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 Greetings and Happy New Year! Everyone is well aware that public and private companies and
organizations have been struggling financially during the recent recession as individual households have
also been impacted.
Parkland School District is not immune to these economic challenges as we educate 9,400 students and
employ over 1,400 staff members. As we have reported over the years, we work hard to balance the
educational needs of our students with the financial contributions from the community. Considering all of
the regulations and mandates imposed on school districts, the amount of state and federal aid for Parkland
has been insufficient over the years. In fact, our district is penalized in funding methods for being a lowtaxing/
higher market value/higher average income school community. In recent years, we have been really
struggling in a number of revenue areas, particularly in real estate, which had been very strong for many
years, and have been in a downturn for an unprecedented, prolonged period. This revenue downturn is
having a serious, negative impact on the 2011-2012 budget in terms of balancing revenue and expenditures.
I thought I would take some time to review the Budget timeline and process since the preliminary budget is required to be completed by
the end of January for the 2011-2012 budget year.
Parkland will need to participate in the Act 1 Accelerated Budget Process for this cycle which moves the budget planning timeline ahead
by a few months as compared to the past years.
The following information summarizes the key points of Act 1 and will serve to demonstrate how it will impact
Parkland’s preparation of a 2011-2012 budget.
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The names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the annual National Merit
Scholarship Program were announced by officials of National Merit Scholarship
Corporation (NMSC). These academically talented high school seniors have an
opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards,
worth $36 million, that will be offered next spring. Thirteen Parkland High School
2011 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists include:
Kathleen Anthony is the Key Club Secretary, National Honor Society Vice
President, Math League Vice President, and Captain of the cross country team. She
also plays basketball, runs on the track team and participates in the Spanish & Math
Honor Societies. She was one of forty seniors, internationally, to be accepted into the
Notre Dame Global Issues Seminar scheduled to take place in the summer of 2011.
She is also very involved in her church’s youth ministry. She plans to be become a
physician and will study chemistry or biochemistry, but has not yet chosen a college.
Erica Cervantes is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, Art Club, and
Cultural Awareness Club. She received a National Hispanic Recognition Program
Scholar Award. She plans to study neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania,
Washington University in St. Louis, or the University of Pittsburgh.
Nicholas Dyszel is President of the Math League and Math Honor Society, Team
Captain of the Architecture Club, and Vice President of the Ski Club. He also
participates in the National Honor Society, German Honor Society and Club, and
Scholastic Scrimmage team. He earned an AP Scholar with Distinction award and
won the Trig Star competition at Parkland High School and came in first in the state of
Pennsylvania in the competition. His math skills enabled him to qualify and compete
in the American Region competition and he also finds time to volunteer at the
Parkland Community Library. He hopes to study mathematics and computer science
at MIT, Princeton, Carnegie Mellon or Rensselaer.
Camille Houferak was honored with this distinction, however, she has moved
out of the Parkland School District and therefore no further information is available.
Eugenia Kim is the National Honor Society Co-president, Debate Team Captain,
Math Honor Society Vice President, and Science Olympiad President. She also serves
as Student Representative on the Community Advisory Council which is led by the
District’s Assistant Superintendent. Eugenia also participates in the Spanish Honor
Society, and Club Med. She won the AP Scholar with Honor award and placed 1st in
the Reading Olympics competition and placed second at the Science Olympiad
Chemistry Lab competition. She finds time to volunteer at Lehigh Valley Hospital and
is a Young People’s Philharmonic Orchestra member. She has not yet chosen a school,
but plans to major in pre-medicine/cognitive science.
Ruisen (Eric) Liu is Vice President of the orchestra, Chess Club Captain,
Membership Secretary of National Honor Society,
and the Historian of the German Honor Society. He
also participates in the Math and German Honor
Societies. He earned a spot on the Pennsylvania
Music Educator’s Association District 10 Orchestra
and also won the District Chess team title during
his 10th grade year. He hopes to study
business/finance at the University of Pennsylvania.
Joseph Lundeen is a member of the Scholastic
Scrimmage team, French Club, Science National
Honor Society, Chess Club, and Philosophy Club.
