Corrections
In the March issue of Penn Hills Pride, the name of Technical National Honor Society Inductee Kory Eanes was misspelled. |
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Note that from June 10th through
August 16th, District buildings and staff will be working an extended four-day work week. District buildings will be open Monday through Thursday from 6 am to 6 pm. Staff will be available from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
- 06/17: Curriculum Committee Mtg.
- 06/17: Finance Committee Mtg.
- 06/24: Safety/Buildings and Grounds Committee Mtg.
- 06/24: HR/Policy Committee Mtg.
- 06/28: Last Day for 2013 Municipal Real Estate Tax at Face
- 07/04: Independence Day
To view additional events, click here.
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Latest Photo Links
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Save the Dates - Major Upcoming Events
- Unity in the Community, Penn Hills Park, August 8th, 4 pm
- Bryan Cole Coming Home Fundraiser Concert, Yuhas-McGinley Stadium, August 9th, 7 pm
- Bryan Cole Coming Home Fundraiser Concert, Senior High Auditorium, September 11th, 7 pm
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Autism Walk Fundraising Results
Once again, a team (Penn Hills Passion) was organized within the District by Autistic Support Teacher Justine Ulyas to support the Autism Speaks Walk on June 1st. With the help of all of the schools in the District, the team was able to raise $3,200. This was an increase of just over $1,000 from the amount raised last year. All money raised was donated to Autism Speaks during the annual walk in the name of the Penn Hills School District.
Over 13,000 individuals came out for the 14th annual walk held at Heinz Field, with a total of over $700,000 raised. For more information on the event, visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org.
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Electronics Recycling
On July 27th, the municipality will be having a free electronics recycling event from 9 am to 1 pm at the Department of Public Works. Click here for more information. Additional information on recycling electronic material is available here.
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Summer Senior Portrait Sittings
Summer Senior Portrait sessions will be held through August 23rd at Dream Photography's studio on Rodi Road. There are a number of different sessions to choose from, varying in price, number of outfits, and indoor and outdoor poses. The traditional head and shoulder yearbook poses are included in all of the sessions. Call 412-371-8181 to prepay for a session and time slot in order to schedule a senior session. Make an appointment soon, as time will be running out and summer sessions get booked up quickly.
If your senior is not photographed at the studio this summer, there will be a mini free session available on Wednesday, October 16th, and Thursday, October 17th, in the Senior High auditorium. This session will include two to three head and shoulder shots from which the student will be able to choose a favorite pose. If the student does not pick a pose, a member of the yearbook staff will pick one. There are no free sessions at the studio. Studio sessions start at $25, with 12-15 poses. Again, this will include a free yearbook pose. Contact Dream Photography at 412-371-8181 or 412 371-8184 or visit www.dreamphoto.us with any questions.
Also, for an exciting and unique senior experience, book a Cityscape Session. Get a special on-site shoot at three locations, such as Mellon Park, Pittsburgh Center of the Arts Parks, Oakland Fountains, Carnegie Mellon Pillars, Oakland Carousel, Oakmont Railroad Tracks, Allegheny River Beach and Trees, and more. Cost is $75 added to any session to go on location. For sample shots from the various session types, click here.
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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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Roof "Raised" on New Elementary Center
On June 1st, the beam signing ceremony was held for the new Elementary Center. Speakers for the event included Superintendent Thomas K. Washington; School Board President Joseph E. Baily, Sr.; and recently appointed Building Principal Kristin Brown.
The event was kicked off by the NJROTC Color Guard, who presented the colors for the Pledge of Allegiance. After the colors were retired, 4th grade students from Penn Hebron sang the National Anthem under the direction of Ms. Alicia Giove. Once the speakers had finished, Board members and the superintendent were raised up on a lift in order to sign the final steel beam put in place for the new building. Those present were able to take a quick tour of the facility. (additional photos in Elementary Construction Photo Gallery)
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Class of 2013 Commencement
 | | Jordan Terry leads Pledge |
The night was cool and cloudy but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the 345 seniors, including 8 Valedictorians, in the Class of 2013 as they took to Yuhas-McGinley Field to say their farewells to Penn Hills Senior High.
