Know Your SchoolsImportant Information for the Residents of Lower Dauphin School District

Lower Dauphin School District Spring 2015

LDFF gala supports field house projectpage 5

Lower Dauphin supports Four Diamondspage 5-7

Change in state law impacts volunteerspages 8

Scenes from high school’s ‘South Pacific’page 11

LD budget holds line of taxes for fourth year in a row Lower Dauphin property taxpayers will not see a tax increase for the fourth consecutive year and seven of the past eight years.However Superintendent Sherri Smith cautioned that without revenue increases from the state, next year’s budget picture won’t be so rosy. This year’s $59,376,000 budget holds the line on the millage rate at 18.42 – which equates to a $1,842 property tax bill on a property assessed at $100,000. Comparing the proposed spending plan with the current budget, Dr. Smith pointed out that the net increase in spending was $1,336,000. When subtracting out the state-mandated increase in retirement payments of $1,149,000, expenses increased $187,000, or three-tenths of a percent over the year before.

(Continued on page 2)

Earlier this May I presided over a ceremony to dedicate the new field house at the Falcon Fields sports complex. As I looked at the building and at the

crowd assembled, I was struck again by what an amazing community we have in Lower Dauphin.

Our community gave over $655,000 to help make the field house a reality. That’s an obvious and tangible show of the support with which our school district is blessed.

That support manifests itself in other ways too. From the audiences at our plays, musicals and concerts, the fans at sporting events, and the opportunities for students in the arts, Lower Dauphin’s community is invested in our students.

Please allow me to thank you, our community stakeholders, on behalf of our students and staff for providing the means and support for our school district to excel.

We are doing some exciting things in our schools. For example, this summer we will be working on the curriculum at the high school to help support our one-to-one initiative in which every incoming freshman and sophomore will receive a laptop for school and home use.

We have been able to support our district programs for the past three years without a tax increase and I am pleased to say that we will hold the line on taxes again this year as well, even with this exciting new program!

This is being done even though federal and state support of our educational budget is lacking. In the budget the school board is expected to adopt in June, we are planning for zero new dollars from the state and a reduction in federal funds.

We are also seeing mandated costs, like pension payments, continue to increase.

I urge you to contact your state representative and senator to provide the support to our schools equal to that which our community already provides.

With Falcon Pride,

Sherri L. Smith, Ed.D.Superintendent

Superintendent

Lower Dauphin Web address: www.ldsd.org

Inside This Issue

Sherri L. Smith, Ed.D Message

“Please allow me to thank you, our community stakeholders,

on behalf of our students and staff for providing the

means and support for our school district

to excel.”

Field House project concludes with dedication ceremony

Superintendent Sherri Smith received a ceremonial key from architect Mark Barnhardt as the field house at Lower Dauphin’s Falcon Fields sports complex was officially dedicated. “On behalf of the School Board, the Foundation board and the fundraising committee, I want to thank everyone who committed money, time or talents to this field house project,” Dr. Smith said. “It was truly a community effort to reach this night.” More than 400 individuals, groups and businesses in the Lower Dauphin community donated $655,206 since the fundraising campaign kicked off in 2013. The funds went to supplement school district funding to pay for the 6,900 foot field house.

(Continued on page 2)

2

Lower

Dauphin Know Your Schools

Dedication: Community support makes field house a reality

Budget: Tax hike avoided but state share of budget decreasesDistrict to hold community forum May 26

