Know Your SchoolsImportant Information for the Residents of Lower Dauphin School District

Lower Dauphin School District Autumn 2011

Inside This IssueLook for Lower Dauphin on the Web http://www.ldsd.org

Falcon Foundation names gala chairpage 3

LD meets test targets for 5th yearpage 9

District welcomes new staffpage 4-7

Congratulations to Class of 2011page 11

Despite challenges, focus remains on student learningWith all that has transpired in the first

marking period of this school year, my message is simple – keep looking forward. It would be easy to allow oneself to become fixated on what we’ve already endured this year. Epic flooding, damages to school facilities and the subsequent calendar alterations to make up those days missed are individually major tasks. Taken together, they can seem overwhelming. But we’ve overcome that hurdle and we’re moving forward. We have much to accomplish this school year.

• Because of the presidential elections in 2012 the Pennsylvania Primary Election is earlier than usual, which requires the district to develop a school budget on an expedited timetable.

• Lower Dauphin is required by the state Department of Education to develop a three-year comprehensive plan to chart the path of our educational programs.

• The construction at Conewago Elementary School must continue forward to provide a new educational home for our students.

• And we still have our primary mission of providing an appropriate education for each of the 4,000 students who attend our schools.

All of those tasks force us to keep looking ahead. But none is as important as the last one on my list. Our students are a tonic to me. Their achievements in academics, athletics and the arts are a source of inspiration to myself and our staff. In this edition of the Know Your Schools newsletter, you will find stories about some of our students’ many achievements.

I hope you share my pride in their successes. Without the entire Lower Dauphin community, we would never be able to provide our students with so many opportunities to shine. On behalf of all of our students and staff, please accept my heart-felt thanks for your continued support and know that we will continue to “keep our eyes

on the prize” no matter the challenges that lay before us.

Sherri L. Smith, Ed.D.Superintendent

Students, staff eager to move into new classrooms

Project manager Rick Martz points out construction details this past summer

Students will be moving into their new classrooms at Conewago Elementary

School by the end of December. After starting the school year in the old classroom wing, students are looking forward to their new digs. “Everyone is very excited,” said Principal Ed Gnall. “They’ve watched the new building going up and they’re ready to move in and make it their new home.” The cafeteria, library and school offices won’t be ready until spring 2012, so in the short term, students will continue to eat lunches in classrooms. Major school events like the annual Thanksgiving Feast and the winter concert will be held in other

elementary schools across the district. When completed, the project will create 70,000 square feet of new space and renovate 11,400 square feet of the existing building. The classroom wing built in the 1950s will be demolished. As part of the project, the district is making improvements to the intersection of Schoolhouse Road and Route 743. With the help of a $144,000 grant from Dauphin County, the district will add a traffic signal at the intersection and

Dr. Sherri Smith

install turning lanes. This work should be completed next spring. The design will also feature systems(Continued on page 2)

Know Your Schools

2

LD community still recovering from September floods

Conewago construction update

Flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee will have an impact on the

Lower Dauphin community for years to come. However, much work has already been done. As of this writing, workers have repaired a large sinkhole under the artificial turf on the main game field in the new athletic complex at the middle school. Several smaller flood-related holes on the middle school campus were filled in at the same time. Lower Dauphin Middle School also saw some minor damage to its floor in the gymnasium, but several staff members prevented major damage by keeping water off the floor during the height of the flooding. Repairs continue in the gymnasium at Nye Elementary School. Floodwaters there caused the concrete floor to heave in several places. At its worst, close to four feet of water was on the floor and also spilled into the elevator mechanical room, causing damage there as well. Workers have removed the damaged floor and are in the process of replacing the floor and tiles. The flooding obviously had an impact on the district calendar as well. The district’s request for a waiver for the missed days was rejected by the state Department of Education so Lower Dauphin students

will have class on Tuesday, November 22, and on Monday, January 2. (See related story for more information) In addition to getting its own house in order, the school district has been reaching out to the Lower Dauphin community to lend a hand. District staff and students have participated in clean-up days in Hummelstown and South Hanover Township. Students who suffered losses

As you are aware, the aftermath of the flooding caused by the remnants of

Tropical Storm Lee forced Lower Dauphin to remain closed for three days in early September. Given the unexpected nature of the event, the district petitioned the state Department of Education for relief from the 180-day requirement for students. On Monday, October 3, the district received word that its petition was denied.