He volunteers at the Da Vinci Science Center. He
hopes to study theoretical physics at Princeton,
Cornell, Bucknell, Lehigh, or Seton Hall.
Alina Spiegel is the orchestra’s President, the
Team Captain, and Math League Co-secretary. She also participates in the Strolling
Strings, Chorus, Chorale, Odyssey of the Mind Club, Political Science Club, and Math
and German Honor Societies. She has been honored to participate in the Pennsylvania
Music Educator’s Association’s District, Region and State Orchestras as well as
District and Region Chorus. She finds time to volunteer at Phoebe Nursing Home and
is a concertmistress with the People’s Philharmonic. She plans to study chemistry, but
is undecided on a school at this time.
Sophia Lee Srinivasan is Captain of the Debate team, President of the French
Honor Society, Co-president of the Science Fair Club, and participates in the National
Honor Society, French Club, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, and
Political Science Club. She has won many awards during high school including
Honorable Mention at the Ivy League Model United Nations event, 7th place
nationally for 2 years on the National French Exam (le Grand Concours), and 2nd
place in the CCTV East Coast America Chinese Folk Instrument competition. She
serves as Concertmaster of Music for the China Youth Orchestra in Scotch Plains, NJ
and was the winner of the Parkland High School Parliamentary Procedure Debate
competition. She is undecided on a major, but hopes to attend Yale, Harvard,
Princeton, Columbia, University of Pittsburgh, Georgetown, or Johns Hopkins next
fall.
Vrunda Vithalani is the Captain of the Mock Trial Team, 1st chair Bass Clarinet
in the Band and teaches at the ADAPT School in Bandra, Mumbai, India. She also
participates in Club Med, Latin Club, Math League, Odyssey of the Mind, Biology
Olympics team, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and Science Honor
Society. She has earned an AP Scholar with Distinction award and Cum Laude for her
success on the National Latin Exam as well as played in District, County and Region
Band as well as with the Susquehanna University Honors Band. She is an artist and
avid reader and plans to become a physician. She is considering attending Drexel or
Northwestern Universities.
Anlin Wang is Secretary of the Philosophy Club, Historian of the PHS Orchestra,
and Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Sinfonia. He also participates in Math League,
National Honor Society and Book Club. He has earned the opportunity to play in the
State Orchestra twice and took First Place at the Satori Chamber Music Competition
and Third Place at the Voorhees Concerto Competition. He plans to study biology, but
is undecided on a school at this time.
Kevin Wynosky is President of Student Council, Captain of the Varsity Swim
team and served as Student Representative to the School Board. He is also an active
member of the Student Forum, Student Senate, National Honor Society, Future
Business Leaders of America, and Spanish, Math and Science Honor Societies. He is studying as a high school scholar at Lehigh
University this school year and garnered the
Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award. He
plans to become a physician and study biomedical
engineering, but is undecided on a school at this
time.
Jinghua (Jessica) Zhang was admitted to
Columbia University during her Junior year at
Parkland High School and is thus already studying economics and mathematics there. While at Parkland High School, she participated in the
Emerging Health Professionals Program at LCTI.
At Columbia, she is involved in Student Council,
Political Union, Economics Society, and the Mathematics Society. She is the recipient of the Erica Cervantes John Jay Scholar award.
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Chemistry Teacher Captures Carbon at WWII Lab
By Emily Harrington, Parkland High School student, writing for the PHS newspaper, The Trumpet
Upon mention to any history aficionado, Los Alamos
National Laboratory in New Mexico usually brings the
Manhattan Project to mind. “Manhattan Project” was the
codename chosen for the undertaking to complete the first
atomic bomb during World War II.
But Los Alamos represents more than rich history; it
also signifies the future. Los Alamos is heavily involved
with environmental science geared towards protecting the
earth from the changing climate. Parkland Chemistry teacher, Wendy Simpson, was lucky
enough to be chosen as one of eight high school science teachers from across the country to
spend last summer at Los Alamos, as well as the next two to participate in the Academies
Creating Teacher Scientists program.
