April 2015 ABC`s - Spring Cove School District

The
ABCs of SPRING COVE
S C H O O L
D I S T R I C T
April 2015 Building a Foundation of Excellence…One Student at a Time
Vol. 4, No. 3
District Prepares for Changes to
Elementary Schools
oon after the final
school bell of the
year rings on June 9,
teachers and administrators
at Spring Cove Elementary
and Martinsburg Elementary
will make the physical move
to complete the realignment
of the elementary schools.
The planning and
preparation for the move
have been ongoing since last
spring when the Board of
School Directors approved
the realignment.
Teachers have been packing
their rooms since early this
year in preparation for the
new chapter in elementary
Martinsburg Elementary
School will be reconfigured
to house students in grades
3 through 5.
The realignment has been
researched, discussed, and
reviewed for more than four
years by administrators,
teachers, the Board of
School Directors, and the
community. Students will
benefit educationally from
this realignment because,
with all teachers at each
grade level in the same
building, there will be a
greater ability to modify
instruction for individual
students and small groups
Beginning in August,
all SCSD students in grades
K4 - 2 will attend Spring Cove
Elementary Primary Center;
all SCSD students in grades
3 - 5 will attend Martinsburg
Elementary.
education in the Spring Cove
School District. When the
move is complete, the District
will have its first-ever
“primary center” for grades
K4 through Grade 2 located
at Spring Cove Elementary
School.
of students.
With all students at a
grade level in the same
location, there can be more
of these groups and a better
matching of instruction to
each student’s needs. And,
with all of the teachers
All SCSD students in grades 3 – 5, like these students in Mr.
Hoover’s 5th grade science class at SCE, will attend school at
Martinsburg Elementary next year.
teaching each grade level
in the same building,
there will be greater
opportunities for teachers
to collaborate and maintain
curriculum alignment
across the grade level.
The increased opportunities
for collaboration and
grouping of students will
result in a greater ability
for teachers to differentiate
instruction. With this more
customized approach to
teaching, students will
experience enhanced
opportunities to grow at
their own pace.
Continued on page 12
In This Issue
New K4 Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Celebration of Excellence . . . . . . . . Page 4
Keystone Exam Info . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6
Venture Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10
1
Superintendent’s
Corner
Why Invest in Kindergarten 4 (K4)?
Many have asked this question over the past 18 months
of discussion and especially since last Spring when
the Board of School Directors voted to implement a
Kindergarten program for four year old children in the
2015-16 school year. Many ask why we want to spend
the money on a program the State does not require the
District to have.
Before I answer that question with specific reference to
Kindergarten 4 (K4), let me first list some of the programs
the District operates that it is not required to fund. These
include separate and special teachers for elementary art,
music, or physical education; sports programs including
football, basketball, wrestling, softball, and baseball;
and, other extracurricular programs such as marching
band, mock trial, Future Farmers of America, and Future
Business Leaders of America.
We have these programs because they are good for our
youth. The public supports these programs for this reason.
They provide enjoyment to students and play a major
role in the development of leadership, collaboration,
communication skills, and teamwork. These skills are
essential for successful navigation of the adult world and
especially the global workforce.
Extracurricular programs also help develop skills that
employers consistently identify they want their employees
to have. In addition, they provide positive and productive
after-school activities – the time when most delinquent
activity and crime among youth occur.
With respect to K4, I pose the following question: If we
could see a return of $7 to $17 for every dollar invested in
a company or business, would we buy into that company
or business? Quality early education programs, such as
K4, have a record of providing these returns.
If we could see the monetary returns and respond
positively to the following questions as a result of the
same investment, would we make that investment?
• If
we could reduce dropout rates?
• If we could reduce discipline problems?
• If we could reduce bullying?
• If we could raise graduation rates?
• If we could raise student attendance rates?
• If we could increase student learning readiness?
• If we could increase standardized test scores and the
District’s School Performance Profile?
• If we could increase student participation in advanced
level coursework?
