ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Informational Session
January 22, 2009
AGENDA
I.
Committee Highlights & Liaison Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
II.
Student Liaison Reports
Teaching & Learning
Finance
Operations
Personnel
Pupil Services
Technology
Liaison Reports
Adjournment
7:30 p.m.
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Legislative Meeting
January 22, 2009
8:00 p.m.
AGENDA
I.
Call to Order
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
II.
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Legislative Meeting of December 18, 2008
Presentations and Awards
A.
Riley McGowan – Concert Student Essay Contest National Finalist
IV.
Educational Presentation
A.
Saving the Biomes – Springton Lake students: Andy Cramer, Abby Henry and
Gabby Isenberg and teacher, Jo Dizon
V.
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
VI.
School Reports
Superintendent’s Report
Solicitor’s Report
President’s Report
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
B.
RTMEA
Healthy Communities Initiative
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Old Business
A.
IX.
None
New Business
A.
B.
C.
D.
X.
Rose Tree Media Residents
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Supplemental Contracts
b.
Create New Position
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School String Ensemble - Music Festival and
Competition – Hershey, PA
2.
Penncrest High School Wrestling Team – Hershey, PA
3.
Boys/Girls Indoor Track – State Track Championships –
Shippensburg, PA
4.
Penncrest High School Student Council – NASC LEAD
Conference, Harrisburg, PA
5.
Penncrest High School Varsity Cheerleaders – UCA Cheerleading
Competition – State College, PA
Policies
1.
Public Records (Right to Know) Policy #801 – First Read, See
Attachment A
2.
Appointment of Public Records Officer
Addendum
1.
Student Expulsions
Finance
A.
B.
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers
2.
Adjustments to 2008-2009 Budget
3.
2009-2010 Proposed Preliminary - General Fund Budget – See
Attachment B
4.
Change Orders
5.
6.
7.
C
D.
E.
XI.
2009 Capital Projects – See Attachment C
Elwyn Davidson School Contract
Devereux Foundation’s Beneto – Day School Programs
Addendum
1.
Mellon Trust Company – Paying Agent - Series AA of 2009
Financials for December 2008
Bill lists for December 2008
Adjournment
ANNOUNCEMENT
There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel at 6:30
p.m. prior to the Informational Session of February 26, 2009 at Springton Lake Middle
School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
I.
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary,
Director of Management Services
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
Grace A. Eves, Board Secretary
December 19, 2008
Minutes of the December 18, 2008, Legislative Meeting
Call to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Board Members in Attendance:
Students: Rachel Davis
Matthew Toal
Nicole Sassaman
Nancy Fronduti, Vice President
Veronica Barbato
Peter Barry
John Hanna
Nancy Mackrides
William Montgomery
William O’Donnell
Jeffrey Pettit
Absent: Linda Fox
Also in Attendance:
Ron Baldino, Supervisor Maint. & Oper.
Pat Barta, Supervisor of Special Education
Linda Bluebello, Director of Pupil Services
Eric Bucci, Ass’t. Principal, PHS
Anne Callahan, Dir. Human Resources
Karen Daugherty, Principal, GWE
Susan Evans, Asst. Principal, PHS
Grace Eves, Dir. Management Services
Angela Gilbert, Dir. Elem. Teaching & Learning
Rick Gregg, Principal PHS
Ron Harris, Network Specialist
Ralph Harrison, Ass’t. Principal PHS
Joanne Horan, Teaching & Learning
Katherine White, Principal, MES
-1-
Anthony Jackowski, Ass’t. Principal SLMS
Joyce Jeuell, Principal, SLMS
Mack Johnson, Management Specialist for
SMS and FMS
Thomas Kelly, Solicitor
Bonnie Kinsler, Transportation Director
Patti Linden, Director of Tech. & Information
Kim McCann-Roller, Info. Tech. Spec.
Chip Olinger, Athletic Dir. PHS
Danielle Penza, Accountant
Roxanne Schupp, Supv. Business Oper.
Steve Taylor, Dir. Sec. Teaching & Learning
12/18/08
The Legislative Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Rose Tree Media
School District was held on Thursday, December 18, 2008, at Springton Lake Middle
School. The meeting was called to order by Vice President Nancy Fronduti.
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of November 20, 2008
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2008-2009 – 54
Resolved, that the Board approve the Legislative Meeting Minutes of
November 20, 2008.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the
vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
B.
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
Board Reorganization Minutes of December 2, 2008
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. O’Donnell seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2008-2009 – 55
Resolved, that the Board approve Reorganization Minutes of
December 2, 2008.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the
vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
-2-
12/18/08
III.
Presentations and Awards
A.
Boys’ Cross Country Team – Co-Central League Championship
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2008-2009 – 56
Resolved, the Board recognize the following Boys’ Cross Country Team
for their Co-Central League Championship: Ralph Allen, Gregory Allison,
Austin Barrett, Anthony Batch, Anderson Beck, Nicholas Bonaventure,
James Boyle, Charles Buchanan, James Bushey, Nicholas Calabro, Neil
Campbell, Sean Carney, Craig Cassey, James Clifford, Brian Craft,
Kaanen Delmar, Cory Densmore, Cole Dougherty, Nathan Emanuel,
Alexander Falcone, Benjamin Freedman, Corbin Harootuniam, Andrew
Kaiden, William Kirkpatrick, Christopher Karmer, James Lee, Shanghui
Liu, Samuel Moffat, William Murphy, Edwin Noyes, Peisong Ouyang, Kyle
Panzer, Thomas Quirk, Cortland Schauerman, Zachary Smalls, Nicholas
Tylek, Ronald Tyson.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the
vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
-3-
12/18/08
IV.
Educational Presentation
A.
Musical Presentation by Students from Rose Tree Elementary School
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
School Reports – In Official Legislative Minutes of December 18, 2008
Superintendent’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of December 18, 2008
Solicitor’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of December 18, 2008
President’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of December 18, 2008
V.
VI.
Scheduled Presentations
A.
B.
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations
A.
VIII.
RTMEA – Sandy Staiger, President
Healthy Communities Initiative, Dana Riker, Executive Director
Rose Tree Media Residents – None
Old Business
A.
None
-4-
12/18/08
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
2.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
Nominations
a.
Professional
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2008-2009 – 57
Resolved, that the Board approve the following:
1.
2.
Terminations
a.
Professional - None
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Carolyn Jourdan, Food Service Worker,
Springton Lake Middle School, resignation,
effective November 20, 2008.
2.
Joseph Cocola, Substitute Maintenance
Worker, resignation effective November 15,
2008.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Colleen Hoy, Long Term Substitute Special
Education Teacher, effective January 26, 2009,
at
the
annual
salary
of
$44,202,
Bachelor’s/Step 1 to be pro-rated for the
second semester. Ms. Hoy served as a Long
Term Substitute during the 2007-2008 school
year. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from
Cabrini College. She is assigned to Penncrest
High School replacing Kristine Acker who is on
leave.
-5-
12/18/08
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional (cont’d)
2.
Susan Coyne, Long-Term Substitute
Elementary
Teacher, effective November 20, 2008, at the annual
salary of $49,182, Master’s/Step 1 to be pro-rated
through the end of the first semester. Ms. Coyne
received
her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
from Cabrini College. She is assigned to Glenwood
Elementary replacing Marianne Whiteman who is on
leave. NOTE: Ms. Coyne is being hired pending
completion of her pre-employment paperwork.
3.
Emily Eynon, (.2) Long Term Substitute Music
Teacher, effective January 26, 2009, at the annual
salary of $9,836.40, Master’s/Step 1 to be pro-rated.
Ms. Eynon received her Bachelor’s Degree from
Hampshire College and her Master’s Degree from the
University of the Arts Philadelphia. She is assigned to
Penncrest High School replacing Craig Snyder who
was reassigned. NOTE: Ms. Eynon is being hired
pending
completion
of
her
pre-employment
paperwork.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by
the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
-6-
12/18/08
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
Non-Instructional
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2008-2009 – 58
1.
Clifton Berry, Night Custodial Supervisor for the 20082009 school year, Penncrest High School at the
annual salary of $1,500.00.
2.
Diane Burgess, Substitute Custodian, effective
November 18, 2008 at the rate of $12.00 per hour.
3.
Michael Finn, Master Plumber, effective December
19, 2008, at the rate of $25.31 per hour. Mr. Finn will
be assigned to Maintenance and Operations. NOTE:
Mr. Finn is being hired pending completion of his preemployment paperwork.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by
the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
-7-
12/18/08
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations
b.
Non-Instructional
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2008-2009 – 59
4.
Resolved, that the Board approved the following as
interim Administrators effective January 1, 2009,
through March 31, 2009 at the rate of $50.00 per hour
to a maximum of $5,400 total expenditure:
Richard Dunlap
Ellen Sosangelis
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by
the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
William Montgomery
-8-
12/18/08
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
c.
Supplemental Contracts
d.
Salary Change
B. Overnight Trips
1. Penncrest Wrestling Team – Solanco High School, Lancaster
County
2. Penncrest Wrestling Team – University of Delaware,
Newark, DE
3. Penncrest Boys/Girls Indoor Track – Penn State University,
State College, PA
4. Penncrest Indoor Track Championships – Penn State
University, State College, PA
5. German Department – Delaware Valley Deutschfest,
Jamison, PA
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2008-2009 – 60
Resolved, that the Board approve the following:
a. Classification Change
1.
John Goff from Part-Time Bus Driver to Full-Time Bus
Driver effective December 2, 2008.
2.
John Kulp from Part-Time Bus Driver to Full-Time Bus
Driver effective December 2, 2008.
3.
Christine Nolan from Part-Time Support Staff I to FullTime Support Staff I effective January 12, 2009 at the
rate of $12.38 per hour. Ms. Nolan is assigned to
Penncrest High School replacing Evan O’Neill who
has resigned.
4.
Carl Holland from Maintenance Worker to Night
Custodian effective December 22, 2008 at the rate of
$15.50 per hour. Mr. Holland will be assigned to
Glenwood Elementary.
-9-
12/18/08
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
b. Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Rescind appointment of Elizabeth Battista as (.5)
Newspaper Sponsor, Springton Lake Middle School.
2.
Rescind appointment of Justin Bohl as (.5) Assistant
Wrestling Coach, Penncrest High School.
3.
Rescind appointment of Jerry Diaz as 7th Grade Girls
Basketball Coach, Springton Lake Middle School.
- 10 -
12/18/08
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c. Supplemental Contracts
1.
Julia Friedgen, New Teacher Mentor, effective
December 2, 2008, at the annual salary of $694.20.
Ms. Friedgen is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary.
2.
Christa Consadene, Dance Team Sponsor, Penncrest
High School at the annual salary of $695.00.
3.
Elizabeth Battista, School Newspaper Sponsor,
Springton Lake Middle School, at the annual salary of
$2,224.00.
4.
Robert Higgins, Assistant Activity Coordinator,
Penncrest High School, at the annual salary of
$3,475.00.
5.
Elaine Jay, Penncrest High School, will fill the soda
machines for the 2008-2009 school year at the annual
salary of $1,350.00.
6.
Recommend Board approval of the following Indian
Lane Elementary Personnel to serve as Student
Council Advisors for the 2008-2009 school year at the
annual salary of $417.00:
Jackie Arbutina Karen Venuto Sue Hendrixson
7.
Recommend Board approval of the following Indian
Lane Elementary Personnel to serve as Knitting Club
Sponsors for the 2008-2009 school year at the annual
salary of $208.50.
Jackie Arbutina
8.
Karen Venuto
Recommend Board approval of the following
Penncrest High School Personnel to serve as Event
Chaperones for the 2008-2009 school year at the rate
of $55.00 per event:
Gregory Jacobs
- 11 -
Judith Stingle
Judy Raichek
12/18/08
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
c. Supplemental Contracts (cont’d)
9.
William Mowbray, (.5) Assistant Wrestling Coach for
the 2008-2009 school year, Penncrest High School at
the annual salary of $2,154.50. NOTE: Mr. Mowbray
is being hired pending completion of his preemployment paperwork.