Local Sources38,990,046

65.7%

Other Financing Sources55,0000.1%

State Sources19,803,323

33.4%

Federal Sources527,631

0.9%

Regular Instruction36,599,551

61.6%

Other Financing Services

3,952,7276.7%

Noninstructional Services

1,112,7571.9%

Support Services17,710,965

29.8%

(Continued from page 1) “We’re doing our part,” Dr. Smith said. “We’re keeping expenditures under control, but we are going to need help from the state to make this work long-term.” To balance this year’s budget and pay for one-time projects like roof repairs, water tank replacements at two schools, and funding the start-up of the student laptop program at the high school, the district is spending $1.3 million in its cash reserves. Given the uncertainty of budget negotiations at the state Capitol, Dr. Smith said Lower Dauphin did not include any increases in state funding in this version of 2015-16 budget. “We’re hopeful that the governor and Legislature will deliver some increase in funding, but we’re being realistic in our budget in case those talks become protracted beyond the June 30 deadline.” Currently, state revenues make up a third of the district’s budget. Federal sources are another 2 percent, leaving Lower Dauphin taxpayers to make-up the remaining 65 percent.

Prior to final adoption of the proposed 2015-16 budget, Lower Dauphin will hold a community forum on Tuesday, May 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the District Administrative Center, 291 E. Main Street, Hummelstown. The purpose of the evening is for the community to hear from Superintendent Sherri Smith and Business Manager Michelle Shuler about the proposed spending plan for next school year. The evening will begin with a brief presentation and then they will take questions from the floor.

(Continued from page 1) The field house, containing restrooms, team rooms, a concession stand, a training room and a large multipurpose room, was the final piece to the facility which opened in the fall of 2010. That first phase of the project built two artificial turf fields, a grandstand, press box and visitors bleachers. The fund campaign was co-chaired by Dr. Judith T. Witmer and Randy Umberger and offered opportunities for naming recognition for donors. As such, one turf field was named for Linda Kreiser and Bea Hallman, Lower Dauphin’s only two field hockey head coaches, and the other was named in memory of Courtney Pollock, a former elementary school teacher and Lower Dauphin student and athlete. Other recognitions include: field house building named in honor of LD Falcon Foundation; concession stand named in honor of LD Booster Clubs; multipurpose room named in honor of Dr. Judith T. Witmer and the Umberger Family; Team Room A named in memory of Reece Kelley; Team Room B named in honor of The Hershey Company; training room named in memory of Mark French; press box named in honor of Dr. Eric and Meg Kutz; flag pole named in honor of America’s veterans; ticket booth named in

memory of Col. Paul Stoner Jr., M.D.; and the benches named in memory of state Senator Hal Mowery. “It’s humbling to be on this field and realize that the building to my left was made possible through the generosity of literally

Superintendent Sherri Smith addresses the crowd at the dedication ceremony.

hundreds of individuals,” Dr. Smith said. “But that’s Lower Dauphin. “This community supports its students and its school district. It is truly an honor to be entrusted with the education and care of our 3,900 students.”

3

High School’s Senior Citizen Prom is a fiesta like no other The band wore ponchos, sombreros and mirror sunglasses. The food had a definite “south of the border” feel. It was the 16th annual Lower Dauphin Senior Citizen’s Prom. Due to a mix-up in the drawing, there were two kings – Fred Aveno and Clem Fure. But by virtue of being drawn first, Fred had the honor of the ceremonial dance with Queen Beverly Gorny. Senior Christopher Brian sang songs from the high school’s musical “South Pacific” in which he portrayed Lt. Joe Cable. And a three-piece rock band of Dominic Farole, Nicholas Scipione and Sean Weidner performed hits from the 50s and 60s. Every senior citizen in attendance got a door prize thanks to community partners Warburton’s Greenhouse, Manada Golf Course, Hoageez, Your Place, Soda Jerk, The Brownstone Cafe, Applebee’s, Bob Evans, Subway, Papa John’s, Weis Market, Sweet Dawgs, Rhoads Pharmacy, Hersheypark, Giant, Roxy’s, Gold’s Gym, P.J. Scoops, and Friendly’s. But the biggest winners were the kids who got to interact with their grandparents’ generation, hearing their music and even learning a few of their dances like “The Stroll” and line dances like “The Electric Slide.” The event is hosted by the high school’s Volunteen Club. Club President is Ashley Walton; Co-Vice Presidents are Alex Leader and Rachel Orth. The club is advised by Patti Hresko and Sharon Barlet.

