River Rock Gator
Volume 5 Issue 2
January 2010
A newsletter for the students, families and friends of River Rock
Freedom Writers Share the Power of Education
R
iver Rock Academy recently brought two members of the Freedom Writers
Foundation to Elizabethtown College where all six campus locations
gathered together for an outstanding inspirational presentation. The story of the
Freedom Writers was portrayed in the 2007 movie Freedom Writers and the New
York Times best seller book The Freedom Writers Diary.
Freedom Writers, Maria Reyes and Sharaud Moore shared their personal
histories of hardships growing up in poverty surrounded by gang violence and their
triumph in overcoming these obstacles. They discussed their experiences with the
juvenile justice system and how they were able to make positive changes for
themselves against all odds.
Prior to the presentation, River Rock students spent time in the classroom
discussing the book and viewing the movie. Freedom Writers portrays the story of
a group of students at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California
who were labeled “unteachable” and their idealistic teacher Erin Gruwell, played
by Hilary Swank, who broke down racial barriers and used unconventional
teaching methods to change her student’s lives.
By reading stories such as Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl and other
non-fiction books dealing with racism and violence, Ms. Gruwell’s students made
connections to the characters in these stories which inspired them to keep their
own diaries depicting their personal stories of pain, violence and hardship. The
classroom named themselves “The Freedom Writers” and changed from a group of
apathetic, frustrated students to a closely knit, motivated family.
Maria Reyes, portrayed as main character Eva in the movie, comes from a
family with a strong gang heritage. At the age of eleven, she was jumped into a
gang and spent most of her teenage years in and out of juvenile detention centers.
After losing over twenty friends to gang violence during the summer before
her freshman year, her probation officer enrolled Maria in Ms. Gruwell’s class.
With below average test scores, Maria continued to fight her teacher’s attempts to
engage her in learning. Reading Anne Frank’s story was a turning point for her.
Maria and her classmates went on to compile and publish The Freedom Writers
Diary.
(Continued on page 2)
Change
Effect
Improve
Sharaud Moore and
Maria Reyes
Sharaud Moore and Maria Reyes with
Newville Campus students
Page 2
River Rock Gator
(Continued from page 1)
While telling her story to River Rock students, Maria shared what she
finally realized. She said, “I figured out that I deserved something bigger and
better and no one was going to tell me different. Against all odds I made it. All
you have to do is make the choice to do things different. I hope you do”
Students had the opportunity to ask the speakers questions following the
presentations One student asked, “Was there a specific event that changed
you?” Maria explained that when she first made progress, she was afraid of it
and would go backwards to what she knew and what was easy. Instead, there
were a number of moments that built up and made her realize she could do
better. She knew she didn’t want to end up in jail like her dad, pregnant at a
young age like her mom and dead like her cousin.
Sharaud Moore knows that he is the person he is today because of his past
and believes it is possible to learn from the bad in your life and use if for good.
He often tells people that if there were a recipe for failure, he had all of the
ingredients. He was born to a sixteen year old homeless single mother and at
the age of six, began to be placed in a series of foster homes. By the time he
was thirteen, he had been in and out of fourteen different schools. Once he
returned to his mother’s home, he continued to get in trouble and joined a gang
in the eighth grade.
In the tenth grade, Sharaud was expelled from school for a weapon
violation and sent to Wilson High School where he was enrolled in Ms.
Gruwell’s English class. He hated school and continued to be a burden in the
classroom until he became the victim of a vicious prank in which a classmate
drew a racist caricature of him. The experience sparked the Freedom Writers
movement and changed Sharaud’s views on education and the world around
him. Amazingly, Sharaud is currently an algebra teacher and coach at one of
the schools from which he was expelled.
Throughout Sharaud’s presentation, one theme reoccurred. “Tough times
don’t last, tough people do,” he shared. He explained that as a teen he went
looking for trouble and attached himself to destructive things. Sharaud
explained that he grew up fighting and is still fighting, but now for different
things. He said, “I’ve matured and learned what to fight for.” He went on to
say, “Life is full of peaks and valleys. How you deal with the pain of the bad
times makes you the person that you become.”
