2010-2011 the importance of early childhood education update web version .pdf · 5/13/2011 · the...

A Report

to the

B o a r d

2010-2011

No. 38 May 13, 2011

A. The Importance of Early Childhood Education – On April 29, 2011, I attended a Pre-K program at the Grandview Golf Club with our judiciary. Judge Robert Colville was the host for the program. There were presentations by Dr. Stephen Bagnato and Mr. Bruce Clash, and there were comments from District Attorney Stephen Zappala. I requested Mr. Catalano and Dr. Robins to put together a report reflecting Dr. Bagnato’s study which involved school districts across the Commonwealth including Woodland Hills. The study considered high risk preschoolers and was funded with a one million dollar grant from the Heinz Endowments.

The data is clear and unequivocal (vulnerable young children beat the odds and succeeded). Our District has a plethora of high risk, vulnerable young children. We can beat the odds and see to it that all these children are successful, but in order to do so we must have a complete and robust program in early childhood education. It is not a matter of “can we afford it” it is a matter of we must do it.

Please read the enclosed data (Attachment1 and Attachment 2) and call Norm, Anthony, or me to discuss these materials. Next week with data from this same program, we will show you how preschool and Kindergarten programs, especially for high risk and vulnerable students, save millions of dollars that would otherwise be spent in the justice system.

B. Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Program (FFVP) – Attachment 3 is notification of awards under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for next year. You see that the program is expanded and now involves all six of our elementary buildings. Congratulations to Dan Breitkreutz for his aggressiveness in following the money and providing important, additional foods to our students.

C. Department Updates – the following Department Report is included in this Update:

Attachment 4 – Communications Attachment 5 – Curriculum Attachment 6 – Federal Programs Attachment 7 – Technology Attachment 8 – Transportation

D. Building Highlights – The following highlights have been submitted by building principals:

Attachment 9 – Academy Attachment 10 – Dickson Attachment 11 – Fairless Elementary Attachment 12 – Shaffer Attachment 13 – Wilkins Attachment 14 – Jr. High School Attachment 15 – High School

OVER

Information Update – May 13, 2011

E. Distinguished Educator Meeting – Our Distinguished Educator, Dr. Elaine Brown, met this week with the principals at Dickson Elementary and the Junior High School. Attachment 16 and

Attachment 17 are the Notes from these meetings.

Norman M. Catalano

Director of Curriculum

Email: [email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

2430 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-731-1300 x0156

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Dr. Walter Calinger

FROM: Norman Catalano and Anthony Robins

DATE: May 12, 2011

SUBJECT: Pre-K Counts Talking Points ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As a follow-up to our successful Pre-K program at Grandview with our judiciary on April 29th

, please

find attached the article that appeared in the McKeesport Daily News, which you may not have seen.

The speakers used a three-year independent study of 10,000 Pennsylvania pre-school students at risk for

future poor performance in school that found that significant numbers of children in a range of age

groups and categories showed marked improvement in early learning abilities as a direct result of

enrollment in high-quality pre-kindergarten programs.

The report entitled ―Pre-K Counts in Pennsylvania for Youngster’s Early School Success‖ documents

the very positive developmental and early learning outcomes for over 10,000 at-risk children in 21

school-community partnerships (including Woodland Hills) across Pennsylvania. The overall results

demonstrated that high-quality classrooms and effective instructional and management practices by

teachers enabled children to succeed through preschool and the transition to kindergarten.

The study, one of the largest ever conducted on high-risk preschoolers in the country, was funded

through a $1 million Heinz Endowments grant. Its focus was on children raised in poverty who were

enrolled in programs covered by Pre-K Counts.

Dr. Stephen Bagnato, Professor of Pediatrics and Psychology at Pitt who conducted the study, and who

has directed previous evaluations of early childhood intervention programs in the Pittsburgh region

(NOTE: WHSD and 4KIDS was one) and nationally, said the overarching conclusion that can be

drawn from the findings is that “quality pre-school programs for vulnerable children are not add-

ons or luxuries. They are essential to the future school success of these children,” he said. “So we

know a system like Pre-K Counts works well and now we just need to find out more about the

specific parts of the system that work most effectively for individual children.”

Attachment 1

(NOTE: Dr. Bagnato’s two sons graduated from Woodland Hills High School and are currently

university students.)

Among the study’s most significant findings:

All at-risk children in Pre-K Counts programs demonstrated significant gains in development and

early learning skills in a range of basic subject areas, from reading to math to socialization and

behavior.

80 percent of the children in the study met critical state school success competency standards for

transition to kindergarten.

Children from every ethnic group represented in the study – African American, American Indian,

Asian, Caucasian and Hispanic among them – made significant gains.

