New Hope-Solebury New Hope- District School District Pride In Our Schools Volume 6, Issue 1 A School-Community Newsletter August 2013

Superintendent’s Message Inside this issue: Dear Members of our School Community, extensive expansion of student access to Lower Elementary 2 I hope that this newsletter finds you new technology, an expansion of our new School Chinese program at the high school, and an enjoying a restful, relaxing and rewarding expansion of our new elementary Spanish Upper Elementary 3 summer. The purpose of this newsletter program to include grades K-5. In reference School publication is to wrap up a truly outstanding to safety and security, we will be launching school year and to welcome you to what Middle School 4 our new Raptor Security System as well as a promises to be an exciting upcoming school new bus schedule notification system. year. Overall, from the larger organization High School 5 We are diligently working through the perspective, we look forward to launching summer in careful preparations for the our new, ambitious, 3-year, Comprehensive upcoming school year. These preparations Plan in the late fall/early winter timeframe. Pupil Services 6 include, but are not limited to, transitioning Curriculum As I proudly begin my seventh year, it new employees into our school district, continues to be an honor to serve as initiating new educational opportunities for New Administrators 7 Superintendent in such an outstanding our students, and implementing new safety school district completely dedicated to and security initiatives in a genuine effort to District Highlights 8 teaching, learning, and improving student maintain the well being of our students, achievement. I genuinely appreciate the staff, parents, and community. trust and support you continue to extend to In reference to new employees, we are me. Please continue to feel welcome to Dr. Raymond J. Boccuti, pleased to welcome our new Assistant to contact me if I may assist you in any way. In Superintendent New Hope-Solebury the Superintendent, Business Administrator, the meantime, I hope you enjoy the rest of School District High School Principal, Middle School your summer. 180 W. Bridge Street Principal, teacher leaders, teachers, and New Hope, PA 18938 Sincerely, support staff. In reference to new Phone: 215-862-2552 educational opportunities, we are launching Dr. Raymond J. Boccuti, Ed.D. Fax: 267-744-6012 our new cyber education partnership, an Superintendent Email: [email protected] New Hope-Solebury Board of School Directors 2013-2014 Budget Mrs. Amanda Elefante, President The New Hope-Solebury Board of School Directors adopted the final budget for the 2013- Mrs. Marlene Panzica, Vice President 2014 fiscal year at their meeting on June 3, 2013. The Board limited the tax increase to 1.7% Mr. Jonathan A. Adar which is the index that is set by the state. The increase to the average tax bill was $82. The Mrs. Susan C. Atkinson Mr. Joseph G. Harraka, Jr. expenditure budget is $36,176,178, and the revenue budget is $34,458,178, plus $1,718,000 Ms. Alison Kingsley that is being used from the fund balance. Mrs. Valerie Mitchell Mr. John Vaughn The budget included additional programs such as co-teaching, implementing a new teacher- Mr. Kurt Zander leader model, increasing elementary foreign language offerings, adding three girls sports, and Email: increasing technology use in the classrooms. The detailed budget can be viewed on the school [email protected] district web page at www.nhsd.org under "Business Office.” Page 2 New Hope-Solebury School District

New Hope-Solebury Lower Elementary School 3020 N. Sugan Road, Solebury, PA 18963 - (215) 297-5438

Lower Elementary School—Mr. Kenneth M. Silver, Principal

I Operation Beautiful Initiative Kicks-Off at LES LES

Readers’

