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e-Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE
Word from the Superintendent
February School Board Highlights
Stevens Elementary School Hosts a Career Day
CASD Introduces Customized App
Kindergarten Registration Process Revamped
Guilford Hills Elementary Hosted an Olympic Curriculum Day
Using the LibGuides Platform for Projects
Special Education Department Receives High Marks
9th Annual CASHS Alumni and Friends Night
Trojans Color Dash
Inaugural CASD Autism Awareness Walk
Learn More About Social Media and Online Behavior
Hamilton Heights Elementary School Hosts Student Showcase Spectacular
Scotland Elementary School to Host Health and Wellness Fair
Josh Granberry Spotlight
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March 6, 2014 
Word from the Superintendent

 

Dr. Padasak

Make no mistake about it. We have data that tells us that the Chambersburg Area School District (CASD) is expected to grow by more than 500 students in the next five years and by nearly 1,000 in the next 10. This is exciting for us. Obviously, it means that our community is growing and we have to be ready. It is a challenge, but one that we welcome!

 

The CASD recently conducted a Feasibility Study to determine projected enrollment trends for the next 10 years. The study reports data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the Pennsylvania Economy League (PEL) that predicts Kindergarten enrollment is expected to exceed 800 by 2020.  

 

From 1990 through 2005, Kindergarten enrollment averaged 585 students. From 2010 through 2013, Kindergarten enrollment averaged 743 students. It is important to note that during this time period, the CASD observed enrollment growth each year. As these increasingly large classes progress through the elementary schools in successive school years, our schools will reach and exceed their capacities.

 

Furthermore, the study reveals that middle school enrollment could exceed 200 more, and the high school has a similar upward trend line that indicates growth could exceed 500 more new students in 10 years.

 

We are proactively planning now for this exciting challenge!

 

The CASD has engaged Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates Architects to help us align the district's projected enrollment statistics with our building capacity. We need a plan for this growth and this firm has presented us with several exciting options. On March 12, the CASD will conduct a public forum to present additional information, receive community input, and work toward determination of the best course to meet the growing challenges we face. The public forum will take place in the CASHS auditorium at 6 PM. We encourage you to attend and participate. Help us determine a future course for the CASD!

 

 Click here to access the complete Feasibility Study.

 

Joe

 

February School Board Highlights  

 

Student of the Month

Congratulations to the following students who were recognized as students of the month at the February 26, 2014 School Board meeting:

 

 SCHOOL

 STUDENT

 Ben Chambers

 Anissa Duncan

 Ben Chambers

 Katlin Porter

 CAMS North

 Olivia Cason

 CAMS North

 Sydney Schmus

 CAMS South

 Ethan Johnson

 CAMS South

 Anthony Hernandez

 CASHS

 Honesty Davis-Spriggs

 CASHS

 Hermela Amdeta

 

 

Financial Audit Report Approved

The School Board accepted the 2012-2013 Financial Audit Report provided by Smith, Elliott, Kearns & Company.

 

Click on the following link to view the report in its entirety:

2012-2013 Financial Audit

  

 

CASD Approves Calendar Revisions

The Chambersburg Area School District School Board approved a revision to the 2013-2014 school calendar to address needed snow make-up days. Schools will now be in session on the following days:

 

  1. March 14, 2014
  2. June 5, 2014
  3. June 6, 2014
  4. June 9, 2014
  5. June 10, 2014
  6. June 11, 2014
  7. June 12, 2014
  8. June 13, 2014

 

Graduation is currently scheduled for June 13, 2014.

 

Thank You to Our Donors!

At the February 26 CASD School Board meeting the following gifts from generous donors were approved:

 

  • $1,203 from Art to Remember to be used to purchase art supplies for Scotland Elementary School
  • $562 from Art to Remember to be used to purchase art supplies for Andrew Buchanan Elementary
  • $500 from the Scotland Elementary PTA to be used to purchase library books
  • $899.16 from the Guilford Hills Elementary PTA to be used to purchase a laminator
  • $534 from the Marion Elementary PTA to be used to buy two document cameras
  • $184.81 from Texas Roadhouse to support the Trojan Dollar program at CAMS middle schools

 

Public Forum to be held on March 12, 2014

 

The CASD will host a Public Forum on March 12, 2014 at 6:00 PM in the CASHS Auditorium. The purpose of the forum is to provide information regarding district enrollment trends, educational programing needs, facility capacities and provide an opportunity for community stakeholders to ask questions. All CASD stakeholders are encouraged to attend this information session.

