Lower Dauphin School District Fall 2016 Know Your Schools Important Information for the Residents of Lower Dauphin School District Superintendent Test scores are up, more Sherri L. Smith, Ed.D Message work needs done s we finish our first marking period, it’s always a good time to pause and reflect. I am pleased to report that the Lower Dauphin school officials say that the district’s scores on school year is off to an outstanding start and our students state standardized tests and the state performance measuring system A are good but have room for growth. continue to find new ways to shine. This newsletter highlights a few of the many reasons I consider it to be a great blessing to be “We know our students are stronger than these test scores are the superintendent of schools in Lower Dauphin. showing,” said Superintendent Sherri Smith. “We will continue I witness firsthand the hope, promise and potential of our to work to refine our curriculum and instruction to ensure that our next generation in the halls of our schools. I cannot be more students’ performance on the tests equals their abilities.” proud of our students and I hope you feel the same. In the 2014-15 school year, the Pennsylvania Core Standards There are lots of changes on the horizon in the educational were implemented which changed expectations for curriculum in field. New federal mandates mean changes at the state level schools across the state. That same year, the Pennsylvania System of which ultimately find their way to our local schools. In the School Assessment (PSSA) began testing on this new content. The article at right, we present information about the standardized number of Pennsylvania students scoring proficient or advanced on tests our students took last school year. You will see that our the PSSA in grades 3-8 fell by an average of 35.4 percentage points scores are lower than we are used to, but with a new test in math and 9.4 percent in English/language arts that year. and new state standards, that is to be expected. Even with The state recognized this issue and suspended the School the changes, our students’ Performance Profile reporting system for a year and also set the performance was fourth-highest 2014-15 as a new benchmark by which future PSSA scores should “I witness be measured. in the midstate and well above firsthand the the statewide average of their “Our students were scoring between 80 and 90 percent peers. We will continue to refine hope, promise and proficient on the PSSA before this change,” Dr. Smith said. “We our instruction and curriculum potential of our aren’t seeing these results on the Pennsylvania Core Standards test to ensure that our students’ next generation yet, but we are confident we’ll get there.” At the high school, students’ performance on the Keystone performance on these tests in the halls of our accurately reflects their abilities. Exams in algebra, biology and literature continue to be strong and It has also been a fall sports schools. ” were largely unaffected by the changes to the Pennsylvania Core season to remember with boys Standards. soccer capturing the school’s first Even though the district’s PSSA test scores are lower, Dr. Smith state title for a male sports team. Field hockey advanced to the did point out that they are still proportionally higher than the state state semifinals. Cross country had athletes compete and medal average. Lower Dauphin students’ performance on the PSSAs is in the state tournament. Our attendance at these sporting events (Continued on page 2) shows the pride our community has in our athletes and I know from speaking to coaches that it is appreciated on the playing fields. Our students personify the values contained in the high Inside This Issue school’s Alma Mater – “Ever striving toward our goals, eager brave and true; help us keep our standards high for the White Boys soccer wins state championship and Blue.” Those words are as true today as they were when page 3 they were penned 50-plus years ago. The future is bright here in Lower Dauphin! Working with these amazing young people is cause enough for optimism. HS seniors learn financial lessons Please join us at a concert, sporting event or other school page 5 function and see for yourself that the future is in great hands! With Falcon Pride, Welcome to our new staff pages 7-9