Theater

A Community Investment

Since it’s inception in 2007, our Readers’ Theater, funded by several grants awarded to us by our Home and School Operation Beautiful is a district-wide initiative bringing Association and by the New Hope-Solebury Educa- together girls in 2nd through 12th grades to promote inner- tion Fund in 2008-2009, continues to thrive today! This beauty, foster independence, and encourage positive theatrically designed learning space has opened its doors to thoughts and ideas. This incentive brings together all types invited Celebrity Reader guests from our local community, of girls—the leaders, those with low self-esteem, girls who has hosted many book author presentations, and has broad- are bullied, and those who can help others. Together these ened a love of the arts through various cultural presenta- girls are trying to spread the notion that each individual tions. The hallmark application of this wonderful theatrical is special and valued. Operation Beautiful focuses on reit- space, however, is to advocate for Readers’ Theater as an erating how important it is for girls to see themselves and effective and natural means to boost listening and speak- each other in a positive light. ing skills for our students and to develop expressive The girls of Operation Beautiful chose a discreet, yet effec- reading fluency while interpreting narrative scripts and tive course of action. Each girl came up with positive words content area information within theatrical presentations. or phrases to share with others. These words were written Children who participate in our Readers’ Theater presenta- on sticky notes, and the girls were able to choose where tions or performances develop a sense of selflessness and they placed each of their own notes around the school strong work ethic through thoughtful planning and team- building. The idea being that girls will read the notes and work, which is essential for an effective reading of a gain something positive. They may gain confidence, maybe Readers’ Theater presentation. At the Lower Elementary independence, or possibly just a smile. Our hope is that School, we have continuously observed our students be- these positive words become contagious and increase the come confident and more self aware, develop enhanced self- positive behavior and attitudes in the district. This incen- esteem and confidence, and extend their friendships outside tive encourages female independence and embraces positive of what may be perceived as their normal circle of friends. ideas. These personal skills will carry our children far beyond the The kick-off event for Operation Beautiful (OB) was a multi- structure of an academic classroom for years to come. Our grade level meeting at the Lower Elementary School on Readers’ Theater, a “theatre of the imagination", is a gift that April 16th. Girls from the Lower Elementary, Upper continues to give new life to the written word, enhances Elementary, Middle School and High School came together vocabulary, comprehension and classroom instruction, and to learn more about Operation Beautiful and each other. provides the sheer enjoyment of performance and camara- They watched a short video about the founder of OB, derie while students collaborate with their peers. Caitlin Boyle, and her motivation for starting this nationwide We knew in those early years the Readers’ Theater ”revolution” (www.caitlinboylemotivationalspeaker.com/). would be a treasure for our students, and it continues The ultimate goal of the OB program is to help girls to demonstrate that each and every year! and women learn to love themselves as they are! Volume 6, Issue 1 Page 3

New Hope-Solebury Upper Elementary School 186 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA 18938 - (215) 862-8026

Upper Elementary School—Ms. Amy K. Mangano, Principal

It was a Whale of a Year  Activities such as Jump Rope for Heart, Naturals, Band and Strings concerts, and the Art Show were very pop- at the UES for 2012-13! ular!  There were several class trips to  This year we collaborated with the High School on a , The Duck Tour and project called TAKLE (Teenagers and Kids Learn- the Constitution Center, The ing by Example). High school students came to class- Beauty and the Beast Play, and rooms in the UES each week to work with students on Churchville Nature Center. team building and class work. This was an amazing rela-  Our students worked on art projects through Artists tionship that truly benefited both schools that we hope In Residence (AIR) and created bowls, murals and to continue next year. tiles.  We rolled out our WHALE DONE theme, the art of “catching students doing things right.” As part of our school-wide positive behavior system, we awarded students with whales that could then be turned in for prizes such as extra recess.

 The staff worked on a co-teaching model and will be kicking off this initiative for 2013-14. AIR Mural—Library Hall  Staff also assisted by running the student groups such as Safeties, T-team, Art Club, Intramurals, Yearbook,  The Student Council hosted events such as a Student Council, Jump Rope Club, Reading Olympics, Thanksgiving and a school play called Jungle Book. food drive, a  We ended the year with a fabulous field day that was door decorating truly “out of this world.” contest, raising money for the  On the last full day of school, we held a talent show in March of which our students participated in a full day of fun acts, Dimes, as well demonstrating real talent. as some spirit days. Our year was festive, fun and fabulous! Page 4 New Hope-Solebury School District

New Hope-Solebury Middle School 184 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA 18938 (215) 862-0608

