Summer 2009Summer 2009WEST MIFFLIN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Congratulations Class of 2009

WMAHS Class of 2009 Salutatorian Bruce Huff man and Valedictorian Randall Marchelletta

Dear Parents and Community Members,

The 2008-2009 school year marked the first year of implementation of the district’s first five year plan. I am very pleased to highlight the many accomplishments and goals that were met in the first year of this plan. At the kindergarten through grade five level in education:

• Modificationofgradepolicyandprocedures

• Implementationofanenhancedscienceandmathcurriculum

• Implementationofparenttrainings

• Developmentofresourceroomstosharebestpracticesandeducationalresourcesforstaff

Inadditiontothesegoals,thestaffwastrainedintheStudentAssistanceProgramandimprovementsweremadeinpreparingforPSSA.Bothoftheseitemsweregoalssetforthesecondyearoftheplan.

For education in the grades of six through eight, the following items were accomplished:

• Implementationofanenhancedscienceandmathcurriculum

• Executionofatruemiddleschoolconcept–supportingteaming

• Implementationofparenttrainings

• Expansionoftheforeignlanguageprogram

• Establishedamiddleschoolplanningcommitteetoaideinpreparationsforthenewbuilding.

Purchasingofgraphingcalculators,transitionplanningandimprovementstothePSSAprogramwerealsometasgoalsforyeartwo.

For grades nine through twelve, the following educational goals were met:

• ExecutionofPhaseIIforProject720

• Implementationofanenhancedscienceandmathcurriculum

• Implementationofparenttrainings

• Creationofastudenttostudentmentoringprogram

• Committeetoalignpostsecondaryexpectations

• Implementationofatenthgradegraduationproject

• ImplementationofClassroomsfortheFuturetothetenthgrade

The implementation of Classrooms for the Future was also expanded to grades eleven and twelve, which were goals set for years two and three respectively.

The five year plan also covers extensive goals under the topics of personnel, technology, safety and security, maintenance, cafeteria and the business office. Great strides have been taken to meet many of these first year goals as well. You may view this plan on the district’s web site for details of those items in each category. Those goals that have been accomplished are highlighted in yellow.

Ourprofessionalstaffisthebackboneofourdistrict.Theyareeducatingourstudentsandpreparingthemforglobalsuccess.Theboardofschooldirectorsandadministration value their dedication and understand the importance of creating a climate for positive morale and professional development. With this in mind, a three year contractextensionwasestablishedthroughthecollaborativeeffortsoftheteachers’union,boardandadministration.Thisextensionwasunanimouslyapprovedbytheteachingstaff–amovewhichundoubtedlyshowstheirdedicationandcommitmenttothedistrictandreflectstheirsupportofthepositiveeducationaldirectionsinwhichthe district is moving.

Iwouldliketopersonallythanktheboardofschooldirectors,administrationandtheentiredistrictstaffwhohaveworkedtogethertomaketheseincrediblestridesinourinauguralyearofthisfiveyearplan.Withouttheirhardworkanddedication,thesegoalscouldnothavebeenmet.Thisplanisinplaceforonepurpose–toimprovetheeducation and educational experiences of our students while creating a progressive district.

Yours in education,

Patrick A. Risha

SuperintendentofSchools

A M e s s a g e F r o m t h e S u p e r i n t e n d e n t . . .

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2009 Senior Awards Congratulations to the following members of the Class of 2009. We salute you for your academic, community and athletic achievements!

Students with the Top 20 GPA:Valedictorian - Randall MarchellettaSalutatorian - Bruce Huffman

Joseph DiDominicAshley DobranskyNatalia ErmakovKathryn FerchakAmanda GilarskiNicole HavelkaMelissa HrabicJordan JenningsJennifer JonesColin KracinovskyElyse LarouereJenna LucasMichael MrozJennifer MurphyMadeline NassidaNicholas SaundersVanessa SciulliAshley Taylor

Activity Awards (Students participated in 20 or more activities from 9-12 grades): Joshua BakerAshley DobranskyNatalia ErmakovChelsea FaynorKathryn FerchakAmanda GilarskiBrittany HabratKristen HacharianTimothy HallJacob HaydenKayla HaydenMelissa HrabicJessica HurstChristopher KaselonisShannon KeysJessica KostelnikColin KracinovskyJenna LucasMaura Mihaly

