Time to test...

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 9^th 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.