Click to view the agenda on the BoardDocs website.

This week the chorus at Abington Junior High School, directed by Mrs. Mindy Walker, sang the National Anthem prior to the Phillies game.  The chorus auditioned in 2006 for the inaugural season at Citizens Bank Park via video and were selected to sing.  The chorus sang several years in a row and was selected again this year.

When planning the Phillies performance, all chorus students in grades 7, 8, 9 are invited and this year 92 students performed.   Their performance was captured on the giant video screens at the stadium!

Abington Senior High School has won the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association (PSMLA) Golden Globe Award for the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years as part of the PSMLA Excellent Program (PEP) Award Program.  This award recognizes schools across the state that excel in 11 criteria established by PSMLA to evaluate language programs.  Abington is one of 19 high schools in Pennsylvania that has earned the Golden Globe award, the highest award given. 

The Golden Globe Award is a testament to the importance placed on language study by Abington School District and the work of both staff and students. Although the PSMLA PEP program awards high schools, Abington Junior High School is a key component in Abington’s application and ultimate success in the award process.  A school needs to meet 8 of 11 criteria in an award category (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Globe) in order to earn that award.  The 11 criteria are:

1.    Maintain high percentage of total world language enrollment.

2.    Provide a variety of languages in a 4 year high school sequence.

3.    Retain students at higher levels.

4.    Participate in AP, IB, level 5, and/or CIS program.

5.    Schedule classes that are one level per period.

6.    Provide an extended sequence of instruction in at least one commonly taught language.

7.    Implement Key Instructional Practices.

8.    Administer Standards-based performance assessment(s).

9.    Engage in yearly staff development on world language topics.

10. Maintain current membership in professional organizations.

11. Provide special program features.

Abington School District has won the Golden Globe Award each year since 2012. This reflects the hard work and dedication of the World Language teachers to strive to consistently maintain the 11 standards for an excellent program.  This award is truly a demonstration of the teachers’ passion for their craft and for the students of Abington School District. Abington is recognized on the PSMLA website with details on its application.

Congratulations to Abington Senior High School students Sarah Joyce, Kelly Jawork, and Samantha Rivera, who were honored by The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) with the Award for Aspirations in Computing (AiC).

The Award for Aspirations in Computing helps to identify and build a talent pool for the technical workforce and helps academic and corporate organizations celebrate diversity in computing by honoring young women at the high-school level for their computing-related achievements and interests. Award recipients are selected through a lengthy application process based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing; leadership ability; academic history; and plans for post-secondary education.  These young women were honored at the NCWIT Philadelphia Chapter award banquet last week.

The National Center for Women & Information Technology provides a long-term community for female technologists, from K-12 through higher education and beyond, encouraging persistence in computing through continuous engagement and ongoing encouragement at each pivotal stage of their educational and professional development. Thousands of technically inclined girls and women are offered opportunities to learn through computing-related activities, network at virtual and in-person meetups, receive visibility for technical achievements, and grow leadership and entrepreneurial skills by leading computing outreach programs in their local communities. Additionally, they gain exclusive access to scholarships, internships, and job opportunities. All of these benefits are made possible by NCWIT Alliance Members, AiC peers in the network, and adult influencers who serve as volunteers and mentors. This collective investment is making a considerable and sustainable impact on future technology and innovation by increasing women’s meaningful participation.

Mr. David Daubenspeck is the faculty member who sponsored the young women and assisted them in the applications.

We are very pleased that Abington School District has again been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education with the Best Communities For Music Education Award by The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. 

The NAMM Award is based on music program funding, qualified teachers, commitment to music education standards, and access to music instruction. This is the tenth consecutive year that Abington has been honored with this award. Only six other schools in Pennsylvania have received this recognition ten or more times.

