ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Informational Session
7:30 p.m.
AGENDA
I.
Committee Highlights & Liason Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Student Liaison Reports
Teaching & Learning
Finance
Operations
Personnel
Pupil Services
Technology
Liaison Reports
II.
Building Update - Principals
III.
Adjournment
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Legislative Meeting
8:00 p.m.
AGENDA
I.
Call to Order
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
B.
III.
None
Indian Lane Ink – School Newspaper Showcase
Mr. Bill Bennett – introduction. The presenters are: Mrs. Rosemary
Angelina, Mrs. Denise Clair, Mrs. Liz Tumolo, Margaret Howe-Consiglio,
Dyanna Cramer, Nate Fleming, Alex Tumolo, Julia Kline, Lauren Angelina,
and Teddy Clair
Reports
A.
B.
C.
D.
VI.
Legislative Meeting of October 26, 2006
Special Meeting – November 14, 2006
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
Pledge of Allegiance
Presentations and Awards
A.
IV.
Roll Call
School Reports
Superintendent’s Report
Solicitor’s Report
President’s Report
Scheduled Presentations (Limited to Five Minutes Each)
A.
B.
C.
RTMEA
RTM Education Foundation
Healthy Communities Initiative
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)
A.
VIII.
Old Business
A.
B.
IX.
Policy #108 Adoption of Textbooks – See Attachment A
Energy Policy – See Attachment E
New Business
A.
B.
C.
X.
Rose Tree Media Residents
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Degree Advance
d.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
e.
Supplementals – See Attachments B and C
f.
Salary Corrections
g.
Create New Position
h.
Other
Overnight Trips
1.
Springton Lake Middle School – Jack Frost Mountain
2.
Penncrest High School Wrestling Team – Solanco High
School
3.
Penncrest High School Wrestling Team – Easton High School
4.
Penncrest High School Wrestling Team - Cumberland Valley
High School
Policy Revisions
1.
Policy #815 - Acceptable Use of RTM Network Resources – First
Read – Attachment D.
Finance
A.
B.
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1.
Change Orders
2.
Budgetary Transfers
3.
Futuristics Research
4.
Chester County Intermediate Unit Middle College High School
5.
Penncrest High School – Stadium – Sound System
6.
Glenwood Elementary School – Kindergarten Playgound
7.
8.
XI.
Penncrest High School – Proposal for Professional ServicesAthletic Facility Feasibility Study, Soil Trafficking Consultation
Penncrest High School – Sunday Building Use
C.
Financials for October 2006
D.
Bill Lists for October 2006
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 December 21, 2006, at Springton Lake Middle
School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
EXCELLENCE
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610-627-.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Sharon A. Learn
Board Secretary
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
Sharon A. Learn, Board Secretary
October 27, 2006
Minutes of the October 26, 2006 Legislative Meeting
I. Call to Order
Roll Call
Board Members in Attendance:
Nancy Fronduti, Board President
Stacey Benson, Vice President
Jeffrey Pettit
Linda Fox
Nancy Mackrides
William Campbell
Pledge of Allegiance
Student Board members
Courtney O’Conner
Mike Pesce
Also in attendance:
Dr. Denise Kerr, Superintendent of Schools
Anne Callahan, Director of Human Resources
Dr. Valerie Burnett, Director of Pupil Services
Patti Linden, Director of Technology & Information
Sharon Learn, Board Secretary
Thomas Kelly, Solicitor
Bill Bennett, Principal, Indian Lane Elementary School
Dr. Susan Evans, Assistant Principal, Penncrest High School
Joanne Horan, Assistant Principal Springton Lake Middle School
John Lohn, Assistant Principal, Penncrest High School
Ken Batchelor, Principal, Penncrest High School
Pete Barry, Assistant Principal, Springton Lake Middle School
William Dougherty, Principal, Glenwood Elementary School
Ben Danson, PCHS RTMEA Pres.
Bernadette Dacanay, Home & School Visitor
Danielle Penza, Accountant
Dr. Meg Barney, Research & Development Specialist
Dr. Pat Barta, Supervisor of Special Education, Elementary
Judy Jalbert, Psychologist
Ken Curran, Psychologist
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10/26/06
Kim McCann, Info. Tech. Specialist
Mack Johnson, Management System Administrator
Ron Harris, Network Specialist
Roxanne Schupp, Supervisor of Business Operations
Sandra Shacklady White, Supervisor of Special Education, Secondary
The Legislative Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Rose Tree Media School
District was held on Thursday, October 26, 2006, at Springton Lake Middle School. The
meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by President Fronduti.
II.
Approval of Minutes
A.
Legislative Meeting Minutes of September 28, 2006
Mr. Pettit moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2006-2007 - 30
Resolve, that the Board approve the Legislative Meeting Minutes of
September 28, 2006
The aforegoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
III.
Nancy Fronduti, Linda Fox, Nancy Mackrides,
Stacey Benson, Jeffrey Pettit, William Campbell
None
Presentations & Awards
A.
2007 National Merit Semi-Finalists
Mr. Campbell moved and Mr. Pettit seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2006-2007 - 31
Resolve, that the Board recognize the following students who achieved SemiFinalist status in the 2007 National Merit Scholarship program: Kevin Axelrod,
Sarah Evens, Victor Janmey, Randy Kreider, Emily Mobert, Adam
Papamarcos, Daniel Sprik, Lana Stern and Sara Sunshine.
The aforegoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Linda Fox, Nancy Mackrides,
Stacey Benson, Jeffrey Pettit, William Campbell
None
2
10/26/06
IV.
Educational Presentation
A.
V.
A Portrait of Kindergarten in 2006: Reflections on the PA Academic
Standards for Kindergarten and Meeting the Needs of all Learners
Reports
A.
B.
School Reports – In Official Legislative Minutes of October 26, 2006
Superintendent’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of October 26,
2006
C.
Solicitor’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of October 26, 2006
Mr. Campbell moved and Mr. Pettit seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2006-2007 - 32
Agreement of Sale - Smedley Property
Resolve, that the Board approve the purchase and payment to the Smedley
Group the sum of one million three hundred twenty-four thousand seventy
($1,324,070) dollars for the acquisition of certain lands comprising 12.037
gross acres, more or less, as more particularly described on the attached in
the Official Legislative Minutes of October 26, 2006, hereto and as set forth in
a Deed of conveyance from the Smedley Group to the School District; and
which purchase and payment are pursuant to a certain Agreement of Sale
between the School District and the Smedley Group dated July 27, 2005, as
previously approved by the School District at a public meeting on August 25,
2006.
The aforegoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Linda Fox, Nancy Mackrides,
Stacey Benson, Jeffrey Pettit, William Campbell
None
3
10/26/06
C.
Solicitor’s Report (cont’d)
Mr. Pettit moved and Mr. Campbell seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2006-2007 – 33
Agreement of Sale – Riddle Health Systems
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors of the Rose Tree Media School
District execute and deliver a Deed of Conveyance from the Rose Tree Media
School District to The Riddle Health Care Foundation, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, of certain lands of the School District comprising 4.249
acres, more or less, as more specifically described on the attachment in the
Official Legislative Minutes of October 26, 2006, and pursuant to a certain
Agreement of Sale between the School District and Riddle Health System
dated October 1, 2005, as previously approved by the School Board at a
public meeting on September 22, 2005.
The aforegoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Linda Fox, Nancy Mackrides,
Stacey Benson, Jeffrey Pettit, William Campbell
None
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mrs. Fox seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2006-2007 - 34
Smedley/Riddle Health Systems - DEP
Resolve, that the Rose Tree Media Board of School Directors ratify execution
by the School District of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) Request for Planning Waiver and Non-Building Declaration
to be submitted by the Smedley Group, Riddle Health System and the School
District to DEP as part of the School District’s purchase of certain lands from
the Smedley Group in accordance with an Agreement of Sale dated July 27,
2005 and the School District’s sale of certain School District lands to Riddle
Health System pursuant to an Agreement of Sale dated October 1, 2005.
The aforegoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
D.
Nancy Fronduti, Linda Fox, Nancy Mackrides,
Stacey Benson, Jeffrey Pettit, William Campbell
None
President’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of October 26,
2006
4
10/26/06
VI.
Scheduled Presentations
A.
RTMEA- Ben Danson, President
Dr. Kerr read a statement from Ben Danson.
B.
C.
VII.
Unscheduled Presentations
A.
VIII.
RTM Education Foundation – Dr. Meg Barney, Executive Director
Healthy Communities Initiative – Dana Riker, Director
President of Board of Director,
Rose Tree Media Residents
Old Business
A.
Policies Review
1.
Energy Policy – Second Reading
The second draft of the Energy Policy along with the first draft of
management procedures was presented. The Board agreed that
procedures do not require board approval. However, it is noted that
the fines associated with use of personal electric equipment will be
deleted. Personal electric equipment is not allowed. A third draft will
be presented at the November committee Meeting. See Attachment B
in Official Legislative Minutes of October 26, 2006.
5
10/26/06
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
2.
Nominations
a.
Professional
b.
Non-Instructional
3.
General
a.
Classification Change
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
c.
Supplementals
d.
Degree Advancement
e.
Rescind Supplemental Contract
f.
Other – ADSUP I ERIP
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. Pettit seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2006-2007– 35
Resolve, that the Board approve the following Personnel section:
1.
Terminations
a.
b.
Professional
Non-Instructional
1.
Jennie Ferguson, Food Service Worker, resignation,
effective September 22, 2006.
2.
Raymond Behm, Bus Driver, resignation, effective
February 3, 2006.
3.
Samuel Lemon, Community Relations Coordinator,
termination, effective September 30, 2006. The position
of Community Relations Coordinator has been
eliminated.
4.
Stephanie Battavio, Support Staff II, resignation, effective
September 1, 2006.
5.
Jean Claycomb, Support Staff I, resignation, effective
June 21, 2006.
6.
Robin Parker, Custodian, resignation effective October 6,
2006.
6
10/26/06
7.
2.
Gina Kateusz, Support Staff II, resignation, effective
October 27, 2006.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
b.
Rebecca Gluck, Long Term Substitute Special Education
Teacher, effective October 16, 2006, at the annual salary
of $41,794, Bachelor’s/Step 1. Ms. Gluck received her
Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Delaware. She
is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School replacing
Karen Owsley who is on leave. NOTE: Ms. Gluck is being
hired pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
Non-Instructional
1.
Erik Gallagher, Custodian, effective October 13, 2006, at
the rate of $13.14 per hour. Mr. Gallagher is assigned to
Springton Lake replacing Paula Trusty who has been
reassigned. NOTE: Mr. Gallagher is being hired pending
completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
2.
Susan Francek, Support Staff II, Personal Instructional
Assistant, effective October 27, 2006, at the rate of
$12.81 per hour. Ms. Francek is assigned to Media
Elementary. This is a new a position. NOTE: Ms. Francek
is being hired pending completion of her pre-employment
paperwork.
3.
Trevor Chamberlain, 3rd Shift Custodian, effective
October 16, 2006, at the rate of $13.64 per hour. Mr.
Chamberlain is assigned to Penncrest High School
replacing Daniel Beard who resigned. NOTE: Mr.
Chamberlain is being hired pending completion of his
pre-employment paperwork.
4.
Clyde Davis, Custodian, effective September 28, 2006, at
the rate of $13.44 per hour. Mr. Davis is assigned to
Penncrest High School replacing Vernon Smith who
resigned. NOTE: Mr. Davis is being hired pending
completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
5.
Deborah Sweeney, Health Room Nurse, effective
October 23, 2006, at the annual salary of $27,971. Ms.
Sweeney is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary School
replacing Judy Stingle who has been reassigned. NOTE:
Ms. Sweeney is being hired pending completion of her
7
10/26/06
b.
3.
Non-Instructional (continued)
6.
Michael Hoffman, Support Staff II, Personal Instructional
Assistant, effective October 27, 2006, at the rate of
$12.81 per hour. Mr. Hoffman is assigned to Penncrest
High School replacing Chris Carbo who resigned. NOTE:
Mr. Hoffman is being hired pending completion of his preemployment paperwork.
7.
Tina Stevenson, Cafeteria Worker, effective October 27,
2006, at the rate of $8.45 per hour. Ms Stevenson is
assigned to Penncrest High School. NOTE: Ms.
Stevenson is being hired pending completion of her preemployment paperwork.
8.
James Penney, Substitute Custodian, effective October
13, 2006, at the rate of $12.00 per hour. Mr. Penney is
assigned to the Maintenance and Operations
Department. NOTE: Mr. Penney is being hired pending
completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
General
a.
Classification Change
1.
b.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
c.
Stephanie Powers, Food Service Worker, from Cafeteria
Trainee to Regular Cafeteria Worker, effective
September 5, 2006, at the rate of $9.75.
Rebecca McGeehan has requested an extension of her
unpaid leave of absence for purposes of child rearing
effective through June 30, 2007.
Supplementals
1.
Michele Woodward, (.5) Professional Development
Coordinator, Penncrest High School, at the annual salary
of $1,300.
8
10/26/06
3.
General
c.
Supplementals (continued)
2.
John Pauley, (.5) Professional Development Coordinator,
Penncrest High School, at the annual salary of $1,300.
3.
Carly Nietz, Intramural Leader, Media Elementary, at the
rate of $18.90 per hour.
4.
Randy Mileto, 7th Grade Soccer Coach, at the annual
salary of $2,709.
5.
Recommend Board approval for the following Springton
Lake Middle School personnel to serve as Intramural
Instructors at the rate of $27 per hour.
Dan Allen
Jackie Baker
Joahanna Goldman
Amanda Morris
Maureen Auerbach
John Baker
Robin McCarthy
George Sycz
6.
Deanna Dachiu, (.5) Drama Club, Springton Lake Middle
School, at the annual salary of $347.
7.
Amanda Morris, (.5) Drama Club, Springton Lake Middle
School, at the annual salary of $347.
8.
Jeffrey Cellucci, Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach,
effective October 27, 2006 at the annual salary of $3,999.
NOTE: Mr. Cellucci is being hired pending completion of
his pre-employment paperwork.
9
10/26/06
3.
General
d.
Degree Advance
1.