This means that the district will need to make the following adjustments to its calendar:

• Tuesday, November 22, will now be a student day.

• Monday, January 2, will now be a student day.

• Students will not make-up the third day which will be used as a teacher in-service day on Friday, June 8.

The district plans to retain the four

snow make-up days which are built into the calendar in case of a harsh winter season. These changes were approved by the school board at its meeting on Monday, October 17. “We apologize for any inconvenience the calendar changes may cause you and your family,” said Superintendent Sherri Smith. “As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school office.”

School board approves calendar changes due to flooding

(Continued from page 1)to conserve water and energy. Among the green features are 68 geothermal wells which will help heat and cool the building and a “gray water” storage system which will collect rain runoff from the roof to be used to flush toilets and water plants outside.

This gray water system is one of the many “green” features of the project. These green features are expected to garner the project “silver certification” in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The LEED certification seeks to make the building more energy efficient

in its layout, use of natural lighting and alternative energy sources. The school board took a tour of the construction site this summer and plans to take another this month to monitor the progress of the work and ask questions of project manager Rick Martz.

are receiving gift cards and donated items collected in all Lower Dauphin schools. About $5,700 has been distributed so far. “It has been a real team effort as the district recovers from the floods,” said Superintendent Sherri Smith. “I’m happy to report that much of the damages will be covered by our insurance and we’re also hopeful that we’ll qualify for federal disaster relief funding.”

South Hanover Elementary staff pitch in to help in the Village of Union Deposit after the September floods.

3

Dr. Craig A. Camasta of Marietta, Georgia,

has been selected as the Honorary Chair of the Lower Dauphin Falcon Foundation’s “2012 Blue and White Gala,” the fourth annual foundation fund-raiser to be held the evening of January 28, 2012 at the Hollywood Casino in Grantville. Craig, an alumnus of Lower Dauphin High School, Class of 1982, completed his undergraduate work at Millersville University where he recently was honored in Millersville’s 150th Year Anniversary Book as one of the most influential 150 graduates of the university. In 2007 he served as the Keynote Speaker at Millersville University’s Winter Commencement. He is the son of Alexander and Tina Camasta, former Hummelstown residents and the brother of Mark, Chris, Keith, Adrianne Camasta Kihm, and Karen Camasta Willey. Craig is married to Dr. Andrea Cass, also a podiatric surgeon, with

Dr. Camasta named honorary chair of LDFF Galawhom he has an 18-month-old son, Dominic. Dr. Camasta specializes in pediatric and adult reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, and pioneering numerous surgical procedures; he is particularly well-known for treating difficult bone and soft tissue tumors and infections, and specializes in revision surgery. He is a widely sought after international lecturer and teacher in countries including Canada, Australia, Spain, Germany, Vietnam, and Nepal. As

a surgical consultant for Helios Hospital Group in Germany, Dr. Camasta teaches reconstructive foot and ankle surgery to orthopedic, trauma, and general surgeons. As a medical author, Dr. Camasta has served as editor and contributing editor to various medical textbooks on reconstructive surgery for the foot, ankle, and leg. His articles on pediatric and adult reconstructive foot and ankle surgery have been published in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. Operation Walk, Inc, a Georgia non-profit organization, was established by Dr.

Camasta with the dual mission of providing lower extremity surgery and educating surgeons around the world. His devotion to under-served pediatric patients has taken him to Vietnam and Nepal for annual medical missions. The popular Lower Dauphin Falcon Foundation Gala begins with a reception and silent auction which continues throughout a served dinner. Entertainment this year is a dinner theatre mystery, “The Disappearing Falcon,” to which anyone connected with Lower Dauphin will relate and all are invited to dig out their sleuthing hat and sharpen their memories to solve “who done it!” Tickets for the Gala are priced at $100, which includes dinner, the auction, and all of the fun of solving a mystery collectively as a table. To be placed on our mailing list or for further information on sponsorship opportunities visit the foundation website ldfalconfoundation.org or contact Cathy Wreski, invitation chair (wreskibc@comcast.net) or one of the co-chairs, Randy Umberger, (r6pts4apin@yahoo.net) or Dr. Judith T. Witmer (jtwitmer@aol.com).

