Community

Newsletter of

The New Brighton

Area School District

3225 43rd Street

New Brighton, PA

15066

TheThe

New Brighton Area School District Where LIONS take PRIDE in learning.

www.nbasd.org Fall 2011

CC OMMUNICATOROMMUNICATOR

From the Desk of the Superintendent

Dr. David C. Pietro

W inston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees

the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist

sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” The 2011-2012

school year began under the cloud of budget cuts, national

and state partisan politics, and tough economic times. The

school district, like all others in the state, was faced with a

1.2 million dollar reduction in funding. This challenge was

met head-on by board members, administrators, faculty

and staff in order to maintain quality services and without

interruption to student learning. Each member of the New

Brighton Area School District community put aside their

own needs for the greater good. I would like to thank the

teachers and other personnel for their willingness to work

together in the best interests of the students and district.

It is this unique environment of cooperation that makes

New Brighton a special place to live, work and learn.

Even in times of challenge, New Brighton students and staff

continue to succeed. We are pleased that the district again

made Adequately Yearly Progress according to the No Child

Left Behind Act and that there was again growth in PSSA

scores. Please read the article on page 2 that better ex-

plains performance on the PSSA exams and how New Brigh-

ton students fared. There is always work to be done, how-

ever, and areas needing improvement are determined

though data analysis and curriculum focus. Each day in the

classrooms teachers work diligently to assess student learn-

ing in order to best prepare them for success.

In other good news, Dr. Joseph Guarino, Director of Cur-

riculum, secured an Enhancing Education Through Tech-

nology grant for $50,000 that will be used to expand

online learning programs in New Brighton. Currently, the

Lions OnLine Academy (LOLA) is available for students in

grades 9-12 as online learning at New Brighton. Through

this grant, the district will begin expansion of an online

learning program for the primary and middle grades.

This will provide greater availability for more students to

take advantage of online learning opportunities.

We are also completing and undertaking buildings and

grounds projects this year. The new Elementary School

roof is nearly complete. Each building now has a new

roof that should last at least 25 years. The next areas for

repair are the concrete areas around the district that

have deteriorated throughout the years. These projects

are beginning this fall.

We are also in the final stages of planning renovations to

Memorial Baseball Field. The field has not been reno-

vated in more than 35 years. Grants from the Depart-

ment of Conservation and Natural Resources, Beaver

County Community Block Development, as well as fund-

ing from the district are making this much needed update

possible.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The Communicator

and learning about some of the wonderful things hap-

pening this fall in the district. I encourage you to keep

abreast of all the district happenings by frequenting the

district webpage at www.nbasd.org.

2 www.nbasd.org

NBASD 2011 PSSA Performance

PSSA Reading Results 2011 PSSA Math Results 2011

PSSA Writing Results 2011

Basic

Below Basic

Advanced

Proficient

Below Basic

Basic

Proficient

Advanced

Advanced

Proficient

Basic

Below Basic

Each year students in grades 3

through 8 and grade 11 are challenged

to complete the Pennsylvania System

of School Assessments (PSSA). These

tests measure student knowledge in a

number of subject areas including,

reading , math, writing and science.

Every year since the inception of the

PSSA the district has met the standard

for achievement (Adequate Yearly

Progress, AYP) as set by the No Child

Left Behind Act. This year AYP re-

quired 11% and 9% more students

were to score proficient or above in

math and reading respectively. New

Brighton students achieved this goal.

Students in all grade levels across the

district showed improvements. While

we are very proud of their accomplish-

ments, students, staff, and parents

must continue to work together to

push for new levels of achievement.

This year’s PSSA exams will be admin-

istered beginning in March.

www.nbasd.org 3

Creating Safe, Secure Classrooms, Schools and Communities

National attention has been given to the serious and growing problem of bullying, both in and out of school.

Statistics show that 17 percent of students in grades 6-10 reported having been bullied "sometimes" or

more, with 8 percent being bullied once a week. 19 percent said they had been a bully to others "sometimes"

or more. (2001 study of 15,000 U.S. students). This year the New Brighton Middle School kicked off the

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. This world-renowned program developed by Dr. Dan Olweus, is the

foremost in bullying prevention.