Scenes from graduation Sherri L. Smith, Ed.D. page 11 Superintendent Lower Dauphin website address: www.ldsd.org ower LDauphin Know Your Schools Test Scores: Time needed to make sure scores are where they should be (Continued from page 1) the fourth highest in the midstate overall and English/Language Arts PSSA Scores the high school’s performance on the Keystone 2014-15 2015-16 Exams is the highest ever. A full breakdown of the district’s scores can be found in the chart at right. LD PA LD PA The state also issued School Performance Conewago Elementary 81.9 60.7 78.2 60.4 Profiles in 2015-16 after the one-year hiatus. Those profiles can be found at www.ldsd.org/ East Hanover Elementary 68.4 60.7 72.6 60.4 spp, but since the profiles rely heavily on the new Londonderry Elementary 76.4 60.7 73.5 60.4 PSSA scores, the district does not believe they accurately represent the learning taking place in Nye Elementary 73.2 60.7 70.3 60.4 schools. South Hanover Elementary 86.1 60.7 85.2 60.4 “As improved resources and practices are instituted in our classrooms, student performance Lower Dauphin Middle School 73.0 60.0 75.7 60.5 on standardized assessments is anticipated to Math PSSA Scores grow and will have a positive impact on future School Performance Profile scores,” Dr. Smith 2014-15 2015-16 said. “However, at this time we will not use these LD PA LD PA profiles to measure our growth.” Further, she said that with changes at the Conewago Elementary 64.7 45.3 65.2 48.5 federal level, states will be revising methods of East Hanover Elementary 58.4 45.3 63.5 48.5 school assessment and the School Performance Profile may be undergoing changes in the years Londonderry Elementary 61.4 45.3 62.6 48.5 ahead. Nye Elementary 54.7 45.3 54.8 48.5 The district instead plans to concentrate on the achievement of students on the standardized South Hanover Elementary 73.8 45.3 75.9 48.5 tests. To do this, the district continues to align Lower Dauphin Middle School 50.0 39.6 47.8 36.5 curriculum and resources to ensure that the material being taught is what is measured by the Keystone Exams tests. “The way our scores rebound on the 2014-15 2015-16 Keystone Exams in high school indicates that Lower Dauphin High School LD PA LD PA students are being prepared for success, it’s just that the work we’re doing isn’t being captured Algebra 78.2 64.5 82.3 68.2 on the PSSA tests at this time,” Dr. Smith said. Biology 69.2 59.0 78.9 65.8 “I am confident with another year or two, we will be back where we should be on our state test Literature 80.2 72.8 86.2 76.8 performance.” Two named semifinalists in National Merit Scholar program Lower Dauphin High School seniors attend a four-year university and major in Sam Rothermel and Matt Foran were musical performance. recently named semifinalists in the Matt is the son of Donna and 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Joseph Foran. He is four-year member of Program. This prestigious designation the marching band, concert band and jazz placed them in the top one percent of all band where he plays the trumpet. He is U.S. high school seniors and among the a four-year member of the Tri-M Music highest scoring entrants in Pennsylvania. Honor Society and the National Science Sam is the son of Nancy and Joseph Honor Society. He is a three-year Rothermel. He is a four-year member of member of the National Honor Society the orchestra and the spring musical’s pit and the Latin National Honor Society. orchestra, serving as concertmaster of each He also participated in the ping pong for the past three years. He is one of the Sam Rothermel Matt Foran and chess club for three years and played most decorated musicians in school history, for two years. He plans to attend a performing at states the past two years and earning a spot at nationals four-year university and major in electrical engineering with a minor in last year. He is president and a four-year member of the Tri-M Music mechanical engineering. Honor Society and is president and a two-year member of the Math As semifinalists, Sam and Matt will continue in the competition Honor Society. He is also a three-year member of the National Science and try to advance to the elite finalist level of the program. Also Honor Society and the Latin Honor Society and a two-year member of earning recognition were LDHS seniors Nick Moosic and Rosie Levi the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society. He is a and homeschooler Cameron Messinger who joined 34,000 students member of the chorus and has participated in Dramapalooza. He plans to nationwide as Commended Students. 2 Lower Dauphin High School’s boys soccer team capped a perfect 28-0 season with a win over Northwestern Lehigh in the PIAA Class AAA Championship on November 18 at Hersheypark Stadium. The team also won its second District 3-AAA title this year and finished the year ranked third in the nation. 3 ower LDauphin Know Your Schools Lower Dauphin’s special athletes compete in fall games More than 50 special athletes and 100-plus buddies from the high school attended the Special Olympics Area M track & field day at East Pennsboro in October. The athletes competed in various running and walking events as well as the toss, standing and running long jump and the high jump. Fifteen athletes attend the high school, 17 are from the middle school and 25 attend one of the experience. I like all of the positive energy and district’s elementary schools. seeing the happiness in their faces.” “It’s great to see so many kids coming out It’s not all about winning at Special to compete,” said Roy Gesford, high school Olympics. The competitors’ beam when they health and physical education teacher. “Our receive a first-place blue ribbon or when they numbers keep growing and that’s a great thing receive a green ribbon for placing fourth. The to see.” experience is the reward. Mr. Gesford says that in addition to the “Spending time with special needs excitement and joy of competition that the kids and seeing them be proud of their athletes experience, the buddies also get a lot accomplishments is truly one of the most out of the event. humbling experiences – it’s so worth it to see “After last year’s event, it left a huge a smile on your buddy’s face after they finish impact on me,” said senior Nicole Snider. an event,” added Anna Mostoller. “Special More than 50 LD athletes competed at “Taking a day to spend with the athletes is an Olympics just makes people happy.” the Special Olympics in October. Alexandra Sassaman joins Logan Grubb on Lower Dauphin School Board The Lower Dauphin Board country and track & field teams concert band, fall play and spring musical, of School Directors recently at the high school. She plays the track & field team, Drama Club, Chamber appointed high school junior violin in the orchestra. She Singers, National Honor Society (president), Alexandra Sassaman to serve as is a member of the National National English Honor Society (co-vice associate student school board English Honor Society and president), Science National Honor Society representative. the Young Republicans Club. (officer), and German