CSD Insider
Centennial School District Newsletter 2019-20, Volume 2
IN THIS EDITION
District Updates & Happenings
District Operations
Inside Schools & Programs
From Our Students
Upcoming Important Dates
Community Connections
Announcements
District Updates & Happenings
Centennial School District's Dr. David Baugh Named Pennsylvania's 2020 Superintendent of the Year
Retired Teacher Pens Magical Tale of Friendship, Family and Adventure for Globally-minded Kids
A move can oftentimes feel overwhelming for a child and a move to a new country or continent can feel especially daunting. Author and Educator, Nancy Avery wants to promote resilience in the face of life changes. In Watson and Jason Move to Australia, a little boy names Jason and his best friend and pet beagle Watson are playing on the beach. While fetching a toy in a nearby cave, Watson uncovers a magical collar, which gives him the ability to speak and be seen as a little boy. Delighted, Watson is now able to go to school with Jason. One day in class, they have a lesson on Australia. Later that day, they arrive home to be told Jason's mother has taken a job at a research center near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and they are moving to Australia! The family soon embarks on the adventure of a lifetime exploring the unique and wonderful treasures of this continent.
Filled with factual information about Australia, the book is designed to serve as a resource in the classroom and also illustrates how humor, love and dedication combine to help a child thrive. Avery says, "I hope children will gain knowledge of all Australia has to offer as well as the courage to be open to new places, people and experiences."
Avery's inspiration to become an author came from her own classroom. "While I was teaching geography, I wanted a creative way to hook my students' interest, and thus the tale of Watson and Jason began," she says. Her own beagle became the story's central character, and her nieces and nephews were also a part of the story. "My goal is to write a series of childrens books following Watson and Jason as they visit all seven continents." Watson and Jason Move to Australia is available for purchase online at Amazon.
About the Author
Nancy Avery was an elementary school teacher Centennial School District for 30 years. Now retired, she and her husband enjoy traveling and researching new and exciting places to use as settings for her book series.
Par for the Course at William Tennent
MBIT Residential Construction Carpentry Student Awarded Women in Building Scholarship
Middle Bucks Institute of Technology in Jamison is proud to recognize Angelica Breslin, a second year student in Residential Construction Carpentry, and a senior at William Tennent High School, for being recognized by the National Association of Home Builder’s Professional Women in Building by Council of Bucks and Montgomery Counties. The Professional Women in Building Council is an organization dedicated to enhancing the roles of both women, and men, in the building industry by fostering personal and professional networking relationships, while promoting a positive image of the building industry through community outreach, education programs and political awareness. Angelica was presented her award by her teacher, Mr. Anthony Rogers, with her classmates and Middle Bucks Administrators proudly cheering her on.
For more information, please contact Kristin Feeney - Education Coordinator at 215-343-2480 X 108, or kfeeney@mbit.org.
About Middle Bucks Institute of Technology
Middle Bucks Institute of Technology offers a complete array of career, technical, and pre-professional courses to enhance the academic programs of all students. The Middle Bucks Campus is located on York Road in Jamison, Warwick Township. The school serves students from the Centennial, Central Bucks, Council Rock, and New Hope-Solebury School Districts. The twenty-two educational programs at Middle Bucks Institute of Technology are organized into five career pathways, all geared to preparing students to meet the growing needs of High Priority Occupations in Pennsylvania.
Centennial School District Calendar 2019-2020
The Centennial School District calendar for 2019-20 reflects adjustments to the new trimesters in the elementary schools. Here are the highlights:
- There is one scheduled two-hour delays February 3, 2020.
- Elementary and secondary conferences will be on December 19 and 20, 2019. The conference dates were moved to the end of the first trimester for the elementary schools.
- The second elementary conference date will be March 20, 2020 after the conclusion of the second trimester.
Follow this link to the 2019-20 Calendar
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
William Tennent High School Students Get a Dose of Financial Reality
William Tennent High School students had to make some tough decisions on
budgeting as they traveled through a Financial Reality Fair hosted by TruMark Financial® Credit Union on October 24.
More than 200 juniors and seniors chose a career, complete with a salary, and were given a budget worksheet. They were required to visit 14 booths to make spending decisions on necessities such as housing, transportation, food and clothing, insurance, and other categories. Everyone faces unexpected situations, and as part of the exercise students spun the Wheel of Reality which represents the unknown. A spin of the wheel could bring good fortune such as a tax refund or bad fortune such as unexpected car repairs. Following their selections, students met with financial counselors who reviewed their budget worksheets, checked student's calculations, and provided counseling if students needed to make changes to meet their expenses. These changes might include eliminating a purchase or getting a part-time job.
Pennsylvania State Representative Meghan Schroeder and two of her staff members joined employees from local businesses and TruMark Financial, community members, and students’ parents who manned booths and helped students make informed decisions as they budgeted for monthly expenses.
Students left with a new appreciation for their parents’ skills of budgeting. “It was really stressful making these decisions,” said one student. Another student quipped, “I don’t want to be an adult.”