Bullying is defined by Dr. Olweus as when a person is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions

on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself. Bullying

can happen in many forms, including physical, emotional, cyber, racial or sexual. Bullying has consequences

for both the bully (poor grades, more likely to drink alcohol or smoke, engage in vandalism or get into fights),

the bullied (depression, low self esteem, health problems, poor grades), and the bystanders (anxiety, guilt, or

even decreased empathy). In order to create a climate where bullying is not tolerated the program has com-

ponents at four levels (school, classroom, individual and community) that promote long-term, system-wide

change. The goals of the program include reducing existing bullying problems among students at school, pre-

venting future incidents of bullying, and creating better peer relations at school.

In order to kick off the program for the middle school community, students and teachers gathered for an as-

sembly and activities on September 2, 2011. The bullying prevention program was explained and expecta-

tions of students were given. Students then had the opportunity to participate in team-building activities to-

gether provided by Sgt. Bergamasco of the PA Counter Drug Program.

It is only through cooperation between the schools and community that this program can be successful. Par-

ents should take time to discuss bullying with students and encourage them to get the help of an adult any

time they are bullied or see bullying occur.

A special thank you to Dawn Ackerman, parent volunteer and Daren Duncan, youth minister from New

Brighton Christian Assembly for their assistance during the event.

Students participate in team

building activities during the

kick-off of the Olweus Bullying

Prevention Program at the

middle school. Working to-

gether to solve challenges,

students were encouraged to

build positive peer relations.

4 www.nbasd.org

Homecoming Court 2011

Lauren Mittner was crowned Homecoming Queen on

October 14, 2011 at Oak Hill Field. Congratulations to

the 2011 New Brighton High School Homecoming

Court!

The following young ladies represented the Class of

2012:

Jenna Dewhirst, Crown Bearer, is the daughter of Ron

and Janet Dewhirst. Kelly Hart is the daughter of Ken

and Paula Hart. Jenna Jurich is the daughter of Steve

and Lisa Jurich. Lauren Mittner, Homecoming Queen,

is the daughter of Don and Aliene Mittner. Megan Syl-

vester is the daughter of Dean and MariBeth Sylvester.

Elementary Student Council

The 5th Grade Student Council Members were selected for the 2011-2012 school year. Students interested in running

for Student Council presented a 2 minute speech to the classmates in their homerooms. After hearing all of the

speeches, 5th grade students voted for 1 boy and 1 girl in each homeroom.

The purpose of the group is to involve students directly in improving self-esteem and to increase interest in school and

charitable work. The New Brighton Elementary Student Council is an organized

group of students who:

Represent the ideas of fellow students;

Serve as role models and school leaders;

Foster goodwill between students and teachers;

Participate in academic, social, and charitable activities at New Brighton Ele-

mentary School.

Student Council has various activities planned for this school year including:

Teacher Feature; Caps for Kids Cap Day; Lee National Denim Day to support

breast cancer research; PJ Day to raise money to buy Thanksgiving Gift Cards for

Enrollment for New Brighton High

School Preschool Program

The New Brighton High School Preschool Program

is now accepting applications for the January pro-

gram. The preschool will operate Monday -

Thursday, beginning January 17 and run until the

third week of May. The cost for the entire time is

$60.00. (This fee can be paid the first day of pre-

school. Please make all checks payable to New

Brighton School District.) The sessions will run

from 10:50 AM-12:05 PM. The high school stu-

dents will teach the lessons under the supervision

of Mrs. Campbell. At the end of the year, each

parent will receive a journal on the preschooler’s

activities. The child must be a resident of New

Brighton and be between the ages of three and

five. For more information, contact Mrs. Jeanne

Campbell at 724‑846‑1050 extension 317 or

jcampbell@nbsd.k12.pa.us.

Front row: Anna Townley, MaKayla Goehring,

Sarah Hughes, Joshua Laving

Middle Row: Karuan Mason, Niko Simmons,

Nick Kosanovich, Jase Wilson, Gina Demarco

Back Row: Rachel Speelman, Nicole Speel-

man, Hayley Pauvlinch, Christopher Gerello

www.nbasd.org 5

Success on the Links

Congratulations to the 2011-2012 Section Champion

golf team. Jacob Potts and Dom Cardosi each shot

34s to lead the Lions to their third straight title at

Rolling Acres Golf Course. Andrew Pier then shot an

even par 72 to be this year’s MAC Champion at Fox

Run Golf Course.

Butterfly

Garden

The garden in front of

the elementary

school was in need of

some care so a group

of the district admin-

istrators spent an af-

ternoon digging, hauling and planting to spruce it

up. Students and teachers are now able to enjoy

the lovely space for a variety of activities.

