CSD Insider
Centennial School District Newsletter April 2016
In This Edition
Superintendent's Corner
District Updates & Happenings
Centennial School Director Spotlight Series
District Operations
Inside Schools & Programs
Guest Student Writers
Announcements
Superintendent's Corner
Testing Season is Upon Us!
State testing season is about to descend on every public school student in Pennsylvania. These high stakes tests are used for many purposes, but mostly to rate school districts and schools. However, they are extremely long tests and tough on children and schools. Consequently, they cause a lot of stress in classrooms and for children and teachers.
Because standardized testing has been with us since about 1910, when we started comprehensive high schools, and needed to sort students, testing will always be with us. An interesting historical note: the founder of standardized tests realized they were not really useful and said so after 10 years. He was fired from his job and people have continued to sort people based on standardized tests.
Many parents ask us what can we do to help our children get ready for the tests. This month's column is designed to answer that question.
As your children get ready for the PSSAs, they may show or express some anxiety. Be certain to encourage them to work hard on the test, but not to stress about how they will do. Regrettably, in years past, and in other school districts, there has been a lot of misinformation about what these tests are used for. Some children have experienced so much stress that they have cried or made themselves sick (some even on the test itself).
There is no reason for that level of anxiety. The tests have no impact on your children’s grades and really do not measure what they have learned or will potentially learn. The District will eventually use the tests to make sure we are on track and improving our rigor, but in no way should your children get upset by these tests. As a parent, I always found it useful to be encouraging and loving and do all I could to remove pre-test stress. My script has been, "Work hard, don’t worry, it will be what it will be. These tests are only a small bit of who you are, and you are much more than a standardized test." After all, these tests do not measure characteristics we, as a society, value and really appreciate, such as creativity, grit, teamwork, relationships, work ethic, kindness and much, much more!
Additionally, in preparation for tests, it is important that children get plenty of rest and eat well on the day of the exams. In Pennsylvania, it is often almost an entire month of testing so that presents its own challenge. The more rest and good meals the better, but as a parent or guardian, I know that is my goal with most days and most meals.
Testing strategies are also important. In the testing world, we call this informed guessing. Most of the PSSA and Keystone Exams are a multiple-choice challenge. As educators and parents we know very little in life is a multiple-choice test, but doing well on the test is in fact a learned skill. The process of elimination is one that is useful in domains beyond testing and is a great conversation to have with your children. Help them think critically about their answers. They might not know the exact answer or there might be several answers that are close. Help your child figure out what it is not and then pick the answer they feel best answers the question. By eliminating a possibility or two, the odds of success, go up greatly. Encouraging your children to trust their first response or answer is a strategy that often bares fruit, especially if they read the question closely and then go with their gut reaction.
In short, the PSSA is a grueling and politically driven test that is of some value to schools, but should not be a stress-inducer for your children. The state requires it be taken seriously, and all learning tools and information covered up or not utilized for much of the test, so many youngsters experience high levels of stress.
Simply encourage your children to do their best and to know that the tests do not define them as learners or students. The tests only measure a very small band of skills, or learned behaviors, and we as parents and teachers know that our children are wonderful and much more than a test score! Trying hard is its own reward and knowing the tests are not going to impact the student’s grades or ability to be successful can only help.
On behalf of the Centennial School District schools, I thank you for supporting your children in testing season and year round.
