Financial Update 2

Opening Day 3

New Staff 4

Years of Service 4

Retirees 5

Outstanding Staff 5-9

Fall Sports 9

Transportation 10

Pre-School Program 10

Food Service 11

Thunderbolt Foundation 11

Curriculum & Technology 12

Rolling Acres PTO 13

MAMS News 14-15

LHS News 16-18

Donations 18

FFA Fruit & Poinsettia Sale 19

2016-17 Calendar 20

THE BOLT PRIDE F A L L 2 0 1 6 V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 1

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

C L I C K O N T H E T O P I C O R P A G E

N U M B E R

A Publication of the Littlestown Area School District 162 Newark Street Littlestown, PA 17340

www.lasd.k12.pa.us

T he school year is up and running smoothly thanks to the wonderful staff and families of Littlestown Area School District. We have embarked upon many changes you are beginning to see come to fruition. The community, school

board, and staff continue to support improvements to the facilities. We are seeing lots of construction at Alloway Creek with completion of the building project by Au-gust 7th, 2017. A special thank you to the 4th and 5th grade students and families for being displaced out of Alloway Creek during construction. The summer heat that con-tinued into the start of school was a great reminder of why we are upgrading facilities. The Alloway Creek bids came in under budget by approximately $660,000 allowing us to realize the extra-curricular improvements ahead of us. The athletic committee and the school board are in the process of reviewing drawings and ideas from the archi-tects. At this point, with Rolling Acres being removed in the fall of 2017, we are de-signing options. All options include an improved stadium with bathrooms, bleachers and concessions as well as baseball, softball, and soccer facilities. We anticipate com-pletion of an approved project by the fall of 2018. We are diligently working to max-imize our space and our dollars to build something we all will support and afford. The middle school classrooms have been transformed! The middle school redesigned the student experience starting this school year. Thanks to the staff at MAMS and the administration, all students in the middle school have access to a device that is used throughout the day. I now see the students working much harder, and I hear teachers trying innovative approaches to learning. When you look at classrooms in the middle school you will not see straight rows and desks. You will see collaboration spaces and groups of students working together. Something we need to see more of in the world today.

Thank you all for your continued support in making Littlestown School District Fly World Class. Our vision is to empower learners to pursue their passions and have all classrooms reflect that vision by 2020. We still have much work to do in the district surrounding teaching and learning. We are committed to our Goals!

District Goals

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L I T T L E S T O W N A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

LASD Financial Update-Bond, 2015-16, and Beyond

2015 Bond

July 2016, the District took out $14 million in new bond money, along with refinancing the 2007 bond, for a new High School Roof, Alloway Creek Project, and Athletic Field Project. The yearly net bond payment amount for the district re-mained the same as in prior years. The payment was able to remain the same by refinancing the 2007 bond and extend-ing the years of the loan. More than a year later, the District continues to make decisions on how the $14 million is to be spent.

The High School Roof project was completed in December 2015. The project involved replacing the original 1962 roof over the auditorium and old gym. The project ended up under budget by $20,000.

In August, the board asked for bids from vendors for the Alloway Creek Project. The bids for general contractor, HVAC, plumbing, and electric came back $660K under budget in total. The next phase is to tackle the Athletic Project.

2015-2016

The 2015-2016 budget presented many challenges; State budget impasse, cyber school, unfunded state mandates. In June 2015, the final budget for 2015-2016 represented a $322,806 deficit. Over the course of 2015-2016, the district made improvements and changes to help reduce the deficit. A few of the changes that occurred were bringing students in from for profit cyber schools to our own Lincoln Edge cyber school, adjusting our insurance stop-loss, and staff reduc-tion (not replacing two administrations and one elementary teacher). With these changes and others, revenues look to match expenditures for the year. This is great news considering our budget was showing a $322.806 deficit. Finances are still being audited.

2016-2017 and Beyond

The District is still working hard to improve efficiencies for the current year and beyond. For 2016-2017, the District ne-gotiated a new Qualified High Deductible Health Plan (QHDHP) with a health savings plan (HSA) for teachers and adminis-trators. The QHDHP comes with lower premiums for the District. Transportation purchased five vans to transport special education students. There were significant savings from moving special education transportation in-house. From the savings, the District was able to purchase a new bus this year. Also, the District did not replace five teachers, due to de-clining enrollment.

In future years, the District plans to see savings from consolidating from four buildings to three buildings, through the Alloway Creek Project. There will be less square footage for utilities.

