- 12/14: Forbes Young Rembrandts Holiday Workshop
- 12/14: Senior High Instrumental Holiday Concert
- 12/15-16: Elementary Science Fair
- 12/15: Senior High Choral Concert
- 12/16: NJROTC Annual Military Inspection
- 12/20: Linton Band/Orchestra Concert
- 12/20: Charter School Hearing
- 12/21: Linton Fundraiser Slam Dunk Assembly
- 12/21: Linton Choral Concert
- 12/22: Linton Staff Holiday Breakfast
- 12/22: Forbes Classroom Winter Celebrations
- 12/23-01/02: Holiday Recess, No School
- 12/31: Final Installment School Real Estate Tax Due; Last Day for School/Municipal Real Estate Tax Before Delinquent
To view additional events, click here. |
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Elementary and Secondary Menus
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High School Indoor Soccer Tournament - January 8th
On Saturday, January 8, 2011, the Penn Hills Lady Indians will be hosting a girls' high school indoor soccer tournament at the Fralic Center. The Penn Hills Winter Classic Indoor Soccer Tournament is open to all girls in Grades 9-12. All girls must attend the same high school. Cost is $160 per team of ten (maximum), and teams must register by December 17th. There is a guarantee of three games, and awards will be given for championship and runner-up teams. Tournament t-shirts will also be available. For more information or to register a team, call 412-795-4062 or email bonnetts6@comcast.net. |
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2010-11 Senior High School Yearbook
The 2010-11 Senior High School Yearbook, which includes Grades 9-12, can now be purchased online by clicking here. Cost is $76, but this amount can be reduced by student fundraising. For more information, contact a member of the yearbook staff. |
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2010-11 Linton Yearbook
2010-11 Linton Yearbooks for Grades 5-8 can be purchased online or by submitting a form to the school. Price for the books is $27.00 until February 1st and $30.00 after February 1st. The yearbook features several options for personalization. Yearbooks can be purchased during lunch on Fridays throughout January. To order using the form, click here. To order online, click here. |
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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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Municipal Events
- 12/13: Recreation Advisory Board Mtg.
- 12/13: Historical Committee Mtg.
- 12/20: PH Council Mtg.
- 12/22: Zoning Hearing Board Mtg.
- 12/23: Planning Commission Mtg.
- 12/24: Christmas Holiday, Offices Closed; Municipal Garbage Collection One Day Late
- 12/28: Library Board Mtg.
- 12/31: New Year's Holiday, Offices Closed
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
Communications Consultant Penn Hills School District
Previous editions of Penn Hills Pride are always available here or here. |
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Holiday Greetings!
 Due to major events such as the new Senior High School groundbreaking and new superintendent hiring, as well as the holiday season, the November and December issues of Penn Hills Pride have been combined. The normal publication schedule for the newsletter will resume in January. We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. See you all next year! |
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New Senior High School Groundbreaking Takes Place
On Saturday, December 11th, a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Penn Hills Senior High School took place at the former Roberts Administration site on Collins Drive. The event program can be accessed here.
The ceremony kicked off at 10 a.m. with a welcome from Interim Superintendent Dr. Stephen Vak. An NJROTC color guard presented the colors and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Penn Hills Marching Band, under the direction of Kala Lorey, offered the Star Spangled Banner with Junior Dianna Bash as soloist and the Alma Mater with Senior Patrick Bovo as soloist.
After that, new School Board President Carl Barbarino spoke to the crowd about his experiences as a student at the current high school as well as what will be expected for the new high school and its students. He challenged the students who will be utilizing the new building to live up to the expectations of the District. "The District is providing you with a great learning environment; it will be up to you to make the most of this opportunity," he said, adding, "Rise to the occasion and make us Penn Hills proud." The text of his speech can be found here.
Sophomore Class President Jonathan Morford spoke about his experiences at the current school. His class of 2013 will be the first to graduate from the new Senior High School.
Director of Secondary Education William McClarnon talked about the educational plans for the new school and how the staff will be prepared. He was followed at the podium by Jan Brimmeier, President/Owner of Architectural Innovations. She explained to the audience the process of designing the new building and the educational value it would provide to students in the District. 
