S O u T h W e S T e R n A T R A D i T i O n O f e x c e l l e n c e

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Teacher of the Year high School Achievers The Value of Parent

Volunteers

A Publication of the South Western School District | 225 Bowman Road, Hanover, PA 17331 | 717-632-2500 | www.swsd.k12.pa.us

Volume 30 Number 4 Spring 2015

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Slow ride... Take it easy. This is the first line of a song I recently heard at a conference and it applies to our district vision. Our vision is learners have a voice and choice for self-directed, customized learning supported by a caring and progres-sive network of educators.

We have created a six year plan to make our vision a reality. We are dedicated to per-sonalize the learning process for all. We are currently in the first year, and we have many components necessary to create an aware-ness of our plan. Our adult learners, teach-ers and administrators are reading, meeting, discussing and attending conferences to col-laborate with other districts who are further along on the journey to customized, person-alized learning for all. We are learning from them and planning just how South Western can customize our educational process.

Another event that took place this year that helps us to customize is the distribution of laptops for all high school students. Our high school teachers are learning and research-ing more ways to integrate the technology to make the learning more customized. The tech-nology is a tool that will help us on our journey.

School year 2015-16 will bring a distribu-

Slow Ride... Take it EasyDr. Barbara Rupp

Lori Rhodes, district child accounting coordi-nator and transportation technician was recently awarded the Attendance Child Accounting Profes-sional Association Merit Award.

The A/CAPA is a pro-fessional organization which facilitates the distribution of critical in-formation related to the field of child account-ing by working closely with the PA Depart-ment of Education, the PA Auditor Generals

Mrs. Lori Rhodes Wins A/CAPA Award

Summer Reading Program to Engage Readers

Office and other related agencies.Mrs. Rhodes donated the $1,000 prize

from the award to Olivias House in Hanover.Congratulations!

As a change from previous summers, where only certain students would be invited to attend in Camp-Learn-A-Lot, all South Western School District elementary stu-dents are being encouraged to participate in the districts new summer reading program.

The goal of the program is for students to read books of their choosing throughout the summer. Reading research shows that many

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tion of laptops to our 7th and 8th graders. Our middle school teachers, just like our high school teachers, are ready to integrate the technology into the learning process. Hav-ing our secondary students using computers will enable them to begin to learn in a vari-ety of ways and will motivate and excite their learning. The plan continues through the next few years for distribution of computers throughout the elementary schools.

Our vision also states about voice and choice for our learners, which is particu-larly exciting. When our learners have more voice and choice to customize their own learning, we are confident that we will see more self-direction and more motivation to learn. We want them to love to learn. Be-ing a life-long learner, confident to take on change and risk-taking, will be the skills that will help to ensure their long term success, long after they have graduated from South Western High School.

Slow Ride...Continued From Cover

WE are a team! If you have been a parent in this district for some time, I am sure that you have heard this. We need you and you need us as we both share one common goal - to do the very best for your child and strive for success.

Because we value the opportunities that we have to work alongside of parents, we want to show our gratitude by naming May - Parent Appreciation Month.

We have so many reasons why we ap-preciate you, but most of all you continue to meet our expectations.

Expectation #1 - Making sure that your children get to school and get there on time. The attendance rates of our schools are terrific. We are sharing our most recent monthly attendance here.

Elementary - 96.0%EHMIS - 95.6%High school - 94.2%

We thank you for obtaining and fol-lowing our policy on educational trips.

Thank you for promptly signing and sending in the absentee notes. And a thank you for returning our phone calls about at-tendance and/or tardy issues. We strive to return phone calls to you within a 24 hour period and we appreciate that so many of you do the same thing.

Expectation #2 - Collaborating with

the teacher/principal when academic or behavior issues arise. Every day, every teacher wants every student to be suc-cessful and have a super day. Our teach-ers do their very best to make that hap-pen. They meet regularly to share data and to strive to personalize the instruc-tion. When students struggle, due to aca-demic or behavior concerns, they con-tact you. We appreciate that you call us back, listen to our concerns, and help to formulate plans. Sometimes, they require you to have your child spend more qual-ity time on homework or to meet with the teacher. Sometimes, the principal needs to call you and suggest a meeting with him/her or a team of teachers dedicated to your childs success; and you accom-modate our request.