When asked by a River Rock student where he would be if he had not
been a part of Ms. Gruwell’s class, he shared that he would not have
understood the value of education. He is passing on the values of hard work
and success in his classroom knowing that how he treats his students is going
to stick with them for a long time.
Following the presentation, each student had the
opportunity to get autographs, hugs and handshakes from
Maria and Sharaud. River Rock thanks the Freedom
Writers Foundation for this opportunity and wishes Maria
and Sharaud the very best as they continue traveling the
country speaking to audiences about overcoming obstacles
and the power of education.
Students enjoy the opportunity to
meet the Freedom Writers speakers
The River Rock Gator is written,
compiled, edited and designed by
Wendy Capoferri, Katrina Davies
and Barbara Rodgers in the interest
of RRA students, parents and
Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin,
Franklin, Perry and York County
School Districts.
RRA Administrators
Life is full of peaks and valleys. How you deal with the pain of the
bad times makes you the person that you become.
Sharaud Moore, Freedom Writer
Steve Capoferri—CEO
Patti Shatto-Young—CBO
Bob Howard—COO
River Rock Gator
Page 3
Historical Society Partners with
Shiremanstown Campus
Historical Society President Mike
Weaver and Museum Coordinator
Gidge Geegee show Shiremanstown
Campus students various artifacts
Newville Students
Serve at Fire
Department
Newville Campus students
recently spent two days helping the
Friendship Hose Company in
Newville by cleaning the building
and washing trucks. They scrubbed
windows, lights, hallways, walls and
steps throughout the facility.
Friendship Hose Company is
made up of volunteers so finding
time to clean the large building can
be difficult. River Rock staff and
students worked together and
accomplished a lot in two days. Gary
Armolt, a River Rock student, said it
felt good to help keep the building
clean and organized. Another
student, Mike Kauffman said, “It
was fun to help people who help us
out when we need safety.” Overall, it
was a great experience for all of the
students and a positive way to give
back to the Newville community.
River Rock Academy is pleased to announce a partnership created with the
Shiremanstown Historical Society (SHS) to house their first museum in the
Shiremanstown Campus building. Created three years ago, this non-profit
organization has been searching for a home for their new museum for almost
two years. Both River Rock and SHS are community minded and hope this will
be a benefit to students as well as residents in the local area.
Artifacts will be placed in both the display case in the school lobby and a
conference room that will serve as a SHS meeting place. The museum will be
located in part of this large room. A collection of Pennsylvania history books
donated by Mike Weaver, five-time author and president of SHS, will be
housed in the museum area. Members of the community and River Rock
students will have access to the library of books to study.
The museum will display several artifacts including the town’s original fire
hose cart. It was originally owned by the newly formed Fire Company in 1909
after a fire destroyed a large part of the town a year earlier. This display will
also contain the 1000 plus pound fire bell that hung in the second story belfry
of the first firehouse in the center of town.
The River Rock lunch room will be used by the SHS for evening
programming including their annual banquet in October. They are planning a
kickoff dinner and Patriotic Concert for May 21st that will begin a weekend of
small town activities honoring the armed forces titled “The Star Spangled
Salute to the Military.” River Rock looks forward to the opportunity to reach
out to the community along with the Shiremanstown Historical Society.
Page 4
River Rock Gator
Carlisle Campus Open House
River Rock Academy’s Carlisle
Campus had the opportunity to
welcome guests to an Open House in
November. Numerous school district
representatives and other visitors
received tours and a delicious lunch.
Students William Hunter, Jack
Marino, Franchesca Reed and
Shanae Rogers did a fabulous job
giving informative tours. Thank you
to everyone who took the time to
visit the Carlisle Campus Open
House.
River Rock Gator
Page 5
River Rock Students of the Month
The Students of the Month for November and December have been
announced. Students are selected based on their behavior, grades, attendance
and positive attitude. Congratulations and keep up the great work!