On October 17, the Lower Dauphin Board of School Directors appointed

high school junior Mitchell Wolfe to serve as Associate Student School Board Representative. Wolfe will serve beside high school senior Amie Diamond, who returns for a second year as Student School Board Representative. Wolfe is the son of Tina Wolfe. He is a member of the concert band and marching band. He is a member of the varsity swim team and also swims for the Hummelstown swim club. He is a member of the quiz bowl team, the Brain Busters team,debate team, and National Honor Society. Diamond is the daughter of Ivona and Jonathan Diamond. She is a four-year member of the field hockey team and the Volunteen club. She is a four-year member

Wolfe joins Diamond as student board representativeand co-chair of the Mini-Thon Committee and a four-year member and president of Student Council. She is also a three-year member of the National Honor Society and the National English Honor Society, where she serves as vice president. She plans to attend a four-year college and continue her field hockey career.

Mitchell Wolfe takes the oath of office to join the school board as an associate student representative.

www.ldsd.orgYour first source for school closings and school news

Know Your Schools

4

Lower Dauphin welcomes new staff members

Jennifer Alger

Social StudiesHigh School

Miss Alger will serve as a long-term substitute in social studies at the high school this year. She was previously a long-term substitute at Milton Hershey School and holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University.

Gregory Bowman

Technology EducationHigh School

Mr. Bowman comes to Lower Dauphin after serving as a long-term substitute at Garden Spot Middle School and as a construction theory teacher at a charter school in York. He earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Columbia University and received his teaching certificate from Millersville. He hopes “to promote a spirit of invention and innovation.”

Jonathan Breininger

Itinerant Emotional SupportDistrict-wide

Mr. Breininger holds a master’s degree in education and earned his bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University. He comes to the district after six years in the Harrisburg School District as a full-time emotional support teacher. He says he hopes “to continue to learn and grow as a professional and to make a positive impact on both the student body and the entire Lower Dauphin community.”

Kellie Coupal

Learning SupportSouth Hanover

Miss Coupal returns to Lower Dauphin after receiving her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in special education with a minor in gerontology. She was previously employed by the ARC of Dauphin and Lebanon County – Camp Sertoma and Aaron’s Acres. She says she hopes “to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students while maintaining my desire to be a life-long learner.”

Jamie Cremo

ArtNye

Miss Cremo comes to Lower Dauphin after serving as an elementary art teacher in the Mechanicsburg School District. She is a 2008 graduate of Millersville University with a degree in elementary art. She says her goal “is to inspire a love of art in all my students. Each day I want my students to leave feeling inspired, confident and motivated to use art as a tool for learning.”

Mary Dell

ScienceMiddle School

Miss Dell is a 2010 graduate of Shippensburg University with a degree in biology-secondary education. She will teach seventh- and eighth-graders on the Green Team at the middle school. She says she hopes to be “an effective science teacher and show the students at Lower Dauphin Middle School that learning is fun!”

Beth Dvorsky

Occupational TherapistDistrict-wide

Miss Dvorsky holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy from St. Francis University. She was previously employed by the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. She says she hopes “to expand my therapy skills and provide therapy services to my students to help them succeed.”

Ashley Edwards

Reading SpecialistEast Hanover

Mrs. Edwards comes to Lower Dauphin after six years at Derry Township School District as a learning support teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Lebanon Valley College and a master’s degree in literacy education from Penn State. She says she hopes “to collaborate with my fellow teachers and guide students in becoming the best readers they can be.”

Marisa Fanelli

SpanishMiddle School

Miss Fanelli will serve as a long-term substitute Spanish teacher at the middle school. She comes to Lower Dauphin after serving as a long-term substitute at Solanco High School. She is a graduate of Millersville University with a degree in Spanish education. She says she hopes to “promote cultural awareness of Spanish-speaking countries.”

5

Jeremy Fox

Technology EducationMiddle School

Mr. Fox has extensive employment experience in multiple technical trades in the construction industry and earned his bachelor’s degree in technology education from Millersville in 2011. He says he hopes “to establish myself as an essential part of the educational team at Lower Dauphin and develop a positive rapport with the students, parents and staff.”

Jan Gaspich

Emotional SupportMiddle School

Mrs. Gaspich served last year as a long-term substitute at the middle school and will return this year as an emotional support teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Penn State University and earned her teaching certificate from Temple University in special education.

