CSD Insider
Centennial School District Newsletter 2018-19, Volume 2
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
Assessing How Centennial School District Meets All Students' Needs
Equity is a thread that ties together the Superintendent's goals, as developed by the School Board, for the 2018-19 school year. In order to increase academic achievement in literacy and mathematics, particularly among students with below-expected achievement, and build a culture of high expectations, the District is focusing on equity as one of the avenues for advancing these goals.
Equity in an educational setting includes striving to level the playing field for all students, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, race, socio-economic status, and learning needs. An emphasis on equity means that administration actively works to eliminate barriers to providing the same educational opportunities to all students as well as honoring their unique backgrounds to ensure inclusiveness.
Ms. Shawanna Coles, Principal of Practice, has formed an Excellence, Equity, and Inclusion Committee that includes faculty and staff from each of the schools. The results of the Equity Quality Review will be used by this committee to share effective practices and make recommendations for enhancements to the programs and services of the District.
"Equity is one of the three rails we have to focus on in order to make sure all our kids are learning in a safe and caring environment," says Superintendent David Baugh. He continues, "If we don't make sure that students of color are equally represented in our advanced courses and not overrepresented in special education and discipline, then we are not setting these kids up for success."
The Equity Quality Review report will be shared with the School Board and Centennial community in the winter of 2018-19.
The Planetarium: A Big Night Out, Under the Stars
Our next Fall 2018 Planetarium Shows will be offered on Monday, November 19.
First Show: 6:00-7:00 PM, Supervolcanoes
Tickets for Supervolcanoes and additional details can be found at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supervolcanoes-tickets-52021404421
Second Show: 7:30-8:30 PM, Dynamic Earth
Tickets for Dynamic Earth and additional details can be found at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dynamic-earth-tickets-52022006221
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.
Conflict, Diplomacy and Resolution with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick
Conflict, Diplomacy and Resolution is an elective class for 10th - 12th graders at William Tennent High School. The class focuses on US foreign policy and international relations and has a strong emphasis on current events. Students in the class have a number of opportunities to discuss issues with the people who help shape the United States' foreign policy. With the 2018 mid-term elections fast approaching, students in Mr. Fries' CDR class hosted Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R) - 8th District - to speak with his students about foreign policy issues. The students developed their own questions to ask Congressman Fitzpatrick and held a question and answer session in the 21st Century Learning Lab. Topics included the trade war with China, the denuclearization of North Korea, the Syrian civil war, U.S. border security, and Russian involvement in the 2016 election. With his background as an FBI agent and his role as a policy maker as a member of the the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the congressman shared his viewpoints and insights on the major issues that help to shape U.S. foreign policy.
A Night With Ray Didinger
The Centennial Education Foundation would like to thank everyone who came out to spend "A Night with Ray Didinger" on October 18th at William Tennent High School. Ray Didinger did an excellent job of highlighting the history of the Eagles football team. Everyone was mesmerized by his heartfelt stories and insight. Almost 200 people were in attendance at the event and CEF raised more than $4,000. The night included a tailgate dinner, book signing, 50/50 drawing and raffle prizes.
An enormous thanks to all our sponsors: Quaint Oak Bank, Police and Fire Federal Credit Union, Duke Digital Media, Robert Immerman, and Wawa for helping to make the event a success. Our mission will continue to provide “above and beyond” educational experiences.
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
Centennial School District Policy Update- Public Participation at 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 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 may require 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 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 may require additional time, the participant should contact the Superintendent prior to the School Board meeting.
School Board Approves a Pool Feasibility Study
Both middle school pools have not been operational for nearly two years. The high school's pool has continued to need regular maintenance. Although all three schools have undergone renovation projects over the past ten years, the aquatics facilities did not receive significant upgrades to the facility space or infrastructure. The feasibility study will provide the School Board and administration with much-needed information about the overall cost to make improvement to the pools.