This week the Roslyn second and third grade Cooking Club used their cooking skills to give back to the community by making and donating four pans of macaroni and cheese for meals for “Aid for Friends.”  Aid for Friends helps prepare and package an average of 300 meals every month to serve needy, isolated shut-ins, primarily the frail elderly in the greater Philadelphia area. The meals are free with the goal to help home-bound elderly folks maintain their independence by supporting them in their homes for as long as possible and to enhance their quality of life.

The Cooking Club’s mission is the help second and third grade students at Roslyn gain their own independence in the kitchen by teaching them about food safety, preparation, and cooperation. They were very excited to use their new skills to feed those in need!

Melinda (Mindy) Walker received the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Citation of Excellence Award presented by PMEA president Henry Pearlberg at the annual state conference last week. According to PMEA, Citation of Excellence award recipients have made “lasting contributions in their area of teaching.”

The citation reads:

Pennsylvania Music Educators Association

Citation of Excellence

Presented to Melinda Walker

District 11

In recognition of excellence in music education at the middle school level

2017

PMEA is the statewide nonprofit organization of over 4,500 members, dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians. The organization includes those involved in music instruction at all levels, from preschool through college and university, as well as those in the music industry, merchandising, and publishing. The organization promotes and supports quality music education, learning and performance as well as promoting and supporting music education in schools and communities.

Last week McKinley Elementary School hosted an Art Showcase and Poetry Slam. McKinley’s faculty, staff, parents, guardians, students, and guests viewed student artwork, participated in poetry related art projects, and heard poetry performed live by McKinley students. The Art Showcase and Poetry Slam was part of McKinley’s celebration of National Poetry Month and included its annual Art Showcase of students’ artwork. This event represented only a sampling of the ongoing endeavors of McKinley’s school community as it works daily to become effective readers, writers, creators, and thinkers. The poems and art will continue to be displayed throughout the school and, as described by a McKinley teacher, “The school continues to hear the voices of young poets and artists ring in our minds and hearts!”

Barnes & Noble challenged students to write and submit an essay, poem, or thank-you letter describing how a special teacher influenced their life.  Students were instructed to explain why they admired their teacher.  Sofiya Lysenko, a ninth-grade student at Abington Junior High School created the poem displayed here to honor Mr. Robert Hartman, her ninth-grade social studies teacher.  At a special ceremony during Barnes & Noble’s Educator Appreciation Days, Sofiya was announced as the store winner and received recognition and a special certificate.

Read “My Favorite Teacher”

Click to view the agenda on the BoardDocs website

At the School Board meeting last night, Dr. James Melchor, Assistant Director of Curriculum, provided information on the award the district received last week for our groundbreaking Holocaust and genocide education program.

Dr. Melchor stated that at the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center’s Fifth Annual Educators’ Luncheon, Abington School District was presented with the Center’s inaugural “Excellence in Education” award for its pioneering efforts in the development of an internationally recognized Holocaust curriculum, educational programs, and professional development for staff.  In presenting the award, the Center’s president, Mr. Chuck Feldman, noted Abington was one of the first school districts in the country to provide Holocaust and genocide education to students in grades 5 through 12.

Accepting the award on behalf of the school district, Dr. Sichel reviewed the history of Abington School District’s instructional program regarding Holocaust awareness, from development of a Holocaust Curriculum Committee in the mid-1980s that led to the teaching of the history of the Holocaust as a mandated, district-wide curricular initiative beginning in 1990, to curricular work which has resulted in lesson updates to integrate Promethean Board technology and videotaping of presentations by Holocaust survivors.  Dr. Sichel noted that Holocaust-related instruction occurs in an age-appropriate manner through which students learn historical background and perspective and make connections to contemporary issues regarding tolerance, prejudice, diversity, and personal responsibility.

In addition to the school district receiving the “Excellence in Education Award,” Pennsylvania State Representative Madeleine Dean was also in attendance at the luncheon to present Abington School District with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in recognition of the District’s leadership role in Holocaust education.