Quantina Gillis

Health/Physical EdEast Hanover

Mrs. Gillis earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Appalachian State University and was a graduate of Lower Dauphin High School. Previously, she worked as a special needs assistant at Warwick High School and as a long-term substitute for the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit. She says she hopes “to influence students to live an active lifestyle and be healthier people.”

David Hooper

ScienceMiddle School

Mr. Hooper holds a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University and earned his teaching certificate from Millersville University. Previously, he was employed by the Maryland Department of Health as a microbiologist and by Lancaster Laboratories as a pharmaceutical microbiologist. He said he hopes to “excite Lower Dauphin seventh-graders about science and the natural world around them.”

Jennifer Jenkins

Grade 2East Hanover

Miss Jenkins is a graduate of Northern York High School and holds bachelor degrees in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh and in elementary education from Penn State University. She was previously employed by Milestones Achievement Center and the Vista School. She says she hopes to “create a classroom community where students feel welcome and confident.”

Sarah Kelly

MathematicsHigh School

Ms. Kelly previously was employed by Central Bucks South High School and Central Dauphin East High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Penn State University and received her teaching certificate from Wilson College. She said she hopes to “build a rapport with faculty, students and the community and help students see their potential after graduation.”

Frank Komykoski

MathematicsHigh School

Mr. Komykoski was employed as a design engineer with Case New Holland for six years before earning his certificate through Wilson College. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State University. He said he hopes to “have an impact on his students and be a role model.”

Michael Layser

ArtHigh School

Mr. Layser teaches art and pottery and holds a degree in art and art history with a concentration in ceramics from Lebanon Valley College. He earned his teaching certificate from Shippensburg University. He says he hopes “to continue the great success that the pottery courses have had for the students and for the school. I want to push the creative minds of our students and dig deeper into the amazing potential that ceramics has to offer.”

Jessica Miller

Grade 1East Hanover

Miss Miller comes to Lower Dauphin with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education from Elizabethtown College. She has previously worked as a summer day camp counselor for the past four summers and was a student teacher in the Cornwall-Lebanon School District. She says she hopes “to provide my students with the skills they need to be successful both academically and socially.”

Know Your Schools

6

Rachel Pantalone

Grade 4South Hanover

Miss Pantalone is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College with degrees in elementary education and special education. Previously, she was a student teacher at Hershey Elementary School. She says she is looking forward to a successful teaching career and having an amazing first year as she embarks on this journey with her students.

Kathryn Parker

Grade 1Londonderry

Mrs. Parker will serve as a long-term substitute in first grade at Londonderry Elementary. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Shippensburg University and earned her teaching certificate from Wilson College in 2011. She worked previously at Lower Dauphin as a technology aide. She says she hopes to “provide my students with the tools necessary to succeed, gain confidence and exceed their own high expectations.”

Julie Parsons

Autistic SupportLondonderry

Miss Parsons was employed for the past four years by The Vista School as a teacher of students with autism. She holds a master’s degree in education from Temple University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She says she hopes “to incorporate my knowledge acquired at my previous position at a private school with life in a public elementary school to promote independence and success for students with autism.”

Jillian Perry

MusicNye

Miss Perry will serve as a long-term substitute this year after serving as a day-to-day substitute in Lower Dauphin and Mechanicsburg school districts in the past. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Lebanon Valley College in music education in 2010 and is a graduate of Lower Dauphin High School. She says she hopes to “create an environment that is musical and engaging and will promote learning inside and outside of the classroom.”

Christine Rankin

SpeechLondonderry

Ms. Rankin holds a master’s degree from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in communication disorders. Before coming to Lower Dauphin she was employed by The Vista School. She says she is looking forward to serving the students and their families of Lower Dauphin.

Kelley Reichl

Grade 3South Hanover

Miss Reichl comes to Lower Dauphin after having taught for four years at Mount Airy Elementary School in Mount Airy, Md. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Shippensburg University and is pursuing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from McDaniel College. She says she hopes to “form strong relationships with my students and their families. I also hope to help all my students reach their fullest potential as learners.”