The Academies Creating Teacher Scientists program is funded by a grant from the
Department of Energy. Funding from the grant provides Mrs. Simpson with a summer
stipend for her work in Los Alamos, as well as $2,000 per school year for laboratory
supplies and professional development related to her research. Part of the grant stipulates
that she must incorporate what she’s learned into her classroom lessons. She has since
developed a series of labs in which students discover the chemical behavior of CO2 and its
effects on water.
Read more
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9 Parkland Students Selected
for Music Educators
National Conference
All-Eastern Honors Ensembles
Music Educators National Conference (MENC) Eastern
Division has selected 9
Parkland High School students
to participate in the MENC
All-Eastern Honors Ensembles.
Rachael Hendricks (clarinet),
Ellen Choi (clarinet), and Reno
Kriz (bassoon) were selected
for the All-Eastern Wind
Ensemble. Alina Spiegel
(violin) was selected for the
All-Eastern Orchestra. Meg
Stefanowicz (soprano), Morgan
Reilly (alto), Nicholas Roehler
(tenor), Joshua Rice (bass), and
Curtis Rabe (bass) were
selected for the All-Eastern
Chorus.
These ensembles represent
the best high school musicians
from Connecticut, Delaware,
Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New
York, Rhode Island,
Pennsylvania, Vermont, The
District of Columbia, and
Europe.
The 2011 MENC All-Eastern Honors Ensembles will rehearse during the MENC Eastern
Division Conference March 31-April 3, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland with performances
taking place on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at Morgan State University.
Parkland School District 2010-11 Software Applications
Thinking about buying your child a computer in 2011? If so, you may be wondering
what software applications are used on student computers in the District. Below is a list of
software applications that are available on student computers. Many of these software
programs are free or web-based applications that can also be used at home. Note that school
computers have converter software loaded on them so that if students are preparing
presentations at home, they should still be able to play them on school computers even if a
different version of the software is being used at home.
Click here to view software applications: http://www.parklandsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/Parkland-School-District-Student-Software-Applications3.pdf
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For Kids and Families
2011 Kindergarten Registration
Parents, do you have a child who will be turning five years of age prior to October
1, 2011? If so, it’s time to prepare for Kindergarten Registration. The following chart
includes a list of the eight elementary schools within Parkland School District and their
respective registration dates. To further expedite the registration process, parents are
encouraged to telephone the appropriate elementary school for a specific appointment
time. Phoning in advance will ensure an equal distribution of registrants throughout the
day so that we can serve you better. Once an appointment is scheduled, a packet of
forms will be mailed to you to fill out in advance of Registration Day in order to
expedite the registration process. Plan to spend about an hour with us that day.
Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for your child and we are excited to welcome
your student to Parkland!
Kratzer: Tuesday, March 1, 2011 (610-351-5820)
Kernsville: Wednesday, March 2, 2011 (610-351-5840)
Parkway Manor: Thursday, March 3, 2011 (610-351-5850)
Fred J. Jaindl: Friday, March 4, 2011 (610-351-5880)
Ironton: Monday, March 7, 2011 (610-351-5810)
Schnecksville: Tuesday, March 8, 2011 (610-351-5830)
Fogelsville: Wednesday, March 9, 2011 (610-351-5800)
Cetronia: Thursday, March 10, 2011 (610-351-5860)
School and community personnel will be at registration to review your child’s
immunization record, complete a vision screen test and to provide descriptive
information about your school as well as answer questions you may have. The
following checklist of things to bring should help you prepare for registration:
- Registration packet of forms that will be mailed to you upon scheduling a
registration appointment (please fill these out in advance of your registration
appointment).
- Record of your child’s birth date (i.e., registration of birth, or birth certificate).
- Written immunization records for properly spaced doses of diphtheria, tetanus,
polio, measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), hepatitis B, and the varicella
(chicken pox) vaccine or proof that the child had the disease.
