Lower Dauphin School District
Spring 2014
Know Your Schools
Important Information for the Residents of Lower Dauphin School District
Pride in schools, students something we all share
F
alcon Pride. It’s something we talk
about a lot in our schools. It’s about
doing things the right way. It’s about
reaching goals. It’s about helping others.
At Commencement next month, I will
see many of our students wearing Falcon
Pride pins on the front of their gowns. I will
see the pride in the faces of each of the 300
graduates as they receive their diplomas. I
will also hear the pride from their family
and friends in the audience. That ceremony
is the ultimate expression of Falcon Pride.
To reach Commencement, we all know
that every student must complete their
academic requirements. But this journey
through school is also enhanced with so
much more than just the academics; so
many of our students also experience the
arts, music programs, athletic teams and
community service programs.
In the pages of this newsletter, we
celebrate our students’ journeys. Some
of them found amazing success in music.
Others are being celebrated for their artistic
close, I am always awe-struck
accomplishments. For more
at the amazing journeys
than a dozen, their success
I have had the privilege
on the athletic field resulted
to witness. Our students
in their journey continuing to
continue to fill me with so
the next level. We also find
much pride and hope.
stories about the performing
As the leader of this
arts and community service.
outstanding academic
We are proud of these
institution, I want to thank
journeys.
you, our taxpayers, for
This newsletter has a
helping to make our students’
story about our students’
journey possible. It is my
academic success.
wish that you will attend
Standardized tests are a
Dr. Sherri Smith
a school event next year to
constant companion on our students’
see our students as they continue on their
journey these days. Two of our schools
individual journeys.
were recognized by the state Secretary of
I am certain that you will witness
Education for their academic achievements,
Falcon Pride in action and come away with
even though I can tell you that all of our
a measure of it in your own heart.
schools had success on last year’s tests.
There is also a story in this newsletter
which thanks our teachers who are retiring
after devoting a large portion of their lives
Sherri L. Smith, Ed.D.
to help guide our students.
Superintendent
With the school year winding to a
Proposed LD budget for 2014-15 will freeze taxes again
L
ower Dauphin taxpayers will not see a
rate increase in the 2014-15 school year
after the school board approved a $60.9
million budget Monday.
This budget represents the sixth time
in the last seven years that taxes were not
increased by the school district. The millage
rate will remain at 18.42 mills, resulting
in a $1,842 tax bill on a home assessed at
$100,000.
“It is very gratifying to be able to
continue to hold the line on taxes in our
budget,” said Superintendent Sherri Smith.
“It’s a team effort involving our staff,
Inside This Issue
Look for Lower Dauphin on the
Web http://www.ldsd.org
administration and board to be able to
provide for our students’ needs while
maintaining our commitment to control
costs for our taxpayers.”
The proposed budget includes a $2.9
million transfer from budgetary reserves
to pay for roofing projects at the high
school and middle school as well as the
proposed construction of a field house
at the turf fields on the middle school
campus. Removing this $2.9 million in
one-time expenditures, the district budget
is increasing 2.5 percent from last year.
Dr. Smith said that after subtracting
Budget Forum
May 29, 6:30 p.m.
District Administration Center
291 East Main St. Hummelstown
the state-mandated increase in pension
payments from the bottom line this
proposed budget is only $249,310 more
than last year’s budget.
The biggest decrease in expenditures
this year is in the area of debt payments
(Continued on page 2)
Singin in the Rain wows crowds
Singers perform at states
Conewago wins LEED award
Mini-Thon raises thousands
page 3
page 8
page 4
page 9
Know Your Schools
Budget: Proposed spending plan will hold line on taxes
(Continued from page 1)
where the school board’s decision in
October to pay down and refinance a bond
resulted in an $878,000 decrease in the
2014-15 budget. The budget will allow
the district to move forward on several
initiatives including a new card-key system
for building doors, new textbooks as part
of the transition to the PA Core Standards,
technology initiatives and installation of
speed bumps at the middle school.
On the revenue side of the budget,
the district is enjoying slight growth in
earned income taxes and property taxes of
$484,841. The district is also relying on
the governor’s Ready to Learn grant for
$431,104 in new revenue to help balance
the budget. Aside from that grant, revenue
from the state and federal government has
seen a slight decrease.
For the 2014-15 school year local
sources make up 65.8 percent of the Lower
Dauphin budget; state revenue is another
32.1 percent and federal revenue is 2.0
percent.
District schools will operate on four-day week during summer
L
ower Dauphin schools will again operate on a four-day work
week for part of the summer in an effort to save on utility costs.
