2010-2011 $200,000 heinz grant targets nutrition for

A Report

to the

B o a r d

2010-2011

No. 24 February 4, 2011

A. $200,000 Heinz Grant Targets Nutrition for Woodland Hills Schools – Dr. A. Geron Robins’ long and arduous work courting the Heinz Foundation has paid off to the tune of a $200,000 grant. As important as the grant is, it is even more important that the Heinz Foundation is now connected with the Woodland Hills schools. We look forward to a continuing, fruitful relationship with the Heinz Foundation.

Thank you Dr. Robins for your excellent work.

B. Review of Evacuation Procedures – Coincidental with the recent goings on at Penn Hills High School and as a prophylactic measure, our high school has conducted reviews of evacuation procedures and investigated any possible ties to Penn Hills activities. This included the Deputy Police Chief at Churchill and our SRO. I have asked Dan Stephens to forward a summary for use by the administration and the board. Attachment 1 is Dan Stephen’s memo.

C. NCAA National Signing Day – The following seven Wolverine football players signed Letters of Intent on Wednesday, February 2, 2011:

Quinton Jefferson, University of Maryland, Jevonte’ Pitts, University of Pittsburgh, Lafayette Pitts, University of Pittsburgh, Eujan Price, Ohio State University, James Price, University of Akron, Jullian Turner, University of New Hampshire, and Ronald Tyler, California University of Pennsylvania

Congratulations to these young men as they prepare for the next level of academics and athletics. Kudos also to Coach Novak and his staff for their outstanding commitment to our students.

D. Department Updates – the following Department Reports are included in this Update:

Attachment 2 – Communications Attachment 3 – Facilities Attachment 4 – Special Education Attachment 5 – Technology Attachment 6 – Transportation/Food Service

E. Building Highlights – The following highlights have been submitted by building principals:

Attachment 7 – Academy

Attachment 8 – Dickson Elementary

Attachment 9 – Edgewood Elementary

Attachment 10 – Fairless Elementary

Attachment 11 – Shaffer Elementary

Attachment 12 – Wilkins Elementary

Attachment 13 – Jr. High School

Attachment 14 – High School

OVER

Information Update – February 4, 2011

F. Distinguished Educator Meetings – Our Distinguished Educators met this week with the principals at Dickson Elementary and Fairless Elementary schools. Attachment 15 and Attachment 16 are the Agenda/Minutes from these meetings respectively.

G. Superintendent’s Goals for the 2010-2011 School Year – Attachment 17 is a copy of the

Superintendent’s goals that were given to you in August 2010.

WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATION EMPLOYER AND WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, OR HANDICAP IN ITS ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS, OR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

AS REQUIRED BY TITLE VI, TITLE IX AND SECTION 504.

MR. DANIEL STEPHENS, Principal

MRS. LICIA LENTZ, Assistant Principal

MR. KEVIN MURRAY, Assistant to the Principal

MRS. MARLO ROBINSON, Assistant Principal

WOODLAND HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

2550 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-244-1100 412-242-2344 (Fax)

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Dr. Terry Wallace Deputy Superintendent FROM: Dan Stephens Principal DATE: February 3, 2011 RE: Review of Emergency Procedures After becoming aware of the incident at Penn Hills High School, the administration at the high school reviewed the following:

Procedures with regard to a bomb threat. We review the reason to evacuate or not to evacuate the students from the building.

A review of the procedures of lockdown of the building and the actual

evacuation of the school. A revision to the evacuation map was visited to review the areas. The

students would assemble after leaving the building.

Attachment 1

WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATION EMPLOYER AND WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE

ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, OR HANDICAP IN ITS ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS, OR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AS REQUIRED BY TITLE VI, TITLE IX, AND SECTION 504

MARIA MCCOOL, Communications Director

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

2430 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-731-1300

February 4, 2011 Communications Weekly Update

DISTRICT PROMOTION AND MARKETING

Media Coverage:

News releases and promotional efforts resulted in positive stories appearing in local

media: 14 stories last week; 14 articles this week (clippings for this week in

packet)

Worked with local media on the following events and programs: Marietta College

students visit WHSD, Edgewood Wolverine Spirit Awards, Heinz Endowments Grant,

Davis Vision program, Elementary Honors Band selections, National “Letter of Intent”

Signing Day, BCMC program, Leadership Institute visit to HS, WHF’s “Chocolate &

Diamonds” Affair, WHHS Equations Tournament, Academy’s poster competition

winner, and District participation in Souper Bowl Competition and Steeler’s support

activities in schools.

Working with media on following upcoming events and programs: WHHS students earn

Boy Scout Eagle Awards, Junior High Wolverine Spirit Award, Black History Month

events and programs in our schools, “Bring your Parent to School” day at Shaffer

Elementary, Millionaire’s Club program, Anti-bullying program at Junior High School,

County Mock Trial competition and Science Olympiad at High School, the Ski Club

volunteers for Special Olympics, profile of Board President for Patch.com.

Kindergarten Registration:

Revamping communication and promotion efforts for on-site registration for District

residents.

Worked with Registration Office to create “thank you” post card to be mailed to all new

registrants.

IN WOODLAND HILLS Publication:

Submitted content for Spring 2011 issue.

