Central Dauphin School District Community

AP Scholars Announced

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP exams. About 18

percent of the 1.4 million high school students in 16,000 secondary schools worldwide who took AP exams performed at a suffi ciently higher level to merit the recognition of AP Scholar.

Advanced placement courses are offered at both high schools. Those courses are: History of the United States, European History, United States Government and Politics, World History, Psychology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Calculus AB, French, Spanish, Latin, German, and Music Theory. Students from the Central Dauphin School District took AP exams in May 2007 after completing challenging college-level courses at their high schools.

The following students at both high schools were recognized for academic achievement in the following levels:

AP Scholar with Distinction Award:Abigail Back, Jason Kaveny, Sarah Leung, Matthew McDonald, James Milliken, Elizabeth Minter, Emma Pebley, Aneila Pramik, Emily Pramik, and Sumit Rastogi.

AP Scholar with Honor: Maegan Capuano, Jeremy Harris, Brandi Kautz, Catherine Paszek, Andrew Sterling, Benjamin Troxel, and Sarah Zeigler.

AP Scholar Award: Anthony Alicia, Megan Anderson, Kathryn Bassler, Karisa Blake, Rachel Christensen, Michelle Conway, Michael Dicosimo, Justin Ellsesser, Gareth Gebhardt, James Gigliotti, Megan Goodman, Sheerin Habibullah, Nikita Kannekanti, Alicia Klees, Jessica Lapano, Weston McCollum, Eric McInturff, Felicia Medvidovich, Royce Ian Morris, Huy Nguyen, Donald Noel, Troy Oberholtzer, Ryan Patterson, Jennifer Peake, Anna Rish, Peter Roman, Garrett Schmidt, Samantha Schreier, Patrick Skelton, and Kailey Troutman.

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Winter 2008www.cdschools.org

Working Together

Board of School Directors

As Superintendent of Schools, I am honored to share the accomplishments of our stu-dents and staff. Recognition speaks positively, not only of the students and staff, but of the community as well.

F Central Dauphin East High School and Central Dauphin High School successfully completed their Middle States

Evaluation. Preliminary reports were exceptionally positive with each school to receive full accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Secondary Schools.

ACT 1 RESOLUTIONThe Central Dauphin School District Board of Education unanimously approved a 0% tax increase for the 2008-2009 school year. This motion, passed by the entire Board at the December 3, 2007 board meeting, was written as an ACT 1 resolution. The resolution signed by Mr. A.J. Sallusti, Board President on behalf of the entire Board was then forwarded, as documentation of the 9-0 vote, to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

At the December 3, 2007 re-organizational meeting of the Board of School Directors fi ve members took their oath of offi ce,

having won their elected positions for the next four years. They were from region 1: Mr. Jay Wenger; region 2: Mr. Michael Brehm and Mrs. Kristine Leber; and region 3: Mr. Christian Malesic and Mr. Ford Thompson. Mr. A. J. Sallusti was elected Board President, Mrs. Kathy Stone, Vice President, and Mr. Ford Thompson, Assistant Secretary.

The District would like to express its “thanks” to the two board members that retired, Mrs. Helen Wagner who served the district from 1999-2007 and Mr. Jeff McGuire 2003-2007.

January is School Board Appreciation Month. Click on the link at cdschools.org and fi nd out some interesting bits of trivia about the 501 school boards’ members across the state.

2007-2008 PSSA Testing CalendarSince PSSA Assessment Tests are state mandated, educational trips will not be approved during these testing dates.

February 11 – 22, 2008 PSSA 5th, 8th, & 11th Grade Writing Assessment

March 31 – April 11, 2008 PSSA 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, & 11th Grade Math and Reading Assessment

April 28 – May 9, 2008 PSSA 4th, 8th, & 11th Grade Science Assessment

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law requires that school districts issue a report card on an annual basis. Districts are required to disseminate this information to the public, to all schools in the district and to all parents of students attending those schools. The

information in the report card includes student achievement results at each profi ciency level on the State academic assessments, PSSA, disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, disability status, English profi ciency and status as economically disadvantaged. In addition, the report provides aggregate information on the attendance rate for applicable schools and graduation rates for secondary school students. To access this information please log on to the District website, cdschools.org, go to Quick Links and click on PSSA Scores, on the next screen you will click on the District Report Card and it will send you to the PA Department of Education Academic Achievement Report. At this point you may view the District’s progress and the individual school’s results. In addition, the Central Dauphin School District Report Card will be published in each school’s newsletter which is disseminated to the students and is available for review at each school site. If you need assistance accessing this information, contact the Offi ce of Curriculum and Instruction at the District Administration Building.

DISTRICT REPORT CARDS

F The District was awarded the S.A.D.D. Chapter of the Year award. Both high schools and each middle school sponsor a “Students Against Destructive Decisions” chapter. Funding for the six chapters is through the generosity of the Central Dauphin School District’s Foundation, with additional support from the Community D.A.S.E.T. group. The staff and student body are to be commended for their outstanding efforts and service.

F As you peruse this newsletter, please take note of the number of community service events sponsored by our students and staff.

F The District continues to enhance communication between the school and home. Please read on page 2 the “Special Announcement” article and the description of the new student accounting system update.

“Thanks” again for your continued support.

PAGE 2 • WINTER 2008 CENTRAL DAUPHIN SCHOOL DISTRICT & COMMUNITY: WORKING TOGETHER

Camerasfor Buses

Central Dauphin School District Implements New

Student Accounting System

Central Dauphin School District

“Learning-Focused”Central Dauphin School District

“Learning-Focused”Central Dauphin School District

The “Learning-Focused” Schools (LFS) Model is a school improvement model providing exemplary practice strategies within the framework of learning. This learning framework connects exemplary practice teaching strategies to teacher planning and instruction. Central Dauphin

School District is proud to be entering into the second year of this results-proven model as a means of raising student achievement to reach Adequate Yearly Progress goals, and meet the guidelines set by the No Child Left Behind legislation.

