DISTRICT NEWS Winter 2015

Conewago Valley School District| 130 Berlin Road| New Oxford, PA 17350 Volume 38, Issue 2

Jessica Felix Hanover Chamber Educator of the Year

Conewago Valley is delighted to announce Jessica Felix, NOE and CTE Librarian, has been named the Hanover Cham-ber of Commerce Educator of the Year. Nominated by NOE principal, Ms. Misti Wildasin, Mrs. Felix has been recog-nized for her outstanding dedication to the profession, her students, and fellow teachers. Felix has humbly overcome a variety of obstacles in recent months: splitting her time between two buildings, moderniz-ing the NOE library for student use, condensing the library curriculum, building integral relationships with teachers at NOE, continuing to maintain relationships at CTE, and teaching dynamic and relevant lessons to K-3 students. She has done so while still scheduling book fairs, the book mobile, Relay for Life events, and serving on a variety of committees. Mrs. Felix has accomplished this with accolade. Felix was honored along with four other local teachers at the Eichelberger building in Hanover on November 6, 2014. Accompanying Mrs. Felix were Dr. Harbaugh, Dr. Greenholt, Dr. Sanders, and nominator, Ms. Misti Wildasin. During the evening, Mrs. Felix was presented with a certificate while her biography was read to the audience. A social hour followed the ceremony. “I am truly honored to be recognized by the Conewago Valley School Dis-

trict for my efforts as the elementary librarian.” – Mrs. Jessica Felix

New Leadership at the District Level

January brought with it significant change to the leadership positions at the district level. With the retirement of Super-intendent, Dr. Rebecca Harbaugh, Russell Greenholt, Ed.D. became the new superintendent effective January 19, 2015. Dr. Greenholt has been serving the district over the past two years as the assistant superintendent. He earned his bache-

lor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University, a master’s degree from McDaniel College and a doctorate of education from Immac-ulata University. The district appointed Christopher Rudisill, Ed.D. to fill the posi-

tion of assistant superintendent effective January 1, 2015. Dr.

Rudisill has been the principal of Upper Allen Elementary School

in the Mechanicsburg School District for the past seven years. Pri-

or to that he served two years in the Littlestown School District as

an assistant principal and 7 years in the Gettysburg School District

as a teacher at the elementary and middle school levels. He is a

graduate of East Stroudsburg University, holds a master’s in educa-

tional administration from McDaniel College and a doctorate of

education from Immaculata University.

Volume 38, Issue 2 DISTRICT NEWS

Shippensburg University Outstanding Teachers Shippensburg University and the Shippensburg University School Study Council celebrated American Education Week November 19, 2014 by rec-ognizing 54 outstanding teachers from school districts in South Central Pennsylvania. The honorees were selected for their outstanding service to their school communities based on their commitment to effective teaching, their dedi-cation to their students, their commitment to ongoing professional devel-opment, as well as, for utilizing innovative practices in the classroom and for serving in leadership roles in their schools. Among those recognized were Mr. Matthew Wensel and Mrs. Amy Beckman. Mr. Wensel has been with the District for eight years and is the music instructor at Conewago Township Elementary and New Oxford Elemen-tary. His love of music and pride in his students shine in his preparation and work habits. He is a role model for students, colleagues, and the community. Mrs. Beckman has been a learning support teacher at New Oxford Middle School for the past six years. She uses her passion for teaching to move students to high levels of achievement through skill, dedication, determi-nation and communication, knowing all students can achieve at high lev-els. Her enthusiasm for the craft of teaching and commitment to the en-hancement of the teaching profession makes her an outstanding educator.