Middle School—Dr. Christina M. Cortellessa, Acting Principal

It was an exciting year at the Middle School with Bi-Okoto. students participating in many team building initiatives, A school-wide positive behavior school trips, and community service activities. support plan was successfully The 8th grade class participated in the Summit Ropes implemented at the Middle Course team building trip to New Life Island. School this year with over 50 Prior to winter break, the 8th grade Class Social was “ROAR” (Respect, Owner- held and students enjoyed dancing, ping pong, pick-up ship, Attitude, Relation- basketball games, and an open gym. ships) award winners! The Class of 2017 held its sweatshirt sale. The sixth graders kicked off the year with a Back-to- 8th grade students visited Washington, D.C. to tour School BBQ where they were welcomed to the Middle the Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam School by the sixth grade team, specials teachers, and Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Washington Mon- administrators. ument and Reflecting Pool, Jefferson Memorial, and the In December, the sixth grade took a field trip to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. University of Museum of Archeolo- Community service projects included donated food gy and Anthropology, enriching their study of an- for Thanksgiving to Fisherman’s Mark, donations for cient civilizations. During this educational field trip, victims of Hurricane Sandy, “Adopt a Child” for the students were able to explore exhibits from many of holidays, collection of soup cans for Fisherman’s Mark, the civilizations they study as well as the special exhibi- participation in March of Dime fundraiser. tion Mayan 2012. Through the Walk-A-Thon Project and the “Pay it Ancient civilization was also explored by our Forward” theme, 8th grade students donated $250 sixth grade students, and was highlighted by a Chinese to Friends of the Delaware Canal, $500 to Children’s luncheon. Hospital of Philadelphia, and $3,668 to Cancer The annual Greco Roman Day provides the oppor- Research! tunity for students to extend their learning of Greek In October, 7th graders Jeremy Pether and Stella Kelly and Roman culture through costumes, skits, plays, were knighted by Queen Elizabeth I at the PA songs, and games. One of the day’s highlights was the Renaissance Faire. Greco Roman Feast coordinated by our fabulous The Middle School celebrated art through participat- sixth grade parents. ing in the District Art Show, the culmination of stu- dent writing and art in our publication “Through our Eyes” posted on the district website, the Recycled Fashion Show as well as a Moore College of Art scholarship, completion of the Middle School Caf- eteria Rules Mural, and a successful transition to dig- ital streaming on the morning news. Thanks to a PTG grant, the Middle School student body was entertained and educated in May by the The Middle School Staff African Drum and Dance Theater group called Wishing Students a Safe & Happy Summer! Volume 6, Issue 1 Page 5

High School—Mr. Charles M. Malone, Principal

In Newsweek's 2013 consequences associated with poor choices, with a America's 2,000 Best High focus on the theme “My Voice, My Choice, Make a Schools, New Hope-Solebury Difference.” High School was ranked #1 in This year, the junior and senior Bucks County, #10 in Pennsylvania, prom had students traveling “To the and #324 in the nation which is up Moon and Back”, all in the beautiful set- from the high school's impressive ting of the Jericho Country Club. Students #421 placement in Newsweek's dined and danced the night away, keeping to 2012 ranking. the theme of the evening by crowning the New Hope-Solebury High School’s newspaper, The prom court to “Fly Me to the Moon”. Lion’s Tale, earned first place from the American Scholastic Press Association. Our musical students had an extraordinary educa- District Achievements tional experience at the Nashville Festival of Music, As a component of the 2013 Guide to receiving top honors in a variety of categories. Western Pennsylvania Schools, the The High School Mathletes won second place in the Philadelphia Business Journal re- 2012-2013 Bucks County Interscholastic Mathematics ported that the New Hope-Solebury League. School District ranked #18 in the top 25 school districts in the state of Penn- High School Mathletes sylvania as determined through a com- prehensive report assembled by the Pittsburgh Business Times.