Recommend Board recognize the following personnel for
degree advancement and adjust their salaries
accordingly effective August 28, 2006:
TO
Crystal Grace-Green
Bob Higgins
Kevin Nolen
Lisa Summers
e.
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
f.
Master’s
Master’s
Master’s
Permanent Cert.
Joseph Cardwell, Soccer 7th Grade Girls Soccer Coach,
rescind contract, Mr. Cardwell will not be filling the
position.
Other
1.
Rescind appointment of Forrest Durnell, Custodian. Mr.
Durnell will not be joining Rose Tree Media School
District.
2.
Recommend the Board approve the ADSUP I Early
Retirement Incentive Plan for the 2006-2007 school year.
Attachment A in Official Legislative Minutes of October
26, 2006.
The aforegoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Linda Fox, Nancy Mackrides,
Stacey Benson, Jeffrey Pettit, Bill Campbell
None
10
10/26/06
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
Ice Hockey Club Tournament – Toronto, Canada
2.
Penncrest Marching Band – Jacksonville, FL
3.
Future Business Leaders of America – Penn State
4.
Girls Cross Country – Lehigh University
Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. Pettit seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2006-2007 - 36
1.
Ice Hockey Club Tournament – Toronto, Canada
Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Toronto, Canada
for the Ice Hockey Club Tournament.
2.
Penncrest Marching Band – Jacksonville, FL
Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to
Jacksonville, FL for the Penncrest Marching Band’s participation in the
Gator Bowl.
3.
Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Workshop
Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to State
College, PA for the Future Business Leaders of America State
Leadership Workshop.
4.
Girls Cross Country – Lehigh University
Further resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Lehigh
University, Girls Cross Country Team.
The aforegoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote
being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Linda Fox, Nancy Mackrides,
Stacey Benson, Jeffrey Pettit
William Campbell
C.
Addendum – Personnel – None
D.
Addendum – General - None
11
10/26/06
X.
Finance
A.
B.
C.
D.
Purchasing
1.
None
General
1.
Springton Lake Middle School – HVAC Renovation, Summer 2007
2.
Media Elementary School – Lease Agreement with Calvary Chapel
of Delaware County
3.
Penncrest High School – Chemical Storage Room
4.
Snow Removal Agreement – Renewal
5.
Change Orders
6.
Transportation- CADES Contract – Annual Renewal
7.
Vanguard School
8.
Holcomb Behavioral Health systems
Financials for September, 2006
Bill lists for September, 2006
Mr. Pettit moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2006-2007 - 37
1.
Springton Lake Middle School – HVAC Renovation, Summer
2007
Resolve, that the Board accept the proposal from The
Consolidated Engineer’s in the amount of $45,000 for the
next phase of the chilled water system upgrades at
Springton Lake
2.
Media Elementary School – Lease Agreement with Calvary
Chapel of Delaware County
Further resolve, that the board approve the extension of the
agreement with Calvary Chapel of Delaware County for an
additional term of 36 months terminating on January 1,
2010. The extended lease with include new language
regarding security and an increase for custodial services
from $25 to $40/per hour.
3.
Penncrest High School - Chemical Storage Room
Further resolve, that the board accept the proposal from Bonnett
and Associates in the amount of $10,400 for engineering
services.
12
10/26/06
4.
Snow Removal Agreement – Renewal
Further resolve, that the board approve the renewal agreement for
snow removal with Gerace, Inc. of Folcroft, PA. in an amount
not to exceed $10,000.
5.
Change Orders
Further resolve, that the Board approve the following change orders:
CO#1 – Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc.
Indian Lane Roof Replacement
Deduct for elimination of metal fascia system (-$49,863.50)
Repair existing metal roof panels
$ 6,800.00
7 Additional inspection days
$ 3,780.00
Installation of metal cleat
$ 8,400.00
Total Change Order Decrease
(-$30,883.50)
Penncrest High School Roof Replacement
Deduction of ½” fibreboard insulation on Barrel Roof
(-$18,643.00)
Remove and replace 2 additional roofs not included in
original scope of work
$ 10,300.00
Reflash exiting wall locations
$ 7,500.00
Recertification of Lightning Protection Sys.
$ 8,325.00
with new cables attached to equipment/curbs
8 additional inspection days
$ 4,320.00
Total Change Order Increase
$11,802.00
Five Star, Inc.
Springton Lake Middle School Chilling System Replacement
Phase I Credit (-$2,500.00)
6.
Transportation – CADES Contract - Annual Renewal
Further resolve, that the Board approve the renewal of the
Children and Adult Disability and Educational Services
Contract (CADES). Following are the proposed rates for the
2006-2007 school year:
Round Trip (Del. Co.)
One Way (Del. Co.)
Round Trip (Devereux)
13
per student/day
per student/day
per student/day
$55
$31
$159
10/26/06
7.
Vanguard School
Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract with Vanguard
School for the 2006-2007 school year for $36,225.
8.
Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems
Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract with Holcomb
Behavioral Health Systems for the 2006-2007 to provide
assessments as the cost of $65.00 for a brief screen and
250.00 for a comprehensive evaluation.
C.
D.
Financials September 2006
Bill Lists September 2006
Further resolve, that the Board approve the following:
Financial Reports
September 2006
September 2006
September 2006
September 2006
Bill Lists
September
September
September
September
September
September
September
September
September
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
Treasurers Reports
Investment Reports
Summary Expenditure Status Report
Revenue Status Report
General Fund Bill List
Imprest Fund Bill List
Capital Fund Bill List
Construction Fund Bill List
Master Capital Improvement Bill List
Future Refunding 1993 Issue Bill List
Bond Series 2003 Bill list
Bond Series 2004 Bill List
Activities/Special Revenue Fund
$ 2,585,437.66
$
8,143.00
$ 366,791.82
$
90,610.00
$
3,828.00
$
32,578.00
$ 422,717.48
$ 688,061.35
$
19,843.89
$ 4,218,011.20
The aforegoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Linda Fox, Nancy Mackrides,
Stacey Benson, Jeffrey Pettit, William Campbell
None
14
10/26/06
XI.
Adjournment
Mr. Campbell moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2006-2007 - 38
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned.
The aforegoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Linda Fox, Nancy Mackrides,
Stacey Benson, Jeffrey Pettit, Bill Campbell
None
__________________
Sharon A. Learn
Board Secretary
15
10/26/06
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.891.0959
www.rtmsd.org
Sharon A. Learn
Board Secretary
Chief Operations Officer
Management Services Department
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D. Superintendent
From:
Sharon A. Learn, Chief Operations Officer
Date:
November 21, 2006
Subject:
Minutes - November 14, 2006 - Special Meeting 7:00 PM
____________________________________________________________________________
SPECIAL MEETING
Call to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
In Attendance:
Nancy Fronduti
William O’Donnell
William Campbell
Veronica Barbato Linda Fox
Nancy Mackrides Stacey Benson
William Montgomery
Also In Attendance:
Bill Dougherty, Principal, Glenwood Elementary School
Anne Callahan, Human Resource Director
Joe Diantonio, Athletic Director
Tom Kelly, Solicitor,
Sharon Learn, Board Secretary
Meeting was called to order by President Nancy Fronduti
1.
Appointment of School Board Director
Mr. Campbell moved and Mr. Montgomery seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2006-2007 - 39
Resolve that the Board appoint William O’Donnell to the Board of School Directors.
1
The resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Linda Fox
Nancy Mackrides, Stacey Benson, William Campbell,
William Montgomery
None
At this point on the agenda, Jeffrey Pettit entered the meeting.
2.
Purchase of Smedley Property
Mr. Campbell moved and Mr. Montgomery seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2006-2007 - 40
Resolve, that the Board of School Directors of the Rose Tree Media School District,
in lieu of condemnation as permitted by Section 721 of the Pennsylvania School
Code of 1949, as amended (24 P.S. §7-721), of certain lands comprising 12.037
gross acres, more or less, as more particularly described on the attachment hereto,
and made a part hereof, agrees to purchase said lands from The Smedley Group,
owners thereof, for the sum of $1,324,070 pursuant to certain terms and conditions
as agreed upon between the Rose Tree Media School District and The Smedley
Group as set forth in an Agreement of Sale dated July 27, 2005.
Further resolve, that a second amendment to the Agreement of Sale be approved
consistent therewith and to extend closing on the subject lands to on or before
November 20, 2006.
The aforegoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
3.
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Linda Fox, William O’Donnell,
Nancy Mackrides, Stacey Benson, William Campbell, Jeff Pettit,
William Montgomery
None
Adjournment
Mr. Campbell moved and Mr. Montgomery seconded a motion to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION: 2006-2007 - 41
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned.
The aforegoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:
AYES:
NAYS:
Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Linda Fox, William O’Donnell,
Nancy Mackrides, Stacey Benson, William Campbell, Jeff Pettit,
William Montgomery
None
2
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
SCHOOL REPORT’S – November 2006
GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Library: Library technician Kathy Cook participated in the Delaware County Book Review
Program held on October 24. Publishers provide copies of brand new titles, and
librarians may keep those books they review. Mrs. Cook obtained twenty-three recentlypublished titles for the Glenwood library, including non-fiction, novels, and picture books
valued at over $250.00!
First Grade: The 1st graders at Glenwood dressed up as Pilgrims and Native Americans
on November 22nd. Each child invited a helper from the school (custodian, secretary,
special area teacher, aide etc.) to the feast as his/her special guest. The children sang
songs to the guests about being thankful at Thanksgiving and why they appreciate their
guests. The children served food to their guests and a feast was had by all!
The first grade students are also enjoying problem solving in math as the teachers are
creating problems that are related to the upcoming holidays. Students are understanding
how math is an integral part of our daily lives as we must use it to solve problems at home
as well as at school.
Second Grade: The second grade students at Glenwood Elementary are learning about
“communities.” As a culminating activity for this unit, there will be a Community Day
Celebration, which will be held in November. In preparation for this activity, each class is
creating a classroom community. The students will choose jobs, vote for their mayor,
learn “community” songs and poems, and build miniature 3 dimensional buildings and
houses to be displayed. On the day of the “celebration”, parents will be invited to watch
their children perform, and view their children’s work.
Accelerated Math: Mr. G’s 4th grade AMP class will be finished the 4th grade curriculum
and continuing into the 5th grade curriculum. Mr. G’s 5th grade AMP class will be
continuing the 6 th grade curriculum, discussing fractions and percentages. Mr. G’s Math
Lab students will be working together to reinforce math concepts with which they are
having difficulty.
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Fourth Grade: Students in Mr. Heinle’s fourth grade class are studying the Alaskan
Iditarod, the annual sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome. Students are studying the
race in connection with the novel Stone Fox. In this story, a young boy participates in a
sled dog race to win prize money to help save his grandfather’s potato farm. Students
are also reading other stories about sled dogs that have become famous from their
participation in the Iditarod race. For a culmination of our studies, students will be
composing informational writing pieces to teach other Glenwood students about the
Iditarod.
Kindergarten: Kindergarten is enjoying learning color words and sight words. We are
also moving full speed ahead in our Kid Writing Program.
Nurse’s Report: Glenwood is a healthier school than ever this year. After the group of
parents, teachers, the nurse, the principal, and the guidance counselor met to set
guidelines for the implementation of the Wellness Policy, the school nurse sent a letter to
Glenwood families to let them know the many ways that Rose Tree Media supports health
and wellness among our students and staff. Families were encouraged to support
wellness by considering snack time to be a “nutrition break” and by packing a healthy
lunch if they chose to send lunch for their children. The letter included suggestions for
making snacks and mealtimes healthier and told parents about some of the ways RTM
food services has improved the nutritional content of school lunches and snacks.
Nutrition education can be fun as well as practical. Grades 1 through 5 had a taste
testing of three kinds of bread and a lesson about incorporating whole grains into the diet.
Stop by to see our “Got Milk?” bulletin board. It features Glenwood employees sporting
milk mustaches and reminds students that milk products help build healthy bones.
Physical Education: The children of Glenwood were pleased to welcome a second
student teacher from West Chester University, Mr. Tim Kershaw. Tim spent his first
seven weeks at Penncrest, but is making a wonderful adjustment. He’s tying shoelaces,
reminding children to make “good choices”, and getting into the flow of elementary school
life.
Fitness and teamwork continue to be areas of emphasis. The children have had the
opportunity to flex their “brain muscles” by participating in a variety of group activities
challenging their problem solving skills. The fifth grade students are discovering that 3 on
3 flag football requires both physical fitness and cooperation.
Academically Gifted Program: 3rd and 4th grade AGP students are researching National
Parks in the US which relates to the socila studies of the United States and regions in the
U.S. 3rd grade is focusing on Yellowstone first before choosing a park on their own to
research; while 4th graders are focusing on Yosemite National Park before choosing a
park on their own to research. 5th Grade students are beginning the study of natural
disasters and focusing first on Wildfires before choosing their own natural disaster to
research in depth and report on to their home classes.
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First graders are learning about apples and pumpkins. Second graders are working on
poetry writing. So far we have done acrostic poems and haikus during core enrichment
times.
AGP teacher, Sue Williamson is in the 2006 Edition of Who’s Who Among America’s
Teachers.
Coordination and support of new programs is essential. I wish to address these two
elements. Glenwood School is thankful to the board for the initiation to the 100 Book
Challenge at the 1-5 levels of the elementary program. The coordination of our volunteer
parent program for support of book exchanges is working well. Sue Williamson, our site
coordinator, has offered teacher in-service and her website as a resource for information
regarding the program. Additionally, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is
once again providing interested senior readers to read with students. The components of
board initiative, in-service, teacher support, and volunteer support are working together
for student academic success.
Other Events: This year Glenwood Elementary will be honoring Veterans Day by setting
up our own "memorial wall" in the front hallway to honor any Veterans who are connected
in some way to the Glenwood community. Each member of the Glenwood community will
receive blank red, white, and blue stars. The names of any friends or family members
who have served our country in any capacity can be placed upon each star. The
memorial stars are then attached to the “Memorial Wall” for display.
Glenwood Elementary will be observing National Geography Awareness Week the week
of November 12-18, 2006. School-wide geography contests will be held throughout the
week offering students the opportunity to research geographical concepts and terms. A
winner will be drawn daily from grades K-2 and 3-5. Geography related prizes will be
given to the students who win the daily competition.
INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten: The classes are reviewing the alphabet letters. We have completed the
letters A-W. We are continuing to learn about big and little and how things become
different as we grow older. We have started working in small groups. The children have
been working independently on small motor skills, patterning, visual discrimination,
writing, and story and letter concentration. We have also been working on shapes and
colors. The children have been doing a wonderful job identifying the color words! We
have also been working on our counting skills. We have been counting the days of
school and bundling sets of ten. We have completed 48 days of school already. Wow!
time goes by very quickly. Our families worked on turkey projects where each family
used everyday items to create a colorful turkey poster. They all look wonderful!!! The
children were very excited to share their turkeys and display them in the hallway.
First Grade: First graders read about elections and voted for our favorite snacks. We
made a book about our snacks. We learned about “doubles” at the end of short vowel
one syllable words. Usually the letters f, l, s, and z will be doubled at the end of words.
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Some exceptions to the rule include… as, of, is, if. We also learned the n and k “slide”
together in words like link, tank, honk, and wink. We are calling the two letter combination
a slide. It is harder to hear the individual sounds when they slide together. We also
learned the red words you and what. We read Jasper’s Beanstalk. This fun story brought
smiles to everyone’s faces! We continued the story and wrote about what Jasper might
find if he climbed the beanstalk. We read 3 stories about bugs. We are talking about
stories that are fantasy, realistic fiction, and non-fiction. The children are good at
identifying these. We began learning about weather. We shared what we already know
about this fun topic. The children shared what type of weather they liked best. Cold and
warm weather beat out hot!
Second Grade: This month we are reading stories about nature. Some of the reading in
this unit is nonfiction so we will be comparing the two types of literature. The reading
strategies we will learn this month include comparing and contrasting, fact and opinion,
and categorizing and classifying. We have been really lucky to have Martha Phillips
working with us in writing. We have been learning how to write journal entries and how to
use better descriptive words in writing instead of the usual "it was fun". This month we
are reviewing how to gather, record, and organize information into a graph as well as how
to read and analyze a graph. We are studying graphs, pictographs, and Venn diagrams.
We are also reviewing and practicing addition and subtraction facts, strategies, and
concepts. The entire second grade went on a walking tour of Media on November 2. The
children and parents had a great time learning more about their local community. We
continue to review the things we learned about communities, such as a community is a
place where people live, work, play, and solve problems. We also learned the differences
between urban, suburban, and rural communities. We will also learn about geography
concepts such as landforms, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Mrs. Buchek’s class was the first
class to have EVERYONE read 100 steps in 100 Book Challenge! Mr. Bennett presented
the class with the red banner and they have it proudly displayed outside of their
classroom.
Third Grade: We continue to work on our 100 Book Challenge and several of our
students have reached the goal of 100 steps. We participated in our first Math Wizard of
the year and all of our students participated.
Fourth Grade: The entire fourth grade participated in Pumpkin Day. Students
investigated pumpkins and collected data such as the number of seeds in various sizes of
pumpkins, circumference of the pumpkins, number of creases on pumpkins, and the
weight of the pumpkins. This data was then graphed on four different types of graphs.
When the class data was posted, students worked in pairs to calculate the mean, median,
mode, and range of the data sets. Also, before the investigations began, students made
estimates of the information to be collected and then calculated the difference when the
actual amounts were found. Later a discussion was held about how prior knowledge
helps us make good estimates and how their experiences during the pumpkin
explorations would help them be better at estimating similar types of things in the future.
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Mr. Washington and Miss Peifer’s classes went to the Helicopter Museum. They learned
about gravity, and observed how drag affects the movement of a helicopter. They got to
sit in the cockpit of a helicopter and learned more about how the engine works.
School-wide: All of our students continue to strive towards our 100 Book Challenge.
Congratulations to Mrs. Buchek’s class for being the first to have 100% achievement for
the first 100 steps. We have 121 students who have reached at least Step 100 (each
step equals fifteen minutes of reading).
Our annual Craft and Book Fair were a huge success as well as our Sally Foster fund
raiser. The Courtyard project continues to gain momentum as our story benches have
arrived and many of our staff members stayed after school to put them together. Our
popular Parent Visitation Day was enjoyed by many and continues to provide us with
information on what we do right and what we need to improve. Several of our students
were interviewed by the Daily Times for their People Poll and their picture and statements
were printed just before Thanksgiving.
The Math Wizard is back! Students in grades 2-5 will meet twice a month to take timed
tests on the basic facts of addition, subtraction, addition and subtraction mixed,
multiplication, division, all four mixed together, double digit addition with and without
regrouping, and double digit subtraction with and without regrouping. Students must get
90% correct in the specified amount of time to have mastered the operation. They earn a
certificate and their name is posted in the cafeteria. Each year, more than 70% of
students participate.
More than fifteen teachers and five parents stayed after school one Friday and worked on
the first courtyard project. The volunteers opened fifty boxes and put together twenty-four
outdoor chairs that will become the reading circle in the Norman Kelly, Jr. Courtyard. Joe
Arsenault, the parent chairperson of the courtyard committee, had planned to spend
many hours on the project, but it was finished in less then 1.5 hours due to the help from
the teachers. We hope to have the chairs installed before the new year.
Almost 500 people attended our annual Parent Visitation Day on November 17, 2006, in
honor of American Education Week. The visitors were treated to many delicious treats
provided by parent volunteers and spent an hour and a half observing their children in the
classroom. A good time was held by all.
MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
KUDOS: Media teachers Sue Williamson, Lisa Hooven, Jayne Walker, and Patrick
Murphy are in the 2006 edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Tina
Loveland-Smith was selected by Schoolwires, the company that hosts our web pages, to
have her class web site featured as a web page exemplar in their monthly newsletter.
Mrs. Loveland-Smith’s site was selected from sites all around the nation.
American Education Week: The theme of American Education Week 2006 is “Great
Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility.” Parent Visitation on Friday,
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November 17, was extremely well attended. The new block schedule allowed us to format
the day so that parents would be guaranteed to see instruction in the regular education
class. We had both a morning and afternoon session. Progress reports were issued on
the same day followed by parent-teacher conferences (November 20 & 21). It is an
extremely busy time for our teachers.
No Place for Hate: Rose Tree Media is pleased to announce participation in the “No
Place for Hate” campaign. The campaign empowers communities to promote respect for
individual and group differences. There is a pledge associated with this effort that was
introduced to our students at the November all-school assembly. During physical
education classes, the pledge was discussed and students were invited to sign. The
pledge is prominently displayed on a bulletin board outside the gym. Parents were urged
to read the pledge and sign too. Our first activity to support the campaign was “Mix It Up
Day.” On November 14, students were challenged to sit next to or near someone new at
lunch. Students were asked to sit according to their birthday month. Questions were
placed on the tables for breaking the ice among new friends. Mix-It Up Day was launched
by the founders of Teaching Tolerance magazine. Media Elementary school plans on
“mixing it up” during lunch several times each year.
PSSA Presentation: Guidance counselor Jean McPheeters gave a very informative
presentation to parents on our state assessment, the PSSA . She shared with parents a
number of online resources, showed our school’s performance as compared to the district
and the state, and answered questions. It is important to share with our parents the
wealth of information that they can access through the PDE website or the GROW
network.
UNICEF –Holiday Toy Drive- Thanksgiving Baskets: We have an extremely generous
school community. Our children collected $1910.30 for UNICEF on Halloween. We are
partnering with The Community Action Agency of Delaware County to collect toys for the
500 children living in homeless shelters and transitional housing. The Community Action
Agency is a non-profit organization that serves all of Delaware County. They provide
emergency shelter, daycare centers, and a feeding program. Boxes for the new,
unwrapped toys are in our school’s atrium. We expect the boxes to be full by December
15th. We are also in the process of putting together Thanksgiving baskets for some of
our school’s families who are in need. It’s a nice tradition that continues each year.
Mock Election: Our students cast their votes for Pennsylvania’s governor prior to Election
Day. Governor Rendell was endorsed overwhelmingly.
Staff Development: Our staff members participated in a range of staff development
activities this month. Principal Maria Kotch attended the Pennsylvania Association of
Elementary and Secondary Principals Conference in Pittsburgh. Ruby Payne, who has
done extensive research on working with children from poverty, and Lorraine Monroe,
who has done extensive work on leadership and school achievement, were two of the
keynote speakers. Mrs. Kotch attended break-out sessions lead by Ruby Payne and
Lorraine Monroe as well. Mrs. Kotch was also honored to be a guest lecturer at a
Villanova University graduate class on leadership. Learning support teachers attended a
workshop on progress monitoring. They learned how to use a program called AIMSWEB
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that electronically produces a target/aim line in the form of a graph. It provides excellent
visual documentation of student progress toward goals. Claire McGeehan, Jean
McPheeters, and Christa Consadene attended two different presentations sponsored by
The Delaware Valley Minority Student Achievement Consortium. Tina Loveland-Smith
attended a workshop at the DCIU on NetTrekker d.i., a web site tool to help differentiate
instruction. Mrs. Kotch, Dr. Gilbert and the other elementary principals attended the fall
meeting of the Delaware County Principals’ Association where Dr. Barbara Moor
Williams, noted expert and published author, shared her wisdom on the achievement gap
and the relationship between leadership and student achievement.
PTG Events: The Harvest Fair was a huge success. Games, food and fun were the order
of the night. The PTG recently completed a wrapping paper sale, an Entertainment Book
sale, several shopping events at local stores, a dining out in Media Night at Pinocchio’s,
and a holiday arts and crafts night. They are a very active group that tries very hard to
arrange a variety of activities – something for everyone! They are also responsible for the
fall decorations that adorn our entry way.
Great Pennsylvania Apple Crunch Day: Linvilla Orchards provided us with 500 huge and
juicy apples to help us celebrate The Great Pennsylvania Apple Crunch Day. It was one
of a series of health and wellness activities. We also had a food tasting day in the
cafeteria where the children sampled prickly pears, kiwi, and honeydew. Another food
tasting is planned for later in the month.
Fall Masquerade: We could not have asked for a more beautiful day for our Halloween
Parade this year. Our theme was “Joust for Fun.” The faculty came dressed as queens,
princesses, court jesters, and knights. Each class carried a beautiful banner that had a
medieval look. It was a gorgeous day and we all had lots of fun.
Field Trips and Special Activities: Second grade had Community Day. It is a wonderful
event where the children share the information they’ve learned about living in a
community with their guests. They dress up, sing, and speak about what they’ve learned.
The student presentation was followed by a class visit to see the mini-towns the children
built. There is also a career showcase where parents present to the children. This year
we had a doctor, dentist, acupuncturist, real estate agent, graphics art designer, etiquette
instructor, research scientist, and a fighter pilot. Fourth grade visited The Minshall House
in Media. It is one of the historic sites they visit to complete The Passport to History
Program. Fifth grade had a wonderful experience at The Stroud Water Research Center
in Chester County.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Music Happenings: The 1st and 2nd grade classes had a wonderful learning experience
in music class this month at Rose Tree Elementary School. The students learned about
rhythm building blocks and applied the rhythm of different pieces of music to the
wonderful and popular Orff instruments (xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels).
The students in fifth grade have worked and will continue to work hard in general music
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class to prepare for the Winter Concert on Thursday, December 19, 2006 at 7:00pm.
They have been practicing their choral music as well as hand chime pieces. The concert
is sure to be a success!
Physical Education: During the month of November, the developmental kindergarten,
developmental primary, first and second grades focused on locomotor movements,
underhand and overhand throwing and catching. Third and fourth grade students worked
on ball skills such as dribbling, passing, trapping, kicking and shooting. They also
practiced their skills for maintaining possession of the ball and strategies for offense and
defense. Fifth graders have been working on ball skills such as carrying, running,
dodging, throwing, catching, passing, snapping and punting. They are also working on
maintaining possession of the ball and strategies for offense and defense.
Library: The district librarians attended a county-wide in-service sponsored by the
Delaware County Library System. The presentation was called “Get Real! Non-Fiction
Booktalking to Get Kids Excited about Reading.” The presenter was Kathleen Baxter who
provided us with a 300+ book bibliography of non-fiction books appropriate for elementary
and middle grade students. This speaker was fantastic! She is probably one of the best
presenters it has been my pleasure to hear. She was excited and dynamic and an expert
on her topic, presenting us with dozens of great books and ideas for using them to get
students excited about reading non-fiction books. I am very happy to have been a part of
the in-service, and I am FULL of lesson ideas!
First Grade Happenings: The first grade classes just finished a bat unit. The children
listened to both fiction and nonfiction read-alouds about bats. They recited poems and
sang songs relating to bats. The boys and girls researched bats using the internet and
even wrote facts and stories about bats. We were able to incorporate this theme in our
Project Read lessons generating words in the "at" family and creating a phonemic
awareness song for bats.
Third Grade Happenings: Third grade students focused on a reading unit that celebrates
traditions. The stories in the unit are multi-cultural and discuss topics such as immigration
from Russia, salsa dancing from Puerto Rico, talking cloths from Ghana, and Feast Day
dances from Tewa Native Americans.
Fifth Grade Happenings: The fifth grade just completed their unit on the explorers. They
learned about eight different explorers, why each set out on their voyage and which
country sponsored their trip. They learned that sometimes these explorers had a negative
impact on the Native Americans: they brought diseases such as smallpox and they
captured and killed some of the Native Americans. They also learned the explorers came
to find new trade routes and riches. The students then took all of this information and
made a large matrix. This provided them with a means to compare and contrast the
explorers.
Math Lab: Based on their PSSA and MAP performance data, specific students attend
Math Lab during their Core Extension time (3 – 6 times during a 12-day cycle). Class
sizes range from 1 – 4 students in grades 3 – 5, allowing for close monitoring of students’
individual needs. The block scheduling has been beneficial in allowing collaboration
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between math support and the classroom teacher. We have already begun to incorporate
PSSA prep into our sessions.
In grade 1, we have been working on some of the basic concepts, such as more, fewer,
odd, even, making a table, and creating a number sentence.
Fourth Grade Accelerated Math Program: Fourth grade AMP students created a ‘Witches
Brew’ during a Problem of the Week. They continually work on their problem solving
skills, including ‘retelling’, labeling, explaining, and using our various strategies. In
addition, the fourth graders are becoming ‘experts’ at multiplication, including multiplying
decimals by decimals.