November
Carlisle Campus
Kaytlynne
Nastelli & Seth
Lynch
December
Carlisle Campus
Aaron MarcumDecter & Jack
Marino
Day Treatment Campus
Day Treatment Campus
Jiquelle Kinnard
& Rebekah Shy
Davon Brown
& Rayvon
Smokes
Hellam Campus
Hellam Campus
Katie Danner &
Dwayne Wolfe
(not pictured)
Brianna Wingenroth
& Joseph Metzgar
(not pictured)
Newville Campus
Newville Campus
Brandon Iser &
Jacob Shank
Dylan Cooper
Shiremanstown Campus
Shiremanstown Campus
Alexandra
McCullough &
Brian Quigley
Laura Morgan
& Ricky
Anstead
Spring Grove Campus
Spring Grove Campus
Paul Pietrusza &
Ryan Blum
Kyle Jefferies &
Tyrone Frey
River Rock Academy
“Fit”
It is hard to believe that the
school year is more than half over.
Time has really flown by. I think
one of the reasons that it has seemed
to fly by is how busy and successful
each of the programs have been.
At River Rock we added two
new programs this year. Newville
and Carlisle Programs have both
enjoyed very strong years to this
point with regards to service delivery
as well as measurable outcomes.
This is not what you might expect
from two “new” programs but new
is not really an accurate way to
characterize either program.
Both directors have over 20
years experience in our field. All of
our staff members who have been
hired have previous experience.
They have all been handpicked. All
of them have an understanding of
what it takes to fit into our culture
because they have worked for us in
another capacity or we have worked
with them in other places. “Fit” is
very important.
The most important part of being
successful in our field is that the
folks working with our kids and
families truly care. Each and every
one of our staff members must be
willing and able to establish positive
relationships with our students.
Having these types of staff in place
creates a very pleasant culture in all
of our schools. We believe our team
is the best.
I can honestly say that if any of
my own kids would ever be in need
of alternative education services, I
would want them to attend River
Rock Academy!
Bob Howard
COO
Page 6
River Rock Gator
River Rock Perfect Attendance
The students listed below had perfect attendance for
November and December. They were rewarded with a
River Rock snack gift card.
Students who had perfect monthly attendance and
spent no time in the resource room were entered in to a
Carlisle Campus
November
Correa, Luis*; Fanzo, Jeremiah;
McAdoo, Kerra; Stough, Devin;
Tennant, Shakur
December
Brooks, Raekwon; Correa, Luis;
Larrimore, Nafee; Martin, Patrick;
Nastelli, Kaytlynne; Shindel, Kyle;
Stackfield, DeVante; Stough, Devin*
Day Treatment
November
Ambris, Mario; Bell, Jordan;
Danner, Cody*; Kinnard, Jiquelle;
Meiler, Christian; Owens, Anthony;
Shy, Rebekah
December
Brough, Sierra*; Hibbard, Codi;
Meiler, Christian; Owens, Anthony;
Shy, Rebekah; Testerman, Tyler
Hellam Campus
November
Allison, Louis; Banks, Rachelle;
Bell, Colin; Blair, Austin; Casteel,
Blake; Gonzalez, Chris; Hammond,
John; Maldonado, Margarita;
Markle, Joseph; McMillion, Aaron;
contest. One student from each campus was selected at
random. November winners received $25 Pizza Hut and
Subway gift cards and the December winners received $50
gift cards to Borders. Contest winners have a * next to
their name. Congratulations to all the students!
