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Eagle Spotlight: Safety & Security
Eagle Spotlight News and updates from the Grove City Area School District October 9, 2024 Safety & Security Updates GCASD is deeply invested in the safety and security of students and staff. School safety is our top priority. Please read on for information about our safety efforts and how we plan on keeping our district safe and secure for all. Department Spotlight: School Police At Grove City Area High School, the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors is a top priority, and at the heart of this mission is our district officers. We support and thank Officer Douglas Maxwell of Hillview Elementary Schools, Officer Kevin Jaszemski of Grove City Area Middle School, and Officer James Francic of Grove City Area High School for their service. With years of experience in law enforcement, Officer James Francic plays a crucial role in ensuring that our school environment remains secure, allowing students to focus on learning and personal growth. As the high school’s safety officer, Officer Francic is responsible for overseeing all aspects of building security. His duties include monitoring the school grounds, managing emergency procedures, and collaborating with administration to address potential security concerns. Read more about what Officer Francic has to say regarding safety and security. Read More Here Safety & Security Survey We value your feedback and kindly ask that you take a few minutes to fill out our safety and security survey. Your input will help us improve and better serve our school community. Click Here for Survey Safety & Emergency Communication The school district follows a structured process to ensure timely and accurate communication during safety-related situations, such as potential threats, emergency incidents, or drills. In cases of potential threats, the district informs families about the situation and any actions being taken, while prioritizing transparency. During actual emergencies, alerts are sent via Parentsquare through various channels like email, text, and social media to provide real-time updates and instructions. After the event, follow-up communications reassure families and explain any further safety steps. The district is committed to maintaining clear, open communication to keep everyone informed. Click the link below to see the district's complete safety and emergency communication plan. Read More Here High School Dismissal Pick-Up Safety Grove City Area High School prioritizes student safety during parent pick-up. Families are asked to read Principal Smith's letter. Following these procedures ensures a smoother, safer dismissal for everyone. Letter from Principal Smith Here Fire Prevention Month From October 8-11, the Grove City Volunteer Fire Department (GCVFD) will be conducting fire drills and fire safety education at the schools and day care centers throughout the borough. According to GCVFD Chief Jesse Badger, this year's fire safety education will focus on kindergarten and 1st-grade students. The key topics will include: - Teaching children to avoid hiding from firefighters and instead get out quickly and call for help from a safe location. - Showing kids how to crawl low beneath the smoke to safely exit a house during a fire and stay outside. - Demonstrating the "stop, drop, and roll" technique in case their clothes catch fire. Chief Badger also shared that a variety of fire safety and educational materials will be handed out to reinforce these important lessons. Let's work together to ensure our children's safety. Bike/Scooter Safety We love to see students riding their bicycles to school and utilizing the bike racks found around our buildings. With that said, it's important to ensure that students who ride bicycles to and from our campuses do so safely and responsibly. Here are a few key reminders for families and students about bicycle safety on school grounds: Bicycle Safety Tips: Always Wear a Helmet: Pennsylvania law requires helmets for cyclists under the age of 12, but we encourage all riders to wear helmets to protect themselves from injury. Use Bike Lanes and Crosswalks: Stick to designated bike paths and always walk your bike when crossing the street at crosswalks. This keeps both cyclists and pedestrians safe. Stay Alert: Pay attention to your surroundings—avoid distractions like phones or music while riding. Be Visible: Wear bright clothing and use lights or reflectors on your bike, especially during early mornings or late afternoons when visibility is lower. Lock Your Bike: Make sure your bicycle is securely locked in the designated bike racks when you’re on campus. By following these simple guidelines, we can help ensure a safe environment for all students, staff, and visitors who share our school grounds. Electric Scooters on Campus: We also want to remind families that while electric scooters are becoming a popular mode of transportation, they are technically not permitted on roadways or sidewalks in Pennsylvania. However, recognizing their convenience for short commutes, we are not banning them from our school campuses. We simply ask that students