ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS Informational Session

ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

Informational Session April 27, 2006

AGENDA

A.

B.

Student Liaison Reports

Teaching & Learning

7:30 p.m.

F. Pupil Services

II. Building Update - Principals

III. Adjournment

ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

Legislative Meeting April 27, 2006

AGENDA

8:00 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

II. Approval of Minutes

B. Bid Opening of March 23, 2006

C. Bid Opening of April 11, 2006

III. Presentations and Awards

A. Eagle Scout Award

1. Matthew Helner

2. Eric Rakoczy

B. Alison Silverman – Spelling Bee Winner

C. Mary Ellen Goldfarb

Sue Williamson, Patrick Murphy, and Media School Students

V. Reports

A. RTMEA

B. RTM Education Foundation

C. Healthy Communities Initiative

VII. Unscheduled Presentations (Limited to Three Minutes Each)

A. Rose Tree Media Residents

A. Personnel

1. Terminations a. Professional b. Non-Instructional

2. Nominations a. Professional b. Non-Instructional

3. General c. Unpaid Leave of Absence d. Rescind Supplemental Contracts

1. National History Day

C. 2005-2006 Change Date of Last Day of School

D. Redistricting

E. Addendum – Personnel (none)

F. Addendum – General (none)

X. Finance

A. Purchasing

1. Replace HVAC Units in Penthouse No.1 and Cold Water

Piping & Insulation (Attachment A)

B. General

1.

2.

3.

Budgetary Transfer Requests

Penncrest High School Piano Rental – Graduation

Springton Lake Middle School Aerial Mapping

4. Transportation, Maintenance, Custodial Departments Kronos

Agreement

C. Bill lists for March and April, 2006

XI. Adjournment

ANNOUNCEMENT

There will be an executive session of the School Board for matters of personnel at

6:30 p.m. prior to the Informational Session of May 25, 2005 at Springton Lake

Middle School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.

Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

EXCELLENCE

TODAY

FOR TOMORROW

Rose Tree Media School District

308 North Olive Street

Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493

Telephone: 610-627-.6000

Fax: 610-891-0959

www.rtmsd.org

Sharon A. Learn

Board Secretary

To: Members of the Board of School Directors

From:

Date:

Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D., Superintendent

Sharon A. Learn, Board Secretary

March 24, 2006

Subject: Minutes of the March 23, 2006 Legislative Meeting

I. Call to Order Roll Call Pledge of Allegiance

Board Members in Attendance: Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Linda Fox, Thomas

Shoemaker, Nancy Mackrides, Stacey Benson, Jeffrey Pettit, William Campbell, William

Montgomery;

Student Board Members: Sara Sunshine

Also in attendance: Denise Kerr, Superintendent of Schools; Ken Batchelor, Meg Barney,

Pete Barry, Pat Barta, Valerie Burnett, Bill Bennett, Anne Callahan, Susan Golder, Jim

Czyz, Susan Evans, Mary Ellen Goldfarb, Mack Johnson, Joanne Horan, Maria Kotch,

Samuel Lemon, Patti Linden, John Lohn, Bernadette Dacanay, Harry Protzmann, Steve

Taylor, Roxanne Schupp, Ralph Harrison, Sharon Learn, Thomas Kelly, Solicitor

The Legislative Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Rose Tree Media School

District was held on Thursday, March 23, 2006, at Springton Lake Middle School. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by President Fronduti.

1 3/23/06

II. Approval of Minutes

B. Bid Opening of March 6, 2006

Mrs. Fronduti moved and Mr. Montgomery seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION: 2005-2006 – 57

Resolve, that the Board approve the Legislative Minutes of February 23,

2006, and the Bid Opening Minutes of March 6, 2006.

The aforegoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:

AYES: Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Linda Fox,

Thomas Shoemaker, Nancy Mackrides, Stacey Benson, Jeffrey

Pettit, William Montgomery, William Campbell

NAYS: None

III. Presentations & Awards

A. Alexa Rose Clofine – American Association of Teachers of French National

Essay-writing Contest winner

Mr. Campbell moved and Mrs. Fox seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION: 2005-2006 – 58

Resolve, that the Board recognize Alexa Rose Clofine for her winning essay entitled “French Heritage in the USA.” Each school in the region that participated sent five essay’s for consideration. Alexa won the regional competition which made her essay eligible for the national competition. Alexa is the first student from Springton Lake to receive a national award.



Thomas Shoemaker, Nancy Mackrides, Stacey Benson, Jeffrey

Pettit, William Montgomery, William Campbell

NAYS: None

2 3/23/06

B. Sue Williamson – Scholastic Teacher’s Advisory Panel

Mr. Campbell moved and Mr. Pettit seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:

RESOULUTION: 2005-2006 - 59

Resolve, that the Board recognize Mrs. Williamson for being selected to participate on Scholastic’s Teacher Advisory Panel for Scholastic Books Club.

Mrs. Williamson is one of three teachers in her grade level selected from across the nation who will help guide the Scholastic book club. The president of Scholastic’s Book Club spent a day at Media School with

Mrs. Williamson.


AYES:

NAYS:

Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Linda Fox,

Thomas Shoemaker, Nancy Mackrides, Stacey Benson,

Jeffrey Pettit, William Montgomery, William Campbell

None

C. Howard Green- Career and Technical Education Program

Mr. Montgomery moved and Mr. Campbell seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION: 2005-2006 - 60

Resolve, that the Board recognize Howard Green for his exemplary work in the Landscaping program at our Career and Technical Education

Program. Mr. Christopher McGinley, Executive Director of the DCIU and

Dr. Jim Rodgers, Director of Technical Education, acknowledged Howard




NAYS:


None

3 3/23/06

IV. Educational Presentation

A. A First-Hand Look at the New Fitness Equipment – Springton Lake Fitness

Center presented by Steve Taylor, Tonya Melchior and Springton Lake

Middle School Students

B. Recommendations Redistricting – Valerie Burnett and Doug Hamlin,

V. Reports

A. School Reports - In Official Legislative Minutes of March 23, 2006

B. Superintendent’s Report - In Official Legislative Minutes of

C. Solicitor’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of March 23, 2006

D. President’s Report – In Official Legislative Minutes of March 23, 2006

4 3/23/06

A. RTMEA - Ben Danson

B. RTM Education Foundation – Dr. Meg Barney, Executive Director

C. Healthy Communities Initiative – None

VII. Unscheduled Presentations

A. Rose Tree Media Residents

VIII. Old Business

A. Student Wellness Policy #246 – Attachment A

B. Drug Awareness Policy #227 – Attahment B

C. 2006-2007 Calendar - Attachment C

Mrs. Barbato moved and Mr. Pettit seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION: 2005-2006 – 61

Resolve, that the Board approve the Student Wellness Policy #246.

Attachment A in Official Legislative Minutes of March 23, 2006.

Further resolve, that the board approve the Drug Awareness Policy #277.

Attachment B in Official Legislative Minutes of March 23, 2006.

Further resolve, that the Board approve the 2006-2007 Calendar.

Attachment C in Official Legislative Minutes of March 23, 2006



Nancy Mackrides, Stacey Benson, William Montgomery,

NAYS:

William Campbell

Thomas Shoemaker, Jeffrey Pettit

5 3/23/06

A. Personnel b. Unpaid Leave of Absence

Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. Pettit seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION: 2005-2006 - 62

Resolve, that the Board approve the following Personnel section:

1. Terminations a. Professional

1. Mary Ellen Goldfarb, Principal, retirement, effective June

30, 2006. b. Non-Instructional

1. Robert Richardson, Controller, resignation, effective April

30, 2006. a. Professional

Teacher, effective February 27, 2006 at the annual salary of $40,780, Bachelor’s/Step 2. Mr. Mohring received his

Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He is assigned to Penncrest High School replacing John Cox who resigned. NOTE: Mr. Mohring is being hired pending completion of his pre-employment paperwork.

6 3/23/06

a. Professional

2. Rachel Pinsley, Homebound Instructor for the 2005-2006 school year at the rate of $39.50 per hour.

3. Jaclyn Valentine, Long Term Substitute Elementary

Teacher, effective March 24, 2006 at the annual salary of

$40,590, Bachelor’s/Step 1. Ms. Valentine received her

Bachelor’s Degree from West Chester University. She is assigned to Indian Lane Elementary replacing Susan

Ford who is on leave. NOTE: Ms. Valentine is being hired pending completion of her pre-employment paperwork. b. Non-Instructional

1. Recommend that the Board approve the following personnel as Summer Maintenance Help, effective May

15, 2006, at the rate of $10 per hour.

2. Melissa Sabatino, Reading Tutor, effective March 24,

2006, at the rate of $14 per hour. Ms. Sabatino is assigned to Media Elementary replacing Marie Davies who resigned. NOTE: Ms. Sabatino is being hired pending completion of her pre-employment paperwork.

3. Christine Duncan, Regular Part Time Food Service

Worker, effective March 9, 2006, at the rate of $8.40 per hour. Ms. Duncan is assigned to Penncrest High School.

4. Jerome Parsons, Custodian, effective March 24, 2006, at the rate of $12.69 per hour. Mr. Parsons is assigned to

Glenwood replacing Andrew Hunter who was reassigned.

NOTE: Mr. Parsons is being hired pending completion of his pre-employment paperwork.

5. Charles Hall, Substitute Bus Driver, effective March 24,

2006, at the rate of $16.16 per hour. Mr. Hall is assigned to the Transportation Department. NOTE: Mr. Hall is being hired pending completion of his pre-employment paperwork.

7 3/23/06

1. Nichole Lomas, Bus Driver, from Full Time to Substitute

Bus Driver, effective February 13, 2006.

2. Nancy Somers, Food Service Worker, from Substitute to

Regular Part-Time Food Service Worker. b. Unpaid Leave of Absence

1. Alicia Murphy has requested an unpaid leave of absence for the purpose of child rearing. Leave will commence

May 30, 2006 and terminate June, 30, 2006.

2. Candace Krautzel has requested an unpaid leave of absence for the purpose of child rearing. Leave will commence April 26, 2006 and terminate June 30, 2006.

1. Elaine Jay, supplemental contract to fill soda machines at

Penncrest for the 2005-2006 school year at the rate of

$1,350.

2. Thomas Durant, New Teacher Mentor, effective February

27, 2006, at the annual salary of $472.50.

3. James Derrick, Assistant Boys Lacrosse Coach, at the annual salary of $3,100. NOTE: Mr. Derrick is being hired pending completion of his pre-employment paperwork.

4. Thomas Crann, 7 th

Grade Baseball Coach, at the annual salary of $2,604. NOTE: Mr. Crann is being hired pending completion of his pre-employment paperwork.

5. Desiree Barnes, .25 Math Coordinator, effective April 24,

2006, at the annual salary of $625.

6. Margie Gilroy, Homework Club for the 2005-2006 school year, at the annual salary of $744.

8 3/23/06

d. Create New Position

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 Indian Lane

School.

4. Addendum – Personnel will perform additional duties in the Business Office prorated April 1 2006 through June 30, 2006, $833 per month.



