Being thankful...

 As most of the leaves have fallen and temperatures continue to drop, snow flurries, as pretty and sparse as they are right now, remind us that winter is about to descend upon Cambria County. I don’t know if you will agree with me, but I’m always thankful to live and work in an area with such extremes in clime.

At this time of year, we at CCSD have many things for which to be thankful.  We saw many athletes and teams at CCSD excel this year; various clubs and extracurricular activities have been very active.  I’m impressed by the way our students are able to participate and contribute to so many extracurricular activities while managing their classroom assignments and grades.  Speaking of which, I’m excited to see this year’s theatrical performance; every year, these young thespians and their coaches do remarkable work in a short span of time!

As we are in the holiday spirit, with Thanksgiving upon us, I would like to dedicate this blog to the victims of the super storm Sandy, particularly to those on the East Coast.  Many have gone for weeks without heat or power; with the loss of their homes, some will live in shelters for many months to come.  This storm showed how cruel and powerful Mother Nature can be despite the efforts we take to prepare against such destruction.   I have attached some pictures of the trip.

Our District wanted to show its support for the victims of Sandy.   CCSD’s transportation director devised a plan to “Pack a Bus” for the East Coast.  First Student, our transportation provider, immediately offered to assist by providing a bus, and several drivers volunteered to make the trip.  The media publicized the effort and the community, students and staff responded with overwhelming generosity.  Two buses were loaded with almost seven tons of supplies for the Neptune City, NJ area; an area hit very hard by the storm.

Our district coordinated the trip with the Red Cross, who put us in touch with a food bank in that area.  I joined four district employees, High School principal Kim McDermott, Cambria Elementary School principal Luke Lansberry, Transportation Director Becky Klezek, as well as five community members, First Student manager Deb Ley, and 13 First Student volunteer drivers who made the 6.5 hour trip to NJ.  We arrived at the Food Pantry around 12:30 on November 11 and proceeded to unload the packed buses.  

Our buses then went to the local First Student terminal to fuel up (gasoline was also donated by First Student) before going to Bradley Beach, an area badly destroyed by the storm.  It was heartbreaking to see the devastation up close.  I can’t even come close to expressing the depth of appreciation and regard I feel toward all who contributed supplies and made the trip – and of course, none of this would have been possible without the generous support of this trip offered by First Student.

During this season, let’s all take time to give thanks for all the blessings and good fortune we enjoy, and to remember those who have lost their “home for the holidays.” I wish for all staff and students a happy, relaxing, and fulfilling holiday.  Cherish those close to you in the spirit of the season. Share fond memories—and make new ones—with family and friends. (And watch lots of football!)

Until the snow starts,

Dr. D.

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."

-       Elizabeth Lawrence

At this time of year, as I work in my office I am provided with a splendid display of dazzling colors. While they were very vibrant this year, the peak colors of fall have already begun to fade around the mountains surrounding our district. Now I notice the smell of fall as the leaves, layered on the ground, release the inimitable scent that is another indicator of autumn. (Is it obvious that I appreciate everything about this season? The only improvements I can envision are a) a longer season, and b) black and gold leaves raining from the trees. Is this going too far…?

It’s hard to believe that two years ago we were discussing the curriculum and other changes for our new Middle School.  As I make my weekly walks through each building, sometimes sitting in for a lesson, talking to staff, greeting parent volunteers or simply “getting out,” I marvel at the work that has been done by so many, and in a short time, for the benefit of our children and their families. The daily work of our teachers and support staff offer regular reminders of the skill and dedication needed to provide a quality education for our students.  It really is a team effort on the part of so many.

I recently attended a PSBA/PASA statewide conference and heard many other district superintendents’ lament about their districts’ financial instability.  We all know that funding remains a top priority for school districts.  Here at CCSD, we are fortunate to have Board members who have had the foresight and vision to reduce and make cuts, so far without sacrificing educational programs.  Yes, money is tight in our district, but the Board is resolute in its commitment to keep our district fiscally solvent.  I appreciate and commend this fine group of unpaid directors as we navigate these turbulent times. 

