PARKLAND
NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 47 NUMBER 2
JANUARY 2015
WHAT’S INSIDE
National Merit
pg. 3
Semifinalists
Turf Project Update
pg. 4 Free Microsoft Products
Foundation Update
pg. 5
Class Content
pg. 6 Digital
Athletes Sign LOI
and 1st
pg. 10 Kindergarten
Grade Registration
pg. 11 Cost-Saving Measures
Fred J. Jaindl Elementary Achieves Highest
ScHOOL PRofile Score in the Lehigh Valley
See all School Score Profiles Inside this Edition
...AND MUCH MORE!
PHS Graduation will be
held on June 9, 2015
at the new PPL Center
in Allentown
Orchestra Teacher is
Finalist
for Grammy Award
Mrs. Debra Reilly, String Specialist/Orchestra Director at both
Springhouse & Orefield Middle Schools, is one of ten finalists out
of more than 7,000 who were nominated for a teacher Grammy
Award! The GRAMMY Foundation® and The Recording Academy®
have partnered to present the Music Educator Award™, to recognize
music educators for significant contributions to the field of music
education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause
of maintaining music education in the schools. As a finalist, Reilly will
be awaded a $1,000 honorarium, and the school will receive a $1,000
matching grant. The 2015 winner will be flown to Los Angeles to accept
the award, attend the 57th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, and
receive a $10,000 honorarium on February 8, 2015.
WAY TO GO! GIRLs’ Volleyball Team are STATE CHAMPs!
Ranked 6th nationally by MaxprepS out of 17,000 high school girls’ volleyball teams
The 2014 PIAA State Championship team is pictured below. Front row left to right: Heather Tice Wealand (Volunteer Asst. Coach), Megan Shaw, Kristen Keck, Avery Perosa,
Kristin Krause, Kirah Dreisbach, Jesse Krasley (Asst. Coach). Back Row: Mike Krause (Head Coach), Andrew Hillman (Mgr.), Jack Dreisbach (Mgr.), Michael Zeky (Mgr.), Morgan Sherwin, Siena Salvaggio, Brooke Robertson, Erika Foose, Samantha Webber, Samantha Graver, Debbie Tice (Vol. Asst. Coach), Kyle Stout (Mgr.), Jared Silverstein (Mgr.)
ome
get h
!
safe
to
have now.
e
driv
ttyl.
Get home safe.
Don’t text and
drive.
5,500 Deaths are
Caused by Distracted
Driving Each Year
(National Highway Traffic Administration)
PARKLAND NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2015
A message from the superintendent
District Pledges to Keep Tax Increase Below 1.9%, Construction Update, Positive School Profiles
Happy New Year! As 2014 comes to an end, there is much to be proud of in Parkland! Within the pages of this newsletter,
we are sharing updates on so many exciting projects. Our School Performance Profile Scores were released in November
and we proudly share the scores from all of our buildings which showcase the talents of our students and staff on page
7. Parkland has witnessed rapid changes in our community demographics. Poverty rates continue to rise in our region
with Parkland seeing an increase from 12 - 20% just since 2009. English as a Second Language learners rose from 136
in 2009 to more than 220 in 2014. Diversity is part of what makes our District special, but change can be difficult. That
is why I am even more pleased that Parkland continues to witness growth and outstanding student achievement that is
showcased by all students. This shows me that our teachers are raising expectations and the students are meeting the
challenges; truly meeting the ultimate goal of all educators.
The District is in the third phase of a $30M, 3-year capital improvement plan. Kratzer students and staff are enjoying
many newly renovated parts of the building and that school is launching the final phases of construction, much of which
will occur this summer. On the outside, a new paving project will soon commence and allow for a new bus loop and parent
pick-up/drop-off area outside the building. We are happy to report that the work is on schedule. The District is moving
towards the goal of installing synthetic turf at the soccer/track stadium at PHS this summer and you can read more details
Key Dates in the
about the new upgrade to this facility inside this newsletter and on our web site.
2015-16 Budget
Staying Within the Act 1 Index for the
2015-16 General Fund Budget
Time line
As a result of the many ways that the District has cut expenses during the last
Act 1 Index Applicable to Parkland SD = 1.9%
January 20 – Preliminary
three years, and a positive financial audit which resulted from the 2013-14
Maximum Allowable Millage Increase = 1.9%
Revenue & Staffing Preview/
school year, as well as revenue increases related to real estate and income
Value of Index in Dollars = $1,935,635
Adoption of Accelerated Budget
Current Millage Rate 14.09
taxes,
the
School
Board
and
Administration
have
made
the
decision
to
opt
out
Opt Out Resolution
Maximum Allowable Millage Increase .26
of the accelerated budget adoption process called for under Pennsylvania’s
April 24– Budget Seminar Maximum Allowable Millage Rate 14.35
Day-long Board meeting where
Act 1 law. By doing so, the district is locked into creating a budget that raises
budget is reviewed in fine detail taxes no more than the Pennsylvania Department of Education Index of 1.9%. Tax Increases for Assessed Value Examples*
with Administration and Board
$100,000 x .26 mills (.00026) = $26.00
This would be the 2nd year in a row that Parkland has not sought approval
May 19– Adoption of Proposed
$200,000 x .26 mills (.00026) = $52.00
to go beyond the state index or apply for exceptions to further increase taxes
Final Budget
$300,000 x .26 mills (.00026) = $78.00
May 30– Proposed Final Budget above the state-set index. For those who would like more information, the
budget time line appears at left. All meetings are open to the public.
* Does not include individual Taxpayer
available for public inspection
savings from Property Tax Relief projected at
June 12 – District newsletter
$105 per approved Homestead/Farmstead
mails out to all residents,
Sincerely,
property (if gaming $’s continue to be
includes budget overview
Richard T. Sniscak, Superintendent of Schools
available)
June 23– Adoption of Final
Budget by the School Board
THE FINAL TAX RATE WILL BE ANNOUNCED
ON JUNE 23, 2015 FOR THE 2015-16
YEAR.
