Fall 2013

FALL 2013

Community Newsletter of The New Brighton Area School District 3225-43rd Street • New Brighton, PA 15066 • www.nbasd.org

New Superintendent, Dr. Joseph Guarino, Shares his Vision for New Brighton Area School District It is my pleasure to introduce myself as the new Superintendent of the New Brighton Area School District. Having served for nearly ten years in the district, I can confidently say there is a proud tradition of excellence here and it is my intention to continue to build upon that tradition. Commitment, collaboration, and trustworthiness will be the cornerstones of my leadership to ensure that we create the most effective learning environment for our students, focus on fiscal responsibility and maintain open lines of communication so all efforts may aid in various community groups working together.

Upcoming Events November 4-8 PTA Elementary Breakfast with Dad’s November 8 Middle School Veteran’s Day Assembly November 22 Elementary Career Day December 9 High School Band & Choir Concert December 11 Middle School Band & Choir Concert December 13 Middle School Christmas Dance December 14 High School Christmas Dance

Dr. Joseph Guarino, Ed.D., Superintendent of New Brighton Area School District

New Brighton is a family-centered, vibrant community with businesses, places of worship and schools to envy. I am proud of this community and the citizens who call it home. There is work to be done to ensure that each child achieves nothing less than his/her fullest potential. Parents, students, teachers, administrators and community members must all take a vested interest in the successes and areas needing improvement within our schools. Only through working together can we

December 19 Fifth Grade Chorus Concert

create a community where service, success, and high standards are not only the expectation, but the reality.

January 21 Middle School CLO Assembly

I encourage you to be involved in the schools, attend a concert, or cheer on our teams during athletic competitions. We should all make it a goal to demonstrate Lion Pride in all that occurs throughout the community. It is my hope that the 2013-2014 school year is the very best yet and I look forward to working together in the future.

January 27-31 Elementary Bully Proof Our Schools Week

Check It Out! Students in Mrs. Allison Johnson’s Journalism class have created The Pride Post, an online news site of New Brighton High School. The site is written and run by class members. Please check it out at www.thepridepost.com.

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The Communicator

PA School Performance Profile: What it means for New Brighton Area School District The Pennsylvania Department of Education has recently released the Pennsylvania School Performance Profile (SPP). This public site (http:// www.paschoolperformance.org) provides an academic performance score for public schools in the state. This performance score is designed with several purposes in mind: to inform the public of school performance. to provide a building level score for educators as part of their evaluation system. to allow the public to compare schools across the state. to give schools a methodology to analyze their strengths and needs.

While public schools across the state previously received designations under No Child Left Behind, known as Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), schools will now receive an academic performance score based upon many data points. Test scores, progress in closing achievement gaps, and degree of student growth over time are factored into the scoring while other identifiers of high achieving schools are also considered: graduation, promotion, and attendance rates as well as evidence of offering rigorous courses factor into the calculation. “Using the data available through the PA SPP provides us with a broader lens to view the academic performance in our schools. Unlike previous measures, this tool factors in many data points associated with our schools to determine strengths and areas for improvement,” said Dr. Joseph A. Guarino, Superintendent. Administrators and staff in our district have begun to review the data and calculations. Public sessions will be scheduled in our schools so that parents and community members have an opportunity to learn about this system and how they can use it effectively. “Our schools welcome an additional view of academic performance. While we receive a score for our schools, the more important aspect is how we utilize this information to continue what has made New Brighton strong and focus on what we need for the future,” said Dr. Guarino.

The Pride Post Staff Interviews International Journalist Josh Wilwohl Hot weather, late nights, and monks with cell phones are all common parts of Josh Wilwohl’s life. As the online editor of The Cambodia Daily, Wilwohl has observed a surge in the popularity of online news, noticing that, even in such a traditional culture, more and more people (even monks) are getting their news online instead of in print. This shift was one of the many topics that Mrs. Johnson’s 1 st period Journalism class discussed with Wilwhol via Skype. Now based in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, Josh got his start in journalism at various American news agencies, including the Huffingto n Post and Patch.com. After working in the states for a few years and earning his Masters degree, Wilwohl followed his dream of working internationally. He took a job offer from The Daily and has now been working and living in Phnom Penh for two years. He works around the clock, and says life as a

journalist in Cambodia is challenging but enjoyable. Josh writes a variety of articles, but most relishes the thrill of writing breaking news stories. He told us about the most exciting story he covered, involving President Obama’s arrival in Cambodia, when several Cambodian women staged a highly visible protest and were arrested by military police. As we discussed the cultural shift away from print news, Wilwohl emphasized the importance of fact checking and good writing for the online journalist, and challenged young writers to maintain high standards of news reporting. It was clear to our class that Josh Wilwhol has a passion for journalism; his insight and enthusiasm for his work provided a window into the life of a real international journalist, and proved valuable for those considering pursuing a career in journalism. ~Submitted by the Journalism Class

