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BOYERTOWN, PA

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FALL 2016

BOYERTOWN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTTo enable all students to succeed in a changing world.

Celebrating Our District

Richard Faidley, Ed.D. Superintendent

It seems like just last week that we waved good-bye to students and pre-pared ourselves for a summer of profes-sional development, summer cleaning, and curriculum work. In addition to these annual summertime activities, contrac-tors continued to move the Boyertown Area Senior High construction project forward, while contractors worked

on GESA (Guaranteed Energy Saving Act) projects at other buildings in the District.

Yes, it was a busy summer in the Boyertown Area School District. As September drew closer, the sounds of marching band and color guard rehearsal and fall sports practices filled the air at Boyertown Area Senior High. Our students prepared for their upcoming competitions and we were reminded that the first day of school was not too far away.

As I do every year, I rode a school bus on the first day of school with students. This year I boarded a bus with students headed to Junior High West and Boyertown Area Senior High. Although not demonstrating their excitement about the first day of school as explicitly as the elementary-aged students on other busses, there were smiles as they climbed on the bus for the first time this year.

I am proud to report that as we welcomed approximately 7,000 students, their teachers, and staff to the 2016-2017 academic year the Boyertown Area Senior High construction project, the cornerstone building of our district is on-budget and on-schedule. I am also happy to report that Phase II of the construction project was completed and ready for students on the first day of school. Phase II included transforming the 1920 high school building into the 9th Grade Academy; renovating the band, choral, orchestra, and music practice classrooms and the instrument storage rooms; renovating the locker and wrestling rooms; renovating the Bear Gym Lobby; and miscellaneous classroom renovations.

On page 7 of this newsletter is an in-depth article on the District’s construction projects, complete with photos from the Boyertown Area Senior High construction project. There are also articles on a few of the summer activities that took place, and news from the Foundation for Boyertown Education

I wish you and your family a successful 2016-2017 school year, and I look forward to seeing you at any number of the wonderful school and community events throughout the year.

The Bears Are Back!Before the doors of the schools officially opened Monday, August 29, students and teachers were back on various campuses of the Boyertown Area School District preparing for the 2016–2017 academic year.

Over at the high school, dedicated athletes and musicians spent their days on the fields preparing for the upcoming seasons. From football, field hockey, and soccer players learning new plays to band members working to hit all the right notes, Boyertown Area Senior High students have been busy for weeks.

At the seven elementary schools, kindergarten students and their parents and guardians were given a sneak peek of their new schools during kindergarten orientation. Parents and guardians got an overview of the school, while their kindergartners acclimated and got comfortable with their teachers, classrooms, and peers. The students worked on fun activities, read stories, and took a ride on the school bus in preparation for their first day of school.

Meanwhile, throughout the District, teachers were busy getting their classrooms ready for that all-important first impression—and the start of another successful year.

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Emmy-nominated, Associated Press Award– winning reporter Ms. Amanda Peterson, class of 2009, looks back fondly on her years as a Boyertown Bear.

“I am very proud to be a Boyertown Area School District alumna,” Ms. Peterson stated. “As I reflect on where I am now in my career, I am very thankful to have graduated from Boyertown.”

As a high school student, Ms. Peterson was known for her school spirit. Whether she was at a club meeting or a sporting event, she took pride in being an active student.

From her sophomore to senior years, Ms. Peterson was a member of the Yearbook Club. While busy meeting deadlines, editing photos, and designing pages, Ms. Peterson learned valuable lessons that she still utilizes today.

Ms. Peterson was also a varsity cheerleader. From pep rallies to football games, she credits her time on the cheer squad with creating some of her most treasured memories. She still regards leading students in a school-wide cheer, working with her teammates to perfect a routine, and performing under the Friday night lights as highlights of her high school career.

“Being a journalist is very similar to being an athlete. In order to be successful, you must be dedicated and work well with your team,” says Ms. Peterson. “I was fortunate to have amazing teachers, coaches, and teammates in the Boyertown Area School District.”

One of those coaches was Mrs. Diane Wheeler, Boyertown Area Senior High’s varsity cheerleading coach. Ms. Peterson recognizes Mrs. Wheeler as a dedicated role model who taught her more than just cheers. Wheeler stressed the importance of game knowledge, which helped Ms. Peterson find her career path.