Jennifer MurphyKristi MurphyRonald MurphyMadeline NassidaJennifer NorgrenChelsea OakesBrittany RockStacy RostNicholas SaundersNatalie ScarpinoZachary SchorrVanessa SciulliRyan SeechSeth SengBethany SteinerMichael TerakShelby TkachJames VautierJacob VeryNicholas VranesevicAmanda Weathers

Mathematics Excellence Award (Curriculum Completion and at least a 600 math SAT score): Joseph DidominicKatheryn FerchakBruce HuffmanJessica HurstRandy MarchellettaZachary SchorrSteve Teierle

Outstanding Mathematics Acheivement Award: Bruce Huffman

Fibonacci Award in Mathematics: Jessica HurstJames WalshElyse Larouere

Verbal Excellence Award (At least a 600 verbal SAT score):Joseph DavisJoseph DidominicJordan DillardJames HowardBruce HuffmanJessica HurstElyse LaroureRandy MarchellettaKelley PageMatthew RuffingAshley TaylorJason ThompsonJames Walsh

Westinghouse Science Honors Achievement AwardsJoshua BakerTyeasha ClarkeJordan DillardJake HaydenKayla HaydenJames HowardMelissa HrabicBruce HuffmanJessica HurstJordan JenningsBrian KrausElyse LarouereMadeline NassidaLyn PetersonRobert RaffaeleMolly SteimerTychelle StephensSteven TeierleJames VautierJacob Very

Outstanding Social Studies Students PsychologyJohn SchlaichStephen PastorJordan DillardRachel PlaysoRaven GloverSteve TeierleJenna LucasChristopher KaselonisKayla Cline

Economics Colin KracinoskyJordan JenningsWorld GeographyColin KracinoskyMichael Terak

SociologyBrittany BurnettBrooke Mangus Ashley PopeBriana Law

World Language AwardsFrench Briana LawSpanish Raven GloverJessica HorstyMike MrozScott Commander

Home Economics AwardsOutstanding HE StudentJessica Rispoli

Outstanding Culinary Arts StudentMark Williams

Library Media Services AwardWaylon Branscum

Music DepartmentNational Orchestra Award Nick VranesevicJohn Philip Sousa Award Ashley Taylor

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award Seth Seng

National School Choral AwardAngela Fleming

Tri M CordsJessica HurstChristopher JenkinsJennifer MurphyChelsea OakesNicholas SaundersSeth SengAshley TaylorNicholas Vranesevic

Art DepartmentOutstanding Art Students of the YearStephanie GoodrowRachel Playso

Congressional Arts Contest - 1st PlaceStephanie GoodrowHonorable Mention Rachel PlaysoElyse Larouere

Technology DepartmentOutstanding Technology Education Student Award - Michael SoukopNicholas VerbeneOutstanding CADD Student Award - Joshua IgnaskiAnthony GykeOutstanding Graphic Communications Student Award -Randy Marchelletta

CONGRATULATIONS WMAHS CLASS OF 2009!

ROTC AwardsCongressman Mike Doyle AwardsCadet CMSgt Jessica MorrisonCadet Msgt William Cook

The Military Officers Association Award Cadet Major Stacy Rost

Tuskegee Airmen Inc AFJROTC AwardCadet SMSgt Chris Jenkins

Military Order of the Purple Heart Cadet Captain Chris Vasquez

Scottish Rite, Northern Jurisdiction AwardCadet Captain Jesse Sabol

Veterans of Foreign War Award Cadet CMSgt Kierra Baltimore

Reserve Officers Association AwardCadet 1st Lt Ali Bowling

American Veterans Award Cadet Major Beth Steiner

American Legion General Military Excellence AwardCadet Major Brittany Rock

Air Force Association Awards -Cadet Col Leo AgafanovCadet Col Joseph Kinney

Career Internship AwardsOutstanding Secretaries-Amanda GilarskiJennifer JonesMost Outstanding Secretaries -Kat GolebieShannon Keyes

PTA/PTSA ScholarshipsJordan JenningsAshley Taylor

Walter Kuczma VFW AwardNicole HavelkaJennifer JonesMelissa Hrabic

Jill Ann Schultz Memorial Scholarship -Jessica Kostelnik

Jane and Edward Fetcho Memorial Scholarship -Jennifer Jones

South Hills Area School District Association Award -Alia RawlsLeo Agofanov

Elks Most Valuable Student Contest Randall Marchelletta

West Mifflin Federation of Teachers ScholarshipMelissa Hrabic

Lance-Weems Memorial ScholarshipTyeasha Clarke

Titan Band Millenium ScholarshipsBrittanni BurnettElizabeth HehnoszComcast Leaders and Achievers ScholarshipRandall Marcelletta

