INSIDE THIS ISSUE:2nd Graders Connect Globallywith Russian StudentsThrough e-Pals ...............1–2Kindergarten Registration Reminder ...........................2ELANCO Students: LocallyConnecting Globally ..........3In Remembrance of TracyMarchini and Amy Rupp.......3Rotational Learning Model: A New Approach to Classroom Instruction ...4–5

Fall and Winter Sports Highlights.......................6–7

Upcoming Events .................8

ELANCO School BoardGlenn M. Yoder – PresidentRodney Jones – Vice-PresidentThomas E. Wentzel – TreasurerMarion L. Martin – Secretary (Non-Board Member)

John DahlGlenn HartzPaul W. IrvinMelissa R. ReadmanJennifer D. ZeisetDr. Heidi L. Zimmerman

AdministrationDr. Robert Hollister Superintendent

Dr. Nadine LarkinAssistant to the Superintendent

Mr. Keith RamseyChief of Finance and Operations

ELANCO Extra EditorPatrick T. Winters

Printed by The Standard Group

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2nd Graders Connect Globally withRussian Students through e-Pals

669 E. Main St.P.O. Box 609

hrough a grant from the SpartanFoundation (SEE ARTICLE on PG. 3),Ms. Meghan Duffey, 2nd Gradeteacher at New Holland ElementarySchool, has found a way to connect

her students globally with students aroundthe world through a program called e-Pals.This eight-week program enabled her stu-dents to connect with Russian students ofthe same age (7–8 years old). During Week1, her students and the Russian students gotto introduce themselves to one anotherthrough the discussion feature on the e-Palssite. Then, images got uploaded and sharedin the project gallery workspace so that Ms.Duffey’s students could take a virtual tour ofthe school in Vladikavkaz, Russia and so thatthe Russian students could take a virtualtour of New Holland Elementary. DuringWeek 2, a formal e-mail exchange occurredbetween Ms. Duffey and the teacher at theRussian school where they shared informa-

tion about each school, including the geographical location, current classroom activities, holidays celebrated, and seasonsduring the year. Ms. Duffey also shared aYouTube link for the Russian students tomeet the students in the class. Then, duringWeek 3, students got to explore the differentlearning centers on the e-Pals site, such asGlobal Citizens, Science Center, We Are e-PalsCenter, News Now, Smithsonian on e-Pals,and The Writing Center. This was followedby Week 4 where students in New Hollandand Russia got to share self-portraits withone another. By the time Week 5 camearound, students were using a collaborativewiki to engage in projects with the Russianstudents. They also got the opportunity toshare writing, as they worked through dif-ferent pieces. Her students also learned thattheir Russian counterparts spent 1 ½ hoursper night on homework, which was eyeopening for them. As well, if you are interested

Evan Humphreys, Lyndsey Heywood, YandelVazquez, and Cole Ulrich (Left to Right) inMs. Duffey’s class are working on writing

and student profiles as part of e-Pals.

Diego Portales, Mikaila Whenry, MorganPavelik, Natalija Gligorevic (Left to Right)in Ms. Duffey’s 2nd Grade class work ontheir online activities as part of the e-PalsProgram.

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in the links to the video that the Russianstudents sent us about a game they playat recess and the video we made ofgames we play at recess, feel free to visithttp://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=6JsHK9-IHYM&feature=youtu.beand http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= E3_KJGn78Q&feature=youtu.be.

However, to truly gain an appreciationof the impact e-Pals has had on the students

of New Holland Elementary, listen to their comments whenthey were interviewed for thisarticle. Emma Whitman, age 7,when asked what her favoritepart of e-Pals is, said it was“talking with Russia. They’reawesome. I also got to talk toother people from other coun-tries.” Ryli Rutt, age 8, thoughtit was interesting that “theygot to do their homework atschool and we don’t.” Jayden

Buch, age 8, really enjoyed talking tothe kids from Russia and said, “Ilearned how they play at recess. Theyhave a game called fishing rod.” Healso shared that he “would not wantto go to school in Russia. They have todrive too far.” Myles Smoker, age 7,stated that “I learned how e-Palsworks and how to write notes to Russiaand watch videos.” He also explainedthat he wanted “to go to school inRussia because it is cool with bounce

houses, sofas, etc.” Diego Portales, age 8,explained that his favorite part of e-Palswas “the self-portrait, it was really cool.”

