15
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER INSIDE! and IRWIN ART & JAZZ NITES PAGES 16-17 FALL 2011 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICTNEWSLETTER INSIDE!and
IRWIN ART & JAZZ NITESPAGE S 16-17
FALL 2011 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
28 3422 6Publisher’s Message | 2
COMMUNITY INTEREST | North Huntingdon Chef Wins Award | 3
Norwin School District | 4
Irwin’s Art & Jazz Nites | 16
Older Adults in Norwin |The Senior Dance | 18The Sleep Connection to Aging | 19
Historic Hanna’s Town | 22
iN Kids | 27
63rd Annual Circleville VFD Street Fair | 28
Norwin Public Library | 30
Relight the Lamp in Irwin | 34
The Norwin Chamber of Commerce | 40
FEATURES | Education Section |Can Breakfast Really Make or Break a Student’s Day? | 24The Secret Art to Getting into College | 25How to Choose a Preschool in Norwin | 26
Real Estate in Norwin |Fall Landscaping Ideas | 36Making Your Home More Accessible to All Generations | 37
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS | Duffy & Nichols – Attorneys at Law |Routine Title Search Does Not Include Search to Determine Legal Owner of Oil & Gas Rights | 20
Promise Hospice |A Caring Community | 21
North American Karate and Fitness |Self-Help for All | 32
All Kare Chiropractic |The Experts Weigh In | 33
ON THE COVER | Child re-enactors walk on stilts in Historic Hanna’s Town
Norwin | FALL 2011 |
Contents
FALL 2011IN Norwin is a community publication dedicatedto representing, encouraging and promoting the Norwin area and its comprising municipalitiesby focusing on the talents and gifts of the peoplewho live and work here. Our goal is to providereaders with the most informative and professionalregional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard
MANAGING EDITOR
Marybeth [email protected]
REGIONAL EDITOR
Monica L. Haynes [email protected]
OFFICE MANAGER
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Jack [email protected]
WRITERS
Pamela Palongue
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Anna Buzzelli Jan McEvoyCassie Brkich Joe MilneSharon Cobb Tamara TylendaSusie Doak
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Garyyonphotography.com
EVENT STAFF
Autumn Altieri Debbie MountainKathleen Rudolph
ADVERTISING SALES
Derek Bayer David MitchellBrian Daley Tamara Myers Gina D’Alicandro Gabriel NegriTina Dollard Robert OjedaRose Estes Annette PetroneJohn Gartley Vincent SabatiniJason Huffman Michael SilvertLori Jeffries RJ VighettiRita Lengvarsky Nikki Capezio-Connie McDaniel WatsonBrian McKee
This magazine is carrier route mailed to all district households and businesses.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part withoutwritten permission is prohibited. Copyright 2011.
CORRESPONDENCEAll inquiries, comments and press releases should be directed to:
IN Community MagazinesAttn: Editorial603 East McMurray Road • McMurray, PA 15317Ph: 724.942.0940 • Fax: 724.942.0968
Winter content deadline: 11/1www.incommunitymagazines.com
Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.
While it might not be music to the kids’ ears, I love the sound of school buses inthe morning. It sounds like – education! ! I was actually one of those weird
kids that loved going to school.This edition of Norwin Magazine has the information parents and students
need to get the school year started off right, plus a few other stories, including howsome students got their science on at Camp Invention. One of my favorite subjects in
school was history. As you can see on our cover, we have a greatstory about the establishment of Hanna’s Town, a must-read for
history buffs. Also along those historic lines, we feature in thisedition the efforts of a group of Irwin area residents to savethe 74-year-old Lamp Theater. And since we’re in the areaof downtown Irwin, we’ve got a story about Irwin’s Art &Jazz Nites, a great event to hear some cool jazz, see some hot
art and eat some great food. We also have a feature on award-winning chef Regis Holden of North Huntingdon.
As always, we want to hear from you. What’sgoing on out there that we should be covering?What’s happening in your schools, organizations,churches? What friend or family member deserves a
profile? Please, drop me an email at [email protected], it’s back to school time. So parents, enjoy sending them out the door and
onto the path of knowledge, and enjoy this edition of Norwin Magazine!
As the summer winds down, and the kids get ready to go back to school, Isincerely hope that you and your family had some time to get away from it all
and relax. It seems that these days, parents driving the family taxi, and kids with theirsports/lessons/parties rarely get a chance to enjoy the slow pace of an ever moreelusive “lazy summer.”
Ask yourself – when was the last time everyone ate together around a family table?When did everyone gather to play a board game? Does anyone remember boardgames? If your answer was “That one night that the power went out,” then you mightbe trapped in the 21st century jail of hyper-life. (I made that term up, but I can do that– I’m the publisher.) I’m not an old guy, unless you ask my kids, but I think that lifeshould be simpler. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, should all try to spend some timewith each other as a family more than that one night when the power goes out. Familytime is an important part of being a community. And everycommunity should value quality time with their families –it’s how we teach our children values, etiquette, and moreimportantly, how to participate in a family structure so theycan pass on to their kids what you have worked so hard tobuild. Recently, I saw a commercial where a father shut offthe main power to the house so that the family could enjoydinner together and blamed the outage on a thunderstorm.The Xboxes were dead. The Facebook was closed. Thekids came downstairs in disillusionment to ask whathappened. While the commercial was pushing some tastydinner product, the message was more palatable – youhave to make family time. I would take that message onestep further – you have to make family time a priority. I hope that it’s one of yours.