Titan Staff Casual Day Scholarship Leo AgafonovJordan JenningsJessica MorrisonDylan PosterJustin Yanichko

Verizon FoundationJoe DiDominic

Western PA Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Awards Alia RawlsTanesia Jones

Marines AwardsBandNicholas SaundersAthletics James FlemingTaylor FultonAcademicsRandall Marchelletta

Amy Zlokas Memorial Nursing ScholarshipJennifer Jones

Brierly Heights Women’s ClubJoshua IgnaskiJena StulcJacob Very

McKeesport Music Club Awards Jennifer MurphyNick VranesevicAshley Taylor

Delta Kappa Gamma - Alpha Phi Chapter ScholarshipJessica Morrison

Steel Valley Chamber of Commerce Jennifer Jones

Phyllis Wheatley Literary Society Book ScholarshipTaylor Fulton

Duquesne-West Mifflin Rotary ClubTiffany HolmanKourtney GasparovicLyn PetersonAshley Taylor

Pittsburgh Foundation John C. Meighen Memorial ScholarshipTiffany HolmanColin Kracinovsky

West Mifflin Area School Scholar AthletesMadeline NassidaColin Kracinovsky

Outstanding All Around Athlete Taylor Fulton

Clarion University Full Tuition Wrestling ScholarshipJames Fleming

Penn State University Full Tuition Football ScholarshipAdam Gress

Dan Filo Athletic AwardChelsea FaynorAnthony SpicuzzaTaylor Fulton

Steven Nicola ScholarshipMichael OroszColin Kracinovsky

Davis and Elkin ScholarshipMike Mroz

President’s Award of Academic ExcellenceDaniel Andres Joshua Baker William Bendgen Tristan Black Jordan Blake Kevin Bonnaci Courtney Bracco Waylon Branscum Brittani Burnett Tyeasha Clarke Kayla Cline Scott Commander Jarrett Criss Joseph DiDominic

John Dillard Ashley Dobransky Natalia Ermakov Chelsey Ezell Katheryn Ferchak Taylor Fulton Kourtney Gasparovic Amanda Gilarski L owell Gloeckl Raven Glover Lucy Grimes Brittany Habrat Nicole Havelka Jacob Hayden Kayla Hayden Elizabeth Hejnosz Nicole Hoblak Tiffany Holman James Howard Melissa Hrabic Bruce Huffman Jessica Hurst Joshua Ignaski Jordan Jennings Jennifer Jones Christopher Kaselonis Kenneth Kennedy Joseph Kinney Lacie Kobus Jessica Kostelnik Colin Kracinovsky Brian KrausElyse Larouere Briana Law Gabrielle Lee Jenna Lucas Randall Marchelletta Kelly McGrew Michael Mroz Jennifer Murphy Kristi Murphy Madeline Nassida Jennifer Norgren Garret O’Brien Michael Orosz Kelley Page Stephen Pastor Lyn Peterson Rachel Playso Dylan Poster Robert Raffaele Brittany Rock Stacy Rost Justin Ruchka Kristi Rusnik Nicholas Saunders Natalie Scarpino John Schlaich Zachary Schorr

Vanessa Sciulli Ryan Seech Tara Simm Molly Steimer Ashley Taylor Steven Teierle Michael Terak Jason Thompson James Vautier Jacob Very Jacob Vitullo Nicholas Vranesevic James Walsh

College Scholarship Awards

Channell Barry - Carlow University - Carlow Award

Kevin Bonnaci - Duquesne University - Academic Scholarship

Brittani Burnett - Carlow University - Carlow Award; Seton Hill University - Presidential Scholarship

Kayla Cline - Carlow University - Academic Scholarship

Scott Commander - Waynesburg University - Presidential Honor Scholarship

Linsey Cosgrove - Westminster University - Tower Scholarship

Joseph DiDominic - University of Pittsburgh - Honors Challenge Full Tuition Scholarship

Ashley Dobransky - Point Park University - Academic Scholarship, Community Service & Leadership, Dean’s Scholarship

Natalia Ermakov - Point Park University - Academic Scholarship, Community Service & Leadership

Chelsey Ezell - Duquesne University - Academic Scholarship, Laval Scholarship; Robert

Morris University - Merit Scholarship; Washington and Jefferson University - Dean’s Award

Chelsea Faynor - LaRoche College - President’s Scholarship, Community Scholars Scholarship; Saint Vincent College - Alumni Grant, College Award, Leadership Scholarship