PARKLAND NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2015
Ten Parkland High School Students Named
2015 National Merit Semifinalists
The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the
National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®)—a test which serves as an initial screen of
approximately 1.5 million entrants each year—and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.
Of the 1.5 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQT® Selection Index scores (critical reading + mathematics + writing skills scores) qualify
for recognition in the National Merit® Scholarship Program as either Commended Students (about 34,000) or Semifinalists (highest 16,000).
The following ten Parkland High School students were selected as Semifinalists in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program. These scholastically talented
seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 Merit Scholarship awards, worth $33 million, offered next spring.
SAAGAR S. ASNANI is President of the PHS Orchestra, Vice-President of the National Honor Society, and Co-Captain of the Scholastic Scrimmage Team.
He is on the Debate Team, Strolling Strings and Honors Orchestra, French Honor Society, English Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society,
National History Day, and Math League. He received 1st place regionally in the National French Exam (Le Grand Concours) for the past 3 years and made
District Orchestra and Regional Orchestra multiple times. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction. As a violist, he has been a member of the local Young People’s
Philharmonic for the past 4 years and a member of the celebrated Philadelphia Youth Orchestra for the past 2 years. He volunteers at Lehigh Valley Hospital
where he helped jumpstart a “Noontime Music” program over the summer. He hopes to pursue a career in the medical field.
ALEXANDRA E. BOTZUM serves as the Debate Captain. She is also a member of the Festival of the Arts Club, Leo Club and Literary Magazine. She won the
Carol Ann Robertson Writing Award is an AP Scholar with Honor, won a gold medal for the National Latin Exam and achieved summa cum laude. She is
interested in majoring in International Relations and hopes to attend Brown or the University of Chicago.
AUBREY A. GAVIN is a member of the PHS orchestra, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and Science Honor Society. She
earned the AP Scholar with Honor award and was selected to participate in The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Minority Introduction to
Engineering and Science six-week summer program. She plans to study Aerospace Engineering or Neuroscience and has been accepted into MIT.
FAYE C. KO is a member of the National Honor Society, French Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and Science Honor Society. She earned an AP Scholar award
and would like to study Veterinary or Biomedical Sciences at Penn State University.
CHRISTOPHER LO is President of the Math League, President of Math Honor Society, Vice President of FBLA, and Webmaster of Spanish Honor Society. At PHS,
he also participated in National History Day, Scholastic Scrimmage and National, Science, English Honor Societies. He has a black belt in mixed martial arts,
made the Piano Guild 5-year National Roll and has received PA Federation of Music Club’s Music Festival Gold Cups. He plans to study Biomedical Engineering
at the University of Pennsylvania, Duke, or Columbia.
JENNIFER L. ONDREY is a member of the National Honor Society, German Honor Society, Math Honor Society, English Honor Society and Science Honor Society.
She also participates in Cross Country, Track & Field, Chorale, Spring Musicals, Festival of the Arts, Key Club, Club Med, German Club, Philosophy Club, and the
Performing Arts Club. She also plays piano and takes voice lessons and is a soccer referee. She plans to study Neuroscience at Vanderbilt University or Penn
State University.
LIAM R. POWER is the Director of Parkland Morning News, Political Science Vice President, Computer Club Coordinator, and on the Scholastic Scrimmage TV
team. He is also a participant in the Engineering Club, Future Business Leaders of America, German Club, History Day, Explorer Post and Trojan Technology
Team. At PHS, he also participated in National, Math, German Honor Societies and made the Principal’s List. He will attend MIT, Stanford, Harvey Mudd, UC
Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, UC Davis or the University of Pittsburgh.
MEGHNA RAJABOINA is a member of the Debate Team, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Math League, Club Med,
Spanish Honor Society, and Parkland Cross Country. She is an AP Scholar and was awarded Magna Cum Laude in the National Latin Exam. She is a graduate
of the University of Pittsburgh Health Career Scholars Academy and of the Dale Carnegie: Generation Next Program. Meghna volunteers at Cedarbrook Nursing
Home, the Allentown Walk-in Clinic, St. Luke’s Hospital, the DaVinci Center, Sri Narmada Hospital, and the Parkland Community Library. She is an avid martial
artist and Indian classical dancer. She hopes to become a physician.
AKSHAJ VENUGOPAL is a member of Scholastic Scrimmage, Math League, and the JV Swim team. He is a National AP Scholar, Graduate Assistant at Junior
Achievement, and a fundraiser for MS. He hopes to study at Lehigh University, Penn State, or the University of Pittsburgh and study Chemical Engineering.
DANIEL CHANGYAN WANG is Co-captain of the Debate Team, Treasurer of Orchestra, President of National Honor Society, Co-captain of Scholastic Scrimmage,
and Co-president of Math League. He is also a member of the Tennis Team, Chess Club, National History Day, and Pit Orchestra. He won a Gold award in the
National Spanish Exam, is a three-time AIME qualifier, and three-time National History Day state qualifier. He enjoys playing piano. Daniel is undecided on a
college.
3
PARKLAND NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2015
TURF
PROJECT APPROVED
The School Board voted to allow the administration to proceed with
all steps necessary for the installation of an artificial surface for the
soccer/track field located at the high school. The plan is for turf to
be installed during summer 2015 and it will be lined for lacrosse,
field hockey and soccer. Here are the key points that summarize the
project. There is a also a web page dedicated to providing updates, resources,
and links to more information surrounding the project. It includes information
about existing field conditions, links to public meeting presentations and
handouts, a preliminary cost analysis, financing plan, and safety and health
factors related to synthetic products. View it at the QR code above or at this link:
Free Microsoft Office
Suite for Parkland
Students and Staff
www.parklandsd.org/community/artificial-turf-project/
• Installing turf in the soccer/track stadium is no longer a “nice to have” option. It is a facility that is in need of renovation due to increased use of the
field which is deteriorating the natural grass surface, making it increasingly
more difficult to maintain a safe playing surface.