New Oxford/Conewago Valley Students of the Month for

November & December 2014

The New Oxford-Conewago Valley Rotary Club recognizes seniors monthly from New Oxford and Bermudian Springs high schools based on academic achieve-ment, school leadership, extra-curricular involvement, community service and character. The New Oxford Student of the Month for November was Abigail Britton from New Oxford High School and Joshua Stroup from Bermudian Springs High School. Abigail was presented by Ashlie Murren, language arts teacher. She is a member of the National Honors Society, Big Brother/Big Sister Club, Concert Band, Orchestra, Photography Club and Student Council. Abilgail was also a contestant in the Miss Hanover Pageant. She plans to attend a 4-year college fol-lowing high school to study Business Administration. She is the daughter of Ja-mie and Layla Britton. The New Oxford Student of the Month for December was Michael Gruver . Mi-chael was presented by Katie Gingerich, social studies teacher. He is the presi-dent of the National Honors Society, a member of the Varsity Club and partici-pates in his church youth group. Michael was also the captain of the high school golf and tennis teams. He was named Golfer of the Year and Tennis Player of the Year in 2014. He is also an instructor at several tennis camps. He plans to attend Bridgewater College following high school to study Math and Business and to continue his golfing career. He is the son of Eric and Shannon Gruver.

DISTRICT NEWS Volume 38, Issue 2

On Wednesday, December 17, the third grade hall smelled sweet at Conewago Township Elementary! The students and their par-ents were involved in creating unique and beautiful Gingerbread Houses! Parents and teachers generously contributed the sweet supplies and Mr. Bill and Mrs. Hoffman helped in the preparation for the day. Parents and students worked for over an hour creating the per-fect scenes, which were then displayed in the hallway for the afternoon. Many of the students from grades K, 1 ,and 2 took a tour to visit the hallway to see the masterpieces. Making the gingerbread houses and displaying them for the

younger grades has been a third grade tradition for many years.

Students who have moved on to

higher grades often ask their

previous teachers if they are

still making them and count the

memory of doing so among

their favorites at CTE. Sweet!

CTE Gingerbread Houses

Generosity Assembly at NOE Presented by XP Live

Students at New Oxford Elementary School learned about the value of "Generosity" with an assembly presented by XP Live on Friday, December 5. The students were actively involved in learning about the value of generosity through games and songs. Pictured are students from

Mrs. Shearer and Mrs. Bollinger's classes unwrapping the gift of generosity with one hand each! Also pictured are kindergar-ten and first grade students who participated in a relay game to get the most worms (gummy, of course!) into the cup on their partner's head. The students enjoyed the assembly and have done a great job throughout the month of December showing their generosity. The value for the month of January is "Commitment, making a plan and putting it into practice." Ask any K - 3 student what commitment means and they will be able to tell you.

On Wednesday, November 19, students in Mrs. Northup-Gallagher’s third grade class at Conewago Township Elemen-tary shared a Traditions Tea with about 35 grandparents. The students had been studying about family traditions in their read-ing theme. The students served tea to their grandparents. Then, they each shared one thing that made their grandparents so spe-cial. There wasn’t a dry eye among the grandparents by the end of that segment! Then, the grandparents were limited to tell one thing that made their grandchildren special. It was very difficult for the grand-parents to only share one thing! The tea gave the students the opportunity to see how family tra-ditions have changed and remained the same in the past two gen-erations. The children sat, enthralled, and listened while grandparents told stories and showed artifacts pertaining to their tradi-tions. There was a question and answer period at the end. It was evident that the students had been listening very carefully. To conclude the morning, the students gave their grandparents a tour of the school

CTE Grandparent Traditions Tea

Volume 38, Issue 2 DISTRICT NEWS

Wednesday, December 10, 2014, marked the 5th annual Kid’s Closet event held at CTE. Kid’s Closet allows CTE families to get free, gently used clothing for their children. The clothing is donated by teachers and parents of CTE. Tables are set up in the lobby at CTE displaying clothing for all seasons with sizes ranging from 5T to 10. Those families, who are interested but unable to attend the event, are able to request clothing in advance. The requested siz-es are bagged and sent home with their child. This event also helps to supply the school nurse with clothing for chil-dren who may need a change of clothing during the school day. This school year we were able to service approxi-mately 35 CTE families! This is the largest number to date

CTE teachers preparing the table for the 5th annual Kid’s Closet held at CTE, December 10, 2014

CTE Kid’s Closet

CTE Holiday Shop

Conewago Township Elementary School students recently shopped for low-cost gifts for friends and family at the annual Holiday Shop. Students purchased gifts and parent volun-teers were available to assist in wrapping the gifts. Zane Strunk was the winner of a giant gift stocking. While the students shopped at the Holiday Shop, parents were invited to shop at the 2nd annual Holiday Bazaar in which thirteen vendors were present: Arbonne, Avon, Handmade Jewelry, It Works! Jamberry Nails, Origami Owl, Scentsy, Silpada, Stamp It Up, Sue's Jewelry Box, Tastefully Simple, Thirty-One, and Tupperware! Thanks to the CTE PTO for another successful Holiday Shop/Bazaar.