Nancy Mackrides, Stacey Benson,

William Montgomery, William Campbell

NAYS:

Jeffrey Pettit, Thomas Shoemaker

None

9 3/23/06

X. Finance

A. Purchasing

Indian Alarm

Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. Pettit seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION: 2005-2006 – 63

Resolve, that the Board approve the Indian Lane Fire Alarm System to

ETK Electrical Contractors, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $88,600.





NAYS: None

10 3/23/06

B. General

2 Springton Lake Middle School – Pool – Building Systems and Services, Inc.

Agreement

4. Dual Enrollment Grant

5. Lease with Granite Run Mall

6 Central Delaware County School Authority – Reappointment of Board Members

7

8

Central Delaware County School Authority – Appointment of Board Member

Educational Based Services

9. Cyber Charter - See Attachment D

10. Back End Referendum

C. Financials for January and February 2006

D. Bill Lists for February and March 2006

E. Addendum

1. Hayes Large Architect - Proposal

2. 2006-2007 General Fund Preliminary Budget

Mrs. Mackrides moved and Mr. Campbell seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION: 2005-2006 – 64

1. Change Orders

Resolve, that the Board approve the following change orders:

The Fayette Group - $1,609 additional cost in materials from Churchville

Masonry, Inc. due to permitting delay

The Fayette Group - $520 additional cost to construct a 10’ high wing wall to support the athletic storage area roof. Penncrest Storage addition was moved

2’ to avoid the storm water manhole.

Apex Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Maintenance & Penncrest Storage

Additions - $6,000 additional cost in materials due to permit delay.

Apex Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Transportation Facility - $6,500 additional cost in materials due to permit delay.

2. Springton Lake Middle School - Pool - Building Systems & Services, Inc.

Agreement

Further resolve, that the Board ratify the annual service contract with Building

Systems & Services which automatically renewed on March 1, 2006 in the amount of $1,398.

11 3/23/06

X. Finance

B. General

Further resolve, that the Board approve the following Budgetary

Transfers:

FY 06 – 34 Fund 10 General Fund

FROM: Building Services - Supplies

AMOUNT: $ 6,500

TO: Building Services – Equipment

AMOUNT: $ 6,500

RATIONALE: Purchase 25 tables and 2 vacuum cleaners for Media

Elementary School.


FROM: Regular Instruction - Salaries

AMOUNT: $ 15,268

TO: Student Accounting Service - Salaries

AMOUNT: $ 15,268

RATIONALE: Cover cost of unused sick and vacation days for employee who retired.


FROM: Regular Instruction – Salaries & Benefits

AMOUNT: $ 43,495

TO: Community Relations – Salaries & Benefits

AMOUNT: $ 43,495

RATIONALE: Cover the cost of a secretarial position that was approved after the budget was adopted.

12 3/23/06

X. Finance

B. General

3. Budgetary Transfers (cont’d)

FY 06 – 38 Fund 35

FROM: Building Improvements – Construction Costs

AMOUNT: $ 24,000

TO: Site Improvements – Land improvement

AMOUNT: $ 24,000

RATIONALE: Allocate funds for site work on the Smedley property.

FY 06 – 39 Fund 37

FROM: Building Improvements - Equipment

AMOUNT: $ 18,900

TO: Regular Instruction – Construction Costs

AMOUNT: $ 18,900

RATIONALE: Cover the cost of instrument storage cabinets, chairs, and tables at Springton Lake Middle School.

4. Dual Enrollment Grant

Further resolve, that the Board approve increasing the General Fund

Budget in the amount of $4,940 to reflect the revenue and expenditures granted to the district for the Dual Enrollment program.

5. Lease with Granite Run Mall – School Bus Parking

Further resolve, that the Board approve the lease with Granite Run

Mall in the amount of $915 to park approximately 25 school buses at the former ChiChi’s restaurant from March 15 through June 15.

6. Central Delaware County School Authority – Reappointment of Board

Members

Further resolve, that the Board ratify the reappointment of Central

Delaware County School Authority Board Members Jeffrey Pettit and

Nancy Mackrides for an additional four years, term ending 2010.

13 3/23/06

X. Finance

General

7. Central Delaware County School Authority - Appointment of Board

Member

Further resolve, that the Board ratify the appointment of Linda Fox to the

Central Delaware County School Authority, to a four year term ending

2010 , to fill the position vacated by Laura Boston Jones.

8. Educational Based Services

Further resolve, that the Board approve a contract with EBS

(Educational Based Services) for the remainder of the 2005-2006 school year and through the 2006-2007 school year at a fee of $58 per hour.

9. Cyber Charter

Further resolve, that the Board adopt the attached resolution seeking funding equity, oversight, and accountability with respect to all charter schools to which the Rose Tree Media School District must pay formuladriven fees for its attending resident students, and that this request be transmitted to the other 500 similarly affected public school districts in

Pennsylvania, with the request that they all appeal to both the

Pennsylvania Department of Education and the General Assembly for funding equity, oversight, and accountability relative to charter schools.

(Attachment D in Official Legislative Minutes of March 23, 2006)

10. Back-End

Further resolve, that the Board authorize William Campbell, Chairman of the Finance Committee, to write a letter regarding Back-End

Referendum to Governor Rendel to be signed by Nancy Fronduti,

President of the Board of School Directors.




Jeffrey Pettit, William Montgomery,

NAYS: None

14 3/23/06

X. Finance

C.

D.

Financial Reports for January 2006 and February 2006

Bill Lists for February and March 2006.

Mr. Montgomery moved and Mrs. Barbato seconded a motion to adopt the following resolutions:

RESOLUTION: 2005-2006 – 65

December

December

January

January

November,

November,

November,

2006 Revenue Status Report

Special Revenue Fund Report

Activities Report

Bill Lists

February

February

February

February

February

February

January

2006

2006

2006

2006

2006

2006

2006

General Fund Bill List

Capital Fund Bill List

Master Capital Improvement Phase III

Future Refunding 1993 Bill List

Bond Series 2003 Bill List

Bond Series 2004 Bill List

Imprest Fund Bill List

January 2006 Scholarship Fund Bill List

$ 1,438,695.39

$ 4,744.88

$ 3,500.00

$ 45,185.06

$ 24,796.02

$ 152,331.73

$ 5,628.00

$ 3,800.00

January

January

2006

2006

Activities/Special Revenue Fund

Food Service Bill List

$ 27,620.06

$ 107,224.83

15 3/23/06

X. Finance

E. Addendum

1. Hayes Large Architect - Proposal

Further resolve, that the Board accept the Five Year Capital

Improvements and Proposal from Hayes Large Architects in the amount of $52,500.

2. 2006-2007 General Fund Preliminary Budget

Further resolve, that the Board accept the 2006-2007 General Fund

Preliminary Budget.

2005-06

Preliminary

2006-07

Budget _________

2000 Support Services $ 20 217, 011 $22,811,865

Non-Instruc.

$ 1,131,319 $ 1,172,582

4000 Facilities Services $ 5,075 $ 7,775

5000 Other Financing Uses $ 8,593,243 $ 8,642,725

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

REVENUES

6000 Local

7000 State

$ 65 ,402,000 $70,472,088

$ 54,954,792 $59,457,178

$ 7,633,923 $ 8,214,910

8000 Federal $ ____3,285 0____

TOTAL REVENUES $ 62,602,000 $67,672,088

AVAILABLE FUND BALANCE $ 2,800,000 $ 2,800,000__

TOTAL REVENUES AND

AVAILABLE FUND BALANCE $ 65,402,000 $70,472,088





NAYS: None

16 3/23/06

X. Adjournment

Mr. Campbell moved and Mrs. Benson seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION: 2005-2006 - 66

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:




NAYS: None

__________________________

Board Secretary

17 3/23/06



Rose Tree Media School

District



Telephone 610.627.6000

Fax 610.891.0959 www.rtmsd.org

Sharon A. Learn

Board Secretary

Chief Operations Officer

Management Services


Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D. Superintendent

From:

Date:

Sharon A. Learn

March 23, 2006

Subject: Bid Opening

In attendance: Harry Protzmann, Director of Maintenance & Operations, Robert

Chubb, Consolidated Engineers, Sharon Learn, Chief Operations Officer,

Roxanne Schupp, Supervisor of Business Operations, Donna Rottenberk,

Business Office Witness, 6 bidders.

Bids in the following category were opened and read by Harry Protzmann:

Springton Lake Middle School Mechanical/HVAC Contract

All States Construction Group

Dolan Mechanical

Five Star, Inc.

GEM Mechanical Services, Inc.

Edward J. Meloney, Inc.

N. B. Rogers, Inc.

Bids will be tabulated and presented to the Board of School Directors.

________________



Rose Tree Media School

District





Sharon A. Learn

Board Secretary


Management Services



From:

Date:

Sharon A. Learn

April 11, 2006

Subject: Bid Opening, 2:00 PM

Education Center Board Room

In attendance: Harry Protzmann, Director of Maintenance & Operations, Robert

Chubb, Consolidated Engineers, Sharon Learn, Chief Operations Officer, Roxanne

Schupp, Supervisor of Business Operations, Donna Rottenberk, Business Office

Witness

Springton Lake Middle School Existing Elevator Equipment

No bids were received. The consultant, Consolidated Engineers, said the lead time on equipment is 18 weeks – too long for this project to be completed in the timeframe required. The administration is recommending the project be re-bid in January 2007 for implementation in June 2007.

________________



EXCELLENCE

TODAY

FOR TOMORROW




Telephone: 610-627-.6000

Fax: 610-891-0959

www.rtmsd.org

Sharon A. Learn


Board Secretary

___________________________________________________________________________



From:

Date:

Sharon A. Learn, Board Secretary

April 19, 2006, 2006

I

___________________________________________________________________________

. Call to Order Roll Call Pledge of Allegiance

Board Members in Attendance : William Campbell, Veronica Barbato, Linda Fox,

Thomas Shoemaker, Nancy Mackrides, Stacey Benson, Jeffrey Pettit

Others in Attendance : Richard B Wood, Bond Counsel – Rhoads & Sinon, LLP, Kenneth

Phillips - RBC Capital Markets, Inc., Thomas L. Kelly, Esquire,

Dr. Denise Kerr, Superintendent, Sharon A. Learn, Board Secretary.

A Special Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Rose Tree Media School District was held on Monday, April 17, 2006 at the Education Center. The meeting was called to order by

Vice President Stacey Benson.

II . General Obligation Bond Series 2007 - $30,000,000

Mr. Campbell moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the

RESOLUTION: 2005-2006 – 67

Resolve, that the Board approve the resolution prepared by Richard B. Wood, Bond

Counsel. The entire resolution will be in the Official Minutes of this meeting dated April

17, 2006. The official resolution adopted by the Board of School Directors authorizing nonelectorial debt in the amount of thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) for the payment of costs and expenses of capital projects. The foregoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:

AYES: William Campbell, Veronica Barbato, Linda Fox,


Jeffrey Pettit

NAYS: None

III . Adjournment

Mr. Shoemaker moved and Mrs. Mackrides seconded a motion to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLUTION: 2005-2006 – 68

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned.

The foregoing resolution was declared adopted by the Chair, the vote being:

AYES: William Campbell, Veronica Barbato, Linda Fox,


Jeffrey Pettit

NAYS: None

___________________

III. Presentations and Awards

A. Eagle Scout Awards

Resolve, that the Board present Matthew Helner and Eric Rakoczy the

Rose Tree Media Award for achieving Eagle Scout Rank.