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T he Opening Day for employees was August 22nd at Rolling Acres Elementary School with a special tribute to the last year of school in the building. The day started with breakfast provided

by Sheetz for all employees followed by a welcome message by Mrs. Nester, School Board President. The Opening Day Ceremony included Mr.

Bigger’s message on the district’s goals and vision with a surprise “mob” song with changed lyrics to “Take a Chance and See”. Guest speakers included former Rolling Acres Principals who commented about their past experiences at Rolling Acres. The outstanding staff awards were presented and years of service staff and retirees were recognized. Walking tours of Rolling Acres for all staff and retirees was immediately following the ceremony. Lunch was provided by Lincoln Financial and in the afternoon professional develop-ment was in each building for staff. A great kick-off to the school year!

Opening Day

2016-2017

Employees - Remember to update your Information

Have you had any life changes recently? Marriage? Baby? Move? If so, please remember to update your information in the Employee Portal. Any beneficiary changes should be made to Donna Poist for life insurance and PSERS for retire-ment.

L-R: Bryant Meckley, Jack Bream, Ellen Baum-gardner, John Wagner, and Thom Leib.

Former RA Principals, Dr. Carolyn Rhodes and Mr. Larry Ott

Mrs. Dolores Nester, School Board President

Mr. Jack Bream, former MA Principal

Mr. Bill Shoemaker, former RA Principal

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P lease join us in welcoming our new employees starting in

the 2016-2017 school year. Picture Not Shown: Patricia Tucker, P/T Personal Care Aide

New Staff

Congratulations to our Years of Service Employees who continue

to show their dedication to LASD!

Years of Service

Nicholas Liberty MA Math/Science Teacher

Paul Thom HS Tech & Engineer Teacher

Mariah Becker HS English Teacher

Michael Rudy HS Math Teacher

Gina Moore Regular Route Bus Driver

Cindy Breighner Regular Route Van Driver

Kayrne Hogan Healthcare Technician

5 Years of Service

10 Years of Service 15 Years of Service

20 Years of Service

25 Years of Service

30 Years of Service

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10 Years of Service 15 Years of Service

20 Years of Service

25 Years of Service 30 Years of Service

5 Years of Service

Mariah Becker HS English Teacher

Outstanding Staff Winners for the 2015-2016 School Year

T his is our third year of the Outstanding Staff Recognition Program at LASD. The program has been a huge success in getting the community and the employees involved in nominating staff and recognizing the outstanding employees we have at Littlestown Area School District. We are proud to recognize these winners to you!

High School Attended: Cumberland Valley High School College Attended: University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown; Secondary Education: Physics First Job: Customer Service Associate at Circuit City Started at LASD: Started in 2007 – 2008 school year. I have taught mathematics, computer science, and physics while I have been here. Extra Assignments: Class Advisor Hobbies: Reading, board games, cooking Favorite Part of Job: Interacting with students and seeing them grow from freshmen to senior year. Your Hero: My father Pet Peeves: Political commercials Favorite Spot on Earth: Hockey Hall of Fame – Toronto, Canada Bad Habits: Procrastination What Skill or Lesson Would You Like to Learn: Woodworking Favorite Reading/Author: “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” – Douglas Adams

Getting to Know Jonathan Peterson Physics/Computer Science, High School Level Award

BEST WISHES TO OUR RETIREES!!!

Diane Bair Elementary Teacher 35 Yrs.

Betsy Bein Reading Specialist 13 Yrs.

Linda Cassell Custodian 4 Yrs.

Kit Curlen 6th Grade Reading Teacher 37 Yrs.

Thomas Leib Graphic Arts Teacher 34 Yrs.

Brenda Placke Reading Specialist 37 Yrs.

Joyce Ridinger Cafeteria Worker 17 Yrs.

Rebecca Shultz 7th Grade Comm Arts Teach-er

31 Yrs.

Patrice Smith High School English Teacher 30 Yrs.

Barbara Weaver Secretary at Maple Avenue 32 Yrs.

