QV Update - Quaker Valley School District

QV Update
Back-to-School Edition 2009
A Publication of the Quaker Valley School District
Quaker Valley Grows Green
Quaker Valley School District has formalized its commitment to the environment.
Last spring, the Board of Directors approved a resolution to “promote healthy and
environmentally sustainable schools and whenever possible to teach environmental
responsibility.”
The district is not new to “green” decisions ~ those that positively impact the environment.
Each year, Quaker Valley has increased its effort to find ecological solutions to ongoing
operations and day-to-day practices. The district’s efforts to use ecologically safe
cleaning products and methods as well as to employ technology to go “paperless” have
been in place for several years.
For the last seven years, the district has produced a paperless “program of studies” for
the middle school and high school by making the curriculum available online rather than
providing paper copies to every parent. That one example among many, although small,
has saved hundreds of thousands of sheets of paper over the years and the practice of
going paperless whenever possible, continues to save energy and natural resources.
With school board support and a newly formed district-wide green committee, Quaker
Valley has the opportunity to advance its green initiatives. The green committee plans
to find additional ways to protect and improve the district and community environment,
but also inform and educate students and the community about the solutions that have a
lifelong impact, globally.
The “school house” can be the perfect environment for collaborating, learning and sharing
solutions for individuals and groups. From a curricular viewpoint, the district proposes
to look at math, science and social studies standards through a “green” lens. Using the
environment as the focus, the opportunities to research, experiment and problem solve
can add excitement and relevance to learning as the students discover answers that can
have a lasting effect on their world ~ both in the present and the future.
In 2008-2009, Quaker Valley students volunteered numerous hours to improving the
community by cleaning up refuse from local parks, planting trees, and constructing a
community garden. On June, 30 high school students hiked through the rainforests of
Costa Rica and “every student planted a tree to emphasize the Costa Rican belief in the
importance of nature to all of us,” high school teacher Michael Haboush said.
“We want to support and empower our students and teachers to find solutions we can
all employ as a district and as individuals.” Superintendent, Dr. Joseph Clapper said.
CONTENTS
“We invite our parents and community members to join in our efforts to
ensure a healthier, sustainable environment for our current students and
future generations.”
Quaker Valley Grows GREEN................. 1
QV Profile: Dr. Heidi Ondek ................... 2
Superintendent’s Message........................ 3
Class of 2009 Report ............................ 4,5
News From the Schools ....................... 6,7
District Information ................................ 8
Career Education & Work ....................... 9
2008-2009 Highlights ........................... 10
Sports Ticket Information ...................... 11
Introducing: Floyd Faulkner ................. 12
“Blueprint for a Healthy, Environmentally Sound School District Resolution”
is posted on the Quaker Valley website www.qvsd.org District>School
Board>Resolutions.
Check the website often for updates and information about the district
“green initiative”: www.qvsd.org >About Quaker Valley>Green Initiative.
This QV Update and the district’s 2008-2009 wall calendar were printed
on 30% recycled paper. The wall calendar features a green tip for each
month of the year.
1
SCHOOL BOARD
Mr. Jack Norris, President
Mrs. Marianne Wagner, Vice President
Mr. Mark Scioscia, Treasurer
Mr. Gianni Floro
Mrs. Sarah Heres
Dr. Florence Iwler
Mr. David Pusateri
Mr. Robert Riker
Dr. Kausalai Wijekumar
ADMINISTRATION
Joseph H. Clapper, D.Ed.
Superintendent
412.749.3617
Heidi Ondek, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent
412.749.3616
Jillian A.Bichsel, Ed.D.
Director of Academic Services
412.749.3620
John M. Sheline
Director of Financial Services
412.749.3619
Sally A. Hoover, Ph.D.
Director of Pupil Services
412.749.3618
Joseph A. Marrone, Ph.D.
Administrative Services
412.749.3604
Andrew Surloff
Principal, Quaker Valley High School
412.749.6012
Sean Aiken
Principal, Quaker Valley Middle School
412.749.5079
Caroline Johns
Assistant Principal, Quaker Valley Middle School
412.749.5077
Amy Kern, Ed.D.
