CSD Insider
Centennial School District Newsletter March 2016
In This Edition
Superintendent's Corner
District Updates & Happenings
Centennial School Director Spotlight Series
District Operations
Inside Schools & Programs
Announcements
Superintendent's Corner
District Leaders Take Charge of Learning about How the Brain Learns
There is an exploding body of research around how the brain learns. More than ever before, researchers in the field of neuroscience are coordinating with educators to help them understand the changes that occur in the brain as an individual learns new information and tasks. Technology, such as the fMRI, can show what areas of the brain are affected when an individual is processing information and using certain regions of the brain. This, in turn, allows educators to maximize learning opportunities. For educators, this cutting edge research helps them to optimize learning by matching instructional delivery to the changes that occur in the brain. Our leadership team is working aggressively to meet the challenges of increasing the educational outcomes of our students. The journey is an exciting one because never have we known so much about teaching and learning.
Recently, administrators spent a day at the Franklin Institute learning the latest research on the brain and its impact on teaching and learning. Our team of leaders are striving to stay current on this vital topic, and we are utilizing a multi-pronged approach. The administrative team learned about the different regions of the brain that are activated during learning as well as the reasons why certain tried-and-true teaching strategies work to help student learn new skills and concepts. After the morning in-service session, the administrative team toured the new brain exhibit for a hands-on experience about the brain and learning. Our goal is to replicate this experience with our teachers during in-service days this spring and into next school year.
At the Franklin Institute, administrators worked with educators and researchers in neuro-science to explore their own misunderstandings of the brain. They asked questions about how the brain processes new information. Additionally, they learned about how the brain functions when stressed and when rested. Current research has demonstrated that factors such as curiosity, brain breaks, and novelty do influence learning.
The administrative team explored the work of Carol Dweck, a top-level researcher from Stanford University, who explains two types of mindsets. The two mindsets are either “growth” or “fixed” mindsets. This is hugely relevant to our work as teachers because mindsets affect our ability to learn, to retain learning, and to overcome failure and obstacles.
Most of us are familiar with a fixed mindset—how often have we heard, “I’m terrible at math (or art, or a foreign language, etc.).” A fixed mindset is devastating to continued learning and growth because individuals with this mindset wind up stifling their own learning by avoiding risk-taking and new challenges because of a fear of not succeeding. A growth mindset, on the other hand, is characterized by curiosity, growth, and embracing risk and failure. Thomas Edison characterized this well when he said this about his work: "I have not failed, I have just found 10,000 ways that will not work."
One area of this research focuses on the importance of cultivating resiliency in learning. Too often, students avoid difficult tasks or think that they cannot learn because it is too hard, takes too much effort, or is too complex. An individual with a fixed mindset has trouble moving past the difficulty it can take to learn and easily gives up. In students, this makes the work of educators all the more difficult because the students believe they cannot learn, and therefore, cannot move past this point to try. What’s more, this can stifle learning opportunities because the students are afraid to take a risk and fail.
The growth mindset can be furthered by teachers and parents framing their praise for students and children somewhat differently than we are used to doing. Most of us are happy to tell our students- “Great job!” Ultimately, this becomes self-defeating behavior. What we need to do is praise hard work. Instead of saying— "great job," say, "Great job. You must be proud of how hard you have worked!" In short, identify elements of success. You have worked hard. You kept trying. You took risks and figured this out. Praise the effort not the product.
Administrators were also curious about gender differences. Interestingly, the similarities between gender and learning are far greater than the differences. However, the brain's maturation rate plays a greater role in how students learn. Many of the administrators were not surprised to learn that our students' brains do not fully develop in the areas that govern self-control until about 24 years of age. Male brains tend to be a little slower getting to that point than their female counterparts.
As we learned more about the brain, it became clear that there is really one, true learning style, despite numerous learning preferences. The learning style that really works is practice because it develops the neural connections in the brain that help us learn and improve at various activities. If we want to improve at math, we need to do math. If we want to be good at music, we need to practice music. The key is to practice and to practice well, which only reinforces how important good teachers, coaches, and parents are to the growth of our students. Feedback in our performance can help us excel if it is timely, accurate, and relevant.