David E. Baugh, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
District Updates & Happenings
Centennial School District Calendar for 2016-2017
- September 2, 2016
- September 5, 2016
- October 3, 2016
- October 12, 2016
- October 26, 2016 (early dismissal)
- November 8, 2016
- November 22, 2016 (early dismissal)
- November 23-25, 2016
- December 23, 2016 (early dismissal)
- December 26-30, 2016
- January 16, 2017
- January 24, 2017
- February 17, 2017 (early dismissal)
- February 20, 2017
- March 31, 2017 (early dismissal)
- April 10-14, 2017
- April 26, 2017 (early dismissal)
- May 29, 2017
- June 9, 2017 (early dismissal and tentative last day of school for students)
To view the Centennial School District calendar for the 2016-2017 school year, follow this link: http://www.centennialsd.org/cms/lib4/PA01001061/Centricity/Domain/1/2016-17%20CSD%20Calendar%20at%20a%20glance%20approved.pdf
Centennial School District Hall of Fame
On Monday, May 2, 2016, seven individuals will be inducted into the Centennial School District Artistic Hall of Fame. Led by Mr. Matthew Shade, William Tennent High School Athletic Director, the Artistic Hall of Fame Committee met throughout the 2015-2016 school year to review nominations. The inductees will be honored during the Fine Arts Week Festival, which runs from May 2 through May 6, 2016. The 2016 inductees to the Centennial School District Artistic Hall of Fame are:
- Dr. Lucy Carroll, Teacher, Lifetime Achievement
- Mr. Lou Kosma, Class of 1965, Music Educator/Conductor
- Mr. Mike Kuyper, Class of 1986, Artist
- Mr. Gary Scott, Class of 1965, Music Educator
- Ms. Julie Schubert , Class of 1998, Casting Agent
- Mr. Mike Vogel, Class of 1998, Actor
- Mr. Tom Young , Class of 1972, Mix Engineer
In March of 2015, the Centennial School District Board of School Directors approved a revised charter for the William Tennent Hall of Fame. A Committee was formed at the request of Centennial School Director Dr. Andrew Pollock to develop guidelines for the Hall of Fame so that it would be inclusive of academics, athletics, and the arts. The Hall of Fame Committee met and developed a Hall of Fame Charter to guide the process of honoring those alumni who have gone on to significant success in life as well as other individuals who have made outstanding contributions in academia, athletics, or in the arts during their tenure at, or association with, the Centennial School District. The revised Centennial School District Hall of Fame consists of a process for honoring individuals for academic, athletics, and the arts to align with the District's mission statement.
The Centennial School District Artistic Hall of Fame Ceremony will take place on Monday, May 2, 2016, at William Tennent High School's upper large group instruction space (LGI). The event schedule is as follows:
- 4:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour
- 5:00 p.m. Induction Ceremony
- 7:00 p.m. Orchestra Night Concert
Inductees will be recognized prior to the Orchestra Night concert.
Tickets for the Centennial School District Artistic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are $15. Please contact Cynthia Bradney, Athletic Secretary, at (215) 441-6181, Ext. 12503 or bradcy@centennialsd.org for tickets and information.
Centennial School District's Budget Update - Movement on the State Level Brings News Mixed with Uncertainty
On March 23, 2016, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Budget for 2015-2016 became law. In an unprecedented move by Governor Tom Wolf, the governor announced that he will let the House of Representatives' budget pass without his signature. Ending an eight-month stalemate between the governor and the legislature, the 2015-2016 budget allows many school districts to continue to operate until the end of their school years without having to seek gap funding.
Governor Wolf did veto the fiscal code bill, which does create uncertainty for school districts such as Centennial. Although the Commonwealth's budget passed into law, without a corresponding fiscal bill, it is unclear how new revenues will be allocated. Mr. Christopher Berdnik, Centennial School District's Chief Financial Officer, anticipates that the District will, at least, receive the same amount of basic education subsidy as in 2014-2015. Mr. Berdnik stated that the District will not receive any additional PlanCon funds this year, roughly a $700,000 shortfall. PlanCon funds are partial state reimbursements for school district's construction projects.
Mr. Berdnik stated, "The good news is that we will have no worries making our payroll and paying our bills this June and July. The bad news is that we frankly have no greater clarity on the 2016-2017 prospects other than knowing the state faces a tremendous structural balance between revenues and expenditures."
Pennsylvania Code stipulates a budget timeline for school districts. The budget development process begins in the fall with the presentation of a preliminary budget proposal to a district school board by December/January of each year. A district school board must adopt a preliminary budget by January of each year. School districts must adopt a budget by June 30 of each year.
Approximately 25 percent of the Centennial School District's annual budget consists of state funding.
Planetarium Event
William Tennent High School is one of the few high schools in the area with a planetarium. During the renovations of the high school in 2008-2011, the Centennial School District Board of School Directors made a commitment to maintain the planetarium as an innovative learning space for students and the community.
Centennial School District is pleased to announce a planetarium event on Thursday, April 21, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. The planetarium event includes three programs.
Celestial Highlights
In a partnership with the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society, Educator Ted Williams, a Hayden Planetarium astronomer, will present Celestial Highlights. The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society is the oldest in the nation and has a home base at The Franklin Institute.
