aajhs newsletter - may 2017 · njhs mini‐thon & 9th grade social p.6 ... 19 english, reading...

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From the Principal this issue From the Principal & Events P.1 Technology & Engineering Ed Dept. P.2–4 PBS & Spotlight Reader P.5 NJHS Mini Thon & 9th Grade Social P.6 Counselor’s Corner & Chess Club P.7 Event Dates May 1 Awards Ceremony for 9th Grade 6:00pm 2 Awards Ceremony for 7th Grade 6:00pm 2, 3 Science PSSA 8th Grade 3 Awards Ceremony for 8th Grade 6:00pm 9 7th Grade Chorus and Orchestra Concert 7:30pm 16 Science Finals 7th Grade 16 Symphonic & Chamber Orchestra Concert 7:30pm 16,17 Keystone Exams for 9th Grade Biology 17 Math Finals 7th & 8th Grade (Anyone not taking Algebra I or Biology) 18 National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony 7:00pm 18 Social Studies Finals 19 English, Reading and World Language Finals 23,24 Keystone Exams for select 8th and 9th Grade Algebra I 26 8th Grade Recess Day 26 9th Grade Social 7:009:30pm 30 7th Grade Recess Day 30 Locker Cleanout 31 9th Grade Recess Day June 2 Student Last Day of School Report Cards go home ISSUE May 2017 7 AAJHS Altoona Area Junior High School Parents: As we look back over our school year we are very pleased with our students and their successes academically as well as in the arts and athletics. I want to take this opportunity to thank students for all of their dedication and hard work during the school year as well as you the parents for your cooperation and efforts to help make these successes. We look forward to recognizing students for all of their academic accomplishments at our annual award ceremonies; grade 9 Monday, May 1; grade 8 Wednesday, May 3; and grade 7 Tuesday, May 2. All award ceremonies begin at 6:00 p.m. We hope to see you all there! Should this be your last year with us at the Junior High as parents, I wish you and your child continued success as the education journey continues at the High School. To seventh and eighth grade parents, I look forward to seeing you all again next school year. For future planning please know that Meet the Teacher Night is Thursday, August 24 from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. with the first student day being Monday, August 28, more information will follow in our newsletter this summer. Good luck and best wishes for a great summer! Again thank you for all of your support this school year. Sincerely, Lori H. Mangan Principal

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From the Principal 

this issue From the Principal & Events  P.1 

 Technology & Engineering Ed Dept.  P.2–4  

PBS & Spotlight Reader P.5 

NJHS Mini‐Thon & 9th Grade Social P.6 

Counselor’s Corner & Chess Club P.7 

Event  Dates  

May  

1  Awards Ceremony for 9th Grade    6:00pm      

2  Awards Ceremony for 7th Grade    6:00pm  2, 3   Science PSSA 8th Grade  

3  Awards Ceremony for 8th Grade   6:00pm  9  7th Grade Chorus and Orchestra   Concert 7:30pm  16  Science Finals 7th Grade   16  Symphonic & Chamber Orchestra   Concert 7:30pm  16,17  Keystone Exams for 9th Grade    Biology    17  Math Finals 7th & 8th Grade    (Anyone not taking Algebra I or   Biology)  18  National Junior Honor Society    Induction Ceremony 7:00pm  18  Social Studies Finals  19  English, Reading and World    Language Finals  23,24  Keystone Exams for select 8th and    9th Grade Algebra I  26  8th Grade Recess Day  26  9th Grade Social 7:00‐9:30pm  30  7th Grade Recess Day  30  Locker Cleanout  31  9th Grade Recess Day   June  2  Student Last Day of School   Report Cards go home      

     

  

