To Read Our RSD 2013-14 Annual Report: Pathway to Excellence

ANNUAL REPORT 2013-14

READING SCHOOL DISTRICT PATHWAY TO EXCELLENCE TABLE OF CONTENTS

pg. 2 Superintendent’s Message

pg. 3 Board President’s Message

Reading School District pg. 4 About Reading School District 800 Washington St. Reading, PA 19601 pg. 4 Class of 2014 Graduation Spotlight (484) 258-7000 office (610) 371-5971 fax pg. 5 Our Schools www.ReadingSD.org pg. 6 Budget Outlook Project Manager pg. 6-12 District Highlights Kristin Boyd Celebrating the Library, Art, Music and Physical Education programs in the Reading School District. Director of Community Engagement Reading School District

12th & Marion – Physical Education Cover Design Odalys Calderin CONNECT WITH US Visit ReadingSD.org and our school She loves to hoop Julie A. Bunnick shoot — and won first websites for important news, events, place at the local Elks Hoop Shoot Contest. Northeast Middle School Graphic Designer – Library information and announcements. Our Karla & Alexandra Office of the Executive Director Dominguez websites are continually updated. We read to know we’re not Berks County Intermediate Unit alone – C.S. Lewis Facebook.com/ReadingSD Twitter: @RDGschools Publisher For the upcoming school year, we are Pinterest.com/ReadingSD Reading School District working to establish or strengthen our YouTube.com: Search Reading © Copyright 2013-14 PTOs and PTAs. If you are interested in School District TV participating, contact Kristin Boyd at Special thanks to our advertisers 484-258-7031 or boydkm@readingsd. Information included in this Reading Musical Foundation org. Also, email Kristin to sign up for our publication is from the 2013- http://readingmusicalfoundation.org e-newsletters and alerts. 12th & Marion – Art 2014 school year. Juan Coste Kautter & Kelley Architects This excellent artist inspires others with his creativity. www.kautterkelley.com Greater Reading Economic Partnership/Careers in 2 Years www.greaterreading.com www.careersin2years.com

pg. 2 Superintendent’s Message

pg. 3 Board President’s Message

13th & Green – Music Ernesto Castaneda Special thanks to the following Hopes his younger brothers Angel and Anthony will have music class, too! for providing photos and content RSD staff and administrators The Reading Musical Foundation and other local endorsed partners would like to thank the Reading School District administration and board members for their support of the district’s LAMP Sally Henderson/Berks Christian School programs. Reading School District’s commitment to bring out the best in every child happens daily in the library, art, music and physical education classes. We encourage our community and Pam Keeler/BCIU neighborhood friends to contact the district’s administration and school board and voice your support of these life-changing education opportunities. Lauren Little/Reading Eagle Endorsed Partners: Dave Zerbe Photography Studio www.readingmusicalfoundation.org Gilmore-Henne Fund + Rochelle Gray Calvary United Emily Yoder-Scheider + Lorrie Beard Church of Christ Where Christ is lived! Alneasa Jordan More than 300 students competed in the annual (and fun!) All Elementary School Fidevia Track and Field Day, held in May at the track behind Reading High School. SUPERINTENDENT’S BOARD PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS I am proud to serve as president of the Manuel Guzman l Vice President Reading School Board of Directors. Just as [email protected] MESSAGE the district is on a pathway to excellence, so is this board. We are working diligently It gives me great pleasure to serve as Superintendent of the Reading School Bernardo Carbajal, Esq. to establish a new tone and new expec- District. The 2014-2015 school year will be a paramount time in our continuing [email protected] tation for how we interact, conduct busi- journey to success, as we create a “Pathway to Excellence” for ALL children nesses and govern the district. And we are in the Reading School District. Abraham Cepeda, Esq. striving to be positive examples for our stu- Please understand, the pathway we aspire to create will entail an enor- [email protected] dents, staff and the community. mous set of challenges and events filled with infinite possibilities of success, Though not an easy decision, contracting with Dr. John George and, together, we have the capacity to exceed expectations. The 2014-2015 Pierre V. Cooper ABOUT DR. KHALID N. MUMIN and the BCIU this year to oversee district operations was a nec- school year will focus specifically on assessing, planning, implementing and [email protected] essary step in the right direction. Their assistance has helped our evaluating the following five areas: Academics, School Safety, Communica- Hometown: Philadelphia, PA district continue on our pathway to excellence. For example, our tion, Organizational Effectiveness and Community Partnerships. More specif- Finance Department is now fully functioning with up-to-date and Robin Costenbader-Jacobson ic, the aforementioned areas will guide the work of the teaching staff, sup- Education: University of Pennsylvania accurate records (see our budget outlook on page 6), and our [email protected] port staff and administrative team. We aspire to become a school system Ed.D, Educational Leadership staff is currently in the process of reviewing, rewriting and realigning that is flexible by placing tremendous investments in teaching and learning, Pennsylvania State University the district’s curriculum (see page 12). school climate, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, transparency, community Robert Heebner, Jr. M.Ed., Teaching and Curriculum One of my favorite moments this year was attending graduation involvement and responsive, reciprocal communication. [email protected] in June and congratulating students as they received their diplo- This annual report is among the many first steps on our pathway to excel- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania mas. My heart was full of joy. That night was a reminder of why I and lence. Here, you’ll find succinct summaries about student accomplishments, B.A., English John Kramer my fellow board members decided to serve. Our priority is always graduation highlights, history-making military appointments, valued commu- [email protected] to provide a quality education for our more than 17,000 students, nity partnerships, newly adopted math curriculum, school programs, con- Northeastern Christian Junior College A.A., Liberal Arts/English and we will continue to work together to ensure that happens. struction projects and our financial outlook for the 2014-2015 school year. I encourage you to get involved and attend our monthly board Eddie Moran Special thanks to the Reading School Board of Directors, the Berks County Interests: Traveling, classic cars, cooking, meetings. Your voice is important. This is your school district, too, [email protected] Intermediate Unit, students, parents, staff, residents and our many commu- reading, music collector and we want you be as proud as we are to be a part of it. nity partners as we partake in this journey, “Pathway to Excellence.” We are driven to become a cohesive unit, team, family and community of learners to Rebecca Acosta, Board President move our schools to success — one student at a time. This is our calling, and FOLLOW DR. MUMIN ON TWITTER [email protected] BOARD SECRETARY together, we will persevere, triumph and succeed. @DRMUMINRSD Lisa Iezzi BOARD MEETINGS 484-258-7030 [email protected] *Board policies and board minutes are available on our Starting in August, Committee of the Whole meetings will be held website, ReadingSD.org. LEADERSHIP TEAM on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., and regular board meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday of each Wayne Gehris Kathy Evison Allen McCloud OPEN RECORDS OFFICER Chief Financial Officer Chief Student Services Officer Athletics Director month at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Meetings are held at Chris Celmer Stepahnie Hackash Deb Dendas Juan Rondon the RSD Administration Building, located at 800 Washington St. All Acting Assistant to the Superintendent Finance Director Special Education Director Safe Schools Director meetings are open to the public. Public comment is allowed at the

