ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Legislative Agenda
October 22, 2009
7:30 p.m.
I.
Call to Order
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
III.
Penncrest High School Undefeated Varsity Volleyball Team
Math Investigations - Indian Lane students with teachers, Abby Burke and
David Woods
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
VI.
Legislative Meeting of September 24, 2009
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Roll Call
Presentations and Awards
A.
IV.
Pledge of Allegiance
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports
Committee Highlights and Reports
School Reports
Superintendent’s Report
Solicitor’s Report
President’s Report
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
B.
Agenda
RTMEA
Healthy Communities Initiative
1
10/22/2009
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Old Business
A.
IX.
Rose Tree Media Residents
None
New Business
A.
B.
Agenda
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
c.
Supplemental Contracts
d.
Elimination of Position
e.
Create New Position
Overnight Trips
1.
FBLA State Leadership Workshop, 11/1/09 – 11/2/09, Penn State
University Main Campus
2.
Closing the Achievement Gap,11/7/09-11/8/09, Rickets Glen State
Park
3.
PA Association of Student Councils State Conference, 11/12/09 –
11/14/09, Pennridge High School
4.
Student Leadership, 11/21/09 – 11/23/09, Stroudsburg, PA
5.
Boys Cross Country State Championship, 11/6/09 – 11/7/09,
Hershey, PA
6.
Girls Indoor Track – Kevin Dare, 1/22/10 – 1/23/10, Penn State
University
7.
Regional Cheerleading Championship, 1/30/10 – 1/31/10, Penn
State University
8.
Boys Indoor State Track Championship, 3/5/10 – 3/6/10, Penn
State University
9.
Wrestling Regional Tournament – PIAA – 3/5/10 – 3/6/10, Council
Rock North High School
10.
Girls Indoor Track States, 3/5/10 – 3/6/10, Penn State University
11.
State Wrestling Championship – PIAA, 3/10/10 – 3/13/10, Hershey,
PA
12.
Boys Track Outdoor State Championship, 5/27/10 – 5/29/10,
Shippensburg University
13.
Girls Outdoor Track State Championship, 5/28/10 – 5/29/10,
Shippensburg University
2
10/22/2009
C.
D.
X.
Finance
A.
B.
C.
D.
XI.
Policies
1.
Policy #217 Graduation Requirements – First Read – See
Attachment A
Addendum – Personnel
1.
Terminations – None
2.
Nominations
3.
General
a.
Other – See Attachment B
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1.
Theraplay, Inc.
2.
Austill’s Rehabilitation Services
3.
Dr. Robert F. Sing
4.
Dr. Peter N. Christie
5.
Jessica Brady, Dental Hygienist
6.
Carmelinda Mann, M.A.
7.
CritiCare
8.
Bayada Nurses, Inc
9.
G.A.T.E. Program
Financials for August 2009
Bill lists for August 2009
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 November 19, 2009 at Penncrest High
School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
Agenda
3
10/22/2009
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
September 24, 2009
Minutes of the September 24, 2009 Legislative Meeting
Call to Order
Roll Call
Board Members in Attendance:
Pledge of Allegiance
Students:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, President
Veronica Barbato
Peter Barry
Nancy Fronduti
John Hanna
Nancy Mackrides
William Montgomery
William O’Donnell
Jeffrey Pettit
Also in Attendance:
Ron Baldino, Director of Maintenance & Oper.
Linda Bluebello, Director of Pupil Services
Eric Bucci, Ass’t. Principal, PHS
Anne Callahan, Dir. Human Resources
Karen Daugherty, Principal, RTE
Bill Dougherty, Principal, GWE
Susan Evans, Ass’t. Principal, PHS
Grace Eves, Dir. Management Services
Angela Gilbert, Dir. Elem. Teaching & Learning
Rick Gregg, Principal PHS
Ron Harris, Educ. Ctr. Network Specialist
Ralph Harrison, Ass’t Principal PCHS
Heather Henise, Accountant
Joanne Horan, Reading Supervisor
Anthony Jackowski, Ass’t. Principal SLMS
Joyce Jeuell, Principal, SLMS
Daniel Belk
Nicalia ThompSon
Michele Schapire
Christine Sowa
Mack Johnson, Management Specialist for
SMS and FMS
Thomas Kelly, Solicitor
Denise Kerr, Superintendent of Schools
Bonnie Kinsler, Director of Transportation
Maria Kotch, Principal, MES
Patti Linden, Dir.Tech. & Info. Sciences
Roxanne Schupp, Supv. Business Oper.
Steve Taylor, Dir. Sec. Teaching & Learning
Katherine White, Principal, MES
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
B.
Legislative Meeting of August 27, 2009
Bid Opening Minutes of August 24, 2009 – Four Music Room Doors at
Penncrest High School
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2009-10 – 10
Resolved, that the Board approve the Legislative Meeting Minutes of
August 27, 2009 and the Bid Opening Minutes of August 24, 2009.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the
vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
III.
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
William Montgomery, William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
Presentations and Awards
A.
Envirothon Team – Mark Samilenko and Amanda Meltz
Katie Ferguson and Jennifer Walker
Mr. Hanna moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2009-10 - 11
Resolved, that the Board of School Directors recognize the Penncrest
High School Envirothon Team, Katie Ferguson and Jennifer Walker, and
their coaches Mark Samilenko and Amanda Meltz for coming in First
Place at the National Canon Envirothon competition.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the
vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
William Montgomery, William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
2
9/24/09
B.
Penncrest High School – New Signage
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2009-10 - 12
Resolved, that the Board of School Directors recognize Rick Gregg,
Ralph Harrison, Stephen Mescanti, Carl Kriebel, Ron Baldino, Jack
Dunne, and Armondo Ragni for designing, producing, and installing the
new room signs at Penncrest High School.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the
vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
IV.
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
William O’Donnell, William Montgomery, Jeffrey Pettit
None
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Penncrest Advanced Placement Program – Rick Gregg
Presenters: Beth Clements, Rob Simpson, Ed Somers, and
Sharon Sweeney.
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
VI.
Student Liaison Reports
Board Liaison Reports - None
School Reports -In the Official Legislative Minutes of September 24, 2009.
Superintendent’s Report -In the Official Legislative Minutes of
September 24, 2009.
Solicitor’s Report - In the Official Legislative Minutes of September 24, 2009.
President’s Report – In the Official Legislative Minutes of September 24,
2009.
Scheduled Presentations
A.
B.
RTMEA – Sandy Steiger
Healthy Communities Initiative – Dana Reiker
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations
A.
Rose Tree Media Residents - None
VIII.
Old Business
A.
None
3
9/24/09
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
2.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2009-10 - 13
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
1.
b.
Maureen Auerbach, 7th Grade Social Studies
teacher, resignation effective January 29,
2010.
Non-Instructional
1.
Mary Rached, Support Staff II, Penncrest
High School, resignation effective September
11, 2009.
2.
Trevor Chamberlain, Custodian, Penncrest
High School, resignation effective September
14, 2009.
4
9/24/09
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Gail Diksa. (.4) Long Term Substitute French
Teacher, effective August 31, 2009 at the annual
salary of $23,953.60*, Master’s +60/Step 1 prorated. Ms. Diksa is assigned
to Penncrest High
School replacing Tracy
Jackson
who
was
reassigned.
2.
Colleen Hoy, Long Term Substitute Special
Education Teacher, effective August 31, 2009 for
the first semester at the annual salary
of
$44,202*, Bachelor’s/Step 1 to be pro-rated for the
first semester. Ms. Hoy served as a Long Term
Substitute during the 2008-2009 school year. She
received her Bachelor’s Degree from Cabrini
College. She is assigned to Penncrest High School
replacing Mary Ann Grassano who was reassigned.
3.
Caroline Perry, Long Term Substitute English
Teacher, effective August 25, 2009 at the annual
salary of $49,182*, Master’s/Step 1. Ms. Perry
received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University
of Vermont and her Master’s Degree from West
Chester University. She is assigned to Penncrest
High School replacing Craig Casner who is on
Sabbatical.
5
9/24/09
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
Non-Intructional
1.
Recommend Board approval for the following
Penncrest personnel to serve as Event Chaperones
for the 2009-2010 school year at the rate of $55.00
per event:
Catherine Bennett
James Ciccarelli
Melvin Crouse
Cynthia Garvin
Elaine Jay
Carolline Perry
Edward Somers
Jodi Strevig
Linda Kilpatrick
2.
Helen Pron, Cafeteria Trainee, effective September
8, 2009 at the rate of $10.55 per hour. Ms. Pron is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.
3.
Sharon Trader, Substitute Bus Driver, effective
September 8, 2009 at the rate of $20.29 per hour.
4.
Cassie Dickman, Support Staff II, effective
September 1, 2009 at the rate of $14.49 per hour.
Ms. Dickman is assigned to Indian Lane
Elementary. NOTE:Ms. Dickman is being hired
pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
5.
Diane DiMartino, Substitute Cafeteria Worker,
effective September 8, 2009 at the rate of $10.04
per hour. NOTE: Ms. DiMartino is being hired
pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
6.
Melissa Sabatino, Reading Tutor, Media Elementary
for the 2009-2010 school year at the rate of $15.00
per hour.
7.
Kathleen Hogan, Reading Tutor, Media Elementary
for the 2009-2010 school year at the rate of $15.00
per hour.
6
9/24/09
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
Non-Instructional
8.
Anita Bloom, Substitute Bus Driver, effective
September 21, 2009 at the rate of $20.29 per hour.
NOTE: Ms Bloom is being hired pending completion
of her pre-employment paperwork.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by
the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
3.
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Veronica Barbato,
Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna,
Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell,
William Montgomery, Jeffrey Pettit
None
General
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Classification Change
Unpaid Leave of Absence
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
Supplemental Contracts
Salary Change
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2009-10 – 14
Resolved, that the Board of School Directors approve the
following:
a.
Classification Change
1.
Maria Mendoza-Jayme, from Support Staff I to
Support Staff II, effective September 8, 2009 at the
rate of $14.49 per hour. Ms. Mendoza-Jayme is
assigned to Media Elementary replacing Amanda
Matthews who resigned.
2.
Ronald Jones, from Bus Driver to Substitute Bus
Aide, effective September 14, 2009 at the rate of
$13.34 per hour.
7
9/24/09
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
b.
Classification Change (cont’d)
3.
James Elliott, from Part-time Bus Driver to Regular
Full-time Bus Driver, effective September 8, 2009 at
the rate of $20.29 per hour.
4.
Joseph Mirachi, from Part-time Bus Driver to
Regular Full-time Bus Driver, effective September 8,
2009 at the rate of $20.20 per hour.
5.
Debbie Tyson, from Assistant Food Service
Coordinator to Office Assistant, effective July 1,
2009 at the rate of $12.50 per hour.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
Nicole Dawson, Food Service, Penncrest High
School, requests an unpaid leave of absence
commencing August 24, 2009 and terminating
October 19, 2009 for the purpose of child rearing.
8
9/24/09
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Rescind appointment of Erin McBride to (.5)
Assistant Varsity Field Hockey Coach, Penncrest
High School.
2.
Rescind appointment of Mary Ann Grassano as
Building Coordinator – Special Education,
Penncrest High School.
3.
Rescind appointment of Donald Horn as 8th Grade
Assistant Football Coach, Springton Lake Middle
School.
4.
Rescind appointment of Marie Carter as 7th Grade
Field Hockey Coach, Springton Lake Middle School.
5.
Rescind appointment of Jerry Diaz as (.5) 8th Grade
Volleyball Coach, Springton Lake Middle School.
6.
Rescind appointment of Jennifer Diaz as (.5) 8th
Grade Volleyball Coach, Springton Lake Middle
School.
7.
Rescind appointment of Douglas Gramo as Science
Olympiad Sponsor, Springton Lake Middle School.
8.
Rescind appointment of Joseph Perket as Science
Olympiad Sponsor, Springton Lake Middle School.
9.
Rescind appointment of John Dixon as Chess Club
Sponsor, Springton Lake Middle School.
9
9/24/09
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Melissa McGowan from .5 Assistant Varsity Field
Hockey Coach to 1.0 Assistant Varsity Field Hockey
Coach at the annual salary of $3,475.00*. Ms.
McGowan is assigned to Penncrest High School.
2.
Lindsay Groy, Building Coordinator – Special
Education, Penncrest High School at the annual
salary of $2,800.00*.
