JUNE 2019

LAURELDALE, PA

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

MESSAGE FROM DR. MACHAROLA ...... 2 MUHL MOCHA DEBUTS...... 4 YOUTH LEADERSHIP NEWS, IMPACT UPDATE...... 5 KINDESS CRUSADER + MEC YOU TUBE CHANNEL.....6 STAFF UPDATES...... 7 1 SCHOOL : 1 BOOK + SPRING COLLEGE FAIR ...... 8 MMS WINS BEST Photo credit: Purdon Photography VIDEOGRAPHY AWARD ...... 9 AFJROTC ...... 10 DAPPER DUDES + CAREY KLINE BREAKFAST HERO ...... 11 MUSIC NEWS + PAINT THE Muhlenberg High School RAIN BARREL ...... 12 Class of 2019 READING OLYMPICS ...... 14 Commencement for the graduating Class of 2019 are first generation HS BLOOD DRIVE Class of 2019 was held on June 5, college students. 26% of the Class COMMITTEE + 2019 at the Santander Arena. The of 2019 attended the Reading GIFTED MENTORS...... 15 295 graduates in the Class of 2019 Muhlenberg Career & Technology have excelled in academics, athletics, Center. 52% of the seniors who the arts, and community service. attend the RMCTC will be entering The Class of 2019 has earned over the workforce in the area in which 3.5 million dollars in scholarship they studied over the last three years. monies to various universities and On behalf of the administration and colleges across the United States. faculty of Muhlenberg High School, 79% of this graduating class will be we wish the Class of 2019 the very attending universities, colleges, com- best as they enter this new chapter munity colleges, technical and trade Dr. Joseph Macharola of their lives. schools, or the military. 54% of the Superintendent 610-921-8000, Ext. 1271 [email protected] MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2019

Democratic Responsibility for Our Children and for America Dear Muhlenberg School District Community Members: The Muhlenberg School District has In this edition, you will find clear provided enriching learning evidence of previous district opportunities for generations. Our initiatives from over the past six history continues to be the cornerstone years which have resulted in for continuous improvement. You will tremendous opportunities for our see the power of education in the children. These opportunities “IF YOUR PLAN IS hundreds of children who graduated include literacy, math and science FOR ONE YEAR, this past June 5, 2019. Our mission and pilots and initiatives which have role in American society has never resulted in new programs in the PLANT RICE. been more important than it is today. district. We have invested millions We know by continuously investing in of dollars in technology along with IF YOUR PLAN IS quality programs and technology that an emerging initiative of one-to-one FOR TEN YEARS, our children K-12, unquestionably, will capabilities for our children at the have the proper tools to prepare them secondary level. Career technology PLANT TREES. for their future. This is only a portion pathways for our high school of the incredible responsibility in students attending Reading IF YOUR PLAN IS delivering instruction and teaching Muhlenberg Career & Technology FOR ONE HUNDRED social and emotional skills to cope with Center continue to emerge with an society’s demands and prepare children all-time high number of Muhlenberg YEARS, EDUCATE to be productive citizens. School District students attending CHILDREN.” RMCTC over the past two years. The Muhlenberg School District is a The JROTC program has completed beautiful and inspiring blend of its second year with over 300 cadets CONFUCIUS children from all parts of the world and experiencing the importance of from multi-dimensional backgrounds. service, knowledge, integrity, Our keystone in reaching our children, character, and pride and respect for with all of the tools and materials in the greatest country on earth, the consideration, is the human spirit from United States of America. teachers, staff and administrators who care about our children. The Muhlenberg School District has an incredible responsibility to invest The 2019-2020 school year will be an and grow our children academically, exciting time for the Muhlenberg socially, and productively with care community. You will see this in our and respect. Our rich cultural holistic plan for success and in our enrollment only stands for the hope action plan’s concentric circles, which and promise for all children to clearly define the focus of our district. pursue the American dream. I wish A new pilot addressing social- you the very best in the spirit of the emotional skills K-12 will commence Muhlenberg School District. next year; in addition to an aggressive plan to address cyber learning through the Muhlenberg Virtual School. These

two avenues will provide much needed SUPERINTENDENT pathways to enhance the district’s dire responsibility in addressing the needs of our ever changing community. 2 JUNE 2019: MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