800 Washington St. Christian Lellig Marcia Vega Kristin Boyd beginning of regular board meetings. Business Services Director Federal Programs Director Community Engagement Director Reading, PA 19601 (484) 258-7030 office Karen Gokay Wynton Butler Chris Celmer (BCIU) 2013-14 BOARD HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Chief Human Resources Officer Social Services Director Acting Assistant to the Superintendent (610) 371-5971 fax • Passed a balanced 2014-15 Fiscal Budget [email protected] Shelley Livengood Jeff Haas (BCIU) Dr. Juliette Pennyman • Approved a new Breakfast in the Classroom program, which will pro- Personnel Director Acting Chief Information Officer Asst. Superintendent, Teaching & Learning vide all district elementary school students with a healthy breakfast each morning. About 92 percent of district students receive free or re- Dr. Kandace Williams Todd Conn Positions currently being filled Math & Sciences Director Facilities Director Chief Instructional Services Officer duced meals. SOLICITOR English as a Second Language Director • Approved Berks Online Learning, a cyber education program for K-12 John Miravich Dr. Maura Roberts Kurt Myers Literacy & Humanities Director students who complete coursework online. The virtual program allows Assessment & Accountability Director Food Services Director Equity Director children to remain a RSD student and participate in all district activities, Fox Rothschild LLP clubs and functions. 2 3 SUPERINTENDENT’S BOARD PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS I am proud to serve as president of the Manuel Guzman l Vice President Reading School Board of Directors. Just as [email protected] MESSAGE the district is on a pathway to excellence, so is this board. We are working diligently It gives me great pleasure to serve as Superintendent of the Reading School Bernardo Carbajal, Esq. to establish a new tone and new expec- District. The 2014-2015 school year will be a paramount time in our continuing [email protected] tation for how we interact, conduct busi- journey to success, as we create a “Pathway to Excellence” for ALL children ness and govern the district. And we are striv- in the Reading School District. Abraham Cepeda, Esq. ing to be positive examples for our students, Please understand, the pathway we aspire to create will entail an enor- [email protected] staff and the community. mous set of challenges and events filled with infinite possibilities of success, Though not an easy decision, contracting with Dr. John George and, together, we have the capacity to exceed expectations. The 2014-2015 Pierre V. Cooper ABOUT DR. KHALID N. MUMIN and the BCIU this year to oversee district operations was a nec- school year will focus specifically on assessing, planning, implementing and [email protected] essary step in the right direction. Their assistance has helped our evaluating the following five areas: Academics, School Safety, Communica- Hometown: Philadelphia, PA district continue on our pathway to excellence. For example, our tion, Organizational Effectiveness and Community Partnerships. More specif- Finance Department is now fully functioning with up-to-date and Robin Costenbader-Jacobson ic, the aforementioned areas will guide the work of the teaching staff, sup- Education: University of Pennsylvania accurate records (see our budget outlook on page 6), and our [email protected] port staff and administrative team. We aspire to become a school system Ed.D, Educational Leadership staff is currently in the process of reviewing, rewriting and realigning that is flexible by placing tremendous investments in teaching and learning, Pennsylvania State University the district’s curriculum (see page 12). school climate, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, transparency, community Robert Heebner, Jr. M.Ed., Teaching and Curriculum One of my favorite moments this year was attending graduation involvement and responsive, reciprocal communication. [email protected] in June and congratulating students as they received their diplo- This annual report is among the many first steps on our pathway to excel- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania mas. My heart was full of joy. That night was a reminder of why I and lence. Here, you’ll find succinct summaries about student accomplishments, B.A., English John Kramer my fellow board members decided to serve. Our priority is always graduation highlights, history-making military appointments, valued commu- [email protected] to provide a quality education for our more than 17,000 students, nity partnerships, newly adopted math curriculum, school programs, con- Northeastern Christian Junior College A.A., Liberal Arts/English and we will continue to work together to ensure that happens. struction projects and our financial outlook for the 2014-2015 school year. I encourage you to get involved and attend our monthly board Eddie Moran Special thanks to the Reading School Board of Directors, the Berks County Interests: Traveling, classic cars, cooking, meetings. Your voice is important. This is your school district, too, [email protected] Intermediate Unit, students, parents, staff, residents and our many commu- reading, music collector and we want you be as proud as we are to be a part of it. nity partners as we partake in this journey, “Pathway to Excellence.” We are driven to become a cohesive unit, team, family and community of learners to Rebecca Acosta, Board President move our schools to success — one student at a time. This is our calling, and FOLLOW DR. MUMIN ON TWITTER [email protected] BOARD SECRETARY together, we will persevere, triumph and succeed. @DRMUMINRSD Lisa Iezzi BOARD MEETINGS 484-258-7030 [email protected] *Board policies and board minutes are available on our Starting in August, Committee of the Whole meetings will be held website, ReadingSD.org. LEADERSHIP TEAM on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., and regular board meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday of each Wayne Gehris Kathy Evison Allen McCloud OPEN RECORDS OFFICER Chief Financial Officer Chief Student Services Officer Athletics Director month at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Meetings are held at Chris Celmer Stepahnie Hackash Deb Dendas Juan Rondon the RSD Administration Building, located at 800 Washington St. All Acting Assistant to the Superintendent Finance Director Special Education Director Safe Schools Director meetings are open to the public. Public comment is allowed at the

The district has 19 school buildings, including 13 elementary schools (grades Lauer’s Park Elementary Millmont Elementary Northwest Area Elementary Riverside Elementary Pre-K–5), four middle schools (grades Principal: Gordon Hoodak Principal: Jennifer Murray Principal: Maria Wengyn Principal: JuliAnne Kline 6–7), one intermediate high school BY THE NUMBERS Joel Christophel l Valedictorian 251 N. 2nd St. 400 Summit Ave. 820 Clinton St. 400 Centre Ave. (grades 8–9), and one senior high school 753 graduates During class, Joel developed a 610-371-5960 610-320-8947 610-371-5904 610-371-5896 (grades 10–12). (See a full listing of our mobile app that’s available on Enrollment: 763 Enrollment: 657 Enrollment: 803 Enrollment: 897 schools and building principals on pg. 5). 84 percent will pursue post- Google Play. He plans to study secondary education or computer science at Eastern The district employs approximately enlist in the military — Mennonite University. Tyson-Schoener Elementary Northeast Middle Northwest Middle Southern Middle 2,000 dedicated staff members, who a 13 percent increase Principal: Salvador Sepulveda Principal: Robinette Armstrong Principal: Joel Brigel Principal: Geina Beaver serve the educational needs of more Astrid Perez l Salutatorian 315 S. 5th St. 1216 N. 13th St. 1000 N. Front St. 931 Chestnut St. than 17,000 students. 78 students attained Astrid won a YNOT Award for 610-371-5951 610-371-5772 610-371-5882 610-371-5803 full-time employment her stellar role as “Abuela” in Enrollment: 676 Enrollment: 791 Enrollment: 644 Enrollment: 576 this year’s school show, “In the DEPARTMENTS 94 percent graduated with Heights.” She will attend Franklin a college or career plan & Marshall College and plans to Superintendent: 484-258-7030 Reading Muhlenberg become a doctor. Southwest Middle Reading Intermediate High Reading Senior High Business: 484-258 7061 Career & Tech Center $1.8 million in scholarships Principal: Dennis Campbell Principal: Alex Brown Principal: Eric Turman Delinquent Tax: 484-258-7012 2615 Warren Rd. awarded in June Patricia Paulino l Berks’ Best 300 Chestnut St. 215 N. 12th St. 801 N. 13th St. Federal Programs: 484-258-7035 610-921-7300 Patricia won the Berks’ Best 610-371-5934 484-258-7365 484-258-7458 Facilities Services: 610-921-4900 Administrative Director: RHS had 14 Berks’ Best Communications Award. An Enrollment: 437 Enrollment: 2,122 Enrollment: 2,785 Health Services: 610-370-8578 Gerald Witmer nominees and finalists active community volunteer Human Resources: 484-258-7011 and VOICES writer, she will MIS Department: 484-258-7013 CLASS OFFICERS attend Brown University. Pupil Accounting: 484-258-7056 President Elizabeth Gonzalez FAST LANE ART WINNERS Our Districtwide Art Special Education: 484-258-7102 Swarthmore College Marlene Estrella l In Memoriam Show is held each Yarilin Chimelis, who plans to attend Student Services: 484-258-7103 Vice President Franklin Melendez May at GoggleWorks Pennsylvania College of Art & Design and Sadly, Marlene passed away in become an illustrator, received 2nd place Transportation: 484-258-7057 Haverford College Center for the Arts. November from leukemia. Her in Berks Art Council’s Fast Lane Arts design Secretary Alyra Parker This year’s show English Language Acquisition: featured more than competition. Cesar Gonzalez earned an Gettysburg College parents accepted her diploma 484-258-7104 1,000 pieces of honorable mention for his work. Both Treasurer Annyrose Tavarez during graduation on June 11. artwork by our artworks are displayed on billboards in East Stroudsburg University talented students. Berks County, courtesy of LAND Displays.