3.
Geralyn Mayernick, New Teacher Mentor for the
2009-2010 school year at the rate of $1,050.00*.
4.
Shawna Cliff, 6th Grade Homework Club, Springton
Lake Middle School, at the annual salary of
$834.00*.
5.
Veronica Kurash, 6th Grade Homework Club,
Springton Lake Middle School, at the annual salary
of $834.00*.
6.
Marie Carter, 8th Grade Volleyball Coach, Springton
Lake Middle School at the rate of $2,919.00*.
7.
Elizabeth Battista from (1.0) Newspaper Sponsor to
(.5) Newspaper Sponsor, Springton Lake Middle
School at the annual salary of $1,112.00*.
8.
Carin Newsome, (.5) Newspaper Sponsor,
Springton Lake Middle School at the annual salary
of $1,112.00*.
9.
Elizabeth McKelvey, (.5) 7th Grade Homework Club
Sponsor, Springton Lake Middle School at the
annual salary of $417.00*.
10.
Elizabeth
McKelvey,
Building
Coordinator,
Professional Development, Springton Lake Middle
School for the 2009-2010 school year at the annual
salary of $2,800.00*
10
9/24/09
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d.
e.
Supplemental Contracts
11.
Susan Griffin, Recycle Club Sponsor, Springton
Lake Middle School for the 2009-2010 school year
at the annual salary of $834.00*.
12.
Brian Bortnicker, Chess Club Sponsor, Springton
Lake Middle School for the 2009-2010 school year
at the annual salary of $834.00*.
13.
Christa Consadene, Dance Team Coach, Penncrest
High School for the 2009-2010 school year at the
annual salary of $695.00*.
Salary Change
1.
The following salary was incorrectly reported on the
June 2009 Board:
Jessica Anderson
Nathan Snyder
$64,359.80
$50,028.00
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by
the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Veronica Barbato,
Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna,
Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, William
Montgomery, Jeffrey Pettit
None
11
9/24/09
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
f.
Create New Position
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a
motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2009-10 – 15
Resolved, that the Board approve the following:
1.
Creation of a 1.0 English As A Second Language
Teaching position
Request the Board create an additional 1.0 English
As a Second Language Teaching position at Media
Elementary School. The position will be funded by
Title I Funds.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by
the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Veronica Barbato,
Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna,
Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, William
Montgomery, Jeffrey Pettit
None
12
9/24/09
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
f.
Create New Position
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded
motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2009-10 -16
Resolved, that the Board approve the following:
2.
Creation of a .2 FTE Middle Level English/Middle
Level Mathematics Teaching Position
Recommend the creation of an additional .2 FTE
Middle Level English/Middle Level Mathematics
teaching position at Springton Lake Middle School.
This .2 FTE will be combined with the existing .3 FTE
Studies Skills teaching position to create a new .5
FTE teacher to staff the GATE (Guided Actions and
Team Excellence) Program at Springton Lake. This
position is being funded by Title I Stimulus Funds
and will be eliminated at the end of the 2010-2011
school year when the stimulus funds are depleted.
Mr. Barry made a motion and Mr. O’ Donnell seconded a
motion to table the above resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2009-10 – 17
Resolved, that the Board approved the motion to table the
above resolution:
The aforementioned resolution was declared tabled
by the Chair, the roll call vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Veronica Barbato,
Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
William O’Donnell, William Montgomery
Jeffrey Pettit
13
9/24/09
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
g.
Other
Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a
motion to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2009-10 – 18
Resolved, that the Board approve the following:
1.
Rescind appointment of Deborah Hoffman to
Secretary IV, Principal’s Secretary, Penncrest High
School. Ms. Hoffman will remain at the Secretary I
position in the Athletic Department.
2.
Title and Salary Change in Food Service Handbook
Recommend Board approval for the elimination of
the position of Assistant Food Service Coordinator
and replace it with Office Assistant at the rate of
$12.50 per hour effective July 1, 2009 for the 20092010 school year.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by
the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Veronica Barbato,
Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna,
Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell, William
Montgomery, Jeffrey Pettit
None
*Salary is reported at the 2008-2009 rate and is subject to change with the completion
of RTMEA negotiations.
14
9/24/09
X.
Finance
A.
B.
Purchasing
1.
Bid Awards
General
1.
Change Orders
2.
Finance/Accounting Services Proposal
3.
Owner’s Representative Services Proposal
4.
Project Management Institute (PMI)
5.
Concurrent Enrollment Agreements for Dual Enrollment
See Attachments A, B, and C
6.
Contract with The Mill Creek School
7.
Contract with The Vanguard School
8.
Settlement Agreement with the Parents of SM
9.
Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems
10.
Janine Blythe Transportation Agreement
11.
SAP Contract
12.
Mercy Rehab Associates
13.
Tall Pines Day Camp
14.
Delegate to Delaware County Tax Collection Committee
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2009-10 – 19
A.
Purchasing
1.
Bid Awards
Resolved, that the Board award the following bid:
Penncrest High School Music Room Doors
Construction Contract
Base Bid
Budget
The Fayette Group
$17,785.72
$20,000
15
9/24/09
X.
Finance
B.
General
1.
Change Orders
Change Orders are acted upon in accordance with
Resolution 1997-98 – 124, as approved by the School Board
of Directors on April 23, 1998.
Further resolved, that the Board approve the following change
orders:
Penncrest High School
Arrell & Snow Electrical Construction Change Order No. 1 in a
credit amount of $6,900 for deletion of wiring for various air
handlers.
Rose Tree Elementary School
Kobithen Roofing Change Order No. 1 in a credit amount of
$1,320 for addition of masonry restoration and deletions of
metal deck repairs.
Education Center
Charlestown Paving & Excavating, Inc. Change Order No. 1
in credit amount of $1,521.60 for unused allowance for base
repairs.
Penncrest High School
Goldhorn Electrical Construction Change Order No. 1 in the
amount of $3,800 for upgrade of wiring feeding dimmer rack
to 60 amp 3 phase and twelve additional dimmers and
associated wiring.
Glenwood Phase II
L. J. Paolella Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $20,760
for elevator pit drainage.
16
9/24/09
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Financial/Accounting Services Proposal
Further resolved, that the Board approve the financial/accounting
services of Tom Josiah Consulting, to assist in the preparation of
the local audit.
3.
Owner’s Representative Services Proposal
Capital Improvement Projects 2010-2011
Further resolved, that the Board approve the proposal from
Dennis Cini, Cini Construction Services, Inc., for Owner’s
Representative Services, capital improvement projects for
2010-2011, in an amount not to exceed $96,416.
4.
Project Management Institute (PHI)
Further resolved, that the Board approve the Agreement between
the School District and James Spaulding to teach the Project
Management Course at the ERIC for the amount of $3,000.00 to
be funded by the Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth grant.
5.
Concurrent Enrollment Agreements for Dual Enrollment
Resolve, that the Board approve the Concurrent
Enrollment Agreements with Delaware County Community
College, Neumann University and Penn State Brandywine
for Dual Enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year.
See Attachments A, B, and C in Official Legislative Minutes
of September 24, 2009.
6.
Contract with The Mill Creek School
Further resolved, that the Board approve the agreement with The
Mill Creek School to provide educational services for a student
with significant disabilities for the 2009 -2010 school year, in
accordance with the student’s IEP. The student (LK) will
attend Mill Creek starting in September 2009 with a tuition
fee of $35,280.00.
17
9/24/09
X.
Finance
B.
General
7.
Contract with the Vanguard School
Further resolved, that the Board approve the agreement with The
Vanguard School to provide educational services for two (2)
students with significant disabilities for the 2009 -2010
school year, in accordance with the students’ IEPs. The
students (BE and DR) will attend Vanguard starting in
September 2009 with a tuition fee of $42,000.00 per student.
Vanguard is an approved private school and an application
for 4010 funding has been submitted.
8.
Settlement Agreement with the Parents of SM
Further resolved, that the Board approve the settlement
agreement with the parents of a student with significant
disabilities. The agreement includes the following: the District
agrees to pay educational costs of $20,000 per year for three (3)
years in lieu of FAPE; the District agrees to provide SM with
transportation to and from the Pilot School; the District will
not be responsible for ESY costs or programming; there will
be no pendency in the Pilot School; the District will reevaluate SM in spring 2012 and offer an IEP for fall 2012.
9.
Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems
Further resolved, that the Board approve a contract with Holcomb
Behavioral Health Systems for Assessment and Referral
Services for Springton Lake Middle School students,
July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.
18
9/24/09
X.
Finance
B.
General
10.
Janine Blythe Transportation Agreement
Further resolved, that the Board approve a contract with Janine
Blythe for transportation reimbursement in accordance with
Policy 810.3.
11.
SAP Contract
Further resolved, that the Board approve an agreement with
Kimberly Parra for Student/Teacher Assistance
Referral coordinator in the amount of $38,309 from
September 8, 2009 to June 22, 2010.
12.
Mercy Rehab Associates
Further resolved, that the Board approve to renew the contract
with Mercy Rehab Associates for Physical Therapy.
The cost is $64.00 per hour.
13.
Tall Pines Day Camp
Further resolved, that the Board ratify an agreement with Tall
Pines Day Camp for a field trip on September 22,
2009 for ERC students.
14.
Delegate to Delaware County Tax Collection Committee
Further resolved, that the Board appoint Grace Eves as a nonvoting delegate and Heather Henise a non-voting alternate to the
newly formed Delaware County Tax Collection Committee.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell,
William Montgomery, Jeffrey Pettit
None
19
9/24/09
C.
D.
Financials for June and July 2009
Bill Lists for June and July 2009
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2009-2010 - 20
Resolved, that the Board approve the following:
Financial Reports
June/July 2009
June/July 2009
June/July 2009
June/July 2009
Treasurers Reports
Investment Reports
Summary Expenditure Status Report
Revenue Status Report
Bill Lists June 2009
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
General Fund Bill List
Imprest Fund Bill List
Capital Reserve Fund
Bond Series 2002 Bill List
Bond Series 2004 Bill List
Bond Series 2007 A & B Bill List
Private Purpose Trust Bill List
Activities/Special Revenue Fund
$ 1,965,869.54
$
307.50
$
1,265.19
$
90,936.15
$ 207,379.63
$
3,500.00
$
2,339.00
$
42,322.84
$ 2,313,919.85
Bill Lists July 2009
July
July
July
July
July
2009
2009
2009
2009
2009
General Fund Bill List
Capital Reserve Fund
Bond Series 2004 Bill List
Bond Series 2007 A & B Bill List
Activities/Special Revenue Fund
$ 3,144,988.34
$
37,265.20
$ 359,454.51
$
1,425.00
$
5,170.07
$ 3,548,303.12
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William O’Donnell,
William Montgomery, Jeffrey Pettit
None
20
9/24/09
XI.
Adjournment
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mrs. Fronduti seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2009-2010 - 21
Resolved, that there being no further business to come before the Board,
the meeting was adjourned.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Linda Kinsler-Fox, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry, Nancy Fronduti,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
______________________
Grace A. Eves
Board of School Directors Secretary
21
9/24/09
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
Penncrest High School Undefeated Volleyball Team
Resolve, the Board of School Directors issue a Rose Tree Media
Award to the Penncrest High School Volleyball Team and their
coaches for their Undefeated Central League Championship.
Background
The Varsity Volleyball Team finished the regular season as
Undefeated Central League Champions. The players are: Sabrina
Barbieri, Mattie Casanova, Caitlyn Evans, Deanna Gardner, Kristen
Hartman, Anna Kassab, Judy Kim, Ashley Merton, Brigid Shehan,
Nicole Sokolovich, and Sophia Sokolovich. Coaches: Mark Clark
and Brian Lynch.
III. Presentations and Awards
1
10-22-2009
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SCHOOL REPORT’S – October 22, 2009
GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Library
Library technician Kathy Cook, along with other members of the RTM library staff, attended the
Access Pennsylvania annual fall refresher training session held in Exton. The Access PA
database encompasses catalog holdings of over 3,000 schools, public, and academic libraries
throughout the state, serving over 12 million residents. Our Access PA membership includes
POWER Library resources such as SIRS Discoverer, an award-winning general reference
resource for young researchers, and EBSCOHost, a comprehensive periodicals and reference
database. Covered in depth in the afternoon session was AP Images, a subscription service
from POWER Library, which provides both up-to-the-minute and archived photos, audio, and
graphics. Topic are searchable by color, concept, “how to,” and “top quality photos.” This is a
valuable resource for our teachers and students.
