- 06/01: Senior Reception
- 06/02: 4th Grade Visitation
- 06/02: 3rd Grade Visitation
- 06/03: Forbes Field Day
- 06/03: Elementary Orchestra Concert
- 06/03: Washington PTA-Sponsored Picnic
- 06/04: Senior Picnic
- 06/07-08: Senior Final Exams
- 06/07: 3rd Grade Parent Night at Penn Hebron
- 06/07: Baccalaureate
- 06/08: 5th Grade Picnic (rain date 06/10)
- 06/09: Makeup Exams and Early Dismissal for Seniors
- 06/09: Penn Hebron Field Day
- 06/09: Penn Hebron Band Concert
- 06/11: Linton Battle of the Classes
- 06/09-11: Dible Book Fair
- 06/10-11: 4th Grade Ice Cream Parties
- 06/11: Washington Recognition Day
- 06/11: Forbes Think First Assembly
- 06/11: Dible End-of-Year Luau
- 06/11: 5th Grade Drama Club Mystery One Acts
- 06/14: School Now in Session
- 06/14: Forbes Kindergarten Graduation
- 06/14: Dible Straight A Party
- 06/14: BUG Awards
- 06/14: Washington PTA-Sponsored End-of-Year Bash
- 06/14: Combined Workshop/Public Voting Meeting
- 06/15: School Now in Session
- 06/15: Commencement Practice
- 06/15: BUG Awards
- 06/15: Dible Field Day
- 06/15: Washington Field Day
- 06/15: Forbes Student Awards Ceremony
- 06/16: Final Day for Students
- 06/16: Graduation
- 06/23: Last Day for Staff
- 06/30: Last Day for 2010 Municipal Real Estate Tax at Face
To view additional events, click here. |
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Elementary and Secondary Menus
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Jump Rope for the Heart at Forbes
On May 21st, 106 participants, including 12 staff members, took part in the annual Jump Rope for the Heart event at Forbes. Their efforts raised over $3,320, an increase over last year's donations of more than $1,000. |
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County Councilman Presents Proclamations
County Council Member Nick Futules attended the May 10th Board meeting to present proclamations to several student athletes who achieved special success this year. The athletes honored included 8th Grader Zach DeLuca for his participation in the Pennsylvania Junior Olympics; Senior Cullen Christian, who took part in this year's Army All-American Bowl; the girls' state championship bowling team; and the boys' indoor track team for its performance at the Tri-State Championships.
Mr. Futules told the students their accomplishments were "something you'll remember for the rest of your lives." He also reminded them of the necessity of an education in the world we live in, more so than when he was a student in the District. |
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2010 PHEA Award Winners
The following teachers have been announced as the 2010 PHEA Teacher of the Year Award winners:
- Elementary Division: Sally Wickstrom
- Middle School Division: John Bilsky and Todd Holler
- Secondary Division: Jon Williams
- Special Services: Denise Hoffman.
Senior High School Teacher Matt Herdman, who made the announcement, offered congratulations to the awardees but also to "everyone who helps to make a difference in this District. There are so many wonderful teachers who do amazing things!" The award ceremony will take place in August at the 2nd Annual PHEA Picnic. |
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Residency Tip Line
The District has in place a phone line that allows the public to anonymously report students who are attending our schools but who may not be residents of Penn Hills. Those who suspect that a student may not be a resident can call 412-793-7000, x1891, and leave a message with information about the suspected student. The District will follow up on this information. |
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PHAME
PHAME--Penn Hills Arts and Music Education Foundation--provides support and funding for a comprehensive education in Music, Theater, Dance, and the Visual Arts for District students. The mission of PHAME is to encourage and broaden support for the arts, both within the school district and community, so our young people will be inspired and prepared for a lifetime of creativity and artistic expression, as well as fostering appreciation and support of all of the arts. For more information on how you can become involved, visit the foundation's website. |
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History of Penn Hills Available
The Changing Hills is a Penn Hills history book written by Gary Rogers and Jane Hawkins available at the William E. Anderson Library of Penn Hills. Cost is $20 ($22.50 if shipping is needed). Proceeds benefit the Penn Hills Library Foundation. Books may be purchased at the front desk in the adult department of the library or by contacting Jean Kanouff at kanouffj@einetwork.net or 412/795-3507, ext. 120. |
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Municipal Events
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06/07: PH Council Mtg. - 06/10: Traffic Safety Committee Mtg.