Greater than two of every three children with developmental delays were able to attain a low

average to average level of performance at the end of their time in the program – meaning that

school districts participating in the Pre-K Counts program were able to dramatically reduce their

special education placement rates.

Historically, participating school districts showed an 18% special education placement rate for

high risk children; PKC children’s rate was only 2%

Nearly 7,000 high-risk Pre-K Counts children exceeded expected competencies in basic areas at

transition to kindergarten, and the skills of 5-year-olds from the program exceeded those of age

peers on a nationally standardized measure of early learning in spoken language, reading, math,

classroom behavior and daily living skills.

Mentored programs improved quality and teaching, which promoted child success.

FAQs concerning the report:

How much did children who were at-risk or delayed in development benefit from Pre-K Counts

(PKC)?

• Nearly 20% more children are performing in the typical range of functioning after participating in

PKC (Figures 1 & 2)

Risk Status at Entry to PKC

67%

21%

12%

Risk Status at Exit (K-Transition) from PKC

86%

8% 6%

Typical (67%)

At-Risk (12%)

Delayed (21%)

Typical (86%)

At-Risk (6%)

Delayed (8%)

• Greater than 2 of every 3 children with developmental delays attained a low average to average level

of performance after participating in PKC.

• Children at-risk and with developmental delays and serious problems in social and self-control

behaviors at entry showed significant gains in acquiring age-expected skills for kindergarten at exit.

How well did all preschool children benefit from PKC?

• 10,000 high-risk and vulnerable preschool children showed significant gains in development and early

learning skills in spoken language, reading, writing, math, classroom behavior, and daily living skills

toward average (age-expected) and above average performance

• Actual developmental progress rates after participation in PKC exceeded childrens’ expected

maturational rates before participation in PKC.

• Developmental progress rates in some skill areas (spoken language, reading, and daily living skills)

exceeded the statistical indices established in national early childhood intervention studies.

• Preschoolers with longest PKC participation--until transition to kindergarten—showed the strongest

gains in early learning skills

How much time engaged in a PKC program did it take for vulnerable children to show functional

progress?

• Children participated in PKC for varying lengths of time (4-24 months).

• Initial functional progress was achieved only after the average child spent at least 6.4 months in PKC

Did program quality nurture the success of PKC children?

• PKC programs made significant improvements in their classroom quality.

• Program quality was partly responsible for children’s reading, writing, and math competencies at K-

transition

• Children in high quality programs gained significantly more than children in low quality programs

85

90

95

100

105

110

1 2 3 4 5 6

Comparative Child Outcomes for Low

(1-2 Stars) vs High (3-4 Stars) Quality

PKC Programs

Are PKC children “ready” for kindergarten?

• Nearly 7000 high-risk PKC children exceeded expected competencies in spoken language, math,

writing, and classroom behavior competency at transition and entry into kindergarten.

1—Language

2—Reading

3—Math

4—Behavior Daily

5—Living Skills

6—Overall

Blue = Low Quality

Purple = High Quality

• Overall, 80% of PKC children met critical early school success competencies in the Pennsylvania

Early Learning Standards (PAELS) at transition to kindergarten (Table 1).

• The gains of 5-year old PKC children exceeded the kindergarten transition skills of age peers on a

nationally standardized measure of early learning in spoken language, reading, math, classroom

behavior, and daily living skills (Figures 5).

• PKC children dramatically reduced the historical special education placement rates in their school

districts (Figure 6).

Overarching Conclusions Can Be Drawn from the Results of PKC

• Young high-risk children showed accelerated early learning progress.

• Young children with delays and challenging behaviors improved equally.

• Young children learned critical competencies for early school success and beat local historical and

national norms.

• Vulnerable young children beat the odds and succeeded.

• Individualized programs helped children to succeed.

• Mentored programs improved quality and teaching, which promoted child success.

• Standards for children and professional practices served to focus and guide teaching and expected

outcomes for teachers.

• School-community collaborations and leadership were often innovative, effective, and value-added.

WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE STUDY (From the University of Pittsburgh Team)

The school-community partnerships showed creativity. Teachers, administrators, and parents inspired with their

consent, devotion and willingness to participate in the program and the research. Children showed a joy and eagerness

to learn. Business, corporate, foundation, and government leaders have our respect for their vision and their drive for

high quality early care and education programs. Most of all, we are humbled to work, then and now, with individual

school and community leaders in both urban and rural settings who have shown unwavering ingenuity, persistence, and

commitment to their unique visions for PKC in their own communities. PKC and the quality of the SPECS research

would have been impossible without the unique talents of these partners:

Bellefonte Area School District Bethlehem Area School District Bristol Township School Districts

City of Erie School District Derry Area School District Greenville Area School

Commodore Perry Districts Harmony Area School District Harrisburg School District

Huntingdon Area School Mount Union School Districts McKeesport Area School District

Morrisville Borough, New Kensington-Arnold District Pittsburgh Public Schools

Pottstown School District School District of Lancaster School District of Philadelphia

Scranton School District Southern Tioga School District Tussey Mountain School District

Tyrone Area School District Wilkinsburg Borough School District Woodland Hills School District

WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATION EMPLOYER AND WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE

ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, OR HANDICAP IN ITS ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS, OR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AS REQUIRED BY TITLE VI, TITLE IX, AND SECTION 504

MARIA MCCOOL, Communications Director


2430 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-731-1300

May 13, 2011 Communications Weekly Update

DISTRICT PROMOTION AND MARKETING

Media Coverage:

News releases and promotional efforts resulted in positive stories appearing in local

media. (see clippings)

Worked with local media on the following events and programs:

(1) Budget cutbacks: BCMC, non-utilization of schools - Fairless and JH; AIU

contracted services.

(2) Gene Kelly Awards for musical

(3) Art Show and Alumni Cabaret

(4) Prom dress code

Working on news releases for: “Do the Write Thing” essay contest finalists; national and

local scholarship winners; Eagle Scouts; Kennywood Picnic information; Edgewood

Architecture Book; Summer Sports Camps; Career Center Challenge Grants for

graduating seniors.

IN WOODLAND HILLS Publication:

Finalized content: articles and photos for Summer Issue.

District Videos:

Working on video presentation for District/Academy volunteer parent Ted Hammer

for his presentation at state conference. Video will also be utilized for cable

broadcasting.

Senior Honors Banquet:

Attended Banquet on May 3 and took photos for publicity use.

Preparing news release and publicity for our academic honorees.

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Co-coordinated arrangements for Harrisburg trip to Rally for a Responsible State

Budget on May 3. Arranged for media to attend. Issued invitations to all of the

school districts in Allegheny County, the A.I.U. staff, local elected state officials;

municipality officials; board members, community representatives, and WHSD staff.

Attachment 4

WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATION EMPLOYER AND WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE

ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, OR HANDICAP IN ITS ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS, OR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AS REQUIRED BY TITLE VI, TITLE IX, AND SECTION 504

External Communications:

Updated District information on Newsline, Twitter, website News Page,

Foundation, School Calendar, and Alumni pages.

Sent out E-newsletters to subscribers.

Responded to “Concerns” line questions

Posted Superintendent’s Weekly Report to Board to District website.

Sending and scheduling AlertNow phone messages for Art Show and Alumni

Cabaret and Kennywood information.

Internal Communications:

Promoted to staff: Wolverines for the Cure; Girls’ BB fundraiser, JH Cancer

fundraiser; art show and alumni cabaret; Kennywood tickets and buses. Discount

tickets for Cirque Du Soleil, discount gym membership.

Presented certificates and gifts to HS student board representatives and HS WSA

winners.

PA College Access Challenge Grant Program:

Publicizing eight $500 scholarships that the program is offering to graduating

seniors.

Board Policies:

Revising Board Policy 904 on Public Attendance at School Events for third reading

and board approval.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Discussed UPMC providing funds for District for their summer program at Fairless.

Summer Sports Camps

RIGHT TO KNOW

Completed Open Records Request for information on non-professional support staff

contract

Working on RTK from Tribune Review on 2009 Pennsylvania Youth Survey.

WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATION EMPLOYER AND WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, OR HANDICAP IN ITS ACTIVITIES, PROGRAMS, OR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

AS REQUIRED BY TITLE VI, TITLE IX AND SECTION 504.

Norman M. Catalano

Director of Curriculum



2430 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-731-1300

Curriculum Highlights – May 12, 2011

The United States Department of Education forwarded Pennsylvania's Title allocation to PDE

last Friday. Although Title I was only reduced by .2%, Pennsylvania's Title I allocation was

reduced by 5.4% from last year and Title IIA was reduced by 1.3%. However, that doesn't

mean that each individual district will see a reduction of these amounts. Because of the various

formulas that are used, some districts and charter schools will see a higher or lower rate of

reduction. PDE estimates that we will receive our initial allocation no earlier than May 19th

and

no later than May 26th

. The e-grant system will then be opened for us to complete our

application.

