ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Legislative Agenda
February 1, 2011
Rescheduled from January 27, 2011
7:30 p.m.
I.
Call to Order
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
III.
Springton Lake Middle School Boys’ Soccer Team – Coach Steve Adams
School Board Member Appreciation Month
Minority Student Voices – presented by Seventh Grade students: Alicia
Collier, Brea Demery, Kaitlyn Herron, Lauren Jackson, Paige Purnell, and
Sean White, and Eighth Grade students: Briana Artis, Jonah Jackson,
Alexander Messam, and Malik Twiss. Staff: Peggy Levesque and Jo
Dizon.
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Legislative Meeting of December 16, 2010
Educational Presentation- Postponed
A.
V.
Roll Call
Presentations and Awards - (Postponed to February 24, 2011)
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 – Sandra Staiger
1
January 27, 2011
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Rose Tree Media Residents
Old Business
A.
Policies
1.
IX.
New Business
A.
B.
C.
X.
Policy #113.1 – Positive Behavior Support Plan – Second Reading
and Approval – See Attachment A
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Supplemental Contracts
d.
Create New Position
e.
Other – Attachment B
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Band – Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando,
FL
2.
Penncrest High School String Ensemble – Adjudication Festival,
Washington, DC
3.
Penncrest High School NASC Students – LEAD Conference,
Stamford, CT
4.
Penncrest High School Future Business Leaders of America –
FBLA State Competition, Hershey, PA
Policies
1.
Policy 140.1 – Extra Curricular Participation by Charter/cyber
Charter Students – First Read - See Attachment C
2.
Policy 201 – Admission of Beginners – First Read –
See Attachment D
Finance
A.
Agenda
Purchasing
1.
None
2
January 27, 2011
B.
C.
D.
XI.
General
1.
2009/10 Independent Audit Report
2.
Budgetary Transfers
3.
Act 1 Resolution
4.
GAI Consultants Contract
5.
Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership Contract
6.
Donations
7.
Change Orders
8.
Settlement Agreement with Student #40295
9.
Villanova Agreement
Financials for December 2010
Bill lists for December 2010
Adjournment
ANNOUNCEMENT
There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel at
6:30 p.m. prior to the Legislative Meeting of February 24, 2011, at Penncrest High
School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
Agenda
3
January 27, 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
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
I.
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
Director of Management Services
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
December 16, 2010
Minutes of the December 16, 2010 Legislative Meeting Minutes
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Board Members in Attendance:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, President
John Hanna
Peter Barry
Nancy Fronduti
Nancy Mackrides
William Montgomery
William O’Donnell
Jeffrey Pettit
Roll Call
Students:
Daniel Belk
Ashley Paul
Absent:
Veronica Barbato
Also in Attendance:
Anne Callahan, Dir. Human Resources
Grace Eves, Dir. Management Services
Ron Harris, Network Specialist
Mack Johnson, Management Specialist for
SMS and FMS
Thomas Kelly, Solicitor
Denise Kerr, Superintendent of Schools
Patti Linden, Dir. Information Sciences
Kim McCann-Roller, Info Tech Spec.
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
1
January 27, 2011
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 18, 2010
Reorganization Meeting Minutes of December 7, 2010
Mr. Hanna moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 – 49
Resolve, that the Board approve the Legislative Meeting Minutes of
November 18, 2010 and the Reorganization Meeting Minutes of
December 7, 2010.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
Springton Lake Middle School Boys’ Soccer Team – Steve Adams, Coach
(Postponed)
IV.
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Springton Lake Jazz Band, directed by Alan Reno (Postponed)
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports
Committee Highlights and Reports
School Reports – In Official Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
Superintendent’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of
December 16, 2010
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
2
January 27, 2011
F.
Solicitor’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of December 16,
2010
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
Resolution: 2010-2011 – 50
Resolve, that the Board approve the following Tax Assessment Appeals;
A.
A. Ryylin, L.P. Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeal Years 2010-2011
The Solicitor requests authorization to settle this real estate tax
assessment appeal in accordance with Attached No. 1 in
Solicitor’s Report of December 16, 2010, in the Official Legislative
Minutes of December 16, 2010.
B.
American Tower Management Real Estate Tax Assessment
Appeal (Gradyville Road, Edgmont Township) – Years 2009-2011
The Solicitor requests authorization to settle this real estate tax
assessment appeal in accordance with Attached No. 2 in
Solicitor’s Report of December 16, 2010, in the Official Legislative
Minutes of December 16, 2010.
C.
American Tower Management Real Estate Tax Assessment
Appeal (Miller Road, Edgmont Township) Years 2009-2011
The Solicitor requests authorization to settle this real estate tax
assessment appeal in accordance with Attached No. 3 in
Solicitor’s Report of December 16, 2010, in the Official Legislative
Minutes of December 16, 2010.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the
Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
William Montgomery, William O’Donnell,
Jeffrey Pettit
None
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
3
January 27, 2011
G.
VI.
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each) - None
A.
VII.
RTMEA – None
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
President’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of
December 16, 2010.
Rose Tree Media Residents – Several residents from the community
attended.
Old Business
1.
Policy 218.1 Weapons – Second Read and Approval
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
Resolution: 2010-2011 – 51
Resolve, that the Board approve the second and final draft of
Policy #218.1 – Weapons. See Attachment A in Official Legislative
Minutes of December 16, 2010.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the
Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
4
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion
to adopt the following resolution:
Resolution: 2010-2011 – 52
Resolve, that the Board approve the following:
1.
Dr. Denise Kerr, Superintendent, retirement
effective June 30, 2011.
The aforementioned resolution was declared
adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
John Hanna, Peter Barry,
Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
5
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
2.
3.
Terminations
b.
Non-Instructional
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Degree Advancement
d.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
e.
Supplemental Contracts
Mr. Hanna moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 – 53
Resolve, that the Board approve the following:
1.
Terminations
b.
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
Non-instructional
1.
Stephanie Ventura, Cafeteria Worker,
Springton Lake Middle School,
resignation effective December 1,
2010.
2.
Debbie Sweeney, School Nurse,
Indian Lane Elementary, resignation
effective November 26, 2010.
6
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
b.
Professional
1.
Stephen Curry, Homebound Instructor for the 20102011 school year at the rate of $45.00 per hour.
2.
Laura Gray Mack, Long Term Substitute Spanish
Teacher for the second semester, effective
January 31, 2011, at the annual salary of
$44,806.00 Bachelor’s Degree/Step 2 to be prorated for the second semester. Ms. Mack
received her Bachelor’s Degree from Luther
College in Iowa. She served as a Long Term
Substitute Teacher for Rse Tree Media School
District during the first semester of 2010-2011
school year. She is assigned to Penncrest High
School replacing Christina Penning who is on leave.
3.
Colleen Pompetti, Long Term Substitute
Chemistry Teacher, effective December 22,
2010, at the annual salary of $49,407, Master’s
Degree/Step 1 to be pro-rated for the second
semester. Ms. Pompetti received her Bachelor’s
Degree from West Chester University and her
Master’s Degree from Marygrove College. She is
assigned to Penncrest High School replacing Laura
Diksa who will be on leave. NOTE: Ms. Pompetti is
being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
Non-Instructional
1.
Sandra Pierce, Substitute Cafeteria, effective
November 17, 2010 at the rate of $10.34 per hour.
2.
Matthew Soares, Cafeteria Trainee, effective
December 7, 2010 at the rate of $10.87 per hour.
Mr. Soares is assigned to Penncrest High School
replacing Ralph Santelli who resigned.
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
7
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
b.
c.
Classification Change
1.
Diane Burgess, from Substitute Custodian to
Custodian effective December 6, 2010 at the rate of
$16.45 per hour. Ms. Burgess is assigned to
Springton Lake Middle School replacing Ronald
Dewees who resigned.
2.
Jill Koechig, from Support Staff I to Support Staff II
effective November 29, 2010 at the rate of $15.40
per hour. Ms. Koechig is assigned to Indian Lane
Elementary. This is a new position.
3.
Nancy Sands, from Cafeteria Substitute to Cafeteria
Trainee, effective December 2, 2010 at the rate of
$10.87 per hour. Ms. Sands is assigned to
Springton Lake Middle School replacing Stephanie
Ventura who resigned.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
Lotalinda Castro-Anderson requests an Unpaid
Leave of Absence effective March 30, 2011 through
June 30, 2011 for purpose of child rearing.
2.
Michelle Kirk requests an extension of her Unpaid
Leave of Absence through June 30, 2011 for
purpose of child rearing.
3.
Mara Dixon requests an Unpaid Leave of Absence
effective January 3, 2011 through June 30, 2011 for
the purpose of child rearing.
Degree Advancement
1.
Sandra Lin, (.4) Chinese Teacher, Penncrest High
School, Degree Advance to Master’s +20/Step 6
effective August 30, 2010 at the annual salary of
$22,558.
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
8
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
e.
Rescind appointment of William Stack as (.5)
Chinese Club Sponsor, Springton Lake Middle
School.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Sean Graham, Event Chaperone for the 2010-2011
school year, at the rate of $42.50 per hour. Mr.
Graham is assigned to Springton Lake Middle
School.
2.
Sean Graham, Intramural Instructor for the 20102011 school year at the rate of $27.00 per hour. Mr.
Graham is assigned to Springton Lake Middle
School.
2.
Jacqueline Matusow, Library Squad Club Sponsor
for the 2010-2011 school year at the rate of
$284.00. Ms. Matusow is assigned to Media
Elementary.
3.
Suzannah Emmons, Event Chaperone for the 20102011 school year at the rate of $21.25 per hour. Ms.
Emmons is assigned to Springton Lake Middle
School.
4.
Recommend Board approval for the following
Penncrest High School Personnel to serve as Event
Chaperones for the 2010-2011 school year at the
rate of $55.00 per event:
Kirsten Curry
Cindy Garvin
Sandra Lin
5.
Anthony Lombardo
Linda Rowley
Amy Tricome
Jo Dizon, Event Chaperone for the 2010-2011
school year at the rate of $42.50. Ms. Dizon is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
9
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
e.
Supplemental contracts (cont’d)
6.
Joseph Fisher, (.5) School Newspaper
Sponsor at the annual salary of $1,136.00. Mr.
Fisher is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
The aforementioned resolution was declared
adopted the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
B.
John Hanna, Peter Barry,
Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
Overnight Trips
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Penncrest High School Indoor Track Team – State College, PA
Penncrest High School Indoor Track Team – State College, PA
Penncrest High School Wrestling Team – Hershey, PA
Penncrest High School Track Team – Shippensburg, PA
Penncrest High School Science Olympiad Invitational
Tournament
Mrs. Macikrides moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 – 54
Resolve, that the Board approve the following:
1.
Penncrest High School Indoor Track Team –
State College, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to State
College, PA, for the Penncrest High School Indoor Track
Team on January 21-22, 2011.
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
10
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
2.
Penncrest High School Indoor Track Team –
State College, PA
Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip
to
State College, PA, for members of the Penncrest High School
Indoor Track Team on February 25-26, 2011.
3.
Penncrest High School Wrestling Team – Hershey, PA
Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to
Hershey, PA, for the Penncrest High School Wrestling Team on
March 9-13, 2011.
4.
Penncrest High School Track Team – Shippensburg, PA
Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to
Shippensburg, PA, for the Penncrest High School Track Team on
May 26-28, 2011.
5.
Penncrest High School Science Olympiad Invitational
Tournament, Athens, PA
Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to the
Science Olympiad Invitational Tournament at Athens Area High
School, Athens, PA.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the
Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
C.
John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
William Montgomery, William O’Donnell,
Jeffrey Pettit
None
Policies
1.
Policy #113.1 – Positive Behavior Support Plan – First Read
See Attachment B in Official Legislative Minutes of
December 16, 2010.
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
11
January 27, 2011
X.
Finance
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
.
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers
2.
Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Keystone Purchasing
Network
3.
Proposal for Superintendent Search
4.
2011/2012 Capital Projects Proposal
5.
Delaware County Community College – Allied Health Course
6.
Jim Hall Educational Services
7.
Settlement Agreement with Parents of Student #50756
8.
Special Education Contract with the Davidson School
Financials for November 2010
Bill lists for November 2010
Addendum
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 - 55
1.
Budgetary Transfers
Resolve, that the Board approve the following budgetary transfers:
FY 11-9 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Athletics- Supplies
$3,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Athletics – New Equipment
$3,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for a new football sled.
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
12
January 27, 2011
X.
Finance
B.
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers (cont’d)
FY 11-10 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Pupil Services - Supplies
$2,781.03
TO:
AMOUNT:
Gifted- Supplies
$2,781.03
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for the cost of Naglieri testing.
FY 11-11 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Amount:
Instruction and Curriculum - Supplies
$2,097.00
TO:
Technology Support Services – New Equipment
AMOUNT: $2,097.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for a classroom amplification
system for a student.
FY 11-12 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Library Services - Books
$1,750.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Library Services – New Equipment
$1,750.00
RATIONALE: Transfer for the purchase of additional book
cases.
FY 11-13 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Print Shop- Supplies
$1,120.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
RATIONALE:
Print Shop - Repairs
$1,120.00
Repairs
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
13
January 27, 2011
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – Keystone Purchasing
Network
Further resolve, that the Board approve membership to the
Keystone Purchasing Network, which is a cooperative purchasing
program operating under Chapter 19, Intergovernmental
Relations, of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Procurement
Code 61.
3.
Proposal for Superintendent Search
Further resolve, that the Board accept the proposal from the
Chester County Intermediate Unit to Provide Services related to
the search for the new Superintendent of the Rose Tree Media
School District, in an amount not to exceed $8,000 plus
expenses.
4.
2011/2012 Capital Projects Proposal
Further resolve, that the Board approve Bonnett Associates
Architectural and Engineering Professional Services Fees for
2011 – 2012 Capital Projects as follows:
Penncrest – Hot Water Boilers – 7.2% of construction
costs with a maximum fee not to exceed $18, 932.
Glenwood – Gymnasium Flooring & Partition – 7.2%
of construction costs with a maximum fee not to
exceed $9,100.
