The Penn Hills School District would like to remind everyone that school closings and delays can be found on KDKA, WPXI, and WTAE as well as on the District website. |
- 03/04-03/08: Linton Book Fair
- 03/04-03/08: Washington Book Fair
- 03/04: Practice Begins for All Spring Sports
- 03/04: Washington Market Day Pickup
- 03/04: Linton Family Fun Night
- 03/05: Forbes Easter Greens Sale Begins
- 03/05: Forbes Kindergarten Turner's Cow Program
- 03/05: Forbes PTA Board Mtg.
- 03/05: PAGE Mtg.
- 03/06: NJROTC Annual National Academic Exam Competition
- 03/06: Linton Market Day Orders Due to School
- 03/06: Washington Pittsburgh Zoo to Visit Pre-K
- 03/06: Title I Parent Mtg.
- 03/06: PTA Scholarship Committee Mtg.
- 03/06: PTA Council Mtg.
- 03/06: Senior High National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
- 03/07: Senior High Winter Sports Awards
- 03/08: Sharon Flake Day at Senior High
- 03/08: Washington Spaghetti Fundraiser
- 03/08: Washington PTA Scholastic Book Fair Evening Sale
- 03/08: Senior High Talent Show
- 03/09: Forbes Market Day Internet Orders Due
- 03/10: Daylight Savings Time Begins
- 03/11-03/15: Grades 5 & 8 PSSA Writing Assessment
- 03/11-03/15: Linton St. Patrick's Day Friendship Wish Sale at Lunch
- 03/11: Linton Family Fun Night
- 03/11: School Board Public Voting Mtg.
- 03/12-03/14: Forbes Scholastic Book Fair
- 03/12: Washington School Dentals
- 03/13: Forbes Gertrude Hawk Chocolates Pickup
- 03/13: Penn Hebron Sarris Candies Pickup
- 03/13: Penn Hebron PTA Mtg.
- 03/14: Penn Hebron Market Day Orders Due to School
- 03/14: Washington PTA Mtg.
- 03/14: Penn Hebron "Great and Powerful Oz" Movie Night
- 03/14: Forbes PTA Open Mtg./Spring Fling Dance/Book Fair Shopping
- 03/15: Forbes Road CTC In-Service
- 03/15: Forbes Kindergarten Rabbit Program
- 03/15: Forbes Market Day Pickup
- 03/15: Linton Market Day Internet Orders Deadline
- 03/18-03/21: Grades 5 & 8 PSSA Writing Assessment Makeups and Returns
- 03/18: Linton Wish Delivery Day
- 03/18: Forbes Easter Greens Sale Orders Due
- 03/18: Curriculum Committee Mtg.
- 03/18: Linton Family Fun Night
- 03/18: Finance Committee Mtg.
- 03/20: Kindergarten Transition Fun with Reading
- 03/20: Senior High PTSA Mtg.
- 03/20: Forbes FUNraiser Night
- 03/20: Kindergarten Transition Fun With Reading
- 03/21: NJROTC Field Trip to US Niagara
- 03/21: Linton Market Day Pickup
- 03/21: Title I Parent Mtg.
- 03/21: Linton PTA Mtg.
- 03/22: Professional Day - No Students
- 03/22: Penn Hebron Market Day Internet Orders Deadline
- 03/23: PTA Council Craft Show
- 03/25: Washington PTA-Sponsored Egg Hunt
- 03/25: Forbes Easter Greens Sale Pickup
- 03/25: Safety/Buildings and Grounds Committee Mtg.
- 03/25: Linton Family Fun Night
- 03/25: HR/Policy Committee Mtg.