We concluded the day with a robust conversation on creating learning opportunities for our children by implementing various programs that tap into their curiosity and inherent interests while teaching with fidelity and providing timely feedback. The ultimate take-away is that we are really unlocking the secrets of the brain and, that as educators, we are uniquely positioned to help our students achieve at new levels by transforming our approach to teaching to include a growth mindset, setting high expectations, embracing failed attempts, and the development of a gritty approach to problems and problem solving.
Each administrator agreed that this would be a valuable experience for our teachers. The administrators are eager to continue the conversation about how the brain learns with teachers in their schools. There is a definite science to good teaching. And now, more than ever, educators are using that science to improve learning opportunities for students.
By David E. Baugh, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
District Updates & Happenings
Centennial School District Pilots New Meeting Calendar
The Centennial School District School Board of School Directors is piloting a new calendar for School Board meetings and Committee meetings beginning in March 2016. The School Board will hold an action meeting on the second Tuesday of each month. On the fourth Tuesday of each month, the School Directors will hold two committee meetings as "committees of the whole." The Education and Pupil Services Committee and Finance and Operations Committee are School Board committees that are chaired by a Centennial School Director with an administrative liaison. The Education and Pupil Services Committee will be chaired by Ms. Jane Schrader Lynch with Dr. Jennifer Polinchock, Assistant Superintendent, as administrative liaison. The Finance and Operations Committee will be chaired by Mr. David Shafter for Finance and Ms. Kati Driban for Operations with Mr. Christopher Berdnik, Chief Financial Officer, as administrative liaison.
Committee meetings function as a discussion and deliberation forum for Centennial School Directors assigned to the committee. Centennial School Directors receive informational updates about District operations and programs, move proposals to the full School Board for action, and provide direction to administration. The Education and Pupil Services Committee considers items related to curriculum, programs, professional development, student achievement, and student services. The Finance and Operations Committee considers items related to budget, financial matters, facilities, transportation, food service, and technology.
The committee meetings will be held on March 22, April 25 (Monday), May 24, and June 28. The Education and Pupil Services Committee will meet at 6:00 p.m. The Finance and Operations Committee will begin immediately following the Education and Pupil Services Committee.
The School Board meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. on March 8, April 12 , May 10, and June 14.
All School Board and Committee meetings will broadcast live on Channel 36 (Verizon) and Channel 28 (Comcast) as well as on the Centennial School District website:
Centennial School District Welcomes Back Mr. Christopher Berdnik as the Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Christopher Berdnik rejoins the Centennial School District administrative team as the Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Berdnik left the District in September 2014, to pursue opportunities in a neighboring school district. The District operated with an Interim Business Administrator, Ms. Katie Braun, while looking for a permanent replacement.
"It's a distinct privilege to work for one's home school district," said Mr. Berdnik of his return to Centennial School District. Mr. Berdnik's investment in Centennial School District extends beyond the business operations of the District. He also serves as the William Tennent High School Debate Team coach. Mr. Berdnik's direct connection to the students and the programs in the District provide him with a unique insight into the District's mission for educational excellence.
Centennial School Director Spotlight Series
Mr. Charles Kleinschmidt, President of the Centennial School District Board of School Directors
"Seeing the smiles on the students' faces and interacting with administration, faculty, staff and bus drivers" are what Mr. Charles Kleinschmidt enjoys most about being a school director. Mr. Kleinschmidt has been a resident of Warminster Township since 1977. He and his wife, Linda, have been married for over 40 years, have raised three children, and are enjoying their three grandchildren. Prior to becoming a school director, Mr. Kleinschmidt was a Fortune Top 50 director, and adjunct computer engineering college-level instructor, and a high school technology instructor. Mr. Kleinschmidt volunteers over 20 hours a week with his responsibilities as the Centennial School District School Board President, Middle Bucks Institute of Technology Executive Board member, and with the Hartsville Volunteer Fire Company. Becoming a school director is "simply another way to give back to the community," said Mr. Kleinschmidt about why he ran for the School Board.
Mr. Kleinschmidt understands that serving as a board director can be challenging. He believes that being able to separate a personal view about what might be a best course of action from the actual course of action that is best for the District is important. In recent years, one of the greatest challenges he experienced was changing the elementary time schedule. "It's about doing what is good for the kids, considering parents' needs, and the cost to the District," Mr. Kleinschmidt said.
