Summer 2016 - Avsdweb.org

Summer 2016
Avenews
News from the Allegheny Valley School District
Salutatorian Katrina Papanastasiou (left) and Valedictorian Victoria Bonidie (right) prepare for
Springdale High School’s 2016
graduation ceremony.
Inside...
Page 2...
Superintendent’s
Message
Page 2...
Hall of Fame
Page 3...
District Highlights
Page 6... In Our Schools
Page 10...
Joins Remake
Learning
Page 15... Dynamo Educational Foundation
Family and friends filled the Marshall Auditorium as the 84th graduating class of Springdale High School marched to their seats. As
the ceremony started, the 75 members of the
Class of 2016 began their last official event
as Allegheny Valley students.
“Today is a day of celebration,” Principal
Michele Welter told the class, “you’re beginning a new life...I am filled with hope for all
of you.”
Valedictorian Victoria Bonidie told her
classmates that “the only thing constant is
change.” She reminded them that “how you
respond to those changes will affect your
life.” She urged her classmates to take the
initiative, stating that “I believe the Class of
2016 is resilient and will be able to handle
everything that comes our way.” Salutatorian Katrina Papanastasiou
reflected that ”we have the friendships built
in these hallways to get us through.” She
challenged her classmates to become “happy
and successful Springdale alumni.”
Superintendent Patrick Graczyk addressed the class, noting that “you have
accomplished a great many things.” He
detailed successes and honors that were
attained throughout the class’s years in the
District.
This class earned more than $2.4 million
in scholarships, amassed over 3,700 hours of
community service, and donated thousands
of dollars to charities. “These moments
were gifts...live in these moments. Embrace
them,” he told them.
Papanastasiou, also the Senior Class
President, returned to the microphone and
explained to the class that “we now move on
to the next steps in our lives. I wish each of
you good luck.”
For the pride that they have brought to
the District, congratulations and best wishes
are extended to all members of the Class of
2016. Superintendent’s Message
Dear Allegheny Valley School District Community
Member:
Serving the Allegheny Valley School District as
Superintendent is a humbling and exciting experience. I look forward to building stronger relationships
with our wonderfully talented students, enthusiastic
teachers, supportive families, and proud community
members as we lead our great School District into the
future.
As a District, we dedicated much thought and effort designing a Comprehensive Plan that focuses on
technology and mathematics, as well as college and
career readiness. Just this year, we gained national
recognition for our STEAM learning center, Create U,
at Acmetonia Primary School; Springdale Jr-Sr High
School welcomed well-deserved recognition as a U.S
News & World Report Bronze Medalist, confirming
it as one of the top performing high schools in the
country; and Colfax Upper Elementary School teachers received several grants to support and build their
programs.
Our very own Mrs. Sheldon was recognized as a
Champion of Learning award winner for her music
and choral work at Acmetonia and Colfax, and the
Class of 2016 earned more than $2.42 million in
scholarships. Proudly, our District kicked off a 1:1
iPad initiative as well as reinvesting professional development time toward learning more about how students learn mathematical skills. Additional achievements are recognized throughout this newsletter.
From all that has occurred this school year alone, I
know that you can see why there is so much pride in
the District. I realize these accomplishments provide
The Allegheny Valley School District inducted its
Alumni Hall of Fame, Class of 2015, on Saturday,
April 11. Developed to recognize, celebrate, and
honor those alumni who have distinguished themselves through public service, academic achievement, and professional contributions, these alumni
serve to enhance the prestige and excellence of the
school district.
2
Richard W. Pospistle (attended 1940-1953) - Richard W. Pospistle graduated from Springdale High
School in 1953. He attended Carnegie Institute of
Technology, graduating with a degree in Chemistry in 1957. He secured a position with West Penn
Power as a plant engineer for starting up a new
power plant. His career was interrupted when he
Superintendent
Patrick Graczyk
speaks at the
Allegheny Valley
School District
2016 Graduation
Ceremony.
only a glimpse of the incredible programs and staff
influencing our students at Allegheny Valley. However, these acknowledgements describe the benefits
of an Allegheny Valley Education.
I ask in all we do, to keep our focus on student
learning. We need our children to have activity
options, to be safe at school, and to be respectful of
their peers, adults, and the community, yet we can
never lose sight that our purpose is to best serve our
student learners.
I look forward to continuing my work with the
teachers, staff, parents, and our outstanding Board
of Education to establish beneficial and longstanding partnerships to advance the vision of the Allegheny Valley School District.
Sincerely,
Patrick M. Graczyk,Superintendent of Schools
Alumni Hall of Fame
The 2016 Alumni Hall of Fame inductees from left
to right: Richard W. Pospistle, Jeffrey Sheldon, and
Craig Turley.
was drafted into the US Army serving as a research
chemist at their Medical Research and Nutrition
Laboratory. After his discharge, Pospistle returned
to West Penn Power and com- (continued on page 10)
District Highlights
The Successes of 2015-2016
The theme of Celebrating Our Past...Inspiring
Our Future encouraged the school community to
celebrate 50 years of the Allegheny Valley School
District, how the District shaped graduates, and how
alumni stories can inspire students as they build
their own futures. This year, education in the District took another step forward as additional technology, initiatives, and creative teaching ideas were
brought to classrooms. Now, the District takes time
to celebrate the following achievements:
• Allegheny Valley was awarded over $55,000 in
various grants throughout the school year. One of
the largest, the Center for Creativity (Grable/Benedum Foundations) STEAM Grant, was accepted
for $20,000 for a FitBit program at Springdale Jr-Sr
High School. STEAM grants are awarded to projects that demonstrate innovative and unique initiatives that engage students in Science, Technology,
Engineering, Art, and Mathematics projects.