10.
Recommend Board approval for the following
personnel to serve as Event Chaperones for the
2008-2009 school year at the rate of $55.00 per
event:
Cynthia Miller
Lisa Blake
Mary Rached
11.
Jerry Diaz, (.5) 7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach at
the annual salary of $1,533.00.
12.
Jennifer Diaz, (.5) 7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach at
the annual salary of $1,459.50.
13.
Anthony Grisillo, Building Science Coordinator,
Glenwood Elementary for the 2008-2009 school year
at the annual salary of $2,800.00.
14.
Tracy Jackson, District World Language Coordinator
for the 2008-2009 school year at the rate of
$5,600.00.
15.
Suzanne Yanchek, New Teacher Mentor, Springton
Lake Middle School, effective January 26, 2009 at the
annual salary of $525.00.
- 12 -
12/18/08
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
d. Salary Change
1.
Recommend Board approval of 3.64% salary increase
for the 2008-2009 school year for Dr. Denise Kerr,
Superintendent, at $174,115, effective July 1, 2008.
2.
Recommend Board approval of an increase in
substitute Nurse pay to:
LPN
RN
B.
$ 90 per day
$100 per day
Overnight Trips
1. Penncrest Wrestling Team – Solanco High School
Further resolved, that the Board approve the overnight trip to
the Solanco Mule Classic Tournament for the Penncrest
Wrestling team on December 12-13, 2008. The booster club
will fund the trip with the district providing the cost for
transportation with van rental @ $59.00.
- 13 -
12/18/08
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips (cont’d)
2. Penncrest Wrestling Team – University of Delaware,
Newark, DE
Further resolved, that the Board approve the overnight trip to the
University of Delaware for the Penncrest Wrestling team on
December 19-20, 2008. The booster club will fund the trip with the
district providing the cost for transportation with a van rental @
$59.00.
3. Penncrest Boys/Girls Indoor Track – Penn State University,
State College, PA
Further resolved, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Penn
State University, State College, PA, for the Penncrest Girls and
Boys Indoor Track team on January 23-24, 2009.The booster club
will fund the trip with the district providing a school bus for
transportation.
4. Penncrest Indoor Track – PIAA State Championships, Penn
State University, State College, PA
Further resolved, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Penn
State University, State College, PA, for the Penncrest Girls and
Boys Indoor Track team on February 20-21, 2009. The booster club
will fund the trip with the district providing the cost for transportation
with rental van(s) at a high estimate of $240.00, depending on the
number of qualifying students.
5. German Department – Delaware Valley Deutschfest,
Jamison, PA
Further resolved, that the Board approve the overnight trip to the
Diamond Ridge Conference Center, Jamison, PA, for the Penncrest
German Department on March 13-14, 2009. All costs will be paid
by the students.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair,
the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
- 14 -
12/18/08
X.
Finance
A.
B.
Purchasing - None
General
1.
2.
Budgetary Transfers
Change Orders
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mr. Pettit seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2008-2009 – 61
1. Budgetary Transfers
Resolved, that the Board approved the following budgetary
transfers:
FY 09 – 89
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Fund 10 General Fund
Fiscal Services – Equipment
$5,800.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
School Sponsored Athletics – Equipment
$5,800.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for SLMS to purchase replacement
wrestling mats, due to safety concerns.
FY 09 – 91
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Fund 10 General Fund
Regular Instruction – Supplies
$1,551.11
TO:
Regular Instruction – Books and Subscriptions
Instruction & Curriculum – Equipment
$1,551.11
AMOUNT:
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for IL to purchase additional
subscriptions and furniture for the developmental kindergarten
class.
- 15 -
12/18/08
X.
Finance
B.
General
2. Change Orders
Further resolved, the Board approved the following change orders:
a.
Media Elementary Roofing Project - Kobithen Roofing
Change Order No. 2 (Revised 11-26-08) total credit to
the District in the amount of $12,015 as detailed
below:
Base bid allowed for 1,500 SF of wood deck
placement. Only 1,000 SF was used. - Credit to
District: $4,875.00.
Base bid allowed for 1,000 LF of sealant work
on parapet. Only 745 LF was used. - Credit to
District: $7,140.00.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by
the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
- 16 -
12/18/08
X.
Finance
B.
General
3.
1999 Bond Refunding
At this time, Ken Phillips, RBC Capital Markets, explained the
1999 Bond Refunding. He introduced Jonathan Cox, Attorney for
Rhoads & Sinon, LLP.
Mrs. Fronduti presented the following resolution and a roll call vote was
taken to approve the resolution.
RESOLUTION: 2008-2009 – 62
Resolved, that the Board approve to recommend a parameters
resolution for refunding the 1999 Bond when a minimum
savings of $350, 000 or more can be received. See
Attachment A in Official Legislative Minutes of December 18, 2008.
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by
the Chair, the roll call vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
C.
D.
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
Amended Academy Assistance Plan
Theraplay, Inc.
DCCC – Allied Health Contract
Sunday Use of Facilities
Settlement Agreement
Bryn Mawr College Agreement
Widener University Agreement
Institute of Teaching and Learning Contract
Financials for October 2008
Bill Lists for October 2008
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to
adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2008-2009 – 62
- 17 -
12/18/08
X.
Finance
B.
General
4. Amended Academy Assistance Plan
Resolved, that the Board approve to amend Resolution 20022003-121 adopted on April 24, 2003 in regard to the Standards
Math 9 Workshop and Standards English 9 Workshop,
discontinuing the courses themselves and the requirement for
students to take them.
5. Theraplay, Inc
Further resolved, that the Board approve a contract with
Theraplay, Inc., at $85.00 per hour for speech and language
therapy services.
6. DCCC – Allied Health Contract
Further resolved, that the Board approve a contract with Delaware
County Community College to conduct one three-credit
course in Allied Health entitled “Orientation to Health Care”
at Penncrest High School for the period January 14, 2009
through May 7, 2009. The course is designed for between
10 and 16 Penncrest High School students at a maximum
cost of $5,350, with textbooks being billed separately, if
needed.
7. Sunday Use of Facilities – Penncrest High School
Further resolved, that the Board approve the use of Penncrest
High School on Sundays from January 4, 2009, through March 8,
2009, pending the availability of a custodian. Use of the
facility by community groups will be subject to all of the
terms of School Board Policy No. 707, Use of School
Facilities.
8. Settlement Agreement
Further resolved, that the Board approve a settlement agreement
between RTM and the parents of a student with an IEP (SM)
in resolution of a due process complaint at $19,000.00.
- 18 -
12/18/08
X.
Finance
B.
General
9. Bryn Mawr College Agreement
Further resolved, that the Board approve agreements with interns
from Bryn Mawr College which include stipends paid for
psychological services at $16,500.00.
10. Widener University Agreement
Further resolved, that the Board approve an agreement with
Widener University for a psychology intern. There is no cost to the
district.
11. Institute of Teaching & Learning Contract
Further resolved, that the Board approve a contract with the Institute
of Teaching and Learning for reading consultants who provide
classroom based professional development for teachers and
administrators at $44,064.00.
- 19 -
12/18/08
X.
Finance
Further resolved, that the Board approve the following:
C. Financial Reports
November
November
November
November
2008
2008
2008
2008
Treasurers Reports
Investment Reports
Summary Expenditure Status Report
Revenue Status Report
D. Bill Lists
November
2008 General Fund Bill List
$ 1,953,656.05
November
2008 Imprest Fund Bill List
$
890.00
November
2008 Capital Fund Bill List
$
7,000.00
November
2008 Bond Series 2002 Bill List
$
3,743.98
November
2008 Bond Series 2003 Bill List
$
6,050.00
November
2008 Bond Series 2004 Bill List
$
210,992.69
November
2008 Bond Series 2007 A & B Bill List
$
377,549.23
November
2008 Activities/Special Revenue Fund
$
29,134.91
$ 2,589,016.86
The aforementioned resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the
vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry,
John Hanna, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery,
William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
- 20 -
12/18/08
XI.
Adjournment
Mr. O’Donnell moved and Mr. Hanna seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2008-2009 – 63
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:
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Peter Barry, John Hanna,
Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery, William O’Donnell, Jeffrey Pettit
None
______________________
Grace A. Eves
School Board Secretary
- 21 -
12/18/08
III.
Presentations and Awards
1.
Riley McGowan, National Finalist – Concert Student Essay Contest
Resolve, the Board recognize Riley McGowan who was chosen as
a National Finalist in the world’s largest Concert Student Essay
Contest sponsored by the MENC. Riley is in second grade and
attends Rose Tree Elementary School.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SCHOOL REPORT’S – January 2009
GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Art
Throughout the months of January and February, Art Club was held for fifth graders at
Glenwood. The club was sponsored by Art Teacher, Keith Sharp, and met every
Wednesday afternoon after school. We worked on a variety of projects, including creating
three dimensional animal heads and framed foil paintings using plexiglass, paint, foil, and
recycled old wooden frames.
Guidance
This month in guidance we are working on Diversity and differences. We are following up
with Mix It Up Day and discovering what makes differences interesting. This will be done in
a developmentally appropriate way in grades K-5. Students will be encouraged to share
and explore what makes them different.
M\usic
Glenwood’s fifth graders performed holiday songs for the customers of the PNC Bank in
Lima. Glenwood’s Pride performed the songs they sang at the Holiday Assembly. Jingle
Bell Rock was one of the favorites, and the customers joined the chorus for a verse of
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The children were treated to pizza, hot chocolate and
even made some holiday ornaments. Then the chorus performed again. Assistant VicePresident, Thecla Bene, was thrilled with the response from customers, and said she would
like us to return next year.
Guidance
This month in guidance we are working on our Martin Luther King Day project called
Cradles to Crayons with the entire school. Student and families have been asked to bring
in items they no longer use that have been gently handled to give to Cradles to Crayons.
Cradles to Crayons is a foundation that gives items to the homeless and people entering a
homeless situation.
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Library
Author and photographer Michael Patrick O’Neill visited Glenwood on January 13.
Presentations were held for each of the grade levels, he had lunch with the AGP third,
fourth, and fifth graders, and made a special visit to P.M. kindergarten to read and discuss
his book Let’s Explore Sharks. Mr. O’Neill shared his award-winning photos of marine life
from the great white shark to the tiny cleaner shrimp. He brought along some of his scuba
gear and underwater cameras to show the students. Mr. O’Neill also discussed the urgent
need to protect our seas and encouraged students to become involved in conservation and
science.
Second Grade
The Second Grade had a Cereal Bowl in honor of the upcoming Super Bowl. In this
delicious interdisciplinary event, second graders, with the help of their parents, used cereal,
math and science to learn about nutritional values and advertisement. In small groups, we
weighed and measured our favorite breakfast cereal choices. We also discussed the
strategies of advertisement and made our own cereal boxes and cereal jingles. We
culminated our activities by eating a bowl of cereal!
The Second Grade Lily Pad honored Dr. Martin Luther King by discussing his dream for
people to be judged by the content of their character. We discussed our dreams for the
world as a class and with our parents. Students, parents, and Mrs. Grace-Green made a
beautiful montage of clouds with thoughts as well as aspirations for humankind. The
students in the Lily Pad performed acts of human kindness or social justice during the week
of Dr. King’s Day of Service and promised to continue Dr. King’s legacy of kindness,
justice, and respect.
Third Grade
Third Grade enjoyed a trip to the Franklin Institute to further our study of the solar system.
We explored the “Space Command” area which is full of hands on activities for learning
about earth and space concepts. We also saw a 3-D movie about solar flares and the
ways that scientists study them. The students were excited to bring home a self-made
souvenir from the trip as well. They constructed a spectroscope using cardboard and
prismatic film that allows them to see the different spectrums in various types of light.
In January, students in grades one through five spent time revisiting their writing from the
beginning of the year. Their goal was to choose one piece worth revising and entering into
the Young Author's Project contest. The contest gives students an authentic purpose for
rereading and revising their writing using the new strategies they have learned since
originally writing the piece.