Little Lions Preschool Our preschool program offers:  Quality education  Literacy  Math  Art  Music  Kindergarten readiness  Play

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The Child Development class at New Brighton High School gives students an opportunity to apply their knowledge through the Little Lion’s Preschool. Classes begin October 21, 2013 and run through May 22, 2014. The classes meet Monday through Thursday from 10:50 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Contact: Mrs. Elizabeth Gallagher Family and Consumer Science Teacher 724.846.1050 ext. 317 or [email protected]

The Communicator

New Brighton Archery Team Sets Guinness Worlds Record Title-Largest Archery

Tournament As New Brighton’s Archery Team competed in the national tournament in mid-May, they also set a new Guinness World Record for the Largest Archery Tournament! The sixteen archers from New Brighton were part of 9,426 students who participated in the tournament held at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. New Brighton students are coached by physical education teacher, Mrs. Kim Lewis. The archers that represented New Brighton were Ben Beighey, Ian Fillinger, Talara Knouse, Danny Cleric, Aubrey Young, Anthony Buffalini, Corey Jacobs, Pat Dugan, Ashton Gordon, Celina Kelly, Tommy Manor, Jenna George, Travis Norman, Zechariah Boswell, Shane Buffalini, and Anna Marie Castelli.

Kennidy Allen receives Joan Jarrett Outstanding Middle Level Student Award

Nancy Bowman, PAMLE president, presents the Joan Jarrett Outstanding Middle Level Student Award to Kennidy Allen. Each year the Pennsylvania Asso ciatio n o f Midd le Level Educators presents the Joan Jarrett Outstanding Middle Level Student Award to a student who demonstrates leadership, good citizenship, and makes positive contributions to their school and community. On April 8, 2013, a ceremony was held at the middle school to present 8th grade student, Kennidy Allen, with the award. NBMS nominated Kennidy for the award because of her strong commitment to Rachel’s Challenge. Kennidy was the student ambassador for the middle school program and worked tirelessly on many Rachel Challenge projects. She truly embraced the attitude of kindness and compassion and kept the chain reaction alive all year long.

New Brighton’s Archery Team poses for a picture outside the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory during their trip to the National Archery Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky. Page 3

In addition to a plaque that Kennidy received, $100 was donated to a charity of her choice. Kennidy chose the Humane Society of Beaver County.

The Communicator

Middle School Olweus Bully Prevention Kickoff

Jim Jordan, of reportbullying.com makes a presentation to middle school students on the importance of bystanders.

On Thursday, September 19, the middle school hosted a kickoff event for their bully prevention program. The Olweus bully prevention program is in its third year at the middle school.

Seventh and eighth grade students, under the direction of seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Kate King, wrote and presented a skit which demonstrated how different types of bystanders handle a bullying situation. After the skit, Jim Jordan, author and anti-bullying expert of reportbullying.com, made an engaging presentation using magic to help students understand the influence that each of them have as a bystander in bullying situations.

Seventh and eighth grade students perform a skit on the different roles a bystander can play. Students from left to right are Triston Hall, Niko Simmons, Josh Laveing, Jared Lewis, Gina DeMarco, and Erin Kelly. Other students who participated were Kaicee Hickman, and Nick Schmuck.

Mr. Jordan compared bullying to a fire which needs three things to burn—a heat source, fuel, and oxygen. In a bullying situation, the bully is the igniter who starts the situation. The fuel is the victim, and the oxygen is represented by the bystanders. Just as a fire cannot burn without oxygen, bullies cannot survive without bystanders. Bystanders give bullies the attention they crave. Mr. Jordan encouraged students to cut off the oxygen so the fire cannot burn, or in other words, to not give the bully the attention they are looking for. Students should speak up when they witness a bullying situation. Middle school guidance counselor, Mrs. Donna Householder, informed students of two ways they can report bullying at the middle school. Students may drop a note into the Bully Box which is located outside the main office or they can report bullying on the middle school website at www.nbasdms.org under the guidance department.

