north allegheny school district...allegheny valley na appoints new building administrators for nash,...

NORTH ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT

August 2015

At the July 15 School Board meeting, Board members approved an extended leave of absence and letter of resignation for Superintendent Dr. Raymond Gualtieri.

Due to a health-related matter, Dr. Gualtieri has been on a leave of absence from the District since June 9. Dr. Gualtieri originally anticipated he would be able to return to the District in mid-August; however, due to his health-related matter, the Board approved an extension of his medical leave of absence from July 15, 2015 through Jan. 4, 2016. In addition, the Board also accepted Dr. Gualtieri’s letter of resignation for retirement purposes due to health reasons, effective Jan. 4, 2016 and appointed Dr. Robert Scherrer, Assistant Superintendent of K-12 Education, as the Substitute District Superintendent effective July 16, 2015 through Jan. 4, 2016.

Dr. Gualtieri began his term as Superintendent of Schools for the North Allegheny School District on Aug. 1, 2011. During his

North Allegheny School District Superintendent Extends Leave of Absence, Announces Retirement

Raymond D. Gualtieri, Ed.D.

Robert J. Scherrer, Ed.D.

tenure, Dr. Gualtieri made it his goal to maintain North Allegheny as a premier school district that provides a high-quality education to all students.

Under his leadership, the District began the process of working toward enhanced physical security, which included the reinforcement of the District’s visitor entrance protocols and the addition of audio and video recording capabilities on school buses. Dr. Gualtieri also provided leadership as the District implemented its new Comprehensive Plan and the planning process for the 1:1 initiative that will place a personal electronic device in the hands of every North Allegheny student.

During his absence, the Administrative team has been working collaboratively to continue the vital operations of the District.

“Dr. Gualtieri will be missed by all of us here who have had the pleasure of working under his direction for the last four years,” said Dr. Scherrer. “The North

Allegheny School District is embarking on a number of new initiatives to help transform the learning environment for our students, and I consider it a privilege and an honor to work with such a dedicated and professional staff at North Allegheny.”

Upcoming EventsSeptember 3 – Superintendent’s Newcomers’ Coffee at CAO Bd. Rm., 9:15 a.m.September 7 – Labor Day (No School)September 8 – All Elementary Schools Curriculum Night, Grades 3 & 4, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.September 9 – All Elementary Schools Curriculum Night, Grade 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.September 10 – All Elementary Schools Curriculum Night, Grades 1 & 2, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.September 15 – All Middle Schools Open House, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.September 16 – School Board Work Session, CAO Bd. Rm., 7:00 p.m.September 22 – Superintendent’s Coffee at CMS, 9:30 a.m.September 24 – NAI Open House, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.September 29 – NASH Open House, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.September 30 – School Board Regular Meeting, CAO Bd. Rm., 7:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Sat. 12: Group Visit Day Sat. 26: Group Visit Day Sat. 26: Women’s Softball Visit Day

Mark your calendar and register at laroche.edu!

Sat. 10: Group Visit Day Sat. 24: Fall Open House Thurs. 29: Overnight Visit for Accepted Students Only Sat. 31: Women’s Volleyball Visit Day

Sat. 7: Group Visit Day Sat. 21: Instant Decision Day

Sat. 5: Group Visit Day

www.nor thallegheny.org

http://laroche.edu

http://www.northallegheny.org

Focus 2020: Preparing NA for a Changing World

August 2015 - www.nor thallegheny.org - 2

At North Allegheny, our vision is to be a premier school district that inspires excellence in academics, athletics, arts, and extra-curricular activities for every student every day. It is our belief that educating the whole child prepares our students to succeed well beyond their time at North Allegheny.

Beginning in the fall of 2015, the District will launch a 1:1 device initiative called FOCUS 2020. As part of this exciting program, students in sixth grade will receive an iPad and students in ninth and tenth grades will receive an HP ProBook 640 laptop to use throughout the school year.

This new technology will engage our students with 21st Century skills, personalized learning opportunities, and the ability to collaborate within a global culture. Our mission, to prepare students for success in a changing world, will be enhanced by this FOCUS 2020 endeavor.

Please “save the date” for a very important program that will introduce families to the FOCUS 2020 initiative and permit them to secure the iPad or laptop which will be assigned to their child.

The purpose of the program will be to:

• Discuss the technological opportunities at the North Allegheny School District;

• Explain the educational changes on the horizon for sixth, ninth and tenth graders;

• Describe features of the equipment and cyber safety tips for students; and

• Distribute all equipment to parents.

Families of ninth and tenth grade students will receive their laptops according to the dates and times below. An email will be sent to families in early September explaining the logistics for the evening. Please note that these programs will occur at NASH, not NAI:

• Grade 10: Thursday, September 17 – 6:30 p.m. at NASH

• Grade 9: Monday, September 21 – 6:30 p.m. at NASH

Families of sixth grade students will be invited to attend the program being held at their respective middle school. An email will be sent to families in September noting the logistics for the evening.