• If we could increase enrollment in postsecondary
schools?
• If we could reduce crime (juvenile and adult)?
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• If we could increase the annual and lifetime earnings
of our children?
• If we could guarantee a higher standard of living for
our graduates?
Quality early learning programs produce all of these
results. Over 40 years of research dedicated to quality
early learning programs consistently concludes that these
outcomes do result from these programs. Savings from
remediation programs, special education, and reductions
in juvenile and adult crime, together with the tax revenue
from higher paying jobs, produce returns of $7 to $17 for
every dollar invested.
Nationwide, about one in three children entering
kindergarten as five year old students is not ready to
learn. In Spring Cove, of the first 70 students to enroll in
Kindergarten 5 for next year, 15 students were already
receiving early intervention services.
The intervening factor of a high quality early learning
experience for four year old children in our K4 program
will provide a lift to these children and their families.
An additional factor we have learned from the 40 years
of research on early learning program is how children’s
brains function at that age. This knowledge makes it
possible for us to overcome learning deficits through these
programs. In fact, enriched early learning programs have
proved to increase learning readiness and have produced
increased ability to learn.
Additional detail on these advantages of K4
programming are included in the PowerPoint
presentation from the January 19, 2015 meeting of the
Board of School Directors. I encourage you to review the
presentation, available on the District website, and then
ponder the last thoughts included below.
With all of these advantages and benefits, the question
should not be, “Why K4?” The question should be,
“Knowing what we know, what took us so long to
implement K4?”
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert J. Vadella
Superintendent
New K4 Program
Welcomes Students
ore than 50
students are
already registered
to attend the District’s
new Kindergarten 4 (K4)
program. Any child who
resides in SCSD and will
be four years old on or
before September 1, 2015, is
eligible to be enrolled as a
K4 student.
Numerous studies show
that well-designed early
education and K4 programs
have positive effects
on children’s learning
and development. These
benefits include long-term
success in school, higher
test scores, lower rates of
grade repetition and special
education, and a greater
likelihood to pursue more
education after high school.
Other benefits include
lower absentee rates, fewer
discipline problems, and a
reduced occurrence of illegal
activity during the school
years and after finishing
school.
Students in Mrs. Albright’s Pre-K Counts class at MES salute the
flag after lunch.
K4 and K5 students will
“We’re really looking forward school and get them ready
be held in April. If your
to bringing K4 to the District to succeed.”
child is eligible to attend
next year,” said Carol
Louden, principal of Spring The program will be offered the K4 or K5 program and
at Spring Cove Elementary is not yet registered, please
Cove Elementary. “The
beginning in the 2015-2016 contact Ms. Louden as soon
educational programs and
as possible at clouden@
school year.
activities we have planned
springcovesd.org or
for our youngest students
224-2311.
will help acquaint them with Screenings for incoming
Bravo!
Beauty and Beast Comes to SCMS
In early March, more than 90 students from Spring Cove
Middle School brought Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to the
stage, performing three shows to audiences who packed the
SCMS auditorium.
The musical featured the talents of several middle school
students, including Hannah Lingenfelter in the role of
Belle and Jacob Ebersole in the role of the Beast. They
were supported by dozens more who earned parts in the
musical, as well as 33 students who gave their talents to
the make-up, stage/audio and lights crews.
“The students have been rehearsing since November,” said
Melody Brumbaugh, SCMS music teacher and director
of the musical. “They did a tremendous job balancing their
responsibilities with school, the musical, athletics, and
other commitments. We’re very proud of them and are
already looking forward to next year!”
More than 90 SCMS
students participated in
the recent production of
Beauty and the Beast.
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Celebration Honors Extraordinary
Educator, Support Staff
and Volunteer
n April 16, more than 100 people are expected to
gather to honor this year’s Celebration of Excellence
recipients. The annual award honors one exceptional
educator, volunteer, and support staff member who has and
continues to make a positive impact on SCSD students.
be where she is today,” wrote one parent. She and other
parents appreciated Mrs. White’s compassionate team
approach to education and support, which they credit with
enabling their children to complete school and be active,
contributing members of the community.