National Honor Society. She will serve beside high She also attended a Penn State He attended the Rotary Youth Leadership school senior Logan Grubb, Leadership Summit last year and Awards Conference this past summer. In who returns for a second is participating in a leadership the community, he volunteers with the year as student school board Alexandra Sassaman academy at the high school this Hummelstown Historical Society and gives representative. year. swim lessons at the Hummelstown pool. He Sassaman is the daughter of David and Grubb is the son of Amy Clark-Grubb says he plans to attend a four-year college to Lynn Sassaman. She is a member of the cross and Steven Grubb. He has participated in study political science/public administration. Lower Dauphin staff members honored for their years of service Lower Dauphin celebrated more than 70 10 Years Sarah Stiles, and Kevin White staff members’ significant anniversaries of Bernadette Bream, Virginia DeLano, Nina 20 Years employment at a ceremony in August. Gilroy, Edward Gnall, Justin Hanula, Amy Kathleen Barlow, Sheri Bell, Debora Connell, Five Years Hiler, Monica Hockenbrock, Scott Payonk, Christine Eberhard, Carol Gallerizzo, Roy Johnathon Breininger, Richard Conway, Kellie Sheree Potteiger, Rachel Reichert, Robert Gesford, Kimberly Grimard-Levis, David Custer, Mary Dell, Kristen Fackler, Helen Rossi, Marsha Sheibley, Michelle Shuler, Machamer, Carolyn Patt, and James Pirtle Fies, Jeremy Fox, Jan Gaspich, Quantina Kristy Streckewald, Marisa VanZandt, Alisa 25 Years Gillis, Ruby Gourley, Amy Hartman, Rachel Weimer, Theresa Winfindale, and Scott Yoder John Bowen, Craig Cassel, Lori Cassel, Hoover, Michael Layser, Andrew McCrea, 15 Years Kirstan Cherry, Lisa Fox, and Paula McCreary Christine Rankin, Keith Richardson, Elyse Kimberly Balmer, Amy Billy, Theresa Book, 30 Years Scheckler, Allison Spayd, Nickolas Stekovich, Laurie Boyer, Karen Burk, Jody Diskin, Dawn Andrea Diller and Debra Gleim. Heidi Stine, Beth Way, Amy Wingerter, and Koons, Amanda Mease, Kathy Peffer, Dawn 35 Years Mark Yocum Reese, Geniene Ronald, Christie Stankiewicz, John Book and Karen Wylde 4 TMI makes donation to LD Communities That Care Exelon - Three Mile Island is providing families.” kids with reading opportunities all year long “Our mission with a contribution of $10,000 to the Lower at Three Mile Island Dauphin Communities That Care Bookmobile. is to safely produce Three Mile Island has now donated a total electricity while at of $127,500 to Lower Dauphin Communities the same time being That Care over the past seven years. The a valued resource donation is used to sponsor the Books on to our neighbors,” Board Bookmobile that serves youngsters in said Edward Callan Londonderry, Conewago, East Hanover and Jr., TMI site vice South Hanover townships and Hummelstown president. “We feel the Borough. Bookmobile is making “We are so grateful for Three Mile a positive impact on our Island’s ongoing support of the bookmobile,” community.” said Kathy Peffer, program director for Lower The bookmobile TMI Site Vice President Edward Callan Jr., left, visits the Dauphin Communities That Care. “Their is one of the programs bookmobile with LD CTC’s Kathy Peffer, Bob Rogers and donation enables us to give the gift of literacy offered by Lower bookmobile driver and storyteller Amy Seeger. to thousands of youth every year. In addition, Dauphin CTC, a non- mentoring, parenting programs, and after- this past summer the bookmobile delivered a profit organization that provides programs school programs for girls in grades 4-8 to help community-based health education program to to promote the positive development of improve their relationships with other girls. children and families in several neighborhoods children in our community. In addition to the For more information about LD CTC and and partnered with the Lower Dauphin bookmobile and pre-school literacy program, its programs, please contact Mrs. Peffer at Falcon Foundation to provide meals to needy the organization provides school-based 566-6096. Junior Achievement brings financial literacy program to LD Lower Dauphin High School partnered live on. Volunteers from area with Junior Achievement of South Central businesses helped offer advice Pennsylvania to present a day of financial and options to the students as literacy activities for 12th-graders in they made their financial plans. September. “I was able to receive a High school seniors spent the day learning better understanding of how about the importance and impact of their to manage my money,” said financial decisions in Junior Achievement’s senior Nick Scipione. “I liked Real Life program. that we were able to work “The goal of the Real Life financial with an experienced adult in literacy program is to inspire students to order to receive tips on money appreciate the key issues surrounding personal management.” finance and the importance of getting good Classmate Brittany advice as you make decisions,” according to Halbleib agreed, “I liked Jill Freedman, high school assistant principal. working on the budget. My dad “The hope is that this day raised students’ tells me this a lot and obviously awareness of the importance and impact of I’ll have to budget myself for their financial decisions.” the rest of my life.” For half the day, students completed a They also played interactive team-based budgeting simulation called Budget Builder. games. Some of the games were: The budget simulation requires students to • The Price is Wrong where they worked make tough, real financial decisions in the spur to match prices to items which helps them of the moment. understand the cost of items they regularly “We hope it’s a life-changing experience use. that leaves students aware that the choices they • Insurance Jeopardy where they learned might make will influence their lives for years about the basics of insurance concepts and to come,” said JA’s Erica Donovan. “We also the importance of auto, health, life and want them to be aware of the importance of liability insurance. savings and some of the key concepts involved • The Real Game of Life where they played in financial decision making.” a life-sized version of the Milton Bradley The entire senior class participated in In the simulation, each student was Game of Life where students learned about Junior Achievement’s Real Life program. assigned a unique “life situation” which the financial consequences of life decisions. detailed their adult persona, including marital “I learned that budgeting is very important I grow older and have a plan for spending status, number of children (if any), education, and that life will be very expensive,” said money.” employment and income. Students then senior Sarita Walters. “Also, I learned that The program was coordinated and run by determined how much of their income was certain grocery items are a lot more expensive Junior Achievement and was free to the school available to them each month, after taxes, to than I thought they were. I will budget when district. 5 ower LDauphin Know Your Schools Fourteen LD student-athletes ink letters for college

