Newsletter

for Sun Valley High School

UPCOMING Valley Events

Dec 17 Holiday Concert

Dec 18 Concert for Elementary

Dec 18 Senator Hackett Visit

Dec 21-Jan 1 Winter Vacation

Jan 2 Return to School

Jan 8-9 Algebra Keystones

Jan 9 1:1 Parent Meeting

Jan 14 1:1 Parent Meeting

Jan 14 Delco Hi Q Tournament

Jan 16 Delco Debate Tourney

Jan 21-24 Mid Term Exams

Jan 25 SAT Test

Jan 27 Student Technology

Conference

this issue

Letter from the Principal P.1

Spotlight on Curriculum P.2

One to One Initiative P.2

Technology at Sun Valley P.4

College P.5

Department News P.6

Extra Curricular News P.7

Fall Sports All-Stars P.8

Dec 2013

Accredited by the Middle States Association’s Commission on Secondary Schools

The teachers, staff, and administrators of Sun Valley hope that your holidays are filled with family, friends, and positive memories. The month of December saw our Chamber Choir sing at The White House. We are fortunate to be selected for this honor. The winter concert was incredible, as always, with our band rocking sleigh ride, and chorus bringing the crowd to tears with their,....... Winter sports have begun with hopes of playoffs' dancing in our heads. PSAT scores came back to The Valley with strong scores in all areas. The students did a great job in our PSAT assemblies of looking critically at their scores and figuring out what areas they need to improve. Financial aid night was well attended. The Sun Valley counselors' website has up to date financial aid and college information. We will hold FAFSA completion night on February 6th. Please bring your W2’s in order to complete the application. As we move into 2014, Sun Valley is ready to embark on a 1:1 technology initiative that will support the learning of all students. All students in grades 9-11 will receive an HP Probook 430 with an i5 Processor, solid state drive, 13.3 inch screen, extended battery life, 2 USB ports, HDMI port, touchpad with scroll zone, stereo speakers, over 120 GB internal storage and approximately 4 lbs. The students will also receive a Sun Valley sleeve to keep their computers in when not in use. We will host The Sun Valley Student Technology Conference on January 27th to distribute the computers and review pertinent information so students can use the new technology daily. The new year will bring exciting new initiatives that will provide the best opportunities for our students. We wish you the best in the rest of 2013. Sincerely, Pete Donaghy

Spotlight on Curriculum… Technology… Transforming Teaching and Learning

Science– Partnering with Technology

by Christa Fazio, Public Relations, PDSD Beginning January 27th Sun Valley High School will launch a 1:1 (One to One) laptop initiative. As part of this exciting

program, every student in grades 9 through 11 will receive a laptop to use throughout the school year. Each student will

receive an HP ProBook 430 laptop, a notebook style PC with an Intel 5 Processor, Windows operating system, solid

state drive and webcam. This new technology will ensure access to up-to-date information, create new and exciting

learning opportunities beyond the classroom, enable collaboration with leaders and experts in a global community, and

provide access to the most current and interactive information to bring curriculum to life.

The 1:1 program will empower students to successfully explore, analyze and share knowledge globally through innova-

tion and creativity. Our mission through this program is to transform the learning process through the personalization of

knowledge. Prior to the 1:1 launch, there will be parent meetings to provide information and answer questions. We are

extremely excited to launch the 1:1 initiative at Sun Valley in January! This is a tremendous opportunity for our stu-

dents. Stay tuned for more information regarding 1:1 in the next coming weeks!

State Assessments ask students to “show what they know” By Anne Dudley and Rosemary Fowler, Curriculum Supervisors

Pennsylvania has established standards for Reading, Writing, Listening/Speaking, and Mathematics that identify what

a student should know and be able to do in grades K-12. These standards provide guidance for the development of our

district curriculum. In order to measure academic growth, the Department of Education requires an annual test for all

students in grades 3-8 in reading and mathematics. This test measures the student’s attainment of the academic standards

while determining the degree to which the school programs enable the students to attain proficiency. The results of these

assessments are used to assist teachers in identifying students’ needs and it also provides the district information for

curriculum and instructional planning.

