April Fools?

Is winter over or are we in for an April Fool’s joke?  As the flowers planted last fall are already beginning to come through the ground, there is always a fear that a heavy frost will destroy the buds on trees and the fragile flower shoots.  I am sure Mother Nature has a plan that will eventually unfold.

Yes, winter has been extraordinarily mild this year, especially when compared to the last several years, with only one cancellation, two delays and a lone early dismissal.  As you may already know, the cancelled day will be made up June 2, which is both the last scheduled student day and graduation day.

Just the mention of graduation on June 2 brings to mind just how quickly another school year seems to be zipping by; spring sports are starting, and seniors can see graduation on the horizon.  Speaking of which, graduation will once again be held at St. Francis’ Stokes Gym on June 2 at 7pm.  As in years past, I will provide more information on the graduating class of 2016 during the month of May.

It has been a wonderful year with so many students giving stellar performances in sports and extracurricular activities.  Our wrestlers, swimmers, and girls basketball team all did a great job in Districts, Regionals and State finals.  Three students on our Forensics team advanced to the State competition level.  Our hockey team went to the LHAC finals and lost to an opportunistic St. College team.  They had a phenomenal season.

I am excited to tell you about an initiative spearheaded by Jenn Mesoras, the principal of Cambria Elementary School: Our district is collaborating with Cambria county preschool and day care providers to support a positive transition from preschool facilities to our district.  Mrs. Mesoras will house a Pre-K class in her building next year; she has attended many seminars and trainings dealing with early childhood education and is fast becoming our resident Early Childhood expert. 

Many of you are aware of the state’s continued inability to pass a budget.  It is now nine months overdue and there is no budget compromise in sight.  Once again, public education and local entities must find ways to finance unfunded mandates.  This lack of budget is causing many hardships, some of which include:

·     Over $1billion dollars in loans and lines of credit have been taken by districts to make ends meet

·     To date $45 million dollars have been spent on interest and bank fees, costing the taxpayer unnecessary additional dollars

·     Many Districts have begun estimating when they will be out of money and are contemplating closing their doors early.

·     District reserves continue to dwindle as some districts use this money to meet their bills and payroll commitments.

·     On the subject of the budget, Harrisburg lawmakers continue to stand on opposing sides of the aisle while districts and social services are left to fend for themselves.

Once again, we must do more with less money.  Our District is holding its own, but things are getting tighter.  I have suspended all staff and student field trips unless they have already been approved or come at no cost to the district.  I urge you to contact your local representative at the state level to tell them they need to do their job and pass a fair, fiscally sound budget quickly.

Finally, while most people say happily that Spring is in the air, we fanatics see in this season a return to thoughts of football.   How can this be, you ask? Well, many colleges, including PSU, have begun spring practices.  NFL free agency trades continue, and there are just 33 days until the draft begins. All of these events are hitting the airwaves and adding to the notion that football is back. As I wait (patiently?) for football, I’m happy to note that our Pittsburgh Pens are providing us with excellent hockey performances. They are in a good position to secure a wild card spot for the playoffs. 

As time marches on at an increasingly rapid pace, it won’t be long before many of us will be avoiding the heat and complaining about cutting the grass. If you’re like me, objections will be minimal as we embrace the pleasures—and the challenges—of every season.

Until next month,

Dr. D.