Fourteen Lower Dauphin High School where she will major student-athletes announced their college in health/physical choices where they will continue their education. academic and athletic careers. Sydney In a National Letter of Intent signing Dreisigmeyer– day ceremony in the school gymnasium on Sydney is the November 9, the student-athletes representing daughter of six sports made their announcements before Kevin and Shelly parents, coaches, teachers and classmates. Dreisigmeyer. She is a four-year member Michael Geesaman – Michael is the son of of the field hockey Mike and Melissa Geesaman. He lettered in team. She will attend football and baseball at Lower Dauphin. He Penn State University will continue his education and playing career to continue her at Lackawanna College where he plans to education and major in criminology. playing career and Matt Kephart – Matt is the son of Tim and major in healthcare Donna Kephart. He was named second team administration. member of the field hockey and girls lacrosse Mid-Penn Conference and was also a three- Katie Lammando – Katie is the daughter of teams. She will continue her education and time district qualifier in . He will continue Craig and Vicki Lammando. She is a four-year playing career at James Madison University his education and playing career at Mount member of the field hockey and girls lacrosse where she will major in kinesiology. St. Mary’s University where he will major in teams. She will continue her education and Softball business. field hockey career at Stonehill College and Ava Bottiglia – Ava is the daughter of Nancy Cross Country major in chemistry. and Matt Bottiglia. She is a four-year starter on Colton Cassel – Colton is the son of Chris and Anna Mostoller – Anna is the daughter of the softball team and was Mid-Penn Keystone Jody Cassel. He participated in cross country, Todd and Christine Mostoller. She is a three- Division player of the year last year. She was winter track, outdoor track and . He year varsity letter-winner and was named named first-team all-state the last two seasons. is a four-time Mid-Penn Conference Medalist, to the national all-academic squad. She will She will continue her academics and playing a three-time District 3-AAA medalist, and continue her education and playing career at career at Kutztown University where she plans a four-time state qualifier. He will attend Lehigh University where she will major in to major in occupational therapy. Edinboro University where he will continue biology. his running career and major in wildlife Halle O’Neill – Halle is the daughter of Roy Kaylee Hollenbach – Kaylee is the daughter biology. and Irene O’Neill. She is a four-year member of John and Brenda Hollenbach. She is a Field Hockey of the field hockey, girls and track & four-year member of the swimming team and Alli Bitting – Alli is the daughter of David field teams. She is a two-time first-team Mid- is a three-time state qualifier, placing seventh and Tracey Bitting. She is a four-year letter- Penn Conference all-star and was also named at states last year. She plans to continue winner and a three-year varsity starter. Alli to the first-team all-state all-star team last year. her education and swimming career at the earned conference all-star honors the past two She will continue her education and playing University of Pittsburgh where she will major seasons and was named first-team all-state career at the University of Michigan. in natural sciences. and all-region last year. She will continue her Mary Kate Tarczynski – Mary Kate is the education and playing career at the University daughter of Krista and Matt Tarczynski. She Jefferson Waters – Jefferson is the son of Pam of Louisville where she will major in sports is a four-year member of the field hockey and and Dave Waters. He is a four-year member administration. track & field teams. She will continue her of the volleyball and swimming team. He led Taylor Casamassa – Taylor is the daughter education and playing career at Appalachian the volleyball team in kills last year and was a of Diane and Gregory Casamassa. She is a State University and major in biology/ first-team Mid-Penn division all-star. He will four-year member of the field hockey and girls chemistry. continue his education and volleyball career lacrosse teams. She will continue her education Rachel Yeager – Rachel is the daughter at Vassar College where he plans to major in and field hockey career at Hofstra University of Jack and Kira Yeager. She is a four-year biology. Guest Teacher Substitutes Needed! If you hold a bachelor’s degree, we are asking you to consider becoming a Guest Teacher Substitute with Lower Dauphin. Being a Guest Teacher Substitute allows you to act in a substitute teacher role in a school without needing to hold a teaching certificate. Substitutes are paid $100/full day. If you want to know more, please contact Angela Hepner directly at 566-5319 or by email at [email protected] and/or visit www.thesubservice.com for more information on how to get started!