Kathryn Ferchak - Chatham University - World Ready Woman Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship; Duquesne University - Academic Scholarship

Kourtney Gasparovic - Misericordia University - Presidential Scholarship, McAuley Award

Katherine Golebie - LaRoche College - Community Scholars, President’s Scholarship; Westminster University - Westminster Scholarship

Tiffany Holman - DeVry University - Cisco/Comp TIA Scholarship

Melissa Hrabic - Washington and Jefferson - Scholars Award

Bruce Huffman - Saint Vincent University - College Scholarship, Leadership Scholarship

Jessica Hurst - Mount Aloysius College - Mercy Presidential Scholarship, Honors Program Fellowship

Christopher Kaselonis - Allegheny College - Trustee Scholarship; Drexel University - Dean’s Scholar; University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown - Leadership Scholarship; Tusculum College - Tusculum Scholarship; Westminster University - Tower Scholarship

Jessica Kostelnik - Robert Morris University - Colonial Grant, Resident Student Grant; Washington and Jefferson - Dean’s Award; Westminster University - Tower Scholarship

Colin Kracinovsky - Washington and Jefferson University - Scholars Award

Elyse Larouere - Savannah College of Art & Design - Academic Honors Award

Briana Law - Carlow University - Academic Scholarship

Zrandia Magwood - Carlow University - Carlow Award

Kelly McGrew - Saint Vincent College - Leadership Scholarship, Alumni Grant, College Award; Salisbury University - Presidential Scholarship; Washington and Jefferson University - Scholars Award

Jennifer Murphy - Slippery Rock University - National City Scholarship; West Virginia University - Blue and Gold Level 2 Scholarship

Kristi Murphy - Saint Vincent College - Alumni Grant, College Award, Leadership Scholarship

Jennfier Norgren - Westminster University - Jerb Miller Scholarship

Kelley Page - Edinboro University - Alumni Association Scholarship

Lyn Peterson - Washington and Jefferson University - Scholars Award; Westminster University - Tower Scholarship

Justin Ruchka - Washington and Jefferson - Scholars Award

Matthew Ruffing - Pennsylvania State University - Chancellor’s Award, Point Park University - Academic Scholarship, Community Service and Leadership

Nicholas Saunders - Ohio Northern University - ONU Orchestra Talent Award, Academic Honors Scholar; University of Dayton - Dean’s Merit Scholarship

Tara Simm - Carlow University - Academic Scholarship

Tychelle Stephens - Robert Morris University - Colonial Grant, Freedom Grant

Ashley Taylor - Duquesne University - Academic Scholarship; Mercyhurst College - Egan Scholar; Messiah College - Provost Scholarship; Slippery Rock University - Merit Scholarship; Waynesburg University - AB Miller Scholarship

Jason Thompson - Clarion University - Full Board of Governors Scholarship; West Virginia University - Storer Scholarship

Nickolas Verbene - LaRoche College - Founders Achievement Award

Nicholas Vranesevic - Duquesne University - University Academic Scholarship, Tamburitzan Grant in Aid Scholarship

THE WEST MIFFLIN AREA HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2009 WAS AWARDED OVER $1.2 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS!

WMAMS Honors “Students of the Year”During the May 21, 2009 regular school board meeting, the West Mifflin Area MiddleSchoolpresentedits“2009StudentoftheYear”awards.Thisyearade-servingstudentwasselected,bytheteachingstaff,fromeachoftheeighthgradeteams;KatieSlaterwaschosenforTeamAtlasandAnnaSlobodnyakwas the choice for Team Helios.

The students were acknowledged for their accomplishments in the classroom andcommunitybyteachersMrs.ChristyKozarandMr.WilliamFike.Eachof these young women have set high academic standards and exude social leadership. Mrs. Kozar and Mr. Fike recognized their parents for raising such dedicated students. Katie and Anna were presented with a commemorative framed certificate and a $200 cash award.

Effort Attitude Respect (EAR) Program at Middle School Recognizes Highest ReferralsStudentswhoweregivenfiveormorereferralsduringthisyearfortheEffortAttitudeandRespectProgramat the middle school were rewarded with a gourmet breakfast honoring their achievements. The program has greatly improved the school’s overall student behavior and achievement.

We would like to thank Mr. Michael Kosko andMr.BrendanVinesfortheirdedicationtotheprogram.

