NOVEMBER 2017

THE HALIFAX GAZETTEHALIFAX AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

-FALL 2017-

-Inside this Edition-HMS Veterans Day Program: Students honored those who served with messages of support.

Awarding Winning Fall: Staff, teachers, and district honored for achievements from local and state-wide organizations.

Lenfest Scholars Foundation: HASD partners with Lenfest Scholars Foundation to support students’ college & career goals.

Halifax UNDIVIDED: HASD’s Undivided Movement promotes volunteerism and community engagement in public education.

Athletic Highlights: Wildcatscelebrate accomplishments, a weight room makeover, and prepare for the winter season.

Thanksgiving Recess:November 22nd thru 27th

The Halifax Gazette is published quarterly, August-November-February-May, by the Halifax Area School District. Submit articles and pictures to Michele M. Orner, Ed.D.-Superintendent of Schools at ornerm@hasd.us.

UNDIVIDED Movement Underway in Halifax

Initiative Supports Community Engagement

In a effort to promote volunteerism and increase com-munity engagement in public education, the Halifax Area School District has partnered with local churches, organiza-tions, and community leaders to implement the nationally recognized UNDIVIDED Movement. Inspired by a similar partnership created in 2009 between SouthLake Church andRoosevelt High School in Portland, Oregon, the Halifax UNDIVIDED Movement aims to: help teachers increase the time they have to spend on education and student growth, demonstrate the power of community to youth, and present an environment of hope and inspiration to children, parents, and staff.

“Alone we are strong; together we are stronger!” Halifax UNDIVIDED Movement

After an October showing of the movie which documents the partnership between Roosevelt and SouthLake,volunteers were recruited to assist with several of HASD’s community engagement initiatives including: the Key Communicators Group, Communities that Care, and a Community Library to be housed in the the MS/HS Media Center. Since then, the documentary has been shown at the Valleys Evangelical Convenent Church in Halifax. A future showing and meal is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6, 2017 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the MS/HS Cafeteria as part of the “What’s Up Wednesday” program sponsored by Halifax United Methodist Church. The movie and the meal are free and open to the public. Much like the model used at Roosevelt High School, Halifax UNDIVIDED will exist on the principles of no agenda (other than filling the needs of school district stu-dents and families), humility, excellence, commitment, and serving together. More information about Halifax UNDI-VIDED can be found at www.hasd.us. Churches, organi-zations, and community members interested in reserving a showing of the movie should contact Dr. Orner, HASD Superintendent, at 717-896-3416 extension 112.

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Tech Corner-Do I Need a Virus Scanner on My Phone? by: Bill McIntosh Easiest Answer, “No.” Androids and iPhones have something built in that computers do not...the ability to do a factory reset. If a computer gets a malware or a virus you cannot remove, you reformat the hard drive. But unless you have an installation disk and time to reinstall everything, you usually pay someone a lot of money to remove the problem. Smartphones that become infected can be reset to factory settings, as if the phone was just purchased from the store. Newer versions of iPhone and Android will automatically reinstall apps for you; just be sure you are connected to WiFi when you do this. The only thing you lose is your data and pictures. If you use iCloud or Google Photos to back up your pictures, you end up losing nothing. What about the ransomware you hear so much about? So far, ransonware only affects computer. If you reformat the drive, you resolve the problem. The problem is you lose all of your files. So, I recommend you use some sort of backup. I ask the question, “What if the files that are backed up to Google Drive or iCloud become infected with ransomware? The answer...the backup also becomes infected; however, most good cloud backups save several versions. Once your computer is clean again, you can go back to an earlier version, that is ransom-ware free, and recover your data. Don’t take my word alone for this. Research from zdnet, PCmag, etc, seems to be the consensus of the ex-perts. Always, though, verify the information yourself before you take any advice that could affect your person-al data. As always, my purpose in writing is to make the scary side effects of being online a little less scary by providing helpful information, research, and tips.

Halifax Partners with Lenfest Scholars Foundation by: Carole Fetterhoff-Halifax Middle/High School Guidance Office

Lenfest Scholars Foundation was established by Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest to offer a limited number of college scholarships to qualified students attending rural high schools. The goal of the Lenfest College Scholar-ship Program is to enable public high school students from rural environments to aspire and attend challenging academic colleges and universities. To become a Lenfest Scholar, junior students who are achieveing high ac-ademic marks will be considered to apply for the program. Along with scholarships, students who are accepted become a lifelong Lenfest Scholar and receive college admissions, career, and life support. The Lenfest College Scholarship Program assists each scholar to identify propsective college choices, advises each scholar about college admissions and financial applications, and advocates on each scholar’s behalf with colleges and uni-versities. The Lenfest Program also provides each scholar up to &12,000.00 per year for four years toward the cost of attendance at an accredited U.S. private college or up to $7,000.00 per year for an accredited U.S. public college.

Halifax was nominated by four active partnering high schools and is honored that other schools in this mag-nitude of a program thought to nominate the school district. We know how special our students are and love our school district. It is reassuring to know others have faith in us as well.