Fifth Grade Accelerated Math Program: Fifth grade AMP students have been problem
solvers – helping Bert and Ernie distributed their extra Halloween candy! Also, these
boys and girls have been working with decimals, fractions and percents. They have used
modeling as well as parts of the Investigations Unit ‘Name That Portion’ to relate decimals
with fractions and percents. The focus has been on modeling and solving problems in
real-life situations. They also had the opportunity to graph the election results from our
Mock Election. Their favorite graph was the double-bar graph showing Bob Casey Jr. as
the projected winner in the state Senate race, and the pictograph highlighting their choice
of not banning soda in schools!
Reading Support: During the November 7th, in-service, grade level teams met with
Reading Specialists district-wide to come up with agreed upon time allocations for the
different literacy areas. We will use this as a framework for analyzing our language
arts program and differentiating instruction.
School-Wide Social Studies Happenings: Students in grades K-5 participated in a mock
election at Rose Tree Elementary.
The election was in collaboration with the
Pennsylvania Department of State. Students voted for their choice of governor, senator,
and three student-friendly referendum questions. The building results were announced to
the students and the accelerated math classes created graphs based on grade-level,
school, county, and state results. It was a great opportunity for students to participate in a
real-life civics lesson and the students really enjoyed it.
Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 participated in Trick or Treat for Unicef again this year.
The students raised $650.51. The money collected this year is being used for school kits
in third-world countries. It is a great way for kids to help their peers and participate in a
community service activity.
This month Rose Tree’s “No Place for Hate” program began. “No Place for Hate” is a
campaign sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League that is being implemented in all
elementary schools beginning this year. Every member of Rose Tree Elementary School
(teachers, support staff, administrators, and students) will be signing a No Place for Hate
Pledge this week and discussing ways to make Rose Tree No Place for Hate. Posters
signed by each grade will be displayed in each hallway as well as the No Place for Hate
Promise. Students will be participating in related activities in the library through stories
and lessons. learning a song entitled “Respect and Responsibility” in music, and viewing
a Power point slide show defining the terms used in the pledge. On our school webpage
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there is now a heading entitled “No Place for Hate” where parents, students, and teachers
can go to find wonderful resources related to the topics of respect, diversity and
tolerance. Some additional related activities will be offered this year such as Mix It Up at
Lunch Day on November 14th where students will sit with someone they don’t know very
well and A Day on for a Day Off Service Day on Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday.
Art: Fifth grade students finished their perspective portraits and began their sketch
books. They began construction of their sketch book by sewing/binding sheets of paper
together. They then created paste paper for covers of the sketch books and have begun
construction activities which include measuring, cutting, weaving, gluing and more
binding.
Students in fourth grade completed their Pop Art action studies in the style of Keith Haring
and began designing and painting hex signs in the folk art style of the PA Germans. They
learned about and included traditional folk art symbols, colors and their meanings. They
also began construction of their US Art reflection book.
The third grade student’s recent stop in the Time Machine was Ancient Egypt where they
learned about the contributions of that culture to the modern world. They sketched and
sculpted hippos from papier mache in the style of ancient Egyptian faience and began
construction of their Time Machine reflection book.
Second graders learned about the process of Samoan Tapa cloth production from an
internet website slide presentation. They then designed and painted their own Tapa cloth
using geometric patterns and neutral colors. They also began construction of their
Passport reflection booklet.
Students in first grade listened to the story ISH… by Peter Reynolds. Then they “took a
walk with a line” and created a beautiful non-objective ISH-ish blended chalk drawing.
First grade also learned about Vincent Van Gogh and his still life Sunflowers painting, and
created their own still life painting with sunflowers as their subject. They did texture
rubbings of fall leaves in primary and secondary colors while learning about visual and
actual texture. They began construction of their A is for Art reflection booklet.
AGP: This month, the students in Mrs. Clark's fourth grade AGP class studied our
wondrous state. Each student created an individualized road trip around Pennsylvania.
They planned stops along their route that included historical sites, state and national
forests, and fun family places to visit. The students also created travelogues that
included accommodations and restaurants and recorded their expenses. They
discovered that Pennsylvania has a variety of geographical features, wildlife, and
interesting museums and attractions. They will be ready for next year's summer vacation!
SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Achieving cultural proficiency is one of the goals for the staff at Springton Lake. At the
October and November in-service programs, teachers have been working on a cultural
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competence self-assessment and having high expectations for all students. Teachers
have also discussed creating culturally responsive classrooms and have been reading
articles to increase student motivation and embracing diversity and honoring student
needs. We will continue to work on cultural proficiency and closing the achievement gap.
Springton Lake continues to buzz with excitement about classroom activities and lessons
and events at the school. The first school newspaper (in many years) was distributed to
students on Monday, November 20. The Springton Lake Splash, with a staff of 28
students, worked long hours to help complete the first edition.
The 8th grade dance was a success. Almost one hundred students attended. The
decorating committee did a great job with the set-up. Several prizes were awarded. A
great time was had by all.
Mrs. Gilroy and some of our SLF students visited with residence of Fair Acres on Friday,
November 3rd. The students played Bingo with the residence and prizes were given to
the winners.
Many SLF members assisted with the Senior Citizens Lunch on Thursday, November
9th. 230 senior citizens were entertained by the steppers, choice voices, cheerleaders,
jazz band and honors strings prior to the luncheon. The students greeted our guests,
helped in the halls, served the food and beverages, and helped with the clean-up. The
students did an excellent job and enjoyed spending time with our guests.
SLF worked with PTG to prepare for the Volleyball Marathon which took place on Friday,
November 10th after school. The event raised over one thousand dollars to help those in
need in our community. SLF officers and Mrs. Gilroy had their monthly meeting with Dr.
Jeuell to discuss various ideas for winter activities and fund-raisers. SLF members
helped with the sixth grade parent lunch which took place on Wednesday, November
15th. Over 130 parents and guardians attended along with the entire sixth grade class.
Tables were set up in the gym to handle the overflow. The students helped by greeting
our guests, being available to serve and clean-up. An excellent job was done by all.
Students greeted parents and help give out schedules at the SLMS open house on
Thursday, November 16th. The open house was held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Light
refreshments were available in the lobby.
Unfortunately, the seventh grade dance for Friday, November 17th had to be canceled
due to low ticket sales.
The boys’ and girls’ cross country team closed another successful year on Thursday,
October 26, 2006. The girls’ team took second place out of five teams at the Spartan
Invitational that is held at Springton Lake. The girls’ overall record for the year was 7 and
4. All of the girls worked toward and met their personal goals for the year. The boys’ team
won first place at the Spartan Invitational to top off an undefeated season. Led by
Captains Ron Tyson and CJ Cassey, the boys’ overall record was 14 and 0. Both teams
also participated in the Middletown Country Bumpkin 5k Run on Sunday, October 15,
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2006, where many of the athletes won prizes. Coach Andrew Virtue was very pleased of
everyone’s performance and is looking forward to another great season next year.
The following guidance lessons are being taught: Friendship 6th grade; Self-Esteem7thgrade; Diversity- 8th grade. Groups will be starting second marking period: 6th grade
"Kids to Kids". Work on new program "No place for Hate" has begun. The "Heritage
Project" and "Proud Out Loud" will be the first new initiatives at Springton Lake.
Mrs. Going's 8th grade classes are finishing up some pretty cool assignments that are
based on ancient civilizations! Some sections have learned about The Masu Box
from Japan during the Feudal Period, used as a measuring devise for commoners to
measure a days worth of rice or beans for a man to take to work!! The Masu design is
also the diagram used to develop the theater seating in the Kabuki Theater. Students
have learned the proper Origami folding and have created some pretty cool contemporary
Masu Boxes with a design problem to solve!! Other 8th grades have just completed an
assignment based on Roman Mosaic Tiling, the art of the tessellation!!! Students
discovered that tessera; the Latin root word means to fit together on one plane. The
Romans developed the highly intricate art form of Mosaics which some students thought
came about from kitchen and bathroom designers of today!!! Wait until you see their
fantastic mosaic creations!! All 8th grades will now gear up for their ceramics unit and
develop a clay figure based on information from the Renaissance and the Italian masters!!
7th graders are finishing their color theory abstraction painting study based on the work of
American artist, Georgia Okeeffe. Okeeffe believed in the power of color and shape. The
students had to "abstract " and then enlarge an image using a guess and check method
with minimal marks for measurement. This would teach the students how to visually
measure and check accuracy. Then students came up with a color scheme of their
choice. Wait until you see these! They will be on display soon. 6th graders are working
so hard on a Chinese Zodiac painting. After reading them the story of Buddha and the
Zodiac Animals, students chose the zodiac animal of their choice (they could choose their
own, either a dog or a pig, based on 1994/1995 birthdays) and began to develop their
painting. Framing treatment and foreground, middle ground and background would have
to be apparent! They learned that during the renaissance, artists created depth on a flat
surface to show the illusion of distance and this was how they did it!! 6th grades will
complete their composition after break by adding in the character letter for the animal they
chose. This will be done through a lesson on the art of printmaking and artist Albrecht
Durer!!
Mrs. Sycz’ Grade eight students have begun their 8th grade clay sculpture unit. The
sculptures of Michelangelo, Rodin and Brancusi have been compared and contrasted
during the beginning of the lesson. Students have then examined the difference between
two elements of art: shape and form in preparation of learning some of the basics of
sculpting the human figure. Students must use creative thinking in not only thinking of a
subject to sculpt but also dealing with construction challenges. Basic clay methods will be
reviewed and new methods shown. Eventually students will tackle painting and color
theory. A reading and writing assignment will also be included in the unit. Grade seven
students will examine and write their viewpoint about art in relationship to themselves and
to society. Students will then read material about the value and purpose of art to the
individual and society completing a worksheet to reinforcing the reading material. The
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reading material will include material about pre-Columbian folk art. This will transition into
a clay unit which requires students to create a vessel in the form of an animal being
inspired by pre-Columbian folk art. Students will use creative thinking skills to construct a
functional work of art. Clay skills acquired during the 6th grade year will be strengthened
in this 7 th grade clay project. Grade six students reinforced their introduction to specific
principles and elements of design which had been applied in their last project by reading
from their new text "Understanding Art". Students then began an introduction into a three
dimensional project learning the basics of clay hand building including storage, safety,
properties of clay, slab construction, scoring and removing air pockets. In addition to
technical skills gained, students have the opportunity to apply what was learned about
composition into this new project. Students will explore texture in their list of the elements
of design. When finished with construction, students will be taught the basics of ceramic
glazing.
Sharon Prior was able to attend the course Art of Mexico and Latin America at the
University of the Arts through the use of a voucher for hosting a student teacher last
year. The course included a tour of the exhibit Tesoros and Mexico and Modern
Printmaking: A Revolution in the Graphic Arts, 1920-1950 and a lecture given by Mindy
Nguyen, PMA Educator. Not only did the materials tie in nicely to Mrs. Prior's 8th grade
printmaking unit, but also she was able to share them with the foreign language
department. A teacher packet included a CD-rom which included the geography and
history surrounding the artifacts in the show. 8th Graders are presently working on
printed portraits done in the style of Andy Warhol. Students were shown various portraits
and works of Andy Warhol as well as artists of Mexico such as Diego Rivera and Jose
Posada. 7th Graders have finished using color and value to render their perspective
drawings. We are going to continue using color while studying and creating abstract art.
6th Graders are becoming familiar with our text book Art, A Global Pursuit. They have
learned how to read the captions to find the artist, the title, the size, and the medium or
media used. They are developing their observation skills and expressing themselves
verbally and through writing.
Sixth grader Michael Zawizsa was one of two grand prize winners in a writing contest
sponsored by the Veterans Legacy Project of Media, Delaware County. Michael's prizes
included a $100.savings bond, marching in the county's Veteran's Day Parade, and
reading his award-winning essay before hundreds of people in attendance at the
festivities on November 11th. The essay topic this year was "Medics": The Unsung
Heroes" and Michael wrote about his grandfather who was a medic in World War II.
Michael is a student in Mr. Tolomeo's academically gifted language arts class.
Approximately 120 students enrolled in the academically gifted program at Springton
Lake attended a live theatrical performance of the works of Edgar Allan Poe at the
Hedgerow Theater in nearby Rose Valley. The 6th, 7 th, & 8th graders were treated to an
appropriately chilling interpretation of five of Poe's classic works of mystery and mayhem.
Before the November 2nd field trip, the students studied Poe's poems and plays to
become familiar with the brilliant yet tortured author's body of work. The students and
teachers (Mrs. Sangillo, Miss Stephens, and Mr. Tolomeo) all agreed that the trip ranks
as one of the best in recent years.
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The sixth grade piloted part of a unit from the Connected Mathematics 2 program.
Students learned fractional concepts through a fundraising setting. One particular activity
involved students identifying what fraction of the fundraising thermometer was filled and
then based on the goal, students calculated the amount of money raised. Students were
engaged in learning throughout this unit and were able to make real world connections
beyond those that the unit suggested.
Eighth Grade Social Studies classrooms are displaying replicas of The Great Pyramid of
Gizeh, The Temple of Amun at Karnak, the Sphinx and The interior of King Tut's
Tomb and The Hanging Gardens of Babylon created by our students. Our study of the
Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt has included a focus on the development of the
written word and the building techniques of these ancient people. We have examined
their mythology and legends and acknowledged their lasting influence on our modern
civilization.
The Debate Club is attending preparation conference at the Philadelphia Art Museum
sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia. The students will be introduced
to unique cultural beliefs and achievements and shown how to interact in an international
diplomatic setting. This is part of the preparation for the Junior Model United Nations
which will be held in May 2007.
Over 40 members of the SLMS Eithth Grade Band braved wind and rain to perform at
Penncrest’s Homecoming on November 20th. They were warming welcomed by the
Penncrest Roaring Lions Marching Band and the crowd. The Eighth Grade Band also
performed with the Penncrest Band for the annual Media Halloween Parade on October
28th.