using electric scooters on school grounds follow the same safety rules as cyclists and respect pedestrian areas. Thank you for working with us to keep our school community safe. Let's make this a great year, both in and out of the classroom. Thank You! We thank you for reading the safety and security section of this newsletter. We remain committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment throughout the Grove City Area School District. Continue reading for more amazing content. Red Ribbon Week The Grove City Area School District is getting ready for the 2024 Red Ribbon Week (Monday, October 28th- Friday, November 1st). At Hillview, students will engage in activities that promote a drug free and healthy lifestyle. Please partner with us and discuss this message at home, at the dinner table, at family outings, as well as with friends and extended family. Red Ribbon Week is a national celebration that promotes and encourages students to choose to be drug-free. When we respect ourselves and make healthy choices, we are better able to lead as caring, respectful and active members in our community. We set our goals high to be the best we can be by being drug-free. Eagle Ambassador Program Eagle Ambassadors are a group of students who are dedicated to the positive promotion of Hillview Elementary School and the Grove City Area School District. These students serve as leaders in the elementary setting by helping with a variety of tasks. Specifically, they serve to help new students and families transition into the district. They will also assist with specific tasks as developed by the Positive Behavior Support System (PBIS) team. Each morning you will find the Eagle Ambassadors assisting with primary students in the cafeteria, distributing weekend food bags, recording Principal 200 recipients, mentoring students that need guidance with morning routines, and much more. They also assist with kindergarten camp in August prior to the start of school and within kindergarten classrooms throughout the school year. Eagle Ambassadors report directly to building administrators and school counselors. Their secondary contacts are the grade level PBIS team representatives. There is no limit to the number of students who can be student ambassadors. Depending on the number of ambassadors, duties may be divided and rotated in an attempt to include as many participants as possible. What are the qualifications to be an Eagle Ambassador? Positive attitude Strong work ethic Strong potential for leadership A willingness to develop public speaking skills An ability to take initiative What are the requirements of an Eagle Ambassador? Attend all meetings/trainings Maintain strong school attendance Maintain strong academic standing Maintain consistent and appropriate behavior Keep current on all classroom work requirements What is the selection process for an Eagle Ambassador? Complete the application process Complete an application interview Strong academic and attendance record Rotary Students of the Month Senior Ian McCreary and Junior Ella Stillwagon are being recognized as the Grove City Rotary Students of the Month by living the Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self”. Ian sets a positive example for underclass students through his kindness and leadership. Ella coordinated the successful organization of the Homecoming parade and events through professional and positive interactions with the community. The Interact Club The Interact Club, the high school branch of Rotary International, is a Community Service organization that pairs with local partners to better the Grove City and global communities. So far this year, Interact has helped Mrs. Heather Baker, the GC Community Library librarian, with their annual book sale, began planning service days with Days for Girls at their new site on the GJR campus, and are planning their first blood drive of the school year on November 1st. If you are interested in donating blood at the High School that morning, please contact Ms. Karyn Senita, karyn.senita@gcasdk12.org. Global Scholars The GCAHS Global Scholars with their advisors Ms. Alyssa Schafer, alyssa.schafer@gcasdk12.org and Ms. Karyn Senita, karyn.senita@gcasdk12.org hosted an interest meeting for new members on September 25th. The Globally-focused learning and service organization is planning an energized year of culturally diverse engagement. If you’re interested in more information, you can reach out to either advisor. The Global Scholar requirements are listed in the Program of Studies. Program of Studies Junior Achievement Day On September 25, Hillview Elementary hosted Junior Achievement Day, a hands-on learning event designed to introduce students to real-world concepts of business, economics, and citizenship. Volunteers from the community, including business owners and student council members, led interactive lessons tailored to each grade level. Fifth graders worked on inventive solutions to everyday challenges, fostering teamwork and critical thinking. Throughout the day, students engaged in projects that encouraged creativity and problem-solving. The event, organized by Principal, Dr. Tammi