School administrators attended the Learning-Focused Leadership Institute in the spring and fall of 2007. This is the fi rst and most important step for raising student performance in order for a school to have high quality growth. School leaders then shared with school personnel district improvement goals that involve the implementation guidelines for raising student achievement with the Learning-Focused Schools Model.

Eight teachers became certifi ed as LFS “Trained Trainers” during the 2006-2007 school year. These teachers facilitated the summer professional development sessions and will provide the on-going trainings during the 2007-2008 school year. Teachers and administrators participating in the pilot of the Learning-Focused Schools Model attended extended Learning-Focused sessions as part of the summer professional development academy. Extended Learning-Focused sessions focused on vocabulary instruction and previewing/accelerating student learning in an attempt to close our existing achievement gaps. Phase II and III schools’ teachers began their LFS Strategies training sessions during the spring and summer of 2007 and attended follow-up trainings in the fall of 2007. Through this training process, participating teachers will develop the skills and knowledge to facilitate learning through proven, research-based exemplary practices.

Selected teachers, administrators and curriculum specialists continue to prioritize our district curriculum to be essential, important or compact, to create cohesive District-wide curriculum, and unit and content maps from which our instructional personnel can plan.

SADD Chapters Receive Award

Central Dauphin School District’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapters were awarded the SADD Chapter of the Year by PA SADD. The award was presented at the SADD conference in Lancaster on November 14. CDSD has SADD chapters in all of its middle and high schools.

The District is in the process of evaluating, bidding and purchasing digital camera systems for school district buses. The process

of purchasing cameras for school buses has become increasingly challenging as technology improves and the District explores ways to incorporate this technology into school bus operations.

Multiple cameras that have the ability to store digital images will be used in the buses. Effi ciencies will be gained by incorporating GPS technology with the camera systems. Overall the District sees the opportunity to immediately improve in several areas:

1. Better evidence for evaluating behavioral issues for students

2. Better evidence for prosecution of stop arm violators

3. Unbiased information for confl ict resolution4. More effi cient gathering of information for

building principals5. Low labor tool for performing driver performance

audits improving both safety and performance standards

6. Reduction in school bus vandalism

The District is looking forward to incorporating this new technology into school district operations.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

As Superintendent, I am pleased to announce that the Central Dauphin School District has entered into a 3-month pilot program with Global Connect, a communication and notifi cation system. The system will have the ability to deliver emergency calls, emails, and text messaging to parents within minutes. Global Connect is a comprehensive notifi cation system and will also be utilized by staff and administration in each building for attendance as well as special events. In essence, Global Connect will greatly enhance the district’s ability to communicate effectively in an effi cient and timely manner.

The district will be conducting a test message for system verifi cation in February. Although we feel that the student information provided by you in the past is correct, please provide your student’s school with any critical contact information that has been recently changed. If the 3-month trial is a success as anticipated, a 3-year contract will be presented to the Board for approval in March.

The Central Dauphin School District will be implementing a new software student accounting system (SAS) that will bring us to the forefront with regard to managing student information. This new program called eSchool Plus, or otherwise known as Pentamation, will enhance the

capability of the district to manage, plan, and communicate with parents and the public with regards to what is taking place across the district educationally.

This software implementation will also help the district with the process of improving our capability to manage in-house data for student attendance, assessments, grading and transcripts, demographics, and a myriad of other information relating to our academic programs. Additionally, it will allow us to provide parents, and other educational-related agencies with up-to-date and reliable information. It will in fact assist us in the process of providing an ever improving instructional program via data analysis of assessment data, managing demographic data, and day-to-day record keeping.

The implementation plan is a complex process which began in September 2007 with a target completion date of fall 2009. The plan includes the installation of the software, preparation of the software, and training of well over 1,000 staff members. Each teacher will have the capability of having pertinent information at their fi nger tips of those students assigned to their classes. In an effort to continue to improve communication with parents, this system will allow parents to access up-to-date information via the internet, informing them of their child’s progress.

CHANGE INATTENDANCE

POLICYPlease be aware that the Central Dauphin School Board of Directors approved a change in the district’s Attendance Policy. Substantial changes were made to this policy. Parents/guardians and students received a copy of the 2007-2008 Student Code of Conduct. The District encourages all parents/guardians to refer to the Student Code of Conduct for details. All policies are available on the district’s website at www.cdschools.org under the School Board headline and clicking on Policies.

from the Superintendent

DISTRICT WEBSITE

The district’s website, www.cdschools.org provides a portal for up to the minute school information and serves as a navigational tool to specifi c building sites. The following are but a small sampling of items that appear on the site.

• Athletic schedules • Board policies, meeting dates, current and past agendas • Special education parent meeting dates• School closings or delays• Scholarship information• School menus• Middle school renovation update pictures

CENTRAL DAUPHIN SCHOOL DISTRICT & COMMUNITY: WORKING TOGETHER PAGE 3 • WINTER 2008

The Central Dauphin School District Drug, Alcohol Safety and Education Team (DASET) in coordination with the district’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) clubs celebrated the national drug awareness program, Red Ribbon Week, throughout the district. During the week’s festivities, students from the various schools participated in special events and programs aimed at prevention and education of drugs and alcohol. As part of Red Ribbon Week festivities, students at all nineteen schools planted red tulips with anticipation of them blooming in the spring as a reminder to students that Red Ribbon Week is more than just a week, but a lifelong commitment. Upcoming DASET activities include “Dodge Drugs,” a dodge ball tournament that will be held at Central Dauphin East High School on Saturday, March 29, 2008. Information will be forthcoming via the district website and the individual school buildings.