Congratulations to the following students:

6th GradeBrendanBeardmore

FallonBeaver

7th GradeTyler AxelsonElizabethAxtellAlex CarradineMaddy Crow

Tamara HawkChris Johns

Lindsay JunstrohmPaige KohlRyan MahaNick MullenJohn ReseterColemanSpatta

Lenny UnitasChelseaVojtash

8th GradeLauren Allas

Jenna MihalcinAmber PauleKatieSlater

AnnaSlobodnyak

WMAMSteacherMr.WilliamFikepresentsTeamHelios’StudentoftheYearAnnaSlobodnyakwithacertificateandcashaward.

StudentoftheYearforTeamAtlas,KatieSlater,poseswithWMAMSteacherMrs.ChristyKozar.

OnWednesday,May6theSteelValleyChamberofCommerceheldit’sannualOutstanding Citizens Awards dinner at Westwood Golf Club. This event honors individuals, businesses, organizations and students who have brought honor and pride totheSteelValleycommunitythroughtheirexemplaryworkandcommitment.

TheWestMifflinAreaSchoolDistrictwasproudlyrepresentedattheceremonywithfourhonorees.FutureLeaderAwardeeTamaraHawkrepresentedtheMiddleSchool.Tamara was selected for this award by the guidance department.SheisanEARrecipient,communityvolunteer, member of the orchestra and swim team. Tamara plans to pursue a career in medicine as a pediatrician or neonatologist.Sheisthedaughter of Debbie Hawk of West Mifflin.

West Mifflin class of 2009 graduate Jennifer Jones was the recipient of the SeniorScholarshipaward.Jennifer resides in West Mifflin with her mother Christine Galvin and stepfather James Galvin. SheplanstoattendtheUniversityofPittsburgh’sSchoolofNursingtobecomeanursepractitioner.Jenniferwas a member of the homecoming court, cheerleading squad and vice president of the seniorclass.Shealsoparticipatesindancingandgymnastics.ThePittsburghTribune-Review also recognized her with their Outstanding Citizen Award.

SMSgtOtisDiCerboleadstheWestMifflinAreaHighSchool’sAFJROTCandistheAerospaceScienceinstructorforhisdedicationintheclassroomandcommunity.SergeantDiCerbowasselectedasEducatoroftheYear.AgraduateofGenevaCollegeandSt.FrancisUniversity,Sgt.DiCerboresidesinNorthHuntingdonwithhiswifeShawnnanddaughterErin.Hehaspreviouslybeenselectedasthe2004,2006and2008TopAerospaceScienceInstructorand2008MonValleyPTATeacheroftheYear.

AsidefromhisworkontheWestMifflinAreaSchoolDistrictBoardofSchoolDirectors,Dr. Albert Graham has supported the West Mifflin community through his work with theVFWPost914,youthactivities,fundraisersandcommunityinvolvement.Forhisefforts,Dr.GrahamwasselectedfortheOutstandingCitizensAward.Dr.GrahamisagraduateofPalmerCollegeofChiropracticandThePennsylvaniaStateUniversity.HeismarriedtoECECkindergartenteacherMrs.CathyGrahamandtheyhavethreesons.

We congratulate all of the awardees and thank them for proudly representing the West MifflinAreaSchoolDistrict!

DistrictWellRepresentedatSteelValleyChamberAwardsDinner

WMAMSstudentTamaraHawkacceptstheSteelValleyChamberFutureLeader Award.

EducatoroftheYearrecipientSergeantOtisDiCerboposeswithWMASDAssistantSuperintendentDr.JanetSardon.

Dr. Albert Graham accepts the Outstanding Citizen Award.

WMAHSClassof2009graduateandSeniorScholarshipAwardeeJenniferJonesposeswithSteelValleyChamberPresident Mr. John Karafa.

Students in the District’s PA Pre-K Counts ECEC Preschool Program participated in a special graduation ceremony to celebrate the completion of pre-school and the anticipation of entering kindergarten. Songs were performed and each student received a diploma. A highlight slideshow of the school year was shown to end the program. This special presentation was sent to each parent/guardian as a memento of the year and ceremony.

Assistant Superintendent and ECEC Principal Dr. Janet Sardon addressed those in attendance and thanked the parents and staff members for their support of the program. A special thank you is extended to teachers Ms. Molly Greiner and Ms. Jessica Gajdos; and teacher assistants Mrs. Marilyn Mautino and Mrs. Amber Kocher for planning such a memorable program.

Photos: top right- preparing to enter the auditorium for the program; can’t resist a tug on the classmates tassel; blowing the tassel out of her face; below - waiting to start the program; a song during the program.