Mr. Williams has presented this tour of the cosmos for over a decade at the American Museum of Natural History, which features highlights of the spring night sky. He will use the District's planetarium as a telescope to take us on a tour-de-force of the cosmos to tease out some celestial wonders and deep sky objects visible overhead.
NASTAR
In addition to Mr. Williams. Mr. Greg Kennedy of NASTAR will be a guest presenter. Mr. Kennedy will share information about the National Aerospace Training and Research (NASTAR) Center, a local resource in our local area. Those interested in training for civil aviation, military aviation, or Space training may want to take advantage of this amazing facility. Those interested in space travel will be updated by Mr. Kennedy on the state of commercial space travel and its projected future.
Astronaut
Astronaut is a planetarium show which takes the audience from Earth into space and beyond. Presented in full-dome digital video, Astronaut is an adventure where the audience can experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut and explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. Audience members will meet the animated test astronaut "Chad" and discover the perils that lurk in space from his viewpoint. Astronaut is narrated by Ewan McGregor and produced by the National Space Centre.
Tickets are available for purchase at: http://www.centennialsd.org/Page/8554
Tickets are $8 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors. For more information, please contact (215) 441-6181, Ext. 12011.
Centennial School Director Spotlight Series
Mr. David Shafter, Vice President of the Centennial School District Board of School Directors
Mr. Shafter has dedicated his career to public education. Serving as a Centennial School Director for over four years, Mr. Shafter brings a unique skill set to this position in the community. Mr. Shafter began his career with a degree in education with a concentration in business education. After earning a master's degree in accounting, Mr. Shafter worked for the Government Accounting Office as an auditor for programs such as the National School Lunch Program and ESEA Title I. Mr. Shafter has worked in various capacities in the business offices of school districts in New Jersey. He has twenty years of experience as a school business administrator and three years of experience with the New Jersey Department of Education as a state monitor. Mr. Shafter's professional experiences in school finance at the local, state, and national level enable him to understand the streams of funding for public education as well as the compliance measures school districts such as Centennial face.
Prior to being elected to the Centennial School District Board of School Directors, Mr. Shafter served as a township supervisor in Upper Southampton for six years. Mr. Shafter's experience with local governance helped him to "learn firsthand how a pro-education Board along with a qualified superintendent can set the tone for the rest of the District in helping all students learn to the best of their abilities". To create a solid educational program, nine school directors have to build consensus. Mr. Shafter explains that this is more than a simple majority on votes on budgets, policies, negotiated agreements, and leadership positions. Each school director brings a different point of view, and respecting these points of view to build consensus, can move a district forward.
What is most rewarding for Mr. Shafter is being part of the planning process and seeing the plans of the leadership team come to fruition. Over the past four years, Mr. Shafter has been a part of the construction of the new elementary schools in the District, the sale of surplus properties, and the purchase of the new administration building in Warminister. During his tenure as a Centennial School Director, Mr. Shafter looks forward to the plans for upgrades to the middle schools as well as the efforts to increase student achievement.
As a resident of Southampton for 40 years, Mr. Shafter has seen this community grow and transform over the years. Mr. Shafter says, "I think it is fantastic that we have a diverse student population. It is one thing to learn about diversity, but living with diversity from an early age will help our students once they begin their careers." Mr. Shafter believes this will "give our graduates a distinct advantage in the workplace".
Mr. Shafter is a true "insider" in public education. From understanding the business-end of school finance to the leadership it takes to create a school district focused on student achievement, Mr. Shafter is a steward of the community's investment in its future.
District Operations
Centennial School District's Volunteer Policy
The Centennial School District recognizes that volunteers and helpers can make valuable contributions to the schools. The District encourages volunteers and helpers in the classrooms and to support of programs.
The Centennial School Board Policy 916 provides provides guidelines for becoming a volunteer: http://www.centennialsd.org/cms/lib4/PA01001061/Centricity/Domain/8/916%20Volunteers%20FINAL.pdf
Recent changes have been made to the District's volunteer policy as a result of legislation. The Centennial School District recognizes three classifications of volunteers: (1) volunteers, (2) helpers, and (3) visitors. Volunteers are defined as individuals: (a) who are responsible for the care, supervision, guidance, or control of children, and (b) who will have regular and repeated contact with children. Helpers may have more limited access to classrooms and programs. Helpers work in tandem with teachers and other volunteers to provide support to an event in or outside of school. Visitors are adults, parents, or guardians who are visiting the school to participate in an event or observe an event and who are not providing any services to the district or its students and who have no responsibilities.