Martin, was a success, with plans to make it an annual tradition at Hillview Elementary. Read More About JA Day Teens2Career In 2022, Grove City Area High School became one of six local high schools to partner with United Way of Mercer County and the Teens2Career program. Teens2Career is supported through a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant from the PA Department of Education through the United Way of Mercer County in collaboration with the school partners. The Teens2Career after school program model promotes achievement, STEAM education, career path planning for high-demand employment, and transition to post-secondary training and education through quality afterschool experiences. What is T2C? Click Here Ag for All Mr. Will Logan participated in the Ag for All program over the summer, focusing on bees and their critical role in our ecosystem. Now, as part of the Teens2Careers program, he is continuing this work to study and protect pollinators, deepening his understanding of bee biology, and monitoring their health. His efforts aim to raise awareness about the importance of bees and inspire others to engage in conservation. Monitoring pollinator populations is crucial. Citizen scientists help gather data from diverse regions, enhancing understanding of local factors affecting bee health. This participation fosters scientific literacy and critical thinking about ecological issues. Students are acting as citizen scientists, collaborating with Westminster College to monitor hives. This ongoing research will improve knowledge of bee biology and identify emerging threats. At the end of the year, students will present their findings to school administrators, encouraging community engagement in pollinator conservation. Animal Caretaker Program The Animal Caretaker Program is an educational initiative for 5th graders that promotes responsibility, empathy, and practical animal care skills. Each fall, students apply through a selection process involving applications, interviews, and training. Those selected receive training in animal care from November to December, by learning to safely interact with and care for the animals. The process also helps students develop job skills like completing applications and how to handle the interview process. Starting in January, students visit classrooms to share their knowledge, boosting communication and leadership skills while fostering a school-wide culture of empathy for animals. Participants must commit to two recess periods per week for animal care, maintain good behavior, and stay current with classwork. This encourages time-management, accountability, and a positive school environment.The Animal Caretaker Program offers valuable benefits, including hands-on experience with animals that builds responsibility, empathy, and accountability. Students enhance communication and leadership through classroom presentations and develop time management skills by balancing animal care with academics. The program also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving as students address caretaking challenges, boosting their confidence. Overall, it promotes personal growth, compassion for animals, and the environment, preparing students academically, socially, and emotionally for future success. National Math Conference The 2024 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Meeting & Exposition, held in Chicago from September 25–28, centered on the theme The Math of Their Dreams: Illuminating Students’ Brilliance. Mrs. Eller & Mrs.Thompson gave a standout presentation, Lessons Learned: Using 1-on-1 Assessments to Drive Interventions and Make Students’ Thinking Visible. Which focused on personalizing instruction to better understand and support student learning. Educators left with new strategies and insights from this session, along with others, to help foster brilliance in their classrooms through individualized assessments and targeted interventions. Independent Learning Plans Mr. Bill Hoffman and Mrs. Steph Sumner have significantly improved the Independent Learning Plan (ILP) process, making it more enriching for students. They’ve built connections with community mentors, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities alongside professionals in various fields. Additionally, they developed a comprehensive ILP website, giving students and mentors a central hub for resources and guidance. The application process has also been revamped to focus on learning outcomes, encouraging students to think critically about how their projects will enhance their education. This shift emphasizes personal growth, making the process more than just completing tasks. To boost accountability, regular check-ins between mentors and students have been introduced, ensuring consistent progress and providing ongoing support throughout the ILP journey. A panel of teachers and administrators now reviews all ILP proposals, ensuring that each plan is well-structured and aligned with educational goals. Thanks to Bill and Steph's efforts, the ILP process is now a more engaging, supportive, and academically meaningful experience for students. ILP Website New Scoreboard Elevating