CSD Insider
Centennial School District Newsletter March 2018
In This Edition
Superintendent's Corner
District Updates & Happenings
District Operations
Inside Schools & Programs
Community Connections
Announcements
Superintendent's Corner
Spring Reflections
Spring may, or may not, be here for good. We hope so, but it is Pennsylvania, and it has been a strange winter with both unseasonably cold and warm temperatures and precipitation to match.
One consistent item that rolls from year to year and only gets stronger is the concern for school safety. Both in terms of transportation issues when a weather event is occurring, but also and in particular, because of the continuing national crisis around school safety.
The Parkland massacre is the latest in an on-going saga of school violence. This is compounded by the fact the assailants are often former students or even current ones. Regardless of what your politics are around the second amendment, if you are a student, parent, or educator, you have been aware of school safety issues for almost 20 years.
The Florida situation is maybe different because those students continue to lead a call for change. A change dependent on elected officials in Washington and Harrisburg and 49 other state capitals. We will see.
In the meantime in Centennial, we are continuing to work to make our schools safe places to learn and to work. As in many districts, resources have been diverted to what is called “hard scaping” the transformation of community resources into harder to enter and disrupt facilities. Cameras are on a continuous add and refresh cycle. Employees are tasked with monitoring and securing entry points. In addition, they continue to receive professional development around de-escalation techniques and crisis management. We continue to work collaboratively and creatively with local law enforcement agencies. Our safety plan is in a re-evaluate cycle as we continue to devote time, energy and resources to securing our schools and places of learning.
One thing we will always be working on is making our schools kinder, warmer, more inclusive places of teaching and learning. Time and time again, students who have been ostracized by their classmates resort to desperate, hostile measures. As a faculty, as caring adults, and as caring students, we are working to increase the connectivity of all our students. And in the end, this may be the most effective way of working to prevent further tragedy.
In other spaces we have talked about it taking a community to raise a child and if you see something say something. Well that is a great start. If we take things a step further and say maybe we should try to connect with compassion and kindness, maybe we can excel. It truly does take a community to be great. A connected community.
There are over 800 staff and faculty working in the district, over 5,600 students, and well over 6,000 parents, guardians, grandparents all concerned about at least the welfare of a few of the students in this district. Together, if we make sure each and every student is cared for and are thinking about others, then maybe, just maybe, we can keep tragedy from knocking on our door.
Let’s hope spring is here to stay. Spring is typically a time of celebration. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the wonderful community that is Centennial and be sure that every one has someone asking, “How are you?” And most importantly, that someone is listening to the answer.
Warmly,
Dr. David E. Baugh
Superintendent of Schools
District Updates & Happenings
Getting Ready for the PSSA
These PSSA exams will be administered on the following days:
English Language Arts
- April 11, 12 & 13
- April 17 & 18
- April 24 & 25
- Make sure your child gets a good night's rest.
- Make sure you child has breakfast.
- Encourage your child to do his/her best.
Centennial Education Foundation Awards Breakfast
On April 26, the Centennial Education Foundation will hold its annual Awards Breakfast, sponsored by Ann’s Choice. CEF will highlight their mission and goals along with a special presentation to the grant award recipients for the 2018-2019 school year, recognizing the individual teachers for their dedication to quality education and their commendable, creative and innovative enhancements supporting their curriculum. All of the invaluable supporters will be recognized too.
A Message from the Centennial Education Foundation
The Centennial Education Foundation (CEF) is a 501c3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization committed to providing enriching educational opportunities, programs and projects for students in the Centennial School District. CEF is independent of the School District.
The mission of CEF is to secure resources from individuals, corporations, community organizations and other foundations to be distributed in support of programs that benefit students in the Centennial School District. Since 1997, their grant programs have impacted the educational needs of thousands of students!
The Foundation relies solely on your donations. Every dollar contributed is fully tax deductible! Every dollar raised and invested will be used locally! Your contribution helps guarantee the future of Centennial students and community.
There are two easy ways to support CEF. Amazonsmile and ShopRite (shop at home)
Help us help students succeed by giving the gift of education! Thank you for your support!
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
Kindergarten Registration for 2018-19 Is Now Open
The Centennial School District is now accepting registrations for incoming Kindergarten students for the 2018-19 school year. Students must be five years of age on or before August 31 to register for Kindergarten. In order to register a student, the following documents are required:
· A birth certificate
· Immunization records
· Four proofs of residency
Parents/guardians can register a student online or in-person. For more information about the registration process, visit http://www.centennialsd.org/Page/101 or call the Registrar at 215-441-6000, Ext. 11046.