• Maintaining the soccer/track stadium as a natural grass facility is not feasible due to the high volume of use during the fall season with boys/girls
varsity and junior varsity soccer playing 36 regular season home contests
on this field.
• We are the last school district in our athletic conference to install turf. Turf
installation will help our students compete at the same level as their opponents as they will be able to practice and play on an artificial surface
regularly.
• All members of the Eastern PA Conference field hockey teams play on artificial turf. Turf in the soccer/track stadium would therefore allow our field
hockey program to compete on the same level as all other programs in our
conference.
• Turf at the soccer/track stadium would create a facility that our entire community could enjoy as youth organizations and adult leagues would be able
to rent and utilize year-round.
• The District will not be increasing next year’s (or any year’s) budget to pay
for the turf project. Instead, it will be paid for out of the Capital Reserve
Fund.
• We are positioned to finance this project through the Capital Reserve Fund
which would have no impact upon the local tax payer, no impact upon the
2015-2016 general fund budget and no impact upon district debt service
payments.
Starting in December, the web-based version of the Microsoft Office suite
is now available at no cost to Parkland students and staff. The suite
includes Word Online, Outlook.com, OneNote Online, PowerPoint Online,
Excel Online, and OneDrive for storage. The web site is Office.com and
the login credentials have been synchronized with students’ and staff
current network login so it will not be necessary to setup another account.
The username will be the student’s current numeric network login with @
parklandsd.org appended, so for example if a student’s network login is
12345 his or her username will be [email protected]. A student’s
Office.com password will be the same as the student’s current network
password. Microsoft is also offering 1 Tb of free storage space, the
equivalent of approximately a thousand 1 Gb flash drives. The accounts
can be used with up to 5 devices, and mobile apps are available for both
iOS (Apple) and Android devices to support the use of this cloud-based
version of Microsoft Office on most devices.
THE NOV Harlem Wizards Event
RaiseD $12,000 for PSD ED
Foundation, $4000 for PTOs
It was attended by more than 2,300 Familes
• This project represents an investment in our facilities. Revenues will be
collected from rental of the facility, and decreases in maintenance costs
will be achieved, but they are not expected to pay for or pay off the project.
Those activities will achieve savings for the overall school district budget.
• Health concerns regarding the use of crumb rubber have been discussed
and the District is looking at many options for field surfaces. No vendor
has been selected as of the time this publication went to print.
HOMETOWN HEROES HELP
STUDENTS SHOP FOR HOLIDAYS
FEEDBACK REQUESTED ON
CURRICULUM STANDARDS
Local Police teamed up with Target to help a few lucky Parkland students
shop for their families in December. Each child was given a $100 gift card
to spend and invited back to the police station to wrap gifts with their local
hero.
The PA Department of Education is requesting feedback from
teachers, parents, students, and other community members about
the academic content taught to our local students. This is an
opportunity for you to have your voice heard and affect change in
our current standards. Please take part in this initiative by clicking
on PAAcademicReview.org, and selecting the grade and subject you
are interested in reviewing. Once you have answered a few initial
questions, you can pick which standards you would like to review!
Feedback will be solicited through January 15, 2015. You may visit
the site and provide feedback as often as you would like. For the
month of December, start by providing feedback on the language
arts standards; You can suggest that the standard is just right for
the grade or offer suggestions and input for change. Be part of the
education process for Pennsylvania’s children. Visit PA Academic
Review.org today.
4
PARKLAND NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2015
Education Foundation
Provides New Equipment for
Engineering
Program
By Samantha Holender PHS ‘15
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, through the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, gives tax credits to businesses that make
contributions to Educational Improvement Organizations like the Parkland
School District Education Foundation.
Parkland School District
Preserving Excellence, Building a Dream
Milton Creagh Delivers
Important Message to
Parkland Students
by Caitlin Carlson PHS ‘15
One of Parkland’s EITC-approved programs, Project Lead the Way (PLTW),
offers students a quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
program with a strong emphasis on promoting careers in Engineering. EITC
funds were used to purchase two computer numerical controlled (CNC)
milling machines and two MakerBots. The investments have had a profound
impact on the PLTW and STEM programs, as they serve to better prepare the
students for college and future careers in the field of engineering. Technology
teacher Mr. Robert Yocum said, “These machines are two times faster and
more up to date compared to what we were using in the past. Without them,
the students would not be receiving the same quality of modern education.”
The computer numerical controlled milling machines take student computeraided designs (CAD) and assign numerical codes to the CNC gadget. These
codes function as a guide for the CNC, telling it where to weld away material
through a subtractive process. In the simplest of terms, milling machines
are advanced forms of 3D engravers. The CNCs are used primarily in the
production, architecture and manufacturing classes at Parkland. They help
students increase their knowledge on topics such as automation, robotics
and coding.
EITC funds were also used to purchase two MakerBot 3D printers. The
MakerBot connects to a computer and utilizes CAD files to make a 3D
plastic depiction. James Kester, the department chair of technology, said,
“Students can take a simple concept in their head, sketch it, and make mock
up prototypes. We now have the technology available to us that permits
them to see the size and model of their project once manufactured. It adds
a whole new dimension to the class.” The apparatuses are about the size
of a microwave and have the capability to print with extreme precision.
When asked about the MakerBot, senior Adam Sicinski said, “They really
are incredible because with a few button presses you can have a 3D object
printed in nearly a school day.”
On Wednesday, October 22nd, Parkland hosted the acclaimed
motivational speaker Milton Creagh. Creagh’s visit was funded
by a Celebrate Innovation grant from the Parkland School District
Education Foundation. Middle school and high school students
across the district had the opportunity to listen to Milton’s
stories, hear his advice, and learn the important lessons that he
had to share. Creagh’s amazing ability to make his listeners feel
connected to his stories, made the presentations both powerful
and meaningful.
