the karns city connection - kcasdk12.org 2017.pdf · the pennsylvania academy of science (pjas) is...

The Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PJAS) is a statewide organization of junior and senior high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations. This organization

has been a part of Pennsylvania’s educational program since 1934. STEM was alive and well even back then.

The goal of PJAS is

To promote greater participation in science and mathematics activities among the youth of Pennsylvania. To improve the quality of achievement in mathematics and science by encouraging students to participate in research and develop

original ideas. To develop an understanding of the scientific community through close association with leaders in the sciences. To seek the improvement of science clubs activities through the cooperative regional and state meetings. To inculcate among its members true scientific attitudes and humanistic ideals that shall lead to greater development of service to

man. (PJAS website)

PJAS has been an institution at Karns City for several years. Mrs. Elaine Custer, retired physics teacher, sponsored students for many years. Then Ms. Emily Hixson took over the sponsorship following Mrs. Custer’s retirement. Ms. Hixson then moved on to a new position, and Mrs. Campbell and Mr. Ryan were thrown the torch. After numerous experiments, presentations, conversations (some very loud), and tears, Karns City left the Penn State competition with numerous accolades.

Samantha Grazioli received a perfect score and first place for her presentation, “Determining the Manufacturer of a Shell Cas ing.” Brooke Griffith received a first with her presentation titled “Does Fear Change with Age?” Katelyn Grazioli’s presentation, “Testing Timed Tests” won a first place, as did Emily Schnell’s presentation, “May the Best Tomato Win: Hydroponic vs. Soil,” and Sabrina Crawford’s presentation, “Can Planaria Recall Memories after Regeneration?” Anthony Grazioli, Rebecca Pennington, and Kaitlyn Fleeger placed second with their presentations, “Measuring Acetic Acid in Vinegar Using Titration,” “Flow Faster: Effect of Substances on Blood Flow,” and “The Stroop Effect.”

Sami Grazioli also won an award for competing at states at least four times. She was the recipient of the Karl. F. Oerlein Senior High

Award for PJAS Excellence.

Sami did not go home empty handed for scholarships. PJAS gives juniors the opportunity to apply for scholarships that will be honored at Penn State. After applying and then interviewing, Sami won $2,000 per year for four years. WAY TO GO!

Yes, there is a lot of frustration, tears, and challenges, but PJAS builds character, confidence, and creativity. Congratulations to all who

perseveres every year with Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science.

A Publication of the Karns City Area School District Summer 2017

THE KARNS CITY

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Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PJAS)

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj_2LrNkK3UAhWDNSYKHdyzC2AQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.burgettstown.k12.pa.us%2FPage%2F807&psig=AFQjCNHVxZRWiFvVF82yHen53Mg5BZKc7w&ust=1496972851539316

Think Positive! Thanks to our local businesses!

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On a positive note, the Positive Rewards Program was a huge success again this school year! Several local businesses

made generous donations to provide a pizza luncheon to the winners at the end of each nine weeks. We also received

donations from entertainment and activity venues that will be awarded to the winners of the 4th nine weeks in each

category. The winners are chosen from all grade levels in the areas of Perfect Attendance, Good Grades, No Discipline

Referrals and Positive Attitude as nominated by classroom teachers. Below is a list of local businesses that have pro-

vided a donations towards the program.

Pizza Joe’s, Chicora PA

Boltz’ Uni-Mart, Petrolia, PA

The Old Bank, East Brady PA

Family Bowlaway, Butler PA

FunFest, Pittsburgh PA

Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh PA

Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Pittsburgh PA

The Belmont Complex, Kittanning , PA

Thank you to our students for achieving success and to our generous business donors for supporting our program!