Dr. Robins and I have provisionally secured a School Improvement Grant from PDE’s Division

of Federal Programs for the Junior High for $46,180. The grant will be approved with the

superintendent’s signature (done) on the normal NN Rider and PDE final review. We do

network often with our PDE liaisons. One of the liaisons contacted us on April 29th

and stated

money was available if we could have the grant completed by April 30th

. The fact that we use

technology well is known to PDE and this grant will focus on technology improvements at the

Junior High that meet their “Getting Results” school improvement planning goals. When

officially approved by PDE, purchases will be made before the end of this year so that the Junior

High will have access to these resources for the first day of school next year.

The month long data collection window for our EETT grant is now open. During this time, we

report to PDE classroom observations for teachers that PDE randomly selects in order to show

that are seamlessly using technology according to the terms of the grant.

Keystone Testing was completed this past week as well as DIBELS testing. The Algebra

prognosis test was given to students in the sixth grade to see if they are ready to learn Algebra in

the seventh grade.

We are preparing for monitoring evaluations for ARRA monies and the Title programs that will

be conducted by independent assigned monitors.

One thousand, three hundred and ninety-nine students from the seventh and eighth grades in

Pittsburgh and Woodland Hills districts submitted essays to the “Do The Write Thing

Challenge,” an initiative of the National Campaign to Stop the Violence. These students shared

their thoughts on the impact of violence on their lives and ideas to eliminate youth violence. Two

of our students are to be names top students and will be honored at a banquet at the August

Wilson Center in June. We are proud of all of our students’ efforts.

Attachment 5



The monthly county District Curriculum Coordinators meeting was held this week at the AIU. A

smorgasbord of topics were discussed: Keystones Updates, Learn to Be Healthy, Financial

Literacy, Gale/ASCD Library Software, Apprenticeships and Career Education, Blended

Learning, Principals Inspired Leadership, Early Childhood, Professional Development Needs

Assessment, 21st Century School Improvement, AYP, and more. It is a time of change in

educational circles.

Very preliminary discussions have begun with COMCAST in order to see if we can provide

some potential programs to our families of need in an inexpensive way.

The Title IIA Professional Development Needs Assessment is ready for our staff and will be

completed in the next two weeks. The purpose of this federally mandated project is to look at the

district needs and coordinate federal funds to the needs.

The Grable Foundation and The Benedum Foundation, in cooperation with Intermediate Units 1

and 3 (which jointly manage the new Center for Creativity, Arts, and Technology), have

allowed us to apply for a grant to assist building and advancing school-community STEAM

(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) partnerships. Since our summer

science camp is a potential casualty of the budgetary cuts, we have applied for this grant with the

hopes of maintaining this valued project in some type of format.

We have been able to maintain the full ASSET Science program for grades K-6 within our

current budgetary restraints.

We are finalizing data collection and reports for our tutoring programs – EAP, SHINE, OASIS

and we are assisting HSCC with their data reports.

We have been notified that our continuation grant for Pre-K Counts has been approved for next

year. Pre-K registration has begun. The next registration session will be held at the

Administration Building from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM on May 18th

.



A. Ge`ron Robins, Ph.D.

Director, Institutional Advancement



2430 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-731-1300 Fax 412-731-2974

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Walter M. Calinger, Ph.D.

FROM: Anthony G. Robins, Ph.D. DATE: May 11, 2011 SUBJECT: Weekly Activity Report

The following activities were engaged during April 29 – May 11, 2011:

40% time spent studying federal, state and foundation legislation, projects, and programs for the

possibilities and opportunities they offer for educational grants, entitlements, and allocations

relevant to the needs of the District.

10% time spent informing, interpreting, and making recommendations to the Superintendent on

the effects of current and impending Federal and State legislation.

10% time spent establishing practices and procedures for receiving and processing requests from

school personnel for projects and programs requiring Federal, State and Foundation monies.

25% time spent compiling and maintaining reports on results of Federal, State and Foundation

projects.

15% time spent maintaining accounting records of all grant expenditures for audit include

payroll processing and materials purchased.