As part of Glenwood’s Back-to-School Night, library technician Kathy Cook arranged for Chris
Teter, children’s librarian from the Middletown Free Library, to set up a table in the lobby for
parents to visit. Parents could sign up for library cards for their children and see the schedule
of special activities provided by the public library. This is a wonderful way to promote
connections between school and public libraries.
Glenwood’s students participated enthusiastically in our summer reading program. At the end
of school in June, each student received a grade-level list of suggested summer reading titles,
a reading record form, and a bookmark from Kathy Cook, library technician. As students
turned in their completed forms in September, they received a prize. The reading records
have been used to compile “Top Ten” lists of children’s favorites by grade level, posted on the
bulletin board outside the library. A special award was given to the student in each grade who
read the most books over the summer. These students read the most books in their grade
levels: Brian Loeper, grade 1; Matthew Kirchgasser, grade 2; Nick Dumont, grade 3; John
Kirchgasser, grade 4; and Joseph Loeper, grade 5. They were rewarded with a gift certificate
to Borders Books.
The late Honi Carman, a long-time teaching assistant in the I.U. special needs classroom
when it was housed at Glenwood, made a meaningful bequest for the school she so loved.
Her posthumous gift was a stained glass window for the library. Designed by Patricia Myers of
Media, the window features a girl in a wheelchair reading a book. The window was “unveiled”
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at a reception held in the library. Many family members, colleagues, former students, and
friends of Mrs. Carman attended. This was a wonderful tribute to Mrs. Carman and the
students she assisted for over twenty years.
Guidance
This month Student Ambassadors are starting up bi-monthly appreciation breakfasts for
groups of people who help make Glenwood so great. Students across grade levels will make
thank you cards for the guests of honor. The student ambassadors will decorate the room and
host a breakfast to thank our guests for all they have done for Glenwood as they dine on
breakfast treats and hot coffee. The students will also create a picture slide show of the
positive changes and help our special guests have brought us.
Nurse
Mrs. Debra Taylor, School Nurse, visited each classroom at Glenwood to review effective hand
washing and sneeze and cough etiquette. Each classroom received two Center for Disease
Control posters which reinforce the lesson content and will serve as a visual reminder for
students. Posters advocating frequent, careful hand washing have been placed throughout the
building in bathrooms and other public places.
Art
The Rose Tree Media School District was invited to exhibit artworks in the Honors Suite
Gallery of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Students as well as faculty and
staff were able to exhibit work. The gallery is located at 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA. Art
work will be on view to the public from October 10, 2009 through October 23, 2009.
Physical Education
In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, the students in the Glenwood physical education
classes have been practicing safety techniques such as “Stop, Drop, and Roll” and “Stay Low
and Go.” “Stay Low and Go” is the phrase used to describe the method of crawling to avoid
smoke inhalation. The children are familiar with the phrases and eager for the opportunity to
practice the skills. They have also been using long ropes and obstacles to emphasize the
concepts of “over, under, around, between, in, on, out, leap, jump, hop” to enrich their
understanding of relationships and reinforce vocabulary. All of these skills are employed in an
exciting obstacle course built on a Halloween theme… “Enter if you Dare!”
Kindergarten
Kindergarten celebrated Johnny Appleseed Day. We learned all about John Chapman aka
Johnny Appleseed. We used our five senses to conduct a taste test of our favorite color
apples. Then we graphed the results. We painted our favorite color apples and wrote about it.
We counted raisin "appleseeds,” delivered apples to the teachers and even ate a delicious
apple snack. We owe a great big thank you to all the parents and grandparents that helped
make this day such a huge success.
Grade Three
In October, the third grade students learned map skills by using their Nystrom Map Champ
Atlases. Groups of teachers began piloting a new writing curriculum. This curriculum calls for
students to learn about writing by first noticing what good authors do in a particular genre. So,
the teachers checked out books from both the Glenwood and Middletown libraries that children
could use as mentor texts as they learned about narrative writing. They looked for how the
authors told about character, setting, and plot. They noticed how authors used punctuation and
anything else they could find between the covers of the books. Based on what the students
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found, teachers taught lessons to help the children create their own narrative and emulate
what they had seen in real books.
Grade Four
The fourth grade class is currently studying ecosystems in Science. In school, students are
creating a model of an ecosystem, which can sustain the lives of fish, snails, crickets, and pill
bugs. The students will have an opportunity to see an ecosystem in our local area at the Tyler
Arboretum. Tyler Arboretum is one of the oldest arboreta in the northeastern United States. It
encompasses 650 acres of plant collections, trees, animals, and insects. We will be observing
and interacting with this ecosystem as students will be encouraged to appreciate our living
world. Tyler Arboretum received a grant to pay for this field trip, including the cost of buses.
Grade Five
Students in Mark Paikoff's fifth grade class used creative ways to share their first book reports
of the year. Students have read novels featuring dogs as the main character and have worked
in small, differentiated groups to prepare theatrical presentations for their classmates and
parents. Students first decided what portions of the novel they wished to share and then had to
decide which form of presentation they wished to use. Some planned a television broadcast
that would be taped and played for the class on the smartboard via projector, some groups
decided to prepare an old-time radio play using sound props to help illustrate their story while
others were making musical versions of their stories to share what they had learned. Students
had to develop a script and decide on costumes and props for all of their presentations. They
had a great time as they strengthened their comprehension and presentation skills.
Literacy Initiatives
Many of the Rose Tree Media Elementary Schools' teacher leaders are busily at work this fall
on literacy initiatives, along with their elementary literacy coach, Tracey Fritch. In early
October, the team of Rose Tree Media Elementary "Literacy Lab Classroom" teachers met for
the first time as a group. These five volunteers: Jackie Arbutina, Angel Barry, Melissa
McDevitt, Lisa Parkinson, and Julie Small, have all agreed to open their classrooms to their
colleagues this year for the purpose of increasing colleague-to-colleague staff development
opportunities in the area of reading instruction. Interested teachers from around the district will
be given opportunities to do focused observations in these classrooms, followed by
participating in structured meetings afterward in which the observers and host teachers can
give each other feedback and ask questions. Each lab classroom teacher has also crafted a
personal goal for herself as a teacher of reading - and observers will be given the opportunity
to learn more about these projects during their visits. As well, the district's Writing Curriculum
Study Group met later in the month to continue their work to revise, improve, and align the
district's elementary writing program. Driven by a commitment to the use of the writer's
workshop approach, and to the use of well-crafted "mentor texts" to inspire and engage young
writers, this dedicated team of teachers has met a number of times throughout the past year to
create cohesive writing units of study for grades 1-5, and they are piloting these units during
the 2009-10 school year. Upon final completion of the units next summer, all RTM elementary
staff will be introduced to these units for the 2010-11 school year. This team of teachers
includes: Fran Blanchette, Chris Dano, Noreen Ford, Aaron Goldfarb, Berit Haahr, Al Heinle,
Charlie Keeler, Jackie Leck, Tina Loveland-Smith, Melissa McDevitt, Claire McGeehan, Lisa
Parkinson, Rachael Pinsley, Erin Scheivert, Andrea Seaner, Julie Small, and Andre
Washington, and the list of participants continues to grow to include more teachers as word of
the wonderful work they have begun has spread to their colleagues.
School Reports
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10/22/2009
INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Pride Assembly
Mr. Bennett will host a Pride Assembly each month at Indian Lane to celebrate student
success. Students will be recognized for accomplishments in such things as Summer
Reading, 100 Book Challenge, Bobcat Citizens of the Month, etc. At our September Pride
Assembly, in addition to recognizing those students who turned in their summer reading logs,
Mrs. Crow announced our summer reading winners, who were entered into a raffle to win a
"Golden Ticket" worth $5 to spend at the Book Fair.
Anti-Bullying Efforts
We continue our use of a school-wide anti-bullying pledge that is posted in every room of the
school. Each class has signed their room copy as well as a large banner of the pledge that
hangs outside the cafeteria. The signing was combined with the commemoration of
Constitution Day on Thursday, September 17th. We are the Bobcats! We pledge to…Be
respectful and responsible, Offer a helping hand, Be a friend to everyone, Care about
feelings, Accept differences, Tell an adult, Stand up for what is right.
Thanks to our PTG, we had an assembly featuring singer and songwriter Steven Courtney.
Mr. Courtney, from Lancaster County, entertained the students in two performances while
infusing Pro-Social messages in his songs. A local Boy Scout troop sponsored a evening
performance by Courtney and his band that was attended by more than 130 people.
Student Council
Our entire student body attended an assembly where they listened to speeches presented by
candidates for Student Council Officers. After the assembly, all students returned to their
classroom and cast their vote for the students who will represent them for the 2009-2010
school year. This year’s officers are Zach Granger, President, Nicolette Gargiule, Vice
President and Amy McGroarty, Secretary/Treasurer. The student Council met on Friday,
October 9, at 8:00 a.m., to start the year. Advisers are 5th grade teachers Jackie Arbutina, Sue
Hendrixson and Karen Venuto.
Community Involvement
The 7th Edition of the Middletown Fire Safe Kids' Trading Card Contest is going on during the
month of October!
Community Member Firefighter, Glenn Coront,
along with Paramedic, Kevin Carr, and Trooper,
Rose Macguire joined Broadcasters, Ashleigh P.,
Madison T., and Reid N., on News on the Lane to
talk about the Trading Card Contest.
This nationally recognized program encourages kids
to collect the whole set of 72 cards by visiting any of
the firefighters at the three township fire stations.
Nowhere else are parents able to expose their
children to a close up view of the fire, police and
emergency medical services available to them in this community. The goal is to make children
comfortable interacting with emergency personnel so if they ever need them in an emergency,
School Reports
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10/22/2009
they won’t be afraid to speak with a member. Kids who collect the whole set of 72 Trading
Cards are eligible for a chance to win some incredible prizes!
Kindergarten
Mrs. Durant, Mrs. Huebner, and Mrs. McMorrow's kindergarten classes meet once a week for
a math activity. They have created shape pictures, graphed fall leaves by color, and sorted
buttons. The kindergarten children at Indian Lane are looking forward to a year of
mathematical fun with their new friends!
First Grade
The first graders will have a poem of the week book this year. Each week a new poem is
introduced to the children. The poem is practiced during the week to build the children's sense
of rhyme, rhythm, and also reading fluency. At the end of the week the children place the
poem into their poem-of-the-week book. They illustrate the poem and take it home to read. A
new poem is practiced and added the following week. Each class is using the new SMART
Board technology in the room. The SMART Board is used for daily instruction, question of the
day, morning message, etc. The children are excited about the new interactive ways to learn.
These students are writing about fall. We will be completing a writing activity with the children.
This writing will be placed on a giant leaf made from an oversized coffee filter. The
children will fold the filters, dip them into red, green, yellow, and orange food color bins, trace
leaf shapes and cut them out. The writing assignment and colorful leaves will hang in our
rooms and hallway! The first graders are learning new and hands-on ways to do math through
the Investigation program. The children are demonstrating their skills through games such
as Compare and Double Compare, Five in a Row, Towers of Ten, and Roll and Record. The
children are also learning ways to report problem solving strategies as they solve story
problems. This is something we will work on throughout the year. The first graders are
learning about school helpers during social studies. We have covered the jobs of the teacher,
principal, secretary and custodian. The children are shocked by all the behind the scenes
work that goes on here at school. The first graders are getting ready to stencil their class tshirts. These t-shirts are a different color for each classroom. The front of the t-shirt has a
picture that matches the classroom theme... Herman: bears, Barton: fish, and Parkinson:
bees. These shirts are worn for field trips and events throughout the year to build a sense of
community and to make it easy to identify the children in a crowded area. This year we will
ask the children to wear their shirts at our monthly pride assemblies.
Third Grade
Mrs. Burke’s third grade class will have Mystery Readers visit their classrooms on Friday
afternoons throughout the school year. The children always love to listen to stories. This is a
great opportunity for them to see an adult model reading aloud. Mystery Readers cannot tell
anyone that they are coming in to read – hence the word Mystery. The excitement will build
as it is announced that “the Mystery Reader has arrived”. The students will be excited to see
the various volunteers that walk through the door.