Have a great fall!
Wayne DollardPublisher
Monica L. HaynesEastern Regional Editor
2 724.942.0940 to advertise | Norwin
4 Norwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT
On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is, indeed, a pleasure towelcome our Norwin School District students, parents,employees, and the greater community to a new and exciting
school year. Building on the academic and financial success of thispast school year, we look forward to meeting the many challenges andrewards to preserve and strengthen public education.
The reasonable voices of Board governance and effective leadershipprovide the necessary foundation for the administration and faculty tofulfill the goals and action plans of the District’s Strategic Plan.Knowing that good schools are a great investment, nothing is too goodfor public education and nothing but the best will do to meet the highexpectations of quality set forth by the Norwin School District.
With cutbacks in state and federal funding, it will require a collectiveeffort on the part of all key stakeholders to preserve the fidelity ofNorwin’s educational programs and services. With this notion, andcoupled with prudent financial management and fiscal responsibilitythrough the reallocation of resources, the District will make educationaland financial investments based on best practices, proven methods, andstrategies for long-term success.
Norwin currently has the lowest real estate millage of 17 schooldistricts in Westmoreland County, which demonstrates a cost-effectiveand efficient manner of operations and reflects the values and desiredinvestments of the greater school community for high-performing schools.Norwin performs exceptionally well with overall student achievementand academic rankings—second-highest out of 17 school districts inWestmoreland County, 10 out of 105 school districts in southwesternPennsylvania, and 32 out of 496 school districts based on the PittsburghBusiness Times 2011 Guide to Western Pennsylvania Schools.
Students who have strong academics, sophisticated technical skills,and a personal commitment to excellence will have the best opportunityto be successful in the future and it is the responsibility of the SchoolDistrict to ensure that graduates, in this respect, are well-prepared aslife-long learners.
The District will continue to enhance its educational programs andservices with a high priority on STEM education with expandedlearning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, andmathematics. This K-12 initiative with successful programs such asthe Elementary Camp Invention and Secondary Robotics Initiativewill help prepare our students for the high-tech jobs of the future withan increased degree of competitiveness in an ever-growinginternational arena. The District plans to sponsor a NorwinSTEMSummit, which will bring business and education partners together toshare ideas and identify new ways to create advanced STEM
educational opportunities that will encourage our students to becomean integral part of tomorrow’s leading workforce.
The School District continues to place emphasis on literacy andwriting, advanced placement opportunities, health and wellness,college and career pathways, senior internships, engineering camps,character education, and special and gifted education programs andservices. The Norwin Center for 21st Century Learners will provide ahybrid model of instruction through its own Cyber School Academyfor on-line learning and will expand virtual learning opportunitiesthrough a new Board policy for course offerings taught by Norwinteachers. Instructional delivery will be enhanced so that Norwin canremain competitive in a world of school choice for academic successand accountability, integrating new strategies to meet the changingneeds of 21st century learners.
K-4 students will experience a new schedule for health, physicaleducation, music, art, library, and computer instruction, withadditional time for enrichment and remediation periods by classroomand itinerant teachers and career awareness by guidance counselors.Intermediate and Middle School students will have an improved classschedule for equity and access to course selections and High Schoolstudents will be issued I.D.’s with a password for Internet access foreducational programming and research.
The Norwin Center for Performing Arts will continue providingopportunities for creativity, art education, technology, music anddrama to build on the Norwin tradition of outstanding performancesand competition. Equally so, the tradition and pride of Norwinathletics, recreation, health and fitness, and intramural sports willcontinue with the same offerings and emphasis on building characterand good sportsmanship through competition and active life-styles.
All employees will continue to be part of a Professional LearningCommunity where human and financial investments are made for staffdevelopment and training. Whether it is enhanced instructionalmethods through the use of technology, better food and nutritiousmeal selections, improved techniques to keep schools well-maintained,clean and safe, or increased productivity to meet the changing needs ofthe school operations, Norwin School District will continue to believeand invest in its key stakeholders to retain the status of a premierSchool District.
Without question, every consideration and decision made will be basedon what is best for our students educationally, now and in the future.
Best wishes as the Norwin School District begins the 2011-2012school year!
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGEWilliam H. Kerr, Ed.D.
Norwin | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 5
Norwin Board of EducationFRONT ROW (left to right):Del P. Nolfi, Jr., Becky A. Gediminskas, Barbara A. Viola,Ronald R. Giuliana, Dennis J. Rittenhouse
BACK ROW (left to right):Jerry O’Donnell, Donald W. Rhodes, Jr., Robert J. Perkins,President, Thomas J. Sturm, Vice President
HILLCREST SUMMER BOOK CLUB
NEW STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVES
Agroup of about 25 students fromHillcrest Intermediate School
homerooms read John Grisham’s firstbook for children entitled TheodoreBoone, Kid Lawyer. Hillcrest’s SummerBook Club, led by teachers Mr. ThomSwenson and Ms. Sharon Welty,conducted two book club meetings thissummer to discuss portions of the book.