Ms. Peterson attended Shippensburg University from 2009 to 2012. During her sophomore year, she was looking to switch majors and reached out to the communications and journalism department. The school’s student media group, Shippensburg University Television, broadcasts all home football games, and Ms. Peterson was invited to shadow the sideline reporter. On her first day, however, the sideline reporter failed

to show up—and Ms. Peterson’s lessons from Coach Wheeler paid off. With no replacements available, the crew turned to Ms. Peterson and asked her to fill in. Confident in her football knowledge, she eagerly accepted. On that very ordinary day, something extraordinary happened—Ms. Peterson found her calling.

Soon after the memorable football game, Ms. Peterson declared a double major in electronic media (broadcast) and public relations as well as a double minor in exercise science and coaching. She worked as a reporter, producer, anchor, and production assistant for SUTV and finished college early, graduating in three and a half years.

A few weeks after graduation, Ms. Peterson was hired part-time at ABC27, doing behind-the-scenes camera work. Five months later, she was hired full-time as the station’s social media and web manager; in this role, she did a little bit of everything, from filling in as a reporter to producing shows. Ms. Peterson gained crucial experience on how a professional news station works. After two years, her hard work had paid off and she was hired as a traffic anchor on ABC27 Daybreak.

Today, Ms. Peterson is rounding out her second year as ABC27’s traffic anchor. During the fall, she is also a correspondent on ABC27’s Friday Night Football program. She thrives on the fast-paced newsroom environment. One of her favorite aspects is being involved with the local community. Ms. Peterson believes that everyone has a story to tell; one of her favorites features a young athlete who used his soccer talents to help children around the world.

In her free time, Ms. Peterson enjoys working out and spending time with her two rescue pit bulls, Aubree and Henry. She also is one of Cumberland Valley High School’s varsity cheerleading coaches.

Early mornings, tight deadlines, and breaking news – all in a day’s work for Boyertown Area School District alumna Ms. Amanda Peterson.

If you know of a Boyertown Area Senior High alumnus or alumna who would be a good candidate for a spotlight article, please email Communications@boyertownasd.org.

DISTRICT DIRECTORYBoyertown Area School District

911 Montgomery Avenue, Boyertown, PA 19512 610-367-6031 | 610-369-7620 (fax)

www.boyertownasd.org

Board of School DirectorsJill A. Dennin, PresidentStephen Elsier, Vice-PresidentClay D. BreeceRobert J. CasoJohn C. LandinoDavid P. LewisChristine M. NeimanPaul D. StengleDonna L. Usavage

District Office AdministrationDr. Richard H. Faidley, SuperintendentRobert L. Scoboria, Assistant SuperintendentDavid A. Szablowski, Chief Financial OfficerDr. Melissa L. Woodard, Chief Academic OfficerDr. Greg M. Miller, Chief Student Achievement OfficerStephen Katch, Chief Human Resources Officer

Boyertown Area Senior High School120 North Monroe Street, Boyertown, PA 19512610-369-7435Dr. Brett A. Cooper, PrincipalDr. E. Wayne Foley, Assistant PrincipalAndrew T. Maoury, Assistant PrincipalKelly B. Mason, Assistant Principal

Junior High School, East Center2020 Big Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525610-754-9550 Andrew C. Ruppert, PrincipalStephanie A. Petri, Assistant Principal

Junior High School, West Center380 South Madison Street, Boyertown, PA 19512610-369-7471Gregory S. Galtere, PrincipalChristopher Rada, Assistant Principal

Boyertown Elementary School641 East Second Street, Boyertown, PA 19512610-369-7462 Craig R. Kehl, Principal

Colebrookdale Elementary School1001 Montgomery Avenue, Boyertown, PA 19512610-369-7427 Michael R. Stoudt, Principal

Earl Elementary School22 Schoolhouse Road, Boyertown, PA 19512610-369-7504 Dr. Sara Obarow, Principal

Gilbertsville Elementary School36 Congo Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525610-369-7485 Stephanie L. Landis, Principal

New Hanover-Upper Frederick Elementary School2547 Big Road, Frederick, PA 19435610-754-9580 Brian J. Rohn, Principal

Pine Forge Elementary School8 Glendale Road, Boyertown, PA 19512610-323-7609 Stephan Pron, Principal

Washington Elementary School1406 Route 100, Barto, PA 19504610-754-9589Christopher J. Iacobelli, Principal

The Boyertown Area School District Newsletter is published by the Boyertown Area School District. For questions or comments regarding this publication, please contact Kristine Parkes at Communications@Boyertownasd.org.