Attachment 2

WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATION EMPLOYER AND WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE

ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, OR HANDICAP IN ITS ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS, OR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AS REQUIRED BY TITLE VI, TITLE IX, AND SECTION 504

PUBLIC INFORMATION

External Communications:

Communicated school delay and activities cancellations in a timely manner.

Updated District information on Newsline, Twitter, website News Page,

Superintendent’s Message, Community and Woodland Hills Foundation

pages. WHHS has a facebook page, but that is NOT updated by the

Communications Department, the HS updates their facebook page.

Helped to publicize and coordinate the Marietta College students visit; worked with

Tribune Review reporter and photographer for the 1/26 article. Made presentation

about history of the District and provided information about our schools and

communities at orientation session on Monday, January 24. Provided students with

informational hand-outs and WHSD gifts. Attended dinner on January 26 and

discussed educational issues and practices in District with the students. Attended

wrap-up session on Friday, January 28, and answered questions about District and

took photographs.

Sent out E-newsletters to subscribers. Continuing updating subscriber list.

Responded to 9 “Concerns” line questions regarding a variety of topics.

Posted Superintendent’s Weekly Report to Board on District website.

Internal Communications:

Coordinating Wolverine Spirit Awards honoring students at Junior High.

Promoted district-wide participation in the A.I.U.’s “Souper Bowl Competition.”

Communicated with staff by email concerning upcoming events and programs.

WOODLAND HILLS FOUNDATION

Continuing to promote upcoming Foundation winter fundraising event, “Chocolate

& Diamonds” on Saturday, February 12, at Churchill Country Club.

Promoted mini-grant awards for this school year.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Promoted Building Bridges for Excellence February meeting on February 17.

Assisting Forest Hills Borough in recruiting students for Summer Basketball League.

OPEN RECORDS REQUESTS

Responded to request from PSBA regarding current collective bargaining agreement

for District professionals.

Building & Grounds Weekly Superintendent’s Report

February 3, 2011 Page 1

Current Building and Grounds Information

Axis Architectural made a site visit to the High School Library on February 3, 2011.

Hot water tank replaced at Fairless Elementary.

Painting of 2nd

floor at Dickson completed.

Proposed Projects

September 8, 2010 Legislative meeting proposal for the current school library to be

transformed into the Woodland Hills High School Technology Center. Status: (To

advertise RFP for architectural services approved at the September 8, 2010 Legislative

meeting.)

o Instructional Technology.

o Relocation and transformation of library to media center for community use along

with technology upgrades and furniture replacement. (Est. Furniture Cost

$29,000.00 Furniture Replacement - Funding Source: General Fund)

o Window replacement.

o HVAC upgrades to include air conditioning.

September 8, 2010 Legislative meeting proposal to relocate Administration Offices

to the Woodland Hills Junior High.

September 8, 2010 Legislative meeting proposal to relocate Technology Department

to Woodland Hills High School.

1st quarter 2009 proposal of renovation to the former Turtle Creek High School.

(Architectural services required for project)

o Elevator

Attachment 3



o Windows

o HVAC upgrades to include whole building air conditioning. (Est. Cost $2,

800,000 - Funding Source ’05 Bond)

o Relocation of the information center to 1st floor.

o Pool equipment upgrade.

o Pool ventilation upgrade. (Est. Cost $185,000 - Funding Source ’05 Bond)

o Former library converted to classrooms.

Proposal of new tennis courts at the Woodland Hills High School. (Postponed by School

Board) (Est. Cost $687,500 - Funding Source: Capital Reserve)

Renovation of existing tennis courts. (Postponed by School Board) (Est. Cost of $18,000

allocated to Capital Reserve for 2011-2012. (Architectural services required due to

cost)

Proposal of soccer field lights at the Woodland Hills High School (proposal tabled in

December of 2009.) (Est. Cost $275,000 - Funding Source: ’05 Bond)

Proposal of the Edgewood Elementary governors drive and parking lot. (Est. Cost

$1,132,350 - Funding Source: ’05 Bond) (Postponed by School Board)

Completed Projects

1st quarter 2009 (June) completion of the Eastmont School Demolition.

2nd

quarter of 2009 (May) trained staff and implemented electronic work order system

MaintenanceDirect by SchoolDude.

2nd

quarter of 2009 (June 18th

) Wolvarena Stadium Flood, Edgewood Flood.

o Wolvarena opened and ready (August 21st) for the 2009-2010 season.



2nd

quarter of 2010 (June 5th

) Wolvarena Stadium Flood.

o Operational (July 29th

) for 2010-2011 football camp.

2nd

quarter of 2010 (July 19th

) completion of Edgewood Elementary rear wall completed.

2nd

quarter of 2010 (August 24th

) completion of the 7 to 7 renovation at Woodland Hills

High School.

3rd

quarter of 2009 (August 1st) transformed the former East Junior High to the

Woodland Hills Academy.

3rd

quarter of 2009 (September 4th

) reconfiguration of school district to K-6.

3rd

quarter of 2010 (September 21st) completion of the new Woodland Hills High School

marquee. (Est. Cost 24,000 – Funding Source: Lifelong Learning Grant)

3rd

quarter of 2010 (September 18th

) Siemens replaced the FLNC (Floor Level Network

Control) panel for the energy management system on.