He also liked “the fishing rod game,where you spin a ball on a rope.” MikailaWhenry, age 8, enjoyed “setting up therecess videos because we got to showthem what we do.” She also found it in-teresting that they “stay at school until6:30p.” Diego and Mikaila also stronglypreferred being at New Holland Elemen-tary over being in Russia. Lastly, whenMs. Duffey was asked what the e-Pals Program meant to her and herclassroom, she stated the following: “Especially for New Holland, e-Pals hasbrought the world to our small town class-room and made it accessible. It was an eyeopener for my kids.” She also shared thatin a pre-survey of her class before startingthe e-Pals Program, there were only six orseven students that had ever been out ofthe state or the country.

In closing, Ms. Duffey’s 2nd Gradeclassroom at New Holland ElementarySchool started a new e-Pals Project inFebruary in partnership with the Smith-sonian called “Invent It.” Students had tosolve a problem and share a PowerPointpresentation on the site. Then, the topwinners got to build a model of their in-vention. The e-Pals Program was fundedthrough a Spartan Foundation grant thatprovided the classroom with an iPad andaccessories as well as the ability to createvideos using iMovie. If you would like toknow more information about the e-Pals Program in Ms. Duffey’s 2nd Grade class-room at New Holland Elementary School,feel free to e-mail her at meghan_duffey@elanco.org.

The pictures above reveal the skyline ofVladikavkaz, Russia; the front of the school;and the class of Russian students.

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ELANCO Students: Locally ConnectingGlobally

The Spartan Foun-dation for Educationis now operating inits third year withnearly all its 21 board

seats occupied. To date, threeteachers have received grantsfrom the foundation with the intention of supporting teachers’activities that connect studentsglobally. Please see the special

highlight in this issue of ELANCO Extra on MeghanDuffey’s e-Pals Program with her students at NewHolland Elementary School.

Additionally, Mr. DavidSmith at Garden Spot MiddleSchool was recently awardeda grant by the foundation tosupport his Kiva for Micro

Lending Initiative. This is an iteration of the programthat he started several years ago with his students.Now with “Kiva Zip”, students have the ability to directly interact with the entrepreneurs that they arelending money to throughout the United States andthe country of Kenya. While the experiences the students gain through these activities may or may notbe reflected in standardized test scores, there is noquestion that students are learning a great deal aboutthe world in which they are a part and they are, as stu-dents, making a difference in their world community.

Lastly, Mr. Lynn Stover atGarden Spot Middle Schoolwas also a recent grant awardwinner. He received supportin the form of Rosetta Stone

software to use for the Arabic Language Enrichmentactivities that he is conducting at the District’s elementary schools. In this volunteer enrichment activity, students learn basic communication skills and a few basic cultural nuances affiliated with the Arabiclanguage. This is the third year for this project.ELANCO School District is fortunate to have such a

forward thinking and visionary foundation. It boastsan impressive array of board members who value theimportance of students graduating “global ready”and/or who currently work for companies with an international footprint. The Board is seeking a fewmore members, so if you are interested, please contactPresident George Solyak at george_solyak@spartanedfoundation.org. As well, for more information aboutthe Spartan Foundation for Education, please refer towww.spartanedfoundation.org.

Tracy J. Marchini, 55, of East Earl, diedWednesday January 29, 2014 after losing afight with leukemia. She was a devotedwife to her husband of 30 years, David P.Marchini, and loving mother to her twosons, James and Matthew.Tracy was a Vocational Agricultural

Education Teacher at Garden Spot HighSchool and a Future Farmers of America (FFA)

Advisor for the Grassland FFA Chapter in ELANCOSchool District. She was the Eastern Region Vice President of thePA Association of Agricultural Educators, on the Praxis AgriculturalStandardized Testing Design Committee, and a certified instructorfor the PA Game Commission’s Safe Hunter Course. She was alsoan active member of her church and had a passion for helpingyoung people realize their potential. Tracy also loved horticulture,gardening, birding, hiking, nature, and dogs.Tracy was a dedicated teacher and colleague who was the

consummate professional and team player at Garden Spot HighSchool. She will be missed by the entire ELANCO School Districtfamily.Donations can be made in Tracy’s name to PA FFA Grassland

Chapter, c/o Garden Spot High School, 669 E. Main St., New Holland, PA 17557.