I S S U E

M a y 2 0 1 7

7 AAJHSAltoona Area Junior High School

Parents:  As we look back over our school year we are very pleased with our students and their successes academically as well as in the arts and athletics.  I want to take this           opportunity to thank students for all of their dedication and hard work during the school year as well as you the parents for your cooperation and efforts to help make these successes.  We look forward to recognizing students for all of their academic accomplishments at our annual award ceremonies; grade 9 Monday, May 1; grade 8 Wednesday, May 3; and grade 7 Tuesday, May 2.  All award ceremonies begin at  6:00 p.m.  We hope to see you all there!  Should this be your last year with us at the Junior High as parents, I wish you and your child continued success as the education journey continues at the High School.  To seventh and eighth grade parents, I look forward to seeing you all again next school year.  For future planning please know that Meet the Teacher Night is Thursday,      August 24 from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. with the first student day being Monday, August 28, more information will follow in our newsletter this summer.  Good luck and best wishes for a great summer!  Again thank you for all of your       support this school year.  Sincerely,   Lori H. Mangan Principal 

2016 Pennsylvania Middle School Program of Excellence Award Recipients

Technology and Engineering Education Department

Technology Education is the means by which we teach students

the Technology and Engineering components of Science,

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Technology Education is a body of knowledge separate from,

but related to the sciences, with specific content, curriculum and

specific certification requirements.

The Technology & Engineering Education Department at AAJHS challenges the students

throughout four main laboratory environments. The department consists of four teachers

working out of the Manufacturing/Production Lab, Drafting & Design Lab, Engineering Lab, and

the Multimedia/Communication Lab. Eighth grade students rotate throughout the semester

with the instructor in these four labs working on problem solving based challenges. The eighth

grade curriculum is an exploratory based course introducing the students to the various STEM

(Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics) related areas. The Tech Ed & Engineering

Department offers five elective courses for the ninth grade students. Mr. Dzurko offers two

courses in the Communication Technology Lab C-107. A yearlong course in Web Design and

Video Editing/Production challenges the students in this project based course while integrating

the Adobe Suite and AVID Media Composer along with

various technological devices. The semester course of

Multimedia/Communication Technology incorporates the

Adobe Suite software’s to design and create vector based

graphics that are produced in various print and electronic

media. Mrs. Manack offers a semester based Drafting &

Design/CAD/ Architectural Drafting course. Student’s

proceed through basic mechanical drawing into CAD

(Autodesk/Inventor Software), Introduction into 3D

Printing and finish the course with Chief Architect software in Architectural Drafting & Design.

Mr. Kincaid offers a semester course in the Engineering Design Lab that focuses on problem

solving and the engineering design process. Students work through activities such as structural

modeling, electronics and dragster design. Mr. Pesavento offers a semester based Construction

and Production Technology course in the manufacturing lab where the students utilize

traditional and CNC equipment to alter materials and bring them together as a product. All of

the Technology & Engineering Education electives allow the students to explore STEM related

areas while applying the Technological/Engineering design process to solve real-world

problems. In addition to the Technology & Engineering Education

courses offered in 8th and 9th grade, Mr. Dzurko works

collaboratively with 7th Grade Science teacher Mrs. Lori Piper

during the 6th period CBL classes to provide the students with the

opportunities to engage in enrichment activities and special school

projects through the AAJHS STEAM TEAM.

TSA Members travel to Regional, State and National Leadership Conferences and Competitions

throughout the school year working on STEM related activities!

AAJHS Technology Student Association ~ TSA

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is the only student

organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students

engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

(STEM). Open to students enrolled in or who have completed

technology education courses, TSA’s membership includes over

200,000 middle and high school students in over 2,000 schools

spanning 49 states. TSA is supported by educators, parents, and business leaders who believe in

the need for a technologically literate society. Members learn through exciting competitive

events, leadership opportunities and much more.

The diversity of activities makes TSA a positive experience for every

student. From engineers to business managers, our alumni credit

TSA with a positive influence on their lives. The Altoona Area Jr.

High TSA Chapter advisors are Tech Ed & Engineering teachers Mr.