Alumna Spotlight:

Ms. Amanda Peterson on set of ABC27.

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New Assistant Business Manager Brings Diverse Perspective The Boyertown Area School District would like to introduce Stephanie A. Hackash, CPA, as the District’s new Assistant Business Manager.

A graduate of Perkiomen Valley High School, Mrs. Hackash has fond memories of playing lacrosse against Boyertown Area Senior High. She continued her education at Albright College, where she earned her bachelor of science in accounting.

“I have always had a knack for numbers,” Mrs. Hackash says. “To me, auditing is like putting together pieces of a puzzle to make sure everything balances.”

Upon graduating from Albright College, Mrs. Hackash worked as an auditor for Herbein + Company, Inc., a public accounting firm, where she performed audits, prepared financial statements, corporate projections, and individual and corporate tax returns.

In 2000, Mrs. Hackash was offered the unique opportunity to join the Reading Royals hockey team as the organization’s controller, a position she held for six years.

“I started with the Reading Royals a year before the team took the ice,” Mrs. Hackash explains. “It was exciting to be working with a start-up. Among other things, I assisted with creating policies and procedures.”

Mrs. Hackash was with the Reading Royals until 2014, and during that time she also served as the team’s executive director of business operations and assistant general manager.

After she left the Reading Royals she became the assistant director of finance and then the director of finance for the Reading School District. Mrs. Hackash explains that she was hired as part of the Berks County Intermediate Unit team that provided leadership for the Reading School District. While at the Reading School District, she became a member of the PA Association of School Business Officials (PASBO), which is how she became aware of the Boyertown Area School District’s search for a new assistant business manager.

“My position with the Boyertown Area School District gives me a broad view of school district accounting,” Mrs. Hackash commented. “I

am happy to be here. Everyone has been so welcoming.”

Mrs. Hackash and her husband, Rob, have adorable four-year-old twins, Mitchell and Madelyn, who keep them on their toes. In addition to sharing her love of vegetable gardening with her children, Mrs. Hackash says that they are a very sports-oriented family.

Dedicated to Professional Development The Boyertown Area School District believes that professional development—continual learning— is essential for supporting great teachers and paraprofessionals.

Over the summer break, Boyertown Area School District teachers spend a majority of their time learning and planning for the upcoming school year. With this article, we will take a closer look at the District’s New Teacher Academy and the three-year Induction Program.

The New Teacher Academy is a weeklong program that introduces newly hired staff to the core values of the Boyertown Area School District. Participants explore several important topics, including educator effectiveness, technology integration, collaboration, critical thinking, effective communication, and creativity. Experienced staff members support the new teachers through discussions, activities, and a special mentoring program that allows for continued support.

In addition to the New Teacher Academy, Boyertown Area School District implements a three-year Induction Program for each newly hired teacher. The state requires school districts to offer one-year programs, so Boyertown Area School District is unique in offering teachers a three-year Induction Program.

During their first year in the program, teachers new to the Boyertown Area School District attend monthly meetings where they learn about the District and how to become an active member of the community. During their second year, elementary-level teachers participate in a writing academy, while secondary-level teachers learn methods for integrating reading and writing into their content area. In their third year, teachers choose a content area they would like to explore in more depth.

All teachers are required to attend nine one-hour sessions during the school year. Topics in these

sessions could include collaborating at the building or grade level or analyzing student test data.

Beyond the Induction Program, teachers are required to also earn 12 administratively directed hours of professional development. These curriculum-based sessions focus on refining their classroom practices and embedding technology into their daily teaching.

Providing quality education that increases the achievement of every student starts with

having a properly trained and motivated staff. The Boyertown Area School District is committed to fostering an environment that encourages professional growth and development for all employees, whether they are in their first year or their 21st.

