ABCs of SPRING COVE. SCHOOL DISTRICT June 2015 Building a Foundation of Excellence One Student at a Time Vol. 4, No. 4

The ABCs of SPRING COVE S C H O O L D I S T R I C T June 2015 Building a Foundation of Excellence…One Student at a Time Vol. 4, No. 4 Congratulat...
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ABCs of SPRING COVE S C H O O L

D I S T R I C T

June 2015 Building a Foundation of Excellence…One Student at a Time

Vol. 4, No. 4

Congratulations to the Class of 2015!

n June 5, hundreds of family members and friends erupted in applause as 129 graduates of the Central High School Class of 2015 walked across the stage to accept their well-earned CHS diplomas. As the students bid farewell to their years as Scarlet Dragons, they were also looking forward to the opportunities that await them in the months and years to come. Congratulations to Brody Greenleaf, who was named Valedictorian, and Brittany Miller, who was Salutatorian. Approximately 70% of CHS graduates will be pursuing two- and four-year degrees at colleges and universities such as University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Mt. Aloysius College, Liberty University and University of Oklahoma. In addition, roughly 27% will enter the workforce, many with skills they learned through CHS business, agriculture and other vocational courses. Finally, four percent of graduates will serve our country as members of the United States military. We thank them for their dedicated service and wish them safe travels.

The Class of 2015 celebrates their graduation with an enthusiastic toss of their caps!

The Board of School Directors, administrators, faculty and Kelly, Dennis C. Kensinger, Katlyn M. Kephart, Michael staff of Spring Cove School District extend their best wishes J. Kozak, Lane S. Kreider, Alex S. Lafferty, Jestine M. to every graduate. Lefchick, Carlie A. Leonard, Madison J. Longenecker, Michael S. Madden, Brittany E. Mayer, Christopher B. The Central High School Class of 2015 McCarty, Bridget E. McCready, Wayne M. McFarland, Brooke L. Albright, Mikeala N. Allison, Beth A. Amick, Mikaela R. McGraw, Sean L. McIntosh, Dylan M. McKee, Mitchell T. Andre, Kaley N. Angus, Abigail R. Appleman, Jacob T. Mellott, Brittany R. Miller, Donald W. Miller, Braeden T. Appleman, Eric M. Ayers, Brianna D. Bailey, Donovan T. Mock, Michael D. Mock, Louis A. Mollica, Candis M. Baker, Cassidi N. Barnes, Andrianna D. Hannah K. Moore, Brooke L. Mowery, Thomas C. Moyer, Black, Joshua D. Blattenberger, Daniel J. Brown, Brian Monicaa L. Noffsker, Carrie A. Northern, Kristen L. R. Brumbaugh, Kaitlyn P. Brumbaugh, Katherine Nycum, Brett D. Olbert, Jessica M. Orzceck, Trystan S. M. Brumbaugh, Rachel L. Brumbaugh, Trenton Poet, Vanessa K. Ponder, Craig A. Post, Jr., Jadin H. Ray, H. Buchanan, Kale M. Burket, Justin T. Caldwell, Kathryn M. Reed, Rachel L. Reed, Meghan E. Replogle, Christopher A. Carder, Aaron A. Claycomb, Samantha Damien J. Rhodes, Kylie M. Richardson, Alexis A. Ritchey, J. Clemens, Robert W. Cline, Aliza L. Coppersmith, Brandon L. Ritchey, Gage A. Robley, Jordon R. Rorabaugh, Christopher J. Cox, John P. Davis, Emily D. Detwiler, Donald R. Roudabush, David M. Rourke III, Karim A. Jessica A. Dick, Micah P. Dilling, Hannah C. Easly, Roye Muinos, Tyler W. Sherry, Briana L. Shriver, Marin Cheyann T. Feather, Bethany M. Feathers, Shaylin C. N. Shriver, Wyatt H. Simington, Andrew J. Smith, Nathan Fornwalt, Jerry Frye, Jr., Cullen A. Gahagan, Kelsey J. J. Smith, Marissa G. Snyder, Joshua D. Socie, Eric B. Gates, Shannon C. Glenny, John N. Gorsuch, Melinda A. Stahl, Amber N. Stallard, Aubrey A. Steele, Jay M. Stern, Goss, Brody A. Greenleaf, Kendra L. Hale, Joel R. Hamor, Elizabeth A. Thompson, Nicholas A. Thomson, Eric N. Megan E. Hauser, Ashley A. Hazlett, Charlotte L. Hess, Trexler, Collin J. Ulery, Owen A. Vazquez, Brenden H. Sarah L. Hetrick, Nicholas D. Hoenstine, Courtney L. Vollkommer, Brandon G. Walters, Robert P. Weitzel, Holsinger, Gavin N. Hoover, Justin S. Hughes, Wesley D. Brooklyn K. Welsh, Heather M. Wenger, Kaleb M. Weyant, Imler, Katie M. Isenberg, Zachary D. Johnston, Emily J. Dalton E. Wilt, Cassara R. Yingling, Hope L. Zimmerman