In March, the Sunshine Review, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to government transparency, re- leased the winners of the fourth annual Sunny Awards and among the winners was the New Hope-Solebury School District. The award, which honors the most transparent In partnership with NH-S Cares, two assemblies were government websites in the nation, went to 250 govern- brought to grades 9-12: A panel discussion about drug ment entities across the country. New Hope-Solebury is and alcohol issues, and a mock trial, featuring local proud to be 1 of 42 school districts across the country and district magistrate Maggie Snow. In both, the goal was 1 of only 3 school districts in PA to receive an “A+” grade. to provide students with accurate information on the Page 6 New Hope-Solebury School District

Pupil Services—Mr. David S. Lieberman, Director of Special Education/Pupil Services

We are very pleased to announce the opening of the High School Transitional Learning Center (TLC) for the 2013-2014 school year. This completes the final segment of programming for students whose needs exceed the Learning Support classes in the district. The TLC will work to meet the academic, social, pre-vocational, or life skills needs of our students, while preparing them for successfully transitioning into life beyond high school. Ms. Alexandra Cron is a valuable addition to our staff with her experiences in a similar program at Pennsbury High School as well as her work in Massachusetts supporting students with disabilities in general education. As the teacher for the TLC, Ms. Cron will be a key component of transitioning our students into the community for pre-vocational as well as other work opportunities. If you own a local business we would very much like to talk with you about creating on-site opportunities for our students at your business. Please contact Mr. David Lieberman @ [email protected] or at 215-862-8191 if you would like to discuss this further. Curriculum Office—Mr. Steven Yanni, Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development The process of writing, implementing, and revising curriculum is ongoing and requires the dedication of a community of committed professionals. The 2013- 2014 school year will bring several opportunities to refine and enhance our curric- ulum, which will continue to strengthen our instructional practices and deepen our commitment to promoting outstanding student achievement. Working collabora- tively with our new Teacher Leader Coaches, we will examine instructional practic- es and curricular offerings in reading/language arts, mathematics, and science. Key to our success as a district will be the process of vertical articulation, a process in which teachers from all grade levels meet to discuss and analyze what is being taught and assessed, K-12. This practice will allow our teachers to reflect on how we deliver instruction and how we can make the process more efficient and high impact for our children. This process will also be important as we move forward with aligning our curriculum, instruction, and as- sessment to the Pennsylvania Common Core State Standards (PACCSS). The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is at a critical juncture with the required implementa- tion of several major initiatives currently for the coming school year. These initiatives include the PACCSS as well as the Effective Education initiative, which is a new teacher evaluation process. The New Hope-Solebury School District is committed to implement- ing these initiatives and continually reflecting upon and revising our practices to ensure we provide our students with an excellent education and the skills they need to be successful both in school and beyond the K-12 environment. The 2013-2014 school year will undoubtedly be a year of exciting and rigorous opportunities for our faculty, staff, and students. Page 7 Volume 6, Issue 1