• Springdale Jr-Sr High School was awarded a
Bronze Medal in the U.S. News & World Report’s
Best High Schools. The group ranked more than
21,000 public high schools in 50 states and the
District of Columbia and awarded Gold, Silver, and
Bronze medals based on state proficiency standards
and how well schools prepare students for college.
The Class of 2016
earned more than
$2.2 million in
scholarships and
accepted over
$1.16 million of
that amount.
The top 31% of schools were honored with award
medals.
• Allegheny Valley School District ranked 49th
overall in the annual Pittsburgh Business Times’
Honor Roll ranking of 104 southwestern Pennsylvania school districts. Rankings are based on PSSA
scores for the past three years, with the most current
year’s scores weighted the greatest.
• The 75 members of the Class of 2016 earned
more than $2.42 million in scholarships, accepting
over $1.16 million of that amount. This fact makes
the class the 18th to collect over $1 million and
the 12th to receive over $2 million in scholarship
money.
Sophomore Brogan McCutcheon
finished in 1st
Place at the
Pennsylvania
Junior Academy
of Science Competition.
• One SHS student participated in the state Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Competition
finishing in 1st Place at the Pennsylvania State
University.
• One hundred and nine students were acknowl-
(continued on page 11)
Allegheny Valley Holds Drill
The Allegheny Valley School District continued its
annual drill program, joining with community emergency management agencies to conduct a large-scale
emergency drill. These drills have become a regular
and necessary part of the Emergency Management
Plan since 2009. This year, the drill evacuated
Colfax Upper Elementary School to an alternative
location.
Planning began in the fall with the local emergency management coordinator. Training for
school district staff, establishment of a scenario, and
working through communication items completed
preparations throughout the school months.
The drill brought together more than 12 Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs) and two
community partners to stage and execute the scenario. Four areas were utilized - Colfax School, the
evacuation location, the student-parent reunification
site, and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
All areas had specific duties and processes that were
tested.
Colfax staff, students, and parents, along with
(continued on page 13)
Local EMAs
participate in
the Emergency
Management
drill held at
Colfax Upper
Elementary
School.
3
Congratulations to the Class of 2016
Amy Lynn Altmeyer
Daniel Andrejko
Andrew Joseph Armour
Jade Ashley Ashton
Leah Nicole Barraclough
Ashlynn Marie Blasco
Blazino, Robert
Victoria Elizabeth Bonidie
Lauren Elizabeth Boyd
Michael Frank Bozick
Shane Buccieri
Joseph Michael Burns
Ashton Michael Caldwell
Alexander Anthony Conte
Rachel Leigh Crail
Kelley Rose DeSantis
Taylor Elizabeth Frantz
Jessica Lee Fraser
Katherine Renee Garrigan
Julianna Elizabeth Gerhard
Jillian Mae Henley
Casey Nicole Hughes
Phoenix Elizabeth Izzo
Bryan Robert Jae
Daniel Jonathan Lee Jordan Jr.
4
Paige Kiser
Caitlin Anne Krimbel
Marcus Anthony Krstonich
Kenneth William Lechner
Joshua Lawrence Lepish
Eric Stanley Lovic
Maria Maxine Lucas
John Grace Lyons
Dante James Mahlmeister
Stephanie Anne Manning
Dominic Joseph Mason
Shelby Ann Matisz
Morgan Delaney McClafferty
Collin Michael McClaine
Rachel Renee McCormick
Sarah Grace McCue
Ian Joseph McCutcheon
Kirsten Eileen McGarry
Austin Douglas Merritt
John Tanner Michael
Mariah Michaelson
Justin Taylor Morris
Abigayle Joeliene Myford
Michael Joshua Nesbitt
Sarah Elizabeth Oaks
Alexander James Pane
Katrina Ann Papanastasiou
Payton Lynn Patterson
Hayley Skye Perle
Kaylee Marie Podmilsak
Rachel Ann Queck
Navada Radovitch
Tyler Dale Robbins
Tylere Michael Schreckengost
Thomas Anthony Secor
Maxwell Clay Shaginaw
Jacob Rodney Shrader
Zachery John Simcic
Taylor Nicole Smajda
Andrew Anthony Stawinski
Ashley Louise Stayduhar
Dana Rhea Sweazy
Samantha Nicole Terry
Alexis Louise Thomm
Emilee Marie Thompson
Alyssa Nicole Tocco
Marshall Allen Utiss Jr.
Alyssa Lee Vansach
Joel Taylor Wunnenberg
Milana Ray Yaksich
Charles Eric Zimmerman
Senior Moments...
As the Class of 2016 leaves Springdale Jr-Sr High
School, they can be proud of the following accomplishments:
- Springdale Jr-Sr High School graduated 75 students in 2016.
- Approximately 42 percent of the class received
scholarships. The sources were:
College/university/
post-secondary scholarships $1,914,784
Armed Service Scholarships
248,400
Local Scholarships
77,836
TOTAL: $2,421,020
- Approximately $1,161,788 in 2016 scholarships
were accepted by seniors.
- The post-secondary plans of the graduating class:
- 73 % pursuing four-year college degrees
- 0 % entering a junior college or community college, then planning to transfer to a
baccalaureate degree program.
- 3 % enrolled in business/technical schools
- 3 % entering the Armed Services
- 8 % entering the job market
- 13 % undecided
- Students will attend 25 different universities, colleges, and technical schools, and enter two branches
of the military.
- Students have registered for 37 areas of study at
the post-secondary institutions.
- The Class of 2016 completed in excess of 3,700
hours of community service.