That citation reads, in part:

“Abington School District is being honored with the 2017 Excellence in Education Award by the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center of Philadelphia at the 5^th Annual Educators Luncheon on May 4, 2017.  Abington School District is being recognized for their pioneering efforts in the development of internationally recognized Holocaust curriculum and awareness/educational programs for grades 5 through 12. Abington School District has been a leader in Holocaust education, beginning in 1985/86 with the creation of the Abington School District Holocaust Curriculum Committee.  Abington School District made Holocaust education a priority, signaling to its students, faculty, staff, and wider community that the atrocities of the Holocaust must never be forgotten and that it is our responsibility to teach younger generations about this horrific time in history. As part of its instruction, Abington schools have welcomed Holocaust survivors to tell their stories and help students to understand how genocide affects real lives, beyond statistics or photographs in a textbook.  The district’s inclusion of Holocaust survivors also reminds students of the strength, hope, and resilience of persecuted people. Abington School District also presented professional development programs on Holocaust education to Abington librarians, and English, Reading, and Social Studies teachers from the junior high and senior high schools to ensure educators have the tools and training to appropriately address subjects of genocide and human rights violations with students.”

Shown here are photos of:  Dr. Sichel receiving the award from Mr. Feldman;  Ms. Deanne Comer, Ms. Lorraine Hirsh, and Ms. Cindi Pasceri – members of the original committee that created the groundbreaking curriculum – with Dr. Sichel and Dr. Melchor;  the award plaque; and the State House of Representatives citation.

Last night Mr. Howard Baxter introduced Abington Junior High School music teacher Ms. Melinda Walker and provided information on her selection as this year’s PMEA District 11 Citation of Excellence award winner.

Mr. Baxter explained that the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) is the second largest state music education association in the nation. Each year this association recognizes excellence in teaching through the PMEA Citation of Excellence. Ms. Walker is the sixth Abington teacher to earn this recognition.

Ms. Walker joined the Abington School District in 2002, serving as Willow Hill Elementary School’s general music teacher before moving into the Choral Director position at Abington Junior High School in 2003. At Willow Hill, she established a Choir Chime Ensemble, a Select Chorus, and served as the vocal coach for the Junior High School musical. She also sponsored the first Willow Hill students to participate in PMEA District 11’s Elementary Song Fest.

Since moving to the Junior High School’s vocal music program, she has continued her lists of “firsts.” Under her direction, the Abington Junior High School choruses were the first musical ensembles from the Abington School District to participate in adjudicated music ensemble festivals and were the first Abington musical ensembles to achieve a rating of Superior for their performance. Ms. Walker encourages students to participate in the annual PMEA District 11 Middle School/Junior High Song Fest, an event she has hosted twice. She secured a grant for the Junior High School to participate in the Opera Outreach Program of the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia and her choruses have performed the National Anthem at several Philadelphia Phillies baseball games as well as performing at many other community events.

Ms. Walker graduated Magna cum laude from Temple University and received her Master’s degree from Arcadia University. She taught music in Galeshewe, South Africa during the summer of 2000. She has made numerous presentations at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s District 11 Staff Development Conference.

Last night Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Fecher was pleased to share with the Board and meeting attendees an honor bestowed on Superintendent Dr. Amy Sichel.  Last week, Dr. Sichel was honored as the recipient of the Margaret Smith Leadership Award.

Dr. Fecher explained that the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) Women’s Caucus annually selects a recipient of the Margaret Smith Leadership Award.  This honor is awarded each spring to a woman administrator who has proven leadership in education.  The award is named for Dr. Margaret Smith, a former superintendent in Pennsylvania and former PA Secretary of Education.  The recipient is recognized at the annual Women’s Caucus Spring Conference.

Dr. Margaret Smith, for whom the award is named, traveled to Pennsylvania from Florida to present Dr. Sichel with this award at the conference.  Dr. Smith said, “When I think of Amy, the word “bodacious” comes to my mind.  During her many years as an educational leader, she has led with a bold and audacious vision of a bright future for each and every student.  I am so proud of Amy’s commitment to narrow the achievement gap for historically under-represented students.”

