Wavelengths POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT • VOLUME 20 NO. 4 MAY 2014 TideLines Junior earns Widener Herren shares story of drug addiction University High School By: Patrick Keating The MAGIC program Leadership Award PAHS Junior is funded by a grant for 21st century community PAHS junior Kira o the kids that go learning centers and Nelson won the out on Friday and after-school programs. Widener University SaturdayT nights and [do] “Chris Herren’s High School not change [themselves], [Project Purple] is why Leadership Award you are my hero,” Chris we had a ‘purple out’ that January 17. Mrs. Herren said. night. [Project Purple] Mary Beth Conville, A mix of people filled was established by Chris 11th grade guidance one side of Martz Hall [to] assist individuals counselor, and April 3 as they sat facing and families struggling Mrs. Tiffany Reedy, a screen to watch an with addiction,” Mrs. principal, nominated opening video to Chris Michelle Boran, leader Nelson for the award, Herren’s presentation at of the MAGIC program, which recognizes high 7 p.m. said. “Project Purple was school students in the Herren, a former NBA launched to break the area who encourage player who played for stigma of addiction, bring leadership and the Denver Nuggets and awareness to the dangers influence constructive Boston Celtics, battled of substance abuse and change. The award addiction throughout shed light on effective was presented by the his career. He now treatment practices.” Photo By Shea Polley president of Widener travels the country to Herren is from Fall SPEAK — Chris Herren speaks to members of the MAGIC University, James T. speak to audiences River, Massachusetts, program and people who attended his presentation at Harris III. about his message of and was a standout Martz Hall. Herren, a former NBA basketball player, was an Additionally, Nelson the importance of being basketball player in high intravenous drug addict who now tours the country creating received an invitation drug-free and of being school. He was named drug awareness. to attend an awards comfortable with oneself. a McDonald’s All- event March 20 at the “I just want to create American and received at Boston College, he he was introduced to National Constitution an awareness that a full scholarship to play failed his first drug test Oxycontin, to which he Center in Philadelphia staying true to yourself basketball at Boston by testing positive for became addicted. and a leadership is real courage and College. cocaine at the age of 18. After a one-year career experience during the accomplishment. It is During the presentation, Herren was dismissed with the Celtics, he went to fall. All of the student easy to follow and fall he spoke about his from Boston College play basketball overseas in winners will meet victim to peer pressure. life with drugs. His after four months, and Italy, did heroin for the first on the campus for Peer pressure should be experiences silenced he then transferred to time as a 24-year-old and leadership training at the exact opposite; we everyone, created looks Fresno State, where became an intravenous that time. If Nelson should be pressuring our of disbelief and brought his addiction continued. drug addict. decides to attend friends and loved ones tears to people’s eyes. Herren did not get help Herren then went Widener, she will be not to do drugs [and] not “I figured that my story until he was 21 years on to play professional granted a scholarship to get high,” Herren said. is horrific, and there is a old and was forced into basketball in five different of $20,000 over her The Multi-Activities lot of shame in it [and] treatment by Fresno countries. four years at the Generating Individual a lot of regret, but a lot State. Herren entered rehab university. Capabilities (MAGIC) of people sit with that Herren was the second and has been sober “I’m definitely excited program from the middle in their life and a lot of pick in the third round and completely off all for the award. It was an school hosted the event people think they can of the NBA draft when substances for nearly six honor to be chosen,” and the free pasta dinner never get over it, and if he was 22 years old. He years, since August 1, Nelson said. “Widener prior to the presentation. they can see someone played one year with 2008. is in the list of schools The MAGIC students who shares it and has the Denver Nuggets He has been married I might attend, so it’s got to sit in the front and found strength through and then was traded to for 15 years to the same a possibility. I’m just wore purple T-shirts in that, then maybe they his hometown team, the woman who stuck with happy that I got the support of being drug-free. will be inspired to do the Boston Celtics. him throughout all of his scholarship and the This was the first time same,” Herren said. Upon Herren’s return trouble with the law and award.” Herren spoke at Pottsville. In his freshman year to Massachusetts, drugs.