Educator of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Brad Heuston, an 8th
grade social science
teacher at SCMS and
the advisor to the
nationally ranked
Mock Trial Team, was
nominated by parents
and students who have
experienced his gift
for teaching and his
personal commitment
to the Mock Trial
program at CHS.
“Mr. Heuston is truly
a dedicated teacher
and mentor to his
students beyond the
classroom and the courtroom,” wrote Jacob Muthler, a
CHS student and Mock Trial team member whose team
members also signed the nomination application. “He
challenges us every week to become better speakers,
students, and citizens.” This year, under Mr. Heuston’s
leadership, the Mock Trial team traveled to San Francisco
to compete against 24 teams from the U.S., Canada,
Europe, and Asia where they earned impressive 5th place
honors.
Support Staff of the Year
Susan White, a
paraprofessional at
MES, works with
children in grades
1-5 who may require
additional support to
succeed in and out of
the classroom. Several
parents nominated her
for Support Staff of the
Year out of gratitude for
her ability to patiently
work with children to
help them reach their
potential. “I firmly
believe, to this day, that
without the help and patience and guidance of Mrs. White
and the other teaching staff at MES, my child wouldn’t
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Jeanne Sollenberger spent more than 30 years as a
1st grade teacher
at MES. After
her retirement a
few years ago, she
realized she had left
more than a full-time
job – she had also left
a vocation she loved.
So she returned to
MES as a volunteer.
As 1st grade teachers
Lori Gouchnour,
Beth Hoover,
Tracy Shingler,
and Judy Plummer
wrote in their
nomination letter,
Mrs. Sollenberger remains a much-loved addition in MES’s
1st grade classrooms, where she “helps students with makeup work, tutors struggling spellers, encourages reluctant
writers, and supports math literacy.” In addition to her
work in the classroom, Mrs. Sollenberger is a key volunteer
with the Scarlet Dragon backpack program at MES. This
program supplies food for the weekend for children in
need. With her support, the program has grown to include
students at SCE.
Congratulations to this year’s Celebration of Excellence
winners. It is an honor and pleasure to share this
achievement with you! We wish you continued success in
all of your endeavors.
ESY Reminder
Although the end of the school year is still a few weeks
away, now is a good time to remind families of eligible
students that the Extended School Year/(ESY) will be held
at SCMS from 9:00 am - noon and 9:00 am - 2:00 pm on
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from July 7 - July
30. Students will concentrate on maintaining skills and
concepts they learned throughout the year. For more
information, please contact Mitchell Price, Director
of Special Education, at [email protected].
Kids of Steel Get Ready for
the Final Mile
MES teachers
Traci Shoemaker (l)
and Christi Gartland (r)
are pictured with KOS
students in grades K – 2.
or the fourth year
in a row, students
at Martinsburg
Elementary are
participating in the
Kids of Steel (KOS)
running program, held in
conjunction with the Dick’s
Sporting Goods Pittsburgh
Marathon.
As part of the KOS
program, students are
given 18 weeks to run 25
miles. This year, more
than 75 MES students in
grades K – 5 have been
running at school and at
home to meet their goals.
Several Central High
School athletes have been
working with the students
and joining the youngsters
for warm-ups and afterschool runs to encourage
them in their efforts.
With the help of the older
students, the MES Kids
of Steel have also been
tracking their fitness
progress and paying more
attention to the things they
eat.
Students in grades 3 – 5 are also participating in the 25-mile KOS program.
Several students and their
families are planning
to travel to Pittsburgh
on May 2nd to run the
final mile of the 25-mile
challenge. Many also plan
to participate in a 5K the
same day. Students who
are unable to make the
trip to Pittsburgh will have
the chance to run their
final mile at a school-wide
celebration in May.
“This has been a great
experience for our students
and their families,” said
Traci Shoemaker, a 3rd
grade teacher at MES who
is leading the program with
fellow 3rd grade teacher
Christi Gartland.