Perfect Attendance Amber Maurer

Hunter Gifford

Jessica Rumbaugh

Taylor Martin

Blake Kelley

Kennedy Adams

Brayden Stuchell

Lakota Nolder

Landon Larimore

Keith Moore

Makayla Slater

Morgen Mogus

Abigail MacKrell

Jillian Morrow

Celeste Hartle

Shavon McCanna

Kassidy Conoran

Desirae Bowser

Dominic Bard

Positive Attitude Kaitlyn Carr

Cole Sherwin

Sara Knox

Joseph Ferderber

Megan Lessner

Harmony Neal

Megan McGinnis

Nathan Lessner

Olivia Rumbaugh

Gunnar Yough

Bonnie Law

Katelyn Neff

Jayce Anderson

Trent Brenneman

Madison Eyth

Emily Berry

Ryan Croyle

Lyssa Kriebel

Grace Genaway

Thomas Parker

Good Grades Arica Angert

Emily Parker

Kylie Ekas

Ashton Garing

Macy Stewart

Julia Andreassi

Madison Ekas

Emma Clark

Ryan Hiles

Sydnie Istaqa

Marli Knox

Clare Bishop

Mackenzie Dunn

Tyler Thoma

Morgan Waldroup

Emily Flick

Reece Lapcevich

Josh Griffiths

John Silverio

Zackary Tack

No Discipline Referrals Dru Balestino

Erin Ellenberger

Hunter Dunlap

Jordan Rottman

Alyssa Haid

Brandon Elmadollar

Alexander Irvine

Sean Jones

Rayna Miller

Brayden Wilson

Kaytlen Horton

Elissa Karenbauer

Zane Rottman

David Friel

Lani Fetterman

Sabrina Crawford Emma Johns

Luke Anderson Rossi McMillen

Positive Rewards for These Karns City Students!

Winners 2016-2017

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STOCK MARKET SUCCESS!

The Fall and Spring Personal Finance classes participated in the Stock Market Game sponsored by Econom-

ics PA. Each group was given $100,000 to invest in a real time based stock market game. Every group re-

searched and selected stocks based on market behavior. The students used concepts learned in class to

determine potential success of various stocks and bonds of their choice. They were responsible for making

a decision as to how to spend the allotted account balance. This is a great way for the students to learn

how volatile the market is and what issues have the most effect on the market. Congratulations to the stu-

dents that made it to the top!

Sam Barton and Brooke Moore (First in Class Fall )

Deni Mealy and Margaret Hesidence (First in Class Spring)

CenturyLink offers grants to teachers to use technology in their classroom. This year

Mrs. Lemmon was one of the winners of this grant at the High School for a total of

$4996.69. This grant will allow her to purchase technology for her Computer Program-

ming classes. The technology will include 3D printers and several Lego Mindstorm kits so

that the students can learn to engineer robots and then program

them to complete various tasks using their programming

skills. The students will then use the 3D printers to create extra pieces to custom-

ize their robots. This technology will help the students to see the connection be-

tween computer programming and the physical impact it can have in the world.

ROBOTICS IN EDUCATION

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwig8JjCm6fUAhWk5IMKHT13DJsQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Finvesting%2F2016%2F10%2F18%2Fwhat-happened-in-the-stock-market-today.aspx&psig=AFQjCNEnMjMqQUwggKu

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The Challenge Program awarded students again this year for excellence! The seniors performed above the rest in the categories of

Perfect Attendance, Academic Excellence, Community Service, Academic Improvement and S.T.E.M. This program has been success-

ful in motivating students to reach their own goals as well as obtain financial reward.

As a partner with Chicora Medical Center and Sugar Creek Rest the Challenge Program, Inc. presented the following seniors with a

check for $200.00 this year:

SENIORS 2016-2017

Academic Improvement—Mariah Roxbury Academic Excellence—Alison Boltz

Community Service—Brittany Vezeau S. T. E. M.—Chloe Myers

Perfect Attendance—Noah Pollock

The sophomores and juniors received cash awards in the same categories during an exceptional assembly at the beginning of the

school year. The sophomore and junior awards were presented on the basis of achievements made during the prior year. Each year

The Challenge Program tries to create an interactive presentation to create enthusiasm about the awards program. Congratula-

tions to the winners from the 2016-2017 sophomore and junior classes!

The Challenge Program, Inc. Awards Students for Excellence

Sophmores 2015-2016

Perfect Attendance—Joshua Frederick

S.T.E.M.—Alec Weber

Community Service—Brittany Gibson

Academic Improvement—Caroline Ritzert

Academic Excellence—Samantha Grazioli

Juniors 2015-2016

Perfect Attendance—Noah Pollock

S.T.E.M.—Edward Cheeseman

Community Service—Michaila Byers

Academic Improvement—Sunday Marotto

Academic Excellence—Alison Boltz

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Angelo Rondinelli Advances to Nationals

Congratulations to KCHS graduate, Angelo Rondinelli (Class of 2017), for winning 1st Place in the

SkillsUSA State Competition in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC)

category. Rondinelli has excelled during his two years at Butler County Vocational Technical

School, and winning this state competition proves it. He was also in the running for the BC Vo-Tech

“Student of the Year” award. In mid-June, he will compete at the National Leadership and Skills

Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, where 6000 students will compete in 100 different categories.