PAHS Drama Club John S. Clarke First graders receive School district performs Oliver! for celebrates Read book donations from holds fundraisers 2 annual musical 4 Across America 6 UGI 7 for Mikey Allen 2 Wavelengths MAY 2014 Drama Club prepares for springtime performances By: Paige Fellows November, all members the play was, so there PAHS Sophomore of the Drama Club wasn’t any guessing on auditioned in front of the who got what [part],” liver, Oliver! Never three directors. The three sophomore Leah Guzick before has a boy then chose who they felt said. “When they said wantedO more!” was best for each part. the play was Oliver!, I The weekend of March Each student had to still wasn’t sure what role 29-31, many members sing a song from Fiddler I was going to be. I was of the community could on the Roof and then absolutely shocked when be found in the Robert recite lines from the they said I was the lead.” Wachter Auditorium musical My Fair Lady. After everyone’s roles supporting the members This process can were set in stone, it was of the PAHS Drama Club be difficult for some time to put the show as they presented their students, especially together. Oliver! was then rendition of the musical because of the nerves ready to be presented to Photo by Corey Schuster Oliver! that accompany the public March 28, 29 performing in front of and 30. PREPARE — Angelo Disabella and Hannah Hench, senior The club began members of the Drama Club, rehearse a scene during the rehearsing in December a small audience at an “[The weekend of the audition. musical] was more fun week of the musical. Disabella played the role of Mr. Bumble and devoted its time to and Hench played the role of Widow Corney when the club the production three to “I was certainly very than it was difficult,” nervous for my audition,” sophomore Cole Demcher performed Oliver! in March. “It was a very different role and four times each week and there were some complications that came with portraying even some weekends sophomore Anthony said. “After practicing Wojciechowsky said. so much, everything is Mr. Bumble,” Disabella said. “In the end, it worked really well leading up to the and I will end up really missing everyone in the Drama Club.” performance. “I’m not exactly confident second nature and we Mrs. Maria Malek and when it comes to my have fun with it. Opening at the Bucks County time prepare the club Mrs. Amy Babcock, the voice. I was jittery for the night was like a big party, Playhouse. for the competition, but directors of the Drama next few days.” or that’s how everyone The group took two it also gave audiences Club, and Mrs. Kim A few days following made me feel. Whether pieces to the competition, an idea of what the club Rismiller, music director, the auditioning process, we did the show perfectly which was held May 9. does after the musical wanted a musical that the results were posted or messed up, everyone Mrs. Babcock directed concludes. was for more of an in the hallway for had a lot of fun.” Twelve Angry Pigs and After the Drama Club ensemble rather than students to see. For The musical sold out Mrs. Malek directed attended the competition, having a few major parts. many members of the Friday night, which meant Arlecchino and the City it was done with activities “Oliver! fit that Drama Club, it was over 500 people attended of Love. for the year. For many requirement,” Mrs. exciting to find out who the show. Saturday night Sophomore, junior and members of the Drama Babcock said. would play what role in came close to selling out, senior members of the Club, it’s upsetting when The directors agreed the musical. and Sunday had a smaller club were able to audition everything comes to an that Oliver! included Before this point, the crowd, but the club still to participate in the end. music that the students club didn’t even know did well in ticket sales. competition, while newer “You get so used to would love, which what musical they were “I liked the finale of members worked on a having practices after played a large part in going to perform. the first act because performance with the school,” freshman the selection process. In “Nobody knew what everyone was on stage,” club’s acting coach. Jessica Wensus said. senior Ryan Bertsch said. “I think Twelve Angry “Now I find myself not “It’s just like going to a Pigs is really funny,” knowing what to do with basketball game. Support sophomore Lucy Murray myself after school. The the school. Your friends said. “It twists the theme worst thing is not seeing are there and they go to of justice from Twelve the other Drama Club the football games, so we Angry Men to make it a members. They are all should go to the play.” parody relating to pigs great people, and I can’t Sunday’s show was a and the big bad wolf.” wait to do it all again next hard day for the Drama The members of year.” Club due to the fact that it the Drama Club who Luckily for the current was the final performance performed at the Bucks freshmen, sophomores of the musical for the County Playhouse first and juniors in the Drama club’s seniors who will be performed their pieces in Club, the excitement for graduating this year. front of an audience at next year’s musical has “Being a part of the Pottsville Area High already begun to kick in. something like that was School May 6. “[For next year], I’m