Expectation #3 - Setting high ex-pectations. We thank you for those pep talks that you have with your children which helps them through the day, and thanks for the sharing that goes on when your children get home as you discuss the school day happenings with them. Thanks for the encouragement that you give to your childs future plans as they move through our system. WE strive to provide parent meetings about courses, schedules, and special topics. The high expectations that you set for your chil-dren enable our teachers to provide a rigorous and relevant education.

WE are a team and we sincerely ap-preciate the work that you do to send us such amazing children each day.

May is Parent Appreciation Month

Invitation to Parents to Show Our AppreciationWe are proud of our parents

and want to show our genuine appreciation, so we are inviting you to cookies and coffee at all of our schools. Please take this opportunity to come in, chat with the principal, and learn some things that may be in store as we work towards our district vision.

The schedule is not designed for you to stay the entire time. Please feel free to stop in for just 5 minutes, or longer if you like.

EHMIS May 11 9-11 AM and 6-7 PM

High School May 12 9-11 AM and 6-7 PM

Baresville June 1 9-11 AM and 6-7 PM

Manheim June 1 9-11 AM and 6-7 PM

Park Hills June 1 9-11 AM and 6-7 PM

West Manheim June 1 9-11 AM and 6-7 PM

School Board meetings are conducted at 7:00 PM on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Administrative conference Room, unless otherwise announced. Residents are invited to attend. Requests to formally address the Board should be made in writing to the Superintendents office ten days in advance of public meetings.

School Board Meetings

Friday, June 57 PM in the stadium

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Elementary Schools: Heather R. Cole, Grade 1 - Baresville (Finalist) Shannon K. Resh, Librarian - Park Hills (Finalist) Lindsey J. Shirey, Grade 3 - Park Hills

Intermediate School: Robert E. Housch, Social Studies - Grade 8 (Finalist) Stephanie A. Klansek, Language Arts - Grade 7 (Finalist) Melissa J. Wilson, Gifted Support

High School: Jill C. Lenick, English (Finalist) Tammy L. Fritz, Learning Support (Finalist) Nathan W. James, Technology Education (Finalist) Jeffrey R. Myrdal, Technology Education

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. - William A. Ward

At South Western, our teachers are not only facilitators of learning, but lifelong partners in their students lives. learning is personal, which involves getting to know the child as a student, but even more so getting to know them as an individual, an individual whose life will have an impact on not only ones family, but the community and society as a whole. Together, the teacher and student learn what matters most to them.

According to the Queensland college of Teachers (2015), A teacher is a person who delivers an educational program, assesses student participation in an educational program, and/or administers or provides consistent and substantial leadership to an education program. At South Western, our teachers meet this criteria and much more. They are teacher leaders who are dedicated to their profession. South Western applauds and celebrates our Teachers of the Year!

Mrs. Cole is the current grade level leader for 1st grade and in that role participates in many district committees, such as the spell-ing and scheduling committees. She is pas-sionate about teaching first graders and proud to be a member of the district.

Mr. Robert HouschSocial Studies - EHMIS

Mr. Robert Housch establishes a consistent environment in his classroom. Students know what they are going to do when they arrive and it is rare that they will sit at one spot in the classroom for more than a few minutes, as he plans a minimum of five different activities for his students to

Mrs. Heather ColeFirst Grade - Baresville

Mrs. Heather Cole is a risk-taker with a philosophy of Dont teach as youve always taught. She embraces new ideas and looks for ways to improve the learning experience for students. She believes in standing up for what is right for students, while still maintain-ing the attitude of being a positive penny.

Heather incorporates student-centered learning stations to encourage and motivate students and fosters and facilitates a posi-tive classroom climate where students feel a sense of belonging, power and choice. She commits to evaluating the effectiveness of her teaching and finding new and innovative ways to encourage her students to become life-long learners.