We thank our local legislators and board of school directors for their full support and realization of the importance of early childhood education initiatives.

Early Childhood Education Programs - Preparing Our Children for the Future

TheWMASDisacceptingapplications for students who qualify for PA Pre-K Counts,our state funded preschool

program. If you are interested in a high quality, tuition free

preschool please call AssistantSuperintendentDr.JanetSardonat(412)948-1120.

The WMAHS’ Drama Club held its first ever Interactive Mystery Dinner Theatre presentation featuring "The Altos-Like the Sopranos Only Lower" on Friday, May 1st. Over 120 guests attended the fun event. Congratulations to the students and staff who made the event such a success!

Standing (l-r): Rebecca Mamaeff, Mia Kovka, Dante Giordano, Samantha Kosko, Nina Danchenko, Nick Ruffing, Carson Sestili and Jordan Blake; Sitting (l-r) Ashleigh Kiefer, Bill Cook and Michelle Khuze

Congratulations to WMAHS senior Imari Payne who placed 2nd in the Pittsburgh regional August Wilson Monologue Competition at the Pittsburgh Playhouse on Sunday, March 1, 2009. Imari competed against 25 other students. In April, she continued to the national final competition in New York City at the August Wilson theatre on Broadway. Eight finalist from Atlanta, Georgia, New York City and Pittsburgh took part in the event and Imari placed 4th.

New England Elementary student Thomasina Hinkle poem, entitled “A Family of Seven”, was awarded third place in the unrhymed verse category of the 18th annual Ligonier Valley Writer’s Student Poetry Awards competition.

WMAHS Dinner Theatre a Real “Hit”

MembersoftheWestMifflinAreaHighSchool’sFutureTeacher Club visited each of the District’s elementary schools to teach a science lesson to their younger peers. At each building,thehighschool“teachers”demonstratedtheeffectsof yeast in an experiment with dough in which they applied the scientific approach. The future teachers engaged their young peers during the lesson through questions and visuals. Their interactive lesson allowed the students to smell and touch the dough created in the experiment.

Ateachschool,boththeyoungerandolderstudentsenjoyedthe activity. The experiment and instruction gave the studentsnewinsightintosomeoftheirfavoritefood-pizza!

Future Teachers Instruct Young Peers

WMAHSFutureTeacherClubmembersElizabethPaceandAndrewButkoteachasciencelessontoaclassatClaraBarton.

The West Mifflin Area Community Foundation held a contest to create a new logo for their organization.Above,theparticipants(l-r)ZeijkoVujinjic,ZackBright,founderMr.BobMacey,grand-prizewinnerRandyMarchelletta,ShaneHollisandteacherMr.ScottMizenerposewiththeawardsfortheircreativedesigns.Eachparticipantreceived$25andthegrandprizewinnerwasawarded$250.

BelowisRandy’swinningdesign:

Congratulations to Steph Goodrow winner of the 2009 Congressional High School Art Competition for the14thDistrictofPennsylvania.Steph’scomposition,entitled“AWalk”,willbedisplayedintheUnitedStatesCapitolforthenextyear.Herpiecewasselectedfrom55entriessubmittedfromU.S.RepresentativeMikeDoyle’sdistrict, which encompasses 12 school districts.

WMAHSstudentsElyseLarouereandRachelPlaysowereamong 12 students who were recognized with an honorable mention. Congratulations to these talented young artists.

Atright,CongressmanDoyleposeswithStephbyherwinning entry.

New England’s Western CookoutNew England Elementary Principal Noelle Haney stepped behind the grill to treat her students, staff , school board and district administration to an annual western cookout on Wednesday, May 13. Many students enjoyed the theme by dressing in western hats and apparel. Everyone enjoyed dining outside and the beautiful spring day.

Thanks to Mrs. Haney, the New England staff and PTA, Nutrition, Inc. and Mr. Ron Carr of the district’s maintenance staff for their hospitality and a delicious lunch.

West Miffl in Area Middle School students raised over $200 for autismawarenessduringaweeklongfundraiser.Staff memberscontributedprizesthatwereraffledoff tothosewhomadeadonation.Participants received a puzzle piece shaped entry which was used to form a large puzzle in the main hallway. A puzzle piece is the universal logoforautismawareness.Thankstoallofthestaff andstudentswhocontributed to this special fund raiser.

Autistic-supportteacher,Mrs.LeahMangino(right)looksonasstudentJenna Genatire makes a donation to the fund raiser.