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Superintendent’s Corner At Spring Cove School District, we try our best to be as transparent as possible so that school families and District taxpayers are up-to-date on our academic, extracurricular and operational activities. For example, the community is always welcome at our School Board of Directors meetings and minutes are always posted on the District web site. We also welcome residents to attend and share their perspectives at other public meetings we host, such as Learning Walks, budget workshops, or the many community meetings we held on the elementary school realignment project.

and secretarial applicants are tested on skills specific to those positions.

In the continued spirit of transparency, I’d like to take a moment to clarify a few items that seem to be taking on “a life of their own” in our community. I hope this helps families and residents understand some of our operational processes. If questions remain, please feel free to attend our next School Board of Directors meeting, scheduled for July 20. In the meantime, thank you for your continued interest and support of our District.

Hiring Recommendations The Administrative Team recommends the best available applicant for each position according to District needs at the time each vacancy occurs. Board members are only involved for administrative positions. For all other positions, the Board makes appointments based on the recommendations of the selection committees and Superintendent.

School Buildings: As discussed at several public presentations of an architectural study that assessed the conditions of our school buildings, limited financial resources means SCSD will not be constructing any new school buildings. Instead, significant energyefficient upgrades are now underway at CHS, including the replacement of an aged heating system, windows and doors; the installation of air conditioning; and the addition of Light Emitting Diode (LED) fixtures. These upgrades are expected to ensure the longevity of the building through 2027.

Budget and Expenditures: The recent

As discussed in detail on page 7, Martinsburg Elementary is also under renovation to address extreme heating and cooling issues.

Staffing: All District positions are filled through a

complex process that follows established, written procedures. Most positions are advertised internally and externally to ensure that the District has access to the best pool of applicants. Faculty Hiring Administrators who screen the applications and select interviewees also supervise and evaluate the new hires on the job. Two or more administrators screen the applicants separately and discuss their impressions before agreeing on those to be interviewed. First round interviews usually include the interview, a writing assessment, and a lesson presentation. The administrators from the first round and the Superintendent then typically interview the finalists. Support Position Hiring Applicants for support positions must demonstrate competency on various skills tests before selection for an interview or as part of the interview. Candidates for paraprofessional positions must pass a basic skills test before they can be considered for an interview. Clerical

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implementation of a cyclical schedule for major purchases has significantly improved our budgeting process. Its successful implementation - a top priority for our Board - means that improvements can now be sustained year after year. Our predictable review and replacement cycle has actually enabled us to conserve District resources and eliminated years of ballooned expenses that delayed textbook purchases, technology investments or maintenance upgrades. Through this process, curriculum and supporting materials are now reviewed and replaced on a rotating schedule every eight years. District vehicles and maintenance equipment are replaced every 10 years. Technology, including computers, projection systems, and network infrastructure, are also replaced on a rotating basis. Chromebooks will be replaced every three years – the predictable lifespan for this equipment; servers and network infrastructure will be replaced every five years. Through this process, we have successfully set aside approximately $2.4 million since 2013. This is funding the first $2 million for CHS and MES improvements, and additional work at the middle school. That is money that does not have to be financed and interest that does not have to be paid. To learn more about District policies and procedures, please join us at any upcoming Board meetings.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert J. Vadella Superintendent

Thank You!

his year, several faculty and staff members will retire from SCSD after many exceptional years of service. We wish them all of the best in their retirement, and extend our sincere thanks to each of them for their years of service and dedication to our students.