Keith Richardson

MusicHigh School

Mr. Richardson holds a master’s degree from Duquesne University and bachelor’s degrees in music performance and music education from Lebanon Valley College. He is also a National Board Certified Teacher. He previously was employed as a music teacher and high school band director at Central Dauphin East High School and at Eastern York High School. He says he hopes to “continue to grow an excellent music program at Lower Dauphin.”

Keith Shively

Learning SupportHigh School

Mr. Shively previously was employed at Dauphin County Technical School and has also taught at James Gholson Middle School and York Suburban High School. He holds a master’s degree from Temple University and a bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown College. He says he hopes to “take my previous experiences and use them to help students with special needs, and all students for that matter, succeed at their maximum level of ability.”

Samantha Smith

ScienceMiddle School

Miss Smith is a long-term substitute on the purple team and holds a bachelor’s degree from Juniata College. Prior to coming to Lower Dauphin, she was a student teacher at Huntingdon Area Middle School. She says she hopes to “learn about and positively contribute to the Lower Dauphin community and to have fun exploring science with my students.”

7

Andrew McCrea

Director of Pupil Services District Office

Mr. McCrea comes to Lower Dauphin after serving for seven years as a school psychologist in the Chambersburg Area School District. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology from Millersville University. He says he hopes to “continue Lower Dauphin’s tradition of excellent services to students with special learning needs, enabling them to reach their full potential.”

Megan Stine

Grade 1Londonderry

Miss Stine holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Shippensburg University and earned her teaching certificate from Drexel University. She is a graduate of Lower Dauphin High School. Previously, she was employed as a learning center teacher at KinderCare of Hershey and was in a therapeutic staff support position for children with autism at Northwestern Human Services.

Steven Szobocsan

Assistant PrincipalMiddle School

Mr. Szobocsan assumes the role of assistant principal after serving last year as the middle school’s dean of students. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Wilkes University. He says he hopes to “provide a positive environment where all of our students can grow and reach their potential.”

Meredith Thomas

Guidance CounselorEast Hanover

Miss Thomas is a long-term substitute at East Hanover Elementary. She holds a master’s degree in school counseling from Wilmington University and a bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University. She is also a Lower Dauphin graduate. She says she looks forward to “collaborating with the families and staff in order to provide the best learning environment for our students.”

Andrew Vinton

Grade 2Nye

Mr. Vinton returns as a long-term substitute at Nye Elementary in second grade. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a music minor from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Lower Dauphin High School. He says he wants to “use my enthusiasm and positive rapport with students to build a fun and engaging learning environment.” He and his wife, Cori, live in Elizabethtown.

Elyse Weltmer

Learning SupportMiddle School

Miss Weltmer previously was a long-term substitute at Linglestown Middle School and holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education. She says she hopes to “become an asset to Lower Dauphin’s already wonderful collaborative community in order to help all students reach and exceed their potential by providing them with the tools to do so.”

Amy Wingerter

Emotional SupportPrice

Mrs. Wingerter previously was employed as an emotional support teacher in the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit and taught at Manheim Township School District and Lebanon School District. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Lebanon Valley College. She says she hopes to “provide the students with the opportunity to become life-long learners and also become well-rounded citizens in our society.”

McCrea, Szobocsan join administrative team

Know Your Schools

8

The following Lower Dauphin staff members have been recognized for

their years of service with the district. They include:

5 YearsEmily Artz, Bernie Bream, Lauren Bruce, Kenneth Burke, Ginny DeLano, Susan Eitner, Ed Gnall, Justin Hanula, Amy Hiler, Monica Hockenbrock, Hudson Hughes, Charity Judson, Jason Kerstetter, Annissa Lingle, Jeremy Lusk, Scott Payonk, Sheree Potteiger, Rachel Reichert, Robert Rossi, Christine Schmidt, Michelle Shuler, Kristy Streckewald, Steve Szobocsan, Marisa VanZandt, Sue Weidman, Alisa Weimer, Theresa Winfindale, and Scott Yoder.

10 YearsRick Attivo, Kimberly Balmer, Amy Billy, Laurie Boyer, Karen Burk, Sarah Campbell, Jody Diskin, Dawn Koons, Paul LaDuke, Diane McCullough, Mandi Mease, Dawn

Staff members recognized for years of service Reese, Beth Roth, Christie Stankiewicz, and Sarah Stiles.