Creagh, who was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He has
been a motivational speaker for decades and has even hosted
his own television series on PBS. The majority of Creagh’s
lectures are for teenagers. However, in the past, he has spoken
to professional sport teams, prisoners, has been invited to the
White House twice and released several records on iTunes. He
has gone on tour internationally to present a program about
effective parenting and also published two books.
In addition, funds were used to purchase a wide format printer to replace
one that was 15 years old. This device is helpful when the students need
anything printed that is larger than the standard 8.5X11. The printer has
the capability to manufacture blueprints for houses or any larger design that
necessitates a paper up to 3 feet wide and limitless length. This printer is
equipped with advanced scanning capabilities. The scanner has full color
and extremely high resolution—up to 1200 dot per inch. Every student in
STEM programs has had the opportunity to operate this device.
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program has allowed the Education
Foundation to enhance Parkland’s learning environment and bestow
students with unparalleled opportunities. Sicinski said, “The students at
Parkland are incredibly lucky to have access to not only the courses of PLTW,
but also all the equipment that comes with the program.”
In the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2014, the Parkland School District
Education Foundation received a total of $ 72,800 in EITC funds from the
following companies: American Bank, Embassy Bank, Giant Foods, The
Neffs National Bank, Serfass Construction, Susquehanna Bank and UGI.
Creagh spent the first half of his day at Orefield Middle School
where he spoke to the students about the effects of bullying and
how to prevent it. His presentation was broadcasted over the
television so that the students and faculty at Springhouse Middle
School could also enjoy the assembly. In the afternoon, Creagh
came to the high school where he raised awareness about the
dangers of drugs and alcohol. He shared his own experiences,
used his well-known rhetorical technique and stated shocking
statistics to relay his message.
Kirby Perosa and Paige
Kennedy, 2014 graduates,
studied in the PLTW
program and are pictured
utilizing the equipment in
the Pre-Engineering Lab at
Parkland High School.
Parkland is honored to have hosted such an inspiring person.
Creagh’s presence would not have been possible without the
Celebrate Innovation grant. For the 2014-2015 school year, the
Foundation made 73 grants totaling greater than $92,000.
Check
out the foundation’s 2014 annual report at
www.parklandsd.org/foundation or click on this QR code:
Special thanks go to the PSD Staff who pledged $17,000 in support of the Education Foundation
for the current school year!
5
PARKLAND NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2015
Parkland Expands Digital
Content Resources for
Secondary Students
Parkland recently partnered with VLN, a digital content provider,
to allow our high school and middle school students access
to more than 100 digital courses we have been using with our
full-time cyber option in core subject areas (Math, English/
Language Arts, Social Studies, Science). These courses provide
supplemental digital content resources for reviewing material in a
more visual manner or extending learning opportunities past the
brick and mortar classroom.
Username:
Password:
Username:
Password:
Username:
Password:
Username:
Password:
Username:
Password:
More than 2,100
secondary students
performed on the
PHS stage during
last month’s winter
concert season!
SAVE
THE DATE!
englishp1
74547
mathp1
74546
sciencep1
74548
socialstudiesp1
74549
The complete list of courses that are available can be found online
at http://bit.ly/1D0ywQK or by using the QR code above. Generic
student accounts and directions to access the digital content
resources are also listed.
Directions:
1.
Visit www.vlnpartners.com
2.
Click on Login at the top of the page
3.
Input the login credentials for one of the generic accounts
4.
Click on View Lessons
5.
Select a course
electivesp1
74550
The PHS Football
team made it to the
Quarter finals in state
competition, falling
to St. Joe’s Prep over
thanksgiving weekend!
PHS, OMS and Kernsville
have recently been
connected to natural
gas lines, saving
$550,000 annually in
utilities!
Thanks to our previous sponsors
who have already renewed for 2015!
May 4, 2015
THE ART
W
ts
de n
St u p l y
sup i r o w n
t h e te r i a l s
ma
RKS
DRAWING AND PAINTING CLASSES
FOR ADULT AND HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENTS OF ALL LEVELS
Fabulous 50’s Sock Hop!
THURSDAY EVENINGS 7 - 9 PM
Parkland High School Room A139
PARKLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT EDUCATION FOUNDATION’S
4 th Annual
2015
SPRING PARKLAND
Distinguished Alumni Gala
Spring Dates Jan 22,29 Feb 5,12,19,26
Mar 5,12,19,26 Apr 9,16,23,30 May 7
Adults
$160 per session
( $280 discount for Spring & Fall )•
Students $80 per session
( $130 discount for Spring & Fall )•
• Double session discount given at Fall registration
http://psdweb.parklandsd.org/phs gallery
Rudy Amelio
Your participation helps
us make grants that
support academics,
the arts and athletics
in Parkland schools.
Real Estate
John Pfeiffer
Auctioneer
PESPA/PEA
Parkland Education
Support Professionals
Association/Parkland
Education Association
Mail to: Parkland H. S. ARTWORKS
c/o Linda La Due
2700 N. Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown PA 18104
Checks payable to Parkland School District and are due by the first class
Adults :
Spring $160
HS Students:
Spring $80
Name _____________________________________
Address____________________________________
City ___________________ State _____Zip _______
E-mail _____________________________________
Phone ( H ) ______________ ( C ) _______________
10 district athletes sign letters of intent
Congratulations to the following Parkland High School Class of 2015 athletes who received scholarships to attend their chosen postsecondary school and play the sport listed below:
Justin Afflerbach Kutztown UniversityBaseball
Sophie Castillo University of Colorado Lacrosse
Blaise Fugazzotto Chestnut Hill University
Lacrosse
Mackenzie Galli Virginia Commonwealth University Lacrosse
Connor Higgings
Arizona State UniversityBaseball
Rhett Jacoby
Millerville UniversityBaseball
Hannah Pany
Ohio State University
Field Hockey
Brooke Robertson
University of Delaware
Volleyball
Avery SemlerUniversity of Iowa
Field Hockey
Jonathan Warg
Hofstra University
Lacrosse
6
PARKLAND NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2015
2013-14 District Performance Profile
2014 AP
District of the
Year
Arts Education School Board Leadership Award
SAT RESULTS
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP TEST
SAT Results for the Class of 2014
77% of the Class of 2014 took the SAT1
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic
competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships.