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New School Year Welcomes New AdministratorsThe Boyertown Area School District is excited to welcome three new administrators to the District — Mr. Christopher Rada, assistant principal at Junior High West; Mr. Stephan Pron, principal at Pine Forge Elementary School; Dr. Sara Obarow, Earl Elementary School.

Mr. Christopher Rada, Junior High WestAs assistant principal, Mr. Rada will assist Junior High West Principal, Mr. Greg Galtere, with overall building leadership and management, which includes faculty and staff supervision, overseeing student discipline and attendance, assisting with the overall safety and security of the building, assisting with the coordination of special activities throughout the year, and assist with faculty and staff professional development sessions throughout the year.

“Mr. Rada will be a great addition to Junior High West,” Mr. Galtere commented. “He is very student-centered and has proven himself a hard worker in previous positions. I am looking forward to working with him.”

Mr. Rada began his career as Spanish teacher at the Wyomissing Area Junior/Senior High School. In addition to teaching students in seventh through twelfth grades for 14 years, Mr. Rada coached the girls’ varsity soccer team for 12 years and the boys’ varsity soccer team for 3 years.

Mr. Rada then served as the assistant principal at Elco Middle School for two years and as principal of Elco Intermediate School (grades three to five) for two years.

In his first year as assistant principal at Junior High West, Mr. Rada’s goals are to establish positive relationships with the school community – students, parents, teachers, and staff – and to learn as much as possible about the school and the District.

“Ultimately, I am here to help all students realize their full potential,” Mr. Rada comments.

Mr. Rada and his wife, Lindsay, have three boys – Ben, Robbie, and Tyler. Lindsay teaches English and language arts in the Wyomissing Area School District. In his free time, Mr. Rada coaches Ben’s and Robbie’s soccer teams. The family enjoys watching professional sports, especially soccer, and roots for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State.

Follow Mr. Rada on Twitter @crada_JHWEST.

Mr. Stephan Pron, Pine Forge Elementary SchoolAs students at Pine Forge Elementary School arrived for their first day of the new school year, they were greeted by the school’s new principal, Mr. Stephan Pron.

A graduate of West Chester University, where he earned his bachelor of science in elementary education, Mr. Pron taught first grade for five years and fifth grade for two years in the Downingtown Area School District. After his time in the classroom, Mr. Pron became an instructional coach. In this position, he supported kindergarten through sixth grade teachers in five buildings as they worked to integrate instructional strategies and technology into their classrooms.

Mr. Pron has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, with a focus on instructional leadership, from Penn State.

His goal for his first year at Pine Forge Elementary School is to collaborate with parents, teachers, and the community to continue to foster a positive learning environment for the students so that their individual needs can be met.

Mr. Pron and his wife, Rosemary, have a beautiful 15-month-old daughter, Lily, and a white shepherd/Lab mix named Maya. Mr. Pron and his wife love sports and play on a coed soccer team. He is a big sports fan and enjoys rooting for the Philadelphia Union and the Eagles. He and his wife are also active in their church. Mr. Pron plays the guitar, and is looking forward to finding opportunities to play for the school.

And, he is always willing to tell the tale of his traveling desk chair. Just stop by his office and ask.

You can follow Mr. Pron on Twitter at @PineForgeElem.

Dr. Sara Obarow, Earl Elementary SchoolFor Dr. Sara Obarow, becoming the principal of Earl Elementary School is a true homecoming. A Boyertown Area Senior High alumna, Dr. Obarow attended Boyertown schools from kindergarten through graduation.

After graduation, she continued her education at Millersville University, where she earned her bachelor of science in elementary education and early childhood education. Upon graduating, she taught for four years in the Governor Mifflin School District before returning to the Boyertown Area School District.

Dr. Obarow taught kindergarten, first, and sixth grades at Colebrookdale Elementary School. She was also a reading specialist/instructional coach and elementary lead teacher. These positions gave her the opportunity to work with many teachers, as her main focus was professional learning and curriculum development. In all, Dr. Obarow was a teacher in the Boyertown Area School District for 19 years.