Attachment 6

Technology Department Weekly Report 5-12-11 Brian continues working on an updated Fixed Asset Inventory for the Business department. Brian prepared a new MacBook Pro laptop for the HS Band department. Mr. Crone plans on incorporating state of the art Technology into his classroom, concerts and productions. In addition Brian and the rest of the Tech staff met with representatives from Palo Alto Networks to discuss the Risk Report analysis of the District network. Brian and Steve recorded the Board Legislative meeting. They are currently editing it for the website. Steve continued working with Lightspeed on the newly built report server. He edited and uploaded the Board agenda meeting to our website. He has also configured a laptop for one of our homebound students to access A+ online curriculum. In addition he will be attending the Robert Morris University TV Studio Showcase tomorrow. Dan continued working on scripts for the ePals account creation process. He also reimaged iPods and laptops for Shaffer and the Academy. BJ ran the weekly PA Secure ID export/import and the Preliminary Summary of Child Accounting Membership for the 2009-2010 Cognos report. She has analyzed the membership from other district sections to verify that students that should have been reported by other institutions were indeed reported. In addition she called the PDE for procedures regarding the membership from other districts (4605 students). She has also worked on the school list in ProSoft for the 2011-2012 year to eliminate the unnecessary schools and code the remaining schools correctly. She then ran special code reports on affidavit of guardianship and affidavit of residency students and had registration check files to verify. She also ran the labels for letters that will go out to students from the Home/School visitor. In addition she ran the state's new version of PIMS LEP ACS and had Dr. Calinger sign and then faxed documents to the state. She then consulted with a neighboring district on how to correct their LEP PIMS . Courtland installed a new manageable HP POE switch at Dickson and a new wireless access point in the Dickson Art room. He also moved printers at Dickson to more suitable locations and continues to finalize the Radius wireless monitoring server. Keith setup a TFTP Server for all network switch configurations and scheduled the move of ComDoc’s loaner printer from the HS to Edgewood. He continues to deploy new HP POE manageable switches throughout the District.

Attachment 7

All Tech staff worked with Goodwill to remove outdated, broken and end of life equipment. Courtland, Dan, and Keith have been working on helpdesk tickets for various IT related issues in all of the District Buildings.

DANIEL BREITKREUTZ Director, Student Operational Services


2430 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-731-1300 412-731-2974

TRANSPORTATION, FOOD SERVICE, AND SECURITY WEEKLY UPDATE

Transportation:

o Transportation has received several homeless requests in the past week. Ride-sharing with

other districts is being utilized to control costs.

o The principals have been contacted to address open invoices for field trips.

o Budget numbers are still in line to meet budget for the year.

Food Service:

o The Nutrition Group is scheduled for a transition meeting next week. The discussion will cover

expectations, goals of the program, staffing and additional programs.

o The Woodland Hills School District has been tentatively awarded $150,640 for the Fresh Fruit

and Vegetable Program for the 2011-2012 school year.

o All six elementary schools have been granted an award for the program year.

Safety and Security:

o The security contract has been tabled for further consideration. The recommended vendor has

been notified.

o The district will be contacting all local police chiefs regarding the Memorandums of

Understanding and Safe Schools report.

Attachment 8



REGINALD HICKMAN, Principal

WOODLAND HILLS ACADEMY

126 Monroeville Avenue, Turtle Creek, PA 15145 412-824-2450

ACADEMY UPDATE SUBMITTED May 11, 2011

1. On Tuesday, we held parent meetings at 9am, 1 and 7pm.

2. On Monday May 9, Taking the Lead conducted its last session and ended with a parent meeting to discuss the program and its impact on their sons.

3. On Wednesday May 11 and Thursday May 12, GATE students from 4-7 went on a wlking tour of downtown Pittsburgh to examine the architecture of the city.

4. On Wednesday May 11 members of the Dial Action Sports Club performed a show of BMX tricks. The show was used as a way to promote anti-drug and anit-bullying messages.

5. On Thursday May 12 we held Family Game Night to kick-off our Spring Book Fair. Parents and children brought their favorite games for a night of family fun!

6. On Friday May 13 Kindergarten and 1st grade students traveled to the Aviary and 7th grade students traveled to Fallingwater as the culminating activity for the year-long, cross-curricular study of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece.

Attachment 9

Dickson Elementary School

May 9 - 13, 2011

Weekly Positive Highlights

GATE students in grades 2-6 took a walking tour of Pittsburgh as part

of their study of architecture for the year. Grades 2 and 3 participated

in the walk on Friday, May 6; grades 4 & 5 on Wednesday, May 11;

and 6th grade on Thursday, May 12. The students returned to school

exhausted but well schooled in the heritage of Pittsburgh architecture.

The annual Spring Band and Choral Concerts were held Thursday

evening at the Junior High School. Dickson students performed in

collaboration with the Bands and Choruses from Edgewood and

Wilkins Elementary Schools.

Ms. Kline held her monthly Lunch with the Principal on Thursday,

May 12 for the April Students of the Month:

o Pre-K – Ron’dale Riggins

o Kindergarten – Daiona Humphries

o 1st Grade – Daniel Znidarzich

o 2nd

Grade – Ricky Lawson

o 3rd

Grade –Alexandra McFarland

o 4th

Grade – Kayla Jefferson

o 5th

Grade – Ramar Glover

o 6th

Grade – Cheyenne Lee

Third grade Dickson students traveled to the Monroeville Convention

Center on Friday, May 13 for the 54th International Pittsburgh Folk

Festival. The students participated in the “Multicultural

Educational Program – Around the World in One Day” program,

which provides students with a unique opportunity to learn and

experience a variety of cultures in a single day trip. The objective of

this educational trip is to promote a better understanding of various

peoples by learning about their history, culture and customs. The

students’ experiences included participating in folk crafts; watching

performances of traditional ethnic dances, songs and music; and

exploring cultural exhibits where students learned about a people’s

history, geography and customs. The international kitchens were also

open during the program and offered any number of ethnic dishes to

the students at a reasonable price.