Responsabilidad Democrática Para Nuestros Hijos y Para América

El Distrito Escolar de Muhlenberg multidimensionales. Nuestra clave anteriores del distrito de los últimos ha brindado oportunidades de para llegar a nuestros hijos, con seis años que han dado como aprendizaje enriquecidas durante todas las herramientas y materiales resultado oportunidades tremendas varias generaciones. Nuestra en consideración, es el espíritu para nuestros niños/as. Estas historia sigue siendo la piedra humano de los maestros, el oportunidades incluyen programas e angular de mejoras continuas. personal y los administradores que iniciativas de alfabetización, Verán el poder de la educación en se preocupan por nuestros hijos/as. matemáticas y ciencias que han dado los cientos de niños que se como resultado nuevos programas en El año escolar 2019-2020 será un graduaron el pasado 5 de junio de el distrito. Hemos invertido millones tiempo emocionante para la 2019. Nuestra misión y función en de dólares en tecnología junto con comunidad de Muhlenberg. Verá la sociedad estadounidense nunca una iniciativa emergente de esto en nuestro plan holístico para ha sido más importante de lo que capacidades individuales para el éxito y en los círculos es hoy. Sabemos que, al invertir nuestros niños/as en el nivel concéntricos de nuestro plan de continuamente en programas y secundario. Las vías tecnológicas de acción, que definen claramente el tecnología de calidad, a nuestros carrera para nuestros estudiantes de enfoque de nuestro distrito. Un hijos/as de K-12, sin duda, tendrán escuela secundaria que asisten nuevo piloto que abordará las las herramientas adecuadas para RMCTC continúan surgiendo con habilidades socioemocionales de prepararlos para su futuro. Esto es el número más elevado de todos los grados K-12 comenzará el próximo solo una parte de la increíble tiempos de estudiantes del Distrito año; además de un plan agresivo responsabilidad de impartir Escolar de Muhlenberg que asisten al para abordar el aprendizaje instrucción y enseñar habilidades CTC en los últimos dos años. El cibernético a través de la Escuela sociales y emocionales para hacer programa JROTC ha completado su Virtual de Muhlenberg. Estas dos frente a las demandas de la segundo año con más de 300 cadetes vías ofrecen vías muy necesarias sociedad y preparar a los niños/as que experimentan la importancia del para mejorar la responsabilidad del para que sean ciudadanos servicio, el conocimiento, la distrito para abordar las productivos. integridad, el carácter, el orgullo y el necesidades de nuestra comunidad respeto por el mejor país del mundo, El Distrito Escolar de Muhlenberg de cambio constante. los Estados Unidos de América. es una mezcla hermosa e En esta edición, encontrará inspiradora de niños/as de todas El Distrito Escolar de Muhlenberg evidencia clara de iniciativas partes del mundo y de fondos tiene la increíble responsabilidad de invertir y hacer crecer a nuestros niños/as académica, social y productivamente con cuidado y respeto. Nuestra enriquecida inscripción cultural sololamente representa la esperanza y la promesa para que todos los niños/as puedan perseguir el sueño americano. Les deseo lo mejor en el espíritu del Distrito Escolar de Muhlenberg.

SUPERINTENDENT 3 MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2019

Seniors Rafael Sanchez, Eric Brady, and Alexis Cheeseman Senior Alexis Cheeseman en route prepping Muhl Mocha orders. making deliveries.

Muhl Mocha Debuts at MHS In the fall of the 2018-2019 school year, a new MHS Assistant Principal Lori Morris said, “I endeavor started at Muhlenberg High School. look forward to my Muhl Mocha delivery every A group of students led by MHS Special Wednesday. It has been rewarding to see the social skills of our students grown under the MUHLENBERG HIGH SCHOOL direction of our teachers. Our students are able to work on skills for life and provide a boost of Education teachers Amanda Kemmerer and energy to our teachers’ day.” Jennifer Hausman and Transition Coordinator The students have filled more than 500 orders Tianna Schaefer launched Muhl Mocha. this year so far. In addition, some weeks, a Muhl Mocha is a weekly service that offers a sweet treat is also available for purchase. variety of hot beverages (coffee, tea, hot Future plans for Muhl Mocha include adding chocolate) to high school staff. Students additional sales days and offering periodic process the orders through an online ordering opportunities to sell to other MHS students. system, fill the orders and deliver them to the staff members throughout the building. The students generate invoices, distribute them and process payments. While providing a convenient opportunity for teachers to get a little pick me up, the students are working on employability skills. Instruction and practice on work related soft skills is embedded into the activities. Focus is on improving skills in the areas of reliabil- ity, initiative, productivity, safety, travel, organization, communication/interpersonal skills, problem solving and self-regulation. Academic skills such as reading, writing, measurement and math calculations are also included in the process. 4 JUNE 2019: MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