Teachers Year2014-2015

of the

Mrs. Heather Cole

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do each day. Students get up and move around in his class and they go outside as often as the weather allows. Anytime Mr. Housch takes them outside its to find something to relate to what is being learned in the classroom. If they are talking about the pioneers, he can show them the Appalachian Mountains. He can show them how large an acre is, or how large a typical family farm of 40 acres might look. Students can recreate the battles of Bunker Hill, or Cowpens, or Little Round Top, and use their imaginations and pretend theyre on the same spot, instead of just telling them. This helps the students better understand why things happened. Its not just this happened.

Mr. Houschs students play many games and sing many songs in the classroom to learn about different aspects of history. His students memorize these songs and sing them outside of class. Students come back years later and tell him that they still know some of the songs!

Every time students ask Mr. Housch if he likes his job, he tells them, This is the best job in the world. And he means it. This is not his first career. Hes had other jobs and they were good. But this is still the best one. When a visitor to the Gettysburg Battlefield on one of his tours asks him what he does for a living, he tells them he has the two best jobs in the world: teaching history, both as a classroom teacher and as a Licensed Battle-field Guide.

Mrs. Jill LenickEnglish - High School

Over the past 11 years, Mrs. Jill Lenick has helped lead her students to success through a variety of innovative teaching practices. She incorporates rig-orous assignments throughout every one of her courses and teaches all levels of students how to push themselves past their own preconceived limits, both in the classroom and on

the track. She embraces the use of technology and is flexible enough to allow her students to demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways.

Mrs. Lenick consistently displays a posi-tive attitude. Although she is often faced with new struggles, she is known for beginning each day as an opportunity for a fresh start with limitless possibilities. She advocates for what is best for all students because she knows that our students are what make South Western such a special place.

During her time here, Jill has served on many committees such as the Vision and Mission Committee, the Advisory Commit-tee, the Grading and Assessment Committee, and the Rigor and Relevance committee. Jill currently serves as the English Department Chair, a Curriculum Leader, and a member of the Student Assistance Team.

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childrens reading abilities decline between the end of one school year and the begin-ning of the next. Children can stop this sum-mer slump by reading as few as five books over the summer, or for 15-20 minutes each day. Summer break is a marvelous time for readers to explore topics and books of their own interest.

To help make this opportunity fun and engaging, the elementary schools PTOs and

South Western has a bevy of avid readers across our elementary schools

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Mr. Robert Bobby Housch

Mrs. Jill Lenick

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Maya Fornaro, 13, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Fornaro, was one of the finalists in the 18th Annual National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition held from March 25th through March 27th in Providence, Rhode Island. This juried exhibition had over 1,000 entries from across the United States. Mayas ce-ramic piece entitled Adventures in Mother Nature was recognized in the top 150 se-lected by the juror. Maya won two addi-tional awards at the exhibition. Adventures in Mother Nature received an Honorable Mention Award and a Potters Council Mid-dle School Award. Maya is an eighth grade student of Miss Jacqueline Iannuzzi, an art teacher at EHMIS.

EHMIS Student Wins National Ceramic Award

New Leadership at Park Hills Elementary

Recently, Mr. Eric Seibel joined the dis-tricts administration team when he became principal at Park Hills. The Mustang Round-up took a moment to speak with Eric about his new role.What is your previous educational background?

I attended Kindergarten through 12th grade at South Western and graduated in

Jean McGuigan has been a dedicated volunteer at Baresvile for the past four years. Affectionately known as Grandma Jean, she can be found at Baresville everyday providing support to teachers and students.

play at school, is critical to the success of our students! In addition to the great help provided for our school community, it is also a great way to show the volunteers children that par-ents take an interest in their education, and it sends a positive message that as a parent, you consider school a worthwhile cause. Parent volunteers offer a huge resource and support base for our school community. We thank all of our volunteers for this support and look for-ward to continuing such an important home-school partnership.