Our Facilities with Community Support Approximately a year ago, under the direction of Athletic Director Casey Young, our district embarked on an initiative to upgrade the scoreboards at Forker Field and the high school main gymnasium. This effort was driven by a desire to enhance the game-day experience for athletes, spectators, and community members, while also providing local businesses with a unique advertising opportunity through our District’s advertising policy. Community Partnerships and Fundraising Efforts Mr. Casey Young, Athletic Director, led the outreach to local businesses, presenting prime advertising spots available on the new scoreboards. After initial communications and follow-up conversations, potential partners were shown renderings of the scoreboards, highlighting the significant exposure and branding opportunities their support would provide. Thanks to the generosity of our community partners—including Blackout Burger, Grove City Federal Credit Union, Renick Brothers, Cashdollar and Associates, Armstrong Utilities, Compadres Navarros, Troy Alan Chevrolet, McDonald’s of Grove City, Grove City Ford, Malloy Law, LLC, Wabtec Corporation, and others—we have successfully raised $310,000 to fund these state-of-the-art scoreboards. The Impact of New Scoreboards These new scoreboards will replace outdated models, modernizing the experience for players and spectators alike. More than just a tool for keeping score, they offer businesses a platform to display their logos and digital ads during events, increasing their visibility in the community. The scoreboards will also enhance other major school functions, such as graduations and district-wide events like band performances. Sponsorship Benefits Brand Exposure: Partner logos and ads will be prominently displayed on the scoreboards during a variety of events, reaching wide audiences. Community Engagement: Sponsorship reflects a commitment to local schools, fostering goodwill and positive brand recognition. Event Sponsorship Recognition: Businesses will be acknowledged as official sponsors during events, with their brand highlighted in announcements. What's Coming Next? High School Main Gymnasium: Two new video scoreboards, valued at $71,500, are being installed, along with a new scorer’s table for $13,500. Anticipated time for Installation completion is expected within two to three weeks. Forker Field: A new scoreboard is scheduled for installation in summer 2025, further enhancing outdoor events for the district. Educational Opportunities Beyond sports, these scoreboards will provide students with hands-on learning experiences. Students will be trained to operate the boards during games, using features like instant replays and creating player profiles. These valuable skills will offer students real-world experience in media production and event management. We are incredibly excited about the educational and community benefits this initiative will bring. Stay tuned for more updates on the installation progress and thank you again to all our community partners for their generous support. Fitness Center Campaign Celebrating Jack Ogoreuc We are proud to recognize Jack's incredible achievement in representing Team USA at the World Junior Championships in Peru. Thanks to the support of our school community, Jack had the opportunity to compete against some of the best young shooters in the world, many of whom recently participated in the Olympics in Paris. The event featured 51 countries and a total of 566 athletes, showcasing exceptional talent on a global stage. Jack qualified for three events and performed admirably, finishing 18th in the Prone Smallbore, 31st in Air Rifle, and 39th in 3P Smallbore. Coach Durban, the national team and Olympic coach, was pleased with Jack’s performance and noted that he will have more opportunities to represent Team USA in the future. We look forward to continuing our support for Jack as he aims to compete internationally again this year. Recruiting Update: We are excited to share that Jack is attracting interest from top rifle programs, including West Virginia University, the University of Alaska, and the University of Kentucky. We are hopeful that he will make a commitment by the first signing date, further advancing his academic and athletic career. Fall Play The fall theatre performance of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest will be November 14-16 in the high school auditorium. Over 50 students will be involved in the production, between cast and crew. Required Forms All Kindergarten, 6th, & 11th graders are required to have a physical examination. Physical Form All Kindergarten, 3rd, 7th graders are required to have a dental examination. Dental Form Student Updates Parents must complete yearly student updates in Infinite Campus. Infinite Campus Forms Contact Information If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. (724) 458-6733 511 Highland Ave. Grove City, PA, 16127 Facebook: @Grove City Area School District Instagram: @gcasd.eagles X: @GCASDK12
Wednesday, Oct 09 2024
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Eagle Spotlight: Highlights from Our First Month Back!