A Graduate’s Comments...
“Well, I’m from Springdale so you can’t expect
much from me.”
You have no idea how many times I’ve heard
that. I’ve come to understand that students assume
that going to a small school automatically means
that they’re going to a sub-par school. I guess it’s up
to me and my fellow graduates and every Springdale
alumnus to disprove this.
“I don’t know for sure what my future holds,”
one of my classmates told me,
“but I feel as though AVSD
has prepared me to handle
whatever comes my way.” I
would just like to know what
Senior Ian McCutcheon
provides his thoughts for the
future of the Class of 2016.
exactly is coming my way.
I’m nervous. It’s nerve-racking to look into
the unknown. The future seems pretty intimidating
for a lot of us at the moment. It’s expansive and
mysterious. Some of my classmates have their futures mapped out. Personally, I’m jealous. I know
that eighty percent of college students change their
major. That pretty accurately reflects the confusion
that high school students feel as they move into the
next stage of their lives. Odds are I’ll be one of
the eighty percent, struggling to figure out where
exactly I fit in.
I’m ready. If helping out with the AVSD Hall
of Fame taught me anything, it was that I’ve been
given the tools to succeed. Springdale alumni are
all around the world, flourishing in their careers,
be it medicine, education, research, athletics, or
(continued on page 10)
5
District Holds Fourth 5K Event
Allegheny Valley held its fourth Steps to Awareness
5K event on Saturday, April 30. Students, staff, and
community members once again came together to
participate in the run/walk and bring awareness to
the special needs of District students.
Over the years, the 5K has become a positive
way to educate the members of the community
about the special needs of young people. The goals
for the event continue to be to: spread awareness
about disabilities, provide an opportunity for community members to meet and interact with students,
bring the community together, and raise funds for
programs that support District students.
Over 300 individuals participated as runners,
volunteers, spectators, and members of the Dynamo
Village. The Village brings together members of
the community to provide activities and information tables on various special needs programs. These
individuals create a special part to support the 5K’s
mission. Proceeds from the event go to the District’s Special Education program.
The funds raised over the years have enabled
District students to participate in activities geared
toward students with disabilities. Students have
taken field trips to the Children’s Museum, attended
sensory-friendly versions of theater productions,
practiced skills, and learned job training skills in the
District programs. The Steps to Awareness 5K continues to be a
wonderful opportunity for the entire school community. Special thanks are extended to all who
contributed to help make the event possible.
Allegheny Valley Hosts Career Fair
As part of the career-ready initiative, Allegheny
Valley hosted a Career Fair in March for students in
grades 5, 7, 8, and 9. Coordinated through the Guidance Department, the event invited business professionals from various careers to the high school to
discuss their jobs, background, and responsibilities
with students.
6
Dynamo
Education
Foundation
Board Member Susan
Brozek-Scott
speaks to
students
about
careers in
Communications.
Sponsored by the Dynamo Education Foundation, the day featured careers in: law enforcement,
communications, banking, business & finance,
military service, chemistry & petrochemical, social work, and several more. The participants were
set up at tables throughout Springdale Jr-Sr High
School’s multi-purpose room. Students were able to
move among the tables and interact with the professionals.
The guidance counselors utilized information
from the PA Standards to select career clusters that
should be represented. The event was introduced by
counselors meeting with students in their classrooms
to discuss the program, student responsibilities, and
expectations.
Comments from the participants, teachers, and
students were very positive. So much so, the committee hopes to continue the event. With a solid
foundation, the committee can work to improve the
event for students in years to come.
Staff Members Honored Financial Update:
Elementary Vocal
Music Teacher
Jayne Sheldon
(right) and Physical Education/
Health teacher
Brett Slezak
(below right)
were honored by
the Champions of
Learning Program.
During the last semester of
the 2016-17 school year,
two staff members were
honored for their contributions to education. Teachers Jayne Sheldon and Brett
Slezak were recognized by
the Consortium for Public
Education in their Champions of Learning Program.
The awards honor “individuals, organizations, and businesses that create
and support extraordinary learning opportunities for
youth throughout our region.”
Slezak has been working for Allegheny Valley
as a physical education/health teacher at Springdale Jr-Sr High School for nine years. He has been
instrumental in bringing grants and new programs to
the District. In fact, he is a primary reason that the
department has been recognized throughout the area
and state for its innovative program. Most recently,
Slezak was awarded a grant to bring FitBits to the
school for students and leads The Future Is Mine
activity for students. Slezak was named as a finalist
in the Technology category.
The Consortium awarded Sheldon the top honor
in the Arts category. The elementary vocal music
teacher, Sheldon has been a member of the Allegheny Valley School District for 26 years. Besides
teaching music, She also directs grade-level choirs
and the award-winning Chamber Singers group.
Sheldon has been instrumental in bringing the Create U project to fruition, serving on its STEAM
Team and working to bring additional technology
and grants to support the program.
In addition, Slezak and Sheldon’s honors were
acknowledged by the District’s School Board with
Extra Mile Awards. Congratulations are extended
to both educators. They continue to serve as excellent representatives of the Allegheny Valley School
District.
the 2016-2017 Budget
At their June 20 meeting, the Allegheny Valley School Board approved an operating budget
for the 2016-2017 school year. In the amount of
$21,468,293, this budget is an increase of 2.89% or
$602,153 over the 2015-16 budget. Local revenue
for this budget will be provided by a real estate tax
of 20.3494 mills, one half of 1% earned income tax,
one-half of 1% real estate transfer tax, and $5.00 local emergency service tax. The budget does not call
for a millage increase for taxpayers.