Principal, Edgeworth Elementary School
412.749.3605
Barabara Mellett
Principal, Osborne Elementary School
412.749.4003
The Quaker Valley School District continues its
policy of non-discrimina-tion on the basis of
race, age, sex, religion, color, national origin or
handicap, as applicable in educational programs,
activities or employment policies as required by
Title I of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 504
Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
For more information, contact the District Office:
203 Graham Street, Sewickley, PA 15143
412.749.3600 • www.qvsd.org
Profile : Heidi Ondek, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent
Quaker Valley School District is
proud of its practice to “hire the
best.” The school district has built
its reputation for teaching excellence
on a foundation of choosing the right
candidate for each position.
Quaker
Valley’s
assistant
superintendent Heidi Ondek, Ed.D.
exemplifies the most important
characteristic the district looks for
in a candidate — genuine care and
affection for children. It is fitting
that Dr. Ondek handles personnel,
screening
applications
and
interviewing all potential employees
who would have a direct impact on
the students.
“Dr. Ondek is a critically important member of the Quaker Valley
School District administrative team.  Her leadership skills in curriculum,
instruction, and personnel management are highly valued,” Superintendent
Joseph Clapper said. “She is easily approachable and very sensitive to the
needs of Quaker Valley staff, parents, and most importantly, students.”  
Dr. Ondek believes that no one should ever give up on a child and her belief drives
her career and personal life. This drive stems from her personal experiences and
extensive professional background in special education working with students
that she felt had great potential but were underserved; she started in the field
in an era when students with special needs often “fell between the cracks,”
dropped out of school or were left behind.
Her interest in challenged children started while growing up in upstate New
York. She recalls teaching her mentally disabled cousin how to play the guitar,
and spending summers at a Rotary-sponsored camp for disabled children. She
was drawn to children with disabilities, especially those with emotional and
behavioral problems.
She majored in special education at Slippery Rock University and spent her
first four years teaching as an emotional support professional in a middle school
in El Paso, Texas. When she returned to the Pittsburgh area she worked with
students with emotional or learning disabilities as well as gifted students in the
Trinity Area School District while pursuing her masters and doctoral degrees.
She was director of pupil services at Fort Cherry School District and principal
at Bellevue Elementary School in the Northgate School District prior to coming
to Quaker Valley. She was hired as principal of QVHS in 2004 and promoted to
assistant superintendent in 2006.
She believes that the relationship between teacher and student is the true key to
student success. “If there is no relationship, little learning results,” Dr. Ondek
said. When she interviews candidates, she is looking for “smarts and hearts”
as she puts it, looking for not only the professional credentials, but those nonresume factors — the qualities that are difficult to assess or define, the ones that
indicate that a prospective teacher won’t ever give up on a student, and will find
a way to relate to every student to foster learning.
Dr. Ondek lives in Ben Avon with her husband Ed and son Eddie. She has two
married daughters and enjoys being a grandmother and hosting her weekly
“Sunday Suppers” keeping her personal relationships and family connections
strong.
2
“Extraordinary achievement is less about talent than it is about opportunity.”
— Malcolm Gladwell, author
Outliers: The Story of Success
Dear Parents and Community Members:
Greetings. Our Quaker Valley staff have been working diligently throughout the summer months to complete final
preparations for the opening of the 2009-10 school year.
When the new school year commences on Monday, August 31, 2009, we anticipate that Quaker Valley will have its
highest student enrollment since 1982 ~ topping 2,000 students. I am convinced that there is a direct correlation
between our steady increase in enrollment and our high quality educational program that focuses on personalization
— one child at a time.
This summer, I have spent a significant amount of time reading about highly successful people. A common theme
that surfaced is that each individual was given a specific opportunity that ultimately led to his/her success. For
instance, Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft and one of the best-known entrepreneurs of the personal computer,
had the opportunity to conduct real-time programming as an 8th grade student in 1968. Bart Conner, a celebrated
Olympic gymnast, was just an ordinary 10-year-old boy with an unusual gift of walking on his hands until his
physical education teacher introduced him to a gymnastics center. Clearly, a single opportunity can have an
enduring impact.
We want each child in our care to be successful. For this to occur, it is important to create opportunities for children
to learn in ways they prefer and to further explore and encourage their interests and aptitudes. A single opportunity
can be the key to a child’s success in school. A specific course, learning experience, internship, co-curricular
activity, or even a simple conversation can be a life-altering opportunity.