After that, he plans to continue the rigorous application process to become a substation electri-

cian at West Penn Power. Austin McGuire, also a KCHS graduate (‘17), took 3rd place in plumbing.

Kids That Care The students in Kids That Care have been very active in their school and community this year. This

organization is one in which any student (7th – 12th) grade can join to help serve their school and

community. The students have collected BoxTops throughout the year and were able to send a dona-

tion to the Caring Place. The Caring Place is an organization that helps students who have lost a

parent. During the month of October the students collected items for the Butler County Humane So-

ciety. Items included dog and cat food, dog toys, towels,

and bleach.

December was a busy month for the club. We helped

three children in the community by buying and wrapping

Christmas presents to donate to their families. The

students also donated food for several families to help

over the Christmas Break. This spring, Kids that Care also hosted a jean and coat drive to help stu-

dents at the high school that cannot afford to buy these items. The students involved with Kids that

Care have learned the benefits of helping others in need while serving their community and school.

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College in High School (CHS) Speech is being taught by Mr. Matt Bates on Wednesday eve-

nings from 5:00 pm to 8:10 pm starting August 31st, 2017. College in High School (CHS)

20th Century World History is being taught by Mr. Jason Hackwelder on Monday after-

noons from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm starting August 28th, 2017. For more information please

contact the guidance office at Karns City School.

College In High School

NOTES TO PARENTS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL NURSE

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Department of Health of Pennsylvania has revamped the immunization requirements for student’s beginning the school year 2017-18. Student’s entering the 12th grade are now required to have a 2nd dose of MCV (meningococcal).

Student’s entering 7th grade area required to have the 1st dose of MCV and a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) booster. Documentation needs to be provided to the health office within the first 5 days of school or the student may be exempt from attending, unless

the child has a medical or religious/philosophical exemption. If exemption is requested, written documentation must be provided to the health office indicating such.

MEDICATION IN SCHOOL Students are not permitted to have any type of medication in their lockers, book bags, or on their person. Medications must be kept in the

nurse’s office.

All medications must have signed parent and physician permission. Therefore, if your physician prescribes a medication that your student will need to take during the school day, please obtain a written notice from the physician indicating the instructions for the medication.

All medications must be in their original, properly labeled containers and include the prescription label for all medications.

HEALTH ROOM The purpose of the health room is to evaluate the condition of students who become ill in school and to give immediate first aid for injuries that

occur during school hours.

The school nurse does not have the authority to diagnose, treat, or prescribe medications for injuries that occur beyond school hours.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Please be sure that the school has several alternate persons who may be reached during the school day in the event of an emergency, illness, or accident. It is also necessary for the school to be notified of changes in home, cell, or emergency phone numbers as soon as they occur.

Karns City Sponsored Scholarships

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Scholarship Amount Recipient(s)

Alex Summers Foundation Scholarship $500 Alison Boltz

$1,000 James Thompson

Beck-Johnson Scholarship $2000 Michaila Byers

Bob Craig Memorial Scholarship $500 Austin Fennell

Briggs Buck Memorial Scholarship $1,000 Ian McElroy

$1,000 Anna Sinz

Briggs Buck “Gremlin Football” Memorial Scholarship

$1,000 Brayden Fedorek

$1,000 James Thompson

Carl Curran Memorial Scholarship $500 Baylin Snyder

Cheryl A. Phythyon Memorial Scholarship $500 Leah Rottman

Chicora-East Brady Rotary Scholarship

$500 Alison Boltz

$500 Ashton Garing

$500 Deni Mealy

$500 Sydney Turner

$500 Morgan Waldroup

$500 Alyssa Weibel

$500 Kiara Yough

Concordia Lutheran Ministries Scholarship $2500 Claudia Kamenski

Dennis Harp Athletic Scholarship $500 Jace Ebbitt

Dennis Harp Athletic Scholarship $500 Leah Rottman

Donald Rupnik Memorial Scholarship $1000 Alison Boltz

Edward S. Dewey Scholarship $250 Michaila Byers

Edward S. Dewey Scholarship $250 Jacob King

Edward S. Dewey Scholarship $250 Morgan Waldroup

Edward S. Dewey Scholarship $250 Alyssa Weibel

George Mourer Memorial Scholarship $500 Mackenzie Craig

George Mourer Memorial Scholarship $500 Kaiden Powers

Griffith D. Morgan Memorial Scholarship Amount Not

Disclosed

Alison Boltz


Disclosed

Jace Ebbit


Disclosed

Claudia Kamenski


Disclosed

Jacob King

Hoch Memorial Scholarship $250 Megan Divers

Karns City Sponsored Scholarships (Continued)

