.
X. Finance
3
December 20, 2012
X.
Finance
B.
General
7.
Residential Agreement
Resolve, that the Board approve a settlement agreement
presented for a student with significant disabilities to attend
an out-of-state specialized residential treatment center.
Background
An out-of-District placement is required to meet the needs of
the student. Terms of the agreement include payment of a
daily rate of $152.00 for educational expenses for no more
than 180 school days. This settlement agreement was
reached through the IEP team process and legal fees were
limited to payment to District special education counsel for
consultation and draft of the agreement.
X. Finance
4
December 20, 2012
No. 103
ROSE TREE MEDIA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
SECTION:
PROGRAMS
TITLE:
NONDISCRIMINATION IN
SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM
PRACTICES
ADOPTED:
REVISED:
103. NONDISCRIMINATION IN SCHOOL
AND CLASSROOM PRACTICES
1. Authority
SC 1310
Title 22
Sec. 4.4, 12.1,
12.4,
15.1 et seq
24 P.S.
Sec. 5004
43 P.S.
Sec. 951 et seq
Title IX
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 1681 et seq
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 6321
29 U.S.C.
Sec. 794
Title VI
42 U.S.C.
Sec. 2000d et seq
42 U.S.C.
Sec. 12101 et seq
Pol. 103.1
The Board declares it to be the policy of this district to provide an equal opportunity
for all students to achieve their maximum potential through the programs offered in
the schools regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy or handicap/disability.
2. Delegation of
Responsibility
In order to maintain a program of nondiscrimination practices that is in
compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Board designates the
Director of Human Resources as the district's Compliance Officer.
The district shall provide to all students, without discrimination, course
offerings, counseling, assistance, employment, athletics and extracurricular
activities. The equitable distribution of district resources is one means the
district shall use to ensure all students receive a quality education. The district
shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental
impairments that constitute handicaps and disabilities, consistent with the
requirements of federal and state laws and regulations.
The Board encourages students and third parties who have been subject to
discrimination to promptly report such incidents to designated employees.
The Board directs that complaints of discrimination shall be investigated
promptly, and corrective action be taken when allegations are substantiated.
Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the district's
legal and investigative obligations.
No reprisals nor retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith charges of
discrimination.
The Compliance Officer shall publish and disseminate this policy and
complaint procedure at least annually to students, parents/guardians,
employees and the public. Nondiscrimination statements shall include the
position, office address and telephone number of the Compliance Officer.
Page 1 of 6
103. NONDISCRIMINATION IN SCHOOL AND
CLASSROOM PRACTICES - Pg. 2
The Compliance Officer or designee is responsible to monitor the
implementation of nondiscrimination procedures in the following areas:
1. Curriculum and Materials - Review of curriculum guides, textbooks and
supplemental materials for discriminatory bias.
2. Training - Provision of training for students and staff to identify and alleviate
problems of discrimination.
3. Student Access - Review of programs, activities and practices to ensure that all
students have equal access and are not segregated except when permissible by
law or regulation.
4. District Support - Assurance that like aspects of the school program receive like
support as to staffing and compensation, facilities, equipment, and related areas.
5. Student Evaluation - Review of tests, procedures, and guidance and counseling
materials for stereotyping and discrimination.
The building principal or designee shall be responsible to complete the
following duties when receiving a complaint of discrimination:
1. Inform the student or third party of the right to file a complaint and the
complaint procedure.
2. Inform the complainant that s/he may be accompanied by a
parent/guardian during all steps of the complaint procedure.
3. Notify the complainant and the accused of the progress at appropriate
stages of the procedure.
4. Refer the complainant to the Compliance Officer if the building principal is
the subject of the complaint.
3. Guidelines
Complaint Procedure – Student/Third Party
Step 1 – Reporting
A student or third party who believes s/he has been subject to conduct that
constitutes a violation of this policy is encouraged to immediately report the
incident to the building principal.
Page 2 of 6
103. NONDISCRIMINATION IN SCHOOL AND
CLASSROOM PRACTICES - Pg. 3
A school employee who suspects or is notified that a student has been subject to
conduct that constitutes a violation of this policy shall immediately report the
incident to the building principal.