- 03/26: Linton Yearbook Payment Due
- 03/26: Washington PTA-Sponsored Spring Classroom Parties
- 03/27-04/01: Holiday Recess - No School
- 03/28: Penn Hebron Market Day Pickup
- 03/30: NJROTC 12th Annual Military Ball
- 03/31: Easter Sunday
To view additional events, click here. |
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Elementary and Secondary Menus
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Senior High Guidance Contact Information
Grade 9 - Amy Alexander, x5288
Grade 10 - Karen Rasmussen, x5286
Grade 11 - Henry Gonsowski, x5289
Grade 12 - Scott Zemba, x5287
Secretary - Janet Ferrell, x5290 |
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Latest Photo Links
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Senior High Boys' Volleyball Tryouts
Senior High Boys' Volleyball tryouts are the week of March 4th. Boys need a completed physical and permission/ insurance packet to try out. Tryouts are after school and will go to 5:30 each day. The volleyball team has two great coaches--both have been coaching for many years and stress good sportsmanship as well as good grades. Pass the word...give it a try! The team is really in need of ninth graders, but all are welcome to try out. |
Senior High Yearbooks
Please order your 2013 Yearbook soon. Only a limited number of copies remain to be reserved. Order at www.jostens.com for $75 plus tax. Supplies are limited, so act fast. Contact Matt Herdman at mherdm@phsd.k12.pa.us or 412-793-7000, ext. 8115, if you have any questions. |
Athletic Venue Parking Changes
With the opening of the new Senior High School, parking for visitors to athletic events at the new school will only be available in the parking lot at the end of Harvard Drive (12153 Harvard--previously, the location of the Senior High tennis courts). Turn right onto Harvard if you are coming from Frankstown Road. Access for team buses will be permitted via the Collins Drive entrance. Parking is not permitted for visitors at the Fralic Center. |
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Residency Tip Line
The District has 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. |
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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. Visit the foundation's website for more information. |
The Penn Hills Police Department encourages the public to check the Penn Hills Progress, either online or in print form, for the Police Blotter. The public is also encouraged to call 911 to report suspicious activities, and the Narcotics Division can be reached at 412-798-2002. |
Newsletter created by:
Teresita K. Kolenchak
Communications Consultant Penn Hills School District
Previous editions of Penn Hills Pride are always available here. |
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HS Student Council Talent Show Postponed
The Senior High Talent Show originally scheduled for March 1st has been postponed to March 8th. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. The event begins at 7 pm. Proceeds will benefit the Student Council Fund and a charity to benefit a community member in need of a medical transplant. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Come out for a great evening of entertainment as well as the chance to support a worthy cause. |
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Fire Essay Contest Winners
The following students received awards in the 2013 Penn Hills Firemen's Fire Prevention Essay Contest and will be recognized at the March 11th School Board meeting:
6th Grade
1st Place - Naomi Terrell
2nd Place - Rashai Jackson
3rd Place - Kristen Schrantz
Honorable Mention - Michael Bracken, Caroline Webb, Gabriel Leach, Tyler Kenny, Emma Martin
7th Grade
1st Place (tie) - Emily Deighan and Franchesqua Bannister
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Linton Science Fair Winners
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The annual Linton Science Fair was held in January, and the following sixth graders received trophies at the event:
1st Place: Matt Lloyd, "Tasting With Your Eyes"
2nd Place: Makayla Delo, "Super Deluxe Pitch"
3rd Place: Blake Miller, "Polymer Power"
In addition, the following students received special awards:
- PAGE Most Creative: Blake Miller, "Polymer Power"
- Most Surprising Result: Michael Bracken, "Hoop vs. Hoop"
- Best Display: Braden Barclay, "Tackling A Tough Stain"
- Most Thorough: Aleeyah Allen, "Fingerprints: Inherited or Not?"
Additional photos from the event are available in the Linton Photo Gallery. |
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Forbes Students Meet History
In January, Forbes students had the opportunity to meet some of the prominent African-Americans in our history as students took a trip through the laboratory of inventor George Washington Carver in "George Washington Carver and Friends."
The assembly was presented by the Bright Star Children's Theater of North Carolina, which last year brought "Sadie's Spectacular Saturday" to Forbes. The recent presentation focused on the many unknown contributions of African-Americans to the history and culture of this country over the past 150 years. Visitors to Mr. Carver's laboratory included Booker T. Washington (former slave and community spokesman for 25 years), Jackie Robinson (first black professional baseball player), Thurgood Marshall (first black Supreme Court Justice), Madame C.J. Walker (inventor of beauty and hair products for black women who became the first African-American millionaire), George Crum (credited by many as the inventor of the first potato chip), and many more.
