01 BTS 2015 HARBOR CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT WWW.HCSD.IU5.ORG

Harbor Creek School District l Back-To-School 2015

IN THIS ISSUESuperintendent’s note

Senior High UpdatePage 02

Important DatesPage 02

Junior High UpdatePage 03

Rolling Ridge & Clark UpdatesPage 04

Klein UpdatePage 05

Important NoticesPage 06

Harbor Creek School District6375 Buffalo Road

Harborcreek, PA 16421Phone: (814) 897-2100

Fax: (814) 897-2142

HCSD.iu5.org

Connect With HCSD On Twitter & Facebook

It’s hard to believe that summer has come and gone already. With this end, comes a beginning. It’s the anticipation of a new school year right around the corner! I am incredibly humbled to serve as superintendent and look forward to working with you to ensure that every student and every school thrives. Harbor-creek is an amazing place to work, live, and send your children to school. I am thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of it.

This was another very busy summer for the school district. Learning, plan-ning, and preparing for the school year happen all summer long. The most visible signs of activity are the newly renovated Clark School and fresh turf installed in Paul J. Weitz Stadium. Many thanks to everyone involved for making both of these projects such a success. Many of our teachers have been hard at work over the summer, taking classes and participating in training and courses to increase their knowledge for delivering deep and rich instruction to our stu-dents. Summer is definitely not a time of rest. Quite to the contrary, faculty and staff are working hard to ensure a fantastic 2015-16 school year.

I encourage everyone to “Get Connected” to all that is going on in our District. Check our website frequently. Be sure to always keep your cell phone and email information updated so you can receive alerts. And, follow us on Twitter and Facebook. It is my goal to make sure that every member of our community feels informed about our schools.

I am excited to share that we will again be kicking off the school year with our “Meet & Greet” events at each school. The Senior and Junior High Schools will be holding their events on August 19th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All three elemen-tary schools will be holding their events on August 20th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Also, mark your calendars for August 24th — the first day of school.

As I launch into my first year as your superintendent, I encourage you to be involved in your student’s education, ask questions if you don’t understand something or need assistance, and let us know how we can help. We are here to serve our students as we continue the District’s tradition of providing a top-notch education and strive for even higher goals and expectations for the students of our community. As a school district, we have the capacity to provide outstanding educational opportunities for all of our children. I will work with you each and every day to accomplish this.

Thank you for the opportunity to be your new superintendent and serve this community. I look forward to a long and successful partnership.

KELLY HESSSuperintendentHarbor Creek School District

HCSD NEWSLETTER

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HCSD Newsletter back to school 2015

IMPORTANT DATES

Meet the TeachersAugust 19 l Junior/Senior High

Meet the TeachersAugust 20 l Clark/Klein/Rolling Ridge

First Day for StudentsAugust 24 l All Schools

School PicturesAugust 24 l Junior/Senior High

School PicturesAugust 31 l Klein

School PicturesSeptember 1 l Clark/Rolling Ridge

Magazine Kick-OffSeptember 3 l Junior High

Labor Day (No School)September 7 l All Schools

PTO MeetingSeptember 8 l Klein

PTO MeetingSeptember 9 l Rolling Ridge

Marching Band ExhibitionSeptember 12 l At General McLane

PTO MeetingSeptember 14 l Clark

Rolling Ridge Book FairSeptember 21, 25 l Rolling Ridge

Bagels & BooksSeptember 23, 24 l Rolling Ridge

Marching Band CompetitionSeptember 19 l At McDowell

Elementary Spirit NightSeptember 25 l Clark/Klein/Rolling Ridge

Marching Band CompetitionSeptember 25 l At Bradford

Goodies for Gals (Grades K-2)October 2 l Clark

Homecoming Football GameOctober 2 l Senior High

Homecoming DanceOctober 3 l Senior High

PTO MeetingOctober 7 l Rolling Ridge

Goodies for Gals (Grades 3-6)October 9 l Clark

Marching Band CompetitionOctober 10 l At North East

PTO MeetingOctober 12 l Clark

Teacher In-Service (No School)October 12 l All Schools

PTO MeetingOctober 13 l Klein

School Pictures (Retakes) October 14 l Junior/Senior High

Muffins with MomsOctober 15 l Klein

School Pictures (Retakes)October 19 l Clark/Klein/Rolling Ridge

Clark Book FairOctober 19-23 l Clark

Red Ribbon WeekOctober 26-30 l Clark/Klein/Rolling Ridge

End of 1st QuarterOctober 27 l All Schools

College FairOctober 28 l Senior High

Halloween Celebration & Parade October 30 l Clark/Klein/Rolling Ridge

Marching Band CompetitionOctober 31 l LMBA Championship

As we start the school year, the High School will see many new and ex-

citing changes. There are several new and familiar faces in the office including the principal and assistant principal as well new additions to the guidance and teaching staff. As the focus continues to be on academic excellence, we will be working on creating more educational opportunities and building a stronger

connection to the Harborcreek commu-nity.