If the building principal is the subject of a complaint, the student, third party
or employee shall report the incident directly to the Compliance Officer.
The complainant or reporting employee is encouraged to use the report form
available from the building principal, but oral complaints shall be acceptable.
Step 2 – Investigation
Upon receiving a complaint of discrimination, the building principal shall
immediately notify the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer shall
authorize the building principal to investigate the complaint, unless the
building principal is the subject of the complaint or is unable to conduct the
investigation.
The investigation may consist of individual interviews with the complainant, the
accused, and others with knowledge relative to the incident. The investigator
may also evaluate any other information and materials relevant to the
investigation.
If the investigation results in a determination that the conduct being
investigated may involve a violation of criminal law, the building principal shall
inform law enforcement authorities about the incident.
The obligation to conduct this investigation shall not be negated by the fact that
a criminal investigation of the incident is pending or has been concluded.
Step 3 – Investigative Report
The building principal shall prepare and submit a written report to the
Compliance Officer within fifteen (15) days, unless additional time to complete
the investigation is required. The report shall include a summary of the
investigation, a determination of whether the complaint has been substantiated
as factual and whether it is a violation of this policy, and a recommended
disposition of the complaint.
The complainant and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of the
investigation, including the recommended disposition.
Page 3 of 6
103. NONDISCRIMINATION IN SCHOOL AND
CLASSROOM PRACTICES - Pg. 4
Step 4 – District Action
If the investigation results in a finding that the complaint is factual and
constitutes a violation of this policy, the district shall take prompt, corrective
action to ensure that such conduct ceases and will not recur. District staff shall
document the corrective action taken and, where not prohibited by law, inform
the complainant.
Disciplinary actions shall be consistent with the Student Code of Conduct,
Board policies and administrative regulations, district procedures, applicable
collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal laws.
Appeal Procedure
1. If the complainant is not satisfied with a finding of no violation of the policy
or with the recommended corrective action, s/he may submit a written
appeal to the Compliance Officer within fifteen (15) days.
2. The Compliance Officer shall review the investigation and the investigative
report and may also conduct a reasonable investigation.
3. The Compliance Officer shall prepare a written response to the appeal
within fifteen (15) days. Copies of the response shall be provided to the
complainant, the accused and the building principal who conducted the
initial investigation.
Equivalence Between Schools
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 6321
The Board directs that services in Title I schools and programs, when taken as
a whole, shall be substantially comparable to services in schools and programs
that do not receive Title I funds.
Curriculum materials, instructional supplies and percentages of highly
qualified personnel shall be equivalent between all district schools when
compared on a grade-span by grade-span basis or a school-by-school basis.
Records documenting such compliance shall be updated biannually.
The Board understands that equivalence between programs and schools shall
not be measured by:
1. Changes in enrollment after the start of the school year.
2. Varying costs associated with providing services to students with disabilities.
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3. Unexpected changes in personnel assignments occurring after the beginning
of the school year.
4. Expenditures on language instruction education programs.
5. Other expenditures from supplemental state or local funds consistent with
the intent of Title I.
Pol. 906
Complaints by individuals and organizations regarding implementation of
equivalence between schools shall be processed in accordance with Board
policy.
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 1310
State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 4.4, 12.1, 12.4,
15.1 et seq.
Unfair Educational Practices – 24 P.S. Sec. 5004
Pennsylvania Human Relations Act – 43 P.S. Sec. 951 et seq.
No Child Left Behind Act – 20 U.S.C. Sec. 6321
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act – 29 U.S.C. Sec. 794
Americans With Disabilities Act – 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.
Federal Anti-Discrimination and Civil Rights Laws –
20 U.S.C. Sec. 1681 et seq. (Title IX)
42 U.S.C. Sec. 2000d et seq. (Title VI)
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Federal Anti-Discrimination and Civil Rights Regulations –
28 CFR Part 35, Part 41
34 CFR Part 100, Part 104, Part 106, Part 110
Board Policy – 000, 103.1, 701, 906
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