magical,” senior Cassidy “I thought the Drama honestly just looking Photo by Becky Staller Munley said. “I wouldn’t Club did a great job [with forward to finding out REHEARSE — Mrs. Amy Babcock, a Drama Club director, change it for the world. I their performances],” what musical we are helps senior Christopher Cooper tape down his microphone wish I could go back and junior Sarah Lecher said. doing,” freshman Abbey before a dress rehearsal of Oliver! begins. Cooper portrayed do it again.” “The plays were well Kostyal said. “This Mr. Sowerberry in the show. “The stress [of the musical] is After the musical came done and I’m sure they year was such a great crazy,” Cooper said. “The best you can do is do what you’re to an end, the Drama will win a lot of awards.” experience, and I’m told and follow through. Keep your goal set in your mind and Club began rehearsing Not only did performing already looking forward to find a way to push the stress out.” for a drama competition these pieces ahead of doing it again.” MAY 2014 Wavelengths 3 Dear Members of the Community, As we come to the close of the 2013- the road when you’re texting and driving. If you’re traveling at 55mph, this 2014 school term, our seniors are wrapping equals driving the length of a football field without looking at the road.” up 13 years of academic studies and many The likelihood of being in a car crash increases 23 times by texting while are playing their final games as student driving. Cell phones are a big distraction for teen drivers. According to the athletes, while others will still give one last web site, 82% of American teens, ages 16-17, own a cell phone. 34% have musical performance to cap their senior admitted texting while driving, while 52% have talked on their cell phone year. It is a time for them to reflect on their while driving a car. What’s even scarier is the following statistic, “77% of last 13 years of schooling. I remember as a young adults are very or somewhat confident that they can safely text while senior at PAHS many years ago being both driving. 55% of young adult drivers claim it’s easy to text while they drive.” Dr. Jeffrey S. Zwiebel excited and nervous about what the future I strongly encourage you to view the web site at would hold for me and recalling many special memories created over my www.textinganddrivingsafety.com and please emphasize the dangers of school career here in the Pottsville Area School District. texting and driving with your teen drivers. Many lives could be saved by As we approach these final days with both joy and trepidation about what having that conversation. the future holds, I again want to remind parents about the importance of As always, I strongly encourage all students to remain active during keeping your children safe during both the prom and graduation seasons. the summer months by exercising your minds by reading and your bodies While we strive to do our best to keep your children safe while they are through physical activities. Schuylkill County has much to offer in the under our care and tutelage during the school year, we especially worry way of parks, historical sites and various recreational areas. You, and about their safety during the prom and graduation season. your children, will benefit tremendously. Have a happy, safe and fun-filled In years past, we have preached about the dangers of underage drinking, summer. and while this continues to be a concern, I want to add another concern: texting while driving or distracted driving. The following are sobering facts from the web site Because Texting and Driving Kills! “In 2011, at least 23% of auto collisions involved cell phones. That’s 1.3 million crashes.” “Five Jeffrey S. Zwiebel, Ed.D. seconds is the minimal amount of time your attention is taken away from Superintendent Computer Fair participants succeed at regionals By: Mikaela Soubik computer fair logo, digital Olivia Eagan and Rileigh movie, programming and McPhillips won second PAHS Senior web page designing. place. Under Lengel “I decided to do the or three months, technology education computer fair because it F29 D.H.H. Lengel teacher Mr. Jonathan seemed liked a fun thing Middle School students Hughes’ guidance, to do. I’m looking forward worked diligently on their students prepared for to states because I didn’t Pennsylvania Middle regional competition April even think we would School Computer Fair 4 at the IU 29. make it past regionals,” projects. Seventh graders Young said. The Pennsylvania Jordan Young and In Graphic Design, Middle School Computer Zakkary Hozella won eighth graders Elias Fair’s website states, 1st place in Animation, Doyle, Bryce Woollam “The Pennsylvania Middle and seventh graders and Luke Stoner won School Computer Fair Benjamin Polley, Gary first place, while Victoria is an annual event that Chen and Patrick Ryan Oswald, seventh grade, highlights Pennsylvania won third place. Eighth and Bryan Daniels, sixth Photo Courtesy of Mr. Jonathan Hughes middle school students’ graders Lauren Hunter, grade, took second. Sixth application skills and graders Lillian Gunelson DESIGN — Winners of the regional Pennsylvania Middle School