Volunteers will need to complete a Volunteer Disclosure Form, obtain required clearances, and have a tuberculosis test.
For more information about our Volunteer process and policy, please visit: http://www.centennialsd.org/Page/6813. If you have any questions, please contact Volunteer@Centennialsd.org.
WTHS_Sports on Twitter
Inside Schools & Programs
Rats! How High School Students Learn about Neuroscience and Psychology
William Tennent High School’s Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology and Anatomy and Physiology classes have a partnership with Saint Joseph’s University that truly takes the field trip experience to a whole other level. William Tennent students enrolled in these two courses have the opportunity to collaborate with Saint Joseph’s University professor Dr. Elizabeth Becker and Saint Joseph’s University students in an undergraduate neuroscience course. In this collaborative, William Tennent and Saint Joseph’s students study the regions of the brain and what each area controls. The students conduct pre-functioning tests on laboratory rats. Next, the student makes a hypothesis about how the rats’ behaviors might change if a region of the brain is damaged or is altered. The students perform a surgical procedure on the laboratory rats to damage a section of the brain. After the treatment, the students conduct post-functioning tests to determine if their hypotheses were accurate.
These behavior experiments include a series of activities, such as, remote lectures and video conferencing with the Saint Joseph’s neuroscience class. The William Tennent and Saint Joseph’s students blog about the experiments to develop a team approach to the experiments. In addition, William Tennent students participate in a pre-surgery lesson and learn how to suture.
“Our kids are involved in the experiments,“ said Mr. Joseph O’Connor, Lead Teacher for Social Studies and AP Psychology teacher. This collaborative creates a “knowledge tree” where college students and high school students can learn together. This opportunity allows William Tennent students to “see what the next level looks like,” said Mr. O’Connor, “particularly for students interested in neuroscience and the medical field.”
This collaborative began in 2014 when Mr. Ignacio Jayo, William Tennent science teacher, made a connection with Dr. Becker. Beginning with eight students, the collaborative has grown to include fifteen students. All students in the AP Psychology and Anatomy and Physiology classes can apply. During the 2015-16 school year, thirty-five students applied for the program, and fifteen students were selected. “Some students decide this is not right for them because it does require extra time. Students do not receive extra credit or extra points. It’s true volunteering,” said Mr. O’Connor. When selecting students, Mr. O’Connor explained that many factors go into the selection process. Good candidates have the maturity to develop relationships with their college-level learning colleagues. Good candidates have to be willing to raise their hands, ask questions, and be involved learners. Such candidates are also willing to miss other class time to travel to Saint Joseph’s. “It’s not always the top five kids,“ said Mr. O’Connor. The District is looking for ways to increase student participation, although the current configuration of the collaborative limits participation.
Students who have participated in this collaborative do find it to be a positive experience. To view student feedback about the program, click on the video links from the Education/Pupil Services Committee presentation in March 2015.
Johnson & Johnson Project Perfect: Just the Way You Are
To promote health and wellness amongst 5th grade students at McDonald Elementary School, Johnson & Johnson ran an after school program called Project Perfect: Just the Way You Are. The students met over the month of February with mentors from Johnson & Johnson and District staff, Mr. Jesse Krasna and Mr. Steve Ficiak. Students engaged in discussions and interactive activities to learn more about nutrition, physical activity, healthy relationships, leadership, self-esteem, and stress relief. “For them to meet weekly, have some fun, while learning about healthy lifestyle, good choices, acceptance, how to treat others, experience new foods, and to be happy and have fun…is a truly GREAT thing!” exclaimed Ms. Stanfield.
The program closed on Monday, March 14, with a celebratory presentation for students and their parents. Mr. Michael VanBuren, McDonald Elementary Principal, will look to continue this program and partnership next fall.
Arts Spotlight on Willow Dale Elementary School
The Willow Dale Elementary School Drama Club performed two presentations of The Granny Awards on March 16, 2016. The boys and girls performed for the school during an assembly and for the community in the evening. The fourth and fifth graders were directed by Mr. Martin and Mrs. Angelitis, along with a team of faculty and staff who assisted with set design, choreography, and stage blocking. The show was a tremendous success.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt of Warminster hosted two art shows for the Willow Dale Elementary School community. Miss Anderson, Willow Dale art teacher, along with a team of volunteers, mounted one piece of art for every student. The shows were a great opportunity for students and their families to see the creative work that is done in art class each day.