Miller, Brandon; Quattlebaum,
Aleesa; Quinley Jr., Richard;
Redcay, Curtis*; Shue, Joseph
December
Allison, Louis; Arnold, Kyle; Bell,
Colin; Casteel, Blake; Edwards,
Joshua*; Gonzalez, Chris;
Maldonado, Margarita; Markle,
Joseph; McMillion, Aaron; Redcay,
Curtis; Reidt, Codie; Stanton,
Zachary; Wagner, Robert;
Wingenroth, Brianna
Newville Campus
November
Armolt, Gary; Avila, Johnathon;
Bastow, Tyler; Bellows, Jacob; Cox,
Jr., Joel; Franklin, Kyle*; Iser,
Brandon; Lepperd, Jonathan;
Nelson, Spencer
December
Estright, Richard; Franklin, Kyle;
Jenkins, Nygel; Lepperd, Jonathan*;
Mangum, Joshua; Mellott, Jason;
Parks, Morgan; Ross, David;
Walker, Alex
Shiremanstown Campus
November
Bahn, Kody; Boyer, Chandran;
Diller, Jr., Brian*; Grosser, Ty;
Howell, Nicole; Larimer, Brian;
McCullough, Alexandra; Quigley,
Brian; Rivera, Andrew; WicksForman, Tasha; Youmans, Robert
December
Anstead, Ricky; Bahn, Kody; Boyer,
Chandran; Larimer, Brian;
McCullough, Alexandra; Parisi,
Aubriana*; Quigley, Brian; Sproul,
Samantha; Thorne, Anna; WicksForman, Tasha; Youmans, Robert
Spring Grove Campus
November
Collins, Samantha; Dietz, Tucker;
Dittenhafer, Joseph; Flinchbaugh,
Cassie; Garman, Jonathan; Gibson,
Jason*; Guinto, Darren; Herman Jr.,
Robert; Martin, Deja; Mennapace,
Donald; Pietrusza, Paul; Rausch,
Henry; Regula, Alexis; Seitz,
Patrick; Sentz, Dustin; Thomas,
Robert; Warren, Ean; Wilson, Adam
December
Barrett, Dylan; Blum, Ryan*;
Bowles, William; Clark, Brandon;
Collins, Samantha; Dittenhafer,
Joseph; Flinchbaugh, Cassie; Guinto,
Darren; Lewis, Hazel; Oberdick,
David; Pietrusza, Paul; Spangler,
Corey; Thomas, Robert; Warren,
Ean; Wilson, Adam; Zeigler, Trae
Looking Ahead
February 12
February 15
March 5
March 26
April 1
April 2
April 5
Staff in-service training - early dismissal
President’s Day - school closed
(Possible snow make-up day)
Staff in-service training - early dismissal
Staff in-service training - early dismissal
Staff in-service training - early dismissal
Easter Break - school closed
Easter Break - school closed
(Possible snow make-up day)
April 30
May 21
May 31
June 3
June 9
June 9
Staff in-service training - early dismissal
Staff in-service training - early dismissal
Memorial Day - school closed
Adams/York County Graduation
Cumberland/Dauphin/Franklin/Perry
County Graduation
Last day of school
River Rock Gator
Page 7
November & December Staff of the Month
River Rock Academy is pleased
to announce the November and
December Staff of the Month, Tony
Brady and Regina Fisher.
November’s Staff of the Month
is Mr. Brady, a Behavior Manager at
the Spring Grove Campus. He was
chosen because of the strong
relationships he develops with
students and staff, his positive work
ethic and the sense of humor and
patience he shares with students
every day.
Co-worker and teacher Chantal
Williams recently commented,
“When I think of the River Rock
mission “Change, Effect, Improve”
and I think about the staff member
who implements these principles
with students, one person definitely
stands out in my mind – Tony Brady.
He builds positive relationships with
students while holding them
accountable for behavior. I know the
students value his presence in their
lives.”
Mr. Brady also works part-time
at the YMCA of Hanover and enjoys
weight training. He regularly cheers
on his two athletic sons, one who
plays basketball for York College
and the other who is a member of the
football team at Shippensburg
University.
Regina Fisher, December Staff
of the Month, is a LIU Teacher at the
Hellam Campus and holds a
Bachelor of Arts in Special
Education and both a Bachelor of
Arts and Masters in Psychology
from Millersville University. She
works hard to make positive
connections with her students and
plans interesting weekly hands-on
activities for her classroom. Mrs.