 

The agenda for the evening is as follows:

 

  1. Introduction - Mrs. Kim Amsley-Camp, CASD Board President
  2. Enrollment Trends - Mr. Steven Dart, Business Manager
  3. Facilities Feasibility Study - Mr. Josh Bowers, Crabtree Rohrbaugh Architects
  4. District Financial Condition - Mr. Steven Dart, Business Manager
  5. Educational Impact - Mr. Billy Hodge, Associate Superintendent
  6. Questions & Answer Session - Panel
  7. Process Timeline - Mr. Kevin Weller, CASD Construction Manager 

 

For access to the Feasibility Report: Click here

 

For access to the Proposed Project Schedule: Click here

 

 

Stevens Elementary School Hosts a Career Day 

 

Students in grades 3 - 5 were given the opportunity to attend a Career Day at their school this past February. Students who are studying Construction at the Franklin County Career and Technology center offered stations that provided hands-on learning experiences for the Stevens' students. Stations included masonry, plumbing, electrical, construction, and carpentry.

 

 

 

CASD Introduces Customized App

 

The Chambersburg Area School District (CASD) is more committed than ever to fulfilling its mission; that is, to prepare all students for success as responsible citizens and lifelong learners. Through the development of a new custom iPad and Android tablet app, students will have access to a variety of learning tools, resources, and information - anywhere, anytime - that will enhance their learning experience.

 

Eventually, the iPad and Android tablet app will be available for use by all CASD students in grades 6 - 12. At the onset of its release however, it will offer students at the Career Magnet School (CMS) a more personalized solution to iPad learning. According to Chris Bigger, Director of Educational Programming, "Every student at the CMS utilizes an iPad for their coursework. Very few textbooks exist at the school. The development of a customized app is a natural fit for the instructional philosophy that exists at CMS.

 

The CMS has a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) focus, Mr. Bigger explains. Often teachers use a classroom instructional model that is referred to as a "flipped classroom". This model requires students to do most of their learning via educational technology outside of the classroom and through concept learning activities in the classroom. "Students watch lectures online; they may blog, or interact with their teachers and classmates online outside of class. When students come to the classroom, they are prepared to get right into more authentic discussion and hands on learning," said Mr. Bigger.

 

"The CASD app can be considered unique when you compare it to other educational apps. Most apps focus only on information. Our students will have an opportunity to learn and interact with the app," Bigger explained. "The CASD app offers mobile student learning and information access within a secure educational environment. Current design features include: an agenda with reminders that will help students better organize their tasks and assignments; alert them if their course grade changes by a specific percent; provide news feeds for the latest in school and district announcements and activities; and also provide direct links to personal and educational resources such as eBackpack, OverDrive, LibGuides, and Performance Tracker," said Mr. Bigger.

 

More than 50 students were involved in a three-day intense focus group session to determine how the custom app should be designed to uniquely meet students' needs. Because CASD selected a custom app solution, this means that we avoid yearly fees for delivery and maintenance. This path also allows the district the flexibility to offer an app development class in the future that will give high school students an opportunity to continue to develop and grow the app, Bigger noted.  

 

"Currently, our Business Education department is developing a proposed app development curriculum for board approval to offer students during the 2014-2015 school year," Bigger said.

 

Kindergarten Registration Process Revamped
 
Kindergarten registration will take place in the CASD during the month of March. All families who have a child who will be five years old by September 1, 2014, are invited to register for Kindergarten. "This year Kindergarten registration will have a totally new look and feel to it," according to Gladys Leon, Director of Early Childhood Education for the CASD. 
 
"We are revamping this process because we want our children and parents to have a positive experience in our actual school buildings. We want the children to experience the same joy and excitement at registration that they will experience on the first day of school," Mrs. Leon said. 