Faculty Members

Melody Brumbaugh – Music Teacher David Hoenstine – Physical Education Teacher Nancy Newlin – Elementary Librarian Judy Plummer – Title I Reading Teacher James Snyder – Vocational Technology Teacher Lois Sollenberger – Family Consumer Science Teacher

Staff Members

Barbara Black – Head Cook Karen Filan – Paraprofessional Margaret “Peg” Rightnour – Custodian Susan White – Paraprofessional Jacqueline Williams – Paraprofessional Enjoy your retirement – it is well-deserved!

We’re Lovin’ It!

Calendar Highlights July 6 – 29 Summer School July 7 – 30 Extended School Year (ESY) July 13 – 17 KinderCamp July 15 Free PIAA sports physical (appt required) July 20 School Board of Directors meeting August 3 School Board of Directors meeting August 5 Free PIAA sports physical (appt required) August 17 First day of fall sports practice School Board of Directors meeting August 25 First day of school

Faculty, Staff Reach Major Career Milestones

everal SCSD teachers and staff members were honored for reaching important milestones in their SCSD careers during Spring Cove School District's Staff Appreciation Week held from May 4 – 8. We extend our many congratulations to:

5 Years of Service

Ed Bennett Darci Berkhimer Nancy Bush Wendy Engelberg Jennie Glass Cynthia Hart Marsha Hoover Marlene Horton Tina Rhodes Kristy Saylor Lori Smith Zachary Soohy

10 Years of Service

Lori Bennett Candace Claar LouAnn Kensinger Cindy Kurty Theresa Martin Denise Mickel Heather Trimeloni Annamarie Trombetto

The SCE faculty would like to thank everyone who supported its recent Teacher Night at McDonald’s in Roaring Spring. The event raised more than $1,075 to support PTO activities during the 2015-2016 school year. Thank you!



15 Years of Service

Aaron Hileman Abram Hoenstine John Horton Sherry Montgomery

20 Years of Service Gerald Albright Jacqueline Brady Gary Carlson Catherine Michalyk Terry Smith Philip Waite

25 Years of Service Lucinda Helsel Jacqulyn Seiler

30 Years of Service Melody Brumbaugh David Hoenstine

35 Years of Service

David Crumrine J. Mark Snyder In addition, several members of the SCSD team were recognized for maintaining perfect attendance during the 2013-2014 school year. We congratulate Barbara Black, Joan Blinn, Cathy Caldwell, Nancy Corle, David Crumrine, Rose Detwiler, Tracie Eicher-Madden, Mark Fluke, Christi Gartland, Lynette Guyer, Lucinda Helsel, Aaron Hileman, Linda Lafferty, Linda Lightner, Michael Pollard, Tina Rhodes, Cindy Ritchey, Jacquelyn Socie, and Douglas Weyant for their exemplary efforts. Thank you!

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Grads Earn More Than $33,000 in Scholarships

his year, members of the Class of 2015 earned more than $33,000 in scholarships from several area companies, organizations and families, many of whom have established a CHS scholarship in memory of or to honor a loved one. Scholarship recipients were announced at the CHS Senior Assembly on June 4th. During the awards ceremony, many students were also honored with certificates in recognition of their achievements in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the community. We congratulate each recipient and wish every graduate all the best as they begin the next chapter in their lives. Good luck!