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
Fruit Flies, Mice and Elephants
The William Tennent High School WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) club visited Fox Chase Cancer Center on Wednesday October 26th. The overall objective of the trip was for Tennent students to meet women scientists at Fox Chase and learn about their background, their path into a career in science, and their future plans. Dr. Amanda Purdy, Manager of Academic Programs and Training at Fox Chase, organized the trip which included an introduction to the history, mission and work at Fox Chase Cancer Center, including a tour of some of the labs, and ended with talks from four scientists at different stages of their career. During the tour, students saw some of the organisms scientists use for their research. Dr.Purdy told the students about the “clean mice” lab at Fox Chase, and took them through a lab that uses fruit flies as model organisms. Towards the end of our tour, they also walked through a lab used for researching the herpes virus in elephants. The variety of topics and organisms researched at Fox Chase fascinated the students.
Dr. Purdy began by explaining the important focus areas and careers at Fox Chase; she told the students that there are even opportunities for high school students there. The first speaker was Kimberly Branigan Colby, a scientific technician who works in a blood cell development lab. Kimberly is working towards her Master’s degree in Biotechnology at Temple University. The group really identified with Kimberly who shared her decision making process as a high school senior only a few years ago.
Kimberly was followed by Marie Danielle Ralff who is well-underway to earning her MD/PhD degree. This was the first time most of the William Tennent students heard about this type of combined degree. Despite the length, intensity and challenge of her program, Marie was relatable and she made the workload look doable. Demonstrating her passion for research, Marie shared her excitement to interact with patients and to see how research has a positive effect on the people she will be treating.
Jay Gardiner, post-doctoral fellow at Fox Chase, and an instructor in the TRIP initiative program, connected with the students right away. She shared her struggles during her freshman year in college and gave our students valuable and timely advice. It was very interesting to find out Jay changed her research focus when she arrived to Fox Chase which showed students that the process of learning and adapting to new circumstances never ends.
The last speaker, Daniela Di Marcantonio is also a post-doctoral fellow at Fox Chase and was trained in Italy. Daniela shared the multiple areas of research she has been involved with throughout her educational training and it was fascinating to hear how she decided to focus on cancer research.
After the last talk, students broke into groups and had the opportunity to interview one of the scientists, which allowed students to ask questions in smaller groups and in a relaxed atmosphere. Students remarked how valuable this time was and came back to school with several pearls of wisdom. This was the second year the WISE group visited Fox Chase and they are already looking forward to their third annual visit. The students loved the experience and appreciated the unique opportunity to spend time with and learn from scientists who are at different stages of their careers. The insights gained and advice received will undoubtedly inform students’ decision making as they prepare for college and possibly, a career in science.
William Tennent Fashion Marketing and Merchandising Students are Inspiring Teens
A new course has begun this year at William Tennent in the Business Department, “Fashion Marketing and Merchandising.” This course was initiated by Lisa Slipp and is designed to prepare students for careers related to working within the Fashion and Marketing industries. Students have the opportunity to explore their creativity and learn about the fashion industry by studying the history of fashion, how the design process works from design concept, construction of products, distribution, and retail sales. Students are exposed to the inner workings of the fashion world through multiple opportunities such as Philadelphia Fashion Week, and other hands-on, real-world experiences. Students are also familiarized with numerous career paths available to people skilled in the areas of merchandising and marketing of fashion and fashion-related products and services. Students learn about and participate in hands on projects relating to merchandising, retailing, wholesaling, product development and advertising in the fashion industry.
On Thursday October 18th, students were given an exciting opportunity when Leslie Conway, founder and owner of Inspiring Teens (i.e. Inspiring Teens and iTi Style Magazines), made a visit to their classroom. Inspiring Teens in located in Warrington, PA. It’s sole purpose is to Inspire Teens to be the best they can be, and to take on challenging projects while following their dreams. Inspiring Teens works directly with the fashion industry and plans fundraisers, social events, photoshoots and more while teaching teens leadership skills. During Leslie’s visit, William Tennent students received the most recent issue of Inspiring Teens and had the opportunity to learn about the organization and what they do, as well as how they can get involved. Students heard first hand what it’s like to work in the fashion industry as a photographer, and stylist, and were given several job opportunities to investigate. Students also worked with Leslie to develop Fashion articles which will be featured in the magazine’s next issue. Be on the look-out for William Tennent students doing big things, as they are Inspiring Teens.