Carly Hoak and Cody Computer Fair group together to take a photo with their trophies computer knowledge. Fanelli won first place in and Serenyti Stahl were Students are able to and ribbons. “I decided to do the computer fair because it seemed Computer Fair Logo, and the only two to place in liked a fun thing to do. We were excited when we got first but also unleash their creativity, seventh graders Jacob programming, coming surprised because people like a lot of other projects more than learn how to convey Roos, Corey Holobetz in second place. In Web ours. I’m looking forward to states because I didn’t even think we information more and Trevor Sherakas Page Design, seventh would make it past regionals,” seventh grader Jordan Young said. dynamically, and enhance took second place. In the graders John Connors, the learning process.” Digital Movie category, Nicholas Seddon and “I enjoyed the computer our menu and organize Students in grades six seventh graders Emma Michael Johnson-Ponce fair because it’s a fun them,” Woollam said. to eight could choose Bertsch, Emily Rose won first place, and experience. Our project Any student who to design a project from and Brea Schaeffer won seventh graders Rachel was restaurant themed, received first place one of the following first place and eighth Weist and Madeline and my part in our group continued to states May categories: animation, graders Julia Brinich, Schuettler took second. was to put items on 21 at Dickinson College. 4 Wavelengths MAY 2014 Teachers integrate subjects for Dr. Seuss’ birthday By: Brittany Blackman Mrs. Hess then made This included science in PAHS Junior her own Oobleck. She the activity. read instructions on “I thought it was neat do not like green eggs her SMART Board to for the students to go Iand ham; I do not like the class, integrating beyond just reading the them, Sam I am.” the topic of following book,” Mrs. Hess said, The words of Dr. instructions. “Also to help them get Seuss could be heard “I like how the Oobleck to know Dr. Seuss and in classrooms across feels, and I like the color,” why he wrote the books America March 3 when kindergartner Gianna he did.” students participated in Miller said. Social studies was Read Across America As Mrs. Hess made the part of the lesson Day to celebrate Dr. mix, the students recited because Dr. Seuss Theodor Seuss Geisel’s the directions repeatedly is a historical figure. birthday. He was born because in the story, The ingredient March 2, 1904, and the king messes up the measurements also Photo by Corey Schuster passed away September Oobleck recipe. added math to the INSTRUCT — Sliding her hands through “Oobleck,” Mrs. Tara 24, 1991. He is regarded Mrs. Hess stuck her lesson. Hess does an activity with her kindergarten class. She made as one of the greatest hands in the mixture to “The students have the goo with her class after reading them Dr. Seuss’ book children’s book authors of show that the Oobleck’s science cases which Bartholomew and the Oobleck to celebrate Read Across America all time. state of matter changed. include toothpaste. They Day March 3. “I thought it was neat for the students to go beyond To start their day, Mrs. “This is one of my have to determine which just reading the book,” Mrs. Hess said. Tara Hess’ kindergarten favorite things to do. I like state the toothpaste is,” class listened to watching my students Mrs. Hess said, “I like skill, the children were them. the Dr. Seuss book figure out which state of this activity because it each given a word and Mrs. Mary McGinley’s Bartholomew and the matter the Oobleck is in,” helps them understand found a partner who kindergarten students made Oobleck, which is about a Mrs. Hess said. that one substance can had a word that rhymed their own Cat in the Hat boy named Bartholomew While the goo was in be [in] different states of with the word they had. headbands. Mrs. McGinley who rescues his kingdom the bowl, it was solid like matter.” Also, they wrote a short read Oh the Places You’ll from being overrun putty. But as soon as Dr. Seuss was known paragraph that said Go, and students wrote a by a sticky goo called Mrs. Hess picked up the for rhyming words in his what they would do if sentence describing the Oobleck. mix, it turned to liquid. stories. To practice this the Cat in the Hat visited places they’ll go. Annual Lengel Book Fair has students turning pages By: Alex DIsabella family night for parents to on the bottom, then that to the students in the me a free pizza party. I liked PAHS Junior come in and browse the person had the chance school that don’t have the books there.” book selections February to win a pizza party for the means to get [a Students were able to *Ms. Michelle Chelius 20. their homeroom. Mrs. book],” Mrs. Jones said. select from a variety of graciously gave an “This was my fourth Shannon Magdeburg’s Many people different genres. interview in mid- Book Fair,” Ms. Michelle seventh grade volunteered some of “I bought a Ripley’s February to discuss Chelius, middle school homeroom won the their time to work at the Believe It Or Not book. I like the Book Fair. She was librarian, said. “[The] pizza party. Book