Absence Notes Made Easy- Email Your Child's Absence Notes
Parents and guardians are now able to email student absence excuse notes to the school's attendance office. Emailing 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 emailed 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.
Emailed 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 email from the attendance office secretary confirming that the student's absence note was received by the school.
Each school has a unique email 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
Centennial School District Policy Update
Family Trips Scheduled During the School Year
To view the policy and the request forms, follow these links:
Future Ready Schools
The Centennial School District made the Future Ready School pledge in 2016. Since that point, the Future Ready Committee has developed a three-year plan to prepare students for the 21st century.
Future Ready is a network of innovative schools committed to reshaping education.
Future Ready schools value personalized learning, the dynamic use of technology, and collaborative leadership. Educators in Future Ready schools are encouraged to challenge the many assumptions behind the current structure of schooling and to reshape learning for our children who born to an ever changing and increasingly connected global community. Click here for even more information.
William Tennent High School Student Innovation Lab
The mission of the Student Innovation Lab is:
- To foster a culture of innovation from the ground up by starting student and staff innovation teams who get trained in the design thinking process and “hack” the school and the community
- To empower our school community to design and implement positive and authentic change
William Tennent’s Newest Innovation
The Student Innovation Lab is exactly what it sounds like- innovative. This new opportunity educates students by taking them to cutting-edge, intellectual environments for inspiration, while challenging students to think like designers in crafting solutions to relevant issues they encounter in school.
A group of nineteen students from 10th through 12th grades were selected to participate in Tennent’s new Student Innovation Lab. With the help of Mr. Jayo and some of the William Tennent principals, teachers, and faculty, the Student Innovation Lab has transformed into a dedicated group of students determined to fix the issues many students face. Group meetings after school occur in spaces that foster collaboration like the Mac-lab, and the redesigned break-out areas. Here students help each other to come up with new ideas to solve the problems they identified.
This creative problem solving has also been supported by guidance from people outside of William Tennent HS. Four weeks ago, the Lab made a video call with the first high school to conduct and complete their own Student Innovation Lab. The students at this Minnesota high school and those at Tennent compared their problems, solutions, successes and challenges. Field trips, which are equally exciting and educational, help the students gain outside assistance from entrepreneurs and innovative minds. Students visited RecPhilly, a creative workspace owned and directed by WTHS alumnus Will Toms who spoke to students about marketing, viral ads, and problem-solving. At University of Pennsylvania, students visited the Character Lab with Angela Duckworth, the author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. She challenged students to question how grit can be measured.
All year long, these students have applied grit as they have tacked issues such as peer-mentoring programs, cafeteria traffic flow, student mental health, and communication patterns. Faculty adviser, Mr. Cutillo notes,“The Student Innovation Lab changes the way students view the world by teaching them to lead with an empathetic mind.”
This Innovation Lab has taught students think about consequences and how solutions affect others. These students are now better prepared and equipped to work on greater challenges with their practice and success in problem-solving and creating real, tangible solutions. The Student Innovation Lab has been such a success that the demand for more experiences and access prompted the creation of an innovation course for next year. The future looks brighter with so many students ready to embrace challenges and discover solutions.
Isabella DeMarco
Grade 10
William Tennent High School
Inside Schools & Programs
Davis Elementary School STEM Design Challenge 2017-18
On March 6, seven Davis Elementary School students traveled to the Bucks County Intermediate Unit in Doylestown to compete in the county’s 2017-18 STEM Design Challenge. These students, comprised of two teams, were given the challenge of developing a new product for their home. The product could be anything you would use in your home, but it needed to be environmentally friendly. The students competed at the school level in February and their designs won over all four judges. The students were judged on their creativity, teamwork, challenge success, design and presentation.
The following students, Richard B., Lily G., and Ava S. developed a Quick-Freeze. This product, which runs on solar power, is similar to a microwave, but instead of heating items up, it actually will freeze or cool items down quickly. The other team, which included Molly A., Ryan B., Connor M., and Lydia N. developed a new appliance which is a combination garbage disposal/dishwasher which runs on biomass energy. Even though the students did not win any awards, they did a wonderful job on their projects and presentations and received many compliments from the judges. It was a fantastic experience for the students.
William Tennent High School's Musicians Sweep PMEA
William Tennent High School is the only high school in Bucks County that has four musicians selected for each of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Ensembles. Senior Tara O'Connor (Chorus), junior Spencer Stover (Orchestra), junior Tim Breinber (band), and junior Andrew Sedlacsik (jazz band).
"Having four students selected for each of the ensembles is incredible," said Mr. Chris Goppold, Klinger Middle School music teacher and secondary music coordinator. Mr. Goppold explained that this is a shared honor for our K-12 music teachers who have prepared the students for this level of competition and performance.
