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

Dog days of summer….

Dog days of summer….

The term “Dog days of summer” dates back to the ancient Romans who applied the label to the hottest, most humid days of the year.  Romans associated the hottest days of summer with Canis Major (Large Dog), the brightest, and therefore hottest, star in the constellation. While in this clime, August is generally hotter than July, the last ten days or so have certainly been ‘dog days’.  Yet despite the hot and humid weather, our summer crew continues to make everything clean and ready for the first day of school.  Many of our fall sports athletes are also working out either on their own or with small groups.  Kudos to these dedicated workers/athletes for persevering despite the weather.

As I write this month’s blog, there are fewer than six weeks before the school year begins and, for better or for worse, the days themselves are limited as, with the passing of the summer solstice, the amount of daylight has been getting shorter by a minute every day.  

The governor has again let a budget pass without his signature but, unsurprisingly, the legislators and governor passed it without defining the means for actually funding the budget. Each year, the state budget debacle puts me in mind of the movie “Groundhog Day:” with no end in sight, the same scenario keeps playing over and over again.  Like a check written on an account with a zero balance, the small increases for basic and special education are valueless. Districts remain in limbo as long as the money to support the paper increases is unavailable.  This is wrong on so many levels.  For one thing, you and I would certainly not enjoy the privilege of writing IOUs while we get our finances in order, nor would we expect our creditors to pay off the things for which we agreed to pay; I question our system of checks and balances when this budget situation has continued for so long. Equally offensive is that, while legislators debate over bills to allow teachers to be armed in schools, or how to manage delinquent lunch accounts, school districts must fund their expenses at increasingly precarious risk to their students and communities. As I write this, I ask that, as I present the following update, you appreciate the ability of CCSD—at least for now—to manage and even improve the facilities used by the children in its care. While the balancing act has moved from the balance beam to the high wire, we remain strong and determined to give our students the tools for success.

The new bleachers for the multi-purpose field, as well as goal posts and soccer nets, are being assembled; a 6-feet-high fence will be installed along the field that borders the road. Barring a long dry spell that slows progress, the goal is to use this field in the fall. The auditorium renovations are coming along nicely as well: the floors have been scrubbed clean of old glue and debris and the new carpet has been installed; curtains/rigging work will be completed this week.  The re-upholstered seats look great and should be installed mid-August. This capital improvement project is possible through the Central Cambria Education Foundation and contributions from community members and local businesses. HintJ: There is still time to donate or purchase a seat. For details see www.cceducationfoundation.org.

  

On the subject of sports, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been lackluster as they are at the midway point of the season and six games behind the Brewers.  Pitching has been more than a little disappointing. Here’s hoping the second half of the season is kinder to our Buccos.

Since it is July yet, I have yet to fly my Steelers flag.  I always promise my wife not to rush the summer by counting the days until kickoff (49 days left for college and 54 days left for NFL football—that’s not counting, folks, it’s monitoring). I’m excited that the NFL training camps start next week; the defensive players the Steelers have added to their team have a lot of potential. Filling his shoes will be a tall order, I’m sure but, as good as he is, Big Ben will not be around forever; the front office will need to find an understudy in the near future. Until then, it is my hope, and that of all of Steeler Nation, that the Steelers make a Super Bowl run this year. 

Enjoy your families and what is left of July… go Bucs!

Dr. D.

Happy Summer

Happy summer, everyone!!  Hopefully, the season will warm up and allow us all to relax and recharge before the fall.  A little less rain would certainly help our maintenance staff and summer employees as they are already working very hard to clean all buildings and grounds.  The bleachers are here for the new multipurpose field, as well as the soccer nets, player benches and football goalposts.  A six-foot-high  fence will border the part of the field that abuts the road.  Once these upgrades are completed, we anticipate full use of this field for our fall sports practices and games. 

Our auditorium renovation fundraiser, “A Cause for Applause,” is moving along nicely.  Buying a seat (or two or three – no limit!), is a great graduation gift or a special way to remember a loved alumnus of CCSD.  The following link leads to a letter explaining what is being done and how you can donate: https://docs.google.com/a/ccsd.k12.pa.us/document/d/17ucx6THz1KKAyCplSLkZTYdNsYcVd1leXuX_Ea6u40g/edit?usp=drive_web

All seats are being reupholstered, new carpeting is being laid, and some surfaces are being painted. In addition, we are installing new rigging, stage curtains, sound board system and lighting.  The desk seats in the rear of the auditorium, as well as the wood on the walls, is being replaced.  This joint venture capital improvement project is possible through the Central Cambria Education Foundation and contributions from community members and local businesses.  For details see www.cceducationfoundation.org

Congratulations to the 133 seniors who recently graduated and to their families for being a positive part of their educational lives.  My interview with a cadre of these talented seniors was both enlightening and informative.  As usual, a wonderful group of seniors has graduated from Central Cambria.  While their influence and presence here will be greatly missed, I’m confident that we’ll hear great things about them over the years.  The ceremony can be viewed at our web site www.cencam.org.