Last year the district spent more than $30,000 less on utilities
during the six-week period schools were open four days a week.
“We were pleased with how well the shut-down went the
last few summers,” said Superintendent Sherri Smith. “We’ll be
operating on the four-day schedule, and again expecting comparable
savings this summer.”
All employees will have the option to work four, 10-hour days
or their regular five, 8-hour shifts.
This summer, the district’s modified summer schedule will
begin on June 16 and end on August 8. During this time, all
buildings will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m.
to 3:30 p.m. The District Administration Center will continue to be
open five days a week.
During the building shutdowns, air conditioning and electricity
will be off on Fridays and no one is to be in the buildings.
All buildings will be closed July 4, and all buildings except the
DAC will be closed July 3.
In addition, the district’s elementary buildings and high school
will be closed for the entire week of July 21-25. Administrators will
be attending a week of meetings and workshops at the district office
and secretaries will be reassigned to the middle school for staff
development activities.
There are extensive roofing projects planned at Lower Dauphin
Middle School and Lower Dauphin High School and some access to
those schools may be limited during the summer.
Ninth-grader’s letter results in a very ‘fortunate’ event
L
ower Dauphin High School freshmen
are required to write a business letter
as part of their computer applications class.
The goal is to teach them an important life
skill while working within Microsoft Word
to learn how to correctly format a letter.
One of the things students struggle
with is who to write to, relates teacher
Susan Morefield.
Jake Kennedy was struggling to come
up with an idea when he decided to write
to the author of a book series he liked as a
fourth-grader – Lemony Snicket.
“Lemony Snicket” is the pen name of
author Daniel Handler whose “Series of
Unfortunate Events” books are worldwide
best-sellers.
“Dear Mr. Snicket,” Jake wrote. “I am
a huge fan of The Series of Unfortunate
2
Events books. Sadly, I have since
forgotten the story of some of the books
and would love to read the series all over
again.”
The publisher of the series,
HarperCollins, was touched by Jake’s
letter apparently, sending him the entire
13-book boxed set on behalf of Mr.
Snicket.
“We’ve never had a response like
this before,” Mrs. Morefield said. “This
was great!”
This summer, Jake plans to revisit
the misadventures of the Baudelaire
orphans, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, when
he reads his new box set over the break.
And in case you were wondering,
Jake got an “A” on his assignment.
Jake Kennedy has a lot of reading to do
this summer!
Lower Dauphin High School’s spring musical Singin’ in the Rain played to packed houses March 6-8. The show featured
Apollo Award nominees Brendan McAlester, Rachel Bitner, Kelsey Kindall and Christopher Brian.
3
Know Your Schools
Vocalist, Chamber Singers perform at states
L
ower Dauphin was well-represented
at the Pennsylvania Music Educator
Association’s annual all-state festival in
March.
In addition to having a vocalist
selected to perform in the all-state chorus,
the high school’s chamber singers were
chosen as an ensemble to perform.
Junior bass Christopher Brian was
selected through audition to perform in the
all-state chorus. He was selected to perform
at states after successfully auditioning after
his selection to the regional chorus.
The Chamber Singers were chosen via
recorded application from 130 ensembles
across the state. This is the ensemble’s
second all-state selection in the past four
years.
The group is made up of sopranos
Kaitlyn Benedict, Ocean Campbell, Emily
McKissick, Anna Nissley, Olivia Pfeffer,
and Cassie Zinkan; altos Rachel Bitner,
Ella Breidenstine,
Kaitlin Gibbs, Megan
Hauck, Emma Irving,
Kelsea Rehrer, and
Christy Umberger;
tenors Kevin Breisch,
Michael Gainer, Peter
Lehman, Kaylor Long,
Jacob McCorkel,
and Rye Morris; and
basses Christopher
Brian, Benjamin Hoy,
Paul Nestler, Connor LDHS Chamber Singers after their performance at the
Schrum, and Quinn
PMEA State Convention.
Schrum. They are
under the direction of Elizabeth Colpo.
PMEA District Chorus – Christopher
Other students selected to perform in
Brian, Paul Nestler, Cassie Zinkan and
honor assemblies this year included:
Kevin Breisch.
PMEA Regional Chorus – Christopher
PMEA District Jazz Band – Jeff Groh
Brian, Paul Nestler, and Cassie Zinkan.
and Kelsey Kindall.
PMEA District Band – Steve Slimak
PMEA District Orchestra – Sara
and Katie Goerl.
Rothermel and Sam Rothermel.