Above, students learn the steps to ‘The Electric Slide.’ At right, First King Fred Aveno and Queen Beverly Gorny enjoy their royal dance.

Michael Aksu and Madeline Waters were named finalists in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Competition this spring. In addition, Waters received a National Merit Scholarship. Michael is the son of Wendy and Errol Aksu. He is a two-year member of the National Honor Society and National Science Honor Society. He also skis with the Ski Club and plays recreational soccer. He has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity the past two years. He plans to study biomedical engineering and be accepted to medical school. Maddy is the daughter of Pamela and David Waters. She is a four-year member of the band and orchestra and was a three-year member of the chorus. She is a four-year member of the spring musical and fall play. She is a three-year member of the National Honor Society and a four-year member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She plays and coaches with the Lower Dauphin Soccer Association and swims with the Hummelstown swim team. She plans to study psychology at Dartmouth University with the goal of earning

Michael Asku Madeline Waters

Aksu, Waters named National Merit Scholar Finalistsa doctorate in neuropsychology or clinical psychology. Five other students were named National Merit Commended Students. They include seniors Kevin Beaver, Daniel Davis, Jason Heath, Eric Markley, Austin Schwartz, Mikala Wells, and Victoria Yohe. Of the 1.5 million juniors who took the PSAT in the fall of 2010, about 16,000 were named semifinalists based on their scores. From the Semifinalist group, some 15,000 met Finalist requirements. By the conclusion of the 2015 competition, about 7,600 Finalists will be selected to receive National Merit Scholarships totaling about $34 million. Winners are the Finalist candidates judged to have the strongest combination of academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments, and potential for success in

rigorous college studies. Maddy received notice that she will receive a $2,500 scholarship from the program. “We congratulate these students for their outstanding academic accomplishment,” said Principal Todd Neuhard. “This recognition is a tribute to their prowess in academics and citizenship in our school community.”

4

Lower

Dauphin Know Your Schools

Lower Dauphin High School recognized 40 student-athletes who will be participating in a sport at the collegiate level in a ceremony held in the school gymnasium on April 9.

“I would like to wish each of these senior athletes the best of luck and continued success on the next level,” said David Bitting, Lower Dauphin athletic director. “The challenges that lie ahead are many and I am confident the training and coaching you have received at Lower Dauphin have prepared you to face these head-on.”

The student-athletes attending a college or university are listed below by sport and include:

Baseball - Blair Lewis, University of Pittsburgh and Michael Wilhite, Eastern Mennonite University

Basketball, Men - Tommy Bowen, WilkesBasketball, Women - Leah Gamber,

Elizabethtown CollegeFootball - Alex Dean, Westminster

College; Adam Domovich and Kyle Walker, Lebanon Valley College

Field Hockey - Morgan Bitting, Duke; Taylor Bracale, James Madison University; Gini Bramley, Penn State University; Ashley Ceschini, East Stroudsburg University; Mariena Decker, Mercyhurst University; Joely Helder, Saint Joseph’s University; Marissa Hoffman, Stevenson University; Abby Julius, Liberty University; Aliza Mizak, Millersville University; Maddie O’Neill, Michigan

Forty Lower Dauphin athletes will play at the collegiate level

State University; and Casey Schankweiler, Stevenson University

Golf - Tyler Maiman, West Chester University

Gymnastics - Morgan Fridey, Ball State University and Maggie Tamburro, North Carolina State University

Lacrosse, Men - Justin Guevarez, Alvernia University and Nick Mattis, Frostburg State University

Lacrosse, Women - Kenzie Kelley, Lebanon Valley College and Julia Mazich, Washington and Jefferson College

Softball - Shelby Alcorn, Hood CollegeSoccer, Men - Cory Burkhardt, Seton Hall

University and Spencer Burkhardt, Seton Hall University

Soccer, Women - Nicole Boyd, Elizabethtown College; Bianca Gillman,

Mount St. Mary’s University; Madie Light, American University; Shayna Macfarlane, Mount St. Mary’s University; and Christina Yarrish, Goucher College

