ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS Legislative Agenda November 17, 2011 7:30 p.m. I. Call to Order II. Approval of Minutes A. III. Springton Lake Middle School - Undefeated 8th Grade Boys Soccer Team Board Member Recognition Emanon, Penncrest's theater group performing a scene that is based on William Golding's Lord of the Flies. The students are: Sam Dugan, Becky Ferguson, Emily Guihard, Talia Kaplan, Christine Lombardo, Laura Masse, Sean McLaughlin, Brendan Morgan, Laura Nolen, Jessie Orcutt, Zac Schauerman and Hannah Stevens Reports A. B. C. D. E. F. G. VI. Legislative Meeting of October 27, 2011 Educational Presentation A. V. Roll Call Presentations and Awards A. B. 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 November 17, 2011 VII. Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each) A. VIII. Old Business A. IX. Policy #204 – Attendance – Second Read and Approval - See Attachment A 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. Unpaid Leave of Absence b. Degree Advancement c. Supplemental Contracts Overnight Trips 1. Penncrest Wrestling Team – Nokesville, VA 2. Penncrest Boys Track and Field Team – State College, PA 3. Penncrest Girls Indoor Track Team – State College, PA 4. Penncrest Cheerleaders – Orlando, FL 5. Penncrest Ski & Snowboarding Club – Stowe, VT Educational Technology Report – See Attachment B Finance A. B. C. D. Agenda Purchasing 1. None General 1. Budgetary Transfers 2. Results of the 2010-2011 Local Audit 3. Crozer-Keystone Health System 4. Roofing Resources Proposal for Indian Lane 5. Johnson Controls – Energy Audit 6. PLANCON I 7. Dental Hygienist Agreement Financials for October 2011 Bill Lists for October 2011 2 November 17, 2011 XI. Adjournment ANNOUNCEMENT There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Legislative Meeting of December 15, 2011, at Penncrest High School. The Legislative Meetings are recorded on tape. Agenda 3 November 17, 2011 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 October 27, 2011 Minutes of the October 27, 2011 Legislative Meeting Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance Board Members in Attendance: Students: Linda Kinsler-Fox, President Nancy Fronduti, Vice President John Hanna Peter Barry William Montgomery William O’Donnell Jeff Pettit Roll Call Jaclyn Turet Sara Fitzpatrick Sara Alouf Zachary Shauerman Absent: Veronica Barbato, Nancy Mackrides Also in Attendance: Ron Baldino, Maintenance Supervisor William Bennett, Principal, ILE Linda Bluebello, Director of Pupil Services Eric Bucci, Ass’t. Principal, PHS Anne Callahan, Human Resource Director Karen Daugherty, Principal, Rose Tree Elem. Bill Dougherty, Principal, GWE Grace Eves, Dir. Management Services Angela Gilbert, Dir. Teach & Learn. Elem. Rick Gregg, Principal, PHS Ron Harris, Network Specialist Ralph Harrison, Ass’t. Principal, PHS Heather Hogan, Accountant Anthony Jakowski, Ass’t. Principal SLMS Joyce Jeuell, Principal, SLMS Mack Johnson, Mgmt. Spec. for SMS and FMS Thomas Kelly, Solicitor Bonnie Kinsler, Transportation Director Maria Kotch, Principal, Media Elem. Patti Linden, Dir.Tech. & Info Sci. Kim McCann-Roller, Info. Tech. Spec. Roxanne Schupp, Supervisor Business Operations Sharon Sweeney, Ass’t. Principal, PCHS Steve Taylor, Dir. Teach. & Learn. Sec. Katherine White, Ass’t. Principal SLMS James Wigo, Superintendent of Schools II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 1 November 17, 2011 II. Approval of Minutes A. Legislative Meeting Minutes of September 22, 2011 Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. Pettit seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION: 2011 - 2012 – 31 Resolve, that the Board approve the Legislative Meeting Minutes of September 22, 2011. The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being: AYES: NAYS: III. Presentations and Awards A. IV. Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, William O’Donnell, William Montgomery, Jeff Pettit None None Educational Presentation A. Readers Workshop – Glenwood Teachers – Melissa McDevitt and Julie Small II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 2 November 17, 2011 V. Reports A. B. C. D. E. F. Student Liaison Reports Board Liaison Reports - None Committee Highlights and Reports – In Official Legislative Minutes of October 27, 2011 School Reports – In Official Legislative Minutes of October 27, 2011 Superintendent’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of October 27, 2011 Solicitor’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of October 27, 2011 Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION: 2011-2012 – 32 Tax Assessment Appeal Resolve, that the Board approve the Solicitor’s request to authorize to settle the Rose Tree Office Campus tax assessment appeal (1223 N. Providence Road, Upper Providence Township) in accordance with the Attachment in the Official Legislative Minutes of October 27, 2011. The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being: AYES: NAYS: G. VI. RTMEA – Sue Williamson Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each) A. VIII. President’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of October 27, 2011 Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each) A. VII. Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, William O’Donnell, William Montgomery, Jeff Pettit None Rose Tree Media Residents – None Old Business A. None II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 3 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 1. Terminations a. b. Professional Non-Instructional Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION: 2011-2012 - 33 1. Terminations a. Professional 1. b. Kathleen Rauch, January 5, 2012. retirement, effective Non-Instructional 1. James Swiggett, Custodian, Penncrest High School, resignation effective October 7, 2011. 2. Lisa Casey, Cafeteria, Springton Lake Middle School, resignation effective September 30, 2011. 3. Elizabeth Gorman, Confidential Secretary, Human Resources, resignation effective September 28, 2011. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 4 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 2. Nominations a. Professional 1. Mackenzie Omlor, Long Term Substitute Elementary Teacher, effective October 10, 2011 at the annual salary of $52,309, Master’s/Step 1 prorated. Ms. Omlor received her Bachelor’s Degree from West Chester University and her Master’s from Georgian Court College. She is assigned to Glenwood Elementary replacing Andrea Seaner who is on leave. 2. Recommend Board approval for the following Penncrest High School personnel to serve as Night School Teachers for the 2011-2012 school year at the rate of $40.00 per hour: Mark Williams Carolyn Fizzano Debra Schnaars Edward Somers Carley Dillon 3. Social Studies English Substitute Substitute Substitute Recommend Board approval of the following personnel to serve as Homebound instructors for the 2011-2012 school year at the rate of $46.00 per hour: S. Abelson T. Bendistis M. Castellan S. Coyne S. Curry B. Danson T. Durant D. Enterlin K. Enterlin V. Eppolito C. Grace-Green S. Hobdell M. Hoffman II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 5 M. Ludwig S. McMorrow R. Miller A. Morris L. Nemec- Osborne C. Poulos H. Reed M. Reuther D. Schnaars L. Seery L. Sitkowski J. Smith M. Snyder November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 2. Nominations a. Professional (cont’d) 3. Recommend Board approval of the following personnel to serve as Homebound instructors for the 2011-2012 school year at the rate of $46.00 per hour: (continued) E. Keane J. Lazarow A. Lombardo T. Long b. J. Strevig J. Williamson M. Woodward Non-Instructional 1. Kimberly Benedict, Interventionist, effective October 3, 2011 at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Benedict is assigned to Rose Tree Elementary. 2. Colleen Hoy, Interventionist, effective October 3, 2011 at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Hoy is assigned to Penncrest High School. 3. Linda Mann, Interventionist, effective October 17, 2011 at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Mann is assigned to Glenwood Elementary School. NOTE: Ms. Mann is being hired pending completion of her pre-employment paperwork. 4. Tracey Melcher, Interventionist, effective October 11, 2011 at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Melcher is assigned to Media Elementary School. NOTE: Ms. Melcher is being hired pending completion of her pre-employment paperwork. 5. Lauren Newman, Interventionist, effective October 12, 2011 at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Newman is assigned to the Educational Resource Center. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 6 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 2. Nominations b. Non-Instructional (continued) 6. Eileen Hunger, Interventionist, effective October 17, 2011 at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Hunger is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School. NOTE: Ms. Hunger is being hired pending completion of her pre-employment paperwork. 7. Carley Dillon, Night School Director at the annual salary of $2,500.00. Ms. Dillon will be Night School Director for the Fall Session, September 1, 2011 through January 27, 2012. 8. Louise Naismith, POWR Program – Career Counselor for the 2011-2012 school year at the rate of $25.00 per hour for a maximum of 22.5 hours per week. Ms. Naismith is assigned to Penncrest High School. 9. Nancy Wooding, Theme Reader, will be holding 2 positions at the rate of $295.00 each per month per position. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 7 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 2. Nominations b. 3. Non-Instructional 10. Mary McConville, Theme Reader, will be holding 2 positions at the rate of $295.00 per month per position. 11. Mary McConville, Reading Support Associate, at the rate of $16.00 per hour. Ms. McConville is assigned to Penncrest High School. 12 David Hay, (.5) Support Staff II, Personal Instructional Assistant, effective October 17, 2011 at the rate of $16.01 per hour. Mr. Hay is assigned to Penncrest High School. Mr. Hay is assigned to after school activities for a special needs student. General a. Classification Change 1. Debra Schnaars from 1.0 to .5 Night School Director at the annual salary of $2,500.00. Ms. Schnaars will be Night School Director for the Spring session January 30, 2012 through June 19, 2012. 2. Tracey Fritch from 1.0 to .5 Language Arts Building Coordinator at the annual salary of $1,450.00. Ms. Fritch is assigned to Media Elementary. 3. Mary Egan, from Substitute Cafeteria Worker to Cafeteria Trainee effective October 10, 2011 at the rate of $10.87 per hour. Ms. Egan is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School replacing Lisa Casey who resigned. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 8 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 3. General b. Unpaid Leave of Absence 1. c. Jody Ruckle requests an unpaid leave of absence for purpose of child rearing commencing on March 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012. Ms. Ruckle is assigned to Penncrest High School. Degree Advancement 1. Recommend Board approval of the following personnel for Degree Advancement and adjust their salaries accordingly effective August 29, 2011: Jaclyn Arbutina Master’s/Step 7 Nick Bell Permanent/Step 8 Fran Blanchette Master’s+20/Step 15 Kirsten Curry Master’s+40/Step 10 Sarah Debessay Master’s+20/Step 10 Tracey Fritch Master’s+60/Step 15 Crystal Grace GreenMaster’s+40/Step 10 Elizabeth Keane MEQ/Step 8 Christiana Kuntz Master’s+20/Step 15 T. Mayfield Pinkett Master’s+20/step 11 Brian Lynch MEQ/Step 8 David Miller Master’s/Step 3 Alexis Wilson MEQ/Step 7 d. $53,205.00 $46,833.00 $90,752.00 $73,644.00 $65,051.00 $97,384.00 $73,644.00 $66,635.00 $90,752.00 $70,191.00 $55,635.00 $52,607.00 $53,205.00 Rescind Supplemental Contracts 1. Rescind appointment of Sharon Sweeney as Children’s Theatre Director. Ms. Sweeney has been reassigned. 2. Rescind appointment of Sharon Sweeney as Building Coordinator English at Penncrest High School. Ms. Sweeney has been reassigned. 3. Rescind appointment of Dora Mead as Challenge Mentor at Penncrest High School. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 9 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 3. General e. Supplemental Contracts 1. Britt Rago, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the 1st semester at the annual salary of $580.00. Ms. Rago is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School. 2. Carley Dillon, Building Coordinator, English at the annual salary of $2,900.00. Ms. Dillon is assigned to Penncrest High School. 3. Margaret Hudak, 6th Grade Homework Club Sponsor for the 2011-2012 school year at the annual salary of $760.00. Ms. Hudak is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School. 4. Karen Battavio, Chorus Sponsor for the 2011-2012 school year at the annual salary of $1,216.00. Ms. Battavio is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary. 5. Jeanette Verdeur, Chorus Sponsor for the 20112012 school year at the annual salary of $1,216.00. Ms. Verdeur is assigned to Media Elementary. 6. Phoebe Simmington, Professional Development Coordinator for the 2011-2012 school year at the annual salary of $1,450.00. Ms. Simmington is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School. 7. David Puckett, Assistant Heavyweight Football Coach at the annual salary of $2,584.00. Mr. Puckett is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School. 8. Recommend approval of the following Springton Lake Middle School personnel to serve as Event Chaperones for the 2011-2012 school year at the rate of $14.17 per hour: Jennifer Blythe Jean Davis Suzannah Emmons II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 10 Martha Gumienny Juanita Strowbridge Joyce Wolf November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 3. General e. Supplemental Contracts 9. Jeanette Verdeur, Professional Development Coordinator for the 2011-2012 school year at the annual salary of $1,450.00. Ms. Verdeur is assigned to Media Elementary. 10. Kimberly Wood, Assistant Girls Varsity Basketball Coach at the annual salary of $4,495.00. Ms. Wood is assigned to Penncrest High School. 11. Recommend approval of the following Springton Lake Middle School personnel to serve as Event Chaperones for the 2011-2012 school year at the rate of $42.50 per event: Adams, Steve Cliff, Shawna Debessay ,Sarah Fisher, Joseph Going, Nancy Griffin, Sue Heckman, Robin Johnston, Matt Krugler, Doug Laubach, Bridget Levy, Jessica McCarthy, Lisa Megow, Carleen Morris, Amanda Nixon, Mark Patton, Mary Belle Raichek, Judy Snyder, Megan Williams, Sharon 12. Bendistis, Tiffany Eppolito, Vince Gilory, Margie Goldsmith, Leslie Harrison, Alison Hemenway, Sue Knipel, Sue Kunz, Kelly Lazarow, Jason Maguire, Kathy McLeod, Jen Miller, Stefanie Newsome, Carin Norris, Paul Prior, Sharon Shaw, Michelle Stern, Diane Yanchek, Mark Jean Davis, Event Chaperone for the 2011-2012 school year at the rate of $21.25 per hour. Ms. Davis is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 11 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 3. General e. Supplemental Contracts 13. Recommend Board approval for the following Springton Lake Middle School personnel to serve as Intramural Instructors for the 2011-2012 school year at the rate of $27.00 per hour: Steve Adams Joseph Fisher Sean Graham Martha Gumienny Matt Johnston Jessica Levy Brian Lynch Paul Norris Megan Snyder Doug Krugler 14. Jaclyn Arbutina, Student Council Advisor, at the annual salary of $304.00. Ms. Arbutina is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary. 15. Sue Hendrixson, Student Council Advisor, at the annual salary of $304.00. Ms. Hendrixson is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary. 16. Ryan Lewis, Student Council Advisor, at the annual salary of $290.00. Mr. Lewis is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary. 17. Julie Fetsch, (.5) Language Arts Building Coordinator at the annual salary of $1,450.00. Ms Fetsch is assigned to Media Elementary. 18. Recommend Board approval for the following Indian Lane personnel to serve as Intramural Instructors at the rate of $21.26 per hour: Julia Davis Sharon Hazely 19. Ryan Lewis Shirley Huebner, Scrapbooking Club Sponsor for the 2011-2012 school year at the annual salary of $1,160.00. Ms. Huebner is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 12 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 3. General e. Supplemental Contracts 20. Linda Kilpatrick, Junior and Senior Prom Chaperone at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Kilpatrick is assigned to Penncrest High School. 21. Charron Verica, Junior and Senior Prom Chaperone at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Verica is assigned to Penncrest High School. 22. Recommend Board approval for the following Penncrest personnel to serve as Event Chaperones for the 2011-2012 school year at the rate of $18.33 per hour: Svitlana Duffy Elisa Ettien Deborah Hoffman 23. Linda Kilpatrick Charlene Merk Cindy Miller Recommend Board approval for the following Penncrest personnel to serve as Event Chaperones for the 2011-2012 school year at the rate of $55.00 per event: Lorraine Burry Colleen Hoy Anthony Lombardo Kristin Maze David Miller Andrea Rachubinski Jodi Strevig 24. Craig Casner, New Teacher Mentor for the 20112012 school year at the annual salary of $1,216.00. Mr. Casner is assigned to Penncrest High School. 25. Betsy Hennessey, (.5) Newspaper Club Sponsor, at the annual salary of $580.00. Ms. Hennessey is assigned to Glenwood Elementary. 26. Crystal Grace-Green, (.5) Newspaper Club Sponsor, at the annual salary of $580.00. Ms. Grace-Green is assigned to Glenwood Elementary. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 13 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 3. General e. f. Supplemental Contracts 27. Susan Howe, Chess Club Sponsor, at the annual salary of $290.00. Ms. Howe is assigned to Media Elementary. 28. Jana Maxwell, Garden Club Sponsor, at the annual salary of $870.00. Ms. Maxwell is assigned to Media Elementary. 29. Andrew Virtue, (.5) New Teacher Mentor, at the annual salary of $580.00. Mr. Virtue is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School. 