Mrs. Myers’ fourth grade class and Mrs. Slatt’s fi rst grade class from Paxtonia Elementary planted tulips in recognition of Red Ribbon Awareness Week.

Kindergarten classes are an important part of the Central Dauphin educational experience. According to Board policy a child must be fi ve years of age before September 1, 2008, to be eligible to attend kindergarten during the 2008-09 school term. Enrollment is limited to the

fi rst ten days of school. A child must be enrolled in the school located in the area in which the parent/ guardian resides unless granted a one year hardship approved by the assistant superintendent due to extenuating circumstances as described in Board policy.

Registration for kindergarten will be held according to the following schedule:

Wednesday, March 5, 2008 8:30 am – 3:00 pm Chambers Hill Elementary

Thursday, March 6, 2008 8:30 am – 3:00 pm Lawnton Elementary

Friday, March 7, 2008 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Linglestown Elementary

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Middle Paxton Elementary

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 8:30 am – 4:00 pm North Side Elementary

Thursday, March 13, 2008 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Mountain View Elementary

Friday, March 14, 2008 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Paxtang Elementary

Monday, March 17, 2008 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Paxtonia Elementary

Tuesday, March 18, 2008 8:30 am – 4:00 pm E.H. Phillips Elementary

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Rutherford Elementary

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:30 am – 4:00 pm South Side Elementary

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Tri-Community Elementary

Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:30 am – 4:00 pm West Hanover Elementary

The parents/guardian should contact the local school in their area to setup a 40-minute appointment on the pre-scheduled kindergarten registration date. If the parent/guardian cannot attend on the pre-scheduled date for their area they must call the Central Registration Offi ce (717-545-4703, extension 222) at the Central Dauphin School District Administration Building, 600 Rutherford Road, Harrisburg, PA to request forms and setup an appointment in April 2008. At the time of the appointment, the parent/guardian needs to have with them their child’s original birth certifi cate (stating parents’ names), child’s immunization record to date (written proof from physician), parent/guardian photo identifi cation, and proof of residence (signed lease, signed sales agreement or recent real estate tax bill are the documents acceptable for proof of residence).

Kindergarten Registration Information

Special Education Parent Meetings/Trainings

The Special Education department at Central Dauphin hosts a variety of parent trainings and presentation sessions on numerous topics throughout the school year. Three general meetings are held each year in October, January, and April. These sessions typically involve a presentation

on a topic that would be of interest to the majority of families with children having special needs. Past sessions have included a description of the related services offered in the District, presentations on Behavioral Support and Mental Health, Reading and other academic topics, Special Education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Individualized Educational Program (IEP). Additionally, individual departments hold meetings at various times during the school year, on topics of interest to specifi c special populations. Such meetings are held for staff and families of children receiving Autistic Support, Emotional Support or Life Skills Support but are open to anyone.

New this school year is a Special Needs Parent Support Group that meets approximately once per month at North Side Elementary School. This is a group organized by parents of children with special needs for the purpose of providing a forum for discussion or provision of information specifi c to a particular topic or service. Speakers will be secured to discuss how to access services that are available to families both through the schools and in the community. Processes for obtaining services will be outlined, eligibility requirements discussed, and the opportunity for answering questions provided. Input for future meeting topics will be elicited from participants. Kathy Gingrich, Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) and Roxanne Daniel, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), were featured speakers at the October meeting. They discussed the functions of the ARC and UCP as well as the services they offer.

Information about dates and topics of the above meetings can be found on the Central Dauphin website www.cdschools.orgwww.cdschools.org. Meetings/trainings that are immediately upcoming will appear in the News Events box on the home page. For future events, move the cursor to Administration, click on Special Programs, then choose Calendar from the menu.

DASET UPDATE

Athletics Update

The winter sports programs are halfway through their seasons. All of the winter sports teams are having exceptional seasons. At CDEHS and CDHS, the girls basketball and the boys wrestling teams are at the top of their divisions. The CDHS boys basketball team is at .500. All winter sports teams at both high schools are in a good position to qualify for post-season play.

CDHS and CHEHS swim teams remain competitive. The success of the swim program is largely based on John Kesler, a teacher at CDHS, who is the coach of both high school programs. John is credited with increased interest in the program and its strong number of participants. Special Note: Please continue to use the following parking procedures when attending events at Central Dauphin Middle School, home to Landis Field: Enter from Houcks Road intersection. There are two entrances on Houcks Road, one is by the tennis courts and the other is the main entrance in front of the school. Exit on to Locust Lane ONLY.

The Paxtonia Elementary School PTA will be awarding $2,000 in one-year scholarship monies to graduating seniors from Central Dauphin High School, Central Dauphin East High School or the Dauphin County Vocational-Technical School. The scholarships will range between $500 and $750.The candidate must be entering his/her freshman year to begin post-secondary education and must have completed four or more grades at Paxtonia

Elementary School. The following criteria will be used in determining the winning candidates: academics; community service/extra curricular activities; fi nancial need; acceptance by a post-secondary educational school; a written essay; and two references (non-family). Race, religion, gender or national origin shall in no way affect eligibility or preference of selection.

Applications for the scholarships are available at each school’s guidance offi ce or on-line at www.cdschools.org/paxtonia. All applications must be postmarked on or before March 28, 2008. Please contact Jamie Zuvich, Paxtonia Elementary School PTA President, through Paxtonia Elementary School if there are any questions.

