Per the adopted district calendar, the following changes will be implemented due to the recent school cancellations: February 10 snow day will be made up on Monday, March 15 (Day 3); February 11 snow day will be made up on Monday, April 5 (Day 4); and February 12 snow day will be made up on Thursday, June 10 (Day 5, also the tentative last day of school).

 

To clarify all grade due dates, please follow this schedule:
 
- Progress report grades are due on Monday, March 1.
- Grade verification will be on Tuesday, March 2.
- Progress reports will be mailed on Monday, March 8.
 
For report cards:
 
- Report card grades are due on Tuesday, April 6.
- Grade verification will be on Wednesday, April 7.
- Report cards will be mailed on Tuesday, April 13.

 

The school board has passed the 2010-2011 preliminary budget, which includes a 5.5% tax increase. This preliminary budget still includes a substantial deficit of more than $1 million. Over the next few months, the board will make decisions to achieve a balanced budget by June.

 

This preliminary budget assumes the closing of Coldbrook, the return of the FCCTC academic students to CASHS, and a $1 million reduction in supplies. The preliminary budget doesn't commit the district to a specific tax increase; however, the district has the ability with the approval of this preliminary budget to raise taxes a maximum of 5.5%.

 

The CASD Parent Advisory Council met February 8 to hear a presentation on the implications of student dropout and to discuss ways for the community to help keep students engaged in school. (See the minutes from the meeting.)

 

 

A free pre-retirement workshop sponsored by the Franklin and Fulton County chapters of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24 in the St. Thomas Elementary School gymnasium. This workshop is for professional and support staff who anticipate retiring in the next five years.

 

On December 12, 2009, my family experienced one of the worst things: a house fire. The days following the fire, we experienced some of the most inspiring things anyone can experience. My children are involved in sports and not only did the Fayetteville Browns Midget Football organization take a collection during their annual banquet that was held the following Sunday, but some of my son's teammates collected clothes for my son. The Chambersburg 6th grade basketball team also presented our family with gift cards to local businesses. Family and friends also assisted my family with monetary donations.
 
When my children returned to school on the Monday following the fire, Mr. Steve McNew, guidance counselor at Faust, sent out an e-mail to the teachers and staff of the Chambersburg School District, who quickly responded with donations of items that my family had lost. The donations from the teachers and staff included blankets, clothes, gift cards, pillows, and school supplies. There were so many people that helped my family during this time of need, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support and thoughts.
 
Our house is being rebuilt and we are hoping to be back in our house by early spring. Thank you again to everyone that helped; we sincerely appreciate it.

 

Shaffer/Gordon Family
Fayetteville

 

The school board has approved the future names, colors, and mascots of the two middle schools for 2011 following a survey of more than 1,700 students and staff.

 

Faust Junior High will become Chambersburg Area Middle School North (CAMS North), and Chambersburg Area Middle School will become Chambersburg Area Middle School South (CAMS South). The colors of both schools will be blue and white, and the mascot will be the Trojans. Sharing the colors and mascot will build unity and a sense of pride for all secondary students.

 

Both middle schools will house 6th through 8th grades beginning in the 2011-2012 school year when 9th grade moves to CASHS.

 

Brock Piper, 1st grade, Ben Chambers
Zachary Smith, 5th grade, Ben Chambers
Alexis Farrington, 6th grade, CAMS
Kenneth Coppens, 7th grade, CAMS
Shannon Edwards, 8th grade, Faust
Laken Horst, 9th grade, Faust
Gregory Figueroa, 10th grade, CASHS
Tenisha Meredith, 10th grade, CASHS
Cole Pogue, 12th grade, FCCTC
Lilly Rodriguez, 12th grade, FCCTC

 

Every 3rd grader in the Chambersburg Area School District has received a dictionary from the Rotary Club of Chambersburg as part of a project meant to promote literacy, education, and service. Special thanks to the following individuals for taking the time to participate in this project and make it a success:

 

Eileen Finucane, Pete Lagiovane, Theresa Bachman-Myers, Pat Barbarowicz, Steve Overcash, Karen Shearer, Cindy Wolf, Tim Johnston, Ken Murdock, Clint Bolte, Joe Wolfinger, Demee Deardorff, Bob Harrison, Rick Heckman, Bob Snider, Bob Losee, Ted Rabold, Carl and Arlene Flohr, Connie Kelley, Cindy Richards, Kathie Berard, Holly DeKurske, Linda Boeckman, and Ken Ditzler.

 

 

Keeping parents informed and involved helps ensure student safety and improve student success. This is why our district has implemented Global Connect, an essential tool for notification and communication.
 
Within minutes of an emergency, we can use Global Connect to deliver a single, clear message to parents or guardians by telephone. Global Connect is also used to convey information about school delays and cancellations. However, this system will only work effectively if student contact information on file with a school is accurate.
 
To verify your child's information, please call your child's school. To change your contact information, you must visit the school office and request a student information update form. To opt out of the system, a parent must complete the opt-out form and return it to the school. (This form is available at www.chambersburg.k12.pa.us/notification.)
 
District information will continue to be communicated through our website, eNewsletters, and local TV and radio stations.

 

On Wednesday evening the school board voted to extend the recent teacher retirement incentive for teachers to head teachers, department heads, Act 93 administrators, and non-bargaining support personnel.

 

Those employees in the above categories who choose to retire at or before the conclusion of the 2009-2010 contract year will receive an additional payment in their 403(b) account determined by multiplying the employee's per diem rate by the number of years of service in PSERS. The additional contribution will be made within 30 days of the employee's last day of work.

 

If those personnel who plan to retire at or before the end of the current contract year provide notice of that intent by March 15, 2010, they will receive an additional employer contribution of $1,000 to their 403(b); or $2,000 if they provide notice by February 12, 2010.

 

The CASD Foundation will host its 16th Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, May 3 at the Chambersburg Country Club. The 1:00 p.m. shotgun features a four-person scramble with men's and women's flights. Golfers will be provided a box lunch and beverages, use of cart, driving range and putting green privileges, and snacks and beverages on the course. The event will conclude with a dinner buffet, announcement of raffle winners, and presentation of prizes. The number of golfers is limited, so early registration is encouraged!

All golfers are eligible for prizes for the longest drive, closest to the pin, and name the sponsor contests, as well as the opportunity to win the use of a car for two years in the Hole-in-One contest and to compete in the Beat-the-Pro contest. Sponsorships are available and will receive appropriate signage on the course and recognition in the program booklet.

Golfers may enter a foursome at a cost of $85/golfer. All proceeds from the tournament benefit the Foundation's scholarship and grant programs. To register as a sponsor or with a foursome, please contact Foundation Executive Director Beth Luka at lukalis@chambersburg.k12.pa.us or 263-8825.

 

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