Another opportunity that affects all of us is the importance of taking care of our environment. During the past year,
we initiated “QV Lights Out” for the purpose of reducing our carbon footprint on the environment. During the
course of the upcoming school year, we will examine a variety of measures that we may take to be good stewards of
our natural resources. Our efforts will likely include projects in transportation, lighting, recycling and several other
areas. We will be enlisting support from staff, parents, students and our community members with our QV Green
efforts.
We are looking forward to providing great opportunities for Quaker Valley students to be successful during the
course of the 2009-10 school year and beyond.
Sincerely yours,
Joseph H. Clapper, D.Ed.
Superintendent
3
CLASS OF 2009
Number of graduates: 127
Percentage of graduates attending two-year or four-year
colleges or universities: 93%
Number of honors graduates: 51 (3.25 GPA or higher)
Total number of 2009 Advanced Placement (AP) exams
taken: 203
POST - SECONDARY PLANS
Blair Abraham
Jacob Adamski
Cole Alexander
Derek Ash
Katie Baker
Justina Bartling
Nicole Belliveau
Jeffrey Besong
James Bibb
Natalie Bouchard
Cymone Bronaugh
Bridget Clark
Hilarie Clark
Wesley Clem
Jessica Collett
Zachary Cooper
Sarah Cornell
Zachary Correa
Paul Coury
John Curtis
Heidi Davis
Jessica Devonshire
Kathryn Dziki
Morgan Eichenberger
Colin Fadzen
Jamie Faingnaert
Richard Fairlie
Adele Ferris
Lucy Findley
Derek Fisk
Shelby Fitzgerald
Jessica Flam
Chelsey Fowler
Joseph Franzen
Bailee Fuller
Rachel Ganz
Dorian Goosby
Sarah Gratton
Shelby Gregory
Jessica Gross
Stephen Gustafson
Brian Hall
Chatham University
CCAC
CCAC
Work
Robert Morris University
Denison University
New York University
Walsh University
CCAC
University of San Diego
Robert Morris University
Indiana University of PA
Slippery Rock University
Indiana University
Slippery Rock University
Indiana University of PA
Stockholm University
University of Richmond
University of Pittsburgh
Emerson College
East Stroudsburg University of PA
CCAC
Penn State University Park
Work
University of Pennsylvania
Kaplan Career Institute
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Duquesne University
High Point University
Undecided
CCAC
Syracuse University
University of Pittsburgh
Denison University
Washington & Jefferson College
Tufts University
California University of PA
Duquesne University
Edinboro University
Ohio University
Rochester Institute of Technology
CCAC Graduation speakers for 2009 were (from left to
right): Honored Speakers Alison Tusick and Emily
Pusateri and Academic Speaker Katherine Hoptay.
Clinton Hannon
Elizabeth Harbison
Michael Hermes
Erik Hess
William Hinzman
Katherine Hoptay
Nicholas Jensen
Jessica Johnson
Ashley Johnston
Lauren Jones
Apoorva Juneja
Allison Kahn
Madeline Kelley
Ashlee Kemena
Christopher Kennedy
Aleeda Kimbrough
Matthew Klixbull
Chad Kosanovich
Ashley Kostial
Rebecca Kovacs
Kelsey Kraus
Michael Lacenere
Chase Lane
Joseph Lee
Jacob Lenz
Jourdan Leonard
Danielle Lindsey
Robert Linn
Korrtezz Martin
Kira McCabe
Matthew Meanor
Adele Means
Rachel Mende
Harry Mertz
William Meyer
Natalia Miano
Alexander Moore
Dominic Morgan
James Munizza
Clayton Neel
Eric Noyes
Elizabeth O’Reilly
4
Indiana University of PA
Denison University
University of Dayton
Penn State University Park
University of Pittsburgh
College of William and Mary
Drexel University
Indiana University
Ohio Wesleyan University
Indiana University of PA
Kent State University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Chatham University
Kaplan Career Institute
Washington College
California University of PA
University of Delaware
Denison University
Chatham University
Edinboro University
Washington & Jefferson College
Penn State Beaver
Wyo Tech
Bridgeton Academy
Work
Indiana University of PA
Carlow University
Ohio Technical College
Kiski Prep
New York University
CCAC
Xavier University
Ohio University
Xavier University
Suffolk University
Cabrillo College
Work
American University
Ohio University
CCAC
Univ. of North Carolina, Wilmington
Stony Brook University
Natalie Bouchard, Erik Hess, Danielle Lindsey and Shelby
Fitzgerald spoke on behalf of Donna Bell who was selected
by the seniors as “Quaker Valley Honored Teacher,” the most
influential teacher during the years from kindergarten through
eighth grade.