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John C. Kelly Memorial Scholarship $2000 Sydney Turner

$2000 Kentin Codispot*

$2000 Caleb King*

John Jameson Memorial Scholarship $1,000 Lindsey Duespohl

“Judge” Genevieve Blatt Memorial Scholarship $250 MacKenzie Craig

Karns City Marching Band Parents Scholarship $500 Morgan Waldroup

Karns City Performing Arts Scholarship $500 Sarah Gibson

Katie Shannon Memorial “Soccer Club” Schol-arship

$500 Alison Boltz

$500 Jace Ebbitt

$500 Ashton Garing

$500 Megan McCartney

$500 Ian McElroy

$500 Noah Pollock

$500 Sydney Turner

Kay Sedwick/Tina Schorr Scholarship $1000 Jessica Rumbaugh

$500 Morgan Waldroup

$500 Ashton Garing

KC Cheer Club Scholarship $100 Madison Garing

$100 Leah Hesidence

$100 Claudia Kamenski

$100 Anna Sinz

$100 Sydney Turner

$100 Alyssa Weibel

KC Quarterback Club Scholarship $750 Jacob King

KC Quarterback Club “Dennis Scherer Memori-al” Scholarship

$500 Chandler Turner

KC Quarterback Club “Jacob Myers” Scholar-ship

$500 Carter Dunmyre

KC Quarterback Club “John Andreassi Memori-al” Scholarship

$500 Cullen Williams

KC Quarterback Club “Ron Ridley” Scholarship $500 Brayden Fedorek

KCEA Scholarship $1000 Leah Rottman

Kerr Agency Nationwide Scholarship $500 Sarah Gibson

Lillian Heck Memorial Scholarship $1,000 Sydnie Istaqa

$1,482.15 Chyntearia Quetot

Lloyd & Audra Sheakley Memorial Scholarship $500 Alyssa Weibel

National Honor Society Scholarship $500 Deni Mealy

NexTier Bank Scholarship $500 Sarah Confer

$500 Chandler Turner

Nicholas Dunlap Memorial Scholarship $350 Michaila Byers

Karns City Sponsored Scholarships (Continued)

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Northeast Butler County Medical Center Schol-

arship

$500 Sydney Turner

Parker City-Allegheny Valley Masonic Scholar-ship

$700 Alyssa Weibel

$700 Catherine Eakin

Penn State Karns City College Aid Scholarship $1694 Madison Garing

Roundball Club Scholarship $500 Ian McElroy

$500 Alyssa Gibson

Students Council Scholarship $500 Sydney Turner

Tyler Shreve Foundation Scholarship $500 Ashton Garing

$500 Alyssa Weibel

Zach Evankovich and Family Memorial Scholar-ship

$3000 Chloe Myers

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Bradford School Scholarship-Darrin Kuhns, 50% tuition reduction

Carlow Trustee Scholarship-Alison Boltz, $20,000 (renewable)

Dr. Glenn McElhattan Scholarship – Kinsey Green, $1,840

Duquesne Academic Scholarship-Anna Sinz, $12,000 (renewable)

Gannon University Athletic Scholarship – Megan McCartney, $13,000 (renewable)

Indiana University of Pennsylvania Cook Honors College Scholarship-Jacob King, $2000 (renewable)

Indiana University of Pennsylvania Sutton Scholarship-Jacob King, $2000 (renewable)

Kent State University Honors Residence Scholarship – Michaila Byers, $4,000

Kent State University President’s Scholarship - Michaila Byers, $16,728

Kent State University Trustee Scholarship – Michaila Byers, $14,000

Kent State University Award – Michaila Byers, $16,728

Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference Scholarship – Alison Boltz and Ian McElroy, $100 each

Slippery Rock University Achievement Scholarship – Ashton Garing, $6,000

Sons of Italy Lodge #1484 Scholarship-Claudia Kamenski, $500

Sons of Italy Lodge #1484 Scholarship-Anna Sinz, $500

Sons of Italy Lodge #1484 John & Joanne Andreassi Scholarship-Alison Boltz, $500

Wendy’s High School Heisman Scholarship-James Thompson, $1000

West Virginia University Scholarship of Distinction – Chloe Myers, $14,000 (renewable)