6 Lower Dauphin welcomes new staff members Kristen Ault Hope Bowling Aaron Bray

Grade 4 Orchestra Physics Nye High/Middle School High School

Miss Ault is serving as a long-term Ms. Bowling served as a long-term Mr. Bray comes to Lower Dauphin from substitute this year. She is a 2015 graduate substitute for the high school and middle Bishop McDevitt. He earned his bachelor’s of Lebanon Valley College and attended school orchestra program in the first marking degree from Juniata College and his master’s Palmyra Area High School. Her previous period. She teaches at the State Street degree in STEM educational leadership experience is as a day-to-day substitute Academy of Music and operates a home from Immaculata University. He says he and as a teacher at Gravel Hill Christian string studio. She is a professional cellist and hopes to build upon the physics program and Child Care. She says her goal is to “provide has served as a day-to-day substitute at area eventually develop an advanced placement quality instruction that promotes creativity, schools. She says she hopes to “continue to course. collaboration and problem-solving within a build on the standard of excellence in the safe environment.” Lower Dauphin music department.”

Natausha Bulgrien Lauren Bybel Christine Calabrese

Emotional Support Learning Support Art Price Middle School Nye

Mrs. Bulgrien earned her bachelor’s Miss Bybel earned her master’s degree in Miss Calabrese comes to Lower Dauphin degree from Messiah College and her special education from Duquesne University after serving as an art teacher at West Milford master’s in special education from after receiving her bachelor’s degree from School District for the past four years. She Azusa Pacific University. A resident of Penn State. A native of Elizabethtown, she earned her bachelor’s degree in art education Hummelstown, she comes to Lower Dauphin previously worked as a pre-kindergarten from the College of New Jersey. She says she after serving as an emotional support teacher teacher. She says she hopes to be “a positive hopes “to encourage my students to love art at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. She educational team member and to help students as much as I do.” says she hopes to “serve the community I live reach their maximum potential.” in by encouraging students to be successful.”