After presentation of the colors by the NJROTC and a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem by Senior Stephan Godbolt, Senior Class President Jordan Terry led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Jordan then welcomed everyone and spoke of the memories they would share as they moved on to new friends and new experiences. Student Council President Jonathan Morford followed, introducing the School Board members and talking about the pride his class had brought back to the District.
Senior High Principal Eric Kostic introduced class speakers Peter Gula and Benjamin Blinn. Peter explained that their high school experience had prepared them and given them the tools they would need to move on and succeed in life. Ben spoke about going out into the world and doing something they loved, something important. Echoing the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., he said he also had a dream, one in which his classmates would gather at some reunion in the future and talk about how they have made a difference.
The Class of 2013 saw a lot of changes in their time, not the least of which was opening a new Senior High School building this past December. They came through with flying colors, and those colors will always be red and gold. (additional photos in the Senior High Photo Gallery)
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NJROTC Awards Ceremony
On May 9th, the NJROTC held its annual awards ceremony/change of command. The evening included a summary of the group's activities for the past school year.
 | | Presenting awards to Commander and 1st Sergeant |
The NJROTC started this time last year after its end-of-year event with support to Baccalaureate, BCMC graduation, Penn Hills High School graduation, Linton awards presentations, and Penn Hebron and Washington Elementary end-of-year bashes. The cadets returned to school in August with 16 staff members attending two days of intensive training for 18 newly minted cadets participating in the 11th Cadet-Run Summer Orientation Camp. As school started, the company again supported the football team with colors presentations at all home games and a sword arch for the homecoming court. It provided cadet support at the last open house at the old Penn Hills High School: "A Celebration of Learning." Cadets also participated in 16 community and School District interactions at special events such as a veterans' bingo for disabled vets and picnics, Halloween dances, and math nights at Linton, Penn Hebron, and Washington Elementary schools. On December 28th, the company had the distinct honor of retiring the last flag to fly at the old high school building, escorting community residents to the great new facility, and raising the first flag, donated by Senator Jay Costa, on the new flagpole just outside of the gym. In February, the company thoroughly impressed Navy Captain Thomas Calabrese, Commanding Officer Carnegie Mellon University NROTC, during the Annual Military Inspection. In his report to the United States Navy, Captain Calabrese stated: "I was honored to conduct the inspection and be around some awesome cadets and citizens--Keep up the great work! Thank you to Penn Hills NJROTC for an extremely enjoyable experience." The cadets did an outstanding job, Commander Robert Morabito stated, adding that their personal appearance and military bearing were impeccable. Their color guard and drill performance was impressive. The school support for the inspection was tremendous, as always. The cadets continued the tradition of doing an outstanding job. There were 27 presentations of the national colors at various venues, including a gravesite presentation for slain Penn Hills Police Officer Michael Crawshaw; graduation ceremonies for Sanford Brown, Penn Hills High School, and BCMC; sporting events; scholarship presentations; and school assemblies. The NJROTC also proudly displayed our flag at Penn Hills community Light Up Night and the first-ever presentation of our national colors at the annual PTA scholarship night in the new auditorium. In addition, the sword team performed sword arches for distinguished guest visits and special events such as homecoming, military ball, Veteran's Day Parade, annual military inspection, move to the new school, and graduation.