Work on a budget begins months before it is approved. The process begins before school opens,
with suggested budgets from the various buildings and departments due to the business office in
December. Meetings and reviews on budget information are held, with presentations provided to the
Board on a monthly basis.
Other Financial Considerations
The District continues to explore cost containment
and revenue generating opportunities. With 76%
of the annual budget tied to salaries (41%), benefits (26%), and debt service (9%). Administrators
and School Board Members closely examined the
remaining 24% to see what items can be reduced
without affecting the educational program.
2016-2017 Final Budget
Expenditures By Object
Salaries
41%
Employee Benefits
26%
Debt Service
9%
Purchased Professional &
Technical Services
5%
Transportation
5%
Supplies 5%
Other Purchased Services 3%
Repair/Maintenance
2%
Charter Schools
2%
Other/Fund Transfers Objects
1%
Equipment
1%
7
In Our Schools...
Springdale Jr-Sr High School
Honors Activities
For the 33rd time, Springdale Jr-Sr High School recognized students in grades 7-12 for their high academic records. One hundred and nine students were
awarded certificates for achieving 94% or above for
each of the first three nine weeks of the school year.
These students included: Grade 7 - twentythree students; Grade 8 - eighteen students; Grade
9 - sixteen students; Grade 10 - fifteen students; and
Grade 11 - twenty students. Seventeen seniors were
also honored, including nine who were recognized
for Honors Achievement each year of their career at
Springdale Jr-Sr High School.
Congratulations are extended to all students and
their families
for their commitment to
education.
Springdale JrSr High School
honored 109
students at the
Annual Honors
Banquet.
Student Wins Art Contest
The Congressional Institute annually sponsors a
national art contest for high school students. The
competition is intended to “recognize and encourage
artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional
district.” In 2016, the winner was Springdale Jr-Sr
High School student Alyssa Marsh.
With her painting of a 1960 Chevy with reflections of an American flag, Marsh won the honor of
having her art hang in the Capitol over the next year.
Two other SHS students, Alyssa Tocco and Lauren
Boyd, won Honorable Mentions in the contest.
Junior Alyssa Marsh brought back First Place honors in the 2016 Congressional Art Awards.
WPIAL Champion
Junior High Awards...
Junior Kevin Kondrit wins a WPIAL Championship
in swimming.
Sargent Jeffrey Sheldon was the guest speaker at this
year’s Junior High Awards Ceremony.
8
Each year, Springdale Jr-Sr High School coordinates
events to highlight awards won by students. The
Junior High School honors students who are recognized as outstanding students both within the District
and at the State and National levels.
This year, SHS welcomed alumnus Jeffrey
Sheldon to speak with students on the definition of
success and provide some advice to students as they
move on to the upper grades.
Springdale High student Kevin Kondrit brought another first to the school this year - a WPIAL Swimming Championship. On day one of the competition, with a time of 1:41.64, Kondrit placed first in
the 200 freestyle event. He also took home a 3rd
Place finish in the 100 freestyle. A new banner will
be placed in the McGhee Fieldhouse to record the
accomplishment.
Junior Collin Hurley also brought back a 3rd
Place finish in the 100 breaststroke event. It seems
the future of SHS swimming looks very bright.
Congratulations Dynamos.
Colfax Upper Elementary School
Food Drive for Fun Day
Colfax students carried on their end-of-year tradition
of Field Day, with a twist. This year’s event added
a service component that had students competing to
gather donations for the Lower Valley Food Bank.
Students were able to bring food items to the school
and the homeroom with the most donations won the
contest. Community members could also participate
by bringing donations directly to the SHS Athletic
Fields. Staff members ended up taking several van
loads to the Food Bank for summer distribution, allowing everyone involved to end up a winner.
Colfax students
completed group
work in the 2016
Science Olympiad.
Multi-grade teams
competed against
each other to build
their science skills
and have fun while
they learned.
Colfax Continues Olympiad
For the fifth year, Colfax Upper Elementary School
held its Science Olympiad. The event encompasses two
days, filled with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts. Students had fun learning
academic skills and lessons in teamwork and decisionmaking.
Students are placed onto multi grade-level teams
and begin months in advance with team-building activities, so they understand that everyone on the team has
a role. During the event, students answer questions,
complete experiments, and identify objects as part of
the various stations.
Colfax Upper Elementary students loaded the van with
donations to the Lower Valley Food Bank.
Acmetonia Primary School
Students Participate in End-of-the-Year Activities
Kindergarten Students Graduate
May brings not only graduation for Springdale High
seniors but also for the District’s youngest students.
Continuing an annual tradition, Kindergarten students commemorated the end of the school year with
their own graduation ceremony.
Family and friends packed the Acmetonia
gymnasium to help celebrate the conclusion of
this group’s first year of school. Students marched
onto the stage to receive their diplomas and end
their days in Kindergarten. Elementary Supervisor Gregory Heavner and the Kindergarten teachers
helped students on their way. The Class of 2028 has
69 very proud members.
Acmetonia Primary School students celebrated
the end of the 2015-2016 school year with some
fun activities - both in and out of their classrooms.
Students and their teachers participated in programs,
completed art projects, and worked with friends.
In addition, the students attended the annual
Field Day. Due to the weather, organizers had to rearrange some of the activities that had been planned.
Bounce rooms, races, and games were conducted
throughout the school and, at times, on the grounds.
Students also took time to visit with their classmates.
All of the activities allow the school year to end on a
very positive note.
As one of the many
activities throughout the school, second grade classes
tie-died t-shirts for
one of their end-ofyear activities.