Background

Matthew Helner and Eric Rakoczy, students at Penncrest High School, completed the necessary requirements to achieve Eagle Scout ranking.

B. Alison Silverman

Resolve, that the Board present Alison Silverman, an eighth grade student at Springton Lake Middle School, the Rose Tree Media Award for being the

2006 Spelling Bee Winner.

Background

Alison was the winner of the 46 th

Annual Daily Times Selling Bee held at

Neumann College. She was one of 33 students from Delaware County who participated and will represent Delaware County in Washington, D.C. for the National Spelling competition May 29 through June 2.

C. Mary Ellen Goldfarb

Resolve, that the Board present Mary Ellen Goldfarb The Rose Tree Media

Award for 36 years of service to the Rose Tree Media School District.

Background

Mary Ellen began her career in September 1970 as a teacher at Penncrest

High School. She served as supervisor of Language Arts from 1979 until

1997, when she assumed her present position as Principal of Glenwood

Elementary School.

EXCELLENCE

TODAY

FOR TOMORROW

SCHOOL REPORT’S – April 2006

GLENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Glenwood students live up to our motto: Glenwood School . . . Making a World of

Difference. Math Coordinator Mrs. Fern Mathis kicked off The Math-A-Thon program this month with assemblies at each grade level. Students will work on math problems to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee. Math tips for parents from the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics will be included in the family envelopes each week. Mrs. Mathis also organized a contest to solve daily math problems.

There is a great deal of discussing and figuring going on. Lucky winners will be chosen and prizes will be awarded.

The theme of Read-a-thon 2006 was “Don’t Bug Me, I’m Reading!” From January 27 through February 24, Glenwood’s PTG held their annual Read-a-thon to raise funds for books for Glenwood’s library and classrooms. Students earned “a penny a page” for each book read, or read aloud to them, and family and friends sponsored them or gave a donation to the library. At the March 24 awards assembly, library technician Kathy Cook and parent Chris Hoffman presented students with prizes for the highest number of pages read, the most money raised, and closest estimations of the number books in the

Glenwood library. As an added incentive this year, Glenwood Principal Mary Ellen

Goldfarb made a wager with the students. If they could read at least 14,000 books (a thousand more than last year’s goal!) during the Read-a-thon, she would eat 100 insects.

To collective cheers and “eeeewwwws,” Mrs. Goldfarb bravely downed an assortment of, thankfully not alive, mealworms and crickets. After she retires, she should consider an appearance on Fear Factor ! Students participating in the Read-a-thon this year earned over $6,200 to support the library and their classroom libraries.

Glenwood’s Student Council, sponsored by Miss Masterson and Mrs. Taylor, has been active planning spring activities. The week before spring break, we celebrated our hard work on PSSA’s by having a Spirit Week--five special days selected by vote of our student body. The days the students chose were: sports attire day, mismatched day, backwards day, favorite decade day, and pajama day. It comes as no surprise that our

Glenwood teachers used Spirit Week as a learning activity. Some developed writing prompts related to the days of week, others developed social studies activities related to

1

decades day. Staff and students had a lot of fun and everyone especially enjoyed seeing

Mrs. Goldfarb conduct her principal duties in her spirit week outfits!

Earth Day was promoted at Glenwood with Student Council’s grocery bag beautification project. Glenwood AGP/AMP teacher, Mr. Grisillo, has parents who own a grocery store and who generously provided plain brown grocery bags for Glenwood students to decorate with an Earth Day message. This fun, hands-on environmental awareness project has become a Glenwood tradition. The students do a great job of using the project to promote environmentally friendly ideas, and we appreciate the Grisillo’s willingness to give our students a way to express their Earth Day messages to the community at large.

Glenwood Elementary School received a grant from the PA Council on the Arts for a 10day Artist-in-Residency. Dr. Meg Barney, with the help of art teacher, Mr. Keith Sharp, wrote the grant. Over a ten-day period, papermaker and bookmaking artist Winnie

Radolan will be working with students on an interdisciplinary lesson involving science and art. Students in grades one-five will be learning how paper is made and will use their handmade paper to create a book. The fourth grade classes will travel to Tyler Arboretum to photograph and make sketches of flora and fauna. All grade levels will then use the studies that the fourth graders made to draw and sketch scenes of nature. Student work will be exhibited and a parent/student workshop will be held one afternoon so that parents can discover easy methods of making paper and handmade books at home.

Technology is being integrated into the curriculum at Glenwood in so many ways. One of the many new agendas in reading this year is Kidbiz3000, a web-based information program for development of nonfiction reading skills. Students in grades 3-5 are taking the opportunity to access the program from home, but all students are provided with time for in-school reading support. Reading specialist Mr. Paul Forberger reports that during the last three months students have steadily increased their proficiency on graded passages. Teachers monitor student performance and send e-mail to the students regarding their performance and selection of passages. During the month of March, over

90% of the students were able to reach 75% or above proficiency on passages selected at their individual ability level. Mr. Forberger thanks the board for the program and invites you to view it at www.kidbiz3000.com

.

Mrs. Grace-Green created a Webquest using children’s websites Kidspiration, Microsoft word and Microsoft Power Point to help second graders in The Lily Pad learn about

Native Americans. They researched the tribes, then compared and contrasted life as an eight-year-old today and life for an eight-year-old Native American child in the 19th century, using technology, the school library and the book room as their resources. Then, in a Distance Learning Experience with the Center for Puppetry Arts, Mrs. Grace-Green’s and Ms. Martinez’s second graders learned about different Native American cultures--

Eastern Woodlands, Plains, and Southwest. They learned how resources shaped lives in regards to clothing, shelter and even transportation. The students discussed Kachinas and created their very own Hope Kachina Hand Puppets.

The second grade classes of Mrs. Grace-Green, Ms. Martinez, Miss Micklin, and Mrs.

Young celebrated National Teach Children to Save day on April 25, 2006. Volunteers from Nova Savings Bank came to each class to discuss the history of money and the

2

importance of saving money. The students assembled and decorated cardboard banks so that they could start saving for the future.

INDIAN LANE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

March Madness struck Indian Lane! The PTG parents challenged the teachers and staff to a basketball game with the children participating in mid-game raffles for tremendous prizes and incentives. From Blue Rocks tickets to a chance to lead morning announcements, a good time was had by all. Final score: Parents 71, Teachers 70.

Kindergarten students have met all of the “Letter People.” They will celebrate by participating in a Letter People Parade on April 25. The children have been working on developing their reading and writing skills in addition to their money skills. They are able to identify pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and are even able to identify each coin’s value. Their shape unit is really shaping up with each child making a booklet that illustrates how we can find shapes everywhere in our world. They continue to work on recognizing, naming and writing higher numbers and will continue to practice this all year.

After Spring Break, the children will be introduced to telling time and addition and subtraction math facts and measurement. Science brings a discovery unit on plants and after spring break, we will be planting seeds. On April 7th, we will have a “pajama party” and sharing some of our favorite books from home.

Stephanie Herman's first grade class just completed a unit on Women in History. Sharon

Wolf, student teacher for the class, created the unit which covered the lives of Wilma

Rudolph, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Amiela Earhart, Betsy Ross, and Ruby Bridges. helping others, being a patriot, and ending segregation. Facts about each history woman were recorded. As a culminating activity the children completed a fact sheet on the woman with whom they most identified. The children also made a puppet in that woman's likeness.

Second grade has been studying Native Americans. This Friday, we are bringing the

Native American unit to an end with a Pow-wow. Each class will be moving from one room to another to make a craft that is representative of the 4 regions that we have been studying. It has been a lot of fun learning about the Native American tribes! Ryan

Granger's grandmother even came to visit our classes to talk about a Native American tribe that she lives near in Wisconsin! It was fascinating to hear how the tribe harvests their rice!

In Mrs. Buchek's class, we have officially started our 100 Book Challenge program! We spend time each day in our class reading and then read at home each evening.

Everyone seems to be enjoying the program and look forward to reading new books that they choose from the baskets.

Fourth Grade enjoyed Grandparents Day. Mrs. Hendrixson’s students presented their power points on their inventors. The guests were most impressed with the technology

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and research these students are able to use. They have begun a unit in science on microworlds which is the third and final unit in science for fourth grade.

The Indian Lane Glee Club performed their Spring Concert this month for parents and special guests. Any interested third grader is invited to join this choral group which rehearses before school starting in January. Their theme this year was “All Creatures

Great and Small” and included songs with animal names. The students performed a

Cajon dance, a Caribbean hand clapping song and added some instrumental accompaniments to their performance.

The Rose Tree Media Elementary General Music teachers have the privilege of hosting the Pennsylvania Music Educators District XII Elementary School Songfest. This is a wonderful opportunity for 125 fifth grade students from 13 school districts in Chester and

Delaware Counties to participate in an elite choral setting. The Songfest got its start 18 years ago when Jennifer Cox, the General Music teacher at Indian Lane, at that time organized and hosted the first festival. We are proud to continue the tradition this year.

MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PSSA Preparation and Administration

A great deal of time was devoted to PSSA preparation and administration. Students in grades 3-5 were administered the PSSA in both reading and mathematics. There was a great deal of preparation before the administration of the test. Teachers were provided a variety of motivational items to keep the children engaged and refreshed. These included water bottles, snacks, book marks, special pencils, large erasers, gum, candles (“Light the flame of learning!”), posters, and balloons. We had a pre-PSSA rally where the children were reminded of how proud we are of them and how much we appreciate the fact that they always do their best. Schedules were crafted and proctors were provided for each classroom. Our guidance counselor met with all proctors (classroom teachers and their assistants) to review guidelines and to answer any questions that they may have had after reading and highlighting the test administration handbook. Special arrangements were made for children with IEPs who were entitled to accommodations like administration in a smaller setting. The guidance counselor spent countless hours checking and distributing the materials. An incredible amount of time and effort went into administering these state tests properly. The Media team came together beautifully to make a really difficult task appear to be seamless. Our students also used the Etesting

Center to practice. The format, style and content mirrored what was expected to be on the actual exam. This website can be found on Media’s math support web site that was created by Katie Durant and Kristin Connell.

Reading Challenge

Reading teacher Brenda Millette sponsored “Take Me Out to the Ballgame…the Rocky

Reading Challenge.” More than 200 Media students earned free tickets to a Blue Rocks

Game on May 1 by submitting their 100 Book Challenge reading logs to Ms. Millette.

We’re hoping that a good number of staff members will join the children for a fun evening of baseball and fellowship.

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Exploring Kindergarten Options

Lisa Hooven (kdg.), Katherine Echeverria (reading) and Maria Kotch spent a day at

Starkweather Elementary School in the West Chester School District. Starkweather houses a variety of kindergarten programs i ncluding a full day class. Literacy coach

Susan Cobb was extremely generous with her time and shared with us many of the literacy initiatives that are up and running at Starkweather. It was an informative day.

Mentoring New Principals

Mrs. Kotch is participating in a DCIU program that matches experienced principals with new principals. There is good participation from throughout the county. Mrs. Kotch is matched with a principal from the Marple Newtown School District. The evening meetings are planned by Dr. Tom Kerr and the DCIU staff development department.