3rd

quarter of 2010 (October 18th

) Edgewood gym flooring preparation and installation

began. Installation by Advanced Specialties. Project completion on November 2, 2010.

November 4th

facility improvements grant application submittal for the Swissvale

Carnegie Free Library Ramp Project.

November 10th

new guard rails have been installed in the front and back of Shaffer

Elementary School.

4th quarter of 2010 (October 15th

) began implementation of new comprehensive staff

PFP (Partnering for Performance) evaluation and procedures. December 1st, 2010

introduction of PFP process to Principals and custodial staff.



3rd

quarter of 2010 (October 13th

) steel door ordered from A B Specialties for the

replacement of the rear door at the Swissvale Library. Lead time on delivery is 6 weeks

and will be installed by A B Specialties.

4th quarter of 2010 (December) completion of the facility scheduling improvements

using FSDirect by SchoolDude and district wide internal event scheduling. FSDirect

facility use/community use scheduling set to be made public on the district website by

January 1st, 2010.

Continuing Projects

2nd

quarter of 2010 Woodland Hills High School baseball/softball renovation.

Project is 98% complete as of October 20, 2010. (Cost $1,024,600.00 Funding Source:

’05 Bond)

o Concrete strength test was performed on day 56 to test strength of concrete.

Testing showed three areas that are below 4500.

Test area 004 (Softball) (S.O.G) Slab on Grade tested at 3940.

Test area 012 (Softball) (S.O.G.) Slab on Grade tested at 4460.

Test area 019 (baseball bleacher pad) tested at 4340.

o Palombo landscaping will replace concrete areas due to test failure at 56 days.

o Palombo landscaping along with Stone & Company will perform Schmidt testing

on test areas 004, 012, 019.

o Memorandum from George Novak dated September 14, 2010 requesting change

to baseball outfield at third base area.



o Change requested by George Novak in memorandum of September 24, 2010 was

approved at Facility Committee meeting on October 27, 2010. Remediation of

swale on the baseball field will be completed at no charge to the district. Palombo

Landscaping to start week of November 1, 2010.

o Palombo Landscaping completed excavation for the remediation of the swale at

the baseball field on November 10, 2010. George Novak and Dan Stephens

visited the site and approved of the excavation. Palombo Landscaping will install

new sod on November 11, 2010. Remediation will be at no cost to the school

district.

o Palombo Landscaping and Stone & Company performed a Schmidt Hammer test

October 21st on areas 004, 012, and 019. Test results will be made available

upon receipt.

o The Schmidt Hammer test results for areas 004, 012, and 019 were above 4500

which indicates the concrete meets the acceptable strength specifications.

Palombo Landscaping will guarantee all concrete work for 5 years. Replacement,

if needed, would be at no cost to the school district. J.D. Construction will also

apply Densicrete Sealer supplied by Stone and Company to the concrete areas for

2 years. Palombo Landscaping will schedule the application of the sealer with the

district.

Capital Reserve Projects for 2010-2011

Woodland Hills High School

o Architectural RFP



o Relocate main water meter vault to Braddock Road. (Est. Cost $46,000.00)

Junior High School

o Architectural RFP

o Resurface driveway and parking lots. (Est. Cost $141,000.00)

o Loading dock restoration. (Est. Cost $41,000.00)

o Pool boiler replacement. (Est. Cost $36,000.00)

Quotes received.

Requested and awaiting funding from Business Office.

Purchase order to be generated.

Installation to be performed in-house.

Purchase order received on 11/15. Order placed with V-Systems on

11/15.

Fairless, Shaffer, High School

o Architectural RFP

o Sidewalk/curb replacement (Est. Cost $72, 060.00) (Architectural services

required for project)

Architectural RFP Timeline

Estimated completion date for advertisement of RFP – To Be Determined.

o Architectural RFP draft completed October 14, 2010.

o Facility Committee changes to draft request at October 27th

meeting. Changes to

draft completed November 2, 2010.

3 week advertisement of RFP – To Be Determined.

Facility Committee/Chairperson to review RFP – To Be Determined.



School Board to approve architectural firm.

Architectural RFP to be advertised on December 8th

, 15th

, and 22nd

of 2010.

RFP due on December 29th

, 2010.

Facilities Committee Meeting

Facilities Committee met on January 18, 2011.

Weekly Work Order Report

As of February 3, 2011 we have processed 5,628 standard and on-demand work

orders in Maintenance Direct since its implementation in May 2009. 5,152 work

orders have been successfully closed of which 1,962 were for the high school.

As of February 3, 2011 there are 281 work orders that are in progress.

o For the week of 1/23/2011-1/29/2011 the maintenance staff completed 92

standard and on-demand work orders:

Academy - 3

Administration - 1

Dickson - 3

Eastmont Property - 0

Edgewood - 6

Fairless - 1

High School - 41

Junior High - 13

Rankin - 4



Shaffer - 3

Swissvale Senior Citizen Center/Library - 1

Warehouse - 2

Wilkins - 13

Wolvarena - 1

o For the week of 1/23/2011-1/29/2011, the average age of the 14 closed standard

and on-demand work orders was 14 days.