15 YearsKathy Barlow, Ann Bathurst, Sheri Bell, Christine Eberhard, Carol Gallerizzo, Roy Gesford, Kim Grimard-Levis, Dave Machamer, Carolyn Patt, Jim Pirtle and Linda Shakespeare.

20 YearsJohn Bowen, Craig Cassel, Lori Cassel, Kirstan Cherry, Peggy Christ, Maryjane Doyle, Lisa Fox, Dave Kugle, and Erma Miller.

25 YearsDeb Gleim, Sue Gourley, and Candy Romano.

30 YearsTom Knackstedt, Donna Kumpf, Fred McGarvey, Jean Vuono, Elizabeth Wagner and Karen Wylde.

Students recognized, big check presented at banquet Legendary basketball coach John

Wooden is attributed as saying, “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” Lower Dauphin Communities That Care, in cooperation with the Hummelstown Police Department, recognize the efforts of students who display this type of character though the Do The Right Thing program. More than 30 Lower Dauphin students received prizes and praise at a special banquet at the middle school on May 31. During the school year at least two students are chosen from monthly nominees to be selected as the Do The Right Thing student. The monthly winners included: Ryan Gerst, Olivia Kouletsis, Harley Schmidt and the Lower Dauphin boys’ soccer team, Elijah Elhajj, Cassidy Burton, Brandt Foerster, Grace Walter, Abbey Lennox, Carolynn O’Donnell, Justin Shade, Samuel Pozzi, Mason Dillon, Cheyenne Silks, Phillip Spaseff, Kantor Dalton, Amira Darrow, Ashea Ware, Sabrina Richmond, and Nick Scipione. “Fortunately, the kids not doing the right thing are in the minority,” said Hummelstown Police Chief Chuck Dowell. “The kids who do the right thing are in the majority and we are pleased to be able to recognize them.” All of the students in attendance won prizes from area businesses. More than $1,800 in prizes were donated by Challenge Miniature Golf, Fulton Bank, Harrisburg

Senators, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co., Hershey Trolley Works, Indian Echo Caverns, Lake Tobias Animal Park, Papa John’s Pizza, The Hershey Company/Hershey’s Chocolate World, and The Hershey Story. The banquet itself was sponsored by Three Mile Island-Exelon Nuclear. Three Mile Island Spokesman Ralph DeSantis also praised the students for their efforts. “I want to congratulate all the students for the good deeds they did this year,” he said. “You can do it in big ways and small ways. You don’t do it to get recognized. You do it because it’s the right thing.” He also presented Lower Dauphin Communities That Care with a $25,000

check to continue its efforts to provide programs and opportunities for all children in the Lower Dauphin community to grow up to become healthy, productive adults. Three Mile Island’s donation continues its long-standing sponsorship of the LD CTC bookmobile and its preschool literacy programs as well as the Do the Right Thing banquet. Three Mile Island-Exelon is the largest private donor to Lower Dauphin Communities That Care, having given $102,500 in the past five years. Lower Dauphin Communities That Care is a nonprofit organization that provides programs to promote the positive development of children in the Lower Dauphin community.

Superintendent Sherri Smith, right, congratulates Beth Wagner for 30 years of service.

Ralph DeSantis, right, presents a check to Chuck Dowell and Kathy Peffer at the Do the Right Thing banquet in May.

9

LD schools meet AYP benchmarks for fifth year in a rowLower Dauphin Assistant to the

Superintendent: Curriculum and Instruction Rob Schultz told the school board in October that all of the district’s schools achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the fifth year in a row. Based on the results of student PSSA testing in grades 3-8 and 11 last year, school districts and individual schools are judged whether or not they made “Adequate Yearly Progress” as defined by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. In addition to overall performances, schools and districts are held accountable for the performance of any subgroup of 40. Subgroups can be based on race, gender or special circumstances like students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or Economically Disadvantaged. In order to meet the Adequate Yearly Progress threshold last year, a school’s students must reach 67 percent proficient or advanced in mathematics and 72 percent proficient or advanced in reading. “We are very pleased to report that all of our schools, and the district as a whole, made Adequate Yearly Progress for the fifth year in a row,” said Schultz. “This is the result of a lot of hard work on the part of our teachers, administrators and of course, our students.”