Fourth Grade
The fourth grade is embracing the Chinese culture by celebrating one of China’s most
celebrated holidays. On January 26th, fourth graders will be celebrating the Chinese New
Year: Year of Ox with a local artist. Mrs. Tsai and Da Shin Restaurant will be visiting
Glenwood to bring to life the essence of her culture. Students will learn to speak, sing, and
write the Chinese language. They will learn about her native country through her artwork,
as well as become artists themselves as they make and decorate their own red envelopes.
The fourth grade will also experience eating a traditional Chinese meal.
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Fifth Grade
Glenwood fifth graders are doing an assortment of activities to get ready for the upcoming
writing, reading and mathematics PSSA state assessments. Students are focusing on Larry
Bell’s 12 powerful words in their daily writing prompts to help them get ready for the writing
PSSA tests in February. The words help the students demystify some of the questions they
will be asked and will help them score better on the assessments.
Math students throughout Glenwood are also participating in a trial of an online game that
helps strengthen their knowledge of basic math facts and visualization of mathematical
patterns. Students have been using firstinmath.com to play math games focused on their
knowledge of basic facts. There are many games the children play at home or during a
portion of their math class to strengthen their skills in a fun manner. The well-know game
“24” is the focal point of the activities that allow children to visualize their math facts to
make a total of 24 using four different whole numbers, fractions or decimals. Students earn
points and increase levels as they strengthen their skills!
INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
After a much-needed Winter Break, Indian Lane kicked off the New Year with our annual
Geography Bee on January 8th. Each year thousands of schools in the United States
participate in the National Geographic Bee using materials prepared by the National
Geographic Society. The contest is designed to encourage teachers to include geography
in their classrooms, spark student interest in the subject, and increase public awareness
about geography. Twenty-four, previously selected fifth grade students competed in
numerous rounds of questions with the winner receiving a trophy and a chance to be
considered for the State Bee. This year’s winners were:
First Place: Michael Paul, Second Place: Dillon Armstrong and a four-way tie for Third
Place: Jessica Davis, Ryan Granger, Charlie Malone and T.J. May.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten friends in Mrs. Huebner's, Mrs. Durant's and Mrs.
McMorrow's classes built ice castles to celebrate the coming of winter.
They also created snowmen and will generate a list of winter words to
use to play winter bingo. Think warm thoughts!
First Grade
The first grade was busy in December! In social studies, we learned about winter holiday
customs around the world. We read stories for each and created a craft and/or played a
game related to the holiday. Some of the holidays we explored were Christmas, Hanukkah,
customs in both China and Mexico, and the celebration of Kwanzaa. The children also
baked cookies for a first grade cookie exchange. On the last day before Winter Break, the
children visited Fair Acres where they entertained the residents with a group recitation of a
poem and the acting out of a famous Jan Brett book.
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Fourth Grade
In Social Studies, during their tour of the Northeast region, students stopped at Indian
Lane’s version of the Hershey Chocolate Factory where they were put to work on an
assembly line wrapping Hershey's Kisses. Each student had a job (cutter, placer,
wrapper or quality control). At first, they thought it would be easy, but soon realized that it
took a lot of practice, teamwork and time!
Fifth Grade
Indian Lane fifth graders are working on felt flags for our Geography Bee. Each student has
been assigned a country. They are making a flag as well as working on a research report
on their given country. Six students have been selected for the Bee that is being held on
January 8th.
Music
The fifth grade band performed their winter concert for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.
This concert took place on the morning of December 11 at the Penncrest High School
auditorium. Members of the 5th grade band include second year band students from all four
elementary schools. The young instrumentalist performed an excellent concert.
The fifth grade band performed their evening winter concert on December 11 at the
Penncrest High School auditorium. Parents and friends of the 5th grade band greatly
enjoyed this performance. Members of the 5th grade band include second year band
students from all four elementary schools.
On Tuesday, December 16th, all students at Indian Lane
performed in an All School Holiday Assembly. This gave
each grade level the opportunity to sing a song for the rest of
the school. In addition, our Fifth Grade Chorus, Fifth
Dimension Chorus, and Bobcat Instrument Ensemble
performed. Even our staff members got in on the fun by
performing their rendition of “Christmas in Tahiti”. Thanks
to Mrs. Battavio, our music teacher, this event was a HUGE
success!
On December 23, Indian Lane hosted our first annual Day of Service. Our fifth grade
orchestra and band members from all the elementary schools entertained almost forty
visitors from Don Guanella, Elwyn, and Divine Providence Schools. In addition, our fifth
graders sang several holiday songs. Meanwhile, our first, second and third graders went to
Fair Acres to spread some good cheer. Not only did we provide some good feelings for
others, our children learned the value of giving to others.
On Monday, January 19th, many students, parents and staff members will be gathering at
Indian Lane (as well as other places) to engage in various service activities. Indian Lane’s
PTG will once again offer service and educational activities to celebrate Martin Luther King,
Jr.’s birthday. At the Indian Lane site, students will be encouraged to write letters to
overseas troops as well as help organize and pack up care packages. Silly Joe will lead us
in a number of Civil Rights songs and students will perform plays/re-enactments about
important Civil Rights issues/events. If you are interested in more information about this
event, check out our website at www.rtmsd.org/indianlane
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Thanks from Templeton Elementary School
Katie Lorenz, a 2nd grade teacher at Templeton, picked up our donations on Friday,
December 12. The goodies completely filled two vehicles and were much appreciated.
Ms. Lorenz brought hundreds of holiday thank you cards from Templeton students.
Thank you cards sent by Templeton students!
MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama
The teachers and students at Media School celebrated the inauguration of the 44th
President of the United States, President-elect Barack Obama, in exciting ways. Mrs.
Matusow, our librarian, brought in a life-sized cut-out of the President-elect. Students
gathered to be photographed with President Obama as he “stood” in the Atrium of Media
School. Some students wrote letters to First Daughter Sasha and Malia Obama, while
others wrote words of wisdom and encouragement to our new president. Kindergartners
made soldiers to “guard” the White House. Everyone watched the swearing in ceremony
at noon.
HCI Parenting Partners Workshops
Fifteen Media School parents are participating in the HCI Parenting Partners workshops
series which began earlier this month. These positive parenting workshops are designed
to provide parents with the skills and tools they need to help their children experience
greater success in school and beyond. The parents who participate will become certified
as HCI Parenting Partners and will serve as facilitators in future workshops. The program
is made possible through a grant from Healthy Community Initiatives (HCI).
Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc.
Media Elementary collected $98.33 for the Community Action Agency of Delaware
County (CAADC)! Students brought in spare change to help CAADC provide emergency
shelter, fuel assistance, furniture and household donations, employment training and
many other assistance programs.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service – January 19, 2009
About 180 Media students in grades 1 – 5, eager to help others in the Media community,
signed up to participate in the 7th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Rather
than taking the day off and serving their own self interests, these students participated in
service projects such as making breakfast bags for the homeless, sorting food for the
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Media Food Bank, visiting the elderly at area nursing homes, and reading to pre-school
and kindergarten age children at the Media-Upper Providence Library. Thanks to those
parents who supported our efforts by allowing your child to participate, and thanks to
those parents who volunteered to help.
January Featured Artists of the Month
Holly Werner, Grade 1: Media at Night; Nicole Koenig, Grade 2: Three Samurai Cats; and
Ava Chong, Grade 5: Flower Power Island. Please stop by the office to enjoy and
appreciate the work of these budding artists!
Kindergarten
Kindergarten participated in an author study of Jan Brett this month. We read many
enchanting stories written by this author. We created our own animals from the story of
“The Mitten” and then used these to reenact the story together. Further, we used our
writing skills to create descriptions of our own mittens and then used these descriptions to
try find one another’s mittens.
Grade One
The first grade teachers have been using author studies to help our children develop the
multiple reading and writing skills they need to learn and practice this year. We started
with author/illustrator Kevin Henkes and read a non-fiction article about him in our Time
for Kids magazine. After learning about his writing influences and some of his drawing
techniques, we read several Henkes story books. With those stories, we practiced many
of the “12 Powerful Word” skills. We predicted events by using what we already knew
from the story, we described characters, we compared and contrasted his various story
ideas, and we used the clues in the pictures to infer meaning – just to name a few! The
children loved it and started picking out Henkes stories in our classroom libraries on their
own! Our next author is Jan Brett. We will continue to reinforce the “12 Powerful Words”
with this popular author/illustrator.
Grade Two
Thank you, thank you, Dr. Gilbert for bringing Compass Learning software to the second
grade classrooms! Compass Learning is a valuable teaching and learning tool! At the
beginning of second grade, the students take Compass Learning computerized tests to
determine what they already know about the reading and math curriculum. This software
program then analyzes the test data and “plugs in” fun learning games that are
individualized for each student based on the results of the test. The students can learn
many second grade skills and concepts while they enjoy playing the Compass Learning
games, both in the classroom and in the computer lab. The students love it and so do the
teachers!
Students in Ms. Taylor’s second grade classroom became so interested in Chinese
culture after reading a story called “Chinatown,” they decided to celebrate their own
“China Day.” This day was set aside to learn more about China, its foods and traditions.
Many students wore red which is considered a lucky color in China; some even wore
traditional Chinese clothing. The morning was spent writing words in Chinese, sharing
artifacts, and eating yummy egg rolls, fried noodles and duck sauce, rice and dumplings!
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Grade Three
The third grade team has been working together to coordinate the new math series with
the eligible content for the upcoming PSSA tests. We’re rearranging the order of the units
and supplementing as needed.
Mrs. Gotlib’s class created a beautiful quilt for Mrs. Smith. Each student created a quilt
block that expressed their thoughts and feeling about Mrs. Smith. The entire third grade
worked together to re-write the 12 Days of Christmas song. We renamed it Our 12
Christmas Wishes for Mrs. Smith. A videotape of the children singing the new version of
the song was recorded, and the videotape was sent to Mrs. Smith.
Grade Five
The fifth grade classes took a walking tour of historic Philadelphia in connection with our
study of Colonial America. The students visited Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and
Franklin Court. Prior to the trip, students visited a variety of websites including the
Independence National Park links. Our emphasis was on the colonial conflict with
England and comparing, contrasting, and evaluating the perspectives of prominent
English and colonial individuals.
All fifth grade students have begun exploring possible topics for an upcoming research
project. This project is unique in that students, in consultation with parents, teachers, and
the librarian, select their own research topics. For two months students will conduct
intensive research on their chosen topics which they will present to their classmates. This
work is designed to meet the PA standards for research in fifth grade.
AGP (Gifted Support) – Gr. 1 - 5
Fourth grade students have completed a webquest to take a virtual tour along with Lewis
and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. Students kept detailed notes in a field journal from
the roles they assumed along the trail of a botanist, topographer, zoologist, or Indian
Affairs Expert. They are now making a board game and writing question cards for a
game that will be played with other students and parents to teach and learn about this
expedition.
Third grade students are finalizing good copies of a research report on a chosen national
park. Students are also creating a graphic presentation to share with others about their
park and will give formal presentations in class to their parents and their own classmates
late this month.
Music – Gr. 1 - 5
Snowflakes are falling in the music classroom. First and second graders are enjoying
musical concepts through songs about snow! Our grade 2 students have been
introduced to the half note. We are writing our Snowman Compositions which will
incorporate this new note value. This unit also introduces our students to the Interactive
White Board and its applications in music class.
It’s recorder time in Grade Three – the students have anxiously been waiting for January
when they get their recorders. We will be writing about our experiences on a Blog which
can be accessed through Mrs. Verdeur’s homepage. Check out what’s happening!
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Library
In the Library, students in grades 2-5 have been writing letters to welcome the First
Daughters, Malia and Sasha, to the White House. In these letters, our boys and girls are
sharing some of the things they have learned about the President- elect and what it has
been like for other children to live in the White House. They have also included questions
for the girls, such as: What are they going to ask the White House chef to cook up for
them? Are they worried about getting lost in their new house? Do they like the Phillies?
What books are they reading? What movies they are going to watch in the theatre?