L-R: Thom Leib, Betsy Bein, Kit Curlen, Patrice Smith

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L I T T L E S T O W N A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

High School Attended: Gettysburg Area High School College Attended: York College, Elementary Education Major First Job: I spent my first working summer burning hot pretzels in the snack shack at the Lake Heritage pool. Started at LASD: I started subbing at MAMS at the end of the 2005/2006 school year, and started teaching 6th grade Reading the following year. Extra Assignments: I’ve coached volleyball at each level, spent a few years as student council advisor, strategy club advisor, creative writing club advisor, school newspaper advisor, and Friends of Luke advisor. Hobbies: Fantasy Football is the hobby that takes up most of my time. Music is a big part of my life and it often inspires projects for me to set up during classes. Favorite Part of Job: As a student, I always loved Show and Tell. Now that I’m a teacher, it is like I get to be the one leading Show and Tell everyday. Your Hero: Growing up, Lou Gehrig was my hero, because I loved the movie, Pride of the Yankees. Now my parents are my heroes, because I understand how perfectly they have handled so many difficult decisions. Pet Peeves: My biggest pet peeve is when people overuse phrases that don’t really mean anything like; “It is what it is” or “I’m not gonna lie…” Piece of Advice you Live by: Never burn a bridge. Favorite Spot on Earth: The pier at Lake Heritage Bad Habits: I’m amazing at all of my habits. What Skill or Lesson Would You Like to Learn: How to grill the perfect steak. Trait inherited from Parents: Passion for video games First Memory: The doctor saying “It’s a boy” Five minutes with: Mandy Moore Favorite Reading/Author: John Green What would people find surprising about you? People who know me aren’t surprised by anything anymore.

High School Attended: South Western High School College Attended: Kutztown University, BS in Special Ed/Elementary Ed First Job: Order taker at McDonalds Started at LASD: I started in January 2015 and have been the 5th Grade Learning Support Teacher. Extra Assignments: I am a member of the B.E.S.T. Committee (K-5 behavior program) and a member of the winning “Minute to Win It” Team. Hobbies: Reading, Drawing, Repurposing Furniture

Getting to Know Kennie Crockett 6th Grade Reading Teacher, Middle Level Award

Getting to Know Alice Ruby 5th Grade Learning Support Teacher, Intermediate Level Award

Continued on Page 7

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Getting to Know Nancy Smith 3rd Grade Teacher, Elementary Level Award

High School Attended: Conestoga Senior High School College Attended: Shippensburg University, BS in Elementary Ed and Master of Education with Reading Concentration First Job: Lifeguard, Swim Coach Started at LASD: started as a day to day sub, then 1/2 year of LTS at MAMS and 1/2 year as LTS for 3rd grade. I taught 3rd grade every year since then with the exception of a 3rd-4th looping. Extra Assignments: Volunteered at Bingo Night, Spring Fest, RA Yard Sale, Celebrity Server at McDonalds, Mentor, LEA Representative, and Grade Chair for several years. Hobbies: Being with my family, walking, swimming, gardening, traveling, watching live sports. Favorite Part of Job: building confidence in kids as learners, teaching kids about the importance of working hard in school as it leads to more choic-es in life. Your Hero: My father, he worked his way up from a cargo loader for British Airways to an Airport Manager to the British Airways Quality Con-troller. Pet Peeves: People who find pleasure in making others feel badly. Piece of Advice you Live by: Treat ALL people with kindness. Favorite Spot on Earth: Smith Mountain Lake, Maui Hawaii, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, my home, & anywhere with family. Bad Habits: My three sons would say that I worry too much. What Skill or Lesson Would You Like to Learn: I am always looking for new, better, or more interesting ways for kids to learn. Trait inherited from Parents: Love of family Childhood Memory: I was always outside playing kick-the-can, selling lemonade, catching fireflies, building forts in the driveway in the rain, swimming, biking, playing made-up games, etc. Five minutes with: all new parents to let them know how important it is to read to their babies/children, and spend quality time with them. Favorite Reading/Author: Children’s books of all kinds (Gary Paulsen, Dan Gutman) and Adult books (Marley and Me, Read-er’s Digest, Fitness Magazines, and Newspapers). What would people find surprising about you? I received a scholarship to swim in college. Any other comments you’d like to share: I am very honored to receive this award as we have so many amazing, hard work-ing, caring, and dedicated teachers at Rolling Acres Elementary School.