In addition to talking to the board about Adequate Yearly Progress, Schultz highlighted the performance of the district and of each school building using single-year results from last year’s PSSA testing. On the whole, Lower Dauphin students out-performed their counterparts in each grade level when compared with the statewide average performance levels for proficiency on the PSSA.In math:

• LD third-graders scored 88 percent advanced and proficient compared with the statewide average of 84 percent.LD fourth-graders scored 91 percent advanced and proficient compared with the statewide average of 85percent

• LD fifth-graders scored 88 percent advanced and proficient compared with the statewide average of 76.

• LD sixth-graders scored 89 percent advanced and proficient compared with the statewide average of 79.

• LD seventh-graders scored 88 percent advanced and proficient compared with the statewide average of 77.

• LD eighth-graders scored 89 percent advanced and proficient compared with the statewide average of 77.

• LD 11th-graders scored 75 percent advanced and proficient compared with

the statewide average of 60.In reading:

• LD third-graders scored 87 percent advanced and proficient compared with the statewide average of 77 percent

• LD fourth-graders scored 82 percent advanced and proficient compared with the statewide average of 73 percent

• LD fifth-graders scored 79 percent advanced and proficient compared with the statewide average of 69.

• LD sixth-graders scored 81 percent advanced and proficient compared with the statewide average of 70.

• LD seventh-graders scored 84 percent advanced and proficient compared with the statewide average of 79.

• LD eighth-graders scored 89 percent advanced and proficient compared with the statewide average of 82.

• LD 11th-graders scored 80 percent advanced and proficient compared with the statewide average of 69.

“Obviously, we are very pleased with these results,” Superintendent Sherri Smith said. “Our students’ results compare very favorably with those of their grade-level peers across state. “Is there still work to be done? Of course, but we’re proud of our progress our students have made toward the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act.”

Lower Dauphin is about to embark on a year-long study of district operations

and outcomes with the goal of developing a three-year comprehensive plan.

The plan will encompass all of the district’s schools, which will create their own three-year plans, and provide an overview of the profile, its core foundations and its policies and procedures.

The plan will explore the district’s four core areas – curriculum, instruction & assessment; student-focused systems; professional development; and administrative management.

“So what is it that we want to accomplish with this plan?” Superintendent Sherri Smith asks. “I believe the goal of this planning process should be for us as a community to develop a true vision for the future, including moving to 21st century learning environments and skills.”

Much of public education still operates on historical traditions dating back to the early 1900s.

“The length of the school year and

its timing is one example,” she said. “Our academic school year is still based upon the agricultural cycle when students were needed to work in the fields.

“Is this a model that still works in the second decade of the 21st century?”

In looking toward the future, she lists seven critical skills all students will need to succeed:

• Critical thinking and problem solving• Collaboration across networks and leading by influence• Agility and adaptability• Initiative and entrepreneurialism• Effective oral and written communication• Accessing and analyzing information• Curiosity and imaginationBut to move toward this 21st century

educational philosophy, the district will need buy-in and support from all stakeholders – students, parents, staff and the community as a whole.

“We need to ask ourselves if we’re

ready for the change and how much change our school community is willing to accept,” Dr. Smith says.

To find this out, the district’s comprehensive planning committee is developing a survey to assess the effectiveness of programs and practices. The survey will also provide information about what is working well, what weaknesses need to be addressed and where changes might need to be made.

The committee plans to have surveys available online by December 15. When the surveys are available, the district will make announcements in schools, send home flyers, and advertise in local papers to ensure that all stakeholders can take part in shaping our schools’ future.

“This is an exciting time for education in Lower Dauphin,” Dr. Smith says. “We have the opportunity to shape how we will prepare students for a very different world. I hope we can count on the entire community’s support as we move through this planning process.”

District to begin comprehensive planning process

Know Your Schools

10

Mr. Keiner and Mrs. Curtiss earn board certifications.