Fair, whether they it a lot,” sixth grader Adam helpful and expressed students seemed to like “I like the Book Fair,” sold books and lollipops Kelly said. [The Book Fair] a joy in watching it.” seventh grader Laurel or worked the cash always has really good students pick up a Eighth graders Flickinger said. “I bought register. books.” book in hopes that they Courtney Holley and Cake Pop Crush.” “It’s successful Some chose sports- would enjoy it. Sadly, Chloe Mullins were Mrs. Paula Jones, because so many based books. Ms. Chelius passed recommended by their Lengel literature teachers and students “I bought [a book by] away May 2. She will art teachers to design the teacher, runs the lollipop volunteer to help. It’s a Mike Lupica [called] Game be missed by all of her Book Fair decorations fundraiser every year good time,” Ms. Chelius Changers,” sixth grader students who enjoyed this year. The designs at the Book Fair, and said. Dylan Shirey said. their library classes they created consisted of this year’s was called Students from all Others just enjoyed the because of her. lots of paper flowers. “One Four Books,” grades had the chance experience. The lollipop fundraiser symbolizing the belief to search for the perfect “I thought it was pretty pen a book. Flip the returned for this year’s that everyone should book during homeroom cool,” sixth grader William Opages and feel the fair. The proceeds from have a book. and their library class Dombrosky said. texture. Sit down and the sale help to fund the The Book Fair raised time. New to the Book Fair read it. library for the upcoming $600 for those who don’t “I bought two Nazi this year were books for Students attended year. have the opportunity to books about survivors elementary and pre-school the annual Book Fair Students had the buy books, and some of and the people who level students. This was February 18 to 25 in the chance to purchase a this money will also go were attacking them,” due to popular demand by D.H.H. Lengel Middle lollipop of their choosing towards the library for sixth grader James parents at Family Night. School library during the for one dollar. If the next year. Blake said. “I bought a “Everyone should have a day; there was also a lollipop had a green dot “The money goes lollipop that could win book,” Mrs. Jones said. MAY 2014 Wavelengths5 JSC pumps up third and fourth grades for PSSAs By: Adalie Zanis University had stuffy”; students brought been working at the in a favorite stuffed PAHS Senior elementary center. The animal to remind them to n the gymnasium pep rally marked their get a good night’s sleep at John S. Clarke last day at the school. for their tests. Wednesday ElementaryI Center March A few weeks ago, Miss was “strong bodies, 14, third and fourth grade Megan Evans, Miss strong minds”; students students were screaming, Hannah Graver, Miss wore their favorite sports clapping and cheering Abigail Young and jersey. Thursday was louder than Dr. Jeffrey Miss Katie Shpakovsky “thinking caps,” and Zwiebel, superintendent decided to end their stay students wore their and former JSC principal, by planning a week of favorite hat. had ever heard them. festivities leading up to “My favorite activity “I’m pumped,” fourth the PSSAs. is to bring my favorite grader Ava Goodman “We just wanted to stuffed animal into said. get them pumped for school,” fourth grader Photo by Adalie Zanis All the commotion was the PSSAs before we Haley Zerby said. EXCITE — In the Elementary Center gymnasium March 14, in anticipation of the leave,” Shpakovsky said. At the pep rally that student teachers from Kutztown University hold a pep rally Pennsylvania System “They loved it. They were wrapped up the week’s to get third and fourth graders enthusiastic about their of School Assessment involved in the pep rally festivities, the third and PSSA tests that started March 17. Students had a week of (PSSA) tests. and everything. It was fourth graders did cheers activities to pump them up for the tests. “The teachers are “It was really neat to great.” with the high school trying really hard to make sure the kids are prepared for it, see, and the student Each day leading up varsity cheerleaders. so I think it should go smoothly,” Ms. Maria Larish, PSSA teachers who set it up to the pep rally had a They could also win prep teacher, said. did a fantastic job. When theme to help students prizes by having their I was the principal here, remember how to names drawn from a hat, teachers if they would do finished April 30. we never did anything prepare for the tests. and they laughed at a it . . . They all really had a “I’m trying to get [as like this,” Dr. Zwiebel Monday was “math dance-off between their good time, and we were smart] as I can. I’m said. madness”; students teachers. just talking about next happy that most of For the past eight wore shirts with numbers Ms. Maria Larish, PSSA year. us can try our best to weeks, four student or geometric designs. prep teacher, said. “I was Third and fourth get a good grade and teachers from Kutztown Tuesday was “sleepy running around asking the graders started taking succeed,” third grader their tests March 24 and