Departmental Awards Art Bridget McCready Building Trades Dalton Wilt Business Marin Shriver English Briana Shriver Foreign Language Brody Greenleaf

National Technical Honors Society Donovan Mock Emergency Services: Senior of the Year and Capt. Bob Gallardy Memorial Scholarship (Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center) Shannon Glenny Wendall Gahagan Community Service Scholarship Jessica Orczeck, Hope Zimmerman NPC, Inc. Cooperative Educational Award Mikaela McGraw

The Challenge Program Awards

Home Economics Heather Wenger

Community Service Jessica Orczeck

Mathematics Robert Cline

Academic Improvement Brianna Shriver

Music Jessica Orczeck

Academic Excellence Michael Mock

Physical Education Brooke Albright, Jay Stern

Attendance Nathan Smith

Science Owen Vazquez

STEM Brody Greenleaf

Social Studies Brittany Miller

Additional Scholarships and Awards

Vocational Agriculture Nathan Smith BASIC Attendance Nathan Smith

Athletic Award (NPC Blanket Award) Mikaela McGraw Aaron N. Stuckey Memorial Candis Baker, Jessica Orczeck

Clarke Scholarship CHS Perfect Attendance Mikaela McGraw, Brody Greenleaf Nathan Smith Fleet Reserve Association Americanism Patriotism Contest The Heidelberg Scholastic Scholarship Mikaela McGraw David and Janet Hileman Scholarship Jessica Orczeck

Jaraka Waite

South Hills School of Business & Technology Marin Shriver

Cove Lumber College Scholarship Carol Jo Sichender “Mrs. S” Scholarship Rachel Brumbaugh Candis Baker Cove Lumber Trade School Award Small Tube’s Scholarship Kale Burket Allegany College of Maryland Kaitlyn Brumbaugh

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Michael Mock

Steven R. McGraw Scholarship Robert Cline, Zachary Johnston Steven Nelson Metzger Scholarship Alex Lafferty

Morrison Cove Rotary Club Scholarship D. Michael Claycomb Scholarship Marin Shriver Marissa Snyder, Michael Mock, Nathan Smith Appvion Charles S. Body Scholarship Brody Greenleaf

Martinsburg Business & Professional Women’s Award Mikaela McGraw

Bill and Janie Groff Memorial Scholarship Brianna Shriver

Rep. Stem Career in Agriculture Award Jessica Orczeck, Donald Miller

Steve King Memorial Joshua Socie

Jack Shaffer Memorial Award Joshua Blattenberger

Susan Lang Stackseder Scholarship Donovan Mock

Alex Barkman Memorial Scholarship Beth Amick

Leah Hoover Memorial Foundation D. Colton Kensinger, Jay Stern

Wilt Gillette Family Science Award Rachel Brumbaugh, Brittany Miller

Bice Memorial Journalism Award Briana Shriver



Valley Rural Electric Cooperative Scholarship Mikaela McGraw, Kale Burket

CHS American Red Cross Scholarship Briana Shriver, Marin Shriver

American Youth Soccer Organization Scholarship Jessica Orczeck

Nason Foundation Community Service Award Kaley Angus

Roaring Spring Lions Club Gabrielle Frick Scholarship Taylor Ritchey

Tom Kennedy Memorial Roaring Springs Lions Club Jeff Meals Memorial Award Michael Mock Rachel Brumbaugh, Nicholas Hoenstine Tri-County National Association of Insurance Women Marin Shriver

2015 Military Appreciation Award Eric Ayers, Jacob Mellet, Thomas Moyer, Joshua Socie

Lisa Meyers Audet Memorial Scholarship Joshua Blattenberger

US Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award Mikaela McGraw, Michael Mock

Ted Heuston Scholarship Award Athletic Award (E & D Benson Blanket Award) Hope Zimmerman, Kale Burket Michael Mock Robert L. Hite Memorial Scholarship Mical Dillings

McEldowney Scholarship Marin Shriver, Kale Burket

Ed Miles Memorial Dragon Spirit Award Marissa Snyder, Cullen Gahagan Linda Heuston Memorial Fan Award Duane Oakes