A College

Experience

Saturday, October 1

four high school

band students par-

ticipated in the Sec-

ond Annual Thiel

College Band Day.

This event is de-

signed to give high school students the opportunity

to see first-had how a college band rehearses and

performs, and to speak with college students about

their experiences. The students even had the op-

portunity to perform with the band for the “parking

lot concert” prior to kickoff and during the halftime

show. Students learned the Thiel Fight Song and

performed four popular songs with the Theil March-

ing Band including Raise Your Glass, Born This Way,

Dynamite, and Alive and Amplified.

2011 Thiel College Band Day ParticipantsBack

Row – Quinton Tenney and Stephen Tkacik

Front Row – Jennah Shroads and Kristi Win-

ters

Head Coach Lance Frederick, Assistant Coach Mark Cardosi,

Andrew Pier, Dominic Cardosi, Jacob Potts, Tommy Manor, Andrew Emes, Matt Miller, Jarrod Potts, Jake Debo

Dr. Joe Guarino, Mr. Bob Budacki, Mr. Julian

Underwood, and Mr. Jason Hall (Mr. Ed Kas-

parek missing from picture)

6 www.nbasd.org

Welcome to NBASD

A warm welcome is extended to

Jeanine Mizikar who is the new

Speech Language Pathologist for

the district. Jeanine is originally

from Belle Vernon, PA and has a

Bachelors Degree in Speech and

Hearing Science and Masters De-

gree in Speech and Language Pathology from Edinboro

University. She is also a member of the American Speech

-Language-Hearing Association. Jeanine comes to New

Brighton from Tiny Tots Child Development Center

where she was a pediatric speech language pathologist.

Jeanine is excited to work as a collaborative team mem-

ber with the faculty, staff, and parents at New Brighton

to meet the needs of all students in the district.

Important Information for Parents

Changes in Immunization Requirements for 2011-2012

In addition to previously required immunizations:

Immunizations Required for Children Entering ALL Grades

2 doses of Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine or history of disease

Immunizations Required for 7th Grade Students

2 doses of Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine or history of disease

1 Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)

1 Meningococcal Vaccine (MCV)

These immunization requirements apply to children attending ALL Pennsylvania schools.

Pennsylvania’s school immunization requirements can be found in 28 PA CODE CH. 23 (School

Immunizations).

Contact your health care provider, school nurse, or local health department for more infor-

mation. www.immunizepa.org

Learn about other immunizations that are recommended for your child at: www.cdc.gov/

vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm.

Upcoming Concerts

The holiday season brings the op-

portunity for all community mem-

bers to enjoy the school music con-

certs.

Middle and High School Bands December 8

Middle and High School Choruses December 14

Elementary 5th Grade Chorus December 15

All concerts are held at the New Brighton High

School Auditorium at 7 PM and are free to the pub-

lic. All are encouraged to attend to celebrate the

hard work of these talented students.

www.nbasd.org 7

EIT

8 www.nbasd.org

Notice of Nondiscrimination

The New Brighton Area School District will not dis-

criminate in its educational programs, activities or

employment practices based on race, color, national

origin, sex, or any other legally protected classifica-

tion. Announcement of this policy is in accordance

with state and federal laws, including Title IX of the

Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 503

and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Employees and participants who have an inquiry or

complaint of harassment or discrimination or who

need information about accommodations for handi-

capped persons should contact the Director of Pupil

Services at 724.843.1795 extension 331.

Linda Emert

School Board Secretary

Rick Start, Esq.

Solicitor

Marjory Warnes, Ph. D.

Director of Pupil Services

Joseph Guarino, Ed.D.

Director of Curriculum

John Sepe

Business Manager

Robert Lee

Director of Technology

Edward Kasparek

High School Principal

Robert Budacki

High School Assistant Principal

Julian Underwood

Middle School Principal

Jason Hall

Elementary School Principal

New Brighton Area School District

School Board of Directors

Harry Caminite, President

Kent McDermott, Vice-President

Christeen Ceratti

Jay Funkhouser

John Ludwig

Gary Rombold

Karen Sheffield

Melanie Smith

Mitch Yanyanin

Administration

David C. Pietro, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

The Communicator is a publication of the

New Brighton Area School District. Editor is

Johanna Guarino. Story ideas, questions or

comments should be directed to

joguarino@nbsd.k12.pa.us.

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