CSD Insider
Centennial School District Newsletter 2018-19, Volume 3
In This Edition
Superintendent's Corner
District Updates & Happenings
District Operations
Inside Schools & Programs
From Our Students
Community Connections
Announcements
SUPERINTENDENT'S CORNER
DISTRICT UPDATES & HAPPENINGS
Tennent Alumni Receives Prestigious Scholarship
You can read more about Julia's great opportunity here!
The Planetarium: A Big Night Out, Under the Stars
Our next Fall 2018 Planetarium Shows will be offered on Monday, December 17.
First Show: 7:00-8:00 PM, Tis the Season
Tickets for Tis the Season and additional details can be found at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tis-the-season-tickets-53059356965
All shows will be held at William Tennent High School. Tickets for each show are $8.00 general admission and $5.00 for students and senior citizens. No tickets will be available at the door. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Our presenter, Ted Williams, is a 25-year planetarium professional, who brings the stars down to earth. He regularly presents at the Fels Planetarium in the Franklin Institute, where he serves the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society as a lead educator. Ted’s experience as planetarium director also includes the Hayden Planetarium (American Museum of Natural History in New York City for 10 years) and the Mallon Planetarium at the Methacton School District. He has appeared as a guest presenter at The World Science Festival in New York, the Philadelphia Science Festival, and has been on National Public Radio’s Skytour. He heads up education outreach for Muddy Run Observatory in Holtwood, Pennsylvania. We welcome his unique combination of rural and urban star viewing experiences that he has shared with thousands of astronomy enthusiasts across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
Staying in Touch with Centennial School District and Your School
It is important for parents and guardians to update their contact information (telephone number, cell phone number, and e-mail address) in Skyward Family Access to ensure that eAlert e-mails, text message alerts, and voice recorded messages reach them.
EAlert e-mail is the main method of communicating pertinent information to students and their families. Text message alerts and voice-recorded messages are used for emergency notifications as well as for school absence notifications. Parents and guardians can opt into receiving text message alerts. For more information about Skyward Family Access, follow this link: http://www.centennialsd.org/Page/8401
To stay up-to-date with various events and news about the schools and the District, the community can follow the District on these social media sites:
To watch School Board meetings, student-developed videos, and other events, tune into the District's cable channel: CSD-TV on Channel 36 (Verizon) and Channel 28 (Comcast).
School Board meetings are live-streamed and can be accessed via the District website the evening of the meetings. Board Meetings live-streaming
DISTRICT OPERATIONS
Family Trips Scheduled During the School Year
To view the policy and the request forms, follow these links:
Absence Notes Made Easy - E-mail Your Child's Absence Notes
Parents and guardians are now able to e-mail student absence excuse notes to the school's attendance office. E-mailing an excuse note is a convenient way to ensure that a student's absence can be reconciled as a legal and excused absence. If a parent or guardian has a note from a medical professional, it can also be e-mailed to the attendance office along with the student's name, grade, student ID number, or homeroom teacher. All schools will continue to accept written absence excuse notes.
E-mailed absence excuse notes should include the following information:
· The student's name
· The student's grade
· The student's ID number or homeroom teacher
· The date(s) of the absence
· A reason for the absence
· A contact telephone or cell phone number of parent or guardian submitting the excuse note
Parents and guardians will receive an e-mail from the attendance office secretary confirming that the student's absence note was received by the school.
Each school has a unique e-mail address for accepting student absence excuse notes.
Davis Elementary School
McDonald Elementary School
Willow Dale Elementary School
Klinger Middle School
Log College Middle School
William Tennent High School
INSIDE SCHOOL & PROGRAMS
Maximizing instruction through online learning with Khan Academy
To listen to the podcast please visit:
Cross Country Freshman Qualifies for States
William Tennent Boys Soccer's Honorary Captain
Update on Dylan's health: Dylan's father was ecstatic to report that Dylan's last MRI showed no signs of a tumor.
Davis Students Get Their Feet Wet
Leave the Drama on the Stage
Over forty students from 6th through 8th grade who are interested in the performing arts (singing, dancing, and acting) came together to learn the ins and outs of the theater in the Log College Middle School Drama Club. Participants played a variety of games to help with acting skills. They also learned how to project their voices from the stage, articulate their words so they can be understood, be spontaneous and ad-lib, use gestures to emphasize what they are saying, and how to work as a team. Many of the drama club students will go on to act, sing, and dance in this year’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Wait until you see these students in action!
