Lower Dauphin School District Autumn 2006 Know Your Schools Important Information for the Residents of Lower Dauphin School District

Superintendent looks ahead to changing times ithout a doubt, public education is academic demands on all academic, athletic, and Wchanging! As we begin the 2006-07 schools to reach higher musical programs our school year, we will face and conquer levels of achievement for all community loves and many new changed processes in students, until reaching the supports, is by starting operating our school system, and at the ultimate goal of 100 percent an educational same time, innovative and better ways to student proficiency in foundation this year. deliver quality education for all of our reading and math by 2014. Even with all the students. Lower Dauphin continues changes occurring in One of our greatest challenges will to review current academic public education, the be addressing the requirements of the practices and programs in most important things Taxpayer Relief Act (commonly referred efforts to ensure academic will remain the same, to as Act 1). This act changes many growth for all students. particularly our focus on timelines and activities in the district. Additionally, the district is Sherri L. Smith the students. We will First, our district’s elected nine-member introducing a new system never let our student Tax Study Commission has begun its into all of our schools to enhance focus change in Lower work at looking at the current tax student instruction. The Learning Dauphin. Our schools are blessed with structure of the district and deciding Focused Schools initiative calls for a an outstanding community that supports what referendum question they will change in the way we educate our one another, our programs, and our recommend to the School Board. students to emulate the best practices of children. There is no doubt that Lower Secondly, we will need to change our highly effective schools. Dauphin will continue to succeed no district budget timeline, by preparing our Given the conflicting nature of matter what the challenges are put before Preliminary Budget by January 2007. Stay constraining budgets with demands for us! tuned for future informational updates on higher achievement, you can well imagine I look forward to a productive and Act 1 as we progress through this school that the school board, administration and positive school year! year. staff are looking for ways to do both Lower Dauphin continues to work while still providing the quality education toward meeting all of the requirements of that our community expects. One the federal No Child Left Behind Act. initiative we are undertaking to ensure Sherri L. Smith This Act continues to add additional the future of the wonderful student Superintendent Lower Dauphin prepares for impact of Act 1 tax law n June, legislation was adopted which that schools create a tax study The tax study commission will make Iwill have a major impact on the commission to review district finances its recommendation to the school board operations of public school districts and taxing structure. The goal of this in mid-December. The board is then across Pennsylvania. commission is to suggest to the school required to adopt a ballot question The Taxpayer Relief Act of 2006 board a ballot question which would shift detailing the amount of property taxes to (commonly known as Act 1) is a complex, some property taxes into a local income be shifted to local income taxes. Voters 100-page law with many provisions that tax. In September, the school board will decide on this ballot referendum in will change the way school districts do approved nine Lower Dauphin taxpayers May 2007. business. to serve on the commission. (See related Under the new law, districts are also The first change is the requirement story on Page 2) (Continued on page 2) LD Schools mark 9-11 District welcomes new staff Inside This Issue page 3 page 6-9 Look for Lower Dauphin on the Sale of car kicks-off fund drive Scenes from Commencement Web http://www.ldsd.org page 10 page 11 Know Your Schools Lower Dauphin prepares for impact of Act 1 (Continued from page 1) required to seek voter approval for increases in property taxes that exceed an adjusted statewide consumer price School Board names commission index. This vote would take place during At its September 11 meeting the Lower Dauphin Board of School Directors the May primary election. appointed nine taxpayers to serve on a commission to study the nature of the However, in order to determine if a district’s taxing structure. ballot question is needed, school The Tax Study Commission is a required component of the Act 1 Taxpayer districts will need to start their budget Relief Act. The district received more than 20 applicants and the school board process much earlier in the year. selected nine to serve on the commission – the maximum number allowed by law. In the case of Lower Dauphin, the Serving on the commission are: Martin Siegel and Larry Jack, representing administration plans to begin looking at Conewago Township; Forrest Graeff and Laurie Reichert, representing East its budget starting in early November to Hanover Township; Rodney Nissley and Stephen Feathers, representing allow the board time to make changes Hummelstown Borough; Wesley Ames, representing Londonderry Township; before the preliminary spending plan and Edward Carney and Russel Cassel, representing South Hanover Township. would need to be submitted to the The commission’s members include two retirees, a business owner and a county for possible inclusion on the range of other occupations. They range in age from 40 to 71. There are also two ballot. This means that the school district individuals who have investment income in excess of $25,000. budget will need to be prepared before The commission’s meetings are open to the public and will take place on the state’s education allocation is October 19, November 1 and November 9 at 7 p.m. in the District Administration announced for the upcoming school year Center. and before solid estimates can be made for upcoming class enrollments, utility costs and contractualPTO obligations like health care costs.Events Property holders who currently do County Office of Taxes Assessment. Another provision contained in the not have an application on file with the Finally, Act 1 allows school districts law allows taxpayers to pay their county will be mailed a Homestead/ to receive state revenue from taxes on property tax bill in installments rather Farmstead Exclusion form to apply for slot parlors to further decrease local than paying all at once. This provision property tax relief in December. Any school property taxes. The amount of will take effect starting in July 2007 and reduction in property taxes as a result of money available for property tax the district is investigating the best Act 1 will only go to those who have reductions and a timeline for its possible way to implement this. filled out these forms with the Dauphin disbursement are not clear at this time. Students challenge their limits through adventure camp ore than 30 middle school aged Mstudents from the Lower Dauphin School District learned that it is possible to “get high on life” during the annual Youth Enjoying Summer Adventure Week sponsored by High on Kids. High on Kids’ Adventure Week is designed to deter children from drug and alcohol use by engaging them in physically challenging adventure-based activities. While at Adventure Week, students will participate in a number of activities like rock climbing and rappelling on a high-ropes course. From Monday through Wednesday, the students took part in “Adventure- Based Education” exercises at Lower Left, students must work together to climb the multi-vine. Right, students can Dauphin Middle School on the school’s opt to descend upside down as part of the Challenge by Choice philosophy. climbing towers. The children worked on the low elements on Monday and students learned about water safety. “This is a very special week for us,” Tuesday and then advanced to the high Friday the activities culminated with a said Patti Krow, High on Kids president. elements like the 40-foot high climbing canoe trip down the Susquehanna River “These kids really get a lot out of this wall on Wednesday. where the students celebrated their week program and we’re very pleased to be On Thursday, the program moved to of activities and what they learned about able to provide them this opportunity.” Little Buffalo State Park where the themselves and each other. 2 Lower Dauphin schools, in partnership with the Hummelstown Borough Police, marked the fifth anniversary of the 9-11 attacks with patriotic displays at the high school, middle school and Nye Elementary.