Timothy O’Shea
Courtney Ochman
Annie Owens
Meredith Patton
Emily Peduto
Ian Pegg
Jeremy Pegher
Jacklyn Persuit
Edward Poola
Stephanie Popowich
Emily Pusateri
Zeina Rashed
Angela Reilsono
Margaret Roberts
Colby Robinson
Robert Rollins
Chloe Russin
Garth Schwartz
Shawn Scott
Grant Sevin
Todd Shearer
Noah Simon
Josiah Sligh
Colin South
Robert Sterner
Kaley Stunda
Maxwell Susko
Zachary Taylor
Marissa Thistlethwaite
Mindy Thomas
Katharine Traugott
Zachary Turner
Alison Tusick
Donovan Valenzi
Ashley Wilczak
Lucy Williams
Kaitlin Wolz
Leland Young
Gabrielle Zamagias
Octavia Zamagias
Alex Zintchenko
University of Pittsburgh
Wilson College
University of Kings College
Miami University of Ohio
Chatham University
Queens University
Work
Boston University
Penn State Beaver
CCAC
University of Notre Dame
CCBC
Westminster College
College of Wooster
CCAC
CCAC
Indiana University of PA
Wyo Tech
Westminster College
Grove City College
CCAC
Suffolk University
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Junior Hockey
Pace University
Miami University of Ohio
Mercyhurst College
Univ. of Massachusetts Amherst
California University of PA
LaRoche College
Chatham University
CCAC
Wagner College
Indiana University of PA
CCBC
Cleveland Institute of Art
University of Kentucky
CCAC
Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University
CCAC
5
News From the Schools
The Quaker Valley curriculum will incorporate three new educational software programs to support student achievement: Atomic
Learning, iSafe Curriculum, and Big 6. While all learners need to become “tech-savvy” they must also know how to use the
internet safely, to know and refresh technology skills and to research in a comprehensive yet
discerning manner for full understanding of a particular topic or subject.
iSafe – a K-12 technology curriculum, focuses on appropriate internet use while
instructing students about safety and security procedures.
Atomic Learning – offers a personalized online tutorial for technology skills that will also be accessible to staff and parents to learn or refresh their skills.
Big 6 – is an indepth K-12 information literacy curriculum that teaches students six strategies on how to effectively conduct research.
Quaker Valley High School
After last school year’s “pilot,” students will have the opportunity to explore a wide-range of World Language offerings through the
nationally renowned “Rosetta Stone” software program. Students will be able to study conversational and cultural aspects of Arabic,
Chinese (Mandarin), German, Hebrew, Irish (Gaelic), Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Latin.
Because our students are engaged in an ever-changing world that requires advanced literacy and technology skills for the career world of
the 21st Century, the high school has created courses for students that will facilitate that knowledge. A 21st Century English course will be
offered to seniors as they prepare to matriculate to college and the world of work. The course focuses on technology skills, writing skills,
relevant non-fiction literature, and interpersonal communication skills. The economics course for seniors has been expanded and will now
include entrepreneurship/business skills that students will need as they learn to work independently and discover their future career interests
and paths.
The high school will pilot a “Senior Speaker Series,” for the 09-10 school year. The objective is to conduct seminars for soon-to -be
graduates on such topics as managing credit cards, personal finance, renting an apartment, student health on the college campus, and other
relevant topics for students who will be soon be living on their own either at college or as a member of the workforce. QVHS will provide
program five series offerings this school year. This is one more way in which the high school is trying to make the senior year an important
and relevant experience for 12th grade students.
Ms. Kerry McGrath joins the English department. For the past three years, Ms. McGrath taught high school English in Springfield School
District (Delaware County). She is a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School and earned her B.S. in English at The College of William and
Mary and a master’s degree from Villanova University.
Mr. Chad Thompson joins the music department as the new orchestra and band director. Mr. Thompson is a Bethel Park graduated who
earned his B.S. in music from Duquesne University.