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10/22/2009
B-I-N-G-O Night
The Fall Bingo Night was held Friday, October 16th. Pre-ordered dinner began at 6:00,
and calling started at 6:45. More than 200 people joined us for this always fun night.
Teacher, Ron Frank, and Principal, Bill Bennett helped out as callers, and several former
IL students assisted in various ways throughout the night.
Students Work To Stay Healthy
Nurse Debbie Sweeney is spearheading an information campaign to get IL’s students to
stay healthy during the upcoming flu season. She has hung numerous posters in the
building, addresses students in classrooms and on our morning broadcast, and made
several podcasts that you can view on our website.
MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Going Green with the Greener Partners
Greener Partners, a Philadelphia area non-profit whose mission is to transform public
spaces and underutilized land into community teaching gardens, visited our third grade
classrooms. Meg MacCurtin (a Media parent) and Amy Johnson introduced the children
to a variety of plants including some interesting organically grown local produce. Have
you ever seen a sunflower the size of a garbage can lid? The eco-friendly value of
consuming local produce was discussed. They blended and taste-tested a delicious
smoothie made from orange juice, soy milk, banana, mint, strawberries, kale, and
nasturtium flowers. One purpose of the visit was to build enthusiasm for the new Media
School Garden and Environmental Club. The mission of the Media School Garden and
Environmental Club (a temporary name until we can come up with something “catchy”) is
to start a school garden. We have visions of digging around for our own potatoes,
harvesting fresh and crunchy carrots, and growing everything we need for homemade
pizza sauce. Maybe some day, we’ll even have a “green” roof. The club will meet twice a
month. The faculty sponsor is Mrs. Jana Maxwell.
Back to School Night
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Our annual Back to School Night was very well attended. HCI representatives and Home
and School Visitor, Bernadette Dacanay, joined us in the atrium to share resource
material. Dr. Gilbert also attended. Our teachers had a long list of information to share
with parents including the revised progress report, our new volunteer compact, a school
climate survey, RTM’s new cyberbullying policy, and the new keyboarding program for
grades 3-5. Individual student reports (PSSA results) were distributed. SMARTBOARDS
that have been installed in many of our classrooms, were clearly the “buzz” of the event.
Parents were intrigued by the possibilities of the SMARTBOARD technology and
expressed that they are eager to learn more about them. Some comments from our
school survey: “Everyone cares in this school and will help anyone who needs it.” “Media
Elementary is a positive environment. Communication between home and school is
excellent.” “Media Elementary is a total child universe!” “Parents feel heard and so do
the kids.” “Media Elementary has a wonderful, nurturing, caring atmosphere. My children
feel safe, secure and loved there. Above all else, I value this the most.” “Terrific teachers
who are energetic, intelligent, fun and help you learn.” “Excellent leadership - strong in
academics with the caring factor…inclusive.”
Grandparents’/Special Friends’ Day
Grandparents’ Day is, perhaps, our favorite day of the year. Our guests are enthusiastic
and complimentary. Many of the teachers plan special activities that encourage our senior
visitors to share their school experiences. Again, the SMARTBOARDS were a hit. Our
guests left with a souvenir pen, a carnation and an invitation to be a school volunteer. Our
service club, H.O.M.E., under the direction of guidance counselor Patrick Murphy, served
as the official greeters and our P.T.G. provided delicious refreshments.
Mrs. Goldfarb Returns
Retired Glenwood principal, Mary Ellen Goldfarb, is facilitating a reading group in her
son’s fifth grade class. The group is reading Baby by Patricia MacLachlan. Mrs. Goldfarb
promises to be as popular with the fifth graders as is Mr. Goldfarb.
Internet Safety / Cyberbullying
Trooper Rosemary McGuire (State Police) gave a presentation on internet safety/
cyberbullying. Parents from all RTM schools were invited. Trooper McGuire shared
suggestions for ways that family’s can manage technology in ways that will keep their
families safe. She answered many interesting questions about how the laws are always
trying to “catch up’ with the technology and about how frequently the police are asked to
get involved in technology related situations (cyberbullying.) She also addressed topics
like identity theft, computer viruses, and predators.
Summer Readers Recognized
Summer readers were recognized at our first all-school assembly. Our assemblies are
designed to be community building and always include our school song and other
community songs that everyone knows. It is really fun to watch the children link arms and
sway back and forth as they sing together. Accomplishments are celebrated by all.
Librarian, Jackie Matusow, organized the recognition of our many summer readers. Our
mascot, Marty the Mustang, made a special appearance.
Showboat
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One of our grade five students, Kenyon Wicks, has a prominent part in The Media
Theatre’s production, Showboat. Kenyon also was the only male contestant in this
summer’s Delco Idol Jr. We are very proud of him.
“Picturing America”
Jana Maxwell (art) and Jackie Matusow (library) took part in the Philadelphia Museum of
Art’s teacher seminar on the NEH resource “Picturing America.” The participants took part
in a wide range of activities ranging from lectures by Dr. Wendy Bellon and Dr. Michael
Leja on American art from the colonial period to the present, group discussions in the
galleries led by PMA educators, and curriculum brainstorming sessions. The workshop
took place on a Saturday.
Physical Fitness Testing
Students in grades 3-5 are participating in fall pre-testing for physical fitness. Students in
grades 1-2 are participating in a number of introductory activities including warm-up
exercises, parachute games, rhythmical activities, and loco-motor skills. Additionally, our
physical education teachers devoted a lesson to appropriate use of playground
equipment and suggestions for safe/fun playground games.
AGP Projects
AGP students created projects about themselves. They had to select a common product
(like cereal) and design packaging that represented them. They were asked to think about
how they compared with their selected product and to design an attractive package. The
students used creativity in the design process as well as critical thinking in their selfanalysis and comparative explanations. They formed artistic teams to videotape
commercials for their products.
Sound Off
Twelve of our students were interviewed for Sound Off (The Daily Times). The questions
they were asked: Do you think elementary school children should have cell phones? What
limits should their parents put on their use? Where in your home is your family computer?
How do you use it? Check out The Daily Times for their responses. Correspondent Bette
Alburger also came to Media School to interview Principal Maria Kotch and her son,
Jason, who is an assistant principal in the Garnet Valley School District.
Juvenile Justice Visits Fourth Grade
Anthony Ricco and John Verdecchio from the Department of Juvenile Justice met with our
fourth graders. The children are studying local government. Mr. Ricco and Mr. Verdecchio
spoke about their jobs and about making good choices. The children had a lot of good
questions and demonstrated that they have good decision making skills.
Elwynn MH RTF Expansion Project
Maria Kotch and Elishia Arias (learning support) participated in a planning group at
Elwynn regarding a project that will expand resources for children and adolescents
diagnosed with autism. The purpose of the meeting was to explore educational resources
for residential students. The planning group included representatives from Magellan, the
counties, Elwynn, and the Bureau of Autism. Mrs. Kotch and Mrs. Arias also visited a
class at The Davidson School (Elwynn).
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10/22/2009
ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Beginning of the year assessment is coming to an end. We have almost completed our
DIBELS, MAP, DRA and the Pearson Math Assessments. Staff are analyzing the data
and determining how to best allocate our personnel to meet the identified needs. We also
trained a team to use the PVAAS website to further our understanding of our students’
strengths and weaknesses.
We Are Family
Bagels with Dads and Friends was a tremendous success with approximately 90% of our
Dads joining us for breakfast. Many smiling faces of Dads and their children have been
added to our “We are Family” wall of pictures. Likewise our Playground Potluck was
extremely well attended. The delicious food created a great incentive for families to come
out and mingle.
No Place for Hate
We kicked off our No Place for Hate campaign this year with an assembly presentation by
Silly Joe. Children were delighted to receive his important message in such a fun and
entertaining way.
Second Grade
Second graders at Rose Tree Elementary School participated in Johnny Appleseed Day.
The students enjoyed literature about apples, constructed and interpreted an apple graph,
wrote stories about apples and participated in parent and teacher led learning centers
about circumference, money, and The Giving Tree (sequencing activity).
Fourth Grade
Rose Tree fourth grade students completed reading We'll Never Forget You, Roberto
Clemente. The novel was a bridge to their studies of Hispanic Heritage Month in
October. They will be expanding their Spanish vocabulary as they continue to celebrate
Hispanic Heritage throughout the month.
AGP
The students in Rose Tree's AGP program worked on a project called "Advertise
Yourself.” In the project the students conducted a self-analysis of their personality traits.
They compared themselves with a product and created and designed the modified
product. The students then explained a correlation between themselves and the product.
Students worked on persuasion and advertising gimmicks such as logos, slogans, and
jingles. Some students recorded commercials.
Art
Artworks created by Rose Tree Media School District students and staff, including
students from Rose Tree Elementary School, were placed on exhibit in the Honors Suite
Gallery in the Pennsylvania Department of Education located at 333 Market Street in
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The district was invited to exhibit artwork during the month of
October. The artworks on display represent the art program in the district for grades 1 to
12 while also including pieces created by staff members from various subject areas,
including the art department. The art will remain on exhibit through October 31st, 2009.
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10/22/2009
Guidance
New students feel very welcome at Rose Tree Elementary. Beginning the first week of
school the guidance counselor meets with all new students in small, grade level groups.
They were given another tour (The first tour being the one given during New Student
Orientation in August.) and the opportunity to ask questions about their new school. Each
new student in grades one through five also received a welcome booklet. This book
contained “coupons” for free gifts from some of the people who work at Rose Tree
Elementary. With the help of the guidance counselor, this booklet enabled new students
to meet some of the many new faces in their school. The hope is that students will get to
know some of the important people in their school (and vice versa!) so they will no longer
be strangers but new friends! The students had a blast going on a "scavenger hunt" to
find their new friends and receive a small prize. The groups met three times throughout
the month of September and into October in order to keep a close eye on how the new
students adjusted to their new school.
A letter from the counselor to the
parents/guardians was also sent home with each student as a way to introduce them to
the role of the guidance counselor at the elementary level.
Reading
We got off to a great start in our reading instruction this fall! Our focus this year is on
fostering comprehension through small group instruction. Students had lessons on good
reader strategies, interacting with text, and picking “just right” books. A favorite fourth
grade lesson included identifying Very Important Points in order to write a summary of the
biography We’ll Never Forget You, Roberto Clemente.
SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
AGP
The sixth grade students enrolled in the academically gifted program are up for the
"challenge" as they arrived at Springton Lake from a number of different schools. The
students meet in small groups in a class called AGP Challenge once every seven days to
explore and research a topic of their own choosing. Language arts teacher and AGP
coordinator Tony Tolomeo provides guidance and assistance to aid this process. The
seventh and eighth grade AGP students have a similar schedule and are led by Pam
Gregg and Cindy Stephens respectively. The research, products, and activities are based
on the higher order thinking skills put forth by educational theorist Benjamin Bloom. As
many as six projects are completed over the course of the school year. Students share
their findings and talents with the public at the annual "Celebration of the Mind" event held
in June. The evening usually includes live musical events, scientific demonstrations,
sporting exhibitions, artistic endeavors, and many more.
Art
Nine students from Mrs. Going's classes will have art work displayed at this year’s
exhibition in the Honors Suite Gallery at the offices of the Pennsylvania Department of
Education in Harrisburg. Art work will be on display until October 31st.The following
students will have their work shown: Sarah Lippman, 8th grade, Taryna Hollinger, 7th
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grade, Grace Hill, 8th grade, Alaina Clune, 8th grade, Ryan Martyn, 8th grade, Sabrina
Delviscio, 8th grade, Teddy Thompson, 8th grade, Angela Anastasi, 8th grade and
Brittany Kasshner, 8th grade
In Mrs. Going's eighth grade classes, Andy Warhol and Henri Matisse would be proud!!
Painting and Pop art are coming along and will soon be displayed in the halls. A compare
and contrast assignment of the 2 famous 20th century artists is forth coming. In seventh
grade, Color is everywhere! The study of Georgia O'Keeffe and her understanding with
the use of color is apparent in the seventh grade paintings. Abstractions and textures
show the students knowledge of the color theory concepts! A web trip for all students to
the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico is up and running. Sixth graders
are learning to use rulers while measuring out their frames for their Metal Repousse
Masks. This will certainly help them come PSSA time in the spring! All work will be
displayed soon!!