Adventure Aquarium
McDonald 2nd grade boys and girls had a blast visiting the Adventure Aquarium on Thursday, October 24th. Thank you to Centennial Education Foundation for providing a grant so our boys and girls could enjoy this experience.
Paint The Plow at McDonald
Under the guidance of McDonald's fabulous art teacher Mrs. Loro, McDonald 5th grade boys and girls participated in Warminster Township's annual Paint the Plow contest. See snow? Drive slow! In Spanish that translates to Vez la nieve? Maneja Despacio! Great job boys and girls.
Fabulous Females of Willow Dale
Fabulous Females is an after-school club available to all Willow Dale female students in
5th grade. The group is designed to raise girls’ self-awareness, develop empathy, teach
healthy conflict resolution, explore feelings, and promote a positive change in female
relationships. Mrs. Kara LaRose, School Counselor, and Mrs. Haidy Kerber, 3rd grade
teacher, created this group in 2007 and have been making improvements every year in
an effort to support girls and help them to navigate a time of physical, social, and
emotional changes. During our 8 sessions together, the group covers many topics, with a culminating session at the end with a celebration to which the girls invite a fabulous,
adult female. Fabulous Females have found this to be a wonderful opportunity to start a conversation between the girls and adults the in their lives. They are so grateful to have the financial support of the Centennial Education Foundation and the Willow Dale Home and School Association. This support has enabled us to purchase t-shirts and gratitude journals as
well as other craft supplies to enhance the group curriculum. The team is enthusiastic to
begin this year’s group with a fabulous group of girls!
One Book, One School, One Klinger
Thanks to a generous grant from the Centennial Education Foundation, all students at Klinger Middle School have been reading the novel Refugee by Alan Gratz for the past six weeks. This historical fiction novel follows the stories of Josef from Nazi Germany, Isabel from Communist Cuba, and Mahmoud from war-torn Syria. All three young people go on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. All three characters face unimaginable dangers, from drownings to bombings to betrayals, although for each of them, there is always the hope of tomorrow. In the end, Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, who are separated by continents and decades, have a surprising connection that will tie their stories together.
The students' journey kicked off on September 9 with a whole school assembly, Oprah-style! “You get a book! You get a book!” The buzz and excitement surrounding the kick-off were amazing! Students have been reading the novel in their Language Arts classes for the past six weeks, but doing activities throughout all content areas. From researching the MS St. Louis to math tests on survival statistics to current events tied to the conflict in Syria, students have been engaged in the novel on so many levels.
Refugee has inspired Klinger students to take action! There are currently two service projects running that tie into our novel. Builders Club is collecting school supplies for “Welcoming the Stranger,” a local, educational, non-profit organization that offers free classes in English as a Second Language, computer skills, and the U.S. Citizenship exam to immigrants and refugees in our area. The second service project is Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. Students are encouraged to raise money for the United Nations Children Fund which works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. Finishing up the book, Klinger students have a lot to say.
6th grader, Maya Cole, said, “In my opinion, Refugee was a great book. It taught me that not all kids have it all. Kids my age are hearing guns crackling and even having to evacuate their own country. This book gave me something to look forward to reading and even taught me about people in different situations. I totally recommend this to anyone in need of a great book!”
Conner Tizol, an 8th grader, shared, “I like how the book all made sense to me and it was easy to understand. I have made a connection - how it’s better to stay visible instead of invisible. I 100% recommend this book for others.”
Samantha Reynolds, 7th grader, shares, “The thing I liked most about the book was that we got to go through the adventure with the characters. I really liked Josef's journey.”
8th-grade student, Harrison Tindell, reflects, “I liked how there was a lot of action in the book and how everyone traveled from place to place each chapter. The connections I have made were that I would make some of the same choices that some of the characters in the book have made. The book has changed me to believe that we should let refugees in because their homes were destroyed.”
Olivia Bangs, an 8th grader said, “I liked how we can see what is happening through the perspective of the refugee. I recommend this book to everyone because this book shows a lot about their lives and you can feel empathy for people that live today and over 80 years ago. It’s been an amazing experience.”
Willow Dale’s Paws the Puma Goes to Work
Thanks to a Centennial Education Foundation(CEF) grant, third graders will be participating in an exciting career awareness project throughout this school year, in which our traveling puma mascot (stuffed animal) gets to go to work with a family member of each student this year! There will be interview questions that the child and mascot will ask the adult about their work, including what school subjects they use in their jobs and what good work habits help them to be successful. The adult will have the choice to either take photos or video clips of the mascot at work for the student to share with the class. The goal of the project is for students to meet Pennsylvania Career and Education Work standards by learning about a variety of careers/jobs in our community through interviews, pictures, and videos. Take a look at the pictures below which show some of the work experiences PAWS has had so far.
FROM OUR STUDENTS
A Different Spin on Powderpuff at William Tennent
Powderpuff football games take place all around the United States between senior girls and junior girls. William Tennent puts a different spin on your average Powderpuff game. Powderpuff is an event at William Tennent that takes place every November, like many schools, with junior girls and senior girls going head to head in a flag football game. At Tennent, the boys get to participate too! The senior and junior boys compete to put on the best half-time cheer show during the Powderpuff game.