Getting to Know Alice Ruby - Continued 5th Grade Learning Support Teacher, Intermediate Level Award

Favorite Part of Job: Watching my students go from struggling to success! Pet Peeves: Being Late Piece of Advice you Live by: Start a chain reaction of kindness—Rachel Scott Favorite Spot on Earth: By the lake with a good book Bad Habits: Drinking too much coffee What Skill or Lesson Would You Like to Learn: Crochet Trait inherited from Parents: Musical talent, positive attitude Five minutes with: My grandparents Favorite Reading/Author: Harry Potter/J.K. Rowling What would people find surprising about you? I have an identical twin

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Getting to Know Karen Leppo Head Custodian at Alloway Creek, Support Staff Award

High School Attended: Littlestown High School My first job: when I was about 11 years old, I would clean and make break-fast and lunch for an elderly neighbor on the weekend. When I graduated from school, I started to work for Weikert’s Bakery until it closed. Started at LASD: June 6, 2012. Positions held as Head Custodian at AC, DO, and RA Hobbies: My husband says “cleaning is my hobby”! I also love to go for walks, bike rides, tent camping, fishing, and reading. Favorite Part of Job: : I love the people I work with! I also love the stu-dents, if you just really watch them they are interesting and funny! My great-grandmother would always tell me how funny people are if you would only look.

High School Attended: Littlestown High School College Attended: Took classes at Consolidated School of Business First Job: Littonian Shoe Company Started at LASD: I started at Littlestown School District in 2011. I worked for 2 years as a secretary at Rolling Acres, then transferred to the District Office as Pupil Services Secretary. Hobbies: I like reading, walking, and spending time with family Favorite Part of Job: : I like interacting with staff & parents. I like the variety of things I do in the Pupil Services Department. My position is very fast paced & I find it very rewarding. I continue to grow in this po-sition and learn new things each day. Your Hero: Would definitely be my parents. They raised nine children and instilled great work ethic in all of us. Pet Peeves: When people take things for granted. Piece of Advice you Live by: You can only control two things in life: Your effort & your attitude. Favorite Spot on Earth: The beach Bad Habits: Stressing about things I have no control over.

What Skill or Lesson Would You Like to Learn: I would like to learn Spanish Trait inherited from Parents: Work ethic First Memory: Living near St. Aloysius Catholic Church and the nuns would come out & give my siblings and I candy. Five minutes with: My Dad. He passed away 27 years ago. He didn’t get to see my youngest brother & sister grow up and see the grandchildren. Favorite Reading/Author: Nicholas Sparks What would people find surprising about you? My children would say that I’m obsessed with collecting Angels. I have quite a few all throughout my house. Any other comments you’d like to share: I have been married to Scott for 32 years. I have 3 children, Loni, Brooke & Todd. A son-in-law, Ryan, Grandson Colten & I’m anxiously awaiting another Grandson (Nolan) who will be arriving any day now. Being a grandparent is the best!

Getting to Know Janet Reynolds Secretary to Pupil Services, Support Staff Award

Continued on Page 9

V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 1 P A G E 9

The Fall Sports Season is in full swing. Our varsity teams’ records as of 9/28/2016 are as follows:

Boys Cross Country 2-2 Girls Cross Country 0-4

Field Hockey 7-2-1 Football 4-0

Boys Soccer 1-10 Girls Soccer 4-6-1 Girls Tennis 1-9-1

Volleyball 5-4 We have had numerous highlights this fall that should have our teams feeling very proud. The Girls Soccer team won the Harrisburg Christian Tournament on September 24th, beating Susquenita in the 1st round and then picking up the win in the Championship game against Harrisburg Christian in thrilling fashion - a 3-2 win in OVERTIME!

The Football team got a big win in Week 3 over

Eastern York and in doing so gave Coach Lippy

his 100th career win as the Head Football

Coach!!! This is a great accomplishment for

Coach and we are all very proud of and happy

for Coach Lippy. Coach’s record over that span

was 100-50. Thank you Coach Lippy for all you

do for our kids and the community!

Your Hero: My Grandmother, she has a great spirit and determination. Pet Peeves: When someone says they will do something for you and then complain about it afterwards. Piece of Advice you Live by: Colossians 3:23 Favorite Spot on Earth: by a quiet stream What Skill or Lesson Would You Like to Learn: How to use modern technology better. Trait inherited from Parents: Work hard and give an honest day’s work. First Memory: I remember sitting in 1st grade class at RA and seeing the piles of dirt from the additions that was being added to the building. I also remember the big celebrations that occurred in the school during America’s Bicentennial. The cafeteria was decorated with flags and red, white, and blue. What would people find surprising about you? I teach Sunday School.

Getting to Know Karen Leppo—Continued Head Custodian at Alloway Creek

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L I T T L E S T O W N A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

N ational School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers,

motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties - to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. Designed to pro-mote school bus safety, school districts throughout the country observe School Bus Safety Week - held during the third week in October each year.