During her time with the Boyertown Area School District, she earned her master’s degree in reading with a reading specialist certification from Kutztown University in 1998. In 2004, Dr. Obarow earned her Ed.D. in reading and language arts, and in 2014, she earned her supervisory certificate in curriculum instruction and principal certificate from Temple University.

In her first year as principal at Earl Elementary School, Dr. Obarow’s primary focus is to build relationships with parents, students, and teachers.

“Earl Elementary School has a great reputation,” Dr. Obarow commented. “I am excited to be a part of the school’s community. I want to work collaboratively with parents and teachers to collectively decide how we grow, always keeping in mind that the students come first.”

Dr. Obarow, her husband, and their four children live in the District. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, shopping with her daughters, and reading. Her favorite children’s book is The Little Engine That Could.

Please welcome Mr. Stephen Pron, Dr. Sara Obarow, and Mr. Christopher Rada.

Find news, announcements and event information on Facebook. Like us by searching Boyertown Area School District or clicking the Facebook icon on the District’s website.

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Class of 1966 Prepares for 50th Class ReunionThe year was 1966—a year many claim defined the decade. The average income per year was $6,900, the average cost of a new house was $14,200, and a new car could be purchased for $2,650. Frank Sinatra and The Sound of Music were the stars of the Grammy and Academy Awards, and shows like Star Trek and Batman made their national debuts. Soldiers were busy fighting in the Vietnam War, while eight-track players were introduced to the automobile industry. It was also not uncommon to find the Boyertown marching band and football team strolling down North Reading Avenue after a big win.

For those who graduated from Boyertown Area Senior High School in 1966, it might seem like yesterday rather than 50 years ago. With such a special milestone on the horizon, the class will celebrate with a 50th class reunion on September 17.

The class of 1966 is expecting around 110 members to attend this year’s event. The reunion

will take place at the Carriage House on Route 29 and will feature navy and blue decorations as well as yellow roses, staying consistent with the class colors and flower. Guests will enjoy a happy hour, dinner, and socializing. Upon entering the venue, attendees will be given special ID badges featuring a classmate’s senior yearbook photo. As a conversation starter, they will be invited to find the classmate whose photo appears on the badge. Special activities will include a slideshow presentation in memory of classmates who have passed. Throughout the night, musical hits from the sixties will play as guests mix and mingle, reliving treasured memories.

Helping to organize this year’s reunion are Boyertown alumni Ms. Linda Rose Steffy, Mrs. Cathy Yoder, Mr. Denny Yoder, and Mr. George Kulp. All four enjoyed their time as Boyertown Bears.

Ms. Steffy, who taught at Gilbertsville Elementary School for 30 years, reminisced about her time as a twirler in the marching band.

“One of my favorite memories was participating in the ‘Class Will and Testament,’” said Ms. Rose Steffy. “At the end of the year, every senior would ‘will’ something to an underclassman. Each band member was sure to put a comedic spin on theirs. Boy, did we have fun!”

High school sweethearts Mr. and Mrs. Yoder are excited to spend the evening with classmates once again. “We always have such a great time together,” Mrs. Yoder said. “The class of 1966 never fails to make memories together.”

This year the classmates participated in Boyertown’s Sesquicentennial Celebration Parade. Together they designed and decorated a float representing their class.

The Boyertown Area Senior High School Class of 1966 has held reunions every five years since their graduation. Each reunion is organized by dedicated volunteers, who begin meeting two years before the event. The Boyertown Area School District is proud to support our alumni.

Putting the “Unity” Back into “Community”Just as learning doesn’t end when school lets out, neither does the need for good nutrition. This summer, recognizing that students’ needs were increasing, Boyertown Area School District partnered with St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church to provide an opportunity to give all students access to free nutritious lunches as part of the District’s new Summer Lunch Program.

The Summer Lunch Program provided free nutritional lunches to all school-aged students Mondays through Fridays at St. John’s, which is located at 45 North Reading Avenue in Boyertown. All lunches were prepared by the District’s food-services staff. Students enrolled in the Summer Intervention Program were provided with coordinated transportation to and from the Summer Lunch Program and were given the opportunity to participate in a fun activity before heading home.