Glenwood – Boilers & Assoc. Equipment – 7.2% of
construction costs with a maximum fee not to exceed
$36,500.
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
14
January 27, 2011
X.
Finance
B.
General
4.
2011/2012 Capital Projects Proposal (cont’d)
Further resolve, that the Board approve Roofing Resources
Professional Services Fee for Penncrest Phase I Masonry
Restoration – not to exceed fee of $44,400.
Further resolve, that the Board approve G. D. Houtman & Sons
Professional Services fee for Glenwood Sewage Pumping
Station - not to exceed fee of $18,450.
Further resolve, that the Board approve G. D. Houtman & Son
Land Development and Civil Engineering Design Services for the
Penncrest Stadium Bleachers at Scott Field Project – not to
exceed fee of $28,600.
5.
Delaware County Community College – Allied Health Course
Further resolve, the Board approve a contract with Delaware
County Community College to conduct one three-credit course in
Allied Health entitled “Orientation to Health Care” at Penncrest
High School for the period January 1, 2011 through June 30,
2011. The course is designed for between 10 and 16 Penncrest
High School students at a maximum cost of $6,000, with
textbooks being billed separately, if needed.
6.
Jim Hall Educational Services
Further resolve, that the Board approve the contract between the
Rose Tree Media School District and Jim Hall Educational
Services.
7.
Settlement Agreement with the Parents of Student #50756
Further resolve, that the Board approve a settlement agreement
with the parents of student #50756 to provide an alternative
placement so the student can receive specialized instruction and
services to address the students unique educational needs. The
cost of the settlement is at least $40,150.00.
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
15
January 27, 2011
X.
Finance
B.
General
8.
Special Education Contract with the Davidson School
Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract from the
Davidson School at Elwyn for 1:1 Services for the 2010-2011
school year for student #70646. The cost of services is $160.34
per day.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the
Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
William Montgomery, William O’Donnell,
Jeffrey Pettit
None
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
16
January 27, 2011
X.
Finance
B.
General
9.
Support for Students in Alternative School Programs Proposal
Mr. Montgomery moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to
table the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 – 56
Resolve, that the Board approve the Support for Students in
Alternative School Programs proposal presented at the Teaching
and Learning Committee Meetings on November 4, 2010 and
December 2, 2010. A per diem district employee will be
designated as the Local Education Agent (LEA) for students
placed in out-of-district alternative school programs.
The cost of the proposal is $3,000.00.
The motion to table the aforementioned resolution did not carry.
The roll call vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
John Hanna, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti,
William Montgomery
Peter Barry, Nancy Mackrides,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. Pettit seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 – 57
Resolve, that the Board approve the Support for Students in
Alternative School Programs proposal presented at the Teaching
and Learning Committee Meetings on November 4, 2010 and
December 2, 2010. A per diem district employee will be
designated as the Local Education Agent (LEA) for students
placed in out-of-district alternative school programs.
The cost of the proposal is $3,000.00.
The motion to adopt the aforementioned resolution did not carry.
The roll call vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Peter Barry, Nancy Mackrides,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
John Hanna, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti,
William Montgomery
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
17
January 27, 2011
X.
Finance
B.
General
10.
Messaging Architects Renewal Quote
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 - 58
Resolve, that the Board approve the Proposal from
Messaging Architects for a five (5) year subscription
package renewal of M+ Guardian and M+ Archive. The
subscription renewal payment schedule is for $9,000.00 for
three (3) years and a $6,000.00 payment in the second
year for software upgrades and professional services. –
See Attachment C in Official Legislative Minutes of
December 16, 2010.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the
Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides,
William Montgomery, William O’Donnell,
Jeffrey Pettit
None
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
18
January 27, 2011
X.
Finance
C.
D.
E.
Financials for November 2010
Bill lists for November 2010
Addendum
Mr. Hanna moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 - 59
Resolve, that the Board approve the following:
Financial Reports
C.
Financial Reports
November
November
November
November
D.
2010
2010
2010
2010
Treasurers Reports
Investment Reports
Summary Expenditure Status Report
Revenue Status Report
Bill Lists
November
2010 General Fund Bill List
$ 2,703,401.10
November
2010 Imprest Fund Bill List
$
2,919.00
November
2010 Bond Series 2004 Bill List
$
110,934.44
November
2010 Bond Series 2007 A & B
$
756,905.59
November
2010 Scholarship Fund
$
500.00
November
2010 Activities/Special Revenue Fund
$
34,815.00
$ 3,609,475.13
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
19
January 27, 2011
X.
Finance
E.
Addendum
Further resolve, that the Board approve the partial refund of a prior year
tax payment.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the
vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
20
January 27, 2011
XI.
Adjournment
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011 –60
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:
John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Fronduti,
Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, William Montgomery,
Jeffrey Pettit
None
______________________
Grace A. Eves
School Board Secretary
II. Legislative Minutes of December 16, 2010
21
January 27, 2011
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
Springton Lake Middle School Boys’ Soccer Team
Resolve, the Board present the Rose Tree Media School District
Award to the Boys’ Eighth Grade Soccer Team. The team was
undefeated with 10 wins and 0 losses. They had seven shutouts
and never trailed in any game. Twenty of the boys were on the
undefeated seventh grade soccer team last year. They never lost a
soccer game in the two years at Springton Lake. This is the
second time that this has every happened. The team members are
Nick Anastasi, Ryan Blessington, Jake Branyan, Daniel Bullitt, Josh
Cadorette, Will Diserafino, Christian TiTomo, Evan Emanuel, Willy
Gordon, Drew Hanna, Corey Hansen, Mark Hull, Kevin Korthous,
Nick Ladd, Kyle Lefkof, Sam Messer, Jude Morgan, Greyson
Nelson, Brendan O’Boyle, Nathan Reagle, Kevin Son, Daniel
Szkudlapski, George Tahopoulos, Mark Teamerson, Colin Tyson,
Chris Urffer, Ricky Vogler, Nick Whalen, and Matthew Young. The
team is coached by Steve Adams.
B.
School Board Member Appreciation Month
Background
January is School Director Recognition Month. The theme for 2010
is “Taking Flight! Academic Achievement in Public Schools.” Rose
Tree Media School District would like to join PSBA in recognizing
our school board members for their outstanding service. Thank you
for your service to the children and the citizens of our school
district.
II. Presentations and Awards
1
January 27, 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
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D. Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
January 13, 2011
Subject:
January 13, 2011 – 7:00 P.M. Finance Committee Minutes
Chairperson: William O’Donnell
_____________________________________________________________________
In Attendance: William O’Donnell, John Hanna, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery and Jeff Pettit
Others in Attendance: Pam Baker, Jeff Kowalezyk, Barbacane,Thornton & Company LLP,
Heather Hogan, Denise Kerr and Grace Eves
Absent:
Veronica Barbato, Nancy Fronduti
______________________________________________________________________
1. 2009/10 Independent Audit Review
Pam Baker, auditor from the accounting firm of Barbacane, Thornton &
Company LLP, reported on the 2009/10 Independent Audit Report. There were
no findings in the audit report. The District has a clean audit opinion. An audit of
federal and certain state grants was also performed. Fiscal year 2009/10 was the
first year the District received federal funds from the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act. The federal government required additional audit review of
these funds. There were no material weaknesses in this audit.
Action: This item will appear on the January 27th Legislative agenda for
approval.
2. Budgetary Transfers
FY 11-14 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction- Supplies
$4,735
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Instruction- Books
$500
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction & Curriculum Development Svcs– Workbooks
$5,235.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase paperback books for the book room,
and 100 book challenge baskets.
FY 11-15 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction- Supplies
$3,250.00
Instruction – New Equipment
$3,250.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase equipment for the Music Department.
FY 11-16 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
TO:
AMOUNT:
Other Student Services – Contracted Services
$1,500.00
Guidance Services - Workbooks
$1,500.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to pay for Naviance webinar.
FY 11-17 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
TO:
AMOUNT:
Technology Support Services - Supplies
$1,384.00
Technology Support Services – New Equipment
$1,384.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase Smartboard.
FY 11-18 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Vehicle & Maintenance Services - Supplies
$1,004.25
Nonpublic Transportation - Supplies
$ 334.75
TO:
AMOUNT:
Vehicle & Maintenance Services – New Equipment
$1,339.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for the purchase of a floating bus camera.
Action: This item will appear on the January 27th Legislative agenda for
approval.
3. Budget Comparison Summary
The District has expensed 67% of its expenditures and has received 86% of its
revenue.
Action: Discussion
4. 2011/12 Budget Review
There will be a 0% tax increase for the 2011/12 fiscal years. The 3000 and 5000
function areas were reviewed. Function 3000 provides non-instructional services
to students, staff members and the community. It encompasses athletics,
student activities and community services. The 3000 budget has increased due
to additional supplemental contracts and increased participation by students.
Function 5000 includes other expenditures and financing uses. The budget
increased due to an increase in debt service for the SLMS project.
Action: Discussion
5. Act 1 resolution to stay at or below the Index.
Act 1 requires the Board to adopt a resolution no later than January 28, 2011, if
they are not raising taxes above the Act 1 Index of 1.4% for the 2011/12 fiscal
year.
Action: This item will appear on the January 27th Legislative agenda for
approval.
6. Contract Ratification
Two small contracts will be ratified at the January 27th Legislative meeting. One
is for GAI Consultants, which is reviewing documents. The other contract is for
Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership, which is an artist in residence
program for Media Elementary School.
Action: This item will appear on the January 27th Legislative agenda for
approval.
7. Donation
The District received a $1,000 donation from Safeguard Group for the Athletic
Department. Glenwood received a bench donated by the family of Louise Miller,
a former Kindergarten teacher.
Action: This item will appear on the January 27th Legislative agenda for
approval.
8. Public Comment
The next Finance Committee meeting will be held on February 8th, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
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
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
___
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D. Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
January 13, 2011
Subject:
January 13, 2011 - 8:00 PM - Operations Committee Minutes
Chairperson: William Montgomery
___________________________________________________________________
In Attendance: William Montgomery, William O’Donnell, John Hanna, Peter Barry,
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Nancy Mackrides, and Jeff Pettit
Others in Attendance: Dennis Cini, Ron Baldino, Denise Kerr and Grace Eves
Absent:
Veronica Barbato, Nancy Fronduti
_________________________________________________________________________
1. Penn Fields Plantings
The trees were planted in mid December.
Action: Discussion
2. Ed Center Security
There has been an increase in the number of visitors in the building during
evening meetings. The front door to the Education Center will remain locked
during evening meetings. Visitors will be required to ring the door bell for entry
into the building. The building custodian will open the door for visitors and direct
them to the board room for meetings.
Action: Discussion
3. Penncrest Weight Room
Additional information from the District’s insurance carrier and Rick Gregg will
be presented at a future meeting.
Action: Discussion
4. 2011/12 Capital Projects Update
Plans for the stadium seating project at Penncrest were presented at the January
11th Middletown Township Planning meeting. The plans will then be presented to
Middletown Township’s Council meeting on January 24th.
Action: Discussion
5. Management Company
A committee will be formed to select a pool management company for the pool
at the Springton Lake Middle School. Committee members will consist of board
members and administrators.
Action: Discussion
6. Springton Lake Middle School Update
Students moved into the newly renovated classrooms after the winter break.
Work continues on the natatorium and music suite. Demolition and renovation
work began on the next set of classrooms to be renovated.
The Committee will review the furniture fixtures and equipment budget in the
near future to review replacement of existing old futniture.
Change Order:
Recommend approval of Change Order EC-01 in the amount of $165,652.32 to
Electri-Tech for revisions to the Springton Lake Middle School Server Room and
deduction for the Verizon ductbank service revision.
7. Public Comment
The next Operations Committee meeting will be on February 8, 2011, at 8:30 PM.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Anne D. Callahan
Director of Human Resources
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
From:
Anne D. Callahan, Director of Human Resources
Date:
January 20, 2011
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting – January 4, 2011
Board Members in attendance: P. Barry, V. Barbato, J. Hanna, L Kinsler-Fox,
N. Mackrides, Chair, J. Pettit, W. O’Donnell
Also in attendance: A. Callahan, D. Kerr, Members of the community
I.
Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
The committee reviewed items to be considered for the agenda of the legislative
meeting of the Board of School Directors to be held on January 27, 2011.
Action: All items will be placed on the agenda of the legislative meeting of
January 27, 2011, for a vote of the full Board.
II.
Staffing Projections 2011-2012
Mrs. Callahan presented the staffing projections for the 2011-2012 school year.
The committee discussed the projections and listened to the concerns of the
community members present, most of whom were parents of elementary
students. The parents expressed concern about maintaining smaller class sizes.
There were several parents of first grade students at Rose Tree in attendance.
The parents continued to express discontent with the class size in Rose Tree’s
first grade this current school year. The class sizes are 21 and 24. The parents
asked for a full time aide in each of the first grades. There is currently a part-time
aide in the class of 24. Mrs. Callahan stated that we would not put an aide in a
class that was at or below the guideline of 21 students per class in first grade.
Parents then asked for an additional teacher to be shared between the two first
grade classes. Dr. Kerr stated that she would talk with Principal Karen
Daugherty about the possibility of using one of the permanent building
substitutes to assist in the first grade classroom.
The parents asked how they would receive communication about the outcome of
that discussion. Dr. Kerr said she would have Mrs. Daugherty communicate with
the parents.
III.
Title I Parent Liaison - Media and Glenwood Elementary Schools
Mrs. Callahan presented a proposal to add a supplemental position at each Title I
eligible elementary school for the remainder of the school year at a cost of
$2,000 per building. Title I funds are available to pay for the positions. The
committee agreed to move the proposal forward to the legislative meeting for a
vote of the full Board.
Action: Creation of these positions will appear on the agenda of the Legislative
meeting of the Board of School Directors on January 27, 2011.
IV.
Executive Session
An executive session was held to discuss matters of personnel.
The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held at 9 PM on Tuesday,
February 1, 2011, 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
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Linda Bluebello, Ed.D.
