The cold-damp weather did not slow the Elementary Running Mustangs’ two-mile run this weekend. Early Saturday morning, more than 40 elementary students participated in a timed “long run“ at Boyce Park. Coaches, teachers, parents, and high school students were on hand to support our young athletes.

This newly initiated eight-week program includes over 120 students in 3^rd through 6^th grade and a host of volunteers. Distance running not only strengthens the heart and body, it also improves self-esteem and mental toughness. Our unique program melds adult mentorship and athlete comradery into a program suitable for athletes of all ability levels. Running mentors instruct students on how to run long distances and pace runs, safely push physical limits, and set attainable goals. Proper breathing techniques, safe road running, and race efficiencies are reinforced during runs. Our young athletes compete against the clock and encourage teammates to do their best.

This program would not be possible without our teacher and parent volunteers; thank you for your selfless dedication.

I would like to thank the teachers and students who volunteered their time to make this education event special.

On Friday and Saturday of last week our high school Robotics Club defended their Grand Champion title in the South Western PA BOTS-IQ competition. I attended the event and was able to see both of our Bots compete. Both Still N’ Shock II and Still N’ Tact were impressive. Not just in the power and speed to which they functioned, but in the detail and precision of their construction. Using physical science and electronic principles, pneumatics, 3D modeling and durable materials such as extruded aluminum, titanium, and high-density plastics these robots were meticulously built from scratch. Our students manufactured these complex machines from raw materials and original ideas. Although we did not retain our title, our students didn’t come home empty handed, Still N Shock II won coolest Bot.

As a guest in “the pits”, I was able to watch our students problem solve, work collaboratively, participate as a unit, and trouble shoot systems. I was extremely impressed with the manner in which they represented the Plum Borough School District. It is no secret that Plum High School is Pennsylvania’s perennial powerhouse of extreme robot combat. Many of the local school districts that struggled to achieve functioning Bots looked to our students for guidance, solutions, and even spare parts. Our students were eager to help competitors, a rarity in any competitive event and a testament to their sportsmanship.

I am exceptionally proud of this program and our students. Any student interested in participation should stop in to see the club sponsor Mr. Griffith. Great Job!

Last night I had the opportunity to experience Seussical.

Seussical is the fusion of numerous Dr. Seuss books that have delighted the young and old for over 60 years. The orchestra, singing and dancing was marvelous. Congratulations to the more than one hundred actresses, actors, stage crew, light crew, musicians, dancers, production staff, and parent volunteers who made this a truly enjoyable evening. 

Simply outstanding!

Tickets are still available. Remaining performances are today, April 12^th and tomorrow, April 13^th.

Our school community has an abundance of activities in and out of school. The Spring athletic season is in full swing. Our School Directors are devoting long hours to budget development and associated decisions. Our students and teachers are beginning the assessment and testing window, which will last approximately two months.

A complete list of important and enjoyable upcoming events and activities are available on our website. Here are some springtime highlights:

The School Board scheduled a 2013-2014 Budget Work Session on April 2^nd at 6:00pm in the Oblock Auditorium.

PSSA Math & Reading Assessments are set for April 8^th – 19^th

The High School Spring Musical, “Suessical” will be preformed on April 11^th – 13^th. Please click on the link at our website for ticket information. Tickets are $10.

The PTA Reflections program is April 18^th in the High School Auditorium

The Distinguished Alumni Banquet is scheduled for April 21^st. Recognition and wall unveiling will coincide with the National Honor Society induction on April 22^nd .

PSSA Science Assessments are set for April 22^nd – 26^th

DIBELS and STAR testing in the Elementary grades begin May 1^st

AP Tests begin on May 5th

The Elementary Band Concert is scheduled for May 8^th 

PHS Keystone Assessments begin May 13^th

Mr. Stephans and the Regency Park faculty and staff hit a homerun with their new Positive School Wide Behavior Support program called P.A.R.K.

P.A.R.K. stands for Positive, Attitude, Respect and Kindness. I was fortunate to witness the P.A.R.K. program in action today during my school visit. Students who exemplify these character traits were recognized with a celebratory assemble. Congratulations to all of the students who received acknowledgment from their teachers.

In the summer of 2013, we will begin another elementary construction project. Following several years of discussion, research and planning, the School Board decided to demolish Adlai Stevenson Elementary School (located at 313 Holiday Park Drive) and build a larger elementary school in its place. The construction of the new elementary school is scheduled to begin in June 2013 and be completed by December 2014. 