- Two (2) forms of verification that the child’s legal parent(s)/legal guardian(s)
reside(s) in the Parkland School District. These may include: 1) a driver’s
license; 2) a real estate property tax bill for the residence; 3) a lease agreement for
the residence; 4) a utility bill showing the residence; or 5) an income tax form filed
for local, state, or federal taxes showing the current address. Residents who are new
to the school district shall provide the following as proof of residency in lieu of
those previously mentioned: 1) a moving permit available from the township tax
collector, and 2) a copy of a lease/building contract/sales agreement for the place of
residence. In the case of a registrant not being the owner or lessee of the property, a
form must be acquired from the school district. In the case of a student who is
registered by someone other than his/her parent, documentation of guardianship
must also be provided.
Your child (he/she will be given a brief vision test and will meet the kindergarten
teaching team).
Some things to note:
* Part of the registration includes vision screening and the gathering of medical
information by the school nurse. There will be brief contacts with the guidance counselor and a kindergarten teacher.
* The Pennsylvania school health laws require that every child has a physical and
dental examination upon entry to school. Forms for physical and dental
examinations will be given at the time of registration.
* The Pennsylvania Department of Health school immunization law requires that all
students entering school for the first time at the kindergarten or first grade level, be
fully immunized as a condition of school attendance.
* To register for kindergarten, a child must be five years of age, or older, prior to
October 1, 2011. There are no exceptions.
We are looking forward to meeting you and our new student!
Read more Which school will my child attend?
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more
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Attention Parents: New Immunizations Required
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Community Course Offerings
Forever Fit Exercise Class for Adults Ages 55+
The Forever Fit exercise class for senior citizens ages 55+ will be offered on Mondays
from March 14 – April 18 from 4:15 – 5:15 PM in the Cetronia Elementary Gym (3635
Broadway, Allentown, PA 18104). An experienced instructor of exercise and fitness
programs will lead the class which will include a warm up, 20 minutes of low impact
aerobics, and a cardio cool down. It is appropriate for various levels and will include some
seated stretches as well as light resistance work with bands. Participants should wear
comfortable clothes and shoes that are appropriate for low impact aerobics and walking and
should bring drinking water and a towel. The class is free of charge, but registration is
limited. Please register by calling (610)351-5900 x 41888 to leave your information on our
Note: No class will be held when school is not in session due to inclement weather.
Art Works Drawing and Painting Class
In Spring 2011 The Art Works at Parkland will be offering its Thursday evening art Classes in Drawing and Painting.
Read more
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Parkland Reaps $300,000 in Energy Savings
This fall, Parkland was pleased to announce rebates in the amount of $170,000 from ClearChoice Energy for participating in the region’s PJM Demand Response Program that mandates that the district curtail power usage between June 1 and September 30 in the event the grid would need to reduce the amount of electricity for distribution. Further rebates this year totaling approximately $130,000 are expected from Act 129, the Act that expands the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s oversight responsibilities and imposes new requirements on electric distribution companies (EDCs), with the overall goal of reducing energy consumption and demand.
Pictured are (in front from left to right) Suzie Ritter, Mary Schloth and (back row) Mark Lapos and Steven Walck, who worked together in the School Services Department to file the appropriate paperwork and ensured compliance with the programs.
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Parkland School District
Wins 2010 Lehigh Valley
Sustainability Award
Parkland School District was the proud winner of the “Best Green School District”
award from the Lehigh Valley Branch of the Delaware Valley Green Building Council
(DVGBC) which honored green projects, organizations, and individuals in five
categories for their contribution to sustainability and green design on Wednesday,
November 10, 2010. One outstanding entrant per category received the top award
during the gala ceremony at the Hotel Bethlehem.
Parkland School District won the award for “Best Green School District” citing
numerous activities that demonstrate good stewardship in conservation efforts as well
as the construction of the new Fred J. Jaindl Elementary School which is expected to
obtain the United States Green Building Council’s (USBG) Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification rating. A geothermal heat pump
system was installed to eliminate the need for electric, gas or fuel oil heat.
Across Parkland School District, buildings underwent complete lighting retrofits,
including sensors that will turn on lights when people are in a room and automatically
turn off lights when no one is in a room. Installation of turbulators in boilers helps
maximize the usage of heating units and the networking of computers allows the
District to now draw one watt of electricity per unit instead of 100. Low-flow water
devices are being installed in buildings along with roofs that contain highly reflective
qualities that reduce heating and cooling bills.