Paxtonia PTA to Award Scholarships

PAGE 4 • WINTER 2008 CENTRAL DAUPHIN SCHOOL DISTRICT & COMMUNITY: WORKING TOGETHER

Tri-Community ElementaryThe annual PTA sponsored Fall Festival was an exciting day for the Tri-Community family. The school is happy to report its highest attendance in the history of the event. Food, games, displays from local emergency services groups, and entertainment fi lled the day. Some highlights included a high rise trip on the fi re truck extension bucket, Irish Step dancing and the CD East Marching Band performance. The students also enjoyed the opportunity to dunk several of their teachers and Principal, Mrs. Lamond, in the dunk tank. Pictured below is third grade teacher, Mr. Johnson, getting back up for another dunking. Many area businesses donated prizes for raffl es that were very popular with students and parents. Students also enjoyed creating scarecrows for the Scarecrow Contest. A special “Thank you” goes out to all those involved in making this event such a huge success.

North Side Elementary Five students from North Side Elementary School were chosen to host the 99.3 KISS FM morning radio show entitled “KID STATION.” The radio show is a parody of the TV show “KID NATION.” The North Side students hosted the show complete with news, traffi c, and weather updates.Participating students were:Nathan Weaver - Grade 5Andrew Saba - Grade 5Japree Fordham - Grade 4Natalie Landersman - Grade 4Stephanie Cornell - Grade 3

Taylor Matson, 5th grade, was awarded fi rst place, (out of 400 entries), in the Business Ethics Contest sponsored by Susquehanna University.

Chambers Hill ElementaryJosh Antolick was selected to represent Chambers Hill at this year’s Central Dauphin Honors Band Festival. Josh will be part of a 75 member festival band made up of students from all the elementary schools in the CDSD. The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 31st at CD East.

Mountain View ElementaryJill McPherson (below left), reading specialist at Mountain View Elementary, received the Celebrate Literacy Award from the Keystone State Reading Association and the International Reading Association presented by Nancy King (right). She was nominated by the Capital Reading Council to recognize her contributions and achievements in the fi eld of reading in her school and community.

Middle Paxton Elementary The Middle Paxton Lion’s Club has generously donated $5,500 to fund a summer reading program at Middle Paxton Elementary School. With this donation, we were able to provide a summer school program for the students of our school. The program’s goal was to focus on practicing and enriching reading and writing skills. Each grade level took advantage of a wonderful language arts curriculum that has a strong phonics foundation and gave students plenty of opportunity to work on building their writing skills. We were also able to open our library for our students to continue to take home books for added practice and enjoyment. In addition, Mrs. Carol Johnston and Mrs. Christine Wilson from the Dauphin County Library came to our school to talk with the students about the many wonderful programs offered by the library system. During their fi rst visit they had the summer staff participate in an interactive reader’s theatre for the students. They also signed each student up to participate in the Dauphin County Library Summer Reading Challenge. On the last day of our summer school program, Mrs. Johnston returned to Middle Paxton to read with the students and award prizes for their summer reading. Mr. Ralph Watts, owner of Comics and Paperbacks Plus in Palmyra, donated comics for prizes. Each child also received a book and free coupons for bowling, a Senator’s baseball game, and dinner at either Isaac’s Restaurant or the Texas Roadhouse. We are very fortunate at Middle Paxton Elementary School to have a Lion’s Club committed to the education and wellness of our children.

E. H. Phillips ElementaryEach day at Phillips begins with a classroom meeting and the use of Responsive Classroom philosophy school-wide. Morning Meeting is a great way to build community, set a positive tone, increase excitement about learning, and improve academic and social skills. The meeting usually takes about fi fteen minutes. Each morning, the class gathers in a circle and students greet each other. Next, a few students share some interesting news followed by a conversation with the class.

Lawnton ElementaryThis year at Lawnton Elementary School, following the rules and having good behavior is a school-wide focus. Lawnton kicked off the year with a behavior assembly where teachers presented a “Good and Bad Behavior” skit. The next week it was followed by a school-wide game called “Are you a Lawnton Learner?” September 28th was celebration day. All students who followed the school rules for the entire month participated in outdoor fun the fi rst month of good behavior. Lawnton anticipates students to keep up the good behavior and have fun all year with this program.

This helps students listen carefully, think about what they hear, formulate good questions, and learn about each other. After sharing, there is a group activity for the whole class. The class might sing or recite a poem or play a math game. The activity time helps the class feel united as a group, reinforces academic skills, and helps the children learn how to cooperate and solve problems.

Finally, the class reads the news and announcement chart, which helps students think about the day ahead. Sometimes the teacher uses this time to review and practice a reading, punctuation, or math skill. Morning Meeting is also used to discuss and practice social skills that everyone needs to learn. The letters CARES are used to remind students about the traits: Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Control. Additionally, the issue of bullying and how to recognize it and deal with it if someone is trying to bully them or others is discussed. Every day, Morning Meeting lets Phillips students know that their school is a safe place where all children’s feelings and ideas are important.

Paxtonia ElementaryPaxtonia has begun Fifth Grade Reading Buddies! There are 24 fi fth graders who were trained to work with other students and help develop reading skills. The fi fth graders were recommended by their teachers, then provided 4 days of training. Strategies for sharing compliments, redirect-ing, and reading were modeled. When the program began, the focus was to have Fifth graders meet with fi rst graders. The Fifth graders were very excited and wanted to work with more students. The program has expanded to second and third grade where some fi fth graders have begun helping at the end of the day to support students with packing up book bags and sometimes beginning homework. Everyone involved is very excited – one fi rst grader asked, “Can I meet with my buddy everyday?”

Rutherford ElementaryRutherford Elementary School was selected as one of three schools in Central Dauphin School District to work with Lehigh University and the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) in an effort which is funded by the U.S. Dept. of Education. What is Response To Intervention? RTI is a multi-step approach to providing high quality instruction and inter-ventions to students who struggle with learning. The whole idea is to prevent students from developing serious academic problems in Reading, as well as to enhance instruction for those students who are doing well. All students will be assessed several times during the year. Every student will receive the core Language Arts curriculum in the regular education setting. The progress of a student is monitored and the results used to make decisions about the need for further research-based instruction and/or targeted interventions. The interventions will occur mostly in small groups and instruction will be delivered by teachers trained in specifi c programs.