4 5 CLASS OF 2014 l GRADUATION SPOTLIGHT OUR SCHOOLS l VISIT READINGSD.ORG TO ACCESS EACH SCHOOL’S WEBSITE ABOUT RSD Note: Enrollment figures are from the 2013-14 school year The Reading School District proudly 10th & Green Elementary 10th & Penn Elementary 12th & Marion Elementary 13th & Green Elementary serves the diverse communities of Principal: Wanda Crespo Principal: Rowbee’C Kasisky Principal: Paul Hunter Principal: Vacant the City of Reading, the fifth largest 400 N. 10th St. 955 Penn St. 1200 N. 12th St. 501 N. 13th St. city in Pennsylvania. 610-371-5756 610-320-6994 610-371-5788 610-371-5766 Enrollment: 732 Enrollment: 525 Enrollment: 632 Enrollment: 668 Each day, in every district building and in every district classroom, a vibrant learning community is striv- 13th & Union Elementary 16th & Haak Elementary Amanda E. Stout Elementary Glenside Elementary ing for the success of every single Principal: Margaret Brown Principal: Traci Webb Principal: Susan Higginson Principal: Melissa S. Fisher student. Our mission is to transform 1600 N. 13th St. 601 Haak St. 321 S. 10th St. 500 Lackawanna St. student potential into reality, and our 610-371-5795 610-371-5760 610-371-5815 610-371-5913 district vision is relationships shaping Enrollment: 873 Enrollment: 680 Enrollment: 918 Enrollment: 408 dreams.

The district includes 19 school buildings, including 13 elementary schools Lauer’s Park Elementary Millmont Elementary Northwest Area Elementary Riverside Elementary (grades Pre-K–5), four middle schools Principal: Gordon Hoodak Principal: Jennifer Murray Principal: Maria Wengyn Principal: JuliAnne Kline (grades 6–7), one intermediate high BY THE NUMBERS Joel Christophel l Valedictorian 251 N. 2nd St. 400 Summit Ave. 820 Clinton St. 400 Centre Ave. school (grades 8–9), and one senior 753 graduates During class, Joel developed a 610-371-5960 610-320-8947 610-371-5904 610-371-5896 high school (grades 10–12). (See a mobile app that’s available on Enrollment: 763 Enrollment: 657 Enrollment: 803 Enrollment: 897 full listing of our schools and building 84 percent will pursue post- Google Play. He plans to study principals on pg. 5). secondary education or computer science at Eastern enlist in the military — Mennonite University. Tyson-Schoener Elementary Northeast Middle Northwest Middle Southern Middle The district employs approximately a 13 percent increase Principal: Salvador Sepulveda Principal: Robinette Armstrong Principal: Joel Brigel Principal: Geina Beaver 2,000 dedicated staff members, who Astrid Perez l Salutatorian 315 S. 5th St. 1216 N. 13th St. 1000 N. Front St. 931 Chestnut St. serve the educational needs of more 78 students attained Astrid won a YNOT Award for 610-371-5951 610-371-5772 610-371-5882 610-371-5803 than 17,000 students. full-time employment her stellar role as “Abuela” in Enrollment: 676 Enrollment: 791 Enrollment: 644 Enrollment: 576 this year’s school show, “In the DEPARTMENTS 94 percent graduated with Heights.” She will attend Franklin a college or career plan & Marshall College and plans to Superintendent: 484-258-7030 Reading Muhlenberg become a doctor. Southwest Middle Reading Intermediate High Reading Senior High Business: 484-258 7061 Career & Tech Center $1.8 million in scholarships Principal: Dennis Campbell Principal: Alex Brown Principal: Eric Turman Delinquent Tax: 484-258-7012 2615 Warren Rd. awarded in June Patricia Paulino l Berks’ Best 300 Chestnut St. 215 N. 12th St. 801 N. 13th St. Federal Programs: 484-258-7035 610-921-7300 Patricia won the Berks’ Best 610-371-5934 484-258-7365 484-258-7458 Facilities Services: 610-921-4900 Administrative Director: RHS had 14 Berks’ Best Communications Award. An Enrollment: 437 Enrollment: 2,122 Enrollment: 2,785 Health Services: 610-370-8578 Gerald Witmer nominees and finalists active community volunteer Human Resources: 484-258-7011 and VOICES writer, she will MIS Department: 484-258-7013 CLASS OFFICERS attend Brown University. Pupil Accounting: 484-258-7056 President Elizabeth Gonzalez FAST LANE ART WINNERS Our Districtwide Art Special Education: 484-258-7102 Swarthmore College Marlene Estrella l In Memoriam Show is held each Yarilin Chimelis, who plans to attend Student Services: 484-258-7103 Vice President Franklin Melendez May at GoggleWorks Pennsylvania College of Art & Design and Sadly, Marlene passed away in become an illustrator, received 2nd place Transportation: 484-258-7057 Haverford College Center for the Arts. November from leukemia. Her in Berks Art Council’s Fast Lane Arts design Secretary Alyra Parker This year’s show English Language Acquisition: featured more than competition. Cesar Gonzalez earned an Gettysburg College parents accepted her diploma 484-258-7104 1,000 pieces of honorable mention for his work. Both Treasurer Annyrose Tavarez during graduation on June 11. artwork by our artworks are displayed on billboards in East Stroudsburg University talented students. Berks County, courtesy of LAND Displays.