3 Know Your Schools Strategic Plan charts direction of district for next 6 years ower Dauphin School District’s will stress a continuation of at least an 80 technologies into teachers’ regular Lstrategic plan will be submitted to the percent graduation rate and show an classroom lessons to enhance student state Department of Education at the end improvement over current rates. This learning. of the month, culminating a year’s effort goal will be met through the development • Communication – This goal looks to in charting a vision for the next six years. of a new alternative education program improve communication between grade The strategic plan committee was for students who are apt to drop-out of levels and academic teams and also with made up of Lower Dauphin parents, school. Other strategies include a parents and the community. To students, faculty and staff and reviewed program of early identification of accomplish this goal, the district will results from percention surveys and students who are at-risk for dropping expand its use of the Web site to post assessment results from the out; and providing activities for at-risk grade-appropriate materials and Pennsylvania System of School students to develop positive information for parent and student use. Assessments. connections to the school. The district also plans to improve The strategic plan document • Instruction and Accountability – This communications by including planning contains goals and action plans in seven goal focuses on ensuring consistency in time among teachers across grade levels. areas. They include: classrooms and gearing instruction to • Celebration of Achievement – Surveys • Math – Students will continue to meet accomplish the state academic standards. of students and staff revealed a need for the required proficiency levels on the To accomplish this goal, the district will increased recognition and positive PSSA test in mathematics. This goal will develop and use a core base of research- feedback for their accomplishments. To be met through ongoing staff analysis of based teaching strategies across the accomplish this goal, the district will hold student achievement data and review of district. Various types of assessments building-level recognition of faculty and student subgroups to address specific will also be used to accurately and fairly students and provide a district-wide math needs. assess student learning. recognition for staff who excel in • Reading – Students will continue to • Technology – Through the use of demonstrating a positive learning meet the required proficiency levels on innovative technologies, the district will environment for students. the PSSA test in reading. This goal will provide varied and meaningful learning “This strategic plan is the be met through ongoing staff analysis of opportunities for students. To culmination of a year of hard work,” says student achievement data and review of accomplish this, the district will develop Superintendent Sherri Smith. “I truly student subgroups to address specific course offerings outside the regular believe in strategic planning. The goals reading needs. classroom through Web-based and other we developed are good and reflective of • Graduation Rate – This goal ties in with distance learning solutions. The district the needs identified within our school the Middle States Plan for Growth and will also seek to infuse innovative community.” High school to celebrate 47th annual homecoming ower Dauphin High School will Queen candidates – Kelly Boland, Faith Lcelebrate its 47th Homecoming on the Jarrett, Emilie Dile, Megan McCorkel, weekend of October 27-28. Mallory Haldeman, Lauren Pinkham, The festivities kick off on Friday Emily Shellenberger, and Bryn Stevens. night during the homecoming game King candidates – Jordan Billet, against the Blue Raiders of Middletown. Kevin Gerhart, Jordan Hankins, At halftime the Homecoming Queen will Kristopher Kullman, James Miller, be selected at midfield through the Raymond Nicaise, Lucas Pantalone, traditional drawing of the roses. Colton Sipe, and Nick Vickroy. After the game, the Lower Dauphin During the week leading up to Alumni Association will host a get- King and queen candidates of the Homecoming Weekend, students at the together at the Warwick on the Square in 2006 homecoming court. high school participated in several fun Hummelstown. activities to increase school spirit. These Saturday night, the student body selected through the traditional drawing include hallway decorating contests, will gather at the high school for the of the Mr. Goodbar. wacky dress-up days and a pep rally on annual Homecoming Dance. During the The Homecoming Court of the Class the Friday before the game with the dance, the Homecoming King will be of 2007 consists of the following: traditional Powder Puff football game. Bus drivers needed! Rohrer Transportation needs you to drive for Lower Dauphin • Free CDL training • Good wages • 401K plan • Take your kids with you Call Tami at 1-866-735-7200 or email [email protected] 