Fisher shows her dedication by being
one of the last staff members to
leave each day on a daily basis and
by achieving perfect attendance last
school year. She is on track to do the
same this year as well.
Mrs. Fisher enjoys being part of
the team at the Hellam Campus. She
shares, “The staff is the most
supportive I have ever worked with
in Alternative Education. No matter
what the situation that may arise,
there is always someone there to
encourage, back you up, cheer you
up, give advice, talk things over or
give you space. I work with a group
of people that are at the top of their
profession in knowledge and
expertise as well as being
professional.”
Community is very important to
Mrs. Fisher and she shows that by
being very involved with her local
fire department, food bank, girl
scouts and church. In her spare time,
Regina’s passion is renovating her
19th century farmhouse in Columbia
with her husband.
Congratulations to both Mr.
Brady and Mrs. Fisher! River Rock
commends you for your hard work
and commitment! Tony Brady
Regina Fisher
Field Trip Fun
Page 8
River Rock Gator
Students Help with Toy Drive
Sight and Sound Visit
As part of River Rock’s commitment to Community Partnership, both the
Spring Grove Campus and Day Treatment Program recently participated in the
Adams County Holiday Family Outreach. On December 10th, students moved
more than 2,500 toys to the basement of St. James Lutheran Church in
Gettysburg in preparation for Toy Day.
On December 12th, hundreds of families in need who had been invited
received toys and food certificates. Each child under
12 received toys, stocking stuffers, a hat, gloves and
scarf. Families also received a bag of fruit from Rice
Fruit Company and other donated food items.
The experience of helping with this project was a
valuable one. River Rock Counselor Ryan Wall said,
“It was very rewarding for many of the students to be
able to give back to the community. Those students
who are usually on the receiving end of gifts had
their eyes opened to the fact that there are many kids
close to their age who are really in need.”
Students from the Hellam,
Spring Grove and Day Treatment
Campuses recently received a
private tour from current actors of
Sight and Sound Theatres in
Lancaster. They had the opportunity
to go backstage where they saw
dressing rooms, costumes and
completed sets. Students viewed sets
for upcoming productions being
built and learned about the different
audio, lighting and technology
utilized to produce a show. Meeting
the animal trainer and many of the
animals who appear in the
performances was another highlight
of the day. Thank you to Sight and
Sound Theatres for providing this
unique and special opportunity for
our students.
Coaches Corner
Teamwork is the name of the game for Andre Anderson both on the court
and in the classroom. As a Behavior Manager at River Rock Academy’s
Carlisle Campus, Mr. Anderson attributes the success of the program to each
staff member’s commitment to being on the same team. Since taking on the
position of Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Cumberland Valley this
season, he is building a young team by trying to promote the concept of
teamwork on the court. Mr. Anderson strives to help his players develop a
winning mentality and believe in what they can achieve.
As a young man, Mr. Anderson had much experience as a player on the
court. After succeeding at Carlisle High School, he went on to play Division
One Basketball at the University of Vermont as a guard from 1999 – 2003.
Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Mr. Anderson
returned to Carlisle to coach at his alma mater, where he remained for five
years, and to build his career in the Alternative Education field.
At River Rock, Mr. Anderson persistently works to show students the path
to success. “I try hard to be a good role model and build relationships,” he
says. Carlisle Campus Director Steve Cutia often receives positive comments
from members of the community, where students participate in local service
projects alongside Mr. Anderson, and from parents. Mr. Cutia comments, “Mr.
Anderson goes above and beyond in so many ways, always going the extra
mile and taking relationships with students to another level.”
Mr. Anderson was married this past summer and in addition to spending
time with his wife, he
enjoys playing basketball
and golf and cheering for
Penn State and the Kansas
City Chiefs. Best wishes to
Mr. Anderson and his team
as they continue their
basketball season!
River Rock Gator
Speaker Spotlight
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Page 9
Thank You Chief Quickel
The relationship River Rock
Academy has developed with the
Hellam Township Police Department
over the past five years has been an
extraordinary one. Chief of Police
Blaine Quickel has played an
important role in this partnership that
created positive communication
between officers and students.