Art
Fourth grade students created ornaments which decorated a tree at the Thomas Minshall
House. The decorations were on view for the annual Media Historical Society House
Tour. This year we highlighted the location of the house in the village of Providence,
which existed in the late 17th to early 19th centuries. By making related ornaments,
students learned that a blacksmith shop, saddler and wheelwright shop were nearby.
ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Inauguration Activities
Student council members were inaugurated on January 20 in an impressive ceremony
conducted by Ms. Daugherty and Mrs. McPheeters. Students pledged to uphold the
student handbook rules and regulations and serve their school by reciting a pledge with
their hand on the handbook. After the ceremony students watched the Presidential
swearing in and then participated in inaugural activities within their classrooms.
First Grade
January was a busy month. First grade learned about animals in winter. The culminating
activity was a wonderful hibernation day; the children enjoyed a variety of science related
projects! We also honored Martin Luther King with readings, service projects and writing
about our dreams for the future.
Third Grade
The Third grade teachers at Rose Tree Elementary planned several activities that
provided their students hands on practice on the math skills they are learning in the new
Investigations Math Program. Parents were invited in to move through three stations with
math games and activities that reinforced place value, measurement and making change.
Over 35 parents took time from their busy schedules to work with their child and his or her
classmates to enhance their learning. All three classes also participated in a school store
giving the students first hand practice making change for $5.00. (A state standard and
eligible PSSA content) The teachers implemented their inclusion model by inviting
additional teachers and aides from the learning support classrooms to have their students
participate in this authentic learning experience as well as have the students benefit from
extra support from these educators.
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IST
The Instructional Support Teacher and Team (IST) worked to improve the overall
performance of students who demonstrated a change in functioning behavior in one or
more of the following areas: academic, social and/or emotional. The Instructional Support
Teacher also participated in several district-based initiatives as follows: Arcadia Inclusion
Institute (AAII3), Elementary Student Assistance in PA: Holcomb Behavioral Health
Systems (IST is the building coordinator), Parenting Partners Training (IST, counselor
and principal will organize and present a series of workshops for parents within RTES)
and Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)
Band/Orchestra
The fifth grade band performed their winter concert for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.
This concert took place on the morning of December 11 at the Penncrest High School
auditorium. Members of the fifth grade band include second year band students from all
four elementary schools. The young instrumentalists performed excellently. The fifth
grade band performed their evening winter concert on December 11 at the Penncrest
High School auditorium. Parents and friends of the fifth grade band greatly enjoyed this
performance. On December 23, the fifth grade band performed at Indian Lane’s “Day of
Service.” This performance included students from all four elementary schools.
Music
The fifth grade students performed in 4 musical concerts. They sang and played
handchimes on Friday evening, Dec 12th for the Media Holiday Festival, sang, played
recorders and handchimes at the RTMSD Board Meeting on Thurs. Dec 18th and
performed in both an afternoon and evening concert on Dec. 16th for students and
families in the Rose Tree Husketeria. The fifth graders also collected donations and did
good deeds for families, friends and neighbors of the Rose Tree Elementary School
during the month of December. This went along our Winter Concert theme song: "Share
Your Good Will"
PTG Sponsored Events
Author Michael Patrick O’Neill gave four assembly presentations at Rose Tree. He is the
author and award-winning photographer of six books about ocean life. He shared his
experiences and passion for marine animals and habitats with the students. January
ended with the annual Bingo Night, a very popular fund-raising event with both students
and parents.
Geography Bee
Students participated in the annual National Geographic “Geo Bee”. They showed off
their knowledge of geography in front of their classmates in grades three through five.
Martin Luther King Day
The PTG sponsored the MLK Day of Service at Rose Tree this year. Students signed up
for community based, off-site activities such as helping the firemen at the Rose Tree Fire
House, making cards for soldiers and crafts with residents at the Rose Tree Place, Fair
Acres, and White Horse Village. They made doggie treats and delivered them to the
Delaware County SPCA, packaged items for Operation Rose Tree, read stories to
children at Ethel Mason Child Development in Media and participated in assorted
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activities with the residents of The Meadows at Martin’s Run. On-site school activities
included making Valentine’s Day cards for Meals on Wheels packages and making crafts
and gifts for the children at the local women’s shelter.
Other Rose Tree Events
The “Art Goes to School” program came for 3 days. This program introduced the
students from grades K – 5 to fine art. Grade level activities were provided for each class.
SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Staff Member of the Month
Todd Brown is our feature staff member this month. Todd, who is tri-lingual, co-teaches
in 8th grade Language Arts and Spanish, and he is the Coordinator for Special Education.
He was born and raised in Texas. Yes, he is a Cowboys fan (think he will be rooting for
them on Dec. 28 when they play the Eagles???), but he's still a good guy! He earned his
B.A. from Texas A&M University and then moved to Philadelphia where he earned his
master's degree from La Salle University. Todd has been with our district since 1997. He
began teaching at Penncrest and then moved to Springton Lake in 1998. He has taught
learning support classes in math, language arts, science, and social studies, and he has
co-taught with many staff members. Todd plays many roles in RTM and enjoys being
involved with a wide variety of students and staff. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the
movies and the theater, working out at the gym, traveling, and studying French and
Spanish.
Art
Ms. Sycz’ eighth grade students are now in the process of finishing their painting of a
historiated initial being inspired by the lettering of the Middle Ages. At this stage of the
lesson students are focusing on color theory including an exploration of color harmonies
and mixing of color. Also students are demonstrating painting skill in the use of tempera
paint. When students finish, students will begin to read about the Renaissance in
preparation of their sculpture unit. Students will compare and contrast a few sculptures
from different time periods including Michelangelo’s Pieta before the hands on part of the
lesson. Grade seven students are now completing their nonobjective painting inspired by
the artist Kandinsky. Students are exploring the principles and elements of design at the
same time strengthening and learning painting techniques. Watercolor paints are now
being used to add the element of color and new watercolor techniques are being used. As
the color is being used, students still need to be mindful of the principles of balance,
pattern and contrast along with the element of value. When this lesson is completed,
students will read about the elements of line and shape eventually using these elements
to draw a recognizable image. Students will make comparisons on how these elements
are being used this time compared to the previous lesson. Grade six students are
completing glazing their clay pottery having learned many of the basics of clay. This
project will be followed by creating a small clay sculpture which will allow students to
review and strengthen the basics of clay that they just learned with new basic information
being added. Following this activity, students will read about the differences between the
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elements of form and shape being able to relate their past two experiences with the
reading material.
Mrs. Going’s eighth graders have experienced the history, the design and detail, the
painting and executing of a Medieval Letter as part of the history of Illumination in
Medieval European Manuscripts. They understand better the time, patience and skill the
artists of this period had to have. Now onto the full page!! One of the eighth grade
favorites, students will develop and design a full page based on the components of an
Illuminated Manuscript, contemporary or more traditional. The choice is theirs! Seventh
graders are anxiously awaiting the completion of the glazing process for their ceramic
projects, fish in motion. Requirements for color and pattern should help to stimulate the
creative juices of these artists. Look for them in the very near future. They will finish
up with yet another Blog!! Sixth grades are moving into the color stage of their Relief
Sculpture which is based on the history of the Aztec civilization and their mythology of the
sun. As they paint, students are developing their "stories" which will accompany the relief
sculpture.
Poetry Alive
On December 1, Poetry Alive!, featuring a duo of professional actors, presented a
program for each grade level at Springton Lake Middle School. Returning to the bardic
tradition of long ago, the Poetry Alive! actors have memorized hundreds of poems -- from
the classics to the popular and contemporary. The company sends out actors in pairs to
schools, libraries, festivals and anywhere there is an audience for “poetry with a twist.” In
addition to their performance, they also recruited volunteers for audience participation
poems such as “Casey at the Bat”.
Library News
Following the initial presentations at SLMS the two performers, Christy Parker and Erick
Pratt, presented grade appropriate programs at each of the elementary schools and also
at Penncrest. This year district libraries are focussing on poetry with a plan to culminate
their activities with a Media hometown celebration of A Poem in Your Pocket during April.
Five young men from Mrs. Heneman’s Life Skills class continue to come for a read aloud
selection each week. For the last month they have been enjoying Michael Morpurgo’s
Robin of Sherwood.
Mrs. Motley redesigned the SLMS Online Resources web page to make it more similar to
Penncrest’s. She also worked with the vendors to negotiate some more practical
passwords for at home use. New User Name and Password sheets were then printed up
and distributed to SLMS students at all grade levels. Sixth graders also received a brief
explanation of how to access the page and its resources from school and home. Two
more lessons on using the online resources will follow in January.
AGP Challenge students continued to spend three periods a week working on the
research for their independent study projects.
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Science
In Mr. Perket’s grade eight science classes, we have just finished a study involving
common gasses. We produced and tested a number of gasses to identify them. After the
flame and other tests, we were able to determine the chemical formulas for each gas, and
to write balanced chemical equations describing the production reactions! Next we will
take on a study of the pH scale, and will be investigating acids, bases, and neutralization
reactions. Sixth grade science students are learning about biomes and plants. They will
be dissecting lima beans and flowers. They will be learning about how plants survive in
various biomes. They will be creating their own plant with its own special characteristics
to help it survive.
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
Penncrest Pride Awards
The Penncrest Pride Awards were developed by teachers, administrators, and students in
an effort to recognize the outstanding achievement of students in level II and level III
classes. Each month a different department chooses its award winners based on
academic and personal achievement. Last month, the World Language Department got
to choose its award winners: Most Improved: Leah Evans, Best Participation: Xavier
Townsend, Best Achievement in a Non-Academic Setting: Zachary Fitzmier, Best School
Citizenship: Keye Faddis, Best Academic Achievement: Daniel Afkhami-Ardekani,
Best Work Ethic: Tiffany Tillinger-Blake
Physical Education News
Mrs. Long was invited to speak in Penncrest grad Brandon Marabella's ('07) honors
course, Education and Change, at West Chester University. Her message was that
educators and parents need to be sure that today's youth learn more than selecting the
correct answer on a test (an important skill in high school and college). Our teens need to
understand the most important skill in life is having knowledge and information that allows
one to solve problems.
World Language Department
Each year the World Language Department awards the Phyllis Kavanaugh scholarship to
Penncrest students planning to live in a foreign country in a school or family setting. Since
1983, over 50 students have enjoyed the opportunity to practice the language they are
studying, and observe a world culture first hand. Congratulations to the following
recipients of the 2008-2009 Phyllis Kavanaugh Scholarship: Jackson Buttery (German
language award) Alessandra Coote (Spanish language award) Kyle Panzer (French
language award) Jennifer Piraino (French language award).
Selected German II, III and IV students will participate in the National German Exam this
month. Results are due in early March.
Language Arts
Philadelphia Inquirer reporter John Gonzalez, Penncrest Class of 1995, met with
Language Arts students in the PHS library.
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Humanities
Mrs. Kuntz's Humanities classes took their annual trip to New York City to visit the
Cloisters and St. John the Divine gothic cathedral. This year's students took a vertical
tour of the cathedral, up 124 feet of winding spiral staircase, and stood on a buttress to
understand how these medieval cathedrals were built.
American High School Mathematics Exam
The math dept. is currently selecting students to participate in the American High School
Mathematics Exam. This is a national contest participated in by thousands of schools
across the country. The contest is to be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2009.
District Band & Orchestra
Congratulations to the following Penncrest Musicians who successfully auditioned for
PMEA District Band and Orchestra: Sun Whee Kim, junior, cello, Eddie Sundra, junior,
clarinet, Megan McKernan, junior, clarinet, Sarah McKeown, sophomore, clarinet, Chris
McNulty, senior, baritone sax, Matt Koveal, senior, trumpet, Jim Doyle, senior, French
horn, David Mattson, junior, French horn. District Band will be held Saturday January 31
at Bishop Shanahan High School, and District Orchestra on February 7 at Ridley High
School.
Physics Olympics
The second meet of the season took place at Harriton High School on December 20,
2008. It was attended by about 120 Penncrest students and about 50 of their parents.
Captains for the Penncrest team were Andrew Barney, Andrew Oestreich, and Steve
Weathers. The team was extremely well prepared and took first place in four of the
events, and second place in the other two events, earning 785 points out of a possible
800 points. Harriton was second and Radnor was third overall at this tournament.