CRITICAL
READING
MATH
WRITING TOTAL
531
547
542
State Mean
480
504
National
Mean
487
513
Parkland
Mean
CLASS
FINALIST
1620
2015
N/A
497
1481
2014
11
497
1497
2013
11
SEMIFINALIST
COMMENDED
10
18
MATHEMATICS
2012 A.Y.P.
TARGET:
11
21 95%
11
17
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Parkland offers 24 Advanced Placement (AP) courses as part of the high school curriculum. In 2014, 85% of the 657 AP tests
taken achieved a score of a three or higher. These scores allow students to be eligible to receive college credit for the equivalent course at one of more than 2,900 colleges nationwide. In 2013 and 2014, Parkland School District made the College Board’s
Annual AP District Honor Roll — a list of less than 500 districts across the U.S. and Canada who are honored for increasing access to AP course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher
on AP Exams.
2014 SCHOOL PERFORMANCE PROFILE (SPP)
The new SPP grading system takes into account attendance, participation in standardized tests, standardized test
results in science, math, reading and writing, number and degree of rigorous course offerings, and graduation rates as well as
student growth toward proficiency. SPP Highlights include the following:
 All Parkland schools exceeded a score of 80 and seven schools exceeded 90.
 Fred J. Jaindl Elementary and Springhouse Middle Schools received a 100% for making academic growth in the areas of
math, reading, science and writing.
 All Parkland schools met or exceeded an attendance rate of 94%.
 PHS continues to excel with a 94.21% graduation rate.
 Parkland state rank for academic growth:
Grade 4-8 Math
47 out of 631
Top 7%
Grade 4-8 Reading
3 out of 631
Top 1%
Algebra I
87 out of 580
Top 15%
Biology
245 out of 556 Top 44%
Literature
12 out of 525
Top 2%
Achievement
School
Cetronia
Academic
91.7
Math/Alg Reading Science
Growth
Writing
Grade 3 Math/Alg Reading Science Writing
88.41
81.52
96.04
84.62
83.53
78
96
91
100
Fogelsville
95.1
88.93
83.21
100
91.57
76.52
92
100
100
98
Ironton
84.7
82.93
75.98
91.67
88.89
73.77
78
75
78
100
Jaindl
97.3
89.94
83.96
91.89
93.27
91.18
100
100
100
100
Kernsville
86.4
88.70
82.17
92.31
82.35
84.06
74
71
100
97
Kratzer
83.2
83.76
74.11
79.41
83.56
73.21
69
100
75
100
Parkway Manor
91.3
90.16
83.61
87.34
91.11
89.04
93
95
89
100
Schnecksville
91.1
85.71
82.30
100
89.19
80.95
74
81
100
100
OMS
89.3
85.84
82.89
73.37
89.57
82
99
100
100
SMS
96.3
89.94
86.16
79.44
95.50
100
100
100
100
PHS
90.9
86.47
93.44
74.76
71
100
88
7
THE WORLD IS
YOUR OFFICE
For all your Business
Communications Needs
610-799-3131
ironton.com
PARKLAND NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2015
PHS WINs $25,000 for pledging to DRIVE SAFELY
Teens and adults across the Parkland community were invited to support the
Celebrate my Drive campaign in October by going online and pledging to drive safely for a chance
to win a national grant. Parkland High School was a winner of a $25,000 grant as it was one of
the top 100 high schools in the nation with the most online safe driving commitments!
Teen driver safety continues to be a major issue, and this program encourages safe driving in
teens’ first years behind the wheel.
The Parkland contest was spearheaded by Driver’s Education teacher Deborah Andreoli. During the October campaign, she arranged for the following activities to occur:
•
Pennsylvania DUI Association Driving Simulators visited PHS - The safety simulator let teens drive safely under many diverse and adverse conditions, including
snow, fog and heavy traffic. It allowed drivers to feel first-hand how alcohol impairs the ability to steer and brake, and also showed the danger to the driver
when other drivers are impaired.
•
Walmart Share the Road Presentation - two tractor trailers came to PHS to teach teens about blind spots and sharing the road with large vehicles.
•
18th Annual Operation Safe Stop - Law enforcement, PSD transportation, and PennDOT combined efforts to raise public awareness about the potential
consequences of passing a stopped school bus when children are loading or unloading a bus.
Ms. Andreoli stated that the $25,000 grant will be used to support future teen driver safety outreach activities. $3,300 will be used to buy a visit from the PA DUI
Safety Bug, $10,000 will go towards a motivational assembly with Chris Herron, a former NBA player , $8,000 will be used to purchase 16 ipads for classroom use,
$3,000 will go towards the purchase of a computer cart, $500 will buy paint used to personalize PHS hallways with motivational quotes and $200 will help promote
the Safety Bug, assembly, and safe driving initiatives. Special thanks to Shawn Leh, local State Farm agent, who helped organize the contest.
PROCEDURE FOR DISMISSAL DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER
The Administration makes every attempt to dismiss students before inclement weather affects the driving conditions of the roadways. Unfortunately, the weather can
change after a decision has been made which makes transporting students home very challenging. When this happens, it is the School District’s main responsibility
to make sure every student arrives home safely. This often requires taking additional time when driving which may cause delays in the scheduled drop off times of the
students.
During these events, we strive to keep the parents informed of any delays along the bus routes. Below are the steps we follow when dismissing students during
inclement weather:
•
•
•
•
The transportation department will monitor the progress of the buses and report any bus delays to the appropriate school.
