Paws Applause:

I wanted to reach out to everyone and share this awesome program that Mrs. Paula Reed shared with me.  Yes.Fit is a virtual race website that allows you to sync your Fitbit up to “race” various virtual tracks.  Upon completion of each race, you receive a very cool medal (pictured below). Don’t worry, you don’t have to run the race, walking will work just the same J.

 Please see the attached link for more details. 

https://yes.fit/

 

Thank you Mrs. Reed for bringing this very cool program to our attention and congratulations on your medal!!!!!

 

 

--Submitted by Mr. Lovejoy, Director of Human Resources

 

Paws Applause:

Thank you Mr. Rice and Mr. Norton!!  And, welcome Mr. Sholes!!

Praise goes out to Mr. Rice for operating without a full-time Assistant Principal during August and September!  Praise goes to Mr. Norton, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Levy for picking up some of Mr. Norton's duties at the HS while he assisted at the Middle School during lunch shifts!

We welcome Mr. Sholes arrival on Monday, October 3rd!

Clowns Incident 9/30/16

At approximately 8:15 AM this morning, a High School Administrator was informed of a threat to students and teachers that was posted on SnapChat. No specific school or school district was mentioned.  The threat implied it was connected to the recent “clown sightings.”

All employees were asked to be extra vigilant today, especially at recess, afternoon dismissal, and other outdoor activities.

The Shippensburg Police Department was contacted and took appropriate actions.

We also learned that a Lancaster County school was notified of the same posting/threat.

See the two links below for more information.

Please be assured that we will always take precautionary measures in regard to student and staff safety.

I would like to thank the Shippensburg Police Department, the Shippensburg University Police, and all employees who assisted with this matter today! Praise goes out to our faculty and staff for keeping the focus on teaching and learning!

Below are two links that you may want to read if you are unfamiliar with the “clown sightings.”

http://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/09/clown_threat_at_lancaster_coun.html

http://www.publicopiniononline.com/story/news/crime/2016/09/29/clown-sightings-franklin-cumberland-county/91275472/

Paws Applause:

The Intermediate School would like to thank Mr. Richard Hammaker, community volunteer, for the hours of work around the trail and environmental area. He works tirelessly to keep the areas looking natural, adds new plants, bird boxes, and waters the plants and trees regularly. He is a tremendous help to our  school!

-submitted by Mrs. Mowery, SAIS Principal

Q:  If the state universities do go on strike, how will that impact us? The k, 1, and 2 teachers are University employees?


A:  We are unsure at this point. I am in communication with the University to see if the Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School will be accessible if the faculty strike in October. If the building is accessible, we will get substitutes for Grades K, 1, and 2 during that time period. If the building is not accessible, classes will be cancelled for all GBLUES students during that time period and the time will be made up later in the school year . . .probably in June of 2017.


We will monitor this situation as negotiations continue.


Thank you for the inquiry.

Q: Based on the title of the recent agenda item of the school board, Released Time Bible Programs, I assume that only christian religions may be approved for release time. Non-christian religions, approximately 70% of the world, generally don’t have a bible. If I wish to have my child released for non-christian religious instruction how should that be handled? Section 1546 of school code makes it very clear that any religious instruction is okay, but this district appears to only approve christian religions. Please clarify why only religions that use a bible are approved for release.


A: Here is the exact text of Section 1546:



Section 1546. Release of Pupils for Religious Instruction.--

The superintendent of the school district shall, upon the written request of a parent or other person in loco parentis, excuse any student who is the child of that parent or person in loco parentis from school attendance for a total of not more than thirty-six (36) hours per school year in order to attend classes for religious instruction: Provided, however, That the request shall identify and describe the instruction, and the dates and hours for which the absence is requested and that the parent or person in loco parentis shall, following each such absence, furnish in writing to the superintendent of the school district a statement attesting that the child did in fact attend the instruction and the dates and hours upon which such attendance took place.

(1546 amended June 24, 1982, P.L.623, No.175)


If you wish to have your child released from school for religious instruction regardless of the denomination or religion, you will need to send the district a request in writing identifying the instruction, the dates, hours of the absence, etc. It is limited to 36 hours/school year which is 1 hour per week.