Speaking of performing, our concert season has begun. Upcoming dates include:
6th Grade Band and Jazz Band Winter Concert – November 29th – 7:30 PM at SLMS
6th Grade Choice Voices Winter Concert – December 6th – 7:30 PM at SLMS
7th Grade Chorus and Select Chorus Winter Concert – December 12th – 7:30 PM at
SLMS
8th Grade Chorus and Select Chorus Winter Concert – December 14th – 7:30 PM at
SLMA
SLMS Orchestra and Honors Strings Winter Concert – December 18th – 7:30 PM at PHS
6th Grade Chorus in downtown Media – December 20th at 5:00 PM
The 6th Grade General Music students have been exploring Native American music to
complement the social studies curriculum and multi-cultural awareness. 7th Grade
General Music has been drumming along to the marches of John Philip Sousa as they
correlate with social studies and Americana. Continuing an historical perspective, the 8th
Grade General Music Classes are performing original chants and music of the Middle
Ages and Renaissance.
14
PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL
The Rotary Students of the Month for October were Senior Randy Kreider and Junior Lepi
Jha. They were honored at the Rotary luncheon at the Towne House Restaurant.
Penncrest's Health and PE Department was asked to present at the Delaware County/
Chester County In-Service on Tuesday November 7. This honor was given to Penncrest
because of the "good stuff" going on in RTM's program.
Samantha Abelson took time from her Global Studies teaching schedule to come to
Theresa Long's health classes to present CPR, rescue breathing, and choking
information. Samantha is a Red Cross certified instructor and has been a guest in the
health classes for seven years.
Mu Alpha Theta (the math honor society) has begun its peer tutoring. Student tutors are
available to tutor any high school student on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:20 – 3:00
p.m. in room D 109.
Twelfth grade students participated in the PSSA retests and as appropriate have begun to
meet with the Grade 12 Math Associate. Grade 9 and 10 students completed NWEA
tests in reading and math.
Eligible seniors and juniors were invited to participate in the PHS dual enrollment program
in association with Delaware County Community College and Neumann College. The
program, funded through a grant, reimburses enrolled students for 49% of their tuition and
book costs. The program is open to Level 2 and 3 students and is designed to give these
students an opportunity to experience college course work before they finalize their own
post-secondary plans. Students who successfully complete their college courseware will
earn credit towards the PHS graduation requirement as well as towards college.
Plans for the PHS 50th Anniversary celebration is scheduled for April 28, 2007 from 11:00
- 3:00 are well underway. The day will include a number of activities designed to attract
Penncrest Alumni and the community at large. On-going events include the online PHS
trivia contest, www.rtmsd.org/Penncrest, and the display of the PHS 50th Celebration.
The homecoming football program and most recent edition of the Penncrest newspaper
featured articles on the celebration.
The class officers of Penncrest High School volunteered to carry and unfurl the American
flag in the annual Veterans Day Parade in Media on Saturday November 11. Sixty
students participated.
The November elections for governor, senator, and representative were held at Penncrest
on Monday, November 6. Students were given an opportunity to vote during their lunch
15
break. Speeches were given during the morning announcements by Mrs. Staiger's
students to indicate the views of the candidates.
On Tuesday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Penncrest Auditorium thirty eight new
members were inducted into the National Honor Society. Our featured speaker was Miss
Judith Roman.
A committee composed of several teachers, students, parents, and administrators has
been established to begin a comprehensive review of Penncrest's grading policies.
Topics to be reviewed over the course of this school year and next will include: grading
practices; grade reporting on report cards; mid-term and final exam processes; and class
rank issues. Mr. Danson is chairing the committee.
Penncrest High School's drama club, Emanon, began another successful season with this
year's Readers' Theatre production, In Other Words. Sharon Daly Sweeney and the
members of the International Thespian Society worked with a cast and crew of 56
students to present the annual fall program to every English class at Penncrest and to
several groups of Springton students, as well.
October was a month of recognition for the athletic teams at Penncrest High School.
Boy’s and girl’s soccer, field hockey, volleyball, and football all took time to recognize their
senior athletes and parents for their commitment to the program. Coaches and players
contributed to the ceremonies with touching speeches and decorated locker rooms.
October was also a month of giving for athletic teams. The field hockey team completed
a canned food drive contest within each grade level. Over 250 cans were collected. This
food will be donated to the local Boy Scouts of America who then will distribute it to needy
families in our area. The volleyball team hosted the Springton Lake Middle School
volleyball teams for a combined practice. The girls worked on team strategy and practiced
new skills. The volleyball booster organization purchased pizza and drinks for the team to
enjoy.
The Penncrest varsity boy’s soccer team finished the season on a strong note by winning
their final two games. They beat Boyertown 2-1, and Sun Valley 2-0 on senior night. The
junior varsity boy’s soccer team finished 5-2-1 in their last eight games to claim the most
improved sports team this fall.
The volleyball team earned the 18th seed in the PIAA District I Volleyball tournament. On
Tuesday, October 24th the team traveled to Methacton High School for the first round
game. Despite a strong effort, the team lost 3-0. Congratulations on a great season.
Dr. Susan Evans presented about the role of assistant principals at the Pennsylvania
Elementary and Secondary School Principals Annual State Conference in Pittsburgh.
16
17
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.891.0959
www.rtmsd.org
Sharon A. Learn
Board Secretary
Chief Operations Officer
Management Services Department
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D. Superintendent
From:
Sharon A. Learn, Chief Operations Officer
Date:
November 21, 2006
Subject:
Minutes - November 14, 2006 - Finance Committee Meeting
Chairperson: Bill Campbell
________________________________________________________________________
In attendance:
Bill Campbell
Bill Montgomery
Bill O’Donnell
Nancy Frondutti
Nancy Mackrides
Veronica Barbato
Jeff Pettit
Linda Fox
Stacey Benson
Also in attendance:
Denise Kerr
Sharon Learn
Meg Barney
______________________________________________________________________
1. Act 1
Tax Study Commission (TSC) was appointed at the August Legislative Meeting.
The District’s web site has information regarding Act 1 and the TSC. Additional
information will be added as the process continues.
TSC meetings are open to the public and will be published in local newspapers as
well as on the web site and cable channel. The TSC Public Hearing will be held on
Monday, November 20, 2006 at Springton Lake Middle School Auditorium
Action: This item will appear monthly on the Finance Committee Agenda.
2. 2007 – 2008 General Fund and Capital Funds Budgets
The first look at the estimated 2007 – 2008 General Fund Budget with the new rules
and regulations imposed by Special Session Act 1, 2005 was reviewed.
The PA Department of Education published the index in August, 2006, which will
limit school district property tax increases to 3.4% next year. Rose Tree Media’s Aid
Ratio is .15, for less wealthy districts with an Aid Ratio of greater than .4000 the
1
index will be adjusted. The formula for the adjustment is (.75 + AR) * 3.4%. A district
with an Aid Ratio of .5000 will have an estimated adjusted index of 4.25%.
The 2007 – 2008 estimated salaries and benefits equal $47,500,000. In order to
avoid the need to go to the tax payers in May, 2007 with a referendum, the
remaining expenditures must be $24,100,000 or less for a total estimated budget of
$71,600,000.
Action: 2007 – 2008 General Fund and Capital Funds proposed budgets will be
reviewed at the December 12, 2006, Finance Committee Meeting.
3.
Energy Policy
The third draft of the Energy Policy was briefly discussed.
Action: The third reading of the Energy Policy will be on the November 30, 2006
Legislative Agenda for approval.
4.
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 07 - 01
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Fund 10 General Fund
Regular Instruction - Supplies
$1,850
TO:
AMOUNT:
Regular Instruction - Equipment
$1,850
RATIONALE:
Department.
Transfer needed to purchase generators for SLMS Science
FY 07 - 03
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Fund 10 General Fund
Guidance Service - Supplies
$1,475
TO:
AMOUNT:
Guidance Services - Travel
$1,475
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for 5 staff members to attend SAP Training.
FY 07 - 04
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Fund 10 General Fund
Debt Service - Interest on Bonds
$16,762
Building Improvements - Interest on Capital Leases
AMOUNT: $16,762
2
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for our Capital Lease interest payments to be
allocated properly.
FY 07 - 05
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Fund 10 General Fund
Debt Service - Principal Pay on Bonds
$98,788
Building Improvements - Principal on Capital Leases
AMOUNT: $98,788
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for our Capital Lease principal payments to be
allocated properly.
FY 07 - 10
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Fund 10 General Fund
Instructional Technology - Equipment
$13,745
Instructional Technology - Supplies
AMOUNT: $13,745
RATIONALE: Transfer needed due to the e-mail archiving solution originally
budgeted in the Capital Fund as a hardware appliance, however the product needed
was a software solution.
Action: This item will be on the November Legislative Agenda.
5.
Enrollment Report of 10/24/06
The following questions were asked in an email by the Chairman of the Finance
Committee along with a request for including same on the Finance Committee
Agenda. Questions were answered via email to all board members on 11/13/06.
The questions refer to the Historical, Actual and Projected Enrollments, dated
October 2006, prepared by Mack Johnson, Management Systems Administrator.
•
The enrollment projection shows a total of 13 Non Resident Students attending
RTM schools. How many are the children of Staff? Shelter? Ward? And Tuition
Waiver? The 13 students listed as Non Resident Students are broken down as
follows: 11 Employee Children, 1 Tuition Waiver (Swap), and 1 Student whose
family has documentation of moving into a new home with the 40 day time line per
district policy.
• Do any of these children have an IEP? Of the 13 Non Resident Students attending
RTM schools, 4 have IEPs and 2 have GIEPs.
•
The report shows 10 Non-resident students with Out of District Placements. How
much of the cost that RTM incurs for these students is recovered? How timely is this
recovered? The 10 Non Resident students with Out of District Placements are
Elwyn Residents who are Wards of the State. The district incurs the "upfront"
educational cost for tuition, One on One Instructional Assistants and programs such
as Options which are paid during the school year as we are invoiced. These 10
3
students attend IU programs and we are billed by the IU. The district in turns
invoices PDE for the cost adding a 20% administrative fee. The invoices are due
to PDE by Sept 30 of each year. The state reviews the data and reimburses us
usually in a Spring UniPay. They UniPay amount is based on a PDE formula
calculating out the Reg Ed Subsidy which we receive as part of that UniPay.
Therefore we should see full reimbursement for costs incurred for Wards of the
State.
•
Do we cover any of the costs associated with the IU Non-residential Students in
RTM Schools? What is that breakdown? These students are attending an IU
program in one of the 6 RTM buildings based upon agreement between RTM and
the IU. The IU credits RTM for the use of the space. In addition, at the end of the
year the IU provides RTM with a breakdown of how much time the student was
included into the RTM schedule. We then bill the child's home school for this
regular education inclusion time.
•
What is the current state of recovery of the costs incurred by the District for the
Elwyn students? (How much do we owe Elwyn and/or how much do we have to
recover from the other educational entities that we are billing?) We are billing a
child's home school or PDE for Wards of the State on a yearly basis. We add a
20% administrative fee to all education costs incurred by RTM throughout the school
year. The majority of the Elwyn residents are at IU placements. When we receive
the end of year calculations for costs the billing process can begin. To date the only
billing to Elwyn has been for One on One Instructional Assistants which are billed to
PDE in the Ward of State Reimbursement and Extended School Year Support.
When we have billed the districts we have received payment. At times requests are
made for more data or to clarify a 4605 but once the district receives the information
payment follows.
The next Finance committee Meeting will be on December 12, 2006, 9:00 PM
4
Rose Tree Media School
District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 190632493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.891.0959
www.rtmsd.org
Sharon A. Learn
Board Secretary
Chief Operations Officer
Management Services
Department
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D. Superintendent
From:
Sharon A. Learn, Chief Operations Officer
Date:
November 21, 2006
Subject:
Minutes – November 14, 2006 Operations Committee Meeting,
Chairperson: Bill Montgomery
In attendance:
Bill Montgomery
Bill Campbell
Bill O’Donnell
Nancy Frondutti
Nancy Mackrides
Veronica Barbato
Jeff Pettit
Linda Fox
Stacey Benson
Also in attendance:
Denise Kerr
Sharon Learn
Meg Barney
___________________________________________________________________
1. Penncrest High School – Stadium - Sound System
Joe DiAntonio, Athletic Director, reported at the September, 2006, committee
meeting that the new PA system had not been purchased because of the
transition in the athletic director’s office.
The committee members
remembered granting permission for the PA system when it was requested
by a former AD.
The PA system will improve communications during large events which will
improve the overall safety of all attending events in the stadium. The
proposed system is available at a state contract price of $19,033. The district
will provide a trench for the direct burial of loudspeaker cable and a single
dedicated 20amp/120 vac circuit equipped with a double duplex receptacle.
Action: This item will be on the November 30, 2006, Legislative Agenda.
1
2.
Glenwood Elementary School - Kindergarten Playground
Bill Dougherty, Principal, reminded the committee of the $10,000 state
grant awarded to the Parent Teacher Group for the new kindergarten
playground. The total cost of the playground will be approximately
$36,000 which does not include asphalt replacement. At this time, the
PTG is requesting permission to replace the old kindergarten equipment
with new, age appropriate, equipment.
Action: This item will be on the November 30, Legislative Agenda.
3.
Springton Lake Middle School - AM Prom Committee Request
The AM Prom committee and Penncrest PTG are requesting permission to
place a 12 foot by 14 foot shed at Springton Lake Middle School. The shed
would be a permanent structure to house materials and props that are
used every May for the AM Prom. The project and site plan were approved
by Harry Protzmann, Chris Marchese, and Gene Pysher. The project also
has been approved by Joyce Jeuell, Principal of Springton Lake Middle
School. The shed will be a wood structure with a wood floor. Penncrest PTG
has budgeted $3,000.00 to be used for this project. A plot plan, for the
shed location was delivered to the District Engineer.
The committee requested an agreement between the Penncrest PTG and
the district to address the concerns associated with a permanent structure
and long term commitment. The school solicitor will be asked to draft a
document.
Follow Up: This item will be revised when the agreement is ready for
committee review.
4. Change Orders
Change orders are acted upon in accordance with Resolution 1997-98 - 124,
approved by the School Board of Directors on April 23, 1998.