Dr. Sichel has definitely proven leadership in education.  Dr. Fecher noted that she has had a rich and robust career of 41 years serving Abington School District.  She began as an elementary counselor, then school psychologist, then Director of Pupil Services, then Assistant Superintendent, and currently the Superintendent for the past 17 years.  In addition, she has been an adjunct associate professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.  She has pages and pages of publications and presentations at the state and national Level.  Dr. Sichel’s numerous honors and recognitions include those from the Governor, Legislature, and even from a national technology publication.  She was one of four finalists across the country for the AASA Women in School Leadership Award, and is truly a role model for women in educational administration.

Among Dr. Sichel’s greatest accomplishments was being selected as Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year and as President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Superintendents.  Dr. Sichel also served as president of the AASA – The School Superintendents Association – a distinguished national post.

It is for these prestigious accomplishments and many more that the Margaret Smith Leadership Award was bestowed upon Dr. Sichel.  We are extremely proud of Dr. Sichel for this accomplishment and for bringing honor to the Abington School District. Dr. Fecher stated “Dr. Sichel’s leadership inspires us to work hard, face challenges head on, and lead with our students at the forefront of our actions.”

Shown in the photographs are of Dr. Smith presenting the award to Dr. Sichel at the PASA Women’s Caucus Spring Conference and Dr. Sichel standing with Dr. Fecher, being recognized at the School Board meeting this week.

Congressman Brendan Boyle announced at a special local award recognition reception that Mia Curtis, a junior at Abington Senior High School, won the First Place Award in the 2017 Congressional Art Competition in Congressman Boyle’s district for her linoleum cut collage titled “M.”  The US Congressional Institute of Art promotes the arts and, since 1982, has invited high school students to submit artwork for the competition.  In Congressman Boyle’s district, over 35 student entries were submitted.  As the First Place Winner, Mia’s artwork will be displayed in the US Capitol Building over the next year.  In addition, as the First Place Winner, Mia has received a full University of Pennsylvania School of Design scholarship for a four-week intensive studio art program at the Art at Penn summer program.  Judges for Congressman Boyle’s 13^th District competition included art professors from colleges such as Penn State Abington, Arcadia University, as well as art professionals.  Mia is a student of Abington Senior High School art teacher Nicole Caracciolo;  this is the third year in a row that a student of Ms. Caracciolo has won First Place in the Congressional art program.  Pictured here are Mia with her artwork; Mia, Congressman Boyle, and art teacher Nicole Caracciolo; and Mia with her art teacher and Mr. Josh Epstein, Pre-College Program Director of the Julian Krinsky Art at Penn program.

To promote the importance of reading along with academic and extracurricular goal-setting, the Abington Senior High School District One Playoff-Bound Galloping Ghosts Girls’ Lacrosse Team  visited Roslyn Elementary School today to support the school’s “Stick with READING!” event —  a double play on the word “Stick!”

The high school coaches and players read to the Roslyn students and spoke to them about their love of reading, the importance of goal-setting with regard to academics, as well as, extracurricular activities, and the benefits of teamwork.

The team also ran a mini-lacrosse clinic for students in grades 4 & 5 who reached their reading goals through the reading program. The high school players distributed bookmarks that feature the titles of the teams’ favorite children’s books.

The visit takes place the day before the teams’ second round District playoff game which will take place at Schwarzman Stadium at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday May 18, 2017.  Come out to support the team – Go Ghosts!

Highland Elementary School hosted its Multicultural Festival this month where students, staff, and families celebrated the various cultures represented in the school.  It was a multicultural potluck, multicultural trivia, with an exciting live performance from the Philadelphia Capoeira Arts Center that combined dance, music, gymnastics, and the Portuguese language in a unique Brazilian art form. Cultures were represented through interactive exhibits, many delicious food samples, festive attire, traditional games and music, and live performances. The Multicultural Festival attracted many students and families, sharing great feelings of pride, community, making a difference in the lives of others, and better understanding of the cultures that make up the Highland community.