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Explaining the value of the peanut |
Students were introduced to these historical figures in a fast-paced, accessible manner that put a spotlight on the many--and often forgotten--contributions that African-Americans have made to our everyday world. The host of the program, Mr. Carver, was a former slave who became a scientist, inventor, and botanist, discovering over 300 uses for the peanut. He went on to teach at Tuskegee Institute for 47 years. He never sought a patent or profit from his achievements, preferring instead to work for the good of all.
To view additional photos from the event, visit the Forbes Photo Gallery. A study guide from the program can be found here. |
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PH Represented at District Orchestra Festival
 In January, Junior Melissa Gess represented the District at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 1 Senior High School Orchestra Festival. She was one of 147 students from 43 different schools to participate at the event. According to Paul July, Director of String Orchestras at the Senior High, the three days of practices were very intense and the repertoire of music was not easy. "She did well on audition and final performance on Saturday night," he stated, adding, "I am very proud that we have talented musicians at our District."
This was the first time Melissa had ever participated in an event like this. She said she was very nervous at first but then, when it came to auditions, she met a great group of people who became almost inseparable. This made the experience a bit more relaxed, she explained, but the schedule was intense. "We had long rehearsals for two days," she said, "but it was worth it because it was a beautiful show. It was worth all the rehearsing." She said she is planning on going again next year for her senior year and is hoping to get the opportunity for district choir as well.
Melissa began playing the violin in third grade at Dible. Students had to do tests in second grade to see what instrument was good for them. Her choice was between the cello and violin. "I chose the violin because it Is a beautiful instrument," she explained, adding that "I have loved it ever since." She has always loved music and doesn't limit herself to the violin, singing and participating in the musicals since sixth grade. She had one lead in 8th grade and supporting leads through this year, including Hedy LaRue in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," the Wardrobe in "Beauty and the Beast," and Sandra in this year's "All Shook Up."
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As The Wardrobe in "Beauty and the Beast" |
In addition to her musical activities, Melissa is a member of National Honor Society, board member for Key Club, vice president of the German club, and starting varsity goalie for soccer. She is currently enrolled in three AP classes and really enjoys AP chemistry. While AP US history is a great class, her favorite subjects are math and science with Mr. Hack and Mrs. Foley, respectively. Mr. Zera (AP US History) is also a great teacher, she said.
Her future plans consist of going to college and becoming a chemical engineer. She is not 100 percent sure that she wants to be a chemical engineer specifically, but she is positive that she wants to be an engineer in some branch of the field. Although she is not planning to major in music, she explained, if her college has musicals and an orchestra, then she might do those activities on the side if she has time. She is also probably going to try for a scholarship for soccer and play while in college.
Melissa said that she loves school. "Everything I do I am passionate about," she explained, "and usually do not quit at it. However, that is part of the reason my schedule gets so incredibly busy, because I am constantly adding on things that I would like to try." She is a 3.8 GPA student but intends to bump that up to a 4.0 by the time she graduates. She has played soccer for about 8 years and violin for 9 years, as well as singing for as long as she can remember. She has had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem for the high school soccer team as well as the Riverhounds professional soccer team.
"I give credit to my mother for supporting me in all of my decisions I have made and helping me with my singing for all these years," Melissa said, adding that her father and sister have also supported her. "Without the support of them," she stated, "these opportunities would not have been made possible." |
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AIU Science Bowl Winners
The District had three students place third at the AIU Science Bowl. The students were Vincent Perrino, Conor McDevitt, and William Berkshire. They will be recognized at the March Board meeting.
During the event, students rotate into four different hands-on challenges. This is not an event that they can prepare for ahead of time, and the students must complete each challenge as a team. |
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Author Sharon Flake to Visit the Senior High School
 Friday, March 8, will be Sharon Flake Day in Penn Hills. Ms. Flake will be visiting the Senior High School during the day, meeting and interacting with both students and the community.
Ms. Flake is a published young adult author, with a long list of awards and recognitions to her credit, including being an NAACP Image Award nominee. Her books include "The Skin I'm In," "Who Am I Without Him," "Money Hungry," "You Don't Even Know Me," "Pinned," and more. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English, she was born across the state in Philadelphia but has made Pittsburgh her home for the past 30 years. Her message to young people is simple: "As you read my novels, believe that you can do and accomplish more than you know."