“It’s been wonderful to
watch the older students
as they mentor and
support the younger kids,”
Mrs. Gartland said.
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Keystone Exams
to be Held
in May
eystone exams for eligible SCMS and CHS students
will be held between May 13 and May 27 as noted
below:
May 13, 14: Algebra I and IB
May 18, 19: Biology
May 20, 21: Literature (for Sophomores and Juniors)
Students who were missed in the Middle School to High
School transition will also be testing during this time. In
addition, now that Winter re-takes have been returned,
some students may have another opportunity to reach
necessary proficiency levels.
By state law, all students must pass the three Keystone
exams or the Pennsylvania Performance Based
Assessment Project to be eligible to graduate. Similarly,
Juniors and Seniors must pass all three Keystone exams
or satisfactorily meet the requirements of the CHS Local
Assessment Rubric.
For more information, please contact Dr. David
Crumrine, principal of CHS, at
[email protected] or 793-2111.
Sophomores in Mrs. McCloskey’s English Language Arts class are
preparing for the May 20th and 21st Keystone Exam for Literature.
Peer Tutoring Program Takes Off
new National Honor
Society (NHS)
program at CHS is
giving interested members
additional opportunities
to make an even greater
impact on their community.
Now in its second year,
the NHS Peer Tutoring
program matches
academically successful
upperclassmen with
younger students who are
looking for help in certain
subjects. The volunteer
program has grown
substantially since it began
last year.
6
“We have about 15 active
pairs of peer tutors,” noted
Owen Vasquez, NHS vice
president. Vasquez receives
requests for assistance
and then works with
NHS members to find an
appropriate tutor.
According to Vasquez,
students ask for the most
help with Chemistry,
Algebra, and Spanish
classes. He has served as
a peer tutor himself for
several younger students
and has appreciated the
opportunity to give back.
“I really enjoy it,” he said.
“It’s a really worthwhile
thing to do.”
Classmate and fellow tutor
Marin Shriver agreed.
“I enjoy helping other
people,” she said. “As an
added bonus, working with
other students helps me
review what I’ve learned.”
Brooke Edmundson (l) and Marin Shriver (r) review notes before
an exam.
CHS Inducts 2015 NHS Members
Dr. Lori Bechtel Wherry (l) poses with
NHS officers Brianna Shriver, Brody
Greenleaf, Mikaela McGraw and
Owen Vasquez (l-r).
he Central High School National Honor Society
(NHS) welcomed 38 new members at its annual
banquet and induction ceremony on February 24th.
More than 300 members, parents, and faculty attended
the program.
As the keynote speaker, Dr. Lori Bechtel-Wherry,
chancellor of Pennsylvania State University-Altoona
and a 1975 CHS graduate, challenged students to put in
the time to be a success, use their character to help deal
with setbacks, be a servant leader, and define success not
by position or power, but by the difference they make in
someone’s life. She also linked the four pillars of
NHS – Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character –
with what colleges and employers look for in students and
employees.
Brenda McCloskey, NHS advisor, led the induction
of new members with the traditional Candle Ceremony.
Club Officers Brody Greenleaf, Owen Vazquez,
Micaela McGraw, and Briana Shriver respectively
spoke on the four pillars of Scholarship, Leadership,
Service and Character. Logan Williams offered the
invocation before the banquet. Dr. David Crumrine,
CHS principal, also offered congratulatory remarks.
Congratulations to new and returning members,
including:
Grade 12: Josh Blattenberger, Rachel Brumbaugh, Kale
Burket, Robert Cline, Micah Dilling, Shaylin Fornwalt,
Brody Greenleaf, Zach Johnston, Brittany Mayer, Bridget
McCready, Mikaela McGraw, Brittany Miller, Donovan Mock, Jessica Orczeak, Meghan Replogle, Brianna
Shriver, Marin Shriver, Wyatt Simington, Nathan Smith,
Owen Vazquez, Brooklyn Welsh, and Hope Zimmerman.