Precious Pelchat said. Students express abilities at annual talent shows By: Lucy Murray the walls with their pieces ranging from PAHS Sophomore artwork of ocean animals. “Hoe-Down,” a square While Mrs. Joyce and dance, to “Silent Night” lthough the school the kindergartners were performed in sign Ayear is coming to a preparing their show, language, to a Hawaiian close, students are just Miss Michelle Evans and hula medley. beginning to show their the fourth graders were “We even completed talent by performing at working on the Fourth a first-time project and the Kindergarten Show, Grade Program. ‘composed’ the melody Fourth Grade Program “The program is really to our own fourth grade and Eighth Grade Talent the culmination of the song entitled ‘We Are The Show. fourth grade curriculum Composers.’ [I] wrote the The Kindergarten Show we study throughout the words and the [students] was May 27 at John S. year. Each song or dance composed the melody Clarke. This year’s theme from each month is then notes,” Miss Evans said. was “Beach Fun,” chosen featured for that month in The Eighth Grade Photo by Corey Schuster by Mrs. Melissa Joyce, the program,” Miss Evans Talent Show May 21 PERFORM — Eighth grader Joshua Zelinsky practices piano kindergarten teacher. said. was coordinated by Mrs. for the eighth grade talent show. Zelinsky was one of the “The students are The theme for this Catherine Zimmerman, acts in the show, held May 21. “I was very excited to play in very excited to be on year’s show, held May music teacher and choir the talent show,” Zelinsky said. stage performing. The 20 at 7:30 in the PAHS director. Kindergarten Program auditorium, was “I Write “My favorite part of prop crews. also had a saxophone is a celebration of all the the Songs.” Students the show is seeing the “We came up with the ... quintet involved. The hard work the students studied composers students come out of their talent show as a way students now definitely have done all year,” Mrs. and lyricists during shells. There is always a to let students have fun express more interest in Joyce said. the school year to shy student who gets on before they went to high doing the talent show, Each of the nine prepare for the program. stage and performs,” Mrs. school. The first show and teachers have even kindergarten classes Students focused on Zimmerman said. had only a few eighth become involved over the performed a song. different songs for each Eighth graders also graders, and my Tide years,” Mrs. Zimmerman Students also decorated month of the year, with act as stage, lighting and Tones. Mr. [Mike] Ryan said. 6 Wavelengths MAY 2014 UGI teams with RIF to donate books to first graders By: Jamie Snyder volunteer their time “It almost seems like PAHS Junior to help out with the Christmas to them, book distributions. So just receiving a book,” hile many young far, UGI and RIF have Ms. Whitaker said. “I students love to donated over 1 million think it’s fabulous what read,W some are not able books to Pennsylvania UGI and RIF do as to purchase their own and Maryland students, volunteers and as a part books. UGI Utilities is a and they believe that of the community to build natural gas and electric reading is necessary for a literacy for the people corporation dedicated student’s education. and for our students to improving the public “I like to read because and for their families. To education system. it’s fun,” first grader provide this opportunity Along with the country’s Natasha Hostetter said. “I for free books is great.” largest children’s literacy got a puppy book, and it According to Ms. nonprofit, Reading Is makes me feel happy.” Whitaker, the students Fundamental (RIF), UGI The first grade students are always excited during distributes over 50,000 of John S. Clarke a distribution and often Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Kim Steigerwalt READ — The Reading Wizard visits children on the day of UGI’s books to about 16,000 Elementary Center compose thank you notes last book distribution of 2013 to encourage a love of reading. first grade students every receive donations from for the UGI volunteers. First grade students at JSC received donations three times this school year, making it UGI three times per year. “Reading is fun,” first year. “Our goal is not only to teach children to read, but to love easier for children to get Ms. Missy Whitaker, grade student Gavyn to read,” Ms. Missy Whitaker said. something to read. JSC reading specialist, Hylka said. “I got a Magic UGI has had a was told about UGI’s Tree House book. They appears at the book read, but to love to read. partnership with RIF grant and reached out are fiction and nonfiction, distributions to encourage When you see students’ for 20 years, which to them in 2009. As a and you learn things from a love of reading. eyes light up and smiles allows them to provide result, they now donate them.” “I am dedicated to this on their face and the Pennsylvania and to JSC students. Ms. UGI’s last book program because literacy motivation when it comes Maryland students Whitaker also assists with distribution to JSC for this is a major component of to just opening a book