30. Recommend Board approval for the Penncrest High School Winter Athletic Supplemental Contracts for the 2011-2012 school year. See Attachment A 31. Recommend Board approval for the Springton Lake Middle School Winter Athletic Supplemental Contracts for the 201-2012 school year. See Attachment B in Official Legislative Minutes of October 22, 2011. Salary Change 1. Recommend Board approval of the following pay rate changes that were incorrectly reported on the June Board: Loretta DeWees $11.40/hour Lisa McCallion $12.21/hour Nariman Shaer $12.21/hour II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 14 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 3. General g. Other 1. Recommend Board approval of the following Springton Lake Middle School Game Worker rates for the 2011-2012 school year: Game Worker Position Crowd Control Scoreboard Operator Timer Starter II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 15 Rate $30.00 $40.00 $30.00 $50.00 Approximate Hours Hourly Rate 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 November 17, 2011 $15.00 $20.00 $15.00 $25.00 IX. New Business A. Personnel 3. General g. Other 2. Recommend Board approval of the following Penncrest High School Game Worker rates for the 2011-2012 school year: GAME WORKER POSITION V Football Timer V Football Announcer V Football Tickets V Football Chains JV Football Timer JV Football Chains FR Football Timer FR Football Chains V/JV Hockey Timer V Boys Soccer Timer V Girls Soccer Timer Soccer Timer Night V/JV Volley Ball Timer FR Volley Ball timer V/JV Girls Lacrosse Timer V Boys Lacrosse Timer Lacrosse Timer Night Track/Dual Head Timer Track Tri Head Timer Track/Dual Attendant Track/Tri Attendant V/JV Boys Basketball Timer V/JV Boys Basketball Scorer V/JV Boys Basketball Tickets V/JV B. Basketball Crowd Control FR Basketball Timer FR Basketball Scorer V/JV Girls Basketball Timer V/JV Girls Basketball Scorer V/JV Girls Basketball Tickets V/JV G. Basketball Crowd Control V/JV Wrestling Timer/Announcer V/JV Wrestling Tickets V/JV Wrestling Crowd Control Coed Swimming Scorer/Announcer II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 16 Approximate Hours per Event DISTRICT Hourly Rate 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 3.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 3.0 3.0 1.5 3.0 1.5 1.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.0 3.0 2.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.0 3.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 $51.50 $51.50 $40.50 $41.00 $43.50 $41.00 $43.50 $41.00 $56.50 $43.50 $43.50 $61.50 $56.50 $28.50 $56.50 $43.50 $61.50 $39.00 $49.50 $42.50 $46.50 $57.50 $57.50 $35.50 $38.50 $31.50 $38.50 $57.50 $57.50 $35.50 $38.50 $56.50 $35.50 $36.50 $56.50 $17.17 $17.17 $13.50 $13.67 $14.50 $13.67 $14.50 $13.67 $18.83 $14.50 $14.50 $20.50 $18.83 $18.83 $18.83 $14.50 $20.50 $13.29 $14.14 $12.14 $13.29 $19.17 $19.17 $17.75 $12.83 $10.50 $14.50 $19.1 $19.17 $17.75 $12.83 $22.60 $14.20 $14.60 $18.83 November 17, 2011 NONDISTRIC $45.50 $45.50 $35.50 $36.00 $38.50 $36.00 $38.50 $36.00 $49.50 $38.50 $38.50 $56.50 $49.50 $24.50 $49.50 $38.50 $56.50 $39.00 $42.50 $36.50 $9.51 $49.50 $59.50 $33.50 $33.50 $27.50 $38.50 $49.50 $49.50 $33.50 $33.50 $49.50 $33.50 $33.50 $49.50 IX. New Business A. Personnel 3. General h. Elimination of Position 1. i. Eliminate a Non-Athletic Supplemental position, Literary Magazine, at Springton Lake Middle School. The position was valued at 9 units. Create New Position 1. Create a new Non-Athletic Supplemental Position at Springton Lake Middle School. Applied Engineering Club at 6 units effective October 27, 2011. 2. Create a new (.5) Special Education Teaching Position at Indian Lane Elementary. The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being: AYES: NAYS: II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, William O’Donnell, William Montgomery, Jeff Pettit None 17 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business B. C. D. Penncrest High School Course Selection Guide Penncrest High School Clubs/Activities Overnight Trips 1. Penncrest Women’s Outdoor Leadership Club, Shenandoah National Park, VA 2. Penncrest Student Council – Altoona Area High Schoo 3. Penncrest Girls’ Cross Country, Hershey, PA 4. Penncrest Boys’ Cross Country, Hershey, PA Mr. Hanna moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION: 2011-2012 - 34 B. Penncrest High School Course Selection Guide Resolve, that the Board approve the Penncrest Course Selection Guide for 2012-2013, including new courses entitled 1 Advanced Accounting, Chinese III, and Academic Enrichment III and IV. C. Penncrest High School Clubs/Activities Further resolve, that the Board approve the following Penncrest High School Clubs/Activities: Graphic Arts Club Relay for Life Club HCI Optimist Club ROAR Store Lunch & Lit Ski & Snowboard Club The Medical Scholars Club Chess Club Mother/Daughter Book Club Ultimate Frisbee Outdoor Leadership Club (Men & Women) D. Overnight Trips 1. Penncrest Women’s Outdoor Leadership Club, Shenandoah National Park, VA Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip for the Penncrest Women’s Outdoor Leadership Club to Shenandoah National Park, VA, from October 28-30, 2011. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 18 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business D. Overnight Trips 2. Penncrest Student Council – Altoona Area High School Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip for Penncrest High School Student Council to Altoona Area High School, from November 10-11, 2011. 3. Penncrest Girls Cross Country, Hershey, PA Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Hershey, PA, for the Penncrest High School Girls Cross Country team on November 4-5, 2011. 4. Penncrest Boys Cross Country, Hershey, PA Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Hershey, PA, for the Penncrest High School Boys Cross Country team on November 4-5, 2011. The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being: AYES: NAYS: E. Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, William O’Donnell, William Montgomery, Jeff Pettit None Policies 1. Policy #204 – Attendance - First Read Dr. Bluebello reviewed with the Board the first draft of Policy #204 – Attendance. This policy includes necessary revisions and provides clearer guidelines on student attendance. See Attachment C in Official Legislative Minutes of October 27, 2011. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 19 November 17, 2011 ADDENDUM IX. New Business F. Addendum – Personnel 1. Terminations – None 2. Nominations a. 3. Professional General a. Sabbatical Leave Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION: 2011-2012 – 35 Resolve, that the Board approve the following: 2. Nominations a. Professional 1. 2. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 Walter Read, Long Term Substitute Science Teacher effective October 26, 2011 at the annual salary of $52,309.00, Master’s/Step 1 pro-rated. Mr. Read is assigned to Penncrest High School replacing Robert Malkovsky who is on leave. Ryan Lewis, (.5) Long Term Substitute Special Education Teacher effective October 28, 2011 for the first semester at the annual salary of $45,289.00, Bachelor’s Degree/Step 1 to be prorated. Mr. Lewis is filling the new .5 Special Education position at Indian Lane Elementary, replacing Kristine Acker who is on leave. 20 November 17, 2011 ADDENDUM IX. New Business F. Addendum - Personnel (continued) 3. General a. Sabbatical Leave 1. Erin Scheivert requests a Sabbatical Leave Effective January 30, 2012 through June 19, 2012 for the purpose of professional development. The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being: AYES: NAYS: II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, William O’Donnell, William Montgomery, Jeff Pettit None 21 November 17, 2011 X. Finance A. B. C. Purchasing - None General 1. Budgetary Transfers 2. Donations 3. Main Line Pools Proposal 4. Change Orders 5. Owner’s Representative Proposal – Dennis Cini 6. Bonnet Proposal – Media Elementary School AC Repairs 7. DCCC Allied Health Care Course 8. Settlement Agreement of Student #50411 9. Contract with Mill Creek School 10. Contract with the Tim Academy, Inc. 11. Contract with Wanna Play Program Finance Addendum 1. Life Guard Services Mr. Hanna moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTIN: 2011-12 - 36 Resolve, that the Board approve the following: 1. Budgetary Transfers FY 12-3 Fund 10 General Fund FROM: Technology Support Services- Repairs AMOUNT: $5,695.00 TO: Technology Support Services - Communications AMOUNT: $5,695.00 RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover the fiber. FY 12-4 Fund 10 General Fund FROM: Instruction – Supplies AMOUNT: $1,200.00 TO: Instruction – New Equipment AMOUNT: $1,200.00 RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase two Elmo document cameras for the Science Department. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 22 November 17, 2011 X. Finance B. General 2. Donations Further resolve, that the Board approve the following donations: A Safeguard Scientific portable AED device by an anonymous donor to the Penncrest Athletic Department. A garden shed from the Media Elementary School PTG to Media Elementary School for the storage of garden tools for the garden club. 3. Main Line Pools Proposal Further resolve, that the Board approve a proposal from Main Line Pools to provide pool maintenance services from November 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012, at a monthly maintenance fee of $625 and includes all chemicals and maintenance. 4. Change Orders Further recommend approval of Change Order P-04 in the amount of $3,661.88 to AJB Mechanical, Inc. for the replacement of a faulty thermostatic mixing valve on the Penncrest High School Domestic Water Heater Replacement project. 5. Owner’s Representative Proposal – Dennis Cini Further resolve, that the Board approve a proposal for services for 2012-13 capital projects from Dennis Cini, in an amount not to exceed $91,890, which is the same amount as the previous year. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 23 November 17, 2011 X. Finance B. General 6. Bonnett Proposal - Media Elementary School AC Repairs Further resolve, that the Board approve two proposals from Bonnett Associates for professional services for the replacement of the air conditioning units at Media Elementary School for the Large Group room and Library. The fee is 7.2% of the total construction costs. 7. DCCC Allied Health Care Course Further resolve, the Board approve a contract with Delaware County Community College to conduct one three-credit course in Allied Health entitled “Introduction to Health Care and Health Information” at Penncrest High School for the period January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012. The course is designed for between 10 and 16 Penncrest High School students at a maximum cost of $8,414, with textbooks being billed separately, if needed. 8. Settlement Agreement of Student #50411 Further resolve, that the Board approve the Settlement Agreement of Student #50411. 9. Contract with Mill Creek School Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract with The Mill Creek School for educational services for a student with significant disabilities. The student will attend Mill Creek for the 2011-2012 school year at a per diem rate of $215.00, for a total of $38,700.00. 10. Contract with the TIM Academy, Inc Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract with the TIM Academy, Inc. to provide one full day of staff development training on the Characteristics of Autism, Structured Teaching, and Introduction to Behavior Management. The cost is $3300.00; however, RTM will receive a 10% discount, resulting in a cost of $2970.00. II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 24 November 17, 2011 X. Finance B. General 11. Contract with Wanna Play Program Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract with the Wanna Play Program for three students to attend a six week ESY summer program. The cost is $300.00 per student, for a total of $900.00. The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being: AYES: NAYS: Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, William O’Donnell, William Montgomery, Jeff Pettit None II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 25 November 17, 2011 ADDENDUM X. Finance C. Finance Addendum 1. Life Guard Services – YMCA Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to Adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION: 2011-12 - 37 Resolve the board approve the proposal from YMCA Rocky Run in the amount of $9,700 for life guard services during the Penncrest High School swim team season. The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being: AYES: NAYS: Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, William O’Donnell, William Montgomery Jeff Pettit II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 26 November 17, 2011 X. Finance C. D. Financials for September 2011 Bill Lists for September 2011 Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION: 2011-2012 - 38 Resolve, that the Board approve the following: C. Financial Reports September September September September D. 2011 2011 2011 2011 Treasurers Reports Investment Reports Summary Expenditure Status Report Revenue Status Report Bill Lists September 2011 General Fund Bill List $ 3,859,582.63 September 2011 Imprest Fund Bill List $ 7,861.00 September 2011 Capital Fund Bill List $ 151,195.42 September 2011 Bond Series 2004 Bill List $ 168,511.00 September 2011 Bond Series 2010 A & 2011 $ 784,034.58 September 2011 Activities/Special Revenue Fund $ 19,951.14 $ 4,991,135.77 The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being: AYES: NAYS: Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, William O’Donnell, William Montgomery, Jeff Pettit None II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 27 November 17, 2011 XI. Adjournment Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution: RESOLUTION: 2011-2012 - 39 Resolve, that 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, Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, William O’Donnell, William Montgomery, Jeff Pettit None ______________________ Grace A. Eves School Board Secretary II. Legislative Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2011 28 November 17, 2011 III. Presentations and Awards A. Springton Lake Middle School – 8th Grade Boys’ Soccer Team Resolve, that the Board present the Rose Tree Media Award to the 8th Grade Boys’ Soccer Team. The team had an undefeated season with 9 wins, 0 losses and 1 tie. The team was coached by Steve Adams. Team Members are: Joey Angelina, Dillan Armstrong, Cody Bregande, Sean Clinton, Randy Cropper, Tanner Daggy, Devan Dougherty, Alec Fishman, Zach Groses, Nathan Hosier, Thomas May, Quinn McIntyre, Zachary Piotti, Sam Pisano, Ryan Schultz, Devan Sloane, Peter Spiotta, Liam Thomas, Auston Trusty and Tyler Valentine. B. Board Member Recognition Resolve, that the Board present Veronica Barbato and Jeffrey Pettit a plaque for their dedicated service to the Rose Tree Media School District. Mr. Pettit has been on the Board since 1992 and Veronica has been a Board Member since 2003. III. Presentations and Awards 1 November 17, 2011 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 Grace A. Eves Director of Management Services 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 10, 2011 Subject: November 10, 2011 – 7:00 PM Finance Committee Minutes Chairperson: Bill O’Donnell ______________________________________________________________________ In Attendance: Peter Barry, Veronica Barbato, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Bill Montgomery, Bill O’Donnell and Jeff Pettit Also in Attendance: James Wigo, Grace Eves and Heather Hogan Pam Baker and Jeff Kowalczyk from Barbacane Thornton and Co. ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Results of the 2010/2011 Local Audit – Pam Baker Pam Baker and Jeff Kowalczyk auditors from Barbacane Thornton and Company presented the results of the 2010/2011 local audit. Fund Balance was reduced by $1.7 million. Ms. Baker noted the district’s plan for short and long term expenditures by assigning a portion of the remaining fund balance for future expenditures and capital projects. The District also transferred money from the General Fund to the Debt Service Fund as part of the plan to prepare for future changes in the District’s debt. The District has not reached its debt limit and has the ability to borrow additional funds for future capital projects. The fact that the District has minimal debt, a healthy fund balance and a plan for capital improvements has a positive impact on the District’s credit rating. Interest rates on bonds are based in part on these factors. The District has followed a five– year capital project plan to ensure an optimal educational environment for our students and staff members. The District has a contract with Chartwells to provide food services. The Food Service Fund had an increase in net assets of approximately $11,000 compared to a loss the previous year. Ms. Baker stated that she received a SAS 70 report, which is a report on internal controls, from Chartwells and found everything to be in order. There were no findings in the audit. Ms. Baker commended the District’s staff for the successful audit. The audit will be posted on the District’s web site. Bill O’Donnell and Jim Wigo will give an executive summary of the audit at the November 17th Legislative meeting. Action: This item will be moved to the November 17, Legislative Meeting for approval. 2. Budget Comparison (Attachment) The District has received 79% of its revenue and has expensed 64% of its expenditures. Action: Discussion 3. Budgetary Transfers FY 12-5 Fund 10 General Fund FROM: AMOUNT: TO: AMOUNT: Instruction - Supplies $3,800.00 Maintenance- Repairs $3,800.00 RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover repairs to the weight room and gym equipment. FY 12-6 Fund 10 General Fund FROM: AMOUNT: TO: AMOUNT: Athletics – Dues and Fees $3,000.00 Athletics- Travel $3,000.00 RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover travel expenses for the school year. Action: This item will be moved to the November 17, Legislative Meeting for approval. 4. Crozer-Keystone Health System Contract Anne Callahan presented the contract form Crozer-Keystone Health System for pre-employment and post accident drug testing. Our current provider, Riddle Health, no longer provides these services in the area, which would require staff members to travel further. Crozer-Keystone Health System has local offices. Action: This item will be moved to the November 17th Legislative meeting for approval. Public Comment The next Finance Committee meeting will be held on December 6, 2011 at 7:45 p.m. EXCELLENCE TODAY FOR TOMORROW Mr. James M. Wigo, Sr. Superintendent of Schools Rose Tree Media School District 308 North Olive Street Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493 Telephone: 610-627-.6000 Fax: 610-891-0959 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 10, 2011 Subject: November 10, 2011 - 8:00 PM - Operations Committee Minutes Chairperson: Bill Montgomery ___________________________________________________________________ In Attendance: Peter Barry, Veronica Barbato, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Bill Montgomery, Bill O’Donnell and Jeff Pettit Also in Attendance: James Wigo, Grace Eves, Ron Baldino, Dennis Cini from Cini Construction, Joe Slivka from D’Huey Engineering, Phil Solomon from Johnson Controls __________________________________________________________________ 1. Johnson Controls – Energy Audit – Phil Solomon Phil Solomon from Johnson Control presented information on PA Act 39 Guaranteed Energy Savings Act. The Act provides guaranteed energy and operational savings that will exceed all costs of the program, which includes upgrading equipment. According to Mr. Solomon if the district does not receive the projected savings by following the results of an energy audit the ESCO, Energy Service Company, will present a check to the district for the difference. Johnson Controls will perform an energy analysis at no cost to the District. Tom Kelly reviewed the document and confirmed that there is no cost to the district. After the analysis is performed the results will be shared with the Operations Committee. A decision can be made whether to move forward with upgrading our equipment after the results of the audit are presented. Johnson Control performed a similar service 10 years ago Action: This item will be moved to the November 17, Legislative Meeting for approval. 