Attachment 10



Jean Marie Livingston, Principal

Kelly Berthold, Assistant Principal

FAIRLESS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

531 Jones Avenue, North Braddock, PA 15104 412-271-1317 fax 412-271-6657

Positives from Fairless On Friday, May 6th, 2011, the Animal Rescue League came to visit the Kindergarten classes at Fairless. The ARL staff presented important information about how children can help care for the animals in their homes. They discussed the importance of always providing clean water, food, shelter, toys, and exercise for animals. They explained to the children ways to stay safe if confronted by an aggressive dog. The children’s first response was to turn and run. The presenter demonstrated how to stand still and refrain from making eye contact with an aggressive dog and how to drop and cover one’s head and face if necessary. After the presentation, the Animal Rescue League staff allowed the children to pet and play with four tiny grey kittens. The children were exceptionally polite and wonderful listeners throughout the duration of the presentation and were ecstatic about the kittens. The students were able to present their donations of food, towels, bowls, treats, and toys to the Animal Rescue League staff. It was a wonderful experience for all involved. The 6th grade students took the algebra test and received information about 7th grade course selection.

Attachment 11

Dr. Deborah M. Vereen, Principal

SHAFFER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 37 Garden Terrace, Pittsburgh, PA 15221

TELEPHONE 412-371- 4535 FACIMILE 412-371- 4571

[email protected] ELECTRONIC MAIL

A Team Committed To Excellence

WEEKLY POSITIVE MESSAGE

Shaffer Elementary School raised $2,000.00 for the “Jump Rope for Heart”

service project sponsored by the American Heart Association.

Several sixth graders took the Algebra Readiness Assessment on Thursday, May

5, 2011.

Dr. Vereen met with Ms. Martha Weiss, Coordinator of Project Forward in an

effort to initiate the process of providing identified sixth graders with future

supports relevant to their career path.

Dr. Vereen and Mr. Chessman continued to be engaged in the implementation of

the Clinical Supervisory process in which teachers participated in a Pre-

Conference, Observation, and Post-Conference. This process facilitated

differentiated supervision. Quality instruction continues to be delivered by the

talented Shaffer staff.

The following building wide committees, which consists of teachers, the school

nurse, and the RtII Interventionist as well as the building administration met

during the first part of the week: Data Analysis Committee; School Improvement

Committee; and Student Activities Committee. The aforementioned staff

members met, as is typically done each month, to resolve issues, celebrate

successes, and engage in instructional as well as extra-curricular planning for the

duration of the current school year as well as the upcoming year.

The building administration continues to host building tours for future Shaffer

families as well as those who are considering Shaffer as their school of choice.

Teachers have begun to submit their year-end evidenced-based Professional

Portfolio. This document will be utilized as part of the year-end evaluation

process.

Submitted by Dr. Deborah M. Vereen,

May 11, 2011

Attachment 12

mailto:[email protected]



MRS. KAREN E. BLOCH, PRINCIPAL

MR. GERALD CHESSMAN, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

__________________________________________________________________ WILKINS ELEMENTARY

362 Churchill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 Phone: 412-824-3231 Fax: 412-824-3244

MEMORANDUM TO: Dr. Calinger and Dr. Wallace FROM: Mrs. Karen E. Bloch RE: Notables from Wilkins Elementary Week of May 2 – 6, 2011 DATE: 05/12/11 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The following notables took place at Wilkins last week: The Pre-K, led by Ms. Davis, had a visit from the Polar Bear Club. The presentation was all about Polar Bears. The extension after the presentation encompassed technology by having a slide show, math by measuring the size of polar bears bodies and feet, art by making hand prints, music by learning a polar song with motions, science by students receiving a back pack made from all recycled materials, writing, by students writing a thank you note to the people who gave the presentation. This was an excellent lesson pulling all areas of study together. The students in Mr. Serbak and Ms. Lewis' classes are preparing for a states and capitals competition. The PTO sponsored a Book Fair last week. The fifth grade participated in a free field trip sponsored by Junior Achievement. The students traveled to Duquesne University for this excursion. Respectfully submitted, Karen E. Bloch Principal