By using an RTI process, our school can potentially reduce the time a student waits before receiving additional instructional assistance, increase the number of students who succeed within the general education program. The RTI project at Rutherford is called MP3 (Monitoring Progress of Pennsylvania Pupils). This is a wonderful opportunity to help our students become more successful readers. If you would like more information, you may visit the MP3 web-site at http://www.lehigh.edu/collegeofeducation/mp3/index.htm.

INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS... ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

CENTRAL DAUPHIN SCHOOL DISTRICT & COMMUNITY: WORKING TOGETHER PAGE 5 • WINTER 2008

Linglestown ElementaryFifth graders at Linglestown Elementary School created a giant fl ag to honor the 220th anniversary of the United States Constitution. Each child, with the help of family members, created a collage entitled, “What America Means to Me.” These red collages were assembled to create the red preamble to the constitution and each child was represented with a star in the fi eld of blue. What an awesome sight and a truly patriotic way to recognize the value and importance of the law of our great land!

Paxtang ElementaryPaxtang Elementary School marked its 100th anniversary on Saturday, November 3, 2007 with an open house from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Festivities included a pancake breakfast, featured guest speakers, tours of the building, and a visit from fi refi ghters of the Paxtang Fire Department.

South Side ElementarySouth Side Elementary School celebrated fall by holding a Vocabulary Hat Day. Each student received a vocabulary word and had to illustrate that word on their hat. Additionally, that evening a dress up parade, chili cook-off and baked goods contest were held.

On December 20th, South Side’s 4th and 5th grade chorus performed their winter program, “Holiday Heroes,” a children’s musical written by Michael and Jill Gallina. The show opened with a group of students discussing the gifts that they hoped to receive during the holiday season. While discussing their anticipated gifts, one of them reminds the others that the holiday season can be a diffi cult time of year for those in need. After some refl ection, the group decides to do something that will make the season a happier time for those less fortunate. The show benefi ted the Bethesda Mission. Students and staff raised an amazing $2,107.18 for the mission. A check was presented to Mr. Ken Ross, Director of Community Relations at the Bethesda Mission. The school-wide goal was $1,500. Since this goal was reached, Principal, Dr. Shane Hotchkiss and the male staff of South Side will be spending the evening on the school’s rooftop on May 2nd. They will come down on the morning of May 3rd, the date of the school’s May Fair which will be held from 10 am – 2pm.

West Hanover ElementaryWest Hanover Elementary students visited the Capitol as guests of Representative Ron Marsico on December 14th. The students performed holiday songs from around the world.

Central Dauphin East MiddleCentral Dauphin East Middle School staff and students raised $5,000 for the Family of Kevin Grab. The funds were presented to Kevin and his family during a school-wide assembly where teachers and Principal, Dr. Robert Holbrook, volunteered to take a pie-in-the face in celebration of the staff and students fundraising efforts.

Central Dauphin MiddleSandy Ash-Endy, a teacher at Central Dauphin Middle School, was featured on WHP Channel 21 as part of “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” Activities. Sandy told Donna Kirker-Morgan that she shaved her head to teach her students that she was the same person inside and out that she was before losing her hair. Several male teachers at CD Middle School shaved their heads as well in support of Sandy’s brave endeavor.

On January 5th, Laurie Zeiders (CD Middle/Linglestown Middle) was presented the 2007 NFHCA Junior Hockey Award from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association in Hartford, Conn-ecticut. She was presented the

award for her 10 years of dedication to the sport of fi eld hockey and has helped over 500 players learn the game.

Linglestown MiddleNominated by 8th grade English teachers for the The Offi cial USAA Scholarship Foundation’s Who’s Who in English 2008, the following students from LMS were selected for their excellence in English and high motivational and successful attributes: Amanda Bullock, Shelly Burke, Connie Cook, Jaclyn Davies, Andrew Fazenbaker, Amy Gifford, Brandon Henken, Taylor Henry, Jordan Houtz, Caitlyn Kanagy, Nathan Stewart, Erica Walsh, Zach Wilk, and Aly Yingst.

Fifty-four students gathered in the auditorium on Friday, January 4, 2008, to spell their hearts out in the hopes of becoming Grand Champion and moving on to the next level in the spelling bee, which is a written test on February 10 at the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg. To qualify for participation in the bee, all students were given a written 50 word test in English classes before the Thanksgiving break. Letters were then distributed so that students could access the words on line that would be used in January’s spell down. After three periods of nail-biting tension, the winners were determined. Grand Champion: Sarah Loser (7th grade), Second Place: Danielle Nagel (6th grade), Third Place: Noelle Frisco (6th grade). Congratulations!

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Swatara Middle

Swatara Middle welcomes the following new staff: From left to right and front to back: First row: Rosemary Adusei-German 1, Rebecca Yost-library aide, Ryan Flannery-7th grade math, Marianne Zurich - school nurse, Sherri Rote-8th grade science, Esperansa Tucker-French 1, Perry Emes-special education paraprofessional and Jordann Smith-keyboarding. Second row: Sarah Brown-special education teacher, Todd Boden-music/chorus, Brian Butler-7th grade social studies, Jackson DePhilip-physical education, Lauren Cohich-6th grade science teacher, Matt McCusker-6th grade math teachers, Tim Achuff-art teacher, and Brian Welsh-math teacher. Not pictured Jeff Grinaway - special education teacher and Megan Smith - guidance counselor.