Respected English TeacherAmy Hackman-Rupp, 43, of Farmersville,

died Saturday December 7, 2013 afterlosing a fight with cancer. She was a devoted wife to her husband David, aloving aunt to numerous nieces andnephews, and a great “mom” to herdog Snuggles.Amy was an English teacher at Garden

Spot High School for almost 20 yearsand Department Head for four of thoseyears. She also served as an advisor forSparta News, the school’s newspaper.Amy loved family outings and timesspent with her friends. She also loved totravel to places like Bar Harbor, ME andAssateague Island, MD and enjoyed reading.Amy was a dedicated teacher and colleague who truly inspired

her students both in school and in their lives. Fellow colleague inthe Garden Spot High School English Department, Mr. HeathHardin, had this to say about Amy and her impact. “Amy was agreat friend and a dedicated colleague, and it was a gift to workwith her. Many students were touched by her warmth, humor,and sincerity, and she impacted many with her caring and generosity. Her strength and positive outlook were inspirational,and she will be greatly missed.”Memorials are welcomed to be sent to the Amy L. Hackman-

Rupp Scholarship Fund, c/o Fulton Bank, 3630 Rothsville, Rd.Ephrata, PA 17522.

In RemembranceRespected Agricultural Education Teacher

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nder the leadership of Jeff Starr,building principal, Garden SpotMiddle School is participating in thePA Hybrid Learning Initiative and infusing a rotational learning model

that uses technology as a tool in daily class-room instruction. Currently, the middleschool is in its second year of the rotational learning model implementation in7th Grade Math; in its first year of imple-mentation in 8th Grade Math; and is pilotingit in co-taught language arts in both 7th and8th Grade as well as in 7th Grade Social Studies. Heading into 2014-2015,there will be full implementation in 7thGrade Language Arts with 8th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies starting in2015-2016. The teachers have worked hardto implement this instructional approachwith fidelity and are benefitting from theircollaboration with one another, with thesecondary technology integration coach,Mr. Tim Leister, and through the support of IU-13. As a result, students are having theirlearning naturally differentiated and are seeing the benefits in their grades, workquality, and state assessment scores.However, it is seeing the rotational learning

model in action and speaking with the stu-dents and teachers that really make it cometo life. For example, Mrs. Valerie Palmbach,7th Grade Social Studies Teacher, is pilotingthis instructional approach in her classes thisyear and had this to say. “Rotational learningoffers students a variety of instructional approaches to fit several learning styles. Students are collaborating with their peersand moving every day! Rotational learninghas improved student engagement becausestudents are never doing one thing for toolong. It also allows me to have small directinstruction groups where I can individuallysupport students based on their needs andabilities.” Of the 23 students in her 6th Period class, the overwhelming majority—allbut one or two—like it better than how theylearned social studies in elementary school.

The rotational learning model utilizes a sta-tion approach, and the most common onesare the collaborative station, the independ-ent station, and the direct instruction sta-tion. In reference to collaborative learningand what she liked best about it, DesireeHigh (7th) said, “I think it would be not hav-ing to work by yourself on different things.There are a lot of different steps.” In refer-ence to independent learning and what sheliked best, Brooklyn Gable (7th) said, “Iwould have to say working at your ownpace. You can get ahead. It is kind of nice.”Lastly, in reference to direct instruction andwhat they liked best, Lenny Benson (7th)and Chris Overstreet (7th) said, “If you needhelp you can get it. She is there to explain.You do stuff on your own, and she countson you to get it done.”Another 7th Grade teacher, Mrs. Kim