- 06/14: Recreation Advisory Board Mtg.
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06/14: Historical Committee Mtg.
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06/21: PH Council Mtg.
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06/23: Zoning Hearing Board Mtg..
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06/24: Planning Commission Mtg.
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06/28: Library Board Mtg.
Events subject to change. For additional info on meeting dates and times, call 412-798-2103. For information on Penn Hills Parks and Recreation activities, click here. |
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Recycling Events
For more details, click on the links above. |
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
Communications Consultant Penn Hills School District
Previous editions of Penn Hills Pride are always available here or here. | |
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2010-11 Preliminary Budget
On May 20th, a public presentation was made on the 2010-11 preliminary budget. The proposed budget shows total revenues in the amount of $75,805,478, which is a 1.57 percent decrease over the 2009-10 revenues. Expenditures for the upcoming school year are proposed at $73,118,908, an approximate 5 percent reduction over the current expenditures. Salaries and benefits account for 68.5 percent of the District's budget. The real estate tax millage rate in the District remains at 24.81 mills under the proposed plan. To read more about the 2010-11 budget which will be passed in June, click the links below:
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High School Musical Students Perform at Kelly Awards
Congratulations to the cast and crew of the Senior High School musical, "Thoroughly Modern Millie." The production received five nominations at the Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater. The awards ceremony was held May 29th at the Benedum Center. The Penn Hills nominees were:
- Best Musical, Budget Category III
- Best Actor, Patrick Bovo
- Best Actress, Carly Otte
- Costume Design
- Choreography.
Although they did not bring home any awards, they did have the opportunity to perform on stage at the event and did a wonderful job. Those schools nominated for best musical performed scenes from their shows. Patrick Bovo and Carly Otte performed for their award nominations, and Tyler Harper and Nicole Innes represented Penn Hills in the finale on stage for the last song of the night. Katie Rogers was also on stage with the Civic Light Opera (CLO) Ministars.
"Seeing them as a group singing and dancing at the Benedum was an inspiring moment," Musical Producer Alicia Giove stated, adding, "Their performance was tremendous and memorable." She went on to say that the voices of the Penn Hills supporters in attendance were tired from cheering so much.
 The evening was topped off with the presentation of a $4,000 Point Park College scholarship to Carly Otte. Ms. Giove said this award, presented in recognition of Carly's talents, "was an unexpected award that was not intended and I think spur of the moment. We are so proud of her!"
It was a night to remember for the musical cast and staff. Penn Hills pride was evident everywhere at the Benedum.
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Dr. Cyril Wecht Visits Forensic Students
 On May 11th, world famous forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht visited the Senior High Forensic Science students for a year-ending lecture, "Making Sense of History: The JFK Assassination." Dr. Wecht was invited by Forensic Science Teacher Jim Rocco and former Penn Hills School Board Member Erin Vecchio.
Mr. Rocco kicked off the event by providing a brief synopsis of the Penn Hills Forensic Science Program, which has grown from a half elective class five years ago to one of the most highly populated and credible high school elective programs in the state with two courses, Forensic Science I and Forensic Science and Law. Annually, Penn Hills Forensic Science students participate in a project-based learning environment that immerses them in a world of Forensic Entomology, Anthropology, DNA Fingerprinting, Toxicology, Accident Investigation, and many other Forensic Science topics and cases.