High School Students Network with Professionals On March 8, 2019, fourteen young men and women from Muhlenberg High School attended the Annual Youth Leadership Program, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce at PSU-Berks. The students had the pleasure of learning the 5 C’s: Character, Communication, Choice, Courage, and Confidence and how they lead to career success. Approximately 100 professionals from the county were in attendance as mentors for the high school students. This conference offers the opportu- nity for young men and women to learn more about their chosen career path by attending breakout sessions with professionals in their career choice. Sessions on: cashing in on your passion, finance your future, and five words, were some of the sessions that the students attended. The conference encourages young men and women to pursue their career goals. We even met up with an MHS alumni Beth Bankemper.

Muhlenberg IMPACT News The Muhlenberg IMPACT Committee individuals and civic organizations to Our program is totally committed is busy sponsoring activities, recognizing become involved with Muhlenberg to helping others achieve success staff for their never-ending passion, cre- IMPACT. You could sponsor awards, academically and personally. We ating rewards for positive behavior and prizes, t-shirts, banquets, leadership con- are planning many more school academics and providing incentives that ferences and offer discounts on goods activities this year. Please hopefully will make students feel better and services for students and/or faculty. encourage your children to get about themselves. Participants in our program have found involved and stay involved with school clubs and high school IMPACT continues to sponsor the cell that it increases the exposure of their activities. It makes school so phone recycling fundraiser. Protect the businesses to teenagers and their parents, much more enjoyable and gives environment while supporting our high who often accompany them. you memories that will last a life- school program. One hundred percent of IMPACT sold carnations for Home- time. Contact Ms. Denise the proceeds will help fund IMPACT. coming and Valentine’s Day. They were Zielinski at 610-921-8078 to find Please bring your old cell phones to sold during all three lunch periods. This out how you can make an Ms. Denise Zielinski at the high school. was a wonderful way to encourage school “IMPACT” at Muhlenberg High spirit and random acts of kindness. IMPACT is looking for businesses, School. 5 MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2019

Kindness Crusader It’s a bird! It's a plane! No, it’s the Kindness Crusader (also known as, Mrs. Venza, Muhlenberg Elementary Center Principal)! On Fridays, the Kindness Crusader visits classrooms with her MUHLENBERG ELEMENTARY CENTERMM yellow scooter, the Kindness Cruiser, and recruits members to the Kindness Crew to help spread Learning (SEL) class using kindness at Muhlenberg Elementary Center. Mrs. the Second Step program. Venza reads stories about kindness to the children Every student has this class and discusses how we all have a responsibility to once every 6-day-cycle make everyone feel safe and welcome in our where they are taught skills school. Also, every week teachers nominate a for learning, empathy, emo- student from their class to be recognized for being tional management, and kind and compassionate toward others. problem solving. The class- room teachers review these At Muhlenberg Elementary Center we believe that topics during Community it is important to meet the needs of our students Meeting time each morning socially, emotionally and academically. In conjunc- and throughout the day to reinforce and practice tion to Mrs. Venza’s visits, a new class was added these very important life skills. to the special area rotation schedule this school year. Our school counselors, Mrs. Gift, Mr. Foster, We are so proud of all of the kind acts our and Mrs. Hoffmaster teach a Social Emotional students perform on a daily basis!