Curriculum Related Field Trips

First grade had an exciting trip to The Academy of Natural Sciences that was planned as an extension to their science unit on animal classification. The children experienced three lessons called “water worlds”, “fur, feathers, and scales”, and “animal habitats.” They also enjoyed the special frog exhibit that featured many live specimens and child friendly interactive activities. The dinosaur and North American dioramas were also a hit. A fun filled educational day was had by all.

Third grade had the opportunity to visit the planetarium at Eastern University. One of our current student teachers, Joey Sarkis, is a student there and was able to help plan the trip. Third grade is studying planets and space in science right now.

Women’s History Month

In our library, the children celebrated the contributions of some famous and not so famous ladies. They read a variety of biographies and used encyclopedias to learn about unique women such as Babe Didrikson Zaharias (greatest women in sports history), Emma

Lazarus ( author of “The New Colossus” which is inscribed on the base of the Statue of

Liberty) , and Victoria Woodhull (the first woman to run for president). Famous women are featured on a bulletin board near the gym thanks to social studies coordinator Betsy Lutz.

Science and Research Fair

Media School was the place to be on Tuesday, April 4th if you wanted to learn about everything from clowns to iguanas. Or perhaps you might want to know which laundry detergent takes out spots better or which bread molds faster? The 175 displays prepared by our fourth and fifth graders demonstrated a wide range of learning. Fourth graders selected a question to which they could apply the scientific method. Fifth graders selected a research topic. They wrote a research paper, gave a class presentation, and made a display board. Questions for the visitors to ask were included in the displays. This is one of our most popular curriculum nights. Families and other guests turn out in large numbers to support the children and see their wonderful work. The fair is organized by our science coordinator Mike DeLeo. Check out our website to see more of the science and research fair.

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Parent-Teacher Conferences and Progress Reports

March should probably be renamed, “Assessment and Reporting Month.” Parents received progress reports that were followed with an individual conference. Hopefully, the availability of evening conferences has made this easier for families. Teachers spend a lot of time preparing and are very anxious to share their observations and data. It is a good to remind each other that educating our children is a true partnership. Sample science and research projects were on display during conferences so that parents could assist their children and ask questions.

Song Fest

The elementary music teachers hosted and planned Song Fest on April 7 at Penncrest

High School. Districts from across the county participated as did some private schools.

The guest conductor was Lois Fiftal from Cheshire, Connecticut. The Media fifth graders who participated were Shonte Lee, Alisa Max and Alexandra Leo. Their teacher is Mrs.

Sara Vaccaro. Kudos to all!

Casey at the Bat

Our fifth graders prepared and performed a reader’s theatre version of “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Lawrence Thayer. The prepared and practiced with a focus on fluency, rhythm, dynamics and tempo. Each of the four presentations was great (and very different). Mr.

Murphy’s class will perform their version at the April School Board meeting.

Distance Learning

It’s always great to see Mike Clark (RTM’s distance learning coordinator) at our school.

Recent “events” have included a video conference with The University of Pittsburgh

(rocks and minerals/grade 2), a video conference with an Alaskan musher who discussed the Junior Iditarod, and several distance learning events with Ned Hector, a Revolutionary

War re-enactor, who gives the African-American perspective. The Ned Hector events were broadcast to the Governor Mifflin School District. Distance learning allows us to access experts and interact with students in other schools. It is really motivating and exciting for our children.

Wellness Summit

Media school had its first ever Wellness Summit. Stakeholders from the community came together to review RTM’s proposed wellness policy and to discuss implications for planning at our school .Ellen William, a community health educator from Keystone Crozer,

Barb Settani-Nissel, food service consultant, a team of parents, staff members, and Mrs.

Kotch had a very productive meeting. Look for more changes here that support good health. Our food service is now serving whole wheat products at the request of our

Student Advisory Council and the food service will be offering monthly taste testing. Our

PTG is sponsoring a walking club and we will be offering a walking club here at school too. Our community is really behind the idea of getting fit and healthy.

ROSE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Art Room Happenings:

Rose Tree Elementary fourth graders in Mr. Sharp’s art classes learned about Frederick

Remington (1861 – 1909), one of the best known artists of the West. He was not only a

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painter, but also a sculptor who enjoyed creating bronze statues of horses and cowboys.

Making a connection to their unit of study on regions of the US in social studies, the students investigated the life and art of this artist who portrayed the West in his art. Using

Crayola Model Magic, the students placed various shapes and forms together to create animated horses. To form the body of the horse, cylinders, pyramids, cones, and cubes were used. They also added texture and detail to their horses (hair for the mane and tail, eyes) as well as to the ground (grass, rocks, and perhaps a snake).

A display of Rose Tree student art is in place at White Horse Village. The common theme running through the show is “The Many Colors of People.” A reception for students and their families was held on Wednesday, April 5.

Math Lab:

After a much deserved Post-PSSA week of math games and fun math activities, Math

Lab got back on track strengthening facts and algorithmic skills. Third grade students worked with fractions, multiplication, and began division concepts. Fourth grade students analyzed remainders, performed some logical reasoning, and dug deeper into the world of decimals. Fifth grade students forayed into addition and subtraction of mixed numbers, and explored` the relationship between fractions, decimals, and percents.

Music:

Congratulations to Rose Tree Elementary 5th graders Kendall Bedford, Kayla Gaffney,

Alex Larsen, and Ian Swindell. They were selected to be the choral representatives from our school and attended the PMEA Elementary Songfest hosted by our school district.

They sang and played handbells with 126 other students from 15 different school districts.

The program took place at Penncrest High School on Friday, April 7th. They did a fabulous job singing and ringing handbells!

The general chorus, the Choraliers, two 5th grade hand chime choirs and recorder players are currently preparing for their Spring Concert on Thursday, May 4th. There will be two concerts: Morning School Assembly at 10:15 a.m. and an evening concert at

7:30 p.m. This year’s theme is "We're Making Music"

Library Happenings:

April was Poetry Month, and the Rose Tree Library celebrated this event! 5 th

grade students came in to help the younger students write their own poetry, which have been displayed proudly. This is a great opportunity for the older students to share their expertise with and be positive role models for the younger students.

The Library Club has been busy writing a script for a commercial that they will be filming to promote the library.

Physical Education:

During the month of April, all grades focused on teamwork and sportsmanship while playing a variety of games that involved fitness. Grades 3-5 completed the Presidential

Fitness Testing.

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Mrs. Heiland thanks all who participated in the school-wide Jump Rope for Heart activity on March 27 th

. Rose Tree Elementary School raised $4387.23 for the American Heart

Association.

Guidance & Health Matters:

On April 5, 2006, School Nurse Kathy Johnson, Physical Education teacher, Diane

Heiland, and Guidance Counselor Marty Stevens, taught the maturation unit to 5 th

grade students. This lesson helps prepare the young people for the transitions which their bodies are going through. The lesson focuses on proper hygiene and the changes that occur during puberty. A special emphasis is placed on respect, including personal respect for their own individual body, and respect for their peers and the changes they experience.

Speech/Language

In Speech/Language Support, the students in the Developmental Kindergarten and

Developmental First Grade made language activity books, with themselves as stars. The staff took photographs of the students doing different activities and compiled them into a booklet. These booklets have helped the students in developing descriptive language skills and grammar skills.

Kindergarten:

Rose Tree Kindergarten students have been having a Great time learning how to graph!

Students have explored graphing with The Great Graph Contest by Loreen Leedy and have used everyday activities in learning about quantity graphs, circle graphs, and bar graphs.

Second Grade:

Second graders at Rose Tree Elementary had an exciting adventure studying the Iditarod.

This lesson integrated history concepts (from the original 1925 serum run from Anchorage to Nome), geography skills (examining a map of Anchorage and the Iditarod trail), reading

(titles like Akiak, Togo and An Iditarod Dream), math (activities such as Musher Math word problems), and technology (finding the current standings, accessing biographies of the mushers, following the Iditarod leader on the trail map, and a live videoconference with a real musher). Students thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to learn about the

Iditarod.

Fourth Grade:

The fourth grade students read the book Flat Stanley, about a boy who became as flat as a pancake when his bulletin board fell on top of him. He had many new adventures being flat, including being mailed in an envelope to visit his friend in California. The students then wrote letters to relatives and friends living all across the United States. They included Flat Stanley in their envelopes asking that he have a little tour of their state and be sent back with a letter, pictures, and any souvenirs of their state visit. As the letters were returned to the school, the students shared them with the class. All letters, pictures, and Stanleys were posted all around large US maps hung in the hallway by the fourth grade classrooms. Each Stanley was connected with a string to the particular state he visited. Students and family members alike had a fun time with this activity that integrated reading, writing, geography and social studies.

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Reading:

At Rose Tree Elementary School, we are Phanatics About Reading! Teachers in grades one through five have nominated students for Outstanding and Most Improved Reader

Awards. All students nominated will receive certificates from the Phillies. From those nominations some students may be chosen to be honored during Literacy Night at a

Phillies Game.

The research shows that the average American school child spends more time each year in front of the television set – over 1, 000 hours – than in the classroom. Due to the negative effects of too much television, TV Turn-Off Week will be celebrated Nation-wide and for the third year in a row school-wide at Rose Tree Elementary School during the week of April 24-April 28, 2006. Students will be encouraged to turn off the TV and tune into reading. Students will be asked to record the number of minutes they spent reading during the week. Students who participate nightly in turning off the TV will receive a chance in the weekly drawing for one of the twelve $10.00 Borders Bookstore gift cards.

Students who turn off the TV all week will receive special recognition with a certificate of participation as well as an extra chance in the weekly drawing.

Rose Tree Clubs:

Ms. Susan Howe, along with parent volunteers, introduced Rose Tree students to world languages through our “Culture Clubs” which will run five consecutive Tuesdays through

May. The topics covered in these clubs include numbers, colors, weather, household/classroom objects, clothing/body parts, culture, foods and holidays. The students in grades 2 & 3 have the option to experience either French or Spanish and those in grades 4 & 5 may select Japanese or Korean. We at Rose Tree Elementary are thankful for the diversity in our school which enables us to offer such a culturally enriching experience to our students.

SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Student Leadership Forum is busy as they begin to buzz into spring! SLF recently held a breakfast for the faculty and staff at SLMS to celebrate the end of PSSA testing. To support a sixth grade student's efforts to help find a cure for muscular dystrophy, SLF will be selling paper sneakers during lunches for three days. All funds raised will be donated to help find a cure. A group of members visited Fair Acres on April 7th. A group of members assisted with the seventh grade breakfast by preparing the table settings and serving the guests. On April 28th, SLF will be hosting a volleyball marathon called

"Volley"teering for our community. This event's proceeds will be donated to a family in need. SLF is preparing for the grade 5 visitation which will be held on May 8th and staff appreciation breakfast which will be held on May 11th.

The fascinating world of marine biology is the focus of three video conference events in

April for students in the academically gifted program at Springton Lake. Sixth, seventh, & eighth grade students will be interacting with scientists and educators at the Mote

Laboratories in sunny Florida about coral reefs, dolphins, and sharks in three separate events. Environmental concerns about these topics will be a major focus of the video

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conferences arranged by the AGP teachers Tony Tolomeo, Pattie Sangillo, and Cindy

Stephens and facilitated by Mike Clark, the district's distance learning coordinator.