In Ms. Sycz’ class students are continuing to use the elements and principles of design to
create a dynamic composition. Students are comparing how color in addition to line can
be used to explore the principles of pattern, contrast and emphasis. Demonstrating
mastery of basic colored pencil techniques and choosing a color scheme are important at
this stage. Student will be submitting a reflection paper about their learning experience
and will analyze a work of art using the vocabulary focused upon in this lesson in their
descriptive writing piece. Grade seven students will finish this week the pencil drawing of
their portraits using lines and shapes. Students have brought in resource images and
wrote descriptive paragraphs to help them support the narrative aspects of their drawings.
Students will then use color as they learn how to shade. Reading from the textbook
Understanding Art will reinforce the objectives of the lesson. Grade six students are
using color to enhance the placement of leaves on their leaf composition still including the
principles of balance, pattern, and contrast. Students are applying the lesson on blending
oil pastels. Soon the students will finish their projects by learning to apply watercolor
washes in this mixed medium work of art. Reading from the textbook Understanding Art
will reinforce the objectives of the lesson as well as completing a reflection paper as a
group assignment.
Guidance
Guidance counselors are helping students in sixth grade transition to middle school. We
are offering groups for students to discuss common concerns. Sue Griffin, transition
counselor, is meeting individually with all students new to the district to evaluate and offer
counseling to those students enrolled here for the first time. She also arranges to have
students meet at lunch to get to know each other. Sixth grade counselor, Alison Harrison,
has begun to meet with sixth graders and to interview those students interested in
participating in guidance groups. She will teach a guidance lesson on friendship and
respect during the first marking period to all sixth grade students. The guidance
department is also working to update the Springton Lake guidance web page. We will be
offering links to mental health services and No Place for Hate. We will offer information
on groups, cyber bullying and bullying, and frequently asked questions. In addition,
Alison Harrison, building coordinator, is organizing school-wide kick-off activities for the
No Place For Hate program. Students will develop a showcase display, answer questions
about respect, and student products will be used in a cafeteria hallway display.
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Library
District librarians LaVerne Motley, Winnie Host, and library tech Kathy Cook all attended
the annual Access PA / POWER Library training session along with Librarians Jackie
Matusow, Cheri Marzano, and Lisa Stuart. During the day, presentations were made by
Lynn Moses from PDE, Access PA requirements and procedures were reviewed, and
new features of various online resources were highlighted. Beginning next year, the
refresher program will be delivered via an online course. Mrs. Motley received a Library
Services Technology grant for $2,500 to purchase books to enhance the
animal/endangered species collection. In cooperation with sixth grade science teachers
Jo Dizon, Kathleen Maguire and Donna Schied, books and several DVDs have been
selected and the list of desired materials sent to PDE for approval. Sixth grade Language
Arts students received and introduction to the SLMS library and its procedures in addition
to a brief tour. Students then selected their first library books. At a follow-up lesson, Mrs.
Motley reviewed how to locate books using an author, title, subject or series and
demonstrated how to “read” a record for a book as well as how to find book reviews using
Title Peek. Students from Susan Hemenway's life skills class come weekly for a story
and book selection. During their first sessions they have enjoyed two non-fiction
selections: Pale Male: Citizen Hawk of New York City and Boys of Steel: the Creators of
Superman. Mrs. Motley presented book talks to students from Mrs. Perilli’s language arts
class. The theme was The Creepy, the Ghostly, the Mysterious. The presentation
centered on books the students would read during the month of October. Family and
Consumer Science students from Mrs. Heckman’s 8th grade classes came to the library to
work on their housing unit. After being assigned a family situation and an income level,
students used Internet resources to select affordable housing in preparation for their
report. Mr. Reilly’s seventh grade social studies students used reference books and
Internet resources to research information in order to prepare resumes for the signers of
the U.S. Constitution. Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. Gregg, and Mr. Tolomeo have been meeting
regularly in the library with small groups of AGP challenge students to begin the ground
work for their year-long research projects. Goals for the year, framework for the program
and possible topics have been discussed and students are presently participating in presearch activities.
Math
Eighth grade students are working with the Connected Math curriculum for the first time
this academic year. This curriculum was introduced to the sixth grade students two years
ago and the seventh grade students last year. At this point in the year, students are
exploring and strengthening their skills with linear relationships (Standards 2.8.8). This
entails work on coordinate planes, with the slope-intercept form and solving algebraic
equations (Standards 2.8.5). Students are also completing a Problem of the Day at the
beginning of class. During this quarter, many of these problems involve units of
measurement, conversion factors and geometric formulae (Standards 2.3.5 and 2.3.8).
Two sections of eighth graders are enrolled in the geometry course which follows the high
school geometry curricula. So far, in addition to reviewing basic principles concerning
points, lines, planes, angles and polygons, they have been introduced to the midpoint and
distance formulae. Students are also learning to distinguish between axioms and
postulates and between inductive and deductive reasoning. After examining conditional
statements, students are beginning to write proofs. Our Algebra I students are working
with Real Numbers. A quick review of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing real
numbers will prepare us for more difficult problem solving exercises. The seventh grade
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is working on the last two investigations of the Covering and Surrounding unit: Measuring
Parallelograms and Measuring Irregular Shapes and Circles. The next unit in the
Connected Math program is Variables and Patterns, the first algebra strand. This unit will
develop students’ ability to explore a variety of situations in which changes occur. As
well, students will explore three ways of representing a changing situation. The seventh
grade accelerated students are currently in the last investigation of the Filling and
Wrapping unit. Students are comparing the volumes and surface areas of a variety of
prisms with regular bases and a common height. The students will be involved in making
the prisms and filling the prisms with rice to compare the volumes. Sixth grade students
are using what they have learned in the unit, "Data About Us" to conduct a statistical
investigation. The sixth graders formulated questions and surveyed classmates to find out
characteristics of a typical middle school student. After completing data collection,
analysis, and interpretation they created different ways to display the results. Culmination
of this project included the presentation of a bar, stem and leaf, line plot, and/or pie
graphs on poster paper with a written summary report.
Music
Eighth grade general music students are researching a project for the Early Music Unit
and creating original instruments made from materials in their “caves” (past performances
included a PVC didgeridoo and the “Raisin Branjo”). Seventh grade general music
students combined knowledge of Beethoven and basic music literacy skills to perform
“Ode to Joy” in the Yamaha Keyboard Lab. The Springton Lake Steppin’ Team will
perform for the Red Ribbon Week Pep Rally. The Eighth Grade Select Chorus will
perform in costume at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. The Springton Lake Middle
School Eighth Grade Band recently combined with the Penncrest Band performed at a
Friday night football game. Their next joint venture is the annual Media Halloween
Parade.
Social Studies
The sixth grade students are getting introduced to the world through the study of world
geography. After studying basic geographic concepts, the focus will turn to East Asia.
The students will “climb” Mt. Everest during this unit. Smart board lessons are also being
incorporated into each unit of study. In addition, Mr. Homan’s 9th period class is reading
the middle school version of Three Cups of Tea during REP period. The seventh grade
students are enjoying the new TCI History Alive program. The students began the year
working in simulation as delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Here
they explored three important topics, the Great Compromise, the three-fifths Compromise,
as well as the debate over the use of the Electoral College for presidential elections.
While doing so each student learned about specific delegates and their positions on the
topics. Next activity...on to becoming constitutional lawyers... The students are
responding well to the new textbooks. Once we taught the students how to navigate
through the books, most students see that the information is presented in a clear way with
plenty of visual aids. All students seem to find the book readable, but we feel comfortable
in stating that more advanced students are challenged by the material presented in the
text. This is a difficult task, but we think that TCI accomplished this goal. Eighth grade
World History students are using our new textbook, History Alive; The Ancient World.
Students have responded very positively to the text and report they enjoy reading it. The
audio technology which came with the text has provided some interesting features for our
class. When students begin to explore the Lascaux Caves on the web, cave noises
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accompany their exploration. Teachers and students have been exploring content
reading activities with this text as well. Eighth grade World History is about to complete
our unit on Early Humans. The Lascaux Caves, Neanderthal and CroMagnon Humans,
the Ice Man, Archeological Specialists, and DNA research are some of the topics that
students have investigated.
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
High School Faculty Chairperson of the Year
At the October faculty meeting DeAnn Scherer, PHS Math teacher was recognized by the
American Red Cross, Penn-Jersey Blood Service Region for excellence in blood drive
sponsorship and donor recruitment and education. The award is "the High School
Faculty Chairperson of the Year" Mrs. Scherer will officially honored by the American
Red Cross at their High School Conference on Thursday, October 15, at the Red Cross
Headquarters in Philadelphia. The purpose of this conference is for faculty blood drive
sponsors and selected students who support the endeavor to meet with those in other
high schools that sponsor the event. Mrs. Scherer will be escorting 5 students to the
conference where they will be learning about planning a successful blood drive. During
her 4 year tenure as faculty chair of the program under the auspices of the National
Honor Society, Mrs. Scherer has increased the level of donations 500% from 50 when
she took over the event to almost 300 in 2009. This year Mrs. Scherer has initiated a
platelet donor drive. Four are scheduled during the 2009-2010. The first was very
successful. Mrs. Scherer would like to encourage anyone who is reading this to consider
donating blood or platelets this year and to encourage others in our community to do so
as well.
Red and Gold Go Green
One of our district goals for this school year is Red and Gold Go Green. In an attempt to
be green, we will be sending many of our school communications via email, eAlerts,
eNews, and Global Connect calls. Hopefully, we will reach our school community
effectively and efficiently through the increased use of technology.
Back-to-School Night
Penncrest hosted its annual Back-to-School Night on Thursday, October 1, 2009 from
7:00 p.m. – to 9:00 p.m. The purpose of the evening was to meet teachers and to
become familiar with the class expectations and curriculum. The evening was very well
attended.
Freshman Parent Night
Parents of ninth graders were invited to attend a presentation led by Mrs. Graham. Goals
for the evening are to help parents of ninth graders prepare for sophomore year,
understand the importance of making good choices now, and follow a time line leading up
to the college application process.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Join the freshman health classes in helping to find a cure by participating in the Save Lids
to Save Lives campaign sponsored by Yoplait Yogurt. Yoplait will donate 10 cents for
every lid to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The drive runs through
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December 1. To further recognize the need to find a cure, all students and staff were
asked to wear pink on Tuesday, October 13, 2009.
SAT’s
The 2009 SAT’s were administered on Saturday, October 10, 2009, at Penncrest at 7:30
a.m.
PSAT’s
The 2009 PSAT’s were administered in school on October 14, 2009, for all sophomores
and juniors.
Students of the Month
Christine Sowa (senior) and Ron Tyson (junior) were the Media Rotary Club Students of
the Month for September. They were honored at a luncheon at the Towne House in
Media on October 1. Congratulations to Christine and Ron!
POWR
The POWR Program is up and running for the 2009-2010 school year. POWR
(Penncrest Opportunities for Workplace Relationships) connects you with local
businesses to explore the realities of day-to-day life in a specific career. Your POWR Day
is an excused absence, with parental permission. Schedule an appointment with Mrs.
Naismith in the Career Center at the Guidance Office for more information.
World Language Department
Spanish Exchange students from Tavernes de la Valldigna, Spain arrived at Penncrest.
These students were paired with Penncrest students who are currently studying Spanish
4 or AP Spanish 5. While visiting RTM, the Spanish students and 2 chaperones took
daily trips to local historical and cultural sites. In addition they visited Washington D.C.
and Lancaster. The annual covered dish dinner was held at Media Borough Hall.
Although the goodbyes were difficult the students have begun the countdown until the
Americans travel to Spain in early March 2010.
Students interested in the Phyllis Kavanaugh scholarship to travel/study abroad attended
an information meeting on September 22. Students and faculty will be celebrating
National German Week and Oktoberfest on October 15, at 2:30 p.m. in the PHS
Courtyard. Planning has also begun for the 2010 French Immersion Trip to Quebec and
Montreal. Parents and students were invited to an information meeting at Penncrest.