Mike Mastroianni heads the athletic department as the district athletic director and Derek Clark joins Mike’s staff in the new role of athletic
trainer. Derek earned is B.S. from Edinboro University and a master’s degree from University of Nebraska.
Quaker Valley Middle School
The middle school continues to be an exciting place, with new programs and opportunities for students. One-to-one laptop use presents
students with opportunities to develop 21st century skills and work products.
The world language department expands to offer all three languages (French, German, and Spanish) to all three grade levels. Students in
6th grade take an exploratory 12-week course in each of the languages, 7th grade students choose the language they will study, and 8th grade
students continue to study their chosen language.
The math department will advance the successful Numbers World program to remediate specific skills to better prepare certain students for
Algebra 1. Math Foundations will be offered to students in all three grade levels.
The health and physical education department has created an alternative classroom space for personal fitness. This new space has a full
array of weight machines, spinners, and treadmills, much of which was purchased through a grant from the Highmark Healthy High Five
program.
The highly successful program Language! will continue for its third year. The teachers have seen tremendous student growth and progress
with this reading/language arts program and anticipates even greater growth in years to come.
In addition, the middle school has established an extra tutorial period two days per week. Each student will benefit from this “period” with
its objective of providing extra time for intervention, tutoring, career exploration and homework completion.
STAFF UPDATES: Brandon Thurber is new to Quaker Valley Middle School, where he will join the math department as a long term
substitute. He graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University where he earned his B.S. in mathematics and his B.A. in secondary education.
After a full year as a long term substitute, Julie Poljak joins the math department full time this year.
Jenna Di Loreto will serve as a long term substitute in special education at the middle school. She is a graduate of Westminster College.
6
Quaker Valley Elementary Schools
During the 2009-2010 school year, the elementary faculty will initiate an important review of the reading/language
arts curriculum. The purpose of the review is to continue to analyze current practices, data, and relevant research to
identify the best curriculum and instructional practices for elementary students.
Throughout the school year, elementary teachers will focus their professional development on differentiation of
instruction in order to meet the diverse needs of all learners in the classroom. The school district is providing
resources, and expert training to help the teachers develop their skills to meet the ever-changing and growing needs
of students.
For elementary and middle school students who need additional assistance in the basic core subjects of reading/
language arts and mathematics, two new programs are being implemented ~ Language! and Numbers World. These
research-based programs are widely known for their effectiveness.
Edgeworth Elementary School
This year, “Spark Your Imagination” is the literacy theme in light of
successful and local illustrator John Manders who will be visiting
Edgeworth this fall. His work is featured in over 30 children’s books
and countless children’s magazines.   To quote Mr. Manders, “To
come up with something fresh, you have to go outside of yourself by
reading or learning about the world in other ways.”  
This year, a variety of activities and programs will encourage everyone
to “spark their imaginations.”  In addition, all students will participate
in the Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Awards Program.  This will
require students to read the exceptional books selected for each age group. 
STAFF UPDATES: With the addition of a fourth section of third grade
and Mrs. Bradley taking a sabbatical leave, the third grade team will
be Diane Rotz, Peter May, Elise Woodburn (moving from 1st grade)
and Allison Catone (formerly a special education teacher.)
Due to enrollment increases, an additional section of fifth grade has become necessary. Sarah Hartzler, will join the fifth
grade team, a change from her role as an Osborne class size reduction teacher last year.
Ashley David will fill in as a long term substitute until Brigid Robertson returns from maternity leave.
Lauren McGuirk, Sara Maguire and Melissa Palmieri join the special education team. Lauren is not new to Edgeworth; she
was a long term substitute last year. Sara holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and masters degree from
Slippery Rock University. Melissa graduated with a B.S. from University of Pittsburgh and earned her masters at Chatham
University.
Osborne Elementary School
Osborne Elementary School will be celebrating the world’s visit
to Pittsburgh for the G-20 Summit in September. Each classroom
will be engaged in activities focused on a specific country’s
culture, education, and environmental plans to address global
warming.
The “Everyday Hero” theme will be highlighted throughout the
year with a variety of reading activities and programs to help
students learn why doing the right thing when no one is looking
is important.