For the third year in a row, a Springton Lake student qualified for the Pennsylvania State

Geography Bee Championship at Shippensburg University. In order to qualify, students must win their school bee and have one of the top 100 scores on a written test. Will

Murphy represented Springton Lake for the second year in a row. Once again, he finished in the top 25 students in Pennsylvania. Will diligently prepared for the test and competition on his own as well as by studying with other members of the Geography Club every week since September.

In preparation for revising the secondary Library & Information Literacy Curriculum this summer, LaVerne Motley and Gay Moyer have begun visiting other libraries this month.

So far they have visited Radnor High School and Middle School as well as Garnet Valley

High School. Librarians at these schools have provided a tour of their facilities, insights into their staffing, policies and procedures, and copies of their curricula.

As Mrs. Sangillo’s seventh grade AGP classes have continued work on their research papers, she and Mrs. Motley have continued to collaborate on lessons to prepare the students for each phase of the process. This month students learned about how to do in text citations and received packets of information and examples to refer to during the writing process.

Sixth grade language arts students in Mrs. White’s and Mrs. Gregg’s classes have completed their author study projects this month. Each student investigates several authors, selects one, reads a book they have written, and then researches that author. In preparation for the project, students receive instruction on selecting appropriate reference materials, online databases, websites, and primary sources to aid in gathering materials.

A lesson on tips for writing things in your own words in order to avoid plagiarism was also provided. Students created posters that they used to present their findings to their classmates.

Mr. Reilly’s seventh grade social studies students also received instruction on selecting sources – including books, online databases, websites and primary sources – suitable to use for researching battles of the Civil War. After gathering materials on their battles, students created a brochure or Power Point presentation to share their findings with others.

Ms. Mayernick’s seventh grade Language Aarts students completed their research and wrote papers on the topics of their choosing.

After completing their study of The Crystal Cave , Mrs. Rauch’s eighth grade Language

Arts students researched aspects of life in the Middle Ages and designed an interactive class activity that illustrated an aspect of life during that period.

Mr. Puckett’s eighth grade social studies students researched various aspects of African-

American History such as food, music, sports, Civil Rights, slavery, abolition, racism, segregation, etc., and wrote an essay on their topic. Mr. Puckett, Ms. McCarthy and Mrs.

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Palomba’s classes also researched Roman emperors and created columns honoring the accomplishments of their particular emperor.

Other research projects consisted of Mr. Brown’s eighth grade social studies class researched the life of Julius Caesar and created a Power Point biography of his life, Ms.

Kutney’s eventh grade Spanish students researched a Latin American country and created a postcard typifying a significant scene from that country, and Ms. Bendistis’s seventh grade Language Arts students finished reading the Shakespeare Stealer and pursued a question and answer webquest relating to the novel. After reading The Book of the Lion , her eighth grade students prepared a timeline and dictionary of vocabulary from the Middle Ages. Mr. Twiss’s 8th grade chemistry students used assigned websites to research information on mixtures and solutions. Mr. Homan’s 6th grade social studies classes researched countries in Europe for a Change that Flag! project. After gathering information about a European country, students designed a new flag for each nation using at least four meaningful symbols and colors. An accompanying key explained why each of the symbols and colors are special to that country.

Students in Mrs. Going’s classes have successfully completed their ceramics units for the

2005/6 school year!! Please stop by and admire all of the ceramics from the sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Springton Lake!! Eighth graders have finished creating unusual and very original examples of human and animal figures showing some type of action or activity. From a slab of clay, every student developed a 3 dimensional figure, in proportion basing the unit on the sculpture of Michelangelo and the Renaissance period in art history. They will now go back in time to the beginning of the medieval period and immerse themselves in the wonders of Romanesque and Gothic periods in art history and study the magnificent art of the Illuminated Manuscript! Seventh grade completed their ceramics studies of building “Fish in Motion” from a slab of clay! Wait until you see them!!!

Skill development from 6th grade was reviewed and re-emphasized for proper construction with clay. The glazing technique was also an addition and the fish are truly magnificent examples of the hard work and confidence of those students! 7th graders have moved on to study the great American portrait painters, Benjamin West, Charles

Wilson Peale, Gilbert Stuart and John Singleton Copley. Original portraits using color theory (analogous color and compliments) will complete the paintings with a printed frame from linoleum cuts. Certainly not realistic like the American portrait painters!!!

Sixth graders completed an excellent study of the Zuni Native Americans and produced their first ceramics assignment in Springton Lake by building Zuni Fetishes from slab construction! Many students had never really worked with clay and this was a great initiation for them. Their design sense and enthusiasm to work with the material helped in their successful completion of the unit!! The 6th graders have now moved into “Implied

Texture vs. Actual Texture” The study of African Masks and the French technique of

Metal Repousse should produce some pretty fantastic examples for all to see!!

Ms. Sycz’ eighth grade students have begun the 8th grade sculpture unit. Students have analyzed the work of Michelangelo, Rodin and Brancusi comparing and contrasting three major works from each of these artists. The basics of sculpture are being examined and then demonstrated by students when they sculpt a human figure. Students will choose their sculpture product to be a sculpture in the round or a relief sculpture which will

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increase the differentiated learning principle of choice in the classroom. Grade seven students will begin the process of ceramic glazing now that their clay construction has been completed. Students were given the choice of creating a clay vessel or an animal sculpture. Students now must choose a color scheme and demonstrate proper application of the glazes. A written assignment will provide students with information about their understanding of proper terminology used in ceramics. Grade six students are finishing a painting lesson which introduced students to the painting style of Henri Rousseau. At this point, student have demonstrated learning in the following areas: composition, drawing from basic shapes, creating space on a flat surface, and using color theory to help in mixing paint and creating atmosphere and mood. The elements of design that students will be exploring are line, shape, value and color. Students will look at the work on Henri

Rousseau analyzing his use of simple shapes to form images, strong composition and use of color. Proper handling of paint was learned and demonstrated. A worksheet at the end of the assignment will be given to summarize all that was learned during this lesson.

Ms. Sara Gilpin, a student teacher from The University of the Arts, is working with Mrs.

Prior. Students are creating three-dimensional projects. Sixth graders viewed slides of architecture from various cultures and time periods. Now, they are learning clay vocabulary and techniques while hand building clay houses. Seventh graders learned about the work of American artist Duane Hanson, an American sculptor and are now building armatures for papier mache sculptures based on figures from American society and history. 8th graders viewed sculptures from Ancient Greece and Rome as well as contemporary sculptures before beginning their clay figure sculptures.

Eighth to Ninth grade course selection is completed. PSSA testing for Grades 6, 7, & 8 went well. All is complete. Groups and guidance lessons continue to take place. Sixth grade homework club continues to be successful.

On Friday, April 21st, from 7 – 9 p.m., Lt. David Peifer, Leader of the Delaware County

Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, spoke to parents about the vulnerability of children who access the internet. Parents received information on how to ensure their child’s online safety against predators.

In anticipation of spring break and looking ahead to the last marking period, a seventh grade parent/student “break”fast was held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 7th .

PENNCREST HIGH SCHOOL

The Science Olympiad team of 22 students and five teachers will be going to Juniata

College April 27-28 to compete in the State Championships trying for their third trip in a row to the National Championships which will be held at the University of Indiana.

Selections for Media Rotary Student of the Month for March were Senior Robert Marsch and Junior Emily Moberg. The selections for February were Senior Jamie Bussy and

Junior Patrick Barrett.

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Seniors Robert Marsch and Chelsea Hipp won first place for the third consecutive year at the Southeast Region National History Day Competition on Saturday, March 25. This is their 3rd consecutive year winning at the district level. They won in the Senior Division -

Group Exhibit category with their project entitled "The Last Man Standing - The Battle of

Gettysburg." Now they are heading to Penn State, University Park on May 10-11th for the State Competition, aiming to qualify for Nationals which is held in Washington DC in

June. Penncrest also was represented at Districts by three sophomores in the Historical

Paper category and three more sophomores in the Individual Exhibit category. Mrs.

Sandy Staiger sponsors the History Day Club.

Law Day will be celebrated at Penncrest during the last week of April. Members of the

Delaware County Bar Association will present a case and discuss the legal outcomes with

Penncrest students.

Three Penncrest students attended the 2006 Pennsylvania Music Educator's Association

All-State Festival in Valley Forge, PA, on Saturday, April 1, at North Penn High School.

Sophomore Samantha Hatfield sang with the Jazz Choir, Junior Brad King sang with the

Concert Choir, and senior Peter Sowa played baritone saxophone with the Wind

Ensemble. This marks the first time our school has had representation in the Jazz Choir and Wind Ensemble.

The entire school, student and faculty, participated in an initiative by SADD to collect shoes for a rally in Harrisburg to represent the 1200 people each day who die from smoking. Penncrest’s 352 pairs were the most collected by a Delaware county school.

There was a contest within the school among classes and the school staff. The school staff won the $100 prize which will be placed in the scholarship fund.

The following Penncrest students placed in the top 10 regionally in the National French contest:

Level II

Daniel Consoli (4)

Devika Patel (5)

Maria Linnen (9)

John Cardone (10)

Rachel Davis (10)

Marina Solomos (10)

Level III

Rebecca Dunn (10)

Level IV

Randy Kreider (3)

Emily Moberg (3)

Lana Stern (3)

Elizabeth Wordell (5)

Victor Janmey (6)

Mairead Hanna (7)

Julia kenny (9)

Yuri Fuchs (10)

David Pritchard (10)

Level V

Chiara Cardone (6)

Alexandra Sanchez (7)

Madeline Landry (10)

Spanish teacher, Mrs. Linda Berkowitz, and Chemistry teacher, Miss Laura Maroldo, were nominated by their students for Who’s Who in American Teacher.

The Penncrest boys track team finished 2nd at the Chichester relays on March 25. Jerry

Thompson, a sophomore, was named the outstanding field events athlete.

The varsity ice hockey team will be playing against Quaker Valley High School on

Saturday, April 8 in the Class A State Championship Game. The team won the Flyers

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Cup again this season with a 1-0 win over Springfield. This followed a string of victories in Flyers Cup play. 2-1 over Kennett, 5-2 over Plymouth Whitemarsh and 4-2 over

Hershey.

Mrs. Lorraine Bury has won the award as an exemplary adult in the Fifth annual Delaware

County Excellence in Youth Award Recognition Program. She was nominated by Mrs.

Sally Jo Davis, one of our PTG representatives. In her testimonial Mrs. Davis states that

Mrs. Bury “is a supreme example of what the highest level of educator can be - a dedicated, compassionate individual.” A successful production of this year’s musical “The

Sound of Music” was held on March 24, 25, and 26 in the Penncrest auditorium. All the cast and crew delivered a musical that was outstanding in every dimension.

The PHS Track & Field coaching staff will hold the 2nd annual Simmons Invitational Track

Meet at Penncrest High School on Wednesday, April 12, 2006. Despite torrential downpours last year, the meet turned out to be a spectacular event. Over 520 athletes from 29 teams competed in 40 events. We hope this year's meet will be the same. One special note for this year: Larry Simmons’ granddaughter is now a freshman at Sun

Valley and will be competing in this meet.