4 More than 200 participate in summer programs uring July, 219 Lower Dauphin Dstudents took part in programs designed to provide them extra help over the summer to get them ready for the start of school in the fall. The district’s Summer Reading Academy(SRA) was open to students entering grades 1-5 who were identified at the end of the school year as needing additional help in reading and writing skills. About 140 students from all five of the district’s elementary schools attended the program at Hummelstown’s Teacher Heather Mummert works Nye Elementary School. with students during SRA. At the same time, 38 students entering grades 6-8 participated in the assistant to the superintendent: Camp Middle School program at Lower curriculum and instruction. “With the Dauphin Middle School. Camp Middle Summer Reading Academy and Camp Jump Start students have fun writing School provides identified students with Middle School programs, we’re really their names in shaving cream. support in reading and math and looking to maintain and hopefully includes a fun component each day. increase students’ skills during the positive. In addition to these programs summer months.” “I want to thank everyone involved designed to support existing Lower In the Jump Start program, students with the reading program,” said one Dauphin students, the district continued are given a skills assessment during the parent. “Dolan greatly enjoys it – so its program for its newest pupils. The first and last week of the program and much so that when he had a choice 17th annual Jump Start program gave Mrs. Balliet says that all students who between reading camp or football camp incoming kindergarten students a “jump attended regularly showed some level of he chose reading camp. This is very start” for the upcoming school year. improvement. unlike my son because school wasn’t his About 40 students took part in this For the Summer Reading Academy favorite thing this past year. So keep up program which was designed to focus on and Camp Middle School programs, Mrs. the great job. It is working for my son.” the whole child with social, physical, Balliet says students were assessed prior “These summer programs are emotional and cognitive activities. to entering the program and will be important supports for our students to “The goal of Jump Start is school assessed during the school year to see help them achieve their academic goals,” readiness and helping our incoming what progress was made. She adds that Mrs. Balliet says. “We are very pleased kindergartners feel comfortable in a feedback about the programs from with the positive results and feedback we school setting,” explains Michele Balliet, parents has been overwhelmingly have received.” Lower Dauphin students earn AP Scholar recognition orty-six Lower Dauphin High School or higher on five or more of these exams. Finally, 17 students qualified for the Fstudents received AP Scholar awards These students are Elizabeth Atnip, AP Scholar Award by completing three or in recognition of their exceptional Sarah Balog, Emily Bates, Amy Brandt, more AP Exams with grades of 3 or achievement on the college-level Melissa Carn, Meagan Cooney, Katalina higher. The AP Scholars include Jane Advanced Placement Exams last year. Deaven, Leah Dodson, Sarah Ebright, Bell, Rachel Cline, Lauren Diskerud, Ian The students took AP Exams in May John Goerl, David Haimovich, Laura Gilchrist, Michael Hilbert, Ashley Huyck, 2006 after completing challenging James, Thomas Johnson, Corinna Meghan Ignatosky, Benjamin Labe, college-level courses at their high Mazzitti, Andrew Meador, Brian Pagano, Andrea Leshak, Colin Matichak, Melanie schools. Lower Dauphin High School Andrew Parr, Kiel Reese, Joseph Neubaum, Jared O’Connell, Matthew offers 15 Advanced Placement courses. Roksandic, Andrew Sherman, Joseph Owen, Caroline Rhoads, Ryan Rudy, Two students, Kiel Reese and Adams Skitka, Adams Tower, Adam Wilson, and Carolyn Sterling and Amanda Wallish. Tower, qualified for the prestigious Brian Yavoich.. Most of the nation’s colleges and National AP Scholar Award by earning an Another five students qualified for universities award credit, advanced average grade of at least 4 on all AP the AP Scholar with Honor Award by placement or both based upon Exams taken and grades of 4 or higher on earning an average grade of at least 3.25 successful performance on the AP Exams. eight or more exams. on all AP Exams taken and grades of 3 or Of the 333 AP Exams taken at Lower Twenty-four students qualified for higher on four or more of these exams. Dauphin High School last year, 79 the AP Scholar with Distinction Award There students are Michael Clark, Jacob percent scored a 3 or higher, which would by earning an average grade of at least Fulton, Emily Gray, Alan McWhirter and qualify a student for credit or advanced 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and grades of 3 Heidi Stine. placement. 5 Know Your Schools Lower Dauphin School District welcomes new employees Emily Artz Heather Brubaker Kenneth Burke