9
District Joins Remake Learning Days
This year, Allegheny Valley participated in Remake
Learning Days, a week-long celebration that showcased everything that makes the greater Pittsburgh
region a recognized national leader in learning innovation. The Allegheny Intermediate Unit, courtesy
of the Grable Foundation, funded small grants to
support districts in showcasing the great work they
do. Allegheny Valley was awarded a grant for its
Create U project. The District was also selected, as
part of the ABC Create project, to highlight programs at Colfax Upper Elementary School.
Administrators brought the effort together to develop Learning Together, an Open House at Acmetonia Primary School that featured student presenta-
Springdale High Named
a Center of Excellence
10
With funding always in the back of the minds of
staff members, many seek out alternate ways to
finance programs and activities. Grants from various organizations have become a welcome source of
revenue to subsidize projects.
Most recently, Stratasys named Springdale Jr-Sr
High School a Learning Center of Excellence. Stratasys, a 3D printing solutions company, highlights
school programs for demonstrating excellence in
teaching, learning, impact, and results. Technology Education teacher John McDermott was given
the award for his Drone Drop project. The project
uses the engineering process for students to design a
tele-operated, 3D-printed mechanism that drops an
object from a drone.
“We are delighted to inform your that your submission has demonstrated that you are using additive manufacturing to truly impact learning and
innovation,” read the congratulations acknowledgement from Stratasys. “Our panel of global judges
deliberated long and hard around what it takes to be
a Stratasys Learning Center of Excellence – and the
projects your school is doing exceeded our criteria.” Springdale High is in good company among the
tions, projects, and student-taught lessons. Many
parents and students took the opportunity to visit the
school and learn more about District programs.
Hundreds of organizations took part in the
Remake Learning Days to show how education is
being transformed in the Pittsburgh region. Allegheny Valley was proud to play a part in the event.
Graduate’s Comments...
continued from page 5
entertainment. I’m not at a disadvantage because
I graduated from Springdale; actually the opposite
is true. A precedent for success has been set, and I
intend to follow it.
I’m willing to fight. Sports, school, friendships, work, life. I feel like Americans are born to
be fighters. Our country was founded on rebellion,
and a small town sort of exemplifies this. We’re
not rich. We’re not given a ton of respect. We’re
the underdogs. Yet we still find ways to succeed.
Springdale High School was recently ranked eighth
in Allegheny County on their Pennsylvania School
Performance Profile. We beat Pine-Richland. We
beat Gateway. (And while we’re here I might as
well mention that we were 16 places above Riverview.) Think of the school district officials who
stared at these results in disbelief as they saw
Springdale High School ranked ahead of them. I’m
not going to lie, I enjoy thinking about it.
I’m nervous. But I’m ready, and I’m willing to
fight. I’m eager to succeed in a world that won’t
expect me to. “I’m eager to prove that I can succeed,” a second classmate told me. “I don’t know
why people look down on Springdale,” another said.
“I know that I’ve learned what it takes to make it.”
Go ahead, bet against us anyway. Most people
would. After all, we’re from Springdale. You can’t
expect much from us. But if I were you, I wouldn’t
bet much.
Written by Ian McCutcheon, a Springdale Jr-Sr
High School 2016 Graduate who completed extra
coursework in journalism.
winners. Submissions from The State University of
New York at Stony Brook, The Pennsylvania State
University, MIT, and Moris Knolls High School
were selected from across the country as Learning
Centers of Excellence.
For their selection, McDermott’s program will be
awarded $5,000 in credit towards Stratasys materials, equipment or training. A terrific award for a
wonderful program. Congratulations to all.
Highlights...continued from page 2
edged at the 33rd Annual Honors Banquet for achieving
94% or above for the first three nine weeks of the school
year. Seventeen seniors were honored, including nine who
were recognized for Honors Achievement throughout their
time at Springdale Jr-Sr High School.
• Acmetonia Primary School’s Create U project was
awarded with a District of Distinction Award from District
Administration magazine. The publication awards national recognition to honor school districts that are leading the
way with new ideas that work. The publication looks to
Students use
materials in
Acmetonia’s Create U, named a
2016 District of
Distinction project by District
Administration
magazine.
recognize established initiatives that are yielding quantifiable benefits and that could be replicated by other districts.
• Two Allegheny Valley School District staff members
were acknowledged by the Teachers of Distinction program. One teacher was named a Finalist in the Technology category, while the other brought home the trophy in
the Arts category.
• Sixty-nine students in the Class of 2028 participated in
this year’s Kindergarten graduation events.
• The Class of 2016 volunteered over 3,700 hours of service to their community. The volunteer hours were completed through local churches, hospitals, fire departments,
community organizations, District events, and various
other commitments.
• Colfax Upper Elementary School students participated
in the fifth annual two-day, school-wide Science Olympiad. The Olympiad enabled all students to improve science
skills.
• Acmetonia Primary School held its annual Book Fair
incorporating a Family Night. Over 300 students and their
family members participated in activities and crafts and
purchased books to support their love of reading.
• The District organized its fourth 5K run to support its
Special Education Department and build a greater awareness for Autism. With the success of the program, the District has been able to sponsor activities and offer a summer
program that will provide AVSD students with disabilities
the opportunity to acquire job training and social skills
within their own community.
• One Junior student won 1st Place in the 2016 Congressional Art Show sponsored by Congressman Mike Doyle.
Two other students received Honorable Mentions in the
program. The winning artwork will hang in the Rotunda in
Washington, DC for one year.
• One Springdale High School student was congratulated
for his Summa Cum Laude performance on the National
Latin Examination. The Junior student missed two questions on the Latin III exam, for which he was awarded a
gold medal. The National Latin Exam, sponsored by the
American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League, is a 40-question, multiple-choice test with
a time limit of 45 minutes, offered to students on seven
levels.