CDSD NursesShow Support

Elementary and secondary nurses from the CDSD collected “Superhero” pillow cases to send to the injured troops in Iraq for the holiday season. The nurses participated as part of the 332 EMDG at the AFTH, Balad AB, Iraq’s goal that each bed that an American soldier, Marine, Airman, and Sailor lays his/her head will have a Super Hero pillowcase to rest on. This project started when one patient brought in her own Spiderman pillow to sleep on and all the other patients started requesting for one just like it. Friends and co-workers from the US started sending Spiderman, Superman, Batman, and other superheroes to be used on the patient beds. Twenty six superhero pillowcases and 11.5 pounds of Hershey’s Chocolate were collected.

Sherry Conway, Home and School Visitor for the Central Dauphin School District, was presented with the PA Home and School Visitor Award at the Social Workers Conference at Founders Hall in Hershey, PA.

Sherr y Conway Presented with Award

PAGE 6 • WINTER 2008 CENTRAL DAUPHIN SCHOOL DISTRICT & COMMUNITY: WORKING TOGETHER

The Fall Play this year at CDHS was WAITING FOR GODOT by Samuel Beckett. WAITING FOR GODOT was written in 1952 in response to the horrors of World War II and its aftermath.

The following juniors from CD High School participated in Senator Piccola’s Good Government Day on October 18. Front row, left to right: Tessa Cicak, Emily Zagnit, Eva Czopek, Erica Lewis. Back row, left to right: Senator Piccola, Elise Hinderliter, Carl Feldman, Logan Downey, Vinnie DeGrandchamp, Michael Ettinger, Mr. McCormack, Casey Jankoski.

CD East High Celebrates White Cane Week

This past fall, Central Dauphin East High School celebrated White Cane Week by educating the student body on the needs and achievements of visually impaired students. Bronwen Kersey-Tagoe, a visually impaired

student at East High, kicked off the day with a reading of the offi cial White Cane Day proclamation.

During the week, students interviewed Bronwen on her experiences as a blind student, participated in activities where they were put in the shoes of a blind person and had to identify sounds on a black screen. Additionally, a new Braille Club was formed at East High to teach students the history of Braille, how to read it, and how to apply it to everyday life.

News segments of White Cane Week were featured on WHTM Channel 27 and WHP Channel 21.

INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS...HIGH SCHOOLS

Good Government Day

Central Dauphin East High School presented as its fall play an updated version of the 1963 hit comedy, The Mouse that Roared by Leonard Wibberly, adapted The Mouse that Roared by Leonard Wibberly, adapted The Mouse that Roaredby Christopher Sergel.

High School Plays Are Huge Success

CDHS Raises Money for License to Cure Project

The Central Dauphin High School Four Diamonds fund raised $82,777.35 in 2007 for its “License to Cure Project.”

Events for 2007 are: a T-Shirt Contest (October 2 – 12), Ram-A-Palooza (October 27), Powder Puff Football Game (November 6), Silent Auction (November 8 – 12), Mini-Thon (November 17) and the Rams 4 Diamond Basketball Tournament (April 12).

Donna Roth, Health & Physical Educational Department Chair of CD East, began a Fit for Life course. In the spring 2007, Donna presented the class at a conference called Wellness and Academic Success: From Policy to Action. The conference was held at Penn State and was sponsored by PDE and PA Action for Healthy Kids. This past fall, Donna presented the class at the School Health Councils Networking Forum. The forum was sponsored by CRANA (Carlisle Regional Advocates for Nutrition and Activity) and the Carlisle Area Health and Wellness Foundation. The forum was held at Dickinson College. Several area school districts including Spring Grove, Penn Manor, and Boiling Springs have requested information on the class in the hopes of starting a similar class in their district.

Fit For Life Course

CDHS Students & Faculty Donate to Locks of LoveEleventh grader, Kara Seygal and Mrs. Wadsworth from the nurse’s offi ce at Central Dauphin High School, received hair cuts at Beautyworks in Linglestown on January 15th to donate to Locks of Love. Senior, Jacy Ring, who received a hair cut for Locks of Love earlier this school year, cheered them on at the salon. Locks of Love is a wonderful organization that makes wigs out of donated hair and provides them at no cost to children under 18 years of age suffering from long-term medical hair loss no matter what their diagnosis.

KAREN CALLOWAY

Ms. Karen Calloway, Principal of the Fresh-man Academy, Central Dauphin East High School was recognized by the City Council of Harrisburg as a Rejoice! Inc. 2007 Earth Angel Awardee for her commitment to improve the quality of life for children and families in profound and meaningful ways.

Receives Award

Left to Right: Student Kara Seygal and CDHS nurse Leslie Wadsworth holding their donated locks.

CENTRAL DAUPHIN SCHOOL DISTRICT & COMMUNITY: WORKING TOGETHER PAGE 7 • WINTER 2008

MIDDLE SCHOOLS’ RENOVATIONS UPDATE

Dauphin County Technical SchoolRENOVATIONS UPDATE

In June 2007, Dauphin County Technical School (DCTS) began $18.3 million in renovations to its school and grounds. DCTS had not been renovated for 37 years. The renovations were necessary to address four

important goals: address space needs for existing programs, renovate and improve existing infrastructure, expand programs and create space for new programs, and make general site improvements.

Renovations include: Expansion of the front wing and the addition of a 2nd fl oor for the food services and health assistance departments and science wing; extension of the back wings of the school for expansion of the diesel technology and ornamental horticultural departments; creation of a warehousing and logistics department, and construction arena for use by all departments.

Renovations are scheduled to be completed on the proposed following time table: front wing - May 2008; back wing and construction arena – January/February 2008; and overall project – November 2008. For additional information and to follow the progress of the renovation project, go to www.dcts.org.