Following an invitation from Lenfest to consider the advantages this past summer, we quickly got on board and participated in a screening process that involved sending our school profile to the Foundation. An interview with the Executive Director of the Lenfest Scholars Foundation was also required. A team of Halifax teachers and counselors will oversee and support students who apply to the program year after year. The counseling staff at Middle/High School is eager and excited to see the partnership make a difference in the lives of our students and the Halifax community.

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On Thursday, November 9th, Halifax Middle School hosted its annual Veterans Day Assembly to honor those in our community who have served our coun-try. The program featured student led performances from each discovery division, including an analysis of the Pledge of Allegiance, a tribute to Mission 22, an original poem with motions, an acrostic story form the word “Veterans,” and two songs. The mid-dle school chorus and band also prepared special performances for the assembly. Finally, guest speak-er Jeff Tracey shared his and his family’s experiences while he was deployed last year. After the ceremony, veterans and their families were invited to the cafeteria for refreshments. Great job to all of the students who contributed to the assembly, and thank you veterans for serving our country!

Middle School Honors Veterans with School-wide Assembly

HOLIDAY CONCERTS PLANNEDEnjoy an Earful of Holiday Cheer!

The Halifax Middle School Chorus will present a holiday concert on Thursday, December 7, 2017 be-ginning at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Admission is free. Students will present, “Holly Jolly Christmas--A Chorus Carol,” a spirited program of holiday favorites intertwined with vignettes of Christmases gone by. The show will feature the talent of the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade chorus members who will sing, act, and narrate for this Dickens inspired evening. The Halifax High School Chorus will present a hol-iday concert on Thursday, December 7, 2017 begin-ning at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Admission for this concert is also free. The Halifax HIgh School Chorus will present “Someday at Christmas-A Chorus Car-ol.” The evening will include solos, choral favorites, acting, and narration.

Entertaining Courtyard Concert On October 19th, music and art students held a “Courtyard Concert,” in the new outdoor performance space adjacent to the MS/HS Media Cafe. The event was free and included much needed hot chocolate and cookies due to the chilly evening. While enjoying the food, audience members were free to view the art display in the auditorium hallway. Outside, advanced music students performed cover and original acoustic numbers, a debut performance for many of the musi-cians. The concert was well attended! A winter version will be held in December in the cafeteria, unless Mother Nature offers a mild evening outdoors. Look for event details on the district’s website.

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Awards, Accolades, and Special Recognitions

Congratulations to HASD’s Outstanding Teachers! The Shippensburg University School Study Council included HMS science teachers Jen Diehl and Heather Frantz among their 2017 Outstanding Teachers. Both were recognized this fall at a luncheon held at Shippensburg University. Jen and Heather join a long list of Halifax teachers who have received the honor. Excellence in Action!

Wildcats Receive Safe Schools Grant The Halifax Area School District is a recipient of the PDE’s 2017 Safe Schools Grant. Funding, in the amount of $20,000.00, will be used to purchase a radio system, connected to the county wide system and to the various school districts that participate in the Joint School Safety Task Force (JSSTF). Radios will be stationed at all district buildings. Security personnel will also use the equipment to communicate during athletic contests, concerts, and other school district events. Thank you Brett Bell at UDA for help-ing to secure the grant and for your leadership of the Joint School Safety Task Force.

Student Writers Recognized This year’s Voice of Democracy topic was “American History: Our Hope for the Future.” The Halifax High School Winners of the contest were:1st place: Ezekial Bugda-10th grade2nd place: Ella Starr-12th grade3rd place: Morgan Reed-10th grade4th place: Aaron Geyer-12th grade Students shared their essays with the community at the November 14th school board meeting.Job Well Done!

Marching Band Exceeds Goals

Congratulations to the Award Winning Wildcat Marching Band for a season that included strong finishes and growth. Highlights from the various tournaments included a second place finish, an award for best color guard, and an increase of 10 more points since the first event of the season. Special thanks to the Band Boosters and the various businesses that support the efforts of the group. Best Wishes to Dr. Raisner, Director, as he begins his retirement on January 1, 2018.

Recognition from Education Leaders HASD’s Discovery Education Program and Dr. Orner were recently featured in the state’s Making an Impact video series showcased at the PSBA-PASA Leadership Conference. Both videos can be viewed on the district’s website. Thank you PARSS, PASA, the Principals’ Association, and PSBA for the recognition and for Standing Up for public education.

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Fifth Grade Enjoys Symphony A fall season highlight for 5th grade students was the Young Person’s Concert performed by the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. Selections by Bizet and Beethoven were featured. Students learned about musical form and were treated to a performance by cello, violin, and piano soloists.

A public school board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 11/29/17 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the

MS/HS Auditorium. The purpose of the meeting is to review the elementary program feasibility study. Visit

www.hasd.us for more information.

Wildcat Wellness 5K Run a Success HASD’s Wildcat Wellness Committee was busy this fall promoting health and wellness initiatives for students, staff, and local community. Visit www.hasd.us or halifaxwellness.weebly.com. to obtain results from the 2nd Annual Wildcat Wellness 5K Run and Walk, review wellness program data, learn about the group’s business and industry sponsors, or contact a committee member to receive more infor-mation. Both sites were recently updated to better inform the public about the committee’s efforts. Many thanks to all who continue to support health and wellness in the Halifax Area School District.