Swimming - Zach Lauer, Washington and Jefferson College; Austin Schwartz, Wake Forest University; and Caleb Walters, University of Delaware

Track and Field/ Cross Country - Sean Weidner, Lock Haven University

Track and Field - Ben Ross, St. Francis University and Adam Zeiders, Shippensburg University

Wrestling - Lee Cassel, Messiah College “Always remember the ‘Falcon Way’ in

regards to hard work, commitment, team and sportsmanship. The lessons you have learned as a Falcon will continue to be a catalyst for success in the future,” Bitting said.

Lower Dauphin student-athletes who will compete at the next level.

Grayson Tomko heaves the shot during the Area M Special Olympics at Messiah.

Sam Doherty hefted the 4-pound ball in the shot put circle at the Area M Special Olympics April 16 at Messiah College. He heaved the ball and when he got the results he jumped up and down. He gave the officials a high five. Then he ran down the line of waiting competitors giving them all high fives as well. “I did it!” he shouted. “I did it.” His throw qualified him for an eighth-place ribbon. But for Sam and the other competitors it was about living up to the Special Olympics creed “Let me win, but if I cannot, let me be brave in the attempt.” This year Lower Dauphin sent 47 special athletes and 79 buddies from the high school to the games. “This is a great opportunity for our students,” said Principal Todd Neuhard. “Both the athletes and buddies get so much out of this experience.” Junior George Hatalowich echoed Mr. Neuhard’s comments. “Last year I had the opportunity to establish a friendship with my

‘Brave in the Attempt’ – LD Special Olympians shine at games

buddy Jonathan Lynn. Throughout the year our conversations began to grow and I got to know him better,” George said. “I feel as if I have

impacted his life, maybe in just the smallest way and in return he has made an impact on me.”

5

Lower Dauphin Mini-THONs raise over $118,000 Four Lower Dauphin schools held Mini-THONs this spring, raising $118,958.58 for the Fund Diamonds Fund at Children’s Hospital at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. The high school set a new school record with $82,630.95. South Hanover Elementary School contributed $22,527.57 to the district’s total. East Hanover Elementary School and the middle school rounded out the tally with a combined $13,800.06. “This is an incredible effort,” Superintendent Sherri Smith said. “We obviously focus a lot on academics, but there is more to a student’s education than just

books. Events like the Mini-THON provide opportunities for our students to learn about giving, generosity and caring for others. We couldn’t be more proud of our students.” Mini-THONs are modeled after Penn State’s THON just on a smaller scale. Four Diamonds Fund supports families of patients at Penn State Children’s Hospital financially and emotionally. Since its creation in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 3,300 children and families and also supported pediatric cancer research at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. This year’s high school event featured

dancing, a bouncy obstacle course, Zumba, volleyball, a scavenger hunt, table tennis and other fun activities – the only catch was that students could not sit down the entire night – roughly 12 hours. The other Mini-THONs focused more on fun and dancing and were held for a considerably shorter time. “This success is only possible with the support of our many amazing individuals and groups within our community,” said student co-directors Isabelle Yost and Emmalee Reese. “The opportunity to partner with the Lower Dauphin community to help fight pediatric cancer has been a great blessing to all involved.”

Two high school students attend all-state music festivals

Junior Emily McKissick and sophomore Sam Rothermel attended the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s all-state music festival in March. Emily, the daughter of Eric and Cate McKissick, is a soprano 1 in the high school’s Chamber Singers ensemble. She qualified for the all-state chorus after a successful audition at a regional festival earlier this year. Sam, the son of Joseph and Nancy Rothermel, is a violinist and concertmaster in the high school’s orchestra. He qualified for the all-state orchestra on the viola. He qualified for states after a top audition at regionals. In April, senior vocalist Chris Brian

attended the National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Choral Festival in Rhode Island. Chris, the son of James and Pamela Brian, is a bass 1 and performed with 350 other students from the eastern region of the United States – Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Washington, D.C.