Individual medals were earned by Keith Grauer, Ben Madara, and Dylan O’Donnell who
took gold medals in the Popsicle Stick Catapult Event. Lindsey Berlin and Jamie Duca
earned bronze Medals in the same event. Sun Jang took a gold medal in the Leapin’
Lizard building event, and also led his team to a first place in the Tower Building event.
Penncrest now takes a 95 point lead into the final match of the season hosted by
Penncrest High School on February 21, 2009 (snow date is February 28). This last meet
of the season will end the twentieth anniversary of the original Physics Olympics Region
in the nation.
PSAT News
The 2008 PSAT results were distributed to tenth and eleventh grade students during the
week of December 15. Each class also attended an informative power point presentation
which provided students with essential information about the scores. Students will have
the tools to register online at College Board for services like My Road and My College
QuickStart which helps students prepare for the SAT test this spring, as well as plan for
their busy senior year.
Teddy Bear Toss
At the annual teddy bear toss, the Penncrest Ice Hockey team collected 71 bears for
distribution to sick children at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The team invites fans to
13
toss new teddy bears onto the ice when they score their first goal of the game on the
night of the annual teddy bear toss.
Giving Tree
Penncrest High School students and staff picked names from the Giving Tree set up in
the rotunda at the high school, in order to spread holiday cheer to less fortunate families
in the community. The tree was donated by Kilpatrick’s nursery. Donated gifts went to
116 people in our community.
Toys for Tots
The National Honor Society sponsored aToys for Tots campaign and collected new
unwrapped toys to donate to the Toys for Tots program.
Dollars for Darfur
Penncrest High School’s chapter of Amnesty International kicked off its annual Dollars for
Darfur campaign. This year, the students have decided to join the National School
Challenge sponsored by SaveDarfur.org. Amnesty Club members organized sales of
donated, hand-made jewelry, Save Darfur car magnets, pins, and bracelets during
lunches. Students and faculty showed their support by purchasing these items. Student
volunteers also dropped off collection tins in local Media businesses.
Interact
Penncrest Interact sponsored the First Annual Penncrest 2-Man WIFFLE Ball
Tournament on Saturday, January 17, in the Kauffman Gymnasium. The main event was
a single-elimination tournament, followed by a home-run derby, a student-faculty
challenge, and a special class challenge. This tournament is officially sanctioned by
WIFFLE Ball, Incorporated, and is open to all current and former Penncrest students,
faculty, and children of faculty. Proceeds enable Penncrest Interact to fulfill its mission of
serving our community as part of Rotary International.
Alumni Reunion
On Dec 23, 150 PHS seniors attended the Alumni Reunion PHS and Beyond Panel
discussion. This is an annual event designed to provide a venue in which our most recent
graduates can visit with one another informally and share their insights about the college
planning process and the college experience. A panel of alumni, representing a wide
range of schools answers prepared and impromptu questions presented by the current
seniors. This year's panel included: Andrew Abrams- Millersville, Shawn Antonelli - The
Merchant Marine Academy, Tim Brown - Dickinson, Graf Eggers - United States Navy,
Leon Hosier - Williamson Trade School, Lepi Jha - Yale, Ceslie Jones - Neuman, Jennifer
Lacock - Penn State, Jeff Scheckner - Wesley, and Connor Showalter - Bloomsburg
National Financial Literacy Challenge
Students enrolled in the Personal Financial Management classes participated in the
National Financial Literacy Challenge, conducted by the US Department of the Treasury,
December 12. More than 75,000 high school students across the country and in
Department of Defense schools around the world participated in this Challenge. Of the
54 Penncrest students who participated, more than half have been honored with
Certificates of Recognition for placing in the top 25th percentile of the nation's scores.
14
One of these students will be recognized with the prestigious National Financial Literacy
Award medal for scoring in the top 1 percentile. Teacher Judith Ricketts is included in the
group of fewer than 400 teachers nationwide who had a student to qualify for this award.
National Financial Literacy Challenge Award Winner is Andrew Maser. National Financial
Literacy Challenge Certificates of Recognition go to: Timothy Bannan, Timothy Bennett,
Joseph Bentivoglio, Charles Breitmayer, Andy Brown, Avery Coleman, Charlotte Craft,
Sean Dickert, Alex Fabris, James Helm, Alexandra Jumper, TJ Linnen, David Malman,
Nenad Markovic, Andrew Maser, Matt Maser, Dan Masse, Patrick Moran, Tom Quirk,
Isaiah Robinson, Brandon Rogers, Michelle Schapire, Mathew Smith, Daniel Smith,
Patrick Stokes, Katie Suplee, Christos Voutsakis, Maura Waldron, and Steve Weathers
Hi-Q
The Penncrest Hi-Q team opened the regular season in impressive fashion. The final
score of the match: Penncrest 59, Chichester 42, and Haverford 40. As the second round
of competition opens, Penncrest is ensconced in second place behind Garnet Valley. The
Lions begin their pursuit of Garnet in their next match, which will be held on January 13 at
Ridley. Mr. Ludwig was very proud of his team, lauding their work, effort, and dedication
and the superb leadership provided by team captains Katie Jane Davis, Elizabeth
Freeburg, and Alex Senko.
Faculty Author
The novel, Love Park, written by Penncrest Language Arts teacher, Jim Zervanos, is due
to be published this spring.
Media Rotary Students of the Month
Senior Matt Toal and Junior Megan McKernan were honored as Media Rotary Students of
the Month for December.
Freshmen Students of the Month
Seth Beverly and Tiffany Tillinger-Blake were selected as Freshmen Students of the
Month for December.
Athletics
Penncrest senior soccer players Adam Mhoma and Kyle Martyn were selected to the 34th
Annual Southeastern PA Soccer Coaches Association Thanksgiving Classic that occurred
on Friday, November 28 at Eastern College. The Central League Soccer All-Star Team
defeated the Public League "B" Division All-Stars 7-0. Midfielder Kyle Martyn registered
three goals and two assists while defender Adam Mhoma anchored the defense to
preserve the shutout.
Congratulations to Chris Quintans for being named the Phil Marion Most Courageous
Football Player in Delaware County for the 2008 Season. He represented the team well
at the All-Delco Banquet.
15
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed. D. Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
January 14, 2009
Subject:
January 13, 2009 – 8:00 PM Finance Committee Minutes
Chairperson: John Hanna
______________________________________________________________________
In Attendance: John Hanna, Veronica Barbato, Bill O’Donnell, Nancy Fronduti, Linda Fox
Nancy Mackrides and Bill Montgomery
Also In Attendance: Denise Kerr and Grace Eves
_________________________________________________________________________
1.
Budgetary Transfers
Rose Tree Media School District Policy #612 (Public School code section 609)
when funds are not available for a proposed appropriation, a legal transfer from
one class of expenditure to another may be made in the last nine (9) months of
the fiscal year by the board.
FY 09 – 112 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Additional Other Instruction Programs – Salaries
Additional Other Instruction Programs – Benefits
Additional Other Instruction Programs – Supplies
AMOUNT: $35,834.30
TO:
AMOUNT:
Additional Other Instruction Programs – Salaries
Additional Other Instruction Programs – Benefits
Additional Other Instruction Programs – Supplies
$35,834.30
RATIONALE: Transfer needed in order to comply with PDE’s new account
codes for federal programs, such as Title I.
FY 09 – 111 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Regular Instruction – Salaries
Regular Instruction – Benefits
Regular Instruction – Equipment
AMOUNT: $20,296.15
TO:
Regular Instruction – Other Professional Services
Regular Instruction – Supplies
Regular Instruction – Equipment
AMOUNT: $20,296.15
RATIONALE: Transfer needed in order to comply with the 2008-2009
Accountability Block Grant.
FY 09 – 104 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Regular Instruction – Textbooks
AMOUNT: $4,755.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Staff Development – Travel
$4,755.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover expenses for Staff Development travel
for Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning, Reading Supervisor, Art
Coordinator, Music Coordinator and World Language Coordinator.
FY 09 – 107 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Instruction & Curriculum – Supplies
AMOUNT: $4,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instructional Technology – Equipment
$4,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed because teachers are increasing the use of
technology for instructional purposes at Glenwood Elementary.
FY 09 – 113 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Regular Instruction – Technology Supplies
AMOUNT: $1,150.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Staff Development Curriculum – Travel
$1,150.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to place Art and Music Teacher travel budgets
in correct account codes.
FY 09 – 102 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Building Services – Supplies
AMOUNT: $1,200.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Building Services – Equipment
$1,200.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for Rose Tree Elementary to purchase a new
walk-behind floor burnisher.
Action: This item will move on to the January 22, 2009 Legislative Agenda.
2.
Adjustments to the 2008-09 Budget
The original 2008-09 budget is $76,091,814.00. It was updated in October to be
$76,105,794.17. The district received additional revenue in the amount of $25,591.17,
which is comprised of the state’s Alternative Education grant, Dual Enrollment grant
and student fees. The state’s Alternative Education Grant, in the amount of
$13,194.72 will be used for expenses related to the district’s alternative education
program at the ERC. In addition the district received revenue from student fees, which
will be used to offset expenses for parking, Technology Education and transcript
requests, in the amount of $9,362.45. The district also received $3,034 from the
state’s Dual Enrollment Program, which will be used for Dual Enrollment expenses.
Dr. Kerr and Mrs. Eves commented on the excellent job Dr. Eleanor DiMarino-Linnen
did securing the funds for the district through the Alternative Education Grant. The
updated 2008-09 budget is now at $76,131,385.34 (See Attachment)
Action: This item will move on to the January 22, 2009 Legislative Agenda.
3.
2008-09 Budget to Actual Comparison
Expenditure and Revenue Budgets for the period ending December 31, 2008 were
discussed. The district has received approximately 86% of its revenue and has
expensed approximately 67% of its expenditures.
Action: Discussion
4.
PDE 2028 2009-10 Proposed Preliminary Budget
The 2009-10 Proposed Preliminary Budget is scheduled for adoption at the
January 22, 2009 Legislative Meeting.
The 2008-09 Preliminary Budget included a millage increase of 5.5% and the use of
$2.8 million of fund balance. The 2009-10 Proposed Preliminary Budget in the
amount of $80,899,900, reflects a total millage increase of 6.33% and the use of
$2,137,111.00 of fund balance. PDE will make the exemptions available on
January 19, 2009. The district will know which exemptions they qualify for at that time.
The Preliminary Budget is a work in progress and the administration will continue to
make adjustments as additional information becomes available. Ken Phillips at
previous Finance Committee Meetings, stressed the importance of using PDE
exemptions to cover the additional debt that will be necessary to complete the SLMS
project.
Action: This item will be moved on to the January 22, 2009 Legislative Agenda.
5.
Standard & Poors Rating Report
The district received the AA credit rating from Standard & Poors. This rating is a result
of the district’s strong wealth and income levels, strong fund balance and moderate
debt burden. The rating report was produced as part of the refunding process for the
1999 bonds.
Action: Discussion
The next Finance Committee meeting will be held on February 10, 2009 at 8:00 p.m
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Anne D. Callahan
Director of Human Resources
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
From:
Anne D. Callahan, Director of Human Resources
Date:
January 16, 2009
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting – January 8, 2009
Board Members in attendance: J. Pettit, J. Hana, V.Barbato, W. O’Donnell, L. Fox,
N. Mackrides
Also in attendance: A. Callahan, A. Gilbert
I.
Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
Items for the legislative meeting of January 22, 2009, were reviewed by
the committee. All items will be placed on the agenda of the legislative
meeting for a vote of the full Board.
II.
Varsity Football Coach – Penncrest High School
After a brief discussion, the committee gave permission for the
appointment of the new Varsity Football Coach to be placed on the
agenda of the legislative meeting of January 22, 2009, for a vote of the
full Board.
III.