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-Wildcat Athletic Update-Teams Celebrate a Fabulous Fall and Work Toward a Successful Winter Sports Season

FALLS SPORTS ROUND-UP: 2017Boys Soccer: The boys soccer team ended their season with an overall record of 12W-7L. They were the Belleville Tournament Champions and qualified for the District 3 Tournament. Tri Valley League All Stars include: Brian Tanner (1st team goal keeper), Grant Klinger (2nd team midfielder) and Nick Paulaukas and Jayden Shadle (2nd team defenders).

Girls Soccer: The Halifax girls soccer team focused on skill development and endurance during their rebuilding season which included winning two games in a row.Most Valuable Player: Alycia Enders, Offense Player of the Year: Lauren Schumber, Defensive Player of the Year: Paige Trutt, Most Improved: Kearstin Manion, Wildcat Award (Coaches’ Award): Hallie Feagley.

Volleyball: The team ended their season with a 19-7 overall record. They placed second in the Bulldog Harvest Tournament, and were Tri Valley League Champions, the Schuylkill League Division III Champions, the District III Champion Runner-Up, & a PIAA qualifier.

Cross Country: Remington Paul and Zeke Bugda competed as in-dependent runners. Both student athletes qualified for the District III Championship.

Football: The football team ended their season with a 3-7 record. League accomplishments include:-Second in pass offense.-Second in individual scoring: Jay Zerby.-Second in quarterback passing yardage: London Johnson.-Fifth in individual rushing yardage: Jay Zerby.-Second in the league in individual reception: Broc Grosser.-Third in passing defense.-First in interceptions: Broc Grosser; he also led the state for several weeks.

Team MVP was Broc Grosser.

Weight Room Receives Make-Over Thank you to Eric Erdman and the Give a Child a Voice Foundation for the generous gifts to HASD’s weight room. Join the Wildcats at Millersburg High School on Saturday, December 2, 2017 beginning at 10:00 a.m. for the ribbon cutting ceremony and cele-bration of Eric’s efforts. See invitation on page 4.

Practice for the winter sports season is well underway. Visit www.hasd.us for informa-tion and game schedules. Good Luck to our baseketball players, wrestlers, cheerleaders, and archers. Hope to see you at the game!

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Halifax Area School District3940 Peters Mountain Road

Halifax, Pennsylvania 17032717-896-3416

Superintendent ..................................Michele M. Orner, Ed.D.Business & Operations Manager ..................... Michael BowerDirector of Curriculum & Instruction .............. David HatfieldDirector of Special Education .....................Matthew CzaplickiHigh School Principal ............................................ John OsuchMiddle School Principal ......................................... Rick AnselElementary Principal .............................................. Carla SauerActing Asst. Elem. Principal ............................ Jennifer MartinAsst. Business & Operations Mgr ..................... Tammy MartzDirector of Food Service .........................................Lori WeberAthletic Director ...............................................Dan Hagerman

President ..........................................................Mr. Brad HarkerVice-President ............................................Mrs. Missy KonyarTreasurer ..........................................................Mr. Gary Shade

Mr. Scott Corsnitz Mr. Larry CoxMr. Robbie Eyster Mrs. Donna RodeMr. Tom Weber Mrs. Trudy Withers

ADMINISTRATION

Visit us on the web at www.hasd.us

BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

HASD’s Winter Weather Procedures The Halifax Area School District uses four strategies when dealing with winter weather: early dismissal, two-hour delay, three-hour delay, and closing school. As every storm brings with it a unique set of challenges, student and staff safety are the primary guide when deciding to delay the start of school, dismiss students early from school, postpone an event, or close school. Factors to consider are always the road conditions in the school district’s 88 square mile transportation zone, the amount of snow, and the time it will take our maintenance team to clear sidewalks and parking lots at the three school buildings. In an event of a change in schedule due to weather, updates are delivered to families via text messaging, email, and phone calls. HASD’s Twitter account, webpage and the major media outlets are excellent resources for weather related closings and delays. When administration must close school due to inclement weather, the make-up days are used in the order in which they are listed on the school dis-trict’s calendar. Let’s hope the winter is mild. Enjoy the season and stay safe.

School Board News and NotesThank you for your service to the

Halifax Area School District!Larry Cox: 12 yearsMissy Konyar: 13 yearGary Shade 16 years

Congratulations to our New School Board Members: Dean HileRicky GrosserNathan Wilbert

Congratulations to Trudy Withers for being elected to a second term.

Welcome Back to our returning members: Scott Corsnitz Brad Harker Robbie Eyster Donna Rode Tom Weber

School Board Reorganization Meeting: Tuesday, December 5, 2017 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the

Middle/High School Media Cafe.

-Traditions Mark the Seasons- Every fall students at Enders receive a visit from a special friend. It is always good fun dancing, sing-ing, and posing with the Enders Chicken, as well as guessing who is wearing the costume. HMMMM...which elementary principal played the role this year?