The school’s main office should also monitor the buses through the bus radios located at each school.
If a delay is greater than 10 minutes for any bus, the schools’ Administrative Assistants will send a School Messenger alert to the parents of the students riding
that bus informing them of the delay.
The Administration, Transportation and Schools will continue to communicate with each other and the parents until all students arrive home with the school taking
on the primary responsibility of communicating with parents.
When school dismissal is disrupted by inclement weather it is a very stressful time. The communication and cooperation of everyone involved is imperative for the
safety of the students.
New courses at PHS offer expanded enrichment
opportunities and college credits
New partnerships with colleges and universities are allowing more Parkland students to take courses for both high school
and college credit in 2015. Planned new classes include the following:
Parkland 2014-15 DEMOGRAPHICS
72% White
11% Hispanic
Advanced Topics in Calculus is an expansion of higher level math offerings at PHS. Students may take this class for 3
college credits through Penn State University’s dual enrollment program at a reduced tuition rate.
4% African American
10% Asian/Pacific Islander
AP Physics C will expand to offer two parts: Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism. Both are designed for students who
are interested in pursuing careers in engineering or science.
3% All others
AP English: Language and Composition will replace English 3 Honors and is an expansion of current AP offerings in
English.
20% Eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch
Spanish AP Literature and Culture is an expansion of the AP Spanish offerings.
16% Receive Special Education
Chinese 1 and 2 and Arabic 1 and 2 will be offered through LCCC’s dual enrollment program at PHS or at Penn State
University - Lehigh Valley for students who wish to take the course after school and on PSU’s campus.
Services
Entrepreneurship will be offered as a dual enrollment business course through a partnership with the University of Iowa
and is a great course for any student who is considering majoring in business at the college level. It will be taught by a
Parkland business teacher who will receive certification to teach the BizInnovator curriculum. The three college credits
can easily be transferred to other colleges and universities and is a good way to get a head start on tuition-reduced
college credits.
37 Students are labeled “homeless”
8% Receive Gifted Education Services
Do you have a question you would like to see addressed in the Parkland Newsletter? If so, write it
here and mail to: Nicole McGalla, Parkland School District, 1210 Springhouse Rd. Allentown, PA 18104.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
PARKLAND NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2015
2015 KINDERGARTEN and FIRST GRADE
REGISTRATION EVENTS
ST
Public Schools
Middle School Boundary
OL
Kernsville Elementary School
RD
TOWN
HUCKLEBERRY RD
FOGELSVILLE
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
RD
RTE 22 2
8
IA
ON
TR
CE
N
HMA
TILG
ST
CETRONIA
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
RD
MI
HA
N
LTO
VD
BL
D
BLV
XL
TRE
FRED J. JAINDL
N
ELEMENTARY
ILTO
SCHOOL HAM
I-7
2
RD
US
RD
ON BLVD
HAMILT
PARKWAY MANOR
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
KS
OC
KR
D
ZR
NT
HA
SC
KRATZER
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
SPRINGHOUSE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
2
RTE
US
E
LN
BLU RD ONE
L
N
BAR
ST
MAN
TILGH
22
RD
PA RTE 309
RD
FT
CH
UR
CH
RD
OP
LT
HIL
I
DR
OW
SN
RD
OWN
ERT
RD
WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 7 - APRIL 29, 2015
Zumba Gold is a dance fitness class featuring routines set
to Latin music as well as some pop hits. Easy to follow, low
impact moves, great rhythms, lots of FUN! Come join the
party on Wednesdays from 4:30 - 5:45 PM in the Parkway
Manor Elementary School Gym (768 Parkway Rd., Allentown,
PA 18104). The class is free of charge and no registration is
required. NOTE: NO CLASS WILL BE HELD WHEN SCHOOL
IS NOT IN SESSION DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.
TROXELL
BUILDING
Fogelsville Elementary School
Jaindl Elementary School
D RD
KR
D
D
BLV
Cetronia Elementary School
L
MIL
ZUMBA GOLD FOR ADULTS 55+
PARKLAND
HIGH SCHOOL
OREFIEL
OREFIELD
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
IM
GR
We are looking forward to meeting you and our new student!
KERNSVILLE
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
Parkway Manor Elementary School
US
I-78 &
MA
UC
HC
HU
N
SHA N KWEILER RD
Kratzer Elementary School
100
To register for kindergarten, a child must be five years of age, or older, prior to October 1,
2015. There are no exceptions.
IRONTON
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
ST
CRE
Schnecksville Elementary School
RD
SE
OU
KH
AC
P
D
D
AR
CED
Ironton Elementary School
E
PA RT
The Pennsylvania Department of Health school immunization law requires that all
students entering school for the first time at the kindergarten or first grade level be fully
immunized as a condition of school attendance.
WR
IE
LV
COFFEE
Legend
Part of the registration includes the gathering of medical information by the school
nurse. There will be brief contacts with the guidance counselor and a kindergarten
teacher so plan to bring your child with you.
The Pennsylvania school health laws require that every child has a physical and dental
examination upon entry to school. Forms for physical and dental examinations will be
given at the time of registration.
D
SR
RY
LAU
OLD POST RD
GR
EE
NL
EA
F
SCHNECKSVILLE
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
RD
Residents who are new to the school district shall provide the following as proof of
residency in lieu of those previously mentioned: 1) a copy of a lease/building contract/
sales agreement (and later a settlement agreement) for the place of residence, and 2) a
copy of a utility bill. A moving permit, which is available from the township tax collector,
can only be used until a utility bill or other form of documentation is available. If a
registrant is not the owner or lessee of the property, a Multiple Occupancy form must
be acquired from the school district, completed and notarized. In the case of a student
who is registered by someone other than his/her parent, documentation of guardianship
must also be provided.
