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Williamsport Area School District
- eNews -
Vol. 2, Issue 3                                                                                                   Friday, September 4, 2015
In This Issue
Welcome back! Students, faculty and staff returned this week to begin the 2015-16 school year!  View a selection of photos from around the district during our first week back below.
White Out Event
The first of several planned White Out events is scheduled for the home soccer game at 
7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Balls Mills.  Want to attend? Buy your White Out shirt for just $7 on our online store!
Dear,

Take a peek inside the district with some highlights of what's been happening in the district.  This newsletter's purpose is to give you, a member of our community, an overview of school news and events, student and faculty achievements, along with the latest from our education foundation.

 

Please remember that you can share this newsletter with your friends by simply clicking "Forward Email" at the bottom of this screen.

'A Day in the Life' Ready for Sept. 15 Public Unveil
The WASD Education Foundation and the WAHS art department plan to unveil its "A Day in the Life" photography exhibit from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 15.

The exhibit will be showcased during a reception at the District Service Center, 2780 West Fourth St., where the 29-piece collection has been permanently installed.

Earlier this year, the WASD Education Foundation committed $3,300 of Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) dollars through the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania for the student-driven project.

Artist-in-resident Michael Darough, a former visiting professor of photography at Lycoming College, worked with WAHS students to capture images of WASD student life.  Students traveled around the district last winter with Darough and his student mentors to photograph K-12 students at work.  After a selection and editing process, the images were printed on wrapped canvas and installed on the first floor of the district's administration building. 

The exhibition also features re-installed pieces from the Hugh M. and Margaret A. MacMullan Art Collection the district accepted in 1984, as well as "The Perfect Circle," a locust tree wood and metal sculpture commissioned by WASD as part of the Air/Space Program in 2004.  

WNEP Visits WAHS
WNEP reporter Kristina Papa stopped by WAHS on Sept. 1 to capture an update on the stadium project.  While here, Kristina conducted interviews with junior student-athletes Jalen Jackson and Sarah Hill, as well as Athletic Director Sean McCann.  Watch it now, and check out new updates below.
FirstWeekWelcome Back!  New School Year off to a Start as Students, Faculty Return





Jackson Art Club Students Unveil, Dedicate New Mural to Historic Bowman Field
Former members of the Jackson Primary School Art Club dedicated their mural to Historic Bowman Field at Susquehanna Bank Park before start of the Williamsport Crosscutters game on Aug. 31.

From back left are Peter Chapla, assistant superintendent; Dr. Don Adams, superintendent; Kirk Felix, Jackson principal; John Killian, K-6 curriculum supervisor; and Doug Estes, general manager of the Crosscutters.  At front from left are art club students Alexis Mann, Jett Johnson, Mia Jenkins, Kendell McAnelly, Alexandria Chilson, and Allyson McCann, and Jackson art teacher Sandy Corson. (View more photos.)
STAUpdateSTA Stadium Work Nears Completion; First Home Game Just 1 Week Away
Work at STA Stadium at WAHS has continued since ground broke in early June.  Now, the turf has been laid and the project is nearly complete as the first home game is just one week away (7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11. against Mifflin County High School).

This week, the track was paved, which will cure for about 25 days before the track surface is installed, and the visitor side bleachers were assembled.  
Alumni News & Events
Alumni Spotlight on Karl Fisher, '01
When Karl Fisher moved back to Williamsport with his wife from the State College area a half decade ago, he said it was his wish to give his kids the same experience he had in the school district.

A 2001 graduate, Fisher went on to pursue a degree in music education at Penn State University, though his career path took a turn when he opened Alabaster Coffee Roaster + Tea Company in downtown Williamsport in 2010.

While he had no previous business or financial background before opening what has become an ever-growing downtown staple, Fisher said the experience in the district's music program - particularly trips to The White House and the governor's mansion - helped shape his success in the business world with that exposure.

Fisher cited the great student-teacher relationships he forged with Walt Straiton and Kent Weaver, and how that has transitioned into longterm friendships as an adult.  In addition, he said he values the diversity and resources of the district provides to students, particularly at the high school level.  

"You have a college-level feel on a high school campus," he said. "Because of that experience - which was great for me - I want my kids to have that experience, too."
Class Reunions
The Class of 1955 will celebrate is 60th class reunion on Friday, Sept. 11, and Friday, Sept. 12, 2015, at the Valley Inn in Duboistown.  An informal gathering will begin at 7 p.m., Sept. 11 (note: evening not funded by the Class of 1955).  On Sept. 12, there will be a dinner at the Valley Inn beginning at 6 p.m.  The event will be catered - picnic-style meal.  Cost is $10/person.  There will be a cash bar through the evening.  Casual dress, no jeans.  For more information, comments, or concerns, please contact Wade Strong at 570-326-0317. 
From the Vault 
Here, we go back to the fall of 1950, a year when the Millionaire football team went undefeated under Coach Tom Vargo.  The football field at the time was located behind the high school gymnasium on West Third Street between Park Street and 7th Avenue, an area now home to Pennsylvania College of Technology classroom buildings.

Fast-forward 65 years, the Millionaires kick off the 2015 season at Central Mountain at 7 p.m. tonight. The team will make their debut on the new field at STA Stadium at WAHS against Mifflin County at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11.  Best of luck to the team for a great season!
For more on alumni information, or to submit your own alumni 
news or reunion information, visit www.wasd.org/alumni
 or contact ghayes@wasd.org.
Williamsport Area School District | | ghayes@wasd.org | 2780 West Fourth Street. Williamsport, PA 17701
570-327-5500 | www.wasd.org




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