Election Day at McDonald
Log College PBIS Program
What is PBIS? School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support provides a model for a school-wide approach for implementing a system of discipline based in proactive teaching and prevention. Students learn appropriate behavior in the same way they learn to read – through instruction, practice, feedback and encouragement.
The 200 Club at Log College serves as the method of reinforcement for the PBIS motto of Living Safely, Owning Responsibility, and Giving Respect. The club assists in the establishment of a more positive social climate in the school and helps enhance rule-following behavior for all students. Teacher participation and support of the club encourages positive student-teacher interactions as well as establishes and reinforces consistent school-wide expectations, with the ultimate goal being to develop a positive, supportive, and cooperative school culture as well as decrease the number of office discipline referrals and time spent on discipline.
Jumping for Positive Behavior
Take a Veteran to School Day
Log College continued their annual tradition of honoring our Veterans with the “Take a Veteran to School Day” recognition assembly on November 12th. This year they were fortunate to be joined by 49 veterans and their family members to be honored for their service to our country. Chorus members, under the direction of Mrs. Duchene, sang our National Anthem for the attendees and student body.
They were privileged to have the founders of Operation Ward 57’s Honor and Courage Program, Mrs, Heather Sliwinski and William Tennent senior Luke Sliwinski, as their guest speakers. Cpl. Stephen Davis of the U.S. Marine Corp also spoke on behalf of the injured soldiers helped by the Honor and Courage Program. Corporal Davis shared a very important and powerful message: the freedoms that we enjoy every day came at a very heavy price and were shouldered by the servicemen and women who wear our country's uniform. The staff and students of Log College are proud to support the Honor and Courage Program!
Log College thanks all of our Veterans!
Corporal Davis
Corporal Davis shared his experiences as a U.S. Marine and the importance of remembering and honoring our veterans.
Luke Sliwinski
Luke Sliwinski is a William Tennent High School senior and member of the Liberty Young Marines. Luke is the founder of the Honor and Courage Program. Following graduation, Luke is enlisting in the U.S.M.C.
Mrs. Sliwinski
Mrs. Sliwinski is an integral part of Operation Ward 57’s Honor and Courage Program that supports our wounded warriors.
FROM OUR STUDENTS
Win or Lose, Winners All Around
The Powder Puff Football experience at Tennent features junior girls playing football against senior girls, while the boys from both grades also compete with cheerleading routines. The short season of practice and preparation leading up to the pep rally and the game couldn’t be filled with more action, love, and dedication. The boys learn physically demanding routines, and the girls learn a multitude of plays.
On November 15, 2018, juniors and seniors wearing their team uniforms run the halls before school starts to demonstrate their team pride. An afternoon pep rally for the whole student body allowed participants to come together and support one another for such a great cause. The boy cheerleaders performed their routines in hopes of winning the spirit competition. Because of the odd November snowstorm, the Powder Puff Football game was postponed until Monday night, November 19th, but that didn’t chill the excitement. On game night, the girls showed off their new football skills and teamwork they practiced over the past few weeks. The game commenced with a lead from the juniors, and by halftime the seniors were determined to make a comeback. With a much enjoyed break, both teams of cheerleaders performed their routines again with even more excitement on the field. Once the halftime show concluded, the seniors were ready to do all they could to make a comeback. They scored a touchdown, and kept fighting for the win. After over an hour of constant hard work by both teams, the juniors pulled off the win with a score of 21-7.
The whole day was a success, with the juniors pulling off the win in football, and the seniors taking home the trophy for cheerleading. The main purpose of this friendly competition was fundraising as much money as possible for “Kisses for Kyle.” Whether teams won or lost, the real victory was helping others while having fun.
Valerie Pendrak, Grade 11
A Fair for Life
The WTHS auditorium was crowded as students gathered around tables for a fun and interactive life lesson about money. On November 8, 2018 the William Tennent Business Department hosted their 7th annual Reality Fair with TruMark Financial Credit Union. The purpose of the Reality Fair was to raise student awareness in the world of financial literacy since so much of today’s population is living “paycheck-to-paycheck”. TruMark Financial Credit Union has partnered with William Tennent High School to help students increase their overall knowledge of financial literacy. They have provided the student body with more tools than ever to become successful in the world of finance.