For the second year, District students were given the opportunity to experience science from a uniqueperspective - throughtheScienceOlympiadevent. Theweek longcompetitionprovideshands-on activities designed to engage the students in various science related fields.

Sixneweventswereaddedtothisyear’sformatincludingaScienceRelayrequiringthestudentstocompletefouractivities;OutofthisWorld-focusingonthesolarsystem;QuizShow-students

answered general science related questions; Parts of a Whole - students were asked to identify parts of specific objects such as a flower, rainbow, watercycle and volcano; Lego Mania - this event featured designing race cars and building towers.

As in the previous year, each activity was based on the PennsylvaniaStateStandardsandDistrict’scurriculum.A special addition to this year’s activities were the student volunteers from the high school’s ACE andscience clubs. Their participation instilled a valuable mentoring aspect into the program.

As a participant in the Science It’s Elementary (SIE)grant,NewEmersonElementaryalsohostedaScienceShowcase during the event. This activity allowedparents and community members to witness first hand the benefits of the ASSET program, providedthrough the grant, and participate in some of the science activities.

In addition to the SIE grant, over $3000 in outsidegrant funding was raised to establish this event. The buildingteachers,staffandstudentsworkedtogetherto provide an incredible learning experience for our students.Thankstoallforyoureffortsinmakingthisevent a success and inspiring the scientists in each of our students.

The images on this page depict New EmersonElementary students participating in some of themany activities or the Olympiad.

WMASD 2009 Science Olympiad

PARENT CHALLENGE 2340 - MAKING EVERY DAY COUNTThe West Miffl in Area School District is hosting the fi rst annual "Parent Challenge 2340 - Making Every Day Count", on September 29, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of this special event is to further educate our parents and guardians on the District's educational initiatives (benchmark assessments, curriculum, PSSA, etc.), provide parenting resources, child development information and at home activities to correlate with classroom instruction.

The program is being organized through the District's Design Team. This team works with The Consortium for Public Education to make systematic improvements towards educational excellence.

Additional information about this district wide activity will be provided on the District’s web site and sent home to parents. We look forward to seeing our parents, guardians and stakeholders participate in this educational and important event. Refreshments and exciting door prizes will be off ered for those in attendance!

Parent Challenge ~ 2340 ~

“Making Every Day Count”

September 29, 20096:00 p.m.

West Mifflin Area High School

NEW PHONE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM WILL AIDE DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONIn order to improve communications during school closings, delays, early dismissals, emergencies, and to provide pertinent announcements including attendance issues, parents and guardians will now receive automated calls to their homes and cell phones. The new phone notifi cation system will streamline announcements and provide immediate access to pertinent District information.

It is important for parents and guardians to ensure theircontact information, such as home and cell phone numbersand e-mail addresses, are current at their child’s school. Additional information on the new system will be disseminated at the start of the school year.

The District is excited to off er this new technology to district families and hopes to alleviate the necessity to access the information through local news and radio announcements. The previous e-mail notifi cation system will no longer be utilized with the implementation of this new program.

GWEN’SGIRLSFounded by former City of Pittsburgh Police Commander GwendolynJ.Elliott,theGwen’sGirlsprogramworkswithyounggirlstoprovide“holistic,gender-specificprograms,educationandexperiences.”ThroughagrantfromHighmark’sHealthyHigh5SchoolChallenge,thisenriching program was made available to girls at the middle school this school year.

Many character building and motivational activities took placethroughouttheyear.Above,CrystalineBarger,CommunityEducatorandCoordinatorforGwen’sGirlsinstructs some of the participants in yoga.

The guidance counselors at the middle school also worked withMs.Bargertofacilitatetheprogram.TheDistrict’shomeschoolvisitorMrs.MelissaWallsaid,“Itisuniqueto fi nd a program that is dedicated to addressing issues specifi c to young females and their experiences in today’s society.”Programcoordinatorshopetobeabletoexpandthis valuable program to the high school next year.

On Tuesday, May 19 Steel Center AreaVocationalTechnicalSchoolrecognizedtheirtop students for outstanding achievement. “TopoftheShop”awardsarepresentedeachsemester at school-wide ceremony.

Instructors select a student from their morning and afternoon classes based on conduct, attendance, course proficiency and professionalism. Congratulations to thefollowingWestMifflinAreaHighSchoolstudentswhowererecognizedasthe“TopoftheShop”:

SaraHarrisCosmetology

TiffanyHolmanComputer Programming &

Information Technology

Anthony LucasCollison Repair & Refinishing

AlexVanDykeComputer Aided Drafting

These students were recognized for their achievements during the June board meeting.