.5 Special Education Teacher Position
Mrs. Callahan and Dr. Gilbert presented data showing the need for an
additional .5 Special Education Teacher at Indian Lane Elementary
School in order for the district to remain in compliance with Chapter 14
regulations governing special education.
Action: The creation of a new .5 Special Education Teacher position at
Indian Lane Elementary school will be placed on the agenda of the
legislative meeting of January 22, 2009, for a vote of the full Board.
IV.
.5 Teacher of the Gifted
Mrs. Callahan and Dr. Gilbert presented data showing the need for an
additional .5 Gifted Teacher to be divided between Media Elementary
School and Rose Tree Elementary school in order to remain in
compliance with Chapter 16 regulations governing Gifted Education.
Action: A resolution creating a new .5 Teacher of the Gifted position
will appear on the agenda of the legislative meeting of January 22, 2009,
for a vote of the full Board.
V.
Executive Session
An executive session was held to discuss matters of Personnel.
The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held at 7:45 PM, February 3,
2009, in the Education Center Board Room.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Grace A. Eves
Director of Management Services
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
___
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D. Superintendent
From:
Grace A. Eves, Director of Management Services
Date:
January 9, 2009
Subject:
January 13, 2009 - 9:00 PM - Operations Committee Minutes
Chairperson: William Montgomery
__________________________________________________________________
In Attendance:
William Montgomery, John Hanna, Veronica Barbato,
William O’Donnell, Nancy Fronduti, Linda Fox, and Nancy Mackrides
Also In Attendance: Denise Kerr, Ron Baldino, Dennis Cini and Grace Eves
_____________________________________________________________________
1.
’09 Capital Projects Review – Dennis Cini
Dennis Cini presented the ’09 Capital Projects which total is $1,039,000.
The committee recommended approving the projects. (Attachment)
Action: The Capital Fund Budgets for these projects will appear on the
January 22, 2009 Legislative Agenda
2.
Change Order
Penncrest Athletic Field/Smedley Tract – B & J Excavating Change Order No. 3
in the amount of $4,752 for landscaping revisions dictated by Middletown
Township.
Action: This item will be moved to the January 22, 2009 Legislative Agenda
3.
Construction Manager Committee
A review committee will be formed for the selection of a construction manager for
the construction phase of the SLMS project. Members of the Review Committee
will be: John Hanna, Veronica Barbato, Bill O’Donnell, Bill Montgomery,
Denise Kerr and Grace Eves
Action:
4.
Discussion
Smedley
Dennis Cini and Ron Baldino gave an update on the current conditions of the
athletic fields at Penncrest.
Action: Discussion
The next Operations Committee meeting will be on February 10, 2009, 9:00 PM.
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Anne D. Callahan
Director of Human Resources
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
From:
Anne D. Callahan, Director of Human Resources
Date:
January 16, 2009
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting – January 8, 2009
Board Members in attendance: J. Pettit, J. Hana, V.Barbato, W. O’Donnell, L. Fox,
N. Mackrides
Also in attendance: A. Callahan, A. Gilbert
I.
Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
Items for the legislative meeting of January 22, 2009, were reviewed by
the committee. All items will be placed on the agenda of the legislative
meeting for a vote of the full Board.
II.
Varsity Football Coach – Penncrest High School
After a brief discussion, the committee gave permission for the
appointment of the new Varsity Football Coach to be placed on the
agenda of the legislative meeting of January 22, 2009, for a vote of the
full Board.
III.
.5 Special Education Teacher Position
Mrs. Callahan and Dr. Gilbert presented data showing the need for an
additional .5 Special Education Teacher at Indian Lane Elementary
School in order for the district to remain in compliance with Chapter 14
regulations governing special education.
Action: The creation of a new .5 Special Education Teacher position at
Indian Lane Elementary school will be placed on the agenda of the
legislative meeting of January 22, 2009, for a vote of the full Board.
IV.
.5 Teacher of the Gifted
Mrs. Callahan and Dr. Gilbert presented data showing the need for an
additional .5 Gifted Teacher to be divided between Media Elementary
School and Rose Tree Elementary school in order to remain in
compliance with Chapter 16 regulations governing Gifted Education.
Action: A resolution creating a new .5 Teacher of the Gifted position
will appear on the agenda of the legislative meeting of January 22, 2009,
for a vote of the full Board.
V.
Executive Session
An executive session was held to discuss matters of Personnel.
The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held at 7:45 PM, February 3,
2009, in the Education Center Board Room.
OFFICE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
TO:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Dr. Denise Kerr, Superintendent
FROM:
Dr. Angela Gilbert, Director of Teaching and Learning - Elementary
Dr. Steve Taylor, Director of Teaching and Learning - Secondary
DATE:
January 9, 2009
RE:
January 8, 2009, Teaching & Learning Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mr. Jeff Pettit
Board Members in Attendance: Veronica Barbato, Linda Fox, John Hanna, Nancy
Mackrides, Bill O’Donnell, Jeff Pettit
Also in Attendance: Ben Danson, Susan Evans, Angela Gilbert, Steve Taylor, and
parent Amy Kleiman
Special Education Update
Dr. Gilbert presented contracts for two students currently enrolled in the Devereux
Foundation’s Beneto – Day School Programs. The agreements are for the periods of
10/27/2008 to 6/16/2009 (for C.V.) and 9/15/2008 to 6/16/2009 (for A.T.). Services will
include education, basic psychiatric intervention, psychological services, room and
board and related services as called for in the students’ individual educational or
treatment plans. The cost is $170 per day for each student.
ACTION: A resolution for contracts with the Devereux Foundation’s Beneto – Day
School Program will be on the January 22, 2009 Legislative Agenda.
Dr. Gilbert presented a contract for a one-to-one aide for a student with significant
disabilities at the Elwyn Davidson School. A contract has been presented for the 20082009 school year for student J.G. The agreement commences on the first day of
December, 2008, at a rate of $154.64 per day.
ACTION: A resolution for a contract with the Elwyn Davidson School will be on the
January 22, 2009 Legislative Agenda.
Recommendations of Penncrest Grading Committee
Dr. Evans, Mr. Danson, and Dr. Taylor presented the Recommendations of the
Penncrest Grading Committee. This is a group which met over a two-year period to
consider a number of issues related to grading, leveling, and ranking at Penncrest.
Members of the committee, which was chaired by Mr. Danson and supervised by Dr.
Evans, included administrators, teachers, students, and parents. The final report
includes five specific recommendations. Once the Board has a chance to consider all
five, a resolution will be put forward at a legislative meeting. The committee intends
none of the recommendations to be implemented until the 2010-2011 school year. The
following two recommendations were discussed at this meeting:
We should maintain our current practice of leveling all courses and using the total
cumulative average in order to calculate GPA and class rank. There should be no
change to the current system.
Class rank should still be calculated by way of a weighted GPA, but will not be
made available until the Junior year other than in extraordinary circumstances.
Dr. Evans, Mr. Danson, and Dr. Taylor provided background and rationale for each of the
recommendations and answered the Board’s questions about each. Representatives of
the committee will return to the Teaching & Learning Committee in February to continue
the discussion about the remaining three recommendations.
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
Patti Linden
Director of Technology
and Information Science
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
From:
Patti Linden
Date:
January 9, 2009
Subject:
Technology Committee Meeting Minutes for January 8, 2009
Chairperson: Mr. Peter Barry
Board Members in attendance: Linda Fox, Veronica Barbato, John Hanna, Jeff Pettit,
Nancy Mackrides
Also in attendance: Patti Linden, Ron Harris
Internet Services and E-Rate Funding Update
E-Rate guidelines mandate that school districts accept proposals to any RFP that was
issued for the next funding period (2009-2010) by January 14, 2009. The RFP that Rose
Tree Media issued for Internet Services still does not have a response from the DCIU,
which has been our Internet provider since the institution of the county-wide fiber
network. Since the DCIU is still in negotiations with Widener University over the WINS
contract, and there is a possibility that the contract will not be signed by the due date,
Ron Harris and Patti Linden explained a contingency plan to the Board of Directors for
our district’s Internet services. This plan is in the event that the DCIU will not be able to
respond to our RFP for Internet services. The overall costs for the contingency plan will
be a net increase in cost of $1701.02 for the next fiscal year. This amount will be
covered in the present budget proposal submitted by the Technology Department. A
contract for Internet services will be submitted for a resolution on the January legislative
agenda. The Technology Department will keep the Board apprised of the situation via
the weekly Board report.
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Changes
An amendment to the Children’s Internet Protection Act was recently signed into law
which will require all school districts to amend some of the language in the Acceptable
Use Policy and ensure that there is an official program of study for online safety, cyber
bullying, and behavior in chat rooms. Patti Linden explained that there will be a district
committee of librarians, counselors, health teachers, and others to determine what
lessons will need to be taught, where in the curriculum they will be taught, and who will
be teaching these lessons. At the present time, the only official online safety lessons are
taught at the middle school level. There will also be a revision to the Acceptable Use
Policy in the spring of this year.
Keystone Technology Integrators Program Update
Each year, districts submit nominations to PDE for the Keystone Technology Integrators
award. This year, Rose Tree Media has nominated Linda Flexon, PHS social studies
teacher and CFF participant, and Jeanette Verdeur, music teacher at Media
Elementary. These teachers are presently working on a multimedia presentation that
will be submitted by the end of February for the regional competition. If selected from
the regional competition, the teachers will be invited to participate in a weeklong
summer workshop at Bucknell University. Patti Linden shared parts of their original
essay submission with the Board emphasizing the passion that these teachers share for
student engagement through technology in the classroom.
Next meeting: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Education Center
Board Room
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS – EXECUTIVE SESSION
“In accordance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, executive sessions of the
School Board were held on the following dates to review and discuss matters
permitted under Section 8 of the Act.”
December 18, 2008
January 8, 2009
January 13, 2009
January 22, 2009
There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel
at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Informational Session of February 26, 2009, at Springton
Lake Middle School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
b.
2.
3.
Professional
1.
Pierina Antonello, Substitute
effective January 5, 2009.
Nurse,
termination
2.
Janet McFadden, Substitute
effective January 5, 2009.
Nurse,
termination
3.
Deborah Jowanna, Substitute Nurse, termination
effective January 5, 2009.
Non-Instructional
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
1.
Donna Lomas, Support Staff II, Personal Instructional
Assistant, effective January 23, 2009 at the rate of
$13.06 Ms Lomas is assigned to Rose Tree
Elementary.
2.
Allison Koechig, (.5) Support Staff II, Personal
Instructional Assistant, effective January 23, 2009 at
the rate of $13.06. Ms. Koechig is assigned to
Penncrest High School.
General
a.
Supplemental Contracts
1.
Paul Graham, Jr., Head Varsity Football Coach for the
2009-2010 school year at the annual salary of
$8,580.00. Salary is subject to change pending
negotiations.
2.
Debra Schnaars, (.5) Night School Director for the
2008-2009 school year at the annual salary of
$2,500.00.
1
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
Supplemental Contracts (continued)
3.
Carley Dillon, (.5) Night School Director of the 20082009 school year at the annual salary of $2,500.00.
4.
Keith Sharp, Art Club Instructor, Glenwood
Elementary School at the annual salary of $156.00.
5.
Craig Casner, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the 20082009 school year at the annual salary of $525.00.
6.
Kathleen Osgood, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the
2008-2009 school year at the annual salary of
$525.00.
7.
Recommend Board approval for the following
personnel to serve as Game Workers for the 20082009 school year at Springton Lake Middle School:
John Baker Crowd Control and Scoreboard Operator
Marie Carter Crowd Control and Scoreboard Operator
Brian Reilly Crowd Control and Scoreboard Operator
8.
Recommend Board approval for the following
personnel to serve as Event Chaperones for the
2008-2009 at the rate of $55.00 per event:
Lorraine Bury
Jacqueline Grossi
Michelle Kirk
Brian Saviski
Diane Swantek
9.
Holly Clark, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the 20082009 school year at the annual salary of $525.00.
10.
Jayne Walker, (.5) New Teacher Mentor for the 20082009 school year at the annual salary of $525.00.
11.