After concluding remarks by Dr. Vak, a representative of Turner Construction led Board members and administrators out to the site in order to lift that first clump of dirt. Guests at the event included former teachers and administrators, District staff and administrators, PTA Council representatives, and Sharon Price, representing Senator Jay Costa's office. Additional photos from the event can be seen here. |
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District Welcomes New Superintendent Thomas Washington
At the December 6th Board meeting, Thomas K. Washington of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was approved as the District's new superintendent. He is currently Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in the Bethlehem Area School District. In this capacity, he has dealt with labor relations issues, principal supervision, child accounting, strategic planning, postgraduate programs, student teachers, human relations, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission/ Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission matters. In addition, he co-chaired the superintendent's committee on diversity.
While serving as Director of Student Services, Mr. Washington dealt with a wide variety of student-related issues in the district, including guidance, student code of conduct, charter schools, homeschooling, student assistance program, and early childhood/ child care. He also served as principal for a K-5 elementary building, implementing several reading programs, and spent time in Bethlehem as an elem entary school teacher. In addition, he was an elementary school principal in the Allentown School District, assistant elementary school principal in the Pocono Mountain School District, and an elementary school teacher in the Albany City School District.
Initiatives implemented under Mr. Washington during his tenures include a schoolwide breakfast program, K-12 code of conduct, K-8 character education program, and curriculum development. He has served an integral role in the creation of academic programs for students as well as designing professional learning communities for teachers. In addition, his experience has utilized collaboration with not only parents, students, and teachers, but the general community as well. The leadership skills he has gained as he has progressed through the school system will play an important part in his role as superintendent of the District.
Mr. Washington said his main question and focus upon taking up the reins at Penn Hills will be "how are the children doing"? He plans to continue to strengthen the commitment to excellence in education and improved opportunities for all with a focus on student learning, which has been the District's mission. Helping students reach their potential and the challenges of meeting the needs of the students at Penn Hills was what attracted him to the District. Additionally, he said, the diversity of the District was a characteristic that drew him to the leadership position. He sees the buildings themselves as places of realized potential. "A place of realized potential offers students the opportunity to learn and grow," he explained, adding, "It is a place that offers challenging work, a place that heals children with trust, caring, and forgiveness. It is a place that forgives the mistakes of growing up." A place of realized potential, he went on to say, "Opens itself to change and keeps an open mind to the fact that potential is a mystery." In this place, the focus remains on the potential of the students. Helping them reach that potential, he explained, requires three simple steps: relationships, meeting their needs at their level, and teaching in interesting and practical ways. This also entails a system that combines high expectations with high supports, he said.
The biggest challenges Mr. Washington sees with this new position are ensuring that all students are equipped with the skills they need for the 21st century and balancing the needs of the students, teachers, and community during these difficult financial times.
When asked what he would like to be looking back on as his accomplishments a year from now, Mr. Washington's response was:
- Formation of relationships of trust and honesty with the PHSD school community, including students, teachers, administrators, support personnel, central office, Board members, and the community.
- Improved student achievement.
- Successful oversight of the construction projects.
Mr. Washington's background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education from the State University of New York and a Master of Education from Kutztown University. His principal certificate was obtained from Penn State University, with his letter of eligibility for the superintendency from Lehigh University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
On a more personal note, the new superintendent is a very devoted Big East basketball fan. He enjoys reading leadership books on his iPad. John Maxwell is his favorite author, he said, and his principles of leadership are easy to use and implement on a personal and professional level. He calls his family the most important part of his life and his wife of 22 years his best friend and support. Mr. Washington's family includes three beautiful children and one grandson.
The thing about himself that Mr. Washington would like his new community to know is that he believes his history of leadership, professional experience, professional development, service to education, and his personal integrity have prepared him for this important leadership role. "I pledge to serve the District and community with honor, integrity, and sound character," he stated. |
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Dancing With the Teachers Results
On December 3rd, District cheerleaders presented the 3rd Annual Dancing with the Teachers fundraising event.
Teachers, staff, and students dancing in the event included Todd Holler and Shauna Rice, Michael Springer and Melissa Slane, Ed and Jessica Kapsha, Lou Lardo and Ellie Woods, Jonathan Morford and Ashley Belohlavek, and Jalen Kincaid and Amanda Ifill.
A wide variety of dance styles were seen, including swing, tango, cha cha, and salsa. Celebrity judge was Vince Sims from WPXI, with master and mistress of ceremonies students Patrick Bovo and Ashley DeVito.
Todd Holler and Shauna Rice were crowned the winners in what was said to be a close competition with their version of "Please Don't Stop the Music." The number was choreographed by Luanne O'Brien. Other performances included Varsity, JV, Freshman, and Junior High Cheerleaders; Sherry's School of Dance and Gymnastics; Miss Holly's School of Dance; Full of Grace Dance Studio; and Larry Cervi's School of Performing Arts. Additional photos from the event can be found here.