Promutico, is in her second year using the rotational learning model and is implement-ing this instructional approach with fidelityin all of her math classes. As a result, she isseeing the benefit on student assessmentslike the PSSA as well as in student growththrough PVAAS (Pennsylvania Valued-AddedAssessment System). In her one class of 29students, it was almost unanimous thatmath instruction was better using thismodel, with collaborative learning being thestudents’ favorite station. When asked whattheir favorite aspect of this learning modelwas, three students provided interesting insight. Madison Casey (7th) said that “independent learning was her favorite because it was not just worksheets and not a complete script. You have some flexibilityto do what you want.” Lauren Delgado(7th) said, “I like how there are differentways to learn—teacher, independent, orwith a partner.” She also explained that howthe teacher facilitates the lesson is important.“If the teacher makes it fun, that makes itbetter.” Lastly, Travis Myers (7th) stated thathis favorite part was that “you keep moving.You don’t sit still. You get to move around

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and interact with people.”A third 7th Grade teacher, who is a new

teacher and using this learning model forthe first time, is Mr. Zach Starry. He, too,teaches math and has embraced this modelto the benefit of the students he teaches. Inone of his classes of 27 students, all but one preferred this instructional approach to howthey had been taught math in the past. Infact, in Mr. Starry’s room, the collaborativestation is far and away the students favoriteway to learn. Like in other classrooms visited,students were asked what they liked mostabout this instructional approach and werevery willing to be honest about their feed-back. Courtney Zwally (7th) admitted thatshe does “feel rushed at times with herlearning and kind of tossed around.” She explained that all students “learn in differentways, and she likes to be able to talk withthe teacher with questions.” However, shealso admitted that she “likes the interactionswith different people and not just workingwith one person all the time.” Kristen Sims(7th) shared that “with direct instructionyou can get one to one help with theteacher; with collaborative learning, you canask friends if they can help you; and with independent learning, you get to do some-thing on your own.” She also sang Mr. Starry’spraises by stating that “the teacher makes ahuge difference. The way he teaches makesyou adapt. If another teacher was in theclassroom, it would not feel the same.”The rotational learning model has taken

Garden Spot Middle School by storm and ishaving a major impact on student learning.The District is excited to see it expand intoother grade levels and disciplines and iscommitted to supporting teachers so thatthey can be as effective instructionally asthey need to be. For further informationabout implementation of the rotationallearning model in the middle school, pleasecontact Mr. Jeffrey Starr, Middle School Principal, at jeffrey_starr@elanco.org. Students in Mr. Zach Starry’s 7th Grade math classroom are working on math

problems as part of the direct instruction station. Row 1 (From Left to Right): ScottShowalter, Summer Dunston, Kaya Blizzard-Maines. Row 2 (From Left to Right): Elliott Nguyen, Paige Kemper, Alex O’Neill, Jeremy Rissler, Kaitlyn Bair.

Students in Mrs. Valerie Palmbach’s 7th Grade social studies class participate in the collaborative station as part of the rotational learning model. Pictured below from left toright are Princess Michel, Adrianna John, and Desiree High.

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Members of the 2013-2014 Garden Spot Varsity Wrestling TeamRow 1 (Left to Right): Devon Christman (Manager), Jordan Wissinger, Tanner Schrock, JordanTudor, Gary Clark, Tyler Marburger, Christian Wade, Dan Swarr, Lester StoverRow 2: Coach Huber, David Kilhefner, Mack Focht, Chance Norris, Ben Swarr, Kobi Martin,Alex Aharonian, Zach Martin, Ervy Labady, Coach CampbellRow 3: Coach Hackenburg, Coach Belnome, Justin Martin, Walker Metzger, Michael Bressi,Alex Wilson, Will Finkey, Sam Mancuso, Dakota Cook, Coach Bunting, Coach Schilling

Wrestling Wins Section 2 ChampionshipThe wrestling team repeated as Lancaster/Lebanon League Section

