TASD Staff Newsletter
News from the Superintendent's Office
December 2023
As we anticipate the time off and the calendar year coming to an end, let us keep in mind that we have both students and staff who may have difficulty over the holidays. Many of our staff and students have experienced loss and hardships this year that could make the holidays a less joyous time. As we leave for an extended break, check in with these individuals and let them know that you are thinking about them and care about them.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Quality Excellence
Coincidental Alumna Spotting
While skimming an email that I received from the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA), I clicked on a link to the PMEA Crescendo Student Conference to see what types of sessions would be offered to students. I noticed that one of the session presenters was Morgann Davis and I wondered if it was Morgann Davis who graduated from TAHS in 2003 and was on her way to becoming an accomplished flutist. My search led me to the page with the presenter profiles and, lo and behold, she is one in the same. On the PMEA page, her bio reads, "Morgann Davis operates Davis Flute Studio in Lancaster, PA and teaches at Millersville University and Franklin & Marshall College. She is a certified yoga teacher and meditation instructor, and has completed trainings in anatomy and myofascial release. Morgann blogs regularly about teaching and working as a musician, and enjoys working with musicians to address the physical and mental challenges of performance. www.morgannelycedavis.com." Just another example of former students doing great things!!
Financial Excellence
State Budget FINALLY Reaches Final Stages
After more than six months since the beginning of the 2023-24 fiscal year began, the PA General Assembly has passed several code bills, finalizing the 2023-24 state budget for education. Here are some of the highlights from the various bills:
- Establishes the Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program to provide stipends for student teachers and cooperating teachers through PHEAA;
- Establishes School Mental Health Grants which will provide another round of funding for school districts, IUs, CTCs, and charter schools;
- Establishes School Safety and Security Grants - both meritorious and competitive;
- Requirement for school entities and non public schools to provide a mandatory course in personal financial literacy, beginning with the 2026-27 school year;
- Changes current statutory language on minimal instructional time from 180 days AND 900/990 hours to 180 days OR 900/990 hours.
People Excellence
BRAVO!!
A former employee and current great grandmother wrote to me in an email about the MS/HS Band Concert on November 30th, "Please pass on my thrill and wonder at the concert last night! I had forgotten how great they are since I haven't been to a concert since my grandkids graduated."
LENDING HELPING HANDS
From a TAMS staff member, "I just wanted to reach out to give a staff shout out. Kelsie Bumbarger has been stepping up as team leader and going above and beyond to assist colleagues and do what is best for students. Kelsie has taken on planning and grading for team members' classes in their extended absences.
Matt Germino has also been going above and beyond. He checks our colleagues' rooms daily, making sure that the room is straightened up, assignments are collected, and things are prepared for the sub the next day.
It is wonderful to work with such caring and helpful individuals."
Did You Know?
Our staff raised $470 for the Tyrone Area Food Bank with its drive in November.
THANK YOU to everyone who participated to this worth cause!!
Pennsylvania Education Department Launches Phone Line for Pep Talks and Encouragement
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has introduced “You’ve Got a Friend in Pennsylvania,” an automated phone line designed to deliver pep talks, jokes, and words of encouragement from students to students across the state. Secretary of Education, Dr. Khalid N. Mumin unveiled the initiative, saying it was developed to spread cheer, promote resilience, and encourage self-care, especially during the holiday season, which can often be a challenging time for mental health. The hotline number is (717) 772-4737.
Upcoming Events
1/2 Dismissal for Students
Friday, Jan 5, 2024, 12:00 PM
TASD School Board Work and Regular Session Meetings
Tuesday, Jan 9, 2024, 06:00 PM
TASD Board Room
NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Day
Monday, Jan 15, 2024, 07:00 AM
End of Second Marking Period
Monday, Jan 22, 2024, 07:00 AM
Leslie A. Estep
Tyrone Area School District
Email: laestep@tyrone.k12.pa.us
Website: www.tyrone.k12.pa.us
Location: 701 Clay Avenue Tyrone, PA 16686
Phone: (814) 684-0710