Despite all the changes, the one con-stant is the goal of promoting life-long learners through rigorous curriculum taught by our highly qualified and dedi-cated staff. Additional partnerships and community resources will allow stu-dents even more experiences and learn-ing prospects. We will be expanding our

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLPam Chodubski, principal

The Senior High expanded its Advanced Place-ment offerings and increased access to technol-ogy for the 2015-16 school year.

All events listed above are subject to change. Please visit hcsd.iu5.org to confirm event details and start times.

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JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLANDREW KRAHE, principal

The Junior High School faculty and staff are looking forward to a great

2015-16 school year. They are welcom-ing Mr. Krahe back to the Junior High School, as the principal, and he is excit-ed to be working side-by-side with the faculty and staff to ensure the success of all of their students.

They would also like to welcome to the Junior High School family Miss Deir-dre Best as a new mathematics teacher replacing Mrs. Lauren Kelly, who moved to the Senior High School. They will also welcome back Mrs. Sabrina Oshop from her maternity leave.

There will be a new focus program this year, called IMPACT 360. It will not only encompass the 360 school days a stu-dent spends in the Junior High School, but will focus on the whole person each and every day. This program will help students and staff alike in maintain-ing a desire to have Involvement; make the years Memorable; have a Positive

attitude; focus on Academics; practice good Citizenship; and have Teachable students.

Communication will be a key aspect of the Junior High School throughout the 2015-16 school year. Mr. Krahe and the faculty will be utilizing the school

district webpage, email, and some social media outlets to complement the more traditional written and verbal types of communication. They look forward to sharing the good news and happenings in their classrooms and about their Ju-nior High students. H

Paul J. Weitz Stadium received new athletic turf during the summer break. The renovation is complete and the field is ready for action when school starts.

The Junior High is introducing IMPACT 360, a program focusing on each student as a whole person. It encompasses the 360 days each student spends in the Junior High.

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Advanced Placement offering to 13. We are providing students more access to technology to develop 21st century skills they will need for successful transition to life after high school. Other technol-ogy, like our new Student Management System, will also allow parents greater involvement in their child’s education.

The administration, faculty, and staff look forward an outstanding school year that includes both new and old tra-ditions. H

senior high (cont.)

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clark elementarydonna rose, principal

Clark is so excited to be back home in our newly renovated building.

Mrs. Rose and Clark’s staff have been working extra hard to get the school put back together. Our theme this year is “Up, Up, and Away to a Spectacular Year at Clark.” After a long year away, the school looks wonderful. The staff is ready to go and looking forward to the 2015-16 school year.

Upon entering Clark, you will notice the bright and cheery new secure en-

trance. With a double locking door sys-tem, guests can check in at Mrs. Curtis’s window and make themselves comfort-able in the new vestibule waiting area. This will be convenient for families that need to drop off items at the school. As you step into the main lobby, you will see a bright and updated space. The new carpet and paint make for a warm welcome for our students and guests. Greeting the students as they arrive this year is Clark’s new 60-gallon fish tank.

Charlie the fish and his friends, who will be named by the students in Septem-ber, are looking forward to meeting the Clark kids. Glance inside the cafeteria and you will see the floor and stage have been resurfaced. They are beautiful and absolutely glow in sunlight. A new sound and lighting system have also been added and are sure to make our performances even better than before. As you walk through the halls, you will see new ceilings, lighting and flooring.

Welcome, Superheroes! Mrs. Zajac, along with all the teachers and

staff, are excited to start the adventures of the 2015-16 school year. The theme this year is geared toward excellence in academics and strength in character. Rolling Ridge’s slogan is an exciting one as it embraces a school-wide Superhero theme; “Every Day Do Something Amaz-ing!” Rolling Ridge is an amazing place and is looking forward to a year that is beyond great!

