For its efforts in raising such an amount, the school will be given free $150 vouchers for sports equipment.  Students who participated received popsicles as a treat from the physical education teachers after the jump.

"All students gave it their best effort and never stopped jumping for almost 1 hour," Physical Education Teacher Lorraine Nola said.  She added, "Fun and fitness were going hand in hand for a very worthy worthwhile cause . . . heart disease research."   (for additional photos from the event, click here)

Learning, laughter, and socialization are all a part of a typical afternoon for approximately 100 students who are enrolled in the Magic in the Middle Program.  It is part of the 21st Century Communities in Schools Program located at Linton Middle School, running Monday through Thursday from 2:15 until 6 pm in the evening. Magic in the Middle provides a safe environment for both "at risk" students and students who want to enhance their academic skills.

Magic in the Middle goes beyond a typical after school program by providing homework support, physical activity, home economic skills, snack, and even dinner to each and every student enrolled.  It has daily goals in place to help students who are performing poorly in school work on improving their grades. Staff members who work directly with students in the program are encouraged to discuss personal goals with each student on a daily basis.

Magic in the Middle has already proven to be beneficial for the students who are currently enrolled, according to Program Coordinator Jean Olivis. "Students who get their work completed and in on time are more likely to have better grades," Ms. Olivis said. "The students in our after school program need the support of caring adults to turn their lives around. This is not to say that they don't already have a caring adult but middle school students are social creatures and they need time for socialization."

Ms. Olivis first began coordinating the program in 1987 when she contacted the District to see if it would partner with Communities in Schools to operate a 21st Century Community Learning Center.  Coordinating a program such as Magic in the Middle has always been a goal for her. "I always had the dream to work with children and bring programs into schools to help build their self-esteem," she explained.  However, coordinating the program is not an easy task for Ms. Olivis, who stated, "The reality is that there is so much to stay on top of that you literally could work 24 hours to complete everything that needs to be done."

Ms. Olivis is assisted by 14 staff members, as well as Title I Coordinator Erin Jackson and Professional Development and Funding Coordinator Stefanie Raspotnik.  Ms. Olivis, Ms. Jackson, and Ms. Raspotnik communicate with each other daily in order to ensure the success of the program. "Communication is key in making this program a success," Ms. Raspotnik said, with Ms. Olivis adding that "the communication with staff, parents, and providers is the most important part of what you do in this position."

Magic in the Middle has several providers that work directly with the students each day. Pathways to Success, C.S. Kim Karate, Tabitha's Place, Drama, Sparks, Computer, and Writing all provide the students with skills that are both fun to learn and will benefit them for the future.

Not only does Ms. Olivis feel that the program is beneficial to the students, but so does Deja Lee, an 8th grader in the program, "I now have positive behavior and it makes me express myself more," said Deja.

Magic in the Middle has left an impact on both the students and the staff.  "Connecting with the kids and working with them on a more personal level is rewarding in itself," said Dan Loheyde, a staff member for the program. Mr. Loheyde is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and is currently pursuing a degree in education. He teaches the students about physical activity by providing "Highmark Healthy High Five Sparks" to them, instructing them in everything from hockey to hula hooping. Not only does he enjoy teaching the students new physical activities, but students are responding in a positive manner to them as well. "I like Sparks because it gives us a chance to go outside when the weather is nice," said Kenadi Grissette, a 7th grader in the program.

Each day, at 5:45 pm, the students walk to the cafeteria before going home for the evening. At that time, snacks and words of encouragement are provided to the children by Ms. Olivis. "I always tell them to never let anyone tell them what they cannot do. I tell them if they dream it and believe in it they can make their dreams come true." (special thanks to Alana Bergamasco for contributing this article)

©All rights reserved.  Photo courtesy of Michael Shaughnessy, http://www.washjeff.edu/german/aatg/germanday.htm

On March 17th, 19 German students from Penn Hills High School took part in the 11th Annual Western Pennsylvania German Day Competition at Washington and Jefferson University.  Our students won the most coveted first place award in the musical presentation category, and they did it in unique fashion.

For weeks prior to the competition, they carefully memorized, choreographed, and rehearsed their version of Goethe's tragic poem "Der Erlkoenig" that they "Rick-rolled" to a disco beat.   "Rick-rolling" is a little complicated to explain but involves incorporating the 1987 song and video by Rick Astley "Never Gonna Give You Up" into something which usually has nothing whatsoever to do with the song.  It often comes to unsuspecting people via Internet links.  People think they are going to see one thing and wind up with a song from the 80s stuck in their heads.  This is how "Der Erlkoenig" wound up being sung by someone dressed up in a trench coat looking suspiciously like Rick Astley.  And, with that, the students had a winner on their hands.

In addition, Senior Erica Stevens took first place in poetry writing for the poem she composed in German.  Penn Hills has entered the musical competition nine times over the years and has won first place three times. However, this is the first time that a Penn Hills student has received an award in a writing category.

Other students also entered the drawing and painting competitions.   At least 11 school districts from Western Pennsylvania participated with about 400 German students in attendance.  The students had a chance to show their video and be recognized at the May 3rd Board Workshop Meeting.

The event is sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania American Association of Teachers of German (AATG).

Gannon University annually sponsors a Computer Programming Competition designed to reward high school students for excellent work in the field of computer programming.  High school students in all grades are eligible to participate and can submit work individually or as a group.  All students who enter must have a sponsoring teacher from their respective high school who is familiar with the students' programming skills.
 
Gannon graduate students and professors judged all of the entries and awarded prize money and national recognition to the Top 5 high school programmers.  Of those five winners, three were from Penn Hills High School.  This is only the second time in the history of the contest that any high school has ever had more than one winner and the second year in a row that Penn Hills has accomplished this feat.
 
The winning students from Penn Hills were Seniors Joey Gelpi, Christopher Rogers, and Connor Wilczek.  The three placed 3rd, 4th, and 5th, respectively.  They were recognized by their teacher, Ted Gabrielson, and the Board at the workshop meeting on May 3rd.

6th Grade 

1st Place -Madison Stuthers-Kendall

7th Grade

1st Place - Jenna MacBeth

2nd Place- James Ternent

3rd Place- Steven Enterline

Honorable Mention - Jade Ely, Brianna McCue, Karandeep-Singh (Chera), Ray Garasich

8th Grade

1st Place - Dina Perlic

2nd Place - Justin Dumm