June 30 will be the last day for Deb Dixon, our payroll clerk and Mrs. McDermott, our HS principal.  Both have been great to work with and have done many wonderful things for Central Cambria.  Their talents and presence will be greatly missed by all who have come to know them.  Good luck with retirement!!

My wife and I recently attended my niece’s wedding in Nashville.  What a great time to be a Pens fan!  I brought enough Pens gear to outfit a small country. Nothing like walking into a honky tonk establishment in Nashville wearing a Pens shirt and getting your picture taken with the local singer (she begged me not to post the photo because “I could lose my job.”)  The Nashville fans were very gracious and were very proud of their Preds. 

 

On the subject of sports, OTAs (Organized Training Activities) are now over for football rookies and training camp starts July 24. Hope springs eternal as I look for the Pens’ win to spark our Steelers to take serious aim at the Super Bowl.  I never wish a season away, but I am so ready for some football. 

Enjoy your families and what is left of June… go Bucs!

Dr. D.

An apology

Before I begin this blog, please let me apologize for missing my April post; the month was supremely busy and flew by before I realized I hadn’t posted. While it is actually the only blog I’ve missed in eight years, I do apologize to those of you who read my (indispensable!) blog. 

It appears for now that the monsoon season at Central Cambria has finally abated.  I am sure Cambria County’s water table level in is at an all-time high.  Of course, such rainy weather led to the need to reschedule—multiple times—many of the outdoor sporting events.  Kudos to Mr. Wilson, our AD, for his never-ending work with our sports programs.

As with all school districts, May is another very busy month at Central Cambria. With state testing, field trips, graduation arrangements, spring sporting events and playoffs, even these rainy days have flown by. As for me, with assistance from Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Cerelli and Mr. Wilson, I recently concluded my senior interviews; as usual, the groups I spoke with held nothing back.  Their suggestions, perceptions, memories and comments were intuitive, pointed, and well-articulated.  Overall, the groups with which I spoke represented about 35% of this year’s graduates.  These discussions gave strong evidence that; this class is very bright and super-competitive.  As usual, I will include many of their comments in my speech at the graduation ceremony. 

Speaking of graduation, here’s a preview of the theme of this year’s message:

This year, second grandson will graduate – from Kindergarten!  That is the good news; the bad news is it will be the same night as our graduation.    It is this event upon which I hope to expound during my talk.

I plan to relate how the cycle continues regardless of age or career.  I will touch on the ways in which education has changed since the early 1900’s. In those days, the non-academic focus was on immunizations and basic hygiene; today’s educators emphasize such things as suicide prevention, the pros and cons of social media, lockdown drills, and STEM learning, to name a few.  In all this time, however, the element that changed only minimally is the calendar; in general, the same 180 days comprise a school year.  As Winston Churchill said “so many things to do, so little time.” In my opinion, much more is being wedged into those 180 days than ever before.

On the subject of time constraints, it appears the people in Harrisburg will not be able to produce a budget before the end of June, no big surprise.  Both houses and the Governor seem split on some critical issues, foremost being the identification of revenue streams to actually funding the budget.  Each official has his or her own ideas on which programs to cut or reduce in order to alleviate the deficit and fund the budget.  This recurring problem in Harrisburg reminds me of the movie “Groundhog Day” in that every budget year seems to be like its predecessor. 

On a lighter note, how about the Pens? How about the Pens?!!  Where are they?! They seem poised to make a deep run toward the Stanley Cup championship but their recent difficulties with Ottawa leaves me wondering.  I respect the coach’s philosophy of “next man up” and “just play”.  Despite the multitude of injuries, they keep finding ways to win. Here’s hoping that the Pens’ pucks will consistently find the back of their opponents’ nets.  Let’s go Pens!!

Of course, the NFL draft is now history. There are always needs on both sides of the ball, after free agency and retirements, but it looks as if the picks the Steelers made could have a big impact.  Time will tell.  If only the season started tomorrow – Sigh…. Despite the fact that I see myself as an armchair expert, I have to trust that the team staff knew far more than I did about the interactive dynamics of various players as they drafted for the coming season.