4 5 The Fightin’ Phils and Screwball stopped STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2014-15 BUDGET OUTLOOK by 12th and Marion Elementary in June to STUDENT SUCCESS congratulate the students on surpassing The 2014-2015 final budget in the amount of $226.8 million was approved Helen Stevenson, a physical education their Million Word Challenge goal. Princi- by the Reading School District Board of Directors on June 25. There are pal Paul Hunter challenged the students Kristen Batista, a fifth grader at 10th and teacher at 16th and Haak Elementary, to read 1 million words in seven weeks. To no cuts to personnel, programs or services. Here’s a brief budget outlook: Penn Elementary, won first place in the was inducted into the Berks County help the kids get started, the Cops & Kids Program donated 600 books. The children 2014 Crime Alert Berks County Poster Aquatic Hall of Fame. TOTAL BUDGET — FUNDING SOURCES l $226,826,371 exceeded their goal and read more than Contest. The contest garnered more 5.7 million words — 5,726,749 million to be STATE 72 PERCENT than 2,000 entries. Her poster is now Lauer’s Park teacher Tambra Isenberg exact. Students from each grade who read the most words (pictured, right) received featured on three billboards throughout won the grand prize in a Hameray Pub- LOCAL 16 PERCENT special recognition. Berks County. lishing contest. Hameray asked teachers FEDERAL 9 PERCENT to write a brief description about why OTHER 3 PERCENT Wepa! The cast and crew of this year’s they and their students love Joy Cow- BCIU PARTNERSHIP EARNS A+ school show, “In the Heights,” won Most ley’s books. Isenberg’s class won more Memorable Choreography and Most than 90 books, 10 big books and Mrs. EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES In January, the Reading School Board of Directors en- Memorable Performance of a Produc- Wishy-Washy puppets. INSTRUCTION 61 PERCENT tered into an unprecedented partnership with BCIU. It tion Number at the YNOT Awards. Danny marked the first time in the commonwealth that a school SUPPORT SERVICES 28 PERCENT Garcia won Most Memorable Featured Instruction includes: board chose to partner with an intermediate unit to tem- The district’s Health Department coor- Non-special education: 68 percent DEBT SERVICE 10 PERCENT Male Vocal Performance, and Astrid dinates the annual ROAR weight loss Special education: 26 percent porarily handle operations. It was a courageous decision Vocational education: 4 percent Perez won Most Memorable Perfor- OTHER 1 PERCENT competition. Based on total percentage Pre-Kindergarten: 1 percent Other on the board’s part, says Dr. John George, executive di- Instruction: 1 percent mance by an Actress in a Supporting of body weight lost, ROAR winners were includes student & community activities rector of the BCIU. Role. Mary Quesada, 1st place; Joe Okonski, Dr. George, who served as the district’s acting super- 2nd place; and Tara Breidenstine, 3rd intendent until Dr. Khalid Mumin began his tenure in mid-July, is pleased that EXPENDITURE SUBCATEGORIES RHS student Abigail Tellez was named place. the intermediate unit was able to help with the following: Stabilize the district’s SALARIES 39 PERCENT Junior Achievement’s 2014 Student of Finance Office; present a balanced 2014-15 school budget; rebuild and up- the Year. She received her award during Nadine Poper, school librarian at Aman- BENEFITS 25 PERCENT grade technology; conduct a successful superintendent search; establish a a school board meeting in May. da Stout Elementary, recently published PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 22 PERCENT proper board governance structure; realign administrative functions; develop her first children’s book,Dachshunds in an appropriately staffed organizational chart; start necessary building renova- DEBT SERVICE 10 PERCENT Students in Lisa Richter’s Moccasins. She is currently working a tions; and begin to address the items in the PHRC conciliation agreement. OTHER 4 PERCENT class at Tyson-Schoener second book, due out this summer. “We have strengthened the foundation,” he said. “I don’t want to give false includes supplies & other expenses Elementary helped raise expectation because there’s still much work to do. The district is now in a better awareness about autism The district’s music teachers hosted the position, and I’m confident that staff will be able to continue on a pathway to 2014-15 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS: with the 10 Things Project. 4th annual Red Knight Music Benefit A principal, assistant principal and school nurse in every elementary school; An appropriately staffed district office; excellence. We’re on the road to financial recovery. Our vital signs are stable. Employment of approximately 19 additional instructional staff to support students needing academic interven- The multimedia project is Concert at RACC’s Miller Center for the I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together. There’s much to tions; New mathematics textbooks and curriculum materials; revised curriculum for all classrooms in grades K-5; on the district website and Arts in March. The event, coordinated Additional curriculum improvements, textbooks and materials; Enhancements for alternative education; Develop- be optimistic and hopeful about for the future of the Reading School District.” ment of a cyber education program; New laptop computers with updated operating systems for all teachers; features students holding by RHS vocal music teacher Joe Smith, Additional technology improvements for students and classrooms; and renovations for select elementary schools signs with messages from raises scholarship money for graduating the book “The 10 Things music students. 2013-14 DEPARTMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS: • Approximately 3,200 English Language Learners received ESL instruction, and ESL classrooms in grades 6-12 Every Child With Autism Wishes You received new textbooks. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has also released the district from Knew” by author Ellen Notbohm. the Improvement Status for the Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives required to show program progress. SCHOOL NURSE SAVES CO-WORKER’S LIFE • The Equity Department implemented the nationally recognized Olweus bullying prevention program at In spring 2013, Christine Wendt, a certified school nurse, used CPR and an AED to three schools, conducted a climate survey and developed an overall Pathway to Excellence plan, which The 2014 Arxalma has been inducted aid her former colleague, Lynn Haubrich, an educational assistant who suffered a describes the District’s approach to moving beyond PHRC compliance. into the “Gallery of Excellence” by Wals- • The Assessment Office submitted a Project Prevent grant application to the U.S. Department of Education heart attack and collapsed in a hallway at Lauer’s Park Elementary. For her efforts, and successfully completed and submitted School Improvement Plans for the Focus Schools. School Im- worth Publishing for the second year in Wendt was honored at the American Red Cross Berks County Chapter’s 10th Annual provement Plans for non-Focus Schools are now being completed. Heroes Awards & Breakfast in May. The event recognizes community members who • The Food Services Department provided 841,784 breakfast meals and 2,427,909 lunch meals. Approximate- a row. The “Gallery of Excellence” is a have demonstrated heroism through remarkable acts of courage or kindness in Berks ly158 tons of trash were kept from going into the landfill and, in conjunction with Rodale Institute, 14 tons showcase of the best yearbooks pub- County. Wendt, who now works at 12th and Marion Elementary, received the Medi- of food waste was composted and applied as a soil amendment to local farm fields. Another 44 tons of cardboard waste and 100 tons of empty metal cans were recycled. lished by Walsworth each year. Austin cal Hero Award. The district first began acquiring defibrillators through donations and • The Health Department hosted another successful Knight Walk event and participated in the PDE Pilot for grants 13 years ago and now has one in each building. Larger buildings have several, the Certified School Nurse and Certified Registered Dental Hygienist Teacher Effectiveness Plan. Runkle and Lakota Matson served as and there are four at Lauer’s Park. Pictured at right, WFMZ reporter Karin Mallet inter- yearbook editors. views Wendt for a video that was shown at the Red Cross event.

6 7 The Fightin’ Phils and Screwball stopped STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2014-15 BUDGET OUTLOOK by 12th and Marion Elementary in June to STUDENT SUCCESS congratulate the students on surpassing The 2014-2015 final budget in the amount of $226.8 million was approved Helen Stevenson, a physical education their Million Word Challenge goal. Princi- by the Reading School District Board of Directors on June 25. There are pal Paul Hunter challenged the students Kristen Batista, a fifth grader at 10th and teacher at 16th and Haak Elementary, to read 1 million words in seven weeks. To no cuts to personnel, programs or services. Here’s a brief budget outlook: Penn Elementary, won first place in the was inducted into the Berks County help the kids get started, the Cops & Kids Program donated 600 books. The children 2014 Crime Alert Berks County Poster Aquatic Hall of Fame. TOTAL BUDGET — FUNDING SOURCES l $226,826,371 exceeded their goal and read more than Contest. The contest garnered more 5.7 million words — 5,726,749 million to be STATE 72 PERCENT than 2,000 entries. Her poster is now Lauer’s Park teacher Tambra Isenberg exact. Students from each grade who read the most words (pictured, right) received featured on three billboards throughout won the grand prize in a Hameray Pub- LOCAL 16 PERCENT special recognition. Berks County. lishing contest. Hameray asked teachers FEDERAL 9 PERCENT to write a brief description about why OTHER 3 PERCENT Wepa! The cast and crew of this year’s they and their students love Joy Cow- BCIU PARTNERSHIP EARNS A+ school show, “In the Heights,” won Most ley’s books. Isenberg’s class won more Memorable Choreography and Most than 90 books, 10 big books and Mrs. EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES In January, the Reading School Board of Directors en- Memorable Performance of a Produc- Wishy-Washy puppets. INSTRUCTION 61 PERCENT tered into an unprecedented partnership with BCIU. It tion Number at the YNOT Awards. Danny marked the first time in the commonwealth that a school SUPPORT SERVICES 28 PERCENT Garcia won Most Memorable Featured Instruction include:s board chose to partner with an intermediate unit to tem- The district’s Health Department coor- Non-special eduation: 68 percent DEBT SERVICE 10 PERCENT Male Vocal Performance, and Astrid dinates the annual ROAR weight loss Special education: 26 percent porarily handle operations. It was a courageous decision Vocational education: 4 percent Perez won Most Memorable Perfor- OTHER 1 PERCENT competition. Based on total percentage Pre-Kindergarten: 1 percent on the board’s part, says Dr. John George, executive di- Other Instruction: 1 percent mance by an Actress in a Supporting of body weight lost, ROAR winners were includes student & community activities rector of the BCIU. Role. Mary Quesada, 1st place; Joe Okonski, Dr. George, who served as the district’s acting super- 2nd place; and Tara Breidenstine, 3rd intendent until Dr. Khalid Mumin began his tenure in mid-July, is pleased that EXPENDITURE SUBCATEGORIES RHS student Abigail Tellez was named place. the intermediate unit was able to help with the following: Stabilize the district’s SALARIES 39 PERCENT Junior Achievement’s 2014 Student of Finance Office; present a balanced 2014-15 school budget; rebuild and up- the Year. She received her award during Nadine Poper, school librarian at Aman- BENEFITS 25 PERCENT grade technology; conduct a successful superintendent search; establish a a school board meeting in May. da Stout Elementary, recently published PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 22 PERCENT proper board governance structure; realign administrative functions; develop her first children’s book,Dachshunds in an appropriately staffed organizational chart; start necessary building renova- DEBT SERVICE 10 PERCENT Students in Lisa Richter’s Moccasins. She is currently working a tions; and begin to address the items in the PHRC conciliation agreement. OTHER 4 PERCENT class at Tyson-Schoener second book, due out this summer. “We have strengthened the foundation,” he said. “I don’t want to give false includes supplies & other expenses Elementary helped raise expectation because there’s still much work to do. The district is now in a better awareness about autism The district’s music teachers hosted the position, and I’m confident that staff will be able to continue on a pathway to 2014-15 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS: with the 10 Things Project. 4th annual Red Knight Music Benefit A principal, assistant principal and school nurse in every elementary school; An appropriately staffed district office; excellence. We’re on the road to financial recovery. Our vital signs are stable. Employment of approximately 19 additional instructional staff to support students needing academic interven- The multimedia project is Concert at RACC’s Miller Center for the I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together. There’s much to tions; New mathematics textbooks and curriculum materials; revised curriculum for all classrooms in grades K-5; on the district website and Arts in March. The event, coordinated Additional curriculum improvements, textbooks and materials; Enhancements for alternative education; Develop- be optimistic and hopeful about for the future of the Reading School District.” ment of a cyber education program; New laptop computers with updated operating systems for all teachers; features students holding by RHS vocal music teacher Joe Smith, Additional technology improvements for students and classrooms; and renovations for select elementary schools signs with messages from raises scholarship money for graduating the book “The 10 Things music students. 2013-14 DEPARTMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS: • Approximately 3,200 English Language Learners received ESL instruction, and ESL classrooms in grades 6-12 Every Child With Autism Wishes You received new textbooks. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has also released the district from Knew” by author Ellen Notbohm. the Improvement Status for the Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives required to show program progress. SCHOOL NURSE SAVES CO-WORKER’S LIFE • The Equity Department implemented the nationally recognized Olweus bullying prevention program at In spring 2013, Christine Wendt, a certified school nurse, used CPR and an AED to three schools, conducted a climate survey and developed an overall Pathway to Excellence plan, which The 2014 Arxalma has been inducted aid her former colleague, Lynn Haubrich, an educational assistant who suffered a describes the District’s approach to moving beyond PHRC compliance. into the “Gallery of Excellence” by Wals- • The Assessment Office submitted a Project Prevent grant application to the U.S. Department of Education heart attack and collapsed in a hallway at Lauer’s Park Elementary. For her efforts, and successfully completed and submitted School Improvement Plans for the Focus Schools. School Im- worth Publishing for the second year in Wendt was honored at the American Red Cross Berks County Chapter’s 10th Annual provement Plans for non-Focus Schools are now being completed. Heroes Awards & Breakfast in May. The event recognizes community members who • The Food Services Department provided 841,784 breakfast meals and 2,427,909 lunch meals. Approximate- a row. The “Gallery of Excellence” is a have demonstrated heroism through remarkable acts of courage or kindness in Berks ly158 tons of trash were kept from going into the landfill and, in conjunction with Rodale Institute, 14 tons showcase of the best yearbooks pub- County. Wendt, who now works at 12th and Marion Elementary, received the Medi- of food waste was composted and applied as a soil amendment to local farm fields. Another 44 tons of cardboard waste and 100 tons of empty metal cans were recycled. lished by Walsworth each year. Austin cal Hero Award. The district first began acquiring defibrillators through donations and • The Health Department hosted another successful Knight Walk event and participated in the PDE Pilot for grants 13 years ago and now has one in each building. Larger buildings have several, the Certified School Nurse and Certified Registered Dental Hygienist Teacher Effectiveness Plan. Runkle and Lakota Matson served as and there are four at Lauer’s Park. Pictured at right, WFMZ reporter Karin Mallet inter- yearbook editors. views Wendt for a video that was shown at the Red Cross event.