Teachers Sharpen Skills at Summer Workshops lthough students might be off for summer vacation, teachers across SCSD will be participating in a wide range of seminars and workshops throughout June, July and August. The workshops will introduce the teachers to new instructional strategies, as well as educational best practices that will help their students achieve in and out of the classroom. For example, English Language Arts teachers from SCMS and CHS, as well as special education teachers from SCMS, attended two important literacy-based training sessions to help students strengthen their reading and writing skills. Secondary English Language Arts and special education teachers will be attending a 2-day training in WriteTools to improve literacy instruction through a variety of instructional strategies. The District is also pleased to support two high school teachers who will attend workshops to prepare them for

the implementation of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) at Central High School. Project Lead the Way is currently in place at SCMS. It provides a comprehensive approach to STEM education through an engaging activity-, project-, and problem-based curriculum that gives students a chance to work together to apply what they know, identify problems and then find workable solutions. “Our students and STEM teachers have really embraced PLTW,” said Candace Claar, Principal of SCMS. “It has transformed the classroom into a collaboration space where content comes to life. It’s changing the way we approach STEM education.” Look for more information on district-wide PLTW activities in upcoming issues of The ABCs of Spring Cove School District.

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Elementary Students Visit Their New Classrooms n early June, Martinsburg Elementary and Spring Cove Elementary held Step-Up days to help students from Kindergarten 4 through grade 5 become more familiar with their new schools. Beginning in August, as part of the District’s elementary school realignment, all District students in Kindergarten 4, Kindergarten 5, Grade 1 and Grade 2 will attend Spring Cove Elementary; all District students in grades 3, 4 and 5 will attend Martinsburg Elementary. During the Step-Up nights, students and families toured the buildings, located their classrooms for next year and met some faculty and staff members. “Our faculty, staff and administrative teams have been preparing for this transition for the last several months,” explained Robert J. Vadella, Superintendent. “This was a chance for families to see how things have come together and how the re-alignment will benefit the children. We had a great turn-out and we’re all looking forward to next year.” Back-to-school open houses will also be held later this summer. Look for more information as September approaches.

Incoming kindergartners registered for school in May. All District kindergartners will attend SCE in the fall.

Legos and Learning Beginning in January, a group of inquisitive MES 2nd graders arrived at school a few minutes early every Monday morning to prepare for their first-ever Junior FIRST Lego League competition. The Junior FLL is a hands-on program which features a real-world challenge to be explored through research, critical thinking and imagination. Each team then uses Legos to create a display to show their learning and ideas. This year, teams were challenged to explore a place where learning occurs. The six-member Lego Dragons chose to focus on martial arts centers and learned everything they could about them. With support from their coach, 2nd grade teacher Daniel Garwood, the group read articles, watched videos, and listened to a presentation by Doug Hoover from Hoover Martial Arts Center. Afterward, they used the information to design and construct a model of a martial arts center, complete with two pupils in motion. In addition, they produced a display board to present their model and research. Austin Bassler, Bryson Brooks, Layla Bagal, Zach Lingenfelter, Danielle Heltzel and Daniel Longwell (l-r) competed in the Junior First Lego League this spring.

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The students’ work can be seen in detail in the Junior FLL Online Showcase, where teams from all over the country display their creations. Visit http://jrfllshowcase.usfirst. org/teams/3340 to check it out!

The Construction Zone his summer will be very busy for our custodial and maintenance staff. In addition to annual cleaning and preventive maintenance, the staff is working with various construction crews on several District projects.

Updates at Central High School

Most construction activity will take place at Central High School. As part of an Energy Conservation (ESCO) project, a new heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system will finally be installed in the building. Dual purposes univent rooftop units will replace antiquated boilers and steam lines that have required considerable patching over the last several years. The HVAC upgrades require the removal and replacement of the ceiling tiles in all corridors and classrooms. This, in turn, provides an opportunity for additional improvements such as: • Installation of all new ceilings in the areas affected by the HVAC enhancements, which will brighten up and rejuvenate the appearance and climate in CHS. • The conversion of all building lights to light emitting diode (LED) lighting, which requires less electricity and will help reduce electrical costs. • Fresh and crisp coats of paint in the hallways, including a new safety-focused color scheme to facilitate the movement of emergency personnel in the event of a major incident. Other renovation projects include refinishing of the stage and gym floors; painting the gym ceilings and walls; and replacing all exterior doors and windows to reduce energy costs and provide additional security and safety to students and staff. Most of the work will be complete prior to the beginning of the fall sports season. Fine tuning the control systems on the new HVAC system will continue into September. Looking ahead, the maintenance staff will begin replacing the plumbing fixtures in all CHS lavatories after the school year starts. Since most of these fixtures are original, their replacement will help reduce water usage and costs, and update the appearance of CHS restrooms.