On January 29^th, the School Board approved naming the new school (located at 313 Holiday Park Drive on the site of Adlai Stevenson) Holiday Park Elementary School. Our elementary school consolidation plan also includes closing the existing Holiday Park Elementary School (located at 4795 Havana Drive) and redistricting all elementary students when the new elementary school is complete.

The topic of elementary redistricting occurs frequently in our school community. Redistricting is a process where District staff systematically assigns neighborhoods and housing plans to a specific school in order to maximize transportation, staff and resources. This process will occur in conjunction with the opening of our new elementary school. The redistricting process will reassign a portion of our students to a different elementary school. The number of elementary schools in the District will decrease by one; from five to four. Redistricting will not occur during the 2013-2014 school year. Residents and parents with questions or interest in the process and evolution of our consolidation plan are encouraged to attend PTA and School Board Facility Committee meetings.

Public education has long been a cornerstone of America and a great equalizer that gives every child the hope of a better tomorrow. In our community, many dedicated individuals work to ensure that every child, every day is given the education they deserve. 

Every year in January, we acknowledge a group of individuals who help run the schools in our community – the nine elected members of the school board.

These unpaid volunteers spend, on average, 20 hours a month in school service making the difficult decisions to keep our children educated. They vote on multi-million dollar budgets, hire staff, select textbooks and review and curriculum, to name a few. As state funding gets tighter and our local tax base continues to fluctuate, the job of these nine individuals has become much more challenging.

Fortunately, our school directors meet these challenges head on and make the difficult decisions for our students. They are our friends, neighbors and community leaders that we have elected to be our voice in the school district. During January, I ask everyone in the community to take time in some way to thank a school director for the time and effort they put into helping our schools. 

Thank them for the long hours spent at meetings and reading through paperwork.

Thank them for making the difficult decisions on our behalf.

Thank them for listening to our concerns.

Thank them for serving every child, every day.

Some interesting PA School Board Director Facts:

4,500 school directors serve Pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts; all boards have nine members.

School director elections are held every two years, on a 5-4 rotation to ensure continuity.

All board members are elected to four-year terms.

School directors are elected locally; however, the state constitution delegates to them the responsibility to administer the school system as agents of the General Assembly.

All serve as volunteers, without pay.

In 2012…

We watched the world unite during the London Olympic games, yet unravel throughout the Middle East and Africa.

Our unemployment rate fell to its lowest level this decade - 12,290,000 individuals unemployed. However, this decade low is still the highest rate since the early 1980s.

Felix Baumgartner jumped out of a perfectly functional aircraft 23 miles above the Earth, and Curiosity transmitted photos of Mars, a planet 34.8 million miles away.

The physical damage and costs from Superstorm Sandy totaling $70 billion could not compare to the human loss and emotional damage from this storm or the events in Aurora, CO, Newtown, CT and State College.

Many waited in line or online to buy the iPhone 5, while more than1 billion people viewed or downloaded Gangnam Style on iTunes or YouTube.

A few spent $2 billon dollars electing a president, while many teeter at the edge of the Fiscal Cliff.

These social, geopolitical, scientific, socioeconomic and historically significant events have shaped our world in 2012. These brief reflections ultimately lead me back to our 28 square miles of family farms and subdivisions. How do these events influence our schools and students? The most basic purpose of public education is to prepare graduates to become industrious members of a Democratic society.

The Challenge: Our society is a tremendously diverse microcosm of an ever-shrinking planet. For our graduates to thrive in this global society, Plum must provide each student with diverse opportunities to engage with their peers and our curriculum, think deeply about very complex, interdependent and dependent problems, and synthesize information from multiple sources and disciplines to formulate solutions to an ever-changing environment.

Our key challenges for 2013 include a new elementary construction project and student transition plan, and the implementation of the PA Common Core Standards. The PA Common Core Standards combined with the Keystone Assessments are the most significant curricular and instructional shifts in public education since the legislation of No Child Left Behind. Both of these projects will prove challenging over the course of 2013 and each will have lasting effects on our school community. As one year ends and another begins, the Plum faculty and staff have optimistic expectations for a productive and successful 2013.

Despite having only 15 school days, December is one of the busiest months of the school year. The beginning of the winter athletic schedule, student performances, Keystone and CDT assessments, holiday celebrations, and our Make-A-Wish telethon and fundraising activities keep our students and staff engaged in our school community. However, even with all of these worthwhile programs and activities that could distract from the educational process, our faculty are committed to maximizing teaching and learning time during the school day.

Please take an opportunity to support our performing arts and athletic teams during their performances, tournaments, and events. You can find upcoming event schedules and activities on each school’s webpage.