Elizabeth Felcone Heidi Fellenbaum Sarah Frey

Learning Support Nurse Autism Support Conewago Londonderry Middle School

Miss Felcone worked in Lower Dauphin Mrs. Fellenbaum is a Lower Dauphin Miss Frey earned her bachelor’s degree last year as a long-term substitute and was graduate and earned her bachelor’s degree in in early childhood and special education from also a long-term substitute in the Derry nursing from Eastern Mennonite College. Prior Millersville University in 2015. She worked Township School District. She earned her to coming to Londonderry Elementary School, in the Hempfield School District and Central bachelor’s degree in early childhood and she worked as a cardiology nurse and case York School District before coming to the special education from Elizabethtown manager at the Hershey Medical Center. She middle school as a long-term substitute. College. She says she hopes “to provide my says she hopes to “build relationships with the She says she hopes “to develop meaningful students with the skills and resources they students as I help them to maintain wellness.” relationships with students, faculty, staff and need to reach their full potential both inside parents.” and outside of the classroom.”

7 ower LDauphin Know Your Schools

Melissa Gilbert Sarah Goodman Jason Grimes

Reading Specialist Biology Grade 5 Londonderry High School South Hanover

Mrs. Gilbert comes to Londonderry Mrs. Goodman earned her bachelor’s Mr. Grimes has been a long-term Elementary School after teaching fifth-grade degree from Penn State and her master’s in substitute and a day-to-day substitute in at in the Lampeter-Strasburg School District biology from Shippensburg University. Prior to Lower Dauphin and other districts. He earned for three years. She also taught in Steelton- coming to Lower Dauphin she taught biology his bachelor’s degree in elementary education Highspire School District for seven years. in the West Shore School District for the past from Penn State. He says he hopes “to be a She earned her master’s degree in literacy nine years. She says she hopes “to grow as role model for my students and be involved education with a reading specialist certificate an educator and make a positive impact on in the community.” from Penn State University and earned her students’ lives.” bachelor’s degree from Lycoming College.

Robin Jones Natalie Kadingo Karen Keating

Grade 1 Grade 3 English East Hanover Londonderry Middle School

Mrs. Jones will be a long-term substitute Miss Kadingo will be a long-term Mrs. Keating graduated from Bishop at East Hanover Elementary School. Prior substitute at Londonderry Elementary School. McDevitt High School. She earned her to coming to Lower Dauphin she taught She earned her early childhood education bachelor’s degree in English literature and kindergarten in Arkansas, Georgia and degree from Penn State University and was her master’s degree in teaching English and Louisiana. She earned her bachelor’s degree recently a long-term substitute in fourth grade communications from the University of from Harding University in Arkansas. in the Derry Township School District. She Pittsburgh. She taught in Florida for eight She says she hopes “to facilitate student says she hopes “to be a positive addition to the years prior to coming to Lower Dauphin. achievement and continue professional Lower Dauphin family by contributing new development as a teacher.” ideas and being involved as much as I can.”

Leanne Lefever Carolyn Leiberher Jamie Marrs

Spanish Speech Music High School Language Pathologist Conewago/Londonderry East Hanover

Miss Lefever earned her bachelor’s Mrs. Leiberher assumed her position Miss Marrs earned her bachelor’s degree degree in Spanish education from Millersville last spring at East Hanover Elementary in music education with an emphasis in University. While in college she studied School, coming to Lower Dauphin from cello from Susquehanna University in 2016 abroad in Chile and lived in Costa Rica for a Pinnacle Health System and Goepfert Speech and worked at Otterbein Early Childhood year before starting her bachelor’s program. Associates. She earned her bachelor’s degree Education Center and worked as a counselor A Lancaster county native, she graduated in communication science and disorders from at Camp Nawakwa. She says she hopes from Conestoga Valley High School and says the University of Pittsburgh and her master’s in “to help my students develop a positive a favorite high school teacher was among speech pathology from Edinboro University. relationship with music from which they may her inspirations to pursue a degree to teach benefit throughout their lives.” Spanish.