John Fedko, of WPXI TV, presents the Eat ‘n Park Spirit Award to New Brighton High School at a pep rally on Thursday, October 10, 2013. Page 4

The Communicator

New Year, New Faces As anxious students returned for an exciting, new school year, they may have noticed some new faces standing in front of the classroom. New Brighton welcomed four new members to their teaching staff and one addition to the administrative team. The foreign language department at the high school added two new faculty members. Teaching Spanish II, III, and Honors IV is Mrs. Lindsay Aley. Mrs. Aley previously taught at North Clarion County School District and East Liverpool City High School. A graduate of Beaver Falls High School, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies from Allegheny College and a Master of Arts degree in teaching from the University of Pittsburgh. In her free time, Mrs. Aley enjoys music, sports, animals, cooking, the outdoors, and traveling. “I’m very excited to be here and I already feel at home” is how Mrs. Aley responded when asked about her feelings of joining the New Brighton family. Excited to be a lion is the new high school French teacher, Mrs. Jenny Panella. Mrs. Panella graduated from West Genesee High School in Camillus, New York. She attended Grove City College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French, K-12 Education and a minor in German. Mrs. Panella is currently working toward her Master of Education degree in reading at Geneva College. Prior to arriving at New Brighton, she held several long-term substitute positions in the area. Gardening, cooking, reading and traveling are her favorite past times. She is also very active in her church. Everyone at New Brighton has been “very welcoming and I feel there is a sense of community here that is hard to find” said Mrs. Panella. Thrilled to be a part of the New Brighton School District is English teacher, Mrs. Tiffany Leiseth. Mrs. Leiseth teaches eleventh and twelfth grade English, and will serve as the junior class sponsor. Freshmen will recognize Mrs. Leiseth as they see her in the halls because she was the 180-day sub at the middle school last year. She has also worked in the local area as a substitute teacher and was an English teacher at SpiderSmart Learning Center in Houston, Texas. A high school graduate of Petersburg High School in Petersburg, West Virginia, Mrs. Leiseth holds a Bachelors degree in English and a Masters degree in secondary education, both from West Virginia Univer-

New staff members Tiffany Leiseth, Lindsay Aley, Amanda Wertz, Jenny Panella and Gabriel Engel. Page 5

sity. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. “I feel privileged to work alongside such talented educators, and I am thankful for all the support and guidance I’ve received. I’m also grateful to my students who have been receptive and supportive of me as their new teacher. I’m looking forward to what the school year brings” Mrs. Leiseth stated. Reading and spending time with family and friends is how new fourth grade learning support teacher, Ms. Amanda Wertz, likes to spend her free time. Ms. Wertz may look familiar because she has been a long-term substitute teacher in New Brighton for the last three years. She has also worked for the Pennsylva nia Cyber School. Ms. Wertz is a graduate of Beaver Area High School, Robert Morris University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, and Edinboro University, where she earned a Master of Education in special education. She is very excited and proud to be working at New Brighton. Hoping to make a positive influence on the community, families, students, and staff is New Brighton graduate Gabriel Engel, who returned to his alma mater this year as the Director of Student Services. Mr. Engel will supervise special education programs, coordinate federal programs, and oversee curriculum. Most recently, Mr. Engel served as elementary school principal at Western Beaver County School District. He earned his principal’s certificate from the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Engel enjoys growing and canning vegetables. He also enjoys kayaking, bicycling, running, hiking, swimming, and working out. Mr. Engel is very excited to again be a part of the New Brighton Area School District.

The Communicator

Elementary Students take School Energy Pledge New Brighton Elementary School is partnering with Duquesne Light Company to bring the School Energy Pledge program to our students. Through this program the students will be engaged in saving energy by learning about energy efficiency at school, participating in a fundraising pledge drive, and implementing energysaving measures at home with their parents.

Essence Barron crowned 2013 Homecoming Queen On Friday, October 11, 2013, Essence Barron, daughter of Inetta Barron was crowned the Homecoming queen during pre-game festivities at Oak Hill Stadium. Essence was escorted by Chris Ruppen and Craig Thompson. Leah Kelly, escorted by Andy Ludwig and Gabe Greco was the Crown Bearer. Leah is the daughter of John and Lorna Kelly. Other members of the court were Morgan Beer, daughter of Bob and Cindy Beer and escorted by Jake Campbell and Riley Smith; Alyssa DeMarco, daughter of Rev. Sam and Jill DeMarco and escorted by Brody Concelman and Mitchell Vukich; Chelsea Fabyanic, daughter of Bryan and Julie Fabyanic and escorted by Camren Evans and Tyler St. Esprit; and Rachael Leonberg, daughter of Chris and Lisa Leonberg, escorted by Zach Inman and Vance Shuler. Presentations to the queen were made by Senior Class Vice-President, Ashley Homitz, Student Council President, Dominic Greco, and senior football player, Cory Landman.

