CSD Insider
Centennial School District Newsletter 2018-19, Volume 7
IN THIS EDITION
District Updates & Happenings
District Operations
Inside Schools & Programs
From Our Students
Upcoming Important Dates
Community Connections
Announcements
DISTRICT UPDATES & HAPPENINGS
Centennial Jake on 6ABC News
The Centennial Education Foundation Awards Sixty Grants
Kindergarten Registration 2019-20
We are now accepting registrations for incoming Kindergarten students for the 2019-20 school year. Students must be five years of age on or before August 31 to register for Kindergarten. In order to register a student, the following documents are required:
· A birth certificate
· Immunization records
· Four proofs of residency (acceptable list found at http://www.centennialsd.org/Page/101)
Parents/guardians can start the process online. For more information about the registration process, visit http://www.centennialsd.org/Page/101 or call the Registrar at 215-441-6000, Ext. 11046.
We encourage you to register as soon as possible so you can be informed of upcoming orientation events.
Updates to District Calendar
The November 16 snow day will be made up on April 18. The February 12 snow day will be made up on May 21. The February 20 snow day will be made up on June 14.
Here are the revised 2018-19 calendar and Board approved 2019-20 calendar for planning purposes.
PSSA Testing Dates
During the months of April and May, Centennial students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 will complete the Pennsylvania System of State Assessment (PSSA). These tests are in the areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. The testing dates are as follows:
Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 – English Language Arts PSSA - April 23-25
Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 – Mathematics PSSA - April 29-30
Grades 4 and 8 – Science PSSA – May 1
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 able to e-mail student absence notes to the school's attendance office. E-mailing an absence 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 notes.
E-mailed absence 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 absence 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 notes.
Davis Elementary School
McDonald Elementary School
Willow Dale Elementary School
Klinger Middle School
Log College Middle School
William Tennent High School
Public Participation in School Board Meetings
For Regular School Board Meetings (Second Tuesday of the Month)
- Community comments will be taken at the beginning and end of the School Board meeting.
- The participant must be a resident or taxpayer of the Centennial School District.
- The participant must complete a Resident Participant Card and submit it to the Board President or Board Secretary to be recognized.
- The participant will be asked to give his/her name and address prior to addressing the School Board.
- The participant will have 3 minutes to make his/her comments. If the participant requires additional time, the participant should contact the Superintendent prior to the School Board meeting.
- Community comments will be taken during the presentation of an agenda item as presented within the Committee.
- The participant must be a resident or taxpayer of the Centennial School District.
- The participant must complete a Resident Participant Card and submit it to the Board President or Board Secretary to be recognized.
- The participant will be asked to give his/her name and address prior to addressing the School Board.
- The participant will have 3 minutes to make his/her comments. If the participant requires additional time, the participant should contact the Superintendent prior to the School Board meeting.
INSIDE SCHOOLS & PROGRAMS
Bye Bye Birdie Brings Down the House
Klinger 8th Grade Making a Difference in Young Lives
The 8th-grade Family and Consumer Science students are using their knitting and sewing skills to give back to the tiniest children in need. Every year there are about fifteen million children born prematurely. Many of these babies have to spend countless days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) which can be devastating for their families. This year through a generous grant from the Centennial Education Fund, our students are creating smocks, hats, blankets, burp cloths, bibs and mittens for these children. The students are working with a wonderful organization named “Gracie's Gowns.” Gracie's Gowns provides NICU surprise boxes that are compiled with items made for even the tiniest of heroes to wear or to be used by their parents during their NICU stay. This year 8th-grade Family and Consumer Science students will be making their own set of NICU surprise boxes to send out. Our 8th-grade students are taking a lot of pride in making these items.
Bucks County Music Educators Association Annual Music Festival
Each year the Bucks County Music Educators Association recognizes students who participate in the festival each of the 6 years they were eligible. This year each of these students received a $100 scholarship. Of the 8 students around the county who met these criteria, 2 of those students were from Centennial. They were William Tennent seniors Tim Breiner (clarinet) and Ben Sedlacsik (tenor saxophone).