FFS
NE
BE L
LE
APP
• Record of your child’s birth date (i.e., registration of birth, or birth certificate).
• Written immunization records for properly spaced doses of diphtheria, tetanus,
polio, measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), hepatitis B, and the varicella
(chicken pox) vaccine or proof that the child had the disease.
• Two (2) forms of verification that the child’s legal parent(s)/legal guardian(s)
reside(s) in the Parkland School District. These may include:
1) a current real estate property tax bill for the residence;
2) a current lease agreement for residence;
3) a current utility bill showing the residence;
4) a current income tax form showing the current address;
O
309
RTE
PA
School and community personnel will be at registration to review your child’s
immunization record and to provide descriptive information about your school as well as
answer questions you may have. The following checklist of things to bring should help
you prepare for registration:
Parkland
School
Parkland
School
District
District
Map
2011-2012
School Year
Map
RD
phone
610-351-5810
610-351-5830
610-351-5840
610-351-5860
610-351-5820
610-351-5800
610-351-5850
610-351-5880
CH
AP
MA
NS
OLD POST
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Ironton
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Schnecksville
Friday, March 6, 2015
Kernsville
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Cetronia
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Kratzer
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Fogelsville
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Parkway Manor Thursday, March 19, 2015
Fred J. Jaindl
Find your home on the map below or
call the Transportation Office at 610351-5690 and they will be happy to
assist you with boundary questions.
ORCHARD RD
REGISTRATION DATESCHOOL Which school
will my child attend?
US RT
E
PA RT 222 &
E 100
If you have a child who is turning five years of age
prior to October 1, 2015, it’s time to prepare for
Kindergarten Registration. Similarly, if you have
a child who is enrolled in a private Kindergarten
program who you are planning to enroll for the first
time in Parkland School’s for first grade, we invite
you to attend the March registration events outlined
below. The following chart includes a list of the eight
elementary schools within Parkland School District
and their respective registration dates. Parents are
encouraged to telephone the appropriate elementary school for a specific appointment
time. Phoning in advance will ensure an equal distribution of registrants throughout the
day so that we can serve you better. Once an appointment is scheduled, a packet of
forms will be mailed to you to fill out in advance of Registration Day in order to expedite
the registration process. Plan to spend about an hour with us that day. We are excited to
welcome your student to Parkland!
>
WHERE YOU
START THE
JOURNEY CAN
MAKE ALL THE
DIFFERENCE.
NOW ENROLLING!
Tour your local Goddard
School and experience
why it’s the best
preparation for social
and academic success.
Goddard Systems, Inc.’s
program is AdvancED
accredited.
MACUNGIE
484-408-0010
GoddardSchool.com
-----------LEARNING FOR FUN.
LEARNING FOR LIFE.®
------------
The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc.
Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2014
10
PARKLAND NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2015
Get the Parkland Weekly Update at
TWITTER AND FACEBOOK every Friday
Find us @ParklandSchools or Parkland School District on Facebook for regular updates and information.
Proactive Cost Saving Measures Keep Taxes Low in Parkland
Lehigh County School District Millage Rank Comparison
School District 2013/14 Millage (Highest to Lowest)
Northern Lehigh 20.1681 Allentown City 17.3155 Salisbury Township 16.9203 Catasauqua Area 16.3100 East Penn 16.1259 Northwestern Lehigh 15.9631 Southern Lehigh 15.3700 Whitehall-Coplay 14.9259 ***Parkland***
13.8300 Average 16.3254 Parkland enjoys the lowest mill rate in Lehigh County. This community benefits from a 40% commercial/industrial base, which helps support the lower
mill rate, however many proactive cost saving measures also help keep taxes low in Parkland. This past spring, the District embarked on a Continuous
Energy Improvement Strategy project focused on energy conservation. The initial phase of this is being sponsored by PPL and implemented by the
Strategic Energy Group (SEG). From 2014-16, an Energy Champion is overseeing the creation and implementation of the program, building teams of
staff members who meet monthly to discuss initiatives and effectiveness of efforts. The teams primarily focus on mechanical/operational issues as
well as behavioral/cultural issues to ensure everyone in the District is utilizing best practices relative to energy conservation, recycling and other green
initiatives. Ongoing training is essential and will become incorporated in classroom work, staff in-service workshops, and more as the project evolves.
Bond refinancing of outstanding debt has been another way that the District has been proactive. In the past three years alone, while interest rates
have remained at an all-time low, the District was able to save $5M by refinancing outstanding debt at lower interest rates. This has been achieved
partly due to the District’s AA Standard & Poor’s credit rating which expresses a very strong capacity to meet financial commitments in full and on
time. The rating helps allow for lower borrowing fees and interest rates and speaks to the fiscally responsible manner in which the District operates.
Converting Parkland High School, Orefield Middle School and Kernsville Elementary School to natural gas were also new opportunities that the District
seized as the gas lines were brought close enough to District property to capitalize on a connection. With anticipated savings of $550,000 annually in
utilities alone for these three buildings, the District will enjoy cost savings for many years to come.
The District also recently took advantage of a PPL Rebate Lighting Program. Eleven buildings participated in the project which consisted of replacing
10 wall pack light fixtures with 10 new LED wall lights. There was no cost to the School District for the material or labor. Facility Solution Group
supplied the material and contracted with Albarell for the installation. Annual estimated savings are approximately $4,000. Orefield Middle School’s
parking lot received a new set of LED lights which reduce to 10% when no activity is detected. The Orefield gym is also getting a lighting retrofit. The
estimated annual savings on both new lighting systems is about $5,000.
Innovative programs such as the launch of an Education Foundation has supported schools with more than $350,000 in grants and the purchase
of equipment during the last 3 years. Advertising campaigns in our publications and on our athletic fields as well as event sponsorships have also
contributed to savings over the last three years. Unique to our District is a bus advertising campaign that puts positive messages in front of our
students inside the school bus. Below are three ads currently running inside the buses. In all, the District’s advertising/sponsorship program brings in
approximately $100,000 annually.
