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Upcoming Events
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04/03-04: Linton Musical
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04/06: Final Family Fun Night
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04/07: School Board Meeting
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04/08: 5th Grade Concert
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04/09-04/13: Easter Recess, No School
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04/15: K-3 Science Fair
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04/16: 4-5 Science Fair
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04/18: Odyssey of the Mind State Tournament
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04/23-25: High School Musical
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04/25: NJROTC Annual Military Ball
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04/27-05/01: PSSA Science Assessment
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04/28: PTA Scholarship Night
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04/30: Battle of the Classes
To view additional events, click here.
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The Penn Hills Senior High School will be presenting "Oklahoma!" beginning April 23rd.
Written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, this musical tells the romance of Curly McLain and Laurey Williams in the Oklahoma Territory, circa 1906. It includes the drama of a spurned admirer, competition between cowboys and farmers trying to share the same land, and the sillier triangle of Ado Annie, Will Parker, and Ali Hakim.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens. There will be reserved seating for all performances. |
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National Honor Society Induction
On March 4th, 118 juniors and seniors were inducted into the National Honor Society during a ceremony at the Senior High School. Guest speaker was WTAE-TV Meteorologist Erin Kienzle, a graduate of Ohio University with a degree in Journalism. To view the program from the event, click here. Photos of the event are available by clicking here. |
Save the Date May 8th
PHAME Gala!
 PHAME Semi-Formal Event PRESENTING PHAME
Churchill Valley Country Club
7 to 10 p.m.
If you would like to receive an invitation to the Gala, please contact PHAME at 412-793-7000, x515 or PHAME@phsd.k12.us.pa |
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Penn Hills Alum Scouted by Pros
Penn Hills alum Tyrrell Herbert recently visited the Fralic Center to demonstrate his football skills for scouts from the Dallas Cowboys. Tyrrell is a 2004 graduate who has played as a free safety for the University of Toledo Rockets. This past season included a 100-yard return in a game against Michigan. |
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Municipal Events
- 04/06 & 20: Council, 7:30 p.m.
- 04/09: Traffic Safety Committee, 7:30 p.m.
- 04/10: Holiday, Municipal Bldg. Closed
- 04/13: Recreation Advisory Board, 7:00 p.m.
- 04/15: Library Board, 7:00 p.m.
- 04/22: Zoning Hearing Board, 7:00 p.m.
- 04/23: Planning Commission, 7:00 p.m.
- 04/25: Community Cleanup
Events subject to change. For additional info on meeting dates and times, call 412-798-2103. |
Crime Prevention E-Mail Access
The Penn Hills Police Department wants to provide the public with current information regarding criminal activity in Penn Hills. Anyone interested in receiving this information should send his/her e-mail address and home address to Crimeprevention@PennHills.org. The public is also encouraged to forward any information they may have regarding criminal or suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. By working together, we can create a safe and prosperous community in which to raise a family and conduct business. |
Newsletter created by:
Teresita K. Kolenchak
Public Relations/Web Design Coordinator Penn Hills School District
Previous editions of Penn Hills Pride are always available here. | |
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Redesigned Website Launched
At the end of March, the Penn Hills School District launched a redesigned website, substantially revising what people have been used to seeing. Due to the changes being made throughout the District to redefine the future of our schools, it was decided that the time was right to put a new face on the electronic portal to PHSD. Changes were made in the site's infrastructure in order to make navigation easier. A new menu was designed, allowing users to navigate directly to subpages without having to click through multiple pages to get there. The design was also streamlined to eliminate unused pages, and the search feature was reintroduced on the site.
Our thanks to all of those who contributed to this major effort. We hope you like the new site. Should you have any comments or questions, please e-mail them to tkolen@phsd.k12.pa.us. |
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PTA Volleyball Tournament a Huge Success
To the victors go the spoils--at the Annual PTA Volleyball Tournament, the victors were a team from the Senior High School, who took possession of the championship trophy from last year's winners representing Linton Middle School.