The program officially commenced with a monologue by Senior Chris Mannella, as he presented his analysis of the JFK Assassination. (Chris' paper can be view by clicking here.) Following Chris' presentation, Dr. Wecht addressed nearly 200 students and guests as he spoke to the forensic evidence and the historical context of the events of November 22, 1963.
Dr. Wecht also spoke on a number of his most famous cases, including JonBenet Ramsey, Robert F Kennedy, and OJ Simpson. His passion for the subject matter, career experiences, and tremendous intellect were evident throughout the 90-minute lecture. At the end of the lecture, Dr. Wecht was met by a number of CSI: Penn Hills students seeking answers to many of their forensic science inquiries. "It was truly a highlight of the school year," Mr. Rocco stated.
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Track and Field Do Well to Finish Season
The Lady Indians captured the Class AAA title in the PIAA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University on May 29th. This was a first for a Class AAA WPIAL school. The 1600 relay team won its event and broke a 12-year-old record in the process. Iman Wilkerson, DeShawn Squires, Christina Roberson, and Jordan Lee set the bar higher with a new time of 3:46.31. The 400-meter team of DeShawn Squires, Iman Wilkerson, Christina Roberson, and Paige Fields edged out their competition by .32 seconds with a time of 47.37, making WPIAL history. Iman Wilkerson took bronze in the 100, and Jordan Lee took silver in the 400 and bronze in the 200. For more information on the PIAAs, click here.
The Penn Hills boys tied for 4th at the PIAAs, four points away from a runner-up trophy. The team of Charles Anderson, Tyree Squires, Thorn Catlin, and Dorian Rumble placed 6th in the 4x800 relay with a time of 7:45.99, the fastest time run in WPIAL this year and second fastest time in school history. This relay team has gone under 7:50 four times this year. In the 100, Brandon Ifill took 5th place with his time of 10.79, which broke his own school record he set earlier this year. In the 200, Brandon Ifill took 5th place. His time of 21.81 broke the school record of Shawn Anderson. The 4x400 relay team of Micah Murray, Thorn Catlin, Charles Anderson, and Doran Rumble took 6th place in 3:19.41.
At the WPIAL meet, Penn Hills girl sprinters captured seven medals, five being gold. Iman Wilkerson, the Baldwin Invitational MVP, earned four WPIAL gold medals. She won 100 (12.09) and 200 (24.67) dashes and helped the Lady Indians earn gold in the 400 and 1600 relays. She teamed with Paige Fields, Deshaun Squires, and Christina Roberson in the 400-meter relay to capture the title for the fifth consecutive year. Their time of 47.69 was the 3rd fastest in WPIAL history. Iman Wilkerson, Deshaun Squires, Christina Roberson, and Jordan Lee did even better in the 1600 meter relay. Not only did that group of Lady Indians win the WPIAL title, but they did so in 3:52.35, a new school record, meet record, and the fastest time in WPIAL history. Jordan Lee also claimed another gold medallion in the 400 dash (56.29) and a silver one in the 200 dash (25.10). Gloria Schifino earned a medal in the long jump, placing 7th with a leap of 17'1". London Parris placed 6th in the 100-meter hurdles.