1 AGATHA C. LEONARD, DIRECTOR OF SPECIALEDUCATION

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

2430 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-731-1300 phone

412- 256-4904 Fax “All Means All”

SPECIAL EDUCATION/PUPIL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

WEEKLY UPDATE Week of February 4, 2011

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Special Education Director and Supervisor conducted several an on-site classroom visits at one of our elementary buildings. The purpose of the visits is to review programming of specially designed instruction and recommend suggestion for improved effectiveness.

PASA (Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment) training session is scheduled at PaTTAN (Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network) for special education teachers who will administer the assessment that is scheduled.

DEPARTMENT WORK PLANNING SESSIONS

A work session was held for our district’s Strategic Plan on January 18,2011.The Special Education sub-committee was well represented with parents, teachers and school administrators.

Our next Strategic Plan work session is scheduled on February 8, at 6:30-8:30 in our boardroom.

A Principal’s Meeting was held on January 31,2011 to finalize plans for our upcoming In-service which is scheduled on February 18,2011.Topics relevant to Special Education compliance goals will be included in the training.

Both general education and special education teachers will train together in all of the planned work sessions.

Special Education Para educators will attend an in-depth training on our newest on-line literacy-based curriculum program called Achieve 3000.

The training will enable them to provide effective academic assistance to students.

They will earn credits toward meeting their annual requirement of completing twenty (20) credit hours.

MONTHLY MEETING WITH BUREAU SPECIAL EDUCATION STATE ADVISER

Quarterly Report is due to Adviser before February 21,2011.It will include all training (professional development) activities that occurred in the months of December, January and February.

Our compliance goal is set for 100%. This will serve as evidence to support that we are working diligently towards

our LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) Corrective Action/Improvement Plan.

Attachment 4

2

OTHER

Director of Special Education met with both Administrative Teams at WHJH and WHSH to work on special education staffing needs for 2011-2012 school year.

Director met with John Ulozas, Liaison of OVR (Office Vocational Rehabilitation) for strategic planning purposes.

Director met with Brad Nepa/TC (Secondary Transition Coordinator) on January 31,2011 to discuss current progress of our district’s transitional programming for our students with IEP’s at both junior high and senior high levels including our students who are serviced in APS (State –Approved Private Schools) and outside facilities.

Director of Special Education and Mr. Breitkreutz co-facilitated two transportation/special education mediation sessions on January 31,2011.The outcome was very positive for all participants.

Director of Special Education attended a Manifestation Determination session at one of our elementary buildings.

TECHNOLOGY-SPECIAL EDUCATION

Educators in some Pennsylvania schools are using iPad and iPod Touch devices with students who have special needs. The iPad tablet computers are used as communication tools with students who have autism or who cannot hear at The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Children. Other schools in the area are using educational apps on the iPod Touch to enhance learning for students in special education. Source: Times-Tribune (Scranton, PA) Woodland Hills School District is utilizing these learning devices in some of its schools. The implication for students with IEP’s is tremendous.

LEGAL TIDBIT

In IDEA 2004, language about participation in high stakes testing was changed to: “All children with disabilities are included in all general State and district wide assessment programs ... with appropriate accommodations and alternate assessments, where necessary and as indicated in their respective individualized education programs.”

The child's IEP team makes decisions about the child's participation in state and district assessments and any accommodations or modifications that the child may need.

Section 504 prohibits state departments of education and local school districts from developing policies that limit disabled children from participating in assessments or denying benefits from participating in assessments (i.e., promotion, graduation). Source: Wrights Law

Technology Department Weekly Report 1-27-11 Brian finished the PATI 10/11 Technology Survey for the AIU and successfully submitted it by 1-29-11. He has been working with the AIU on the VoIP project and creating a cost analysis comparison of Wireless vendor solutions. In addition he updated all the Mac images to be deployed to all Macs District wide. We have been evaluating 3 wireless phone providers and will determine who gives the entire District the best cell phone coverage and lowest monthly bills. Steve completed working on a restore image for 25 recently donated Junior High laptops. He also built and configured a Moodle server for the District teachers to use to enhance their curriculum. He successfully fixed the broken POS register from the Junior High. Keith has been working with Cisco, HP and Aruba vendors exploring the network hardware and software needed to convert to a more wireless friendly and efficient environment. He has been monitoring switches for possible bottlenecks and problems throughout the district. In addition he configured and deployed Mac minis for 4th grade at Edgewood Elementary. We are currently speaking to new copier/printer solution vendors. Brian edited and uploaded the January Facility and Curriculum Meetings to the WHSD website. BJ updated Student Registration webpage to include the newly decided kindergarten registration dates. She also added a content page for our attendance zones with links to the individual schools and wrote up the kindergarten registration information so it can be published in the "InWoodlandHills Magazine". In addition she has designed a handout for parents who want information on the dates and times for kindergarten registration. She attended a PDE webinar on PIMS Course & HQT Preparation Training and ran Cognos reports on the staff corrections that were uploaded in PIMS. Courtland and Brian visited the Swissvale Library on Tuesday to address their needs and network issues. Courtland continues handling light duty helpdesk tickets while his shoulder heals. Dan and Keith have been working on HP printer and copier fixes and helpdesk tickets for various IT related issues in all of the District Buildings.