 

In an effort to make this possible, registration will be held at the 13 district elementary buildings and most of this will be done by Kindergarten teachers.  This is a significant difference from the past when registration was conducted at the district's Administration Building by administrators. "This change will enable the children to meet a 'real' Kindergarten teacher. For most students meeting their Kindergarten teacher is like meeting a movie star; many children are so excited to begin this experience," Mrs. Leon explained.  

 

Another important component of the revised registration process is an improved assessment process that will help principals and teachers identify those students who are in need of school readiness experiences.   According to Mrs. Leon, "The intent is that those students who are identified to have the greatest school readiness needs will potentially have the opportunity to attend a Kindergarten Academy for five weeks in the summer to help them prepare for school." Summer school will be at no charge to parents and it will take place for a half day beginning on July 7 and continuing through August 7.  The instructional focus will be on English Language Arts and Math.

 

Additionally, the information gleaned from this assessment will help principals plan for more balanced classrooms which will make the educational experience more beneficial for everyone, Mrs. Leon explained.

 

During the registration process children and parents will rotate through six stations; each station will take approximately 10 minutes. Students will be given a preschool assessment in English Language Arts and one in Math; a nurse will review medical records and a secretary will check paperwork for accuracy. Also, a Kindergarten teacher will read a story to children at one station.

 

There will be a Reading Specialist available to conduct a language arts activity for those children who will be attending a non-Title l school, while an English as a Second Language Teacher (ESL) will be on hand to screen children for ESL services. A Title I Specialist will be available to explain to parents what services are available to children who will be attending school in buildings earmarked for Title I.

 

Finally, there will be a bag station where children and parents will be given a lot of information to help them prepare for school. Mrs. Leon explained that each child will receive a bag that includes a journal, a word ring that includes high frequency words, an ABC chart with guided activities, a monthly activity calendar, language arts and Math practice work, a Welcome to Kindergarten book, a Transportation Guide, a Math book and a picture book entitled, Stripes of All Types.

 

Parents need to call to make an appointment to register their child. Parents may register at the school building of their choice; however, this does not guarantee that their child will attend that school building in the fall. Final Kindergarten school assignments are determined by several Kindergarten population factors; you will receive your child's school assignment by mail in August.  

  

SCHOOL

PHONE

DATE

TIME

Andrew Buchanan

261-3430

March 26, 2014

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Benjamin Chambers

261-3442

March 27, 2014

4:15 PM - 8:15 PM

Falling Spring

261-3440

March 10, 2014

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Fayetteville

352-2774

March 4, 2014

March 5, 2014

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Grandview

261-3445

March 20, 2014

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Guilford Hills

352-2124

March 11, 2014

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Hamilton Heights

261-3448

March 19, 2014

4:15 PM - 8:15 PM

Lurgan

532-6125

March 12, 2014

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Marion

375-2360

March 18, 2014

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

New Franklin

261-3454

March 6, 2014

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Scotland

261-3460

March 13, 2014

4:15 PM - 8:15 PM

South Hamilton

261-3466

March 24, 2014

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Stevens

261-3469

March 17, 2014

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

  

You also may find more information about how to register your child at the CASD district website. For additional Kindergarten readiness resources Click here.

 

Parents, if you should have further questions, please call Elementary Services at 261 - 3417. 

 

Guilford Hills Elementary Hosted an
Olympic Curriculum Day

 

 

Guilford Hills hosted an Olympic Curriculum Day on Friday, February 21st. "We had a whole day of 30-minute math and literacy stations. Sixteen countries were formed with students grouped heterogeneously," explained Debbie Urso, Title I Reading Specialist.

 

Opening ceremonies took place at 9:15 AM and they included a flag ceremony that is picture below. Some of the Olympic Stations included: math relay races, a math trial and error grid, poetry writing, math Curling, Twister with curriculum vocabulary terms, and Yoga as a test taking anxiety strategy, Mrs. Urso shared.

 

Closing ceremonies took place and bronze, silver, and gold medals were awarded to countries based on points earned.

 

 

CASD Foundation Awards Grants to Staff

 

Twenty-nine applications were submitted for the "Grants to Staff" program requesting nearly $130,000. According to Foundation Executive Director, Angela Lynch, "The Foundation Board meeting was held on Thursday, January 30th and 19 proposals were funded in the amount of $66,827.14. Congratulations to the successful proposal writers!"