Director of Pupil Services
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
From:
Linda Bluebello, Ed.D.
Date:
January 7, 2011
Subject:
January 4, 2011 Pupil Services Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mrs. Nancy Fronduti
Board Members in Attendance: Linda Kinsler-Fox, Pete Barry, Nancy Mackrides,
John Hanna, Veronica Barbato, Jeff Pettit, William O’Donnell
Others in Attendance: Dr. Denise Kerr, Dr. Linda Bluebello, Dr. Joyce Jeuell, Mrs.
Mary Ann Grassano, Dr. Ken Curran
SLMS G.A.T.E. PROGRAM UPDATE
Dr. Jeuell, Mrs. Grassano and Dr. Curran provided an update to the Board of the SLMS
G.A.T.E. program. Dr. Jeuell provided a quantitative analysis of pre and post data in
the areas of homework completion rate and academic performance (passing grades).
The Board also received a breakdown of the number of students who have participated
in the program to date. The Board agreed to continue the program until the remainder
of the school year (June 2011).
Action: Approval for continuation of the G.A.T.E. program until June 2011 will be
on the January 2011 Legislative Agenda.
POLICIES
Dr. Bluebello presented Policy #113.1 – Positive Behavior Support with no changes
made.
Action: Policy #113.1 will be on the January 2011 Legislative Agenda for second
read.
Dr. Bluebello presented Policy #140.1 – Extra Curricular Participation by Charter/Cyber
Charter Students. This policy is new and provides clear guidelines on opportunities for
charter/cyber charter students.
Action: Policy #140.1 will be on the January 2011 Legislative Agenda for first
read.
Dr. Bluebello presented changes to Policy #201 – Admission for Beginners. Information
regarding the admission of kindergarten and first grade students was updated.
Action: Policy #201 will be on the January 2011 Legislative Agenda for first read.
OVERNIGHT TRIPS
Dr. Bluebello presented the following overnight trips for review:
The Penncrest High School Band will perform in Disney’s Electric Light Parade in
Orlando, FL. The trip will take place on March 3-7, 2011. The approximate cost to the
district is $306, which covers substitute teacher fees.
Action: Approval will be on the January 2011 Legislative Agenda.
The Penncrest High School Orchestra will participate in an Adjudication Festival and
Performance in Washington, D.C. The trip will take place on March 18-20, 2011. There
is no cost to the district for this trip.
Action: Approval will be on the January 2011 Legislative Agenda.
The NASC Lead Conference in Stamford, CT, will take place on April 1-3, 2011. The
approximate cost to the district is $467, which covers the registration fee, substitute
teacher fee for one day and hotel/meals.
Action: Approval will be on the January 2011 Legislative Agenda.
FBLA State Competitions in Hershey, PA, will take place on April 4-6, 2011. The
approximate cost to the district is $2,572 which covers registration and substitute
teacher fees.
Action: Approval will be on the January 2011 Legislative Agenda.
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Dr. Bluebello presented the details of the Settlement Agreement between the parents of
student # 40295 and the Rose Tree Media School District.
Action: Approval will be on the January 2011 Legislative Agenda.
The next meeting of the Pupil Services Committee will be February 1, 2011, at 7:00
p.m. at the Education Center.
OFFICE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
TO:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Dr. Denise Kerr, Superintendent
FROM:
Dr. Angela Gilbert, Director of Teaching and Learning - Elementary
Dr. Steve Taylor, Director of Teaching and Learning - Secondary
DATE:
January 5, 2011
RE:
January 4, 2011 Teaching & Learning Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mr. Jeff Pettit
Board Members in Attendance: Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry, Linda Fox, John Hannah,
Nancy Mackrides, Jeff Pettit
RTMSD Personnel in Attendance: Pat Barta, Linda Bluebello, Angela Gilbert, Denise
Kerr, Steve Taylor
Community Members in Attendance: Ed McLoughlin and several others
Role of the Special Education Attorney
Dr. Gilbert introduced Mr. David Painter, the Special Education Attorney for the district. Mr.
Painter has been our special counsel for the last three years. He comes to us with a bevy
of experiences that make him an asset to the team. Mr. Painter served as a school
psychologist for twenty five years and as a parent counsel for five years. He also resided in
Media for a few years and knows the community.
During his presentation, Mr. Painter gave an overview of the federal and state laws that
govern our work in special education, including the ways in which IDEA has changed. In
particular, during the reauthorization of 1997, parents were given the right to request
reimbursement for attorney’s fees if a due process hearing supported their claim.
Afterwards, an increase in the number of due process complaints was noted across the
country and in the Philadelphia region in particular. Other topics covered included:
FAPE, a free appropriate public education
Issues regarding FAPE:
• The offer of an IEP
• The IEP implementation
Remedies regarding FAPE:
• Revise the IEP
• Provide compensatory education – hours
• Provide tuition reimbursement
Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
Districts can agree to the IEE or disagree and go to a Due Process Hearing to
defend the decision.
Update on Internet Safety Curriculum
Dr. Taylor updated the Board on work underway this year to develop a more formal internet
safety curriculum. This work is driven foremost by an interest in protecting RTM students
from the real, serious, and diverse dangers posed by the internet and students’ activities in
cyberspace, primarily at times when they are not under the direct supervision of RTM
personnel. The district also has a financial incentive to develop a formal internet safety
curriculum in that it will allow us to remain eligible for E-Rate Reimbursements from our
telecommunications and broadband costs, which currently amount to a savings of
approximately $60,000 a year. Dr. Taylor reviewed the kinds of student activities, lesson
plans, and classroom resources for internet safety already available to RTM teachers, and
he provided an overview of the CyberSmart! curriculum which is available for use at no cost
to the district. By the end of the year, the goal is to assign the topics and skills in the
internet safety curriculum to specific grade levels and/or subject areas. Any further
required curriculum development work will occur through summer workshops.
Special Education Settlement Agreement
Dr. Gilbert presented the rationale and terms of a settlement agreement for student
GC. GC, a student with significant disabilities, has been educated in out-of-district
placements under settlement agreements with RTM for many years. These
settlements have called for the district to pay into a special needs trust, established
under the law by the ARC Community Trust of PA, the sum of $30,000.00 for the
payment or reimbursement of legitimate educational expenses. The agreements
further state that should these monies be exhausted during the period of the
agreement, the district shall further fund the trust in the amount of $15,000.00.
These settlements have been renewed every two years. The agreement presented
at the January Teaching and Learning Committee meeting should be a final
agreement that would extend through 2013, the projected year of the student’s
graduation.
The key points of the agreement are as follows:
• $30,000.00 deposited into a trust for the payment of legitimate educational
expenses through the summer of 2011
• $15,000 additional dollars deposited into the trust if funds are exhausted prior
to August 31, 2011
• $30,000.00 deposited into a trust for the payment of legitimate educational
expenses through the summer of 2012
• $15,000 additional dollars deposited into the trust if funds are exhausted prior
to August 31, 2012
• $30,000.00 deposited into a trust for the payment of legitimate educational
expenses through the summer of 2013
• $15,000 additional dollars deposited into the trust if funds are exhausted prior
to August 31, 2013
• Total: Between $90,000.00 and $135,000.00 over three years
ACTION: A resolution to approve the settlement agreement for GC will appear on the
January 27, Legislative Agenda.
Public Comment
A member of the community asked Mr. Painter for the number of complaints filed with the
Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR). Mr. Painter agreed to confirm and share this
information. Dr. Gilbert will inform the board and the community member as soon as the
information is provided.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SCHOOL REPORT’S – January 27, 2011
GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Kindergarten spread some holiday cheer at Lima Estates. We sang holiday
songs and finger plays for the residents. A good time was had by all.
Kindergarten and first grade families adopted two families in need this holiday
season. The teachers kindly requested that in lieu of a teacher gift that a gift for a
less fortunate family would be greatly appreciated. The children enthusiastically
participated by choosing and wrapping the gifts. A huge thank you to all of the
families that participated. We were overwhelmed by the generous response.
Library
What’s New in Children’s Literature: 2011. Glenwood library technician Kathy
Cook attended the seminar "What's New in Children's Literature and How to Use
it in Your Program: 2011." The presenter, Dr. Peggy Sharp, is a well-known
expert on children's books and has received national awards for her creative
teaching ideas. She reviewed the best of recently-published titles, shared
strategies for incorporating outstanding new literature into existing curriculum
areas, discussed books that could be used for fiction/nonfiction pairings, and
gave tips on how to use “trendy, popular books” as motivators to encourage
children to read higher quality works. Books considered "the best of 2011" were
also on display for hands-on review and purchase.
Art
During the months of January and February, students involved in the Glenwood
Fifth Grade Art Club enjoyed learning to design and create a variety of different
art projects. Glenwood's Art Teacher, Keith Sharp, showed and helped students
create three projects. The first was to create a three-dimensional picture that was
made to look like it was popping out by sandwiching various layers of a images
between three sheets of plexiglass. The second project was working with
handmade paper to make cast paper reliefs. First, we made paper pulp from
recycled paper that we put in a blender. We then used the pulp to fill plastic
molds of flowers, animals, and insects as well as to make flat sheets of
handmade paper. We glued the reliefs created from the molds on to the flat sheet
of paper which we then painted. The last project was the creation of a handmade
School Reports
1
January 27, 2011
book that students bound and sewed together. Their finished books became
sketch books that they could use to practice drawing in.
Second Grade
Second grade observed the importance of Martin Luther King, Jr. by having
students participate in a variety of activities. Students rotated through all 3 of the
second grade classrooms and had a different learning experience in each. One
teacher did an activity which focused on the importance of MLK's work
towards recognizing our differences and getting along. Another teacher focused
on MLK's peace and social justice work, and the 3rd focused on his powerful
oration, showing and discussing a video of MLK's "I have a Dream" speech.
Third Grade
Third graders are learning about Land and Water and Electricity and Magnetism
in science class. Topics include the water cycle, erosion, land forms, circuits,
attraction and repulsion, and electromagnetism
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Grace-Green’s fourth grade class celebrated the birthday of Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day by using their figurative language skills to write poetry.
These original poems incorporated the themes of Dr. King’s life and work. The
students also wrote, discussed and illustrated parts of Dr. King’s “I Have a
Dream” speech and displayed it in the main hallway for other students to enjoy.
Fifth Grade
In January, students spent some time revisiting the writing they have done this
year. They were given a new audience to consider and new purpose for their
writing as they were entering their writing into the Young Author's Project Writing
Contest. Students realized that they have learned a lot since the beginning of the
year and were able to take a piece of writing to the next level. Next month,
teachers will be judging the writing and four winners will be chosen from each
grade level to be sent on the county level judges.
INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students at ILES are busy learning about winter. They read stories
about winter, graphed their favorite winter activity, and enjoyed an unexpected
snow day! Kindergartners are also reading about Martin Luther King, Jr. They
created "friendship" puppets emphasizing their differences (hair, eyes, skin,
etc.). Come see the puppets hanging in the kindergarten hallway! All
kindergarten students (and teachers) are anxiously awaiting the 100th day of
school; only 20 days away!
First Grade
The first grade was busy in December! The children baked cookies for a first
grade cookie exchange. On the last day before Winter Break, the children visited
School Reports
2
January 27, 2011
Fair Acres where they entertained the residents with songs and games. In
January, in addition to trying to stay warm, the first grade is learning all about Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. and his special accomplishments. The children will be
reflecting upon his famous speech as they create their own dreams for a better
world. In math, we are learning about solving addition and subtraction story
problems. This includes the important steps of understanding the problem and
showing how you solved it. In reading, we are learning how to do a strong
retelling. In writing, we are learning how to write small moment stories (personal
narrative) and pattern stories.
Second Grade
Second grade students will be attending the Arden Theater this month to see
"The Borrowers." Students have been listening to the story in class and will be
comparing and contrasting the production to the book.
Third Grade
In Reading we finished up The Canada Geese Quilt. Throughout the month of
January, along with beginning our third theme in the anthology, which is
Incredible Stories, we will be reading snowy novels. The students will read a
novel at their “just right” reading level and have the opportunity to participate in
small group discussions about their novel. In Writing, we have spent most of the
first two weeks back from break researching and writing our first report on the
Canada Goose in conjunction with the novel. The students have shown much
enthusiasm with this activity and have enjoyed researching using the internet and
several other resources, as well as writing their reports. The reports will be
graded using an informational rubric, which will focus on the following criteria:
content, focus, organization, style, and conventions. Word Study: After returning
from break, we will be finishing up with our last vowel team, as well as two more
patterns, clusters and blends, before we assess and switch groups again.
Please be sure that you are the one giving the pre-test each Thursday evening
so you can see how your child does before coming to school on Friday for the
test. In Science, we will continue studying the body. Throughout this interactive
unit, the students will become aware of the role of the different systems in their
bodies and how their body is a wonderful machine. Feel free to ask your child
about some of the interesting facts that they have learned about their brain,
heart, lungs, bones and muscles. In the coming weeks, they will study the
organs and the important role of each in their bodies. In Social Studies, we will
continue with our geography study, focusing on map skills. In Investigations, the
students will continue to fine tune their addition and subtraction skills through the
completion of their “Travel Story” homework packet, which they created
themselves. Additionally, we will be starting our new math unit about
multiplication and division. During this unit, students will develop an
understanding that we use multiplication to combine a number of equal groups
and that we use division to split a quantity into equal groups.
School Reports
3
January 27, 2011
Fourth Grade
During our study of the Southeast region of the United States, Mrs. Haskell's
fourth graders participated in an interactive lesson about Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. and civil rights. Through the day they experienced firsthand when some of
their classroom civil rights were denied. We ended the day with learning about
Dr. King, hearing his actual "I have a Dream" speech and drafting poetry about
the experience. The poetry will be displayed with Wordle visual pictures using a
web based program.
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade mentors in Mrs. Hendrixson’s class wrote letters to soldiers. The
letters and goodie packages were received by the troops and an e-mail was
received from Afghanistan, thanking us. The soldiers said they will write and
send pictures soon. Fifth grade end-of-year trip is changed to Philadelphia. They
will be spending the day at Independence Hall, visit historical sites, have lunch at
the City Tavern, and collect information for presentations they will be making on
Colonial Life at the end of the school year.