Updates at Martinsburg Elementary

Upgrades at Martinsburg Elementary School are part of the CHS ESCO project and include: • Reconstruction of the 2nd floor heating units to incorporate heating and air conditioning to resolve issues related to excessively hot classrooms in the fall and spring, and cold classrooms during the winter months.

• Fresh coats of hallway paint to match CHS, SCMS and SCE and to provide a safety color scheme for emergency personnel. All work at MES, except for fine tuning of the control units on the HVAC system, will be completed prior to the opening of school in August.

The District is working with Trane as the contractor for the overall project at CHS and MES. The firm completed the ESCO project at SCMS four years ago. It will provide the HVAC equipment and oversee all subcontracting work. Wherever possible, Trane has engaged local subcontractors, such as Bettwy Systems, to assist on this project.

Updates at Spring Cove Middle School Summer projects at SCMS include:

• Replacing deteriorating wall tiles at SCMS to improve student safety • Painting gym walls and the ceiling to match the gym colors at SCE and CHS • Refinishing the gym floor to make it safer for student use All projects should be wrapped up by early August.

Updates to the Athletic Field

The forester the District engaged to inspect the trees at the Athletic Field recommended that all of the trees be removed as they pose a threat to the safety of the student athletes, spectators, and other property at the complex. In his opinion, some needed to be removed immediately and the remainder should be removed before they deteriorate. The community’s attachment to the trees is very strong. We are, therefore, seeking a second expert opinion on their removal. Thank you for your patience during the summer construction season.

KinderCamp Offered in July Spring Cove School District is again happy to offer KinderCamp to eligible incoming kindergarten students. The camp will be held at Spring Cove Elementary. Through daily classes, the young students will strengthen their school readiness skills so that they have a strong foundation as they enter elementary school. Classes will be held July 13 -17 from 9:00 am - 11:15 am. Throughout the week, children will work with SCSD teachers on social and communication skills. This will also help familiarize them with daily school activities that will occur during the 2015-2016 school year. The elementary principals have notified parents of eligible children. Parents who may have questions about the program are invited to contact Carol Louden, SCE Principal at [email protected].

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Don’t Forget to Update Your Child’s InfoSnap Profile ummer is the perfect time to update your child’s InfoSnap profile to ensure the District has current contact and emergency information before the start of the 2015-2016 school year.  With this in mind, parents are encouraged to take a moment to update their child’s or children’s profile between July 1 and July 31 so that all necessary information is complete by the first day of school. Now in its second year, InfoSnap is an easy-to-use online program that replaces multiple paper forms that parents used to have to fill out for each child.  Through InfoSnap, parents can now update their family profile in an instant from any device, including laptops, tablets or smartphones. After July 1, parents of returning students may update or create their family profile by

logging into https://secure.infosnap.com/family/gosnap. aspx?action=7231&culture=en. Please note that the medical form will be released on August 25 and will not be included in the online summer update program. More information on InfoSnap updates will be sent out via email and mail. Parents may also contact Robin Tate, the Director of Data Quality, Reporting, and Performance Analysis, at 224-3012 or Geri Bridenbaugh, Office of the Superintendent, at 224-3060 with any questions.