MEC YouTube Video Series The Muhlenberg Elementary Center recently created a School-Home Connections YouTube Video Series where they post short videos to share information with fami- lies about strategies, ideas, and techniques they use at school. The video series is a work in progress and they are adding new videos and playlists to their channel all of the time. Currently, they have Mindfulness Monday, Tech Tip Tuesday, and Wellness Wednesday videos available. They are working to add Thinking Cap Thursday, which will feature learning strategies that parents and guardians may find helpful when working with their child on school work. Go to www.YouTube.com and search Muhlenberg Elementary Center to access these videos. They are also posted to the Muhlenberg Elementary Center 6 Facebook page. JUNE 2019: MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER STAFF UPDATES Meet our New Assistant Principal at MEC Mr. Antonio G. Mirabito

I am thrilled to be the new During my time at Hanover Assistant Principal at Elementary School I was heavily Muhlenberg Elementary involved in the school and commu- Center. I wanted to take this nity. I was lead teacher, student opportunity to introduce council coordinator, safety patrol myself. I earned my under- advisor, and fundraising coordina- graduate degree from East tor, among a few other roles. I have Stroudsburg University in a passion for technology use in the 2009. I then went on to classroom and was able to win a receive my master’s degree in technology innovation grant that Management and Leadership helped me to complete an action from East Stroudsburg research project focused on person- University. After a few years alized, adaptive, and differentiated in the business world, I went learning software. back to school and earned my teaching certification from In my personal time, I enjoy spend- Drexel University. I have ing time with my wife traveling taught for eight years in both and attending sporting events. I am 4th and 5th grades in the a huge sports fan and have coached Bethlehem Area School football and basketball for over 10 District. During that time I years. I am very excited to be join- attended Moravian College, ing Muhlenberg Elementary Center attaining a principal certifica- and can’t wait to become part of tion in May of 2018. the community. Mr. Antonio G. Mirabito

Technology Bytes R.E.S.U.L.T.S. Google has created a very useful application called Muhlenberg Elementary Center Principal Mrs. Google Translate that can easily be accesses through a Krista Venza and Muhlenberg Middle School website interface or downloaded for free as a mobile Dean of Students Mr. Jon Treese, published the app for Android or iOS. Google Translate can trans- book R.E.S.U.L.T.S. in February 2019. This late multiple forms of media including text, speech, book provides applicable strategies for teaching images, websites, or real-time video, from one lan- students to make positive choices, take neces- guage to another. It supports over 100 languages at sary action and promote growth. different levels and can translate languages via photo, via voice, and via real-time video in “augmented reali- This book is a combination of inspiring stories ty mode.” It also has the ability to translate physical and a framework that promotes positive behav- signs in real-time using the device's camera. The ior and responsibility for learning. From “conversation mode” allows users to communicate flu- R.E.S.U.L.T.S., educators are empowered to idly with a nearby person in another language. You make a difference in the lives of their students. can access a document with helpful directions by Congratulations Mrs. Venza and Mr. Treese! going to the following URL bit.ly/GTRANSLATE 7 MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2019

Spring College Fair 2019

Approximately 65 juniors took advantage of the opportunity to attend the 27st Annual Spring Berks County College Fair on March 5, 2019. This trip was available to all juniors at MHS. The juniors were bused to Alvernia University to meet with over 110 colleges and universities. The students were equipped with questions to ask a college representative and a list of the colleges that would be repre- sented. The students had the opportunity to speak to the college MUHLENBERG HIGH SCHOOL representatives in order to start cre- ating a list of the colleges that they would be interested in applying to early in their senior year. At this point the juniors should be a mak- ing a list of schools that they would like to visit this spring or summer.

One School, One Book had a whole new look this year! For the first time ever, stu- dents and families at both Muhlenberg Elementary Center and C.E. Cole had an opportunity to vote on their book choice. Muhlenberg Elementary Center students

ELEMENTARY CENTER + C.E. COLE INTERMEDIATE

and families voted The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney as their choice to read together. Students and 8 JUNE 2019: MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?

On Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Reading Pa, Muhlenberg Middle School’s What’s So Cool about Manufacturing video produc- tion team took home top honors as they won Best Videography.