 | | PTA Scholarship Night |
The company's impressive armed and unarmed drill teams competed in three military precision drill meets. The cadets took overall 2nd place once and, although they will not compete in the area finals this year, the new cadet staff has set the goal to attend next year, laying the groundwork for a great season in 2013-14. The cadets competed in the Annual National Academic Exam with great success this year. It was the 6th year in a row they were competitive with all of the schools in the Northeast United States, with one of our teams finishing in the top 3rd in the area. Academically, 36 cadets, or exactly 1/3 of the company, achieved honor/high honor roll during the first 3 nine-week grading periods this year. "As any cadet will tell you," Commander Morabito stated, "academic performance in all subjects continues as the NJROTC number one priority." Over 2,585 hours of service to the Penn Hills community has been performed so far this year by 85 cadets. This breaks down to an average of 30 hours per cadet and amounts to 323 eight-hour days or, amazingly, nearly 2 complete school years. Nearly 80 percent of our cadets were involved in positive service to the school and community. Remarkably, over 70 percent of the cadets participated in some form of afterschool or sponsored activity offered by NJROTC Once again, it has been an exciting and busy year. The awards ceremony offered an opportunity to recognize the outstanding individual efforts that these cadets have put forth to make NJROTC a success at Penn Hills High School. (additional photos are available in the Senior High Photo Gallery)
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Fluid Power Challenge Team Places 3rd
In May, Linton students participated in the National Fluid Power Association Fluid Power Challenge for the first time. The event, hosted by Wojanis Supply Company, Inc., was described as a fun competition that provides middle school students with an introduction to fluid power. Students are introduced to the industry by learning about real-world applications. The students apply their knowledge and skills by building a fluid power mechanism for a timed challenge.
The program is designed to introduce the students and their teachers to the world of engineering and fluid power careers. The event is intended to encourage students to select more mathematics and science courses in their high school curricula and spark greater interest in technology-based postsecondary studies.
 | | L-R: Courtney Campbell, Cole Bishop, Jessica Christman, and Ethan Harrington |
Linton, under Gifted Coordinator Tracey Johnson and with the assistance of Technical Education Teacher Barry Plowman, had a team of four 8th graders place 3rd overall at the competition. Team members were Cole Bishop, Courtney Campbell, Jessica Christman, and Ethan Harrington. Other team members who participated in the competition were Conor McDevitt (8th grade), Quinn McGuire (8th grade), Alexis Pleskovitch (6th grade), and Gabrielle Spence (7th grade).
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Powder Puff Football Game at Senior High
Senior girls took on junior girls at the end of May for a fundraiser powder puff football game. Money from the event was donated to benefit former athletic trainer Karen Newill.
 Ms. Newill was contracted through UPMC with two other athletic trainers to cover the medical needs of the middle and high school athletic departments. Her job site was at the Senior High and she was there for four years until illness required her to stop working. She has cystic fibrosis, a hereditary lung and digestive disease for which there is no cure and which required her to eventually be placed on a double-lung transplant list due to a severe drop in her lung function. This spring, money was also raised for Ms. Newill through the Senior High Talent Show.
After an intense competition, the senior girls were victorious. It was a thrilling way to end the year as well as an opportunity to contribute to a great cause. A total of $1,928.50 was raised and donated to the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) on behalf of Ms. Newill. For more information on COTA, visit cota.org. (additional photos in the Senior High Photo Gallery)
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Annual Scholarship Night Brings Tears and Cheers
On May 8th, students, parents, administrators, and community members gathered for the annual PTA Scholarship Night held this year at the new Senior High School. A total of 47 students were awarded scholarships of $500 each. Money for these scholarships came from fundraisers such as the annual PTA Volleyball Tournament, local PTAs, businesses, staff members, and individuals.
 | | PTA Scholarship Awardees |
Thirty-nine teachers and one administrator were honored by scholarship applicants as Beacons of Knowledge in recognition of their significant impact on education. In a program filled with quotes from students about these honored individuals, several stand out:
- "It was her mission to make sure the entire class was learning to their full potential."
- "She opened a door for me that has molded my future."
- "He's inspired me to always do my best and to fulfill any dreams I have."
- "I hope one day to be as great a teacher as he is."
Thirty students received scholarships from each building-level PTA, including Dible, Shenandoah, and William Penn. An additional 17 students received scholarships at the PTA Council level from a wide variety of businesses and individuals.