The middle school programs will be held as follows:

• Monday, October 12 – 6:30 p.m. at Ingomar Middle School

• Wednesday, October 14 – 6:30 p.m. at Carson Middle School

• Thursday, October 15 – 6:30 p.m. at Marshall Middle School

These parent meetings are required in order to pick up your child’s iPad or laptop. An alternative opportunity will be provided for families who are unable to attend their school’s scheduled meeting. The District will continue to provide updates on the FOCUS 2020 initiative via eBlasts and other communication methods.

The North Allegheny School District (NASD) announces the dates for the Open House/Curriculum Nights for the 2015-2016 school year as follows:

All Elementary Schools Curriculum Nights:Grades 1 and 2 Thursday, September 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Grades 3 and 4 Tuesday, September 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Grade 5 Wednesday, September 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

All Middle Schools Open House: Tuesday, September 15, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

NA Intermediate High School Open House: Thursday, September 24, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

NA Senior High School Open House: Tuesday, September 29, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

All parents are cordially invited to come and meet their children’s teachers and hear key information about the curriculum, school programs, and classroom expectations. For more information, please contact the school office.

NASD Announces Open House and

Curriculum Nights



Congratulations to Our 25-Year Employees


Each year, the North Allegheny School District recognizes its 25-year employees. NA has 16 employees who will be celebrating


Arlene Barbus, Carson Middle School Teacher

Earl Bragunier, Transportation, Bus Driver

Laura Hayes, Transportation, Lead Services Assistant

Mary Hughes, Transportation, Bus Driver

Lee Knapp, Ingomar Elementary School Teacher

Stephen Kraus, McKnight and Peebles Elementary

School Teacher

Lexa Mays-Poulakos, Marshall Elementary

School Teacher

Noreen O’Neill, Franklin and Peebles Elementary School Library Secretary

Chris Panos, Marshall Middle School Teacher

Leslie Webb, Franklin Elementary School

Teacher

Bonnie Woods, Athletic Department Secretary

their silver anniversary in 2015-2016. Congratulations and special thanks to:

Jeffrey Collins, Transportation, Mechanic

Joan Cress, Transportation, Bus Driver

Joseph Deluca, Transportation, Bus Driver

Brian Pendergast, Franklin Elementary School Teacher

Philip Perrone, Marshall Middle School Teacher

Photos not available for the following:



NA Staff Kick Off 2015-2016 School Year

Photos by Shari Berg, Public Relations Consultant, The Communication Solutions Group.

The NA Senior High School hosted the annual Back-to-School In-Service Program on Wednesday, Aug. 19th. All North Allegheny teachers and staff members were invited to the annual event, which serves as an official welcome back program which sets the tone for each upcoming school year.

Dr. Scherrer, Substitute Superintendent of Schools, provided a message outlining the goals for the 2015-2016 school year. Presentations on the importance of diversity at NA, 25-year employee recognition, and the introduction of new faculty and staff followed, interspersed with musical performances by NA students.

This year’s keynote speaker was Bill Daggett, Ed.D., Founder and




Chairman of the International Center for Leadership in Education. Dr. Daggett is recognized worldwide for his proven ability to move preK-12 education systems toward more rigorous and relevant skills and knowledge for all students. He has assisted a number of states and hundreds of school districts with their school initiatives. Dr. Daggett also has collaborated with education ministries in several countries and with the Council of Chief State School Officers, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Governors Association, and many other national organizations.

NA Staff Kick Off 2015-2016 School Year (continued)


Photos by Shari Berg, Public Relations Consultant, The Communication Solutions Group.



This summer, the North Allegheny Board of School Directors appointed three new building administrators.

The Board also appointed Mr. Daniel Swoger to serve as Principal for Marshall Middle School. He began his teaching career with the Allegheny Valley

NA Appoints New Building Administrators for NASH, MMS, and IMS

Mr. John Morey will serve as Assistant Principal for Ingomar Middle School. Mr. Morey began his career in education in 2000 as a middle school social

Mr. Daniel Swoger Principal – MMS

John KreiderPrincipal - NASH

Mr. John Morey Asst. Principal – IMS

Mr. John Kreider has been appointed as the Principal of North Allegheny Senior High School. He began his teaching career in 1992 as a math teacher at the School District of Lancaster in Lancaster, PA. In 2000, he joined the staff of the North Hills School District as a High School Math Teacher. From 2004-2010, Mr. Kreider served as the Assistant/Associate and eventually Building Principal at the North Hills Junior High School. In 2010, he became the Principal of North Hills High School, where he supervised over 145 staff members, 1,455 students, a $250,000 building budget and the Athletic Director with a $1.3 million budget.

He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Math Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1990 and completed his Master’s in Education through the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his PK-12 Principal Certification, Superintendent Letter of Eligibility, completed coursework for Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction and is currently enrolled in the School of Education Doctoral program.

School District in Springdale, PA as a Secondary Emotional Support Teacher in 2004, then transferring to an Elementary Learning Support Teacher from 2005-2010. In December 2010, he became the Assistant High School Principal and Director of Special Education for the Allegheny Valley School District. In September 2013, Mr. Swoger was hired as the Assistant Principal at Ingomar Middle School.