Eagle Spotlight News and updates from the Grove City Area School District September 2024 First Day of School The first day of the 2024-2025 school year was a great success across the Grove City Area School District. Students and staff returned with excitement and enthusiasm, ready to begin another year of growth and learning. From Hillview Elementary to Grove City Area High School, the halls were filled with smiles and the sounds of students reconnecting with friends and meeting new teachers. Our teachers and support staff worked diligently to create a welcoming and engaging environment for students. From freshly-decorated classrooms to thoughtful first-day lessons, it is clear that this year will be one of learning, creativity, and community. We are thrilled for the journey ahead and wish all students, staff, and families a wonderful school year! New Website We are elated to announce the launch of the newly redesigned Grove City Area School District website. The updated site features a fresh look, improved navigation, and user-friendly access to important information for students, parents, and the community. With streamlined sections for each school, district news, event calendars, and quick links to essential resources, the website is designed to enhance communication and provide easy access to the information you need. We invite you to explore the new site and stay connected with everything happening across the district. GCASD Website New Cell Phone/Electronic Device Procedures As we begin the 2024-2025 school year, this is a friendly reminder to all students and parents that there is a new district-wide cell phone procedure. It’s part of an effort to minimize distractions and promote a focused learning environment for our students. Details have been provided by each building principal as they relate to updated expectations with devices. We believe that these new procedures will balance personal cell phone use with a safe and productive learning environment. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a positive and productive learning environment for all students. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school’s administrative office. Required Forms Parents/guardians: Please make sure to review, sign, and return all required forms that were sent home with students at the start of the school year. It is essential that these documents are returned promptly to ensure your student’s full participation in school activities and access to necessary resources. It is of utmost importance to have up-to-date records on each student. Please remember to update phone numbers, addresses, emergency contacts, etc. in Infinite Campus. If you have any questions or need additional copies, please contact your school’s administrative office. Lunch Menus Capital Campaign for the GCASD Fitness Center Exciting news! The Grove City Area School District's highly anticipated fitness center capital campaign has kicked off, with a communication for our GCASD fundraiser sent this past weekend via Parentsquare. The campaign is focused on raising funds to build a state-of-the-art fitness center for our students. The new facility will provide much-needed space for physical education classes, athletic training, and health programs which promote student wellness. We encourage everyone in our community to keep an eye out for updates and consider contributing to this exciting project. Your support will help us create a healthier and more active environment for our students. If you would like to learn more about the project or find an opportunity to contribute, please click the link below. Letter to Parents GCASD FITNESS CENTER High School Timeline The Grove City Area High School timeline for the 2024-2025 school year is now available. This comprehensive schedule includes key dates for annual events such as homecoming, the fall play, and spring musical, as well as the start dates for winter and spring sports seasons. It also features important testing dates, choral concerts, meetings, and information related to the Mercer County Career Center. We encourage students and families to review the timeline to stay informed throughout the school year. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay connected for updates. Dates & Timelines High School Parking Passes Attention Grove City Area High School students: Parking passes are now available for the 2024-2025 school year. Any student who would like to park on campus must obtain a parking pass from the main office. Please email the Principal’s Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Bish at jessica.bish@gcasdk12.org. Passes are $25.00 and are transferable to multiple vehicles. Funds will go to Grove City Area High School Student Council to utilize for the Commons Project. All student vehicles parked on school property must be registered. Register Here Lunch and Learn Our "Lunch and Learn" framework is transforming the student experience by offering flexible access to dynamic resources, support, and activities tailored to individual growth. This initiative has already fostered a culture of success, with students taking increased ownership of their learning through academic support, enrichment, and health and wellness activities. After reintroducing students to expectations and procedures through class meetings, we are working to ensure that all participants—students, staff, and faculty—uphold essential guidelines to keep the program thriving. "Lunch and Learn" empowers students to connect with learning in meaningful ways, moving beyond traditional lunch periods to enforce both academic and personal growth. Parent Letter New Student Meetings Step into a year full of new opportunities and support at Grove City Area High School. As we welcome a new group of students and families, our goal is to make your transition seamless and reassuring. At Grove City Area High School, our dedicated team is committed to supporting every student, and we look forward to getting to know each new face through one-on-one meetings with the High School Principal, Dr. Smith. These informal chats are designed to ease any anxieties and help students feel at home. Our staff looks forward to providing exceptional care to our students. We are here to ensure your