Grade 3 Occupational Therapist Emotional Support Londonderry District-wide Price

Mr. Burke was a teacher at Miss Brubaker is a 2001 graduate of Susquehanna Township High School Mrs. Artz comes to Londonderry James Madison University with a and was a community service Elementary after a long-term substitute bachelor’s degree in health sciences with coordinator and teacher at the position at the middle school in eighth a concentration in occupational therapy. Anderson Alternative School with the grade last year. She is a 2005 graduate She comes to Lower Dauphin after five Montgomery County Intermediate of Millersville University with degrees years of service with the Capital Area Unit. He says he hopes “to have a in elementary and special education. Intermediate Unit. She says “I’d like positive impact on the lives of children She says she hopes “to inspire and develop a good effective system of with special needs while guiding them encourage my students in their journey communicating, consulting and toward a path of success.” through life and their education.” collaborating with teachers and parents.”

Rachel Fridirici Christine Goodrich Justin Hanula

Grade 1 Grade 1 Social Studies East Hanover Londonderry High School

Miss Fridirici is a 2006 graduate of Miss Goodrich is a 2004 graduate of Mr. Hanula, a Lower Dauphin graduate Penn State with a degree in elementary Messiah College with a bachelor’s and holder of a bachelor’s degree from education. She is no stranger to East degree in elementary education. She has Penn State, comes to the high school Hanover Elementary, serving as a served as a day-to-day substitute for after teaching at Middletown and student teacher there last year. She Harrisburg and Lower Dauphin and for Northern Lebanon. He says he hopes says she hopes to “help students the last year and a half she served as a to “establish a strong rapport with the become excited about learning as well long-term subsititue at Londonderry. She students, staff and families of this fine as becoming responsible citizens in says she hopes “to grow as an educator school district.” He and his wife, their community.” and to be a positive influence to my Jessica, live in Hummelstown and they students.” have two children.