 

For details: Click here

 

Special Education Department Receives High Marks

 

"Special Education students have something to be very proud of," according to Janet Foor, Director of Special Education Services for the CASD. "Growth data that was recently released through the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVASS) shows that our Special Education students performed first out of 139 school districts across the state with similar educationally disadvantaged populations."

 

What does this mean exactly? The Pennsylvania Department of Education website explains that, "PVAAS is a statistical analysis of Pennsylvania (PA) state assessment data, and provides PA districts and schools with growth data to add to achievement data. This lens of measuring student learning provides educators with valuable information to ensure they are meeting the academic needs of groups of students, as well as individual students."

 

PA school districts use PVAAS (growth data), in conjunction with achievement data, to make sure students are on the path to proficiency and beyond. When educators use all the data available (growth and achievement), educators are able to make data-informed instructional decisions to ensure the academic growth and achievement of all students. 

 

PVASS growth data can be separated. It measures a student's growth across time, not just at one single time. "The specific PVASS growth data that CASD administrators and teachers are looking at provides us with insight into our educational practices. When measured against 139 other similar districts, this information is very affirming," Mrs. Foor said, "We are on the right track!"

 

"We offer a unique experience for a special education student who lives in our region. Our district has the resources to service all student disabilities," she explained. "Additionally, we have an extensive team of individuals such as Intervention Specialists, Curriculum Supervisors, English as a Second Language teachers, Psychologists, Behavior Experts, and Literacy and Math coaches, who help us out tremendously," Mrs. Foor noted. She underscored the fact that this accomplishment represents the hard work and dedication of many, many individuals.

 

9th Annual CASHS Alumni and Friends Night - Saturday, March 15th

 

Nine years ago the CASHS' Class of 1960 first hosted a Fun Night that has now grown to a great evening with a delicious meal, fantastic entertainment and prizes. It's a wonderful chance for alumni and friends to reconnect. Fun, food, and fellowship and all classes are welcome! 

 

Tickets are $13.50 per person. (Admission without meal - $5.00)  Make checks payable to "Class of 1960" and mail to Glenn Webber, 324 Suelinn Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201 by March 10th.  

 

The event will be held at the Kauffman Community Center, 7289 Ruritan Drive, Chambersburg. Check-in begins at 5:00 PM, the meal will be served from 5:30 - 6:30 PM. There will be gift drawings from 7:00 - 9:00 PM and games from 7:00 - 10:00 PM. The CASD Foundation will have a memorabilia table as well as information about their programs and scholarships.

 

For more information, contact Glenn Webber at (717) 264-5138 or Rich Schoenleber at (717) 360-3266 or Click here to view the Class of 1960's webpage.

 

 

Trojans Color Dash

 

On May 17, 2014 there will be a Trojans Care Color Dash 5K Fun Run/Walk beginning at 9:30 AM. This event will take place at the Cross Country Course located at the Falling Springs Elementary School.  This Fun Run/Walk will benefit the Trojans Care Fund.

 

The Trojans Care Fund was established to benefit students in the Chambersburg Area School District with families that have had or are experiencing life-changing events.

 

To sign up for this event, please Click here.

 

Inaugural CASD Autism Awareness Walk

 

Inaugural CASD Autism Awareness Walk

 

Time: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Date: April 2, 2014

CASHS Track

 

For more information on the event Click here

 

Parents - Learn More About Social Media and Online Behavior

 

The CASD has resources that can be accessed through the district website both under the Families Section and Technology Department that provide resources through OnGuardOnline.gov for parents regarding social media and other online behavior.

 

On the district website, select Families on the top orange bar. Under the Families section on the left side of the navigation bar, select Parent & Family Involvement, then select, Your child and Technology. 

 

Your Child and Technology Webpage

Important Parent Information About Social Networking

 

Hamilton Heights Elementary School Hosts Student Showcase Spectacular

 

"The inaugural Hamilton Heights Student Showcase Spectacular was well received by parents, staff, and students alike. Excited students led parents and other family members through the gymnasium where students' school projects and work were showcased," said Andrew Nelson, Principal of Hamilton Heights Elementary. He noted that it was a great opportunity for parents and family members to see not only their own students' work, but also to admire the work of other Hamilton Heights students across all grade levels.