Attachment 13



Mrs. Dawn Golden, Principal

Mr. Shawn Brown, Assistant Principal

Mr. Lawrence Washington, Assistant Principal

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

Week of May 9–13, 2011 The PTO sponsored a Staff Appreciation Luncheon for the staff on Tuesday, May 10th. There was a lavish display of food and desserts along with a special raffle for various gift cards. The staff appreciates the thoughtful gesture of the PTO. A great time was had by all. 25 students attended the student ambassador conference at the University of Pittsburgh. Students completed an Imovie project about issues in Africa prior to the conference. Some of the project will be made available for viewing online. This event was sponsored by the World Affairs Council The 3rd issue of the Gifted Gazette was published. The Junior High Algebra I and Geometry students completed the Algebra I Keystone Exam. The guidance office continues to enter and adjust schedules/course selections for the 2011-2012 school year. The guidance office organized and implemented the 4-Sight Benchmark Reading and Math testing for 7th and 8th graders on May 11th and 12th. 4-Sight Benchmark make-ups were administered on Friday, May 13th. The Art show starts this week 5/12/11 from 5pm to 8pm .Please come out and see what gifted students we have in the District.

Attachment 14



MR. DANIEL STEPHENS, Principal

MRS. LICIA LENTZ, Assistant Principal

MR. KEVIN MURRAY, Assistant to the Principal

MRS. MARLO ROBINSON, Assistant Principal

WOODLAND HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

2550 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-244-1100 412-242-2344 (Fax)

M E M O R A N D U M TO: Dr. Walter Calinger FROM: Dan Stephens DATE: May 11, 2011 RE: High School Activities The following activities occurred at the high school since Wednesday, May 4, 2011:

Point Park University’s annual Educational Media Day was held at Kennywood Park on Friday, May 6. The TV Club and Journalism class attended. The students participated in various workshops and contests. Mariya Mosely, Chelcy Riley, Destiny Kyles and jackie Young attended the advertising workshop and contest and were awarded the 1st Runner Up for their poster about the laser light show at Kennywood. Congratulations ladies for letting your light show!

Monday, May 9, five HS art students participated in the 2011 Congressional Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery. There were 71 entries this year; five winners and 12 honorable mentions. We are happy to say that our own Sara Savage received an Honorable Mention for her “Acrylic Self-Portrait.” All of our students can be proud of their participation in this Congressional show; it is quite an honor just to be chosen to represent your high school. Each of the participating students received a very nice leather covered certificate of participation and enjoyed a lovely evening at the opening reception hosted by the University of Pittsburgh at their Student Union. Pictures of our students’ works are available from the HS art teachers. The AP Environmental Science class held their first environmental awareness day. On May 10, the teachers and students at the high school were encouraged to have a “Lights Out” day. Despite turning lights off, the day was to “shed light” on how to use electricity more efficiently and to find ways to reduce our demand for electricity. The “Lights Out” Day represented the final challenge in a year-long competition sponsored by Phipps Conservatory where area high schools competed in eight different environmental tasks. On Tuesday, May 10th, the College Access Center sponsored a two hour “Funding the Future” scholarship search workshop for sophomores, juniors and their parents. The workshop was well attended and will be repeated several times in the Fall.

Attachment 15



The PA College Access Challenge Grant Program is offering eight $500 Scholarships to graduating WH seniors attending accredited two year/four year colleges/universities or other accredited nontraditional post-secondary programs. Applications may be picked up in the College Access Center. Submission deadline is Monday, May 16th, at 2:30 pm. The HS Performing Arts Department’s spring musical The Phantom of the Opera has been notified by the CLO that their production was nominated for 12 Kelly awards. The Kelly Awards are awarded in memory of Gene Kelly for excellence in musical theater and will be presented on May 28th. The nominations were: Best Choreography Best Crew/Technical Execution Best Costume Design - Budget III Best Direction Best Ensemble Best Lighting - Budget III Best Musical - Budget III Best Scenic Design - Budget III Best Actor – Eric Sciulli Best Actress – Marika Countouris Best Supporting Actor – Peter Sorek Best Supporting Actress – Mary Caparosa Although Woodland Hills High School is far away from Mexico, students from Ms. Runyan's Spanish 4 and 5 classes felt as though they had left the U.S.A. On Tuesday, May 10, they traveled to El Campesino where they were able to use their language skills to order lunch and converse in Spanish. They sampled authentic Mexican food. As the students observed, there is more to Mexican food than Taco Bell. Imagine that! A restaurant in Monroeville where all the waiters speak Spanish! And the food was delicioso!