Mr. Woods’ class had a pajama day read-in. Students brought in a new pair of
pajamas to donate to needy kids. The pajamas were sent to Scholastic Books
who then supplied reading materials to the kids who get the pajamas. You can
find a link here: http://teacher.scholastic.com/clubs/pjdrive.htm
Holiday Extravaganza
Indian Lane held their 3rd annual Gingerbread Decorating Party and Secret
Holiday Shop on Saturday, December 11, 2010. Indian Lane students and their
families converged in the gym to decorate a gingerbread house for their family.
This extremely popular event was paired with Breakfast with Santa and a secret
holiday shopping area for kids. Sponsored by the Indian Lane PTG, kids
shopped with a designated "elf" for presents for their families. They were
wrapped and tagged for gift giving. While the kids were shopping, parents had
the opportunity to browse a few vendors for items for their gift giving as well.
This was a wonderfully organized event thanks to the efforts of many parents and
volunteers.
In conjunction with the Holiday Extravaganza, a gingerbread village was
displayed in the Indian Lane office. Mrs. Reischer and her daughter, Stacey,
created this village for the students of Indian Lane. Teachers and staff members
were asked to keep an eye out for extra good behavior and kindness by
students. They were rewarded by getting to take a piece of candy from the
gingerbread village. The display was rapidly deteriorating, because of the
kindness of the students of Indian Lane. When school was dismissed on
December 23rd, the remainder of the village was put in the courtyard for the birds
and squirrels to enjoy.
School Reports
4
January 27, 2011
Holiday Sing-Along
All students at Indian Lane performed in an All School Holiday Assembly.
This gave each grade level the opportunity to sing a song for the rest of the
school. In addition, our Fifth Grade Chorus, Fifth Dimension Chorus, and Bobcat
Instrument Ensemble performed. Thanks to Mrs. Battavio, this event was a
HUGE success.
Morning of Giving
Indian Lane Elementary School held a Morning of Giving. The first, second, and
third grades visited residents in different buildings at Fair Acres Geriatric Center.
The students entertained residents with holiday songs and jokes, and played
bingo and the Dreidel game with the residents. Our students distributed
handmade holiday cards to the residents.
Residents and students of Elwyn, Divine Providence, St. Edmunds Home for
Children, and Community Interactions visited Indian Lane and were entertained
by the Indian Lane Strings (led by Mr. Walls), the Elementary School Band (led
by Mr. Boyle), and the Bobcat Ensemble and the beautiful voices of the Fourth
and Fifth Grades (all led by Mrs. Battavio). Student volunteers, supported by Mr.
LaCreta, helped make our guests feel welcome by serving as greeters and
ushers, and distributing snacks, cookie gift bags, and handmade holiday
cards. Snacks and drinks were donated by our hospitality committee. Parents,
teachers, and staff were invaluable in making this day a possibility, both at Fair
Acres and at Indian Lane!
IL Broadcast Club appears on NBC 10 Wakeup call
Our fifth graders appeared on the NBC10 Wakeup Call on New Year’s Eve. An
intern from NBC10 came in to our school the week before Christmas and it only
took two takes to get a taping of our students. Check it out:
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/station/as-seen-on/WakeUp_Call__Indian_Lane_Elementary_Philadelphia-112710069.html
Student Council
Student Council has scheduled a roller skate night fund-raiser for grades 3- 5 for
Friday, January 28. Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Student
Council has also scheduled an after school dodge ball game for the last Friday in
February. This is a new project they want to try for fund raising.
ILES' PTG to Host a Screening of "Race to Nowhere"
Our PTG Executive Board has decided to fund a private screening of the film
"Race to Nowhere" on Thursday, February 10, beginning at 7:00 PM in the
cafeteria. For more information about the independent film “Race to Nowhere,
go to http://www.racetonowhere.com/ We will also discuss the film and what it
means to us in the ILES community.
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January 27, 2011
MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Visiting Artist
Visiting artist Claire Brill, through a matching funds grant provided by The
Pennsylvania Council of the Arts, spent 12 days at Media School working with
staff, students in grades 3-5, and interested parents. This year’s project is a
stained glass mosaic, inspired by medieval and Renaissance themes. The
mosaic will be installed above the main door on Front Street. A workshop was
held where our staff had an opportunity to nip pieces and cement them to the
design. Parents were highly involved as they came to each art class to help
students and add to the mosaic themselves. It was a real community effort.
Reflecting the Gothic architectural style of the building and using motifs from
stone carvings from the Monroe Street entrance (former main entrance to the
school), the brilliant glass colors, animals, and medallions will arch over the
exterior of the Front Street door for all community members to enjoy. Ms. Brill is
a community artist (and Media parent) who has created many beautiful tile
projects in the area including one at the Plum Street Mall in Media, The
Community Art Center in Wallingford, and Media and Indian Lane Elementary
Schools.
Art Goes to School
Volunteers from ART GOES TO SCHOOL met with each of our classes to share
and discuss their portfolio of important works of art. The children were able to
compare abstract expressionism and realism and develop their preferences for
style and artists through discussion of the varied works presented. We look
forward to their visit each year.
Donors Choose
The Media music room has just received three new acoustic guitars, procured
through a grant from Donorschoose.org. Music teacher, Jeanette Verdeur,
submitted a grant proposal through SonicLimeades for Learning and
DonorsChoose requesting the three instruments. Her grant proposal was titled,
“Sing, Strum, Share.” The goal was to add guitars to accompany class songs
(singing and recorder). Students will learn simple guitar progressions which
match their songs. Our students will write “thank you” notes to the organization
and to the specific people who funded the grant. Borders had a promotion where
they gave certificates to DonorsChoose if you purchased a copy of Waiting for
Superman. Some of our funders were aware of this because of information
posted on our web site. We were also able to fund grants from other schools
through the same web site.
Soles for Souls
Media’s Junior Optimist Club just finished a very successful campaign to collect
shoes for Soles4Souls, an organization that collects shoes for the needy around
the world. We collected more than 700 pairs of shoes for what we affectionately
call our “shoe mountain.” How to get the shoes to Tennessee, the distribution
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January 27, 2011
point, was perplexing. The local Optimists were willing to help out. Mr. Steve
Miller came to our rescue. He approached FedEx (his employer) and they are
going to absorb the shipping costs. Thank you Media staff, students, families,
and Mr. Miller!
Reading Olympics
Our Reading Olympians are gearing up for Delaware County’s third Reading
Olympics to be held in May. One of our students has already read and journaled
19 books.
DIBELS and Winter MAP Testing
We completed the administration of DIBELS to all kindergarten through grade 3
children and are currently giving winter MAP testing for some. Information is used
to inform instruction and evaluate growth.
Second Grade News
Second graders are expanding their knowledge of the properties of matter. They
are expanding their use of vocabulary words and increasing their knowledge of
the properties related to liquids and solids. In enrichment classes, Mrs. Scheivert
(AGP) is coordinating lessons and activities to enhance the unit. Second grade
has also had another visit from SEED TO SNACK. In December, the students
sampled plants from the brassica family. Broccoli, kale, cauliflower, brussel
sprouts, and turnips are all included in this group. Students tasted each
vegetable and were treated to a snack of popcorn seasoned with kale chips. It
was delicious.
Third Grade Update
Third grade recently completed a unit on electricity and magnetism. They learned
how to tell the difference between series and parallel circuits and how to repair
circuits (which they reported helped more than a few families with holiday lights).
They also created electromagnets and working telegraphs.
Fourth Grade
Students in fourth grade created ornaments in art class that were displayed at
The Minshall House. Mrs. Maxwell took all the fourth grade classes to The
Minshall House to see their work and learn about the site. Fourth graders also
learned about forestation in a program from Tyler Arboretum.
Geography Bee
Fifth grade students competed in their own classes to determine who would
advance to the final school round of The National Geographic Geography Bee.
Dr. Linda Bluebello did a fine job as our “celebrity moderator.” Liam Theveny was
our fifth grade champion and Erica Westcott was the runner–up. Everyone
present agreed that the questions were really challenging this year. Liam has a
chance to qualify for the state level competition.
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January 27, 2011
Fifth Grade
In writing, fifth graders have begun to work on creating essays. They are
following the new writing curriculum and hope that this unit will strengthen the
students’ ability to respond to PSSA Writing test prompts. Most of the fifth grade
classes have had “publishing parties” where families are invited to see and hear
“published” pieces and celebrate the great work of our young writers.
Winter Concert and Sing-Along
Our Mustang Chorale and fifth graders gave several wonderful performances
around the winter holidays. They performed on the Court House steps one brisk
evening, in the Court House at lunch time, at The Optimist Club meeting, at their
winter concert, and in our all-school sing-along. Our staff “wowed” the students
with their rendition of “Christmas in Tahiti.”
Buddies Night Out
The PTG sponsored a night of games and camaraderie. More than 90 people
pre-registered for the event.
Holiday Giving
Our holiday outreach was at an all time high this year. We collected new toys for
The Community Action Agency. We were able to provide lots of presents and gift
cards for about 15 of our own families thanks to the generosity of Penncrest and
Springton (HCI Clubs and giving trees, staff members, community members, and
parents.) The generosity of all is truly appreciated.
ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mid-year assessments for DIBELS and MAP have been completed this month.
Round #3 data conferences have been held and the new data is being used to
re-examine the needs for support across the building and adjust instructional
goals.
First Grade
First grade has been hibernating in their cozy dens during January, learning
about animals that stay active and those that go into a deep sleep in the cold
weather. A special round robin activity, between three classrooms,
culminated this unit of study. The first grade writing focus was on revision;
authors always go back to their work and add new ideas to the mix! Many
students "gave back" by participating in the school wide Martin Luther King Day
of service. What a great way to spend time with friends and do something for
others!
Third Grade
As a fun, interactive learning experience, the third graders designed their own
holiday stores. This activity was designed to review counting money, make
change from $5.00 when purchasing or selling items and learn about economic
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January 27, 2011
principles. Each child provided goods or services to sell, such as sharpening
pencils, putting up desk chairs or getting mail at the end of the day. Some
students sold homemade cards, cookies, jewelry, pictures, or gently used toys
and books. Students created their store names, decorated their business signs
and priced items for selling to entice customers to their store. They took turns
buying and selling and used play money. Students and teachers discussed
supply and demand, goods and services, basic needs, profit margins, bank loans
for small business set ups, and being in the black or red at the end of the
activity. A good time was had by all participants and invited guests.
Fifth Grade
Students in Grade 5 were really shaking it up in their classrooms while studying
earthquake measurement. They assembled seismographs, and created their own
earthquakes by pounding away on their desks to represent parallel,
perpendicular, and surface forces. After the activity, they read and interpreted the
lines made on their seismogram paper. The students were able to identify which
types of marks represented each force. There were “Good Vibrations” all around
during science class!
Band/Orchestra
Fourth graders in the beginning band will have their first performance of the year
on January 26 in the Husketeria. Fifth grader, Tabbi Cavileire, has been selected
to participate in the PMEA Intermediate band festival held on March 1, at Sun
Valley High School. This festival consists of accomplished fifth and sixth grade
band students from Delaware County School District.
Martin Luther King Day
The PTG sponsored the MLK Day of Service at Rose Tree this year. Students
signed up for community based, off-site activities such as helping the firemen at
the Rose Tree Fire House, Aid for Friends, meal prep, Greener Partners,
painting garden markers for the gardens at Hillside Elwyn, Meals on WheelsSnack Bags and Birthday cards, making doggie treats for the SPCA, book
donations and decorating picture frames for children at the local Women’s
shelter, assemble craft kits for children at CHOP, “Walk in Beauty” gently used
shoe program coordinated with Seven Stones of Media for the Navajo Indians
and “Pick your Charity” games along with a Dance Your Socks off mini dance
marathon.
Other Rose Tree Events
The “Art Goes to School” program came for 3 days. This program introduced the
students from grades K – 5 to fine art. Grade level activities were provided for
each class.
SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Springton Lake students donated 2046 food items for local families in need. The
food items were delivered to a local food bank sponsored by Family and
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January 27, 2011
Community Services of Delaware County. Sixth grade collected 896 food items.
The winning homerooms were Mr. Homan’s with 172 food items and Ms. Shaw
with 172 food items. Seventh grade collected 944 food items. The winning
homerooms were Mr. Johnston’s with 151 items, Ms Kutney with 136 items, and
the overall winner was Mrs. Denney’s room with 317 items. Eighth grade
collected 200 food items. The winning homeroom was Mrs. Laubach’s with 112
cans.
Art
Both eighth grade and seventh grade students in Ms. Sycz’s classes have
created a dream board using printed images, drawings and words to visual
represent their goals for the future. Sixth graders are exploring the elements of
line and shape in a drawing. In the first activity, students are making a guided
drawing seeing firsthand that simple lines and simple shapes can create
interesting and sophisticated images. Grade seven students have begun to
sculpt the human head strengthening the clay techniques acquired last year.
Finally, the eighth grade students have begun a landscape painting which
reinforces the objective of the previous lesson to utilize the principles of design.
Students have compared how the arrangement of many horizontal and vertical
lines in their landscape is similar to the compositions in paintings by such artists
as Mondrian and Thomas Eakins. In this landscape painting, students will
demonstrate an understanding of the elements of design focusing upon space,
value and color. Students have read in the textbook Art: A Global Pursuit the
section on the elements of design in order to decide upon a color arrangement.
Students are now applying tempera paint.
Mrs. Going’s eighth grades have completed a unit on The Myths of The Chinese
Water Dragon. They have displayed skill with colored pencil use and have
learned to develop shading and color like the pros! They needed to focus on the
Principles of Balance, Emphasis and Unity while concentrating on the elements
of Color, Value, Line and Shape! Students were happily surprised by their own
talents when their study was complete. I too must admit, the dragons were
fabulous!! They added to the information by reading about the various Chinese
Water dragons in Chinese Mythology and writing a paper describing which
dragon they have created. The last question remains individually answered. Do
Dragons Really Exist? Seventh grades are actively working on their ceramics
unit, “The Element of Form,” and creating a three dimensional Fish "in motion.”