Parent VolunteersMaking Connections with Students

parentS

PTAs will be holding Spring Book Fairs at each school throughout May. In partnership with Guthrie Memorial Library in downtown Hanover, students can earn prizes for log-ging in a certain amount of minutes through-out the summer. Mid-summer, the district will hold a book swap and swim, so students can trade in read books for new-to-them texts. There will be open library nights each month throughout the summer at all district libraries. Another new element is an on-line summer reading resource hub and teachers who will chat with their students in person and virtually. Details will be shared with all students closer to the end of the school year.

This new initiative is an excellent oppor-tunity for all elementary students to choose books that interest and excite them.

At South Western School District, we pride ourselves in always having a positive relationship between our students home and school. This valued partnership has been enhanced over the years by our many parent volunteers across the elementary schools. Our parent volunteers may come to school to support the classroom on a weekly basis, may help with clerical duties, and may even support our students by at-tending field trips. The importance of our parent volunteers, no matter what role they

West Manheim parents volunteer in many areas of our building. Parents often work individually with students to help monitor and assess math facts.

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have a typical day. On most days, I can be found in the classrooms, at lunch and at re-cess with the students. On occasion you will find me in meetings with staff, teachers, and parents. Sometimes you will find me in my office completing paperwork, making phone calls or e-mailing. Overall, there is noth-ing better than being with the students and watching them learn from their teachers.

Mr. Eric Seibel

1995. I have many fond memories as a stu-dent who went through the district.

I have a degree in Elementary Education from Shippensburg along with a Masters degree in Educational Administration from McDaniel College. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate of Education through Immacu-lata University. I had 7-1/2 years experience as an Assistant Principal at the elementary level within the Central York School District.

What are your new responsibilities?Many of my responsibilities are the

same from my previous position. I will con-tinue to be an effective instructional leader in the areas of curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Describe a typical day for you as SWSD.I would have to say that I dont usually

Mrs. Jana Bonds participating in the Texas workshop

Mrs. Amy Kauffman

Many South Western teachers, admin-istrators, and other educators participate in professional organizations, are involved in outside student organizations, present at state and national conferences, etc. The fol-lowing examples are just two of the many ways EHMIS teachers are giving back to the greater educational community.

Jana Bonds, Technology Education Teach-er at EHMIS, recently traveled to San Anto-nio, Texas, to participate in the revision of the national standards for Technology Education, and to help develop and revise project-based assessments that align to these standards. Mrs. Bonds has been an active participant in the Technology and Engineering Educa-tion Association at the state level for several years, and now has had the opportunity to be-come involved at the national level.

Amy Kauffman, Student Achievement Specialist at EHMIS, has been selected to serve as a counselor for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program in Wash-ington, DC this May. Ms. Kauffman will be working with students who are honorees for this award by leading activities and facilitat-ing a project sharing exercise with the hon-orees. Ms. Kauffman has been an EHMIS Student Council Advisor and has been highly involved with Student Council activities at the state level, leading to her nomination to be a counselor for this prestigious program.

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Getting Ready for the Big Day - June 5, 2015!

Several EHMIS Faculty Members Work to Improve Education Beyond South Western School District

Every year, our maintenance department works to prepare the Mustang Corral stadium for senior graduation. These unsung heroes put together the seating for seniors, clean the stands for attendees and make sure the grounds are ready for the big day!

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Taylor Berman, a high school student at South Western provides advice to Baresville Elementary students during homework club.

High school students Kalya Hoff and Megan Barnes assist Baresville Elemen-tary students during Homework Club which runs twice a week after school.

Our high school students have been very busy making big things happen this 2014-2015 school year. Heres a breakdown of some of their more notable achievements:

Regional Band & State Band Zach Donovan

District Orchestra Will Cosgrove

District Chorus Zach Donovan

Derek Herbison

Regional Chorus & State Chorus Derek Herbison Mustang Wrestling

The South Western wrestling team had a great season this year by accom-plishing many goals. The team finished with a 17-6 overall record. The team be-came outright league champions. They also won the district 3 section 5 team champions by qualifying 7 wrestlers for districts. The last time the team won the sectional championship was 1996. In the district team tournament, South Western was one win away from quali-fying for the AAA State wrestling tourna-ment. For many South Western wrestlers, the season was not over after the team tournament. Seven wrestlers placed in the top 3 of their weight class to qualify for the District 3 individual tournament. Three out of the seven wrestlers placed at districts to move on to the state tournament. In the AAA state tournament, South Western was represented well by placing 2 wrestlers. Wrestling will always be a tradition here at South Western and this years team is one to remember.