The fair taught students about the whole concept of budgeting. Each participant was given the name of a specific career, like Marketing Manager, and others. Then they also were given an assigned salary and net take-home pay. Students walked around each of the different category tables for Food, Housing, Clothing, etc. and began to add some numbers up for living expenses which subtracted from their given salary. The volunteers from TruMark explained that this exercise mimics real life budgeting.
Growing up today, students aren't as informed in the world of finance as we should be. Graduating seniors must avoid the potential for putting themselves in debt without any knowledge of how mismanaged student loans could seriously hurt them long-term. Juniors with their first job and paycheck might not understand the importance of a savings account. TruMark Financial promotes financial awareness for students.
TruMark doesn’t just put together a Reality Fair, they provide the student body with a number of opportunities. They sponsor different promotions at Tennent’s own banking branch: everytime students deposit $10 or more into a savings account, they receive a stamp on a card. After 10 stamps, TruMark will deposit $20 directly into students’ accounts for free. TruMark also runs a “Kiss a Pig” fundraiser which promotes financial literacy across schools by awarding grants to the business classes. Representatives from TruMark visit classrooms to further inform students about investments through their powerpoint presentations and quick class quizzes.
Students and their families should look into these major financial decisions now and together. We should use whatever resources are available now, because we need to plan for our bright future ahead.
Victoria Buterbaugh, Grade 12
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
There is a saying that is common in some circles: Think globally, act locally. As part of the Centennial Community, we would like to recognize excellence at the local level. This monthly series will recognize an outstanding local business.
We would like to encourage people to shop locally and support businesses within the Centennial School District. Each month, we will recognize a local business, talk about what makes them outstanding in our humble opinion, and we will encourage you to submit nominations for future articles. To be considered for review in our monthly electronic newsletter, the business must be within the boundaries of the Centennial School District, provide superior business services, and be accessible to all citizens in the region. Please submit your recommendations through our District Electronic Suggestion Box!
Announcements
6th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Bucks County Teen Peace and Social Justice Summit
Centennial Education Foundation - March 2019 Jackpot Calendar
Internet Essentials from Comcast
Your family may qualify for affordable Internet access and a low-cost computer. Please see the brochure below for details. To learn more or to apply, call 1-855-846-8376 or visit InternetEssentials.com.
Follow Us on Social Media
Instagram: @Centennialsd
Twitter: @Centennial_SD
Employment Opportunities
Current employment opportunities are posted regularly on the Centennial School District website. Follow this link to learn more about current administrative, teaching, and support staff opportunities: www.centennialsd.org/jobs
District Calendar
To stay in touch with District events, follow this link to the Centennial School District calendar: http://www.centennialsd.org/Page/2
Centennial School District
District Administration
Dr. David Baugh, Superintendent
Dr. Jennifer Polinchock, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Christopher Berdnik, Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Lissa Johnson, Interim Director of Human Resources
Mr. AJ Juliani, Director Learning and Innovation
Mr. Joe Rutz, Assistant Director of Learning and Innovation
Mr. Robert Whartenby, Director of Facilities/Assistant Business Administrator for Operations
Dr. Percell Whittaker, Director of Pupil Services
Ms. Shawanna Coles, Principal of Practice
Board of School Directors
Dr. Andrew Pollock, President
Mr. David Shafter, Vice President
Mr. Charles Kleinschmidt, Assistant Secretary
Mr. Steven Adams
Ms. Mary Alice Brancato
Mr. Andrew Dixon
Mr. Flemming Godiksen
Mr. Mark B. Miller
Ms. Tara Pellegrino
Principals
Dr. Dennis Best, William Tennent High School
Mr. James Ford, Klinger Middle School (Acting)
Mr. Patrick Golderer, Log College Middle School
Mr. Andrew Doster, Davis Elementary School
Mr. Ernesto Ortiz, McDonald Elementary School
Ms. Cathy Perkins, Willow Dale Elementary School
Email: csdpr@centennialsd.org
Website: www.centennialsd.org
Location: 48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA 18974
Phone: 215-441-6000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/csdinfo
Twitter: @Centennial_SD