On behalf of the entire Plum School Community, I would like to wish you a safe and joyous Holiday Season and a healthy prosperous New Year.

On behalf of our Plum School Community, I would like to thank all of our Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. It is with humble appreciation we honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and devoted years of their lives protecting the freedoms all Americans enjoy. Please join me in acknowledging and thanking our Plum School Board Members, Administrators, Teachers, and Support Staff who have defended our country proudly in both time of war and peace.

Yesterday I talked with eighth grade students, Cali and Caitlyn (pictured above), about their end-of-term Technology Education project.

Using a webcam, open source software, a laser and a 3D rapid prototype printer, Cali and Caitlyn were transforming a solid object into digital media and then back into a smaller physical object constructed from a high-density plastic. This technology, also know as additive manufacturing or subtractive manufacturing, has an abundance of real world applications in the fields of medicine, engineering, automotive design, aerospace and architecture. This is the same technology large R & D companies use to develop and design prosthetics and implants, new product mockups, and 3D archeological and paleontological renderings.

I was overwhelmed with Cali and Caitlyn’s understanding of the process, technical skills and excitement with their project. Great Job!

Both our Junior High and Senior High School STEM educators are seeking local partners to advance our STEM education programs. Please contact me if you are interested.

Since the substantial completion of Pivik Elementary School in August, the School Board and Administration have been busy planning for the future of our school community. Our endeavors include working with a 28-person Strategic Plan Committee, reviewing our recent 2012 Demographic Study, investigating GIS redistricting software, and discussing building closures, construction, and renovations for Adlai Stevenson, Holiday Park, and Regency Park Elementary Schools.

I would like to encourage residents interested in these topics to attend our monthly committee meetings.

Please visit our School Board page for committee agendas and minutes, presentations, and reports.

Last night’s Battle of the Books was awesome! The High School Gym was electric

Our participating students read 12 books throughout the summer and during the first 9-weeks of school. This annual event showcases our commitment to creating a school community focused on literacy. Dr. Rossi and I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all involved. Our dedicated librarians, faculty, volunteers, principals, and parents make this academic endeavor a success.

Congratulation to all of our readers!

The School Board and Administration are currently reviewing options for the renovation of Adlai Stevenson Elementary School and subsequent elementary building projects.

Renovation discussions began back in 2008 and have become an increasingly active topic since school began last month. At our next Facilities Committee meeting, Tuesday, October 16^th, the Board will continue the discussion and narrow our options. Additionally, Dr. Stewman will present our 2012 Demographic Study on Thursday, October 18^th. This final piece of data will provide the necessary information to move our projects forward.

Construction and renovation options are listed on our website under the September facilities meeting agendas. I urge our parents and residents to voice their opinions, ideas and concerns regarding our important decisions. Parents are encouraged to join the PTA and attend meetings regularly to stay informed, discuss concerns with their building principal, and attend school board meetings to hear information first-hand and participate in the discussion.

Congratulations PHS Senior Class, Faculty, and Administration!

Our senior class has achieved the highest percent of students scoring proficient or advanced in over a decade. Historical high scores were recorded in all four testing subjects: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Writing.

Our preliminary 2012 PSSA results are available on our website as a downloadable document under the “Academics” tab.

August 20, 2012

Comments from the dedication of our new school.

As public officials, educators, parents and community leaders, our greatest responsibility is to ensure that every student enters the workforce and world with the skills and knowledge for the 21^st century. Every Plum child deserves a world-class education that prepares them for a lifetime of independence and success. This school was designed and built to ensure a clean, safe, and comfortable learning environment where our students can maximize their potential. Our school will serve tens of thousands of students and it’s legacy will out live all of us.

This building would not be possible without the forward thinking leadership of our current school board and previous boards.

On behalf of our community and students, I would like to formally thank all of the designers, contactors and tradesmen who devoted their talents and skills to this project. I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Nello Construction and Russo Construction Management for their professionalism. Through their efforts this project was on time and under budget.

Author Hodding Carter once said, “There are only 2 lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other wings.” The tradesman and School Boards have given our children roots and the staff of the new Pivik Elementary will give them wings.

It is my pleasure to welcome back our students and their families for the 2012-2013 school year.

On behalf of the District, we extend a special welcome to students and families new to the Plum Borough School District.

On behalf of all District employees and volunteers, I wish our students and their families a safe and relaxing summer.

The first day of school for the 2012-2013 school year is Monday, August 27^th.