Dzurko and Mrs. Manack. The TSA Chapter meets bi-monthly to

take care of regular business and information distribution. Student

members work on activities/projects before/after school beginning

in September in preparation of the Region 8 Competition in

February. Students, who advance from the regional event, travel to

Seven Springs Resort in April to compete in the Pennsylvania TSA

Leadership Conference and Competitions. Members who place first

at the state competition advance to the National TSA Leadership Conference and Competitions

at the end of June. Mr. Dzurko and Mrs. Manack welcome new

members to the AAJHS TSA Chapter at the beginning of each school

year. In addition to all of the TSA events and competitions, students

actively participate in a Community Service Project with the American

Cancer Society.

2017 Pennsylvania TSA Leadership Conference Participants:

Kaylee/Rebecca/Jake/Sarah

2017 Region 8 TSA Participants 2017 PA TSA Participants 3rd Place: Essays on Technology

2016 – 2017 Department Achievements

Awarded the 2016 Pennsylvania Middle School Program of Excellence at the

TEEAP (Technology & Engineering Education Association of Pennsylvania) STEM

Conference in Lancaster, PA.

Awarded the Program of Excellence at the ITEEA (International Technology &

Engineering Education Association) Conference in Dallas, TX.

Mr. Dzurko has been identified as one of twelve finalists who will advance to the

next level for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year 2018.

AASD Technology Student Association (AAJHS & AAHS) students competed in

STEM related activities for the Region 8 Competition on Saturday-February 4,

2017 @ Penns Valley Area SD with Advisor’s Mr. Dzurko and Mrs. Manack.

AASD Technology Student Association (AAJHS & AAHS) students competed in

STEM related activities at the 39th Annual Pennsylvania TSA Leadership

Conference and Competitions at Seven Spring Resort, April 19 – April 22, 2017

with Advisor’s Mr. Dzurko and Mrs. Manack.

A team of five engineering students under the sponsorship of Mr. Kincaid

competed in the Governor’s STEM Competition hosted by the IU8.

Students from Mr. Dzurko’s JPP (Junior Paw Productions) class were finalists in

video competitions hosted by the PPFF (PA Parks and Forest Foundation) and the

Carnegie Science Centers I5 Video Challenge.

Student members of the AAJHS STEAM TEAM constructed items in the

Manufacturing Lab to be donated/displayed in the AAJHS Library.

Donation of $500.00 through our TSA Community Service Partnership to the Blair

County Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

This month PBS went crazzzyyyy! Students earned Lion Loot by participat-ing in our “Crazy Hair Day” & “Crazy Sock Day.” On April 21st three students (one winner per grade level) won a PBS prize pack full of Lion Loot, lollipops, Sweet Frog coupons, free “Recess Day” passes, homework passes, and “Outside Lunch” passes. We must have been crazy to give all that away in our monthly drawing! In the month of May the PBS committee will be hosting our annual “Recess Day” during the last week of school. Students who show their ROAR can pay ten Lion Loot to spend the day outside in the fresh air. We will have snacks for purchase, wiffle ball, soccer, volleyball and much more! Don’t miss out on the chance to challenge your favorite teacher to a round of Ultimate Frisbee. In addition to the games, students will have the opportunity to put the Lion Loot into a raffle for prizes like all-summer pool passes, Delgrosso’s season passes, Curve tickets, and Meadows coupons. Students, continue to show your ROAR this month and earn Lion Loot in order to participate in these fun upcoming activities.  

The  Lion  Pledge   

I have the ROAR of a  

Mountain Lion.  

  

To RESPECT myself , others, 

and the communities to which  

I belong.   

 

To take OWNERSHIP in being 

prepared, being organized, and 

putting forth 100% effort in all 

that I do. 

 

To take ACTIONS to maintain a 

clean work environment, and 

an “I will achieve” attitude.   

 

To hold my RELATIONSHIPS 

with peers, teachers, and  

parents as valuable in order for 

me to  

succeed in school and life. 