It was an exciting evening, as teams from every building (including administration and school board members) joined together for a good cause--to raise funds for senior scholarships.
The event raised more than three scholarships, which will be awarded at the annual Scholarship Awards Night on April 28th. To view pictures from the tournament, click here. |
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Linton Presents "Alice in Wonderland Jr."
On April 3rd and 4th, students at Linton Middle School will be presenting "Alice in Wonderland Jr." Based on the famous Lewis Carroll story, it tells of Alice's unusual trip to Wonderland, where she interacts with characters that range from the White Rabbit to the Cheshire Cat to the Queen of Hearts. Musical numbers include memorable Disney tunes such as "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" and "I'm Late." The show will be held in the Linton Middle School auditorium, and tickets are available at the door. Cost is $4 for seniors/students and $6 for adults. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. For additional photos from rehearsal, click here. | |
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Tutoring Programs Conclude with Celebrations
 The 2008-09 ASAP Linton and Elementary Tutoring Programs concluded in March with two celebratory events. On March 24th, Linton students participated in a special program and dinner, where they were recognized for attendance, most improved academic performance, and effort. Approximately 120 students participated in the program and over 100 were in attendance at this event.
On March 26th, over 500 students and parents attended a special awards ceremony and dinner for the Elementary ASAP Tutoring Program. The evening also included a parent workshop with Dr. Don Sheffield. Approximately 230 elementary students from four elementary buildings participated in the program.
The ASAP tutoring programs provided additional learning opportunities in math to students in K-8 who had been identified based on PSSA and/or 4Sight results. The program was held after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from September through March and included homework support. Aspects of the program included Pennsylvania math anchor aligned lessons and the Dream Aspire Reach to Excel (DARE2XL) motivational component.
The program was funded through the state's Educational Assistance Program grant and provided transportation, tutors (certified teachers from the District), and resources. The program was managed out of the Professional Development and Funding Office under the direction of Stefanie Raspotnik.
"What really moved me the night of the elementary dinner," Ms. Raspotnik said, "was how excited the students were for each other and how proud the parents were of their students' accomplishments." She went on to add that, "The District's tutoring team is committed and dedicated to helping our students meet their fullest academic potential." She also said she sees the success of the program as an impetus for greater parental involvement in the District.
Additional tutoring programs are planned for the summer. For more details, click here. |
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Odyssey of the Mind Regional Winners
Three teams from the Penn Hills School District placed at the regional Odyssey of the Mind competition in March and will move on to the state level at a tournament on April 18th.
First Place for Problem No. 1, Earth Trek, was awarded to a team from Linton Middle School. Coached by Amie Lubawski, the team is composed of 6th Graders Kristen Lubawski and Makayla Kotanichek, 7th Graders Douglas Remmick and Taylor Jensen, and 8th Grader Kaitlyn Salego. Earth Trek required the team to design and build a small vehicle, traveling to four different locations. The problem's solution incorporated the visits, environments, and required changes to the vehicle.
Receiving Second Place for Problem No. 5, Superstition, was a team from Penn Hebron Elementary Academy coached by Laura White and composed of 4th Graders Emily White and Jacob Russell and 5th Graders Joshua Russell, Madison Salego, Victoria Remmick, and Samantha Pugliese. Superstition required two documented superstitions, an original superstition created by the team, and the events that led to the original superstition. The performance included a funny narrator, costume worn by two or more team members at the same time, and stage set.
Third Place for Problem No. 5, Superstition, was awarded to a second Linton Middle School team coached by Alana Stephens. The team is composed of 7th Graders AnnaMarie Kun, Kelsey Doherty, Erica Brent, DaeMon Palmer, Brianna Barbarino, and Christine Verzinskie.