If you are new to SCSD this year and do not have access to a computer or the Internet, please mark your calendar to join us for an upcoming InfoSnap registration day. Complementary computer and Internet service will be provided so that you can register your child with ease. When: Tuesday, August 4 - 10:00 am – Noon or Wednesday, August 12, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Where: Technology Center at Spring Cove Middle School Who: Families who are new to SCSD and have student(s) to register for the 2015-16 school year and do not have access to a computer or the Internet. Please bring the following documents with you: • Parent Identification (ID) – Driver’s license or visa/passport • Proof of Child’s Date of Birth - Acceptable documentation includes a birth certificate; baptismal certificate or a transcript of the baptism record that is duly certified and shows the date of birth; notarized statement from the parents indicating the date of birth; duly attested transcript of the birth certificate, or duly certified transcript of birth • Proof of Residency – Acceptable documentation includes a residential utility bill, or a copy of a lease, housing contract or sales agreement • Immunization Record - This must be received before the student will be able to start school and may include - Immunization Card (doctor signature required) or - Official School Record Immunization Sheet - It is your responsibility to provide this to us. If necessary, you may request that your child’s previous school fax a copy to us at (814) 224-3061. You may also bring a copy from your last district to the registration meeting. • Verification of Previous School - Acceptable documentation includes a Report Card or Grade Transcript • Special Education Paperwork (only required if this applies to your child) Please contact Geri Bridenbaugh at 224-3060 or Robin Tate at 224-3012 with any questions you may have.

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Many Thanks to the Lions Club! hanks to a generous donation from the Roaring Spring Lions Club, students across SCSD will now have access to state-of-the-art vision testing. The Lions Club recently donated two Stereo Optical Vision Testers that will be used by District nurses to screen every SCSD student for potential vision issues. The new units, valued at nearly $3,500, will replace outdated equipment and will make the screening process more effective. Screenings are held throughout the school year; the first wave of screens will begin in August. Thank you!

SCSD Remembers Jack Shaffer

Jessica Harker poses by one of two new vision units that will be available to students beginning in the fall.

Summer Sports Physicals in July and August pring Cove School District is again sponsoring free sports physicals for all 2015-2016 scholastic sports. The physicals will be performed on Wednesday, July 15th and Wednesday, August 5th from 8am - 12:00 pm at Heaton Family Practice, located behind Nason Hospital in Roaring Spring. Athletes must schedule an appointment with Stacy Kuster, the school’s athletic trainer. She can be reached at (814) 934-9629. Physicals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be scheduled in the order in which calls are received. Time slots fill up quickly!

John E. “Jack” Shaffer was posthumously honored with the 2015 Leon E. Kensinger Memorial Award. n May 17, members of the SCSD family gathered to remember John E. “Jack” Shaffer during the 2015 Leon E. Kensinger Memorial Award ceremony at Spring Cove Middle School. Mr. Shaffer, who passed away in 2003, established a legacy of musical excellence in the Spring Cove community during and after his teaching career with the School District. His wife, Marilyn, was present to accept the honor. The Kensinger Memorial Award is presented each year to the family of a deceased Spring Cove School District employee who showed exceptional commitment to the students while employed with the District. The District will accept nominations in the fall for next year’s honoree. For more information or to obtain a nomination form, please call Geri Bridenbaugh at 224-3060.

PIAA Comprehensive Pre-Participation Physical Forms (CIPPE forms) must be completed prior to the athlete’s scheduled appointment and can be obtained in the main office at CHS, SCMS, or via the PIAA website (www.PIAA.org). Please keep in mind that, due to time constraints, any athlete who shows up without a completed form or an appointment will not be able to have a physical. 

ESY Reminder

The Extended School Year/(ESY) will be held at SCMS for eligible students from 9:00 am - noon or 9:00 am - 2:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from July 7 - July 30.  Students will concentrate on maintaining skills and concepts they learned throughout the year.  Program information was mailed to families of eligible students a few weeks ago. If you did not receive the information and believe your child may be eligible for the ESY, please contact Mitchell Price, Director of Special Education, at [email protected].

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Three Leaders Honored at 2015 Celebration of Excellence n April 16, more than 100 people gathered to honor three exceptional individuals for the positive impact they make on students across Spring Cove School District. Brad Heuston, an 8th grade social science teacher at SCMS and the advisor to the nationally ranked CHS Mock Trial Team, was named Educator of the Year. In addition, Jeanne Sollenberger, who retired from Martinsburg Elementary after 30 years as a 1st grade teacher and then returned a few years later as an invaluable volunteer, was named Volunteer of the Year. Finally, Susan White, a paraprofessional at MES who works closely with children who may need additional support to succeed in and out of the classroom, was named Support Staff of the Year.

Jeanne Sollenberger, Susan White, and Brad Heuston (l-r) take a moment to relax after the Celebration of Excellence.