Fayette Group, Inc. GC-021
Extra cost for portable bathroom facilities
Extra cost for office /storage trailer
Extra cost for security fencing
Extra supervision accrued due to delay
8% for Overhead & Profit
$ 603.50
$1,353.18
$ 203.52
$6,500.00
$ 692.82
This will finalize the General Contractor on this project.
Action: This item will be on the November Legislative Agenda
2
5.
Five Year Capital Improvements and Educational Plan
Hayes Large met with the Board of School Directors on November 9, 2006 at
8:00 PM in the Education Center Board Room. The lengthy first draft of the
Hayes Large report was reviewed. The next step in the process of
developing the five year plan is a meeting with cabinet members and
principals.
Follow Up: This topic will remain on the agenda as the district works through
the process of developing a five year capital improvements plan.
6.
Springton Lake Middle School – Sewer Connection
A proposal from Robert Campbell, PE of Pennoni Associates for the sewer
connection at Springton Lake Middle School was reviewed. The committee
requested additional proposals.
Follow Up: Harry Protzmann, District Engineer, will solicit additional
proposals. This topic will be on the December 12, 2006 Operations
Committee Agenda.
7.
Proposal for Professional Services- Penncrest High School – Athletic Facility
Feasibility Study, Soil Trafficking Consultation
Architerra has assisted the Rose Tree Media School District in
studying the
feasibility of creating athletic fields on the Smedley Tract since 2004. During
the years 2004 and 2005, several planning scenarios were explored and
estimates of both program accommodation and construction costs were
projected. After a brief discussion, the committee agreed to the following:
Architerra’s updated proposed fee arrangement for each task:
Task One:
Soil Trafficking Plan
–
Task Two:
Athletic Facility Construction Documentation –
Task Three: Miscellaneous Land Architecture Components -Task Four: Construction Observation
–
$ 8,460.00
$ 3,210.00
$ 2,380.00
Hourly,
As
Needed
Fees do not include typical reimbursable expenses such as printing, travel,
copying, and photographic costs. The following hourly rates will apply to this
project for Task Four and any additional services:
Principal Time:
Technical Staff:
Clerical Staff:
$ 100.00 per Hour
$ 35.00 to $ 90.00 per Hour
$ 30.00 to $ 40.00 per Hour
Action: This item will be on the November 30, 2006 Legislative Agenda.
3
8. Transportation Department – New Construction
Middletown Township will inspect the new construction next week; the
administration is hoping for a temporary Certificate of Occupancy. The CO will
allow the district is move the mechanics into the new facility and tear down the
old building. Once the old building has been removed and the site prepared, the
school buses will park in that area. In the mean time, the school buses must be
moved from the ChiChi’s parking lot – the lease is up with no more renewal
options. For the time being, the buses will be parked at the Penncrest High
School campus.
Follow Up: This topic will be updated monthly by the district’s engineer. The
COO will call the Township’s manager to discuss closing the 1998 project.
The next Operations committee meeting will be on December 12, 2006 8:00 PM
4
EXCELLENCE
TODAY
FOR TOMORROW
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
From:
Anne D. Callahan, Director of Human Resources
Date:
November 21, 2006
Subject:
Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone: 610.627.6000
Fax: 610-891-0959
www.rtmsd.org
Anne D. Callahan
Director of Human Resources
Board Members in attendance: W. Montgomery, W. O’Donnell, W. Campbell, S.
Benson, Chair, N. Fronduti, N. Mackrides, L. Fox, V. Barbato, J. Pettit,
Also in attendance: A. Callahan, D. Kerr, A. Gilbert, M. Barney, S. Learn, P. Linden,
two community members
I.
Items for Legislative Meeting – Anne Callahan
These items were included on the Board website. All members of the
committee are asked to review the items and contact Anne Callahan with any
questions.
II.
Full Day Kindergarten – Dr. Kerr
Dr. Kerr presented a revised proposal for a modified full day kindergarten
program. Dr. Kerr proposed implementation of a pilot program for 2007-08.
The pilot program would begin with one full day kindergarten class in each
elementary building. The students would be selected for the program by a
lottery of interested students. The 2008-09 school year would see full
implementation of a full day kindergarten program while retaining at least one
class of half day kindergarten per building for those students whose parents
preferred the half day program.
Dr. Gilbert provided the committee with the Pennsylvania Standards for
Kindergarten and research on the benefits of a full day kindergarten program.
The committee discussed the issue at length, soliciting input from the
community members present. At the end of the evening, there was not
consensus of the Board to proceed with the implementation of the full day
kindergarten program.
Action:
III.
No action will be taken at this time
Policy Revision – Policy #911, News Media Relations
Due to the late hour, this item was tabled until December.
IV.
Executive Session
An Executive Session was held to discuss matters of
personnel.
The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held at 7 PM
on Tuesday, December 12, 2006, in the Education Center
Board Room.
Rose Tree Media School District
308 North Olive Street
Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493
Telephone 610.627.6000
Fax 610.565-5317
www.rtmsd.org
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Valerie Burnett, Ed.D.
Director of Pupil Services
To:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D. Superintendent
From:
Valerie Burnett
Date:
November 6, 2006
Subject:
November 2, 2006 Pupil Services Minutes
Chairperson: Mrs. Veronica Barbato
Minutes
Board members in attendance: Veronica Barbato, Bill Campbell, Stacey Benson,
Nancy Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides, Jeff Pettit, Linda Fox
Others in attendance: Dr. Burnett, Dr. Barta, Sandy Shacklady-White, Mack Johnson,
Patti Linden, Steve Taylor, Meg Barney
Enrollment Projections
Mack Johnson reviewed the enrollment projections for the 2006/2007 through
2016/2017. Using the cohort survival ratio method, the data is based on the October 1st
2006 enrollment count. In prior years the count was based on the 10 day enrollment
figure. Since reports provided by the PA Department of Education, US Department of
Education, and National Education Statistics Act rely on the Common Core of Data
based on the October 1st count, we will be reporting consistent numbers.
The Elementary/Secondary Public Enrollment Report does not take into account
RTMSD population placed in out of district schools or IU programs housed in a RTMSD
building. The report was based on actual enrollments for the 2006 school year and
included class sizes and full-time equivalent (FTE) teacher data for
elementary/secondary grades.
Trips
•
Springton Lake Middle School Ski Trips
Approval was requested for three ski trips to be held on Saturdays for each grade level
at Springton Lake. The students will travel by Perkiomen Tours and it will be fully funded
by the students. All trips will be going to Jack Frost Mountain, will have a maximum of
42 students and 4 chaperones (three skiing, and one based in the lodge). The dates of
the trips are:
1/06/07 6th grade
1/20/07 7th grade
2/03/07 8th grade
Action: Approval will be on the November Legislative Agenda
•
Wrestling Tournaments (3)
Approval for three overnight wrestling tournaments was requested for the following
tournaments. The team of 15 wrestlers and 5 chaperones will depart Friday evening for
all events and return Saturday evening following the event.
The Solanco High School Mule Classic December 8th-9th 2006: Cost to the district
includes transportation (school bus) and registration fee ($100.00). All other costs are
funded by the boosters.
Action: Approval will be on the November Legislative Agenda
Easton Invitational January 5th-6th 2007: Cost to the district includes transportation
(school bus) and registration fee ($150.00). All other costs are funded by the boosters.
Action: Approval will be on the November Legislative Agenda
Cumberland Valley Invitational January 13th-14th. Cost to the district includes
transportation (school bus) and registration fee ($200.00). All other costs are funded by
the boosters.
Action: Approval will be on the November Legislative Agenda
Contracts
•
Middle College High School Chester County Intermediate Unit
Two students with school anxiety are in need of an alternative education placement that
is provided by the Chester County Intermediate Unit at their Middle College program.
Located in the Whiteland Corporate Center in Exton, PA students can attend high
school classes and classes at the DCCC satellite campus. The low staff to student ratio
and small program size (60 students) promotes school attendance and participation.
The cost of the program is $14,404 per student.
Action: Approval will be on the November Legislative Agenda
Aide Request
A 4th grade student with Down Syndrome moved into the district and will be attending
the Glenwood elementary. To meet his personal and educational needs, he will require
an individual aide to assist him throughout the day with all tasks.
Action: The request will be forwarded to the Personnel Committee Agenda and
approval will be requested on the November Legislative Agenda
The next meeting of the Pupil Service Committee meeting will be December 5,
2006 at 9:00 PM.
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:
November 6, 2006
RE:
November 2, 2006, Teaching & Learning Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mr. Jeff Pettit
Board Members in Attendance: Veronica Barbato, Bill Campbell, Linda Fox, Nancy
Fronduti, Nancy Mackrides, Jeff Pettit
Also in Attendance: Meg Barney, Angela Gilbert, Steve Taylor
Online Courses for Independent Study Proposal
Dr. Taylor presented a request for the Board to permit the Penncrest administration to
approve certain online courses for credit. The request was accompanied by a proposal
which included the history and context for earning credits outside of the regular
academic program, a rationale and tie to the district’s mission and strategic goals, a list
of the target populations for such courses, a set of guidelines for how the program would
be administered, and a representative list of providers. This proposal developed over a
number of months in consultation with the Superintendent, the high school administration
and guidance department, RTMEA, Dr. Burnett, other Delaware County Curriculum
Directors, and several college admissions officers.
After the presentation and
discussion, the Board approved the request. As follow up, the Board will review and
possibly revise the wording of the existing policy on Independent Study (#118).
Middle School Scheduling Committee
Dr. Taylor provided an update on the progress of the middle school scheduling
committee. He shared data on placement of students in 9th grade math classes over the
past six years. The data reveal a large percentage of students in each of the past six
classes who are not ready to take Algebra I on grade level. These data imply that
Springton Lake students need more time in the day devoted to math, and getting more
time for math is the chief reason to look at new scheduling models. The committee
working on the new schedule includes teachers from almost every department, all three
principals, Anne Callahan, Steve Taylor, and three parents. Dr. Jeuell is the project
manager for the new schedule. In September, the committee met with Dr. Michael
Rettig, the same consultant who helped the district revise the elementary schedule, to
look at a number of models. Since the meeting with Dr. Rettig in September, other
people have put forward additional models. The committee met again on November 1st,
and is narrowing the options to variations of a model which provides approximately 60
minutes a day for math, up from the current 42 minutes a day. On November 28th, the
committee will meet again to consider more implications of the new model. The
committee will try to have a final proposal to the Board by January 2007.
Alumni Survey
Dr. Taylor informed the Board about the contract for an Alumni Survey that will appear
on the November legislative agenda. Alumni surveys were conducted on a regular basis
during the 1980’s and 1990’s, but the last one was done in 1999-2000. The survey will
gather data from two of the last five graduating classes.
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:
Members of the Board of School Directors
Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent
From:
Patti Linden
Date:
November 3, 2006
Subject:
November 2, 2006, Technology Committee Meeting Minutes
Chairperson: Mrs. Nancy Mackrides
Patti Linden
Director of Technology
and Information Science
Board Members in attendance: Nancy Fronduti, Jeff Pettit, Veronica Barbato, Linda Fox,
Nancy Mackrides, Bill Campbell
Also in attendance: Patti Linden, Ron Harris, Kim McCann-Roller, Mack Johnson, Josephine
Dizon, Meg Barney
Demonstration of Classroom Performance System & InterWrite School Pad
Jo Dizon, sixth grade science teacher at Springton Lake, demonstrated for the Board of Directors
classroom uses of the electronic tools she earned through a summer workshop and how she uses
them to deliver curriculum. Jo engaged the Board in an interactive science quiz using the
Classroom Performance System personal controls. She used her InterWrite School Pad to control
the computer programs on a projection screen and worked from her interactive web pages. Jo
reported that student engagement and motivation in learning has definitely increased with these
tools in the classroom and was able to prove, from test scores, that students are definitely
learning at an increased level.
Telephone services assessment
In our quest for continuing to update and monitor data and telecommunications services for the
district, we have found that our current voice services have been in place for several years
without any updates. We have begun the process of assessing the services we currently receive
and investigating how we can improve those services and possibly reduce the monthly recurring
charges for those services. Ron Harris and Patti Linden reviewed with the Board of Directors
some of the results of this assessment and our plans for the future. The Technology Department
is looking to upgrade toward voice and data convergence, activate more fiber, and create
redundancy without additional costs to our services.
Correction for Acceptable Use of RTM Network Resources Policy
The Acceptable Use Policy, which was approved in August, needs some minor changes based on
the language that was used. Patti Linden reviewed those minor changes with the Board for a first
reading resolution at the November Legislative Meeting.
Budgetary Transfer Request
Patti Linden requested a budgetary transfer to procure software for an e-mail archiving solution.
Next meeting: Tuesday, December 5, at 8:15 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.”
October 26, 2006
November 2, 2006
November 14, 2006
November 20, 2006
November 28, 2006
November 30, 2006
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 December 21, 2006, at
Springton Lake Middle School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.
VIII.
Old Business
A.
Policy Review
1.
Policy #108 Adoption of Textbooks – second read and
approval.
Resolve, the board approve the revised Policy #108
Adoption of Textbooks. See Attachment A
Background
This policy was discussed at the August Information
Session and the September Teaching and Learning
Committee Meeting.
2.
Energy Policy
The third draft of the Energy Policy is ready for board
approval. See Attachment E.
Background
This was discussed at the November 14, 2006
Finance Committee meeting.
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
1.
Terminations
a.
Professional
1.
b.
2.
Marlin Stevens, Elementary Guidance Counselor,
resignation, effective November 3, 2006.
Non-Instructional
1.
Robert Young, Personal Instructional Assistant,
Support Staff II, termination, effective November 3,
2006. Mr. Young will not be continued beyond his
probationary period.
2.
Charlotte Schenkel, Support Staff II, Rose Tree
Elementary, resignation effective November 2, 2006.
3.
Joyce Galdo, Support Staff II, Penncrest High
School, retirement effective November 17, 2006.
4.
Scott, James, Custodian, Penncrest High School,
resignation effective November 17, 2006.
Nominations
a.
Professional
1.
Lovinda Weaver, ESL Teacher, effective November
20, 2006, at the annual salary $42,762,
Bachelor’s/Step 5. Ms. Weaver received her
Bachelor’s Degree from Point Park University in
Pittsburg. She is assigned to Media and Glenwood
Elementary Schools. This is a new position. NOTE:
Ms. Weaver is being hired pending completion of her
pre-employment paperwork.