STAFF UPDATES: Osborne is pleased to welcome Kristi
Policastro as a permanent member of the kindergarten team.
7
Starting and
Dismissal Times
Elementary
Kindergarten
Middle School
High School
Starting
8:40 a.m.
8:40 a.m.
7:45 a.m.
7:45 a.m.
Dismissal
3:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
2:50 p.m.
2:50 p.m.
QVSD Enrollment
Early Childhood Initiative
Quaker Valley School District believes that it is essential that children start their school
experience prior to kindergarten so that no student lags behind his or her classmates due to
a lack of preschool experience or minimal Pre-K preparation.
For the 2009-2010 school year, the district will house three pre-school programs in the
Edgeworth and Osborne schools. The AIU eliinated the Head Start program (housed at
Osborne last year) due to state funding reductions. Osborne remains the home to DART
and Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program, both operated by the Allegheny Intermediate
Unit (AIU).
Edgeworth is the home to the Sewickley YMCA’s Center for Creative Learning with one
classroom for three year-olds and one for four year-olds.
Edgeworth Elementary = 462
Osborne Elementary = 423
Quaker Valley Middle School = 481
Quaker Valley High School = 637
Other = 37
TOTAL: 2040
As of July 30, 2009
IPM Registration
Quaker Valley School District uses
an Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
approach for managing insects, rodents
and weeds. To make a request for
advanced notice of specific applications,
please submit your request in writing
and e-mail: [email protected] or
mail to the following address:
IPM Registration
Ms. Barbara McCombe
Quaker Valley School District
203 Graham Street
Sewickley, PA 15143
Little Quakers Learning Lab
(for area children age four years)
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-10 a.m.
September 22 - November 19
Quaker Valley High School
2009
  
Children will participate in developmentally appropriate
learning centers designed and directed by high school students.
(Free of Charge) 
Space is limited. If interested email: [email protected]
Nancy Baldwin and
David Nimick celebrate
with Polly Will during
the 15th anniversary
celebration of the
Generations Together
program. Both Mrs.
Baldwin and Mr. Nimick
have been participating
in this popular program
since its inception.
Preparedness
District information with regard to
emergency preparedness can be accessed through “quicklinks” on the
home page or www.qvsd.org> district
> preparedness.
Currently, Quaker Valley parents and
community members can access information including the latest updates
regarding “Pandemic H1N1 Influenza
Virus.”
8
Career Education and Work • Connecting Learning with Living — One Child at a Time
By Christy A. Clapper, Ph.D. & Marianne Cibulas
Krisitna Serafini / Sewickely Herald
The Pennsylvania Career Standards were enacted into law in
2006 requiring all districts in the Commonwealth to engage learners in
the process of proficiency development in four areas – career awareness
and preparation, career acquisition, career retention and advancement,
and entrepreneurship. Additionally, all students must now begin the
development of career portfolios by grade eight. Quaker Valley students
have been maintaining career portfolios for many years, but with the new
standards, the focus has been directed to these four areas.
QVHS participants in the ACE mentoring program visit the site of
District Career Coordinator Marianne Cibulas has been working
Pittsburgh’s North Side Connector.
toward the goal of providing all district students with meaningful
and relevant pre-career educational experiences. Coupled with direct
career education curriculum delivered by the district’s six school
counselors, students at all levels have been greatly advantaged
by exposure to classroom experiences, workplace environments,
apprenticeships, internships, and pre-career field trips.
In addition to classroom guidance curriculum, elementary
students learned about a variety of interesting jobs and careers
through career days, research, and through a partnership with
Junior Achievement. Middle School students learned about
their personality types, careers and clusters of interest, listened
to classroom speakers, and participated in, on, or off campus
exploratory experiences. This past year, 51% of 8th graders took
part in pre-career experiences through ‘Lunch and Learn’ talks and
field trips to other sites. Freshmen and Sophomores completed an
online career exploratory through Keys2Work, a skills-based career
development tool that helps students understand the link between
academic proficiency and real-world jobs. Keys2Work allows
science teacher Margot Bruno learns from meteorologist Rich
students to measure their present skills in reading and math, explore QVMS
Kane when she visits the National Weather Service as an “educator in
careers that match their interests, and improve skills through online the workplace.”
lessons to match the necessary skills needed for entry-level positions in their chosen career areas. For the second consecutive
year, high school students participated in the national ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) mentoring program
while a multitude of students were provided opportunities to complete both individual and group shadows in areas of interest.