On March 31, the Penncrest Concert Band and Wind Ensemble participated in the North

American Music Festivals "Superior" Festival in Washington, D.C. The Concert band was awarded the rating of Excellent, while the Wind Ensemble received a Superior rating. The bands performed in the beautiful Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, home of the United

States Marine Band, and received extended clinics from nationally recognized adjudicators.

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Susan Golder, Ed.D., Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning

Steven B. Taylor, Ph.D., Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning



From:

Date:

Susan Golder and Steve Taylor

April 5, 2006

Subject: April 4, 2006, Curriculum Committee Meeting Minutes

Chairperson: Mr. Jeff Pettit

Board Members in attendance: Nancy Fronduti, Veronica Barbato, Stacey Benson,

William Campbell, Linda Fox, Nancy Mackrides, William Montgomery, Jeffrey Pettit,

Thomas Shoemaker

Also in attendance: Denise Kerr, Steve Taylor, Susan Golder, Laverne Motley,

Sharon Sweeney, John Lohn, 2 RTM parents

Summer Reading 2006

Susan Golder, Laverne Motley, and Sharon Sweeney presented the elementary, middle school, and high school proposals for Summer Reading for 2006. At each level, the summer reading committees have prepared extensive packets for students and parents which include a wide range of titles, including varieties of fiction and non-fiction, and a mixture of classics and contemporary works; suggested activities; and guidelines for parental involvement. Two unique features of this year’s middle school program are the focus of all the books on the school initiative of anti-bullying and the all-school reading of The Misfits . The process of developing this year’s program for the high school was distinguished by constituent input from over 200 students, many faculty members, and a handful of parents, and the final core lists, as well as the lists of recommendations, include some of the recommended titles from students. Summer reading is required for all students, and teachers will assess students’ reading soon after the start of school in

September.

Update on Middle School Integrated Math Program

Steve Taylor updated the Board on movement towards an integrated math program at

Springton Lake Middle School. Last fall, teachers from the middle school, along with

Susan Golder, Norm Kelly, Dana Sudall, and Steve Taylor, came together for a half-day

math summit to discuss the future of the program. Last week, the teachers attended a panel discussion with five districts representing five different integrated approaches acting as members of the panel. The current timeline calls for further review of integrated programs over the spring and summer, with a final recommendation for the

Board ready by next November. Implementation of the new program would begin in

September 2007 with the sixth grade, followed by the 7 th

and 8 th

grades in September

2008 and September 2009.

Status of Hockey Clubs in Central League Schools

John Lohn updated the Board on the status of the ice hockey program at Penncrest and at other Central League Schools, with a focus on the implications of the “club” status.

The Board asked for assurance that the district’s insurance carrier will cover liability of the club. Sharon Learn will look into the issue.

Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Rose Tree Media School District

308 North Olive Street

Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493

Telephone 610.627.6000

Fax 610.891.0959 www.rtmsd.org

Sharon A. Learn

Board Secretary

Chief Operations Officer

Management Services Department



From: Sharon A. Learn, Chief Operations Officer

Date: April 19, 2006

Subject: Minutes – April 18, 2006 Finance Committee Meeting

Chairperson: Bill Campbell

____________________________________________________________________________

Board Members in attendance: Bill Campbell, Tom Shoemaker, Stacey Benson, Linda

Fox, Veronica Barbato, Bill Montgomery, Jeff Pettit, Nancy Mackrides and Nancy Fronduti.

Also in attendance: Denise Kerr, Harry Protzmann, and Sharon Learn

1. 2006 – 2007 General Fund Budget – Personnel

Staffing requests for 2006 – 2007 is a work in progress. An updated General Fund budget request for additional staffing in the amount of $143,786 was distributed and will be added to the budget book.

Follow Up: Staff allocation and requests for additional positions will be discussed at the budget workshop, Tuesday, April 25, 2006, at 7:00 PM in the Education Center

2. DCCC Budget

Under State law the local sponsors’ obligation for support of the community college’s operating budget is the total operating balance after all other sources of revenue have been deducted. The proposed 2006 – 2007 operating, capital and real rental share budget for RTMSD is $953,199, a 3.9% increase over the current year.

The proposed debt service authority proposed budget is $86,458, a 27% increase over the current year. RTMSD total proposed contribution to DCCC is $1,039,657, a

5.4% increase over the current year.

Follow Up: Chairman Campbell will discuss Community College budget concerns with representatives from other Delaware County School Districts. Mr. Campbell reported that he asked the finance person at the college to keep the total increase at not more than 3.9%. This topic will be on the May 9, 2006, Finance Committee

Meeting agenda.

1

Jim Czyz, Director, was not able to attend the April Finance Committee Meeting.

Follow Up: Jim Czyz will attend the May 9, 2006 Finance Committee Meeting. At that time he will discuss the cost of diesel fuel and gasoline.

4. Tax Collection - Request for Proposals

Two proposals for the collection of Emergency and Municipal Services Tax and Per

Capita Tax were received in the business office. The cost difference between the two proposals (Berkheimer and Centax) is approximately $10,000. The Centax proposal does not include legal services. Tom Kelly has been asked to calculate the cost to process a wage attachment and multiple wage attachments.

If the district were to change tax collection agencies, the cost to Edgmont Township to stay with Berkheimer would be $2,280 and the cost to Upper Providence

Township would be $4,560. See Analysis of RFP for Tax Collection.

Action: Tom Kelly’s response will be shared with Chairman Campbell. Sharon will call the municipalities to inform them of a possible move from Berkheimer to Centax.

5. Budgetary Transfer Requests

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.


FROM: Human Resources - Services

AMOUNT: $5,000

TO: Human Resources - Software

AMOUNT: $5,000

RATIONALE: To cover the cost of software related to the online teacher screening interview


FROM: School Sponsored Student Activities –

AMOUNT: $1,200

TO: School Sponsored Student Activities –

AMOUNT: $1,200

Note: Original agenda stated “Intramural”; correct title is School Sponsored

RATIONALE: Monies transferred will be used to pay Bruce Coville,

Visiting Author, who will be appearing at Springton Lake Middle School on April 25, 2006

2

FY 06 – 43 Fund 10 General fund

FROM: Custodial Services - supplies

AMOUNT: $8,360

TO: Custodial Services - equipment

AMOUNT: $8,360

RATIONALE: The Maintenance Department needs a ride on burnisher.



AMOUNT: $10,000


AMOUNT: $ 10,000

RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase an auto burnisher



AMOUNT: $2,800


AMOUNT: $2,800

RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase an auto scrubber


FROM: Occupational Therapist - Salary

AMOUNT: $33,961

TO: Occupational Therapist - Services

AMOUNT: $33,961

RATIONALE: The Occupational Therapist is no longer working with the district and a professional service is in place. Funds are needed from payroll account into the professional services account.

RATIONALE: Cover cost of unused sick and vacation days for

Action: The budgetary transfers will be on the April 27, 2006 Legislative Agenda. employee who retired.

3

6. DCIU programs funded by RTMSD

$ 76,897

$ 257,418

$ 45,052

DCIU General Operating Budget

Technical Schools Budget 1/2 Time Program

Technical Schools Budget Special Education

Program

Technical Schools Estimated Reconciliation

Technical Schools Estimated Rental Payment

Technical Schools Estimated Rental

Reimbursement

Total Technical Schools 2006 - 2007 Budget

$ 15,536

$ 29,388

$ (6,771)

Special Education Contract

Special Education Estimated Reconciliation

Special Education Fair Share Payment

Total Special Education 2006 - 2007 Budget

ITRC Fair Share Costs

Repair Service Costs

Fiber Network

Total Technology 2006 - 2007 Budget

$ 340,623

$ 1,441,257

$ (14,060)

$ 144,671

$ 1,571,868

$ 12,375

$ 3,968

$ 31,300

$ 47,643

Additional Costs:

Competitive Employment

One on One

Be Proud

Detention Center

1306 Students

Academy

Glen Mills

$ 46,507

$ 86,983

$ 143,688

$ 818,083

$ 46,152

$ 22,100

$ 85,446

Early Intervention K-Age

E S Y

Elwyn

Total Additional Costs for 2006 - 2007

$ 19,946

$ 34,005

$ 736,572

$ 2,039,482

$ 3,999,616 Total Payments to DCIU

Follow Up: Some of the DCIU programs are offset with revenue. A schedule of revenue and expenditures by program will be prepared.

For Your Information ….

An energy plan with guidelines has been drafted and shared with the Superintendent of Schools and the Director of Maintenance and Operations. This item will remain on the agenda until the plan has been approved by the board of school directors.

4

2. Audit Committee Update:

The audit committee met on March 22, 2006, with Chairman of the Finance

Committee, Bill Campbell, and the Chief Operations Officer, Sharon Learn. Bill

Campbell reminded the committee they are the folks district employees and citizens of the district may go to if there is a concern that the person is not comfortable handling in the traditional manner. The Technology Department will determine how to set up the secure e-mail access. The committee will meet again on June 28,

2006. At that time they will discuss the Audit Committee Charter.

3. Variable Rate Swaps

A special meeting was scheduled on Monday, April 17, 2006, 7:00 PM. The only agenda item was a resolution for a $30,000,000 future funding contract. It is possible that some of the future debt will be at a variable rate.

4. School Board Policies

A number of policies should be revised. Valerie Brunette and Susan Evans volunteered to recommended revisions to be considered at the personnel committee meetings. Once policies have been revised and approved by the board, they will be placed on the web site.

5. Over Expended Budget Categories

There are a few categories in the General Fund budget that are over expended.

A financial report addressing the over expenditures will be prepared and distributed once a month via the weekly update. The business office is working without an accountant; some reports will be delayed until time permits.

6. Breakdown of Spending by Vendor in Amounts Greater than $10,000

A quarterly expenditure report, by vendor, will be prepared quarterly. The report will include payments $10,000 and over made through accounts payable and electronic transfer. The report will be prepared and placed on the board’s web page periodically.

7. Chairman Campbell and a board member from a contiguous school district would like the districts to work together to purchase items that are not currently included by the

Delaware County Joint Purchasing Board.

The next budget Workshop will be on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 7:00 PM in the Education

Center Board Room.

The next Finance committee Meeting will be on Tuesday, May 9, 2006.