How will they ever figure that out? Ceramics is always a favorite unit for the
Springton Lake student body and they come in raring to get started. We will
conclude the unit with a reading on the artist Frank Geary, who uses the Fish as
a form for his buildings and art. Sixth grades are rapping up their Metal
Repousse African Masks, (The Element of Texture and the Principle of Balance).
The frames are complete and the tooled masks are being attached. After reading
about African Masks in our art book, students will develop a story about where
their mask is from, who wears it and what the masks purpose is for the wearer!
Now that Mrs. Prior’s sixth graders have gained confidence in drawing faces,
they are drawing pastel portraits of each other, famous people, or themselves.
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January 27, 2011
Seventh graders and eighth graders are thinking about the possibilities of the
future by developing dream boards. The posters are highlighting their short and
long term goals and dreams.
Guidance
The guidance department has been working to improve the transition process for
new students this year. The new program has included scheduled meeting times
with Mrs. Griffin to survey the students’ academic and behavioral progress.
There have also been extra efforts made to ensure that students make positive
peer relationships and new students have been paired with someone to make the
transition smoother.
The guidance department has also been teaching
classroom lessons in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. We started a peer
tutoring program this year and presently have eight peer tutors working with sixth
and seventh graders. Some students are receiving one-on-one assistance in
organization and time management from the counselors.
Math
In Geometry we are finishing Chapter 6 in which students use ratios, proportions,
and geometric means to solve geometry problems. They use ratios to find the
scale of a drawing and then use the scale to find the actual distance on a map or
the actual height of a building. They use proportions to identify similar polygons
and find the scale factor between tow polygons, they use scale factor to find
corresponding lengths in similar polygons, and they use the AA Similarity
Postulate, the SSS Similarity Theorem, or the SAS Similarity Theorem to
determine whether two triangles are similar. Also, students use proportions and
the Triangle Proportionality Theorem or its converse to find the lengths of
segments related to triangles or parallel lines. After we complete this chapter, we
will be taking the midterm in the second week of January. We also have a
research paper on how math is used in the real world due at the end of January.
In Algebra I, we are completing Chapter 5 which dealt with linear equations and
the different forms of writing linear equations. Our work on linear equations leads
us into our next chapter on linear inequalities and compound inequalities.
Chapter 6 also includes some review and practice of stem-and-leaf plots as well
as box-and-whisker plots—just in time for PSSA. The eighth grade CMP2
classes are starting a new unit—Looking for Pythagoras—which deals with the
special relationship between the sides of right triangles. We will be investigating
this relationship with real-life applications of the Pythagorean Theorem. In our
investigations, we will also be working with rational and irrational numbers. We
will practice working with radicals. Throughout the course of the Stretching and
Shrinking seventh grade math unit, students have been problem solving in ways
that help them to reason proportionally by scaling in geometry situations.
Students are now able to: Create similar figures, determine whether two figures
are similar and predict the relationship between lengths and areas of similar
figures.
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January 27, 2011
To alternate forms of assessment, this unit lends itself to performance based
assessments. Throughout this unit, teachers have been assessing students in
traditional and non-traditional formats.
For example, as a culminating
assessment, some students will be going outside to use shadows and mirrors in
order to determine the height of the school building. The next unit, Comparing
and Scaling, continues to develop proportional ideas in numerical, rather than
geometric, contexts. The sixth grade math teachers are finishing up the
Connected Math Program titled “Prime Time.” During this unit, the students
learned how to utilize Venn Diagrams in order to solve for the Greatest Common
Factor and the Least Common Multiple between two numbers. One of the
culminating projects the students worked on was to make their own “Special
Numbers” posters. This project required students to think about the properties of
eight different numbers. For each number, the students wrote a math fact relating
the number to their own lives. The “Special Numbers” project enabled the
students to collaborate their Language Arts skills with their Mathematics skills.
The next unit in the Connected Math Program is titled “Bits and Pieces I”.
Music
The Springton Lake Seventh and Eighth Grade Bands and Jazz Lab Ensemble
performances were held in the school auditorium.
Over 150 members
participated under the direction of Mr. Alan Reno. The sixth grade general music
classes completed a “sandwich” musical composition project and will begin to
explore musical instrumentation in depth. Seventh grade general music students
completed a unit on Tchaikovsky by analyzing the “Nutcracker” and the “1812
Overture” from a melodic and historical perspective. Students in eighth grade
general music concluded a unit on the Baroque period with emphasis on
Pachebel, Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi.
The following students have been selected to participate in the PMEA String Fest
at Strath Haven Middle School: Grade 8: Michael Chang, Lucy Hall, Keiran
Harris, Francesca Krivitsky, Rachel Rex, Alex Sredenschek, and Caroline
Weathers. Grade 7: Derek Leung and James Joseph Teal
Science
The sixth grade students are studying viruses and bacteria. Students will
compare and contrast viruses and bacteria, investigate the role of bacteria in our
everyday lives, and discover how infectious diseases spread. Student will also
research an infectious disease of their choice and create a pamphlet using
Microsoft Publisher. The seventh grade science students investigate the
electrostatic theory. By reviewing the subatomic particles of the atom, students
will understand the relationship between positive and negative charges as related
to the addition or removal of electrons. This process begins by applying the rules
of charge using various electrostatic equipment. In grade 8 science we are
currently studying the origin and development of the modern Periodic Table!
Scientists from many countries across the world have contributed to its
organization and development, as well as to the development of the modern
atomic theory. The models proposed over the years are used to explain
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January 27, 2011
interesting observable phenomena today. Students are using the Table and
atomic models to predict the chemical properties of the elements!
Social Studies
Sixth grade students are currently studying the economics, government, history,
and geography of the Middle East. Many of the students have created matrixes
for the Middle East that focus on the ethnic groups, religious groups, and wealth
of the individual countries. At the same time, the students are learning about the
influence of religion (especially Islam) on the cultures and governments. The
seventh grade students are studying Lewis and Clark and the Louisiana
Purchase. Also, students are focusing on Andrew Jackson's presidency. The
Eighth Grade just finished the Ancient Egypt Unit. Students completed research
assignments in which work focused on conducting quality internet research by
using only credible sites (from colleges and universities) and problem solving
during the research process. Students also focused on correct citation methods.
Special Education
Mrs. Keane's sixth grade learning support language arts class is currently writing
poems based on the novel they recently completed, Out of the Dust by Karen
Hesse. They also completed a brag book with a self-selected text. Throughout
the course of the Stretching and Shrinking, a seventh grade special education
learning support math unit, students in Mrs. Wilson’s class will be problem
solving in ways that will help them to reason proportionally by scaling in geometry
situations. Students will be able to: create similar figures, determine whether two
figures are similar, and predict the relationship between lengths and areas of
similar figures. To alternate forms of assessment, this unit lends itself to
performance based assessments. Throughout this unit, students will be able to
demonstrate their understanding of the content in real-life contexts in order to
better meet individual learning styles in the learning support classroom. For
example, as a culminating assessment, students will be going outside to use
shadows and mirrors in order to determine the height of the school building.
In Mrs. Debessay’s special education language arts class, students are
continuing their research about Shakespeare in order to make connections
throughout the novel, "The Shakespeare Stealer." Students are also working on
their written expression goals while completing their essays for Acme's Black
History Month Essay Contest. Mrs. Hemenway’s life skills class rode the Media
trolley to the Springfield Mall to shop for holiday gifts for their families. The
students applied the math skills (counting money, giving change and time skills)
that they had been learning in class to the real life experience. The students
were able to shop and then order lunch and eat at the mall. They also completed
a unit on reading schedules prior to the trip and they were able to read the trolley
schedule in order to get to the mall and return to Media. The seventh and eighth
grade emotional support students are working on goal setting. The students
have selected goals and are creating plans to assist them in reaching their goals,
as well as a plan for handling obstacles that they may face. The students
participate in weekly reflective meetings with their peers and teacher.
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January 27, 2011
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
Business Department News
Thirty-nine Penncrest FBLA members came away with awards at the FBLA
Regional Competitions recently. Penncrest had seventeen first place, seven
second place, five third place, four fourth place, and six fifth place winners in
events such as Public Speaking, Entrepreneurship, Business Communication,
Database Design, Banking and Financial Systems, Business Procedures,
Healthcare Administration, Hospitality Management, Computer Problem Solving
and Sports Management. Faculty adviser Mr. David Matthews and faculty
chaperone Ms. Jennifer Tareila joined the students who competed at Chichester
High School. Thirty-three of these students are now eligible to participate in
the state competitions in Hershey, Pennsylvania in April.
World Language Department News
Selected German II, III and IV students participated in the National German
Exam in January. Results are due in early March. A number of Spanish
students interested in the 2011-2012 exchange program attended a studentparent orientation meeting in January. Selected Penncrest students who study
Spanish will host exchange students from Spain in the fall and then complete the
exchange with a visit to Spain in the spring.
Physical Education Department News
This past month, Mrs. Long’s health students wrote letters and made baked
goods as well as holiday cards and candy grams for the Hometown Senior
Center in Media. The project was the culmination of the health classes’ unit on
aging. Due to the overwhelming response from Mrs. Long's classes, students
were able to provide treats for Sunrise Assisted Living Village as well.
Congratulations go out to those who participated in the 2010 Yoplait Yogurt Save
Lids to Save Lives campaign. The freshman health classes collected 2,722 lids
and submitted them to Yoplait. For every lid sent, Yoplait will contribute ten
cents to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Music Department News
Congratulations are extended to the following ten Penncrest Band members who
recently qualified for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 12
Band Festival: Michele Philion, Bassoon, Grade 12, Suzanne Hamilton, Bassoon,
Grade 10, Barbara Munin, Clarinet, Grade 12, Amanda Prokop, Clarinet, Grade
10, Juli Beck, Alto Clarinet, Grade 12, Autumn Gargiule, Contra Alto Clarinet,
Grade 10, Justin Schumacher, Contra Bass Clarinet, Grade 10, Eric Mellon,
Baritone Sax, Grade 12, Kyle Mellon, French Horn, Grade 11, and Josh Doyle,
Euphonium, Grade 10. This year, we have the highest number of district
qualifiers from Penncrest since records were kept in 1986. The District Band
Festival will be hosted by Penncrest High School in February with a culminating,
free concert performed on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. The guest
conductor for the event will be Dr. Richard Bundy from Penn State University.
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January 27, 2011
Poetry Out Loud Event
Tenth-grader Ryan Radcliff was recently selected to represent Penncrest at the
regional Poetry Out Loud competition to be held at the University of the Arts in
Philadelphia in February.
Ryan won the school-wide Poetry Out Loud
competition organized by faculty members Carolyn Perry and Carley Dillon. We
wish Ryan the best of luck!
Alumni Reunion
Penncrest High School seniors recently attended the annual Alumni Reunion
panel discussion “PHS and Beyond.” This event is designed to provide a venue
in which our most recent graduates visit with one another informally and share
their insights about the college planning process and the college experience. A
panel of alumni, representing a wide range of schools, answered questions
presented by our current seniors.
This year's panel included:
Sarah Antonelli- Shippensburg, Ben Cannon-University of Delaware, Christine
Chambers-West Chester, Ben Freedman- Bucknell, Kayla Graves- Howard, Brook
Kalman-Gettysburg, Krystal Mason-Cabrini, Colleen McGeehan-Columbia, Vikrum
Premakumar- University of Chicago, and Ian Pritchard-NYC.
Freshman Semi-formal Dance
The Freshman Semi-formal was held in January in the Penncrest High School
Cafeteria. This year’s theme was "Winter Wonderland.” The outside was blanketed in
freshly fallen snow adding to the ambiance and the Penncrest halls were decorated
with beautiful snowflakes (of the paper variety)!
MLK Day of Service
To honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., volunteer Penncrest
students participated in four community service opportunities in our area on January
17: Students volunteered to prepare meals for the "Aid for Friends" program which
serves the needy by preparing home-cooked meals to isolated shut-ins and the frail in
the five-county Greater Philadelphia area; Students rolled up their sleeves and got
involved with a cleaning and organization project for the Elwyn preschool by sprucing
up a much-used resource room and reorganizing their library; Penncrest students
visited with residents at the Sterling Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center in Media,
they participated in Karaoke, one-to-one chats, and a spirited game of bingo; and
volunteers also visited the DuPont Children's Hospital to take part in an afternoon of
arts and crafts with pediatric patients.
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January 27, 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.”
December 23, 2010
January 4, 2011
January 11, 2011
January 27, 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, February 24, 2011, at Penncrest
High School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
Presidential Announcement
1
January 27, 2011
VIII.
Old Business
A.
Policies
1.
Policy #113.1 – Positive Behavior Support Plan – Second
Reading and Approval
Resolve, that the Board approve the second and final draft of
Policy #113.1 – Positive Behavior Support Plan
Background
Policy 113.1 – Positive Behavior Support was previously
entitled Behavior Management Plan. New guidelines from
PDE regarding the use of positive behavior support plans
and de-escalation and restraint procedures prompted the
policy revision. This policy was discussed at the December
2010 and January 2011 Pupil Services Committee meetings.
VIII. Old Business
1
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
1.
Sarah Pienkos, Elementary Teacher, Media
Elementary, resignation effective January 28, 2011.
2.
Joanne Horan, Secondary Reading Supervisor,
retirement, effective December 31, 2010.
Background
Mrs. Horan joined the staff of Rose Tree Media
School District in 1981 as a Reading Teacher. In
2002, she became Assistant Principal of Springton
Lake Middle School. She served in the position until
2008 when she took on the role of Secondary
Reading Supervisor. Mrs. Horan is retiring from her
position after 29 years of dedicated service to Rose
Tree Media School District.
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
David Camp, Bus Driver, retirement effective March 1,
2011.