2.
Jeanette Verdeur, Long Term Substitute Music
Teacher, effective October 30, 2006, at the annual
salary of $41,794, Bachelor’s/Step 1. Ms. Verdeur
received her Bachelor’s Degree from West Chester
University. She is assigned to Media Elementary
School replacing Sara Vaccaro who is on leave.
NOTE: Ms. Verdeur is being hired pending completion
of her pre-employment paperwork.
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
2.
Nominations (continued)
a,
Professional:
3.
b.
Jessica Hilden, Elementary Counselor, effective
November 29, 2006, at the annual salary of
$45,294, Master’s/Step 1. Ms. Hilden received her
Bachelor’s Degree from Dickinson College and
her Master’s Degree from Villanova University.
She is assigned to Rose Tree Elementary
replacing Marlin Stevens who resigned. NOTE:
Ms. Hilden is being hired pending completion of
her pre-employment paperwork.
Non-Instructional
1.
Kathleen Archer, Regular Part-Time Cafeteria
Worker, effective October 27, 2006, at the rate of
$9.77 per hour. Ms. Archer is assigned to Springton
Lake Middle School. NOTE: Ms. Archer is being hired
pending
completion
of
her
pre-employment
paperwork.
2.
Jason Keeley, Substitute Bus Driver, effective
November 20, 2006 at the rate of $18.55 per hour.
Mr. Keeley is assigned to the Transportation
Department. NOTE: Mr. Keeley is being hired pending
completion of his pre-employment paperwork.
3.
Sheila Hollinger, Substitute Bus Driver, effective
November 20, 2006, at the rate of $18.55 per hour.
Ms. Hollinger is assigned to the Transportation
Department. NOTE: Ms. Hollinger is being hired
pending
completion
of
her
pre-employment
paperwork.
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
a.
b.
Classification Change
1.
Charles Hall, from Substitute Bus Driver to New Bus
Driver, effective September 20, 2006.
2.
Nicholas Polidori, from Substitute Bus Driver to New
Bus Driver, effective October 17, 2006.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
1.
c.
Alexandra Perilli has requested an extension of her
Unpaid Leave of Absence through June 30, 2007.
Degree Advance
1.
Recommend Board recognize the following personnel
for degree advancement and adjust their salaries
accordingly effective August 28, 2006:
TO:
Suzanne Yanchek
Laura Feliciani
Jeffrey Davies
d.
Permanent Cert.
Permanent Cert
Permanent Cert
Rescind Supplemental Contracts
1.
Megan Ostien, (.5) Newspaper Sponsor, will not be
taking the position.
2.
Suzanne Yanchek, (.5) Newspaper Sponsor, will not
be taking the position.
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
e.
Supplementals (continued)
1.
Recommend Board approval for the following
personnel to serve as Homebound Instructors for the
2006-2007 school year at the rate of $41.00 per hour:
E. Battista
T. Bendistis
T. Brown
D. Dachiu
D. Diaz
M. Fisher
M. Goebel
C. Grassano
M. Hart
E. Petrucci
T. Long
M. Edelman
2.
C. Koontz
M. Ludwig
A. Moran
M. Naylor
C. Nietz
M. Paikoff
E. Powell
P. Proetto
D. Schnaars
J. Goldman
K. Maguire
S. Hindenach
L. Sitkowski
D. Storey
S. Sweeney
C. Taddeo
J. Tareila
J. Wade
K. Warren
J. Williamson
M. Woodward
J. Hampel
J. Gillespie
Recommend Board approval for the following to serve
as Event Chaperones for the 2006-2007 school year
at Penncrest High School at the rate of $55.00 per
event:
C. Casner
M. Crouse
E. Ettien
P. Gildea
E. McLaughlin
R. Walls
R. Heckman
J. Smith
S. Dotts
L. Maroldo
C. Miller
L. Blake
L. Cardwell
E. Ettien
D. Matthews
M. Rached
3.
Recommend Board approval of the Penncrest High
School Winter Athletic Supplemental contracts. See
Attachment B.
4.
Recommend Board approval of the Springton Lake
Middle School Winter Athletic Supplemental
contracts. See Attachment C.
5.
Robert Simpson, ECO Club Sponsor, for the 20062007 school year, at the annual salary of $1,032.
IX.
New Business
A.
Personnel
3.
General
e.
f.
Supplementals (continued)
6.
Judith
Ricketts,
Communications
Coordinator,
Springton Lake Middle School, for the 2006-2007
school year, at the annual salary of $2,600.
7.
Deana Storey, Newspaper Sponsor, Springton Lake
Middle School, at the annual salary of $2,064.
Salary Corrections
1.
g.
Kathleen Osgood salary correction to $71,553,
Master’s/Step 13. Ms. Osgood’s salary was reported
incorrectly on the June Board.
Create New Position
1.
Personal Instructional Assistant – Support Staff II
Recommend the Board approve the creation of an
additional Support Staff II – Personal Instructional
Assistant position to serve the needs of a student who
is attending Media Elementary School.
2.
Personal Instructional Assistant – Support Staff II
Recommend the Board approve the creation of an
additional Support Staff II – Personal Instructional
Assistant position to serve the needs of a student who
is attending Glenwood Elementary School.
h.
Other
1.
Mabel Deldeo, Temporary Secretary I, effective
October 11, 2006, at the rate of $14.35 per hour. She
is assigned to the Education replacing Nancy Owen
who is temporarily assigned to the Registration Office.
2.
Medina Heller, Temporary Clerk I, effective October
23, 2006, at the rate of $13.56 per hour. Ms.Heller is
temporarily replacing Fran Kelly who is on leave.
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips
1.
Springton Lake Middle School - Jack Frost Mountain
Resolve, that the Board approve three overnight trips to Jack Frost
Mountain.
Background
Three ski trips to be held on Saturdays for each grade level at
Springton Lake. Students will travel by Perkiomen Tours and will
be fully funded by the students. All trips will be going to Jack Frost
Mountain, will have a maximum of 42 students and 4 chaperones
(three skiing, and one based in the lodge). The dates of the trips
are: 1/06/07 6th grade, 1/20/07 7th grade, 2/03/07 8th grade. This
item was discussed at the November 2006 Pupil Services
Committee Meeting.
2.
Penncrest High School Wrestling Team – Solanco High
School
Resolve, that the Board approve an overnight trip to Solanco High
School for a wrestling tournament.
Background
The Solanco High School Mule Classic December 8th-9th 2006.
The team of 15 wrestlers and 5 chaperones will depart Friday
evening and return Saturday evening following the event. Cost to
the district includes transportation - $180 for the school bus, driver $158.80 and registration fee - $100.00. All other costs are funded
by the boosters. This item was discussed at the November 2006
Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
3.
Penncrest High School Wresting team – Easton High School
Resolve, that the Board approve an overnight trip to Easton High
School for wrestling tournaments.
Background
Easton Invitational January 5th-6th 2007. The team of 15 wrestlers
and 5 chaperones will depart Friday evening and return Saturday
evening following the event.
Cost to the district includes
transportation - $824 for the school bus, driver - $158.80, and
registration fee - $150.00. All other costs are funded by the
boosters. This item was discussed at the November 2006 Pupil
Services Committee Meeting.
IX.
New Business
B.
Overnight Trips (continued)
4.
Penncrest High School Wrestling Team – Cumberland Valley High
School
Resolve, that the Board approve an overnight trip to Cumberland
Valley High School for wrestling tournaments.
Background
Cumberland Valley Invitational January 13th-14th. The team of 15
wrestlers and 5 chaperones will depart Friday evening and return
Saturday evening following the event. Cost to the district includes
transportation - $312 for the school bus, $296.86 for the driver and
registration fee - $200.00. All other costs are funded by the
boosters. This item was discussed at the November 2006 Pupil
Services Committee Meeting.
C.
Policy Revision
1.
Policy #815 – Acceptable Use of RTM Network Resources –
First Read
Background
Resolve, that the Board review the Acceptable Use of RTM
Network Resources Policy. This policy was discussed at the
November Technology Committee Meeting. See Attachment D.
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
A.
Purchasing – None
B.
General
1.
Change Orders
Change orders are acted upon in accordance with
Resolution 1997-98 - 124, approved by the School Board of
Directors on April 23, 1998
Fayette Group, Inc. GC-021
Extra cost for portable bathroom facilities
Extra cost for office /storage trailer
Extra cost for security fencing
Extra supervision accrued due to delay
8% for Overhead & Profit
$ 603.50
$1,353.18
$ 203.52
$6,500.00
$ 692.82
Background
This will finalize the General Contractor on this project.
This item was discussed at the November Finance
Meeting.
-1-
11/30/06
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Budgetary Transfers
Rose Tree Media School District Policy #612… (Public
School code section 609) when funds are not available for a
proposed appropriation, a legal transfer from one class of
expenditure to another may be made in the last nine (9)
months of the fiscal year by the board.
FY 07 - 01
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Fund 10 General Fund
Regular Instruction - Supplies
$1,850
TO:
AMOUNT:
Regular Instruction - Equipment
$1,850
RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase generators for
SLMS Science Department.
FY 07 - 03
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Fund 10 General Fund
Guidance Service - Supplies
$1,475
TO:
AMOUNT:
Guidance Services - Travel
$1,475
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for 5 staff members to attend
SAP Training.
FY 07 - 04
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Fund 10 General Fund
Debt Service - Interest on Bonds
$16,762
Building Improvements - Interest on Capital Leases
AMOUNT: $16,762
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for our Capital Lease interest
payments to be allocated properly.
-2-
11/30/06
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
2.
Change Orders (cont’d)
FY 07 - 05 Fund 10 General Fund
FROM:
Debt Service - Principal Pay on Bonds
AMOUNT: $98,788
Building Improvements - Principal on Capital Leases
AMOUNT: $98,788
RATIONALE: Transfer needed for our Capital Lease
principal payments to be allocated properly.
FY 07 - 10
FROM:
AMOUNT:
Fund 10 General Fund
Instructional Technology - Equipment
$13,745
Instructional Technology - Supplies
AMOUNT: $13,745
RATIONALE: Transfer needed due to the e-mail archiving
solution originally budgeted in the Capital Fund as a
hardware appliance, however the product needed was a
software solution.
Background
This item was discussed at the November Finance
Committee Meeting.
-3-
11/30/06
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
3.
Futuristics Research
Resolve, that the Board approve a contract with Futuristics
Research to design, pilot, conduct, tabulate, analyze, and
report on a survey of two recently graduated classes of
Penncrest alumni, with a return rate of at least 40%, at a
cost of $11,500.
Background
There has not been an alumni survey since 1999.
Futuristics Research has conducted alumni surveys for RTM
in the past. Results of the survey will be used to help assess
the effectiveness of the high school’s curriculum, programs,
and practices.
4.
Chester County Intermediate Unit Middle College High
School
Resolve, that the Board approve two contracts with the
Chester County Intermediate Unit Middle College High
School for the 2006-2007 school year in the amount of
$14,404 each.
Background
Two students with school anxiety are in need of an
alternative education placement that is provided by the
Chester County Intermediate Unit at their Middle College
program. Located in the Whiteland Corporate Center in
Exton, PA students can attend high school classes and
classes at the DCCC satellite campus. The low staff to
student ratio and small program size (60 students) promotes
school attendance and participation. The cost of the program
is $14,404 per student. This item was discussed at the
November 2006 Pupil Services Committee Meeting.
-4-
11/30/06
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
5.
Penncrest High School – Stadium - Sound System
Resolve, that the Board approve the purchase of a public
address sound system available at a state contract price of
$19,033 from Visual Sound. The district will provide a
trench for the direct burial of loudspeaker cable and a single
dedicated 20amp/120 vac circuit equipped with a double
duplex receptacle.
Background
Joe DiAntonio, Athletic Director, reported at the September,
2006, committee meeting that the new PA system had not
been purchased because of the transition in the athletic
director’s office. The committee members remembered
granting permission for the PA system when it was
requested by a former AD. This item was discussed at the
November 14, 2006 Operations Committee Meeting.
6.
Glenwood Elementary School - Kindergarten Playground
Resolve, that the Board approve the Glenwood Elementary
School’s Parent Teacher request to replace the kindergarten
playground with an age appropriate playground at an
approximate cost of $36,000.
Background
The Glenwood PTG received a $10,000 state grant for the
new kindergarten playground. The estimated cost of the
playground does not include asphalt replacement. This item
was discussed at the November 14, 2006 Operations
Committee.
-5-
11/30/06
APPENDIX X
X. Finance
B.
General
7.
Penncrest High School – Proposal for Professional ServicesAthletic Facility Feasibility Study, Soil Trafficking
Consultation
Resolve, that the Board approve the proposal form
Architerra for athletic facility feasibility study and soil
trafficking consultation. The proposed fee arrangement is as
follows:
Task One:Soil Trafficking Plan – $ 8,460.00
Task Two:Athletic Facility Construction Documentation
$ 3,210.00
Task Three: Miscellaneous Land Architecture Components
$ 2,380.00
Task Four: Construction Observation Hourly, As Needed
Fees do not include typical reimbursable expenses such as
printing, travel, copying, and photographic costs. The
following hourly rates will apply to this project for Task Four
and any additional services:
Principal Time:
Technical Staff:
Clerical Staff:
$ 100.00 per Hour
$ 35.00 to $ 90.00 per Hour
$ 30.00 to $ 40.00 per Hour
Background
Architerra has assisted the Rose Tree Media School District
in studying the feasibility of creating athletic fields on the
Smedley Tract since 2004. During the years 2004 and 2005,
several planning scenarios were explored and estimates of
both program accommodation and construction costs were
projected. This item was discussed at the November 14,
006 Legislative Agenda.
-6-
11/30/06
APPENDIX X
X.
Finance
B.
General
8.
Penncrest High School – Sunday Building Use
Resolve, that the Board approve the use of the Penncrest High
School wrestling room, small and large gymnasium for the annual
Youth Wrestling tournament on Sunday, February 4, 2006 from 6:
AM until 4: 00 PM.
Background
Athletic Director DiAntonio and Principal Ken Batchelor agree with
this request. This topic was discussed at the November 14, 2006
Operations Committee Meeting.