6 7 STUDENT SUCCESS MUSIC TO OUR EARS MAKING HISTORY The RHS Dance Team was selected to Rep. Joseph Pitts has perform three times during Philadelphia nominated hundreds of 76ers basketball games this winter. students for military appointments during the past For the 8th time during the past 11 20 years. JROTC standout seasons, the RHS wrestling team Demetrius Merkey (top received the Sportsmanship Award at photo) and football cap- the annual Berks County Banquet. tain Matthew Sensenig are the first ever from Pitts’ list RHS Key Club received nine awards at of nominees to receive the annual Key Club convention. The appointments. Matt is club is ranked #2 in the state for Com- now attending the U.S. Naval Academy munity Services Hours, and it was rec- and plans to become a pilot. Demetrius ognized as the most Distinguished Club is now attending the U.S. Naval Prep in Pennsylvania. Naomy Torres, who will School. attend Albright College in the fall, won ‘GRANDMOM PHYLLIS’ WINS the Unsung Hero Award, which is given On the same night that Reading High COMMUNITY PARTNERS VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT AWARD to Key Club students making an impact School’s chorale students performed Pharrell’s The Reading School District values its community partners and all that they in their community. hit “Happy” on stage at the Greater Reading do for our students, staff and parents. This year, Glenside Elementary partnered Big hugs for Phyl- Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Annual Din- with Penn State University and Penn State Berks to a become Professional De- lis Gogliuzza, RHS swimmers Ellen Moser, Mikaela ner with “Good Morning America” co-anchor velopment School for PSU students. Other local colleges are also providing as- also known as Lantz, Elizabeth Gaspari and Olivia Robin Roberts, the Reading Musical Foundation sistance, including Reading Area Community College and its Upward Bound “Grandma Phyl- Iswalt were recognized as the first teamed with Freedom Auto Group and Menche program, Albright College’s partnership with 13th & Union Elementary, Kutztown lis.” The 92-year- place team for the 200 Meter Relay in Music to donate 61 instruments, worth $12,000, University’s partnership with Lauer’s Park Elementary and Alvernia University’s old has been a the Reading Eagle’s 2013-14 All-Berks to the district. The presentation was made dur- partnership with Millmont Elementary. Pictured above: RHS students participat- Foster Grandpar- sports section. Matt Lubas was named ing the district’s annual All City Elementary Concert. ed in a Career Prep Workshop, thanks to a new partnership with the Greater ent volunteer at Glenside Elementary Coach of the Year for Girls Swimming. The next week, Sen. Judy Schwank donated her beloved childhood violin to Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry; middle school students enjoyed for more than 20 years. This spring, she Kaylah Garcia, a 13th and Union Elementary student, during the school’s spring Youth Fun Day, made possible through our partnership with the Reading Rec- received a Volunteer Spotlight Award Baseball pitcher Zabdiel Parrilla was concert. Kaylah was selected for her hard work and determination in learning reation Commission; Carpenter sponsored Riverside Elementary’s Science Ex- from Secretary Brian Duke of the Penn- named as the Reading Eagle’s All Berks the instrument. Schwank’s violin was restored through Reading Musical Founda- plorers program; and 10th & Green held its first annual Friends of 10th & Green sylvania Department of Aging during a Best Athlete for Baseball. Others named tion’s Operation Replay, in which Zeswitz Music refurbishes used instruments. Appreciation Dinner to thank community partners. Other partners include: surprise presentation at the school. The to All-Berks teams include: Isael Abreu, And Reading Intermediate High School’s music students were jazzed when Berks Area Agency on Aging oversees Boys Basketball; Jonathan Lantz, Boys ACOR Fantasy Skateaway Peace Lutheran Church they learned they had won a $10,000 music package in National Educational All Soul’s Ecumenical Church Gilmore/Henne Fund Reading Fightin’ Phils the Foster Grandparent program. Swimming Team; Sahara Randall, Field Azko Nobel Girl Scouts of Eastern Reading Health System Music Company’s voting contest. Schools from across the country were vying Berks Arts Council Pennsylvania Reading Musical Foundation Hockey; Cassandra Noray, Girls Tennis; for the top spot, but Reading School District garnered the most votes, thanks to Berks Historical Society Girls on the Run Reading Public Museum Berks Packing Glad Tidings Church Reading Public Library ANNIE SULLIVIAN NOMINEE Matt Sensenig, Football-Defense; social media and strong community support. The prize package also included BCAP GoggleWorks Center Reading Symphony Orchestra BCIU for the Arts Ready.Set.Read! and Omar Guzman, Bryan Alvarado an additional $1,000 for the Red Knight Music Association. Berks Community Prevention Grace Lutheran Church St. Joseph Medical Center Tyler Rutt, a special education teacher and Oliver Calvo, Boys Soccer. Partnership Greater Berks Food Bank St. Margaret’s RC Church Berks Women in Crisis Holy Spirit Lutheran Church St. Luke’s Church at Reading Intermediate High School Burger King - Reading location Holy Trinity Church of Salvation Army was the district’s nominee for the RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS Calvary United Church of God in Christ Sofritos Bistro Reading Intermediate High School stu- Christ Hope Lutheran Church Southern Alumni Association prestigious Annie Sullivan Award this Caron Foundation Junior League of Reading The Food Trust dent Alexandra Vargas, who plays the Our students and staff love giving back and donating to charities, Christ Lutheran Church Koinos Church The Place at Riveredge year. BCIU presents the award annually bari sax, was among 19 students select- such as the Eastern Kentucky Animal Rescue, Leukemia & Lym- City of Reading (COR) Tennis Lamar Advertising Travelers City of Reading Recycling Migrant Education Program Trinity Lutheran Church to recognize outstanding service and phoma Society and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Each year, 13th and ed to perform with the Berks County High Program Mike & Joes Barbershop United Way of Berks County Union teacher Samantha Frees completes a kindness unit at the Clover Farms Olivet Boys and Girls Club Wood-to-Wonderful dedication of individuals who advocate School All-Star Jazz Band during Berks school, and third grade students create care packages with games Council On Chemical Abuse Olivet United Church of Christ Yes Mentoring Program CrossRoads XP Path of Holiness Yocum Institute for the well-being of students with and goodies for area cancer patients. The bags are delivered to Jazz Fest. disabilities. patients at St. Joseph Medical Center and Reading Health System. *List is not comprehensive or exhaustive. We appreciate and thank all of our community partners.