Congratulations to the HS Track and Field teams. At the WPIAL AA Central section qualifiers held Thursday, May 10, the team qualified several athletes for the finals to be held next Thursday. Mark Ayitey had a strong showing! He qualified in the 110 meter hurdles with a time of 15.34 seconds, placing him 3rd overall. He also qualified for the finals in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 38.8 seconds, placing him 1st overall. Mark performance in the 300 meter hurdles was very impressive. He is closing in on the school record set in 2001 by one of Woodlnad Hills’ own NFL stars – Steve Breaston. Mark will also be a member of the 4x400 meter relay. Monte Chapman is moving on to finals in the open 400 with a time of 51.45 seconds, placing him 3rd overall. He will also be on the 4x400 meter relay team. Cheyenne Lewis qualified for the WPIAL finals also in the 200 meter dash with a time of 26.80 seconds, placing her 7th overall. Obviously her hard work over the year has paid off. Rebecca Love, a junior, has been acepted into the Pre-College program at CMU for musical theater.

DLS/eip

DICKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Meeting Notes

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Present: Ms. Allison Kline, Ms. Lyndsey Love, Ms. Lori McDowell, and Dr. Elaine Brown

General Discussion:

Ms. Kline, Ms. Love, Ms. McDowell, and Dr. Brown reviewed the “Foundations of Effective

Learning” rating tool in detail. We had rich discussion about each statement relative to Dickson

Elementary School’s current progress. This rating scale will give the Dickson Leadership Team

good direction for planning their future reform and in-service activities.

The Foundations of Effective Learning tool covers thirteen (13) principles which include:

o Principle 1: Effort Produces Achievement

o Principle 2: Learning is About Making Connections

o Principle 3: We Learn with and through Others

o Principle 4: Learning takes Time

o Principle 5: Motivation Matters

o Principle 6: The Teacher Matters

o Principle 7: Focused Teaching Promotes Accelerated Learning

o Principle 8: Clear Expectations and Continuous Feedback Activate Learning

o Principle 9: Good Teaching Builds on Students’ Strengths and Respects Individual

Differences

o Principle 10: Good Teaching Involves Modeling What Students Should Learn

o Principle 11: The Curriculum Should Focus on Powerful Knowledge

o Principle 12: All Students Should Experience a “Thinking Curriculum”

o Principle 13: The Best Results come from having an Aligned Instructional System

There are 42 total statements with three to six statements under each of the above thirteen listed

categories; only three statements were rated below a 6 on a 0-10 rating scale; most statements

were rated a 7-9 which indicates that great progress is being made at Dickson Elementary School

and Ms. Kline and Ms. Love are proactive. It should be noted that Ms. Kline was very rigorous

with the rating; however, the team consensus was used.

The 13 Principles of Learning will be revisited next week to determine what areas need addressed

and used for future in-service activities with Dickson Elementary Staff to further student

achievement.

We verified scheduled weekly meetings for the month of May and June to review the progress of

the Dickson Elementary Reform/Getting Results Plan development.

Compiled by: Elaine M. Brown, Ed D.

Attachment 16

WHSD Junior High School

Meeting Notes

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Present: Ms. Dawn Golden, Mr. Shawn Brown, and Dr. Elaine M. Brown (Mr. Washington was

unavailable due to court hearings.)

General Discussion:

Ms. Golden reviewed and explained the rationale for items included in the building

Action Plan.

The building Action Plan and the “Getting Results” document recently approved by PDE

will be the blueprint the principals will follow as they lead the WHSD Junior High

School towards improved student achievement.

The Action Plan should include specific areas previously outlined; Dr. Brown will review

the Getting Results Plan online. She may make suggestions for the Action Plan that may

not be included in the Getting Results Plan.

We discussed the Junior High School Staff’s professional development that took place

this school year. Practical training was implemented to give teachers a common

understanding of instructional strategies that were used with students at WHSD Junior

High School. One good example of this professional development was an exercise done

within each department. The science and social studies department members truly

embraced the training because all department members were willing to volunteer to video

tape themselves using instructional strategies they learned from PDE training videos. By

sharing a personal video in a staff meeting, teachers were able to demonstrate to their

colleagues how they implemented a strategy with WHSD Students and they now are able

to discuss concerns that may exist, thus helping other teachers to become stronger

instructors. We are hopeful that when the other departments present, we will see more of

the same.

Other general discussion topics included:

o Instructional coaches’ duties and training

o CHAMPS

o PDE training for a team from WHSD relative to decreasing suspensions and

expulsions

o Special education delivery of services and scheduling challenges

We set future meeting dates for May 18, May 25, June 1, and June 8, 2011.

Compiled by: Elaine M. Brown, Ed D.

Attachment 17

2010-2011 the importance of early childhood education update web version .pdf · 5/13/2011 · the...

Documents