The program provides tools and techniques to reduce home energy use. Once a family pledges to take energy saving actions, Duquesne Light Company will send them a free energy efficiency toolkit. The toolkit helps to reduce the family’s energy use. Furthermore, for every family that pledges to save energy by installing the items contained in the toolkit, Duquesne Light will provide the school with a cash award. Everybody wins! Families use less energy and save on their monthly bills, Duquesne Light will purchase less energy and save money, and the school earns needed funds. The four-week program begins with a kick-off assembly on Friday, October 25th.

Alyssa DeMarco, Morgan Beer, Crown Bearer Leah Kelly, Homecoming Queen Essence Barron, Chelsea Fabyanic, and Rachael Leonberg.

Recent Graduate Speaks at National Disability Mentoring Day

2013 graduate, Alex Rose, speaks at National Disability Mentoring Day.

New Brighton 2013 graduate, Alex Rose, was selected to speak at the kick-off event for the National Disability Mentoring Day at the Heinz History Center on October 14, 2013. Alex spoke about his experiences at the Bender Leadership Academy. The academy is a program developed by Joyce Bender, founder and CEO of Bender Consulting, a firm that recruits and hires people with disabilities in the public and private sectors. The academy teaches students workplace skills and public speaking. The event was attended by Pittsburgh area students, political representatives, and corporate leaders from Pittsburgh area businesses such as Bayer, FedEx, and Highmark. The keynote speaker was Andy Imparato, Executive Director of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities. In conjunction with the kick-off event, New Brighton High School students attended the National Disabilities Mentoring Day on October 16 at BNY Mellon. Page 6

The Communicator

Community Churches Help Prepare Students for the New School Year Several New Brighton community churches helped students prepare for the new school year with fun festivities and free school supplies. The New Brighton United Methodist Church held a Back-2 -School Bash, August 16-18, on their Fifth Avenue location lawn. A movie night was held on Friday, a carnival type event with arts, crafts, a bible lesson, and bouncy house took place Saturday and a picnic on Sunday. Free haircuts from Leslie’s Beauty Salon were raffled off to students. The congregation donated 101 backpacks filled with school supplies to be distributed to students who attended the events. Several local businesses provided donations including The Hot Dog Shoppe, Hanks, Foodland, New Brighton Pool, Frontier Falls, Family Video, Piece of Cake Creations and Catering, and the Beaver Falls McDonalds. Sydney Farmer, Tia Bowdery, Josh Taylor, Torrey Flannigan, Mason Rea, and Antwan Bowdery are overwhelmed with choices at the Back-2-School Bash hosted by the New Brighton United Methodist Church in August.

Learn to Swim Sunrise Pool

The following weekend, Wayman A.M.E. Chapel hosted a “Put Jesus in Your Backpack” event that included games, food, and prizes. Free book bags were available to the first 50 children in attendance.

College Admissions Testing Dates SAT

Preschool Classes Session 2: October 28-December 3 —Tuesday or Wednesday Session Time: 10:00 a.m.—10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Swimming students will learn basic skills in the four fundamental strokes. They will learn water safety and how to sustain themselves independently in the water.

Test: December 7 Registration Deadline: November 8 Test: January 25 Registration Deadline: December 27

ACT Test: December 14 Registration Deadline: November 8 Test: February 8 Registration Deadline: January 10

Keystone Tests Algebra, Literature, and Biology

Contact: Dana Tabay, Licensed Program Director 724-630-7437 [email protected]

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December 2-13, 2013 For more information contact high school guidance counselors Aimee Young or Michelle Hubbard.

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid New Brighton, PA 15066 Permit No. 79

LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER NEW BRIGHTON, PA 15066

Notice of Nondiscrimination

New Brighton Area School District Board of Directors Mitch Yanyanin, President Enrico Antonini Gary Rombold

Kent McDermott, Vice-President Christeen Ceratti John Ludwig Gretchen Rombold Melanie Smith Kim Williams

Administration Joseph Guarino, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Linda Emert School Board Secretary

Edward Kasparek High School Principal

Rick Start, Esq. Solicitor

Robert Budacki High School Assistant Principal

Gabriel Engel Director of Student Services

Julian Underwood Middle School Principal

Marydenise Feroce Business Manager

Jason Hall Elementary School Principal

Robert Lee Administrator for Instructional Technology and Online Learning

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The New Brighton Area School District will not discriminate in its educational programs, activities or employment practices based on race, color, national origin, sex, or any other legally protected classification. Announcement of this policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Employees and participants who have an inquiry or complaint of harassment or discrimination or who need information about accommodations for handicapped persons should contact the Director of Student Services at 724.843.1795 extension 331.

The Communicator is a publication of the New Brighton Area School District. Editor is Linda Runatz. Story ideas, questions or comments should be directed to [email protected].