MUHLENBERG MIDDLE SCHOOL

Under the guidance of Ms. Luft, one of our outstanding middle school art teachers, the team of Kylie Loiacono, Melanie Mendoza, Avreiona Sadler, Morgan Antonacci, Skyler Koch, Angel Perelta and Joel Ponce created a 2- minute video featuring East Penn Manufacturing. In the fall of 2018, the team visited the facility taking nearly eight hours of footage and condensed it into a promotional video featuring the benefits of manufacturing. This is the third straight year that Muhlenberg Middle School has taken home a top honor from the competition. This year was a bit different as every school district in Berks and Schuylkill County Two screen captures of the Muhlenberg Middle School’s winning entered a team. We are so proud our video for Best Videography in this years’ competition. young filmmakers!

families at C.E. Cole voted The One and Only related to Humphrey or Ivan at home with their families after reading Ivan by Katherine Applegate as their top choice. the book. Each family received a copy of the book to take home and read! In addition to reading, the students at C.E. Cole collected “Pennies for Primates” during the month of February to donate to the During the Read Across America Literacy Event Philadelphia Zoo. The students collected over $1,108! As a result of held on February 27, the reading department con- their generous donations, C.E. Cole will be symbolically adopting an cluded One School, One Book with various ham- animal per grade level–a gorilla, African lion, and a penguin at the ster and gorilla themed activities! In addition to Philadelphia Zoo! Additionally, a donation to symbolically adopt a the evening literacy event, students had an gorilla family has been made toward the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund opportunity to answer trivia questions related to International. Due to the overwhelming generosity of the students, the books to win a prize during school. A pletho- C.E. Cole will be also donating to the local Humane Society. A ra of students from both MEC and C.E. Cole banner acknowledging the largesse of the students will hang in the completed a Reflection Project of their choice C.E. Cole cafeteria as a memento of their successful achievement. 9 MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2019 AFJROTC As we close our second year it is time to reflect on the status of the pro- gram. Retention, or how many cadets return for the following year, is usually a good indicator of the health of the pro- gram. The Air Force tracks how many fresh- man return, and their expectation for a unit is to have 50% of the freshman continue in the program. Our unit has a goal that 70% of all cadets return. Our numbers are really great. 70% of the freshman • Assisted with Bingo at Lebanon VA Hospital are returning, 84% of the sophomores, and • Marched in three Parades and asked to carry the 100% of the juniors will be with us next year. colors for the Vietnam Vets in all parades The middle school has eighty-three 8th grade students that have signed up for the program, • Completed a nearly flawless inspection from HQ although we will only be able to accept 60 of AFJROTC them, due to classroom size. The bottom line • Completed the Leadership Reaction Course at Fort is that the program is healthy and we will Indiantown Gap start next year with more than 150 cadets which is our limit. • Assisted the Berks County Veterans Dinner/Dance committee for the annual ball The cadets were asked to highlight their accomplishments for this year. They are sum- • 27 Color Guard and Sabre team events marized in bullet format: • Ushers for the Adams Family play

• Adopt a Family. Goal: $1,000 raised from • Assisted the Berks County Manufacturing event at their pockets to the Doubletree hotel provide 10 families with holiday meals. Result: raised $1,200. • Visit to Senior ROTC unit at Penn State University • • Community Service hours. Goal: 2,700 Toured PA Air National Guard Air Operations Center hours. To date: 3,700 hours reported to the • Bataan Memorial Death March: 14 miles in 4 hours Air Force • Presented colors at Berks County School Directors • Attendance was higher than the school Convention average with few discipline referrals • Dining/Out and Military Ball • Retention goal: 70%. Attained: 84%. • Three day trip to Washington DC EVENTS: • Archery and Rifle Drill team • 17 cadets attending Cadet Leadership Course at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina • At Christmas helped lay 44,000 wreaths at the Fort Indiantown Gap National According to the cadets the highlight of the year is that we Cemetery, and later helped retrieve them were able to raise enough money so that we could purchase ABU’s (camouflage uniform) for all upper class cadets. The • POW/MIA presentation at Vietnam goal is to have enough money and purchase uniforms so Memorial in City Park that all cadets will have them next year. The cadets love • POW/MIA presentation for Hometown wearing them and would wear them every day if HQ didn’t 10 Hero event at Reading airport limit us to one day a month. JUNE 2019: MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER Dapper Dudes Field Trip & Fundraising