Background
Mr. Camp joined the staff of Rose Tree Media School
District in 1994 as a Substitute Bus Driver. In 1996,
he became a Regular Bus Driver. Mr. Camp is retiring
from his position after 17 years of dedicated service to
Rose Tree Media School District.
IX. New Business
1
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Patricia Theodore, Technology Assistant II, Springton
Lake Middle School, retirement effective June 30,
2011.
Background
Mrs. Theodore joined the staff of Rose Tree Media
School District in 1992 as a Support Staff I in the
Springton Lake Middle School Computer Lab. In
1993, she became a Technology Assistant. Mrs.
Theodore is retiring from Rose Tree Media School
District after 19 years of dedicated service.
3.
2.
Nominations
a.
IX. New Business
Sandra Pierce, Food Service Worker, resignation
effective December 20, 2010.
Professional
1.
Amy Tricome, Long Term Substitute Language Arts
Teacher for the second semester, effective January
31, 2011, at the annual salary of $44,806.00,
Bachelor’s Degree/Step 2 to be pro-rated for the
second semester. Ms. Tricome received her
Bachelor’s Degree from Kutztown University. She
served as a Long Term Substitute Teacher for Rose
Tree Media School District during the 2009-2010
school year and the first semester this school year.
Ms. Tricome is assigned to Penncrest High School
replacing Michelle Kirk who is on leave.
2.
Kelly Kunz, Long Term Substitute Math Teacher,
effective January 10, 2011 at the annual salary of
$44,404.00, Bachelor’s Degree/Step 1 to be prorated. Ms. Kunz received her Bachelor’s Degree from
West Chester University. She is assigned to
Springton Lake Middle School replacing Lotalinda
Castro-Anderson who is on leave.
2
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
IX. New Business
Professional
3.
Lauren Hudson, Long Term Substitute Business and
Computer Technology Teacher, effective January 10,
2011, at the annual salary of $49,407.00, Master’s
Degree/Step 1 to be pro-rated. Ms. Hudson received
her Bachelor’s Degree from Syracuse University and
her Master’s Degree from Saint Joseph’s University.
She is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School
replacing Mark Yanchek who is on leave.
4.
Ryan Thompson, Long Term Substitute Social
Studies Teacher, effective January 11, 2011, at the
annual salary of $44,404.00, Bachelor’s Degree/Step
1 to be pro-rated. Mr. Thompson received his
Bachelor’s Degree from Eckerd College. He is
assigned to Penncrest High School replacing Sandy
Staiger who is on leave.
5.
Devon McKay, Long Term Substitute Special
Education Teacher effective January 19, 2011, at the
annual salary of $44,404.00, Bachelor’s Degree/Step
1 to be pro-rated. Ms. McKay received her Bachelor’s
Degree from Wilkes University. She is assigned to
Springton Lake Middle School replacing Candace
Krautzel who is on leave.
6.
David Stango, Summer School Director for Summer
School 2011 at the salary of $7,000.00. Mr. Stango is
assigned to Penncrest High School.
7.
Josephine Dizon, Assistant Summer School Director
for Summer School 2011 at the salary of $3,000.00.
Ms. Dizon is assigned to Springton Lake Middle
School.
8.
Lynda Seery, Homebound Instructor for the 20102011 school year at the rate of $45.00 per hour.
NOTE: Ms. Seery is being hired pending completion
of her pre-employment paperwork.
3
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
b.
Professional
9.
Laura Nemec-Osborne, Homebound Instructor for the
2010-2011 school year at the rate of $45.00 per hour.
10.
Maureen Reuther, Homebound Instructor for the
2010-2011 school year at the rate of $45.00 per hour.
11.
Laura Mack, Homebound Instructor for the 2010-2011
school year at the rate of $45.00 per hour.
Non-Instructional
1.
3.
General
a.
IX. New Business
Joann Vann, Support Staff I, effective January 10,
2011 at the rate of $12.18 per hour. Ms. Vann is
assigned to Indian Lane Elementary School replacing
Jill Koechig who has been reassigned.
Classification Change
1.
John Czernik from Substitute Bus Driver to Regular
Full Time Bus Driver effective January 3, 2011 at the
rate of $20.90 per hour.
2.
Arlene Douge from On Call Substitute Bus Driver to
Part Time New Driver effective December 16, 2010.
3.
Edward Rheinstadter from Part Time Bus Aide to Full
Time Bus Aide effective December 16, 2010.
4.
Susan Dunn from Substitute Cafeteria Worker to
Cafeteria Trainee, effective December 20, 2010 at the
rate of $10.87 per hour. Ms. Dunn is assigned to
Media Elementary replacing Elaine Dougherty who
was reassigned.
4
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
c.
IX. New Business
Candace Krautzel requests an unpaid leave of
absence commencing March 31, 2011 through June
30, 2011 for the purpose of child rearing.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Evan Pettit, New Teacher Mentor effective January
11, 2011 at the annual salary of $623.16. Mr. Pettit is
assigned to Penncrest High School.
2.
Kirsten Curry, Detention Supervisor for the 1st
Semester at the annual salary of $710.00. Ms. Curry
is assigned to Penncrest High School.
3.
Alicia Santelli, New Teacher Mentor, effective
December 22, 2010 at the annual salary of $669.32.
Ms. Santelli is assigned to Penncrest High School.
4.
John Best, New Teacher mentor, effective January
10, 2011 at the annual salary of $628.54. Mr. Best is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
5.
Gina Kokoska, New Teacher Mentor for the 20102011 school year at the annual salary of $1,136.00.
Ms. Kokoska is assigned to Glenwood Elementary
School.
6.
Claire McGeehan, (.5) Building Science Coordinator
for the 2nd semester at the annual salary of $1,590.00.
Ms. McGeehan is assigned to Media Elementary.
7.
Ricky Stroup, Head Varsity Football Coach for the
2011-2012 school year at the annual salary of
$8,664.00. NOTE: Mr. Stroup is being hired pending
completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
8.
Sharon Williams, New Teacher Mentor for the second
semester at the annual salary of $568.00. Ms.
Williams is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
5
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts
9.
d.
Justine Coleman, Assistant Freshmen Girls Lacrosse
Coach for the 2010-2011 school year at the annual
salary of $2,414.00. NOTE: Ms. Coleman is being
hired pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
Create New Position
1.
Creation of two Supplemental Contract Positions
Recommend the Board approve the creation of two
Title I Parent Liaison positions effective for the second
semester of the 2010-2011 school year only. One
position will be at Media Elementary School and the
other at Glenwood Elementary School at a salary of
$2,000 per position.
e.
Other
1.
B.
Recommend the Board approve the Administrators
and Supervisors I Handbook on Compensation and
Related Benefits School Board Policy No. 328,
effective July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. See
Attachment B
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School Band – Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando,
FL
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip for the Penncrest
High School Band to perform in Disney’s Electric Light Parade at
Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, FL.
Background
This trip will take place on March 3 - 7, 2011. The approximate
cost to the district is $306, which covers the substitute teacher fees.
IX. New Business
6
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
2.
Penncrest High School String Ensemble – Adjudication Festival,
Washington, DC
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip for the Penncrest
High School String Ensemble to the Adjudication Festival in
Washington, D.C. Orchestra students will participate in the festival
and also attend museums, monuments and historical sites.
Background
The trip will take place on March 18 - 20, 2011. There is no cost to
the district for this trip.
3.
Penncrest High School NASC Students – NASC Students to LEAD
Conference, Stamford, CT
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip for the Penncrest
High School NASC students to attend the LEAD conference in
Stamford, CT.
Background
This trip will take place on April 1 – 3, 2011. The approximate cost
to the district is $467, which covers registration, substitute fees,
hotel and meals.
4.
Penncrest High School Future Business Leaders of America –
FBLA State Competition, Hershey, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip for the Penncrest
High School FBLA to attend the FBLA State Competitions in
Hershey, PA.
Background
This trip will take place on April 4 – 6, 2011. The approximate cost
to the district is $2,572, which covers registration and substitute
teacher fees.
IX. New Business
7
January 27, 2011
IX.
New Business
C.
Policies
1.
Policy 140.1 – Extra Curricular Participation by Charter/Cyber
Charter Students – See Attachment C
Dr. Bluebello reviewed the first draft of Policy 140.1 – Extra
Curricular Participation by Charter/Cyber Charter Students with the
Board.
Background
Policy 140.1 – Extra Curricular Participation by Charter/Cyber
Charter Students is a new policy which was discussed for the first
time at the January 2011 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
2.
Policy 201 – Admission of Beginners - See Attachment D
Dr. Bluebello reviewed the first draft of Policy 201 – Admission of
Beginners with the Board. Some of the language in the policy was
clarified and minor revisions were made.
Background
Policy 201 – Admission of Beginners was discussed at the January
2011 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
IX. New Business
8
January 27, 2011
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing
B.
General
1.
2009/10 Independent Audit Report
Resolve, that the Board approve the 2009/2010 Independent
Audit Report from the accounting firm of Barbacane,
Thornton & Company LLP for the fiscal year ending June 30,
2010.
Background
This was discussed at the January 13, 2011 Finance
Committee Meeting.
2.
Budgetary Transfers
Rose Tree Media School District Policy #612..(Public School
code section 609) when funds are not available for a
proposed appropriation, a legal transfer from one class of
expenditure to another may be made in the last nine (9)
months of the fiscal year by the board.
Resolve, that the Board approve the following change orders:
FY 11-14 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
FROM:
AMOUNT:
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction- Supplies
$4,735
Instruction- Books
$500
Instruction & Curriculum Development Svcs–
Workbooks
$5,235.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase paperback books
for the book room, and 100 book challenge baskets.
X. Finance
1
January 27, 2011
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers (continued)
FY 11-15 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instruction- Supplies
$3,250.00
Instruction – New Equipment
$3,250.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase equipment for
the Music Department.
FY 11-16 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
TO:
AMOUNT:
Other Student Services – Contracted Services
$1,500.00
Guidance Services - Workbooks
$1,500.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to pay for Naviance webinar.
FY 11-17 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
TO:
AMOUNT:
Technology Support Services - Supplies
$1,384.00
Technology Support Services – New
Equipment
$1,384.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase Smartboard.
X. Finance
2
January 27, 2011
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers (continued)
FY 11-18 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
AMOUNT:
FROM:
AMOUNT:
TO:
AMOUNT:
Vehicle & Maintenance Services - Supplies
$1,004.25
Nonpublic Transportation - Supplies
$ 334.75
Vehicle & Maintenance Services – New
Equipment
$1,339.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for the purchase of a floating
bus camera.
Background
This was discussed at the January 13, 2011 Finance
Committee Meeting.
X. Finance
3
January 27, 2011
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
3.
Act 1 Resolution
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors of the Rose
Tree Media School District, makes the following
unconditional certifications:
1.
The school district’s various tax levies and other
revenue sources will be sufficient to balance the
school district final budget for the next fiscal year
2011-12 based on maintaining current tax rates
or increasing tax rates by an amount less than
or equal to the Act 1 index applicable to the
school district as calculated by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education. This conclusion is
based on the school district preliminary budget
or other information available to the School
Board.
2.
The applicable index for the next fiscal year is
1.4%, and the School Board will not for the next
fiscal year's increase the rate of its real estate
tax, or any other tax for the support of public
education, by an amount that exceeds the
applicable index.
3.
4.
The School Board has to date and in the future
will comply with the rules set forth in School
Code § 687 for adoption of the school district
proposed and final budgets for the next fiscal
year.
The School Board understands that the school
district will not be eligible to use Act 1
referendum exceptions for the next fiscal year.
Background
This was discussed at the January 13, 2011
Finance Committee Meeting.
X. Finance
4
January 27, 2011
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
4.
GAI Consultants Contract
Resolve, that the Board ratify the contract with GAI
Consultants, to review documents for an amount not
to exceed $3,000.
Background
This was discussed at the January 13, 2011 Finance
Committee Meeting.
5.
Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership Contract
Resolve, that the Board ratify the contract in the
amount of $1,600 with the Philadelphia Arts in
Education Partnership, which is an artist in residence
program for Media Elementary School.
Background
This was discussed at the January 13, 2011 Finance
Committee Meeting.
6.
Donations
Resolve, that the Board accept the following
donations:
$1,000 from the Safeguard Group for the Athletic
Department at Penncrest High School.
A bench donated to Glenwood Elementary School by
the family of Louise Miller, a former Kindergarten
teacher.
Background
This was discussed at the January 13, 2011 Finance
Committee Meeting.
X. Finance
5
January 27, 2011
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
7.
Change Orders
Change Orders are acted upon in accordance with
Resolution 1997-98 – 124, as approved by the School
Board of Directors on April 23, 1998.
Resolve, that the Board approve the following Change
Order EC- 01 in the amount of $165,652.32 to ElectriTech for revisions to the Springton Lake Middle
School Server Room and deduction for the Verizon
ductbank service revision.
Background
This was discussed at the January 13, 2011
Operations Committee Meeting.
8.
Settlement Agreement with Student #40295
Resolve, that the Board approve the Settlement
Agreement of Student #40295.
Background
Terms of the Settlement Agreement were discussed
at the January 2011 Pupil Services Committee
Meeting.
X. Finance
6
January 27, 2011
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
9.
Villanova Agreement
Resolve, that the Board approve the contract between
Villanova University and the Rose Tree Media School
District.
Background
The commencement ceremony will take place at
Villanova University on Thursday, June 9, 2011, at
7:00 p.m. The estimated expense for use of the
facility is $10,875.00. The approximate cost of the
handicapped lift rental will be $1,500 additional.
X. Finance
7
January 27, 2011
No. 113.1
Attachment A
ROSE TREE MEDIA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
SECTION:
PROGRAMS
TITLE:
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR
SUPPORT PLAN
ADOPTED:
December 19, 2002
REVISED:
113.1. POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT PLAN
1. Purpose
Title 22
Sec. 14.133,
14.145
20 U.S.C.
Sec. 1414
34 CFR
Sec. 300.114
2. Authority
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
The Rose Tree Media School District believes in the use of positive behavior
support. This policy is designed primarily to enable children with individualized
educational programs (IEPs), who need a Positive Behavior Support Plan, to benefit
from a free, appropriate, public educational program (FAPE), within the least
restrictive educational environment (LRE), in accordance with the requirements in
Pennsylvania’s regulations and standards. A Positive Behavior Support Plan may
also be employed for a regular education student in need of such support.
