Rose Tree Media School District
Penncrest High School
Minutes of the February 8, 2016 PTG Meeting
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:02PM.
Welcome: After the Pledge of Allegiance, Jenny Dresden welcomed everyone to the meeting.
All present were asked to introduce themselves by name and their child(ren) who attend
Penncrest.
Guest Speakers:
Mrs. T. Jackson, Human Relations Club: Mrs. Jackson and two Senior Penncrest students were
our guest speakers to introduce us to the Human Relations Club which was described as a high
school minority network whose members gather to share, support and celebrate one another
through trips, concerts, meetings and guest speakers. The club has been in existence for over 10
years but has since been rejuvenated by the #blacklivesmatter movement and recognizing a need
for minority students (African American, Asian, Hispanic, etc.) to make race a more comfortable
topic in school and amongst friends and other students. It is difficult to be the only one who is
the minority (Ex. in class, etc.)…the club is interested in taking their message to the elementary
schools for a possible Minority Mentoring Program where they can reach out to minority
families who may want an older student to be a role model to their child. The club now meets
Tuesday and/or Thursday to discuss current events and once a month for guest speakers,
assemblies. Previous members of the club also return to speak to current members about their
college/life experiences. One performance event, celebrating African Americans in the arts
through music will be held at Penncrest High School during the school day on February 24th as
well as a community performance the same evening @7PM. Mrs. Jackson encourages
questions/remarks/ideas about the club be directed to her at tjackson@rtmsd.org.
Sharon Sweeney, Assistant Principal, Course Selection:
-Course selection booklets were being handed out to students during their English classes this
week. Teacher recommendation can be viewed in HAC under the students “Schedule” tab by
scrolling to the bottom of the page below “Current Schedule”. Course Selection Night is being
held Tuesday, February 9, 2016 7PM. Counselors will be working with students in the next 2-3
weeks to help students with their selections and answer questions. Mrs. Sweeney encourages
parent discussions with their children regarding what classes they want to take, choosing
alternatives in case they do not get their first selection and electives. Two sheets were handed
out: Summary of Course Changes 2016-2017 and Elective Rank Weight Proposal (which has
been approved by the Rose Tree Media School Board). The Summary of Course Changes
outlines all the courses that have changed from previous years including additional new
offerings. The Elective Rank Weight Proposal lists by department the courses which are
unweighted and weighted within that department (i.e. Art, Business, English, Math, Music,
Science, etc.). It was also discussed that “unweighted courses will become part of a child’s GPA
but will not affect a child’s weighted GPA. Penncrest report cards currently report unweighted
GPA.” Also, “departments will continue to weight courses in core areas (English, Math, Social
Studies, Science, World Language), Advance Placement courses and capstone courses in elective
areas (see chart handout).” The desired outcome is for students to choose courses based on their
interests and needs rather than on the weight they carry with regard to the grade and how it will
affect their GPA.
-There was a comment which prompted a discussion regarding specific teacher protocol/policy
regarding explaining to students their recommendation and backing up why they recommended
the specific level and which direction the student should go…is every teacher having this
discussion? Yes, they are just at different days/times.
-No Senior Project after this year.
-Keystone Exams: only have to take it up to 2 times. Remediation available if not passed first
time. You can still get a diploma if you don’t pass them.
Principal’s Report: Mr. Ralph Harrison
 Transition Day, Monday, February 1st where Penncrest teachers went to Springton Lake
Middle School to discuss course selection, explain Level 1-2-3, what to expect in high
school, grades, ranking (academic), athletics (non-academic), etc. Older students also
accompanied teachers to talk to the 8th graders about the high school experience.
 Fire Drill during lunch this week, all went well; students evacuated in record time. We
are currently re-evaluating emergency procedures and have a meeting set-up to discuss
specific recommendations re: monitoring doors, safety during evenings when events are
being held and doors are unlocked, etc.
 Internet/Technology Assembly, Wednesday February 3rd with Richard Guerry presenting
his assembly “Public and Permanent” about responsible use of the internet and social
media. Parent presentation was on Wednesday evening. Feedback from the students and
staff was very positive. The message was timely and informative.
 Friday, February 5th PM Assembly Pep Rally. “The Pep Rally was one of the best ever!
Two Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders, Swoop and tight end, Trey Burton, showed up to
give Mr. Miller and the school the $10,000.00 check that he won for being named the
Philadelphia Eagles All Pro Teacher of the Year. That wasn’t even the best part! All
four classes put on an incredible show for the Lion’s Cheer. Every Pep Rally it just gets
better! Thank you to all of our students for being such great citizens! We have events
like pep rallies and Pride Day because our students do the right thing.”
 AM Prom Fashion Show, Sunday February 21st 1-4PM in PHS Auditorium. Seniors will
showcase the top Prom fashions; complemented by the Silent Auction. Doors open at
noon for preview.
Aprroval of Minutes-January 11, 2016 Meeting: Minutes will be approved at next month’s
meeting; no copies were available to view.
Treasurers’ Report: Bob Schultz reviewed the Treasurer’s Report which currently has an
ending balance of $9,878.79. Nothing else has changed since month prior.