The agenda item was titled "Bible Release Time" which is consistent with the paperwork that was provided to the district for the release programs listed on the agenda item attachment. Other requests may have other titles on the agenda.  We serve all of the children and would be happy to receive your request if that is your desire.

Thank you for the inquiry.

 

 

Shippensburg Area School District Administrators Cherish Teaching & Learning

Mr. Shapiro, Principal of James Burd Elementary School, reads to Mrs. Shipp's 3rd grade class.

Q:  Was Dr. Frank Coffee a past superintendent of Shippensburg school district in the 60's - 70's?

 

A:  I had to ask our High School Secretary, Mrs. Margie Chamberlin, about this as she has lots of institutional history.

 

She says:  "Yes he was; he was the Superintendent when I was in school  ( 75 grad) and his wife was the elementary Librarian.

 

Thank you for the inquiry!

 

 

Paws Applause:


Dr. Barbara Lyman, Provost, recited the Preamble on Constitution Day with students at Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School.  Thank you Dr. Lyman!

Paws Applause:

Constitution Day was celebrated at Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School on Monday, September 19, 2016!

Photos courtesy of Markell Deloatch, Public Opinion Newspaper

Paws Applause:




On Friday, September 16, 2016, Casey Reath Thurston and John Bartholow were inducted into the Shippensburg Area School District Athletic Hall of Fame.  Read their biographies on the Athletic webpage.


Congratulations to Mrs. Thurston and Mr. Bartholow!!!

Casey Reath Thurston

John Bartholow

Paws Applause:


 Each year, the SU Library and GBLUES combine to conduct the annual SU Constitution Day Celebration in front of the Lehman Library, attended by hundreds of SU students, faculty and the GBLUES student body.  The highlight of the event is the  4^th and 5^th grade classes reciting the memorized Preamble with President Harpster.  SU Constitution Day is Monday, September 19^th at 10:00 a.m.


--submitted by Mr. Smith, GBLUES Director

Paws Applause:


Thank you to Vanessa O'Shea and Janice Eason for agreeing to organize our school Geography Bee. The Geography Bee is a tradition in Shippensburg and takes careful planning and organization. I appreciate them taking on this program!


--submitted by Mrs. Mowery, SAIS Principal

Paws Applause:

I want to thank Mrs. Brandt, her classroom assistants, and students for getting the PBIS Champ posters laminated and hung throughout the building. 

--Submitted by Mr. Miller, Associate Principal, SAHS

Paws Applause:


 I really appreciate our staff and their willingness to always give back to our students and district. We would not be able to effectively host athletic events without the dedication of our staff. If you were at the game, I am sure you noticed familiar faces at every gate as well as all around the stadium. We can't thank those folks enough!


--submitted by Mr. Montedoro, Athletic Director

Paws Applause:


The Shippensburg Athletic Hall of Fame will induct two new members on September 16, 2016 during the Shippensburg vs. Bermudian Springs football game. The game will be known as the Shippensburg Athletic “Hall of Fame Game.”

2016 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees:

 Casey Reath Thurston (Class of 2000)

John Bartholow (Honorary)

 Congratulations to C.R. Thurston and J. Bartholow!!

New Assistant Principal Appointed at Shippensburg Area Middle School

Mr. Justin Sholes was appointed Assistant Principal of the Shippensburg Area Middle School effective October 3, 2016 at the September 12, 2016 School Board meeting.

Welcome Mr. Sholes!

Q:  What are the benefits/priveleges of the title "Superintendent Emeritus"?

A:  Superintendent Emeritus is simply an honorary title.  In SASD's case there is no stipend or other financial benefits as there may be in some other professions or organizations.

Thank you for the inquiry!

Paws Applause:

The SAIS PTO is off to a great start! They have already started planning for great student activities this year. Our first school store was held on Friday and it was a total success! The students loved the new items in the store!

--Submitted by Mrs. Mowery, SAIS Principal

Paws Applause:

I want to commend David Lindenmuth for the way he helped a student  during a recent IEP meeting.  This was a student that many had given up on for past behaviors, and Dave went out of his way to suggest programs to help make this at risk student successful, nice job Dave.  Truly this is what a public school should be doing.