5

Rose Tree Media School District

308 North Olive Street

Media, Pennsylvania 19063-2493

Telephone 610.627.6000

Denise C. Kerr, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools



Fax 610.891.0959 www.rtmsd.org

Sharon A. Learn

Board Secretary

Chief Operations Office

Management Services Department

From:

Date:

Sharon A. Learn, Chief Operations Officer

April 12, 2006

Subject: Agenda – April 18, 2006, Operations Committee Meeting, 9:00 PM

Chairperson: Tom Shoemaker

Board Members in attendance: Tom Shoemaker, Bill Campbell, Stacey Benson,

Linda Fox, Veronica Barbato, Bill Montgomery, Jeff Pettit, Nancy Mackrides and

Also in attendance: Denise Kerr, Harry Protzmann, and Sharon Learn

1. Penncrest High School – Piano Rental – Graduation

Penncrest High School is requesting board approve to rent a piano from Grafton

Piano & Organ Co., Inc. in the amount of $1,780 for use on June 8, 2006 at

Action: The following questions were asked by the committee: exactly what is the piano used for ... how many songs? will the piano be used for the song Pomp and

Circumstance? Did you request other quotes for piano rental? Would a keyboard work just as well? This item will be on the April Legislative Agenda

2. Bid Opening - Springton Lake Middle School - Elevator

A bid opening was to be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at 2:00 PM. Six contractors were contacted. Two contractors were at the pre-bid meeting. No bids were received. The consultant, Consolidated Engineers said the lead time on equipment is 18 weeks – too long for this project to be completed in the timeframe required.

Follow Up: The administration recommended re-bidding in January 2007 for implementation in July 2007.

1

Change orders are acted upon in accordance with Resolution 1997-98 - 124, as approved by the School Board of Directors on April 23, 1998.

The following no cost change orders are necessary to extend the contracted completion date due to the delay in obtaining permits.

E-001

F-001

M-001

M-001

Delong,

Bus Maintenance Facility

Bus Maintenance Facility

All states Mechanical Bus Maintenance Facility

Edward J. Meloney PHS & Maintenance Storage

Action: Change orders will be on the April 27, 2006 Legislative agenda.

4. Swimming Pool – Springton School

Meeting was held at the pool with Mike Stachel from Mountain Lake Pool & Patio.

Mr. Stachel submitted a proposal to run a camera through the pipes at a cost of

$3,500 per day. The project would take about 2 – 5 days; the cost would be

$7,000 - $17,500. The committee agreed to wait before moving ahead with this

proposal.

Pennoni Associates will proceed with a GPR (ground penetrating radar) to look

for voids beneath the pool surface. The tentative date for performing the work is

the week of April 24 th

. The committee would like to be notified of the exact date

and time the test takes place.

A member of the public and advocate for the pool program suggested looking for

a pool management company. The committee agreed that the pool program

should be a profitable operation; a consultant may be needed to develop a

business plan for the pool program.

Follow Up: This item will remain on the agenda until a resolution has been determined.

5. Springton Lake Middle School -- Sanitary Sewer Connection Feasibility Study

Pennoni Associates completed the sanitary sewer connection feasibility study.

The Design Report addresses the feasibility, options and probable costs to connect Springton Lake Middle School to a proposed public sewer system. (See

Attachment)

Follow Up: The Design Report will be posted on the board’s web page. This project will be included in the Hayes Large five year plan.

6. Replacement Fire Alarm System -- Indian Lane Elementary School

The base bid to replace the fire alarm system at Indian Lane Elementary School was awarded at the March Legislative Meeting. At this time, the administration is recommending approval of the five year annual inspections and preventive maintenance agreement in the amount of $12,750. This item will be on the

April 27, 2006 Legislative Agenda.

2

For your information:

1. Media Little League Agreement

Scott Kotcamp, president MLL, met with Sharon Learn on Friday, March 17,

2006. Scott will provide additional land development studies to Gus Houtman, engineer, to assist in the resolution to the water run off concerns at the MLL and

SLMS site.

An electronic copy of the old agreement between the district and Media Little

League was sent to Scott for his review. The district will consider the recommendations and will add items deemed important to the district. MLL has asked to attend the May or June Operations Committee meeting to present a proposal to light the fields.

2. Springton Lake Middle School – Aerial Mapping

The proposal from Gus Houtman was approved via telephone and email correspondence during the month of March, 2006. The tentative schedule to compile the information into a presentable plan will take another month.

Ratification of the proposal will be on the April Legislative Agenda.

3. Transportation, Maintenance, Custodial Departments – Kronos Agreement

This was discussed at the March Operations committee meeting and should have been on the March Legislative Agenda. It will be on the April Legislative

Agenda. The cost to the district is $300.

4. Five Year Capital Improvements and Educational Plan Proposals

Protzmann, interviewed Bonnet Associates and Hayes Large on March 16,

2006 in the Education Center Board Room. The interview team, present at the

March 21, 2006 budget work session, offered their recommendation. Board accepted the Five Year Capital Improvements and Educational Proposal from meeting. The first meeting was held on April 11, 2006 with Denise Kerr, Harry

Protzmann, Brad Furey and Jim Thompson.

Dr. Kerr provided a note book containing copies of the safety inspections completed on each building in the District. The updated inspection reports are available on the Board’s web page and copies were distributed. Inspection reports will be distributed and posted on the web page as received from the

Safety Committee.

6. Replace HVAC Units in Penthouse No.1 and Cold Water Piping & Insulation

On March 30, 2006, Board Members were asked, via email, to support a bid award in the amount of $597,000 for the HVAC and cold water piping & insulation at Springton lake Middle School. All board members approved. This item will be on the April Legislative Agenda for ratification.

The next Operations committee meeting will be on May 9, 2006.

3

4



EXCELLENCE

TODAY

FOR TOMORROW






Telephone: 610.627.6000

Fax: 610-891-0959

www.rtmsd.org

Anne D. Callahan

Director of Human Resources

From:

Date:

Anne D. Callahan, Director of Human Resources

April 19, 2006

Subject: Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting – April 4, 2006

Board Members in attendance: S. Benson, Chair, W. Montgomery, T. Shoemaker,

L. Fox, W. Campbell, N. Fronduti, N. Mackrides, V. Barbato, J. Pettit

Also in attendance: A. Callahan, D. Kerr, S. Learn

I. Items for the Legislative Meeting on April 27, 2006

Anne Callahan presented the personnel items to be included on the agenda of the Legislative Meeting on April 27, 2006, and responded to questions from the Board.

Action: All items will appear on the agenda of the Legislative Meeting of

April 27, 2006, for a vote of the full board. Additional items will be added between April 4 and April 21 when the final agenda goes out for School Board review.

An executive session was held to discuss matters of personnel.

The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be held on Tuesday, May 9,

2006, at 9:00 PM in the Education Center Board Room






Valerie Burnett, Ed.D.

Director of Pupil Services



From:

Date:

Patricia Barta, Elementary Special Education Supervisor

April 19, 2006

Subject: April 18, 2006, Pupil Services Committee Meeting Minutes

Chairperson: Mrs. Veronica Barbato

Board Members in attendance: V. Barbato, S. Benson, W.Campbell, L. Fox, N.

Fronduti, N. Mackrides, J. Pettit, T. Shoemaker

Also in attendance: P. Barta, M. Johnson, D. Kerr and 10 community members.

Trips:

Two Penncrest High School students will compete in the National History Day, on

Wednesday, May 10, 2006, sponsored by Penn State University, University Park. The students are scheduled to leave for Penn State University on Tuesday, May 9 (5:00 p.m.) and return to Media on Thursday, May 11 (8:00 p.m.). These students will also visit several museums in the area near Penn State University.

ACTION: Approval will be on the April 2006 Legislative Agenda

Redistricting Presentation:

Dr. Kerr briefly reviewed the process used in examining the various redistricting scenarios, including factors considered in redistricting such as neighborhood boundaries, transportation, staffing/class size and the Gaskin Settlement issues. Space to accommodate possible full-day kindergarten programming was also considered in the scenarios. A compromise redistricting solution, identified as 1C, was discussed and the data for this scenario examined. It was noted that redistricting scenarios 4 and 10 were continuing to be considered. Public comment was heard at the end of Dr. Kerr’s presentation.

ACTION: Approval will be on the April 2006 Legislative Agenda

The next meeting of the Pupil Services Committee will be May 2, 2006 at 8:00 PM.








Patti Linden

Director of Technology and Information Science



From:

Date:

Patti Linden

April 5, 2006

Subject: April 4, 2006, Technology Committee Meeting Minutes

Chairperson: Mrs. Nancy Mackrides

Board Members in attendance: Nancy Fronduti, Stacey Benson, Tom Shoemaker, Jeff Pettit,

Veronica Barbato, Bill Campbell, Linda Fox, Nancy Mackrides

Also in attendance: Denise Kerr, Patti Linden, Ron Harris, Kim McCann-Roller, Anthony

Lombardo, Mack Johnson, and two district parents

Pentamation’s Student Plus Upgrade

Mack Johnson demonstrated for the Board of School Directors the upgrade to our Student

Management System and how the new features expedite the capabilities. This upgrade will save costs on the Graphical Student Management System (GSMS), is all Windows based, and utilizes drop down menus in a more user friendly interface. Over 70 people in the district have been trained how to use the new system in a two week period of time, including extensive training on the class scheduling tool. Mack was instrumental in the planning, scheduling, training, and the actual upgrade of this system. This upgrade is the first step leading to web grade access for parents in the future. There are three layers of security for this student management system which includes multiple passwords for protection. Administrators, counselors and support staff who will be using this are delighted with the new features and the ease of use. Future plans include a medical screen for use in the nurses’ offices which will contain partial student medical records.

Internet Safety Issues

Cyber dangers and today’s kids at risk on the Internet are hot topics in the news on a daily basis.

Patti Linden presented RTM’s plan of action to help educate our students and parents about these dangers and the ways to protect against abuse and harm. Our plan includes web page resources, a revised district Internet Safety Policy, classroom lessons, and parent education. In addition to an article about Internet Safety, our web pages now contain many online parent resources, student

resources, and teacher resources for the classroom. These links to other Internet sites offer advice for parents on how to talk to their children about online behavior and how to monitor home use of the Internet. The student resources contain links to sites about chat room safety and digital citizenship. The teacher pages assist educators with ideas for incorporating these topics into classroom lessons. Cyber-bullying, a current topic, is also addressed at Springton Lake through the Anti-Bullying program there. All district parents and other community members are invited to attend an information session at Springton Lake on Friday, April 21, at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. The speaker will be Lt. David Peifer, leader of Delaware County Internet Crimes

Against Children Task Force, whose topic will be the vulnerability of children who access the

Internet. Information will include ways to ensure your child’s online safety against predators.

Next meeting: Tuesday, May 2, at 7:00 p.m. in the Education Center Board Room


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.”

April 4, 2006

April 18, 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 May 25, 2006, at Springton

Lake Middle School. The Legislative meetings are recorded on tape.

A. Personnel

1. Terminations a. Professional b. Non-Instructional

1. Cathy Lejman, Food Service Worker, resignation effective March 15, 2006. Ms. Lejman requests to be on the substitute list.

2. James Drespling, Master Bus Mechanic, termination, effective April 14, 2006. a. Professional b. Non-Instructional

Substitute Custodian, effective March 10, 2006, at the rate of $12 per hour.

2. Calperta Scott, Support Staff II, One-On-One

Personal Instructional Assistant, effective April 5,

2006, at the rate of $12.44 per hour. Ms. Scott is assigned to Springton Lake Middle School.

3. William Miller, Substitute Bus Driver, effective April

28, 2006, at the rate of $17.95 per hour.

4. Emily Petrucci, Support Staff II, One-On-One

Personal Instructional Assistant, effective April 19,

2006, at the rate of $12.44 per hour. Ms. Petrucci is assigned to Glenwood Elementary.