with access to reading the book distributions school year was May 16. education,“ Ms. Whitaker and being able to read, material. UGI encourages themselves, along with “The Reading Wizard,” said. “Our goal is not that’s probably the most its employees to UGI volunteers. UGI’s mascot, typically only to teach children to rewarding experience.” Ecology Club helps to clean up the surrounding area By: Alex DIsabella focused their garbage there and beginning PAHS Junior patrol on Centre Street projects. until around noon. “Now as to what we’re here are street April 23, the club going to do, probably at sweepers and participated in a local first just maybe some garbageT men, but there clean-up run by SKIP cleaning up, some tree is also the PAHS Ecology (Schuylkill Keep It Pretty). planting, but in the future, Club. Mr. Adrian Portland, “We cleaned the area perhaps like a wildlife Ecology Club adviser, from the school over platform, a viewing has taken the reins and towards the softball platform or something a started his own cleaning and baseball fields, out little more substantial,” crew filled with students towards JFK, the area Mr. Portland said. from grades 9-12. around JFK and the area Mr. Portland will “I think overall, we have around the bike path,” Mr. conduct an “outdoor probably around 70-75 Portland said. classroom” near the students in the Ecology A newly added event tennis courts, which will Photo by Maci Roos Club, and I would say was a tree planting in the consist of him pointing COLLECT — April 23, members of Mr. Adrian Portland’s genet- a good portion of them courtyard April 25. out different aspects of ics and AP Biology classes participated in the SKIP (Schuylkill are interested in doing Some members nature like the trees and Keep it Pretty) clean-up in the area surrounding the high something,” Mr. Portland participated in a tree wildlife to students on a school. “It was a good thing to pick up the litter around our said. “Now, maybe not planting ceremony at nature walk. schools,” junior Katie Deegan said. “I feel like we really helped everything, but people Charles Baber Cemetery New this year to the environment because we cleaned up enough garbage to fit are interested in doing later that same afternoon. Ecology Club will be a in 10 bags. [The club] plans to do another clean-up next year.” something.” There is another memorial garden right Instead of kicking back opportunity outside of outside of the boys’ and the late start that the memorial garden and for a lazy day of Netflix, New Philadelphia at an gym in memory of those we are getting, I don’t outdoor classroom, those certain members of acid mine remediation who have lost their lives know how much will get projects are going to be Ecology Club woke at 10 site. Management from before they could finish started this year,” Mr. continuing over the next a.m. for an early morning the site are looking for out their days at PAHS. Portland said. “Those couple of years. So, that’s clean-up April 6. student groups that are “That’s something that last two projects, the acid kind of where we are at Mostly, members interested in going out again with the weather mine remediation and right now.” MAY 2014 Wavelengths 7 District raises funds for injured first grader By: Adalie Zanis sale and gift card raffle In Mrs. Regina PAHS Senior that raised over $800. Freiler’s first grade Fast Freddy’s, Hong classroom, Allen’s arch 20, first grader Kong Buffet, Palermo’s, classmates also wore Mikey Allen was Roma, Rita’s and iTunes shirts and made a sign playingM near his home donated gift cards. for him. when he was injured by a “We had a lot of “We [held] a sign falling boulder. people volunteering and that said, ‘We love you, At Lehigh Valley a lot of people to donate Michael.’ I felt happy Hospital, doctors put him stuff, so because of that, because we got to in a medically induced it was actually pretty celebrate a lot about coma, and he underwent easy,” Amos said. Mikey,” first grader two head trauma Students also sold Allegra Hossler said. surgeries. stickers with a blue Allen’s family, friends “I was completely in “M” and promoted the and teacher described shock because where sale of shirts with the him as “hard-working,” Photo by Brittany Sullivan he was playing was same symbol, which “sweet” and athletic. CONCENTRATE — Cutting out her shapes, first grader Victoria somewhere all of us Mystic printing donated. “He’s really nice, Houghton uses paper, glue and other supplies to create a played growing up,” Drama Club sold stickers fun, helpful [and] good. ladybug to send to Mikey Allen, her injured classmate. Ladybugs junior Maci Roos, Allen’s at Oliver!, raising I played soccer with are one of Mikey’s favorite animals, according to his teacher, cousin, said. approximately $500. him for two years,” Mrs. Regina Freiler.