Art Department
The following Penncrest High School staff and students are participating in the Rose Tree
Media School District’s Art Exhibition at the Honors Suite Gallery at the Pennsylvania
Department of Education in Harrisburg. The show will be on display for the entire month
of October. Students: Clay Albers - “Untitled”, watercolor, Peter Allen - “Untitled”,
watercolor, Jayna Anderson - “Male Figure”, oils, Craig Cashner - “Mask”, ceramics, Kerry
Fields - “Figure”, mixed media, Amy Rocha - “Still Life”, pencil, Nicole Rothman,
“Untitled”, ceramics, Grace Wensel, “Me”, pencil, Lauren Tusar - “Untitled”, tempera and
Hannah Stevens - “Untitled”, pencil. Staff: Brian Dougherty, Science Department:
“Untitled”, oils, Michele Hart, Art Department: “Chanticleer”, oils, Concetta Mattioni, Art
Department: “Tiger”, charcoal; “Sheep”, charcoal, David Miller, Science Department:
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“Costa Rica”, series of 6 photographs, Jody Miller Ruckle, Technology Department:
“Yellowstone Park”, series of 2 photographs, David Stango, Art Department: “Untitled”,
ceramics (2 pieces)
The National Art Honor Society sponsored fund raising for the “Bark in the Park” dog walk
at the Annual Fall Festival at Rose Tree Park. NAHS students have created portraits of
the animals currently up for adoption at the Delaware County SPCA. The students will be
selling these portraits as well as manning a face painting table at the event and all
proceeds go directly to the SPCA.
Art teachers Michele Hart and Concetta Mattioni will be attending the Pennsylvania Art
Education Association's annual state conference being held in Brandywine. Ms. Mattioni
designed and illustrated the conference logo which is featured on the PAEA website
along with all the promotional materials for the conference.
Penncrest has two students, Liza Raspa (senior) and Samantha Overstreet (senior)
participating in the National Art Honor Society's art exhibition at the Pennsylvania Art
Education's state conference. The NAHS show is being displayed in the Safeguard
Scientific Building on the Penn State Great Valley Conference Center, located across the
street from The Desmond.
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10/22/2009
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:
October 6, 2009
Subject:
*October 6, 2009 – 7:00 PM Finance Committee Minutes
Chairperson: John Hanna
*Date Changed from October 13th to October 6th
_____________________________________________________________________
In Attendance:
John Hanna, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, William O’Donnell and Jeffrey Pettit
Also In Attendance: Denise Kerr and Grace Eves
_______________________________________________________________________
1.
Budget Comparison
See Attachment
7:00
The budget summary comparison report now includes a column for year to date
information for the previous year for comparison purposes. Most categories are
comparable to September of 2008.The other uses of funds category is lower
this September because the budgetary transfer to the Capital Reserve account
has not been made at this time, whereas last year it was made in September for
the 2008/09 fiscal year. This transfer is completed to cover bus and certain
technology purchases. State revenue is lower in 2009 due to the budget impasse
in Harrisburg. The District has not received subsidy payments for the 2009/10
fiscal year.
2.
State Audit Update
7:15
The 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006 state audits were completed in the Spring of
2008. The state is requesting a corrective action plan on two observations. One
observation relates to creating a personnel policy that would require employees
to notify the District if they have been arrested. There is pending legislation,
SB55, which would mandate this policy. Ellis Katz will be contacted concerning
this policy. Further discussion will take place at the Personnel committee
meeting. The other observation relates to updating our technology policy for
outside contractors and vendors. The technology department is working on
updating our technology policies. The corrective action plan requires board
action at the November Legislative meeting. Many school districts received the
same observations.
3.
Escrow Account
7:30
The release of funds from the Penncrest Escrow account should occur within the
next two weeks. All necessary paperwork will be sent this week. The escrow
account balance is $1,601,407.22. This account owes the general fund
$1,409,465.28 for expenses paid for the1998 Penncrest project. After the transfer
from the construction fund to the general fund is completed, there is $191,941.94
remaining from the escrow account. The remaining funds can be used to retire
debt or be transferred to the capital reserve account for future construction
projects.
4.
Act 1 Index for 2010/11 Fiscal Year
7:35
The Index for the 2010/11 fiscal year is 2.9%, which presents challenges for
2010/11 fiscal year. Approximately $750,000 of new debt for the next
$15,000,000 for the Springton Lake project will be incurred. The District will need
to borrow approximately another $15,000,000 in 2011/12. Ken Phillips has
recommended in the past that the District seek exceptions for the debt. He will
attend the November Finance Committee meeting to give an update on our
finances. Increased assessment appeals for residential and commercial
properties are projected for the 2010/11 fiscal year. The Granite Run Mall appeal
resulted in a $600,000 loss of revenue. The Pennsylvania School Employees'
Retirement System, PSERS, announced a tentative retirement rate for 2010/11
as 8.4%. The current rate is 4.78%. The rate will not be certified until December
of 2009.
5.
Budget Timeline
See Attachment
7:45
The tentative budget timeline was discussed. The district can seek exceptions.
The State will notify the District in late December of the exceptions. The District
is not required to use all of the exceptions, but may use a portion. A proposed
preliminary budget will need to be adopted at the January Legislative meeting or
a resolution adopted to not exceed the Index.
6.
Media Borough Lighting
7:55
Media Borough is seeking approval from the District to install a spot light for the
flag at Barrell Field. Ron Baldino will collect additional information and report to
committee at the November Finance Committee meeting.
The next Finance Committee meeting will be held on November 10, 2009 at 7:00 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:
October 6, 2009
Subject:
*October 6, 2009 - 8:00 PM - Operations Committee Minutes
Chairperson: Bill Montgomery
*Date Changed from October 13th to October 6th
_____________________________________________________________________
In Attendance:
Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry, Linda Kinsler-Fox,
Nancy Fronduti, John Hanna, Bill Montgomery, Bill O’Donnell
and Jeffrey Pettit
Also In Attendance: Denise Kerr, Ron Baldino and Grace Eves
Cini Construction: Dennis Cini
Bonnett Associates: Don Bonnett, Pete Medica, Brian Ambruster
D’Huy Engineering: Arif Fazil, Henry Guarriello, Joe Slivka
___________________________________________________________________
1.
Springton Lake Middle School Phasing
The phasing plan for the Springton Lake Middle School project was presented by
Bonnett Associates and D’Huy Engineering. Don Bonnett reviewed the permit
process and feels the NPDES permits will be approved by November. Grace
Eves and Don Bonnett will meet with Upper Providence Township to setup an
escrow account for permitting fees. Peter Medica, Bonnett Associates, reviewed
the PLANCON process. The district approved PLANCON documents up to
PLANCON E. The next step in the process is to file PLANCON F, which will be
submitted when the district goes out to bid. The tentative construction dates for
the project are March 2010 through September 2012. Henry Guarriello, D’Huy
1.
Springton Lake Middle School Phasing (continued)
Engineering, reviewed the budget. Joe Slivka, D’Huy Engineering, reviewed the
phasing plan. The phasing plan is comprised of four major blocks for
construction. Each phase will last 4-6 months. The district will lease modular
classrooms for classes and the library. The library/classroom alternate was
discussed. The alternate would result in the loss of 1,900 square feet of
economical space and was not cost effective. The Operations Committee
agreed to forego the alternate. The committee also agreed with the phasing plan
and the leasing of modular units.
The next Operations Committee meeting will be on November 10, 2009, at 8:00 PM.
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
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:
October 16, 2009
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting – October 13, 2009
Board Members in Attendance: N. Mackrides, Chair, J. Hanna, V. Barbato, L. Fox,
P. Barry, J. Pettit
Also in Attendance: D. Kerr, A. Callahan, and G. Eves
A.
Review of Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
The committee reviewed the items for the legislative meeting on October 22,
2009. Mrs. Callahan stated that we will be adding one additional item, the
creation of a new supplemental position at Springton Lake Middle School.
The position, Game Attendant at 6 units, was discussed at the September
Personnel Committee meeting.
Action: All items will be included on the agenda of the legislative meeting for
a vote of the full Board of School Directors.
B.
Interact Club
Mrs. Callahan presented a request from Penncrest High School to reinstate
the Interact Club. The Interact Club was funded temporarily for the past two
years. The funds being used to fund the club are no longer available.
Penncrest administration has recommended incorporating the Video Club into
the TV Production Club and transferring the video club funds to the Interact
Club.
Action: The agenda for the legislative meeting on October 22, 2009, will
include the deletion of the Video Club and the permanent reinstatement of the
Interact Club at 8 units.
C.
Executive Session
An executive session was held to discuss matters of Personnel.
The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held on Thursday, November 5,
2009, at 8 PM in the Board Room at the Education Center
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6028
Fax 610.565-5317
www.rtmsd.org
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:
October 14, 2009
Subject:
October 12, 2009 Pupil Services Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mrs. Nancy Fronduti
Board Members in Attendance: Veronica Barbato, Jeff Pettit, Peter Barry, Nancy
Mackrides, Linda Fox
Others in Attendance: Dr. Denise Kerr, Dr. Joyce Jeuell, Dr. Linda Bluebello, Dr.
Steve Taylor, Dr. DiMarino-Linnen, Community member
OVERNIGHT TRIPS
Dr. Bluebello presented the following overnight trips for review. The Board also
requested that the current overnight trip form be revised to provide clarity of information
and suggested that it be placed online.
The Future Business Leaders of America will travel to Penn State University on
November 1-2, 2009, for the State Leadership Workshop. The cost to the district will be
for one substitute teacher for one day.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
Twelve Penncrest High School students who are part of the Student Relations Club will
attend a one-night camping trip at Rickets Glen State Park on November 7-8, 2009.
The trip will emphasize and teach in an authentic setting, student leadership and
personal responsibility skills.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
Five Penncrest High School Student Council members will attend the PA Association of
Student Councils State Conference at Pennridge High School on November 12-14,
2009. The cost to the district will be approximately $460 for two substitute teachers,
registration and hotel.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
Penncrest High School students will attend a Student Leadership Training Retreat in
Stroudsburg, PA, on November 21-23, 2009. The cost to the district will be $450 for
substitute teachers.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
The Penncrest High School Boys Cross Country team will compete in the State
Championships in Hershey, PA, on November 6-7, 2009. The approximate cost to the
district is $500.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
The Penncrest High School Girls Indoor Track team will compete in the Kevin Dare High
School Invitational on January 22-23, 2009 at Penn State University, State College, PA.
the cost to the district is the $500 registration fee.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
The Penncrest High School Cheerleaders will attend the Regional Cheerleading
Championships at Penn State University on January 30-31, 2010. The approximate
cost to the district will be $1,300 which covers the hotel and entrance fee.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
The Penncrest High School Boys Indoor Track team will attend the State Track
Championship at Penn State University on March 5-6, 2010. The cost to the district will
be approximately $1,200 which covers the hotel, meals and mini van transportation.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
The Penncrest High School Wrestling team will compete in the PIAA Regional
Tournament at Council Rock North High School on March 5-6, 2010. The approximate
cost to the district will be $700 which covers hotel and mini van transportation.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
The Penncrest High School Girls Indoor Track team will attend the State Track
Championship at Penn State University on March 5-6, 2010. The cost to the district will
be approximately $900 which covers the hotel, meals and mini van transportation.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
The Penncrest High School Wrestling team will compete in the PIAA State
Championship in Hershey, PA, on March 10-13, 2010. The approximate cost to the
district will be $900, which covers hotel, meals and mini van transportation.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
The Penncrest High School Boys Track team will attend the Outdoor State
Championship at Shippensburg University on May 27-29, 2010. The approximate cost
to the district will be $1,800, which covers hotel, meals and mini van transportation.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
The Penncrest High School Girls Track team will attend the Outdoor State
Championship at Shippensburg University on May 28-29, 2010. The approximate cost
to the district will be $920, which covers the hotel, meals and mini van transportation.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
As per Board request, Dr. Bluebello will check with Chip Olinger, Athletic Director, for
further clarification on upcoming tournaments.
CONTRACTS
Dr. Bluebello presented the following contract renewals:
Theraplay, Inc., at $85.00 per hour for speech therapy. The services of Theraplay, Inc.,
will be used when necessary to assist with compensatory speech and language
services for students. Services are provided at the Springfield, PA, office.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
Austill’s Rehabilitation Services, Inc., at $57.00 per hour for occupational or physical
therapy services. The services of Austill’s will be used for a student who attends the
Timothy School and requires Physical Therapy services.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
Dr. Robert F. Sing provides physicals for high school and elementary students as well
as consultation services for the district’s health services. His contract is for $25,578.00.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
Dr. Peter N. Christie provides physicals for Springton Lake students, district custodians
and bus drivers. His contract is for $9,366.82. Bus driver physicals are billed at $55.00
each with a $20.00 fee for the biannual Mantoux Tuberculin test.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
Jessica Brady provides dental hygiene services to students in our public and non-public
schools. Her annual contract is for $2,000.00.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
Carmelinda Mann, M.A., will provide individual and group counseling services one day
per week at the ERC. Her compensation will be $6,000.00 and will be paid for by the
Alternative Education Grant.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda.