Students, shows earn Apollo Award recognition
L
ower Dauphin High School actors
earned seven
nominations in this
year’s Hershey Theatre
Apollo Awards.
Created in 2008, the
Apollo Awards recognize
outstanding achievement
by local high school students
in their musical and play productions.
Modeled after The Tony Awards on
Broadway, the ceremony will be held at
the Hershey Theatre on Sunday, May 18.
Lower Dauphin High School’s fall
play, “Front,” was an honorable mention
for outstanding play. In addition,
Kelsey Kindall received an
outstanding actress nomination
for her portrayal of Judith Gently;
Brendan McAlester was nominated
for outstanding actor for his portrayal
of Frank Gently; and Erin Hereshko
was an outstanding supporting actress
nominee for her portrayal of JC Smuts.
The spring musical, “Singin’ in the
Rain,” was an honorable mention for
outstanding musical. McAlester was
nominated as outstanding actor for his
portrayal of Don Lockwood; Rachel Bitner
was nominated as outstanding actress for
her portrayal of Kathy Selden; Christopher
Brian was nominated for outstanding
supporting actor for his portrayal of Cosmo
Brown; and Kindall received a nomination
as outstanding supporting actress for her
portrayal as Lina Lamont.
Blue & White Gala brings in over $15,000 for LDFF
M
ore than 200 attended the Lower
Dauphin Falcon Foundation’s sixth
annual Blue & White Gala at Hollywood
Casino February 1.
The event raised $15,250 to support the
Falcon Foundation’s mission of enhancing
Lower Dauphin programs and expanding
opportunities for Lower Dauphin students.
To date, the Foundation has committed
more than $84,000 in grants to Lower
Dauphin programs.
The honorary chairman for this year’s
event was Nicholas Poppy, a member of
Lower Dauphin High School’s Class of
1991.
Mr. Poppy received an Emmy for
“outstanding special short-format liveaction entertainment” in 2011 for The Daily
Show on Comedy Central. He is a threetime nominee for Emmy awards. At the gala
he appeared in the Falcon mascot costume
4
and talked about the importance of the arts
in Lower Dauphin schools.
“We had an outstanding turnout and an
outstanding night,” said Falcon Foundation
President Patricia Gordon. “While we have
a good time, it’s important to remember
that we’re providing for the future of Lower
Dauphin.”
Funds raised by the LDFF support
the arts, athletics and special classroom
projects to enhance the educational
opportunities of Lower Dauphin students.
Last school year the Falcon Foundation
donated more than $9,000 to support
district programs.
“The Lower Dauphin Falcon
Foundation provides our students with
opportunities which they might not
otherwise be able to enjoy,” said Dr. Sherri
Smith, superintendent and foundation board
member. “The foundation also enhances
Nicholas Poppy
opportunities for our students to get the
most out of their educational experience
here in Lower Dauphin.”
A dozen retirees leaving Lower Dauphin at end of year
L
ower Dauphin School Board has
approved retirements for 12 staff
members, totaling more than 323 years of
service to the school district.
The retirees include:
Terri Bolt - Mrs. Bolt will be retiring
from Lower Dauphin after 12 years as a
middle school reading specialist. She has
also served as the Leo Club advisor at the
middle school. At the end of June, she will
have served 35 years as an educator.
Ben Cooper – Mr. Cooper has been
employed by the district for 35 years and
is currently a sixth-grade science teacher
at the middle school. He began his career
as a fifth-grade teacher at South Hanover
Elementary School. He also coached
football at the middle school for 16 years,
lacrosse for two years, and high school
track & field for three years.
Peggy Dengler – Mrs. Dengler has
worked for the Lower Dauphin School
District for 27 years as a learning support
aide in Mrs. Cromwell’s classroom at Nye
Elementary School.
Linda Donlan – Mrs. Donlan has
been employed by Lower Dauphin for 35
years, teaching language arts mostly in
eighth grade on the Blue Team. She also
coached the high school varsity and junior
varsity girls’ basketball team, and was
the scorekeeper for many years following
coaching.
Nicholas Loranzo – Nick has work as
a custodian for the district for 10 years. He
started as a substitute custodian in February
of 2004 and was hired full-time in July of
that same year. He spent a year and a half
at East Hanover Elementary School then
transferred to Nye Elementary School.
Mary Mader – Mary has worked for
the district for 19 ½ years. She started as
an instructional aide at Nye Elementary
School. She moved to a learning support
aide position at the middle school in August
1996. Mary retired from the district in
July of 2000, but later returned in January
of 2008 as a life skills aide at the middle
school.