 

Mr. Nelson would like to thank parents, students, and staff for a fantastic first Student Showcase Spectacular. "We had 431 families participate!  We are looking forward to showcasing even more of our students' hard work later this school year!"

 

 

Scotland Elementary School to Host Health and Wellness Fair
 
Scotland Elementary School will host its second annual Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 5th, from 10 AM-1 PM.  According to Principal, Barb DeSerio, "The Health and Wellness Fair is being held to promote and educate our community on ways to live a healthier life style. Last year, many businesses and individuals participated." 

 

Parents and students were able to join in a yoga class, try their hand at Zumba and Karate, and learn about swimming and golfing, Mrs. DeSerio explained. She shared how the State Police provided parents with information and strategies for keeping children safe, and members of the fire department taught children and parents how to escape a smoke filled room.

 

"As you can see, the opportunities to grow and learn are very diverse. We are very excited to host this event for another year. It is open to the entire Chambersburg community, and we encourage you to join us," Mrs. DeSerio said.

 

"We still are looking for community organizations or businesses who would like to be part of our fair. If you would like to participate, please email Wendy Machemer."

 

Josh Granberry Spotlight

    

Have you ever navigated the complicated world of college admissions? Have you tried to find financial aid for college? These can be complicated, confusing, and frustrating experiences. Students at the Chambersburg Area Senior High School (CASHS) have an important resource person available to them who helps make sense out of this process.

 

Enter Josh Granberry. Josh serves as the College Advisor for CASHS. Thus far in the school year, Josh has conducted well over 600 one-on-one and group meetings with CASHS students. "I love my job. The most gratifying part of it is meeting one on one with students. Students have a wide range of needs," Josh explains. "Some students know exactly what they want to do, while others need help and guidance."

 

Josh was hired by the College Advising Corps (CAC) three days after he graduated from Gettysburg College in 2013. While some funding for his position is funded by the school district, Josh is primarily employed by the CAC. According to Josh, "The CAC hires its advisers right out of college. Their goal is to create peer-to-peer relationships. I just lived the college experience and this makes everything I discuss with students more meaningful. It is referred to as a 'near peer' perspective on education."

 

"Another important aspect of the CAC mission is that this organization serves students who need help most. CAC advisers work at underserved high schools with students who often are the first in their family to attend college.

 

Josh approaches his job from several perspectives. In addition to his one-on -one and small group meetings with mostly juniors and seniors, he promotes himself. "I go to class meetings to explain my role. Teachers and counselors refer students and parents to me for college counseling. I speak at the Parent Teacher meetings and answer many questions parents have about the college application process and how to get financial aid."

 

Josh uses several online programs to help students determine what they might want to do for a career. "These online screenings help get the conversation started. Students receive direct feedback based on their interests."

 

Josh explains that a large part of his job is finding scholarships for students. "Once I understand what a student needs, I will research scholarship opportunities. In 2013 CASHS college-bound students received over $2,020,955 in scholarship funds; this is an increase from $326,906 since 2009 when the CAC program began at CASHS.

 

"Since this program came to CASHS, the number of students who attend college is in excess of the class. "We are almost at the point where we could use another adviser at CASHS - the demand is so great," Josh said.

 

Josh credits the CASHS counselors for the tremendous support they have provided him. "The CASHS counselors have made it possible for me to reach a large portion of the high school classes.   They have helped me get acclimated to such a large and diverse school.  I am truly indebted to them for all of their support and guidance."

 

Nationwide there are 375 CAC Advisers who serve in 425 colleges in 14 states. It is projected that these advisers will work with over 127,000 students this year, according to the CAC figures.

 

The CAC-Keystone region is a joint venture of four colleges in our area (Dickinson, Franklin and Marshall, Gettysburg, and Millersville University).   Ten recent graduates of these institutions serve currently as college advisers to 12 high schools in Adams, Centre, Franklin, Huntingdon, and Lancaster counties.  Josh is assigned to CASHS for two years.

 

  
 
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