NURSING AGENCY CONTRACTS
Dr. Bluebello reviewed two nursing agency contracts with the Board: CritiCare and
Bayada. These agencies would provide substitute school nurses only if the district was
unable to provide normal substitute nurse coverage in our schools. CritiCare’s fee is
$55 per hour for a registered nurse and Bayada’s fee is $49.50 per hour for registered
nurse services. Tom Kelly, District Solicitor, will review the contracts prior to Board
approval.
Action: Approval will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda pending
Solicitor review and approval of contract language.
PRESENTATION
As per Board request at the September Legislative Meeting, Dr. Taylor and Dr. Jeuell
presented additional information on the SLMS Pilot Alternative Program. Dr. Taylor
addressed specific questions regarding staffing and funding of the G.A.T.E. (Guided
Actions and Team Excellence) Program and shared options for both. Dr. Jeuell
answered questions regarding use of support personnel and evaluation measures.
Action: The G.A.T.E. Program will be on the October 2009 Legislative Agenda for
approval.
The next meeting of the Pupil Services committee will be November 5, 2009, at 9:00 pm
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:
October 13, 2009
RE:
October 13, 2009, Teaching & Learning Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mr. Jeff Pettit
Board Members in Attendance: Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry, Linda Fox, Nancy
Mackrides, Jeff Pettit
RTMSD Personnel in Attendance: Susan Evans, Denise Kerr, Steve Taylor
Penncrest Courses With Enrollment Under 15 in 2009-2010
Dr. Evans presented a chart expressing the enrollments in courses at Penncrest High
School under 15 students for the 2009-2010 school year. The chart showed the original
projected enrollments from last March, the actual enrollments as of September, and
rationale for offering the courses, dropping them, or combining them with others.
Book Adoptions – 9th Grade Global Studies
Dr. Taylor presented two new books for adoption in the 9th grade Global Studies
curriculum during the China unit: The Colors of the Mountain by Da Chen and Red
Scarf Girl – Memoir of the Cultural Revolution by Ji-li Jiang. As the one title
suggests, both books are memoirs by teenagers growing up during the Cultural
Revolution in China. Their adoptions extend the Social Studies Department’s efforts to
use primary source materials whenever possible. The Board gave approval for the
adoption of these books.
Penncrest Course Selection Guide and New Course Proposals
Dr. Evans presented a summary of proposed changes to the Penncrest Course Guide
for 2010-2011. These changes fall into a number of categories: title changes to clarify
course content, offerings of courses on a bi-annual basis, and the addition of new
courses, which include Critical Reading, AP Macroeconomics, AP Calculus BC, and
a new strand of level 1 courses in the English department in grades 11 and 12. Changes
for 2010-2011 also include a realignment of Social Studies courses. The main
modifications of the sequence involve changing the length of the American Experience
course in 10th grade from a full year to one semester, moving Modern Europe from 11th
grade to 10th grade, and changing the length of Modern America from one semester to
1
a full year in 11th grade. All of these proposed changes can be made within current
budgetary resources. The Board gave its approval of these proposed changes.
Dr. Evans and Dr. Taylor also put forward proposed revisions to the graduation
requirements. Two minor revisions involve changing “Language Arts” to “English” in the
row for Fine and Practical Arts credits and changing the title of “General Science” to
“Environmental Science.” There are two more substantive changes. One involves
maintaining the number of required Science credits at 3, but adding language indicating
they should be completed by the end of 11th grade. The other is to maintain the number
of required Social Studies credits at 4, but requiring students to take a course in the
modern American period, either Modern America or AP United States History. The
Board agreed to put these changes to the graduation requirements on the Legislative
agenda for October for a first reading. They require a revision of Policy 217 –
Graduation Requirements.
One further related item to consider at the November Teaching & Learning Committee
meeting is a program proposal for instituting a Chinese language program at Penncrest.
Update on Penncrest Dance Contract
Mr. Gregg updated the Board on the rationale for the new Dance Contract at Penncrest.
2
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.”
September 24, 2009
October 6, 2009
October 13, 2009
October 22, 2009
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 November 19, 2009, at Penncrest
High School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
Presidential Announcement
1
10/22/2009
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
2.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Thomas Bowes, Substitute Bus Driver,
resignation, effective September 8, 2009.
2.
Cathy Lejman, Cafeteria Worker, Media
Elementary, resignation effective October 16,
2009. Ms. Lejman will remain as a Substitute
Custodian.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Carley Dillon, (.5) Night School Director for the
2009-2010 school year, Penncrest High School,
at the annual salary of $2,500.
2.
Debra Schnaars, (.5) Night School Director for
the 2009-2010 school year, Penncrest High
School, at the annual salary of $2,500.
3.
Recommend Board approval for the following
Penncrest personnel to serve as Night School
Teachers at the rate of $40.00 per hour:
Carley Dillon
Mark Samilenko
Debra Schnaars
4.
IX. New Business
Robert Simpson
Edward Somers
Mark Yanchek, Business/Computer Teacher,
effective October 9, 2009 at the annual salary of
$44,202*, Bachelor’s Degree/Step 1. Mr.
Yancheck received his Bachelor’s Degree from
Bloomsburg University. He comes to us from
Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School where
he taught Business and Technology. He is
assigned to Springton Lake Middle School
replacing Sharon Williams who has been
reassigned. NOTE: Mr. Yanchek is being hired
pending completion of his pre-employment
paperwork.
1
October 22, 2009
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
3.
1.
Willie Jones, Custodial Night Supervisor, Media
Elementary, at the annual salary of $1,000.
2.
Marianne Nigolian, Support Staff I, Media
Elementary, effective September 29, 2009 at the
rate of $12.48.
3.
Ralph Santelli, Substitute Cafeteria Worker,
effective September 29, 2009 at the rate of
$10.04.
4.
Louise Naismith, Career Coordinator for the
2009-2010 school year at the rate of $25.00 per
hour. She is assigned to Penncrest High School.
5.
Michael Bacon, Substitute Custodian, effective
October 8, 2009 at the rate of $12.00 per hour.
Mr. Bacon currently works as a Substitute
Maintenance Worker.
6.
Stuart Race, (.5) Personal Instructional
Assistant, Support Staff II, effective October
12, 2009, at the rate of $14.49 per hour. Mr.
Race is assigned to Penncrest High School
replacing
Allison
Koechig
who
was
reassigned. NOTE: Mr. Race is being hired
pending completion of his pre-employment
paperwork.
General
a.
IX. New Business
Non-Instructional
Classification Change
1.
Diane DiMartino, from Substitute Cafeteria
Worker
to
Cafeteria
Trainee,
effective
September 8, 2009 at the rate of $10.55 per
hour. Ms. DiMartino is assigned to Springton
Lake Middle School replacing Aimee Anderson
who resigned.
2.
Peter Devaney, from Full-time Driver to On-Call
Substitute Bus Drive effective October 31, 2009.
2
October 22, 2009
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
Classification Change (contd.)
3.
b.
c.
IX. New Business
Allison Koechig, from (.5) to (1.0) Personal
Instructional Assistant, Support Staff II effective
October 7, 2009 at the rate of $15.25 per hour.
Ms. Koechig is assigned to Penncrest High
School replacing Svitlana Duffy who was
reassigned.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Rescind appointment of Robin Heckman, Cookie
Club Sponsor, Springton Lake Middle School.
2.
Rescind appointment of Andrea Drinkwine,
Video Club, Penncrest High School.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Josephine Dizon, Science Olympiad Sponsor,
Springton Lake Middle School, at the annual
salary of $696.00*.
2.
Robin Heckman, Science Olympiad Sponsor,
Springton Lake Middle School, at the annual
salary of $695.00*.
3.
Jeanette Verdeur, Chorus Sponsor, Media
Elementary, at the annual salary of $1,112.00*.
4.
Patrick Murphy, HOME Service Club Sponsor,
Media Elementary, at the annual salary of
$417.00*.
6.
Andrea Drinkwine, Television Production Club,
Penncrest High School, at the rate of $14.50 per
hour to a maximum of $2,600 for the year.
7.
Patrick Murphy, Piano Club Sponsor, Media
Elementary School, at the annual salary of
$139.00*.
8.
Amanda Biagi, Field Hockey Coach, Springton
Lake Middle School, at the annual salary of
$2,919.00*.
3
October 22, 2009
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts (contd.)
9.
Brian Reilly, Geography Club Sponsor,
SpringtonLake Middle School, at the annual
salary of $834.00*.
10.
Frank DiAngelo, Assistant Lightweight Football
Coach, Springton Lake Middle School, at the
annual salary of $2,363.00*.
11.
Todd Brown, DVMSAC Coordinator, at the
annual salary of $2,800.00*.
12.
Recommend Board approval of the following
personnel to serve as Fall Intramural
Instructors for Springton Lake Middle School
at the rate of $27 per hour:
William Carr
John Baker
Veronica Kurash
Matthew Johnston
13.
Jacqueline Baker
Martha Gumienny
Mary Belle Patton
Marie Carter
Recommend Board approval for the following
personnel to serve as sponsors for the AFG
Challenge Program at Penncrest High School
for the 2009-2010 school year:
S. Ableson
Director
N. Bell
Mentor
H. Douglas-Garrett Mentor
M. Ludwig
Mentor
D. Mead
Mentor
N. Peters
Mentor
E. Pettit
Mentor
L. Rice-Spring
Mentor
D. Schnaars
Mentor
S. Smith
Mentor
M. Woodward
Mentor
IX. New Business
4
$2,920.00*
$ 556.00*
$ 556.00*
$ 584.00*
$ 556.00*
$ 584.00*
$ 556.00*
$ 584.00*
$ 556.00*
$ 556.00*
$ 584.00*
October 22, 2009
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c.
Supplemental Contracts (contd.)
14.
Sharon Williams, New Teacher Mentor,
Springton Lake Middle School, at the annual
salary of $1,050.00*.
15.
Suzanne Hemenway, Cookie Club Sponsor,
Springton Lake Middle School, at the annual
salary of $834.00*.
16.
Recommend the Board approve the following
personnel to serve as PSAT Review Session
Teachers at the rate of $75.00 per session:
Sharon Smith
Diana Sweeney
d.
Elimination of Position
1.
e.
Kathleen Rauch
Elimination of Video club. The cub activities
are being absorbed into the T.V. Production
Club.
Create New Position
1.
Creation of a Game Attendant Position
Recommend the creation of Game Attendant
at Springton Lake Middle School. This
supplemental position will be 6 units. The
responsibility of this position will be to
attend athletic events and check the
clearances of all PIAA Officials.
2.
Creation of Interact Club
Request reinstatement of the Interact Club at
Penncrest High School at the rate of 8 units.
Money from the Video Club will be
transferred to the Interact Club.
•
IX. New Business
salary is reported at the 2008-2009 rate and is subject to change with
the completion of RTMEA negotiations.
5
October 22, 2009
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
FBLA State Leadership Workshop, 11/1/09 – 11/2/09, Penn
State University Main Campus
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip for
members of the Penncrest High School Future Business
Leaders Association to Penn State University, State College,
PA, on November 1-2, 2009.
Background
The Penncrest High School FBLA will attend the State
Leadership Workshop at Penn State University. The cost to
the district will be for one substitute teacher for one day.
2.
Closing the Achievement Gap,117/09-11/8/09, Rickets Glen
State Park
Resolve, that the Board approve an overnight trip for students
in the Student Relations Club to Rickets Glen State Park on
November 7-8, 2009. The cost to the district will be $180
which covers two van rentals.
Background
Twelve Penncrest High School students who are members of
the Student Relations Club will attend a one-night camping trip
at Rickets Glen State Park. The trip will emphasize and teach
in an authentic setting, student leadership and personal
responsibility skills. There is no cost to the district.
3.
PA Association of Student Councils State Conference,
11/12/09 – 11/14/09, Pennridge High School
Resolve, that the Board approve the Penncrest High School
Student Council attending the PA Association of Student
Councils State Conference at Pennridge High School on
November 12-14, 2009.