Monica Bridget Jones Charity Judson Hockenbrock Mathematics Strings Teacher Emotional Support Middle School District-wide Nye

Miss Hockenbrock comes to Lower Ms. Jones joins the middle school’s Blue Mrs. Judson is a 2006 graduate of Dauphin after service at the Ronald H. Team after graduating from Elizabethtown Lebanon Valley College where she Brown Charter School. She earned her College in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree earned a degree in music education. bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna in math education. She says she hopes She comes to Lower Dauphin as a full- University and earned a graduate “to make LD my home by making it a time elementary strings teacher after a certificate in special education from comfortable and enriching environment stint as a student teacher last year. She Temple University. She hopes to “help for all my students. I hope to instill a love says she would like to “build an students realize that they can reach of math in my students and show them appreciation for music as well as their hopes and dreams and become that math is in all aspects of life.” providing a firm musical and technical successful in their everyday lives.” foundation in young string players.” 6 Jay Kerstetter Janece Knapp Lynn Kuhn

Grade 5 Speech Language Family & Consumer Londonderry Pathologist Science District-wide High School

Mr. Kerstetter is a 2005 graduate of Miss Knapp comes to Lower Dauphin Mrs. Kuhn returns to Lower Dauphin Penn State with a degree in elementary after nine years in the Donegal School after a three-year absence to serve as a education. Prior to that, he served for 12 District and at the Lancaster-Lebanon long-term substitute. She taught for years as a tank commander and Intermediate Unit. She earned her eight years at the middle school and instructor in the U.S. Army. He says he master’s degree in speech language another eight years in other districts. hopes to “create a positive experience pathology from Temple University. She She says she hopes “to be known as for both students and parents in his says she hopes to “instill a love of an encourager not only in learning, but classroom.” He and his wife, Michelle, learning and to encourage each student in life. I’m also excited to see the live in South Hanover Township and to work to the best of his or her ability.” students I had in middle school and have five children. the paths they are following.”

Jeremy Lusk Sally McKeever Meghan McMichael Social Studies Art Middle School High School Grade 1 South Hanover

Mr. Lusk comes to Lower Dauphin Mrs. McKeever returns to Lower Mrs. McMichael comes to Lower after teaching four years in the Dauphin after a five-year absence to Dauphin with four years of experience Northern York County School District. serve as a long-term substitute at the teaching in the Methacton School He will teach eighth-grade American high school. She also teaches at Lebanon District and in Prince George’s County, History for the Blue Team at the middle Valley College in the department of art Maryland. She says she hopes “to school this year. He says he hopes “to and art history. She says she hopes “to encourage the love of learning in all my excite kids about American History create a studio environment where students and to continue to learn and while raising their awareness of their students will realize their full potential as grow as a professional.” She and her place in this world.” artists and as learners.” husband, Robert, live in Palmyra.

Scott Payouk Robert Rossi Bill Ryan

Learning Support Grade 5 Grade 4 High School South Hanover Conewago

Mr. Payouk is a 2005 graduate of Mr. Rossi comes to Lower Dauphin after Mr. Ryan is a 2006 graduate of Lebanon Valley College and has served serving as a teacher at Susquehanna Bloomsburg University with degrees in as a substitute teacher in the Warwick Township Middle School. He earned his special education and elementary and Derry Township school districts. bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He completed his student He says he hopes “to establish myself education from Penn State University in teaching at Salem Elementary in a third- as a professional as well as provide a 1995. He says he hopes “to provide a grade inclusion classroom. He says he great learning environment for my positive classroom environment where hopes to “be a positive role model for students.” students can learn and succeed.” my students and help them achieve their potential.”

7 Know Your Schools

Lauren Shontz Katherine Stehman Karen Stover

Guidance Counselor Family & Consumer Learning Support East Hanover Science Middle School Middle School

Miss Shontz earned her master’s in Mrs. Stehman is at the middle school as a Mrs. Stover comes to Lower Dauphin counseling from Shippensburg long-term substitute in family and as a long-term substitute for sixth-grade University in 2005 and a bachelor’s consumer science. She has experience as learning support. Previously, she degree in psychology from West a language arts teacher in Palmyra and taught learning support and English as Virginia University in 2003. She spent Manheim Central school districts. She a Second Language in the Harrisburg the past year as a long-term substitute says she hopes to “deliver the City School District. She says she counselor in Annville-Cleona. She curriculum in child care and sewing and hopes “to have a positive impact on my hopes to “help students at East textiles so that the students will be as students, helping them grow both Hanover have a positive experience prepared as if their regular teacher had academically and socially during what each day and to love learning.” been here.” can be a tough transitional year.”