Fred McGarvey – Mr. McGarvey will
be retiring from Lower Dauphin with 33
years of service. His entire career has been
spent at East Hanover Elementary School
where he taught fourth, fifth, and sixth
grades.
Eileen Pagano – Mrs. Pagano was
hired in 1978 as the first learning support
teacher in the district, and will be retiring
at the end of this school year with 35 years
of service. She started at Nye Elementary
School teaching learning support for
five years, and then taught kindergarten,
first grade, and second grade at South
Hanover Elementary School for 25 years.
In 2008, she became a district-wide special
education coach and will retire from that
position.
Doris Sheaffer - Mrs. Sheaffer has
been employed by the district for 36 years.
She started as an instructional/cafeteria
aide at Londonderry Elementary School
and then transferred to a learning support
aide position in the life skills classroom
at Londonderry Elementary. During the
summer, she also helped in the district
transportation office.
Joyce Shirley – Mrs. Shirley will be
retiring after 20 years of service to the
district. She taught first and second grade at
Price Elementary School, and then moved
to third grade at Nye Elementary School
before becoming a reading specialist there.
Cindy Stewart – Mrs. Stewart has
been employed by the district for 27.5
years and started her career teaching
second grade at Londonderry Elementary
School. She taught learning support and
third grade at South Hanover Elementary
before transferring to the high school
where she taught instructional support and
direct instruction English classes. In 2007,
Cindy became the district’s first transition
coordinator and created the communitybased employability skills program for
students in life skills, autism support, and
learning support classrooms.
Elizabeth Wagner – Mrs. Wagner
has been employed by the district for
33.5 years. She began her career at Lower
Dauphin as a long-term substitute and later
gained a full-time position teaching sixth
grade at East Hanover Elementary School.
She transferred to the middle school where
she’s been teaching for the past 20 years.
Secretary of Education recognizes two LD schools for test scores
T
wo schools in Lower Dauphin School
District received the Governor’s Award
for Excellence in Academics for their scores
on the state School Performance Profiles.
Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn
Dumaresq visited Lower Dauphin High
School to present the awards to Lower
Dauphin High School and Nye Elementary
School.
“High-quality, effective educators and
school leaders greatly influence student
achievement,” Dr. Dumaresq told an
audience of students from the high school
and Nye Elementary School. “I applaud
Lower Dauphin School District for its
excellent educational programs, quality
teachers, support staff and administrative
team that are dedicated to raising student
achievement.”
The high school got a 92.3 percent on
the profile, the highest score in the district
and one of the top five for all public schools
in Dauphin County.
Nye Elementary School
attained a score of 91.9 percent.
The other five schools in the
district got no lower than an 82.2
on the School Performance Profile.
“I know I speak not only for
myself as your Superintendent,
but also for the members of the
Lower Dauphin School Board,
when I extend our personal thanks
and congratulations to the hard
work and accomplishments of
both our Lower Dauphin staff
and students,” Lower Dauphin
Superintendent Sherri Smith said.
“It definitely takes a group effort
of everyone to accomplish such
high achievement!”
High school Principal Todd Neuhard, left, and
The schools are among 428
statewide that got a score of 90 or Nye Elementary Principal Doug Winner receive
banners from the state Secretary of Education.
higher.
5
Know Your Schools
Miller hired as middle school assistant principal
O
n March 3, the Lower Dauphin School
Board approved Maria B. Miller as
assistant principal at the middle school,
replacing Steve Szobocsan who resigned in
February.
Miller was a reading teacher in the
Halifax Area School District where she
has worked since 2009. Prior to that was
employed as a literature teacher and as
an English teacher in Kingsway Regional
Middle School in New Jersey.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in
elementary education from St. Joseph’s
University and a master’s degree in
curriculum and instruction middle
school language arts from Shippensburg
University. She also holds a principal’s
certificate from Penn State University.
“We are excited to welcome Maria to
our team at the middle school,” said Dr.
Sherri Smith,
superintendent.
“We are
confident she
will prove to
be an great
asset to our
district moving
forward.”
New book highlights first 50 years of Lower Dauphin history
L
ower Dauphin
celebrated its golden
anniversary in 2010 and
former faculty member Dr.
Judith T. Witmer has written
a 492-page book which
encapsulates those first 50
years.
Her book, “Loyal
Hearts Proclaim,” delves
into the storied history of
Lower Dauphin. More than
just a dry listing of statistics
and facts, Dr. Witmer
captures the stories which
give Lower Dauphin High
School its character.