Welcome to all the new families at Rolling Ridge. Rolling Ridge has an in-credible 465 children and 70 faculty and staff members. Mr. Grove, Mrs. Arm-strong, Mrs. Oler, and Mrs. Barker are new to the Superhero team at Rolling Ridge. Mr. Andy Grove is a learning sup-port teacher for our 4th and 5th grade students. He is new to Rolling Ridge School, but not to the district as he has taught several years at the high school level. Mrs. Jolene Armstrong is the Dis-trict certified school nurse who can be seen at all three elementary schools.

Mrs. Kim Oler is a school aide who will work in the 5th grade classrooms during the upcoming school year. Mrs. Denine Barker is also new to Rolling Ridge’s caf-eteria staff. Welcome, everyone!

Communication is an important part of the daily operations at Rolling Ridge. Everyone is invited to check out our webpage. Just click on the picture of Rolling Ridge on the HCSD homepage. The events calendar and announce-ments are updated weekly. School con-tacts, email, and phone listings can eas-ily be found at rr.hcsd.iu5.org.

Upcoming Adventures include:

8/20/15 l Meet the Superheroes(formerly Open House)8/24/15 l First Day of School 9/01/15 l School Pictures 9/21/15 l Book Fair Begins9/23/15 l Bagels & Books 9/24/15 l Bagels & Books9/25/15 l School Spirit Night

Rolling Ridge is proud to have a dedi-cated PTO. The Parent Teacher Organi-zation works hard to take Rolling Ridge from “Good” to “Great.” Volunteers for special events are always welcome. Par-ents are encouraged to take part in the activities and events that take place throughout the year. The students, teachers, and entire staff at Rolling Ridge are lucky to have dedicated fami-lies that are actively involved. H

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Rolling Ridge elementarycindy zajac, principal

Rolling Ridge adopts a “Superhero” theme this year and challenges students to do something amazing everyday.

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Much of the renovation project is not easy to see, but is very much appreciat-ed. Clark’s new wiring, plumbing, secu-rity monitoring, sprinkler systems, and especially the air conditioning make our building much safer and more comfort-able for everyone. The classrooms look wonderful with updated lighting, white-boards, windows, and all new furniture. Clark’s library has been completely re-done with all new furniture. As a spe-cial treat to the students, Clark’s PTO raised over $11,000 to purchase all new swings for our playground.

Clark’s renovation project is not the only excitement happening at Clark. We welcome several new additions to our family this year. Mr. Sam Hvezda will join Clark’s staff as our new kin-dergarten teacher. Mrs. Julie Pikiewicz has moved from kindergarten to 3rd grade and Miss Amy Hedderick will be taking over our primary special educa-tion position. Mrs. Angie Keehl will be starting the year off in 4th grade while Mrs. Lada is enjoying some time with her new baby. Finally, Mrs. Jolene Arm-strong is joining us as Harbor Creek’s new elementary school nurse. The be-ginning of a new school year is always an exciting time. Clark is thrilled to be back home. H

klein elementarytyler cook, principal

With anticipation building for an-other exciting school year, fac-

ulty and staff at Klein Elementary have been busy preparing for the arrival of their students on August 24th. Although summer is a wonderful time for relax-ing, staff members have continued over the past few months as learners themselves, attending workshops, conferences, and grow-ing as educators. “I love the thrill of a new school year and new students,” notes veteran kinder-garten teacher Michelle Strandwitz. “I enjoy spending my summer looking up new ideas and finding ways to engage my children, because if I am excited about some-thing, my kindergartners will be as well.”

This fall, Klein wel-comes new principal Tyler Cook, who was previously the assistant principal at the Senior High School. Cook is re-placing Kelly Hess, who has led Klein for the past three years, and is now the new superintendent of Harbor Creek School District. “It is an honor to join an incred-ible school like Klein,” states Cook. “With wonderful families, amazing students, and dedicated faculty and staff, I am ex-cited to join and continue Klein’s tradi-tion of excellence and commitment to see each child reach their full potential.”

Additionally, 5th grade teacher Katie Talley, music teacher Brian Gresh, and school nurse Jolene Armstrong will be joining the Klein family, and are strong additions to the already talented faculty and staff. Each one brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Klein, and their impact is already evident. “All three of our new team members bring

with them incredible passion for what they do, have a great commitment to seeing each student learn and grow, and our school is stronger as a result,” af-firms Tyler Cook.