Scholarship Night is always a wonderful opportunity to hear students thank their parents, families, and teachers for their support during their time in school. In some cases it was an opportunity for students to tell stories about how unruly little boy and girls have become responsible adults. As always, it was an evening to showcase the best of the District and community. (additional photos in the Senior High Photo Gallery) |
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High School Musical Wins First Kelly Award
Congratulations to the Senior High Musical, "All Shook Up," which received a Kelly Award for Best Choreography at the Pittsburgh CLO 23rd Annual Gene Kelly Awards on Saturday, May 25th. This is the first Kelly Award win for the District.
 | | Cast in action |
Congratulations also go to Best Actress Nominee Katherine Rogers, who was awarded a grand total of $24,000 in scholarships. This includes $20,000 from Point State Park University and $4,000 for the CLO Constance T. Rockwell Scholarship. Best Supporting Actress Nominee Heather Catley also received a $1,500 scholarship from the CLO Ambassadors.
In all, the Senior High musical received four nominations for this year's awards:
- Best Supporting Actor - Benjamin Blinn (Dennis)
- Best Supporting Actress - Heather Catley (Sylvia)
- Best Actress - Katherine Rogers (Natalie/Ed)
- Best Choreography.
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Special Education Students Hold Graduation Ceremony
On May 29th, a ceremony was held for four graduating seniors in the special education program. The four students were Nathan Gosser, Shantell Worth, Loren Rash, and Victor Dixon (shown left to right below).
The evening included food and fun as family joined students and staff to watch a presentation of student activities during the year. In addition, three scholarships were awarded to students by Tess Williams Dawson in memory of her daughter, Teesa Williams, who lost her life in 2011. Recipients of the Teesa Williams Scholarship for 2013 were Ashley Ames, Ashley Belohlavek, and Makaela Blakeman. (additional photos in the Senior High Photo Gallery) |
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Students at Penn Hebron Build Park Through K'NEX
On April 23rd, the grand opening of the Penn Hebron 2013 K'NEX Kingdom Amusement Park will took place at Penn Hebron. Last year, lines to get in snaked down the hall as soon as the doors opened. People who had wound their way through the packed room went out the door and got right back into line again. This year, enthusiasm was no less.
As part of a $10,000 Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) Education Grant through the Grable Foundation, the project provided twelve classrooms of 4th grade students with an integrated approach to an in-depth understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion (part of this grade's science curriculum).
The project began with teacher training and kicked off for students in the second semester with a visit from a Kennywood Park representative to discuss how that amusement park's rides are designed and operated. During the school year, students not only designed and built their rides using the K'NEX building material but also learned and practiced writing techniques and applying informational text through writing and arts integration. The students documented their progress using video and writing journals. New this year was the creation of video commercials.
 The rides at the park included light-up Ferris wheels, 3-foot-tall Ferris wheels, and double-track roller coasters (the racer). Some roller coasters had video cameras on them and some coasters reached a height of 4 feet. There were rides constructed of over 1,000 pieces. Poster contest finalists also had their work on display the night of the premier so attendees could vote on the poster they felt would best help promote the amusement park.