Last night Dr. Sichel recommended and the Board appointed six promotions in the Administrative staff:

• Dr. Charles Lentz is appointed Assistant Director of Curriculum
• Mr. Daniel File is appointed Principal, Abington Junior High School
• Ms. Marie Kim is appointed Principal, McKinley Elementary School
• Ms. Lyndsay Morgan is appointed Principal, Rydal Elementary School
• Mr. Joshua Perlman is appointed Principal, Overlook Elementary School
• Mr. Bradley Palmer is appointed Assistant Principal, Abington Senior High School

From left to right: Dr. Charles Lentz, Mr. Bradley Palmer, Ms. Marie Kim, Mr. Joshua Perlman, Mr. Daniel File, Ms. Lyndsay Morgan

Dr. Charles Lentz joined Abington in September 1994 as a sixth grade teacher at Highland Elementary School.  He taught sixth and fourth grades until August 2002 when he was appointed Assistant Principal at Abington Junior High School.  In July 2008 he was appointed Principal of McKinley Elementary School.  On July 1, 2017 he will become Assistant Director of Curriculum.

Dr. Lentz received his B.S. in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; his M.A. in Education from Gratz College; his M.A. in Educational Leadership, Elementary and Secondary Principal Certificates, and Supervision of Curriculum Certificate from Arcadia University; and his Ed.D in Educational Leadership from Widener University.

Mr. Daniel File joined Abington in July 2013 as Assistant Principal of Abington Junior High School.  In July 2016 he was appointed Principal of Overlook Elementary School.  On July 1, 2017 he will become Principal of Abington Junior High School.

Prior to joining Abington, Mr. File was an English teacher for nine years at Pennsbury and LaSalle College High Schools.  In June 2007 he was appointed Assistant Principal at Pennsbury High School; in July 2012 he was Assistant Principal at Holicong Middle School.

Mr. File received his B.A. in Secondary Education & English from LaSalle University and his M.S. in Education, Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Marie Kim joined Abington in July 2011 as Assistant Principal of Copper Beech Elementary School.  Prior to joining Abington, she was a Special Education teacher in New Jersey for four years; an Assistant Principal at the Learning Community Charter School in Jersey City, NJ; and Assistant Principal at the Hiram Dodd Elementary School in Allentown, PA. On July 1, 2017 she will become Principal of McKinley Elementary School.

Ms. Kim received her B.A. in Philosophy & Religious Studies from the Univeristy of Pittsburgh; her M.A. in Special Education from New Jersey City University; her M.S. in Education Leadership from Columbia University; and she is enrolled in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Gwynedd Mercy University.

Ms. Lyndsay Morgan joined Abington in August 2005 as a third grade teacher at Rydal Elementary School.  She taught third and fifth grades until June 2010 and was appointed Elementary Curriculum Specialist at Willow Hill Elementary School in August 2010 and Elementary Curriculum Specialist at Rydal Elementary School in August 2013.  On July 1, 2017 she will become Principal at Rydal Elementary School.

Ms. Morgan received her B.A. in Legal Communications & Education from Howard University; her M.S. in Education from Temple University; and she is enrolled in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Temple University.

Mr. Joshua Perlman joined Abington in September 2007 as a second grade teacher at Copper Beech Elementary School.  He taught second and fourth grades until June 2013 and then was appointed Elementary Curriculum Specialist at Overlook Elementary School.  On July 1, 2017 he will become Principal at Overlook Elementary School.

Prior to joining Abington Mr. Perlman worked five years in marketing and communications before working in education and then was an Instructional Support Aide at Klinger Middle School in Warminster, PA.

Mr. Perlman received his B.A. in Political Science from Arizona State University; his M.S. in Elementary Education from Holy Family University; and obtained his Principal’s Certification from Delaware Valley College.