8 Deidre Peiffer Samantha Scheller Nancy Schwabe-Fry

Grade 3 Grade 2 School Counselor East Hanover Londonderry High School/S. Hanover

Miss Peiffer will serve as a long-term Miss Scheller is a graduate of Lower Mrs. Schwabe-Fry will serve as a long- substitute at East Hanover Elementary Dauphin and Millersville University with a term substitute at the high school and then School. She earned her bachelor’s degree degree in early childhood eduation. She will at South Hanover Elementary School. She from Penn State University and has served be a long-term substitute at Londonderry earned her bachelor’s degree from Juniata as a long-term substitute in Wilson School Elementary this year. She previously has been College and her master’s degree in school District and was also a day-to-day substitute a day-to-day substitute in Lower Dauphin, counseling from Millersville University. in Tulpehocken School District and Lower Middletown, and Elizabethtown school Prior to coming to Lower Dauphin she was Dauphin. She says she hopes to “instill a love districts. She says she hopes to “have a a long-term substitute at Warwick School of learning and provide the best educational positive impact on the students, parents and District and Eastern Lancaster County School experience for my students.” school staff.” District.

Steven Shuleski Alysia Smith Karissa Spitler

Autistic Support Learning Support Grade 4 High School Londonderry Conewago

Mr. Shuleski comes to Lower Dauphin Miss Smith is a graduate of Lower Miss Spitler returns to a full-time after working five years at The Vista School Dauphin and California University of position at Conewago Elementary School in Hershey in various roles, including teacher Pennsylvania with a degree in early childhood after serving as a long-term substitute at East and classroom coordinator. He earned his and special education. Prior to coming to Hanover Elementary School last year. She bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown Lower Dauphin, she was an elementary earned her bachelor’s degree from Temple College and his masters in special education emotional and autistic support teacher in the University in early childhood education. She from Shippensburg University. He says he East Pennsboro School District. She says she says she hopes to “help my students make the hopes to “bring energy and enthusiasm every hopes to “have the same positive impact on all most growth and achievement possible and day.” of my students’ lives as Lower Dauphin did for help to create a learning environment where me when I was a student.” students think with a growth mindset.”

Alana Tepsich Amber Updike

English Technology Education Middle School High School

Miss Tepsich is completing her master’s Ms. Updike graduated from Northern degree from LaSalle University and earned York High School. She earned her bachelor’s her bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg degree in technology and engineering University. She comes to Lower Dauphin education from Millersville University where after working more than three years at she also minored in athletic coaching. She Commonwealth Charter Academy. She says worked previously at Westminster High she hopes to “teach my students that there is School in Maryland as a technology education so much more to English than just reading teacher. and writing.”