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NJROTC Activities
On November 24th, the Penn Hills NJROTC held its 10th Annual Big Red Battalion Day at the Fralic Center. The event offers a chance for the various classes of NJROTC students to interact with each other as one large group. Activities included eve rything from pass-in-review to izzy dizzy and tug-of-war. The day concluded with awards. (additional photos are available in the NJROTC photo gallery here)
On Veterans Day, 30 cadets from the Color Guard, Sword Team, and Drill Team participated in the Annual Veterans Day Parade through downtown Pittsburgh. Penn Hills was one of four JROTC units that participated, and our students received many compliments from people as they went by. Commander Robert Morabito said that most were shocked when he told them the cadets were in high school. That evening, 1st Sergeant Martin Kenderson took a cadet color guard to present the flag at a dinner at St. Vincent's College for veterans in Latrobe hosted by the Greensburg Conservation Society. The cadets were treated to dinner and had significant interaction with veterans and citizens from the Latrobe area. At the same time, Commander escorted a cadet color guard to an event honoring veterans at one of Penn Hills' senior citizen facilities, Seneca Place.
On the weekend of the 13th, 33 cadets on the drill team, academic team, and color guard participated in the year's 1st drill meet, Erie McDowell High School AFJROTC's 13th Annual Invitational Drill Meet. There were 10 schools in attendance representing Army, Navy, and Air Force JROTCs. The District's Armed Duet Exhibition consisting of cadets Trevor Arnott and Terek Barnes took 1st place in their event. The other teams put on respectable performances. "It was a good barometer for letting us know what we need to work on for the remainder of the season," Commander Morabito said.
Earlier that morning, while the cadets were eating breakfast, one of the motel guests asked Commander who the students were. The guest was amazed that they were a JROTC, Commander said. The gentleman works in a Canadian high school and was extremely impressed with the excellent comportment of the Penn Hills cadets. Several other guests at the hotel also had positive comments. |
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Students Volunteer Time to Give Toys for Tots
On November 23rd, Senior High Gifted Coordinator Joshua Willy took twenty-five 9th and 10th grade students on a volunteer outing for Toys for Tots through Pittsburgh Cares. This nonprofit organization utilizes volunteerism to increase involvement in the community.
The Toys for Tots opportunity starts with donations from individuals and corporations. Toys are bought and brought to a warehouse, where they are sorted by age and gender, then wrapped and re-sorted for distribution. These toys are distributed to local organizations such as churches and schools, who ensure that the toys end up in the hands of the appropriate and most in-need children. The job of the Senior High volunteers was to fill orders and sort toys at the warehouse.
Mr. Willy said there are many reasons for volunteering. The most obvious reason is to help others. Another reason would be to "fill one's sense of obligation to the 'greater good.'" In either case, he said he hoped the opportunity resulted in a rewarding experience for the students who participated. Although the students were only on site for a short time, the group contributed over 50 hours of volunteering. |
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Middle School Videoconference With Elementary
Recently, students at Washington and Linton had the opportunity to interact as part of a literacy program without ever leaving their respective buildings.
Washington Reading Specialist Shannon Plance worked with Gifted Coordinator Tracey Johnson to organize a Reading Mentor Program between elementary students and fifth graders at Linton.
Ms. Plance said they wanted to have fifth graders come to Linton to read to second graders yet wanted to incorporate technology as well. To accomplish this, they decided to have a teleconference where three fifth grade gifted students would read to second graders using the video equipment available. The students met in advance with the teachers, and each student was assigned a part to read. A practice was held and the students were also given costumes to wear.
On November 16th, second graders at Washington assembled in the library, where they were able to talk to and see the fifth graders that were reading to them. As Fifth Graders Christina Marra, Ryan Iezzi, and Lyndsey Schultz read An Undone Fairy Tale by Ian Lendler, Ms. Plance displayed the book for the students to see on a separate screen using an ELMO camera. "The fifth graders were very enthusiastic in their reading," she said, "and the second graders responded wonderfully!"
After the fifth graders finished reading, the students at Washington said goodbye and thanked their electronic visitors. The second graders then conti nued to play a comprehension game as a group. "I was impressed with the lively discussion that the second graders had about the book," Ms. Plance stated, adding, "Their enthusiasm was contagious!"