2. Springton Lake Middle School Update The project is within budget. At this time there is approximately $1.5 million available in contingency funds and $310,000 in allowances. All of the allowance funds for the general contractor have been used. There is $136,106 in change orders for the general contractor that will need approval through PLACON part I from PDE. The change order is a result of items related to the design issues that were not included in the original documents. Such as roof insulation, window height to accommodate steel and modification to expansion joint covers. There will be additional change orders for unanticipated items such as the lintels and masonry work above the windows and an issue in the old auditorium that was exposed during demolition that involves the walls. The committee agreed to use allowances in the plumbing contract for the replacement of cafeteria plumbing that leaks. The pool opened last Tuesday for the swim team. The committee agreed to seek pricing for a change in the panels that are part of the railing system in the natatorium that will improve visibility of the pool. The current panels are a small chain link pattern. The committee requested pricing on clear panels or small wire panels. The auditorium is scheduled to be available at the beginning of December. The general contractor is behind in the auditorium. Arrangements have been made for the holiday concerts to take place either in the gym or at Penncrest. Action: Approval for PLANC part I for a change order will be moved to the November 17, Legislative Meeting for approval. 3. Roofing Resources Proposal for Indian Lane - Phase II and III The report from Roofing Resources to correct the brick veneer and lintel on the exterior cafeteria wall at Indian Lane was received. The estimated cost of the project is $31,200. The district is unable to perform the repair work using existing maintenance personnel due to the cost of the project and the specialized repair work that needs to be completed. Action: This item will be moved to the November 17, Legislative Meeting for approval. 4. Public Comment The next Operations Committee meeting will be on December 6, 2011, at 8:45 p.m. EXCELLENCE TODAY FOR TOMORROW James M. Wigo, Sr. Superintendent of Schools To: Members of the Board of School Directors James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent From: Anne D. Callahan, Director of Human Resources Date: November 4, 2011 Subject: Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting 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 Board Members in attendance: J. Pettit, P. Barry, N. Fronduti, J. Hanna, L. Fox, N. Mackrides, Chair. Also in attendance: A. Callahan, J. Wigo, G. Eves I. Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan The committee members discussed the items to be included on the agenda of the legislative meeting on November 17, 2011. Additional items will be added as they occur. A revised agenda for the legislative will be sent to the board by November 11, 2011. II. Executive Session The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at 7 PM 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 Linda Bluebello, Ed.D. Director of Pupil Services To: Members of the Board of School Directors James M. Wigo, Sr., Superintendent From: Linda Bluebello, Ed.D. Date: November 4, 2011 Subject: November 1, 2011 Pupil Services Committee Meeting Minutes Chairperson: Mrs. Nancy Fronduti Board Members in Attendance: Nancy Fronduti, Linda Kinsler-Fox, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Peter Barry, Jeffrey Pettit Others in Attendance: Mr. Wigo, Dr. Bluebello, Grace Eves, 3 Community members POLICY Dr. Bluebello presented Policy #204 – Attendance with no changes made. Action: Policy #204 will be on the November 2011 Legislative Agenda for second read. NAVIANCE COLLEGE/CAREER PLANNING SOFTWARE PHS Counselors, Dave Harple and Lori Rice-Spring presented an overview of the Naviance software that is being used by students, counselors, and parents at PHS. The counselors explained that Naviance is a web-based college planning, navigation, and tracking system that provides tools to actively engage students and parents in the post secondary and college process. The program has been very well-received by parents and students alike. The counselors also shared that for the first time this year, PHS will be sending college applications electronically which will be more cost effective and efficient. OVERNIGHT TRIPS Dr. Bluebello presented the following overnight trips for review: Members of the PHS Wrestling Team will participate in the Dudley Martin Classic Wrestling Tournament in Nokesville, VA, 12/9/11 – 12/10/11. The approximate cost to the district is $875, which covers registration and transportation. Action: Approval will be on the November 2011 Legislative Agenda. The PHS Boys Track and Field Team will participate in the Kevin Dare Invitational Meet in State College, PA, 1/20/12 – 1/21/12. The approximate cost to the district is $450, which covers registration and transportation. Action: Approval will be on the November 2011 Legislative Agenda. The PHS Girls Indoor Track Team will participate in the Kevin Dare Invitational Meet in Stae College, PA, 1/20/12 – 1/21/12. The approximate cost to the district is $450, which covers registration and transportation. Action: Approval will be on the November 2011 Legislative Agenda. The PHS Cheerleaders will participate in the Cheerleading National Championships (if qualified), in Orlando, FL, 2/10/12 – 2/13/12. The approximate cost to the district is $2,596, which covers registration and transportation. Action: Approval will be on the November 2011 Legislative Agenda. The PHS Ski & Snowboarding Club will take an overnight trip to Stowe Mountain Resort, VT, 1/13/12 – 1/16/12. There is no cost to the district for this trip. Action: Approval will be on the November 2011 Legislative Agenda. CONTRACT Jessica Brady provides dental hygiene services to students in our public and non-public schools. Her annual contract is for $2,000.00. Action: Approval will be on the November 2011 Legislative Agenda. SENIOR CITIZEN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Dr. Bluebello shared with the BSD information on Lion’s M.A.N.E. and other Senior Citizen engagement activities at the school level. The BSD praised the efforts, but requested that we do more to include Granite Farms, Riddle Village, and other senior residence facilities that may not be included in our outreach. Dr. Bluebello will contact Meg Barney with the BSD’s request. The next meeting of the Pupil Services committee will be December 8, 2011, at 8:00 pm at the Education Center. OFFICE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING TO: Members of the Board of School Directors Mr. James M. Wigo, Superintendent of Schools FROM: Dr. Angela Gilbert, Director of Teaching and Learning - Elementary Dr. Steve Taylor, Director of Teaching and Learning - Secondary DATE: November 1, 2011 RE: November 1, 2011 Teaching & Learning Committee Meeting Minutes Chairperson: Mr. Jeff Pettit Board Members in Attendance: Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Linda KinslerFox, Nancy Mackrides, Jeff Pettit RTMSD Personnel in Attendance: Bill Dougherty, Grace Eves, Angela Gilbert, Joyce Jeuell, Sharon Sweeney, Steve Taylor, James Wigo Community Members in Attendance: Three members of the community attended. The School Improvement Planning Process in RTM The Directors and Principals updated the Board on the process of planning for School Improvement underway this year in RTM, using a new protocol provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and assisted locally by the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. Districts which implement the protocol form a team of stakeholders, synthesize data, assess their strengths and weaknesses, analyze systems in place to support learning, prioritize their challenges, create action plans, craft professional development, and reach out to the community. Penncrest High School, which is required to submit the plan because of its warning status under AYP regulations, has almost completed the plan and will begin to implement it immediately, even though it is not formally due until the end of June. The middle school and elementary schools, which are not required to submit plans, have embraced the process as a means of self-analysis and improvement. For them, the benefits have included an opportunity to reflect, to celebrate their successes, and refine instructional practices. For all the schools, the School Improvement Plan will become a routine part of their practices as the district strengthens its ethic of continuous improvement. Review of Strategic Plan Midpoint Review Dr. Taylor shared information with the Board about the Strategic Planning process and about RTM’s Strategic Plan Midpoint Review, which took place on October 3rd. While Pennsylvania is putting in place a new Comprehensive Planning tool, which merges the existing Strategic Plan model with the School Improvement Planning process described above, RTM will finish its current plan in 2014 before entering the Comprehensive Planning process. At the midpoint of the current plan, several reports needed to be reviewed and revised, and data were examined to gauge progress in the areas of absolute achievement, student growth, and opportunities for students to participate in enhanced, advanced, and accelerated programming. These data were shared with the Board. In the vast majority of cases, the district has made progress toward the 2014 targets, though future progress is still required. Specific action steps are in place to help achieve the goals by 2014. Public Comment Members of the public directed several questions to the Directors. 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 November 11, 2011 Technology Committee Meeting Minutes for November 10, 2011 Chairperson: Mr. Peter Barry Board Members in attendance: Pete Barry, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, Jeff Pettit, Bill Montgomery, Bill O’Donnell, Veronica Barbato Also in attendance: Jim Wigo, Patti Linden, Kim McCann-Roller, Ron Harris, Mack Johnson, Grace Eves, 2 members of the community Presentation of the Educational Technology Report 2012 – 2015 Patti Linden presented the Educational Technology Report for the district’s Strategic Plan to the Board of School Directors. This report was written to commence on July 1, 2012 and end on June 30, 2015. Input for the plan was gathered from administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community via the use of surveys and meetings. The three goals of the report include: Enhance Teaching and Learning, Lead and Manage, and Create Partnerships. The strategies under Enhance Teaching and Learning include: Create Data Management for Cross-Curricular Student Assessments, District Staff Use of Technology for 21st Century Teaching, and Student Use of Technology for 21st Century Learning. Under Lead and Manage, the strategies include: Reduce Power and Print Costs, Refresh Cycle for Hardware, and Develop Technology Support Systems. Under the goal of Partnerships, the strategies to achieve this include: Communication (with parents and the community), and Global Community, which will include real world connections and distance learning in the classrooms. Each of the strategies includes a number of activities to help us attain them, and all budgeted items in the report are achievable within the current budget structure for the Technology Department. There was a discussion concerning the amount of money that the district currently spends for cyber charter students. This Educational Technology Report will be able to address that item with plans for professional development for teachers to create online courses and give the district the ability to host our own cyber school in the future. Plans to do that are currently underway. Action: Approval for this Educational Technology Report will be on the Legislative Agenda for November 17, 2011. Next meeting: Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. in the Education Center Board Room EXCELLENCE TODAY FOR TOMORROW SCHOOL REPORT’S – November 17, 2011 GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kindergarten Kindergarten has been busy learning to write all the upper case letters and learning their sounds. We learn a poem to go with each letter and are learning that these letters are used to make words, and that words make sentences. We have also been honing our Kid Writing skills as we love to write in our journals! First Grade First graders expressed their thanks to the many people at Glenwood that make each day special. Groups of students from all three classes each chose one special staff member to invite to the annual First Grade Thanksgiving Feast. Together they created beautiful invitations and centerpieces for the tables. Students brought in fruits, vegetables, and treats to share with all. Just before sitting down to enjoy the foods and conversations, the First Graders stood together and sang three songs to their most appreciative Special Guests. Second Grade Second graders celebrated community day with their visitors on Special Friends’ Day. They carefully rehearsed, elected a mayor from each classroom, chose community jobs, and performed their play for an enthusiastic audience. Third Grade Third grade writers are getting ready to celebrate the completion of their second Personal Narrative writing. We will meet together as a grade level and read our writing in small groups and celebrate all that we learned in Unit 2. Third grade readers are continuing to grow as readers and are intensely studying characters. They are developing theories about what motivates a character and why they behave the way they do. In math, we are studying adding and subtracting two-digit numbers using a variety of strategies. We are working on developing a strong understanding of the number 1,000 by collecting 1,000 compliments. We are also eagerly preparing for our field trip to Colonial Plantation and have been learning about the jobs people had, the games the children played, and what it was like to live on a plantation. School Reports 1 November 17, 2011 Fourth Grade Fourth Grade celebrated writing by having a publishing party! Each class has learned how to polish their personal narratives by making creative leads and endings, as well as techniques to develop our stories. We culminated our unit with a celebration where we confidently read our polished pieces of work. The fourth grade classes also shared their favorite books by creating a “Book Buzz” that referred specific books to specific readers. Our Book Buzz allowed students to share their critiques with other students, as well as practice their writing skills. Fifth Grade Fifth Grade celebrated our narrative writing skills with a publishing party. Students shared their stories in grade level groups with a few students from each class in each group. The students then reflected on their writing process and assessed what they would like to work on to improve their individual writing skills. In reading we have entered into a character study unit and students have learned skills to increase their reading proficiency through connecting to characters. We started science by kicking off with a collaborative concept map creation project. The students were put in groups and each group created a concept map to explain everything that they knew about catastrophic events. The students are very excited to continue with the science unit and start to track where and when catastrophic events are happening in our world. Glenwood PTG Book Fair The Glenwood PTG sponsored a book fair in November. Students attended the book fair during their regularly-scheduled library classes and bought great books at a 25% discount. Parents also visited the fair and made many purchases for the holidays—great timing, because “a book is a gift you can open again and again.” Library Writing Workshop Glenwood Library technician, Kathy Cook, has been hosting “Fifth Grade Library Writing Workshop” sessions. The plan was, collaborating with fifth-grade teachers, to select students “in the middle” who could use a little boost with writing and reading skills. The students came to the library during their CE time. After brainstorming, we decided to produce a booklet of writing pieces celebrating the fall season. Working together, Mrs. Cook and the students listened to, proofread, made suggestions, and helped revise each others’ work. The fifth graders have produced some amazing creations—short stories, a movie script, and various types of poetry, including haiku, acrostic and list poems, and “poems for two voices.” Three more sessions are planned for the 11-12 school year, with rotating groups of students participating. Delaware County Librarians’ Book Review Glenwood Library Technician, Kathy Cook, participated in the first session of the 2011-12 Delaware County Book Review Program at Upper Darby High School. Publishers provide copies of brand new titles, and librarians may keep those books they review. Mrs. Cook obtained fifteen recently-published titles for the Glenwood library, including non-fiction, novels, and picture books valued at over $220.00! School Reports 2 November 17, 2011 Title 1 Family Night Glenwood’s Fall Family Night was on Wednesday, October 26th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Parents, students, and teachers enjoyed dinner together, and activities for students were provided. Dana Vellios, our school counselor, facilitated a workshop on Positive Parenting. Stacy Gallagher, our Title 1 Math teacher, provided information on the Title 1 Math and Reading programs at Glenwood Elementary School. Families were invited to walk around Glenwood’s first Community Fair, as various organizations shared familyoriented activities that are available within the Rose Tree Media Community. Nurse The Glenwood Junior Optimists joined forces with clubs at Media School and Penncrest to collect extra Halloween treats and candy to be sent to the Homeless Shelter. They will be distributed to kids who reside there and were unable to Trick-or-Treat. Collection bags were decorated and distributed by club members to all classrooms and the faculty room. Many Glenwood students participated by donating extra Halloween treats. The Optimists at Glenwood are 15 fourth and fifth grade students who come to the meetings with hearts and Physical Education November brings the autumn air and, with it, the “football weather” longed for by the fifth grade students at Glenwood. The children have always loved flag football and it is a unit that leaves them wanting more. The teams are small and each play from scrimmage must include a forward pass. With these stipulations, the children soon discover that everyone on the team must contribute. The students this year were particularly encouraging to one another, demonstrating a wonderful understanding of teamwork in addition to developing their physical skills. Language Arts Many teachers attended an afterschool workshop about implementing Reader’s Workshop. The evening was hosted by Julie Small who has been learning