Until The Snow Starts....

Most of the leaves have fallen and temperatures continue to drop; snow flurries, as pretty and sparse as they are right now, remind us that winter is about to descend upon Cambria County. At this time of year, we have many things for which to be thankful. I am thankful each day when I make the drive “up the mountain” to a job I truly love. I appreciate seeing, during my regular visits to our schools, the constant high level of instruction and learning that takes place in our classrooms.

While eight of our athletic teams have concluded their seasons, winter sports teams are beginning to practice for the upcoming season. Congratulations to all our fall teams for all their efforts and hard-earned recognition.

In addition to our sports teams, I want to recognize and offer praise for CCSD’s extracurricular teams: the scholastic quiz team, the reading competition team, the forensics team, the music ensemble, chorus and all the other extracurricular clubs and teams. Taking part in such activities strengthens the school community and provides students with many lasting memories when most aspects of their public school days are a distant memory.

Congratulations to all staff and students for achieving AYP last year. All four schools in the Central Cambria School District have met the targets for achieving Adequate Yearly Progress for the 2009/2010 school year! Adequate Yearly Progress measures whether or not the school has met the academic goals established under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law. This feat was the result of talented teachers, effective support personnel, and exemplary student effort.

With the Thanksgiving holiday rapidly approaching, I wish for all staff and students a happy, relaxing, and fulfilling holiday. Cherish those close to you in the spirit of the season. Share fond memories—and make new ones—with family and friends. (And watch lots of football!)

Until the snow starts,

Dr. D.