The Bus Evacuation exercise was completed the week of September 5th for all bus riders, as well as the car riders and walkers for K-5. During the exercise, the bus drivers explained what to do in case of an emergency, to include the use of the two-way radio, how to exit the emergency windows and roof hatch, how to turn the engine off, how to use the fire extinguisher, and the

location of all safety devices. Praise goes out to the students for taking the drill seriously and listening to the bus drivers and administrators.

OPERATION SAFE STOP is a proactive approach to educate the motoring public that passing a stopped school bus, when children are loading or unloading, is both dangerous and illegal. Law enforcement agencies, school transportation provid-ers, pupil transportation associations, and PennDOT have combined their efforts to raise public awareness about the po-tential consequences and reduce the occurrence of illegal bus passes. On Wednesday, October 19th, 2016, the 20th Annu-al Operation Safe Stop will occur.

2016 National School Bus Safety Week: October 17-21, 2016

Substitute Bus Drivers Needed This is a wonderful opportunity for parents

who want to be off work when their children are not in school. Retirees welcome! CDL training provided.

Contact us at 717-359-4146 x1272

A re you looking for a low cost preschool program for your child? The LIU preschool classroom at Rolling Acres is accepting applications for students from the community to attend our program at a minimal charge of $5.00 per day. Our class is made up of special needs preschoolers, but we would like to incorporate typically

developing students to serve as role models in language and play skills for our little ones. We run a structured, fun class and are offering 1-4 days per week; morning or afternoon session. Please contact Missy Arnett at 359-4146, Ext 5219 if you are interested. You are welcome to share this information with families outside of Littlestown School District who may be interested as well.

Pre-School Program Openings

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October Happenings in Food Service!

A “Grab ‘n Go” breakfast is served in all buildings every day at the low cost of $1.25 for grades K-5, $1.35 for grades 6-12, $.30 for those eligible for Reduced Priced meals, and Free to those eligible.

Lunch prices for the 2016-2017 school year are as follows: Grades K-5 $2.65 Grades 6-12 $2.80 Reduced Price Meals are $0.40 at all grade levels

The cafeteria has a meal charge procedure that allows students in all grade levels to charge up to a limit of $15.00. If your child reaches a negative $15.00 balance, they will be given our alternate lunch of cheese sandwich, milk, and fruit/vegetable of their choice. In an effort to keep parents informed about student balances, email notices are generated on the first school day of each week for accounts with negative and low balances.

The week of October 10th is National School Lunch Week. “Show Your Spirit” is the theme and will be pro-moted by encouraging students to purchase school lunch.

October 24th is Apple Crunch Day. The purpose of Apple Crunch Day is to promote the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables daily, with meals and as snacks. Ap-ples, donated by El Vista Orchard in Fairfield, will be dis-tributed to all grade K-8 classrooms. For grades 9-12, cases of apples will be available in the cafeteria for stu-dents who want to snack on them. Littlestown has been participating in Apple Crunch since 2005.

National School Lunch Program Reminders

T he Thunderbolt Foundation, an independent charity organization, is well underway to improve the future of public education in the Little-stown Area School District. The mission of the Thunderbolt Foundation

is to strengthen and support curricular and extra-curricular programs for the students and residents of the Littlestown Area School District.

Come visit our stand at the Giving Spree on Novem-ber 15, 2016 at the Gettysburg Area Middle School and when you make a donation, the Adams County Community Foundation will match it! Any questions on donating details can be di-rected to the Foundation Secretary, Beverly Lang

langb@lasd.k12.pa.us or Treasurer, Michael

Statler statlerm@lasd.k12.pa.us Phone: 717-359-4146

http://thunderboltfoundation.weebly.com/ DONATE…

Because It’s All

About The Kids!

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L I T T L E S T O W N A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

W elcome to the 2016-17 School Year!