Courtney Swigert Steve Szobocsan Mary Susan Weidman

Grade 4 Health & Physical Reading Specialist East Hanover Education Middle School Nye/South Hanover

Mrs. Swigert is a 2006 graduate of Mr. Szobocsan attended Elizabethtown Mrs. Weidman began her teaching Kutztown University with degrees in Area High School and is a 2006 graduate career in the Hempfield School District elementary and special education. Prior of Lock Haven University with a and spent 18 years teaching physical to coming to Lower Dauphin she was a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education and health at St. Catherine student teacher in third grade at Conrad education. He says he hopes to “make Laboure in Harrisburg. She hopes to be Weiser West Elementary School. She physical education enjoyable and “part of a team that strives to develop hopes “to accomplish a successful first beneficial to all my students.” the best character in our young men year by helping to pave the way for and women by creating a classroom students to learn, do well and have community rich in print material that is fun.” continually challenging.”

Kristy Michael Williard Scott Yoder Wickenheiser Learning Support English Learning Support Middle School/ High School Londonderry High School

Miss Wickenheiser is a 2006 graduate Mr. Williard is serving as a long-term Mr. Yoder earned his bachelor’s degree of St. Francis University with degrees in substitute in learning support at the in secondary English education from elementary and special education. Prior Middle School and High School. Prior to Penn State in 2005. He says he hopes to coming to Lower Dauphin she was a coming to Lower Dauphin he served as a to “challenge my students to become preschool teacher with Kindercare substitute teacher here and in the Derry independent thinkers and challenge Learning Center. She says she hopes to Township School District. He says he themselves to become better in the “create a fun and creative learning hopes “to shape each and every mind of classroom.” He and his wife, Margaret, environment all students can learn in.” my students to facilitate their journey live in Hummelstown. through our district and to prepare them for life.” 8 Michelle Shuler Ed Gnall