Ms. Flake will meet with students at the Senior High in small and large group settings throughout the day. At 12 pm, she will meet with student leadership and community members. There will also be a book signing from 3-4 pm. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this exciting event at these two times.
Parking will be available at the Harvard Drive lot (formerly, the Senior High tennis courts).
For more information on Sharon, visit www.sharongflake.com. The event is being sponsored by the Penn Hills School District.
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Annual PTA Volleyball Tournament for Scholarships
The PTA Scholarship Committee once again sponsored the annual Districtwide volleyball tournament on Friday, February 22nd, at the Senior High School gym. Each school in the District was represented by a team (or two), and there was also a team from administration.
Food and refreshments, a Chinese Auction, and 50/50 raffle were all part of an evening of fun. And, for the third year in a row, the Linton Stars took home the trophy as winners of the tournament.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the PTA Council Scholarship Fund. A total of approximately $1,300 was raised. Scholarships will be awarded to students at the annual Scholarship Awards Night on May 8th. Last year, a total of 46 students were awarded scholarships of $500 each.
Anyone still interesting in donating money for a scholarship can get more info here. Additional photos from the evening can be found in the High School Photo Gallery. |
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Title I Reading Night - With Dave Crawley!
It was another successful night for the Title I program as parents and students turned out for a community reading night. A community math night was held last fall. The reading night was designed to celebrate students' thinking and literacy skills, while improving their attitudes about reading and writing.
The activities for the night focused on children from Pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade. Both high school students and District staff volunteered at the event. The family reading night provided reading and literacy activities such as Digraph Bingo, Head Bandz, Grammar Twister, Boggle Your Mind, make a book to take home, and many other fun activities.
The event hosted a special guest reader, Dave Crawley, author and KDKA news reporter, who shared his poems and stories, interacting with students and their families.
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Dave Crawley interacts with parents and students |
Parents and caregivers received informational handouts on activities they could do at home to reinforce reading and writing skills. The event provided parents and caregivers an opportunity to partner with school staff to build children's literacy skills and foster a lifetime of reading enjoyment.
Families were invited to come and share a "themed" meal in the cafeteria as they visited with community neighbors and staff. A Scholastic book fair was held in the school library for families to purchase books. Students "earned" book bucks by participating in the many activities of the night and could then use those book bucks to purchase items at the Book Buck Store. Students were also able to use their raffle ticket to win a Principal of the Day certificate or baskets filled with books and games that families could enjoy at home. Additional photos from the evening are available in the Title I Photo Gallery. |
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Linton Invaded from Outer Space for Good Cause
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Who knew Vader had a playful side? |
On February 9th, Star Wars landed at Linton for a special event to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Visitors had the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Star Wars characters such as Imperial Stormtroopers, Tie Fighter Pilots, Imperial Officers, Biker Scouts, Elite Troopers, and denizens from the Outer Rim. Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker were also in attendance, mingling with friend and foe alike.
Events for the day included a trivia contest; costume contest; Yu-Gi-Oh! Card Game Tournament; comic book, merchandise, and other local dealers; Jail and Bail; games and projects; and food.
The big event of the day was a Star Wars Jeopardy Match between selected students. Students were chosen from Trivia Contests held during school lunch periods, and the winners faced off in the auditorium for prizes.
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Jeopardy Runners-up Logan Kaczmarek (l) and Laurel Page (r); 1st Place Winner William Berkshire (m) |
All proceeds from the event benefitted the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Additional photos can be found in the Linton Photo Gallery. |
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Student Sings National Anthem at WPIALs
 Sophomore Savannah Wiggins was selected to sing the National Anthem at the WPIAL Single A Boys' Basketball Championship Game on Friday, March 1st. Her parents accompanied her to game at no expense and were recognized by the WPIAL.
Savannah was nominated for this honor by Athletic Director John Peterman. She was recognized with the First Place Award at last year's Senior High Talent Show for her singing.
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2013-14 School Calendar Approved
A final 2013-14 School Calendar was approved by the Board at the February 11th meeting. Click on the image below for a printable version.