This year, Klein’s school-wide theme will be “Better Together.” As teachers,

students, and parents prepare for a new year, it is through supporting one anoth-er, collaboration, and remembering that everyone is in it together that brings growth and achievement. The success of each individual truly leads to the suc-cess of the school.

With the new school year around the corner, there are many exciting happen-ings at Klein this fall. The Scholastic Book Fair and Lunch with a Loved One will be September 16-18, Muffins with Moms is October 15, Mom and Me Night is November 5, and Donuts for Dads is November 20. For more dates, details, and news, be sure to stay updated on Klein’s website at klein.hcsd.iu5.org or on twitter at @Klein_School.

The 2015-16 school year is sure to be a great one, and come August 24th when the students walk through the doors, the new adventure will begin. H

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clark school (cont.)

With comprehensive renovations completed, Clark School students and staff are thrilled to be returning home after a year at Clark West.

Klein School’s school-wide theme, “Better Together,” stresses support and collaboration among teachers, students, and parents.

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How To be a volunteerAre you considering volun-teering your time in our schools to assist with edu-cational, extracurricular, and athletic opportunities available to students? As per “Harbor Creek School District Policy 916: School Volunteers,” there are several new requirements. These changes in the District’s policy are mandated based on PA House Bill 1276, passed on June 2, 2015. Packets and forms to be-come a volunteer can be found at the HCSD website (District Info > Human Resource Department > Volunteer Info). Thank you for your willingness to be a volunteer. Your time and willingness to volunteer are greatly appreciated. H

hall of fame class announcedThe Harbor Creek Sports Hall Of Fame is proud to announce its latest in-ductees. The 2015 class includes Dan Budziszewski (head coach: football; assistant coach: softball, basketball, wrestling), John Fails (head coach: football, track, baseball), Brian Son-tag (athlete: track, swimming), 1999 Boys Swimming Relay Team (state champions), and 2006 Girls Softball Team (state champions).

The Hall Of Fame inductees will be honored during halftime of the Octo-ber 9th home football game. The Hall Of Fame Induction Banquet will held Octo-ber 10th at 6:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Tickets are available in the Junior High office between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for $25 each. H

New parent notification serviceHarbor Creek School District is happy to introduce the community to a new communication tool we will be using, One Call Now. One Call Now is an auto-mated parent notification service that will allow the District to contact thou-sands of families within minutes. These

calls may include, but are not lim-ited to: informa-tion on upcom-

ing events or the cancellation of a

school activity that your child is involved

in, school closings or de-lays, absenteeism, and delays

in school transportation.The One Call Now system can deliver

messages via phone, SMS text, and/or email. Each family can have up to six phone numbers and five email address-es assigned to them. This will allow for messages to be sent to home phones, work phones, and cell phones.

By using this service, the District is able to better communicate with fami-lies while reducing the need to print and distribute notices.

Please know that none of your per-sonal information will be shared with

anyone. One Call Now takes the security and privacy of your personal

information (i.e., phone numbers, email addresses) very seriously. This is never sold or shared. You will not receive any unsolicited calls as a result of using the service.

If you have any questions regarding the type of messages that will be sent using this system, please contact your school office. For it to work effectively and efficiently it is important that each school in the District has updated phone numbers and email addresses. The One Call Now system will call the home, cell, or any phone number to which you need a message sent.

If you do not want to be on the One Call Now list, please “opt out” by using this link:

onecallnow.com/opt-out. H

Psat announcementThe Harbor Creek School District is encouraging all 11th graders to par-ticipate in the PSAT test on October 14, 2015. The cost is $15. Checks can be dropped off in the High School guid-ance office, payable to Harbor Creek High School. The deadline to register is September 18th. H

ADVANTAGES OF TAKING THE PSATl To receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses necessary for post-sec-ondary decision-making. l To see how your performance on an admission test might compare with that of others. l To help prepare for the SAT. You can become fa-miliar with the types of ques-tions and the ex-act directions you will see on the SAT. l Good scores can indicate performance on the SAT. The PSAT is a terrific way to familiarize yourself with the structure, content, and process of taking the SAT and get a good sense of how you’ll perform on the actual exam. Your score can show you which subjects you may not be particu-larly strong in, regardless of your grades in related classes. l To receive information from colleges when you check “yes” to Student Search Service.

All questions should be directed to Mrs. Budziszewski in the High School guidance office (lbudziszewski@hcsd.iu5.org). H

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Changes have been made to the Harbor Creek School District’s policy on volunteer-ing. Please visit the District’s website for complete details.