Emily McKissick Sam Rothermel

LDFF Gala raises nearly $25,000 to support field house effort This year’s Lower Dauphin Falcon Foundation’s Blue & White Gala was dedicated to honoring Lower Dauphin’s only field hockey head coaches – Bea Hallman and Linda Kreiser At the end of the night, $ 24,842.56 was donated to support the foundation and its mission to enhance opportunities and expand horizons for LD students. At the gala, Miss Hallman and Ms. Kreiser were honored in speeches by former players Dr. Julia Staver (Class of 1970) and Laurel Hershey Martin (Class of 1987). In her tribute to Miss Hallman, Dr. Staver, a former Olympian, spoke about the team ethos developed when she and Coach Kreiser were players and then team captains. That emphasis on team, leadership, integrity and respect has served hundreds of girls as a model not only for sport, but for life, she said. “Miss Hallman remained involved in our program long after retirement and her influence is still felt,” Krieser said. “That team bond lasts for a lifetime. “An LD field hockey player is bigger than herself. She has a whole community behind her, supporting her.”

Laurel Hershey Martin spoke about playing for Ms. Kreiser in the 1980s. “There was a foundation that was passed on from Bea to Kreis,” she said. “Leadership can’t be defined by words – it has to be shown and that’s what we do here at LD.” In reflecting on the field hockey program’s ongoing legacy, Martin quoted Frances Hesselbein who said “leadership is how to be, not how to do”. “That’s what LD is all about and it started with Bea and then continued with Linda and it will continue for years to come.” At the end of the evening, Superintendent Sherri Smith unveiled the plaque naming the main field at the Falcon Fields athletic complex in honor of Bea Hallman and Linda Kreiser. “I cannot think of two individuals more deserving of this honor,” Dr. Smith said. “Bea and Linda have devoted their lives to education and the development of young women and our community, our world is a better place because of it.”

6

7

8

Lower

Dauphin Know Your Schools

Seven LDHS athletes ink letters of intent on signing day In a National Letter of Intent signing day ceremony in the school cafeteria on February 4, seven student-athletes, representing three sports made their college announcements.

Field HockeyTaylor Bracale - Taylor is the daughter of Steve and Roxanne Bracale. She is a four-year member of the field hockey and girls’ lacrosse teams. In field hockey she was a first team Mid-Penn All-Star last year and an honorable mention Mid-Penn All-Star in 2013. She will continue her education and field hockey at James Madison University and major in communications.Mariena Decker - Mariena is the daughter of Todd and Suzan Decker. She earned a varsity letter in field hockey this season and has been a member of the program for six years. She also plays club hockey with East Coast Field Hockey and was a captain on her indoor club team. She will continue her education and playing career at Mercyhurst University where she will major in neuropsychology.

Boys’ SoccerCorey Burkhardt - Corey is the son of Paul and Michelle Burkhardt. He plays club soccer with PA Classics Academy and participates in U.S. and Pennsylvania development academy leagues. He will continue his education and playing career at Seton Hall University and major in social and behavioral sciences.

Spencer Burkhardt - Spencer is the son of Paul and Michelle Burkhardt. He plays club soccer with PA Classics Academy and participates in U.S. and Pennsylvania development academy leagues. He will continue his education and playing career at Seton Hall University and major in social and behavioral sciences.