Having the opportunity to serve as Board Chairman of the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology has been one of Mr. Kleinschmidt' s proudest moments. Mr. Kleinschmidt expressed that interacting with all the instructors at MBIT because they teach in a different world in a hands-on program has been a special honor for him. Mr. Kleinschmidt, in his leadership roles among two boards, has the opportunity to have more in-depth conversations with administration. This allows him to develop a richer understanding of the schools.
Over the next few years, Mr. Kleinschmidt would like to see the Centennial School District bring back a full-day kindergarten program. To that end, a Kindergarten Task Force began to explore the feasibility of a full-time kindergarten program this February.
In all, Mr. Kleinschmidt shared, "I cannot imagine having a better life than the one I have had so far and I am living today. I am truly blessed with my wife/best friend, three fantastic children, and being involved in the best community on earth."
District Operations
National School Breakfast Week is March 7 to March 11
Busy weekday mornings make it a challenge for families to find time for a healthy breakfast. However, the United States Department of Agriculture data show that more students are starting their day with a nutritious breakfast in their school cafeterias. To encourage more families to take advantage of the healthy choices available with school breakfast, Centennial School District schools will recognize National School Breakfast Week during March 7-11, 2016.
The National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) campaign theme, “Wake Up to School Breakfast”, reminds the entire school community that school breakfast provides a healthy, energizing start to the day for students. Centennial students will be encouraged to “Wake Up” their minds and bodies March 7 to March 11 with special menus, decorations, cafeteria events, and more.
Inside Schools & Programs
Log College Middle School Welcomes Mr. Andrew Doster as New Principal
The Centennial School District welcomed Mr. Andrew Doster as the principal of Log College Middle School in February 2016. With nearly 10 years of K-12 principal experience, Mr. Doster was selected from a robust field of candidates for this position. Prior to becoming a principal in 2007, Mr. Doster taught all subjects in 6th grade and 8th grade reading. His experience as a middle level teacher and principal in schools ranging from kindergarten through grade 12 set him apart from all other candidates.
As a graduate of the Northampton Area School District in Lehigh Valley, Mr. Doster was familiar with the Centennial School District and the Bucks County area. Mr. Doster has a bachelors degree from Bloomsburg University in elementary education and a master's degree from Wilkes University in educational leadership.
Mr. Doster is excited to join the Centennial School District administrative team. When asked why he chose Centennial School District, Mr. Doster said, "I did my homework on school districts in Bucks County. Centennial is a place that stood out as a good fit for those things that I believe to be important in education." Mr. Doster noted the rich learning experiences for middle school students and the District's initiatives underway.
Since arriving at Log College Middle School, Mr. Doster shared, "I have been impressed by the behavior of the students and the family atmosphere that exists here among the faculty and staff. They show a genuine concern for learning and the quality of student life here." Of Mr. Doster's appointment as Log College Middle School Principal, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Polinchock said, "What impressed me most about Mr. Doster during his interviews was his ability to convey a true passion for working with students and the school community. He has a keen understanding of middle students' needs, both as learners and adolescents."
Mr. Doster has first-hand experience with middle school-aged children. He and his wife of nearly 20 years, Marcie, have three children: Cole, age 14, Cael, age 12, and Melyna, age 8. Mr. Doster enjoys running and exercise as well as spending time with family, particularly golfing as a family.
Read Across America Week- Celebrating Dr. Seuss and a Love of Reading
The National Education Association sponsors Read Across America Week beginning February 29 through March 4. Coinciding with the birthday of beloved children’s author, Theodor Seuss Geisel, or better know as, Dr. Seuss, Read Across America is a week-long celebration of reading. Each year, the week of Dr. Seuss’ birthday is commemorated by reading favorite Seuss titles and other activities that promote literacy. Centennial School District proudly celebrates Read Across America Week with a number of activities.
William Tennent High School celebrated this week at the library and in classrooms by spotlighting a collection of teachers' favorite books. Each day during morning announcements, teachers shared their favorite books with the student body. On Wednesday, March 2, classes went to the library to Drop Everything And Read (DEAR). Students took time to read a book of their choosing and to enjoy reading.