Grade 11: Alyssa Acker, Jenna Berznasky, Olivia Bosar,
Steven Bowman, Jenna Brown, Cordell Bowser, Kelsey
Brumbaugh, Samuel Bumbarger, Aaron Clouse, Taylor
Flaugh, Shannon Horvath, Matthew Knauss, John Michael Knepp, Megan Shingler, Megan Smith, Alyssa Sollenberger, Bradlee Traxler, Shannon Weaver, and Logan
Williams.
Grade 10: Grace Andre, Lauren Brumbaugh, Tre Butler,
Hannah Cole, Chase Cook, Alexandra Garver, Courtney
Garber, Joshua Harker, Alexis Hicks, Noah Hoover, Chris
Houp, Jarrett Imler, Hannah Johnston, Lauren Kensinger,
Ellie King, Hannah Kostan, Hayley Mickel, Trevor Miller,
Robert Mills, Madison Mock, Sarah Moyer, Jacob Muthler, Anna Ormsby, Dillon Over, Robyn Pheasant, Hailey
Ritchey, Luke Ritchey, Chase Smith, Michael Speck,
Becca Stahl, Margaret Stern, Autumn Toth, and Ci Qiang
Zheng.
National Honor Society chapters are also active at SCMS,
SCE, and MES.
Graduation
Information
Graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2015 are
tentatively scheduled for June 5 at 7:00 at the athletic
field. Graduates are asked to arrive by 6:00 pm. In the
event of inclement weather, ceremonies will be moved
to the CHS Auditorium. Tickets are not required for the
outdoor ceremony but will be limited to four per
graduate if the ceremony is moved indoors. Please
check http://scsd.schoolwires.net for updates as the
date nears.
7
Calendar
Highlights
April 6 Board of School
Directors Meeting
April 16 Celebration of Excellence
April 20 Board of School
Directors Meeting
April 29 CHS Career Fair
May 1 No School – In-Service
Prom
May 4 Board of School
Directors Meeting
May 6–8 Grandparents Day Lunch
at SCE
May 7 Bingo for Books – MES
May 13-14 Keystone exams –
Algebra I and IB
May 13-15 MES Grandparents Day
May 17 Kensinger Memorial
Award Ceremony
May 18 Board of School
Directors Meeting
May 18, 19 Keystone exams – Biology
May 20, 21 Keystone exams – Literature, Grades 10 and 11
May 25 No School – Memorial Day
June 5 Graduation (tentative)
June 9 Last day of school – early dismissal
Career Fair Scheduled
for April 29
On April 29, Central High School Sophomores will attend
the BASICS/Rotary 2015 Career Fair at the Blair County
Convention Center. The students will join other students
from all Blair County high schools. Representatives
from several Pennsylvania colleges, vocational training
programs, and other organizations will be on hand to talk
about majors, career options, financial aid, and related
information.
“This is a one-stop fair that can give students all of the
information they need to start thinking about educational
options after college,” said Dr. David Crumrine, CHS
principal.
Prior to the career fair, each student will designate four
career interests and will then meet with businesses
and organizations during the Career Fair that represent
those interests. Each career visit will takes 20 minutes to
complete. Nearly 80 career categories will be showcased
at the event. Throughout the day, students will gain a better
understanding of what those careers are about and what
type of preparation is needed to pursue them.
Students who participate in the BASICS/Rotary Career Fair
can apply to participate in the BASICS Career Shadowing
program administered by the Blair County Chamber of
Commerce. The job shadowing program is usually held in
the late fall.
SCSD Remembers 2015
Kensinger Memorial
Award Winner
he Kensinger Selection Committee has chosen
former CHS band director, choral director, and
music teacher John E. "Jack" Shaffer as the
2015 recipient of the Leon Kensinger Memorial Award.