LASD is in the second year of a multiyear plan to transform teaching and learning. We are accomplishing this through redesigning the learning experience and infusing technology into learning. Last year we added chromebooks to the K-5 classrooms, iPads to elementary art and music, introduced a new math series and literacy block at the elementary level, opened wifi to students in our secondary schools, and added the position of Technology Integrator to support staff in the in-fusion of technology. This year we have increased bandwidth across our campus to optimize our internet experience, added iPads to elementary health and phys ed, redesigned our middle school experience by adding 450 devices for students--chromebooks in sixth grade, iPad minis in seventh and eighth grade-- and have transformed the library into an updated learning commons space we fondly call the BLOC (Bolt Learning Opportunities Commons). The BLOC includes two recording studios financed through a grant from the Hoffman Trust, six collaboration stations, a new classroom area, and an area for a future makerspace. And yet, it is important that we realize it is not about the device--the ipads, the chromebooks, the mac stations--it’s about the learning. Learning is the driving force, our North Star. Learning is the constant, the foundation of what we do and who we are. However, it is 2016. And in today’s world, technology is ubiquitous, impacting every facet of our lives. From swiping your credit card for a purchase, ordering lunch at a kiosk, or learning how to change the oil in your car by watching a YOUTUBE video, we rely on technology. And so too, our schools must reflect this reality. We must prepare students for this reality. Learning must remain the driver, but it is technology which accelerates the learning. Our district vision is for all learners to be em-powered to pursue their passion. Our goal is to create a learning environment where students can explore, investigate, and discover. Where they can find what they are passionate about and go after it with all of their being. Students must develop the ability to think for themselves, be curious, ask more questions than they pro-vide answers. Life isn’t multiple choice and we need to prepare our students for the journey of life.

Check out this Video from Ashlie Rittle, 5th Grade Teacher at Maple Avenue this year. She will be send-ing out monthly videos highlighting important features on www.commonsensemedia.org. This months’ video features the Family Guides, K-5 Essential Guides. Her video can be viewed HERE.

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R olling Acres PTO would like to thank the community for participating in our fall fundraiser by Joe Corbi. Students exceeded our school goal of selling 1,700 items and will be

rewarded with an ice cream party! Reminder - delivery will take place on October 18th. Please join us this fall for Rolling Acres PTO meetings on October 17, November 19, and December 19 at 6:30 pm in the Rolling Acres Elementary School library. Child Care is provided. The PTO would like to thank everyone who has contributed to raising funds for the playground project! We are getting closer to our goal of raising $100,000 for two new playgrounds that will be installed at Alloway Creek Elementary School when the building construction is near comple-tion in 2017. This summer the Adams County Community Foundation awarded the district with $5,000 for the playground project. Along with the funds RAES PTO has raised and Race For Education we currently have $70,000 in the playground fund. As we move forward with the consolidation project, please know that the Rolling Acres PTO will continue to be the main fund raisers for this project. We hope that you will continue to support our playground fundraising efforts this year so that when the children move to Alloway Creek they will have a fantastic playground to play on! The PTO will continue to keep the community informed about the progress and plans for the playground project as we launch into another successful school year. Again, we thank you for your generous support, and look forward to provid-ing wonderful experiences for the children of our district!

Rolling Acres PTO

O n October 3 and October 12 from 5-7pm several of our very tal-ented and brave Kindergarten – 5th grade teachers and staff will be Celebrity Servers at McDonalds! McDonald’s will donate 20%

of every purchase made to the RAES PTO. Stop by for dinner and a fun evening! You must have a fundraiser night card in order for the PTO to receive credit. Please stop by Rolling Acres or contact the PTO at pto.raes@gmail.com to receive a card.

3rd ANNUAL Rolling Acres Indoor Yard Sale & Vendor Fair Saturday, November 12 th from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Make plans to attend and shop for some great deals or start your holiday shopping at one of the awesome Vendor tables.

Donate your gently used items to the yard sale! We will be accepting donations at… Carnival Building- Locust Street side of the building

October 6, 2016 from 5:30-7:00 pm October 11, 2016 from 5:30-7:00 pm

Rolling Acres Cafeteria- Door # 17 - Park Avenue side of building October 24, 2016 from 5:30-7:00 pm

November 3, 2016 from 5:30- 7:00 pm

We cannot accept air conditioners, TVs, dehumidifiers, knives, computer monitors, or large appliances. Become a Vendor by selling your new products or your own gently used items. For more information or to sign up,

contact pto.raes@gmail.com or Alesia Adams at 359-4146 x5219.

All proceeds from the yard sale will be used to buy new playground equipment! Thank you for supporting the Little Bolts!!

Some of our celebrity servers who participated last year

This is only a representation, not the actual playground equipment

Celebrity Server Night at McDonald’s

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L I T T L E S T O W N A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

Littlestown Educator Selected for PASCD’s 2016 Class of Emerging Leaders

P ASCD, state affiliate of ASCD, the leading international nonprofit educa-tion leadership association, has named Ashlie Rittle, LASD fifth grade teacher to its 2016 class of emerging leaders. The PASCD Emerging