The boys likewise had a stellar day at the WPIAL meet. In the 4x800-meter relay, the team of Thorn Catlin, Tyree Squires, Charles Anderson, and Dorian Rumble received 2nd place with a time of 7:48.81. The team of Micah Murray, Thorn Catlin, Dorian Rumble, and Brandon Ifill set a new WPIAL record in the 4x400-meter relay, taking 1st place with a time of 3:17.83. In the 100 meters, Brandon Ifill came in 2nd in a photo finish at 10.91 and 1st in the 200 meters with a time of 21.89. The 400 meters saw Micah Murray 2nd in 49.45 and Thorn Catlin 4th in 49.89. In the 800 meters, Charles Anderson was 2nd in 1:54.92 and Dorian Rumble was 3rd in 1:55.13. Richard Rouse was 1st in both the long jump and triple jump, with measurements of 23'0" and 44'7.5", respectively. |
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Best Buddies Get Important Visitors
 May 12th saw Best Buddies International Founder and Chairman Anthony Kennedy Shriver visiting the Senior High School Best Buddies Chapter. Mr. Shriver and a Buddy Pair from the chapter presented Senator Jay Costa with the "Champion of Friendship Award." This award recognized Senator Costa's tireless efforts to support Best Buddies' message of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Following the award presentation, the chapter recognized its graduating seniors with a dance and reception. Mr. Shriver said he was delighted "to be visiting Western Pennsylvania and Penn Hills to honor Senator Costa for his support of Best Buddies Pennsylvania programs and the 18,000 people positively impacted by our efforts here." He added, "People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a true friend and champion in Senator Costa." Before the presentation, Mr. Shriver spoke to the audience about the importance of realizing that they each have special gifts. He told the story of his Aunt Rosemary, who, despite her disabilities, was a fantastic swimmer. She could event beat her brother, he said, the President of the United States.  Senator Costa expressed pleasure and appreciation for his award. "As Senator, I have always been a strong advocate for people with disabilities," he said. "Best Buddies is an organization that works every day in schools like Penn Hills High School to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and I am honored to support Best Buddies' mission and their important role in our community," he stated. Best Buddies® is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with IDD. Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with IDDs secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, visit www.bestbuddies.org. (additional photos are available in the High School photo gallery) |
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Ireland Comes to Penn Hills
 May 25th saw a bit of the Irish in Penn Hills as students participated in a three-way video conference as part of a virtual Irish book club. Those involved along with Penn Hills were Quaker Valley High School and Omagh in Northern Ireland. Irish story teller Mary Murphy presented a performance of Irish literature for the Penn Hills students, who in return responded to her and their fellow students from Quaker Valley. The project was organized in Ireland by Marie Martin. Tim Devlin from the AIU3 helped with all of the arrangements and equipment. Dr. Susan O'Rourke, Chair of Special Education and Coordinator of Instructional Technology Certification for the School of Education at Carlow College, was the main coordinator of the program along with Mr. Devlin. The teacher from Quaker Valley was Erin Sheerin. Penn Hills 21st Century Teaching and Learning Integration Coach Brian Brown and Teacher Claire Davidson met with Dr. O'Rourke and Mr. Devlin at the AIU before starting the virtual connection. Another meeting was held at Penn Hills before the students were brought in. Ms. Davidson met with her students and read through the literature first. They then met with the Quaker Valley students involved and discussed the literature. This culminated in the story telling event. It was quite an enjoyable experience for those in attendance as they heard a short story by Frank O'Connor called "First Confession" read in the native accent of the story's birth. Students interacted with Ms. Murphy in response to questions about how they were able to relate or not relate to the story's content and themes. "It is a really nice project," Ms. Davidson said, "and will be expanded to include students from Ireland next year in an ongoing literary and cultural exchange" for the virtual book club. "We are all very excited," she added. |
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Students Recognized at Spectroscopy Ceremony
 At the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair on March 26th, two Penn Hills students were recognized by the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh. 11th Grader Christopher Dumm was recognized for his project, "Optimizing Infrared Detectors." 6th Grader Jenna MacBeth was recognized for her project, "Equality of Light."