Founded more than 25 years ago, Odyssey of the Mind is an educational program providing creative problem-solving opportunities for students. The focus is on challenging students to develop their individual thinking skills while still cooperating in problem solving in a team environment. |
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Featured Student - Devin Douglass
 This month's featured student is Dible 3rd Grader Devin Douglass. According to Teacher Kristen Walling, having a child like Devin in the classroom would be a pleasure for any teacher. Her energetic and positive attitude is evident from the first moment she enters the classroom, she said, with an upbeat manner that is contagious to those around her.
"Devin is a reliable student who is always willing to help her fellow classmates and me," Mrs. Walling said. She accepts challenging tasks in a conscientious manner and is always willing to do her very best. With academic achievements that have been honored at Dible's Straight A's assembly, she also excels in activities outside the classroom. She serves as secretary for the Kiwanis Kids Club and also takes violin lessons during the school day.
"I have enjoyed the many interesting ideas and contributions that Devin has brought to our classroom," Mrs. Walling said, adding, "It is a great pleasure to work with such an amazing child." |
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Cadets Do Well at Competition
The last weekend in March, 33 Penn Hills cadets performed at the NJROTC Area 4 Regional Drill Competition against 18 other schools from the Northeast. The Penn Hills team finished 5th overall out of 19 schools.
The District's academic team, led by Cadet Josh Rockman, took 2nd overall in the academic competition. The inspection team under Cadet Stephen Sloane's leadership took 2nd overall in the uniform inspection and military bearing competition. With Cadet Darnell Davis in the lead, the drill team finished 3rd in the unarmed basic drill competition. Although the Penn Hills team missed qualifying for the championship by one place, "First Sergeant and I are very proud of the cadet accomplishments this year," according to Commander Robert Morabito.
The team's other significant accomplishment, and one of which Commander Morabito is particularly proud, was the performance of the Penn Hills academic team in the National NJROTC Academic Exam. Going against over 1,500 teams nationwide, Penn Hills' first team placed 99th (top 6 percent) in the nation and 6th (of 163 teams, top 4 percent) in Area 4. Individual high scores were (1) Stephen Sloane, (2) Joshua Rockman, and (3) Evan Dyll.
"Once again," Commander Morabito stated, "We have demonstrated the academic prowess that has become the hallmark of Penn Hills and clearly reflects on the quality of the education and teaching that our students receive at Penn Hills." |
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PTA Reflections Winners
 Washington Elementary 3rd Grader Geno Corona is representing the Penn Hills School District at the national level of the PTA Reflections Competition. This year's theme was "Wow." Geno's literature project involved a conversation with his grandfather discussing how times have changed. Geno placed first at the state level to advance to the nationals.
Other winners from Penn Hills at the state level include Dible Elementary 1st Grader Amanda McCann, Second Place in Visual Arts; Dible 2nd Grader Haidyn Craig, Second Place in Photography; and Linton Middle School 9th Grader Matthew Steimer, First Place in Photography (Specified Category).
The Reflections Program recognizes student entries at the local, council, district, state, and national levels in the categories of literature, music, photography, visual arts, dance/choreography, and film/video.
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Student to Journey to Germany
Sophomore and German III student Erica Stevens has been awarded the National American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) Study Trip Award to the Federal Republic of Germany this summer. This was a result of scoring in the 95th percentile on the National AATG German Exam, followed by applications with essays in both German and English, and finally a phone interview in German.
This year, approximately 26,000 students participated in the Testing Program. Forty-four outstanding students were selected by the AATG to participate in all-expense-paid summer study trips to Germany donated by the Federal Republic of Germany. There are two awards: 39 regular study trips, lasting three-and-one-half weeks, and five senior study trips, which last one month. The Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (Pedagogical Exchange Service) in Bonn administers these programs, plans the curriculum, and schedules the excursions.
German Teacher Robert Chaney said, "We are indebted to the Federal Republic of Germany for supporting these programs and making these opportunities available to young Americans.