Leaders program recognizes and prepares young, promising educators to influ-ence education programs, policy, and practice at the state level. This year's leaders were invited to apply for the competitive program based on self-nominations and recommendations made by past program participants, current PASCD members, and the greater education community. The leaders are enrolled in the program for two years and may be paired with an PASCD mentor—an Executive Board member, a local region board member, or a cur-rent PASCD Emerging Leader—who will provide support and help guide their development. Rittle is also invited to attend PASCD's 66th Annual Conference held in November 2016, where she will have the chance to grow as a PASCD emerging leader and access new ideas, resources, and best practices from PASCD leaders, presenters, and staff. PASCD emerging leaders have typically been in the profession between 5 and 15 years, have a marked interest in making a positive contribution to education policy and practice, and have invested in professional growth opportunities aimed at im-proving student outcomes. The 2016 class is both professionally and regionally diverse, ranging from classroom teachers and administrators to higher ed faculty and educational consultants. Mrs. Rittle has been teaching in Littlestown for nine years, all in fifth grade. She is currently pursuing an educational admin-istration certificate at Penn State University. She is passionate about teaching and learning which is evident in her class-room every day! We congratulate Mrs. Rittle on being named a PASCD 2016 Emerging Leader!

Photo by Gettysburg Times

MAMS - Our Vison for the BLOC

T he Bolt Learning Opportuni-ties Commons is an area for all learners. The BLOC

serves as a learning zone as well as a space for collaborative gatherings and relaxation. Visitors to the BLOC will discover multimedia production studios, collaboration stations, large group instruction/project areas, ref-erence resources, personal compu-ting devices, and lounge spaces. The Bolt Learning Opportunities Commons strives to support and exemplify Maple Avenue Middle School’s vision that “Maple Avenue students engage in an exploratory,

integrative, and relevant learning experience.” By providing different learning zones, the BLOC is able to support students by providing learn-ing opportunities that focus on col-laboration, critical thinking, creativi-ty, and communication. The BLOC is a place for all learners in the com-munity. The BLOC is designed to support project based learning, which is an instructional strategy that presents students with an open-ended ques-tion. Students pursue the content and apply their learning for an au-thentic purpose. Students are able

to demonstrate their new under-standing in multiple ways. The learning is embedded into a long-term project. When presented with a real-world problem, students are challenged to solve the problem in a relevant and creative way.

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Project Based Learning at MAMS

P roject based learning (PBL) is an instructional strategy that presents students with an open-ended question, they pursue the content, and apply their learning for an authentic purpose. Students may demonstrate their new understandings in a variety of ways. The learning is embedded into a long-term project. When presented

with a real-world problem, students are challenged to solve the problem in a relevant and creative way.

Increases Engagement Students have greater control of their learn-

ing Sense of ownership- pride & responsibility Active learning Authentic investigation 21st Century Skills Communication Collaboration Creativity Critical Thinking Improves Learning Improves understanding Increases motivation Improves retention of content Facilitates application and transfer

Empowering Students with the skills to excel in the 21st century.

Addresses Standards Emphasizes success skills Supports PA Core Standards Allows for real-world application Opportunities for Technology Access to valuable content Promotes creation of content A variety of device options Facilitates collaboration around the world Connects Students Connects students to community & the

world Opportunities to make a difference Address real issues Exposure to career interests Involves parents and the community

WHY PBL?

Pictures of the BLOC at MAMS

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T HE STORY: A darker cousin to Almost, Maine, John Cariani’s LOVE/SICK is a collection of nine slightly twisted and

completely hilarious short plays. Set on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, this 80-minute romp explores the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. Full of imper-fect lovers and dreamers, LOVE/SICK is an unro-mantic comedy for the romantic in everyone.

T his summer I earned the privilege to attend the National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Atlanta, Georgia. I represented the Pennsylvania Future

Business Leaders of America (PA-FBLA) and my local FBLA chapter in the Help Desk competitive event. To my surprise, I placed fourth in the nation in the event. The time I spent at the conference will undoubtedly be a cherished memory for my high school career and the friends that I made are still in contact with me months later. Mrs. Lewis, one of our FBLA advisors, travelled with me and I want to thank her for spend-ing a part of her summer with our state delegation. Notably during my time in Atlanta, I enjoyed seeing the Coca-Cola World exhibition that displayed the various Coke products from around the world. Although many were similar to the American versions some were unique and very exotic to the soda I am used to. The learning aspect of the trip lended itself nicely to my future aspirations to be a political scientist. Walking through the Center for Civil and Human Rights was as humbling as it was informative. From Martin Luther King Jr. to Gandhi, the history of inhumane treatment and strife against oppression is displayed in a marvelous fashion, showing both the good and the bad of our species. Additionally the din-ing options and lodgings rounded out a great trip.