“I think it makes them feel really good that The Monday after the “I think the support for first grader Matthew they can send something to him.” Mrs. Freiler said. accident, students in Mikey from the school Wojciechowsky said. “I all three schools wore district, teachers, aides hope that he is feeling but he is cognisant and daily improvement.” blue shirts to support [and] bus drivers is okay and that he’s going beginning to catch up on There will be a turkey him. Many teachers awesome. The funds are to be better soon.” schoolwork. dinner fundraiser also participated in a going to be used entirely According to Maci “I believe he is going for Allen May 25 at blue dress down day. for Mikey,” Mr. Roos said. Roos, Allen will go home to make a full recovery,” Foursquare Gospel That week, high school “It’s a big relief, and the May 23. He is still in Mr. Roos said. “It’s going Church. One can contact students, led by junior love everybody shows is physical therapy and will to be a long process, and Pastor Dave Poissant for Kelsey Amos, ran a bake remarkable.” undergo future surgeries, he continues to show more information. Students sing selections for government at Capitol By: Brittany Blackman politicians. overall experience was PAHS Junior “It was a very one I will never forget,” interesting experience. junior Jacob Shoener fter members of I thoroughly enjoyed said. “Performing in the the PAHS chorale the tour,” sophomore State Capitol was an finishedA singing at the Julia Rismiller said. “The experience like no other. Pennsylvania Capitol building had a neat echo The Rotunda has about a building in Harrisburg, effect on our songs.” 10-15 second hang time their voices carried This performance was [meaning their voices through the rotunda for part of a concert series carried over after they several seconds. that happens every year were finished singing the March 5, chorale for Music In Our Schools note]. The sound was members had the month. The performance phenomenal.” privilege of performing was meant to persuade The students sang in the Capitol Rotunda. politicians to continue for an hour. They sang Photo by Becky Staller funding music programs a tribute to the late John Mrs. Kim Rismiller, PRACTICE — Seniors Katelyn Shappell and Carrollynn Schwent in schools. Denver, an acclaimed choir conductor, led the and junior Taylor O’Brien practice in the Little Theatre March State Representative acoustic artist who died students on the trip. 5 before leaving for the chorale performance at the Capitol in Mike Tobash, who in a plane crash in 1997. “The chance to sing Harrisburg. Members of the PAHS chorale performed in the works in the building, The females in the group in the Rotunda building Rotunda. “[The Capitol] is a sight to see,” O’Brien said. is incredible. You can invited the students sang “Let it Go” from see the look in the to sing. Politicians Disney’s Frozen, which was an amazing space of the choirs must apply. kids’ faces. They light from most branches of came out November to perform [in], especially The chorale plans to up. The acoustics are government housed in 2013. the architecture,” apply again next year. amazing, so after they the building, such as Chorale members also sophomore Sara Leibel “Going to the Capitol stop singing, their notes the Senate and House got to tour the Capitol said. “It was absolutely was really fun. We . . . continue to ring on,” Mrs. of Representatives, building. They took a tour breathtaking. Singing for got a tour of the building Rismiller said. attended. of the Senate, House of everyone was so much and the artwork was Twenty-three students “The architecture Representatives and the fun.” phenomenal,” junior ranging from grades was so intricate in the judicial branch. In order to be selected Bethany Hollenbush nine to 12 performed for Capitol building. The “I thought the Capitol to perform, the adviser said. POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT 1501 West Laurel Boulevard Non-Profit Organization Pottsville, PA 17901 U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 647 Pottsville, PA 17901

8 Wavelengths MAY 2014

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PASD Calendar John F. Boran, President May June August Scott D. Krater, Vice President 12 - 23 — Keystone 1 — Baccalaureate 7:30 25 — First Day of testing for high school p.m. School Linda L. Grube, Treasurer grades 2 — Last Day of School Dr. Gary A. Cortese 21 — Lengel 8th Grade 2 — Commencement PASD Phone Numbers Dr. Christina M. DiCello Talent Show 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. JSC Elementary Patrick F. Moran 22 — PAHS Stage 2 — Report cards Center: 621-2947 Cindy M. Petchulis Band/Schuylkill County distributed at JSC; DHHL Middle School: Big Band Concert 7:30 middle school and high 621-2924 Karen E. Rismiller, Esq. p.m. school report cards will PAHS: 621-2962 Charles R. Wagner 23 — Seniors’ last day be mailed Academic Center: 26 — Memorial Day, all 4 - July 26 — Age- 621-2900 schools closed group swim team- Dr. Jeffrey S. Zwiebel, 27 — JSC Kindergarten Mondays, Wednesdays Wavelengths Show and Fridays 9-11 a.m. • Ms. Bridget Freiler Superintendent 28 — Honor Graduate in the Ned Hampford Adviser Richard A. Thornburg, Solicitor Ceremony 6 p.m. Natatorium, must be • Adalie Zanis Stephen C. Curran, Secretary/ 29 — JSC Fun Day registered PAHS Senior Business Manager 29 — DHH Lengel 5th 7 — SAT at Pottsville • Kelsey Hranchock and 6th grade choir 14 — ACT test PAHS Senior concert 7 p.m.