child's success and happiness, so please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Welcome to our school family! Letter from Dr. Smith Eagle POWER Program The Eagles Power Program at Hillview Elementary emphasizes core values that drive student success and positive behavior. P: ositive attitude O: wnership of actions W: ork hard to achieve goals E: ffort and encouragement in both academic and personal growth R: espect for self and others By integrating these principles into daily activities, the Eagles Power Program aims to create a supportive and motivating environment where every student can thrive and excel. POWER Junior Achievement Day September 25, 2024 Junior Achievement's mission is to ignite the potential of young people, empowering them with the skills and confidence to thrive in today's global community! Hillview Elementary School will host its first annual “JA in a Day” on September 25. All students in grades kindergarten through grade 5 will be participating in this curriculum to gain exposure to real-world applications of their learning. Each grade level will have a different focus that is developmentally appropriate for their age. Community partners have stepped up to make this day an engaging and informative event. If you would like more information, please see the attached document and/or contact Dr. Tammi Martin at tammi.martin@gcasdk12.org. JA in a Day High School Student Council The Grove City Area High School Student Council has a memory filled lineup of events planned for the 2024-2025 school year. From spirit weeks and pep rallies to community service projects and fundraising activities, the Student Council is dedicated to fostering school spirit and engaging students in meaningful ways. Signature events such as the homecoming dance and annual charity drive will return, alongside new initiatives aimed at promoting student leadership and involvement. Be sure to follow updates on Student Council events on the instagram page, @grovecitystudentcouncil, throughout the year and join in to make this school year unforgettable. The GCAHS Student Council has started the 2024-2025 school year with their Senior Sunrise breakfast. Our senior class all came together to enjoy breakfast and the sunrise creating the start of many core memories. All of the seniors were able to sign their name and leave their mark on their school! The student council continues to think of creative ways to engage with the students at GCAHS and the greater Grove City community. Our homecoming weekend is scheduled for September 20th and 21st. The football game will kick the weekend off on Friday, September 20th at 7pm. Our homecoming dance wil be on September 21st from 6:30pm-10:00pm. Ella Stillwagon, the Vice President, has been diligently working to make the events special for all participants. This year’s homecoming theme will be Under the Sea. As a part of the Homecoming festivities this year Student Council has partnered with Armstrong in their Avenge Hunger Month. During spirit week, September 16-20, the students are collecting non-perishable canned goods and selling starfish for $1 with proceeds to benefit the Breaking Bread program. The Student Council has been fundraising for the Commons, the foyer area outside of the auditorium, makeover. They continue to brainstorm creative ways to raise money including concerts, concession stands and spirit events. Adopt-A-Classroom We would like to invite you to participate in our Adopt-a-Classroom project within Hillview Elementary School of the Grove City Area School District. With the partnership of local businesses, we have created the Adopt-a-Classroom program for Kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms. This program invites local businesses and/or families to sponsor one of the over 50 classrooms in our elementary program. Each business/family will contribute $100, or more, to the classroom. The money will be used to enrich the math, science, arts and literacy curricula. Teachers will select materials such as computer programs, library books and math materials that will help students better meet or exceed the PaCore academic standards and supplement their learning. Each business will in turn be recognized with a sign near the classroom door to identify your business or family name. Also, recognition will be given in our newsletters, brochures and displays. In addition, each business will be encouraged to display a notice in their establishment informing customers that the business supports quality education. If you are interested in participating, please complete the participation form and return it to Hillview Elementary School, Attn: Tammi Martin, 482 East main Street, Grove City, PA 16127. Thank you for your consideration. Participation Form Contact Letter for Participation Department Spotlight Amber Fitch: Social Worker Amber Fitch, our dedicated school social worker, is a vital part of the School Social Work Department at Grove City Area School District. This department is focused on providing support for students facing emotional and behavioral challenges that may impact their ability to succeed in school. Amber and her team assist students in managing various mental health and social concerns through a range of interventions designed to address problems before they escalate. Programs include advocating for students to meet their basic needs, providing social-emotional learning, and facilitating small groups focused on coping skills and positive peer interactions. The department works to eliminate barriers to learning that extend beyond the classroom by acting as a liaison between the school and students' families. Amber coordinates services for students and their families through partnerships with community organizations. The primary goal of the School Social Work Department is to improve students' overall well-being and educational experience, creating a stable and supportive environment both at school and at home. Contact Amber Fitch at amber.fitch@gcasdk12.org for more information. Contact Information If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. (724) 458-6733 511 Highland Ave. Grove City, PA, 16127 Facebook: @Grove City Area School District Instagram: @gcasd.eagles X: @GCASDK12
Wednesday, Sep 11 2024