Girls’ SoccerBianca Gillman - Bianca is the daughter of Ed and Tina Gillman. She is a four-year starter and co-captain on the soccer team and was a Mid-Penn Keystone Division Second Team All-Star in 2014 and 2012 and a first team all-star in 2013. She also plays club soccer with LDC United. She will continue her education and playing career at Mount St. Mary’s University and major in health sciences.Madie Light - Madie is the daughter of Fred and Julie Light. She is a four-year starter and co-captain on the soccer team. She was named to the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches

Association’s First Team All-State and was Mid-Penn Keystone Division Player of the Year and a First Team All-Star. She will continue her education and soccer career at American University.Shayna Macfarlane - Shayna is the daughter of Bill and Tami Macfarlane. She is a four-year starter and co-captain on the soccer team. She was a Mid-Penn Keystone Division First Team All-Star in 2014 and a second team all-star in 2013. She will continue her education and playing career at Mount St. Mary’s University.

Seven student-athletes signed letters of intent in February.

Due to changes in state law, volunteers who have “direct contact” with Lower Dauphin students will be required to have updated background checks for next school year.

Starting Monday, July 6, volunteers will need to be approved by officials at the District Administrative Center (291 E. Main Street, Hummelstown) in order to volunteer. This applies to all volunteers who have direct contact with children, which is defined as the care, supervision, guidance or control of children, or routine interaction with children.

Volunteers will need to obtain background clearances every 36 months and also provide certification of a clear tuberculosis test.

The requirements include:• PA Child Abuse Clearance issued on or

after July 1, 2013.• PA Criminal Background Check issued

on or after July 1, 2013.• FBI Criminal Background Check

issued on or after July 1, 2013. If you have continuously resided in PA for 10 years, you will be permitted to complete an Affidavit waiving this clearance

• Evidence of a TB test within the last

Changes in state law require volunteers to get background checks90 days, unless one is already on file with the District Office.

Upon successfully presenting the four required documents above, volunteers will be issued a Lower Dauphin “Approved Volunteer” badge that should be worn at all times while volunteering. This badge will also have an expiration date, which will indicate the date an individual will be required to present new clearances to the District Office in order to continue volunteering.

As required by the state’s new Child Protective Services Law, all individuals who do not provide the district with up-to-date clearances will not be permitted to volunteer.

Volunteers are responsible for the cost associated with each clearance and all clearances can be completed online.

Assistance in applying for these online clearances will be available at the District Office for those who do not have access to a computer.

Lower Dauphin is purchasing a fingerprint scanner to complete fingerprints required in the FBI Criminal Background Check for any employees and volunteers who provide service

to our students. Use of this machine will be made available after July 6 and communication on how to schedule an appointment will be posted on the district’s website or can be obtained by calling 566-5300.

The school board is in the process of reviewing and updating the volunteer policy. Once those updates are complete, the district will post information about volunteering in Lower Dauphin on the district website.

“We encourage the Lower Dauphin School District community to participate in education of our students by sharing their time and talents in the classroom, helping staff behind the scenes and becoming involved in various school activities” said Superintendent Sherri Smith. “It is our goal to make this as painless a process as possible to not discourage volunteers.

“The presence of volunteers in our schools sends a message to our students that shows our community cares about each child’s education.”

Please visit www.dhs.state.pa.us for more information on these new requirements and frequently asked questions.

9

Community Aid boxes help Lower Dauphin community in many ways You’ve seen their tan boxes around the community but they do a lot more than collect clothes. Community Aid, a Mechanicsburg faith-based charity, also distributes checks to area nonprofits and provides gift cards for their store to those in need. Lower Dauphin Communities That Care has partnered with the agency since 2012. LD CTC sponsors 10 Community Aid donation bins located in every municipality within the Lower Dauphin School District. In Conewago Township, one is located at Conewago Elementary School. In East Hanover Township, you can find a box at East Hanover Elementary School and at the Farmstead Farmer’s Market. Hummelstown Borough is home to boxes at Subway Restaurant and Lower Dauphin Middle School. Londonderry Township has two open to the public at Doc’s Family Fun Center and Londonderry Elementary School, and there is another on Three Mile Island that

is open to employees only. South Hanover Elementary School also hosts a bin. These bins accept donations of gently-used clothing, shoes and accessories. LD CTC then receives a monetary donation from Community Aid based on the amount of clothing donated in their bins. These funds are then used to provide programs and services in the community. In addition, LD CTC has received grants from Community Aid totaling more than $25,000 in the past four years. Community Aid has also provided LD CTC with gift cards to their store which are distributed based on a family’s need. “This is an amazing partnership,” said