Ms. Plance went on to say that they felt the program was very successful in promoting literacy, and they hoped to implement it with the other grades at Washington as soon as possible. |
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Gifted Students in the Business of Publishing
 Fourth grade students at Penn Hebron are pulled out for gifted enrichment by Gifted Coordinator Melissa Tamburrino once or twice a week every 6-day cycle. Because the gifted students that she pulls are strong writers, she said, "I thought it would be cool to create a newspaper." Each student picked his/her own section, working with or without partners as they preferred.
The first edition was started in October and published in November. It included teacher interviews, current events at Penn Hebron, science, comics, animal section, fashion section, recipe, and sports section. The group is working on its next edition with different sections. Ms. Tamburrino said the students wanted to add robust vocabulary, math, and social studies sections. On this edition, each student will pick a different section, and it will be published before Christmas break.
"The students worked really hard and enjoyed doing it," Ms. Tamburrino said. Some of them did interviews after school and during school. Students created their own name for the newspaper, calling it The Penn Hebron Star. The name was chosen after everyone put a name in a hat and the students then voted on the one they thought would fit best. She said her newspaper writers were really nervous when she copied their work and gave it to the other students in their classrooms. "Once the other kids read their work," she stated, "They were so proud of it."
To view a copy of the newspaper, click here. |
Legislators Recognize Students, Teachers, and Vete rans
On December 6th, local legislators recognized students, staff, and veterans who participated in the Veterans History Project, presenting the different groups with citations at the Board meeting. Representative Tony DeLuca was on hand as was Sharon Price of Senator Jay Costa's office. A video clip from the veterans project was also shown. The project involved students interviewing veterans at Seneca Place for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Two of the interviews were sent to the Library of Congress, where they will be digitized and catalogued. Once completed, people around the country will be able to learn about the wartime experiences of Seneca Place veterans by watching the interviews and viewing associated web pages. In addition, a video presentation including all of the interviews was produced for a Veterans Day event held at the Seneca Place facility. District staff involved with the project included Brian Brown, John Bilsky, Francis Ferragonio, Deborah Glasstetter, Linda Knaus, and Bob Patterson. The following students took part:
6th Grade
Ian Banks
Emily Bertha
Jacob Russell
Gabrielle Feldman
Courtney Campbell
Conor McDevitt
William Berkshire
Jessica Christman
Cathan Crowley
7th Grade
Khalil Harper
Brianna McCue
Aaliyah Tinsley
Jade Ely
Angelina Veneziano 8th Grade
Dina Perlic
Aaron Baird
Rachel Moran
Lezlee Fuchs
Grant Miller For additional photos from the Board presentation, click here. (special thanks to Chris Polaski) |
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High School Student Chosen for Tournament
Freshman Witney Larko was recently selected to compete in the 18th Queen of Diamonds Showcase North (QDSN) at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. The event  will take place January 8-9, 2011, and attracts athletes from more than 30 states and 2 Canadian Provinces. The QDSN is the largest of the three Queen of Diamond events and the largest fastpitch softball showcase of its kind in the United States. These showcases are very unique as athletes actually apply to participate in the events individually and are selected based on many criteria ranging from ability, potential, academics, graduation year, coaches' requests, and referrals. The events provide collegiate-bound high school athletes with an opportunity to showcase their talents to college coaches.
Witney plays the positions of shortstop and pitcher in summer ball for the Nitro Fastpitch. She said she was "excited and honored that I was recommended as a freshman" and then to actually be chosen for such a big event was even more thrilling. When asked what drives her to succeed, she responded, "love of the game and the hope that my hard work will provide me the opportunity to play in college." |
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Alum Named to Academic All-America Team
 Penn Hills Alum ('07) and Juniata College Senior Steph Strauss was recently named to the ESPN Academic All-America women's volleyball team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). She is the 20th Academic All-American in the college's history and was a first team selection to the College Division squad. This division includes student-athletes from NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA institutions. Steph is only the sixth Juniata student-athlete to earn first team honors on a CoSIDA Academic All-America team. She is also a three-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American.
At Juniata, this sports marketing and management student is a two-time Landmark Conference Academic Honor Roll selection, an intern in both Juniata's J-Club and Sports Information offices, and president of Juniata's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She was named the NCAA "Elite 88" Award recipient at the 2009 NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championship for having the highest grade point average of any participating student-athlete at the championship site. She was also selected as a participant at the 2010 NCAA Career in Sports Forum.
(information and photo courtesy of the Juniata College women's volleyball site) |
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Coming next month in Penn Hills Pride, Penn Hebron Principal Phillip Woods, Elementary Science Fair Results, and student achievements. All this and more in the next edition of Penn Hills Pride. |
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