Attachment 5

DANIEL BREITKREUTZ Director, Student Operational Services

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

2430 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-731-1300 412-731-2974

TRANSPORTATION AND FOOD SERVICE WEEKLY UPDATE

Transportation:

o Transportation costs have remained flat this week. Homeless and special needs requirements

are beginning to level off.

o An IEP meeting was held this week with families and students at PACE School. Agatha

Leonard and I established a plan for two students who were disruptive and violent to the driver,

monitor and other students. Complaints my surface from the affected parents.

Food Service:

o Work is near completion on the food service RFP. Final staffing, payroll and participation

numbers are being calculated.

o The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant program application window opened this week.

Applications will be submitted for all eligible schools. We were previously awarded

approximately $40,000 for 09/10 and $99,000 for 10/11.

o A meeting was held with the FSMC today to discuss commodity products for the 11/12 school

year. Commodity selections will be finalized no later than February 9, 2011.

Property:

o The solicitor performed a title search on the property at 1318 Lynn Avenue, Turtle Creek. A

motion will need to be made to move forward on acquiring the property through a tax sale. The

solicitor can give an update at the next board meeting.

Attachment 6



REGINALD HICKMAN, Principal

WOODLAND HILLS ACADEMY

126 Monroeville Avenue, Turtle Creek, PA 15145 412-824-2450

Academy Update for 1-31-11 Christopher Joseph, a representative from the PPT came on Friday 1-28-11 to coach our students who are participating in the Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest. Academy students from grades 4-7 are memorizing either monologues or scenes to compete in a contest to be held from February 4-14. Students from all over western Pennsylvania participate in the contest.

John Kiley (4th grade) won the Ohio River Sweep Poster contest for 4th grade. Students from seven states participate in the contest. He joins his classmate, Riley Hildebrand, who was last year's third grade winner.

The Beginning Band presented the demonstration concert. There are 19 students in the ensemble. Three Academy students were chosen for the Elementary All Star Band. Derek Ricketts, flute, Greta Brooks, clarinet, and Joseph Hughes, trumpet, will represent our school in the February 18th concert at Dorseyville Middle School in the Fox Chapel School District. The 5th grade classes will begin studying "The Planets" by Gustav Holst. This will complement their learning of the planets in the science class. Students will listen to the music (one movement for each planet) and then write fictional screenplays to match the melodies. A culminating project will highlight the creativity and knowledge of the students from both the science and music classes. The 2nd graders will be writing a book to bring the song "Wolf Are You There?" to life. Students will notate the melody by phrase and draw an illustration for each phrase. The 7th graders will be completing their own raps based on the poetry in the book “Hip Hop Speaks to Children.” The raps will be recorded over loops using Garage Band software. Fifth and First grade reading buddies are currently working on their snowy stories. These are written, revised, and edited by the students. Kindergarten celebrated the 100th day (in case you didn't notice the hall.) Check out Mrs. Bagwell’s web page because you know there is a slide show!

Attachment 7



We also had a presentation by a parent (Kathy Powers) on Australian marsupials during K – week. K is for Koala and kangaroo. Last Monday, kindergarten skyped the niece of Mrs. Bagwell who was taking a college economics course in the Czech Republic. It was snack time here (11:30) and dinner time there (5:30). On Monday January 31 she came in and did a slide show of some of the neat places she saw and visited and brought us some crowns to do coin rubbings with. Fifth and First grade reading buddies are currently working on their snowy stories. These are written, revised, and edited by the students.

Dickson Elementary School

January 31 – February 4, 2011

Weekly Positive Highlights

Dickson 6th

graders gave an anti-bullying presentation to Kindergarten

through 3rd

grade students on Wednesday, February 2 as part of

Dickson’s Olweus Program. The 6th

grade students met with the

grade levels separately, presented a video, and led group discussions

about the issues of and solutions for bullying. The anti-bullying

video, depicting real school life situations, was produced by the sixth

graders with the help of Mrs. Heffley and Mr. Sharp. (The video is

posted on Dickson’s web site.)

Dickson’s third 4Sight Benchmarks results show growth in both Math

and Reading across the grade levels. Overall, the proficiency

percentage in math grew 10%, increasing 35% to 45%. In reading,

the proficiency rate grew 3%, increasing 58% to 61%. The 4th grade

did an outstanding job in math, doubling their proficiency from 19%

to 38%. Since the first test in September the school’s math

proficiency has grown 30% and reading proficiency has grown 7%.

We are expecting great things on the PSSAs.

Dickson’s honor assemblies for the 2nd

grading period were held on

Thursday, February 3. Seventy students in grades two through six

were presented with academic achievement certificates for

Distinguished and High Honors, and 20 students received perfect

attendance awards. One 5th grader received the Presidential Physical

Fitness Award and 19 other students achieved the National Physical

Fitness Award. Other awards included the Principal’s Award of

Excellence for completing the 25-Book Challenge and the Star

Student of the Month recognition.

Due to the increase in 4Sight scores, the Dickson students were

permitted to celebrate by having Steelers tailgate parties on Friday,

February 4, for the last half hour of school. The Super Bowl pep

parties included a “Terrible Towel” whole school wave in the halls.