Together, we can help stop texting & driving.
Debora Sigler
(610) 395-6100
6750 Iroquois Trail, Suite 3
Allentown, PA 18104
[email protected]
What did you do in class today?
73092
GOOD HANDS for the GOOD LIFE
© 2013 Allstate Insurance Co.
Finally, the District is pleased to announce an $87,235.79 cash rebate for successful participation in an energy curtailment program during summer
2014. The program required the district to curtail electric consumption when called upon by the PA – Jersey –Maryland (PJM) Grid, the entity which
oversees and controls electric distribution from Illinois to the east coast and from Maine to Maryland. The reason for the reduction requests vary but
could be contingent upon events such as an excessive heat wave which would cause excessive demand on the Grid.
Graphic Design Internship is available for summer 2015! Get great experience that includes
designing the full color district calendar. For more information, contact
[email protected].
11
PARKLAND NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2015
PARKLAND
BULLETIN BOARD
Jan 15 Jan 30 & 31
Feb 7
Feb 19
Feb 19 Mar 5
Mar 5, 6, & 7
Mar 5, 6, & 8
Mar 19
Apr 8-12
May 14-16
Community Advisory Council meets to discuss the PSD Budget Process - All are welcome!
Presentation and Q & A session presented by Superintendent Richard Sniscak and Director of Business Administration John Vignone, 7 PM, Admin Center.
Parkland High School’s ANNUAL PLAY, “an evening with tennessee williams,” 7:30 PM Friday and saturday in the Parkland High School auditorium.
For ticket info, call 610-351-5666.
Mr. Parkland Contest, 7 PM, PHS Auditorium.
PHS students compete in this annual pageant for the title of Mr. Parkland. It is organized by PHS Student Council. (Snow date is 2/12).
Community Advisory Council meets to discuss Role of School Psychologist, 7 PM, Admin Center.
SMS/OMS Science Fair Parent Nights, 7-8:30 PM, Respective School Gyms.
SMS ART SHOW, 6 PM.
OMS Spring Musical “peter pan, Jr.,” 7 PM Thurs and Fri, with additional shows at 2 and 7 PM Saturday, OMS Auditorium.
SMS Spring Musical “oklahoma, jr.,” 7 PM Thurs and Fri, with an additional show at 2 PM Sunday, SMS Auditorium.
Community Advisory Council meets to discuss Kratzer Renovations/Capital Projects, 7 PM, Kratzer Elem Library.
PHS Musical, “into the woods,” 7:30 PM each day through Sat. and a Sun. matinee at 3 PM.
For ticket info, call (610)351-5666.
12th Annual Festival of the Arts - sponsorships now available! Call 610-351-5630.
FAMILY SWIM, OPEN PLAY BASKETBALL, & OPEN GYM
South Whitehall Township Recreation will sponsor Family Open Swim on Sundays from 1 PM – 5
PM, January 11 – March 29 (excluding Jan 25) at the Parkland High School pool. One lane will
be roped off for lap swimmers. Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults. OPEN PLAY
BASKETBALL and OPEN GYM will occur on Sundays from 1 PM – 5 PM from Jan 11 – March 29
(excluding Jan 25, Feb 8 and Feb 15) Note: Gym opens at 2 on 1/18. OPEN PLAY BASKETBALL
will be in the Parkland High School Main Gym for people ages 16 years and up. OPEN GYM will
be in the Parkland High School Auxiliary Gym and is open to children ages 15 and under. These
events are free and open to Parkland residents. I.D. and proof of residence may be requested.
REGISTRATION FOR NEW STUDENTS AT PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL
Registration for new students entering Parkland High School next fall is scheduled for Monday,
February 23, 2015 and Tuesday, February 24, 2015. A snow make-up date is scheduled for
Thursday, February 26, 2015. The evening registration is designated for those students currently
residing in the Parkland School District but not attending Parkland schools. Parents who would
like to make a registration appointment should call Parkland High School at 610-351-5610 and
ask for Mrs. Kris Chenworth, Registrar, at extension #73432 or email her at:
[email protected].
855-DrGhosh
GhoshOrtho.com
;^#
4979 Hamilton Boulevard
Allentown, PA 18106
PARKLAND
NEWSLETTER
1210 SPRINGHOUSE ROAD, ALLENTOWN, PA 18104
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
LEHIGH VALLEY PA
PERMIT# 719
PARKLAND NEWSLETTER VOLUME 47 NUMBER 2
Published 4x annually in September, January, April and June
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Roberta M. Marcus, President (Master School Board Member)
David M. Kennedy, Vice President
Lisa A. Adams
Robert E. Bold (Master School Board Member)
Robert M. Cohen
Mark A. Hanichak
David J. Hein
Barry D. Long
Jef Reyburn
Richard T. Sniscak, Superintendent
Dr. Rodney R. Troutman, Assistant Superintendent
Tracy Smith, Assistant to the Superintendent for Operations
John A. Vignone, Board Secretary/ Dir. of Business Admin.
Nicole Mehta McGalla, Editor
www.parklandsd.org
NONDISCRIMINATION IN PROGRAMS AND EMPLOYMENT POLICY
In accordance with TITLE VI, TITLE IX, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act,
the Parkland School District does not discriminate either in the educational or vocational
programs and activities which it operates or in the employment of personnel, on the basis of
sex, handicap, disability, race, color, national origin, age, or religion. If you are physically or
mentally disabled, visually or hearing impaired, you may qualify for special services/ instruction/
equipment modifications so you can successfully complete the education program or participate
in activities. All inquiries concerning this policy/questions regarding specific programs, services,
and facilities for the handicapped should be directed to the district equal rights officer, Assistant
Superintendent, Parkland School District, 1210 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA at (610) 3515505.
to advertise in this publication, please call
nicole at 610-351-5630.