Business Manager Principal Other new hires... District Office Conewago In addition to the preceding administrative and professional staff members, Lower Dauphin welcomes Gerald Angelo, Bernadette Bream, Mrs. Shuler came to Lower Dauphin in Mr. Gnall is a Lower Dauphin graduate Jody Cassel, Shelly Crisamore, the spring after serving as supervisor and spent seven years in the Virginia DeLano, Susan Eitnier, of support services in Susquenita Elizabethtown Area School District where Nadine Kreamer, Crystal Lehman, School District. A certified public he taught fourth and fifth grade and Lindsay McCann, Keri McKeever, accountant, she also worked at the served as an assistant elementary Polly Petersheim, Sherre Potteiger Capital Area Intermediate Unit. She principal before coming to Conewago and Laksmi Winarni to the district as says she looks “forward to working Elementary in July. He says he hopes “to classified staff members. with district staff and community as we be a positive educational leader and help face many challenging financial issues achieve the district’s mission in the within public education.” community.” New Math Masters program helps 95 maintain skills ower Dauphin third- and fourth- categories in math. Students were given standards have increased the expectation Lgraders who needed some help two weeks to complete each packet that all students perform math skills on maintaining their math skills took part in a which was then checked by the teachers the proficient level,” said Michele Balliet, new program over the summer months. at their school. The teachers also met assistant to the superintendent: This summer, the district offered a with students once every two weeks. curriculum and instruction. “During the summer math Students were identified for the summer we have traditionally focused on program called program through marking period grades reading, writing, listening and speaking Math Masters. (including assessments, class skills, by offering this opportunity, we are This program was performance, and teacher observation), increasing the ability for our students to conducted at each standardized test results, and teacher meet the expectations imposed on them elementary school recommendation. The goal was to assist in the area of mathematics.” with students working on students in retaining math concepts and Mrs. Balliet says Math Masters packets at home and with teachers skills gained during the school year, students were assessed prior to entering at the schools. The skills that the instead of losing some of these important the program and will be assessed during students worked on represent grade level skills over the summer months. the school year to see what progress was curriculum and the five major reporting “The new state and federal made. LD Schools enter Learning Focused Schools initiative t started with a simple question: What with 90 percent poverty or racial schools evaluations and the research- Iseparates high achieving schools from diversity. based strategies that impact achievement all the others? These the most: Lower Dauphin is entering a new practices and • Planning through team-based or initiative which is designed to increase strategies learning communities, student achievement. Every school focus on five • Prioritizing and mapping curriculum, district in the Capital Area Intermediate areas critical • Effective use of graphic and Unit is taking part in the Learning to academic advance organizers, Focused Schools initiative which success: Planning, • Instructing vocabulary in context, provides a framework to utilize the best Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and • Using summarizing strategies, and practices from high achieving schools School Organization. • Extending thinking strategies. across the country and adopt those The Learning-Focused Schools Moving beyond those effective practices to work in any classroom, Model is a comprehensive school strategies, the Learning Focused Schools school building or district. improvement model that provides initiative also specializes in connecting The Learning Focused Schools schools with a consistent language for reading comprehension, writing across model, developed by Dr. Max Thompson, learning that is organized into a the curriculum, accelerating and provides strategies and solutions based framework designed explicitly for raising scaffolding learning, balanced literacy, on practices found in schools with 90 student achievement. differentiated assignments, and more percent of their students achieving This framework organizes the U.S. focus primarily on learning and raising proficient or higher on standardized tests Department of Education’s exemplary achievement. 9 Know Your Schools High School anticipating Middle States Accreditation he staff at Lower in Turbotville, Pa.; and James Sterner, a in drop out rate to 1.5 percent; see a 5 TDauphin High School music teacher at Littlestown percent increase in the number of seniors have begun implementation High School, Littlestown, Pa. who have completed culminating projects of their Plan for Growth which During the on time; and decrease course failures by was developed during the validation team’s visit to 5 percent. Middle States Accreditation Lower Dauphin they • Critical Thinking – Increase by 5 process last year. reviewed written documents percent the number of students scoring 3 While the plan hasn’t regarding the plan and its or higher on AP tests and increase by 5 been formally approved by the development. The team will also interact percent the mean scores on critical Commission on Secondary Schools of with as many of the school’s thinking assessments in all discipline. the Middle States Association of stakeholders as possible regarding their • Communication – Increase by 5 Colleges and Schools, high school knowledge, understanding, support for percent the mean scores on the officials are confident that the plan will the plan and the results attained by the culminating project oral component; be accepted. school. The group interviewed student effect a 2 percent decrease in the number Lower Dauphin High School’s plan leaders, selected random students, the of students who score “Below Basic” on was put together by a team of high high school’s internal coordinators for writing component of 11th grade PSSA; school administrators, staff, students and the Accreditation for Growth planning and decrease by 3 percent the number of community members and was reviewed process, faculty, guidance counselors, students who score “Basic” on writing by a team from Middle States in April. support personnel, library staff, component of 11th grade PSSA. The team consisted of Robert Okrasinski, technology staff, administration, the The entire high school faculty was principal of Wilkes-Barre’s Elmer L. local planning team members, involved in crafting the action plans and Meyers High School; Dr. Veronica Perrine implementation committee members, target measures once the committee of 29 a teacher at Delaware’s Middletown High district office staff members, parents, stakeholders developed the three School; Eva Kauffman, a German teacher and members of the Board of Education. objectives. The stakeholders’ group met at Marple Newton High School in The high school’s plan for growth six times in 15 months to develop the Newtown Square, Pa.; Richard Nornhold contains three objectives. They include: objectives and approve of the action Jr., a teacher at Warrior Run High School • Graduation Rate – Effect a decrease plans adopted by the school’s staff. Sale of late mayor’s car kicks off CTC fund campaign ummelstown’s baby. I know he’s happy with what’s Hlate mayor happened.” Marion “Brud” To get the classic car ready for Alexander gave auction, it was detailed for free by selflessly to his Jeff Dunn and Henry community for Guerrisi of J&H Exxon years. in Hummelstown. That “The Green generosity Machine was so continued this identifiable with the month when his mayor,” said Paul beloved “Mean Green Lutzkanin, CTC Machine” 1960 Chevrolet Impala chairman. “We’re was sold at auction during the annual extremely grateful to Antique Automobile Club of America Mary for Eastern Division National Fall Meet at donating the Giant Center on October 5. his car to The car was sold for $15,500 with all help us help the proceeds going to Lower Dauphin others in our community.” The Communities That Care, a grass-roots successful sale of the car served as a community network which provides a thing to do would be to donate the late kick-off to the organization’s annual variety of local services that will enable mayor’s pride and joy to a community fund-raising campaign. Lower Dauphin youth to succeed later in organization to help others. Letters are being sent to community life. LD CTC’s board of directors plans to “God has blessed me in many ways,” members asking for donations to help use the proceeds of the sale to fund Mary Alexander said when she donated support LD CTC’s research-based programs that will benefit youth in the car to Lower Dauphin Communities programs. Hummelstown and across the Lower That Care. “Even though he took the If you did not receive a letter and Dauphin community. mayor, he left me so much. It’s a blessing wish to make a tax-deductible donation, After his death in November 2004, to me to be able to do something for please contact Kathy Peffer, LD CTC Alexander’s wife Mary decided the best people in need. That car was Mayor’s mobilizer, at 566-6096. 10 Lower Dauphin High School’s Class of 2006 participated in commencement ceremonies on June 8. Valedictorian was Kiel Reese and Salutatorian was Laura James. More than 275 graduates received diplomas during the ceremony. 11 Know Your Schools is published four times a year for the residents of Lower Dauphin School District. Lower Dauphin School District 291 East Main Street NONPROFIT ORG. District Office 566-5300 Hummelstown, PA 17036 U.S. POSTAGE PAID High School 566-5330 http://www.ldsd.org HARRISBURG, PA Middle School 566-5310 PERMIT NO. 583 Conewago Elementary School 533-5361 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 Gwen Adams, President Renae Paladino, Vice President Garry Bashore Cleon Cassel Marcela Myers Keith Oellig Martin Siegel David Smith Terry Whitmeyer Sherri Smith, Superintendent