The reading assessment requires students to read selections in both fiction and informational genres. To measure their

comprehension, they respond to multiple choice questions and write in response to the passage. The mathematics

assessment includes written explanations, computation, and word problems. The testing window is March 17-28, 2014.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education developed Keystone Exams which are end–of-course assessments in spe-

cific content areas given in all public school districts across the state. These exams serve as accountability assessments

for federal and state purposes, provide local districts with information regarding their programs in each area tested, and

also measure student achievement of state standards. The Algebra I and Literature Keystone are aligned to the

Pennsylvania Core Standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts. The Biology Keystone Exam is aligned to the

Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science.

The exams are given in Algebra 1, Literature, and Biology to Sun Valley High School and Northley Middle School

students who are enrolled in these courses during the 2013-14 school year. The testing window is from

May 12 – 23, 2014. Beginning with the Class of 2017 (this year’s 9th grade class), students must pass these exams in

order to graduate. If they do not pass on their first attempt, they are provided with remediation and have the opportunity

to retake the exam the following December and then again in May. Additional Keystone Exams are being developed in

other content areas for future administration.

As we continue through this school year, your support at home is important for your child’s success. For further

information, you can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education at www.pde.state.pa.us

\

From the Curriculum Department

SENIOR COLLEGE VISITS The Sun Valley senior class took a day to travel to various colleges and universities. During the trips, our students met with admissions officers and were led on tours of the campuses. The Sun Valley class of 2014 were able to sample the cafeteria cuisine as all were invited to the college and university dining halls. The groups enjoyed their college day visits and are eager to work on applications and college acceptance. Colleges visited included: The University of Maryland Temple University Alvernia University Delaware County Community Penn State Brandywine Millersville University Rowan University Sun Valley will continue this program in the spring as the junior class will enjoy a day at college!

To learn more about college visitation and the application process visit the Guidance office online.

If viewing this on website:

Click HERE for SV Guidance Website

Click HERE for

SV Guidance Newsletter

September Acceptance Stars

Seniors Moving On!

December Acceptance Stars

College Knowledge

Each year the Sun Valley guidance department invites graduates to meet with our seniors to discuss their first semester college experiences. This year five members of the Class of 2013 returned on December 18th for the College Knowledge presentation. They held two sessions with the senior class and provided valuable insight to success at the collegiate level.

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT NEWS

The social studies department held a movie night for 10th grade students. Mr. Moore showed the film “Luther” in conjunction with the students learning about the Protestant Reformation. Mr. Moore reported excellent attendance. Students coming together for a fun educational experience is just another example of Sun Valley not taking a break from education.

Ms. Greto’s students had a 1950s Block Party on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 as part of their unit on the culture and society of that era. Students learned and performed the hand jive, and listened to student created 1950s music playlists. Students also brought in snacks and shared examples of abstract expressionist art, both originals and ones they did themselves. Another fun but educational part of the “party” was students sharing examples of comic books and cool comic book covers from the 1950s. Learning made fun helps the lessons stick. FRESHMAN ACADEMY WINTER SERVICE PROJECT The Freshman class continued its spirit of service to the community with a day of activities. The entire class took part in various station activities where they created children’s cards, decorations for the Fair Acre Community, care packages for the homeless shelters, toys for cats in the humane shelters, care packages and letters to the troops overseas. The freshman team continues to show the spirit and pride of the Valley!

COMPETITIVE SPIRIT The competitive spirit squad will host its second annual Friends and Family Night, Sunday, January 5. The night celebrates the talents of the cheerleading squads from Aston AA, Northley Middle School and Sun Valley High School. The team is prepping for the upcoming District 1 competition and hope to return to the 2nd PIAA State Championship Tournament.

DEBATE TEAM Congratulations to Nick Garvey and Eric Flickinger. Nick won BOTH of his Varsity rounds, and Eric won one of his two JV rounds in his first Debate Tournament at Unionville High School. Nick Garvey remains undefeated for his career in Southeast Philadelphia Debate Tournaments. Sun Valley will host the Delaware Debate Tournament on January 16th. Come out and enjoy the competition. ART DEPARTMENT The Sun Valley Art Department is having its annual Ornament Decorating Contest. Students are invited to design and create beautiful works for the holiday. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded. TIS THE SEASON TO GET CRAFTY! SCIENCE NEWS Sun Valley chemistry students enjoyed the opportunity to work with an international chemical firm in the classroom. “Croda International is a global leader in specialty chemicals, from personal care to health care. Coda’s products form vital ingredients in many household name products and every day, every one of us will may use a Croda product in some shape or form.” (croda.com) The students worked in the classroom lab in order to experience chemistry as it applies to industry and the market place.