about Reader’s Workshop on her own time for the past eight years. She gave tips on how to conference with more students in less time, how to track conferences, and how to collect data on everyone’s daily reading thoughts. INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL In our efforts to help every child reach his or her potential, we have taken an “all hands on deck” approach at Indian Lane. Our special area teachers are being deployed throughout the day to work with individual students on reading and math skills, whether they need support or enrichment. The students they work with are identified by classroom teachers and on-going screening results. Furthermore, the students they work with will change throughout the year. In addition, the district has hired Marianne Spiotta as our Math Tutor. We will use results of the MAP and PSSA tests, along with teacher input, to see which students would benefit from her help. Once again, the students receiving extra help will be ever-changing, based on the particular skill areas that need attention. School Reports 3 November 17, 2011 American Education Week will be observed from November 14 – 20, 2011, and Indian Lane will once again celebrate this year by inviting parents to observe in their child’s classroom. We have developed a schedule in order to allow them to observe a more natural lesson in their child’s classroom. First grade parents are welcome to follow their child’s class to whichever special area subject they have on Monday, November 14. This is the first time our first grade students experience our outstanding special area teachers. Kindergarten Kindergarten students at Indian Lane are busy studying the change in season. They read stories about apples and pumpkins, graphed leaves, and painted trees. They celebrated fall with a hayride at Linville Orchard. They have also been busy learning to write all of the capital letters, identifying words that begin with each sound. They have learned to count and categorize groups of objects. Best of all, they have learned teamwork and sportsmanship, practicing them every day. First Grade The first graders are working hard during reading workshop to add to their reading toolboxes. They are building a bank of strategies to read the tough words they encounter during independent reading time. The first grade is also working on writing. The children have been reading mentor texts for our pattern book unit. They have looked at repeated line books, see saw books, familiar sequence books and question and answer books. After reading several mentor texts for each type the children tried their hand at crafting their own books. We are getting ready to have another publishing event for our writers to display their talents. The first graders are working with geometry during math. This unit covers both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional geometry. The activities to be completed required the children to use the following skills: visual planning, patterning, comparing and contrasting, describing objects and their properties, composing and decomposing shapes, and noticing the relationships of shapes. Second Grade In Reading Workshop, we are continuing to learn what good readers do while reading. We have focused on stopping when something doesn’t make sense, when we are confused, when we become unfocused, or when we no longer have a mental picture of the story in our mind. We have also learned that good readers ask themselves three questions while monitoring their reading. “Does it make sense?”, “Does it sound right?”, and “Does it look right?”, are all guiding question to support monitoring. Of course, the next step is to fix the error using one or more strategies. These strategies include looking for smaller words inside a larger word and noticing when something does not make sense. For example, recognizing the word fan will help your child decode the larger word fantastic. In Writing Workshop, we are working on adding details to our writing. We are also working on keeping our stories focused, adding our thoughts and feelings, and how to best end our stories. In Math, we continued to work on solving both addition and subtraction story problems. We also learned the doubles facts and created our version of the book, Two of Everything, played doubling games, and participated in classroom assessments. We also went to the computer lab to work on those math skills which were identified during the MAPS test. In Social Studies, the children completed their study of communities and began a unit on mapping. The children are learning about such things as map keys, symbols and grids. A highlight is the walking tour of Media! School Reports 4 November 17, 2011 Fourth Grade Fourth graders at Indian Lane participated in their annual Pumpkin Day. The day was filled with curriculum based activities for science, math and language arts. Students started the morning with pumpkin investigations with observations, weighing, measuring and graphing. In the afternoon students worked in cooperative groups to decorate and create a themed pumpkin. Lastly, after all of the interesting pumpkin discoveries, students wrote poetry and alliterations sentences. Art The art classes at Indian Lane will be pursuing these exciting projects for the month of November. Grade One will continue their study of space as they review Van Gogh's still life paintings and encounter foreground, middle ground and background. Grade Two will further their global travels by visiting Peru and form stylized animals from felt. Grade Three will continue their time travel to Greece. There they will learn about 3-dimensional structures as they create columns from clay. Fourth Graders will appreciate the Amish way of living through their renderings of felt quilts. The Fifth Grade will add Navajo weavings to their established Pueblo villages. Bingo Night Our ever-popular Family Bingo Night was held on Friday. Our PTG Parents put together a wonderful evening of pizza, hot dogs, sodas, and bingo chips for more than 200 attendees. Small door prizes made the night even more enjoyable. Halloween Our ever-popular Halloween parade went off without witch…I mean hitch. Our little ghosts and goblins enjoyed the beautiful afternoon by parading outside on the soccer field to ghostly tunes provided by Mr. Boyle and Mr. Frank. Our special thanks to Mr. Ron Frank, gym teacher, for organizing this event and providing a humorous introduction to all our classes on the field. Our fifth graders had fun performing their version of The Mummy Dance to the tune of “Ghostbusters.” Parents enjoyed the variety of costumes and each class enjoyed refreshments and games afterwards. Indian Lane Is "No Place for Hate" Carly Feldman from the Anti-Defamation League came to present Indian Lane with a No Place for Hate Banner during morning announcements. This is Indian Lane's fifth year as a No Place for Hate School. Students and staff have participated in various activities promoting tolerance and empathy in order to help us qualify for this esteemed honor. Service Committee Food Drive In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Indian Lane PTG is hosting a food drive for the Media Food Bank. Donations to the food bank are running low, so contributions are welcome. Each grade level has a dedicated bin in the school lobby for students to place their donated items. The grade with the most items will receive a small prize. School Reports 5 November 17, 2011 Templeton Partnership As a continuation of our assistance to Templeton Elementary School (located in the Baltimore, Maryland, area), this month’s collection items consist of pocket folders, composition books, pencils and storybooks. Many Templeton children are from families less economically fortunate than us. During the economic downturn, they have had a particularly difficult time. Katherine Lorenz, whose mother used to work in Indian Lane’s cafeteria, is a Templeton teacher who helps us coordinate our relationship with Templeton. Students drop off needed items in a bin located in the lobby and they are delivered to Templeton by Ms. Lorenz. Holiday Extravaganza Our PTG is gearing up for our Holiday Extravaganza on December 3rd. They pre-order gingerbread houses that are assembled by a team of parents and our students come and decorate them. Also, there is a small holiday shop for kids to purchase gifts for their parents. Breakfast and snacks are available for purchase. All proceeds go right back into the PTG to provide future assistance to our school. MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Media School is Named in “the Top 25” Each year, the Division of Federal Programs honors Title 1 schools making AYP for two or more consecutive years. Schools are selected based on their PSSA assessment data for “all students” or for subgroups. Media was recognized as being one of the top 25 Title 1 Schools in the state based on the achievement of “all students” in both reading and math. We have been invited to present at The 2012 Title 1 Improving Schools’ Performance Conference in January. Mix It Up Day Our students were systematically assigned to different cafeteria tables so that they would get to know more of their classmates. Each table had a cup of “conversation starters” (for example, What would you change about Media School? to break the ice and encourage conversation. We have used this model annually with great enthusiasm and success. “Teaching Tolerance's Mix It Up program is a national campaign that helps K-12 teachers develop inclusive school communities. Social scientists have long maintained that contact between diverse groups helps alleviate tensions and reduce prejudice. Mix It Up seeks to break down the barriers between students and improve intergroup relations so there are fewer misunderstandings that can lead to conflicts, bullying and harassment." HWOT Workshop Our primary grade and reading teachers attended a workshop on Handwriting Without Tears, a program that we use to teach handwriting. Many helpful strategies were shared by the presenter. Glenwood hosted the event for all elementary schools. We also had a training on Compass Learning, one of the online programs we use to differentiate and reinforce learning. School Reports 6 November 17, 2011 Harvest Fair The PTG‘s Harvest Fair is, perhaps, the best attended family event of the year. Chair, Jessica Anderson, harnessed the talent and energy of her committee and of many Penncrest students to provide an evening of fun, food, and seasonal activities. For the first time, there was a standard entrance fee per child. Prizes were collected at the end. Pie eating contests, a moon bounce, make a potion, decorate a pumpkin, fortune telling, and bowl games were just a few of the fun choices. It would be fair to say that a good time was had by all. International Day Monday, October 24 was United Nations Day. We selected that date for our first ever International Day. Presenters from 20 different countries volunteered to participate. Every student pre-selected two countries that he/she had an interest in learning more about. Flags from many countries lined the walkways to welcome our guests. Most of the presenters are current Media parents. They represented countries including Serbia, Tanzania, Sweden, Spain, Greece, Venezuela, Egypt, Argentina, France, Belize, Ireland, India, Syria, Australia, Laos, Cambodia, Puerto Rico, Italy, and Bulgaria. International Day was our first No Place for Hate activity of the 2011-2012 school year. Fall Masquerade Our Fall Masquerade, Halloween Parade, mirrored our annual theme, international…”What a wonderful world.” The staff dressed up according to the traditional dress of a particular country, as did many of the children. Carol Shapero, physical education teacher and Jeanette Verdeur, music teacher did a great job of selecting appropriate music and organizing the event. After Halloween, we collected many pounds of candy for Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude, sponsored by Milunsky Dental, collects and ships candy to our overseas troops. The sweet treats are very much appreciated, especially by the many soldiers who do not receive many care packages from home. Sound Off Twelve of our fifth graders appeared in The Daily Times SOUND OFF column. Reporter, Bette Auberger, asked them questions about Halloween which they were more than happy to answer. Minority Dinner Media School was happy to host RTM’s Minority Parent “Chat and Chew.” It was an excellent opportunity, organized by Mrs. Fern Mathis, for parents to dialogue with each other and with RTM staffers. Several talented eighth grade students performed. Kindergarten News During the month of October we used our five senses to learn about fall. We culminated the unit with a fun-filled day of activities during our Fall Theme Day. Parents were part of the activities as we made apple pancakes, painted apple trees as we learned how they grow, played letter/number BINGO and tasted and graphed our favorite apples! A great day was had by all! School Reports 7 November 17, 2011 Owl Week in First Grade Students learned owl facts and participated in owl activities throughout the week. On Friday, teachers collaborated and co-taught lessons to create an Owl Day that would encompass all core academic areas. Students rotated to different stations to culminate the owl study. They enjoyed books about our feathered friends, solved story problems, constructed puppets and dissected owl pellets. What a Hoot Owl Day was in first grade! Community Day in Second Grade Second grade students have been busy preparing for Community Day. Each classroom has prepared a three dimensional town and the citizens have elected a mayor for their respective towns. The program will be held for parents on Friday, Nov. 4th from 9:1510:00 am in the Media School auditorium. The presentation will include songs, poems, and dialogue focused on curriculum learned from the Communities, Maps and Geography social studies units. Following the student portion of the program, a career showcase will be presented by parents and other community members. The showcase will provide the children with a hands-on learning experience related to the many career possibilities. Students took their first of three field trips to Tyler Arboretum to learn about the seasonal changes of autumn. Our guides provided the children with a great learning experience of concepts which included wind direction, evergreen and deciduous trees, animal hibernation and what becomes of animals living in a pond. We are always impressed with the wonderful programs Tyler Arboretum provides for our students. Third Grade’s Special Events Third grade classes took a trip to Lankenau Hospital as part of a science/health unit on the Human Body. Students participated in a mock-surgery and saw the effects of exercise on heart rates. Mr. Williamson, a Thresholds volunteer at the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center, presented an assembly to the classes on Decision Making Skills and how to reflect on choices and the consequences they might bring. Follow-up lessons will be included in each classroom throughout the month. Fourth Grade The fourth grade wrapped up their science unit on motion and design. They learned about the principles of lift, drag, friction, and aerodynamics. As a culmination to this physical science unit, they visited The American Helicopter Museum in West Chester. They toured the museum and participated in several different presentations on aerodynamics. Fifth Grade Publishing Parties All fifth grade classes invited their parents in for a publishing party where they shared the personal narratives that they wrote this year. It was a true celebration of a lot of hard work. ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL First Grade We have been working on pattern books and reading many mentor texts to inspire our writing. As we have learned about many patterns, each of us is creating a book to share School Reports 8 November 17, 2011 with our class. We also celebrated Thanksgiving with a grade level feast, enjoying many cultural dishes, shared by families from many countries represented in our classrooms. It was a delicious way to get to know about our world! Third Grade The third grade students at Rose Tree Elementary had their first Seed to Snack lesson of the year. Students learned about various "leafy greens" and tasted a few varieties such as spinach and arugula. They also learned how to make a Maple Syrup Balsamic Vinaigrette. Seed to Snack brings the farm into the classroom and gives kids hands-on experiences with our local food system. The program traces food back to its origins and teaches young people about how local conditions bring a diversity of crops to their table all through the growing season. Our focus on nutritious snacks makes classes fun and tasty while helping youth make the link between the food they eat and their personal wellness. Fifth Grade The entire fifth grade wrote persuasive writing pieces to the principal requesting free-sit in the Husketeria on Fridays. Ms. Daugherty wrote a formal letter to each fifth grader granting them the privilege of free sit. Fifth graders also wrote poems using figurative language. The children wrote poems featuring alliteration and personification. The students in Mrs. VanZant’s class wrote poetry about fruits and vegetables after sampling the healthy snacks. Mr. Moore’s class is making family totem poles to coincide with the Social Studies unit about Native Americans of the Northwest. Mrs. Clark’s class is researching the many tribes of Native Americans and writing “I Am From” poems about their cultural heritage. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Children in the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program at Rose Tree Elementary School have made good progress again this year. Although there are no nonEnglish speakers, and there are fewer ELLs at Rose Tree this year, it has given the opportunity for Mrs. Roberts to do more push-in instruction to give greater support for grade level instruction with some students who have desperately needed it in the past. Students continuing the program this year have progressed through the first units of their grade level materials which primarily focus on academic language use in the content areas. The curriculum we use, Avenues from Hampton-Brown, for elementary grades, is outstanding and we appreciate being able to work with it.” Thank you for supporting this small, but very significant department in the Rose Tree Media District. Physical Education In November, first and second grade finished working on locomotor movement skills and practiced rolling, underhand and overhand throwing and catching. Third and fourth grade focused on soccer and ball skills such as dribbling, passing, trapping, kicking and shooting. They practiced skills for maintaining possession of the ball and strategies for offense and defense. Fifth grade focused on football with skills such as carrying, running, dodging, throwing, catching, passing and snapping. They also practiced skills for maintaining possession of the ball and strategies for offense and defense. School Reports 9 November 17, 2011 Special News The Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) presented Meg Barney with the 2011 Pennsylvania Outstanding Art Educator of the Year Award at their annual conference held in Gettysburg, PA in October. The annual award "honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service in the field of art education." (Source: PAEA). Meg also co-presented two workshops at the conference, one addressing learning centers in the art classroom and another on active engagement strategies to help student’s master art content and vocabulary. Karen Daugherty and teacher Thai Pinkett went to Washington, DC to receive the National Blue Ribbon Award. While there, Karen received the Terrel Bell award for Outstanding Educational Leadership. The Rose Tree Leadership team was invited to the Delaware County IU to celebrate the awards. SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL The following students of the month were honored at the PTG meeting which was held on November 15: September 2011- Nicole Foster and Alec Fishman, October 2011 - Rachel Hooker and Daniel Rosenberger and November 2011 - Vy-Linh Gale and Thomas Joseph May. Springton Lake has been designated a No Place for Hate school for the last several years. This year, one of our student-led projects has been to design, draw and paint, a unique rainbow scene in our school lobby. A group of eighth graders has worked for hours on this project. Each homeroom in the school wrote sentences about words related to No Place for Hate. In sixth grade, they wrote about Respect; in seventh grade, they wrote about Tolerance; in eighth grade, they wrote about Understanding. Each homeroom then selected one sentence they felt best represented their "word." A student was chosen from each homeroom to write their sentence on the rainbow wall. Representatives from No Place for Hat viewed the wall at our designation ceremony. Red Ribbon Week is one of the oldest and largest drug prevention campaigns in the country. The week, organized by Art Teacher Nancy Going, was held during our school day. Each student and staff member was given a red ribbon to wear each day. Contests were held throughout the week and donated prizes were awarded. Art Mrs. Going's Sixth Grades are moving through a thorough review of the Elements Of Art, already into the element of color after a "Live", hands-on demonstration from Mrs. Going mixing color families. It is always a pleasure watching their faces light up when they can actually watch the mixing involved coming up with their favorite colors! "You mean it it's not out of a bottle?" Seventh Grades are rapping up their first assignment with an emphasis on design and color. The focus artist is Georgia O'Keeffe, known for her strong use of Abstraction style of and the use of color and shapes in her paintings a web trip to New Mexico to visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and her home at Ghost Ranch and Abiqui completes their unit. Eighth Grades are also rapping up their first assignment, either a Pop Art unit or Painting Unit, all to review Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Students have already sat and had an "Interview With Your Artist" by researching School Reports 10 November 17, 2011 and then writing a script so they speak to the artist chosen from the unit of study and ask pertinent questions relating to the artists background, art work, or questions about the student's art work. All grades have had a review about the meaning of the work Craftsmanship and how it pertains to their art work! All of Mrs. Prior’s students have been getting a new perspective on drawing! Sixth graders created the illusion of depth using one point perspective to draw scenes of rooms or hallways. Seventh graders learned the old fashioned way to craft the letters of their names by hand. The students then transformed their flat letters and shapes into three dimensional forms using one point perspective. Eight graders have utilized two point perspectives to create various scenes including exterior and interior views of Springton Lake under construction. Presently, the students are rendering their drawings with special attention to light and shade and color. Guidance During the last month, the guidance counselors taught lessons in both sixth and eighth grade. The goal for the sixth grade lesson was for students to be able to identify people in the building to go to when they need help. Mrs. Griffin, the sixth grade counselor, also presented the Springton Lake bullying and STAR (Student/Teacher Assessment/Referral) forms and educated sixth graders in ways to get them and others help as needed. In eighth grade the goal of the lesson was to present some new ideas in resolving conflicts. Students were asked to identify their sources of conflict and study the impact of perspective on settling conflicts. Students were introduced to the Win/Win method of conflict resolution and asked to develop some “I Messages” for different types of problems. The counselors began guidance groups in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. The topics for these groups are social skills, teen issues, and coping skills. The groups take place for six weeks and new sessions are begun. Language Arts Mrs. McLeod’s sixth graders began their reading of the Newbery Award-winning novel Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse. To prepare for their reading, students learned about the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, researching the topics and watching footage of dust storms as they moved across the prairies. As the novel is written in free verse poetry form, students studied the author’s use of poetic techniques as well how the author told the story through poems. Mrs. McLeod also guided students to examine and analyze the complicated story structure of the novel since students may misidentify the climax of this story. In Mrs. Newsome’s sixth grade classes, students studied the poetry of John Updike, analyzing his organization and rhyme structure, and wrote poems modeled after his work. On Parent Visitation Day, students took advantage of the presence of loved ones to work together as writing partners. Visitors and students crafted and shared “I Am From . . .” poems, which celebrated the unique identities of students and their families. These poems were added to their poetry collection to be bound and given to students at the end of the year. As students completed their study of the mystery genre, they read and analyzed several suspenseful short stories, including “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe. They also created “Wanted” posters and other creative demonstrations of their understanding of the mystery novels they read independently during the month of School Reports 11 November 17, 2011 October. Students used their understanding of the mystery genre to write their own creative mystery stories with observant detectives, devious villains, and clues for readers to discover. Mr. Harp's classes continue their work in the Poetry Unit. They analyzed writing with strong and weak word choice, and worked to revise their own poetry to demonstrate vivid word usage. Students also studied Poetic Meaning, Alliteration, Musical Devices, and Rhythm and Rhyme. They will bind the completed poems later for a Poetry Notebook. As always, students in Mr. Dixon’s eighth grade classes were given many opportunities to write and develop their personal writing style through assigned compositions and narratives. Mr. Dixon conferenced with students to provide feedback on the organization, content, focus, and style of their writing. Students continue with regular grammar skill instruction, as well. In addition, students read and studied Greek mythology. Mr. Diaz has been using the new interactive projectors to enhance student learning with Webbased tools that allow students to interact with grammar and literature concepts in more meaningful ways, which target multiple learning styles, He reports seeing much improved student achievement as a result of the application of the new technology and the Webbased tools and programs. In eighth grade, students in Ms. Cooper’s classes read Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb, a classic prose retelling of some of Shakespeare’s works. Students also enjoyed dramatizing several of the plays. In writing, students worked on the organizing and writing of five-paragraph informational essays, an essential skill for eighth graders. Students also developed and broadened their understanding of prefixes, suffixes, roots, and base words, enhancing their ability to access more challenging vocabulary terms. As part of the grammar curriculum, Ms. Cooper’s students studied the sentence and its parts, developing their ability to identify subjects and predicates, verb phrases, etc., and apply this knowledge to strengthen their own writing. Library The fall 2011 Book Fair was held during the third week of November. Using Jabberwocky Books for Kids as its vendor, the week-long book fair was open every day during school hours, and Wednesday, November 16, and Thursday, November 17, for additional evening hours. Students visited the library with their Language Arts classes to view the large collection of carefully selected award-winning and highly recognized titles for middle school grades. Mrs. Brashers continues to work to schedule Visiting Authors for the school. There are multiple possibilities of highly respected and award-winning authors to visit Springton Lake. A possible visit would be scheduled in the spring. During REP, Mrs. Brashers continues to host a Read-Aloud period during which she reads to sixth grade students who requested to attend the event. The students visit the library daily to listen to Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book, winner of the 2009 ALA John Newbery Medal. Mrs. Brashers has also been reading to Mrs. Hemenway’s students in her life skills class on a weekly basis. The students selected to be read Jeanne DuPrau’s The City of Ember, an ALA Notable Book. Sixth grade students continue to visit the library consistently with their Language Arts classes. Mrs. Patton’s and Mrs. Newsome’s classes have been working on writing blog posts for the Library web page. Students have selected a favorite book in the library and are writing short blog entries explaining why they love their chosen books and why their friends will love them, too. Mrs. Somerville’s class continues to focus on the RTM Research Process for their AGP assignments. The students are practicing how to effectively take notes from resources and properly cite those resources. Mrs. School Reports 12 November 17, 2011 McLeod’s class is also focusing on summarizing and paraphrasing sources to avoid plagiarism. Mrs. Brashers continues to collaborate with Mrs. Raichek’s eighth grade AGP class, assisting with their research projects. Conferences have been held with each student to check his/her progress with the project and to support and guide the research. Mrs. Brashers will continue to work with AGP throughout the year to assist the students with their research projects. Classes of all grade levels continue to frequent the library for new books and recommendations. Math Last month in sixth grade students learned how to graph, analyze, and make predictions using various types of data. They looked at how data helps society make informed decisions and how those decisions impact our everyday life. In the accelerated program students gathered data about starting and running a bike tour business. They used the information to analyze aspects of a business that would affect profit such as: supply and demand, economic factors, location, bike tour attractions, distance and time. They were also able to use the data to make predictions about future investments that might be beneficial to their business. This unit helped students see the importance of graphing and how it helps us make informed decisions. In the sixth grade program students collected and analyzed data that helped them make decisions about trends and the effects that one variable may have on another. They made predictions about the relationship between height and arm span and then collected their own data to determine if their predictions were right. They used the measures of central tendency: mode, median and mean to analyze their grades and make decisions about what they need to do to increase their performance. Students were very enthusiastic about analyzing their own data and making informed decisions they felt could impact their immediate future. The seventh grade math students have finished the “Covering and Surrounding” unit of the Connected Math Program. During this unit, the students learned how to calculate the area and perimeter of shapes such as rectangles, parallelograms, and triangles. The students also learned how to calculate the area and circumference of circles. To connect these skills to real life situations, the students measured ordinary circular objects (such as the caps or tops to water bottles) and calculated the different objects’ area and circumference. One of the culminating projects the students worked on during this unit was to create their own rectangles, parallelograms, triangles, and circles for classroom mobiles. These mobiles will be in the classroom as a reminder of the major concepts from the “Covering and Surrounding” unit. The next unit for the seventh grade students is the “Variables and Patterns” unit of the Connected Math Program. One of the first activities the students will be completing is a “Jumping Jack” experiment. This activity requires the students to cooperate with one another while gathering experimental data. After the experiment, the students will create a coordinate graph utilizing their experimental data. The eighth grade math classes have just finished up the unit on linear relationships. In the final investigation they learned about the slope, or steepness of a line. Students learned how slope is related to an equation of the line and to a table or a graph of the equation. Using a graph or table, students were able to determine the slope and y-intercept and write an equation for the relationship. Classes are moving on to the concepts of surface area and volume before starting their next Connected Math book. Our Algebra I students just finished Chapter 3—Solving Linear Equations with one variable. They will be starting their unit on Linear Relationships where they will be investigating different forms of a linear equation. Geometry students are finishing School Reports 13 November 17, 2011 Chapter 3 in which students write and graph equations of lines and prove theorems about perpendicular lines. After we complete this chapter, we will be moving on to Chapter 4. In this chapter the students will classify triangles, find measures of angles of triangles, identify congruent figures, and prove triangles congruent. They will also use theorems about isosceles and equilateral triangles. Music The Eighth Grade Band at SLMS displayed their costumes and musicianship as they performed with the Penncrest Band for the annual Media Halloween Parade. They will also participate in upcoming Veteran’s Day activities at the courthouse in Media. Sixth Grade Choice Voices recently serenaded the senior citizens of Upper Providence at their monthly luncheon, held at the Rose Tree Fire Hall. Speaking of performing, our concert rehearsals are in full swing! Please join us for any of these concerts: Sixth Grade Chorus and Choice Voices Winter Concert – December 1st – 7:30 PM at SLMS, Seventh Grade Chorus and Select Chorus Winter Concert – December 6th – 7:30 PM at PHS, Eighth Grade Chorus and Select Chorus Winter Concert – December 7th – 7:30 PM at PHS, SLMS Orchestras and Honors Strings Winter Concert – December 12th – 7:30 PM at SLMS and Sixth Grade Band/Jazz Lab Winter Concert –December 14th – 7:30 PM at SLMS Seventh Grade General Music has been “piping” along to “Chester” by William Billings, one of our earliest composers, as they correlate with social studies and Americana. Continuing an historical perspective, the General Music Classes are performing original chants and music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Science Sixth grade science students are currently learning about cells. They will observe plant and animal cells using the microscope to identify their parts and compare and contrast the two. Students will dissect a virtual cell. They will also read about cells in the new science textbook. Current electricity is the flow of electrons. This concept is explored in the seventh grade science curriculum. Simple circuits are constructed using batteries, switches, test leads, light bulbs, motors, and voltmeters. The students collect data based on the strength of their batteries. This lays the foundation to more complex circuit building. The eighth grade science department is experimentally determining the variables which affect thermal expansion, and have written formulas to calculate the change in size, and the new length of an object due to temperature change! Social Studies The sixth grade students have been learning about East Asian geography, with a special emphasis on Mt. Everest. The students read about 13 year-old Jordan Romero who became the youngest climber to reach the summit in 2010 and watched the dangers of the mountain unfold in the Imax film that inspired the book Into Thin Air. The study of Mt. Everest culminated with a simulated climb in the gym and students writing a journal entry about their “climb” to the summit. The students have started studying the outcomes of World War II in East Asia, including the start of the Cold War. The seventh grade students are studying the Bill of Rights and completing a project on court cases related to the rights. The eighth grade students have been creating Early Human and Civilization Projects. For example, students have created replicas of bones, skulls, footprints, and jewelry and fascinating uses of DNA in historical research have been evaluated. The School Reports 14 November 17, 2011 students have also compared Mesopotamia's laws, focusing on the Code of Hammurabi, with American law and analyzed what differences in our societies influenced the law. Special Education In Mrs. Hudak’s sixth grade language arts class, students have been learning how to liven up their writing by finding synonyms for commonly overused "dead" words. Look became gaze, mad became displeased, and sad became miserable, to name a few. As part of a Halloween writing assignment, students created a cemetery of the "dead words". Students will use their new words in upcoming writing assignments. In Mrs. Wilson’s seventh grade learning support math classroom, students began working in a new unit titled, "Variables and Patterns". Throughout this unit, students will be introduced to situations that change in predictable patterns. It is human nature to want to analyze, anticipate, and predict how things change. Learning to observe, describe, and record changes is the first step in analyzing and searching for patterns in a real-world situation. This unit introduces students to the concept of algebra and representing "situations" with variables and constants. In Mrs. Krautzel’s co-taught language arts class, the students are writing Creature Poems, using all the different types of figurative language we have been learning. They are secretly drawing a picture that represents the creature that was described in their poem. On Halloween, students are presenting their poem to the class and the class will try guess what poem goes along with which