Before Mr. Shaffer passed away in 2003, he had
established a legacy of musical excellence in the
Spring Cove community. Under his leadership, CHS
won several awards at the state and regional levels
through 2002, including repeated recognitions as a
“Top 5” marching band at the Tournament of Bands
(TOB) Atlantic Coast Championships. He also served
as director for the Altoona Choral Society, Spring
Cove Community Chorus, and numerous church choirs
throughout Blair County. He is survived by his wife,
Marilyn, and several extended family members.
Mr. Shaffer will be honored at a ceremony on May 17th
at 4:00 pm at SCMS. His name will be placed on the
Leon Kensinger Memorial at SCMS. All members of the
community are welcome to attend.
8
Reading Teams Battle for Victory
at Annual Competition
These students were members
of several SCE teams that
represented the school at the
annual competition.
Brooks Books and the Shooting
Star Readers (seated at the table)
represented MES at this year’s Battle
of the Books.
Dozens of eager readers from MES and SCE faced off on
March 31st at the annual Battle of the Books competition.
As part of the competition, teams of 4th and 5th graders
from each school read 15 books and then worked together
during several competition rounds to answer questions
about each book.
“Students learn the importance of hard work and team
effort while enjoying books together,” said Elizabeth
Heuston, who is serving as the librarian at both elementary
schools while Nancy Newlin is on leave. “The event has
become a SCSD tradition that began years ago to promote
the love of reading.”
9
Venture Grants Support STEM,
Band and Other Projects
Members of the CHS Mock
Trial team were able to
compete in an international
competition in San Francisco
thanks to support from the
Dragon Pride Foundation and
its Venture Grant program.
The team came in 5th place
out of 24 teams.
his year, the Dragon Pride Foundation, formerly
the Spring Cove Educational Foundation, approved
more than $14,000 in Venture Grants to support
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
programming, music and wellness initiatives, and other
student-focused projects. Program support was provided
for:
• CHS Marching Band, specifically transportation and
related costs for students to participate and compete in
Tournament of the Bands circuit (Donald M. Trenn,
Marching Band)
• Adaptive swings and other equipment for Life Skills
students, those with disabilities and regular education
students so that they can participate in more physical
activities (Mitchell Price, Director of Special Education)
• CHS Mock Trial team, including partial costs related
to the Premiere International Competition held in San
Francisco in November; the team placed 5th out of 24
teams from across the globe (Brad Heuston, Mock
Trial Team Advisor)
• Beating the Odds, a success and leadership program
for SCMS and CHS students (Candace Claar, SCMS
Principal, and Dr. David Crumrine, CHS Principal)
• STEM summer camp for 6th graders which allowed
students to explore STEM fields in partnership with
STEM professionals, companies that provide STEM
educational programs, and St. Francis University
(Nancy Gobert, SCMS STEM instructor)
10
• Kids of Steel running program for MES students to
encourage life-long physical fitness and wellness habits
(Traci Shoemaker and Christi Gartland, MES)
Congratulations to this year’s recipients!
Visit www.dragonproud.com to learn how your taxdeductible contributions can support Venture Grants and
other Dragon Pride Foundation projects.
Save the Date - Summer Sports
Physical Information
Spring Cove School District is again sponsoring free
sports physicals for all 2015-2016 scholastic sports. The
physicals will be performed on Wednesday, July 15th and
Wednesday, August 5th from 8am - 12:00 pm at Heaton
Family Practice, located behind Nason Hospital in Roaring
Spring.
Athletes must schedule an appointment with Stacy
Kuster, the school’s athletic trainer. She can be reached
at (814) 934-9629. Physicals will be available on a firstcome, first-served basis and will be scheduled in the order
in which calls are received. Time slots fill up quickly!
PIAA Comprehensive Pre-Participation Physical Forms
(CIPPE forms) must be completed prior to athlete’s
scheduled appointment and can be obtained in the main
office at CHS, SCMS, or via the PIAA website (www.PIAA.
org). Please keep in mind that, due to time constraints,
any athlete who shows up without a completed form or
an appointment will not be able to have a physical. Season Highlights!
ongratulations to the dozens of SCSD studentathletes who competed in a variety of winter sports
and represented the district honorably throughout
the season.