8 9 STUDENT SUCCESS MUSIC TO OUR EARS MAKING HISTORY The RHS Dance Team was selected to Rep. Joseph Pitts has perform three times during Philadelphia nominated hundreds of 76ers basketball games this winter. students for military appointments during the past For the 8th time during the past 11 20 years. JROTC standout seasons, the RHS wrestling team Demetrius Merkey (top received the Sportsmanship Award at photo) and football cap- the annual Berks County Banquet. tain Matthew Sensenig are the first ever from Pitts’ list RHS Key Club received nine awards at of nominees to receive the annual Key Club convention. The appointments. Matt is club is ranked #2 in the state for Com- now attending the U.S. Naval Academy munity Services Hours, and it was rec- and plans to become a pilot. Demetrius ognized as the most Distinguished Club is now attending the U.S. Naval Prep in Pennsylvania. Naomy Torres, who will School. attend Albright College in the fall, won ‘GRANDMOM PHYLLIS’ WINS the Unsung Hero Award, which is given On the same night that Reading High COMMUNITY PARTNERS VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT AWARD to Key Club students making an impact School’s chorale students performed Pharrell’s The Reading School District values its community partners and all that they in their community. hit “Happy” on stage at the Greater Reading do for our students, staff and parents. This year, Glenside Elementary partnered Big hugs for Phyl- Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Annual Din- with Penn State University and Penn State Berks to a become Professional De- lis Gogliuzza, RHS swimmers Ellen Moser, Mikaela ner with “Good Morning America” co-anchor velopment School for PSU students. Other local colleges are also providing as- also known as Lantz, Elizabeth Gaspari and Olivia Robin Roberts, the Reading Musical Foundation sistance, including Reading Area Community College and its Upward Bound “Grandma Phyl- Iswalt were recognized as the first teamed with Freedom Auto Group and Menche program, Albright College’s partnership with 13th & Union Elementary, Kutztown lis.” The 92-year- place team for the 200 Meter Relay in Music to donate 61 instruments, worth $12,000, University’s partnership with Lauer’s Park Elementary and Alvernia University’s old has been a the Reading Eagle’s 2013-14 All-Berks to the district. The presentation was made dur- partnership with Millmont Elementary. Pictured above: RHS students participat- Foster Grandpar- sports section. Matt Lubas was named ing the district’s annual All City Elementary Concert. ed in a Career Prep Workshop, thanks to a new partnership with the Greater ent volunteer at Glenside Elementary Coach of the Year for Girls Swimming. The next week, Sen. Judy Schwank donated her beloved childhood violin to Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry; middle school students enjoyed for more than 20 years. This spring, she Kaylah Garcia, a 13th and Union Elementary student, during the school’s spring Youth Fun Day, made possible through our partnership with the Reading Rec- received a Volunteer Spotlight Award Baseball pitcher Zabdiel Parrilla was concert. Kaylah was selected for her hard work and determination in learning reation Commission; Carpenter sponsored Riverside Elementary’s Science Ex- from Secretary Brian Duke of the Penn- named as the Reading Eagle’s All Berks the instrument. Schwank’s violin was restored through Reading Musical Founda- plorers program; and 10th & Green held its first annual Friends of 10th & Green sylvania Department of Aging during a Best Athlete for Baseball. Others named tion’s Operation Replay, in which Zeswitz Music refurbishes used instruments. Appreciation Dinner to thank community partners. Other partners include: surprise presentation at the school. The to All-Berks teams include: Isael Abreu, And Reading Intermediate High School’s music students were jazzed when Berks Area Agency on Aging oversees Boys Basketball; Jonathan Lantz, Boys ACOR Fantasy Skateaway Peace Lutheran Church they learned they had won a $10,000 music package in National Educational All Soul’s Ecumenical Church Gilmore/Henne Fund Reading Fightin’ Phils the Foster Grandparent program. Swimming Team; Sahara Randall, Field Azko Nobel Girl Scouts of Eastern Reading Health System Music Company’s voting contest. Schools from across the country were vying Berks Arts Council Pennsylvania Reading Musical Foundation Hockey; Cassandra Noray, Girls Tennis; for the top spot, but Reading School District garnered the most votes, thanks to Berks Historical Society Girls on the Run Reading Public Museum Berks Packing Glad Tidings Church Reading Public Library ANNIE SULLIVAN NOMINEE Matt Sensenig, Football-Defense; social media and strong community support. The prize package also included BCAP GoggleWorks Center Reading Symphony Orchestra BCIU for the Arts Ready.Set.Read! and Omar Guzman, Bryan Alvarado an additional $1,000 for the Red Knight Music Association. Berks Community Prevention Grace Lutheran Church St. Joseph Medical Center Tyler Rutt, a special education teacher and Oliver Calvo, Boys Soccer. Partnership Greater Berks Food Bank St. Margaret’s RC Church Berks Women in Crisis Holy Spirit Lutheran Church St. Luke’s Church at Reading Intermediate High School Burger King - Reading location Holy Trinity Church of Salvation Army was the district’s nominee for the RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS Calvary United Church of God in Christ Sofritos Bistro Reading Intermediate High School stu- Christ Hope Lutheran Church Southern Alumni Association prestigious Annie Sullivan Award this Caron Foundation Junior League of Reading The Food Trust dent Alexandra Vargas, who plays the Our students and staff love giving back and donating to charities, Christ Lutheran Church Koinos Church The Place at Riveredge year. BCIU presents the award annually bari sax, was among 19 students select- such as the Eastern Kentucky Animal Rescue, Leukemia & Lym- City of Reading (COR) Tennis Lamar Advertising Travelers City of Reading Recycling Migrant Education Program Trinity Lutheran Church to recognize outstanding service and phoma Society and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Each year, 13th and ed to perform with the Berks County High Program Mike & Joes Barbershop United Way of Berks County Union teacher Samantha Frees completes a kindness unit at the Clover Farms Olivet Boys and Girls Club Wood-to-Wonderful dedication of individuals who advocate School All-Star Jazz Band during Berks school, and third grade students create care packages with games Council On Chemical Abuse Olivet United Church of Christ Yes Mentoring Program CrossRoads XP Path of Holiness Yocum Institute for the well-being of students with and goodies for area cancer patients. The bags are delivered to Jazz Fest. disabilities. patients at St. Joseph Medical Center and Reading Health System. *List is not comprehensive or exhaustive. We appreciate and thank all of our community partners.