In addition to all the great music prepared and performed, our middle school chorus students had the privilege of singing with American Idol - Season One runner-up, Justin Guarini. Justin Guarini is from from Bucks County and participated in this festival when he was in school. The students and some of the teachers (one in particular) were very excited about this special performance!
Spreading Kindness At Klinger Middle School
Since August, we have been hard at work spreading kindness around our school. We both have been working alongside Mr. Hayes, Klinger’s Principal as well as Mr. Ford, Klinger’s assistant principal. We have also been working diligently with Miss Kincus, an English teacher at Klinger Middle School. Together as a team, we have accomplished a lot.
Starting in September, we presented Kindness Kickoff assemblies for the student body. In this first assembly, we projected the main goal of their project. Our goal was to enhance kindness between students as well as teachers. We also encouraged participation during the assembly by doing fun activities. This included the “four person chair trick.” This activity was done to show that all of the students are in this together, and we won’t get very for through this school year without trusting and relying on one another.
Next, our mission was to bring more kindness to the hallway. We began by making posters to hang up around the school. We found quotes about kindness on the internet, and we also came up with quotes themselves. We even decided to go through a selection process to determine the best quotes that truly encompass the message they we’re trying to send to Klinger Middle School students. The final step was to design, print out the posters, laminate them, and hang them up around the school.
As a way to bring on some extra reminders, the two of us wrote down many positive messages on Post- It notes and put them on random students’ lockers. In addition to the positive message, the bottom of each Post-It note said, “Pass it on.” Throughout the entire school day, students passed around these notes. Many students talked about how it truly did make their day much better. To go along with the note theme, on National Kindness Day, students received a kindness card. On this card students could compliment other students and staff. This also was a big hit!
Our next mission was to design t-shirts. Together we chose the color orange for the shirtss to display the national color of kindness. We came up with the shirt design using Emma’s good-eye for design. Meanwhile, Juliet suggested quotes and images to include. We received many more orders than were expected, which filled us with happiness. After the sales and the spirit day to wear them, even more students want to spread kindness by wearing their shirts. Shortly we will be opening up sales once again.
Looking back on this year, we are very proud of our work. However, at the end of the school year, we will be saying goodbye to Klinger and moving on to high school. Our wish is that a group of students next year will continue to spread kindness at Klinger and have as much fun as we did doing it.
Emma Torok and Juliet Yavas
The Wizard of Oz at Log College Middle School
This year’s musical, The Wizard of Oz, was received with great reviews and accolades earlier this month. Three performances were presented on March 8th and 9th to large audiences and rousing applause. Students in all three grades showcased their singing, dancing and acting abilities, and for some, for the very first time on stage. From the costumes, sets, and many hours of rehearsal, the students, parents and teachers of Log College demonstrated remarkable commitment to the production. Even Mr. Golderer and Mr. Drago got into the action and made cameo in the tornado scene!
National Geographic GeoBee State Finalist
Congratulations to Log College 7th Grader Sanjeev Pandith for ranking in the top 100 geography students in Pennsylvania! On March 29th, Sanjeev will compete in Harrisburg against the other 99 students who qualified for state level competition of the National Geographic GeoBee. State champions then travel to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., to compete in the national championship in May.
The National Geographic GeoBee is an annual competition designed to inspire and reward students' curiosity about the world. Students in grades four through eight (4-8) from nearly 10,000 schools across the United States will compete in the 2019 National Geographic GeoBee for a chance to win college scholarships and the glory of being the National Geographic GeoBee Champion.
Log College is extremely proud of Sanjeev’s accomplishment and wish him the best of luck!
Franklin Institute at McDonald Elementary School
Thanks to a grant sponsored by the Centennial Education Foundation, our 4th grade Bulldogs enjoyed the Traveling Electricity Show from the Franklin Institute. It was an enriching educational experience for our boys & girls."