The band, she relates,
could not begin rehearsals because “the
bass drum and all percussions instruments
had not arrived and believed to be on
freight cars.” The high school’s first
physical education classes were held in the
cafeteria because
the gymnasium floor
wasn’t completed.
Seventy new
teachers were hired
to serve in the new
school.
Dr. Witmer
spoke with
coaches for their
recollections of
their tenure on
the sidelines. She
sought information
from representatives
from each of the
first 50 graduating
classes. She recalled
historic events and school pranks.
“This book is unlike anything I’ve
ever seen before,” said Lower Dauphin
Superintendent Sherri Smith. “Judith
has captured the Lower Dauphin social
experience from its first days to our current
era with interesting anecdotes and fun facts
on every page.”
“Loyal Hearts Proclaim” may be
purchased at the Hummelstown Area
Historical Society at 32 West Main Street,
Hummelstown on Monday or Wednesday
between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and on
Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You may also use the Society’s website
(hummelstownhistoricalsociety.org) to
purchase the book using PayPal.
The first 250 books are priced as $50
each, and then the price will go up to $60
per book. All purchases should add $3 sales
tax per book plus $7 shipping if applicable.
Dr. Witmer is donating all proceeds
from the sale of the book to the Lower
Dauphin Alumni Association to promote
alumni projects which benefit the school
and students. The goal is to sell a sufficient
number of books so that the LDAA receives
$10,000.
High school students’ artwork receives recognition
T
wo Lower Dauphin art students
captured gold key awards and a silver
key in the Harrisburg region for projects
submitted to the Scholastic Art Awards.
Another three students won a honorable
mention recognition.
Anna Schrader earned a gold key and
received an American Visions nomination
for her work “Worn Paint.” She also earned
a silver key for her work titled “Mismatch
Storm.” Alecia Thomasson earned a gold
key for her painting “Out of Element.”
Scholastics is a regional competition
between 60 school districts with 29 different
categories for art and writing. The students
winning artwork will be selected for display
at the State Museum in Harrisburg.
Earning honorable mentions were
Devyn Barry for “Copper,” Jenny Cheng for
“Dancing on a Mirror,” and Angela Linton
for “Daily Post.”
6
With the exception of Cheng’s piece,
all of the winning artwork was recently
exhibited at the Penn State University
College of Medicine’s Simulation Center.
Thomasson’s work is on display
this month at the Red Raven Gallery in
Lancaster on its emerging artist wall.
Some of the award winning artwork
from our LD students.
LD student-athletes ink scholarships for next level
F
ourteen Lower Dauphin High School
student-athletes have announced their
college choices where they will continue
their academic and athletic careers after
signing NCAA Letters of Intent. They
include:
Baseball
Kaylor Kulina – Kaylor is the son of
Ken and Kim Kulina. Last season he was
Mid-Penn Keystone Division MVP and was
a member of the PIAA District 3-AAAA
championship team that was state runnerup. He will continue his academic and
athletic career at Polk State College where
he will major in sports management.
Cross Country/Track & Field
Cole Nissley – Cole is the son of Rod
and Sara Nissley. He is a four-year varsity
runner in cross country and a three-year
varsity runner in track & field. He was
Mid-Penn Conference champion in cross
country this fall and earned conference gold
in the 3,200-meter run last spring. He plans
to continue his academic and athletic career
at Shippensburg University where he will
major in business management.
Field Hockey
Devyn Barry – Devyn is the daughter
of Bruce and Dana Barry. She is a four-year
member and co-captain of the field hockey
team. She was a first team all-star selection
for the past two seasons and was named
to the state coaches’ association all-star
squad as a first team selection this year and
a second team selection last year. She was
also named to the state and national allacademic teams this year. She will continue
her academic and athletic career at Lock
Haven University where she will major in
chemistry with a concentration in forensics.
Delani Higgins – Delani is the
daughter of Jana and Marty Higgins. She
is a four-year member and co-captain of
the field hockey team. This season she was
a Mid-Penn Division all-star honorable
mention and an all-state all-star honorable
mention. She will continue her academic
and athletic career at Penn State University.
Taylor Lister – Taylor is the daughter
of Charlie and Debbie Lister. She is a
four-year member of the field hockey and
girls’ lacrosse team. She was named to
the Mid-Penn all-star first team and was a
2013 all-state first team all-star. She will
continue her academic and athletic career at
the University of Delaware where she will
major in exercise science.
Maggie Mostoller – Maggie is the
daughter of Christine and Todd Mostoller.