2 champions with an undefeated league record of 7-0. The team alsoqualified for the District 3 Team Tournament for the fourth year in a

row. Senior Ben Swarr broke the Garden Spot team wins record when he recordedhis 128th win during the Thomas Hecker Duals. Ben Swarr and junior Will Finkeywon individual championships at the Lancaster/Lebanon League ChampionshipMeet. Alex Aharonian and Zach Martin each finished second in the Championship.The team qualified for the District 3 Duals but lost in the first round. However,five wrestlers—Ben Swarr, Alex Aharonion, Gary Clark, Will Finkey, and ZachMartin—were PIAA Sectional place winners, and two wrestlers—Will Finkey andBen Swarr—were PIAA District 3 Championship place winners. Those same twowrestlers qualified for the PIAA State Championships Thursday March 6 throughSaturday March 8 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. Additionally, nine GardenSpot wrestlers were named Section 2 All-Stars, four of whom were 1st Team All-Stars—Tyler Marburger, Zach Martin, Will Finkey, and Ben Swarr. We also hadten wrestlers make Academic All-Stars, all of whom were recognized by theLeague. They were as follows: Kobi Martin, Chance Norris, Michael Bressi, SamMancuso, Alex Aharonion, Alex Wilson, Ben Swarr, Dan Swarr, Zach Martin, andJustin Martin. Congratulations to the wrestling team on a great season! Thewrestling team is coached by Mr. Brian Schilling.

Boys Cross CountryWins First Ever Section Title

The boys cross country team won theirfirst Lancaster/Lebanon League Section 2Championship in school history. The teamfinished the regular season with a recordof 18-3. The team also had its highestplace finish in the Lancaster/LebanonChampionship Meet placing fourth out of22 teams. The championship team wasled by Ben Martin, Austin Smith, DonovanMcConnell, Sam Mancuso, and NatePhillips. The boys cross country team iscoached by Mr. Brent Watkins.

Kelsey Gerhart Qualifies for PIAA Cross Country Championship

Senior Kelsey Gerhart became only the12th female runner in Garden Spot history to qualify for the PIAA State CrossCountry Championship race. Kelseyplaced 10th in the Lancaster/LebanonLeague Championship and qualified forthe State Championship by placing 21st at Districts. Kelsey also became the 5th female runner to break the 20-minutemark in a 5K race (3.1 miles) this year.The girls cross country team is coached by Mr. Brent Watkins.

Girls VolleyballWins Section 2Championship

The girls’ volleyball team won the Lancaster/Lebanon League Section 2Championship for the second year in arow and the sixth time in the last eightyears. They also advanced to the Lancaster/Lebanon League Championshipgame, the District 3 Semi-Finals, and thePIAA State Championship Tournament. The team was led by seniors VanessaBlank, Brittany Eberly, Maddie George,Danita Sauder, Holly Schnader, KatelynSnader and Erika Wandel. The girls’ volleyball team is coached by Mr. DennyWerner, Garden Spot High School healthand physical education teacher.

Fall and Winter Sports HighlightsGirls Basketball Fights and Competes tothe End

With three games left to play in the season, the girls’ basketball team was inthird place in Section 2 of the Lancaster/Lebanon League and only one gameout of the Lancaster/Lebanon League playoffs. Unfortunately, the team struggleda bit down the stretch before beating Manheim Central to finish the season.Their section record was a respectable 10-6, finishing in fourth place, and secur-ing an overall record of 13-8. While they did not qualify for Lancaster/LebanonLeague or District playoffs, the girls worked hard and had a nice, overall season.The girls’ basketball team is coached by Mr. Kevin Gensemer.

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The Garden Spot Athletic Hall ofFame inducted four athletes during halftime of the October 25th football game.Larry Overly graduated in 1968. He

played soccer and baseball and was amember of four championship teams. Inbaseball Larry earned three varsity letters.His senior year he was part of the firstGarden Spot team to win the LancasterCounty Championship. That team wasalso Section 2 Champion. During hisyears on the varsity soccer team, theteam’s record was 43–4–3. His teamwas Lancaster County Champion allthree years he played varsity. In addition,that team won both the PIAA District 3Championship and the Inter-DistrictChampionship (what is now the equiva-lent of the state championship) in both1965 and 1967. After graduation Larrywent on to attend Elizabethtown Col-lege, where he played both soccer and baseball. Nikki Stern graduated in 1999. She

played soccer and basketball, earningseven varsity letters. The basketballteam qualified for the PIAA District 3 playoffs all three years Nikki was on theteam and the Lancaster/Lebanon

League playoffs for the first time inschool history her junior and senior year.She set a team record for career assistswith 257. In soccer Nikki was a four-timeLancaster/ Lebanon League All-Star. Sheled her team in both scoring and assiststhree years in a row, ending with a totalof 26 goals and 12 assists. Deb Brubaker graduated in 1973.