Partners in Print
Willow Dale Elementary School's Future Entrepreneurs
During the 3rd grade Digital Literacy (computer/technology) class, Ms. Hillis and Mrs. O’Brien facilitated a ZOOM call with an entrepreneur. Mrs. O’Brien visited each classroom ahead of time to teach them all about entrepreneurship and help the students draft questions they wanted to ask the speakers about owning their own business. After the presenter talked briefly about their business, some of the typical questions the students asked were: what do you like/dislike about being an entrepreneur, how did you start your business, what is your background and training, and what traits are important to have to be a successful business owner. This activity supports the Economics unit in Social Studies and also the PA Career Education and Work standards for students to learn about entrepreneurship. If you own your own business and would like to participate in a future ZOOM presentation or classroom visit, please reach out to Ms. Hopkins or Mrs. O’Brien.
Thank you to our entrepreneurs: Mr. Curry, photographer; Ms. McCartan, college counseling expert; Ms. Marcino, sales coach; Ms. McGovern, canine massage therapist; Ms. Seiff, designer; and Ms. Raphael, business coach. Willow Dale also thanks Ms. Broderick for her support with coordinating and recruiting volunteer entrepreneurs.
William Tennent High School's Spring Blood Drive
William Tennent High School’s gymnasium was transformed into a blood donation center on March 27th and 28th for the annual Spring Blood Drive sponsored by Key Club. According to the Community Blood Center, 4.5 million people need a blood transfusion each year. This essentially makes every donation crucial to saving a person’s life, which is why Tennent’s blood drives are such amazing events. Not only is it increasing the number of people who will receive blood, but it is adding numbers to the 43,000 pints of blood donated each day. Many of the students above the age of 16 donated this year, a great accomplishment for our school and community. 90 total units of blood were donated over the two day period. Advisor of the Key Club, Mrs. Harper explained that this successful donation resulted from “over a month-long process to recruit donors, schedule donors and volunteers, and organize the event.”
As volunteers at this blood drive, we both saw the actions and effects the event had on people. Some students were scared, while some enjoyed donating knowing they were helping change another person’s life. Our volunteer duties included comforting nervous, first-time donors, escorting students to the rest area, and offering snacks and drinks to help with recovery. The American Red Cross sent representatives to WTHS for this event and they followed strict guidelines to determine if a donor is healthy enough to give blood. The safety of donors was an important factor exemplified through the initial screening process and the overall care for students. Ensuring the safety of the donors also ensure that the blood is healthy and sage for the recipients, the main point in holding the blood drive.
Hosting blood drives in our school and community is very beneficial in educating us on the value of people’s lives in our world, demonstrating why we should all donate because one donation can save three lives.
Kayla McEachern & Marissa Koehnlein, Grade 10
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
Please refer to the district calendar on our website for more information.
APRIL 2019
Thursday, April 18, 2019 – Snow Make-up Day all schools open
Thursday, April 18, 2019 – Planetarium Show at WTHS 7:00 p.m.
Friday, April 19, 2019 – All Schools and Offices CLOSED
Monday, April 22, 2019 – All Schools and Offices CLOSED
PSSA Testing April 23, 2019 Through May 1, 2019
Thursday, April 25, 2019 - Behind the Lens Film Festival
Saturday, April 27, 2019 - Junior Prom
Sunday, April 28, 2019 - Celebration of Senior Athletes
MAY 2019
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 - The English Department’s Open Mic Night
Thursday, May 2, 2019 - Ken Montgomery Memorial Meet
Monday, May 6, 2019 - Friday, May 10, 2019 7:00 p.m. - Fine Arts Festival Week
Monday, May 6, 2019 – Orchestra Night
Monday, May 6, 2019 - Artistic Hall of Fame Induction
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 – Jazz Night
Wednesday, May 8, 2019 – Chorus Night
Thursday, May 9, 2019 – Band Night
Tuesday, May 14, 2019 – Showcase Night
Tuesday, May 21, 2019 – Snow Make-up Day all schools open
Thursday, May 23, 2019 – Incoming Kindergarten Open House 10:00 a.m.
Monday, May 27, 2019 – All Schools and Offices CLOSED
Tuesday, May 28, 2019 – 2 Hour Delay; In-service
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
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. Martin Hayes, Klinger Middle School
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