Background
Five students will attend the PA Association of Student
Councils State Conference at Pennridge High School. The
approximate cost to the district will be $460 which covers
hotel, advisor registration and substitute fees for 2 days.
IX. New Business
6
October 22, 2009
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips (contd.)
4.
Student Leadership, 11/21/09 – 11/23/09, Stroudsburg, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip for
Penncrest High School students to a Student Leadership
Training Retreat in Stroudsburg, PA, on November 21-23,
2009.
Background
Approximately 100 Penncrest High School students will attend
the Student Leadership Training Retreat in Stroudsburg, PA.
The approximate cost to the district will be $450 for substitute
teacher fees.
5.
Boys Cross Country State Championship, 11/6/09 – 11/7/09,
Hershey, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Hershey,
PA, for the Penncrest High School Boys Cross Country team
on November 6-7, 2009.
Background
Two members of the Penncrest High School Boys Track team
will compete in the State Championships in Hershey, PA. The
approximate cost to the district is $500.
6.
Girls Indoor Track – Kevin Dare, 1/22/10 – 1/23/10, Penn
State University
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Penn
State University, State College, PA, for the Penncrest High
School Girls Indoor Track team on January 22-23, 2010.
Background
The Penncrest High School Girls Indoor Track team will
compete in the Kevin Dare High School Invitational at Penn
State University, State College, PA. The cost to the district will
be $500 for the registration fee.
IX. New Business
7
October 22, 2009
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips (contd.)
7.
Regional Cheerleading Championship, 1/30/10 – 1/31/10,
Penn State University
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Penn
State University, State College, PA, for the Penncrest High
School Cheerleaders on January 30-31, 2010.
Background
The Penncrest High School Cheerleaders will attend the
Regional Cheerleading Championships at Penn State
University, State College, PA. The approximate cost to the
district will be $1,300 which covers the hotel and entrance fee.
8.
Boys Indoor State Track Championship, 3/5/10 – 3/6/10,
Penn State University
Resolve, that the board approve the overnight trip to Penn
State University, State College, PA, for the Penncrest High
School Boys Indoor Track team on March 5-6, 2010.
Background
The Penncrest High School Boys Indoor Track team will
compete in the State Track Championship at Penn State
University, State College, PA. The cost to the district will be
approximately $1,200 which covers the hotel, meals and mini
van transportation.
9.
Wrestling Regional Tournament – PIAA – 3/5/10 – 3/6/10,
Council Rock North High School
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Council
Rock North High School for the Penncrest High School
Wrestling team on March 5-6, 2010.
Background
Approximately 8 members of the Penncrest High School
Wrestling team will compete in the PIAA Regional Tournament
at Council Rock North High School. The approximate cost to
the district will be $700 which covers hotel and mini van
transportation.
IX. New Business
8
October 22, 2009
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips (contd.)
10.
Girls Indoor Track States, 3/5/10 – 3/6/10, Penn State
University
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Penn
State University, State College, PA, for the Penncrest High
School Girls Indoor Track team on March 5-6, 2010.
Background
Members of the Penncrest High School Girls Indoor Track
team will compete in the State Track Championship at Penn
State University, State College, PA. The cost to the district will
be approximately $900 which covers the hotel, meals and mini
van transportation.
11.
State Wrestling Championship – PIAA, 3/10/10 – 3/13/10,
Hershey, PA
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Hershey,
PA, for the Penncrest High School Wrestling team on March
10 -13, 2010.
Background
Approximately 4 members of the Penncrest High School
Wrestling team will compete in the PIAA State Wrestling
Championship in Hershey, PA. The cost to the district will by
$900 which covers hotel, meals and mini van transportation.
12.
Boys Track Outdoor State Championship, 5/27/10 – 5/29/10,
Shippensburg University
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to
Shippensburg University for the Penncrest High School Boys
Track team on May 27-29, 2010.
Background
Approximately 8 members of the Penncrest High School Boys
Track team will compete in the Outdoor State Championship
at Shippensburg University. The cost to the district will be
approximately $1,800 which covers hotel, meals and mini van
transportation.
IX. New Business
9
October 22, 2009
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips (contd.)
13.
Girls Outdoor Track States, 5/28/10 – 5/29/10, Shippensburg
University
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to
Shippensburg University for the Penncrest High School Girls
Track team on May 28-29, 2010.
Background
Approximately 10 members of the Penncrest High School Girls
Track team will compete in the Outdoor State Championship
at Shippensburg University. The cost to the district will be
approximately $920 which covers hotel, meals and mini van
transportation.
C.
Policies
1.
Policy #217 – Graduation Requirements - First Reading – See
Attachment A
Policy #217 Graduation Requirements was discussed at the
October 2009 Teaching and Learning Committee Meeting.
IX. New Business
10
October 22, 2009
ADDENDUM
IX.
New Business
D.
Addendum - Personnel
1.
Terminations - None
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
3.
Lisa Jacinto-Cassidy, ESL Teacher, effective
October 23, 2009 at the annual salary of $52,441,
Master’s Degree/Step 6. Ms. Jacinto-Cassidy
received her Bachelor’s Degree from Cabrini
College and her Master’s Degree from Fairleigh
Dickinson University. She comes to us from West
Chester Area School District where she served as
an ESL Teacher for the past 3 years. Ms. JacintoCassidy is assigned to Media Elementary School.
NOTE: Ms. Jacinto-Cassidy is being hired pending
completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
General
a.
Other
1.
IX. New Business – Addendum
Resolve the Board of School Directors approve the
agreement between Rose Tree Media School
District and Flora Fuller. See Attachment B
October 22, 2009
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing – None
B.
General
1.
Theraplay, Inc.
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract with Theraplay,
Inc., for speech therapy services at $85.00 per hour.
Background
The services of Theraplay, Inc., will be used when necessary
to assist with compensatory speech and language service.
This item was discussed at the October 2009 Pupil Services
Committee Meeting.
2.
Austill’s Rehabilitation Services
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract with Austill’s
Rehabilitation Services for Physical Therapy at $57.00 per
hour.
Background
A student who attends the Timothy School requires physical
therapy according to the provisions of the student’s
Individual Education Program (IEP).
This item was
discussed at the October 2009 Pupil Services Committee
Meeting.
3.
Dr. Robert F. Sing
Resolve, that the Board approve an agreement with Dr.
Robert F. Sing of Springfield Sports Emergency Medical
Corporation for medical services for $25,578.
Background
Dr. Robert F. Sing provides physicals for high school and
elementary students as well as consultation services for the
district’s health services. His contract is for $25,578. This
item was discussed at the October 2009 Pupil Services
Committee Meeting.
-1-
10/22/09
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
4.
Dr. Peter N. Christie
Resolve, that the Board approve an agreement with Dr.
Peter N. Christie for medical services of $9,366.82, $55.
Background
Dr. Peter N. Christie provides physicals for Springton Lake
students, district custodians and bus drivers. His contract for
the student physicals is for $9,366.82. Bus driver physicals
are billed at $55.00 each with a $20.00 fee for the biannual
Mantoux Tuberculin test. This item was discussed at the
October 2009 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
5.
Jessica Brady, Dental Hygienist
Resolve, that the Board approve an agreement with Jessica
Brady for dental hygiene services for $2,000.
Background
Jessica Brady provides dental hygiene services to the
students in our public and non-public schools. Her annual
contract is for $2,000. This item was discussed at the
October 2009 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
6.
Carmelinda Mann, M.A.
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract with Carmelinda
Mann, M.A., in the amount of $6,000.
Background
Carmelinda Mann will provide individual and group
counseling services one day per week at the ERC. Her
compensation will be $6,000.00 and will be paid for by the
Alternative Education Grant. This item was discussed at the
October 2009 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
-2-
10/22/09
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
7.
CritiCare
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract with CritiCare for
$55 per hour for registered nursing services pending
Solicitor review and approval of the contract language.
Background
CritiCare will provide substitute school nurses only if the
district is unable to provide normal substitute nurse coverage
in our schools.
8.
Bayada Nurses, Inc.
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract with Bayada
Nurses, Inc., for $49.50 per hour for registered nursing
services pending Solicitor review and approval of the
contract language.
Background
Bayada Nurses, Inc. will provide substitute school nurses
only if the district is unable to provide normal substitute
nurse coverage in our schools.
9.
G.A.T.E. Program
Resolve, that the Board approve the SLMS Pilot G.A.T.E.
(Guided Actions and Team Excellence) program for one year
at which time the pilot program will be re-evaluated.
Background
The SLMS G.A.T.E. Program is a proposed pilot regular
education intervention designed to help at-risk students of
average to above-average ability reach their personal
potential. The pilot program will be in effect for one year with
bi-monthly updates provided to the Board. At the end of the
one year pilot, the program will be re-evaluated.
-3-
10/22/09
No. 217
Attachment A
ROSE TREE MEDIA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
SECTION:
PUPILS
TITLE:
GRADUATION
REQUIREMENTS
ADOPTED:
August 22, 2002
REVISED:
August 24, 2006
Deleted: ¶
217. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Purpose
Title 22
Sec. 4.24
Pol. 100
The Board adopts the graduation requirements students must achieve, which include
course completion and grades, completion of culminating project, and results of
local and state assessments as established by the Board in the district's Strategic Plan
and as restated herein.
Credits Required To Graduate:
English
Mathematics
Science
4 credits
3 credits (includes Algebra & Geometry)
3 credits (includes Environmental Science &
Biology), all three of which should be
completed by the end of grade 11
4 credits (including Modern America or AP
United States History)
(through level 2)
3 or 4 credits (3 if students needs 2 WL)
Social Studies
World Language
Fine and Prac. Arts
Art
Music
Technical Ed
Family/Consumer Science
Business Ed
Mathematics (Computer Science)
English Electives
Vocational-Technical
World Languages
(electives beyond minimum)
Health & PE
2.4 credits
Electives
2 credits
Community Service
1 credit
Graduation Project
Title 22
Sec. 4.52
Pol. 100, 107
State requirements for graduation include demonstration of proficiency on state
assessments. Students must demonstrate performance at the Proficient level or
better in reading, writing, and mathematics on the PSSA assessment administered in
grade 11, on the retest in grade 12, or on district assessments aligned with
Page 1 of 4
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0",
Hanging: 2.49"
Deleted: Gen.
Deleted: Language Arts
217. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - Pg. 2
Pennsylvania academic standards.
SC 1614
Title 22
Sec. 11.27
Pol. 113
Special Education students may be exempted from these requirements when, in the
opinion of the IEP team, these requirements are incompatible with the students'
needs and abilities.
During junior or senior years, students will complete a graduation project, finishing
by the end of the third quarter of senior year at the latest. All approved projects will
require students to demonstrate an ability to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate
information and to communicate significant knowledge and understanding. Each
project must incorporate several technologies and yield a product in the form of a
paper, exhibit, portfolio, video, model, or performance.
2. Authority
SC 1611, 1613
Title 22
Sec. 4.13, 4.24
Pol. 100, 102
The Board shall award a regular high school diploma to every student enrolled in
this district who meets the requirements of graduation.
The Board requires that each candidate for graduation shall have earned 24.4 credits.
The fourth year of high school shall not be required if the student has been accepted
by an accredited institution of higher learning and has completed all requirements
for graduation.
3. Delegation of
Responsibility
The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for the planning and execution
of graduation ceremonies which appropriately mark this important achievement.
4. Guidelines
Pol. 213, 216
Accurate recording of each student's achievement of academic standards shall be
maintained, as required by law and State Board Regulations.
Students shall be informed of graduation requirements they are expected to
complete.
Periodic warnings shall be issued to students in danger of not fulfilling graduation
requirements.
No student who has completed the requirements for graduation shall be denied a
diploma as a disciplinary measure, but s/he may be denied participation in the
graduation ceremony when personal conduct so warrants. Such exclusion shall be
regarded as a school suspension. Any student who has not completed all
requirements for graduation shall not be permitted to participate in graduation
ceremony.
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217. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - Pg. 3
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 1611, 1613, 1614
State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 4.13, 4.24, 4.52, 11.4,
11.5, 11.8, 11.27
Board Policy – 100, 102, 113, 127, 213, 216
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217. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - Pg. 4
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