She is a four-year member of the field
Fourteen LDHS student-athletes recently signed scholarships to compete in
Division I and Division II athletic programs in college.
hockey and girls’ basketball teams serving
as a captain on both squads. She is a
member of the all-state academic squad
in field hockey and is an academic AllAmerican. She will continue her academic
and athletic career at Brown University
where she will major in biology.
Anna Smuda – Anna is the daughter
of Tina and Tom Smuda. She is a four-year
member of the field hockey team and was
a Mid-Penn Conference divisional all-star
and was named second team all-state. She
will continue her career at the University of
California - Berkeley.
Football
Joey Julius – Joey is the son of Larry
and Patty Julius. He is a four-year member
of the football team. He was named to the
Mid-Penn Conference all-star squad and
was an all-state first team selection. He will
play in the Big 33 Classic football game
this summer as a kicker. He will continue
his academic and athletic career as a
preferred walk-on at Penn State University.
Trey Klock – Trey is the son of Rob
and Karen Klock. He is a four-year member
of the football team and was named to
the Mid-Penn Conference all-star squad
and was an all-state first team selection.
He was also named to the USA Today
All-Pennsylvania team and was a member
of the Pennsylvania Football News AllAcademic team. He will play in the Big 33
Classic football game this summer. He will
continue his career at the Georgia Institute
of Technology and major in business.
Girls’ Soccer
Maddison Duncan – Maddison is the
daughter of Tracy and Gary Duncan. She
is a four-year member of the girls’ soccer
team and also plays club soccer. She will
continue her academic and athletic career
at Robert Morris University where she will
major in business.
Taryn Messick – Taryn is the daughter
of Steve and Tammie Treutle and the
late Donnie Messick. She is a four-year
member of the girls’ soccer team and is a
four-year Mid-Penn Conference all-star and
was named Keystone Division player of
the year this season. She was also named
to the all-state team and was a Region II
All-American her senior year. She will
continue her academic and athletic career at
Kutztown University where she will major
in special education.
Danielle Savage – Danielle is the
daughter of Kim and Danny Savage. She
is a four-year member of the girls’ soccer
team, and was twice named to the Mid-Penn
Conference second team divisional all-star
squad. She will continue her academic and
athletic career at the University of Miami
where she will major in business-marketing.
Track & Field
Elle Wallace – Elle is the daughter of
Doug and Kim Wallace. She is a four-year
member of the track & field team and was
the team’s most valuable player last season.
She was Mid-Penn Conference champion
in the 300-meter hurdles last season and
was also District 3-AAA runner-up in the
100-meter hurdles and was a state finalist
in the 300-meter hurdles. She will continue
her academic and athletic career at the
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
where she will major in film studies.
Wresting
David Wuestner, Jr. – David is the son
of Dr. David and Lynn Wuestner. He was a
state-qualifier in wrestling his senior year
and was a three-time Mid-Penn Conference
Keystone Division all-star. This past season
he was a sectional champ and took third
place at districts. He will attend Millersville
University’s Honors College and major in
mathematics and compete as a wrestler.
7
Know Your Schools
Conewago Elementary School construction receives awards
L
ower Dauphin’s newest school is also
its most energy efficient based on two
awards Conewago Elementary School has
received this school year.
The U.S. Green Building Council
has awarded the school building LEED
Gold status. The Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design is the
USGBC’s rating system for the design and
construction of energy-efficient and highperforming buildings.
The construction project included
70,000 square feet of new one and twostory additions and renovations to the
existing building, 11,400 square foot area.
It was completed in December 2011 and a
rededication ceremony was held at the start
of the 2012-13 school year.
The architects used a whole building
energy simulation model to compare the
school’s energy use over a similar new/
existing baseline building. The findings
were a 39.5 percent reduction in energy use
which the architects say is the result of the
school’s thermal envelope, high efficiency
geothermal heat pumps, daylight/occupancy
sensors, and the operation of the building
systems via a web-based, automated
building control system.
In addition to energy savings, the
architects specified that more than 30
percent of the materials used in the project
were recycled. More than 30 percent of
the building’s materials were also obtained
locally to reduce shipping costs.
During renovations to the existing
building and construction of the
addition, more than three-quarters of the
School Board President Todd Kreiser, Superintendent Sherri Smith, Principal
Ed Gnall and Supervisor of Operations & Maintenance David Marshall receive
a plaque celebrating Conewago Elementary’s LEED award.
nonhazardous waste and construction debris
was recycled or salvaged, diverting that
waste from disposal in landfills.
The Conewago Elementary School
project also received a ForeverGreen Award
for excellence in adaptive reuse from the
Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the U.S.
Green Building Council.
