The Central Bucks Board Note
February 2019..................................Vol. 1, No. 5
Please share any feedback with Angela Linch, communications and public relations administrator, at alinch@cbsd.org or by calling 267-893-2073.
Congratulations Mila!
During his report to the Board, Superintendent Dr. John J. Kopicki recognized Tohickon eighth grade student Mila Acosa Morales, who was recently named the first-ever recipient of the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference (PETE&C).
Mila was nominated for the award by Bridget Fox, a librarian at Tohickon Middle School. In her nomination letter, Fox explained that Mila is an outstanding student who consistently demonstrates the spirit of the award. For example, she represented the school in the district’s first technology showcase last year, explaining to the community the QR code-based podcast system for book reviews she developed for use in the library.
Matthew Powell, integrated technology teacher at Tohickon Middle School, also recommended Mila for the award. He praised her for her work ethic, her strong technology skills and her demonstrated ability to rise to challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
Mila serves as a member of her school’s iTeam and is tasked with helping her classmates navigate technology issues with their laptops. She is a captain of her school’s Reading Olympics team and led them to success in competition, attaining the highest ever score for the school. Mila's passion for technology and innovation, for learning, and for helping others made her an exceptional recipient for this inaugural award.
Pictured above, (L-R): Tohickon Principal Kevin Marton, Matthew Powell, Bridget Fox, Mirtha Acosta-Morales, Osvil Acosta-Morales, Superintendent Dr. John J. Kopicki, Mila, and Board President Glen Schloeffel.
In Recognition of Our School Counselors
In remarks at the February 5 meeting, Dr. Kopicki referenced the tremendous impact that school counselors have in helping students achieve success in school and in planning for a career. "Our school counselors are a great asset to our school communities, and a lot of their work goes unnoticed, so I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to them," Dr. Kopicki noted.
A number of school counselors attended the February 26 meeting to accept a proclamation from the Board in recognition of the contributions they make to the social and emotional well-being of families through education, support, and resources; and the work they do to help students become good citizens, good friends, and grow into emotionally healthy and successful adults.
School Board Vacancy
As such, the Central Bucks School District is again soliciting candidates to serve as SCHOOL DIRECTOR FOR REGION 4, which encompasses District 1 in Warwick and Districts 1, 3, 4 and 5 in Warrington Township. The person selected will serve until the next Municipal Election in November. Interested candidates should send a resume to School Board Secretary Stephanie Radcliffe at sradcliffe@cbsd.org by MARCH 6, 2019.
School Concussion Conference Update
At the conference, the team learned more about the challenges associated with identifying and diagnosing traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In addition, they reported on the pre-existing conditions that can impede diagnosis and increase the chances for prolonged recovery. A recent study, the results of which were presented at the conference, showed that of 2,716 secondary students aged 13-18 who were affected by TBI, 86% recover within four weeks time.
Methods of treating concussion have also changed. While recommendations were to restrict all forms of activity until a student was completely asymptomatic, medical research now supports a gradual return to both mental and physical activity. Rest for 24-48 hours following the diagnosis is followed by a gradual re-introduction to school activities and early aerobic exercise with hard stopping points. Central Bucks utilizes a concussion management team approach at the high school level, including school nurses, guidance counselors, house principals, and athletic trainers; all of whom work together with families and their personal physicians to monitor students and place them on the best possible path to recovery.
CB East certified school nurse Karen Bartnett, who was lauded for being an early advocate for concussion research in the district, presented at the conference. Ms. Bartnett, who has been working with students on managing concussion for more than ten years, talked about the collaborative approach that school personnel take in helping students manage the effects of concussion on their personal and school lives. She noted that more than 50% of concussions are not related to participation in PIAA sports.
While the majority of students recover within three to four weeks time, 10-20% of students have prolonged symptoms. Ms. Bartnett referenced that numerous supports are put in place to help students during this recovery period, incuding educational accomodations, access to concussion support groups, and regular monitoring by the school's concussion management team.
"We are working very hard to educate parents and students on recovery and prevention," Ms. Bartnett noted.
The complete presentation may be downloaded here.
Board Enters Into Five-Year Agreement with Superintendent Dr. John J. Kopicki
Renewing their committment to him as the leader of the Central Bucks School District, the Board unanimously approved a motion to appoint Dr. John J. Kopicki as Superintendent of the Central Bucks School District for a term of five years beginning on February 26, 2019 and ending on February 27, 2024 in accordance with the terms and conditions of the employment agreement as presented.
"We are very impressed with Dr. Kopicki's overall performance," Board President Schloeffel added.
Dr. Kopicki thanked the Board for their kind words of support, their leadership, and their hard work on behalf of the district and the entire community. "I am humbled when you give these accolades to me, if nothing else, it demonstrates that you need a team of excellent people around you to be successful."
"This district is truly a place where everybody cares about children, and that is the most motivating thing - every day we get to help kids," he added, "I'm successful on the shoulders of other people and I'm just so very fortunate to be here working with all of you."
"I'm going to keep coming to work every day and win the job," Dr. Kopicki said, "You'll get my best and I promise you that I will always do what is best for kids...I am grateful and thankful for your support."
Board of School Directors in its entirety.
Central Bucks School District
Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month except for February, July, August, October, November and December. In February, the board will meet on the first and fourth Tuesdays. In July and August, the board meets on the fourth Tuesday only. In October, the board will meet on the third and fifth Tuesdays. In November, the board meets on the second Tuesday only. In December, the board meets on the first Tuesday only. Meetings are held at the Central Bucks Educational Services Center at 16 Welden Drive in Doylestown. All meetings start at 7:30 p.m. and the public is welcome to attend. Members of the public who wish to address the board prior to action items may sign up at the lectern before 7:30 p.m. Comments are limited to three minutes or less, depending on the number of speakers.
Correspondence for the Board of School Directors should be sent to Stephanie Radcliffe, Secretary to the Board, at sradcliffe@cbsd.org.
Email: alinch@cbsd.org
Website: www.cbsd.org
Location: 20 Welden Drive, Doylestown, PA, USA
Phone: 267-893-5800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbschools/
Twitter: @cbsdinfo