Both students, along with their mentor, 9th Grade Biology Teacher Claire Dice, were honored at the annual Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh Awards Ceremony at the Duquesne University Student Union on May 19th. The students were presented with certificates and plaques for their projects. |
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Scholarship Night
On May 11th, the Council of PTA/PTO held its annual Scholarship Night. This year, 52 scholarships totaling $26,000 were handed out to students in the Class of 2010. The following teachers were nominated by the scholarship recipients to receive the Beacon of Knowledge Award in recognition of their significant impact on education:
Karen Alcorn Theodore Gabrielson
Paul Anderson Dan Hack
Matthew Austin Jason Korpa
Donald Babbit Jacqueline Kruzic
Keith Banks Kala Lorey
Kristy Bair Commander Morabito
Michael Berkey Ryan Osorio
John Bilsky Kristen Rassiane
Robert Chaney James Rocco
Janice Christman Melissa Slane
Sharon Custer William Smeaton
Claire Davidson Roland Sparrow
Marietta DelleFemine Barbara Spiri
Claire Dice Molly Weaver
Susan Dunbar Patricia Wendell
Deana Foley Stephen Zera
Lisa Frye
Frank Funair
A copy of the evening's program, including quotes from the students regarding the impact teachers have had on them, can be found here.
"The community and school district/administration (as well as the PTAs and Dible PTO) once again were great supporters!" Chairperson Meryl Thomas said. As the last event she will chair, she said she really felt very nostalgic and loved it, adding, "That particular night is so amazing in so many ways." |
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Washington Luau for Reading
 This spring, the students at Washington were challenged to Read Across America from Penn Hills to Honolulu, Hawaii. The students logged "miles" by reading books at home. Each book the student logged was worth ten miles. The first classroom at each grade level that logged 4,050 miles won an invitation to the Fun in the Sun Luau.
Large maps were placed in each grade level hall and classroom cars were moved weekly, based on the amount of "miles" earned for the week. A special "surprise" invitation was awarded to an additional 30 students from all grade levels that had completed multiple reading logs. The winning classrooms were:
- Kindergarten - Mrs. Whalen
- First Grade - Mrs. D'Antonio
- Second Grade - Ms. Erdyli
- Third Grade - Mrs. Kelsesky.
The Fun in the Sun Luau was held on Tuesday, May 25th. The students were rewarded with many activities such as Aloha Potato Sack Races, Limbo, three-legged races, Dolphin ring toss challenge, and hula hoop fun. Thanks to Ms. DalleTezze, Food Services Director, who provided an amazing buffet for lunch and many festive decorations. The lunch consisted of succulent pork with pineapple, scrumptious chicken, Hawaiian rice, sweet corn on the cob, fresh fruit kebabs, and adorable fish Jell-O cups. At the end of the hula celebration, the children enjoyed popsicles to help cool down.
The students were tired but thrilled after the celebration.
Students expressed their joy by delivering thank you cards to Mrs. Ott, reading specialist at Washington, and her two parent volunteers, Mrs. Corona and Mrs. Fiore, who created, organized, and set up the reading initiative. A special thank you to Mrs. Corona and Mrs. Fiore who came to Washington on a weekly basis to log the "miles" and move the classroom cars for each classroom. Thanks also to the classroom parents who gave up their day to help run the activities on the field.
The goal for the spring reading initiative was to help students become hooked on reading at home before the summer break. One parent volunteer felt the program was successful. She expressed her gratitude for the various schoolwide reading initiatives this year that she felt has helped her child to develop a love of reading. (additional photos are available in the Washington photo gallery) |
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Senior Awards Night
 Senior Awards Night was held on May 17th and provided an opportunity for our departing students to receive recognition from a variety of sources. The list of awards was impressive and included Academic, U.S. Marine Corps, Edward Fazio Law Enforcement, Chief Warrant Office William Long Memorial, Officer Michael J. Crawshaw Scholarship, Navy Jr. ROTC, Penn State Greater Allegheny Campus, Marian Opest "Passion for Education, Justin Stubblefield Respect the Game, Rotary Club Athletic, PHAME, Choral Director's, The Computer Science Orange, PHHS Distinguished Academic Achievement, Principal's Leadership, Penn Arts Council Scholarship, Student Council Difference Maker of the Year, Outstanding Departmental Achievement, Blaine Curran Memorial Scholarship, East Boro Hall of Fame, Male/Female Athletes of the Year, and Activity Awards. It was a great night to celebrate the success of our students as they head out to face new challenges and opportunities. (additional photos can be found in the High School photo gallery) |
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WPIAL Scholar-Athlete Award  Senior Mike Ferraco was presented with the WPIAL Scholar-Athlete Award at the May 10th School Board meeting. Mike was one of ten finalists for a $5,000 scholarship and was awarded a $500 scholarship.