The program ran smoothly, thanks to the dedication of two Boyertown Area School District alumnae: Lauren Frey, class of 2015, and Molly Kulp, class of 2014. Molly and Lauren were interns who assisted co-chair and church council member Mr. Charles Haddad in coordinating the program as well as in planning activities for the students.

Some of the highlights of the summer included visits from officers of the Boyertown Police Department, who planned special activities for the students. Patrol Officer Corporal Brian Myers visited to educate students about bicycle safety. The K9 Unit also paid a visit, introducing students to the K9 companions that help keep the community safe.

“The Boyertown Police Department is proud to support a community program like the Summer Lunch Program,” Officer Myers stated. “We take advantage of any opportunity to interact with students in the District so that we can build relationships with youth in the community.”

“We were glad to provide this needed service for our students in collaboration with a great community partner, St. John’s Church,” says Assistant Superintendent Mr. Robert Scoboria.

“We strongly believe that good nutrition is a key factor in our students’ educational development.”

The Summer Lunch Program was a huge success. The community joined together to create a program to meet the needs of the students. Boyertown Area School District is proud to support the community and our students through the Summer Lunch Program.

Students are all smiles at the District’s Summer Lunch Program.

This summer, Boyertown Area School District offered its annual Students Training, Eating, and Living Totally Healthy (STEALTH) Club Summer Workshop, a free program for students in third through seventh grades interested in learning how to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

The STEALTH Club Summer Workshop speaks for itself. Over 100 students joined teachers from across the District for one of the three weeklong sessions offered. During each session, students participated in activities that encouraged teamwork and developed leadership skills while improving their agility, coordination, and endurance. They learned how to create and maintain healthy habits through demonstrations

and discussions on health topics such as nutrition, safety, substance abuse, and bullying. 

“It is amazing to see how dedicated students from the District are about living healthy,” explains Pine Forge Elementary School wellness and fitness teacher Mr. Michael Miltenberger. “During the sessions, we have parents tell us that they have begun reading labels before buying products at the grocery store and that they now have healthy-living discussions with their whole family. That is what this is all about! Helping our students live healthy and active lifestyles.”

Mr. Miltenberger has been the workshop organizer for three years. With the help of

Boyertown Area Senior High School wellness and fitness lead teacher Mrs. Lucie Bergeyova, Boyertown Area Senior High School wellness and fitness teachers Ms. Nicole Fusco and Ms. Erica Johnson, and Washington Elementary School wellness and fitness teacher Mr. Vincent Kemmerer, the third annual STEALTH Club Summer Workshop was a success. It confirmed the Boyertown Area School District’s commitment to promoting health and wellness in our community. 

Students Get Serious about Their Health

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A tradition for more than 150 years, summer camp is a classic that stands the test of time—an activity to which multiple generations can relate. Camp teaches children of all ages important life lessons focused on social skills, problem solving, and independence. This summer, Boyertown Area School District offered children in the community several enrichment and academic opportunities at Camp Boyertown.

From Art Boot Camp to Silly, Wacky, Not Your Normal Game/Sport Camp, Camp Boyertown offered 14 different programs. Each camp provided unique opportunities for students to explore new interests while making friends and memories.

Camp Lacrosse Skills, Drills, and Thrills was a hugely successful offering this year. Boyertown Junior High West physical education teachers Mrs. Kathleen Gregory and Mr. Mark Schwegler hosted this weeklong day camp that introduced students in grades three through eight to the sport of lacrosse. In addition to mastering lacrosse skills and concepts through games and activities, students learned how to problem-solve as a team to accomplish challenges and reach their goals.

For the sixth year in a row, Camp Boyertown offered Dr. Constructo’s Robotics and More Camp, a weeklong day camp that educates students on engineering, robotics, CNC manufacturing, and other related technologies. Led by Boyertown Junior High West’s technology and engineering teacher, Mr. Ed Stallman, students in grades four through eight had the opportunity to dive into the technical world of robotics. Over the course of the week, students constructed, programed, and manipulated VexRobots; created dog tags with a 3D printer; and conquered Lego Mind Storm Kit challenges.

Fourth grade New Hanover Elementary School student Kyler Hohenstein explained that his favorite part of camp was working with the Lego Mind Storm Kits. “They were really fun and challenging!”