Band & OrchestraThe following students from the

districts high school music program rose all the way to state level and regional level competitions:

District Band Zach Donovan

Zach Michali

James Keating

Amanda Smith

National Art Honor SocietyKaia Adams, Leah Brumgard, and Anais

Pichardo (members of the National Art Honor Society, as well as South Western Art Department) completed a 16x4 ft. mural to commemorate members of the service com-munity in Hanover and the surrounding area. It was commissioned by Mike Cooper, owner of South Hanover Automotive. It will hang in their 2nd facility on Frederick street.

Speech and Debate Tournament at Susque-hanna University. Twelve SWSD students competed in the tournament with seven of them qualifying to advancing rounds. In Ex-temporaneous Commentary Danny Zalewski placed ninth in PA. In Parliamentary Debate, the high school had the distinction of having the top two parliamentary debate teams in the state. The final round between the two South Western teams was a 3 to 2 decision by the judges. The team of John Wolfgang, Noah Yeagley, and Wyatt Zepp placed sec-ond, and the team of Dillon Duttera, Seth Daugherty, and Mark Weiss placed first.

Debate TeamIn March, members of the districts Speech

and Debate Team competed at the PA State

Big Kids Lead the Way at Baresville

The Hits Keep Comin at the High School

The South Western School District complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Public Law 90-202 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or physical handicap. Any questions concerning South Western School Districts programs and policies should be addressed to: Administration Office, 225 Bowman Road, Hanover, PA 17331, 717-632-2500.

South Western School District225 Bowman RoadHANOVER, PA 17331

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Hanover, PA

Mission Statement The South Western School District is dedicated to providing a continually improving educational environment, through a cooperative effort with the family and the entire community, in which all students are encour-aged and expected to achieve their full potential, to express themselves clearly, to

think reflectively, and to interact responsibly in preparation for lifelong personal growth.

Adopted by the Board of School Directors October 24, 1990: Revised March 25, 2002

May 25All Schools Closed, Memorial Day Holiday

May 27School Board Meeting, 7 PM

June 3Early Dismissal (K-11)

June 4Last Day of School, Early Dismissal (K-11)

June 5Last Day of School,1/2 Day (Grade 12)Graduation, 7 PM

June 24School Board Meeting, 7 PM

July 15School Board Meeting, 7 PM

August 25First Day of 2015-2016School Year for Grades K-5 and Grade 6 & 9

August 26First Day of 2015-2016School Year - All Students Attend

Note

The South Western Alumni Associations 19th Annual Golf Tourna-ment will be held Friday, June 26th at South Hills Golf Course in Hanover. The event features a 4-Person Scramble Format.

Shotgun start for the Tournament is at 12 PM. The entry fee of $75 per person includes greens fee, cart, tournament gifts, beverages, snacks, after-tournament meal, free range balls and lots of prizes! Anyone inter-ested in participating should register as soon as possible with Pat Loss at 717-637-0528.

Sponsors and volunteers are needed as well. A $60 sponsorship provides advertising at the tee or green and an ad in the Tournament program. Volunteers can spend the day in the sun (or shade) helping the tournament run smoothly. For more information, contact Pat Loss at

717-637-0528, or ploss64@comcast.net.

Join us Fore the SWAA Golf Tournament!

Look for the South Western School District Calendar on our site at:swsd.k12.pa.us/SW_calendar2.htm

Thursday, May 21 Registration begins online at www.yorklibraries.org/hero

Saturday, May 30 Registration begins at the library Kick-Off Event @ Dover Community

Building (next to Dover Library) in Dover. Featuring: Steven Courtney, Changing Faces 4 Fun and more!

For more information, call the library at 717-632-5183, or visitwww.yorklibraries.org/hero.

All programs are free of charge.

York County Libraries Summer Reading Club & GO York! Physical Activity Program