Mr. Bradley Palmer joined Abington in September 1999 as a science teacher at Abington Senior High School.  On July 1, 2004 he became the Science Department Chair at Abington Senior High School, teaching Chemistry and Physics.  Prior to Abington, Mr. Palmer was a science teacher at LaSalle College High School and a chemistry instructor at Manor College in Jenkintown, PA. On July 1, 2017 he will become an Assistant Principal at Abington Senior High School.

Mr. Palmer received his B.S. in Secondary Science Education in Chemistry and his M.S. in Secondary Science Education from Temple University.  He is enrolled in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Arcadia University.

We congratulate these fine educators and wish them much success in their new positions.

Last night at the Abington School Board meeting, Dr. Kelly Doyle, Supervisor of Communications Arts, presented the Abington Silver Pen Awards to outstanding student writers at our elementary schools.

Sixth grade teachers nominate narrative writing selections and a building committee at each school scores the entries. The highest scoring papers are selected as the winners.  The students received their engraved “Silver Pen” awards from School Board Vice-President Mrs. Michelle Tinsman and were honored by the School Board last night. In addition, their names will be added to plaques that the Abington Educational Foundation has provided and will be on display at their respective schools.

This year’s winners are –  From Copper Beech Elementary School:  Elijah L. Bisulca, Shiloh Bloom, Audrey Moore, and Tessa Wheelock.  From Highland Elementary School:  Kennedy Karlin and Spence Lowery.  From McKinley Elementary School:  Cindy Fu, Tristan McKeough, Evan Oldham, and Kiersten Rau.  From Overlook Elementary School:  Jayani Giles, Marley Hollister, and Daniel Mesko.  From Roslyn Elementary School:  Natalene Clemson and Jaden Hernandez.  From Rydal Elementary School: Sam Blitchford and Zhara Haidara.  From Willow Hill Elementary School: Mary Miles and Justin Nkrumah.

Dr. Doyle congratulated the parents and families and the students’ teachers and thanked the building committee members and the elementary reading specialists for their work at the building level.  The program is funded, as it has been since its origin, by a generous grant from the Abington Educational Foundation.

Congratulations to Marco Barila, a sixth grade student at Copper Beech Elementary School, for winning a Third Place Award in the Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia’s  “It’s Always Something” Teen essay contest for his very personal essay,  “Don’t Worry Mommy, I Will Be Your Crutches.”

Teens from Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Philadelphia and Delaware Counties were invited to write an essay about their experience with having cancer in their life.  The very personal essays went through a judging process and Marco was one of the winners honored at the Cancer Support Community’s Fifth Annual Awards Reception held this month. It takes a great deal of bravery to write essays of this type;  not only do teens have to deal with the struggles that come to all teenagers, but they also have to deal with having cancer in their life.  Students like Marco wrote about what might be the most difficult thing they have ever faced and were willing to share publicly.

Here is a link to Marco’s essay:  http://cancersupportphiladelphia.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Dont-Worry-Mommy-I-will-be-your-Crutches.pdf

Congratulations to the Abington Senior High School students who participated in the 2017 Greenfield Youth Film Festival.  This festival is the largest and most competitive in the Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Bucks Counties metropolitan area, with over 20 schools submitting well over 200 films that were judged by industry professionals.  Abington students did extremely well at this prestigious competition.  The following two students, shown here, received awards at the film screening and awards presentation at the Festival:  Evan Sutch, a junior, won the Best Acting award for his film “Tapped.”  Matt Lee, a junior, won First Place in the Best Comedy category for his film, “Are You Sure?.” Receiving certificates as Finalists in the competition, which is quite a feat, were:  Stephen Maransky, Best Director, Sound Design for “The Forrest”;  Shane Gaber and Eric Miller for Best Documentary, “Gibby” and Best Comedy for “Handsy”; Matt Lee for Best Comedy, Best Screenplay for “Group Therapy”; and Kristina Blake for Best Experimental Film for “Distorted Nature.”  The faculty advisor for the filmmakers is Mr. Bryan Quigley