TOPof the shop

Upcoming Events and

Dates of InterestKindergarten Readiness Testing

August 12

Preschool Orientation August 27

Kindergarten Orientation August 28

First Day of School 2009 - 2010

Monday, August 31

Labor Day No School

Monday, September 7

District Open HouseSeptember 15 - 17

Two Hour DelayFollowing are the dates for the 2009-2010 two hour delay professional development days. This information along with the complete 2009-2010 calendar is available on the district web site at www.wmasd.org. Information is updated on this interactive calendar and kept current throughout the year.

September 30October 28January 27

February 24March 31*

April 28June 10

* Possible Early Dismissal or Two Hour Delay to be determined.

ALUMNI NEWS

AlabamaStateUniversityfreshmangolferand2008WestMifflinAreaHighSchoolgraduate John Montgomery earneda75thplacefinishattheNCAADivisionICentralRegional.JohnisthefirstASUgolfertoqualifyforNCAApostseasonplay.

Monica Rivera,a1998WestMifflinAreaHighSchoolgraduate,earnedherdoctoraldegreeinMechanicalEngineeringfromDukeUniversityinDecember2008.Herdissertationresearchfocusedon“TheDevelopmentofaState-of-the-ArtAtomicForceMicroscopeforImprovedForceSpectroscopy.”InadditiontoherPh.D.degree,MonicaalsoholdsaB.S.inBiomedicalEngineeringfromJohnsHopkins University.

CONGRATULATIONSTO THE 2008-2009WMASD RETIREES!

Teaching StaffRita Suss

Secretarial StaffFrances Natale

Maintenance/Custodial StaffJanet WilliamsRobert Williams

The West Mifflin Area School District received over $1.251 million in grant funding in the

2008-2009 school year!

WMAHS to Celebrate 50 Years of MusicTheWestMifflinAreaHighSchoolTitanThunderMarchingBandismarkingthe50thanniversaryoftheschool’smusicprogramwithaspecialreunionandperformanceduringtheSeptember26,2009FestivalofBands. AllformerTitanThunderMarchingBandandauxillaryunitmembers are invited to participate in this special event. For addtional information, please contact band director Mr. Devon Smealat412-466-9283oreventcoordinatorMr.DaveMilleratdavedmillerjr@aol.com.

AdditionalinformationwillbeavailableonMr.Smeal’steacherpage on the district’s web site at www.wmasd.org.

Congratulations to WMAHS Senior Michael Stanzel who receIved a basketball scholarship to attend the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

Below,Michael’sfatherMr.MichaelStanzel,basketball coach Mr. Lance Maha and Michael’s motherMrs.KathyStanzellookonashesignsaletter of intent.

GRAND CHAMPIONS!

The West Mifflin Area High School Titan Thunder Marching Band was awarded the Grand Champion Trophy during their participation at the International Azalea Festival in Norfolk, Virginia from April 30 – May 3. Their performance at the Parade of Nations on May 2 earned them the Best Percussion, Best Marching and the Grand Champion Trophy by scoring a 93 out of 100 points. Eight other high school marching bands participated in the event including local participants South Park, Altoona and Governor Livingston High Schools.

The WMAHS Titan Thunder Marching Band is comprised of 165 students of which 140 participated in the trip. The group stayed at Virginia Beach, spent a day at Busch Gardens and toured Williamsburg and Norfolk. The Parade of Nations was the culminating activity.

The District would like to thank Mr. John A. Rodgers,

Director of Business Development for Kennywood. Mr. Rodgers

provided 20 Kennywood Fun Day passes to the district to use as

incentives during the PSSA testing.Each elementary school was

given passes to award to students for perfect attendance and

participation during the testing.

Thank you Kennywood for your support!

WEST MIFFLIN AREA ADMINISTRATORS & BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

MR. PATRICK A. RISHASuperintendent

DR. JANET SARDONAssistant Superintendent

NED MERVOSBoard President

ALBERT GRAHAMBoard Vice President

DIANA OLASZSchool Director

KATHY HANEY BRACCOSchool Director

JOHN J. DONISSchool Director

RICHARD FIALKOVICHSchool Director

MICHAEL P. JAKUBOVICSchool Director

MICHAEL PRICESchool Director

EDWARD SCHUELERSchool Director

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPittsburgh, PAPermit 3105WEST MIFFLIN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

3000 Lebanon Church RoadSuite 300West Mifflin, PA 15122

SCHOOL SCENE