At Klinger Middle School and Log College Middle School, students read excerpts from their favorite books to classmates. Dr. Seuss classics were shared in class. At Log College Middle School, students played Dr. Seuss trivia and entered artistic bookmarks into a contest. Staff and Principal Doster, read their favorite poems, short stories, or essays.
Davis Elementary School, McDonald Elementary School, and Willow Dale Elementary School celebrated Read Across America Week with classroom activities centered on many of Dr. Seuss' classics. The elementary schools enlisted the help of "mystery readers" to surprise students with a rendition of Dr. Seuss' classics such as Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat in the Hat. Mystery readers included Superintendent Dr. Baugh, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Polinchock, and Director of Teaching and Learning Ms. Perkins, as well as parents and members of the community.
Getting Ready for the 2016 PSSAs
The 2016 PSSA exams will be administered to students in grades three through eight in April. Each year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education administers the PSSA exams to students in all school districts across the Commonwealth. Students in grades three through eight will take the English Language Arts (ELA) PSSA and the Math PSSA. Students in grades four and eight will take the Science PSSA in addition to the ELA PSSA and the Math PSSA. The testing window for the ELA PSSA is April 11 to April 14. The testing window for the Math PSSA is April 19 to April 21. The testing window for the Science PSSA is April 27 to April 28.
The results of the PSSA exams are used in multiple ways by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the District. The Pennsylvania Department of Education uses the results from the PSSA as one of the measures for the School Performance Profile. Specifically, the Department looks at the number of third grade students who score proficient on the ELA PSSA as well as the number of overall proficient and advanced proficient students on the Math PSSA, ELA PSSA and Science PSSA in grades three through eight. The Department also looks at individual student growth from year- to-year as measured by the PSSAs.
The District uses the results from the PSSA exams to assess student proficiency and improve programs. Students who are not proficient on the PSSAs receive remediation in math, reading, language arts, and/or science as part of their academic program. The PSSA scores are also one of the data points used to make recommendations for courses and course levels in the secondary program.
The PSSA exams are the only state-administered test used in all 500 Pennsylvania school districts to measure student achievement in grades three through eight. While many school districts use these results as a measure of student achievement and as a basis for program development, the District also relies on other local assessments that provide more timely and specific information about students' academic progress and achievement.
Students do need to prepare for the PSSA exams. Since the District's curriculum is aligned to the standards measured on the PSSA exams, students are, in essence, preparing all year. However, in the days leading up to the PSSA exams, students do receive some practice and some tips on how to take such a long and important test. For parents, helping your child to the do best he/she can on the PSSA exams comes down to this:
- Get up to 8 hours of sleep the night before the PSSA exams
- Eat a good breakfast each morning
- Minimize activities after school that can lead to fatigue
William Tennent High School's Black and White
It was a sign when Will Towle knocked the bell off the finish line, signifying the White Team's victory in the first event of Pool Night, the obstacle relay. The White Team, The Olympians, beat the Black Team, Black Mischief, with an overall score of 378 to 359 at the 2016 Black and White competition.
The three-day competition began with Academic Day on February 24. The White Team won with a score of 85 to 80. Going into Thursday night's Pool Night, tensions were high. Among the cheering, White Team walked away with a score of 175 to 165. In major events like synchronized swimming, the Black Team was the victor.
Friday night's Gym Night did not disappoint. The White Team won the coveted dance competition, along with tug-of-war. White Team General, Hunter Reid, called this "my proudest moment" as he ran to his co-general, Emily Wasserleben, and hugged her. The Black Team put up an excellent fight by winning best overall theme, speed pyramids, and Simon Says. But in the end, it was the White Team that walked away with the title of Black and White champions for 2016.
February 24 through February 26 marked the 51st annual Black and White competition. In keeping with the proud tradition, the high school is divided alphabetically for the competition events. The Black Team includes students whose last names begin with A-K. The White Team includes students whose last names begin with L-Z. The teams compete over three days in Academic Day, Pool Night, and Gym Night competitions.
Matt Kistner, Black Team General, said, "This year's Black and White went well. All three days were highly successful." Thanking his team and the faculty advisors, he said the Black Team "gave the White Team a run for their money."
Camp Invention Comes to Centennial School District for Summer 2016
This summer, the Centennial School District will offer Camp Invention for students entering grade 1 through grade 6. Camp Invention will be held at William Tennent High School for two weeks, July 18 to July 22 and July 25 to July 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost of the camp is $220 per week.