High SchoolsReceive Grant

High SchoolsReceive Grant

High Schools

Central Dauphin and Central Dauphin East High Schools have been selected as recipients of a $368,000 Classrooms for the Future grant. Classrooms for the Future is an integral part of Governor Rendell’s high school reform

agenda designed to modernize teaching and learning in Pennsylvania. Teachers and students will have access to the latest technology through the use of laptop computers, high-speed internet access, and state-of-the-art software. The grant allowed CDSD to equip ninth grade English classes at both high schools with technology equipment and provide professional development for the ninth grade English teachers. These teachers will have Smartboards installed in their classrooms, projectors mounted in the ceiling, a digital video and digital still camera, scanner, printer, and a laptop for every ninth grade English teacher.

There is an extensive professional development component to the grant. The teachers will be attending many training sessions to become familiar with their new equipment and the use of technology to enhance instruction which will support the student’s development of 21st century skills. The teachers are also required to take a 30-hour online course focused on technology integration. The Classrooms for the Future grant is in the second year of a 3-year project phase-in. CDSD hopes to again be awarded funding from the PA Department of Education to continue with this project next year.

West Hanover Elementary School PTA will be awarding a one-year $1000 scholarship to a graduating senior from Central Dauphin High School, Central Dauphin East High School, Dauphin County

Vocational-Technical School, or Bishop McDevitt High School. Each applicant must have completed three or more grades at West Hanover Elementary School. The following criteria will be used in selecting the scholarship recipient: academic standing, school and community service, information gained from the applicant’s written essay, and two recommendations. Race, religion, or national origin shall in no way affect eligibility or preference of selection. Applications for the John R. Baumgardner Scholarship are available at each of the high schools from the guidance offi ce. The application deadline is April 1, 2008. For more information contact Susan Pazuchanics, Scholarship Committee Chairperson, West Hanover Elementary School PTA, 717-469-1832 or jorspaz@localnet.com.

John R. Baumgardner Scholarship Award The middle school renovation projects are nearing the fi nal phase in

two of the schools with two buildings already completed. Central Dauphin East Middle renovations will be completed by February 1,

2008 with a target date of March 15, 2008 for Central Dauphin Middle School. Renovations on both Linglestown Middle and Swatara Middle School were completed on November 30, 2007.

Renovations include but are not limited to the upgrades and expansions of the buildings and grounds, such as the installation of new HVAC systems and safety upgrades to expand the cafeterias and gymnasiums to make the environment more comfortable and conducive to learning in an improved technological environment. The middle school renovations are running under budget and on time.

Open houses will be held after spring break for the community to view the completed projects. Information will be forthcoming. To see pictures of the newly renovated buildings, please visit the district website at www.cdschools.org and click on the photo gallery links.

PAGE 8 • WINTER 2008 CENTRAL DAUPHIN SCHOOL DISTRICT & COMMUNITY: WORKING TOGETHER

placement in a part-time or full-time special education class in a regular school, or placement in a full-time special education class at a location other than the regular school. The extent of special education services and the location for the delivery of such services are determined by the IEP team and are based on the student’s identifi ed needs and abilities, chronological age and the level of intensity of the specifi ed intervention. The School District provides related services, such as transportation, physical therapy and occupational therapy, required for the student to benefi t from the special education program. Parents may obtain additional information regarding gifted or special education services and programs and parental due process rights by contacting the child’s school principal or the Offi ce of Special Education at (717) 545-4703, ext. 269. A survey eliciting feedback on the effectiveness of screening activities can be found on the District website at www.cdschools.org. From the home page, click on Administration, then Special Programs, Parent Surveys and fi nally Child Count Survey.

SERVICES FOR PROTECTED HANDICAPPED STUDENTSIn compliance with state and federal law, Central Dauphin School District will provide to protected handicapped students services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefi ts of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. These related aids are provided without discrimination or cost to the student or family. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. Services and protections for protected handicapped students are distinct from those applicable to exceptional students enrolled or seeking enrollment in special education programs. For further information about the evaluation procedures and provision of services to protected handicapped students, contact the Offi ce of Pupil Services at (717) 545-4703, ext. 207.

STUDENT RECORDS POLICY – ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPACentral Dauphin School District maintains a cumulative student record for each child. This information is kept in order to assist in the day-to-day operation of the educational programs and to meet the requirements of federal and state laws. The information regarding each child includes student identifi cation and attendance data, information on academic progress and performance and results of standardized group achievement and cognitive ability tests. Records of standardized tests taken by secondary students on a voluntary basis, usually for college entrance purposes, also are recorded. Disciplinary records, certain juvenile history record information and student health records also are maintained as required by state law.The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are:1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records

within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifi es the records they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.

Parents or eligible students may ask the District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent of eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notifi ed of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifi able information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school offi cials with legitimate educational interests. A school offi cial is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an offi cial committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school offi cial in performing his or her tasks. A school offi cial has a legitimate educational interest if the offi cial needs to review an education record in order to fulfi ll his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to offi cials of another school district or educational agency in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

4. The right to fi le a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Offi ce that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Offi ce, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION –PUBLIC NOTICEUnder FERPA, the District also may disclose without consent “directory information” concerning a student. For example, directory information may be included in publications such as sports programs, newspapers, radio and television news releases, awards and graduation programs, yearbooks, alumni directories, musical and play programs, and other school publications. Directory information is information not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed, including but not limited to the student’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major fi elds of study, participation in offi cially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received and other similar information. Parents who wish to have their children exempted from publication or other disclosure of directory information may do so by letter to the school principal. The letter must be received by the school principal at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of publication or other disclosure of information.