The goal of the project was to increase achievement and motivation by having students be active participants in their learning through real-world connections. In addition, students had increased opportunities to problem solve in cooperative groups while working together to achieve a learning goal. These 4th grade students also enhanced their writing skills through preparation of their amusement park journals and learned to better read directions and apply that knowledge to designing their amusement rides. Teamwork and problem solving were huge parts of this project. (additional photos in Penn Hebron Photo Gallery)
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Elementary Science Fair Winners
Kindergarten
1st Place - Deklan Shiring (Washington), "Potato Bugs: Roly Poly Fun"
2nd Place - Hunter Boyd (Washington), "Parachute Drop"
3rd Place - Devinn Reed (Forbes), "A Race for Growth: The Effects of Rootbeer on Sunflower Seed Growth"
Honorable Mentions - Lucian McCollim, Lily Lester, Zachary Burkovich, Aniyah Calloway
First Grade
1st Place - Mary Atieno (Forbes), "Bouncing Egg Experiment"
2nd Place - Krishna Carr (Penn Hebron), "Perfect Pony"
3rd Place - "Matthew Salazar (Washington), "Slime"
Honorable Mentions - Julia Baker, Julian Baker, Gryffin Keller, Carlo Buzzatto, Cassidy Burkovich, Caroline McDevitt, Summer Moran, Harmonie Moran, Lorelei Oswalt, Carter Morgan, Maya Burley 
Second Grade
1st Place - Nevaeh Montgomery (Forbes), "Why Blow up a Balloon Yourself When You Can Let Chemistry Do It"
2nd Place - Becca Fry (Forbes), "Mystery Skull"
3rd Place - David Van Ryn (Forbes), "The Effects of Cigarette Smoke on The Body"
Honorable Mentions - Morgan Gardner, Alavay Orsini-Wallace, Hope Lyons, Sarah Miller, Brandon Horton, Olivia Senge, Claire Crowley, Alexia Radwak-Hill, Aaliyah Scott, Mariah Lomax, Erin Ryan, Chris Ireland, Raymond Salac, Braeden Mechesney
Third Grade
1st Place - Abigail Brennan (Forbes), "Ice Cube Experiment"
2nd Place - Ashley Salazar (Washington), "The Solar System"
3rd Place - Thomas Senge (Forbes), "What are Crystals?"
Honorable Mentions - Gabrielle Burkovich, Aubrey Glavan, Luke Rose, Rhianna Mechesney, Rachel McCann, Lucas McCue, Leythan Hughes, Trinity Refosco, Abby Gottschalk, Makayla Davenport, Angel Calloway, Jenna Matassa, Kylah Williams-Bryant, Kiylei Holloway
Fourth Grade
1st Place - Emily Bubeck (Penn Hebron), "Lunar Phases Demonstration"
2nd Place - Jenna Matvia (Penn Hebron), "Bird Feathers Extreme"
3rd Place - Gianna Gentilcore (Penn Hebron), "Hurricanes: Dynamic Weather Phenomenon"
Honorable Mentions - Luke Hansen, Cameron Bartges, Sam Zellefrow, Madison Gentilcore, Brad Mitchell, Clarice Sutton, Austin Davenport, Hope Eppinger-Novak, Kamiyah Colbert, Logan Wade, Amara Arrington, Clare Ryan, Alyssa Klein
Fifth Grade
1st Place - Camille Debow (Linton), "Soy Wax vs. Paraffin Wax"
2nd Place - Ryland Fitzpatrick (Linton), "Solar What? Solar Who? Solar Car!!"
3rd Place - Darien Mallory (Linton), "Go Bananas!"
Honorable Mentions - William Fello, Julianna Westin, Mahleik Calloway, Cameron Guy
(additional photos in the Penn Hebron Photo Gallery)
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Career Day at U.S. Steel
In April, The Youth Project Inc. collaborated with the U.S. Steel Developing Relationships to Enhance African-Americans and Minorities (D.R.E.A.M.) Employee Resource Group to host the first Career Day at the U.S. Steel (USS) Research and Technology Center. Over 20 local high school students from Sto-Rox and Penn Hills were able to attend this event and learn more about USS and the various careers offered.
Dr. Kevin Zeik, D.R.E.A.M.'s Executive Co-Sponsor, gave an overview of the history of the Research and Technology Center and then, along with his talented research personnel, the students went on a guided tour of the research facility where they were able to see the exciting projects and people at work.
 | | Seniors Maquale Steward and Robin Hall |
After lunch, Don Robinson, Coordinator of Irvin's Pickle Line, gave an overview of careers at the Irvin Plant, along with the many different functions and teams to produce steel. Jamaal Harris, Process Technology Excellence Engineer, gave an overview of the importance of quality products and how he works with various plants throughout the corporation. Pavan Shiravan explained to the students the modeling process and how this helps to understand the steel-making process. An activity was also planned for the students in which they were shown pictures of various USS equipment and history to see what the students had learned.