“We are very proud of the recognition
we’ve received for this project,” said LD
Superintendent Sherri Smith. “In addition
to the financial benefits, it sends a great
message to the students and the community
about social responsibility, science, and the
benefits of a quality learning environment.
“Working in partnership with EI
Associates, our teachers and community,
we have a school which will provide a
physical example for our students’ lessons
about sustainability and conservation. Our
students will benefit from this project for
years to come.”
District’s events raise thousands for Four Diamonds Fund
F
or the Kids.
That is the reason why hundreds of
high school students danced for 12 straight
hours. They sought to raise money to
support the Four Diamonds Fund, which
is a charity based at the Hershey Medical
Center whose mission is to assist children
treated at Penn State Children’s Hospital
and their families through superior care,
comprehensive support, and innovative
research.
The Four Diamonds Fund is the
beneficiary of Penn State University’s
THON which raised $13.3 million this
spring. Local schools hold “Mini-Thons”
which replicate the big event at Penn State.
This year, three Lower Dauphin schools
held Mini-Thons – Lower Dauphin High
8
School, South Hanover Elementary School
and East Hanover Elementary School.
The high school’s Mini-Thon ran from
7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and had more than 400
students participating. Each had to raise a
minimum of $60 to take part in the event.
At the end of the long night of dancing,
playing and staying on their feet, students
cheered when the grand total was revealed.
A few even cried when they saw the total
amount.
The high school raised $68,040.14 this
year and more than $300,000 in the past
eight years.
South Hanover Elementary School’s
Mini-Thon was the school’s fourth. Held
after school, the students danced for two
hours with each grade level taking the stage
to lead a special dance. The school also
held small fund-raising events leading up
to the big day with a Penny War between
grades and lemonade sales at lunch.
This year South Hanover brought in
$23,702.72. In the four years the school
has been participating in Mini-Thon, they
have raised more than $68,000.
This was East Hanover Elementary
School’s first effort. STheir efforts brought
in more than $5,453.96.
That put the district’s total for this
year at $97,226.82.
“It speaks volumes about what
a caring place our schools are,” said
Superintendent Sherri Smith. “I cannot be
more proud of our students’ efforts to help
eradicate childhood cancer.”
Lower Dauphin High School’s Mini-Thon raised a school-record $68,000 to support the Four Diamonds Fund. This year’s
event featured dancing, music, a fashion show and the inaugural Mr. Mini-Thon pageant – all For the Kids!
9
Know Your Schools
Senior citizens enjoy ‘prom’ at high school
C
lose to 250 senior citizens filled the
Lower Dauphin High School cafeteria
to enjoy an afternoon of food, fellowship
and fun.
The high school’s 17th annual featured
music from the Fabulous Fifties. High
school social studies teacher Chad Lister
served as disc jockey – a role he’s enjoyed
since he was a student at the high school.
His extensive collection of vinyl and CDs
and mp3s pleased the line dancers, the
polka dancers and the folks who just like to
tap their toes.
The senior citizens take great pleasure
in teaching the high school students a step
or two. Hosted annually by the school’s
Volunteen Club, the students get a real
education in the foxtrot, jitterbug and
various line dances.
“It’s great to see our students interact
and enjoy themselves with our community’s
senior citizens,” Superintendent Sherri
Smith said. “And it’s great for our seniors
to spend time with our students and see for
themselves what great kids they are.”
Among the highlights of the Senior
Citizens Prom was the crowning of the
king and queen – this year the title went to
Senior Luke Rutledge cuts a rug at the 17th annual Senior Citizen’s Prom.
Tony Rinella and Winnie Ethridge. School
secretary Kathy Weber brought hula hoops
and led a hooping session for students
and seniors alike. Dominic Farole brought
his guitar to perform some “Oldies but
Goodies.”
Annual LDFF golf outing supports school district programs
T
he Lower Dauphin Falcon Foundation’s
seventh annual golf outing brought
more than $13,000 to the organization’s
coffers.
The event, held April 24 at the
Hershey Country Club’s East Course,
enjoyed beautiful weather and drew over
50 golfers. The winning foursome of Walt
Peppelman, Karen May, Ernie Rubbo, and
John Gross posted a score of 6-under par
in the scramble format. Ed Swartz and
Mike Schrader won prizes for being closest
to the pin and Eric Kutz and Karen May
won longest drive for men and women
respectively.
“What a great day to come together
to benefit the students of Lower Dauphin,”
Superintendent Sherri Smith said. “It’s
community support like this which makes
Lower Dauphin such a special place.”