Commencement is one of the most gratifying times of the school year. The pageantry of the ceremony and our proud parents are only part of the story. Commencement serves as a special time where students are recognized for 13 years of scholarship and educators reflect of their life’s work. We are extremely proud of all of our graduates and wish each of them success, health, and happiness.

May 8^th budget workshop – 6:00pm in the Oblock auditorium

May 22^nd special voting meeting - 6:00pm in the PHS cafeteria

June 26^th final 2012-2013 budget adoption - 7:00pm in the PHS auditorium

Tonight’s PTA Reflections ceremony was wonderful. Our students, parents, and staff celebrated the Arts and recognized student creativity. Congratulations to all of our winners and honorees. A special thank you to our PTAs, their support strengthens our school community.

When a large percent of our students are not in school they are clutching some type of technological device. They remind me of Cyborgs - a technologically enhanced organism. Our BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) initiative is in its third month and our students and faculty are adjusting to this paradigm shift better than expected.

Many of our teachers are reaching learners where they live – a wireless, digital, and mobile world where access to limitless information is just a click away. It is indisputable that technology has and will continue to change our lives and in turn our classrooms. The manner in which students learn and teachers instruct continues to follow Moore’s Law of exponentially increasing technology developments. Interactive and 24/7 learning environments like Moodle continue to provide new learning opportunities for students, and function as a communication avenue to keep parents informed.

The incorporation of new technological teaching methodology does not occur in isolation. The Plum faculty continues to teach the necessary “basic skills”, but alone the basics are not sufficient. Teaching our students to think critically, work cooperatively, solve complex problems, and learn how to learn are necessary skills to obtain and maintain quality employment and become a productive citizen.

Plum is committed to providing every student with a high quality education that fosters creativity, cultivates talents, and utilizes a broad curriculum that educates the whole child.

This past Friday, Dr. Rossi (above) and I spent an hour reading to First and Second grade students at Adlai Stevenson Elementary School. Following the stories and just prior to cake all of the students took an oath promising to read each day.

I was observing a 2^nd grade Reading class last month. One student tugged my jacket sleeve as I walked past her desk. “What’s a chalkboard?” she asked.

While many of our students have never experienced choking on dust while feverishly erasing a long division problem, many of our parents and residents have never experienced the inter-connectivity of an Interactive White Board (IWB). Plum teachers currently use two manufactures of IWBs to differentiate instruction for our students, SMART and Promethean. The video on our main page depicts how IWBs have transformed the chalkboard of yesteryear into the engaging tool of today. The video also includes other technology our teachers are using to reach all learners.

Current technology hardware in Plum Schools:

Desktop Computers – 1067

Laptop Computers – 1375

LCD projectors – 213

IWBs – 101

iPads – 147

Spring is in the air in Plum Borough. Our students are preparing for the final 60 school days, SATs, AP Exams, and the PSSAs. Scholar/athletes, thespians, musicians, and artists are poised for our spring drama productions, concerts, shows and athletic competitions. I encourage you to attend one of our exciting extracurricular activities to help break out of your winter slumber.

The use of technology in our daily lives continues to compound, and our classrooms are no different. The seamless integration of new technologies into our classrooms is rapidly expanding our scope of education and enhancing and extending learning opportunities. Throughout our classrooms children are using web-based products that allow students to access learning resources anywhere and at anytime. We have expanded the number of smart classroom, iPads, laptops, software, on-line resources, and teacher websites.

As you know through a variety of media sources, the landscape of public education is changing rapidly. Leading stories describe lagging test scores, students leaving for cyber/charter schools, and budgets in the red. The upcoming budget is particularly difficult and the Board of School Directors and administration is working hard to ensure Plum provides a high quality education for our children in a fiscally responsible manner for our residents. A preliminary budget is available on our website under the School Board tab. The final budget will be approved in June.

Last year we conducted our strategic plan mid point review as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) focusing on Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. The District is in the early stages of developing a 5-year Operations Plan to align financial forecasting and budgeting, facility operations, academic programming, and support services. This Operations Plan will complement our PDE Strategic Plan and provide the District with economic stability and educational excellence for years to come.

I would like to express my deep appreciation for the warm reception from the community and district staff. I am truly honored to serve our community as the new Superintendent of Schools and promise to continue the high standards Dr. Naccarati has established for this office and our district.

The Plum Borough School District administration, faculty, and staff will continue to provide an educational experience for our students that proudly reflect our commitment to children and the prepared graduate. I am honored to contribute and enhance the legacy of excellence in education that Plum has established. There is no doubt that we will build on our previous success elevating the District to new heights. 

Please accept my best wishes for a healthy and joyful New Year.