Students will be able to participate in STEM and STEAM activities that are hands-on and educational. For more information about Camp Invention, visit www.campinvention.org or contact Ms. Michelle Bisacquino at 215-441-6000, Ext. 11006 , or bisami@centennialsd.org.
William Tennent High School Winter Athletics Wrap-up
The William Tennent Athletics Department had a successful winter season. Individual athletes are continuing competitions throughout the championship season, but here are the 2015-16 season's wrap-ups as of the end of February:
Boys Varsity Bowling had an overall and Suburban One League record of 7 wins, 41 losses. Team accomplishments include posting individual scores of 200+ on 19 occasions by seven different bowlers. The team finished in 6th place in the Suburban One League National Conference. Individual achievements include Tyler Back taking 5th place in the handicap division, and Will Towle taking 4th place in the handicap division.
Boys Varsity Basketball had an overall record of 6 wins, 16 losses, and a Suburban One League record of 3 wins, 11 losses. Team accomplishments include a championship win at the William Tennent Holiday Invitational Tournament. Individual achievements include John Ryan as the 1st Team Suburban One League All League Recipient and Pat McCauley with an honorable mention. Seniors receiving scholarships to play at the collegiate level include John Ryan at either Penn State University Abington or West Chester University. In addition, George Alston received a Aria 3B Orthopeadic Institute High School Sportsmanship Award of $1000. Other awards include Pat McCauley for All Tournament Team and John Ryan for Most Valuable Player at the William Tennent Holiday Invitational Tournament.
Girls Varsity Basketball had an overall record of 7 wins, 15 losses, and a Suburban One League record of 3 wins, 11 losses. Team accomplishments include a championship win at the William Tennent Holiday Invitational Tournament. Individual achievements include Kyla Gibson as the 3rd Team Suburban One League All League Recipient and Kelly Scipione with an honorable mention.
Ninth Grade Boys Basketball did not have a favorable season with a record of 0 wins, 10 losses. Players demonstrated great character and perseverance throughout the season and never gave up. In fact, they were in contention for a victory against teams like Abington and Pennsbury.
Ninth Grade Girls Basketball had an overall record of 2 wins, 5 losses.
Competitive Cheer finished in 8th place in their division in the Suburban One League Championships. The squad advanced to the semi-finals in their division and qualified to compete in Orlando, Florida for the National Championships in February.
Girls Varsity Bowling had two students, Taylor Cutillo and Ashley Kennedy, advance to PIAA Regional Bowling Championships in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in March.
Wrestling had six students place in the Suburban One League Championships and advance to Districts in Quakertown, Pennsylvania at the end of February. These students include Sean Harold in 2nd place (182 Weight Class), Kristian Courtney in 2nd place (138 Weight Class), David McCoy in 2nd place (170 Weight Class), Joe Hadlich in 4th place (132 Weight Class), Randy Knapp in 4th place (126 Weight Class), and Antonio Fiocca in 4th place (285 Weight Class).
Diving had five students place in the Suburban One League Championships. These students include Marie DeMarco in 14th place, Melissa Parsons in 12th place, Tricia McCoy in 8th place, Zoe Elliot 6th place, and Chris Laub in 5th place.
Boys Swimming had two students place in the Suburban One League Championships. These students include Mark Preedy in 1st place in 50 freestyle and Mike Kane in 1st place in 100 fly. Mike Kane, Jacob Stotler, Mark Preedy, Will Clift, Charlie Green, and Will Gwynn qualified for PIAA District I Championships at La Salle University in March.
Girls Swimming had one student, Kirsten Brasch, place in the Suburban One League Championships in 4th place in 200 freestyle and 100 fly. Kirsten Brasch qualified for PIAA District I Championships at La Salle University in March.
Indoor Track and Field had three State Championship qualifiers at Penn State University in February. These students include Steve Testa in the 200 meter dash and long jump, Billy Lee in the pole vault, and Matt Krause in the 800 meter.
McDonald Elementary School's STEM Club Ignites Learning
McDonald Elementary School held its first-ever STEM Club in February 2016. Students in fifth grade met for four sessions throughout the month to learn how science, technology, engineering, and math are part of their everyday lives-- and the future. Ms. Cheryl Lyman, the digital literacy teacher, sponsored this club for students.