West Virginia University Engineering Excellence Scholarship – Chloe Myers, $4,500 (renewable)

Westminster College Alumni Scholarship – Claudia Kamenski, $4,000

Westminster College Jerb Miller Scholarship – Jace Ebbitt and Claudia Kamenski, $76,000 each

* Kentin Codispot and Caleb King are past KC graduates receiving the John C. Kelly Memorial Scholarship

Scholarships From Outside Sources

Karns City High School Class of 2017

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Jesse James Allen Abraham Lee Allison Makala Brooke Bailey Mason David Bailey Alec David Bard Samuel Lee Barton Ryan Victor Bauldoff Emily S. Beabout Paul Beck Shane R. Belles Deanna Sue Best Sierra Ann Blystone Alison Merroll Boltz * Thomas D. Brown Briggs Robert Buck** Jamalyn D. Bump Michaila Grace Byers * Edward A. Cheesman James D. Claypoole Noah F. Claypoole Sarah Elizabeth Confer Lawrence J. Convery Coltan David Corbett Mackenzie Elizabeth Craig * Jason Hunter Crowley Megan Lee Divers * Eric Michael Dodd Mason E. Donathan Lindsey Dawn Duespohl * Carter Matthew Dunmyre Catherine S. Eakin Christian Ealy Jace W. Ebbitt * Cameron Jacquelyn Ebig Marissa A. Elmadollar LeeAnn Marie Eppinger Brian Everly Brayden J. Fedorek * Austin Fennell Ashton Marie Garing * Madison Elizabeth Garing Alyssa J. Gibson * Sarah Ann Gibson *

Shawn A. Gordon Kinsey Marie Green * Emily Jo Hamilton Leah M. Hesidence * Tyler A. Hilliard Riley T. Horner Kaytlen Ember Horton Aaron J. Hutchison Sydnie Tashina Istaqa Levi D. Jack Noelle C. Johns Andrew F. Jones Dalton Lyle Jones Tye Bradley Jordan * Claudia Grace Kamenski * Dylan R. Kennedy Jacob Elijah King * Noah David Kriley Darrin W. Kuhns Samantha S. Landgraf * Marcus Burrell Lantz Richard E. LeGrand Jr. Hope Marie Lessner Peyton Lutz Skylar Andrew Macurak Rebecca Lynn Mangini Sunday Dawn Marotto Jerad Thomas Marshall Megan A. McCartney Mitchell Earl McDonald Ian Lee McElroy * Austin Casper McGuire Deni Sabrena Mealey * Trevor J. Mogus Brooke LeLynn Marie Moore Chloé Nicole Myers * Cole Christopher Myers * Elijah S. Myers Spenser C. Myers Harmony Rain Neal Cody James Northime Bryant Samuel Oddo Noah P. Pollock *

Kaiden Thomas Powers Chyntearia Chray-Belle Quetot Christopher Lee Rankin Jacob W. Rodgers Angelo S. Rondinelli * Carrie R. Roofner Antonio Luis Rosario Elizabeth Jane Rosengren Leah Marie Rottman * Mariah Elizabeth Roxbury Jessica Mariah Rumbaugh * Danica F. Scott Trevor J. Scott Adam Joseph Seybert Hunter Shifflett Timothy Joseph Sigworth Anna V. Sinz * Baylin Mae Snyder Collette Lynn Stahlman Brittney A. Stevenson Courtney Kathleen Sutton Haley R. Tascarella Damion Allen Tatters James Edward Thompson IV * Kassie G. Toy Chandler Takoda Turner Sydney Jean Turner Andrea K. Undercuffler Brittany Nicole Vezeau Morgan Elizabeth Vlassich Bridgette Wagner Savanna Nicole Wagner Morgan Nicole Waldroup * Bailey Walker Alyssa Lee Weibel * Madison R. Wetzel Amberly R. Wick Dylan K. Wiles Cullen G. Williams Kadie Elizabeth Wimer Summer R. Wyant Kiara R. Yough * Kaleb Andrew Young

*Indicates High Honors

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Karns City Area School District

1446 Kittanning Pike

Karns City, PA 16041

724-756-7510

Annual Public Notice of Special Education & Early Intervention

Services and Programs

It is the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Department of Education to ensure that all children with disabilities residing in the Commonwealth, regardless of the

severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located, and evaluated. This responsibility is required by a

federal law called the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The IDEA requires each state educational agency to publish a notice to parents in newspapers or other media before any major identification location or evaluation

activity. The IDEA requires this notice to contain certain information. Pennsylvania law requires each school district to fulfill this notice requirement by providing an

annual public notice.