• Springdale Jr-Sr High School hosted two DUI simulators courtesy of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Students
in grades 10 -12 were permitted to try the simulators to
show issues that may arise with impaired driving.
• The SHS Chapter of SADD was awarded a $1,000 grant
to run a Prom Promise campaign urging students to make
good decisions. The group used the money to rent a billboard in the community to highlight their message.
• The Combat Bot students took 5th and 6th Places (out
of 27 teams) in the regional competition. The teams each
consisted of two high school students.
• One Junior student won 5th place (individual) in the
Senior Division (grades 11 & 12) Propaganda Tournament
at the National Competition in Atlanta. In addition, one
seventh-grade student was part of a 4th Place Team in the
Middle Division (grades 7 & 8) Propaganda Tournament.
All students attending the National Competition must
qualify by placing in the top ten percent at a local competition.
• Springdale Jr-Sr High School’s Sea, Air, Land Team
placed first at the Penn State Electro-Optics Sea, Air, Land
Challenge. Eight students competed for SHS.
• One Sophomore student was accepted into the University of Pittsburgh’s Health Career Scholars Academy,
The SHS Sea, Air, Land Team won 1st Place at the
Penn State Electro-Optics Sea, Air, Land Challenge.
formerly known as the Pennsylvania Governor’s School
for Health Careers. She will attend this month-long residential program during the summer.
(continued on page 12)
11
• Eight Springdale Jr-Sr High School students
competed in the FBLA State Competition in Hershey in April.
• The Springdale Jr-Sr High School team competed in the Eastern Area Special Programs Consortium’s Middle School GeoBowl, winning 1st
Place in the “Where in the world?” portion of the
competition. The topics for the year included:
Canada, Mexico, United States of America, Bahamas, Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti,
and Puerto Rico. Six SHS students competed.
• The Allegheny Valley School District hosted a
Career Fair for students in grades 5, 7, 8, and 9.
Participants represented various career fields and
provided information for students.
members were also available for questions regarding what the school is doing with Arts & Bots kits.
• One Junior High student participated in the
Kevin Kondrit won the school’s first WPIAL Championship in swimming.
The SHS Chain Reaction Contraption Team made the “Top
8” in the Carnegie Science Center competition.
12
• Springdale Jr-Sr High School students built two
cars that participated in the NAGC Battery Car
Race and made the top 16 fastest cars, which qualified the students for the semi-finals. The Grade 8
car finished in 4th Place and the Grade 7 car finished in 10th Place. Seventy-five cars representing
14 schools participated.
• The SHS Chain Reaction Contraption Team
made the “Top 8” in the competition hosted at the
Carnegie Science Center. Thirty-five teams from
local high schools participated.
• Springdale Jr-Sr High School Senior and Junior
students took a field trip to the U.S. Holocaust
Memorial Museum in Washington, DC to further
study the topic of the Holocaust. Students also
took a brief tour of the Lincoln, World War II, and
Vietnam Memorials located at the National Mall.
• Three Springdale Jr-Sr High School staff members were invited to the National Science Foundation to participate in a presentation of research for
Arts & Bots. In conjunction with the CREATE
Lab from the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, the presentation was a “reverse
site visit” that had Springdale Jr-Sr High School
holding a small part of the main presentation. Staff
PMEA Junior High District Band Festival.
• One Grade 6 student and one Grade 7 student
were selected into the Seton Hill Youth Honors
Band. The Grade 7 student placed first in the
Trumpet section.
• Three Springdale Jr-Sr High School students
were selected to participate in this year’s Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Honor Choir at
Seton Hill.
• Six Springdale Jr-Sr High School students were
honored for their performance in the Eastern Suburbs Special Program Association (ESSPA) Vocal
Performance Competition, winning 2nd Place for
their group performance. Two additional students
won 2nd Place in the Duet Performance category.
• Springdale Jr-Sr High School’s Marching Band
won two of the competitive shows they attended.
At the Deer Lakes show, the group took 1st Place
and also won awards for Outstanding Music, Outstanding Visual, and Outstanding General Effect.
At the Norwin show, the Band took 1st Place, with
an Outstanding Visual award.
• One Springdale Jr-Sr High School Junior won
the WPIAL Championship in the 200-meter freestyle event with a time of 1:41.64. This same student won 3rd Place in the 100-meter freestyle. A
second Junior student won 3rd place in the 100-meter breaststroke event.
• Four SHS athletic teams extended their seasons
to participate in the WPIAL playoffs.
• Acmetonia Primary School had 57 students
(27%) of students participate in their Summer
Reading Program. Students earn prizes and incentives for their participation.
(continued on page 14)
Alumni Hall of Fame...continued from page 3
pleted advanced control systems training. During
his 37 years, he achieved the position of corporate
executive. In his lifetime, he published several
research papers. He was recognized by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Pospistle
volunteered his time in working with the Kittanning Jaycees and United Way. After retirement, his
volunteer activities reached another level. He created an award-winning website for his Springdale
Class of 1953. At both his retirement communities
and at nursing homes, he has performed keyboard
musicals for their enjoyment. He readily offers his
computer knowledge. Pospistle’s goal is to bring
smiles to the faces of others.