Powderpuff at William Tennent is unlike Powderpuff at any other school. There other important Powderpuff events that take place during the school day before the big game. The day begins with the seniors and juniors running the halls. Large groups are formed and all of the participants run through the hallways before first period. Later that day, the Powderpuff pep rally takes place. All grades crowd the gym to get a sneak peek at the boys’ performances.
There are no cuts, so any student who signs up for Powderpuff gets to participate. About 150 juniors and 120 seniors signed up to participate this year. The students attend 10-11 practices after school everyday until 4:15 pm to prepare for the big night. The Powderpuff game will be held on the William Tennent football field on November 14th at 6:00 PM.
Nick Cosenza
The Severity of Storms on CSD
Every student longs for school to be canceled. They jump for joy seeing any type of bad weather forecast and await an alert to pop up on their parent’s phone. This occurrence happened Friday, November 1st, the day after children were happily trick or treating on Halloween night. The storm was incredibly damaging, wires and trees lying on multiple streets in both Warminster and Southampton. Power outages were evident in many homes of students and faculty members, leaving so many people in the dark for multiple hours or days. However, the effect the storm had on all CSD buildings was much greater than previously anticipated.
The safety of students is the most important concern of the Centennial School District, so closing schools on the 1st seemed like the correct option. Having classes take place in the dark wouldn’t have been productive for both teachers and students, and this would have led to much disorder. The outcome of not having school, however, was still very impactful on the district. The end of the marking period is on November 8th, one week after the school closure. This caused students to have a limited amount of time to complete work to increase their grades and for teachers to move their original plans behind by one day. Sarah Zurmuhl, an 11th-grade student at William Tennent High School, commented on the storm and how it affected her academically: “I couldn’t study for my tests since I had no power or internet connection for my Chromebook to work. My classes were also moved back a day so I have less time to finish my work.” The comment brings the severity of school cancellations to reality and how they truly affect students.
The weather has also caused issues with not only academics but also activities. Powderpuff players and cheerleaders have been met with constant cancellations due to the storms and bad weather, causing major effects on preparations. The Science National Honor Society was planning to have their induction the 1st, but because of the storm, it was postponed almost two weeks later. Activities such as these gave students and teachers less time for preparations and meetings, and they now have to accommodate their schedules accordingly. Centennial School District has been affected by storm damage in the past, and making up the lost time is always a challenge. Even though changing schedules and rearranging planned events is frustrating, students will always wish for that day off, but part of growing up is realizing that there is no such thing as a free day off anymore.
Kayla McEachern, Junior
The Art of Thankfulness
Gobble! Gobble! It's November; the delicate leaves are falling, a chilly breeze gradually passes by, and the sweet aroma of pumpkin pie fills the noses of kids and adults alike. As people, we’re always thankful for everything the day brings. On Thanksgiving, we express and share our thankfulness with loved ones.
The world would not be the same without all the magnificent people living in it. Our family and friends give us comfort, warmth, and support. They are people that give meaning to our lives. Without doctors, diseases wouldn’t be cured. There would be a virus spreading everywhere. Farmers work hard to provide food and water. Everyone has a role, which I know I am grateful for!
Music brings joy and harmony. It connects people and cultures together. It also soothes and calms; it plays as a source of peace. I play the violin. The melodies I have played have strengthened the bonds that I have with others.
Finally, I oblige in nature. To feel the sun’s kiss on one’s face is a blissful experience. The “pitter-patter” of rain has a light, easing feeling. Birds sing melodious tunes. Trees shake their brightly colored leaves to a salsa.
To be given a chance to live is wonderful. We should enjoy everything and be open to any opportunity we were given. As they say in French “La vie est belle.” Life is beautiful!
Kasiana Cera, Klinger Middle School
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
Please refer to the district calendar on our website for more information.
November 2019
- November 11- Early Dismissal In-service Day
- November 18 - 22 American Education Week
- November 28 & 29- All Schools and Offices Closed (Thanksgiving)
December
- December 6 - Early Dismissal In-service Day
- December 13 - Planetarium Show
- December 19 - Early dismissal; Elem. Conference; Secondary Professional Development
- December 20 - January 2 - All Schools Closed - Conferences K-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
CEF Presents Dueling Pianos at The Fuge in Warminster
Tickets are $35 which includes a buffet dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, Dueling Pianos, the band Bonehead and FREE BABYSITTING FOR CSD FACULTY AND STAFF! There will be a cash bar, raffle tickets and silent auction items.
Fall 2019 Planetarium Shows
Tickets are available for our upcoming planetarium shows. Please check our website for updates.
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. Tom Greenwood, Business Administrator
Mrs. Virginia Fredericksen Director of Human Resources
Mrs. Melissa Bolden, Acting Director of Pupil Services
Mr. Anthony Gabriele, Director Learning and Innovation
Mr. Robert Whartenby, Director of Facilities/Assistant Business Administrator for Operations
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
Hon. Bernie O'Neill
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
Dr. 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