Attachment 8



MS. J. WILSON CARTER, Principal

MRS. C. GATHER, Assistant Principal __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EDGEWOOD ELEMENTARY

241 Maple Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 412-731-2238 Fax 412-731-2256

TO: Dr. Calinger FROM: Ms. Carter RE: Edgewood Positives DATE: February 3, 2011

The Edgewood TOC (Teacher On-Call) Program has been developed for Edgewood students. The TOC program provides Edgewood students and parents access to highly qualified teachers after school hours. Students and/or parents can log on to our custom built secure virtual classrooms for real time conversations with teacher and administrator volunteers.

5th grade students are developing a podcast in honor of African American History month. The podcast will feature Dr. Dorothy I. Height.

Kindergarten Happenings: Ground Hog Day - no shadow, so we will make hats with a ground hog showing a cloudy day. (Addressing weather predictions, science and reading standards).

100th day of school - Monday, we will be counting 100 objects that the children have brought in from home. We will compare and weigh the objects (Addressing reading and math standards).

Favorite things about Kindergarten - We made a list of things we like about school. We printed them on hearts and they are hanging outside of the Library. (Addressing reading and math standards.)

3rd-6th - Did a wonderful job during 4-sights. Students were working hard, they all knew this was the last practice test before the PSSA! 3rd grade- Ms. Belsito: Our class did human body compare and contrast diagrams on African American influential people from the past and present. Mrs. Seigfreid: Practiced their fluency by retelling the "I Have a Dream Speech" 2nd Grade- is hard at work, working on their African American Program that will amaze the audience 5th Grade- is doing a wonderful job on their research project of Dorothy Heights. The fifth graders are also working hard to become great morning announcers just like the 6th grades have done!

Attachment 9



6th Grade- The sixth grade teachers, along with many others, are working hard to put together Edgewood's first Science Fair 1st Grade- Did a wonderful job in supporting our Steelers with their poems and artwork! K- Has been working hard on their 100 day projects! We can not believe the 100th day is here already! Pre-K- Had a blast during the Dino-Week while they went on a dinosaur hunt throughout Edgewood! Pre K through 6th- Will begin to work hard on decorating their door for African American Month! They must show what they have learned about all the amazing African American People that have changed our world. The winning classroom will receive a Pizza Party!



Jean Marie Livingston, Principal

Kelly Berthold, Assistant Principal

FAIRLESS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

531 Jones Avenue, North Braddock, PA 15104 412-271-1317 fax 412-271-6657

Positives from Fairless On Thursday evening, January 27th, Fairless Elementary hosted a Family Craft Night. Over 100 children and their families attended. They enjoyed food, crafts, games and a visit from the Animal Shelter. It was a wonderful evening! The Fairless students and staff are donating cans of soup for the “Souper Bowl” competition against Green Bay. Mr. Serechin’s art classes are participating in the 2011 Heinz Ketchup Creativity Contest. The students are creating original designs for Heinz Ketchup and the winning design could be used on Heinz Ketchup packets. Good Luck to Mr. Serechin’s art students! The Fairless Service Club will be decorating pillows for the Senior Center. Thank you Fairless Service Club. PSSA Saturday Coaching is off to a great start.

Attachment 10

Dr. Deborah M. Vereen, Principal

Mr. Gerald Chessman, Assistant Principal

SHAFFER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 37 Garden Terrace, Pittsburgh, PA 15221

TELEPHONE 412-371- 4535 FACIMILE 412-371- 4571

[email protected] ELECTRONIC MAIL

A Team Committed To Excellence

Positive Weekly Message

1. Shaffer Elementary School is analyzing, interpreting, and using student

performance data in an aggressive manner to make instructional decisions to

support the individualized educational needs of students. Since the most

current 4Sight Benchmark data show that there is little growth in grade 5,

the building is working to increase student achievement among this cohort.

First of all, Shaffer will host a Parent Informational Dinner Meeting on

Tuesday, February 8th

from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm to give parents additional

strategies to support the growth of their children. Next, the fifth grade

teachers are receiving continuous intensive professional development to

strengthen their instructional effort to grow this group of learners. Finally,

instructional accountability is being accentuated.

Submitted by Dr. Deborah M. Vereen,

February 4, 2, 2011

Attachment 11

mailto:[email protected]



MRS. KAREN E. BLOCH, PRINCIPAL

MR. GERALD CHESSMAN, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

__________________________________________________________________

WILKINS ELEMENTARY

362 Churchill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 Phone: 412-824-3231 Fax: 412-824-3244

MEMORANDUM

TO: Dr. Calinger and Dr. Wallace FROM: Mrs. Karen E. Bloch RE: Notables from Wilkins Elementary Week of January 24 – 28, 2011 DATE: 02/01/11 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Last week Kindergarten had an exciting experience in Music Class. They learned songs with the days of the week in both English and Spanish. They continued to do a matching exercise in their classrooms using the English and Spanish names. In a First Grade music class, children learned songs celebrating multiculturalism with Mrs. Bloch teaching the students dance steps to go with the music. The students had to count and add the beginning beats before stepping. Wilkins had over 80 families participate in the Millionaires Reading Club. Benchmark assessment scores have been sent back with each grade level (3-6) scoring higher than on the previous test. Respectfully submitted, Karen E. Bloch