Sadly, despite evidence that public education is increasingly effective in meeting the academic and social challenges of our day (at CCSD, for example, PSSA scores remain high, meeting or exceeding Pennsylvania’s AYP rate, our graduation rate is over 95%, and our attendance rate over 96%), this institution is being assaulted on every front.  I sometimes believe that the primary “crisis” in American public education stems from unwarranted criticism by politicians who know and care little about the people and processes they are attacking.  While such groups are far removed from the educational process, there is evidence that some stand to gain financially or politically if the alternatives to public education (charter, private or cyber schools) gain strength. The learning process is long-term and requires consistency of purpose. Now, though, the whim of politicians who come and go determines whether or not this consistency will be maintained. As a result,   education has become a year round “sport” whose rules change after every election.

But everything will be fine: I love sports! I’m not afraid of new rules! With the support of our wonderful staff, families and community, I’m confident that CCSD will continue its winning ways.

On the subject of winning, congratulations go to Max Kirsch for winning the AA District golf title and to the CCSD boys’ golf team for winning the team championship.  Good luck at states!  Congratulations are also in order for Hannah Swope on winning the AA District 6 girls’ single tennis title.  Hannah is a multi-talented 9^th grader, as she is also an excellent cross-country runner for CCSD.  Never resting, our winter sports teams are gearing up for their season just as the fall competitions begin to wind down.

Until next month’s blog, enjoy each day, each season and each Steelers game (if I hadn’t included a plug for football, you might think someone else had written this).

Dr. D

Once gain the leaves begin to turn…

Once gain the leaves begin to turn…

         Yes, the leaves are beginning to turn, much to the pleasure of some and the dismay of others.  For me, it is one of the best seasons of the year (only newcomers to this blog will be surprised by this statement).  In my view, the autonomy of nature is one of its greatest attractions: it can’t be legislated, regulated, or changed by individuals or by the government.  We must simply accept what occurs and adjust our plans according to the season and the weather it brings us.

         Here at Central Cambria, we pride ourselves on being prepared for the weather and the related circumstances that may occur.  Greg Shaffer, our maintenance supervisor, has told me that there are 95 miles of roadway and parking lots—just around our main campus—to be plowed each time Mother Nature “blesses” us with snow.  This Herculean effort is usually completed prior to the start of school.  There are also many sidewalks and walkways that must be cleared before the start of the school day.

Those who walk around or drive through our campus are consistently impressed with how well the grounds and buildings are maintained.  The majority of this work takes place over summer but the upkeep continues around student and community activities in our buildings and on the school grounds. This may explain the fact that many area groups request the use of our facilities; they seem to truly appreciate the effort we put into providing clean and contemporary buildings for our students and for our community. Our schools are the meeting place for Girl Scouts, youth basketball practices, volleyball groups, Basket Bingo for our boosters, and many other community activities. We have continued our partnership with the local YMCA to manage our pool schedule again this school year.

         My point in all of this rambling about our district’s facilities is this: those who live in and around our district, and who do not have children in our schools, reap many benefits from the fine facilities we work hard to maintain.  Equally important, keeping the district in top shape is much less costly than fixing emergencies that come from years of neglect or oversight.

         I commend the men and women who maintain the fields, parking lots, buildings, classrooms, etc. They do this on a daily basis with no regard for recognition, but their dedication allows students, families and community members to enjoy the activities and facilities of their area’s school district.

         Now for the really best part of fall; FOOTBALL!  I am proud to say that my eldest son, Adam, is the commissioner of our family’s fantasy league – Clan D.  I am now 2-0 after this past weekend, and it was Adam whom I beat. (Am I bad parent to gloat about defeating my son? Absolutely not! It’s just another reason to celebrate the season!)

The fall sports are in full swing on all levels, including our district’s sport teams.  I hope we all get out and support our teams, in whatever sport is appealing, as these few months go by quickly. Take time to enjoy the season and the region; perhaps the grounds of CCSD would be the perfect fall walk. Whatever you do this season, I encourage all of you who read my blog to be proud of CCSD and the benefits your public school district has to offer.

Speaking of the speed at which the fall months pass, now may be a good time to tune up your snow blower, take the dust and cobwebs off your shovel and check your salt supply.  If you recall, we had quite an impressive snowstorm over a weekend last October.  It is never too early to prepare.  In the meantime, enjoy the season (and football). 

                                             DR. D