She played field hockey, basketball,track & field, and tennis, earning 10 varsity letters. She was also a member ofthree championship teams. Deb’s fieldhockey team was Lancaster/LebanonLeague Champion in 1971 with a recordof 8-1. In track & field Deb competed inthe softball throw (the precursor to theshot put). As a senior she also competedon the tennis team during the springseason. In 1972, Deb’s basketball teamfinished the season undefeated with a13-0 record, winning both the Lan-caster/Lebanon League and PIAA District3 Championship. As a senior in 1973,her team finished 19-1, repeating as Lancaster/Lebanon League championwith their only loss coming in the Dis-trict 3 Championship game. She wasnamed the Outstanding Senior Female

Athlete in 1973. After graduation Debattended Lock Haven State Collegewhere she played both basketball andsoftball. Maria Horning graduated in 2008.

She played volleyball, basketball andsoftball. She was a four-year starter onboth the volleyball and softball teams.In softball Maria was a three-year Lancaster/Lebanon League All-Star andwon the Spartacus Award in both herjunior and senior year. In volleyballMaria was the setter and led her teamto two Lancaster/Lebanon League Section 2 Championships in 2006 and2007, a second place finish in the Lancaster/Lebanon League Champi-onship in 2007, and a second place finish in the PIAA State Championship in2007. She was a Lancaster/LebanonLeague All-Star three years in a row; wasa PIAA District 3 All-Star in 2006 and2007; and was named to the StateChampionship All-Tournament Team in2007. Maria was also named the Out-standing Senior Female Athlete in 2008.After graduation Maria attended Eastern University to play volleyball.

Garden Spot Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2013Front Row: Larry Overly (Class of ’68), Nikki Stern (Class of ’99)Back Row: Maria Horning (Class of ’08), Deb Brubaker (Class of ’73)

Garden Spot Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

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HALL OF FAME

This newsletter is an official publica-tion of the Eastern Lancaster CountySchool District. Comments or suggestions are to be addressed to: ELANCO Extrac/o Patrick T. Winters669 E. Main St.P.O. Box 609New Holland, PA 17557-0609

In partnership with family, businessand community, we will provide anenvironment in which all personshave the opportunity to acquire theknowledge, skills and character tobecome productive citizens in achanging world.

Visit your schools!

April 1 Blue Ball Elementary School 4th Grade Spring Concert @ 7:00pApril 4 Middle School Spartan Society Quarter 3 Nomination Ceremony @ 7:00aApril 7 Blue Ball PTO Meeting @ 7:00p

Brecknock PTO Meeting in the LMC @ 7:00pApril 7-11 PSSA Writing Testing (Grades 5 and 8)

April 8 New Holland PTO Meeting in the Cafeteria from 7:00-9:00pApril 10-13 GSPA Spring Musical – Singing in the Rain

April 11 ELANCO Elementary Skating Party @ 5:00pBrecknock 2nd Grade Field Trip to Whitaker Center from 9:15a-3:00p

April 12 ACT Testing at Garden Spot High School from 7:00a-1:30pApril 14 School Board Meeting (Committee of the Whole) in Community Hall @ 7:00pApril 15 Budget Meeting from 7:00-9:00p

7th Grade Orientation in the Auditorium and Cafeteria from 6:30-8:30pApril 16 Brecknock 4th Grade Field Trip to Harrisburg Capitol/State Museum from 9:00a-3:15pApril 17 SNOW MAKE-UP DAY – SCHOOL IN SESSIONApril 18 Good Friday (No School)April 21 SNOW MAKE-UP DAY – SCHOOL IN SESSION

School Board Meeting in Community Hall @ 7:00pApril 28-May 2 PSSA Science Testing (Grades 4 and 8)

April 28 Blue Ball Elementary Honors Chorus/Strings Concert @ 7:00pApril 29 Title I and Title III Family Game Night from 5:00-8:00p

Blue Ball 5th Grade Field Trip to Valley Forge National Park

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Eastern Lancaster County School District669 East Main St.PO Box 609New Holland, PA 17557-0609