Edited by: Jim Hazen, Coordinator of Communications Designed by: Linda McPhillips, Secretary to the Coordinator of Communications

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.

Upcoming Events 11 Band Atlantic Coast Championships 7pm - Band Boosters Fall Play @ LDHS 7pm - Wrestling Boosters October 11 8 AM - Baseball Crafts Fair @ LDHS 7:30pm - School Reorganization 12 Band Atlantic Coast Championships 5 6:30pm - LDMS Holiday Concert 22 1pm - Run for the Ribbon 14 6:30pm - Londonderry PTO Meeting 5 6:30pm - S. Hanover PTO Meeting 24 3pm - Winter Sports Physicals 7pm - Conewago PTO Meeting 6 7pm - High on Kids 7pm - E. Hanover PTO Meeting 15 7:30pm - TRI-M Induction 7 7pm - Conewago Holiday Concert 27 7pm - Homecoming Game 16 7pm - NCAA Seminar 7pm - E. Hanover Holiday Concert 28 7pm - Homecoming Dance 7pm - Nye PTO Meeting 8 Middle School Spelling Bee 17 7pm - Lond. PTO Family Movie Night 9 8 AM - ACT Testing November 7pm -S. Hanover PTO Game Night 11 7:30pm - LDHS Holiday Concert 1 7pm - Act 1 Tax Study Commission 20 7:30pm School Board Meeting 12 7pm - Nye Holiday Concert 7pm - High on Kids Meeting 21 Conewago All-School Thanksgiving 7pm - Nye PTO Meeting 2 Culminating Project Meeing 7pm - LD Care Club Meeting 14 2 & 7pm - Lond.Holiday Concert End of First Marking Period 22 Schools Closed 7pm - PSAT Parent Night 4 Band Chapter Championships 23 Schools & Offices Closed 16 10 AM - S. Hanover PTO Babysitting 6 6:30pm - Cheerleading Boosters 24 Schools Closed 18 Mid-Marking Period 6:30pm - S. Hanover Skating Party 27 Schools Closed 7:30pm - School Board Meeting 7pm - Band Boosters 28 7pm - E. Hanover PTO Meeting 19 2pm - East Hanover Assembly 7pm - Wrestling Boosters 29 7pm - Act 1 Tax Study Commission 7pm - LD Care Club Meeting 7:30pm - School Board Workshop 20 7:30pm - LDHS Holiday Concert 7 6:30pm - S. Hanover PTO Meeting December 21 2 & 7pm - S. Hanover Concert 8 Elementary Report Cards Distributed 2 Conewago PTO Breakfast w/Santa 22 2pm - E. Hanover Holiday Concert 9 Half Day for Elementary Students 9 AM - Conewago Santa Shop 25 Schools & Offices Closed Secondary Report Cards Distributed 9 AM - Londonderry Santa Shop 26 Schools Closed 7pm - Act 1 Tax Study Commission 9 AM - Nye Santa Shop 27 Schools Closed 10 Schools Closed 4 6:30pm - Cheerleading Boosters 28 Schools Closed Parent Teacher Conferences 6:30pm - S. Hanover Skating Party 29 Schools Closed Fall Play @ LDHS