Jeffrey A. Sheldon (attended 1967-1980) –
Jeffrey A. Sheldon graduated from Springdale High
School in 1980. He secured a Bachelor of Arts
Degree from St. Vincent College and went on to
the Police Academy, securing a position with the
Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department. Sheldon
also received a Masters Degree in Criminology
from Indiana University and was invited to attend
the FBI National Academy. Over the course of his
30-year career, Sheldon has served as an instructor
for the Allegheny County Police Academy, establishing himself as an authority in his field; on the
Fugitive Task Force; with the G-20 Summit; and as
a part of the security team for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sheldon emphasizes giving back to the community through Public Safety Nights and projects
for the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute,
the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, and Presents
for Patients program. He has received special commendation from the county sheriff and received
the Allegheny County Deputy Sheriff’s Association
President’s Award. He inspires others through his
police service, giving back to his community, and his
generous spirit to help others.
Craig W. Turley (attended 1961-1973) - Craig
W. Turley graduated from Springdale High School in
1973. Upon graduation, he won an appointment to
the United States Naval Academy. He graduated and
was commissioned in 1977. He continued his education through the Naval Postgraduate School, where
he earned a Master of Science degree in Operations
Research, and was selected to attend the Naval War
College in Rhode Island, where he received a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic
Studies. Turley rose through the ranks to Captain,
serving on various assignments, and was deployed
to the Arabian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm.
He has been the recipient of numerous awards and
decorations, including the Legion of Merit, and had
command at sea and shore. He retired from active
service in 2007, but continues as the Director of the
Naval Postgraduate School San Diego Learning Center. Turley served his community with the Coronado
Youth Soccer League and the Islander Sports Foundation. He has excelled in his career, is respected by his
peers, and is committed to his country and community.
The District has a great history of successful
alumni. Not only do these individuals represent the
quality of education provided in the District, they
serve as role models for today’s students. Allegheny
Valley will soon begin its search for the next class of
alumni to be inducted. For more information, visit
the District’s web site at www.avsdweb.org.
Emergency Drill...continued from page 3
selected District staff members, played a role in
the drill, testing the various procedures in the plan.
Student accountability and communication processes were also evaluated. After the drill concluded,
all participants met to talk through the exercise, ask
questions, and receive clarifications.
While the annual drill was in process, Acmetonia Primary School and Springdale Jr-Sr High
School held lockdown drills to review procedures
in the other buildings. In addition, the smaller
drills also allowed for ALICE procedures to be
reviewed. Assessments were made, with changes
to be written into the plan. Student training on
ALICE will continue during the 2016-17 school
year.
As always, Allegheny Valley extends its thanks
to the many agencies who participated in the drills
and to all parents and members of the community
for their support.
Colfax principal Jennifer
Vecchio and
teacher Scott
Andrews
discuss procedures prior
to the drill at
Colfax Upper
Elementary
School.
13
2016-2017 District
Calendar
July 4, 2016 Independence Day Holiday (District Closed)
August 17, 2016
Clerical Day (Teachers Only)
August 18, 19, Staff Development
22, 2016 (Teachers Only)
August 24, 2016
First Day for Students
September 5, 2016
Labor Day (District Closed)
September 15, 2016
Acmetonia Open House (no school for Acme students)
September 22, 2016
Colfax Open House (no school for Colfax students)
September 29, 2016
SHS Open House (no school for SHS students)
October 21, 2016
Act 80 - Staff Development (Teachers Only)
November 4, 2016
Parent-Teacher Conferences (Teachers Only)
November 24-28, 2016 Thanksgiving Vacation
December 24, 2016 January 2, 2017
Holiday Break
January 16, 2017
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day/
Clerical Day (Teachers Only)
February 17, 2017
Staff Development (Teachers Only)
February 20, 2017
Presidents’ Day (District Closed)
March 10, 2017
Staff Development (Teachers Only)
April 13-17, 2017
Spring Break (District Closed)
April 28, 2017
Act 80 - Staff Development (Teachers Only)
May 29, 2017
Memorial Day (District Closed)
June 2, 2017 Graduation
June 2, 2017
Last Day for Students
June 5-6, 2017
Staff Development (Teachers Only)
June 7, 2017
Clerical Day (Teachers Only)
June 21, 2017
Kennywood Picnic (District Closed)
Local School Holidays: Nov. 25; Dec. 28, 29, 30;
April 14.
Weather/Emergency Makeup Days: February 20, April
13; add to end of year.
14
Highlights...
continued from page 12 • Sixteen SHS students (grades 10-12) are
involved with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s
Apprenticeship program.
• Springdale Jr-Sr High School’s Rachel’s Garden was acknowledged by Bar Marco in the Strip
District. The restaurant took vegetables from the
garden and incorporated them into a featured dish.
Bar Marco believes in helping students learn to
eat and cook properly and wanted to showcase
the hard work of Allegheny Valley School District
students.
• One Springdale Jr-Sr High School student was
invited to speak at the Junior Achievement annual
Board of Directors Meeting. The student provided a brief speech on what he had accomplished
with Junior Achievement, his experience, and how
it will help him in the future.
• District students participated in a number of
service projects during the 2015-2016 school
year, including: the National Honor Society led a
District-wide drive for the Toys for Tots program
and collected $600 for the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society’s Pasta For Pennies program; several
groups collected donations for the Lower Valley
Food Bank; the Family and Consumer Science
and Art students joined together to coordinate the
Empty Bowls project raising almost $400 for the
Lower Valley Food Bank. Allegheny Valley staff
contributed “Secret Santa” gifts for the Lower
Valley Food Bank and donated to building Angel Trees and the District’s ECHO Fund; Colfax
School’s Student Council held numerous Special
Theme Days to raise money for charity. Over the
course of the school year, funds were given to
numerous groups; Acmetonia students continued
their sponsorship of St. Jude’s Hospital and raised
$1,220 for their Math-A-Thon program, bringing
the total to over $55,549 that Acmetonia students
have donated since 1997. Staff members participated in the Jeans for Troops event and raised
money for the GI Go Fund; and the Allegheny Valley Education Association (AVEA) continued their
annual Dress Down Fridays, which donates funds
to the Lower Valley Food Bank.