2019 PA School On February 19, the Dapper Dudes took a magnificent field trip to the DaVinci Center. Dapper Dudes is made Breakfast Heroes up of a diverse group of fourth grade boys selected by The national anti-hunger campaign, No Kid Hungry, recent- C. E. Cole staff to help model and support the high ly announced their 2019 Pennsylvania School Breakfast standards of conduct that is expected here at Heroes. This year’s inductees included educators, administra- Muhlenberg. The boys gained science knowledge tors, and food service staff from school districts across the commonwealth who were nominated by members of their C.E. COLE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL local community for going above and beyond to make school breakfast possible for all students. through several hands-on exhibits, engineering work- We are proud to announce that Mr. Carey Kline, Muhlenberg shops, and live science shows. The boys were fully School District Food Services Director, was named the engaged with all the activities and well-behaved. 2019 Pennsylvania School Breakfast Hero! The staff of Muhlenberg Elementary Center nominated Mr. Kline for The C.E. Cole Dapper Dudes are comprised of 4th his tireless devotion to the students of our district. He cares grade male students whom have spent the past couple deeply about all of our students, knows many by name, and months engaging in various learning experiences that makes each student feel welcome every day in the cafeteria. include social etiquette, team building, problem solving, Mr. Kline knows that good nutrition is an important factor and service to others. Muhlenberg Faculty, Staff, and of our students’ success in school. Community Members use their life experiences to pre- pare lessons for the Dapper Dudes to take part in. One in six children in Pennsylvania face hunger and school breakfast helps combat this statistic. Research shows As part of the Dapper Dudes program, the boys were that hunger has long-term ramifications on children, tasked as a group to select a service project to complete including lower test scores, weaker attendance rates, and a for this school year. They took a survey at the begin- higher risk of hospitalizations and chronic diseases. ning of the program to determine a service project. The boys overwhelming decided that they would like to Unfortunately, too many Pennsylvania students are missing help families in need in the Muhlenberg community out on school breakfast because they are unaware of the pro- and decided to conduct a Non-Perishable and Toiletries gram or don’t arrive to school in time to participate. We are Donation drive. For a week and a half in March, the thankful to our school breakfast hero, Mr. Kline, who works Dapper Dudes led the charge to collect these donations. every day to make sure that our school breakfast program At the end of the donation drive, the students at C.E. reaches all the students who might benefit. Cole collected enough donations to assist 13 Thank you and congratulations, Mr. Kline! Muhlenberg families during Easter.

11 MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2019

Paint the Rain Barrel Competition Members of the Science Club and High School Art Club participated in the Berks Conservation District’s “Paint the Rain barrel Competition.” The theme for this year’s com- petition was “Healthy Soils are Full of Life.” Muhlenberg won third place overall in the com- petition and the rain bar- rel was auctioned off to generate funds for schol- arships for local students pursuing a degree in Environmental Science.

Muhlenberg Middle School Music News The 16th Annual MHS Multi-Class This has been a great year for the music Reunion students of Muhlenberg Middle School. MUHLENBERG MIDDLE SCHOOL Classes of the 50’s, Berks Junior County Chorus auditions These students proudly represented 60’s, 70’s and 80’s were held at Governor Mifflin High MMS at the Berks Junior County Music School in February. Nine students from Festival on March 30 at Boyertown Saturday, MMS were selected to participate in Middle School West. September 14, 2019 this ensemble. Those members were: Evergreen Country Club Leah Steinmetz (soprano), Roxsonna The Middle School Jazz Band, Blue 12 Noon until closing Janiszewski (soprano), Rowan Crammer Groove, had a great year performing $3.00 cover (alto), Sri Oruganty (alto), Cristian throughout the community and at local jazz festivals. The band received Need more information? Batista (tenor), Matthew Abadam (bass), “Superior” ratings at several jazz festi- Contact: Trayton Winter (bass), Darian Bornmann (bass), and Kyle Hernandez (bass). vals and won several section awards and Sue (Deprill) Crupi solo awards. Soloist awards went to 610-777-3875 Berks Junior County Band and Ryan Neuheimer (drums), Kyle [email protected] Orchestra auditions were also held in Hernandez (flugelhorn), Matthew Bill Sandel February. Eight students from MMS Abadam (trumpet), Cristian Batista 610-921-2620 were selected for the ensembles: Emily (bass), Bella Foster (tenor sax), and [email protected] Yarish (flute), Marissa Hermany Amelia Carmello (vibes). Tracey (Cote) Trout Rothermel (flute), Sarah Love (clarinet), [email protected] Cristian Batista (clarinet), Sierra Shade Congratulations to all the students for (clarinet), Trayton Winter (trombone), an amazing year of music at MMS! Gabriella Foster (baritone), and Sri Thank you for your continued support Oruganty (violin). of these students’ musical endeavors! 12 JUNE 2019: MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