Seventh grade Junior High West student Blaise Miller agreed with Kyler, “Working with the Lego Mind Storm Kits was awesome. I also enjoyed building the VexRobots and making things with the 3D printer.”

“Dr. Constructo’s Robotics and More Camp allows students to explore the fields of engineering at an early age,” explained Mr. Stallman. “As a District, we are fortunate to be able to expose our students directly to what technology and engineering are, in hopes of sparking their interests for future careers.”

Another program Camp Boyertown offered was Camp Sew Easy and Fun, a weeklong day camp that introduced students to basic sewing skills. Over the course of the week, students learned how to sew softsculptures and how to design and construct handbags.

Gilbertsville Elementary School fifth grade student Katelyn O’Connor enjoyed every moment of Camp Sew Easy and Fun. “My favorite part of camp was being able to sit and talk with my new friends while making great projects,” she said. “It was so fun.” Katelyn was one of 10 students in fourth through sixth

grade who attended Camp Sew Easy and Fun.

“I was truly excited to work with students who are ambitious to learn new skills,” explained Mrs. Elizabeth Wagner, art teacher at both Pine Forge and Boyertown elementary schools. “I began teaching very basic sewing skills to students in first grade art class, and the students loved it. It not only built their confidence, but also began teaching them practical skills of a lost art. Two of those first grade students are now fifth grade students attending Camp Sew Easy and Fun. They love being able to say, ‘I made this with hard work and dedication!’ That is what camp is all about: enabling our students to believe they can do anything!”

BASD Summer Camp 2016 Provided Something for Everyone

Students at Camp Sew Easy and Fun.

Students at Camp Lacrosse Skills, Drills, and Thrills.

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Construction Projects Across the DistrictThe Boyertown Area School District is proud to report that, as we welcomed approximately 7,000 students, their teachers, and staff to the 2016–17 academic year, the construction project transforming the cornerstone building of our District, Boyertown Area Senior High, is on budget and open on schedule.

Most exciting is that Phase II of the construction project was ready for students on the first day of school. Phase II included transforming the 1920s-era high school building; renovating the band, choral, orchestra, and music practice classrooms and instrument storage rooms; renovating the locker and wrestling rooms; renovating the Bear Gym lobby; and miscellaneous classroom renovations.

When Boyertown Area High School welcomes ninth grade students to the high school for the 2017–18 academic year, the 1920s-era high school building will become known as the Ninth Grade Academy. For this school year, it is being referred to as the Annex. Some of the highlights of the completely renovated Annex include:

• The auditorium has been completely overhauled, with all-new seating (including an ADA-compliant seating area), new stage curtains, new drapes on the windows, fresh paint, new mechanicals, and a sprinkler system to comply with fire code regulations.

• The gymnasium has been converted to biology classrooms and small group instruction rooms. A wonderful feature of these new rooms is that the original gymnasium floor was used saving money and maintaining the building’s character.

• The large group instruction room has been converted into biology classrooms. The original large windows have been maintained, letting in beautiful amounts of natural light.

• In all of the classrooms, the molding that bordered the chalkboards was carefully removed and refinished, and is now being used as borders for the whiteboards.

“We are pleased to have been able to preserve many of the architectural features of the 1920 high school building,” comments Dr. Brett Cooper, Principal of Boyertown Area Senior High. “Doing this allows us to remember our roots while looking to the future.”

Another exciting renovation project occurred at New Hanover-Upper Frederick and Gilbertsville Elementary Schools, where air conditioning was installed for the beginning of the school year, along with other energy-efficient upgrades, such as HVAC systems and lighting in many buildings. This was made possible through the Commonwealth’s Guaranteed Energy Savings Act. In addition, the District is working to install air conditioning in all of the schools’ large group rooms by late summer or early fall. The long-term plan is to add air conditioning to all classrooms over the course of the next few years.

At Junior High West, the design/development stage has been completed, and the District will be seeking input from the various groups who will use the building. A (very) rough timeline for this renovation project has the bid going out in the late fall, with groundbreaking currently estimated to take place in Spring 2017. Fifteen months of construction would have the renovated building opening to students in August 2018.

With school in session, construction and construction-related activities have not slowed down. With much work yet to be done, the District would like to thank teachers and students publicly, especially those at Boyertown Area High School, for being patient and flexible. The support, technology, and custodial staff also deserve a special thank you for all of their hard work.