Hispanic Parent Night at NOE

On Tuesday, December 2, Hispanic parents of New Oxford Elementary and Conewago Township Elementary School students were invited to an informational evening to learn about school programs, ask questions and network with each other. Presentations included the topics of attendance, report cards, accessing information on the district website, and the Core Essentials Values Program, to name a few. Child care was provided by New Oxford High School stu-dents. Families also enjoyed pizza, cookies and door prizes. Shown in the picture are Ms. Wildasin enjoying a book and cookies with a few of the students who attended, and Mrs. Aguilera translating and networking with some of the par-ents.

Volume 38, Issue 2 DISTRICT NEWS

8th Grade #thanksgivingforward

The 8-2 team in the middle school likes to reward students for a job well done. One of those occasions is the day before Thanksgiving break, when students who have maintained their attendance and have all of their work completed have the opportunity to watch a movie related to a curricular area. In the past, we’ve asked students to bring in a can of food as an admission ticket to the movie, but this year, we decided to ask the students to make a more personal donation.

The #thanksgivingforward event began on Nov 6, which gave students two weeks to earn the 50 points they needed for admission to the movie on Nov 24. Points were earned through a variety of “giving back” activities, ranging from doing the dishes without being asked to visiting with an elderly person. While there were options that cost money to complete, students could easily earn their points using kindness and thoughtfulness.

Throughout the two week period, homerooms kept a tally of how many points had been earned. Mrs. Mart’s homeroom

students designed a turkey, on which they added feathers for every act of kindness. In Mr. Heird’s homeroom, students

wrote their feats on individual turkeys and taped them to the board. At the end of two weeks, 8-2 students performed

over 450 acts of kindness and earned more than 4,500 points. The teachers of 8-2 are very proud of what their students,

through the generosity of their spirit, accomplished in the true sense of the holiday.

As part of the Ox STRONG Program (School-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support Program) at NOMS, each month, grade

level teams nominate a representative that most exemplifies the characteristics of the 5 Ps (Participation in Learning, Perseverance,

Promptness, Preparedness, and Politeness). These “Students of the Month” receive a special lunch in their honor held in a special

location outside of the cafeteria. The Sub Stop donates $10 per student and allows all six students to order from the menu. The food

is delivered by an administrator during both lunch periods. Students also receive a certificate that is displayed in a cafeteria show-

case for the entire month. Parents are sent a letter of notice and recognition regarding their students being awarded the honor of

Student of the Month. The students who earned this honor so far this year are listed below. Congratulations!

September October November 7-1 – Alvaro Hernandez 7-1 – Hayley Boteler 7-1 - Sara Pfisterer 7-2 – Jason Lookenbill 7-2 – Lauren Dubs 7-2 - Reno Bly 7-3 – Brenden Gass 7-3 – Morgan Adams 7-3 - Alysia Krauc 8-1 – Amber Luckenbaugh 8-1 – Jayden Klinedinst 8-1 - Katie Cole 8-2 – Sydnee Loy 8-2 – Daelyn Stabler 8-2 - Maddie Markle 8-3 – Jaren Rex 8-3 – Bri Airing 8-3 - Lilli Reck

NOMS Students of the Month

DISTRICT NEWS Volume 38, Issue 2

The New Oxford High School Marching Band (NOMB) took first place in the Open Division of the Liberty Confer-ence at the Cavalcade of Bands Grand Championships held at Hersheypark Stadium on Saturday, November 8th. The NOMB scored a 95.85 which placed them just ahead of the second place band from Susquehannock High School (95.05) and the third place band from Unionville High School (94.7). The Marching Colonials also earned the spe-cialty awards for Best Music, Best Visual and Best Percussion out of the nine bands that competed in this division.

This is the second championship for the NOMB in the past 5 years having won the same title back in 2009.