The school district is required by the IDEA to provide a free appropriate public education to children with disabilities who need special education and related ser-

vices. Pennsylvania has adopted state laws which conform with the IDEA and which school districts must follow. In Pennsylvania a school age child with disabilities

who needs special education and related services is identified as a child with a disability. Students are exceptional if they need specially designed instruction and

have one or more of the following physical or mental disabilities:

Autism/Pervasive Development Disorder Orthopedic Impairment

Deaf-Blindness Other Health Impairment

Deafness Specific Learning Disability

Emotional Disturbance Speech or Language Impairment

Hearing Impairment Traumatic Brain Injury

Intellectual Disabilities Visual Impairment Including Blindness

Multiple Disabilities

In Pennsylvania, students also qualify as exceptional if they require specially designed instruction and are determined to be mentally gifted. Also, school districts are

required to conduct child find activities for children who may be eligible for gifted services via 22 PA Code Chapter 16. For additional information regarding gifted

services, the parent may refer to 22 PA Code Chapter 16. If a student is both gifted and eligible for Special Education, the procedures in IDEA and Chapter 14 shall

take precedence.

Early Intervention

IDEA requires the provisions of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to children with disabilities between 3 years of age and the school district’s age of begin-

ners. In Pennsylvania, a child between 3 years of age and the school district’s age of beginners who has a developmental delay or one or more of the physical or

mental disabilities listed above is identified as a child with a disability. Developmental delay is defined as a child who is less than the age of beginners and at least

three years of age and is considered to have a developmental delay when one of the following exists: (i) the child’s score, on a developmental assessment device, an

assessment instrument which yields a score in months, indicates that the child is delayed by 25% of the child’s chronological age in one or more developmental

areas, or (ii) the child is delayed in one or more of the developmental area, as documented by test performance of 1.5 standard deviations below the mean on stand-

ardized tests. Developmental areas include cognitive, communicative, physical, social/emotional and self-help. For additional information you may contact the Early

Intervention Program Supervisor at Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV, 453 Maple Street, Grove City, PA 16127 or (724) 458-6700.

These children are afforded the rights of school age exceptional children, including screening, evaluation, individualized education program planning, and provisions

of appropriate programs and services. The Pennsylvania Department of Education is responsible for providing programs and services to these children under Act

212 of 1990, the Early Intervention Services System Act.

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Screening

Each school district must establish and implement procedures to locate, identify, and evaluate students suspected of being exceptional. These procedures include

screening activities, which include but are not limited to: review of group-based data (cumulative record, enrollment records, health records, and report cards);

hearing screening (at a minimum of kindergarten, special ungraded class, first, second, third, seventh, and eleventh grades); vision screening (every grade level);

motor screening; and speech and language screening.

In schools which have an Instructional Support Team (IST) or child study team or Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS), the above screening activities may be a

consideration used by these teams as another level of screening. Parents and members of the professional staff of the student ’s school have the right to request

screening by the IST or child study team.

Except as indicated above or otherwise announced publicly, screening activities take place in an ongoing fashion throughout the school year. Screening is conduct-

ed in the student’s home school unless other arrangements are necessary. Telephone numbers and addresses can be found at the end of this notice for more

information.

Evaluation

When screening indicates that a student may be exceptional, the school district will seek parental consent to conduct an evaluation. “Evaluation” means proce-

dures used to determine whether a child has a disability and the nature and extent of the special education and related services that meet the child’s needs. The

term means procedures used selectively with an individual child and does not mean basic tests administered to or procedures used with all children.

In Pennsylvania, this evaluation is called a multidisciplinary evaluation (MDE). It is conducted by a multidisciplinary team (MDT), which must include a school psy-

chologist, a teacher and the parents. The MDE process must be conducted in accordance with specific timelines and use procedural safeguard procedures. For

example, tests and procedures used as part of the multidisciplinary evaluation may not be racially and culturally biased.

The MDE process results in a written evaluation report called an (ER). This report makes recommendations about a student’s eligibility for special education based

on the presence of a disability and the need for specially designed instruction. The evaluation report also makes recommendations for educational programming

regardless of whether or not the team recommends that the student is exceptional. Once parental consent for an evaluation is obtained, the school district has

timelines and procedures specified by law, which it must follow.