In total, 333 students at the high school level participated in at least one pre-career exploration opportunity.
Efforts to engage more teachers, parents, and community in this process are underway. The summer provided opportunity
for a team of district teachers and counselors to participate in a week long Governor’s Institute on Career Education and Work,
the outcome of which was the development of a district plan of action for improving student opportunities to learn about
and experience careers of interest. Additionally, 13 professional staff members elected to participate in an “Educator in the
Workplace” experience so that they could connect their instruction in a more meaningful way to workplace expectations for
students. Erin Sheerin, high school English teacher, participated in both the Governor’s Institute and the Educator in the
Workplace experience at Easter Seals.
“This was a powerful experience, and it
coordinated perfectly with all of the career education
work Quaker Valley’s team did at the Governor’s
Institute just a few weeks ago. I know that schools
now, more than ever as the world undergoes many
changes, need to be partnering with local businesses,
for both current businesses’ and future workers’
sakes.”
— Erin Sheerin, QVHS English Teacher
As Quaker Valley continues its efforts to connect
learning with living for every student, the community will be
invited to get involved. The economic health of our region
and the future of our workforce will be directly affected by the
energy we invest now to educate and prepare our students for
their working futures.
QV staff members were invited to participate in the Governor’s School
for Career Education. From left: Marianne Cibulas, Anna Petrakis, Emily
Hodge, Christy Clapper, Rose Ann Bergandy and Erin Sheerin.
9
2008 - 2009 HIGHLIGHTS
•The QV marching band placed first at the Gateway High School
band competition.
•Thirty-five QVHS students were named AP Scholars by the
College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement
on their AP exams.
•Three QVHS students were named Finalists in the 54th Annual
National Merit Scholarship Program.
Senior Lacey Hall was selected as a finalist in
Congressman Jason Altmire’s 2009 Congressional Art Competition for Pennsylvania’s
Fourth Congressional District. She was
selected for her self-portrait
in oil paints.
•QVHS students earned six first place awards and one second
place honor at the regional competition for the Pennsylvania
Junior Academy of Science.
•Twenty-one QV students were selected for membership in the
Tri-M Music Honor Society.
•The QV team of John Yankello, Omar Hyjek, Ian Pegg and
Chad Kosanovich won the Class AA 3200 relay championship –
the first state championship in a distance event in school history.
• The girls’ lacrosse team won the WPIAL Division 2
championship.
• The 2008 boys’ cross country team won the WPIAL
championship and was the PIAA state runner up.
QVHS
Winterguard won
first place at the Three
Rivers Winter Ensemble Association
championships.
• For the fifth consecutive year, members of the QV National
Honor Society partnered with the Fern Hollow Nature
Center to help clean the ravines and creek beds of Bell Acres
Borough.
• More than 20 students from the QV Key Club and French Club
hosted the second annual senior citizen “prom” at Masonic
Village.
•More than $60,000 was donated to help fund the weight room/
fitness facility at QVHS.
•Osborne Elementary School is the first elementary school
in Pennsylvania to earn the RAMP distinction for its quality
counseling program.
•QV earned recognition for its website and QV Update in a
statewide publications contest.
•For the fifth year in a row, Newsweek named Quaker Valley as
one of the top high schools nationwide.
•The Pittsburgh Business Times 2009 Guide to Western
Pennsylvania Schools ranked Quaker Valley 9th out of 106
districts in the region and 27th out of 501 in Pennsylvania.
QVMS teacher R.J. Long and 2008-2009 QVMS student
council president Tim Pusateri were photographed with
Judge Marjorie Rendell, Pennsylvania’s First Lady, at the
Governor’s Summit on Civic Engagement. This summit
was a part of the First Lady’s platform of promoting civic
engagement, the first in a series of opportunities for student leaders and teachers from around the state to discuss
how to increase civic engagement in Pennsylvania’s public
schools.
•For the fifth consecutive year, QV was named among the Best
Communities for Music Education by the National Association
of Music Makers Foundation.
•Quaker Valley High School was one of only eight high schools
to earn a 2009 Globe Award from the Pennsylvania State
Modern Language Association for its exemplary modern
language program.