NOMB WINS CHAMPIONSHIP

Two members of the New Oxford Marching Band, Aman-da Wood (12th grade – Color Guard) and Hunter Groft (10th grade – Snare Drum), were selected to march with the Cavalcade of Bands Honor Band in the 2015 Tourna-ment of Roses Parade held in Pasadena, California. Amanda and Hunter had to audition for a spot in this elite ensemble, pay their own way and attend several rehearsals in the Allentown and Philadelphia areas over a six month period to prepare for this event. A lot of hard work and dedication paid off as their performance was seen by mil-lions of people around the world on NBC and HGTV on New Year’s Day. Congratulations Amanda and Hunter!

NOHS Students Participate in

Tournament of Roses Parade

Conewago Valley Intermediate School students, (left to right) Vance Hagarman, Mikalya Gebhart, Kaitlyn McNew and Joshua Rickrode, participated in the PMEA District 7 Youth Honors Band. Students traveled to Greencastle Antrim High School for the two day event in November.

PMEA District 7 Youth

Honors Band

Volume 38, Issue 2 DISTRICT NEWS

Senior Senator for a Day Colonial Pride

Look on the walls of classrooms and in the hallways of New Ox-

ford High School and you can’t miss signs of the New Oxford Colonial Pride Program. The Colonial Pride Program is the high school version of the district’s School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program (SWPBS). SWBPS is a data-driven approach to proactively teach and modify behaviors. The Colonial Pride team believes “Education must include a balanced focus on both academic achievement and social competence.” In Colonial Pride, the word “PRIDE” is broken into five focus areas with each representing a behavioral focus area for all stu-dents. Thus far “P-Positive Words and Actions” and “R-Responsibility for Self” have been taught through advisor lessons. NOHS held a school-wide poster contest in advisor rooms for the best poster representing “Responsibility for Self.” There were over 100 outstanding entries! Ms. Keefauver’s advisor room won the best poster award and received a pizza party! You can see all of NOHS’s talent on the posters displayed in the senior commons area. The Colonial Pride Program has also been active in rewarding students who go above and beyond in exhibiting the PRIDE be-havioral focus areas. Teachers hand out “Pride Tickets” to stu-dents for actions like holding the door for a student or teacher, welcoming a new student, helping to clean up in the cafeteria, being prepared for class, and many other positive behaviors. The tickets help students earn prizes and special privileges. Thus far, NOHS teachers have handed out more than 350 tickets to students who have cashed them in for snacks, preferred parking spaces, McDonald’s gift cards, and many other prizes. Most prizes have been donated by numerous generous businesses and individuals in the community. The goal of the Colonial Pride Program is to change the culture of

NOHS to a more positive and supportive environment. Students

are being recognized more for the positive things they do, not just

the mistakes they make. The Colonial Pride Program has a core

team that is ever growing. If you would like to participate or pro-

vide input, you are more than welcome! For further info, contact

NOHS building Principal Kevin Thomas at thom-

ask@conewago.k12.pa.us or (717) 624-2157 ext. 2001.

On October 30th, Mr. Matt Muller and Mrs. Katie Gingerich took 15 seniors to Harrisburg for a Senator for a Day activity sponsored by Senator Richard Alloway II. These students rep-resented New Oxford High School exceptionally well through their participation in legislation revisions in committee and debate during the General Session. Students had the opportuni-ty to mark up five existing pieces of the legislation, work with lobbyists, and eventually debate the passing or opposition of the bills with Senator Alloway. Our students were knowledgea-

ble and well spoken!

Volume 38, Issue 2 DISTRICT NEWS

High School Fall Outstanding Athletes

Athletic physicals for 2015-2016 will take place in June

Athletic physicals for students in grades 7 to 12, in the upcoming 2015-2016 school year, will be held on Monday, June 8 and Thursday, June 11 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in the high school lobby. THIS WILL BE THE ONLY TIME

ATHLETIC PHYSICALS ARE OFFERED FOR ATHLETES AT SCHOOL. There is a cost of $12.00 per stu-dent for physicals (subject to change). Students with the last name beginning A-M should report June 8 and students with the last name beginning N-Z should report June 11. Please see the cover sheet of the athletic physical packet for exact times. Physical packets will be

available on the school website under the sports section in May. IF THE STUDENT DOES NOT ATTEND THESE PHYSICAL DATES, IT WILL BE THE PARENTS’ RE-

SPONSIBILITY TO GET A PIAA ATHLETIC PHYSICAL FOR THEIR CHILD (note: athletic physicals and

school physicals are two different types of paperwork).