Two teachers at Lower Dauphin

High School received notice of their receipt of National Board Certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards last spring. Like board certification in medicine or accounting, National Board Certification is teaching’s highest professional credential. Earning their National Board Certifications was English teacher Jason Keiner and special education teacher Elizabeth Curtiss. They join six Lower Dauphin High School teachers who have earned their certification in previous years. In addition,

Teachers earn National Board Certifications demonstrate evidence of their skills as an accomplished teacher,” said Superintendent Sherri Smith. “Earning this prestigious certification required a great deal of work and we congratulate each of them.” National Board Certification is a voluntary assessment program designed to recognize and reward accomplished teachers. While state licensing systems set basic requirements to teach in each state, NBCTs have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices. Certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. As part of the process, teachers build a portfolio that includes student work samples, assignments, video recordings and a thorough analysis of their classroom teaching. Additionally, teachers are assessed on their knowledge of the subjects they teach.

new band director Keith Richardson also holds his certification earned while at Central Dauphin East High School. “We are especially proud of these teachers for earning their National Board Certifications which is a tangible way to

McCreary, Moosic named National Merit Scholars Four Lower Dauphin High School

seniors were recently recognized by the National Merit Scholarship program. Two students, Daniel McCreary and Katie Moosic, were named Semifinalists in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Competition. Carrie Morris and Carolina Deaven were named Commended Students in the 2012 National Merit Program. Deaven was also recognized in the National Hispanic Recognition Program. McCreary is the son of Brett and Paula McCreary. He is a team captain on the cross country and track teams. He is a member of the concert band, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society and is secretary of Spanish Honor Society. He plans to study hospitality management at either the University of Delaware or Stockton College in New Jersey. Moosic is the daughter of Frank and Lisa Moosic. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Math Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. She is also a member of the quiz bowl team, the Brain Busters team, the Science Olympiad team, the debate team and the softball team. She plans to study biology in college with the goal of becoming a researcher.

Of the 1.5 million juniors who took the PSAT in the fall of 2010, about 16,000 were named semifinalists based on their scores. Semifinalists are eligible to compete in the competition to become finalists. About 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $34 million will be offered in the spring. As commended students, Morris and Deaven were among 34,000 students who placed among the top 5 percent of more than 1.5 million students who took the PSAT in the fall of 2010. Morris is the daughter of Kim Morris and Genny Chirdon. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, the Mini-Thon Committee, the Brain Busters team, the track team and the indoor track team. She hopes to attend either Syracuse or Penn State to pursue a career in sports marketing. Deaven is the daughter of George and Nancy Deaven. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, National Math

Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She is also a member of the orchestra and the girls’ lacrosse team. She plans to major in psychology and pursue a career in either psychiatry or neuroscience. “We congratulate all four of these students for their outstanding academic accomplishment,” said Principal Todd Neuhard. “This recognition is a tribute to their prowess in academics and citizenship in our school community.”

Daniel McCreary and Katie Moosic were recently named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

11

Lower Dauphin High School’s 51st Commencement Ceremony was held at Hershey’s Giant Center on Sunday, June 5. The Class of 2011 had 275 members. Addie Answine was named valedictorian and Ben Welkie was named salutatorian.

Know Your Schools is published four times a year for the residents of Lower Dauphin School District.

District Office 566-5300High School 566-5330Middle School 566-5310Conewago Elementary School 533-5361East Hanover Elementary School 469-2686Londonderry Elementary School 944-9462Nye Elementary School 566-0300South Hanover Elementary 566-2564Informaline: 566-5320 or 944-1668

Board of School DirectorsTodd Kreiser, PresidentRodney Nissley, Vice PresidentDana BarryRebecca KlineMarcela MyersJeffrey NeelyKeith OelligRenae PaladinoLaurie ReichertDr. Sherri Smith, Superintendent

Edited by: Jim Hazen, Coordinator of CommunicationsDesigned by: Linda McPhillips, Secretary to the Coordinator of Communications

Nondiscrimination Policy:

The Lower Dauphin School District, an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate in employment, educational programs or activities based on gender, race, religion, national origin, color or handicap. This policy of nondiscrimination extends to all other legally protected classifications. Publication of this policy in this document is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1973, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Lower Dauphin School District291 East Main StreetHummelstown, PA 17036http://www.ldsd.org

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE PAID

HARRISBURG, PAPERMIT NO. 583

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

NOVEMBER1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

DECEMBER1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

JANUARY

Lower Dauphin School DistrictCalendar of Upcoming Events

3 End of 1st Marking Period22 School In Session23 Inservice Day24 Holiday - Schools & Offices Closed25, 28 Schools Closed

23 ½ Day for All Students26 Holiday – Schools & Offices Closed27-30 Schools Closed

2 School In Session13 ½ Day for Secondary Only16 Inservice Day 23 End of 2nd Marking Period