'PAWS'ome Behavior at Willow Dale Elementary
Beginning this school year, Willow Dale launched it's School Wide Positive Behavior Program. Their goal is to ‘To celebrate their commitment to student success in the areas of academics, social-emotional and behavior’. They started with engaging lessons in each classroom and a school wide pep rally to kick off the program.
“PBIS organizes adults & students to create a social-culture in schools that will encourage positive behavior & interactions, while discouraging problem behaviors. This social-culture will lead to a safer environment were students achieve & build positive relationships with each other & with adults.”
In order to achieve their goal, Willow Dale has developed a common language for expectations in many areas throughout the school. They have also instituted a Voice Level scale for each area that is used from grades K-5. Faculty and Staff use symbols and a common language to remind students of their expected behaviors and voice level in each area. They are positively reinforcing this behavior through various incentives, including their PAWS 200 Club, which has hit two times this year already. The PAWS ticket is a sticker that students wear throughout the day, which allows any staff member to acknowledge the good work the students are doing. In addition, to the sticker and verbal praise, students are acknowledged with an email or note home and are recognized on our morning announcements. Willow Dale has already have seen the demonstration of many positive behaviors, leading to a positive learning environment for all in our community.
At Willow Dale, the students are expected to be ‘PAWS’ome and are continually reminded of the schoolwide expectations:
Postive Attitude
Act Respectfully
Work Responsibly
Safe Choices
Panther Boards attend DVIRC Manufacturing Summit
Bucks County Tour of Honor
On October 1st, 8th grade band students from Log College and Klinger Middle Schools had the opportunity to participate in the Bucks County Honor Tour. The event provides an opportunity for local veterans to get to see the different war memorials in Washington, D.C. This year, eight buses of veterans, their guardians, and the Log and Klinger students, left from Parx Casino early in the morning, with the aid of a police escort to our Nation's Capital. While in Washington, D.C., the students and veterans witnessed a wreath laying ceremony at the Korean War Memorial, saw various monuments, and toured the Smithsonian American History Museum. The students also participated in a solemn wreath laying ceremony, along side the veterans, at the World War II Memorial. A police escort also accompanied the tour heading home, culminating with dozens of law enforcement vehicles, motorcycles, and a helicopter once the tour crossed into Pennsylvania on I-95. This was an incredible experience for all students, and one that they will surely never forget.
In a world where you can be anything, be kind
The first mission was to take part in a fundraiser created by Dr. David Baugh in order to help the New Hanover School District in North Carolina as they recover from Hurricane Florence. Students created posters and announcements in order to spread the word of this important fundraiser, and created a raffle to help encourage other students to donate. The Kindness Club is quickly realizing that kindness is contagious, as the LCMS students donated a total of $435 to send to New Hanover School District! The November mission is to support Operation Gratitude in their Halloween Candy Give-Back Campaign which sends care packages to deployed Troops, Veterans and First Responders. In the future, the LCMS Kindness Club plans to create events to promote empathy, responsibility, and respect in their school and also in the the local community as well. Thank you to all students, faculty, and families for helping to make "kind the new cool!"
FROM OUR STUDENTS
A Hawaiian Homecoming
Homecoming at William Tennent proved to be a night to remember on Saturday, October 6th. From the dresses to the music, it was a memorable night in Hawaii thanks to the efforts of Athletic Council and Student Government. The dance itself was sold-out, meaning a cafeteria full of animated students was inevitable. Plastic leis were handed out as students entered the island; since they are a staple of any Hawaiian themed party, the night would not have been complete without them. Everyone was already dancing by 7:10 PM, a rarity at a high school dance as there is always the slightly awkward matter of when the correct time is to begin dancing. Even the German exchange students were present, and they seemed to enjoy the night with their hosts and new American friends. The food was good: pizza and hoagies were available as well as strawberry lemonade. For dessert, red or blue water ice fit the theme, but was a gamble for anyone wearing white. As always, the staff was present to make sure that the night stayed both fun and safe. The DJ played some notable songs such as “Freaky Friday,” “Lucid Dreams,” and “Blank Space” which had everyone dancing and added to the overall enjoyment of the dance. Overall, it was another great dance, well-orchestrated by everyone involved.
