We have been working on our preliminary school budget for the 2017-2018 school year for several months.  It is never an easy process and this year is no exception.  We must develop a balanced budget every year and we always strive for a zero deficit.  This is a tall order.

We depend on local, state, and federal resources to do this.  Of course, this includes taxes and I’ve gone on record to say that, “We don’t want to raise taxes.  Even if we did it still would not be enough to cover the increased costs of a growing school district.  Our student population is growing significantly.  Since the 2008 – 09 school year, we have grown by 800 students.   We have added only one teacher position (there have been retirements, programmatic changes, and attrition), and decreased administrative and support staff during this time frame.”

We must educate every child who enrolls in our school district and with growing diversity and  enrollment, and increased socio-economic concerns; this is an even taller order.  I recently was asked by our School Board of Directors to present several suggestions for cost savings.  This is particularly difficult since our current School Board has required us to operate with a hiring and spending moratorium.  Yet, seven options were presented to them as cost saving measures.   Nothing definitive has been determined at this time.  

I encourage you to keep an open mind about this process and know that all of the decisions that we make are in the best interest of those whom we serve.  Rest assured that we strive each and every day to be good stewards and to be the public school of choice.   It takes a terrific team effort to do this and we remain vigilant about doing the best job we possibly can.   

Joe

Third graders at Ben Chambers Elementary recently celebrated the end of their six-week basketball-themed reading incentive program.    For the six weeks, students were required to read for 20 minutes each night and get a parent signature.

“The third grade homerooms competed against one another to see who could have the most students complete this task.  The big winner was 3-2, Mrs. Moser’s classroom.  As the winners, they received two brand new basketballs for their class to use at recess as well as a banner to display in their classroom.  All of the classes came together in the gym to participate in relay races, contests, and a basketball book raffle.  Hopefully, the 'ready-set-read' motto set for this third grade class will continue for the rest of this school year and in years to come!” said Lindsay Breslin, Title I Reading Specialist at the school.

CASHS student Leah Hunt was named a regional finalist in the National History Day Competition and she will move on to that competition which will be held at the Carlisle High School on May 12 and 13.

“Over 500 students with more 300 projects participated in the 2nd Annual History Day Competition.  Leah placed third in the research paper category.  Her paper was entitled Galileo and the Catholic Church.  We are very proud of Leah and the entire History Day event," said Lisa Schoenleber, assistant CASHS principal.

The CASHS production of Fiddler on the Roof is slated for Friday, April 7 at 7:30 PM in the CASHS auditorium; and Saturday, April 8 at 2:30 and 7:30 PM.  There is no reserved seating and tickets are available at the door.  Seating is first come first serve.  Tickets cost $8 for adults and $5 for students.  Students with activities passes will pay only $2.  CASD Employees receive two free tickets to be used only once.

There are some special ticket considerations:  For Friday night’s performance, for every item donated to the CASHS Cupboard (up to three items), you will receive $1.00 off of the ticket price.  Saturday afternoon’s performance is free for senior citizens and elementary-aged students.  Saturday evening’s performance is “pay what you can – starting at a penny”.

The district’s newly implemented Eureka math program gets high marks from parents, teachers, and students.

“Math was never my daughter’s favorite subject in first and second grade.  Now she comes home from school enthusiastic about what she’s learned.  It is so different from how I learned math mostly from rote memorization of facts and formulas.  As parents we really like the parent portal that is available.  Once you register for this, you get tip sheets and practical ways to reinforce the specific lessons the children were taught in school on any given day,” said Jenny Sefcheck, whose daughter, Gwen, is in third grade.

Congratulations to Falling Spring 5th graders Cora Patterson, Norah Kinton, Cole Leidig, Reid Leidig, Hailey Short, Owen Shrader, Skyler Eiker, and Bryce Lehman who participated in the K’Nex Competition on February 23rd at the Lincoln Intermediate Unit. 

“The students competed against 39 other groups.  They had to build an amusement park ride that was environmentally friendly, prepare blueprints and a journal, and give a two minute oral presentation.  We are very proud of how hard these students worked and how well they represented Falling Spring,” said Jennifer Mooney, fifth grade teacher and STEM Club advisor.

Eight students from the Allied Health Program at Franklin County Career Technical Center’s (FCCTC) Allied Health program won medals from the Health Occupation Student Association’s (HOSA) competition recently. 

“FCCTC teachers in the Allied Health Program are advisors to HOSA and they provide the ‘tools’ the student needs for the competition.   It is totally up to the student on how to utilize these tools.  The students work all year long within and outside the classroom to prepare for the HOSA competitions,” said Mary Jo Foy, special education teacher at FCCTC and the Career Magnet School.

The Elementary Physical Education classes once again surpassed last year’s amount of money that will be donated to the American Heart Association (AHA).

“As a part of the AHA’s Jump Rope for Heart activities, the students raised $54,461 and funds are still coming in.  Through these events, the PE teachers teach students how to be heart healthy and provide them with lifelong learning opportunities, as well as raising donations for those with heart disease!
said Gail Schuyler, physical education supervisor.

“We will recognize the top student fundraiser from each of our 13 elementary buildings and the six PE teachers who participated at the March 22nd School Board meeting at 7:00 PM.  These 13 students raised close to 9% of the total amount raised ($4,818). Nicole Swansinger, Youth Mark Director/Heart Chase Director, will accept these funds for the AHA,” said Schuyler.

The total raised last year from this event was $49,606.

The CASHS NJROTC recently held its third annual Pass-In-Review parade.  This event is required of all students nationally who participate in NJROTC. 

“The event helps us strengthen community relations because of the awards and recognition provided to the cadets from civic groups.  It also strengthens school-parent relations because we invite all of the cadets’ parents,” said Louis Montney, Master Sergeant / USMC (retired), CASHS Naval Instructor.

NJROTC top-performers also were presented awards from our guest inspector and Senior Naval Science Instructor and there was an opportunity to build camaraderie and teamwork through marching with precision and presenting a professional appearance while in uniform, Sgt. Montney explained.