By Amy Cherry

Staff Writer

Several building principals presented their monthly activity reports during the recent workshop of the St. Marys Area School District Board of Directors.

Beginning the presentations was Jim Wortman, principal at St. Marys Area Middle School. Among the recent activities which took place at the school were visits from the Woodmobile, emphasizing local heritage and environmental stewardship. The school acted as hosts to third grade students from Fox Township Elementary and enrichment students from Johnsonburg who learned about alternative energy utilizing the school’s outdoor classroom.

Sixth and eighth grade students took the PA Youth Survey on Thursday. The survey identifies at risk behavior. Survey results are utilized in activating the community resources by way of grants.

Health screenings were conducted on all students. In addition, Wortman said the school conducted three teachable moments consisting of three flu education meetings integrated into science curriculum.

The school continues on working on the Active Schools Grant. Pre-assessment is finished with 2/3 of funding in hand resulting in $15,000 worth of resources to benefit the school. Post assessment is scheduled in May. Teachers continue to encourage wellness self-discipline in students.

Activities taking place at the school includes performances by the Hamilton-Gibson Choirs from Wellsboro. The event will take place at the high school with performances from the children’s concert choir from grades 5-8, the young men’s choir in grades 9-12 and the young women’s choir in grades 9-12. The Fall Book Fair continues in the school library.

Approximately 780 people attended the school’s Haunted Halls. This year’s theme was based on scary movies. The event was sponsored by the middle school World Studies Club, with proceeds benefiting their trip to Wallops Island, Va.

On the academic front, report cards were issued Thursday. The school’s inclusion efforts are yielding positive results. Wortman said he is proud of the efforts being made by learning support teachers and classroom aides who assist learning support students as they are integrated into regular classrooms. Similar efforts are taking place across the state. Teachers are utilizing Promethean Board and various technology by presenting mini clips, Powerpoint presentations, 3D geometry and much more in classrooms. Ms. Gigliotti continues to work with SynchronEyes and Mrs. McDonough is working with Mathletics by practicing online for next week’s upcoming competition.

“Inside the classroom teachers are aligning efforts, quality control and coaching,” Wortman said. “Our teachers talents result in student engagement.”

Such classroom activities range from Veteran’s Day letter writing, Sleepy Hollow based lessons, learning about Pennsylvania’s connections to the French and Indian War as a lead up to the Revolutionary War.

South St. Marys Street Elementary Principal Bob Grumley reported the DARE program is now underway at the school, which continues through November.

Students have also begun peer tutoring, a program started one year ago which involves fourth and fifth grade students tutoring younger students in the morning before school starts.

Also in the mornings students can be found participating in various activities prior to the start of the school day including the walking club, enjoying breakfast, working in their homerooms along with many other activities.

Fourth grade students are working on writing their own books, a project conducted each year. The project concludes in the spring.

Food Service Director Jennifer Asti is working with students in giving them the opportunity to try new food items by varying the items on the schools menus.

On Wednesday, Nov. 25 Sadecky’s Puppets will present two separate performances at South. The programs are sponsored by the school’s Student Council. The program teaches character education, a drug message and an anti-bullying message.

St. Marys Area High School Principal Josh Williams noted students are scheduled to participate in the Model United Nations on November 13.

A four-day lumber grading course was held with students from St. Marys Building Construction Occupation program along with those from  Johnsonburg and Ridgway participating.

Financial aid night will take place November 17 at 6 p.m. with the PA Youth Survey taking place in mid-November.

SMAHS teacher Greg Snelick will host a trip for students to St. Vincent University on November 18. The trip is sponsored by St. Vincent who is paying for the transportation.

Mrs. Patterson’s biology courses have scheduled regular time at the middle school outdoor classroom.

High school homeroom teachers presented a donation to the American Cancer Society of Elk and Cameron Counties. The class collecting the most wins a pizza party in December.

“I think we hit the high water mark” noted Julia Chicola, school nurse, referring to absences related to the HINI.

As part of her masters degree program Chicola is working on a project to analyze the numbers to gauge the impact to the school district.

Bennetts Valley and Fox Township Elementary Principal Chrissy Kuhar said the schools continue monitor safety items and community awareness.

A wrestling assembly held at the school brought enthusiasm to the student body by promoting activities and getting involved in their communities.

The St. Marys Rotary Club presented dictionaries to area third grade students.

As part of a program entitled “Transition Talks”, sixth grade students visit fifth grade students talking about how to adjust to middle school life.

School board member John Healy noted that he appreciated the principal’s reports.

“It’s beneficial to hear what’s going on in the schools. I really appreciate it,” Healy said.