A multitalented young man, Mike is a student School Board representative and participates in the Youth Leadership Academy, German Club, and National Honor Society. He serves as Senior Class President and was part of the winning team of students at the recent Gannon University Computer Programming Competition. He carries a 4.1 GPA, but academics are not his only specialty. He is an accomplished athlete who has played on both the football and soccer teams during the same season.
In the fall, Mike was asked his thoughts about serving as a student School Board representative. At the time, he said he hoped to gain a good reputation for the senior class of 2010 and hopefully make it one that they will remember years from now. As a representative of the class of 2010, Mike has done well. |
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Interscholastic Invention Convention Results
 Last month, the Interscholastic Invention Convention was held for students in Grades K-8 from schools across Allegheny County. Participants brainstormed an invention, researched their ideas, and developed a display of the invention, along with a detailed log and registration form, to present to three judges at the convention. Inventions were judged in the following categories: originality, usefulness, presentation, construction, illustration, inventor's log, and research. Each student was interviewed by the judges about his/her invention based on the following questions: What problem does it solve? How does it work? How is it made? What research did you do to make sure your invention is new?
First, Second, and Third Place awards were given at each grade level. Penn Hebron Fourth Grader Emma Burnett won First Place out of approximately 50 entries in her grade level for her invention. "The Ice Hook" was designed to remove ice from gutters and prevent water damage. Other participants from the District were James Ternent, Cathan Crowley, Leanne Boody, and Gabrielle Spence. |
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Aloha From Penn Hills!
 In April, the Penn Hills School District was represented at the 15th Annual Technology, Colleges, and Community (TCC) Conference at the University of Hawaii. Unlike most conferences which require participants to attend in person, the TCC is a worldwide online conference conducted entirely through the internet and is designed for educational practitioners, including faculty, academic support staff, counselors, student services personnel, students, and administrators.
With support and technical assistance from the District's 21st Century Teaching and Learning Integration Coach, Brian Brown and the technology staff, Brian Sutherland, Linton Middle School's Gifted Coordinator, co-presented a professional development workshop along with California University Professors Sylvia Braidic and Lizabeth Gillette on the topic of Peer Mentoring. Powered by Elluminate, an online web conferencing software tool available through the District's Data Technology Department, Mr. Sutherland and his team delivered an hour-long workshop in real-time through the use of the various media components embedded in Elluminate.
This was a unique opportunity for our District to utilize Elluminate for the purpose of distance learning. According to Mr. Sutherland, attendees from as far away as Illinois, North Carolina, South Dakota, Alabama, California, Hawaii, Guam, England, India, and Australia participated--but from the comfort of their office or workplace. In fact, Mr. Sutherland presented from his office at Linton Middle School. The event provided a great opportunity for the District to showcase its technological capabilities.
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Nutrition News - Bike Giveaway  The Nutrition Group received a bicycle as part of a Fritos' promotion on the menu earlier in the year (Walkin' Taco). A raffle was held at Penn Hebron, where those who ate breakfast May 17th-21st were automatically entered into the computer-generated drawing. There were eight prizes given away. These included posters, bags, healthy snacks, wrist bands, and an MCS Racing Bike and Helmet as the grand prize donated by Nutrition, Inc. The grand prize was won by Destiny Ham. |
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Coming next month in Penn Hills Pride, 2010 Graduation, Superintendent's Farewell, Fruits and Vegetables for Elementary Schools, Kiwanis Awards, East Boros Hall of Fame Inductees, Penn Hebron Golden Gloves Champ, and student achievements. All this and more in the next edition of Penn Hills Pride. |
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