8 9 More than 500 students from Reading High RENOVATION PROJECTS WINS REPAIRS & RENOVATIONS and Reading Intermediate High School TOP 10 STUDENTS URBAN LAND AWARD participate in the district’s JROTC program, As we continue on our pathway to ex- which is among the best in the country, according to Sgt. Major Thomas Wright. This The Top 10 students in grades 10-12 are cellence, the district is working diligently Kautter & Kelley Architects and the year, JROTC placed third in armed drills and honored annually at the Superinten- to repair and upgrade our buildings. Our unarmed drills at the national champion- Reading School District were one of dent’s Scholastic Recognition Banquet. Facilities Department is overseeing several ships held in Daytona Beach, Fla. Three Class nine winners at the Urban Land Insti- of 2014 graduates have applied to be Ma- Ashley Furniture was the major sponsor renovation and repair projects that will tute’s inaugural Willard G. “Bill” Rouse rine Corps officers, Wright says. of this year’s event, which was held at improve the overall school environment III Awards for Excellence in June. Kaut- the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Reading. for students and staff. Current projects, ter & Kelley and the district were cited which are being completed by Fidevia, by jurors for the Amanda Stout/Benners Top 10 sophomores: are taking place at Reading High School Count project, which they described Adriana Lemus-Adame; Jasmine E. and the four middle schools. The first round RHS ATHLETIC CHAMPS as a “sophisticated community project Argueta; Yalil Antonio Caraballo; Sarah of projects includes: exterior brick repair, that pioneered educational concepts In December 2013, the Reading High Camil Diaz; Jennifer Du Duong; Khalil roofing repairs at the middle schools, new windows for the middle schools and and involved students in the construc- Boys Basketball players and Coach Rick X. Eaddy; Emanuel Luna; Thomas M. boiler room renovations at the high school (pictured above). Renovations are tion process — an unusual public project Perez reached a milestone after winning Mease; Tristan Michaels Morales; and planned for select elementary schools next school year. that was completed on time and under their 2,000th game this season — the first Kirsy P. Rosario. budget without the school needing to team in Pennsylvania to achieve this ac- close during reconstruction.” Architect complishment. Only two other programs Top 10 juniors: Michael Kautter accepted the award. A PLACE TO PLAY: TWO SCHOOLS RECEIVE PLAYGROUNDS in the country have officially been recog- Isabelle Rose Bender; Becky L. Jones; nized with 2,000 wins. Marcos Lozano Mendez; Venus D. LITERACY PROGRAM RECEIVES The Red Knights fielded their first team Velazquez; Cassandra M. Malack; FAMILY DOLLAR GRANT in 1901, and in the first 112 seasons, they Gharline Manoushka Pierre-Paul; won 20 Central Penn League champion- Vanessa Ramirez; Anthony Ariel Rivera; In June, the Dollar General Literacy ships, 20 Berks Conference champion- Lexus M. Rosado; and Daniel Wallace. Foundation awarded Reading School ships and a record 19 District 3 titles. District’s Family Literacy Program a The RHS Boys Soccer players also had Top 10 seniors: $10,000 grant. The grant will be used an all-star year. The team advanced to the Berks County Championship Game Joel Christophel; Narda Caudillo; Ari for technology upgrades within the for the first time since 1980. The team also qualified for District Playoffs for the Chan; ErissonJ. Contreras; Carlos D. program, according to Family Literacy first time since 2005 and defeated Red Lion 1-0 for the first District Playoff win in Cornelio; Elizabeth Gonzalez; Franklin Coordinator Nancy Jackson. school history. The team finished the season with 15 wins, which tied the school Nestor Melendez; Astrid Perez; Matthew Students frrom two stchools received their dream playgrounds this year, thanks record set by the 1980 team. L. Sensenig; and Jessica Singlar. to community support, community partnerships and volunteers who wanted to Oliver Calvo was honored as an all-state selection by the Pennsylvania Soc- SCHOOLS EARN ‘NO PLACE ensure students had a safe place to play. cer Coaches Association in January. And Mike Cahn was named Berks County FOR HATE’ DESIGNATION Students at 10th and Green Elementary had been without a playground for Boys Soccer Coach of the Year. RHS ATHLETES OF THE YEAR more than 20 years. But that changed this spring when local nonprofitWood-to- In the spring, the RHS baseball team and Coach Jason Zeigler won the Berks Wonderful and Koinos Church stepped in to help. They made it their mission to Both Amanda Stout Elementary and County championship game. It marked the first county win for RHS baseball Student-athletes were help the students get a playground, and Doug and Louise Brown from Wood- 12th and Marion Elementary received since 1993. (Interesting fact: The RHS 1993 winning team included Alex Brown, recognized during the to-Wonderful led the charge in raising the funds needed to move the unused the prestigious “No Place for Hate” who’s now principal at Reading Intermediate High School.) annual Athletic Banquet playground from Thomas Ford Elementary to 10th and Green. designation during school assemblies Pitcher Zabdiel Parrilla was named Player of the Year at the All County Meet- at Reading High School. In April,16th and Haak Elementary was selected as this year’s Gilmore-Henne in May. To earn this distinction, each ing, while Maicol Parrilla was named an All County Member at the All County Amanda Dorsinville (top) Community Fund playground revitalization project (pictured above). The area school formed a No Place for Hate Meeting. Francisco Reyes was named MVP for the Berks League team in the was named as the Top Fe- had no real outdoor space where kids could play. With the financial backing committee, adopted a resolution Baseballtown Senior All-Star Game. Reyes and Kyle Gantert were also named male Athlete. She plans to of Wyomissing-based Kautter & Kelley Architects, the Gulati Family Fund, the pledging to create a more inclusive All Division Members at the All County Meeting. Roanderson Severino received attend Indiana University Reading Royals and KaBOOM, the fund provided swings, slides, monkey bars school and implemented a number an All Division Honorable Mention at the meeting, and Zeigler was named of Pennsylvania. Francisco and much more for the school. In late June, staff, students, parents and the of projects promoting respect for Coach of the Year. Reyes was named Top community volunteered (pictured above, left) to help install the equipment differences. Male Athlete. He plans to and refurbish the park, including planting flowers and painting the fence. attend Albright College.