COMPLIANCE STATEMENTCentral Dauphin School District continues its policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, color, national origin, handicap or disability, as applicable in its educational programs, activities or employment policies. This policy is as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation

Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and all other applicable state, federal and local laws and ordinances. For information regarding Title IX and Title VII compliance, contact the Offi ce of Human Resources, Central Dauphin School District, Administration Building, 600 Rutherford Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109, (717) 545-4703. For information on Section 504 compliance, contact the Offi ce of Pupil Services at the above School District address. For information regarding the American with Disabilities Act, contact the Offi ce of Special Education at the above School District address.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENT RECORDSCentral Dauphin School District protects the confi dentiality of personally identifi able information regarding exceptional and protected handicapped students in accord with state and federal law and the school district’s student records policy. Parental rights regarding student records are described previously.

SERVICES FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDRENAct 212, the Early Intervention Services System Act, entitles all preschool children with disabilities to appropriate early intervention services. Young children experiencing developmental delays or physical or mental disabilities and their families are eligible for early intervention services. At-risk children are eligible for screening and tracking. The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare is responsible for providing services to infants and toddlers, defi ned as children from birth through 2 years of age. For information, contact Dauphin County Mental Health/ Mental Retardation, 100 Chestnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2025, (717) 255-2888. The Pennsylvania Department of Education is responsible for providing services to preschool children from age 3 until eligible for kindergarten. For information, contact Preschool Services, Capital Area Intermediate Unit, 55 Miller Street, P.O. Box 489, Summerdale, PA 17093-0489, (717) 732-8400.

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICESFOR SCHOOL-AGE EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTSCentral Dauphin School District provides a free, appropriate public education to exceptional students and to students identifi ed as gifted. To qualify as a gifted or exceptional student, the child must be of school age, in need of specially designed instruction and meet eligibility criteria for mentally gifted and/or one or more of the following physical or mental disabilities as defi ned by Pennsylvania State standards: autism/pervasive developmental disorder, blindness/visual impairment, deafness/ hearing impairment, mental retardation, multi-handicap, neurological impairment, other health impairment, physical disability, serious emotional disturbance, specifi c learning disability and speech/language impairment. The School District utilizes identifi cation procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefi t and student progress. To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include kindergarten registration activities in the month of April at individual elementary buildings, review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, physical and speech/language screening; and review by a building-level Instructional Support Team. When screening results suggest that a student might be exceptional, the School District seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is exceptional may request a multidisciplinary evaluation at any time through a written request to the school principal. Parents who suspect their child is gifted may make one request for evaluation per school term. Services designed to meet the needs of gifted children include the initial evaluation and development of a gifted individual education plan (GIEP). Central Dauphin School District provides supportive intervention in the classroom through differentiated instruction and curriculum enrichment. Students may receive advanced coursework and/or resource room support provided by a teacher of gifted. The extent of gifted services and the location for the delivery of such services are determined by the child’s GIEP team and are based on each child’s identifi ed needs and abilities, chronological age and the level of intensity of the specifi ed intervention. Parents may obtain additional information regarding gifted education services and programs and parental due process rights by contacting the child’s school counselor or principal. Services designed to meet the needs of exceptional students include the annual development of an Individualized Education Program, multidisciplinary re-evaluation, supportive intervention in the regular class, supplemental intervention in the regular class or in a special education resources program,

Annual Notifi cation Information

Central Dauphin School District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, ancestry and/or physical handicap in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VII, Title IX and Section 504.

Board of School DirectorsMr. A.J. Sallusti, PresidentMrs. Kathy Stone, Vice PresidentMr. Ford Thompson, Assistant SecretaryMr. Michael BrehmMrs. Kristine LeberMr. Christian MalesicMr. Justin McShaneMr. Ed TroxellMr. Jay Wenger

SuperintendentDr. John A. Scola

This newsletter is publishedfor all residents of the

Central Dauphin School District.

Non-Profi t OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDHarrisburg, PAPermit No. 598

Central Dauphin School District600 Rutherford Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109717-545-4703 • www.cdschools.org

ECRWSSPOSTAL CUSTOMER

WORKING TOGETHER

In the past, asbestos was used extensively in building materials because of its insulating, sound absorbing, and fi re retarding capabilities. Virtually any building constructed before the late 1970’s contained some asbestos. Intact and undisturbed asbestos materials generally do not pose a health risk. Asbestos materials, however, can become hazardous when, due to damage or deterioration over time, they release fi bers. If the fi bers are inhaled they can lead to health problems, such as cancer and asbestosis.

In 1986, Congress passed the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, (AHERA), which requires schools to be inspected to identify any asbestos-containing materials. Suspected asbestos-containing building materials were located, sampled, (or assumed), and rated according to condition and potential hazard. Every three years, the Central Dauphin School District, (CDSD), conducts a re-inspection by a Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry licensed asbestos inspector to determine whether the condition of the known or assumed asbestos containing building materials, (ACBM), has changed and to make recommendations on managing or removing the ACBM. The last re-inspection was conducted on August 15-20, 2007. Periodic surveillance of all asbestos-containing materials occurs every six months.

The law further requires an asbestos management plan to be in place by July 1989. CDSD developed a plan, as required, which has been continually updated. The plan has several ongoing requirements: publish a notifi cation on management plan availability and the status of asbestos activities; educate and train its employees about asbestos and how to deal with it; notify short-term or temporary workers on the locations of the asbestos-containing building material; post warning labels in routine maintenance areas where asbestos was previously identifi ed or assumed; follow set plans and procedures designed to minimize the disturbance of asbestos containing building materials; and survey the condition of these materials every six months to insure that they remain in good condition.

It is the intention of CDSD to comply with all Federal and State regulations controlling asbestos and to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure students and employees a healthy and safe environment in which to learn and work. You are welcome to review a copy of the asbestos management plan in the District Administration Offi ce (600 Rutherford Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109) or an administrative offi ce of the school during regular business hours. Mr. Gilbert Tunney (Director of Buildings and Grounds) is our designated asbestos program coordinator and all inquiries regarding the asbestos plan and asbestos-related issues should be directed to him at (717)545-4703.

Asbestos Notifi cation