Tournament sponsors included:
Chief Corporate Sponsor Freedom Forged
Athletics; Platinum Sponsor Bob and
Sue Dahmus; Silver Sponsors Bruce
and Michele Koch, EI Associates and
Dr. Matt Espenshade, D.O.; and Bronze
Sponsors Drayer Physical Therapy
10
Bryan McKee, Deb McKee, Linda Kreiser and Dale Kastelic enjoyed a perfect
day of golf and fun in the LDFF Golf Outing in April.
Institute, Todd R. Fisher Family Medicine,
Hummelstown Physical Therapy, Picture
Perfect Productions, Urology of Central
Pennsylvania, Kirman Eye, New Penn,
Trinity Custom, Arlington Orthopedic,
Fuzzy Few Organization, Educators
of Lower Dauphin, Public Financial
Management, Arlington Orthopedic, OIP
and Riverside Anesthesia. Other sponsors
included Chick’s Tavern, Boro Bar and
Grill, The Warwick Hotel, Union Canal
House, Applebee’s, and the Hershey
Country Club.
Mayson Light captures Geography Bee title
S
eventh-grader Mayson Light out-dueled
eighth-grader Colin Yohn 2-1 in the
championship round of the Lower Dauphin
Middle School Geography Bee December
13.
The school’s annual bee featured
seven preliminary rounds covering topics
like continents, world geography, cultural
geography and the geography of U.S.
states, cities, and historic places. After the
preliminary round the field was winnowed
to eight finalists. It took another five rounds
to reduce the field to the two competing in
the championships.
Mayson correctly answered that Maine
is the state whose Portland is the eastern
terminus of an oil pipeline originating in
Montreal and that the Chesapeake Bay is
where the Potomac River empties after its
journey from the Allegheny Plateau.
“I’m always impressed with the
geographical knowledge our students
Steve Szobocsan, former assistant principal, and Superintendent Sherri Smith
congratulate Mayson Light and Colin Yohn after the Geography Bee.
display in this competition,” said
Superintendent Sherri Smith. “Just to get on
the stage to compete takes a lot and then to
go head-to-head for 15 rounds really speaks
volumes about the champion and runnerup.”
Sixth-grader Matthew Little is LDMS spelling champ
S
ixth-grader Matthew Little and eighthgrader Chiara Meyers went head-tohead for six rounds before Matthew claimed
the spelling bee crown December 6.
To narrow the field of 27 spellers to
the final two, it took 12 rounds of intense
action. Then, Matthew and Chiara went
back and forth in the quest to claim the
title before he finally spelled “sinistral”
correctly for the win. By the way, sinistral
is defined as being related to or located on
the left side, especially the left side of the
body.
Matthew’s twin brother, Daniel, placed
third in the school’s 19th annual spelling
bee.
The school’s top three spellers will
be taking a written exam for the chance to
compete in the WITF Capital Area Spelling
Bee in the spring. The winner from that
bee qualifies to compete nationally in the
Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Assistant Superintendent Robert Schultz, left and Principal Dan Berra
congratulate the top three finishers in the middle school spelling bee.
“Congratulations to all of our spellers,”
said Assistant Superintendent Robert
Schultz. “When you think that the 27
students on stage were the top spellers from
the 920 students in the school, to be named
champion is quite an accomplishment!”
Reminders:
Last Day for Students – June 6, 2014
First Day for Students – August 25, 2014
11
Know Your Schools is published four times a year for the
residents of Lower Dauphin School District.
District Office
High School
Middle School
Conewago Elementary School
East Hanover Elementary School
Londonderry Elementary School Nye Elementary School
South Hanover Elementary
Informaline:
566-5300
566-5330
566-5310
367-7233
469-2686
944-9462
566-0300
566-2564
566-5320 or 944-1668
Lower Dauphin School District
291 East Main Street
Hummelstown, PA 17036
http://www.ldsd.org
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
HARRISBURG, PA
PERMIT NO. 583
Board of School Directors
Todd M. Kreiser, President
Dana A. Barry, Vice President
Kevin J. Busher
Debra J. Macut
Marcela D. Myers
Keith E. Oellig
Laurie N. Reichert
Eric M. Samples
Kerry L. Wolfe
Dr. Sherri L. Smith, Superintendent
Edited by: Jim Hazen, Community Relations Coordinator
Designed by: Linda McPhillips
Nondiscrimination Policy:
The Lower Dauphin School District, an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate in employment, educational programs or activities based on gender, race, religion,
national origin, color or handicap. This policy of nondiscrimination extends to all other legally protected classifications. Publication of this policy in this document is in accordance
with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1973, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Congratulations Class of 2014!