Kathy Peffer, LD CTC program director. “When we started with these boxes we had no idea that it would develop into such an incredible asset for our community.” Community Aid has a store at 4833 Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg. In the winter, Mrs. Peffer received winter coats and vests for children at the store to distribute to those in need who visit the LD CTC

bookmobile. She says with spring finally here, it’s a great time to support Community Aid. “With spring cleaning and sorting closets, please consider making a donation to one of our Community Aid boxes,” she said. “One donation can actually make a difference in many, many lives.”

Londonderry Elementary’s primary elementary students (grades K-2) have a climbing wall, a balance walkway, a flip flop, and a super dome this year thanks to a partnership between the school, PTO and the Highmark Foundation. A Highmark Foundation grant of $5,000 helped to pay for the climbing wall which is a big hit on the playground. In addition, the PTO and school district used funds to enhance the playground and purchase some other equipment. The reason? To get our students more active at recess. You see, we believe that recess isn’t just about play. A safe and healthy recess has the potential to improve student behavior, health, and learning. Research shows that active, healthy recess and play throughout the day reduces bullying and enhances learning in the classroom. The new equipment enhances balance, coordination and motor skills. It also encourages risk-taking and challenges students to climb and push themselves to accomplish goals. The Highmark Foundation recognizes that schools are powerful places to shape

Londonderry Elementary receives grant from Highmark

Londonderry Elementary School students enjoy a new climbing wall installed thanks in part to a grant from the Highmark Foundation.

the health, education and well-being of our children. This grant will help our school create a healthy school environment. “Education is more than just learning in

the classroom – especially at the elementary level,” said Principal Kim Ringso. “The traits and habits our students develop now will serve them well in the future.”

First Day of School for 2015-16will be Monday, August 31, 2015

10

Lower

Dauphin Know Your Schools

Hummelstown Arts Festival holding third Youth Art Show Contest The Hummelstown Arts Festival Committee invites students from Lower Dauphin School District in grades K-12 to participate in its Third Annual Youth Art Contest. Students are asked to submit one piece of artwork in the following media: painting, pastels, graphics, mixed media sculpture and pottery. All work must be original. No crafts please. Entries may be dropped off at JLD Management Group, 221 E. Main Street, Hummelstown between August 24 and September 11. Using a 3x5 card, entrants must write their name and grade (with a phone number on the back of the card) and attach it to the front of the piece. Entries received before September 4 may be displayed at the

Preview Party for the 34th Hummelstown Arts Festival on September 10.Entries are judged by a panel and winners will be selected in specific categories – Elementary (grades K-5), Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12) as well as an overall winner. The top three place-winners in each category and honorable mentions will receive a certificate, a ribbon and additional prizes. For more information, please email hummartsfest@comcast.net or check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HummelstownArtsFestival.

Nine Lower Dauphin High School artists joined their peers from across the midstate in the Sixth Annual Artistic Expressions Student Art Exhibit April 20 to May 19 in Harrisburg. The Lower Dauphin artists exhibiting their work include seniors Allison Rodriguez (digital photo and acrylic paint & burned wood), Jenny Cheng (pen and pencil), Casey Schankweiler (acrylic), Kayla Bair (ceramics), Kiersten Herr (ceramics), Miranda Reigle (ceramics), Riahna Pauls (digital photo), and Michalea Robertson (digital photo) and junior Anna Nissley (embroidered mola).Anna Nissley won a Judge’s Top 10 Award as part of the event. The exhibit featured student art from Camp Hill High School, Capital Area School for the Arts, Carlisle Area High School, Cedar Cliff High School, Central Dauphin High School, Central Dauphin East High School, Cumberland Valley High School, Harrisburg High School, Lower Dauphin High School, Mechanicsburg Area High School, and Red Land High School. The art will be on display at the Historic Harrisburg Association building on Third and Verbeke streets in Harrisburg. The exhibit celebrates works of student artists with