creature picture. They will get cool Halloween goblets as prizes! Mrs. Hemenway’s life skills class went to Linvilla Orchards. During the community based instruction (CBI) students learned about the different types of fruits and vegetables that grow on the farm, how the fruits and vegetables are harvested and information about the Native Americans that originated from the Media area. World Language The Spanish classes at Springton Lake are celebrating the Mexican holiday of the Day of the Dead. They have been building ofrendas (shrines to honor loved ones who have died) and learning about the events that lead up to the celebration, including food preparation and decorating. PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL Business Education News Six officers of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) recently attended the State Leadership Workshop at the Lancaster Host Resort Hotel. The conference included 565 students, advisers, and guests from 70 schools throughout the state. In addition to providing an excellent networking opportunity, FBLA members were treated to an exciting motivational keynote speaker, educational and fun business oriented workshops, fundraising activities for the American Heart Association, and social functions. Penncrest FBLA officers Tyler Piotti, Dillon Rogers, Mike Desiderio, Kenny Filson, Jake Day, and Ray Nolen participated in a variety of interactive workshops including: Chapter Management, Life and Success, Tech Talk, Investing, Communication Keys, Wall Street Wisdom, and College/Career Planning. Also this month, eight FBLA students traveled with Mrs. Rachubinski to Widener University for the annual Financial Literacy Workshop. The workshop is part of “Educating Aspiring Business Leaders within the Global Community” sponsored by Widener University and the TD Charitable Foundation. High School Reports 15 November 17, 2011 school students from across Southeastern Pennsylvania were presented with different ways to manage their money, make their money work for them, and remain debt free. This valuable information was presented through interactive games, team activities, and presentations from Widener’s School of Business Administration faculty. Our Penncrest students did an outstanding job conveying their current knowledge of financial literacy at the workshop by participating in discussions and answering many of the keynote speakers’ questions. These students went above and beyond to represent their district, Penncrest High School, and themselves in such a positive manner. Penncrest boasts 104 FBLA members this year. Regional competitions will be coming up in December. Guidance Department News Penncrest High School is pleased to announce that three students have been named National Merit Semi-Finalists: Daniel Buttery, Rebecca Ferguson and Brittney Johnson. These students will now compete for finalist status, which will be announced in February. Penncrest is also pleased to recognize the following as Commended Students in the National Merit Finalist competition: Abby Dunn, Andrew Kaiden, Molly Lawrence and Shanghui Liu. Special Ed Department News Two teachers in the Special Education Department, Will Harmon and Jodi Strevig, attended the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, recently. The conference focused on Common Core Standards in Math. The program also detailed hands-on activities that can be used in the classroom, diverse forms of student assessments, and differentiating instruction. World Language News The French department hosted several activities to promote French and French-speaking countries during National French Week in November. On Tuesday after school, Penncrest students were invited to watch the 2009 animated film, Pannique au Village. Wednesday afternoon, Penncrest students visited Springton Lake for a pétanque tournament (the French version of bocce ball). On Thursday night, staff members and students dined at Amazir restaurant on City Line Avenue to experience a traditional, sixcourse Moroccan meal complete with couscous and baklava. Friday was French t-shirt day. Additionally, each day students heard a French quote and word of the day on the morning announcements. There was even a French scavenger hunt! Health and PE Department News The Health and PE faculty would like to commend the Class of 2012 for the number of students who ran their "personal best" mile time in fall fitness testing over the past month. Music Department News The Ambassador Choir performed at the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony earlier this month. The choir is honored to participate in the ceremony and help celebrate the achievements of deserving PHS students. The Roaring Lions Marching Band participated in USSBA Pennsylvania State Championships at West Chester University in November. This is the first time our band has performed at the state championship. School Reports 16 November 17, 2011 A Colorful Crew Recently, Penncrest held its first annual Blue Shirt Day™ in support of World Day of Bullying Prevention. The effort is an awareness initiative of STOMP Out Bullying™. Freshman health classes made and displayed posters with suggestions on how to prevent bullying and cyberbullying and what to do if it happens. The Penncrest family also put on the pink in a big way this past month. Our halls were decorated with pink ribbons and posters, pink treats were sold as fundraisers, and students and staff wore every shade of pink imaginable to raise awareness of breast cancer disease. JV Show The Class of 2013 presented its annual Junior Varity Show in November. This year's JV Show theme was "We’ll Be There for You” (from the song by The Rembrandts). Over 140 students participated in the mostly student-led production, working on the show since early September creating comedy, dance, and musical acts. This year’s student directors were Robbie Higgins, Ryan Heidig, and Noel Prior. Noel also designed and painted our backdrop. The JV Show is the primary fundraiser for the Junior Class each year. National Honor Society The National Honor Society inducted new junior and senior members this month. The new members were selected based on their outstanding character, scholarship, leadership, and service at Penncrest and in the community. The ceremony featured Mr. Steven Silva as guest speaker and the Penncrest Ambassador Choir as entertainment. Congratulations to the following inductees: Senior Inductees - Alexander Graham, Victor Hoang, Joseph Howe-Consiglio, Allison Lewis, William McDonnell, Emily McElwainSiems, Allyssa Millar, Brendan Morgan, Alexander Rybarczyk and Ryan Strong. Junior Inductees - Sivan Alouf, Kathleen Axelrod, Sabrina Barbieri, Lauren Beausoleil, Lauren Berlin, Kelsey Blackburn, Nicholas Boleto, Billie Buckwalter, Adam Burtt, Nicholas Caggiano, Rachel Campbell, Grace Chang, Gabriela Coote, Autumn Gargiule, Jeremy Gonzales, Olivia Graham, Jeffrey Gregg, Suzanne Hamilton, Ryan Heidig, Erin Kelly, Lauren King, Margaret King, Joanna Koveal, Lisa Laffend, Amber Lallo, Madeline Malone, Evan Marabella, Elena McCracken, Tyler McManiman, Sara McWaters, Hope Morrison, Laura Nolen, Jennifer Parmiter, Sumil Patel, Paige Phillips, Amanda Prokop, Ryen Radcliff, Audrey Rankin, Mark Savidge, Justin Schumacher, Carlos Sierra, Nahyun Son, John Sweeney, Andrew Trolio, Stephanie Turnbull, Elisabeth Vanhorn, Natalie Virbitsky, Aubrey Volpe, Aimee Whalen, Danielle Wolf and Heather Wooding. School Reports 17 November 17, 2011 ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS – EXECUTIVE SESSION “In accordance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, executive sessions of the School Board were held on the following dates to review and discuss matters permitted under Section 8 of the Act.” October 27, 2011 November 1, 2011 November 10, 2011 November 17, 2011 There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Legislative Session of December 15, 2011, at Penncrest High School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape. Presidential Announcement 1 November 17, 2011 VIII. Old Business A. Policy #204 Attendance - Second Read and Approval – See Attachment A Resolve, that the Board approve the second and final draft of Policy #204 Attendance. Background Policy #204 – Attendance was discussed at the October and November Pupil Services Committee Meetings. VIII. Old Business 1 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 1. Terminations a. Professional b. Non-Instructional 1. 2. Nominations a. b. IX. New Business W. Clement Smith, Bus Driver, resignation effective October 24, 2011. Professional 1. Marietta Rizzone, Night School Teacher, effective October 31, 2011 at the rate of $40.00 per hour. Ms. Rizzone is assigned to Penncrest High School. 2. Kimberly Riviere, Homebound Instructor for the 20112012 school year at the rate of $46.00 per hour. 3. Dennis Smyth, Long Term Substitute Elementary Teacher effective November 14, 2011 at the annual salary of $45,289.00, Bachelor’s Degree/Step 1 prorated. Mr. Smyth received his Bachelor’s Degree from DeSales University. He is assigned to Indian Lane and Media Elementary School replacing Erin Scheivert who is on leave. NOTE: Mr. Smyth is being hired pending completion of his pre-employment paperwork. Non-Instructional 1. Rosemary Angelina, Math Tutor effective October 31, 2011 at the rate of $16.00 per hour. Ms. Angelina is assigned to Rose Tree Elementary. 2. Patricia Tulskie, Interventionist, effective November 7, 2011 at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Ms. Tulskie is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary. NOTE: Ms. Tulskie is being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork. 1 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 2. Nominations b. 3. Non-Instructional 3. Kevin Otto, Substitute Bus Driver, effective November 8, 2011 at the rate of $21.53 per hour. Mr. Otto is assigned to the Transportation Department. 4. Kevin Otto, Substitute Bus Mechanic, effective November 8, 2011 at the rate of $23.26 per hour. 5. Marianne Spiotta, Math Tutor effective October 31, 2011 at the rate of $16.00 per hour. Ms. Spiotta is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary. 6. Dana Sudall, PSAT preparation Tutor, at the rate of $75.00 per session. Ms. Sudall is assigned to Penncrest High School. 7. Christiana Kuntz, PSAT preparation Tutor, at the rate of $75.00 per session. Ms. Kuntz is assigned to Penncrest High School. 8. Joseph Taylor, Custodian, effective November 21, 2011 at the rate of $16.94 per hour. Mr. Taylor is assigned to the 2nd shift at Penncrest High School replacing James Swiggett who resigned. 9. Charles Dougherty, Custodian, effective December 1, 2011 at the rate of $17.44 per hour. Mr. Dougherty is assigned to the 3rd shift at Penncrest High School replacing Vanessa Dill who resigned. NOTE: Mr. Dougherty is being hired pending completion of his pre-employment paperwork. General a. Unpaid Leave of Absence 1. IX. New Business Elizabeth Clements requests an unpaid leave of absence commencing April 30, 2012 through June 30, 2012 for the purpose of child rearing. 2 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 3. General a. Unpaid Leave of Absence 2. b. Degree Advancement 1. c. IX. New Business Kristine Acker requests an extension for her unpaid leave of absence through June 30, 2012 for the purpose of child rearing. Ronni Miller, Degree Advance to Permanent Cert./Step 6, $47,957.00 effective August 29, 2011. Supplemental Contracts 1. Christopher Conlan, Boys Freshman Basketball Coach at the annual salary of $3,915.00. Mr. Conlan is assigned to Penncrest High School. NOTE: Mr. Conlan is being hired pending completion of his preemployment paperwork. 2. Martha Phillips, School Store Advisor, at the annual salary of $580.00. Ms. Philllips is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary. 3. Josephine Dizon, (.5) Junior Science Olympiad at the annual salary of $1,015.00. Ms. Dizon is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School. 4. Christopher Grouzes, Children’s Theatre Coordinator at the annual salary of $1,885.00. Mr. Grouzes is assigned to Penncrest High School. 5. Julia Friedgen, Board Games Club Sponsor at the annual salary of $580.00. Ms. Friedgen is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary. 6. Christine Seeley, Lego Club Sponsor at the annual salary of $290.00. Ms. Seeley is assigned to Media Elementary. 7. Christine Seeley, Game Club Sponsor at the annual salary of $290.00. Ms. Seeley is assigned to Media Elementary. 3 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business A. Personnel 3. General c. Supplemental Contracts 8. William Stack, (.5) Homework Club Sponsor for 7th Grade at the annual salary of $362.50. Mr. Stack is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School. 9. Jason Lazarow, (.5) New Teacher Mentor at the annual salary of $580.00. Mr. Lazarow is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School. 10. Recommend Board approval of the following Indian Lane personnel to serve as Reading Olympics Club Sponsors for the 2011-2012 school year at the rate of $290.00 each: Tracy Hatton Carol Townsend 11. Recommend Board approval of the following Indian Lane personnel to serve as Broadcast Club Sponsors for the 2011-2012 school year at the annual salary of $652.50 each: Tracy Hatton 12. IX. New Business Sue Hendrixson Karen Battavio Margaret Barney, SMART Husky Art Club Sponsor for the 2011-2012 school year at the annual salary of $580.00. Ms. Barney is assigned to Rose Tree Elementary. 4 November 17, 2011 IX. New Business B. Overnight Trips 1. Penncrest Wrestling Team – Nokesville, VA Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip for the Penncrest Wrestling Team to Nokesville, VA, 12/9/11 – 12/10/11. Background Members of the Penncrest Wrestling Team will participate in the Dudley Martin Classic Wrestling Tournament in Nokesville, VA. The approximate cost to the district is $875, which covers registration and transportation. 2. Penncrest Boys Track and Field Team – State College, PA Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip for the Penncrest Boys Track and Field Team to State College, PA, 1/20/12 – 1/21/12. Background The Boys Track and Field Team will participate in the Kevin Dare Invitational Meet in State College, PA. The approximate cost to the district is $450, which covers registration and transportation. 3. Penncrest Girls Indoor Track Team – State College, PA Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip for the Penncrest Girls Indoor Track Team to State College, PA, 1/20/12 – 1/21/12. Background The Penncrest Girls Indoor Track Team will participate in the Kevin Dare Invitational Meet in State College, PA. The approximate cost to the district is $450, which covers registration and transportation. IX. New Business 5 November 17, 2011 X. New Business B. Overnight Trips 4. Penncrest Cheerleaders – Orlando, FL Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip for the Penncrest Cheerleaders to Orlando, FL, 2/10/12 – 2/13/12. Background The Penncrest Cheerleaders will participate in the Cheerleading National Championships (if qualified), in Orlando, FL. The approximate cost to the district is $2,596, which covers registration and bus transportation to and from Philadelphia International Airport only. 5. Penncrest Ski & Snowboarding Club – Stowe, VT Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip for the Penncrest Ski & Snowboarding Club to Stowe, VT, 1/13/12 – 1/16/12. Background The Penncrest Ski & Snowboarding Club will take an overnight trip to Stowe Mountain Resort, VT. There is no cost to the district for this trip. C. Educational Technology Report – See Attachment B Resolve, that the Board approve the Educational Technology Report for Phase 3 of the Rose Tree Media School District’s Strategic Plan. The plan will be in effect for a period of three (3) years commencing on July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2015. Background The background for this Report was reviewed at the Technology Committee meeting on November 10, 2011. The Educational Technology Report will be submitted to Pennsylvania Department of Education upon approval by the Board of Directors. IX. New Business 6 November 17, 2011 APPENDIX X X. Finance A. Purchasing 1. B. Bid Awards - 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 12-5 Fund 10 General Fund FROM: AMOUNT: TO: AMOUNT: Instruction - Supplies $3,800.00 Maintenance- Repairs $3,800.00 RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover repairs to the weight room and gym equipment. FY 12-6 Fund 10 General Fund FROM: AMOUNT: TO: AMOUNT: Athletics – Dues and Fees $3,000.00 Athletics- Travel $3,000.00 RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover travel expenses for he school year. Background This was discussed at the November 10, 2011 Finance Committee Meeting. X. Finance 1 November 17, 2011 APPENDIX X X. Finance B. General 2. Results of the 2010/2011 Local Audit Resolve, that the Board accept the local audit report dated June 30, 2011 from Barbacane, Thornton & Company. Background This was discussed at the November 10, 2011 Finance Committee Meeting. 3. Crozer-Keystone Health System Resolve, that the Board approve a contract with CrozerKeystone Health System for pre-employment and post accident drug testing. Background This was discussed at the November 10, 2011 Finance Committee Meeting. 4. Roofing Resources Proposal for Indian Lane Resolve, that the Board approve a proposal from Roofing Resources to correct the brick face at Indian Lane Elementary, at a cost not to exceed $31,200. Background This was discussed at the November 10, 2011 Operations Committee Meeting. 5. Johnson Controls – Energy Audit Resolve, that the Board give authorization to Johnson Controls, Inc. for a no-cost energy audit pursuant to the Act 39 Guaranteed Energy Savings Act. Background This was discussed at the November 10, 2011 Operations Committee Meeting. X. Finance 2 November 17, 2011 APPENDIX X X. Finance B. General 6. PLANCON I Resolve, that the Board approve the following change order pending the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s PLANCON I approval GC-004 in the amount of $136,105 to the General Contractor E. R. Stuebner for various changes. Background This was discussed at the November 10, 2011 Operations Committee Meeting. 7. Dental Hygienist Agreement Resolve, that the Board approve an agreement with Jessica Brady for dental hygiene services for $2,000. Background Jessica Brady provides dental hygiene services to the students in our public and non-public schools. Her annual contract is for $2,000. This item was discussed at the November 2011 Pupil Services Committee Meeting. X. Finance 3 November 17, 2011 No. 204 SECTION: PUPILS TITLE: ATTENDANCE ADOPTED: REVISED: 204. ATTENDANCE 1. Purpose SC 1301, 1326, 1327 Title 22 Sec. 11.12, 11.13, 11.41, 12.1 Pol. 200 The Board requires that school age students enrolled in district schools attend school regularly, in accordance with state laws. The educational program offered by the district is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation in order for students to achieve academic standards and consistent educational progress. 