Attachment 12



Mrs. Dawn Golden, Principal

Mr. Shawn Brown, Assistant Principal

Mr. Lawrence Washington, Assistant Principal

Week of January 31-February 4, 2011

The Junior High unveiled their “Rock the PSSA’s” inspirational display window. This eye catching presentation is filled with tips and formulas that will motivate students and staff. Ms. Susan James, on behalf of the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project and The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, served as a judge for The Scholastic Writing Awards of 2011. Using the criteria of originality, technical skill and the emergence of a personal voice, Ms. James scored entries submitted by students from western PA in grades 7-12. For the last 88 years, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have had immeasurable impact on the cultural heritage of American literature by encouraging countless young writers to believe in their work. Noted authors Sylvia Plath (The Bell Jar), Myla Goldberg (Spelling Bee), Carolyn Forché (The Blue Hour), Peter S. Beagle (The Last Unicorn), Oscar Williams (anthology, Immortal Poems of the English Language) and photographer Richard Avedon (for poetry) are among those who, in their youth, received recognition or scholarships from the Awards. Justin McCord and Breanna Seaman will be representing the Junior High at the PMEA Junior High District Orchestra. The festival is being held at the Shaler Middle School on Feb. 4-5, 2011. Room 109 Hotlist students are beginning weekly PSSA Prep after-school tutoring sessions. Career Day Speakers: Initiated contacts for speakers for Month of February’s Career Days through faxes and letters. Started planning for the week of February 7. Three teams of Gifted students participated in the AIU Science Bowl at the Carnegie Science Center on January 26, 2011. They did very well!!! Students in Gifted and Band went to see Cats at the Byham on January 27, 2011. Project Polar Bear Students plan to distribute back packs during the second week of February. They raised over $1000. They came in 3rd place and won a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Attachment 13



MR. DANIEL STEPHENS, Principal

MRS. LICIA LENTZ, Assistant Principal

MR. KEVIN MURRAY, Assistant to the Principal

MRS. MARLO ROBINSON, Assistant Principal

WOODLAND HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

2550 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-244-1100 412-242-2344 (Fax)

M E M O R A N D U M TO: Dr. Calinger and Dr. Wallace FROM: Dan Stephens DATE: February 3, 2011 RE: High School Activities The following activities occurred at the high school since Wednesday, January 26, 2011:

The High School sponsored a very successful Snow Ball dance on Friday, January 28. Many students attended the dance and had a great time. Mr. Bothwell dee-jayed the event and refreshments were served.

The Student Leadership class traveled to Dickson Elementary School to present an anti-bullying program to the 4th, 5th and 6th graders. To date the class has presented programs at Dickson, Fairless and the Academy.

The Rifle team won a match against Plum but lost a close match to Mt. Lebanon. The team is tied for first place in the league with an overall record of 9-1.

Students in art classes will be participating in an annual nationwide art contest with Heinz. Winners might have their artwork appear on actual Heinz Ketchup packets plus a monetary award, monetary awards for art supplies and Heinz ketchup, or the grand prize winner will have his or her artwork featured on Heinz Ketchup bottles and a monetary award. Good luck students on this great project! Seven members of the varsity football squad signed Letters of Intent to play football at various colleges and universities on February 2, National Signing Day. The High School staff and students are actively participating in the AIU’s Souper Bowl challenge with an AIU facility in Green Bay. In one day over 200 cans were donated with the hope that the Woodland Hills School District’s contributions would surpass all other Allegheny County school contributions.

DLS/eip

Attachment 14

DICKSON ELEMENTARY

Meeting Notes

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Present: Ms. Allison Kline, Ms. Lyndsey Love, and Dr. Elaine Brown

General Discussion:

Ms. Kline prepared Dickson Elementary School 4Sight data that we reviewed. Dickson

Elementary students’ overall performance is improving for reading and math compared to

the baseline data at the beginning of this school year.

Ms. Kline commended building students and teachers for a job well done via the public

address system; she announced highlights of the 4Sight results, how pleased she was with

the scores, and encouraged continued improvement in preparation for the PSSA.

Ms. Kline changes the SAS Wall in the building daily to reflect how many days until

PSSA administration. Today she noted that there are 26 instructional days remaining.

Additionally, the SAS Wall has inspirational quotes from building teachers to encourage

students and staff to focus on learning.

Ms. Kline and Ms. Love plan to review and analyze the 4Sight data with teachers by

grade levels. Their goal is to guide teachers with specific data that teachers can use in

conjunction with eligible content for their grade level. Teachers need to use this data to

help plan future lessons to ensure their students have been taught what will be tested on

the PSSA and to develop flexible instructional groups for student achievement gaps.

This week Dickson Staff was trained with Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy; all teachers were

encouraged to incorporate higher level learning activities in daily lessons. Ms. Kline

performed an administrative exercise by randomly choosing lesson plans from seven

primary teachers and seven intermediate teachers looking for Bloom’s taxonomy verbs

used in lesson plans; specific measurable student outcome verbs are used in Bloom’s

Taxonomy which defines six different levels of thinking. The levels build in increasing

order of difficulty from basic, rote memorization to higher (more difficult and

sophisticated) levels of critical thinking skills. Ms. Kline also developed flip charts for

teachers to use as a quick easy reference while preparing lesson plans. Research

indicates that the higher the level of thinking, the deeper the learning which leads to

increased student achievement. (See Bloom’s Verb Wheel below for specific examples.)