High school art students earn Scholastic keys Lower Dauphin High School senior Rachele Branchi recently won a Gold Key in the 2015 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her painting “What Happened”. Lower Dauphin High School sophomore Kaylee Hollenbach earned a Silver Key for her drawing and illustration “Eye Ball” and also earned an honorable mention for her drawing and illustration “Hipster Wolf”. Other Lower Dauphin students receiving honorable mentions were seniors Bethany Nye, Natalia Perez and Casey Schankweiler for paintings and Julia Palmer for ceramics and glass. The winners were recognized by the school board with proclamations at its May 18 meeting.

Nine LD artists participate in Artistic Expressions exhibit

aspirations in the fine arts. Artistic Expressions is led by a group of art educators who are passionate about developing the creative lives of students, and engaging the art educational

community. These teachers volunteer their time and solicit donations of space and financial awards for student art in Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Photography/Digital Art, Printmaking and Mixed Media.

Branchi’s winning artwork

Six Lower Dauphin High School thespians received nominations in the annual Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards. Both the fall play, “12 Angry Jurors,” and the spring musical, “South Pacific” received recognition as well. The play received a nomination for outstanding play and the musical received an honorable mention nod

Lower Dauphin thespians earn Apollo Award nominationsfor outstanding musical. In the fall, sophomore Frankie Vernouski received an outstanding actor nomination for his portrayal of Juror 8. Senior Katie Rynearson received an outstanding actress nomination for

her role as Juror 5. Sophomore Patrick Norris

received an outstanding featured performer nomination as Juror 11. In the spring, senior Patrick Harner received an outstanding actor nomination for his role as Emile deBeque in South Pacific. Senior Rachel Bitner received an outstanding actress nomination for her role as Ensign Nellie Forbush. And sophomore Meredith Hazen received an outstanding supporting actress nomination for her portrayal of Bloody Mary. Senior Christopher Brian earned an honorable mention nod for supporting actor for his role as Lt. Joe Cable.

11

Lower Dauphin’s spring musical, ‘South Pacific’ featured a cast of 70-plus including seniors: Rachel Bitner, Christopher Brian, Michael Gainer, Patrick Harner, James McDonough, Leah Miller, Ruby Rhoad, Katie Rynearson, Miranda Vares, Madeleine Waters, Elizabeth Hansen, Taylor Lutz, Alyssa Smith, Megan Banning, Matthew Bell, Parth Delvadia, Katie Goerl, Elizabeth Gross, Jennifer Jackson, Bethany Nye, Miranda Reigle, Anna Ritchie, Stephen Slusser, Alison Smith, Ashley Sontag, Brenna Stchur, Michaela Robertson, Cole Backenstose, David Hamaty, Quentin Horting, Omi Ramos, Colton Swartz, Adam Zeiders, and Zack White.

Know Your Schools is published four times a year for the residents of Lower Dauphin School District.

District Office 566-5300High School 566-5330Middle School 566-5310Conewago Elementary School 367-7233East Hanover Elementary School 469-2686Londonderry Elementary School 944-9462Nye Elementary School 566-0300South Hanover Elementary 566-2564Informaline: 566-5320 or 944-1668

Board of School DirectorsTodd Kreiser, PresidentDana Barry, Vice PresidentKevin BusherDebra MacutDr. Marcela MyersKeith OelligLaurie ReichertEric SamplesKerry WolfeDr. Sherri Smith, Superintendent

Edited by: Jim Hazen, Community Relations CoordinatorDesigned 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.

Lower Dauphin School District291 East Main StreetHummelstown, PA 17036www.ldsd.org

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE PAID

HARRISBURG, PAPERMIT NO. 592

Congratulations Class of 2015!