5. Anne Myers, Food Service Worker, effective

March 31, 2006, at the rate of $8.40 per hour. Ms.

Myers will be assigned to Penncrest High School.

A. Personnel

6. Nancy Owen, Receptionist, effective May 1, 2006, at the annual salary of $27,157. Ms. Owen will be assigned to the Education Center replacing Patty

Verna who resigned. NOTE: Ms. Owen is being hired pending completion of her pre-employment paperwork.

7. Donna Wilson, Support Staff II, One-On-One

Personal Instructional Assistant, effective April

25, 2006 at the rate of $12.44 per hour. Ms. Wilson will be assigned to Glenwood Elementary. NOTE:

Ms. Wilson is being hired pending completion of her pre-employment paperwork.

1. Nancy Somers from Substitute Cafeteria Worker to

Regular Part-Time Cafeteria Worker, effective

February 27, 2006 at the rate of $8.40.

1. Marie Castellan has requested a sabbatical leave for the purpose of professional development. Leave will commence August 28, 2006 and terminate January

29, 2007.

2. Cynthia Garvin has requested a sabbatical leave for the purpose of professional development. Leave will commence August 28, 2006 and terminate June 30,

2007. c. Unpaid Leave of Absence

1. Alicia Santelli has requested an unpaid leave of absence for detached service. Leave will commence

August 28, 2006 and terminate June 30, 2007.

A. Personnel d. Rescind Supplemental Contracts

1. Recommend that the Board rescind the following supplemental contracts:

6 th

Grade Team Leader

1. Gregory Jacobs, Event Chaperone for the 2005-2006 school year at the rate of $55 per event.

2. Michael Mohring, Event Chaperone for the 2005-2006 school year at the rate of $55 per event.

3. Johanna Goldman, Homebound Instructor, effective

March 16, 2006, at the rate of $39.50 per hour.

4. Jeremy Smith, Assistant Girls Track and Field Coach at the annual salary of $3,348.

5.

Susan Howe, Rose Tree Elementary Culture Club

Coordinator, effective March 27, 2006 at the annual salary of $124.

March 6, 2006 at the rate of $27 per hour. Ms.

Morris is assigned to Springton Lake Middle

School.

March 6, 2006 at the rate of $27 per hour. Ms.

Ostien is assigned to Springton Lake Middle

School.

8. Pamela Gregg, Sixth Grade Team Leader, effective

March 17, 2006 at the prorated salary of $216.00.

Ms. Gregg is replacing Donna Schied who is on leave.

A. Personnel e. Supplemental Contracts (continued)

9. Sarah Brill, Intramural Walking Sponsor at the rate of $18.00 per hour. Ms. Brill is assigned to Media

Elementary.

10. Christopher Clark, Boys 8 th

Grade Lacrosse

Coach, at the annual salary of $2,607. NOTE: Mr.

Clark is being hired pending completion of his pre-employment paperwork.

1. Charles Hall, Substitute Bus Driver, pay rate was incorrectly reported on the March Board. Mr. Hall’s rate of pay should be $17.95 per hour.

1. National History Day

Resolve, that the Board approve the overnight trip to Penn State

University, University Park, Canoe Creek State Park, and local museums.

Background

Two students and Mrs. Staiger will travel to Penn State to participate in the state level National History Day competition that will be held from May 9 – May 11, 2006. While at Penn State, students will visit museums and historic sites in the area.

C. 2005-2006 Change Date of Last Day of School

Resolve, that the Board approve the change of the last days of school from June 23, 2006 to June 21, 2006, for students and staff.

D. Redistricting

Resolve, the Board accept the administration’s recommendation to realign the boundary areas of each of the four elementary schools as indicated on the attached map entitled 1C. (See attachment B)

Background

A group of parents from each school reviewed and worked with enrollment data, helped develop scenarios, and provided input for the administration to consider. The scenarios were presented at two town meetings to gather community input. After much dedicated and hard work by our parent committee and administration, the committee has proposed scenario 1C to more forward to the Board of School Directors.

APPENDIX X

X. Finance

A. Purchasing

1. Replace HVAC Units in Penthouse No.1 and Cold Water

Piping & Insulation

Resolve, that the Board ratify the bid award to Five Star,

Inc. in the amount of $597,000 for the HVAC and cold water piping & insulation at Springton lake Middle School.

Background

On March 30, 2006, Board Members were asked, via email, to support a bid award in the amount of $597,000 for the

HVAC and cold water piping & insulation at Springton lake

Middle School. All board members approved. This was discussed at the April 18, 2006 Operations Committee

Meeting.

B. General

1. Budgetary Transfer Requests

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.


FROM: Human Resources - Services

AMOUNT: $5,000

TO: Human Resources - Software

AMOUNT: $5,000

RATIONALE: To cover the cost of software related to the online teacher screening interview


FROM: School Sponsored Student Activities --

AMOUNT: $1,200

TO: School Sponsored Student Activities –

Fees - SLMS

APPENDIX X

AMOUNT: $1,200

RATIONALE: Monies transferred will be used to pay Bruce

Coville, Visiting Author, who will be appearing at Springton

Lake Middle School on April 25, 2006

FY 06 – 43 Fund 10 General fund


AMOUNT: $8,360


AMOUNT: $8,360

RATIONALE: The Maintenance Department needs a ride on burnisher.



AMOUNT: $10,000


AMOUNT: $ 10,000

RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase an auto burnisher



AMOUNT: $2,800


AMOUNT: $2,800

RATIONALE: Transfer needed to purchase an auto scrubber


FROM: Occupational Therapist - Salary

AMOUNT: $33,961

TO: Occupational Therapist - Services

AMOUNT: $33,961

RATIONALE: The Occupational Therapist is no longer working with the district and a professional service is in place. Funds are needed from payroll account into the professional services account.

APPENDIX X

RATIONALE: Cover cost of unused sick and vacation days for employee who retired.

Background

This was discussed at the April 18, 2006 Finance Committee

Meeting.

B. General

2. Penncrest High School – Piano Rental – Graduation

Resolve, that the board approve the rental agreement with

Grafton Piano Inc. in the amount of $1,780 for use on

June 8, 2006 at Villanova University for Penncrest High

School graduation exercises.

Background

This was discussed at the April 18, 2006 Committee meeting.

3. Springton Lake Middle School – Aerial Mapping

Resolve, that the Board ratify the proposal from Gus

Houtman in the amount of $11,430 for aerial mapping of

Springton Lake Middle School property.

Background

The proposal from Gus Houtman for aerial mapping was approved via telephone and email correspondence during the month of March, 2006.

4. Transportation, Maintenance, Custodial Departments –

Kronos Agreement

Resolve, that the board ratify the agreement with Kronos to provide support for the time and attendance software in the amount of $300.

Background

This was discussed at the March Operations Committee meeting and should have been on the March Legislative

Agenda.

APPENDIX X

X. Finance

Change orders are acted upon in accordance with

Resolution 1997-98 - 124, as approved by the School Board of Directors on April 23, 1998.

The following no cost change orders are necessary to extend the contracted completion date due to the

delay

E-001 Goldhorn Electric Bus Maintenance Facility

F-001 Warren Delong, Inc. Bus Maintenance Facility

M-001 All states Mechanical Bus Maintenance Facility

M-001 Edward J. Meloney PHS & Maintenance Storage

ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT

MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS

Attachment A

March 30, 2006

BID TABULATION

Award is recommended to the vendor listed on the basis of having submitted the lowest bid which meets the requirements of the specification.

PROJECT TITLE: Springton Lake Middle School

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Replace HVAC Units in Penthouse No.1 and Cold Water Piping & Insulation

BID OPENED: Thursday, March 23, 2006

AWARDEE:

Five Star, Inc.

Cooling System Piping & Equipment Replacement

AMOUNT AWARDED:

$597,000.00

Bid Bonds Addendums

Five Star, Inc.

Allstates Mechanical Ltd

Dolan Mechanical, Inc.

Edward J. Maloney, Inc.

GEM Mechanical Services, Inc.

N. B. Rodgers, Inc.

Base

Bid

$597,000.00

$639,000.00

$656,000.00

$678,000.00

$735,000.00

$735,000.00

Alternate

Bid No. 1

$5,200.00

$6,000.00

$5,000.00

$5,000.00

$0.00

$5,600.00

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

GLENWOOD

57-G-9

1

2

1

2

ROSE

TREE

14-M-53

38-I-5

39-1-19

40-I-6

MEDIA

INDIAN

LANE

VersaTrans Solutions, Inc.

4 British American Blvd.

Latham, NY 12110

3/17/2006 12:22:06 PM


VersaTrans Base Map

SCENARIO #12-12A

0 4884 9768

Scale: 1" = 4884 feet

SCHOOL

Glenwood

Indian Lane

Media

Rose Tree

Total

Cell

14

Scenario #12

Cell Moves

From

Media

38 Indian Lane

39 Indian Lane

40 Indian Lane

57 Glenwood

K

2

2

2

2

8

To

Rose Tree

Media

Media

Media

Rose Tree

#Students

53

5

19

6

9

92

Scenario #12a

Scenario #12a Kindergarten Classroom Configuration

Classrooms KA Sections KP Sections

Glenwood

Indian Lane

Media

Rose Tree

Total

2

2

2

2

8

2

2

2

2

8

1

1

1

1

4

Scenario #12a Classrooms by Grade

01 02 03

4

3

4

4

4

3

4

4

3

3

4

4

15 15 14

SCHOOL

Glenwood

Indian Lane

Media

Rose Tree

SCHOOL

Glenwood

Indian Lane

Media

Rose Tree

TOTAL

Media

Rose Tree

SCHOOL

Glenwood

Indian Lane

KA

36

36

36

36

144

KA

KA

16

20

20

13

31

40

39

25

135

04

3

3

4

4

14

KP

15

14

21

17

67

KP

18

18

18

18

72

Scenario #12a Capacity by Grade

01 02

84 84

84

84

63

84

84

63

315 315

01

74

81

73

51

279

02

72

73

80

51

276

03

100

100

75

75

350

Scenario 12a

03

78

73

70

53

274

Scenario #12a Average Class Size

KP 01 02

15

14

21

17

19

20

18

17

18

18

20

17

03

20

18

23

18

04

24

19

24

21

05

3

3

4

3

13

04

100

100

75

75

350

04

95

74

72

63

304

TOTAL

22

21

19

17

79

05

20

23

26

23

05

100

75

75

75

325

05

80

69

78

70

297

TOTAL

522

497

447

405

1871

OTHER

1

7

1

9

TOTAL

446

431

433

331

1641

Room Util

85%

87%

97%

82%

Bldg Util

83%

80%

80%

78%

3/17/2006

Rose Tree Media Elementary Redistricting

VersaTrans Solutions Incorporated 27

ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS Informational Session

SCHOOL REPORT’S – April 2006

ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT

MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS

BID TABULATION

GLENWOOD

MEDIA

INDIAN

LANE

ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT

VersaTrans Base Map

SCENARIO #12-12A

Related documents

Products

Support

ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS Informational Session

SCHOOL REPORT’S – April 2006

ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT

MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS

BID TABULATION

GLENWOOD

MEDIA

INDIAN

LANE

ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT

VersaTrans Base Map

SCENARIO #12-12A

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