Mr. Swoger received his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary/Special Education from St. Francis University in 2004 and completed his Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University in 2010. He obtained his Special Education Supervisor Certificate in 2011 and his Pennsylvania Principal’s Certificate in 2012.

studies teacher in Virginia. Since 2005, he has served in a number of administrative positions in Ohio and Colorado. His most recent post prior to coming to NA was the Assistant Principal of Oberon Middle School in Arvada, CO, where he was responsible for 600 middle school students.

Mr. Morey received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from St. Bonaventure University and his Social Studies teaching license from Edinboro University. In 2004, Mr. Morey completed his Master’s in Education in Educational Administration through Cleveland State University, where he also earned his PK-12 Principal Certification.

This is a reminder to make certain you are enrolled in the SchoolMessenger system and to ensure that your information is current for the 2015-2016 School Year. Parents/Guardians have the option of adding and updating contact information for phone calls, emails, and text messaging communications.

SchoolMessenger is the first and primary communication vehicle used


It’s Time to Check Your SchoolMessenger Information

by the District in the event of any emergency. It is used to notify families of school closings, delays, significant health-related issues, and other critical issues.

Register for SchoolMessenger, update contact information, and configure preferences and settings by visiting the SchoolMessenger website. For more information, please visit this page on our website.

http://www.northallegheny.org/Page/591



One of the ongoing goals of the North Allegheny School District is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our students, staff, and visitors. As such, the District has incorporated new visitor procedures for the 2015-2016 School Year. Additionally, volunteers working directly with our students are now required to obtain background check clearances.

The Pennsylvania Legislature has enacted Act 153, which regulates guidelines for clearances for volunteers who are working with students. These guidelines require all potential volunteers to submit their clearances in order to volunteer in our schools. Volunteers who apply for clearances qualify for a fee waiver to obtain the clearances. Gov. Tom Wolf announced in July that the $20 in fees to obtain

The NA Shopping Program is a fundraising initiative to support the North Allegheny School District. By clicking on the Amazon banner on our website, you will be directed to the Amazon website to shop. Any purchases you make will earn money for NASD. For more information, please visit the District website.

District Incorporates New Visitor Procedures, Volunteer Clearances

state child abuse clearance and criminal background checks would be waived for volunteers who work with non-profit entities and schools.

Additional information about clearances is available on the NA website at www.northallegheny.org.

In addition to requiring clearances for volunteers, all schools in the District will be using the Raptor Visitor Management System as a means for visitors to register each time they enter the building. The system will manage all visitors, contractors, and volunteers to our buildings and check them against a national database of registered sex offenders. Visitors will be required to scan a valid state-issued driver’s license or other picture identification in order to

NA

Shop

ping Program!

No extra cost to you – cash for our schools

be processed as a visitor to our buildings. Once approved, the system will generate a name tag for visitors which will contain a picture of the visitor, the date, and the purpose for the visit. Visitors will be required to wear the tag and to sign out and return their tag before leaving the building through the main entrance.

“The District sees the responsibility of keeping all students safe as a major priority,” said Dr. Robert Scherrer, Substitute Superintendent. “The Raptor Visitor Management System provides a consistent way to monitor the people who are visiting our schools. The District is excited about this new step in our commitment to ensure a safe and welcoming environment at all of our school buildings.”

When you shop online… please use our


http://www.northallegheny.org/shop


http://www.raptorware.com/




NA Substitute Superintendent to Host Coffee for District Newcomers

The North Allegheny School District (NASD) announces that Dr. Robert Scherrer, Substitute Superintendent of Schools, will host a Newcomers’ Coffee at the District’s Central Administration Offices, 200 Hillvue Lane, McCandless Township, on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 9:15 a.m.

The Coffee is designed to introduce parents with children who are new to the District to programs, processes, and key personnel. A question and answer session will conclude the two-hour meeting.

Any North Allegheny School District resident who may be interested in this presentation is welcome to attend.

NAI teacher Mrs. Meredith Progar was honored this month by the Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics when she was presented with the High School Master of Mathematics Award.Congratulations, Mrs. Progar.

The North Allegheny Athletic Hall of Fame

The North Allegheny Hall of Fame Association will be celebrating its 19th Annual Induction Banquet at The Chadwick on Thursday, October 8, 2015. This year, the Class of 2015-2016 includes:

In addition, the Hall of Fame Association will honor Ron and Pam Dassner with the Joseph Drazenovich Award for legendary service, and Mr. George Guiley with the Bob Miller Award for outstanding support of North Allegheny. The Distinguished Coaching Service Award will go to Mr. Lou Meyer, a longtime Girls’ Basketball coach.

Tickets for the banquet are available in the Athletic Office. Order forms are available on the athletic website.

Tickets for this special event are $40. Tables of eight may be purchased for $320.

For more information, call 724-934-7238

Matt Butler (2003)Kathy Byrnes (1976)Virginia Hetzel (1985)Morgan Howard (2005)Nicole Lenart (2005)Ray Lewis (1997)

Gregg Otto (1965)Randy Potter (1980)Gary Treser (1982)Bill Turner (1992)Tanja Wenzel Koller (1995)


north allegheny school district...allegheny valley na appoints new building administrators for nash,...

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