Stacy Gallagher, New Teacher Mentor for the 1st
semester at the annual salary of $468.60
2
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
Supplemental Contracts (continued)
12.
b.
B.
Eileen McIntyre, Rose Tree Elementary, Choral
Director for the 2008-2009 school year, at the annual
salary of $1,168.
Create New Position
1.
Recommend Board approval for the creation of a new
(.5) Special Education Teacher position at Indian
Lane Elementary School.
2.
Recommend Board approval for the creation of a new
(.5) Gift Teacher to be assigned to Rose Tree and
Media Elementary Schools.
Overnight Trips
1.
Penncrest High School String Ensemble – Hershey, PA
Resolve the Board approve the Penncrest High School String
Ensemble attending the Music Festival/Competition in Hershey, PA,
on May 8-9, 2009.
Background
The Penncrest High School String Ensemble will attend the Music
Festival/ Competition in Hershey, PA. Students will leave at the
end of the school day on Friday, May 8th, and return in the evening
on Saturday, May 9th. There will be no cost to the district for this
trip.
3
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips (continued)
2.
Penncrest High School Wrestling Team – Hershey, PA
Resolve the Board approve approximately 6 members of the
Penncrest Wrestling team attending the State Wrestling
Tournament in Hershey, PA, on March 4-8, 2009.
Background
Approximately 6 members, depending on the number of state
qualifiers, of the Penncrest Wrestling team will attend the State
Wrestling Tournament in Hershey, PA. The approximate maximum
cost to the district will be $1,275.00, which includes two hotel rooms
and mini-van rental.
3.
Boys/Girls Indoor
Shippensburg, PA
Track
Team
–
Shippensburg
University,
Resolve the Board approve the Boys/Girls Indoor Track team
attending the State Track Championships at Shippensburg
University, Shippensburg, PA, on May 22-23, 2009.
Background
Approximately 15 students, depending on the number of state
qualifiers, from the Boys/Girls Indoor Track team will attend the
State Track Championships. The approximate maximum cost to
the district will be $750.00, which includes hotel rooms and rental of
an estimated 3 mini-vans.
4.
Penncrest High School Student
Conference, Harrisburg, PA
Council
–
NASC
LEAD
Resolve the Board approve the Penncrest High School Student
Council attending the NASC (National Association of Student
Councils) LEAD Conference in Harrisburg, PA, on March 13-15,
2009.
Background
Eight students will attend the Student Leadership Training &
Development/NASC LEAD Conference. This is an opportunity for
extended leadership training to build on training received during
leadership retreats.
The approximate cost to the district is
$2,084.00, which includes mini-van rentals, hotel and meals.
4
5.
Penncrest High School Varsity Cheerleaders – UCA Cheerleading
Competition – State College, PA
Resolve the Board approve the Penncrest High School Varsity
Cheerleaders attending the UCA Cheerleading Competition at
Penn State University, State College, PA, on January 24-25, 2009.
Background
The Penncrest High School Varsity Cheerleaders will attend the
UCA Cheerleading Competition at Penn State University. The
approximate cost to the district will be $2,760.00, which includes
transportation by district busses, hotel and meals.
C.
Policies
1.
Public Records (Right To Know) Policy #801 – First Read
See Attachment A
Background
Grace Eves presented a draft copy of the Public Records Policy #801
based on the new/required legislation. Tom Kelly reviewed the
current policy sample from PSBA.
2.
Appointment of Public Records Officer
Resolve, that the Board appoint Grace A. Eves, Director of
Management Services, as the Open Records Officer for the Rose
Tree Media School District.
Background
Pennsylvania Law requires the District to appoint an Open Records
Officer. The Open Records Officer ensures the implementation of
the Open Records Policy.
5
Addendum
IX.
New Business
D.
Addendum
1.
Student Expulsion
a.
Resolve, that student #21088 be permanently
expelled from the Rose Tree Media School District
effective January 22, 2009, including all activities
therein, pursuant to the waiver of the due process
hearing signed by student’s parents.
b.
Resolve, that student #50450 be expelled from the
Rose Tree Media School District effective January 22,
2009 for the remainder of the current 2008-2009
school year and the first semester of the 2009-2010
school year; subject, however to the student’s
performance at the alternative school placement, the
student may be eligible to apply for re-admittance to
the school district for the start of the 2009-2010
school year.
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing
1.
B.
Bid Awards – None
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers
Rose Tree Media School District Policy #612 (Public School code
section 609) when funds are not available for a proposed
appropriation, a legal transfer from one class of expenditure to another
may be made in the last nine (9) months of the fiscal year by the
Board.
Resolve, that the Board approve the following Budgetary
transfers:
FY 09 – 112 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Additional Other Instruction Programs – Salaries
Additional Other Instruction Programs – Benefits
Additional Other Instruction Programs – Supplies
AMOUNT: $35,834.30
TO:
AMOUNT:
Additional Other Instruction Programs – Salaries
Additional Other Instruction Programs – Benefits
Additional Other Instruction Programs – Supplies
$35,834.30
RATIONALE: Transfer needed in order to comply with PDE’s new
account codes for federal programs, such as Title I.
FY 09 – 111 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Regular Instruction – Salaries
Regular Instruction – Benefits
Regular Instruction – Equipment
AMOUNT: $20,296.15
TO:
AMOUNT:
Regular Instruction – Other Professional Services
Regular Instruction – Supplies
Regular Instruction – Equipment
$20,296.15
RATIONALE: Transfer needed in order to comply with the 2008-2009
Accountability Block Grant.
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1/22/09
X
.Finance
B.
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers (cont’d)
FY 09 – 104 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Regular Instruction – Textbooks
AMOUNT: $4,755.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Staff Development – Travel
$4,755.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to cover expenses for Staff
Development travel for Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning,
Reading Supervisor, Art Coordinator, Music Coordinator and World
Language Coordinator.
FY 09 – 107 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Instruction & Curriculum – Supplies
AMOUNT: $4,000.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Instructional Technology – Equipment
$4,000.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed because teachers are increasing the
use of technology for instructional purposes at Glenwood Elementary.
FY 09 – 113 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Regular Instruction – Technology Supplies
AMOUNT: $1,150.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Staff Development Curriculum – Travel
$1,150.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to place Art and Music Teacher travel
budgets in correct account codes.
-2-
1/22/09
X.
Finance
B.
General
1.
Budgetary Transfers (cont’d)
FY 09 – 102 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Building Services – Supplies
AMOUNT: $1,200.00
TO:
AMOUNT:
Building Services – Equipment
$1,200.00
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for Rose Tree Elementary to purchase
a new walk-behind floor burnisher.
Background
This was discussed at the January 13, 2009 Finance Committee
Meeting.
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1/22/09
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Adjustments to 2008-09 Budget
Resolve, that the Board approve the following adjustments to
the 2008-09 Budget
2008-2009 BUDGET
Revenues
Expenditures
73,954,703.00
2,137,111.00
76,091,814.00
-
76,091,814.00
76,091,814.00
76,105,794.17
76,105,794.17
PC - Lab Fee - Technology Education
155.00
155.00
PC - Parking Fees
1,820.00
1,820.00
PC - Lab Fee - Technology Education
PC - Lab Fee - Technology Education
150.00
60.00
150.00
60.00
PC - Parking Fees
950.00
950.00
PC - Lab Fee - Technology Education
PC - Lab Fee - Technology Education
PC - Lab Fee - Technology Education
PC - Lab Fee - Technology Education
PC - Lab Fee - Technology Education
195.00
75.00
45.00
64.00
45.00
195.00
75.00
45.00
64.00
45.00
PC - Parking Fees
1,500.00
1,500.00
PC - Vocab Books - Language Arts
PC - PSAT Fees
522.00
39.00
522.00
39.00
Dual Enrollment
PC - Guidance Transcript Fees
3,034.00
68.50
3,034.00
68.50
PC - Field Trip - English
2,160.00
2,160.00
PC - Lab Fee - Technology Education
550.00
550.00
PC - Vocab Books - Language Arts
178.45
178.45
PC - Field Trip - English
220.00
220.00
Available Fund Balance
Updated 2008-2009 Budget Approved October 23, 2008
Changes to Original Budget
-4-
1/22/09
PC - Lab Fee - Technology Education
25.00
25.00
PC - Field Trip - Technology Education
PC - Field Trip - Technology Education
PC - Guidance Transcript Fees
104.00
26.00
10.50
104.00
26.00
10.50
PC - Parking Fees
400.00
400.00
Alternative Education Grant
13,194.72
13,194.72
Subtotal of Changes
25,591.17
25,591.17
Updated 2008-2009 Budget
76,131,385.34
76,131,385.34
Background
This was discussed at the January 13, 2009 Finance Committee
Meeting.
-5-
1/22/09
X.
Finance
B.
General
3.
2009 – 2010 Proposed Preliminary General Fund
Budget
Resolve, that the Board approve the 2009-2010 Proposed
Preliminary General Fund Budget. See Attachment B
Background
The school district’s adjusted index for fiscal year 2009 – 2010,
in accordance with Special Session Act 1 of 2006 is 4.1%. The
index represents the allowed percentage increase in the millage
rate. The Proposed Preliminary Budget, in the amount of
$80,899,900, reflects a 6.33% increase in the mileage rate, or
an increase of $315.53 per average tax bill for the year or
$26.29 per month.
The Proposed Preliminary Budget has been available for public
inspection on the web and at all building locations since January
2, 2009. PDE will post available exceptions to its website in the
near future. This was discussed at the January 13, 2009
Finance Committee Meeting.
4.
Change Orders
Change Orders are acted upon in accordance with Resolution
1997-98 – 124, as approved by the School Board of Directors
on April 23, 1998.
Resolve, the Board approve the following change order:
Penncrest Athletic Field/Smedley Tract – B & J Excavating
Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $4,752 for landscaping
revisions dictated by Middletown Township.
Background
This was discussed at the Operations Committee Meeting of
January 13, 2009.
-6-
1/22/09
X.
Finance
B.
General
5.
2009 Capital Projects
Resolve, that the Board approve the 2009 Capital Projects
Budget which is a total of $1,039,000. See Attachment C.
Background
This was discussed at the Operations Committee Meeting of
January 13, 2009.
6.
Elwyn Davidson School Contract
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract for a one-on-one
instructional assistant for a day student at Elwyn Davidson
School for the 2008-2009 school year. The cost is $154.64 per
day for the remainder of the 2008-2009 school year.
Background
A student with significant disabilities (J.G.) is in need of a oneon-one aide while attending the Elwyn Davidson School,
commencing on the first day of December, 2008. This was
discussed at the January 6, 2009 Teaching and Learning
Committee meeting.
-7-
1/22/09
X.
Finance
B.
General
7.
Devereux Foundation’s Beneto – Day School Programs.
Resolve, that the Board approve contracts presented for the
2008-2009 school year for two students currently enrolled in the
Devereux Foundation’s Beneto – Day School Programs. The
agreements are for the periods of 10/27/2008 to 6/16/2009 (for
C.V.) and 9/15/2008 to 6/16/2009 (for A.T.). The cost is $170
per day for each student.
Background
Two students with significant disabilities are enrolled in the
Devereux School. Services for C.V and A.T will include
education, basic psychiatric intervention, psychological services,
room and board and related services as called for in the
students’ individual educational or treatment plans. This was
discussed at the January 6, 2009 Teaching and Learning
Committee meeting.
-8-
1/22/09
ADDENDUM
X.
Finance
C.
Addendum
1.
Mellon Trust Company – Paying Agent – Series AA of
2009
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors of the
Rose Tree Media School District, Delaware County,
Pennsylvania (the “School District”) has determined to
appoint The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company,
N.A., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as paying agent and
sinking fund depositary with respect to the
authorization, sale, issuance and delivery of the
General Obligation Bonds, Series of AA of 2009, in the
aggregate principal amount of Six Million Seven
Hundred Five Thousand Dollars ($6,705,000) (the
"Bonds"), in accordance with a resolution adopted on
February 28, 2008, to provide funds for and toward a
current refunding of this School District’s outstanding
General Obligation Bonds, Series of 2002, and
payment of related costs fees and expenses of the
School District. All resolutions or parts of resolutions,
insofar as the same shall be inconsistent herewith,
shall be and the same expressly are repealed.