Parents who think their child is a child with a disability may request, at any time that the school district conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. This request should

be made in writing to the Coordinator of Special Education Office. If a parent makes an oral request for a multidisciplinary evaluation the school district shall pro-

vide the parent with a form for written permission. Instructional Support (IS) activities or MTSS do not serve as a bar to the right of a parent to request, at any

time, including prior to or during the provision of instructional support activities, a multidisciplinary evaluation. For information about procedures applicable to

your child, contact the school which your child attends. Telephone numbers and addresses can be found at the end of this notice. Parents of preschool age chil-

dren three through five may request an evaluation in writing by addressing a letter to the Early Intervention Program Supervisor at Midwestern Intermediate Unit

IV, 453 Maple Street, Grove City, PA 16127 or by contacting the Preschool Connection at 1-800-345-0033.

Parents also have the right to obtain an independent educational evaluation. The school district must provide to parents, on request, information about where an

independent educational evaluation may be obtained.

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Consent

School entities cannot proceed with an evaluation, or with the initial provision of special education and related services, w ithout the written consent of the par-

ents. For additional information related to consent, please refer to the Procedural Safeguards Notice which can be found at the PaTTAN website at

www.pattan.net. Once written parental consent is obtained, the school district, intermediate unit or charter school will proceed with the evaluation process. If

the parent disagrees with the evaluation, the parent can request an independent education evaluation at public expense.

Program Development

Once the evaluation process is completed, a team of qualified professionals and the parents determine whether the child is eligible. If the child is eligible, the

individualized education program (IEP) team meets, develops the program, and determines the educational placement. Once the IEP team develops the program,

and determines the educational placement, school district staff, intermediate unit staff, or charter school staff will issue a notice of recommended educational

placement/prior written notice. Your written consent is required before initial services can be provided. The parent has the right to revoke consent after initial

placement.

Educational Placement

A single test or procedure may not be the sole factor in determining that a child is exceptional. The IEP team must include a district representative, the student’s

teacher, special education teacher and the parents. If the student is determined to be exceptional an IEP will be developed.

An IEP describes a student’s current educational levels, goals, and objectives, and the individual programs and services, which the student will receive. IEP’s are

reviewed on an annual basis. The IEP team will make decisions about the type of services, the level of intervention and the location of intervention.

Placement must be made in the least restrictive environment in which the student’s needs can be met with special education and related services. All students

with disabilities must be educated to the maximum extent appropriate with children who are not disabled.

Services for Protected Handicapped Students

Students who are not eligible to receive special education programs and services may qualify as protected handicapped students and therefore be protected by

other federal and state laws intended to prevent discrimination. The school district must ensure that protected handicapped students have equal opportunity to

participate in the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extend appropriate for the individual student.

In compliance with state and federal law, the school district will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or

family, those related aides, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school

program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student the

child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school pro-

gram.

These services and protections for protected handicapped students are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking

enrollment) in special education programs.

The school district or parent may initiate an evaluation of a student under the laws, which protect handicapped students. Parents who wish to have a child evalu-

ated should contact the building principal or the Office of Special Education.

http://www.pattan.net

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Confidentiality

Each school district protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information regarding its exceptional and protected handicapped students in accordance

with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and other applicable federal and state laws.

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the stu-

dent’s education records. The age of majority in Pennsylvania is 21. These rights are:

1.) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.

The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2.) The right to request the amendment of student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or mislead-

ing.

Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the school principal (or appropriate school

official) and clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by

the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for

amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3.) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent

that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate education interests. A school official is a person employed by

the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person

serving on the school board; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant,

or therapist);or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing

his or her task.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

4.) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failure by the school district to comply with the re-

quirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.

Washington, DC 20202-4605

The school district maintains its education records in compliance with the guidelines for the collection, maintenance and dissemination of pupil records. Category “A”

data which includes the minimal personal data necessary for operation of the school district will be maintained for a minimum time period of a 100 years. Category

“B” data which includes verified information of clear importance, but not absolutely necessary to the school, over time, in helping the child or in protecting others will

be maintained until the child leaves school. Category “C” data which includes potentially useful information, but not yet ver ified or clearly needed beyond the immedi-

ate present, will be reviewed at least once a year and destroyed as soon as its usefulness has ended.

In addition, the school district may release “directory information” without parental consent unless a prior written objection to the release of such information is

provided to the school district by the parent(s). “Directory information” includes the following: student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth,

photographs, videotapes, major fields of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, duties of

attendance, honors and awards received. If you object to the disclosure of this information, you must submit a written letter of objection to the school district. Writ-

ten objections for students 3-5 years old should be mailed to Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV at 453 Maple Street, Grove City, PA 16127.