In each session, the students learned how to design an object and how to construct it using technology. Since the students had to create their own designs, this became a process of trail and error that led to problem-solving, critical thinking, and perseverance. In one example, students created bubble wands using a 3D printer. They had to design the shape of the bubble wand and use a program to import their designs into the 3D printer. After they tested their bubble wands, students assessed whether their designs really worked by blowing bubbles. If the bubble wand had a design flaw, the students hypothesized about the problem and the potential solution.
The students also worked with LittleBits, which are electronic blocks that can be snapped together to create a tool, toy, or just about anything. Students learn about the fundamentals of circuitry and design with these hands-on parts that brought their imaginations to life.
Throughout the sessions, Ms. Lyman guided the students through the process of planning a design, constructing and manufacturing their objects, and critical thinking. When watching the MakerBot Replicator, a 3D printer, at work, Arianna announced, "I want to be an engineer." The STEM Club Ms. Lyman developed may have just set one young fifth grader onto a career path.
Kindergarten Task Force Explores Full-Day Kindergarten Programming
At the January 2016 Education Committee meeting, School Director Ms. Dana Morgan asked the Centennial School District administration to explore the feasibility of a full-day kindergarten program. By the February 2016 Education Committee meeting, Superintendent Dr. Baugh had convened a Kindergarten Task Force and provided the Education Committee with a report.
The Centennial School District has explored the feasibility of a full-day kindergarten over the past seven years. Coinciding with a focus on early learning and preschool education at the state and federal levels, many local school districts have considered the need for and feasibility of full-time kindergarten programs.
Many research findings on full-day versus half-day programs show that students who participated in a full-day kindergarten program perform equally to their peers in half-day kindergarten programs. While this may suggest that students fair about the same in either a full-day or a half-day kindergarten program, there is an important factor to consider. If a student does not have a preschool experience that supports kindergarten readiness or is not developmentally ready for kindergarten, the student may become at-risk. A full-day kindergarten program can level the playing field for these students. The students may not out-perform their peers, but they can at least perform at the same level as their peers. The advantage to a full-day kindergarten program is that it diminishes some of the disadvantages students may have.
The Kindergarten Task Force met over the month of February to consider the operational needs, the curriculum and program needs, and the benefits and concerns if the District implements a full-day kindergarten program. The results of the Kindergarten Task Force's work suggest that more information and research will be needed before a proposal is presented to the Education and Pupil Services Committee and the School Board.
Dr. Baugh's full presentation to the Education Committee can be viewed at this link: http://www.centennialsd.org/Page/9634
Announcements
Log College Middle School Presents Bye Bye Birdie
Come see Bye Bye Birdie at Log College Middle School. Showtimes are Friday, March 18 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. For ticket information, please contact Ms. Mary Ann Zimmer at Maryanninpa@gmail.com
William Tennent High School Presents Brigadoon
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at each elementary school. Children who will be turning five (5) years old by August 31 of 2016, can be registered for Kindergarten for the 2016-17 school year. Principals and staff will conduct a brief presentation about the Kindergarten program, and staff will be on hand to help parents/guardians complete the registration process.
In order to register your child for Kindergarten, please bring the following items:
- Child's birth certificate
- Child's social security number
- Child's immunizations records
- Four proofs of residency (required: a lease, deed, or mortgage statement and e.g., telephone bill, driver's license, utility bill, etc.)
This is the only opportunity to register a child for Kindergarten at the elementary school building. All registrations after March 9, 2016, will need to be scheduled at the District Administration Building at 433 Centennial Road, Warminster, Pennsylvania. For more information, contact Ms. Carolyn Cabello at 215-441-6000, Ext. 11046, or cabeca@centennialsd.org.
Assistant District Attorney Matt Weintruab's Presentation on the Dangers of Drugs and the Importance of at William Tennent High School on March 30, 2016
Please join us as Assistant District Attorney Matt Weintraub presents on the dangers of drugs, particularly heroin in Bucks County, and the importance of decision making on Wednesday, March 30, at 7:00 p.m. at William Tennent High School.
Please see the attached flyer for additional information.
