LMWC has approximately 50 team members and is looking to increase the size of the team and program in the 2010-2011 Season.  First practice is at 6 PM, Monday, Nov.15.  A parent meeting is slated for 7 PM Thursday, Nov. 11, at Harriton High School. Also, save the date:  Saturday, Nov. 20.  Olympian Matt Valenti will hold a clinic for kids -- a highlight of last year's season. Tentative time is 8-10 AM at Harriton.  The team will host two meets this year.

On Nov. 15-16, seventh graders on Team 7-1 will be participate in a Design Challenge, called "It's Not Easy Being Green." Working collaboratively, students will use their problem-solving skills to design and construct solutions to relevant, authentic, real-world problems. Through this interdisciplinary learning experience (with particular emphasis on STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics), students will have the opportunity to apply and reinforce their content knowledge within the framework of the design and problem solving process. Additionally, students will raise their own level of environmental awareness, as well as that of the community.

If interested in serving as a guest judge for our "It's Not Easy Being Green" Design Challenge and are available Tuesday, Nov. 16, from approximately 9 AM-12 PM, please contact Lauren Lapinski, lapinsl@lmsd.org or Kelly Peterson, petersk@lmsd.org.

Interested in reading more?  Please see attached flier.

A joint high school HSA meeting at LMHS auditorium, 7 PM on Nov. 22, will offer "Beyond Just Say No, a New Conversation with Teens about Alcohol and Other Drugs," a novel approach to help kids resist drugs and alcohol.  Parents and students are welcome.  The meeting provides parents a chance to hear education expert Jeff Wolfsberg who is meeting with high school students  during grade level assemblies the morning of Nov. 22 (LM) and  Nov. 23 (HH).  Wolfsberg, a highly regarded leader in the field of drug and alcohol education, will provide all high school students with an engaging, poignant presentation about the reality of underage drinking and other substance abuse.

Wolfsberg has worked with more than 1,500 schools in the nation, to enhance their response to underage drinking and alcohol misuse, and to drug use. His articles have appeared in Time magazine, the Educational Digest, and more.  Learn accurate and up-to-date information about substance use and strategies to help your student choose a drug-free lifestyle.  His approach to relating to teens includes a message about the following:

• Students who are choosing to remain drug and alcohol free will feel supported and validated.
• All students will learn about the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse and poisoning and what to do about it.
• Issues like drunk driving, binge drinking, mixing alcohol with other drugs including medications, how to be an "active bystander," and talking with teens about how and when seeking help and support is crucial will be addressed.
• Wolfsberg's message is designed to reduce resistance normally associated with anti-drug presentations, so that non-users, as well as regular and heavy users of alcohol and drugs,will remain actively engaged.

The Main Line Girls Basketball Association (MLGBA), one of the oldest and largest girls-only basketball leagues on the Main Line,  is accepting applications for the 2011 season. Online registration is available at www.mlgba.com. All applications must be received no later than Tuesday, Nov. 30. The season begins Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011.

Counselors (from left) Tesha Gesacion, Diana Zuroski, Stu Shore and Secretary Anne Miller

Diana Zuroski, 7th grade:  This is my eighth year in education and first year at BC. I earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bloomsburg University. I taught for three years as an elementary teacher where I discovered my passion for developing students' life skills.  I furthered my education at the University of Colorado where I received a master's degree in school counseling and then moved into a school counselor position at a middle school in Colorado Springs for four years.

To illustrate my commitment to the discipline and profession, I remained proactive in pursuing pertinent certifications and licensing such as:  National Certified Counselor, Pennsylvania Principal Licensure, and Love and Logic facilitator certificate.

Stuart Shore, 8th grade:  This is my 14th year as a school counselor and eighth year at BC.  I thoroughly enjoy working at BC because of the skilled professional and administrative staff, high level of parent support, and being able to work with all types of students, at different places in their lives.

I am very proud of our Developmental School Counseling Program at BCMS. In 2008 we earned RAMP, a national distinction from The American School Counselor Association for demonstrating that we have a comprehensive School Counseling Program. This recognition for excellence in school counseling is shared by only one other middle school in PA.  

In addition to my master's degree in School Counseling from the University of Tennessee, I earned my Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Psychology from Temple University.  My dissertation at Temple focused on physical activity promotion among youth and the academic, social, and emotional benefits of physical activity.  I was the lead investigator and author of a study published in Obesity about the relationship between unhealthy weight status and decreased middle school performance.  I earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Muhlenberg College.  I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and a Nationally Certified Counselor.  

Previous BC counselors are now working at the high school level:  Maura Quinn is at Harriton and  Stephanie Brett is the wellness counselor at Harriton and LMHS.