Effective techniques to teach socially appropriate alternative skills and reduce
problem behavior will be employed. Positive side effects (e.g., improved
attendance, grades, etc.) will also be monitored along with improvements in student
general heath/well-being as a result of positive behavior support. A hierarchy from
least to most intrusive strategies will be utilized.
Behavior support programs and plans must be based on a functional assessment of
behavior and use positive behavior techniques.
Behavior support programs must include research based practices and techniques to
develop and maintain skills that will enhance an individual student’s opportunity for
learning and self-fulfillment.
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
A Positive Behavior Support Plan for a child must be designed and implemented in
accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Guidelines for
Effective Behavior Support. Specifically, a multi-component approach will be used
which follows a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), including the identification
of antecedents and consequences for behavior. The Positive Behavior Support Plan,
based on this Functional Behavior Assessment, will be designed to teach alternative
skills and to reduce problem behavior.
When an intervention is needed for a problem behavior, the types of interventions
chosen for the behavior shall be the least intrusive necessary to address the behavior.
Page 1 of 5
113.1. POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT PLAN - Pg. 2
The use of restraints is considered a measure of last resort, only to be used after
other less restrictive measurers, including de-escalation techniques.
Nothing in this policy shall be construed to require the development of a separate
behavior support or intervention plan when appropriate positive behavioral
intervention, strategies, and supports, consistent with the requirements of this policy,
can be incorporated into the body of the IEP or a student’s Positive Behavior
Support Plan.
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
3. Definitions
Physical restraints may only be used as a crisis intervention to control acute
aggressive behavior when the student is acting in a manner which presents a clear
and present danger to him/herself, to other students, to employees, or others, and
only when less restrictive measures and techniques have proven to be ineffective.
These procedures must be documented as a part of a student’s Crisis Management
Plan in the student’s Positive Behavior Support Plan and/or IEP.
As used in this policy, the following words and terms shall have the following
meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
Aversive Techniques - Deliberate activities designed to establish a negative
association with a specific behavior.
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
Behavior Support - The development, change and maintenance of selected
behaviors through the systematic application of behavior change
techniques.
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
Positive Behavior Support Plan - A plan for a student, who requires specific
intervention to address behavior that interferes with learning. Primarily, such a plan
is developed for a student with an IEP, but a regular education student may also
require such a plan. A Positive Behavior Support Plan shall be developed by a
student’s team/IEP Team, based on a Functional Behavior Assessment, and, for a
special education student, becomes part of the student’s IEP. These plans must
include methods that use positive reinforcement and other positive techniques to
shape the behavior of the student, ranging from the use of positive verbal statements
as a reward for good behavior to the use of specific tangible rewards.
Restraints – The application of physical force, with or without the use of any
device, for the purpose of restraining the free movement of a student’s body,
excluding the following:
1.
Briefly holding a student, without force, to calm or comfort him/her.
2.
Guiding a student to an appropriate activity.
3.
Holding a student’s hand to escort him/her safely from one area to another.
Page 2 of 5
113.1. POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT PLAN - Pg. 3
4.
Hand-over-hand assistance with feeding, task completion or other fine motor
tasks.
5.
Techniques prescribed by a qualified medical professional for reasons of
safety or for therapeutic or medical treatment, as agreed to by the student’s
parents/guardians and, for special education students, specified in the IEP.
6.
Mechanical restraints governed by this policy, such as devices used for physical
or occupational therapy, seatbelts in wheelchairs or on toilets used for balance
and safety, safety harnesses in buses, and functional positioning devices
SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
4. Guidelines
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
Use Of Physical Restraints Other Than Mechanical Restraints:
Restraints to control acute or episodic aggressive or self-injurious behavior may be
used only when the student is acting in a manner which presents a clear and present
danger to him/herself, to other students or to employees, and only when less
restrictive measures and techniques have proven to be or are less effective. The
Building Administrator shall notify the parent/guardian as soon as practicable of the
use of restraint to control the aggressive behavior of his/her child and shall convene
a meeting of the student’s team/IEP team within ten (10) school days of the
inappropriate behavior causing the use of restraints, unless the parent/guardian, after
written notice, agrees in writing to waive the meeting. At this meeting, the
student’s team/IEP team shall consider whether the following are needed to address
the inappropriate behavior: a new or revised Functional Behavioral Assessment, a
new or revised Evaluation/Reevaluation Report, a new or revised Positive Behavior
Support Plan, and/or a new, revised or change of educational programming and/or
placement to address the inappropriate behavior.
The use of restraints may only be included in a student’s Crisis Plan and/or IEP
under the following conditions:
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
1.
The restraint is used in conjunction with specific components of the
Positive Behavior Support Plan.
2.
The restraint is used in conjunction with the teaching of socially
acceptable alternative skills to replace problem behavior.
3.
Staff are authorized, and have received all training required, to use the
specific procedure.
4.
The Positive Behavior Support Plan for the student includes a plan for
eliminating the use of restraint through the application of positive behavior
support strategies and techniques.
Page 3 of 5
113.1. POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT PLAN - Pg. 4
5.
The use of restraint is not included in the Crisis Plan and/or IEP for the
convenience of staff, as a substitute for an educational program, or to be
employed as punishment.
Use Of Mechanical Restraints:
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
Mechanical restraints, which are used to control involuntary movement or lack of
muscular control of students when due to organic causes or conditions, may be
employed only when specified by an IEP and as determined by a medical
professional qualified to make the determination, and as agreed to by the student’s
parents/guardians. Mechanical restraints shall prevent a student from injuring
him/herself or others or promote normative body positioning and physical
functioning.
Proscription of Certain Aversive Techniques:
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
The following aversive techniques for addressing behavior are inappropriate and
may not be used in educational programs:
1.
Corporal punishment.
2.
Punishment for a manifestation of a child’s disability.
3.
Locked rooms, locked boxes, or other locked structures or spaces from which
the child cannot readily exit.
4.
Noxious substances.
5.
Deprivation of basic human rights, such as withholding meals, water or fresh
air.
6.
Suspensions constituting a pattern as defined in section 14.143(a) of the
regulations of the State Board of Education, 22 Pa. Code § 14.143(a), and any
successor regulation.
7.
Treatment of a demeaning nature.
8.
Electric shock.
9.
The use of prone restraints, which are those by which a student is held face
down on the floor.
Page 4 of 5
113.1. POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT PLAN - Pg. 5
Reporting And Monitoring:
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall maintain and report data on the use
of restraints in a manner prescribed by the Secretary of Education of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Such report shall be readily available for review
during cyclical compliance monitoring conducted by the Pennsylvania Department
of Education.
TRAINING
Regular Program of Training:
Title 22
Sec. 14.133
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall provide for the regular training and
retraining, as needed, of personnel in the use of specific procedures, methods, and
techniques, including restraints, that those personnel will be expected to employ in
the implementation of positive behavior supports or interventions in accordance with
a student’s Positive Behavior Support Plan and/or IEP and this policy. A Crisis
Team should be identified in each school and this training should be conducted
annually for the Crisis Team.
References:
State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 14.133
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act – 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.
Individuals With Disabilities Education, Title 34, Code of Federal Regulations 34 CFR Part 300
Board Policy - 113
4.
Page 5 of 5
Attachment B
Administrators and Supervisors I
Handbook
on Compensation and Related Benefits
School Board Policy No. 328
Approved by the Board
of School Directors
January 27, 2011
For the period
July 1, 2011 through
June 30, 2012
ADMINISTRATORS AND SUPERVISORS I
HANDBOOK
ON COMPENSATION AND RELATED BENEFITS
I.
RECOGNITION
For the purpose of discussing compensation and related benefits, the Board
recognizes the Rose Tree Media Association of Administrators and
Supervisors (ADSUP I) as the representative for the Directors of Teaching and
Learning, Principals, Assistant Principals, Director of Pupil Services, Director
of Technology and Information Science, Supervisor of Special Education,
Network Specialist, Information Systems Specialist, Management Systems
Administrator, School Psychologists, Athletic Director, Accountant, Supervisor
of Business Operations, Transportation Supervisor, Supervisor of Maintenance
and Operations, Home and School Visitor. This group will in this document
and here and after be referred to as ADSUP I.
II.
ADJUSTMENT AND EQUALIZATION OF ADSUP I - RTMEA BENEFITS
At minimum, equivalent benefits granted to the teachers association will, at the same
time, be granted to the members of ADSUP. A committee of ADSUP I members will
meet with the School Board and the Superintendent to discuss benefits granted to
the teachers' association which are not available to ADSUP members in this policy.
III.
ANNUAL LEAVE (TWELVE-MONTH EMPLOYEES)
A.
Each ADSUP I member completing one year of service will earn twenty-three
(23) vacation days paid vacation per year to be accrued monthly at the rate of
1.9167 days per month. One additional vacation day will be granted for each
five years of administrative service in Rose Tree Media School District, to a
maximum of twenty-five (25) days. Newly hired administrators will be granted
fourteen (14) days in the first year.
B.
In case of resignation or retirement, an individual will be compensated at
his/her per diem rate for unused, accumulated annual leave, not to exceed
twenty (20) work days.
C.
During the winter recess/and spring vacation when school is not in session,
individuals on a twelve-month contract are expected to be on duty. However,
the Board recognizes the integrity and good judgment of its executives in
interpreting their own work schedule for these days. If leave is desired during
these time periods, individuals are free to take annual leave if there is not
pressing business.
-2-
III.
ANNUAL LEAVE (TWELVE-MONTH EMPLOYEES), continued
D.
IV.
Employee may carry over a maximum of 30 days to a new school
year. Employees must use at least eleven (11) vacation days each year.
Employee may then request to be paid for a maximum of eight (8) unused
vacation days at per diem rate if he/she is over the maximum of 30 days at the
end of the school year (June 30th).
SICK LEAVE
Members shall accumulate twelve (12) sick leave days at the rate of one per working
month. The concept of a Sick Leave Bank will be developed and jointly agreed upon
by the Board and ADSUP I.
V.
SICK LEAVE BUY-BACK
The employee must have completed ten (10) years of continuous employment with
the Rose Tree Media School District as a permanent member of the staff or have a
mutually agreed upon alternative between the board, superintendent and ADSUP I
employee to be eligible for this benefit.
The Board will pay the employee upon termination of his/her employment with the
Rose Tree Media School District for the duration of the contract as follows:
days 1-100
days 101-150
days 151-250
Beyond 250
VI.
2011-2012
$60 per day
$70 per day
$75 per day
$80 per day
SICK LEAVE BANK
If the Rose Tree Media Education Association establishes a sick leave bank, the
ADSUP I group will be allowed to establish one also.
VII.
PERSONAL AND EMERGENCY LEAVE
Individuals will be allowed five (5) days per year for emergencies and personal
business which must be conducted during school hours. Such paid absences may
be designated as confidential, and will be granted after prior written approval of the
immediate supervisor. Any unused personal days will be converted to sick leave on
July 1 of each fiscal year.
-3-
VIII.
UNPAID LEAVE OF ABSENCE
An unpaid leave of absence may be granted for a specific period of time during which
the employee provides no service to the district, receives no salary or benefits, yet is
retained as a district employee. Except as otherwise provided, leave commencement
and termination dates shall be the first and third quarters to coincide with the end of
marking periods.
The Superintendent shall make recommendations to the Board, which shall consider
each case individually. The sole consideration in granting such leave shall be the
welfare of the students and the availability of suitable replacements.
IX.
PROFESSIONAL DUES
Subject to the Superintendent’s approval throughout the duration of this agreement,
each member shall receive a $750 allocation for memberships in professional
associations each year.
Receipt of payment of dues will be made available upon request.
X.
Professional Development Reimbursement
A.
Professional Development reimbursement will be paid for by the Board
contingent upon the Superintendent’s written approval of the course or
program and the institution offering same.
B.
The Board will reimburse the cost of professional development up to $7,500
per individual for courses or programs that are approved by the
Superintendent as directly beneficial to the individual and the school district. A
maximum of $35,000 will be available.
C.
Fund Allocation
Summer I and Summer II
2011-2012
$11,667
D.
Spring
$11,666
Process for submission of course requests
1.
D.
Fall
$11,667
All ADSUP I members must file a formal request for professional
development reimbursement prior to the start of each academic
semester.
Process for submission of course requests
2.
Course requests deadlines:
Fall semester:
by August 15th
-4-
Spring semester:
Summer I and II:
XI.
by January 1st
by May 1st
3.
Professional Development requests for that academic semester will
be equally distributed among all ADSUP I members using each
individual’s first professional development request. For individuals
requesting additional reimbursements for the same academic
semester, any remaining funds will be equally distributed.
4.
Any remaining balance will be forwarded to the next academic
semester.
AUTOMOBILE REIMBURSEMENT
Individuals using their own automobiles in pursuance of school duties will be
reimbursed at the rate allowed by the US Internal Revenue Service.
XII.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
At the Superintendent's discretion, the School Board Solicitor will be made available
to individuals sued for performance within the jurisdiction of their assignments.
XIII.
NOTIFICATION OF ELIMINATION OF POSITION
Every effort will be made to provide written notification of one year in instances in
which an ADSUP I position is to be eliminated.
XIV.
HOLIDAY AND SUMMER WORKSHOP ATTENDANCE
Ten-month members of ADSUP I whose attendance is mandatory during July and
August will be paid at their per diem rate.
XV.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
A.
Health and Hospitalization
1.
Flex Benefits
The board and members of the administrative team will work together to
review a mutually agreed upon flex benefit plan. Funds will be
allocated to each administrator to purchase annual benefits through the
flex benefit plan or continue with No. 2 as outlined below.
-5-
2.
Contribution to Benefits/Medical Insurance
ADSUP I members shall contribute the following percentages of the
applicable premium cost by payroll deduction.