No. 801
Attachment A
ROSE TREE MEDIA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
SECTION:
OPERATIONS
TITLE:
PUBLIC RECORDS
ADOPTED:
REVISED:
801. PUBLIC RECORDS
1. Purpose
The Board recognizes the importance of public records as the record of the district's
actions and the repository of information about this district. The public has the right
to access and procure copies of public records, with certain exceptions, subject to
law, Board policy and administrative regulations.
2. Definitions
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.102
Business day – A day when the district’s administrative offices are open.
Financial record - any account, voucher or contract dealing with the receipt or
disbursement of funds or acquisition, use or disposal of services, supplies, materials,
equipment or property; or the salary or other payments or expenses paid to an officer
or employee, including the individual’s name and title; and a financial audit report,
excluding the audit’s underlying work papers.
Public record - a record, including a financial record, that is not protected by a
defined privilege or is not exempt from being disclosed under one of the exemptions
in Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law or under other federal or state law or
regulation, or judicial decree or order.
Record - information, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that documents
a district transaction or activity and is created, received or retained pursuant to law
or in connection with a district transaction, business or activity, including: a
document; paper; letter; map; book; tape; photograph; film or sound recording;
information stored or maintained electronically; and a data-processed or imageprocessed document.
Response - the district’s notice informing a requester of a granting of access to a
record or the district’s written notice to a requester granting, denying, or partially
granting and partially denying access to a requested record.
Requester - a legal resident of the United States, or an agency, who requests access
to a record.
Page 1 of 7
801. PUBLIC RECORDS - Pg. 2
3. Authority
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.302,
67.305, 67.504,
67.701
The Board shall make the district's public records available for access and
duplication to a requester, in accordance with law, Board policy and administrative
regulations.
4. Delegation of
Responsibility
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.502
The Board designates the Director of Management Services as the Open Records
Officer, who shall be responsible to:
1. Receive written requests for access to records submitted to the district.
2. Review and respond to written requests in accordance with law, Board policy
and administrative regulations.
3. Direct requests to other appropriate individuals in the district or in another
agency.
4. Track the district’s progress in responding to requests.
5. Issue interim and final responses to submitted requests.
6. Maintain a log of all record requests and their disposition.
7. Ensure district staff are trained to perform assigned job functions relative to
requests for access to records.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.502,
67.901, 67.1101
Upon receiving a request for access to a record, the Open Records Officer shall:
1. Note the date of receipt on the written request.
2. Compute and note on the written request the day on which the five-day period
for response will expire.
3. Maintain an electronic or paper copy of the written request, including all
documents submitted with the request, until the request has been fulfilled.
4. If the written request is denied, maintain the written request for thirty (30) days
or, if an appeal is filed, until a final determination is issued or the appeal is
deemed denied.
5. Guidelines
Requesters may access and procure copies of the public records of the district during
Page 2 of 7
801. PUBLIC RECORDS - Pg. 3
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.701
the regular business hours of the administration offices.
A requester’s right of access does not include the right to remove a record from the
control or supervision of the Open Records Officer.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.302
The district shall not limit the number of records requested.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.705
When responding to a request for access, the district is not required to create a
record that does not exist nor to compile, maintain, format or organize a record in a
manner which the district does not currently use.
42 U.S.C.
Sec. 12132
28 CFR
Sec. 35.160,
35.164
Information shall be made available to individuals with disabilities in an appropriate
format, upon request and with sufficient advance notice.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.504,
67.505
The district shall post at the administration office and on the district’s web site the
following information:
1. Contact information for the Open Records Officer.
2. Contact information for the state’s Office of Open Records or other applicable
appeals officer.
3. The form to be used to file a request, with a notation that the state Office of
Open Records form may also be used if the district decides to create its own
form.
4. Board policy, administrative regulations and procedures governing requests for
access to the district’s public records.
Request For Access
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.504,
67.505, 67.703
A written request for access to a public record shall be submitted on the required
form(s) and addressed to the Open Records Officer.
Written requests may be submitted to the district in person, by mail, to a designated
facsimile machine, and to a designated e-mail address.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.701,
Each request must include the following information:
Page 3 of 7
801. PUBLIC RECORDS - Pg. 4
67.703
1. Identification or description of the requested record, in sufficient detail.
2. Medium in which the record is requested.
3. Name and address of the individual to receive the district's response.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.703
The district shall not require an explanation of the reason for the request or the
intended use of the requested record, unless otherwise required by law.
Fees
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.1307
The district shall keep current a list of reasonable fees relative to requests for
Public Records.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.1307
No fee may be imposed for review of a record to determine whether the record is
subject to access under law.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.1307
Prior to granting access, the district may require prepayment of estimated fees when
the fees required to fulfill the request are expected to exceed $100.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.1307
The Superintendent may waive duplication fees when the requester duplicates the
record or the Superintendent deems it is in the public interest to do so.
Response To Request
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.502,
67.702
District employees shall be directed to immediately forward requests for access to
public records to the Open Records Officer.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.901
Upon receipt of a written request for access to a record, the Open Records Officer
shall determine if the requested record is a public record and if the district has
possession, custody or control of that record.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.901
The Open Records Officer shall respond as promptly as possible under the existing
circumstances, and the initial response time shall not exceed five (5) business days
from the date the written request is received by the Open Records Officer.
The initial response shall grant access to the requested record; deny access to the
requested record; partially grant and partially deny access to the requested record;
notify the requester of the need for an extension of time to fully respond; or request
more detail from the requester to clearly identify the requested material.
65 P.S.
If the district fails to respond to a request within five (5) business days of receipt, the
Page 4 of 7
801. PUBLIC RECORDS - Pg. 5
Sec. 67.901
request for access shall be deemed denied.
Extension Of Time
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.901,
67.902
If the Open Records Officer determines that an extension of time is required to
respond to a request, in accordance with the factors stated in law, written notice shall
be sent within five (5) business days of receipt of request. The notice shall indicate
that the request for access is being reviewed, the reason that the review requires an
extension, a reasonable date when the response is expected, and an estimate of
applicable fees owed when the record becomes available.
Up to a thirty (30) day extension for one (1) of the listed reasons does not require the
consent of the requester. If the response is not given by the specified date, it shall be
deemed denied on the day following that date.
A requester may consent in writing to an extension that exceeds thirty (30) days, in
which case the request shall be deemed denied on the day following the date
specified in the notice if the Open Records Officer has not provided a response by
that date.
Granting Of Request
If the Open Records Officer determines that the request will be granted, the response
shall inform the requester that access is granted and either include information on the
regular business hours of the administration office, provide electronic access, or state
where the requester may go to inspect the records or information electronically at a
publically accessible site. The response shall include a copy of the fee schedule in
effect, a statement that prepayment of fees is required in a specified amount if access
to the records will cost in excess of $100 and the medium in which the records will
be provided.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.701
A public record shall be provided to the requester in the medium requested if it
exists in that form; otherwise, it shall be provided in its existing medium. However,
the district is not required to permit use of its computers.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.701,
67.704
The Open Records Officer may respond to a records request by notifying the
requester that the record is available through publicly accessible electronic means or
that the district shall provide access to inspect the record electronically. If the
requester, within thirty (30) days following receipt of the district’s notice, submits a
written request to have the record converted to paper, the district shall provide
access in printed form within five (5) days of receipt of the request for conversion to
paper.
Page 5 of 7
801. PUBLIC RECORDS - Pg. 6
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.506
A public record that the district does not possess but is possessed by a third party
with whom the district has contracted to perform a governmental function and which
directly relates to that governmental function shall be considered a public record of
the district. When the district contracts with such a third party, the district shall
require the contractor to agree in writing to comply with requests for such records
and to provide the district with the requested record in a timely manner to allow the
district to comply with law.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.706
If the Open Records Officer determines that a public record contains information
both subject to and not subject to access, the Open Records Officer shall grant access
to the information subject to access and deny access to the information not subject to
access. The Open Records Officer shall redact from the record the information that
is not subject to access. The Open Records Officer shall not deny access to a record
if information is able to be redacted.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.905
If the Open Records Officer responds to a requester that a copy of the requested
record is available for delivery at the administration office and the requester does not
retrieve the record within sixty (60) days of the district’s response, the district shall
dispose of the copy and retain any fees paid to date.
Notification To Third Parties
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.707
When the district produces a record that is not a public record in response to a
request, the Open Records Officer shall notify any third party that provided the
record to the district, the person that is the subject of the record, and the requester.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.707
The Open Records Officer shall notify a third party of a record request if the
requested record contains a trade secret or confidential proprietary information, in
accordance with law and administrative regulations.
Denial Of Request
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.901,
67.903
If the Open Records Officer denies a request for access to a record, whether in whole
or in part, a written response shall be sent within five (5) business days of receipt of
the request. The response denying the request shall include the following:
1. Description of the record requested.
2. Specific reasons for denial, including a citation of supporting legal authority.
3. Name, title, business address, business telephone number, and signature of the
Open Records Officer on whose authority the denial is issued.
Page 6 of 7
801. PUBLIC RECORDS - Pg. 7
4. Date of the response.
5. Procedure for the requester to appeal a denial of access.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.506
The Open Records Officer may deny a request for access to a record if the requester
has made repeated requests for that same record and the repeated requests have
placed an unreasonable burden on the district.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.506
The Open Records Officer may deny a request for access to a record when timely
access is not possible due to a disaster, or when access may cause physical damage
or irreparable harm to the record. To the extent possible, a record’s contents shall be
made accessible even when the record is physically unavailable.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.706,
67.903
Information that is not subject to access and is redacted from a public record shall be
deemed a denial.
65 P.S.
Sec. 67.1101
If a written request for access to a record is denied or deemed denied, the requester
may file an appeal with the state’s Office of Open Records within fifteen (15)
business days of the mailing date of the Open Records Officer’s response or deemed
denial.
References:
School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 408, 518
Right-to-Know Law – 65 P.S. Sec. 67.101 et seq.
Americans With Disabilities Act – 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.
Accessibility to Communications, Title 28, Code of Federal Regulations – 28 CFR
Sec. 35.160, 35.164
Board Policy – 800
PSBA Revision 9/08
Page 7 of 7
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PROPOSED 2009 CAPITAL PROJECTS
School
Priority
Budget
Notes & Comments
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
Emergency generator replacement
Heating/Ventilation Modifications
Stage and Music Room Renovations
Storm drainage inlet repairs
Replace carpeting in Computer Lab with VCT
Room signage
$70,000 Server Room and Kitchen
$80,000 Gym heater ; Auditorium and Admin VFD
$125,000 Lighting,catwalk railings, curtains, rigging, soundproof doors
$50,000
$6,000
$20,000
$351,000
TOTAL
INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Replace cafeteria flooring
Replace Toilet room plumbing fixtures
Replace Music area A/C unit
$20,000 New VCT floor; patch/waterproof base slab
$75,000
$40,000
TOTAL
$135,000
Replace Fire and Intrusion Alarm systems
Replace entrance vestibule flooring
Window Repairs
TOTAL
$110,000
$18,000
$60,000
$188,000
MEDIA ELEMENTARY
ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY
Roof replacements
New flooring at corridor ramps
Gym Heating Unit Replacement
$160,000 Replace all single ply ballasted roofs and copings
$10,000
$20,000
$190,000
TOTAL
1/16/2009
Page 1
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PROPOSED 2009 CAPITAL PROJECTS
School
Priority
Budget
Notes & Comments
EDUCATION CENTER
Elevator Upgrades
Replace HVAC Unit in Human Resources
Parking Lot Re-paving
HVAC package unit in Server Room
$45,000
$30,000
$65,000
$10,000
$150,000
TOTAL
TRANSPORTATION BLDG.
CCTV camera surveillance system
$25,000 wireless cameras, monitor, dvd recorder
$25,000
TOTAL
TOTAL BUDGET - ALL BUILDINGS
$1,039,000
1/16/2009
Page 2