Once again, testing begins….
It’s again the time of year for weather delays and school
cancellations. As a reminder, and
for those of you not familiar with our weather-related delay/cancellation
procedure, you can find it on the district’s home page under the link Guidelines for School Delays/Closings. We
all know what an inconvenience weather delays and cancellations can be but,
when it comes to our children, safety is a far greater priority than
convenience. As always, my phone,
door and email system remain open and available for any concerns, issues or
suggestions.
Students recently finished their winter Keystone testing and
will soon begin the PSSAs.
Regardless of any person’s opinion about such things, testing is
mandatory and cannot be eliminated or changed without action from the federal
government. Even as staff
and students do a commendable job preparing for the rigors of mandated tests,
it is stressful for all parties before, during and after the testing. Parents can help reduce any test anxiety their children have by
discussing the rationale behind the tests and the preparation they have
received, and by making sure that,
during testing week, they have a good breakfast (at home or school) and
get plenty of sleep.
January is the month during which our nation celebrates
Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and the work he did in the area of Civil
Rights. January is also School Director’s Recognition Month, a good time to formally
say thanks to our school directors. Our district is blessed with very
competent, caring and involved school directors. Their commitment is doubly
impressive when we note that these are not “paid” positions; expecting nothing in return, Board members
make many important, sometimes unpopular, decisions. Their experience and guidance help to lead our
district. Directors have the best
interest of students, the district and the community at heart. Their tireless commitment to the
District is noteworthy and very much appreciated.
As mentioned at our January board meeting, the Board will
vote on adding a summer PE course to the high school’s course offerings. The
offering will make it possible for interested students to take additional
electives during the school year.
At an enrollment cost of $75, participants will attend for two hours per
day for three weeks in June. If approved, it will be available to any incoming
9th grader and above.
Transportation will be the responsibility of the student.
There is excitement in the air as the governor-elect begins
to tackle the many fiscal issues of our state, particularly those in the area
of education. The budget
shortfall, pension issues and a fair funding formula are just a few of the many
issues Governor Wolf will face. Late
February/early March is the time when the governor announces his education
budget; most, if not all, educators hope this year will be more promising than
were the past several years.
I want to express deep appreciation for the recent work of
our guidance counselors and school psychologist. They provided grief counseling
services for students affected by the sudden and unexpected passing of Daniel
Kochara, a senior at the high school.
Even with the mild winter we have enjoyed thus far, we have
had two snow delays, one cancellation and one early dismissal; surprisingly,
this is a near mirror of the time period in January 2014. Of course, there is still plenty of
winter left, so don’t put away those shovels or snow blowers yet!
Sigh. The Super Bowl is set and I wish the Steelers were
playing—heavy sigh! As you
probably know, I am not a fan of either team. I guess I am just hoping for a competitive game. In April I
will join the many Steeler fans who are now looking to the draft for relief and
hope. Fortunately, the Pens seem to be having another great season – just the
sport to get through these long wintry nights. And finally, as an alumnus of PSU and at the risk of
insulting those who disagree with me, I admit to being glad to see that the PSU
sanctions have been lifted and that 111 wins have been returned to JoePa’s
credit.
Stay warm and enjoy the time of year.
Dr. D.