36th Annual Fine Arts Week Festival
Monday, May 2, 2016
Orchestra Night at William Tennent High School - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Jazz Night at Klinger Middle School - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 4 , 2016
Chorus Night at William Tennent High School - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Band Night at William Tennent High School - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, May 6, 2016
Showcase Night at William Tennent High School - 7:00 p.m.
These events are open to the public.
William Tennent High School's Film Festival - Behind the Lens
Film is an increasingly important venue in which people raise awareness, increase knowledge, motivate others, create social change, and entertain. Storytelling has been a means of communicating knowledge and entertainment since the beginning of time. Today, films tell stories by combining various forms of narratives, music, and the arts with the added enhancement of digital technology.
On Thursday, April 28, 2016, William Tennent High School will hold its first Film Festival entitled "Behind the Lens". The Film Festival is a vehicle to encourage and to inspire our young filmmakers with a venue for showcasing their work by providing a place to connect their work with the community. "Ms. McCaffery has built a strong digital production program," explained Dr. Best, William Tennent High School Principal. "She is extremely passionate about her students showcasing their work." Dr. Best is grateful to have a digital production teacher of her professional caliber.
Behind the Lens begins at 7:00 p.m. in the William Tennent High School auditorium. This event is open to the community.
William Tennent High School Presents Brigadoon
William Tennent High School will proudly present a production of Brigadoon from Friday, April 15, 2016, to Saturday, April 16, 2016. There are 101 students involved this year's production, which includes the Pit Orchestra.
Brigadoon is a story of enchanted adventure. Americans Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas, on a hunting vacation in Scotland, discover a quaint and beautiful village, Brigadoon. Strangely, the village is not on any map, and soon Tommy and Jeff find out why--Brigadoon is an enchanted place. It appears once every hundred years for one day, then disappears back into the mists of time, to wake up to its next day a century hence. When Tommy falls in love with Fiona, a village girl, he realizes that she can never be part of his life back in America. Can he be part of hers in Brigadoon?
The student cast includes the following players:
Tommy Albright……………………………………………………….................………Ari Carrillo
Fiona MacLaren……………………………………………………………………....…Jessica Cooter
Jeff Douglas……………………………………………………………....……………….…Matt Kistner
Meg Brockie……………………………………………………………………………...…Megan Knorr
Charlie Dalrymple…………………………….……………………………………Ashton McGovern
Archie Beaton………………………………………………..………………......................J.T.Capps
Andrew MacLaren………………………………….……………………................Jacob Schwartz
Jean MacLaren…………………………………………….…………………………...…Kaylee Delagol
Harry Beaton……………………………………………………….…………….................Nick Griffin
Mr. Lundie.. ……………….…………………………………………………………..….Ryan Borrmann
Stuart Dalrymple……………………………………………..…………….........Andrew Svarczkopf
Jane Ashton………………………………………………….………………....................Sarah Maahs
Angus MacGuffie............................................................................Matthew Ballow
Kate………………………………………………………………………..………............Marisa Adamson
Maggie Anderson.................................................................................Sarah Maahs
Kenzie……………………………………………………………………………...............Megan Niedrist
Lorna……………………………………………………………………………….………..Jessica Anderson
McKenna...........................................................................................Tara O'Connor
Glenna.............................................................................................Sasha Natanzon
Frank..............................................................................................Robert Roccamo
MacGregor..................................................................................Mike Chamberlain
The showtimes for Brigadoon are Friday, April 15, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 16, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. For ticket information, please contact Ms. Julie Flack at flacju@centennialsd.org
William Tennent High School's production of Brigadoon is dedicated in memory of Nicholas Augustine Esposito, 1996-2016.
Guest Student Writers
Dear Matt...
March 17, 2016
Dear 6th Grade Matt,
The world can be a very tough place. You will realize this in your years of education. Although you may be scared, there is no need to be. You are now a sixth grader and will finally begin to be treated with respect, but do not believe that you will receive it without giving respect to others. To get respect, you must earn it, just like your grades. Your grades are very important,, and if left unattended, they will drag you down with them. Middle school is what you make of it. I advise you to make it as great as you can and never give up.