Teachers’ Report: Mr. Evan Pettit was filling in for Mr. Sean Hobdell.
 Teachers successfully administered midterms.
 Three new members to the PHS faculty: Samantha Clarke, French teacher, Molly
Williams, Special Education and Erin Bradley, Math teacher.
 Friday, February 5th Pep Rally in which our All-Pro teacher Mr. Dave Miller was
honored and presented with a $10,000 donation to Penncrest from the Eagles in his
honor.
 Mr. Chris Gouzes directed the production of “Harvey” this weekend.
 Mrs. Deanne Scherer is helping to organize the National Honor Society’s blood drive.
The Blood Drive will be held Tuesday, February 23rd for students and community
members. Students will donate during the day and others can donate 2:30-7:30PM. If you
would like to donate blood, please sign up at www.redcrossblood.org and type in
“PENNCREST” to search for our drive.
 Mrs. Marci Carmeans and the Red Cross Club at Penncrest started their annual Military
Toiletries Care Package and Greeting Card Drive. They are collecting toiletries for
soldiers and boxing them up to ship abroad.
 Toiletries being collected right outside the cafeteria to be sent to members of the military.
The drive began Tuesday, February 2 and runs through Thursday, February 11th.
Committee Reports:
School Board Meeting Highlights – January 28, 2016
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Michael Galinsky, Penncrest High School Senior, was recognized for becoming an Eagle
Scout. Michael spoke of his project which mainly focused on clean up and
improvements at a location in Ridley Creek State Park. Congratulations.
Theme for PA Department of Education is: Stronger Schools, Stronger Pennsylvania.
Board of School Directors’ Recognition Month.
Presentation: Linking Learning to Life year in review. This program is at PHS and has
grown from 6 students to 16 students. It’s a program to assist students who need extra
support to get ready for the real world. It’s a 2-tier design that incorporates real-life
skills. An example is: there is an “apartment” at Penncrest where students learn
everything from cooking to cleaning to doing laundry. Other skills are: going out into the
community to shop for groceries, eat at restaurants, becoming “street smart” by crossing
streets and using the train. Teachers, students and parents spoke about this great
program.
Student Liaison Report (Eric Bilbrough):
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MLK Day of service was held at a handful of the schools in the district.
Winter concerts happened from elementary to middle to the high school.
The Simon Youth Academy held a Holiday Gift Drive.
POWER experiences at PHS – a day in the life program which happens
throughout the year.
January 15th – The Blunt Truth presentation through Holcomb about marijuana
addiction.
There’s now a 3-D printer in the Penncrest library.
Band Festival is coming up.
Exercise Science Night – 2/2/16.
Hi-Q Team competing, has 62 points and is 2nd place as of present.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) had an away competition.
Art Honor Society will be holding an art show at Lima Estates on 2/4/16.
Honor Society for history had new inductions.
Board Reports:
o DCCC will have a small tuition increase this year.
o Pressure is on Harrisburg to come to support education.
Superintendent’s Report (Mr. Wigo):
o So far in the 2015-2016 school year, there have been 1,800 threats received to PA
schools. Local schools in the county have experienced threats. The RTMSD is in
place and prepared for events like this.
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Solicitor’s Report (Mr. Kelly):
o SUNOCO wants to run two pipes and an easement along the Glenwood
Elementary school line. Township meeting was happening at the same time
regarding this…more information to come.
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Scheduled Report (Susan Howe, President, EPYSA):
o The Association received a thank you note from a student that graduated in 1968.
The student (Phil) expressed how much receiving a scholarship of $800 to go to
DCCC changed his life.
o The Lewis Scott golf outing supports students with scholarships going to DCCC.
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Unscheduled Reports:
o Three parents signed up to speak. A few comments were as follows:
 The board was thanked for finalizing permanent positions at ILES for the
principal and Director of Human Resources.
 The board was asked to formalize the 2017 departure of the superintendent
since the process is extensive.
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Some parents attended committee meetings and were asked to put their
questions in writing and email the board. No response has been received
as of yet which dates back to September and November. The parents were
asked to resend questions to the board since some members are new to
their positions.
A formal process for background checks was asked to be established.
Sue Nolen, school board member, said policies will be published.
Liz Schneider, school board member, disagreed with some parent
comments.
Mr. Cunningham, school board member, thanked people in the district that
have retired, especially Pat Barlow for 32 years as a bus driver and Linda
Buckler, Human Resources secretary. It shows the loyalty district
employees have to RTMSD.
Grade-Level Reports:
o Life skills joining with Special Olympics…Sports: 1st tournament is Bocce Ball and track
@ Upper Darby High School on February 11th after school.
Old Business: None
New Business:
o Cinderella’s Closet, Gently used/worn prom dresses…to be held at Marple Newtown
High School, February 20th, 10AM-3PM
o Treasurer position will be open for the next school year. Contact Bob or Kim Schultz
with questions/interest.
Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 PM.
**NEXT MEETING:
MONDAY, MARCH 14 @ 7:00 PM**