9 ower LDauphin Know Your Schools Falcon Fest exceeds goal, raises over $47,000 in its final year The third Falcon Fest raised $47,462 on This year, Falcon Fest had October 1 at Hershey Lodge, bringing the six $2,500 sponsors this year. event’s three-year total over $100,000. Thrivent Financial, Susquehanna “This accomplishment could not Valley Construction, Chick’s have been achieved without the dedication Tavern, Royer’s Flowers, and commitment of the Lower Dauphin TrueVision Realtors, and community,” said Meg Kutz, one of the Hershey Pediatric Center. event organizers. “It’s amazing to see the Sponsors at the $500 level community’s support of our students and their were: Hummelstown Physical pride in being a Falcon.” Therapy, Mr. Bob’s Subway, The Falcon Fest is organized by Lower Arlington Orthopedics, Stoner’s Dauphin’s booster clubs who were approached Tree Service, Sweet Dawgs, four years ago to provide $80,000 to fund Brownstone Dermatology, the concession stand at the field house at the Affinity LTC, Mel Kelley Lower Dauphin sports complex. The Falcon Design/Build, Boro Bar & Grill, Fest organizers say the excess funds raised Pantalone Chiropractic, Eckert Falcon Fest organizer Meg Kutz welcomes attendees to will provide funding via the Lower Dauphin Seamans Attorneys at Law, the third annual Falcon Fest. Falcon Foundation to assist with student clubs, Todd Fisher Family Medicine, Romanosky Family, the Long Family, the groups and organizations throughout the Crossfit Gamma, JLB Construction, Fritz Economopoulos Family, the Yarrish Family, Lower Dauphin School District. Fire Protection, Jo Jo’s Pizza, LD Youth Field and Jody Dimpsey. The organizers used Falcon Fest as a Hockey, Drayer Physical Therapy, the Brian Finally, $250 sponsors were: the fundraising vehicle, holding silent and live Family, Connie & John Bolen, the Klock Mostoller Family, the Spanos Family, the auctions and taking donations to meet, and Family, the Ames Family, the Light Family, Spencer Family, the Walker Family, Wealth ultimately exceed, their $80,000 goal. the Lauer Family, Dr. Grater & Family, the Management Services, and Yost & Davidson. High School celebrates annual Homecoming festivities Lower Dauphin High School crowned Dauphin marching Halle O’Neill and Nick Scipione as band. He also is a Homecoming Queen and King during the member of the jazz school’s annual homecoming festivities. band, orchestra This year’s theme for homecoming is and musical pit “Back to the 80s.” During the build-up to orchestra. Nick is homecoming, students had several dress-up executive director days to show their school spirit, including for MiniTHON and College Shirt Day; Dress to Impress/Dress earned his Eagle Like a Teacher Day; Eighties Day; and Falcon Scout award. Nick Friday/Blue and White Day. has a job as an Halle was crowned Homecoming usher for the 4-D Queen at halftime of the football game vs Mystery Show at Susquehanna Township. Her court included Chocolate World Ava Bottiglia, Kasey Curtis, Emma Durantine, and works for Kora Houser, Meghan Johnson, Elise Musser, Walter’s Services. Allison Rissmiller, and Abigail Stumpf. Halle Lower is the daughter of Irene and Roy O’Neill. Dauphin High School Alumni She is a member of the Lower Dauphin field recognized the nine award recipients hockey and track & field teams. She is also at the game. They included Dr. a member of the Pa. Mavericks field hockey Elizabeth Sandel (1967), academic club, and the USA Indoor National Team. scholarship; Dr. Carole Engle Halle is the assistant editor of the Yearbook, (1970), distinguished career in volunteers for LD youth field hockey, and is academics and research; Christian a member of the National Honor Society. She Manders (1993), leadership; plans to attend the University of Michigan to Laurel Martin (1987), athletic and play field hockey and major in psychology. coaching; Russel Cassel (1965), Nick was crowned King at the service; Alan Sener (1973), art Homecoming Dance and his court included performance and professor; Cleon David DeNotaris, William Gremmel, Hunter Cassel ,distinguished LD school Harnish, Vincent Homza, Misa Mkwayaya, official; and Dr. Edward and Denver Rissinger, and Michael Yarrish. Nick Margaret Minmaugh, community is the son of John and Angella Scipione. He service. Homecoming game activities included crowning of is a member and drum major with the Lower the Queen and honoring LD alumni. 10 Two hundred and sixty-four members of the Lower Dauphin High School Class of 2016 received diplomas at the Giant Center in Hershey on June 9, 2016. Allison Michalowski was valedictorian and Rachel Orth was salutatorian. 11 Know Your Schools is published four times a year for the residents of Lower Dauphin School District. Lower Dauphin School District NONPROFIT ORG. 291 East Main Street U.S. POSTAGE PAID District Office 566-5300 Hummelstown, PA 17036 High School 566-5330 HARRISBURG, PA http://www.ldsd.org Middle School 566-5310 PERMIT NO. 592 Conewago Elementary School 367-7233 East Hanover Elementary School 469-2686 Londonderry Elementary School 944-9462 Nye Elementary School 566-0300 South Hanover Elementary 566-2564 Informaline: 566-5320 or 944-1668

Board of School Directors Todd Kreiser, President Dana Barry, Vice President Kevin Busher Debra Macut Marcela Myers Jeffrey Neely Keith Oellig Eric Samples Kerry Wolfe Dr. Sherri Smith, Superintendent

Edited by: Jim Hazen, Community Relations Coordinator Designed 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 District Calendar of Upcoming Events

DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 26 27 28 29 30 31

23 ½ Day for All 2 Schools Closed 17 Schools Closed 17 Schools Closed Students 13 ½ Day for Students 20 Inservice Day 30 End of 3rd Marking 26-30 Schools Closed Period 16 Inservice Day 23 End of 2nd Marking Period