"Our goal was to provide the students with an overview of the steel-making process, along with other opportunities within the USS Corporation," said Donielle R. Owen, Vice President of D.R.E.A.M. and Executive Director of The Youth Project. This event was a follow up to a session that The Youth Project and USS hosted in November. The Human Resource Director of USS (Barbara Santella) and Ms. Owen provided an overview of USS and human resource practices at Penn Hills Senior High. Several of the students expressed an interest in engineering so an opportunity was created for the youth to experience their career options in a hands-on manner.
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Title I Summer Kick-Off Event Features Speaker
The Title I Summer Kickoff event this year offered food, refreshments, reading/math summer support resources, and a guest speaker. Sean McCaskill presented "Understanding Your Child's Personal Brand to Success."
 During the presentation, Mr. McCaskill discussed the differences in children and how that impacts an adult's interaction with them. These differences are based on a child's beliefs, values, culture, norms, and environment. This is why children within the same household can be radically different. He also discussed the three modes of adaptation for individuals, which include regression, marination, and progression. A worksheet from the presentation can be accessed here.
Mr. McCaskill is one of America's latest emerging voices focused on motivating people to believe that dreams come true. He is a motivational speaker, educational coach/consultant, leadership coach and entrepreneur. A product of the mean streets of the Pittsburgh Hill District, he was molded by his experiences and learned that suffering does not destroy an individual. He was able to use his athletic ability to earn a scholarship to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where he was a 4-year letterman in football and 2-year letterman in track and field. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, he remained at IUP and earned a Master's Degree in Sociology.
It was an interesting evening, with Mr. McCaskill taking questions from the audience. He also related stories about how he at times manipulated his environment--and the adults in it--as a child, which led to his understanding of young people. (additional photos in the Title I Photo Gallery)
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Penn Hebron Arts Night
 | | Fourth Graders Abby Umshied and Royce Hearn |
Penn Hebron sponsored an Arts Night in May that had student art projects and photos on display. In addition, students performed, playing instruments and reading stories.
Over 130 people attended and Teacher Jackie Kruszic was instrumental in setting everything up. All grade levels were involved in the evening. Principal Sandy Barker said she was very happy with the response to the event. (additional photos are available in the Penn Hebron Photo Gallery)
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Senior Receives Scholarships, Looks Back on Time in PH
Senior Peter Gula is leaving his time in the Penn Hills School District on a high note, having been awarded both a WPIAL Scholarship and the Line Mountain Scholarship at Odyssey of the Mind.
Peter was recognized at the annual WPIAL Spring Meeting, which was attended by Senior High Principal Eric Kostic and Athletic Director John Peterman. At that time, Peter was awarded a $5,000 scholarship to the school of his choice as one of the top 2 winners. Every school has the opportunity to nominate a male and female from their prospective district. Peter was honored at a luncheon in May, which was also attended by his parents, Mr. Kostic, and Mr. Peterman.
In commenting on the scholarship, Peter said, "I was much honored for receiving such a prestigious award, and I had a feeling of bliss knowing that all of my hard work has paid off." He went on to say that he was very surprised because there are so many great student athletes in the WPIAL with impressive resumes. He has a pretty impressive resume himself when it comes to sports, however, having been involved in soccer, football, wrestling, physical fitness, volleyball, and track and field at the varsity level. "I will always continue to play sports for the rest of my life," he stated.
 Regarding the Line Mountain Scholarship at Odyssey, it came about in 1998 when the state organization lost several members of its Odyssey family in a tragic accident. The scholarship is in memory of these eight young people from Line Mountain and awards an annual scholarship of $2,500 to one Pennsylvania senior who most nearly embodies the spirit of and demonstrates the creativity so coveted by Odyssey of the Mind. It is designed to allow students to demonstrate those talents, abilities, and creativity that Odyssey values and cultivates in its participants.