Final Duet The Muhlenberg Music Department Joel Evans took things one step farther. and community celebrates two incredi- For the first time in Muhlenberg histo- bly talented musicians again this year. ry, Joel was chosen to be in the ALL- Seniors Caldonia Carmello and Joel EAST Orchestra. The ALL-EAST Evans achieved remarkable milestones region of the national music organiza- this school year as members of the tion is comprised of eleven states from school music program. They have been Maine to Maryland. Joel was selected to representing MHS in a variety of music festivals their entire high school MUHLENBERG HIGH SCHOOL careers. This year alone Joel and Cally have been involved in nine different events. They, however, saved the best play in the percussion section of this ones for last. elite ensemble. The ALL-EAST orches- tra also performed at the PMEA state For the second year in a row, Cally, as convention in Pittsburgh. At the con- she likes to be called, reached a PMEA cert, Joel was presented with the presti- (Pennsylvania Music Educators gious Irene Christman Scholarship. Association) State Ensemble. Last year This scholarship is awarded to the top she was accepted into the State Wind high school musician in Pennsylvania Ensemble; this year she performed in who is planning to major in the field of the State Band. Playing in the first clar- music education. Prior to the conven- inet section, she had the opportunity to tion, Joel also performed with the rehearse and perform in Pittsburgh at PMEA District Band, District the PMEA State Music convention. Orchestra, District Jazz Band, District Students selected for this band are cho- Chorus, Region Orchestra and Region sen from the 501 school districts Chorus. Joel plans to attend Temple throughout Pennsylvania. Only a few University next year to major in Music students from Muhlenberg have ever Education with a Jazz emphasis. managed to be chosen two years in a Congratulations Joel! row. Before the state festival, Cally per- formed with both the PMEA District Again, congratulations to this amazing 10 and Region V bands. Cally is plan- pair of musicians, you have represented ning to study Environmental Science Muhlenberg in the best possible way! next year at the University of Dave Luckenbaugh Delaware. Congratulations Cally! MHS Band Director

13 MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER: JUNE 2019

This year’s HS Reading Olympics Competition was held at the BCIU on April 10. The Olympic Readers Club represented Muhlenberg with two teams comprised of 9-12th grade (pictured left), and one 9th grade team from the middle school. Students read a minimum of three books in order to participate in the competition; howev- er, many read a lot more! We celebrated reading MUHLENBERG HIGH SCHOOL and fun and excitement were had by all who attended, including the HS Reading Olympics Competition chaperones!

Turnitin

MHS’s use of Turnitin is just one better writers with a better work The benefits of Turnitin include: more way of preparing our students ethic because they are being held · Helps create a culture of academic to be able to succeed at the college accountable for their academic honesty and pride level because all of the major col- integrity. · Provides students with the opportunity to leges are using it, or a similar serv- For students, the program has correct errors and improve writing ability ice. It has proven to be a true col- helped them to be able to see the before a grade is awarded. lege preparatory experience as it mistakes in their writing and have · Allows peer to peer collaboration, which introduces a system of standards and the opportunity to edit and fix them is built into the software, again aligning expectations. It aligns with our dis- prior to fully submitting by the trict’s initiative to provide our stu- with a district initiative to create 21st deadline. It also allows students to century learners. dents with the best forms of tech- receive feedback from the teacher nology-based instruction. through the system with links that · Allows teachers the most versatility in help them to fully comprehend the providing detailed and personalized From a teacher aspect, this program feedback has cut grading time in half, allow- mistakes they are making, beyond ing for quicker responses, quicker the simple text written by the · Allows for a system of peer feedback feedback to students, and more writ- teacher. Previously, with hand- that is anonymous and instantaneous ing opportunities. The plagiarism graded papers, students were only · It provides immediate feedback during aspect of the program has actually able to see the shorthanded note by the revision and editing process. (This is made students more accountable, the teacher, but with this program a big plus!) and many of them are now focused they are able to go through to the by Megan Given on making sure they are citing definition of the term and then correctly and collaborating without see the steps on how to improve copying. Students are becoming in the future. 14 JUNE 2019: MUHLENBERG SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

