It’s true: summer has come and gone.

It’s true: summer has come and gone.  The staff have been meeting for in-service presentations, and many have come in even earlier than this in order to prepare their rooms for the arrival of their students on opening day. As I’ve said before, you can be most proud of the professionalism inherent in CCSD’s teachers. The campus has been abuzz with activity: football camp, band practice, cross country training sessions, distribution of supplies and numerous last-minute building preparations.  Thanks to Greg Shaffer and his crew of hard workers, all buildings have been thoroughly cleaned and arranged, and the field house and the surrounding grounds look great for our fall sporting events.  Understandably, practices were suspended on August 21 as a precaution during the solar eclipse.

Among the changes over the summer to prepare for this school year, two of the most notable are a newly hired Tech Director and a School Police Officer.  Kenneth Krott has signed on as Tech Director, leaving the tech coach position he had held in Altoona. Ken has an extensive background in technology and is Google certified; he is also adept at using and instructing Google Chrome Books.  Best of all, Ken’s previous experiences show that he is adept at extending his knowledge and skills to teachers through one-to-one and team teaching, coaching and in-service sessions. While Ken will work out of the high school, he will be a visible part of the district in all buildings. As for the School Resource Officer, Cambria Township elected to discontinue its partnership with CCSD in providing a School Resource Officer. Because Nate Stohon, formerly our SRO, proved to be indispensable in handling emergency and potentially dangerous situations, the Board has hired Mr. Stohon as a CCSD employee in the capacity of School Police Officer. Given recent events across the country—occurring anywhere and at any time—Mr. Stohon will work to provide our staff, students and parents a safe environment.

Media night was Friday, August 18.  Although the weather was not the best, it was well attended.  In football news, Coach McGregor completed the overnight week-long camp August 18.  He had great things to say about the work and determination of all involved.  The team scrimmaged Johnstown on August 19 and, although no score was kept, coach McGregor told me the team scored and held Johnstown scoreless – a great portent, I think.  Good luck to the team this season.

In personnel news, we have seven new staff members.  Lynn Wilson will continue as science coach for the high school and middle school. Ms.  Dane Domonkos will be the elementary math/literacy coach.  Both are being paid from the Ready to Learn state grant. Also, while already a familiar face across the district as principal of Jackson Elementary School, Dr. Tricia Murin will assume the post of high school principal. Her experience and familiarity with district processes will be a great help to teachers, staff and students. Of course, her departure from Jackson had a domino effect on positions: Joe Strittmatter, formerly the district Tech Director, has assumed Tricia’s post at Jackson, leading to the hiring of Ken Krott. I am confident of great things happening in all of these new positions.

A yearly reminder for all who use our campus roads during the school day: following the same schedule as last year, the gate will be closed during the school day.  The gate is used to protect the campus and to reduce the amount of traffic on our road system while school is in session.

         Our high school auditorium is still a work in progress. We have been told that remaining work will take about 4-6 weeks.  It will be quite an impressive facility and well worth the wait; our talented students as well as their dedicated teachers and parents deserve this fine facility. If you wish to donate to the Auditorium improvement project please contact me either by phone (814-472-8870), email (vdileo@cencam.org) or stop in my office.

(Not so) surprising, the government of PA remains gridlocked on how to fund the budget they passed. The state is dangerously close in not being able to meet the bills to which it has committed funds.

Sports are a great way for me to divert my frustration at the State Department’s repeated missteps. I enjoy every season of the year—despite my outbursts aimed at the TV when my armchair coaching is ineffective, sports are a source of stress release for me. On paper, the Steelers seem poised to have a great season even as they deal with issues off the field (LeVeon Bell, Martavis Bryant), as well as the injury bug afflicting several players.  I am hopeful that they make a strong run at the Super Bowl this year and that the injuries are minimal.  Big Ben will do his part, but he can’t do it alone, and he won’t be around forever. 

As the fall season approaches, I hope you enjoy all that autumn has to offer. See you at Potato Fest!

  

                                                  DR. D