The principals and DE performed six (6) Walkthroughs; we debriefed comparing our

notes as we checked for (SAMME) scaffolding, active engagement, modeling,

metacognition, explicit instruction, formative assessment, and higher level thinking skills

(Bloom). Principals will continue daily walk-throughs.

Attachment 15

During Walkthroughs, Dr. Brown was specifically looking for the Anchor/Eligible

Content posters which Ms. Kline devised and disseminated for teachers to display in their

room and to use as a blueprint for lesson planning while:

o ensuring that all eligible content is taught before PSSA administration.

o reflecting on what eligible content is covered throughout each day.

o reviewing with students what eligible content they covered and what needs to be

learned before the PSSA administration.

We reviewed a draft of the February 18, 2011 district-wide in-service agenda for

elementary staff.

Ms. Kline and Ms. Love are leading teachers based on best practices research.

Compiled by: Elaine M. Brown, Ed D.

REVISED BLOOM’S TAXONOMY

FAIRLESS ELEMENTARY

Meeting Notes

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Present: Jean Livingston, Kelly Berthold, Lisa Kristian, and Elaine M. Brown

General Discussion:

Principal Jean Livingston, Assistant Principal Kelly Berthold, Instructional Coach Lisa Kristian,

and Distinguished Educator Elaine Brown reviewed Fairless 4Sight scores; Fairless Elementary

Students’ overall performance is improving for reading and math compared to baseline data from

the beginning of this school year.

Ms. Livingston and Ms. Berthold plan to review and analyze the 4Sight data with teachers by

grade levels. Their goal is to coach teachers with this specific data so teachers can use data as a

guide for improved student achievement. Teachers need to use 4Sight data to help them plan

future lessons while ensuring their students have been taught what will be tested on the PSSA and

to develop flexible instructional groups to address student achievement gaps.

The principals and DE will use our meeting time next week to develop a Fairless Elementary

Action Plan to guide classroom and special education teachers with the aforementioned. Using

4Sight data in conjunction with eligible content, staff will review and determine what material

they must cover before the PSSA administration. We believe that consultation between the

regular education staff and special education staff is key for the special education subgroup to

improve their achievement.

The Fairless Elementary Action Plan goal is to improve all students’ achievement; we will have

necessary EdInsight data next week to develop a plan to:

o address flexible grouping in classrooms.

o determine how special education staff can support students in inclusionary settings.

o identify what needs to be taught in pull-out settings specific to students’ IEPs and the

curriculum.

We discussed resources for RtII training and how teacher formative assessment techniques can

guide teachers so they can continually better serve students.

PSSA Saturday coaching for students is underway; the first session this past week was a success.

Ms. Livingston, Ms. Berthold, and Dr. Brown performed four (4) Walkthroughs at various grade

levels. We debriefed afterward discussing strengths and needs observed for (SAMME)

scaffolding, active engagement, modeling, metacognition, explicit instruction, formative

assessment, and higher level thinking skills (Bloom).

Principals will continue daily walk-throughs.

Compiled by: Dr. Elaine M. Brown

Attachment 16

WHSD ACHIEVEMENTS (2008 – 2010)

On July 1, 2008, his first day of work in the Woodland Hills School District, Dr. Walter M.

Calinger stated three goals that he wanted to achieve in the District:

Ensuring Safe and Secure Schools

Improving the Academic Standing of the District

Giving Students and Staff Permission to Dream

ALL THREE GOALS WERE ACHIEVED IN HIS FIRST YEAR OF SERVICE. In year

two, he raised the bar; the District continued to make progress and is on track to achieve even

greater heights.

1. Each school in the WHSD will meet or surpass the AYP requirements for

the 2010- 11 school year.

Each principal has prepared a plan for her/his school in order to improve academic

performance. These plans were submitted to PDE based on work done with the

Distinguished Educator.

Highest priority of the Curriculum Department is staff development and provision of

resources needed to implement the changes defined by our principals, teachers, and

support staff.

2. Each school in the WHSD will Raise Standards and Reduce Failures.

Each principal was trained in Universal Design and these concepts were taught to staff.

Lesson plans will incorporate the elements of Universal Design and principal

observations will focus on what students are doing in the classroom.

Performance tasks for students will be the basis for feedback and evaluation.

Universal screenings will be the assessment system that provides the District with

performance levels for each student. By analyzing this data, instructional designs will be

differentiated for each student according to his/her level.

3. Produce twelve 15 minute videos (one per month) starting in September

that market and promote the District.

They will:

Be produced by the Communications Department;

Highlight the diverse and wide-ranging programs that are offered across the District;

Demonstrate the innovative and quality programs we offer;

Be played on our community cable channels;

Be placed on District website for viewing;

Be available as DVD’s for marketing and promotion of District;

A list of the monthly topics is included in the supplemental material.

Dr. Calinger’s Goals for the 2010 – 11 School Year

Attachment 17

2010-2011 $200,000 heinz grant targets nutrition for

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