Juliana Whitley, 10th grade
Local Congressman Visits WTHS
This month Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick was a guest speaker at William Tennent High School. He visited Mr.Fries’ Conflict, Diplomacy, and Resolution (CDR) class on Wednesday, October 16th for a question and answer session with some of his students. Mr. Fries explained that CDR is an elective class for 10th - 12th graders that focuses on US foreign policy and international relations with a strong emphasis on current events. Students have opportunities to discuss issues with the people who help shape the United States' foreign policy.
During the visit with Congressman Fitzpatrick, Mr.Fries’ students asked questions about his viewpoints on current events, international situations, and foreign policy. Students asked him a variety questions covering many topics. “They asked about everything. It was great; we covered pretty much every topic that there is. There was a lot of foreign policy discussion about Israel, about North Korea, about Syria, so there were a lot of foreign policy questions,” Fitzpatrick said. Considering Fitzpatrick’s previous experience as an FBI agent, he was very knowledgeable in these areas. He stated “having that on the ground experience as a law enforcement officer and as a member of the National Security community for sure helps because it helps shape my theories on how to keep our country safe from terrorism and counterintelligence threats, cyber security threats.” Speaking with a local representative for our government was a unique chance to hear first-hand more about the important issues our country faces, making the CDR course come alive for students.
Marissa Koehnlein, 10th grade
Why Take the PSAT?
On October 10th, all WTHS sophomores walked into their testing locations to start their journey known as the college application process. PSAT is an acronym for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test and it is meant to prepare us for the test known as the SAT to see how much growth we need. In reality, it’s a three hour long test that rattles some nerves, and makes students’ hands cramp filling in so many circles. With bleary eyes and a focus on question after question, students found the time passes much more quickly than expected. And the early nervousness went away after realizing “I am prepared for this test. I can do it.” Many students, however, may question how a test in 10th grade affects their college plan. Actually, there are many reasons sophomores should experience the PSAT.
Some students don’t realize what our school does just for us to be eligible to take this test. The PSAT is a school funded test, which means we are lucky to have this completely free learning experience to give us a glimpse of what the SAT testing will be like. It is actually very beneficial for juniors to retake the PSAT since they can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, thus the PSAT is not just a great practice for the SAT, but it can help students attain money towards college. The main objective of the the test overall though is to prepare students for what colleges they should be setting their sights on. When taking the exam, students must fill out information that will show the College Board what majors they might be interested in and what schools would be best fitted for them based on the outcome of their scores. All of these factors prepare us for our journey with the college application process.
Kayla McEachern, 10th grade
Comcast Newsmakers Experience
This September, I started an Independent Study through Digital Production with Mrs. McCaffery. Thanks to this, I got to play a part in filming Comcast Newsmakers in our BWTV Studio at William Tennent High School in October.
Comcast Newsmakers is a news program featuring interviews with “local celebrities.” Comcast uses satellite studios in the area. Starting this year, William Tennent is proud to be the only high school in Bucks County and the surrounding area that hosts the production of the news program. In addition to myself, senior Jaden Schane also had the opportunity to experience what goes into producing a professional newscast.
For an entire school day, we got to participate hands-on alongside the Comcast Newsmakers crew. We saw how they populate graphics, time the program, use multiple camera angles, and operate various production equipment to make their segments a success. Another exciting part of being involved in the production of Comcast Newsmakers was being able to meet some of the 10 guests being interviewed that day. Some of the people I met include Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub, the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds Robin Robinson, and Pennsylvania State Senator Stewart Greenleaf.
Overall, it was a great day and being able to communicate with those already in the news production field really solidified that I would love to be a part of something like Comcast Newsmakers as a career once I graduate. Comcast Newsmakers will return to the BWTV studio in December for another round of filming.
Kaylee Lagler, 12th Grade
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
Arts Alliance Coffee House
William Tennent Arts Alliance
Performers Wanted!
Are you a William Tennent High School Student or Alum? Are you a vocalist, comedian, poet, instrumentalist, magician or have another special talent to share?
Are you free to perform on Friday, November 23rd at 7pm?
If you answered YES to all three, we would love to have you audition for the Arts Alliance Coffee House. Here is what we need: A 5 minute (or less) audition video of the act you would like to perform. Send a link to us at info@wt-arts.org by November 9th. Spread the word, and thanks.
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