Peter said he was extremely surprised and excited about being awarded this scholarship "because Odyssey of the Mind has impacted my life and thinking in so many different positive ways." He went on to say that he will always remember staying up late the night before the competition finishing the team's balsa wood structure.
Peter will be attending the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University this fall and studying chemical engineering. When asked what was the most important experience he would take away from his time in Penn Hills, he was unable to answer. "I have been fortunate enough to be a part of so many different inspiring and motivating experiences that I could not choose just one," he explained, "but all of my experiences have taught me to take pride in myself and to treat others fairly." He called Penn Hills a phenomenal school district that truly cares about the students and has top notch teachers that can open the world for them.
As for what he would want people to know about him, it would be "that I believe in the underdog and that God has a plan for everyone."
Peter was one of the speakers at this year's commencement. In his speech, he told a story and offered a challenge to his fellow graduates:
A man came to America from Eastern Europe. When he arrived, he visited a cafeteria in lower Manhattan to get something to eat. He sat down at an empty table and waited for someone to take his order. Of course, nobody did. Finally, a woman with a tray full of food sat down opposite him and informed him how a cafeteria worked.
"Start out at that end," she said. "Just go along the line and pick out what you want. At the other end, they'll tell you how much you have to pay."
"I soon learned that's how everything works in America," the man said. "Life's a cafeteria here. You can get anything you want as long as you are willing to pay the price.
"You can even get success, but you'll never get it if you wait for someone to bring it to you. You have to get up and get it yourself."
As I leave you, I leave you with a challenge. A challenge to have an appetite for success. To overflow your plate with goals, dreams, and aspirations. Because I know that everyone here is able to pay the price to achieve those goals.
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Washington Reading Rainbow
For Washington's Reading Rainbow incentive, Reading Specialists Emily Thayer and Stephanie Cucunato wanted to again encourage the love of reading with their students. They wanted to create a "Rainbow of Readers" at Washington.
All participating staff had their own "cloud" and earned "raindrops" for their reading minutes to rain down on the students' reading rainbow. All participating students earned handprints for their reading minutes. Ms. Thayer and Ms. Cucunato put random minutes on the rainbow calendars that were sent home with the students. They collected rainbow logs every Friday for seven weeks. When students had five reading blocks initialed by their parents, they earned one handprint for the rainbow. Students who earned five or more handprints got a gold piece in the pot of gold.
Each grade had a designated color:
- Pre-K: Purple
- Kindergarten: Blue
- First Grade: Green
- Second Grade: Yellow
- Third Grade: Orange and Red (they had two colors since the 3rd grade typically reads for longer periods of time).
 Overall, approximately 200 students and 30 teachers and staff participated. A celebration was held outside at the end of the year with a variety of activities for all students who participated.
"Students were super excited about this reading incentive," Ms. Thayer said. "They were constantly telling us that they brought their reading logs in and were continually asking when they could get their handprints," she explained, adding, "Our rainbow really brightened up our school's main hallway." (additional photos in Washington Photo Gallery)
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NFL 60 Steeler Visit to Linton
During the month of May, students at Linton took part for the second year in the NFL Play 60 program sponsored by the American Heart Association and Pittsburgh Steelers. The objective of the program was for students to get 60 minutes of physical activity in per day. Students kept track of their minutes in a daily game planner and reported their minutes to their homeroom teacher each day.
Students compiled over 8,000 hours of physical activity. Teachers also incorporated physical activity into their daily lessons to help the students reach their goal of 60 minutes each day.
 | | Principal Shawn Cooke, Steeler Kelvin Beacham, and Physical Education Teacher Allan Bilinsky |
The program wrapped up with a visit from the American Heart Association and the Pittsburgh Steelers on June 3rd. Offensive Guard Kelvin Beacham (No. 68) came to Linton to speak to the students about making healthy choices. In addition, the American Heart Association and Pittsburgh Steelers presented Linton with a check for $1,250 to be used toward the purchase of health and physical education materials for the school. (additional photos in the Linton Photo Gallery)
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