10 11 More than 500 students from Reading High RENOVATION PROJECTS WINS REPAIRS & RENOVATIONS and Reading Intermediate High School TOP 10 STUDENTS URBAN LAND AWARD participate in the district’s JROTC program, As we continue on our pathway to ex- which is among the best in the country, according to Sgt. Major Thomas Wright. This The Top 10 students in grades 10-12 are cellence, the district is working diligently Kautter & Kelley Architects and the year, JROTC placed third in armed drills and honored annually at the Superinten- to repair and upgrade our buildings. Our unarmed drills at the national champion- Reading School District were one of dent’s Scholastic Recognition Banquet. Facilities Department is overseeing several ships held in Daytona Beach, Fla. Three Class nine winners at the Urban Land Insti- of 2014 graduates have applied to be Ma- Ashley Furniture was the major sponsor renovation and repair projects that will tute’s inaugural Willard G. “Bill” Rouse rine Corps officers, Wright says. of this year’s event, which was held at improve the overall school environment III Awards for Excellence in June. Kaut- the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Reading. for students and staff. Current projects, ter & Kelley and the district were cited which are being completed by Fidevia, by jurors for the Amanda Stout/Benners Top 10 sophomores: are taking place at Reading High School Count project, which they described Adriana Lemus-Adame; Jasmine E. and the four middle schools. The first round RHS ATHLETIC CHAMPS as a “sophisticated community project Argueta; Yalil Antonio Caraballo; Sarah of projects includes: exterior brick repair, that pioneered educational concepts In December 2013, the Reading High Camil Diaz; Jennifer Du Duong; Khalil roofing repairs at the middle schools, new windows for the middle schools and and involved students in the construc- Boys Basketball players and Coach Rick X. Eaddy; Emanuel Luna; Thomas M. boiler room renovations at the high school (pictured above). Renovations are tion process — an unusual public project Perez reached a milestone after winning Mease; Tristan Michaels Morales; and planned for select elementary schools next school year. that was completed on time and under their 2,000th game this season — the first Kirsy P. Rosario. budget without the school needing to team in Pennsylvania to achieve this ac- close during reconstruction.” Architect complishment. Only two other programs Top 10 juniors: Michael Kautter accepted the award. A PLACE TO PLAY: TWO SCHOOLS RECEIVE PLAYGROUNDS in the country have officially been recog- Isabelle Rose Bender; Becky L. Jones; nized with 2,000 wins. Marcos Lozano Mendez; Venus D. LITERACY PROGRAM RECEIVES The Red Knights fielded their first team Velazquez; Cassandra M. Malack; FAMILY DOLLAR GRANT in 1901, and in the first 112 seasons, they Gharline Manoushka Pierre-Paul; won 20 Central Penn League champion- Vanessa Ramirez; Anthony Ariel Rivera; In June, the Dollar General Literacy ships, 20 Berks Conference champion- Lexus M. Rosado; and Daniel Wallace. Foundation awarded Reading School ships and a record 19 District 3 titles. District’s Family Literacy Program a The RHS Boys Soccer players also had Top 10 seniors: $10,000 grant. The grant will be used an all-star year. The team advanced to the Berks County Championship Game Joel Christophel; Narda Caudillo; Ari for technology upgrades within the for the first time since 1980. The team also qualified for District Playoffs for the Chan; ErissonJ. Contreras; Carlos D. program, according to Family Literacy first time since 2005 and defeated Red Lion 1-0 for the first District Playoff win in Cornelio; Elizabeth Gonzalez; Franklin Coordinator Nancy Jackson. school history. The team finished the season with 15 wins, which tied the school Nestor Melendez; Astrid Perez; Matthew Students frrom two stchools received their dream playgrounds this year, thanks record set by the 1980 team. L. Sensenig; and Jessica Singlar. to community support, community partnerships and volunteers who wanted to Oliver Calvo was honored as an all-state selection by the Pennsylvania Soc- SCHOOLS EARN ‘NO PLACE ensure students had a safe place to play. cer Coaches Association in January. And Mike Cahn was named Berks County FOR HATE’ DESIGNATION Students at 10th and Green Elementary had been without a playground for Boys Soccer Coach of the Year. RHS ATHLETES OF THE YEAR more than 20 years. But that changed this spring when local nonprofitWood-to- In the spring, the RHS baseball team and Coach Jason Zeigler won the Berks Wonderful and Koinos Church stepped in to help. They made it their mission to Both Amanda Stout Elementary and County championship game. It marked the first county win for RHS baseball Student-athletes were help the students get a playground, and Doug and Louise Brown from Wood- 12th and Marion Elementary received since 1993. (Interesting fact: The RHS 1993 winning team included Alex Brown, recognized during the to-Wonderful led the charge in raising the funds needed to move the unused the prestigious “No Place for Hate” who’s now principal at Reading Intermediate High School.) annual Athletic Banquet playground from Thomas Ford Elementary to 10th and Green. designation during school assemblies Pitcher Zabdiel Parrilla was named Player of the Year at the All County Meet- at Reading High School. In April,16th and Haak Elementary was selected as this year’s Gilmore-Henne in May. To earn this distinction, each ing, while Maicol Parrilla was named an All County Member at the All County Amanda Dorsinville (top) Community Fund playground revitalization project (pictured above). The area school formed a No Place for Hate Meeting. Francisco Reyes was named MVP for the Berks League team in the was named as the Top Fe- had no real outdoor space where kids could play. With the financial backing committee, adopted a resolution Baseballtown Senior All-Star Game. Reyes and Kyle Gantert were also named male Athlete. She plans to of Wyomissing-based Kautter & Kelley Architects, the Gulati Family Fund, the pledging to create a more inclusive All Division Members at the All County Meeting. Roanderson Severino received attend Indiana University Reading Royals and KaBOOM, the fund provided swings, slides, monkey bars school and implemented a number an All Division Honorable Mention at the meeting, and Zeigler was named of Pennsylvania. Francisco and much more for the school. In late June, staff, students, parents and the of projects promoting respect for Coach of the Year. Reyes was named Top community volunteered (pictured above, left) to help install the equipment differences. Male Athlete. He plans to and refurbish the park, including planting flowers and painting the fence. attend Albright College.

10 11 THREE CHEERS FOR TROOP #1353 CURRICULUM REVIEW The Reading High cheerleaders made Professional staff and administrators began to review, rewrite history in the fall when and update the district’s curriculum. This will ensure curriculum is they became the first consistent districtwide, as well as aligned vertically and horizon- squad in Berks County tally, which will directly impact student success and growth. Staff has implemented a curriculum review cycle, created a curricu- Amanda E. Stout Elementary School to be recognized as a & Benners Court Girl Scouts troop. The lum mapping system and developed an assessment plan. After a thorough squad — also known analysis of data, the district determined elementary math was the highest as Troop #1353 — includes cheerleader area of need. A core group of teachers developed a new math curriculum Cori Diggs (above), who was selected based on Common Core standards and Pennsylvania Core Standards. They from more than 350 young women to be also conducted an in-depth analysis and selected Go Math as the district’s one of the presenters at the Girl Scouts new math resource, which the board approved in June. The district is now of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Take the Lead developing new curriculum, including units of inquiry based on STEM, for the program in March. She introduced Jill elementary gifted program. Other highlights include a successful first year of M. Scheidt, a local attorney and 2014 peer collaboration among teachers and the development of a professional award winner. evaluation system.

LAUNCH OF WATCH D.O.G.S.

With help from its PTA, 16th and Haak ALUMNI GIVE BACK Elementary launched the WATCH The Reading High Alumni Association held its annual banquet in May and D.O.G.S. program, which encourages inducted its 2014 alumni honorees, including Chris Krasa, Lt. Col. Raymond fathers of students to get involved during Kimball and Mary Ann Zerkowski, former principal at Riverside Elementary. the school day. Eight dads participated The organization also awarded 16 scholastic achievement awards to seniors. regularly and helped out in the hall- Interested in joining the alumni association? Cost is $6 per year or $35 for a ways, classrooms, cafeteria and on the lifetime membership. An application is available on the organization’s Face- playground. The dads’ names are an- book page, or you can e-mail [email protected]. The association also nounced at the beginning of the school collects and sells past yearbooks. E-mail [email protected] for information, day, and students are encouraged to prices and availability. Other ways our alumni continue to give back: give them a high-five or a handshake. • Actress Isabel Santiago, RHS Class of 1997, returned to RHS this spring to The district is now working to bring the meet the cast and crew of “In the Heights.” Isabel played multiple lead successful program to more schools for roles while at RHS. She also played Daniela, one of the lead roles, in the the upcoming year. national tour of “In the Heights.” She lives in New York City. ANNUAL PEACE MARCH • The Northeast Middle School Alumni Association helps the school ar- range speakers each month and hosts an annual breakfast in May to Hundreds of students, staff and commu- recognize outstanding alumni and top students. This year’s alumni hon- nity members attended Project Peace’s orees included Howard S. Kaufold, James M. Lillis and Michael H. Reese. 4th annual Peace March this spring. The • Southern Middle School’s Alumni Association also recognized alumni march starts at the four middle schools during a program at the school in May. This year’s honorees included and continues to City Park, where a Anthony Baxter, Richard Diebic and Fianna (Yiengst) Holt. community cookout is held. Project • Nicole Kemp, RHS Class fo 2004, planned a RHS Music Department Re- Peace has clubs at the four middle union in June at the high school. The event included a student recital, schools, Reading Intermediate High raffles and meet and greets. All money raised was donated to the music School and Reading High School. department. More than 125 students are involved. • Dozens of alumni work in the district and/or coach RSD athletic teams.

12 THREE CHEERS FOR TROOP #1353 CURRICULUM REVIEW The Reading High cheerleaders made Professional staff and administrators began to review, rewrite history in the fall when and update the district’s curriculum. This will ensure curriculum is they became the first consistent districtwide, as well as aligned vertically and horizon- squad in Berks County tally, which will directly impact student success and growth. Staff has implemented a curriculum review cycle, created a curricu- Amanda E. Stout Elementary School to be recognized as a & Benners Court Girl Scouts troop. The lum mapping system and developed an assessment plan. After a thorough squad — also known analysis of data, the district determined elementary math was the highest as Troop #1353 — includes cheerleader area of need. A core group of teachers developed a new math curriculum Cori Diggs (above), who was selected based on Common Core standards and Pennsylvania Core Standards. They from more than 350 young women to be also conducted an in-depth analysis and selected Go Math as the district’s one of the presenters at the Girl Scouts new math resource, which the board approved in June. The district is now of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Take the Lead developing new curriculum, including units of inquiry based on STEM, for the program in March. She introduced Jill elementary gifted program. Other highlights include a successful first year of M. Scheidt, a local attorney and 2014 peer collaboration among teachers and the development of a professional award winner. evaluation system.

LAUNCH OF WATCH D.O.G.S.