In sixth grade, you will have lots of fun and enjoy going to your classes throughout the year. Your teachers are very nice and will be there for you if you need them. The classes are very easy, if you do your part. That includes doing the homework and paying attention in class. There is very little stress and will be one of the most enjoyable years at middle school.
You will be treated more like an adult in seventh grade and the older you get. This is the year where the teachers and staff begin to increase the workload and start to slowly prepare you for high school. You will be expected to hand in your work on time and complete it to the best of your ability. One of the best parts of seventh grade is now you will be allowed to play sports. There is an abundant amount of sports and clubs to pick from, and all of them are very fun.
In eighth grade, the teachers will be mentally preparing you for high school as you become closer, and closer. You will have more homework and lots of projects. The deadlines to turn in work will shorten, and you will have stricter guidelines and rubrics. Although the work will be more than you are used to completing, eighth grade will be a very fun year. As you start to notice your improvement over the past few years, you will be motivated to keep thriving and achieving. The year is packed with excitement, and will be one of the best years of schooling you have received up until now.
Your education is a very important part of your life and you deserve to have a great experience when receiving one. You have no reason to be scared and should always remember that these three years in middle school are a very, very small time period in your life and will help you pursue your dreams. Your experience in middle school will be fun and educational. You have nothing to worry about, only something to look forward to, and you should always remember that your education is what you make out of it.
Sincerely,
Matt
8th Grade
Dear Sofia...
March 15, 2016
Dear Sixth-Grade Self,
Looking back, it seems kind of silly how scared I was of the future. I remember how intimidating the years to come seemed. The truth is I shouldn’t have been so nervous. I’m here to tell you that it’s not so bad. Yes, there will be times when you think that I’m lying, but trust me, it will get better. I want you to stop worrying so much about school and friends because in the end, everything will work itself out.
School may seem frightening, and to be completely honest, at times it is. The thing you have to remember is that it’s not always about good grades, impressing teachers, and being the perfect little student. You will become overwhelmed, and often wonder what the point is, but keep pushing on. Learn to take a step back and see that there is more to life than engulfing yourself in school work. Now, I’m not saying that you should quit school because it is important. Just don’t stress so much because your grades will be fine. Learn as much as you can, and don’t limit yourself to just the school environment. If you want to learn about something, then research it. Don’t be afraid to try new things because you never know what you will find. Do the best you can, and work for what you want because you will achieve your goals.
Naturally, drama is probably the biggest annoyance in middle schools since the dawn of time. Drama often affects many people in middle school, but it’s completely normal. You will learn to stay away from it eventually. There will be multiple rough patches in sixth grade and a few throughout seventh, but once you realize how silly and immature drama is everything will be okay. Try to ignore it the best you can and surround yourself with people who will support you no matter what. You will make new friends, so be open to new possibilities. People you would least expect will become your closest friends, but you will drift apart from some old friends. You will develop a sort of family, one that you can depend on.
In the next few years, you will learn many new things. You’ll explore new interests, listen to different music, discover your style, and so much more. You will realize that you don’t have to be like everyone else. So, for now, just be yourself. As cliche as that sounds, it’s true. People will judge you no matter what. They don’t care what age you are, what grade you're in, or what you look like because they will always find something to criticize. So, why change yourself and be unhappy with who you’ve become when you will still be judged? If you stay true to who you are, work hard, and enjoy the little things, everything will be okay. You will go through a lot in the next few years, and although it may seem scary and life-changing, it will turn out okay. So for now, enjoy the ride.
Sincerely,
Sofia
8th Grader
Announcements
Getting Ready for the PSSA
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.
For parents, helping your child to do the 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
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.
Internet Essentials from Comcast
Your family may qualify for affordable Internet access and a low-cost computer. Please see the attached brochure for details. To learn more or to apply, call 1-855-846-8376 or visit InternetEssentials.com.
Miles for Kyle 5K Run Sunday, May 22, 2016
This race is in memory of Kyle G. Quinn who died while attending Kutztown University.
Kyle was a 2006 graduate of William Tennent High School. The funds raised are donated to the Kyle Quinn Memorial Scholarship.
Each year, Kyle’s family gives out three scholarships to deserving seniors from William Tennent High School.
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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.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