I was surrounded by motivated and intelligent young leaders from across the nation. The diverse makeup of FBLA makes the conference truly an experience for someone who hasn't been to many American states. Many delegations like Mary-land, Kansas, Washington, and Massachusetts all shared a hotel with the Pennsylvania delegation. As a result, the interac-tions we had on a daily basis were with a wide array of cultures from across the United States, providing a large insight into the broad conglomeration of our nation. The workshops I attended provided me the opportunity to grow and net-work. Professionally, I cherish the educational experience I garnered from top executives and presenters from successful companies across the globe. The connections I gained during the National Leadership Conference will surely assist me in my collegiate and professional endeavors. The week in June that I spent at the NLC was a time that I truly valued. The feeling of placing fourth in the nation in my event is invigorating as I push towards my college career and through my senior year. The Littlestown FBLA Chapter can provide the same opportunities to others if they participate and work to fulfill their potential. I want to thank Mr. Staub, Mrs. Lewis, and the officer team for making Littlestown FBLA into the successful professional platform it is today. Their dedication has allowed us to become one of the most successful chapters in our region and provide delegates to the NLC for the past four consecutive years, an accomplishment that I am proud to have participated.

An Experience Not to be Forgotten By J.E.B. Myers, LHS Senior, Chapter Reporter

T H E B O L T P R I D E

December 1, 2, & 3 at 7:30 pm Saturday Matinee, December 3 at 2:00 pm General Admission Tickets—$5 at the door!

LHS Auditorium

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We are Looking for our LASD Alumni!

If you are an alumni of the Littlestown Area School District, please take a

moment to email Bev Lang at langb@lasd.k12.pa.us or call 717-359-

4146 X1250 to give updated infor-mation and add you to our mailing list.

ATTENTION ALUMNI

O n April 20, students from the Social Studies Club and the AP US History classes went on a field trip with Mrs.

Floess and Mrs. Tschida to Harpers Ferry National Historic Park in West Virginia. To start the day, we went on a

guided walking tour with Ranger Lisa. She told us stories from Harpers Ferry’s 250 years of history—we learned

some really cool facts. For instance, did you know Harpers Ferry was a town for 100 years BEFORE John Brown led his raid

there? Or that the first US meeting of the Niagara Movement—

forerunner of the NAACP—was at Storer College in Harpers Ferry?

After the tour we ate lunch at a nice little sidewalk café. Then Ranger

Jimmy led us on a hiking tour--we saw some amazing views as Harpers

Ferry is nestled between the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers and built

into the hillsides. The land was surveyed in the 1750s by a young

George Washington

because his family

owned much of it. In

fact, one of his great-

great-great-great-

great nephews (92

years old) STILL owns some of it! We hiked through the woods and up to

Jefferson’s Rock (yes, named after Thomas Jefferson who visited there) for

a spectacular view. Overall, the day was awesome and we all gained great

knowledge of the history of Harpers Ferry.

SS Club’s Spring Field Trip (by Angelica Kolb, LHS Senior, SS Club Historian)

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L I T T L E S T O W N A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

LHS Ag Construction Class Project

Are you in need of a custom made shed? Help support the LHS Ag Construction class by buying your shed from us!

T he Agriculture Construction Students this past year built three storage sheds. The sheds are 8’ x 12’, have vinyl siding and are for sale for $1,800. Stu-

dents learned basic residential construction by building the floor, walls, rafters, roof, doors, and then installing vinyl siding on the sheds. If interested, please contact Mr. Brant for more details. 359-4146 ext 2274 or by email at brantj@lasd.k12.pa.us

On behalf of Donald E. Elder, Dr. Jackie Murren recently presented a donation for $2,000.00 to the Social Studies Department at the high school in memory of Donald’s grandmother and mother of Jackie, Ruth W. Elder, who taught at the Little-stown High School. L-R: Jill Gauthier, senior at LHS; Jackie Murren, retired from LASD; Micaela Floess, Social Studies and French Teacher at LHS; Lexi Little, Senior at LHS; Ashley Coleman, Department Chair and So-cial Studies Teacher at LHS; and Isabella Haifley, Sophomore at LHS

The Rotary Club of Littlestown donated school supplies for students in LASD. L-R: Steve McMaster, Guidance Department; Wendy Quinley, Rotary Club; Doug Hartlaub, Guidance Department.

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Complete the Order Form Here and return by November 11th

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T H E B O L T P R I D E