File Your Tax Returns by April 18, 2016
It’s that time of year again! The 2015 tax return deadline is Monday, April, 18, 2016. The due date is extended from the typical April 15 deadline because Washington, D.C., is commemorating Emancipation Day on Friday, April 15, 2016.
Did you know that the quickest way to get your refund is to file online? If you live and work in Pennsylvania, you can e-File on the state's tax administrator’s secure website, which is available 24/7 at www.KeystoneCollects.com.
If you have questions regarding local tax filing, visit Keystone’s Frequently Asked Questions or call Keystone’s Taxpayer Helpline at 1-888-328-0565 to speak with a local, knowledgeable Taxpayer Service Agent. You can also email your questions 24/7 to Taxpayer Support. Taxpayer Service Agents try to respond to all online inquiries within three business days.
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 positions: 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 Education Foundation Announcements
Golf Outing
The Centennial Education Foundation is sponsoring a golf outing on June 20, 2016, at Spring Mill Country Club. Proceeds will be used to support grants to the District. For more information, please contact Mr. Robert Schrader at schrro@centennialsd.org or 215-441-6000, Ext. 11008.Jackpot Calendar
It's Jackpot Calendar time! The Centennial Education Foundation is sponsoring its annual Jackpot Calendar. Help support CEF in their mission to provide educational grants to the Centennial schools. For more information, visit www.centennialef.org to learn more and/or download a calendar.
Dr. Lucy Carroll Memorial Scholarship Announcement
The criteria for this scholarship include:
- Matriculation at a college, university, or conservatory accredited program leading to a degree in the field of performing and fine arts
- Academic achievement
- Leadership
- School and/or community service
Donations to support the Dr. Lucy Carroll Memorial Scholarship can be made directly to the WTHS Alumni Association. For more information, contact WTAA@centennialsd.org or contact Ms. Linda Bielawski at bielli@centennialsd.org or 215-441-6000, Ext. 12040.
Dr. Bucky Clark Memorial Scholarship Announcement
Friends of Dr. Bucky Clark, retired principal of Log College Middle School, have established a scholarship to commemorate Dr. Clark's life-long commitment to education and the Centennial community. Dr. Clark's educational career spanned 56 years, from 1959 until 2015. He joined Centennial School District in 1971 and served as principal of Log College Middle School until 2014. Dr. Clark retired from Centennial School District in March, 2015, with 43 years of service to the District. Dr. Clark died on September 29, 2015.
The criteria for this scholarship include:
- Matriculation in a 2- or 4-year college/university with a music major
- Maintain of at least B average
- Exemplary attendance and discipline record
- Demonstrated leadership and community service
- Attended Log College Middle School
Individuals wishing to support the Dr. Bucky Clark Memorial Scholarship should contact Ms. Linda Bielawski at bielli@centennialsd.org or 215-441-6000, Ext. 12040. Donations by check may be mailed to: Ms. Linda Bielawski, College and Career Secretary, William Tennent High School, 333 Centennial Road, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974.
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Centennial School District
District Administration
Dr. David Baugh, Superintendent
Dr. Jennifer Polinchock, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Christopher Berdnik, Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Judith Hengst, Director of Special Education
Mr. Raymond Kase, Director of Technology
Ms. Hannah Messner, Director of Human Resources
Ms. Catherine Perkins, Director of Teaching and Learning
Mr. Timothy Trzaska, Director of Operations
Board of School Directors
Mr. Charles Kleinschmidt, President
Mr. David Shafter, Vice President
Ms. Kati Driban, Assistant Secretary
Mr. Steven Adams
Mr. Michael Hartline
Mr. Mark B. Miller
Ms. Dana Morgan
Dr. Andrew Pollock
Ms. Jane Schrader Lynch
Principals
Dr. Dennis Best, William Tennent High School
Mr. Travis Bloom, Klinger Middle School
Mr. Andrew Doster, Log College Middle School
Ms. Shawanna Coles, Davis Elementary School
Mr. Michael VanBuren, McDonald Elementary School
Mr. Michael Donnelly, Willow Dale Elementary School
Email: csdpr@centennialsd.org
Website: www.centennialsd.org
Location: 433 Centennial Road, Warminster, PA 18974
Phone: 215-441-6000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/csdinfo
Twitter: @Centennial_SD