As we approach the summer break, I encourage all students to make smart choices in the friends they hang out with, the events they attend, and even the ways in which they network on the Internet. Please have a safe, enjoyable and relaxing summer. 

Congratulations to the 2017 graduates and to their parents, relatives, friends, and others who have offered encouragement, patience, and a listening ear.  As you leave our district, remember: Red Devil Pride never graduates!

Good luck, seniors!

Enjoy your summer!  Dr. D.

Weather of March

March is always an interesting weather month.    Snow, sleet, freezing rain, rain and sunshine, and temperatures ranging from sub-freezing to summer-warm are all present in the month of March.  This year the lion that came in at the start of March seems reluctant to make room for the lamb that signals the end of winter. I am sure Mother Nature’s plan still includes warmer weather in Cambria County—eventually.

This has been a typical winter for CCSD students: we’ve had five cancellations, four delays and one early dismissal.  Currently, our last student day will be June 5.  Mrs. McDermott hopes that an end to cancellations will allow the graduation ceremony to take place on June 2.    Graduation will once again be held at the Stokes Field House at St. Francis.  As in years past, my May blog will include some interesting information about the graduating class of 2017 during the month of May.

Pennsylvania’s weather has delayed the administration of the PSSAs and Keystone Exams until April; between these and the usual spring activities, the remaining school year is bound to wind down at breakneck speed for students, teachers and administrators.  With the arrival of spring, we are excited to see how, after improvements were made to these playing surfaces last fall, our athletes perform on the baseball and softball fields this year. The multipurpose field appears to have weathered well through the winter; now we’ll see how strong the grass is when it comes up and how well it takes hold.  The plan is to use this field in the fall. 

2016-17 has been a wonderful year with so many students giving stellar performances in sports and extracurricular activities.  Our wrestlers, swimmers, and boys and girls basketball teams did a great job in Districts, Regionals and State finals.  Seven choral students advanced to state PMEA competition and six middle school students will go to San Diego CA, for the national Lego competition. Our hockey team went to the LHAC finals and lost to an opportunistic Altoona team.  They had a phenomenal season.  Max Murin is the first wrestler in CCSD history to be crowned state gold medalist twice, and our boys basketball team went further into PIAA play than any other boys basketball team at CCSD.

And as ever, March is the month for budget debates/battles at the Legislature.  Governor Wolf’s budget address in February has raised concerns about how much and when public schools will receive funding.  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 in a timely manner.

Speaking of the Governor, Mr. Wolf hosted a round table discussion on the state’s opioid crisis in our District on Thursday, March 16.  This was the first time a sitting Governor has ever been at CCSD.  His determination to address this crisis was very apparent.  It was an honor to have him at our District.  He also made a point of meeting Max Murin to congratulate him on his wrestling accomplishments.

Finally, while most people happily see March as the time that Spring is finally in the air, we fanatics see this season as a harbinger of legitimate reasons to think and talk about football.   NFL free agency trades continue, and there are just 36 days until the draft begins. All of these events are hitting the airwaves and adding to the notion that football is back. And many colleges, including PSU, have begun spring practices.  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.

Still Winter

This month is an excellent time to review our district’s snow delay/cancellation policy as outlined on the district’s home page under the link Guidelines for School Delays/Closings.  To date, we have had four delays, one early dismissal and two cancellations (see below).  When it comes to our children, student 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. 

                                    2014               2015               2016               2017

Delays                        7                      6                      2                      4

Early Dismissals     1                      6                      1                      1

Cancellations           6                      3                      1                      2

At this point, the final day of school is May 31, 2017.  We are using Holy Thursday, April 13, as one of our make-up days.  Because vacation plans can be affected by these additional days, we will be prompt to post snow make-up dates as they become necessary. As ever, while this winter has been comparatively benevolent, we will assume nothing about what is to come.

The Governor has delivered his yearly budget address.  As in the past, Basic Education Funding will receive an increase ($100 million dollars) and Special Education monies will increase by $20 million dollars.  While this sounds like a great boon to education, our district would receive, above what we received last year, just $48,000 for our Basic Ed Funding and $16,000 for special education expenses.  I acknowledge that any funding to support Pennsylvania’s 1,763,000 public education students is better than it had been in recent history; yet, I must also say that this is a pittance in comparison to the rising costs in healthcare, special education, pension payments, and day-to-day increasing costs. We can be thankful that the Governor does not plan to increase any personal taxes this year; instead he is looking to eliminate wasteful spending, consolidate services, and close programs. This is a gamble on his part, making assumptions that these cost savings will reduce the state’s crippling $2 billion dollar budget deficit.  Although the House and Senate-led GOP like the plan to hold the line on tax increases, they have expressed reservations about some of the Governor’s proposals.  Hopefully, a budget that is fair and equitable is passed before the end of June—that in itself will be an improvement over past practices.