The Sun Valley Fashion Club was awarded a $400 grant from the Fashion Institute. The group will use the donation to purchase supplies and begin planning the first annual Fashion Club Show..

Photos from Mrs. Annamarie Guille

Mr. Pete Donaghy, Principal

Ms. Rosemary Edmiston, Assistant Principal

Mr. Joel Alutius, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Amy Jenkins, Assistant Principal

Sun Valley HS 2881 Pa ncoas t Avenue

As ton Pa 19014

visit us at www.pdsd.org

Sun Valley

SUN VALLEY RECOGNIZES FALL 2013 ALL-STARS BOYS’ SOCCER Matt Skwirut—1st Team All Ches-Mont; 2nd Team All Delco Brett Hollenback—1st Team All Ches-Mont; 1st Team All Delco Joey Capuano—1st Team All Ches-Mont; Honorable Mention All Delco Aaron Kariuki—1st Team All Ches-Mont; 2nd Team All Delco Ben Golder—2nd Team All Ches-Mont; Honorable Mention All Delco Tyler Hudecheck—Honorable Mention All Delco Connor Hudecheck—Honorable Mention All Delco Nick Wendling—Honorable Mention All Ches-Mont; Honorable Mention All Delco Brandon Genda—Honorable Mention All Delco

FIELD HOCKEY Jessica McGarrey—2nd Team All Ches-Mont Patricia Dongaghy—Honorable Mention All Ches-Mont Carson Adleberger—Honorable Mention All Delco Katie Delfera—Honorable Mention All Delco

FOOTBALL Ed Racine—1st Team All Ches-Mont; Honorable Mention All Delco Nate Cusumano—1st & 2nd Team All Ches-Mont T.J. Mancini—1st Team All Ches-Mont Brandon Williams—2nd Team All Ches-Mont Thomas Jones—Honorable Mention All Ches-Mont Lenny D’Angelo—Honorable Mention All Ches-Mont Ryan Riddle—Honorable Mention All Ches-Mont Kijana Gordon—Honorable Mention All Ches-mont ; Honorable Mention All Delco

GIRLS SOCCER Maddie Cristinziano—2nd Team All Ches-Mont Taylor Stigale—2nd Team All Ches-Mont; Honorable Mention All Delco Ashley Hoy—Honorable Mention All Delco

CROSS COUNTRY Zach Bush—Honorable Mention All Delco

GOLF Hannah Turner—All Ches-Mont

VOLLEYBALL Chelsea Jones—1st Team All Ches-Mont; 1st Team All Delco Madison McCunney—1st Team All Ches-Mont; 1st Team All Delco Mal Estock—2nd Team All Ches-Mont; 2nd Team All Delco Jocelyn Romesburg—Honorable Mention All Delco Liz Schnarrs—Honorable Mention All Delco

“HOME OF THE VANGUARDS”

Boys Basketball 12/19 Unionville (H) 6:00 pm 12/21 WC East (A) 6:00 pm 12/23 Coaches v Cancer @ Haverford HS Vs Interboro 2:30 pm 12/27 & 12/28 Garnet Valley Holiday 12/27 Vs Archmere 6:30 pm 1/3 Great Valley (A) 6:00 pm Girls Basketball 12/19 Unionville (A) 6:00 pm 12/20 Penn Wood (H) 3:30 12/27 & 12/28 Interboro Holiday Tourn 12/27 vs Penncrest 5:00 1/3 Great Valley (H) 6:00 pm Wrestling 12/21 Radnor Holiday Tourn 12/27 Delco Duals @ Academy Park 1/4 Avon Grove Devil Duals Swimming & Diving

1/3 Kennett (H) 3:30 pm

Photo by Barksdale

Photo by Barksdale