ALL ATHLETES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A PHYSICAL (DATED AFTER JUNE 1, 2015) BEFORE

PARTICIPATING IN ANY PIAA SPORT.

THE PIAA COMPREHENSIVE INITIAL PRE-PARTICIPATION PHYSICAL PACKET MUST BE COM-

PLETED. WE CANNOT ACCEPT ANY OTHER PHYSICAL PAPERWORK. If your question is not answered on the instruction page of the physical packet, you may contact the athletic

trainer at 624-2157.

2015-2016 SPORTS PHYSICALS

Congratulations to Mike Gruver who was named the 2014 Aero Energy All-Times Golfer of the Year and to Josh O’Brien who was named the 2014 Aero Energy All-Times Golf Coach of the Year. Also, congratulations to Michael Robinson who was named to the 2014 All-Times Golf Team. Congratulations to Aaron Gebhart who was named the 2104 Aero Energy All-Times Boys’ Cross Country Runner of

the Year and to Colby Frantz who was named the 2014 Areo Energy All-Times Boys’ Cross Country Coach of the

Year. Also, congratulations to Noah Baxter who was named as a member of the 2014 All-Times Cross Country

Team. Congratulations to Dagney Markle who was chosen as the 2014 Aero Energy All-Times Girls’ Tennis Player of the

Year. Also Congratulations to Jess Soulliard who was chosen as a member of the 2014 All-Times Girls’ Tennis

Team. First Row (L-R) Noah Baxter, Jessica Soulliard, and Dagney Markle Second Row (L-R) Coach Colby Frantz, Aaron Gebhart, Michael Gruver, and Coach Josh O;’Brien

NEW OXFORD SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Conewago Va l l ey S choo l D i s t r i c t January/February 2015 D i s t r i c t News

On December 29, 2014, the New Oxford Sports Hall of Fame inducted two new members, Travis ‘Jack’ Harner, class of 1948, and John Harner, class of 1965. Jack was a three sport star earning a total of nine varsity letters in soccer, basketball and baseball. In 1948, Jack was the Adams/Franklin League’s leading scorer in basketball while also lighting up the stats as New Oxford’s top pitcher and leading scorer in soccer. He continued playing basketball in community leagues and during his two year stint in the Navy. John was a four year starter on the boys’ basketball team which won two Adams/Franklin League championships. John’s career point total of 1507 still stands almost 50 years later. He was a three time league first team all-star selec-tion and noted as an honorable mention prep All American by the Coach and Athlete magazine. John was a three year starter on the varsity baseball team which also won a league championship in 1965. John continued playing at East Stroudsburg University where the 1969 ESU baseball team captured the PSAC championship and saw John lead the team in ERA, wins, strikeouts and innings pitched. Congratulations to Jack and John Harner!

Travis “Jack” Harner John Harner

The mission of the Conewago Valley School District, in partnership with family and community, is to

educate students to their fullest potential so they grow to be productive and responsible citizens.

District Administration Office

130 Berlin Road, New Oxford, PA 17350 Phone: 717-624-2157 Fax: 717-624-5020

www.conewago.k12.pa.us

Dr. Russell Greenholt, District Superintendent Dr. Christopher Rudisill, District Assistant Superintendent

Dr. Janet Trimmer, Supervisor of Special Education Dr. Karen Sipe, Supervisor of Educational Programs

Mrs. Lori Duncan, Business Manager Mrs. Bobbi Miller, Transportation Director

Mr. Steven Long, Coordinator of Computer Services and Technology Mr. Jeffrey Murren, Head of Maintenance

Mr. Brian Eckert, Head of Grounds

The Conewago Valley School District does not discriminate or deny services in its educational programs or activities nor in its employment practices on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, age, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, limited English proficiency, or any other legally protected category as defined by: Title VI Civil Rights Act 1964, Title IX Educational Amendments 1972, Section 504 Rehabilitation act 1973, Age Discrimination in Employment Act 1967, Americans with Disabilities Act 1190, and Department of

MISSION STATEMENT