MUHLENBERG HIGH SCHOOL

Left to right: Mr. Mish (MHS prin- HS Blood Drive Committee cipal), Bhaavana Oruganty, Peter J. The Muhlenberg High School Blood Drive Committee was presented Castagna, Jr. (CEO/President of the Local Leader Award for the first time on April 4, 2019. It was in MKBC), Shawnaleh Cada, Jesus recognition of collecting 220 units of blood from students, staff and Dominguez Castaneda (coordina- community members during 2018. The first blood drive held at MHS tor), Tom Matthews (MKBC was held May 31, 1994. That is 25 years of blood drives and an impres- Account Manager), Sharon Lountzis sive number of lives saved! Not only do the drives provide lifesaving (MHS School Nurse), Conner blood products, it also earns scholarship money for MHS students. Barrett (coordinator), Mackenzie The dates of the upcoming drives are 11/7/19, 1/30/20, and 4/23/20. Schlegal, Michelle Bui, Francisco The drives are held in the school for students and staff from 8 a.m–3 Alba, Desiree Sheetz, & Lisa DiSalvo. p.m. The MKBC mobile lab sets up in front of MHS for community donations from 3:30 – 7 p.m.

This year was the start of something new in the gifted program: The Gifted Mentor Gifted Mentor Program Program. Twenty gifted students participated along with students in grades 9-10 volun- teered to mentoring students in grades 3-6. Students met with each other, worked on projects and homework, participated in scav- enger hunts, played games, and were able to ask questions about the different buildings and programs in the Muhlenberg SD. ‘We played a scavenger hunt game and we won cupcakes!’ stated 4th grade student, Estella Kerper! The program was a success and beneficial for all those that participated. 15 NONPROFIT ORG CARRIER ROUTE PRESORT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Reading, PA Permit No. 69

801 BELLEVUE AVENUE

LAURELDALE, PA 19605

Phone: 610-921-8000

Fax: 610-921-8076

e-mail: [email protected] RESIDENT www.muhlsdk12.org

Published for the citizens of the Muhlenberg School District, Newsletter is printed by Heffner Printing, Fleetwood, PA. Submit news of school or community interest to Muhlenberg School District, Newsletter, at return address. Include It is the policy of the Muhlenberg School District not to discriminate on the basis of gender, your name and phone number for verifi- disability, race, color, and national origin in its educational programs, activities, or employment cation purposes. Timely articles will be policies as required by Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. Inquires regarding used as space allows. compliance with Title IX should be directed to the office of the assistant superintendent, Title IX Coordinator, Muhlenberg School District, 801 Bellevue Avenue, Laureldale, PA 19605, telephone (610)921-8000, or to the Director of Civil Rights, Department of Education,

@muhlsd Follow Muhlenberg School District on Twitter EQUIPPING, ENGAGING, EMPOWERING SCHOOLBOARDMEMBERS MISSION: Excellence in Action OTTO W. VOIT, III , PRESIDENT VALUES & BELIEFS Students learn differently. J. TONY LUPIA, JR. , VICE PRESIDENT Students learn best with challenging and relevant curriculum. THOMAS W. GROSS, SECRETARY Students thrive in a safe learning environment. Teachers lead learning through passion, perseverance and personality. RICHARD E. HOFFMASTER, TREASURER Teachers create a culture of high expectations. CINDY L. MENGLE, ASSISTANT SECRETARY Teachers are inspirational role models. Students, parents and families, the school, the school board, S. WAYNE HARDY the community and business leaders create partnerships that drive students success. JOHN W. LOVE An informed and involved learning community is essential to the RANDALL R. MADARA development of strong educational partnerships and quality programs. The learning community equips, engages and empowers learners. MARK J. NELSON DR. JOSEPH E. MACHAROLA VISION STATEMENT SUPERINTENDENT The Muhlenberg School District is committed to guiding all students on a path of excellence with active and purposeful learning experiences, a growing and DR. ALAN FUTRICK ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT comprehensive curriculum, collaborative and innovative staff and creative use of technology and resources coupled with an unrelenting desire for success.

JUNE 2019| Designed by the Berks County Intermediate Unit Creative Team