No Child Left Behind Report Cards
Read more
WINTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Plan a night out with the family and join us for a winter or spring event!
January 8th, Electronics Recycling Drive, Parkland High
School, 9 AM – 12 noon.
Out with the old and in with the new. Recycle all your old
electronics at the Geo Club's annual electronics recycling
event. All electronics items will be accepted. Cost is $1
per item. TV's cost $20 to recycle due to the many different
components they have within them. First 300 people will
receive a free CFL bulb courtesy of PPL Electric.
January 11 – Elementary Chorale Concert at Springhouse
Middle School Auditorium, 7 PM.
January 20 – Community Advisory Council meets to
discuss “Future Visioning – Budget/Legislative Updates”
presented by Superintendent Dr. Louise E. Donohue and
Director of Business Administration John Vignone – 7 PM,
Admin Center
January 22 & 23 – Parkland High Schoolʼs Performing Arts
Club performs their annual Children's Show
Nickelodeon's Rugrats: A Live Adventure
11 AM & 3 PM Saturday and 1 PM & 4 PM on Sunday in
the PHS Auditorium. For tickets, call 610-351-5666.
February 5, Mr. Parkland Contest, 7 PM, PHS Auditorium.
PHS students compete in this annual pageant for the title of
Mr. Parkland. It is organized by PHS Student Council.
Snow date is 2/12.
February 17 - Community Advisory Council meets to discuss “Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
Update” presented by David Grim, Director of Curriculum,
Instruction and Professional Development – 7 PM, Admin
Center.
February 24 – SMS/OMS Science Fair Parent Nights, 7-8:30
PM, Respective School Gyms.
March 1 & 2 – OMS Spring Musical, 7 PM, OMS Auditorium
March 2 – SMS Art Show, 6-7 PM.
March 2 & 3 – SMS Spring Musical, 7 PM, SMS Auditorium
March 17 – Community Advisory Council meets to discuss
“Health, Wellness, Athletics and Arts at Parkland School
District” presented by various school administrators.
April 7, 8, & 9 – PHS Musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 7:30
PM each day and a Sat. matinee at 2 PM. Call (610)351-5666 for tickets.
FAMILY SWIM, OPEN PLAY BASKETBALL, & OPEN GYM
South Whitehall Township Recreation will sponsor Family Open Swim on Sundays from 1 PM – 5PM January 16 –
March 27 (excluding Jan. 9th and Feb. 20th) at the Parkland
High School pool. One lane will be roped off for lap
swimmers. Children under 12 must be accompanied by
adults.
OPEN PLAY BASKETBALL and OPEN GYM will
occur on Sundays from 1 PM – 5 PM from Jan 16 – Mar 27
(excluding January 30). OPEN PLAY BASKETBALL will be in
the Parkland High School Main Gym for people ages 16 years
and up. OPEN GYM will be in the Parkland High School
Auxiliary Gym and is open to children ages 15 and under.
These events are free and open to Parkland residents. I.D.
and proof of residence may be requested.
REGISTRATION FOR NEW STUDENTS AT PARKLAND
HIGH SCHOOL:
Registration appointments for new students who wish to enter
Parkland High School next fall will be held on February 22
and 23 (snow make-up date: Feb 24). These 3-7 PM
sessions are designed for students who are currently residing
in the Parkland School District, but are not attending Parkland
schools. To make a registration appointment, please call the
PHS Guidance Office at 610-351-5610 and ask for the
registrar, Mrs. Chenworth, at x73432.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS OR DELAYS
REMINDER
Parkland schools will not open when travel is too difficult to
guarantee the safety of students. If bad weather forces the
closing, delay or early dismissal of schools, we will utilize the
Districtʼs rapid notification system to alert parents and staff
and also post the information to our web site at
www.parklandsd.org and notify the local media for broadcast
purposes. Early closings and activity cancellations, due to
adverse weather conditions or other emergencies, will be
communicated in the same manner.
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