For additional information related to student records, the parent can refer to the FERPA at the following url: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/quid/fpco/ferpa/

http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/quid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

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Procedural Safeguards

Procedural safeguards protect the rights of parents and students. These safeguards include the following:

Parent’s consent is always required prior to:

Conducting an initial (for the first time) evaluation or a reevaluation,

Initially placing a child with a disability in a special education program,

Disclosing to unauthorized persons personally identifiable information.

The school district must notify parents in writing whenever it wants to begin, change, or discontinue special education and related services. Along with this notification,

the school district will provide the parents with a comprehensive, written description of their rights.

Parents who disagree with such actions proposed or refused by the school district have the right to request a hearing by an impartial third party using a procedure

called due process.

Before a due process hearing will take place, the district must convene a preliminary meeting with the parent and the relevant member(s) of the IEP team in an attempt

to resolve issues without the need for a due process hearing.

Pennsylvania has also made mediation services available throughout the Commonwealth at Commonwealth expense. Mediation services help parents and agencies

involved in a dispute over special education to attempt to reach a mutually agreeably settlement with the assistance of an impartial mediator. Mediation is completely

voluntary. Mediation does not deny or delay a party’s right to a due process hearing.

School districts also have the right to initiate due process in certain situations. During a due process procedure, a student must remain in the last agreed upon educa-

tional placement (a status called pendency). Due process procedures are governed by timelines and procedures in Pennsylvania law. Throughout due process, an at-

torney may represent parents.

Due process hearings are oral personal hearings and are open to the public, unless the parents request a closed hearing. The decision of the hearing officer shall in-

clude finding of fact, a discussion, and conclusions of law. The decision of the hearing officer may be appealed to the appropriate court.

Each school district must make available, upon request, printed information regarding special education programs and services and parent due process rights. This

printed information is available from each building principal and/or the Office of Special Education.

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Mode of Communication

The content of this notice has been written in straight forward, simple language. If a person does not understand any of this notice, he or she should con-

tact the school district or IU and request an explanation.

The school district or IU will arrange for an interpreter for a parent with limited English proficiency. If a parent is deaf or blind or has no written language,

the school district or IU will arrange for communication of this notice in the mode normally used by the parent (e.g. sign language, Braille, or oral communi-

cation).

For further information contact:


Jennifer Jamison, Director of Special Education



724-756-7510, ext 1022

The school district, intermediate unit or charter school will not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices, based on

race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, ancestry, or any other legally protected classification. Announcements of this policy are in accord-

ance with the state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1966. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of

the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For information regarding grievance pro-

cedures, services, activities, programs and facilities that are accessible to and usable by handicapped persons or, for inquires regarding compliance with

the above nondiscriminatory policies, please contact the Superintendent of Schools at your local school district, or Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV, 453

Maple Street, Grove City, PA 16127 (724-458-6700).

The school district will make reasonable accommodations to its programs and services to assure access to all persons. If, because of a disability, you re-

quire an accommodation please contact the Superintendent of Schools, Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator at the school district in which you re-

side listed above or the Director of Special Education at Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV at (724)458-6700.

August 22, 2016

New Student Registration

New student registration packets are available in the high school office.

New student registration will be held August 1, 2, 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Kindergarten registration packets are available in any elementary building,




Have a GREAT summer!

Board of Directors

Mr. Bryan Fleeger—President

Mr. Josh Price—Vice President

Mr. Chad Hershberger—Board Member

Mr. Matt Bishop—Board Member

Mrs. Brenda Ealey—Board Member

Mr. James Friters—Board Member

Mr. Denny Kelly—Board Member

Mr. Charlie Johns—Board Member

Mrs. Wendy Taylor—Board Member

Administration

Mr. Eric Ritzert, Superintendent

Mrs. Deana R. Turner, Director of Business Affairs

Mr. Edwin Conto, High School Principal

Mrs. Brenda R. Knoll, Assistant High School Principal

Mrs. Jennifer Jamison, Director of Special Education

Mr. Steve Andreassi, Maintenance Supervisor

Mrs. Michelle Merchant, Food Service Director

Mr. Shane Spack, Elementary Principal

Mr. Michael Stimac, Elementary Principal

PLEASE NOTE: SCHOOL CALENDARS WILL NO LONGER BE MAILED. THE CALENDARS WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLINE.

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