-7-
11/30/06
Attachment A
No. 108
ROSE TREE MEDIA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
SECTION:
PROGRAMS
TITLE:
ADOPTION OF TEXTBOOKS
ADOPTED:
August 22, 2002
REVISED:
108. ADOPTION OF TEXTBOOKS
1. Purpose
SC 508, 801, 803
It is the responsibility of the Board to adopt all textbooks used as part of the
educational program of this district.
2. Definition
For purposes of this policy, textbooks shall be defined as those books which are to
be used as the basic source of any information in any class.
3. Delegation of
Responsibility
SC 803
The Curriculum Committee Teaching and Learning Committee shall receive and
review textbook adoption for Board approval.
The Superintendent shall be responsible for the selection and recommendation of
textbooks for Board consideration. No adoption or change of textbook shall be made
without his/her recommendation except by a two-thirds vote of the Board.
4. Guidelines
Adoption proposals shall be developed in accordance with the "Textbook Adoption
Procedures".
The Superintendent shall develop a plan for the selection of textbooks according to
the following guidelines:
1. Professional staff members selected by the Superintendent shall participate in the
selection process.
2. The staff shall continually research new sources of textbooks.
3. Textbooks currently in use shall be periodically evaluated for their continuing
usefulness and relevance.
In considering the approval of any proposed textbook, the Board will evaluate its:
Recommendations of the selection committees will be reviewed by the
Superintendent or designee, with consideration of the following:
1. Suitability for the maturity level and educational accomplishment of the students
who will be using the book.
2. Freedom from bias.
Page 1 of 2
11/21/2006
Attachment B
PENNCREST ATHLETIC SUPPLEMENTALS - WINTER
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE STEP
BASKETBALL BOYS VARSITY COACH
BASKETBALL BOYS ASST COACH
BASKETBALL BOYS ASST COACH
BASKETBALL HEAD FRESH COACH
M. DOYLE
C. GOUSSEAUX
R. HIGGINS
J. RITTER
BASKETBALL HEAD GIRLS COACH
BASKETBALL ASST GIRLS COACH
BASKETBALL ASST GIRLS COACH
BASKETBALL FRESH GIRLS COACH
UNIT
RATE
UNITS
SUPPLEMENTAL
SALARY
2
2
0
0
3
3
8
1
4
4
9
2
2
2
3
1
136
136
145
129
44
31
31
25
$5,984.00
$4,216.00
$4,495.00
$3,225.00
S. FOODY
J. CELLUCCI
L. MOSLEY
T. DURANT
0
0
0
10+
1
0
0
10+
2
1
1
10+
1
1
1
4
129
129
129
153
44
31
31
25
$5,676.00
$3,999.00
$3,999.00
$3,825.00
INDOOR TRACK BOYS HEAD COACH
INDOOR TRACK BOYS ASSISTANT
INDOOR TRACK GIRLS HEAD COACH
INDOOR TRACK GIRLS ASST COACH
G MUNRO
VACANT
MIKE CLARK
C. RUMMEL
10+
1
8
10+
2
9
1
10+
153
124
153
129
34
26
34
26
$5,202.00
10
2
4
1
4
1
SWIMMING GIRLS HEAD COACH
SWIMMING BOYS HEADCOACH
DIVING COACH
T. WOOLERY
A. IKELER
M. SCHLAGEL
10
0
10
10+
1
10+
10+
2
10+
4
1
4
153
129
153
31
31
20
$4,743.00
$3,999.00
$3,060.00
WRESTLING HEAD COACH
WRESTLING ASST COACH
WRESTLING ASST COACH
W. HELMS
W. KENT
G. JACOBS (.5)
1
0
0
2
0
1
3
1
2
1
1
1
129
129
129
44
15.5
15.5
$5,676.00
$1,999.50
$1,999.50
CHEERLEADING HEAD WINTER COACH
CHEERLEADING ASST WINTER COACH
CHEERLEADING FRESH WINTER COACH
CHEERLEADING FRESH WINTER
J ANDERSON
S. KRAUSE
A. HOFFMAN (.6)
B SMITH (.4)
10
4
0
0
10 +
5
1
1
10+
6
2
2
4
2
1
1
153
136
129
129
23
19
11.4
7.6
$3,519.00
$2,584.00
$1,470.60
$980.40
Total PC Winter Athletic Supplementals
$5,202.00
$3,354.00
$79,208.00
11/21/2006
Attachment C
SPRINGTON LAKE WINTER ATHLETIC SUPPLEMENTALS
2005-06
2006-07
EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE
STEP
UNIT
RATE
UNITS
SUPPLEMENTAL
SALARY
BASKETBALL BOYS - 7TH GRADE
BASKETBALL BOYS - 8TH GRADE
B. REILLY
A. VIRTUE
7
3
8
4
3
2
145
136
21
21
$3,045.00
$2,856.00
BASKETBALL GIRLS - 7TH GRADE
BASKETBALL GIRLS - 8TH GRADE
J. DIAZ
P. NORRIS
2
5
3
6
1
2
129
136
21
21
$2,709.00
$2,856.00
WRESTLING HEAD COACH
WRESTLING ASST COACH
D. PUCKETT
R. LAVOIE
7
5
8
6
3
2
145
136
21
17
$3,045.00
$2,312.00
CHEERLEADING COACH WINTER
G BOETTCHER JR.
5
6
2
136
18
$2,448.00
Total Winter Athletic Supplementals
$19,271.00
Attachment D
No. 815
ROSE TREE MEDIA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
SECTION:
OPERATIONS
TITLE:
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY OF
RTM NETWORK RESOURCES
or RTM NETWORK POLICY
ADOPTED:
February 28, 2002
This policy applies to students, staff, and others using district technology
815. ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY OF INTERNET FOR STUDENTS AND
STAFF or
815. ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY OF INTERNET RTM NETWORK
RESOURCES
1. Purpose
The Board of School Directors supports the use of the Internet and other computer
networks in the district's instructional program in order to facilitate learning and
teaching through interpersonal communications, access to information, research and
collaboration.
The use of network facilities and the Internet shall be consistent with the curriculum
adopted by the school district as well as the varied instructional needs, learning
styles, abilities, and developmental levels of students.
2. Authority
The electronic information available to students and staff from various sources does
not imply endorsement of the content by the school district, nor does the district
guarantee the accuracy of information received on the Internet. The district shall not
be responsible for any information that may be lost, damaged or unavailable when
using the network or for any information that is retrieved via the Internet.
The school district shall not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees
resulting from access to the Internet.
The district reserves the right to monitor and log network use and to monitor
fileserver space utilization by district users, while respecting the privacy rights of
both district users and outside users; however, all data stored or transmitted on
school computers RTM Network can and may be reviewed, if necessary. and
communication over the network should not be considered private.
The RTM Board establishes that use of the Internet and the network facilities is a
privilege, not a right; inappropriate, unauthorized and illegal use will result in the
cancellation of those privileges.and Appropriate disciplinary action may be taken in
accordance with established discipline policies and procedures.
Page 1 of 6
815. ACCEPTABLE USE OF INTERNET - Pg. 2
3. Delegation of
Responsibility
The district shall make every effort to ensure that this educational resource is used
responsibly by students and staff. The district reserves the right to utilize electronic
devices and other media to determine that users are in compliance with this policy.
Administrators, teachers and staff have a professional responsibility to work together
to help students develop the intellectual information literacy skills necessary to
discriminate among information sources, to identify information appropriate to their
age and developmental levels, and to evaluate and use the information to meet their
educational goals. Administrators, teachers, librarians and other staff will collaborate
to ensure that students develop the information literacy skills necessary to identify
when they need information, and to locate, evaluate and effectively use the
information to answer questions, solve problems and make decisions.
Students and staff have the responsibility to respect and protect the rights of every
other user in the district an don the Internet.learn the rules and guidelines for the use
of computers, computer facilities, computer networks, and computer resources and
to abide by them.
The building and/or department administrator or the district Superintendent, with the
Technology Department, shall have the authority to determine what constitutes
inappropriate use.and his/her decision is final.
This policy will be disseminated to all students and staff via the website, the student
handbook, and the staff handbook..
Students will receive Internet safety instruction; including all rules and guidelines
for the use of computers, computer facilities, computer networks, and computer
resources.
Employees will be responsible for safeguarding passwords and held accountable for
the unauthorized or negligent disclosure of this information.
Subscriptions to Listservs must be pre-approved by the building principal.
4. Definitions
(CIPA) Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
Technology: Electronic devices of communication of any kind; including, but not
limited to: desktop computers, laptops, PDA’s, cell phones, MP3 players, email,
instant messaging, blogs.
RTM Network: Any wired or wireless access to resources provided by and through
RTM.
Personally Identifiable Information: May include, but is not limited to, Social
Security Number, address, phone number and/or password.
Page 2 of 6
815. ACCEPTABLE USE OF INTERNET - Pg. 3
(CIPA) Filters: The term “technology protection measure” means a specific
technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are: 1.
Obscene, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code; 2.
Child Pornography, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States
Code; or 3. Harmful to minors.
Harmful to minors and inappropriate material: both mean any text, audio file,
picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
1.
Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in
nudity, sex, or excretion.
2.
Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as
to minors.
Hacking refers to the act of gaining unauthorized entry or attempting to gain
unauthorized entry into a computer system for the purpose of:
5. Guidelines
1.
Determining the data structure and security restrictions of the computer
system.
2.
Making unauthorized changes in the data structure and security restrictions of
the computer system.
3.
To make unauthorized use of services provided by the computer system to
share information regarding all of the above with other unauthorized users.
Network accounts will be used only by the authorized owner of the account for its
authorized purpose. All communications and information accessible via the network
should be assumed to be personal property of the account owner and shall not be
disclosed to network users. Network users shall respect the privacy rights of other
users on the system. Nothing in this paragraph shall affect the district’s right to
access the data.
Diligent effort must be made to delete mail daily from the Rose Tree Media School
District’s mail directory to avoid use of fileserver hard disk space.
Prohibitions
Students and staff are expected to act in a responsible, ethical and legal manner in
accordance with district policy, accepted rules of network etiquette, and federal and
state law. Specifically, the following uses are prohibited and constitute inappropriate
use:
Page 3 of 6
815. ACCEPTABLE USE OF INTERNET - Pg. 4
1.
Use of the network to facilitate illegal activity.
2.
Use of the network for commercial or for-profit purposes.
3.
Use of the network for non-work or non-school related work.
4.
Use of the network for product advertisement or political lobbying.
5.
Use of the network for hate mail, discriminatory remarks, and offensive or
inflammatory communication.
6.
Unauthorized or illegal installation, distribution, reproduction, or use of
copyrighted materials.
7.
Use of the network to access obscene or pornographic material.
8.
Use of inappropriate language or profanity on the network.
9.
Use of the network to transmit material likely to be offensive or objectionable
to recipients.
10. Use of the network to intentionally obtain or modify files, passwords, and data
belonging to other users.
11. Impersonation of another user, or anonymity, or use of pseudonyms.
12. Use of network facilities for fraudulent copying, communications, or
modification of materials in violation of copyright laws.
13. Loading or use of unauthorized games, programs, files, or other electronic
media.
14. Use of the network to disrupt the work of other users.
15. Destruction, modification, or abuse of network hardware, and software, and
data by physical or electronic means (viruses, worms, etc.).
16. Quoting personal communications in a public forum without the original
author's prior consent.
17. Circumventing or disabling the filter or any security measure.
18. Disclosing, using or disseminating any personal identifiable information of
themselves or other staff or students.
Page 4 of 6
815. ACCEPTABLE USE OF INTERNET - Pg. 5
19. Engaging in the practice of “hacking” in order to bypass computer and
network security for any purpose whatsoever.
Security
System security is protected through the use of passwords. Failure to adequately
protect or update passwords could result in unauthorized access to personal or
district files. To protect the integrity of the system, the following guidelines shall be
followed:
Employees and students shall not reveal their passwords to another individual.
Users are not to use a computer that has been logged in under another student's or
teacher's name.
Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other
computer systems may be denied access to the network.
Safety
To the greatest extent possible, users of the network will be protected from
harassment or unwanted or unsolicited communication. Any network user who
receives threatening or unwelcome communications shall immediately bring them to
the attention of a teacher or administrator.
Network users shall not reveal personal addresses or telephone numbers to other
users on the network.
The district will take appropriate measures through the use of hardware and/or
software tools in an effort to prevent any user from being exposed to graphic, text,
and any other form of obscene, child pornography, or other material that is harmful
to minors. This includes using one or more Internet content filtering agents that will
remove and/or block inappropriate Internet content related to, but not limited to, any
of the following topics:
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
“Adults only” sites
Alcohol
Drugs
Sexual content
Nudity
Violence
Weapons
Tobacco
Gambling
Page 5 of 6
815. ACCEPTABLE USE OF INTERNET - Pg. 6
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
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Games (non-educational)
Hate or discrimination
Illegal activities
Computer “hacking”
Pornography
Unethical use of information
Sites that require personal identifiable information from students
These Internet content filtering agents may not be deactivated or circumvented
by any RTM computer user for any purpose. Notwithstanding filter
implementation, the user retains full responsibility for his/her actions.
Consequences For Inappropriate Use
The network user shall be responsible for damages to the equipment, systems, and
software resulting from deliberate or willful acts.
Illegal use of the network; intentional deletion or damage to files of data belonging
to others; copyright violations or theft of services will be reported to the appropriate
legal authorities for possible prosecution.
General rules for behavior and communications apply when using the Internet, in
addition to the stipulations of this policy. Loss of access and other disciplinary
actions shall be consequences for inappropriate use.
Vandalism will result in cancellation of access privileges. Vandalism is defined as
any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet or other
networks. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer
viruses.
Copyright
P.L. 94-553
Sec. 107
The illegal use of copyrighted software by students and staff is prohibited. Any data
uploaded to or downloaded from the network shall be subject to "fair use"
guidelines.
Disclaimer
The school district makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for
the service it is providing. The School District is not responsible, and will not be
responsible, for any damages, including loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, missed deliveries, or service interruption. Use of any information
obtained through the use of the School District's computers is at the user's risk. The
School District disclaims responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information
obtained through the Internet or E-mail.
Page 6 of 6