The Centennial School District hosted the Bucks County Music Educators Association County Feastival in March. Students from across the county auditioned for the county-level ensemble.
The PMEA All-Statement Ensemble perfomances will take place on April 20 and 21, 2018. For more information, follow this link:https://www.pmea.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/All-State-Ticket-Flyer.pdf
A Marvelous March at McDonald Elementary School
Reading March Madness
Several students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 have been selected to work with the reading specialists for a few weeks to build reading skills. These students are working on a computer program to practice reading. They spend time in one of the reading rooms anywhere from two to four days a week working on fluency and comprehension. Some students also used web-based programs at home or in their classrooms.
To motivate the students, they earn basketballs where they can write their names and place the basketballs on the bulletin board in the hallway. In April, the top 10 students with the most basketballs will get to play in a basketball game with the reading specialists, Mr. Ortiz and Mr. VanBuren. The students have been “madly” working through the month of March to earn a spot in that basketball game.
Robot Races
Students in Grades 4 and 5 were busy learning how to code. Using Finch robots, the students wrote code to make the robots move from left to right and backwards and forwards. The fifth grade students had races to see which team was able to avoid an obstacle, keep the robot on the track, and cross the finish line first.
To celebrate the national mathematical holiday of “Pi Π (~3.14) DAY” on March 14, and to reinforce the often misunderstood and elusive Skills of Circular Geometry, the fifth grade class of room C21 made Pizza “Pi” (really, Pizza Pie). The students learned about radius, diameter, chord, circumference, and area of a circle using that “magical” and often misunderstood, Pi. In the rolling, stretching & tossing of the dough and the adding of toppings, the students learned, how & why pi ( Π ) works, where it comes from, and why is it called Pi while making their own pizza pie.
There's No Debate about the NSDA All-American
Congratulations to William Tennent High School’s two-time debate team captain and junior Ethan Knox for being named a National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) Academic All-American, something only about 500 of NSDA’s 100,000 members achieve annually.
Mr. Knox’s recent accomplishments include:
- Winning the after school Southeastern Pennsylvania Debate League (SPDL) championship in policy debate with partner sophmore Nick Simila
- Capturing second place in Lincoln-Douglas debate at the Pennsylvania High School Speech League state championship
- Taking first place in the five-county Philadelphia Catholic Forensic League’s varsity final in Lincoln-Douglas debate to earn a trip to the National Catholic Forensic League’s grand national tournament in Washington, DC over Memorial Day weekend
- Qualifying in Lincoln-Douglas debate to NSDA’s 2018 National Speech & Debate Tournament in June in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ethan will be joined at NSDA nationals by freshman Juliana Whitley and Nick Simila, who will be competing on the Valley Forge district’s world schools team. The National Debate & Speech Tournament is the largest academic competition in the world.
Log-A-Thon Proves that Caring Counts
On February 22nd, Log College students participated in the fourth annual Log-A-Thon, the finale to our Pennies for Patients program to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Fourteen years ago, several Student Council members proposed this community service fundraiser because they knew several students were battling Leukemia and they wanted to do something to help. They proposed this specific organization because they believed in the philosophy behind the program - many people coming together, each doing what they could, to accomplish great things. Over the years, Log College has held true to this, raising over $35,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
First, we should applaud the students who participated in the Hat Day, those who attended the Log-A-Thon, and those who supported the fundraiser by purchasing raffle tickets or simply by making random donations. Together, they raised the majority of the donation that Log College will be making to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
While it’s true that students had the opportunity to win great prizes and amazing baskets, for many students their reasons for participating were much deeper. For example, one student not only raised more than the minimum donation, he also purchased a large number of raffle tickets. When a teacher complimented him on his generosity he shared that he “has some serious health issues and has had to spend a lot of time in doctor offices and hospitals”. He went on to say, “if there’s anything I can do so that another kid doesn’t have to go through it, I’m all over it”. Another student purchased a bunch of raffle tickets and when asked which baskets he was hoping to win, he said, “I’m putting them all in the Mary Kay one. My mom is going through a lot right now, and I’m hoping to win it to make her feel a little better”. A couple of girls bought a number of tickets for raffle baskets. A teacher commented on how nice it was that they had purchased so many. They said, “Actually, we didn’t buy them. Someone who sits near us bought a bunch, and we were helping him write his name on them. He gave us a these and said thanks for being so nice”.
The idea of the “Log-A-Thon came about from a shared Facebook post followed by some great lunch discussions. Special thanks to the group of teachers who helped to turn our idea into a reality, and who continue to help make it better every year - Amanda Brockman, Georgia Hirsch, Jamie Chase, Liz Crognale, Michelle Ciliberto and Rachel Wellons. Making signs, counting money, moving tables, setting up food tables, putting together baskets.....you are willing to do anything!