This is a major accomplishment for Erica, and a real honor for our German Department and our school district." |
Elementary Basketball Program Concludes
This year's elementary basketball program concluded with the girls' championship game held at Penn Hebron on March 12th and the boys' game on March 5th at the Senior High School. Actual game play began on January 5th. A continued component this year was the formal notification form for players whose school-day performance determined the player "ineligible" for game play. Over 150 students on sixteen teams took part in the program. Twelve teams consisted of boys with a couple of girls, while the other four teams were all girls (a first this year). In addition, around 30 girls from Grades 4-5 participated as cheerleaders. Based on student participation, weekly family attendance at games, and feedback from parents and staff, this year's basketball/cheerleader program was once again a successful endeavor. The benefits of being a member of a team, practicing good sportsmanship, and the lessons learned in both winning and losing all help students to become more responsible students and citizens. "It is this 'life-lesson' that made me proud to have coordinated another year of the Penn Hebron basketball program," Coordinator Melanie Franciscus said. For more information on the season, click here. |
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NJROTC Students to Attend Seminars
The U.S. Navy has created two opportunities for cadets from NJROTC programs around the country to attend Leadership Seminars this summer at Embry-Riddle University in Florida in June and the University of San Diego in California in July.
Two Penn Hills juniors were accepted to attend these seminars. Cadet Stephen Sloane will be visiting Embry-Riddle and Cadet James Arnott will attend the University of San Diego. Both will take part in the programs at no cost to them; all travel, lodging, food, and tuition costs will be paid for by the Navy.
The purpose of the Leadership Seminar is to place the cadets in a college environment with a college-type curriculum to spur their interest in continuing their education following high school and possibly to pursue a future in the Navy. The Leadership Seminar will allow the cadets to apply science and math principles to determine the outcome of hands-on experiments.
"I am thrilled that we have been able to take advantage of these opportunities because of the comprehensive nature, depth, and quality of education students receive in Penn Hills Schools," Commander Robert Morabito stated. |
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Teacher Headed to Space Academy
Linton Middle School Science Teacher Jennifer Shondeck has been selected as one of 242 teachers from 45 states and 19 countries to receive an all-expense paid trip to Honeywell's Space Academy for Educators this summer. In June, she will be taking part in classes, hands-on learning experiences, workshops, and simulations geared towards educators. The experience will provide her with many resources to bring back to Penn Hills to share with her science colleagues.
The program allows teachers
to participate in astronaut-style training and simulations, along with activities designed to promote life-long learning in a classroom setting. All lessons and activities are correlated to National Science and Math Standards and are ready to use in the classroom. | |
Students Win at Local and Regional Fire Essay Competitions
The Penn Hills Fireman's Association presented awards on March 8th in its annual Fire Prevention Essay Contest to sixteen 6th and 7th graders from Linton Middle School. Several of these students went on to receive awards at the regional level of the competition on March 21st. Winners at the local level were:
6th Grade
1st Place - Justin Dumm
2ns Place - Kristen Lubawski
3rd Place - Rachel Stiller
Honorable Mentions - Dina Perlic, Sierra Goshea, Gina Gionta, Amanda Young, and Jesse Hong
7th Grade
1st Place - Julia Clark
2nd Place - Victoria Verrico
3rd Place - AnnaMarie Kun
Honorable Mentions - Jalen Kincaid, Persona Warfield, Raya Foster, Dante Stoudemire, and Stephanie Christman
These same essays were sent on for judging at the regional level. At the Western Pennsylvania Regional Competition held at Springdale Fire Hall on March 21st, the following students received recognition:
6th Grade
2nd Place - Justin Dumm
3rd Place - Rachel Stiller
Honorable Mentions - Amanda Young, Dina Perlic, Kristen Lubawski, and Sierra Goshea
7th Grade
1st Place - Julia Clark
2nd Place - Stephanie Christman
3rd Place - Persona Warfield
Honorable Mentions - Raya Foster and AnnaMarie Kun
Winners will be recognized at the April 7th School Board meeting. |
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Coming in April, Odyssey of the Mind State Competition results, the school calendar for 2009-2010, and Kennywood Community Day information. All this and more in the next edition of Penn Hills Pride. | |
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