Kudos to the hard work and subsequent successes of all our athletes and those involved in extracurricular activities. Both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams will be in District 6 playoff games during the week of February 20. Good luck to our wrestlers as they compete in D6 this weekend in Altoona.  Congratulations also go to our chorus and concert students who have fared well in regional competition.  Go get ‘em, Red Devils!

As usual, I like to end my blog with some sports talk. With football out of the news and off the screen, I can only wait for the free agency set to begin. In the meantime, my focus turns to the Pens. Their recent resurgence gives hope to a successful stand through the playoffs; on February 16, Sid the Kid reached a milestone 1000 points on home ice.  Unfortunately, the Caps look stronger than ever.

Sorry.  My mind inexorably strays back to football. Although the season seems to be a long way off, the April draft is not so far away. With Big Ben hedging on his return to the field next year (although I think he will), the Steelers need to start scouting for an heir apparent.  While he does have 3 years left on his contract, there’s no guarantee he will be there for all of those years.  Cross your fingers that the black and gold management team drafts well this year. 

Enjoy what is left of Old Man Winter’s visit to Cambria County!

Dr. D.

Winter comes and goes… and comes again.

Winter comes and goes… and comes again.

With temperatures in the 50’s one day and in the 20’s the next day, winter this year seems to be riding a roller coaster.  To date we have had three delays and one early dismissal –representative of a fairly benign winter by Ebensburg standards. As a reminder, and for those unfamiliar with our procedures, you can find the district’s weather-related delay/cancellation protocol 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/available for any concerns, issues or suggestions. 

As is the case each year, senior staff members face the decision to retire or not to retire.  This year, at the January Board meeting, our high school Principal, Kimberly Ann McDermott, submitted a letter expressing her intent to retire.  Although everyone can be replaced, the process for Kim’s replacement will be a challenge for several reasons.  Aside from the remarkable job she has done academically in the HS, she chairs many committees; Safe Schools, Wellness, graduation, and National Honor Society are just a few of the committees that have benefited from her participation.  In addition to a plethora of other HS specific duties, Kim is also the Title IX point of contact for the entire district.  Hers is also the pleasant voice you hear on your phone when the District sends a Skylert call to families. Kim epitomizes the image of a dedicated Red Devil: Kim has made it her mission to attend most of the high school’s after-school activities, events, state meets, etc. On a personal note, after 40 years in education, I have had the pleasure and opportunity to work with many administrators; Kim is one of the top administrators with whom I have ever worked.  Her calm demeanor and intuitive awareness of the needs of those in her care have actually added to my own interpersonal skills. As much as we will miss her, we all wish her a long, happy, healthy retirement.

Although testing continues to be mandatory for students in grades 3-8, and is required once at the high school level, PDE is developing a new standard to measure success on the state assessments.  PDE has developed the Future Ready PA Index as a measure of success.  It seems that, rather than looking at test scores in isolation, PDE is focusing on student growth as a better indicator of academic success. Several devices are being considered as indicators of success: locally selected assessments, English Language proficiency assessments, attendance records, evidence that a student is closing the achievement gap, and college and career measures.  If approved on the state level, the launch date for this standard for measuring academic success is Fall of 2018.

January is School Directors’ 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 theirs are not “paid” positions; expecting nothing in return, Board members make many important and 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.   

With the governor presenting his budget address February 7, the legislature is considering the passage of a bill that does away with property taxes.  Don’t high five or chest bump just yet.  The plan is to raise the personal income tax and sales tax on everything, including items not currently taxed, (from 6% to 7%). The caveat to this bill is that property taxes can continue to be collected if a District has debt – and CCSD has debt left remaining from the construction of the middle school.  Only eight of Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts are debt-free. The upshot is that, even as your personal income tax would go up and the sales tax would increase, you would continue to pay property taxes. It is for this reason that I feel this is not a good bill for Pennsylvania.

As I write this blog, the Steelers are four days away from competing against the Patriots at New England for the AFC championship on Sunday, January 22.  Coach Tomlin and Big Ben have never beaten the Patriots on their home field.  However, Pittsburgh is 5-0 against teams they play a second time.  Am I superstitious?  Absolutely!  Am I hopeful?  Always!  Am I nervous? Shaking in my boots! Let’s hope the “Killer “Bs” can do their magic and beat the Pats. 

Until next month, stay warm and enjoy the time of year.

Dr. D.