-Submitted by Mr. Levy, High School Principal

Paws Applause:

I want to commend Brian Smith for the way he helped our students during the recent fire at the High School. Brian selflessly gave to his students by taking the students' items that were left in the classroom during the evacuation and took them outside for his students -- wonderful act of kindness.

-submitted by Mr. Levy, High School Principal

September Employee Spotlight: 

 Mr. Rodney Bryan

Name and current position:

 Rod Bryan, Mail Courier, Supplies Delivery, and Utility Custodian

Building(s) served:

SSB, HS, MS, SAIS, JB, NG, Grace B. Luhrs

 High School Attended: Shippensburg, 1984 Graduate

Year started at SASD and position: 2001, Utility Custodian/Delivery

Most unusual Incident on the job:

Nothing jumps out at me; I enjoy doing my job everyday

 

Extra assignments:

 Mow grass, plow snow and I try to provide as much coverage as I can wherever needed in the district for both district and non-district events

 Hobbies:

Playing guitar and singing with my little niece, Emmalee (age 4) at the Grand Old Jamboree in Orrstown

 Your Hero:

 My dad, whom we lost at the young age of 55 in 1999.

 

Pet Peeve:

Can't say I have any, I just enjoy my job and the kids, along with my co-workers.

Five Minutes with:

I would love the chance to spend just five more minutes with my dad.

 Favorite movie:

Not much of a movie watcher, spend any free time I get playing guitar with Emmalee

What would people find surprising about you?

Not sure, some may be surprised to find that I get up on a stage and play guitar and sing now. Thanks to my little niece Emmalee helping me get over my stage fright and to do something I always wanted to do.

Paws Applause:

Matthew Kurtz, new Tech Ed. teacher at SASHS, has begun to transform the wood shop into a prototyping lab. The display case outside his room is filled with student projects that show the various stages of the prototyping process. The 3D-printers are being utilized!

-Submitted by Dr. Strine, Assistant Superintendent

Paws Applause:

I am very proud of two seniors, Chase Diehl, and Ireland Hastings for meeting me in advance and planning out the Maroon Platoon/ High School Band activities to promote school spirit at football games.

-Submitted by Mr. Levy, SAHS Principal

Paws Applause:

Shippensburg Area Middle was recently awarded the Dollar General Literacy Grant. This $3,000 grant will be used to implement One School One Book, a program that provides every student and staff member a common book to read and celebrate.  Various activities and events will be held at SAMS to promote and celebrate families reading together.

 

Kudos to Mr. Shapiro for writing the grant and to Ms. Mancino for implementing the grant!!

 

Paws Applause:

-          Debbie Knutelsky, Accounts Payable Secretary, generously welcomed the substitute at the Admin Building and provided her with job tasks and guidance to not only benefit the District in filling in for an employee absence but helping to catch up on some backlog of volunteer clearances and other needed items for the District Office.  Kudos to Mrs. Knutelsky for kindly taking on this extra task to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of obtaining a substitute and for making the substitute feel welcomed. 

 

*Submitted by Mrs. Lentz, Business Administrator

 

 

 

 

From a parent – “I am writing this email to recognize Mrs. Kristi Luke, Gifted Teacher.  My daughter has been in the Gifted program with Mrs. Luke for 3 years now.  Mrs. Luke takes extra time and effort into making sure all of her students are thoroughly taken care of and their GIEPs are followed.  In all of her correspondence, Mrs. Luke makes me as a parent feel as though my daughter is the only student on her case load.  We were in constant communication over the summer when Mrs. Luke was not contractually obligated to work.  She provided supplemental material for my daughter to work on over the summer.  Mrs. Luke is also a great advocate for her students.  She is extremely aware of each student and their needs and does whatever it takes to make sure those needs are met.  Please recognize this amazing teacher and all of her hard work!”

Kudos to Mrs. Luke!!

*Written by a parent.

*Submitted by Mrs. Gillet, Supervisor of Special Education & Student Services

Paws Applause:

 
Ryan Watson, Operations Supervisor, of DHL Supply of Newville, PA recently donated school supplies to students in need at any of the district’s schools.  Nancy Grayson Elementary School Principal, Susan Martin, received the supplies on behalf of all school principals.  The Shippensburg Schools' Board of Directors, Administration, Faculty, and Staff wish to express their appreciation to DHL Supply for their support of our students and schools!