Congratulations to this year’s Celebration of Excellence winners. It is an honor and pleasure to share this achievement with you! We wish you continued success in all of your endeavors. Nominations for next year will be accepted in the fall.

Team Competes at Statewide Envirothon ats off to Central High School students Jay Stern, Nathan Smith, Rachel Brumbaugh, Joel Hamor and Colton Kensinger for representing the District at the Blair County Envirothon on May 14. This team took first place at the Blair County Envirothon and earned a trip to the State meet. The State Competition was held May 19 and 20 at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and Windber Recreation Park.

The 2015 CHS Envirothon teams included Brittany Miller, Joel Hamor, Colton Kensinger, Jay Stern (front row) and Rachel Brumbaugh, Olivia Bosar and Miranda Snyder (back row). Nathan Smith, Owen Vasquez and Devin Dively were also Envirothon participants.

During the Envirothon, teams participated in a series of field station tests that focused on soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, and environmental issues. In addition, each team prepared and delivered an oral presentation. Teams were evaluated on problemsolving capabilities, oral presentation skillsand recommendations to help solve the specific environmental challenge relates to urban and community forestry.

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“This was a great opportunity for our students to test their skills across the environmental and agricultural spectrum,” said Jessica Sorge, advisor. “We learned many valuable lessons at the competition and we are already looking forward to incorporating them into next year’s preparations.

Spring Sports Wrap-Up Student-athletes gave it their all during the spring sports season, with teams making it to district play-offs, vying for district championships and competing in state tournaments. Congratulations to the players. We are already looking forward to next year!

Brandon Ritchey rips the ball against Richland in the District play-off game.

Varsity Baseball – Although an upset by Richland High

School in the first round of Class AA Districts VI play-offs ended their season, the team finished with a strong 17-4 record and the Mountain League Championship. 

Matt Knauss sets for his teammates.

Track & Field -The Boys team finished 5-4 on the season

and advanced Noah Benton, Elijah Benton, Kyle Dodson, Justin Helsel, Nathan Mussleman and Gavin Northern to the PIAA state tournament in Hershey over Memorial Day weekend. The Girls team completed their run at 0-9.

Boys Volleyball – The team faced tough competition, finishing the season at 2-11. At the junior high level, the boys baseball and girls softball teams logged impressive records, completing their seasons at 13-2 and 14-1, respectively. Looking ahead, fall sports practices will begin on Monday, August 17. All students must have a sports physical. Please see the story on page 9 for more information about dates for free PIAA exams.

Noah Benton competes in a hurdle event at the Bedford Invitational.

D6 Champs!

The 2015 D6 Class AA champs!

Photo courtesy of Baker's Photo Bench

Congratulations to the CHS Varsity Girls Softball team for beating the odds and emerging as District 6 Class AA champions! After a hardfought game on May 27 at Penn State’s Medlar Field, the team beat Marion-Center 6-5 in extra innings to claim the championship. The girls entered District 6 play-offs as the 11th seed before downing powerhouses Central Cambria, Bald Eagle Area, Philipsburg-Osceola and Marion Center. The championship victory earned them a slot in the state play-offs for the first time since 2012. Congratulations on a fabulous season!

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Spring Cove School District Office of the Superintendent 1100 East Main Street Roaring Spring, PA 16673 814-224-5124 http://scsd.schoolwires.net

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Contact Us District Administration 224-5124 Martinsburg Elementary School 793-2014 Spring Cove Elementary School 224-2311 877-695-4859 (toll-free) Spring Cove Middle School 224-2106 Central High School 793-2111 Don’t forget to visit http://scsd.schoolwires.net for the latest news, sports schedules and calendar information.

What’s Happening

MES students Madison Kennedy and Brady Albright earned cash awards and ribbons from the Blair Conservation District for designing 1st and 2nd place posters that raised awareness about storm water pollution. Congratulations!

Introducing Prom Queen Aubrey Steele and King Brody Greenleaf!

Lexi Ritchey shows her power at the plate.

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Prom Princess Sarah Blattenberger and Prince Jay Stern enjoy the evening.