The District congratulates all of its students and
staff members on this year’s accomplishments.
They continue to work hard to bring recognition
and esteem to Allegheny Valley. Parents, community members, and alumni should be extremely
proud of a job well done.
Foundation Holds Soccer Reunion 2
With the success of the 2015 event, the Dynamo
Education Foundation coordinated Soccer Reunion 2
as its main fund raiser for the year. Over 40 alumni
returned to the SHS soccer field to compete. “It’s a
great event,” commented one alumnus. “It’s just fun
participating and seeing everyone come out for a great
cause.” The players and volunteers liked the notion of
giving back to the school District.
This year’s event again began with a co-ed game of
current SHS students. Boys’ Varsity Coach Cesareo
Sanchez and Assistant Coach Paul Palo led the teams
as they showcased their skills. The alumni game
highlighted the day as the two teams reminded all in
attendance why soccer is such an important part of
Springdale High School history. With the success of
both Reunions, the Foundation’s Board continues to
explore ways to improve the event and bring it back
on a regular basis.
The Dynamo Education Foundation maintains its
concentration on raising funds for a Grant Program
that supports staff members and their classroom projects. Funding for the grants has come from a series
of events and donations. The Board Members have
also started a Business Partner program, which allows
businesses to support various projects in the District.
The group has begun approaching area businesses to
garner their support.
Additional events are developed and/or attended
by the Foundation’s Board of Directors to continue
to raise needed funds, to inform individuals about the
Foundation and its mission, and to support education
in Allegheny Valley. This past March, the Foundation
sponsored a Career Fair at the high school. Students
in the middle grades were able to meet with professionals in various career areas. The Foundation helped
to provide and secure participants for the event. “These types of programs are very important for
students and their futures,” commented Foundation
President Jim Caruso. “The Foundation strongly
believes that supporting education means to not only
support activities in the classrooms, but also larger
events that will have a lasting impact on students.”
For additional information or to make a donation, please
see the Foundation’s web site at: www.avsdweb.org.
(top) Former classmates battle it out on the field; (bottom)
More than forty alumni participated in the Soccer Reunion 2.
Get Involved...
Strong community support is needed in order for the
Dynamo Education Foundation to continue to support
educational programs and opportunities to the Allegheny Valley School District. Here’s how you can help:
Volunteer: The Foundation welcomes community members and alumni who would like to volunteer
on committess to plan, advertise, and carry out events.
Donate: Donations may be made directly to the Foundation. Checks should be made payable to
the Dynamo Education Foundation and sent to 300 Pearl Avenue, Cheswick, PA 15024.
Participate: Attend events to support the Dynamo
Education Foundation and its efforts.
Support: Businesses, community groups, and indi-
viduals can support various efforts of the Foun dation through its Partnership Program.
Learn more about the Dynamo Education Foundation and its programs and activities by visiting www.
avsdweb.org
Allegheny Valley
School District
300 Pearl Avenue
Cheswick, PA 15024
Our Mission: The mission of the Allegheny Valley
School District, a group of small traditional
communities, is to educate all students to achieve their
maximum potential. A dedicated staff, in partnership
with school, home, and community, will empower
students to become responsible and contributing citizens
able to meet challenges in an international society.
Allegheny Valley School District
300 Pearl Avenue, Cheswick, PA 15024
Phone: 724/274-5300 Fax: 724/274-8040
www.avsdweb.org
And Finally...
Unless otherwise noted, the Allegheny Valley Board of
School Directors conducts its agenda planning session on the
second Tuesday of the month. Regular meetings are held on
the third Monday of each month. Both meetings are held in
the Acmetonia Primary School Forum beginning at 7:00 p.m.
(A complete list of the meetings is located on the District’s
web site: www.avsdweb.org.)
The newsletter is published through the Public Relations
Department of the Allegheny Valley School District.
Comments and inquiries pertaining to the newsletter should
be sent to Ms. Janice Zastawniak, Public Relations Director,
300 Pearl Avenue, Cheswick, PA 15024.
The Allegheny Valley School District will not discriminate in
its education programs, activities, or employment practices,
based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, ancestry,
disability, union membership, or any other legally protected
classification. Announcement of this policy is in accordance
with state and federal laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and sections 503 and 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Employees and others involved
with the District who have a complaint of discrimination or
harassment or require information about accommodations
for disabled individuals, should contact the superintendent of
schools by calling 724-274-5300 or writing and mailing a
letter addressed to 300 Pearl Avenue, Cheswick, PA 15024.
Administration...
Patrick M. Graczyk
Superintendent
Janice E. Nuzzo, Ed.D.
Director of Student Achievement
Michele A. Welter, Ed.D.
Springdale Jr-Sr High School Principal Christopher A. Protho, Ph.D.
Springdale Jr-Sr High School Assistant Principal
Gregory J. Heavner
Elementary Supervisor/Transportation Director
Jennifer L. Vecchio
Colfax Upper Elementary School Principal
Melissa Holler
Special Education Supervisor
Janice Zastawniak
Public Relations Director/Newsletter Editor
Board Of School Directors...
President
Larry Pollick
Vice President Salvatore Conte
Treasurer
Kathleen Haas
James Gaschler, Annetta Jursa, Elizabeth Moretti,
Stephen P. Puskar, Glenna Renaldi, Donald Rocco
Secretary
Brad Rau
Solicitor
Matt Hoffman, Esq.