2011-20012
XV.
9%
INSURANCE BENEFITS, continued
Coverage: Independence Blue Cross Personal Choice Option 20/30/70
or equivalent. The Board has the right to select the insurance carrier.
Should the ADSUP I member choose a more expensive available plan,
the member must pay the difference between the applicable premium
for Personal Choice 20/30/70 and the plan chosen.
The foregoing medical benefits enumerated above shall, for the
remaining years of this agreement, be the same as those benefits
afforded members of the Rose Tree Media Education Association,
including the same contributions for those benefits as may apply to the
members of that Association.
3.
Withdrawal Bonus
Each employee who chooses not to elect health and hospital coverage
with Rose Tree Media School District shall receive monthly payments
equal to single employee contribution rates. If the employee chooses to
reenter the plan, the first reentry shall be at no cost to the employee.
Any subsequent reentry shall cost the employee 25% per month of the
contribution rate for one year.
4.
5.
Dental
a.
Contributions:
Board shall contribute one hundred percent (100%) of the
premium for the individual or family plan coverage.
b.
Coverage:
Basic Delta Dental plan or equivalent. The Board has the
right to select the insurance carrier.
Dental Supplemental - Oral Surgery
a.
Contributions:
Board shall contribute one hundred percent (100%) of the
premium for the individual or family plan coverage.
b.
Coverage:
Oral Surgery (100% UCR )
-6-
Prosthetics ( 50% UCR)
Periodontics (50% UCR)
Delta Dental Oral Surgery Plan or equivalent
6.
7.
8.
Dental Supplemental - Orthodontics
a.
Contributions:
The Board shall contribute one hundred percent (100%) of
the individual or family plan coverage.
b.
Coverage:
Delta Dental Orthodontics Plan or equivalent. The Board has the
right to select the insurance carrier. Effective July 1, 2004, the
maximum lifetime orthodontic benefit will be $1,600.
Vision
a.
Contribution:
The Board shall contribute one hundred percent (100%) of the
premium for family plan coverage per month toward the
employee's subscription.
b.
Coverage:
Eye examination and refraction service. Vision Benefits of
America Plan or equivalent. The Board has the right to select
the insurance carrier.
Prescription Plan
a.
Contribution:
ADSUP I members shall contribute the following
percentages toward the premium for prescription coverage:
2011 -2012: 9%
The foregoing medical benefits enumerated above shall, for the
remaining years of this agreement, be the same as those
benefits afforded members of the Rose Tree Media Education
Association, including the same contributions for those benefits
as may apply to the members of that Association.
b.
Coverage:
The Board has the right to select the insurance carrier.
-7-
XV.
INSURANCE BENEFITS, continued
9.
10.
Disability income Protection
a.
Base insurance plan for the individual in first two years in the
district amounts to approximately 66 2/3% (as determined by
insurance carrier) of monthly salary, payable for one year.
Payments begin after sixty (60) days of disability to a maximum
of $6,111 per month. The Board has the right to select the
insurance carrier.
b.
Individual in his/her third year with district is eligible for long-term
disability. If disability continues into second year, benefits
amount to approximately 66 2/3% (as determined by insurance
carrier) of salary to a maximum of $6,111 per month, payable to
age 65.
c.
Long-term disability supplement provides that an eligible
individual will receive 75% of his/her salary, to age 65, if
disability results from an on-the-job injury.
Life Insurance
Each full-time member shall receive at Board expense term life
insurance of 3x annual salary. Additional term life insurance may
be purchased by the individual as the insurance carrier's contract
allows.
11.
Tax Sheltered Annuity
The district will contribute to a TSA program up to 2.0% of salary
with a dollar for dollar match of the employee contribution and
consistent with the Tax Code.
12.
Automobile
The Board will provide no ownership liability insurance as the
secondary insurer to supplement the individual's own insurance for
accidents occurring while on authorized school business.
13.
Self Insurance Fund
The Board will provide up to $750 per ADSUP I member for an annual
physical examination. Verification of the physical examination and the
date on which it occurred will be submitted to the Human Resources
Department. The results of the physical examination are to be
confidential and the property of the administrator. In addition, any
unreimbursed medical, dental, and/or vision costs will be paid up to the
balance of the $750. Original receipts will be provided.
-8-
XV.
INSURANCE BENEFITS, continued
14.
Post Retirement Health Benefit
Rose Tree Media School District agrees to pay medical, prescription,
dental and vision insurance upon retirement for those members of
ADSUP I with a minimum of 10 years of service as members of the
administrative team in the Rose Tree Media School District. Benefits
will be paid at the rate of 85% of the cost of the premium for Personal
Choice 20/30/70 in effect at the time of retirement, to Medicare eligible
age or for a maximum of 7 years. Coverage will extend to the employee
or employee and spouse based on the coverage in effect at the time of
retirement, with the right of survivorship. Employee must be at least 55
years of age to be eligible and must actually retire under the terms of
the Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System within
60 days of the termination date. In no case will the coverage extend to
the retiree or spouse beyond Medicare eligible age.
XVI.
SALARY
A.
Each year, by March 31, the Superintendent will notify any individual whose
performance may adversely affect future salary consideration. This notification
will be in writing, and followed by a conference involving the Superintendent,
the individual, his immediate supervisor, a representative of ADSUP I (if
requested by the individual) and other appropriate parties.
B.
The Board will provide salary increases in the amount of 0% during the term
of this agreement. Administrators whose salaries are at or above the
maximum of the range will have their salaries capped until such time as the
maximum of the range exceeds the administrator’s salary.
C.
ADSUP I Members whose salaries are below the midpoint will be moved to
the midpoint by the end of the second year in the position. For purposes of
movement toward midpoint, an administrator who is hired prior to December
1 of the School year will be given credit for that year.
Administrators whose performance does not meet expectations or
whose performance is unsatisfactory may receive no salary increase or a
partial salary increase as determined by the superintendent.
D.
Newly hired ADSUP I members without experience will be placed at the
minimum of the range. Salaries for candidates with experience in the position
being filled will be calculated using the following formula:
Minimum salary for the range plus standard increase for the year x .5 x years
of experience. EX: $105,000 + ($105,000 x .04 x .5 x 4) = $113,400. Entry
salaries would be capped at the midpoint of the range unless expressly
approved by the BSD.
-9-
XVII.
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE, continued
A.
B.
If any ADSUP I member designated in 1. feels the subject of a violation of
School Board Policy, exclusive of contracts, personnel handbooks and
agreements with employee groups, he/she may avail himself/herself
of the following procedure if initiated within ten (10) working days of the
alleged violation (a “day” is defined as a working day):
1.
Discuss the matter with his/her immediate supervisor and/or
other appropriate administrative or supervisory personnel.
2.
If the difference is not resolved, the complainant will explain
his/her position, in writing, to the Superintendent within ten (10)
days of the alleged occurrence, and notify him/her that he/she is
invoking this complaint procedure. The Superintendent will
confer with the complainant within ten (10) days of receiving
such notice.
3.
The Superintendent will send his decision, in writing, to the
complainant within five (5) days of the conference.
4.
If the complainant is not satisfied with the Superintendent's
decision, he may, within five (5) days of its receipt appeal the
decision to the Board of School Directors, with a copy to the
Superintendent.
5.
The Board will confer with the-complainant and Superintendent
within thirty (30) days of receipt of the appeal.
6.
The Board promptly will send its decision, in writing, to the
complainant and Superintendent. Board’s decision will be final
and binding.
7.
The Board does not intend to waive legal rights of the
complainant. If the complainant elects to proceed by any other
legal remedy, he/she shall waive his/her rights to proceed under
this complaint procedure.
In following this procedure, these provisions will apply:
1.
All conferences will be held at a time mutually convenient to all
participants and will be confidential.
2.
Either party may invite other persons to attend conferences.
3.
Failure at any step of this procedure to communicate decisions within
the specified time limits shall permit the complainant to lodge an appeal
at the next step of the procedure.
- 10 -
4.
Failure by the complainant to observe any deadline will discontinue the
process beyond that step.
5.
The time limits specified in this procedure may be extended by written
mutual agreement, with the exception of the initial ten (10) day period in
which a complaint must be filed.
XVIII. MEET AND DISCUSS PANEL
A Meet and Discuss Panel will be selected for the purposes of discussing matters of
concern to both the School Board and to ADSUP I. The Panel will consist of three (3)
Board members, the Superintendent, and four (4) ADSUP members (selected by
ADSUP I). The Panel will meet as needed on a mutually agreed upon basis.
- 11 -
No. 140.1
Attachment C
ROSE TREE MEDIA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
SECTION:
PROGRAMS
TITLE:
EXTRA CURRICULAR
PARTICIPATION BY
CHARTER/CYBER CHARTER
STUDENTS
ADOPTED:
REVISED:
140.1 EXTRA CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION BY
CHARTER/CYBER CHARTER STUDENTS
1. Authority
SC 1719-A,
1749-A
Pol. 122, 123,
140
The Board shall approve participation in the district’s extracurricular activities and
interscholastic athletic programs by a student enrolled in a charter or cyber charter
school if all of the following conditions are met:
1.
2.
3.
The student is a resident of the school district.
The charter or cyber charter school does not provide the same extracurricular
activity or interscholastic athletic program.
The student fulfills all eligibility criteria required for participation in an activity
by district students, in accordance with Board policy.
The Board shall not provide individual transportation for students enrolled in charter
or cyber charter schools who participate in the district’s extracurricular activities or
interscholastic athletic programs. When the district provides transportation to and
from an away competition, game, event or exhibition and requires district students to
use district transportation, charter/cyber charter students shall be required to use the
transportation provided by the district.
2. Guidelines
Charter and cyber charter school students shall be given an equal opportunity to
compete for positions and participate in extracurricular activities and interscholastic
athletic programs.
A charter or cyber charter school student may only participate in extracurricular
activities and interscholastic athletic programs at the school building the student
would be assigned to if s/he was enrolled in the school district.
If a class for credit held during the school day by the school district is required for
participation in activities that take place outside of the class, charter/cyber charter
students shall not be eligible to participate in such activities.
Page 1 of 2
140.1 EXTRA CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION BY CHARTER/CYBER CHARTER STUDENTS
The following guidelines shall govern participation in the district’s extracurricular
activities and interscholastic athletic programs by eligible charter and cyber charter
school students, who shall:
1.
Be a resident of the school district
Pol. 122, 123
2.
Meet the required eligibility criteria.
Pol. 123
3.
Maintain appropriate insurance coverage, consistent with the coverage
requirements for district students.
Pol. 122, 123,
218
4.
Comply with Board policies and school rules and regulations regarding
extracurricular activities, interscholastic athletics, and student discipline.
SC 511
5.
Comply with policies, rules and regulations of the activity’s governing
organization.
Pol. 204
6.
Meet attendance and reporting requirements established for all participants of
the activity or program.
Pol. 123
7.
Meet the requirements for physical examinations, physical fitness and any
height and/or weight restrictions.
8.
Comply with all requirements and directives of the district staff, coaches and
administrators involved with the extracurricular activity or interscholastic
athletic program.
3. Delegation of
Responsibility
The building principal or designee shall receive and review written verification from
the charter or cyber charter school that a student has met and continues to meet the
established eligibility criteria for an extracurricular activity or interscholastic athletic
program.
The district shall distribute information regarding eligibility criteria and student
participation in extracurricular activities and interscholastic athletics to all affected
by them.
The district shall ensure that charter and cyber charter students have access to
information regarding the district’s extracurricular activities and interscholastic
athletic programs.
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 511, 1719-A, 1749-A
Board Policy – 122, 123, 40, 204, 218
Page 2 of 2
No. 201
Attachment D
ROSE TREE MEDIA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
SECTION:
PUPILS
TITLE:
ADMISSION OF BEGINNERS
ADOPTED:
December 19, 2002
REVISED:
201. ADMISSION OF BEGINNERS
1. Purpose
SC 1301
Title 22
Sec. 11.41
The Board shall establish age requirements for the admission of beginners which are
consistent with statute and sound educational practice and which ensure the
equitable treatment of all eligible children.
2. Authority
Beginners First Grade
SC 1304, 1326
Beginners are children students entering the lowest grade of the primary school
above the kindergarten level. They shall be admitted to school only during the first
two (2) weeks of the annual school term except that a child who is eight (8) years of
age may begin school at any time during the school year.
Title 22
Sec. 11.15
SC 1304
A beginner is eligible for admission to the lowest grade of the primary school above
the kindergarten level first grade if s/he has attained the age of six (6) years before
the first day of September.
Title 22
Sec. 11.16
The Superintendent or designee may, on the written request of the parent or
guardian, admit as a beginner a child whose chronological age is not less than five
(5) years when so recommended by the school psychologist and approved by the
Superintendent.
Those students who do not meet the established entry age before the first day of
September, but who have completed and provide documentation of one (1) full year
of kindergarten in a kindergarten accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of
Education, may be considered for first grade entry.
The Board may admit as a beginner a child who is five (5) years old and
demonstrates readiness for entry by the first day of the school term, upon the written
request of the parent/guardian, recommendation of the district psychologist, and
approval of the Superintendent.
The Board is not required to admit as a beginner any child whose age is less than the
district’s established admission age for beginners.
Page 1 of 2
Formatted: Strikethrough
Approval to participate in in-house education is dependent upon meeting the
district’s requirements for admission of beginners. In-home instruction will not be
recognized by the district in consideration for admittance to first grade prior to the
age for beginners.
Kindergarten
Title 22
Sec. 11.14
SC 503
3. Delegation of
Responsibility
A child is eligible for admission to kindergarten if s/he has attained the age of five
(5) years before the admission date of entry to kindergartenfirst day of September.
The Superintendent shall require that each child who registers for entrance to school
exhibit his/her birth certificate or similar documentation as proof of age and
birthdate
shall submit proof of age, residency, and required immunizations..
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 503, 1301, 1304, 1326
State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 4.41, 11.12, 11.14,
11.15, 11.16, 11.41
Board Policy 137, 200, 203
Formatted