NHS Welcomes New Administrative Team Members

As we move into the new school year, we are pleased and excited to welcome several new administrators to key posi- tions in our district. Business Administrator/ Board Secretary – With over 30 years of experience in the finance field, Mr. Stuart Perrone joins the Business Office staff at New Hope-Solebury. He has held positions with Central Penn National Bank, the Office of the City Controller of the City of Philadelphia, and recently the School District of Philadelphia. Some of his career highlights include assisting in the creation of the Philadelphia Children’s Budget and the Your School’s Your Money Project. Additionally, he has assisted with award winning budget and financial documents from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). His accomplishments also include devel- oping school based budgets and formulae, and most recently overseeing the finances of the $2 billion Cap- ital Improvement Program for the School District of Philadelphia from 2003-2013. Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development – Mr. Steven M. Yanni, currently a doctoral student at Immaculata University, comes to New Hope- Solebury from East Pennsboro Area School District, where he held positions of Principal of West Creek Hills Elementary School and Supervisor of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. Previously, he was RtI Coordinator of Twin Valley School District, 8th Grade Teacher of Language Arts and Elementary Teacher-Grades 2 and 5 at Twin Valley School District. His experiences have helped him develop an extremely strong background in literacy and curriculum design. Throughout Mr. Yanni’s career, he has developed strong beliefs about education and leadership, “realizing that we need to create classrooms and schools that respond dynamically to the needs of all learners. We need to ensure that all students achieve at the highest levels, that our staffs reach peak performance, and that our curriculum is prioritized and comprehensive.” High School Principal – Mr. Charles M. Malone, currently New Hope-Solebury Middle School Principal, transferred to the position of High School Principal, effective July 1. Since joining the district in November 2010, Mr. Malone has demonstrated strong leadership both at the middle school and district levels. He is spearheading the implementation of the new state teacher observation and evaluation system titled, “Pennsylvania Effective Educator Program.” Beyond his skills as an instructional leader, Mr. Malone cares deeply about meeting the needs of children and is dedicated to working with our team to move our outstanding school district forward. Acting Middle School Principal - Dr. Christina M. Cortellessa transferred to the position of Acting Middle School Principal, effective July 16. Dr. Cortellessa began her career at NHS in 1990, serving as a Health/Physical Education Teacher at the MS/HS levels. Since 1998, Dr. Cortellessa has held the position of Middle School Guidance Counselor. She is an ideal recommenda- tion for this position due to her experience in our Middle School, her administrative certification, her National Board Certification, and her Doctoral Dissertation demonstrating extensive expertise in addressing bullying behaviors in middle school students. District Highlights Athletics—Mr. Ted Harrington, Director of Athletics initiatives. So, in addition to insuring that our district is now  Football won the annual Battle of the Bridges in compliance with local, state and federal guidelines relating Thanksgiving Game over South Hunterdon to the storage of chemical substances, we also have a committee that will help us maintain a safe work environment  Girls Cross Country won the BAL and District One and save us money! Championship The Committee recently discussed the use of ladders by staff  Boys Cross Country won the District One members who need to take down and/or put up educational Championship materials or decorations in hallways or classrooms. The  Boys Soccer won the District One Championship for Committee felt that by providing ladders the third consecutive season to staff, we would reduce accidents  Girls Tennis won the BAL and District One occurring when desks, tables, or chairs are Championship stood upon to extend their reach. The district moved forward with the purchase  Field Hockey won the BAL Championship for the first of 6’ commercial ladders and placed four time in nearly 20 years in each building.  Golf won the District One Championship The Committee will provide workplace safety tips to staff  Girls Basketball won the “Over the River Tournament” throughout the year and maintain safety information on the  Boys Basketball won the District One Championship district’s website.  Baseball and Softball defended the Turtle Cup with wins in their annual games over Solebury School Food Service—Mr. John A. Dixon, Director of Food Services Two members of the HS Food Service staff, Guen Riess and Gina Ignatowitz, have left the District after many years of service at the conclusion of the school year. Guen has retired having been employed for 26 years, and Gina has Operations Department—Mr. David M. Hansel, worked 11 years for our District. Both will be greatly missed Director of Operations by students, staff, and their colleagues. They have been We are pleased to announce the formation of a dedicated to serving and accommodating the needs of all “Workplace Safety Committee” with the following staff during their tenures. We wish them well in their future volunteering to serve on the committee: Peter Rivera – endeavors. Director of Custodial Services, Beth Simon – School Nurse, Our kitchens continue to maintain their positive status as Todd Thomas – Security, Chuck Malone – High School having no violations in the bi-annual inspections at each Principal, Sue Rohn – Human Resources Manager, and Dave school facility conducted by the Bucks County Department of Hansel – Director of Operations. Dave Hansel was elected Health. We are committed to maintaining high standards of Chair for 2013-2014, and Sue Rohn was elected Recording food handling and sanitation. Secretary.

The Committee was formed earlier this year after Peter Rivera recognized a need during his work on the Chemical Inventory and Safety Program. Peter discovered that by forming a safety committee, the district would be reimbursed a portion of the annual insurance premium paid to our carrier; and we are able to use these funds for safety