Our final Spotlight Reader of the month is 7th grader Jason Carr‐Keefe.  Jason’s favorite literary genre is fiction because even though it’s not real, he likes to imagine himself as the character in the book.  If Jason became an author, he would write fiction books.  He enjoys being taken to imaginary lands with characters that can do impossible acts!  Other than reading, Jason enjoys playing video 

games and chess.  Jason’s advice for a struggling 

reader is to reread something that doesn’t make 

sense to you the first time.  If you still don’t       

understand it, it might be too difficult for you and 

perhaps you should get another book.  One rule 

we have as readers is that if you don’t know what 

5 or more words on the first page are, then 

chances are that book is above your reading level 

and you should choose another.  This is called the 

Rule of 5 and it helps us choose appropriate books 

that we will be able to enjoy. 

 

The dress code is casual formal – gentlemen should wear a dress shirt and dress pants.  Ladies' dresses can be short or long, with or without straps.  The length of the short dresses must follow the Student Code of Conduct, meaning that they must reach the knee area. REMEMBER, NO CUT OUTS OR 2‐PIECE DRESSES. 

No limousines or flowers/corsages permitted. 

Pizza, cake, soda and snacks will be served throughout the night. 

Only Altoona Area Junior High School ninth graders are permitted to attend this dance. 

Students on current suspension, have five demerits, and/or are on extracurricular probation at the time of the dance are   not permitted to attend. Also, any student who owes a fine cannot attend the 9th Grade Social. Fines must be cleared up in order to purchase a ticket.  

YOU MUST HAVE YOUR ID TO ATTEND THE DANCE.  

Tickets will go on sale starting the morning of Wednesday, May 24th  for students' last name A‐K, Thursday, May 25th for   students' last name L‐Z.  Tickets will be sold on Friday, May 26th for any students that were absent.  The tickets will be sold on the first floor near the auditorium from 7:20 to 7:45 AM.  The cost of the ticket will be $10.00.  Anyone who sold candy 

will receive their FREE ticket in homeroom on Wednesday, May 24th. Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door! 

  

For the National Junior Honor Society group community service project this year, the fourth annual mini-thon was held to raise money for the Mt. Lion Backpack Program. This program provides backpacks to local elementary students filled with two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and two snacks. This program was developed to assist families suffering from financial hardships. At the mini-thon, students had their choice of dancing, playing basketball, jumping rope, walking, playing ping pong or playing badminton. The students collected pledge donations to remain active for four hours from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. T-shirts were also sold prior to the event with all proceeds benefiting the backpack program. The students were able to raise $5861 for the Mountain Lion Backpack Program! Joe Saylor dominated both 4v4 badminton tournaments. In the first tournament, he teamed up with Shannon Schmitt, Dom Fasolo and Kaden Hileman. In the second tournament, he still couldn’t be beat with the help of Tyler Long, Sean Stuttard and Mason Criswell. In the other gym was an intense 1v1 ping pong tournament with Dom Fasolo as the winner. Throughout the night, Stevie Webber jumped her way to the top to win the jump rope contest. Connor Bradley won the limbo contest. Bre Mesmer and Dom Fasolo knocked out their competition in two games of Knock-Out, and Jolee Smith out hula-ed everyone to win the hula hoop contest! The students had a great time while helping a worthy cause!

Pennsylvania’s Teen Sexting Law

In 2012, Pennsylvania enacted a law criminalizing the transmission of sexually explicit images by minors. Under the state’s sexting law, it is a crime for a minor (a person under the age of 18) to:

transmit, distribute, or disseminate (share) an electronic communication (such as a text message or instant message) containing a nude image of him or herself or any other person age 12 or older, but younger than 18, or

possess a nude photo of another person between the ages of 12 and 17.

For example, both a teen who sends a photo of a nude classmate and one who receives the photo could be prosecuted under Pennsylvania law.

Teen sexting is punished more severely if the defendant takes or shares a nude photo of another teen without the teen’s permission, and in order to harass that person or cause him or her emotional distress. For example, a boy who shares nude photos of his ex-girlfriend after they break up could be charged with a more serious crime.

Spring Chess Tournament Results 1st Place: Tyler Long (9th Grade) 2nd Place: Milo Wikis (7th Grade) 3rd Pace: Joey Hallinan (7th Grade) Thanks to all students who participated in the club this year! We had a great year!