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Spontaneous Fun Day Results in Several First Place Finishes
This year's Odyssey of the Mind Spontaneous Fun Day was held at Linton on February 16th. Three Penn Hills teams took first place in their divisions and a Forbes team took third in its division. The winners were:
- 1st Place, Washington Primary Team, Coach Gail Russell
- 3rd Place, Forbes Primary Team, Coach Nikki Miller
- 1st Place, Washington Division I Team, Coach Amie Lubawski
- 1st Place, High School Division III Team, Coach Amie Lubawski
Fun Day served as a warm up for the Pennsylvania Western Regional Tournament which took place at Moon High School on March 2nd.
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Washington Division I Team |
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Two Linton Basketball Teams Have Undefeated Seasons
Duplicating the success of the school's boys' soccer team and girls' basketball team, the Linton 7th and 8th grade boys' basketball teams both finished their seasons undefeated.
For 7th grade coach Joshua Johnson, it was the team's first undefeated season in his 10 years of coaching the team. He said they have come close in the past, losing only one game in each of the two previous seasons. What made this season special and the team so successful, he explained, is that this year's players were very dedicated, both on and off the court. "They kept their academics a priority," he said, "and no one had to sit out a game because of poor grades." They were also very strong defensive players, and the depth of the team was outstanding. Coach Johnson said they were able to substitute often to avoid getting tired during games.
As an example of the team's ability to focus, Coach Johnson pointed to a time when the team bounced back from a 12-point deficit in the first quarter of a game against Woodland Hills and ended up winning the game by 14 points.
"We had a lot of characters on the team this season and had a lot of fun during practice," Coach Johnson said, adding, "The parents were very supportive, which I'm sure contributed to our success." He went on to say, "I was very proud of the team this year and am happy to have their accomplishments recognized."
For the 8th grade boys, Coach Charles Buttgereit said he has coached basketball in Penn Hills for 35 years, with most of those years at the 9th grade level, and this is the first undefeated season he has experienced.
Coach Buttgereit said "this is a special group of kids in various ways." Obviously, he explained, it is a group with excellent athleticism and basketball skill, and the skill level translated throughout the entire line-up. On the 8th grade team, there were 13 players and all 13 contributed. In some games, he explained, he felt like they would just wear other teams down because of the depth of the Linton team. However, he went on to add that it is also a group of student-athletes, with an emphasis on student first. Weekly academic reports were sent out on each player from every teacher, and they still went the entire basketball season without one player becoming an academic casualty for even one game. "This is fairly unusual," he added.
 Interestingly enough, Coach Buttgereit stated that at three different times during the season, he did have three different parents remove their sons from playing or practicing with the team, for a short period of time, because their sons were not meeting the parents' own higher standards, even though the boys were eligible by District standards. "I think this is outstanding parenting," he said, "and it was reflective throughout the team. It was a great group of kids, primarily because to a player, they came from great families."
Coach Buttgereit said their season was successful for multiple reasons. It was a very talented group, both at the 7th and 8th grade levels, and it was a group of boys with excellent character and work ethic, both in the classroom and on the court. This was largely because of the priorities set by mom and dad, he stated. To have an undefeated season also requires some good fortune, and Coach Buttgereit said they went through the entire season without any significant injuries at all. "I have enjoyed every year that I have coached," he explained, "but this one certainly ranks near the top, and I thank the boys for making it such a fun season!" |
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Make and Take Workshop Program
 Parents of the District's preschool students are required to earn "commitments" each month as part of Title I's goal of increasing parental involvement in children's education. Four Make and Take Sessions were offered as one opportunity in each of four months (October, November, December, and January) for parents to earn one of their required commitments. The program was funded through Title I.
Sessions were offered by Preschool Teachers Cathy Ekis and Melinda Bahney. Two of the sessions were offered right after school and two were offered in the evening in order to accommodate parents' schedules. Each session focused on teaching parents various strategies to help their children progress in literacy development and math readiness.
In the final session, participants shared a nonfiction book about penguins along with some fun literacy, math, and science activities (including making ice cream) with the preschoolers and adults in attendance.
Mrs. Ekis said they received a lot of positive feedback from both parents who attended and their children. Participation grew from 5 percent attending the first session to almost 50 percent attending the last session. "Obviously," she stated, "we hope to increase attendance at all of next year's sessions." (additional photos from the final session can be found in the Title I Photo Gallery) |
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