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SPORTS and ACTIVITIES
2009-2010 QV Sports Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for the Quaker Valley High School athletic
events remain the same as last season.
Football Girls and Boys Basketball
Girls and Boys Soccer
Adult Student
$5
$4
$4
$3
$2
$2
FOR TEAM SCHEDULES: www.qvsd.org
Quaker Valley sports fans can purchase a $50.00 season pass for entry to all regular Quaker Valley “home” games for
football, girls and boys soccer, girls and boys basketball. In addition, season pass holders are entitled to a parking pass
for all home football games, while supplies last. Call the Quaker Valley High School Athletic Office, 412.749.6001 for
further information.
Quaker Valley Seeking Football Alumni
Quaker Valley High School invites all former football
players to attend the QV vs. Sto Rox game 7:30 p.m.,
Friday September 18, 2009.  All former players will receive
a game ticket and take part in a pre-game ceremony prior to
kickoff.  
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1969 Quakers, support
the 2009 Quakers and meet former players and friends.   
Those who plan to attend should arrive at the stadium by
6:00 p.m. and proceed to the reception area located at the
southwest corner.
For information email [email protected].
QUAKER VALLEY GOLD CARD CLUB for SENIOR CITIZENS
All members of the Gold Card Club are entitled to free general admission to any QVSD home athletic event
(excluding PIAA playoffs), to selected plays and musical productions, selected adult education classes and to
identified district programs. For district operated athletic events, the card will serve as a general admission pass.
For specific non-athletic events, Gold Card Club members may receive discounts on the cost of the ticket. Events
sponsored by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association are not included in the Gold Card Club.
Conditions of Membership
1. Applicant must be 62 years of age and a resident of the Quaker Valley School District.
2. Seat availability may be limited for popular events. It is recommended that where seating capacity might
be limited, tickets be secured by presenting the Gold Card to the school office at least ten days prior to the
performance date. Pick up your membership card at the high school athletics office.
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This issue of QV Update is designed to provide students
and parents with important information about the
district and our schools for the 2009-2010 school
year.
All information is up-to-date at the time of printing.
Please view the Quaker Valley School District website
(www.qvsd.org) for additional information.
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
QV Update • Back-to-School Edition
PAID
Quaker Valley School District
203 Graham Street
Sewickley, PA 15143
Sewickley, PA 15143
Permit Number 19
Introducing : Floyd Faulkner
Community Youth Worker
place. YouthConnect developed the concept for the position and initiated
the search for grant funding and collaborated with the school district and
community partners.
Faulkner was hired after an extensive search and hiring process led by
the district but involving representatives of the community partners, many
who are also parents in the community. Faulkner was hired as a district
employee but the Community Youth Worker position is funded through the
support of the Child Health Association of Sewickley, The Presbyterian
Church Sewickley, and The Grable Foundation.
Quaker Valley School District is pleased to introduce Floyd
Faulkner who has been hired in a newly created position entitled
“Community Youth Worker.”
Faulkner has been asked to connect students with the community,
with its programs and activities throughout the district. His hours
will coincide primarily with afterschool times rather than the
school day since his primary responsibility will be to connect
those students who are not already involved in afterschool sports
or activities, and typically when they are out in the community.
The Community Youth Worker office is set up in a central village
location, the Laughlin Center, at the corner of Frederick Avenue
and Broad Street.
Previously, the community has provided program opportunities
for putting students together socially with varying degrees of
success. This unique collaborative effort focuses on creation of a
community youth worker position rather than another program or
In developing this new position, Youth Connect and community partners
came to the conclusion that there were “many great Sewickley area programs
out there for the students” — the greater need was for a trusted collaborator
who knows the community opportunities, programs and activities who
would be available to individual students, to help each one find his or her
niche and support them as they venture toward a right fit.
Currently, community activities which students can connect to include
afterschool programs at the Quaker Valley Middle School, Sweetwater
Center for the Arts, Sewickley Community Center, Sewickley YMCA, The
Presbyterian Church, Sewickley, and the Sewickley Public Library.
Faulkner has extensive experience working with young people in public
education, as a youth mentor, Sunday school teacher, and football coach.
He graduated with a BS degree from Edinboro University.
All of us look forward to the contribution Mr. Faulkner will make as
he connects with the youth of the community and serves as their ally.
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