In Basketball …
The Boys Varsity team finished 10-10 and headed into
Class AA play-offs as the 12th seed. Their loss to 5th seed
Mount Union completed their season. The Boys Junior
Varsity wrapped up their efforts with a strong 17-1 record.
The Girls Varsity team headed into District 6 Class AA
play-offs as the 4th seed with an impressive 16-5 record
before falling to 5th seed Westmont Hilltop. The Girls
Junior Varsity team finished its season with a 6-8 record.
In Wrestling …
The Varsity team lost just two matches, finishing the
season with a solid 18-2 record. The team qualified
for team duals as the 4th seed and beat 5th seed Mount
Union at home, and went on to earn 3rd place in Class AA
district competition. Bryce Biddle, Brock Biddle, Nick
Hoenstine and Braden Swab qualified for the Individual
Regional Tournament; Brock and Nick also qualified for
the state tournament. The Junior High team came in at
5-13 for the season.
In Swimming …
Marin Shriver flies during a toss at a basketball game.
Cullen Gahagan goes in for a lay-up versus Claysburg-Kimmel.
Taylor Flaugh won Class AA gold at the District 6
swimming tournament. She medaled in both the 200
meter and 500 meter freestyle events. This was Taylor’s
3rd straight title in the 200 meter race and her second
straight title in 500 meter event. Her performance
qualified her for the state competition held in March.
Kaleb Gahagan slams a Tussey Mountain Titan.
Rachel Brumbaugh fights for the
tip-off versus Penns Valley.
11
Spring Cove School District
Office of the Superintendent
1100 East Main Street
Roaring Spring, PA 16673
814-224-5124
http://scsd.schoolwires.net
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Johnstown, PA
Permit No. 5
Contact Us
District Administration
224-5124
Martinsburg Elementary School
793-2014
Spring Cove Elementary School
224-2311
877-695-4859 (toll-free)
Spring Cove Middle School
224-2106
Central High School
793-2111
Don’t forget to visit
http://scsd.schoolwires.net for the latest
news, sports schedules
and calendar information.
District Prepares for Changes to Elementary Schools continued
Teachers will also benefit
from opportunities to
collaborate more closely.
For example, now that all
SCSD 2nd grade teachers
will be in the same
building, they can meet
regularly or talk informally
to share ideas, perspectives
and best practices.
Another advantage to both
students and to teachers is
the ability to balance the
class sizes in each grade
level. In the past, the class
sizes in one elementary
school were in the low teens
while the other elementary
school had class sizes in
the high twenties. With all
of each grade in the same
building, the class sizes will
be the same.
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A third reason for
realignment is to preserve
the District’s eligibility for
over $400,000 in federal
funding each year. The
District currently uses
these funds for reading
remediation and for
professional development of
teachers, administrators,
and paraprofessionals.
These funds have been
in jeopardy because of
a requirement that the
allocation of funds to both
buildings be formulated to
meet a federal requirement.
With the realignment of the
two buildings, this problem
will be solved.
“Our new model, which is
in place in several Districts
across Pennsylvania, is
a great opportunity for
our teachers to deliver
the same educational
experience to all students
across a grade level,”
explained Dr. Robert J.
Vadella, superintendent.
“Our elementary-age
students will benefit from
a consistent curriculum
that will help them develop
a strong foundation for the
challenges of middle school
and beyond.”
The restructuring also
gave the District an
opportunity to offer a
full-day kindergarten
program for four year olds
for the first time ever. The
K4 curriculum will be
taught by certified early
education teachers and
has been approved by the
Pennsylvania Department
of Education.
The District’s K4
curriculum will be aligned
with Pennsylvania’s early
learning standards. It
will also incorporate the
research-proven High Scope
curriculum.
Please visit http://scsd.
schoolwires.net for updates
throughout the summer.