Thank you to the teachers who donated prizes. From door prizes, to gift cards, to complete raffle baskets, your generosity is second to none - Ann Curtin, Beth Nolan, Colleen Cerino, Georgia Hirsch, Kathy Waddington, Jamie Chase, Janice Farley, John Stanfield, Kelly Liston, Laurie Schenfelt, Liz Crognale, Mary Ann Miller, Michelle Ciliberto, Robin Marra, and the 6A teachers (Bridget Gil, Brittany Ball, Erin Vallalla, Georgia Hirsch, and Mary Ann Miller).
Thank you to Ethan Leiby, Gregg Watkins, and Tom Boyle for, once again, doing such a great job emceeing. All three of you are naturals on the mic!
Thank you to everyone else in the building who helped in their own way - Ruth Green who accepted every deposit with a smile even though she knew the box she was being handed was full of change she would have to count, the PE teachers who gathered materials at the last minute, the teachers who are involved with the play who were so flexible in allowing students to get to practice late so they could participate, those who helped sell raffle tickets during lunches, those who encouraged students to participate, those who covered classes, those who bought raffle tickets, those who helped at the Log-A-Thon, those who stopped by after school to join in on the fun, and the list goes on!
We would also like to thank the Log College Families who donated prizes. Thank you to the following families for your generous gift card donations - The Ferro (Tony) Family, the Kelly (Sean) Family, the McGlinchey (Mason) Family, the Montoya (Allie) Family, and the Paris (Joe) Family. Thank you to the following families for your generous basket donations - The Richie (James) family, the Rorvik (Savannah) family, and the Wade (Ehliyah)/Bankhead family.
Additionally, Log College would like to thank the following businesses for their donations - CRC Industries, The Iron Pigs, Lenox Corporation, Papa John’s, Reading Phillies, Stomping Grounds, Trenton Thunder, and Wawa.
Just as it was intended, our Pennies for Patients fundraiser was a success because many people worked together. Congratulations to everyone for all that you did to make our fundraiser a big success!
Green Means Good to Go!
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!
Uncle Mike's Homemade Ic Cream
This month’s community partner is Uncle Mike’s Homemade Ice Cream store located at 535 York Road in Warminster. Home of some fantastic ice cream, it is truly a family affair, owned by Mike Mathis, his parents, sister, brother in-law and nephew and niece—all of whom take stints behind the counter. On the cold, wet night I visited, I saw a steady stream of people looking for a delicious treat, and they were not disappointed.
Already a hit with Centennial teachers, students and families, Uncle Mike’s is clearly going to be a hit with the community. Chris Quinn, a teacher at Log College was on his fourth visit and gave two thumbs up endorsement of Uncle Mike’s. Bright, cheerful, and unassuming, it is an extremely welcoming place. My first visit involved several samples and then two scoops in a chocolate dipped cone. Decadence at its best!
As we get closer and closer to the summer months, I can only assume this fine local institution will see increased traffic. As someone who has enjoyed really good ice cream, I cannot say enough good stuff about Uncle Mike’s Homemade Ice Cream. This is quite literally some of the finest ice cream in South Eastern PA—and that is saying something. I asked Mike what the secret was to such good ice cream and was informed that it was all about the ingredients. As a family, they are committed to using all natural, high quality ingredients, which are reflected in the superior taste.
Mike’s journey to Warminster was non-direct, though he did do an internship at William Tennent while attending Temple University. Overcoming dyslexia and attending numerous schools along the way, including an ice cream manufacturing boot camp, the family has acquired and developed some intriguing recipes and uncommon expertise. There is a wide range of flavors and it is clear there is significant expertise involved in the production of such a fine product.
Visit Uncle Mike’s in person or on the web at: https://www.unclemikeshomemadeicecream.com
Announcements
ShopRite's Shop from Home Fundraiser
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 Facebook
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 School District
District Administration
Dr. David Baugh, Superintendent
Dr. Jennifer Polinchock, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Christopher Berdnik, Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Percell Whittaker, Director of Pupil Services
Mr. AJ Juliani, Director of Technology and Innovation
Ms. Hannah Messner, Director of Human Resources
Ms. Catherine Perkins, Director of Teaching and Learning
Mr. Robert Whartenby, Director of Facilities/Assistant Business Administrator for Operations
Board of School Director
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. Travis Bloom, Klinger Middle School
Mr. Andrew Doster, Log College Middle School
Ms. Shawanna Coles, Davis Elementary School
Mr. Ernesto Ortiz, McDonald Elementary School
Ms. Michelle Burkholder, 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