Officers from the Hellam Township
Police Department regularly stop by
the Hellam Campus to be available
for students to talk, give advice and
form relationships.
At the conception of River Rock
Academy which began its first school
year in Hellam in 2005, there were
some concerns from the community
about the program. Chief Quickel met
with River Rock administration and
committed to doing everything he
could to make River Rock’s presence
a positive experience for the students,
staff and community. He learned
from his prior experience as a police
officer in York City, where he
participated in the ‘Officer Friendly’
program, and as Chief of Police in
Wrightsville for 24 years how
important it is to work with kids.
When River Rock Academy CEO
Steve Capoferri approached Chief
Quickel five years ago about creating
a partnership, he was immediately
interested. Chief Quickel says, “I
liked the idea because I have learned
anytime an officer can interact with
students, it is positive. The Hellam
officers enjoy these interactions and
always feel their presence is
welcomed by the friendly staff.”
Officer Drew Hiestand has spent
time at the Hellam Campus and when
asked what is rewarding for him he
said, “I enjoy when I see any of the
kids trying to improve themselves.”
The formation of relationships has
developed trust and led to the positive
culture between students and the
officers. Steve Capoferri says, “I
cannot tell you how many times over
the years students reached out to
officers, confiding in them and asking
for advice. A few years ago we even
had a student involved in a car
accident outside of Hellam who
called a Hellam officer to seek his
advice and guidance because that
positive relationship had been
established.”
As Chief Quickel prepares to
retire from the Hellam Township
Police Department where he has been
since 2003, River Rock would like to
take the opportunity to thank him for
being a great friend and advocate for
our school and the students. He has
continuously made his officers
available to be part of the River Rock
team and when a new campus was
opened in 2007 in Spring Grove,
Chief Quickel was instrumental in
helping the same type of relationship
be formed with the Southwestern
Regional Police Department.
Retirement plans for Chief
Quickel and his wife Barb include a
move to the southern end of North
Carolina where he can enjoy golfing
in warmer temperatures. He is most
excited for the opportunity to spend
more time with his daughter, son-inlaw and two young grandchildren
who live in the south and hopes for
many visits from his son, daughter-in
-law and granddaughter who live in
Delaware.
River Rock Academy wishes
Chief Quickel the very best and
thanks him for playing such an
instrumental role in the partnership
between the Hellam Campus and the
Hellam Township Police Department.
Chief Blaine Quickel chats with
Hellam Campus students Colin Bell
and Richard Quinley
River Rock Academy
Administration
268 West Beaver Street
Suite 109B
Hellam, PA 17406
Three basic behavioral norms that are the foundation of River Rock Academy are:
• No student has the right to hurt, intimidate, or ridicule another student.
• Education and the classroom are sacred.
• Our school is sacred and we will always protect its property and belongings.
January 2010
Campus Happenings
Shiremanstown
Campus
• Playing Scrabble with residents
at Messiah Village
• Sorting and organizing clothing
for the Salvation Army
Carlisle Campus
• Many items
were collected
during a school
wide food drive and delivered to Project
Share
• Mr. Howard looks confident as students
catch him during the Trust Fall
Newville
Campus
• Science
experiment time in Ms. Nancarvis’
classroom
• Learning about fire equipment as part
of a fire safety presentation from
Friendship Hose Company
Hellam Campus
• Students attend
Veterans Day
Event honoring hundreds of
Pennsylvania Veterans in Memorial
Hall
• Licensed beautician Pat Hubbard
shares hygiene and beauty tips
Day Treatment
• Mr. Williams’
class plays a
team building game called Mine Field
• Rebakah Shy wears goggles that
simulate blindness as part of a visit
from the 4H Seeing Eye Puppy Club
Spring Grove Campus
• Learning about the universe at the NASA
Goddard Space Flight Center outside of
Washington DC
• Harvesting the Garden of Hope to provide
food for the homeless