2. Authority SC 1327, 1329, 1330 Title 22 Sec. 11.23, 11.25, 12.1 Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in district schools during the days and hours that school is in session, except that a principal or teacher may excuse a student for temporary absences upon receipt of satisfactory evidence of mental, physical, or other urgent reasons that may reasonably cause the student's absence. Urgent reasons shall be strictly construed and do not permit irregular attendance. The Board considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school: Title 22 Sec. 11.25 1.{ } Illness. { } Quarantine. { } Family emergency. { } Recovery from accident. 2.{ } Required court attendance. 3.{ } Death in immediate family. 4.{ } Family educational travel. , with prior approval. Upon written request from parents/guardians with prior written approval from the building administration. No educational travel will be approved during PSSA testing. Page 1 of 6 204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 2 5. Educational tours and trips, upon written request from parents/guardians with prior written approval from the building administration. No educational tours/trips will be approved during PSSA testing. 6. Title 22 Sec. 11.26 Extreme emergency as determined by school administration. { } Educational tours and trips, with prior approval. Absences shall be treated as unlawful until the district receives a written excuse explaining the absence, to be submitted within three (3) days of the absence. A maximum of ten (10) days of cumulative lawful absences verified by parental notification shall be permitted during a school year. All absences beyond ten (10) cumulative days shall require an excuse from a licensed physician. SC 1333, 1354 Title 22 Sec. 12.1 The Board shall report to appropriate authorities infractions of the law regarding the attendance of students below the age of seventeen (17). The Board shall issue notice to those parents/guardians who fail to comply with the requirements of compulsory attendance that such infractions will be prosecuted according to law. SC 1327 Title 22 Sec. 11.22, 11.23, 11.28 Pol. 115, 116, 117, 118 Attendance need not always be within school buildings. A student shall be considered in attendance if present at any place where school is in session by authority of the Board; the student is receiving approved tutorial instruction, or health or therapeutic services; the student is engaged in an approved and properly supervised independent study, work-study or career education program; the student is receiving approved homebound instruction. Title 22 Sec. 11.21 Upon written request by a parent/guardian, an absence for observance of a student's religion on a day approved by the Board as a religious holiday shall be excused. A penalty shall not be attached to an absence for a religious holiday. SC 1546 Title 22 Sec. 11.21 The Board shall, upon written request of the parents/guardians, release from attendance a student participating in a religious instruction program acknowledged by the Board. Such instruction shall not require the child's absence from school for more than thirty-six (36) hours per school year, and its organizers must inform the Board of the child's attendance record. The Board shall not provide transportation to religious instruction. A penalty shall not be attached to an absence for religious instruction. The Board shall permit a student to be excused for participation in a project sponsored by a statewide or countywide 4-H, Future Farmers of America or combined 4-H and Future Farmers of America group upon written request prior to the event. Page 2 of 6 204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 3 SC 1329 Title 22 Sec. 11.41 The Board shall permit a student to be excused for participation in a project sponsored by a statewide or countywide 4-H, FFA or combined 4-H and FFA group upon written request prior to the event. The Board will recognize other justifiable absences for part of the school day. These shall include Title 22 Sec. 11.23, 11.25 { } medical or dental appointments, { } court appearances, Title 22 Sec. 11.23, 11.25 { } family emergencies, { } other urgent reasons. A student may be dismissed before the close of the school day only for urgent reasons, such as medical and dental treatments, or other reasons for the welfare of the student. However, the principal or designee has the discretion to determine which are special and justifiable requests and has the authority to act accordingly. The Board shall excuse the following students from the requirements of attendance at district schools, upon request and with the required approval: SC 1329, 1330 Title 22 Sec. 11.34 1.{ } On certification by a physician or submission of other satisfactory evidence and on approval of the Department of Education, children who are unable to attend school or apply themselves to study for mental, physical or other reasons that preclude regular attendance. SC 1327 Title 22 Sec. 11.32 2.{ } Students enrolled in nonpublic or private schools in which the subjects and activities prescribed by law are taught. Title 22 Sec. 11.5 3.{ } Students attending college who are also enrolled part-time in district schools. SC 1327.1 Pol. 137 4.{ } Students attending a home education program in accordance with law. SC 1327 5. { } Students fifteen (15) or sixteen (16) years of age whose enrollment in private Page 3 of 6 Formatted Table 204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 4 trade or business schools has been approved. SC 1330 { } Students fifteen (15) years of age, and fourteen (14) years of age who have completed the highest elementary grade, engaged in farm work or private domestic service under duly issued permits. SC 1330 Title 22 Sec. 11.28 6. { } Students sixteen (16) years of age regularly employed during the school session and holding a lawfully issued employment certificate. Formatted: Tab stops: 1.7", Left The Board may excuse the following students from the requirements of attendance at district schools: SC 1327 Title 22 Sec. 11.22 Pol. 116 1.{ } Students receiving tutorial instruction in a field not offered in the district's curricula from a properly qualified tutor approved by the Superintendent, when the excusal does not interfere with the student's regular program of studies. Title 22 Sec. 11.34 2.{ } Homebound children unable to attend school on the recommendation of the school a physician, and the school psychologist, or a psychiatrist and approval of the Secretary of Education. SC 1327 3{ } Students enrolled in special schools conducted by the Delaware County _____________________ _____________________ Intermediate Unit or the Department of Education. Educational Tours/Trips Title 22 Sec. 11.26 The Board may excuse a student from school attendance to participate in an educational tour or trip not sponsored by the district if the following conditions are met: 1. The parent/guardian submits a written request for excusal prior to the absence. 2. The student's participation has been approved by the Superintendent or designee. 3. The adult directing and supervising the tour or trip is acceptable to the parents/guardians and the Superintendent. The Board may limit the number and duration of tours or trips for which excused absences may be granted to a student during the school term. Page 4 of 6 204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 5 No educational tours/trips will be approved during PSSA testing. 3. Delegation of Responsibility Title 22 Sec. 11.41 The Superintendent or designee shall annually notify students, parents/guardians and staff about the district’s attendance policy by publishing such policy in the student handbook, parent newsletters, district website and other efficient methods. The Superintendent or designee shall develop administrative regulations for the attendance of students which: SC 1501, 1504 Title 22 Sec. 4.4, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 1.{ } Ensure a school session that conforms with requirements of state law and regulations. SC 1332, 1339 2.{ } Govern the keeping of attendance records in accordance with law. Title 22 Sec. 11.41 3.{ } Distribute annually to staff, students, and parents/guardians Board policies and school rules and regulations governing student attendance, absences and excusals. SC 1333, 1338, 1354 Pol. 218, 233 4.{ } Impose on truant students appropriate incremental disciplinary measures for infractions of school rules, but no penalty may have an irredeemably negative effect on the student's record beyond that which naturally follows absence from classroom learning experiences. 5.{ } Identify the habitual truant, investigate the causes of truant behavior, and consider modification of the student's educational program to meet particular needs and interests. 6.{ } Ensure that students legally absent have an opportunity to make up work. SC 1333, 1354 7.{ } Issue written notice to any parent/guardian who fails to comply with the compulsory attendance law, within three (3) days of any proceeding brought under that law. Such notice shall inform the parent/guardian of the date(s) the absence occurred; that the absence was unexcused and in violation of law; that the parent/guardian is being notified and informed of his/her liability under law for the absence of the student; and that further violations during the school term will be prosecuted without notice. SC 1318 Pol. 218, 233 Repeated infractions of Board policy requiring the attendance of enrolled students may constitute misconduct and disobedience that warrant the student's suspension or Page 5 of 6 204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 6 expulsion from the regular school program or provision of offered alternative education services. References: School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 510, 1301, 1318, 1326, 1327, 1327.1, 1329, 1330, 1332, 1333, 1338, 1339, 1354, 1501, 1504, 1546 State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 4.4, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.5, 11.8, 11.12, 11.13, 11.21, 11.22, 11.23, 11.24, 11.25, 11.26, 11.28, 11.32, 11.34, 11.41, 12.1 Board Policy – 000, 115, 116, 117, 118, 137, 200, 218, 233 NOTES: Remove language on withholding of credit or automatic grade deductions for students with unexcused/illegal absences (based on court decisions). May include language on deduction of class participation grades only, if in response to unexcused/illegal absences. PSBA Revision 4/09 Page 6 of 6 Pennsylvania Department of Education Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education 333 Market Street Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333 Educational Technology Report Monday, November 07, 2011 (Last Approved: Monday, September 29, 2008) Entity: Rose Tree Media SD Address: 308 N Olive St Media, PA 19063-2403 Mission Students are the focus of the Rose Tree Media School District learning community. Our educational program is based on world class standards through which all students reach their intellectual, emotional, social and physical potential. Our schools provide an environment that celebrates students’ diversity, individual talents and efforts, and promotes collaboration, caring, respect, and leadership. Vision Each student is a lifelong learner who contributes to an increasingly diverse world. All members of the school community are technologically proficient. All members of the school community are committed to continuous improvement. All community stakeholders are dedicated to ensuring that students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance and fully develop their unique potential. Shared Values Each child has unique learning needs. All students can learn and be successful. Success in school can be defined in multiple ways. Our success requires the collaborative support of the entire community. Each member of our school community deserves mutual respect in a safe and healthy environment. While the District maintains fiscal responsibility, decisions should be driven by student needs and interests. Needs Assessment Reflections • Legacy Dataview 2150 Concern Last Modified: 11/7/2011 The use of technology to impact achievement is expanding. The 21st-century skills of communication, problem solving, and technology require ongoing professional development and assessment. Strength Last Modified: 11/7/2011 Rose Tree Media School District currently has a number of vehicles in place for professional development to assist teachers in developing additional instructional strategies with the use of digital resources. These vehicles allow for teachers to share successes with one another and to model for one another. The district can build on this strength to continue and remain current. As part of a needs assessment and evaluation of digital resources, Rose Tree Media School District continues to solicit the input of several constituency groups across all educational levels. Results of these surveys are shared with the Board of School Directors as well as the educational community. The results are used to guide the District in decision making. Participation by parents, students, and community recently identified the following: • Need for a wide range of technology tools and services • Enhancement of productivity and assessment tools • Need to add real world relevancy • Need to add context to studies via online resources and E-Textbooks • Need to offer online and blended learning opportunities • Engagement of students in experiences and empowerment for them to take responsibility and explore Critical to the effectiveness of implementations is a strong professional development program. Over the past six years, Rose Tree Media School District has offered a number of E-Tools Academy sessions during the summer professional development workshops. These E-Tools Academies continue to be revised year after year based on the developments of online and digital resources. As digital tools and resources become more available in classrooms, teachers need assistance in differentiating instruction and providing additional opportunities for active student engagement. Administrators are requesting more access to data in making informed decisions, and parents are eager to use electronic communication devices and systems for additional access to information about their students. These needs are addressed in the Goals of this Educational Technology Report. Data was gathered via the use of the Net Day Speak Up survey, PATI survey, and district created surveys. Goals and Strategies Goal: Enhance Teaching and Learning Description: To establish an environment that celebrates students' diversity and individual talents and efforts, we will provide systems and services for teachers to infuse technology into the K-12 curriculum, to differentiate instruction, and to utilize ongoing assessment tools which will assist in individualizing student needs. Strategy: Create Data Management for Cross-Curricular Student Assessments Description: With the continuing advancement of data driven decision making, teachers need ready access to multiple forms of data for instructional decisions Activity: Collection and Storage of Assessment Data Description: Customize the use of an electronic reporting format for teachers to collect assessment data and continue use of electronic reporting format for secondary teachers to store assessment data. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing $18,000.00 Status: Not Started — Upcoming Activity: Provide Parent Portal Description: Continue to provide parent portal for parents of secondary students with access to student grades, and starting in 2012 - 2013 school year, access to course selections as well. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing $11,975.00 Status: In Progress — Upcoming Strategy: District Staff Use of Technology for 21st Century Teaching Description: Continue to coordinate the application of digital tools and resources into all kindergarten through twelfth grade instructional settings as well as administrative tasks Activity: Assess Teacher Skills Description: Utilize the reporting features of online survey tools available to assess teacher skills and implementation of technology integration according to the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing - Status: Not Started — Upcoming Activity: Correlate the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) to Curriculum Description: Integrate and coordinate the use of digital technology resources throughout all district curriculum development according to the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S). Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing - Status: Not Started — Upcoming Activity: Differentiate Professional Development Description: Differentiate professional development options based on survey results to assist teachers with technology skills and incorporation of digital resources in classroom instruction. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing - Status: Not Started — Upcoming Activity: Explore Emerging Technologies Description: Continue to explore emerging technologies such as handhelds, e-Books, and "smart" devices and their applications for teaching and learning. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing - Status: In Progress — Upcoming Activity: Share Success Description: Maintain the district wide process to share the successful integration of technology projects / assignments / instruction to be included into the curriculum revisions through electronic resources and in grade level / department meetings. Utilize the shared network directory structure to enable access to documentation. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing - Status: In Progress — Upcoming Activity: Support Classroom Use of Distance Learning Description: Continue to utilize the Distance Learning / Video Production Coordinator to work with K-12 teachers to identify and support distance learning and video opportunities in the classroom. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing $19,500.00 Status: In Progress — Upcoming Strategy: Student Access to and Use of Technology for 21st Century Learning Description: An increase of digital resources in the classrooms is certainly in demand, but it must enhance the teaching landscape and the learning of our students Activity: Optimize Access to Technology Description: Continue to provide current levels of hardware and Internet connections to support the use of digital resources in the classroom. Research the possibility of increasing the student to computer ratio by investigating leasing options for hardware purchases. 1. Allocate budgetary resources for hardware purchases 2. Meet with hardware vendors to negotiate pricing for leasing options Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing $1,125,000.00 Status: Not Started — Upcoming Activity: Optimize Online Learning Options Description: Continue to offer optional primary virtual programs for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. Identify and implement online courses as an alternative and/or supplemental methods of instruction for students. 1. Offer professional development options to teachers for creating and organizing online course materials each summer via flex offerings and inservice opportunities. 2. Continue to allocate budgetary resources to maintain online course environment. 3. Explore possibilities of online learning options for special needs students. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing $61,500.00 Status: In Progress — Upcoming Goal: Lead and Manage Description: To insure that all students in the Rose Tree Media School District learning community succeed, we will establish and maintain technology systems capable of supporting the educational, administrative, and business needs of the district. Strategy: Reduce Power and Print Costs Description: Examine ways to reduce printing costs that result in more efficient uses of digital resources Activity: Contract for Energy Audit Description: Participate in an energy audit to suggest strategies for energy consumption and/or more efficiently powered hardware in order to save power costs. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing - Status: Not Started — Upcoming Activity: Expand Use of Online Options Description: Teachers and administrators have the ability to post materials online on teacher web pages and on school and district web sites. Utilizing this option will reduce printing costs and increase access to information. 1. Continue to educate all staff on how to post materials online and use the "scan to .pdf" option on multi-function devices via flex workshops offered. 2. Continue to educate teachers on locating online resources that can be posted on their web pages via flex workshops offered. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing - Status: Not Started — Upcoming Activity: Offer Online Report Cards to Secondary Parents Description: To reduce printing and mailing costs, offer secondary parents the opportunity to review report cards on an online basis only. 1. Offer option during school year 2012 - 2013. 2. Secondary report cards will be generated online only during school year 2013 - 2014, except where there is demonstrated need for paper copies. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing - Status: Not Started — Upcoming Activity: Reduce Desktop Print Services Description: Begin to phase out desktop print services across the district starting in school year 2012-2013. 1. As the present lease on multi-function print devices closes, coordinate with Business Office on the leasing of multi-function devices and their placements in each building during school year 2012-2013. 2. Conduct print study via survey to determine print needs in conjunction with the new lease option during the school year 2012-2013. 3. Phase out 50% of desktop printers and move toward centralized services as new lease takes effect during school year 2012-2013. 4. Phase out an additional 25% of desktop printers during school year 2013 2014. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing - Status: Not Started — Upcoming Strategy: Refresh Cycle for Hardware Description: Continue to monitor and track hardware and storage systems across the district to provide the most efficient and effective long-term use Activity: Maintain Specialty Hardware Description: Maintain video editing stations and videoconferencing equipment in each school building. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing $18,000.00 Status: In Progress — Upcoming Activity: Research Options for Increased Student and Staff Computer Ratio Description: Research options of student devices to increase the ratio of students to computers at the high school level. 1. Formulate high school committees of teachers and students to assess the need for and the use of additional student devices in the high school classrooms. 2. Meet with vendors to determine best devices to use for the identified classroom needs. 3. Meet with vendors to negotiate pricing options for leasing hardware. 4. Research desktop virtualization options. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing Status: Not Started — Upcoming - Activity: Utilize Network Services Description: Expand network security by looking at network access control for compliance and remediation. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing $75,000.00 Status: Not Started — Upcoming Strategy: Technology Support Systems Description: Continue to develop and maintain a technology infrastructure that supports systems that maximize communication and productivity Activity: Expand Wireless Network Description: Upgrade and expand the wireless density for maximum coverage across the district in each classroom. 1. Expand wireless coverage at the high school for better individual classroom coverage and to include 802.11n capability by end of school year 2012-2013. 2. Expand wireless coverage at the middle school for better individual classroom coverage and to include 802.11n capability by end of school year 2012-2013. 3. Expand wireless coverage at the elementary schools for better individual classroom coverage and to include 802.11n capability by end of school year 2013-2014. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing $60,000.00 Status: Not Started — Upcoming Activity: Implement Identity Management Solution Description: Explore Identity Management solutions that tie database systems together to make them run more efficiently and effectively and allow for consistency across platforms. Implement solution by 2014 - 2015. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 $75,000.00 Finish: Ongoing Status: Not Started — Upcoming Goal: Partnerships Description: Increase communication and collaboration skills and create opportunities to interact with larger communities by establishing and maintaining partnerships within and outside the Rose Tree Media School District community. Strategy: Communication Description: Continue to expand the open channels of communication between the district and community groups, such as the business community, senior citizens, parents of pre-school as well as school-age children, library support groups, and higher education communities. Activity: Emergency Contact System Description: Utilize web-based emergency contact system to provide needed information to parents. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing $21,000.00 Status: In Progress — Upcoming Activity: Provide Parent Portal Description: Continue to provide parent portal for parents of secondary students with access to student grades, and starting in 2012 - 2013 school year, access to course selections as well. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing Status: In Progress — Upcoming $11,975.00 Activity: Teacher Web Pages Description: Provide support for teachers from the building level Instructional Technology Coordinators to continue and expand the use of teacher web pages that will enhance communication among teachers, students, and parents. This will be addressed via flex workshop offerings each semester. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing $75,000.00 Status: In Progress — Upcoming Activity: Uitlize e-Alerts Description: Continue to utilize the uni-directional e-mail distribution lists on our website to communicate timely school information to parents. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing - Status: In Progress — Upcoming Activity: Utilize District Cable Channel Description: Continue to utilize the district cable channel to share public service information about the community and the educational program. Incorporate video distribution system to broadcast student created videos and celebration events from the schools. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing - Status: In Progress — Upcoming Strategy: Global Community Description: Seek opportunities to bring the outside world into the classroom and create opportunities for students to interact with a global community Activity: Distance Learning Description: Integrate distance learning events into the K-12 curriculum. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing $19,000.00 Status: In Progress — Upcoming Activity: Real World Connections Description: Utilize Internet 2 resources to assist in creating global connections within the curriculum and connect students to real world applications. Person Responsible Timeline for Implementation Resources Linden, Patricia Start: 7/2/2012 Finish: Ongoing - Status: In Progress — Upcoming Budget Potential Budget for a NEW plan report that will span 7/1/2012 to 6/30/2015 Funding Source 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 Total 010 - ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET $508,375.00 $520,990.00 $549,610.00 $1,578,975.00 Grand Total $508,375.00 $520,990.00 $549,610.00 $1,578,975.00 Goal: Enhance Teaching and Learning To establish an environment that celebrates students' diversity and individual talents and efforts, we will provide systems and services for teachers to infuse technology into the K-12 curriculum, to differentiate instruction, and to utilize ongoing assessment tools which will assist in individualizing student needs. Create Data Management for Cross-Curricular Student Assessments 2012-2013 2013-2014 Collection and Storage of Assessment Data $16,000.00 $1,000.00 2014-2015 Total Funding Source $1,000.00 $18,000.00 010 ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET Provide Parent Portal $3,875.00 $3,990.00 $4,110.00 $11,975.00 District Staff Use 2012-2013 of Technology for 21st Century Teaching 2013-2014 2014-2015 Total Support Classroom $6,500.00 Use of Distance Learning Student Access to 2012-2013 and Use of Technology for 21st Century Learning $6,500.00 $6,500.00 $19,500.00 2013-2014 2014-2015 Total 010 ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET Funding Source 010 ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET Funding Source Optimize Access to $350,000.00 $375,000.00 $400,000.00 $1,125,000.00 010 Technology ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET Optimize Online $18,500.00 $20,000.00 $23,000.00 $61,500.00 010 Learning Options ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET Subtotal $394,875.00 $406,490.00 $434,610.00 $1,235,975.00 Goal: Lead and Manage To insure that all students in the Rose Tree Media School District learning community succeed, we will establish and maintain technology systems capable of supporting the educational, administrative, and business needs of the district. Refresh Cycle for Hardware 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 Total Funding Source Maintain Specialty Hardware $6,000.00 $6,000.00 $6,000.00 $18,000.00 Utilize Network Services $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $75,000.00 Technology Support Systems 2012-2013 010 ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET 010 ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET Funding Source Expand Wireless Network $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $60,000.00 Implement Identity Management Solution Subtotal $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $75,000.00 2013-2014 2014-2015 Total 010 ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET 010 ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET $76,000.00 $76,000.00 $76,000.00 $228,000.00 Goal: Partnerships Increase communication and collaboration skills and create opportunities to interact with larger communities by establishing and maintaining partnerships within and outside the Rose Tree Media School District community. Communication 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 Total Funding Source Emergency Contact $7,000.00 System $7,000.00 $7,000.00 $21,000.00 Provide Parent Portal $3,875.00 $3,990.00 $4,110.00 $11,975.00 Teacher Web Pages $24,500.00 $25,000.00 $25,500.00 $75,000.00 Global Community 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 Total Distance Learning $6,000.00 $6,500.00 $6,500.00 $19,000.00 Subtotal $41,375.00 $42,490.00 $43,110.00 $115,000.00 010 ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET 010 ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET 010 ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET Funding Source 010 ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET Grand Total $508,375.00 $520,990.00 $549,610.00 $1,578,975.00 Amounts that are struck through are not included in totals because they are from duplicated activities. Potential Budget for an AMENDMENT to the currently approved plan report that spans 7/1/2009 to 6/30/2012. There is currently no budget created for these years. Staff Development The goal of technology staff development in the Rose Tree Media School District is: • To expand student learning opportunities through the use of technology • To extend the vision of 21st Century teaching and learning Staff development in the use of digital resources is a key component of Rose Tree Media School District's overall plan for staff development. The school district administration regards this component with a high degree of commitment in the development of our staff's skills and instructional strategies. To support this end, the district-wide flex program, inservice program, induction program, and support staff program all incorporate staff development with digital tools. In addition, the district's Supervisory Option program provides for differentiation among professional staff in relation to their needs. Support staff is also included through the use of inservice day programs and a separate flex program that meets their needs. Teachers are also supported in the buildings through the assignment of building level Instructional Technology Coordinators who act as a resource for instructional strategies and curriculum connections. Teachers are invited to attend local and national conferences (PETE & C, NECC), and are encouraged to attend local workshops from the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. The district uses flex time workshops to effectively impart new skills and instructional strategies to teachers. Their peers, who have successfully used these skills and strategies in their own classrooms, facilitate these workshops. The workshops are offered on a year round basis, both after school and throughout the summer. Teachers are able to choose workshops based on their perceived needs. Through these workshops, teachers are able to experience powerful ways to support learning and also learn about new materials and resources. Follow up support is then available through the building Instructional Technology Coordinators and an Instructional Technology Coach. Via the use of online assessment tools, teachers will now have opportunities to select professional development sessions based on the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers. This will enhance our program and target individual strengths and concerns. It will also raise the level of awareness for staff that using digital resources is a lifelong-learning process. Inservice days are sometimes differentiated to include technology components throughout the buildings. These days include related workshops differentiated according to grade level and department. The menu of options in each of the buildings provides teachers with high interest opportunities for learning and expanding their repertoire of instructional strategies. Rose Tree Media School District continues to participate in a “train-the-trainer” model of professional development. Teachers are supported through an Instructional Technology Coach in a capacity-building endeavor who helps classroom teachers serve as models to their peers for compelling classroom learning opportunities. The Supervisory Option Program affords teachers the opportunity to expand their own professional development through the election of several different alternatives. Many teachers choose to work on a component of technology integration under the supervision of an administrator. Teachers are encouraged to work in partners or teams to facilitate results. This supportive community of practice helps to sustain the process of transformation in pedagogy. Administrators guide the process and facilitate the acquisition of any resources required. Rose Tree Media’s Teacher Induction program is a three-year requirement that includes technology components in each of those years. Teachers who are new to the district begin the year with a six-hour Technology Orientation to the network structure, software applications, and web-based resources that are available. During the course of their first year seminars and second and third year workshops, the integration of technology skills, strategies, and resources is stressed. Teachers are required to attend identified technology flex workshops throughout the three years and they are supported through follow-up informal observations. The Director of Technology holds monthly meetings with the Instructional Technology Coordinators in each building to keep them updated and listen to successes and concerns from each of the buildings. These meetings also help to coordinate the flex workshops that are offered each semester based on the needs of the teachers in the buildings. Communication is ongoing between the Director of Technology and these coordinators. Professional development activities will now also include administrators. Through the use of "Lunch and Learn" sessions, principals' meetings, and "Chat and Chew" after school sessions, administrators will have opportunities to examine web 2.0 tools, online resources, and utilization of tablet applications that will support classroom instruction and streamline administrative tasks. These sessions will be organized by the Director of Technology. In summary, Rose Tree Media School District has developed the necessary support systems to accomplish our goals as listed above. Communication will be a key factor in sustaining these goals as well as constant monitoring and evaluating the programs in place. The programs must keep pace with the needs. Our professional development program for technology integration assists our staff in opening new worlds to our students and brings the outside world into the classroom. The district must ensure that the staff keeps pace so that our schools continue to be exciting places to learn and grow. Monitoring The Director of Technology, along with the Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning, the Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning, and building Principals will oversee the implementation of instructional technology goals and objectives. In conjunction with building principals during the supervisory process, teachers will be monitored on the integration of digital resources in the classroom. Teachers will utilize the reporting features of online assessment surveys to evaluate their skills and plan for attendance at professional development options that meed their needs. Feedback from the teachers is encouraged through the use of workshop evaluation forms, communication with the Technology Coordinators, and the supervision process. Building principals will monitor the use of data assessment tools available to teachers to track student progress and make informed instructional decisions for classrooms. Evaluation The Director of Technology will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Technology Plan. Periodic reviews will take place with the Directors of Teaching and Learning to discuss the status of the use of digital resources in the district and the measures to achieve the stated objectives and goals. The Directors will communicate progress to the Superintendent, administration, Board of School Directors, and the faculty on an annual basis. Data will be collected through the use of various surveys and meetings, analyzed, and appropriate recommendations will be made. These will be reported through Board presentations, district newsletters, and the district web site.