Please check the District’s website and Facebook page for construction updates.

The auditorium has been completely overhauled, with all-new seating (including an ADA-compliant seating area), new stage curtains, new drapes on the windows, fresh paint, new mechanicals, and a sprinkler system to comply with fire code regulations.

The large group instruction room has been converted into biology classrooms. The original large windows have been maintained, letting in beautiful amounts of natural light.

New desks empower student choice, increase student engagement, and improve student participation.

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Dedicated student and aspiring chef Brittany Matteson recently competed for the title of Teen Champion on Food Network’s hit show Chopped.

Chopped is a competitive cooking show that challenges four chefs to face off against one another as they prepare a spectacular three-course meal consisting of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. The catch? In each round, contestants have to use all the ingredients the show provides them, however unlikely they might be (Gummi Bears, anyone?). At the end of each course, a panel of three guest judges “chops” one chef who fails to measure up in terms of taste, presentation, and creativity. The last chef standing takes home bragging rights and the coveted prize money; however, all four contestants take home a wealth of experience. Even the most practiced chef can get shaken when it comes to the added pressure and time constraints of the competition.

Now a senior in high school, Brittany is studying culinary arts at the Berks Career and Technology Center (BCTC). BCTC’s Culinary Arts program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation and prepares students for the hospitality industry, one of the largest industries in America. Practical experience is a major part of the program; students gain experience by operating and managing a complete restaurant and catering service housed within each campus location. Specialized learning units include theory and work experience in the major areas of cooking and baking. Experience is also gained in front-of-house skills (including waiting on tables and cashiering), care and use of kitchen equipment, nutrition, food purchasing, and sanitation in commercial and institutional food handling.

Brittany has been cooking since the age of four and credits her mother, stepfather, and grandmother for encouraging her to follow her passion in the kitchen.

“There are so many aspects of cooking that I love. As a chef you get to experiment with different ingredients. It’s art on a plate,” explained Brittany. “One of the best feelings in the world is watching someone enjoy the plate you present to them. That’s why Chopped seemed like the perfect show for me!”

A longtime fan of the show, Brittany decided it was time to take a chance. With the support of her family and teachers, she applied to be a contestant. In order to be considered, she had to apply online and prove her cooking prowess with a Skype interview. With her hopes high, Brittany waited for a call back.

Brittany describes the moment she received the call back as surreal. “The entire experience was like a dream, but the call back started it all!” From there, Brittany and her family traveled to begin filming in New York City.

Upon arrival, Brittany received her apron and was introduced to her three-person camera crew and personal producer. It was “the royal treatment,” she says.

The next day, the competition began. Brittany admits to being nervous, but her nerves were quickly calmed by doing what she does best—cooking. “The competition was crazy and surreal, but I would go back in a heartbeat,” she says. “I have made lifelong friends and learned so much.”

As Brittany’s high school career comes to an end, she is busy preparing for her future. She plans to attend college and majoring in culinary arts while taking business and accounting classes on the side. Her dream is to own and operate a successful restaurant, and maybe one day compete on another cooking show.

“Brittany is a great student,” says Boyertown Area Senior High School principal Dr. Brett Cooper. “She is focused and has a plan developed for her future. Her determination is impressive. Brittany is setting herself up for success, and we are proud to call her a Boyertown Bear.”

For more information on Brittany’s episode of Chopped, visit www.foodnetwork.com.

BASH Senior Competes on Chopped!

Senior Brittany Matteson in the Chopped kitchen.

Athletic Highlights

BASH Girls Soccer Program Earns 200th Victory Boyertown Area Senior High girls soccer team, the reigning Pioneer Athletic Conference Champions, recently earned the program’s 200th career victory after defeating Methacton High School 3-1. Boyertown’s Lauren Haley and Katelyn Gallagher each found the back of the net, dominating the game with skill and precision.

BASH Girls Golf Set for SuccessBoyertown Area Senior High girls golf team has been busy preparing for another competitive season. “This season we are returning all of our key players, and their off-season work should result in improved individual and team scores. We are looking forward to being more competitive in the league this year.”