The first meeting was June 29 at theNorwin Public Library. They discussed the book
and were joined by a special guest speaker, local attorney MeaganBilik DeFazio, who is a practicing criminal lawyer in Greensburg, toemphasize the courtroom theme.
For the second meeting of the summer, July 13, the group met atthe GreensburgCourthousewhere JudgeDebra Pezze metwith the studentsin her courtroom.The students hadthe opportunityto ask questionsabout the judicial system.
Michael Bartolac, Junior >> << Rachel Geizura, Senior
Hillcrest students with Westmoreland County Judge Debra PezzeHillcrest students with guest speaker Attorney Meagan DeFazio
Hillcrest students pose for a picture at the Westmoreland County Courthouse
Nearly 75 elementary-aged students learned about science,technology, engineering and mathematics at the second-annual
Camp Invention at Norwin School District.The camp was held the week of June 20-24 at Hillcrest
Intermediate School for children entering first through sixth grade. Each camper participated in five fun and interactive lessons at
Camp Invention:• “Wild: Wondrous Innovations and Living Designs,” which
focused on nature;• “The Curious Cypher Club,” in which every student became a
detective and used recycled materials to solve a mystery;• “Bounce! An Atomic Journey,” in which students learned
about atoms using bouncing balls;• “Game On: Power Play,” which
challenged campers totransform traditional games;
• “I Can Invent: Edison’sWorkshop,” in which studentscreated and marketed a multi-step machine.
District teachers, assisted byelementary education college studentsfrom Pitt-Greensburg, provided theinstruction.
The creative and interactiveapproach of Camp Invention keepsstudents engaged during the summer,and it featured a hands-on approach tolearning, according to program DirectorLarissa Sturm.
SECOND ANNUAL CAMP INVENTION
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT
News You Can Use
Scenes from Camp Invention 2011
6 Norwin
Exploring Languages for TweensExploring Languages is designed for students to explore and appreciate languages of the world, with a goal to betterunderstand the rich and diverse cultures that surround us. Latin is highlighted as the mother tongue of all the Romancelanguages, followed by an introduction to French and Spanish. German is emphasized as a Germanic language. Anintroduction to Japanese will culminate the course. The course will be communicative in nature with a song embeddedinto most lessons, which will include a vocabulary set, culture point, and spotlight on a particular region of the world.Focus is placed on the skills of listening and speaking. After successful completion of this course, the student is able toexplain the significance of learning a language, and is ready to select a language to study in later grades.
Instructors: Kelly Ketler & Norwin Language Faculty Age range: Students in Grades 5-7Dates: Tuesdays 3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. September 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, & 25, 2011Course cost: $55.00 Location: Hillcrest Room TBA
Zumba ClassWith the days growing longer, are you looking for ways to include exercise into your routine? This fun class provides anopportunity to improve cardio fitness while learning popular Latin dance styles such as Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia, Calypso,and Ragaeton. Tone your glutes, abdominals, legs and arms and burn between 500-800 calories per session. Work-outclothing is suggested. As with all exercise programs, interested individuals should consult a doctor prior to participating.
Instructor: Michele Dvorznak Age range: AdultsDates: Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, & 25, 2011Course cost: $38.50 Location: Middle School Cafeteria
Cardio ToneThis class consists of various cardio moves and intensity to increase oxygen uptake to the cardiovascular system.Core strength and body dynamics are used to tone muscles while improving agility, balance, coordination andflexibility. This class will take your fitness skills to a new level.
Instructors: Wilmerding YMCA Fitness Instructors Age range: All are welcomeDates: Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. September 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29,
October 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, & 27, 2011Course cost: $35 YMCA Members, $55 Non-Members Location: Middle School Cafeteria
Core and StretchThe core is the body’s powerhouse. This class improves abdominal and low back strength and flexibility. This classwill leave you feeling energized, relaxed and ready to face the day.
Instructors: Wilmerding YMCA Fitness Instructors Age range: All are welcomeDates: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. September 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29,
October 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, & 27, 2011Course cost: $35 YMCA Members, $55 Non-Members Location: Hahntown Cafeteria
To emphasize the importance of an ongoing and lifelong education,the District proudly offers classes for youth and adults through ourCommunity Connections program. From opportunities in physicalfitness to learning about foreign languages in a survey course, our fallofferings provide a wonderful chance to experience something newwhile meeting others who share your interests. During this session, wewelcome Wilmerding YMCA fitness instructors in an effort to makehealthy options available close to home. We hope you will join us for aclass or two this autumn.
We continue to be on the search for some community instructorsinterested in sharing their talents. As the instructor, you decide thecontent, number of classes, and times. A proposal form is available atwww.norwinsd.org. Please direct questions about the summerofferings or course proposals to the program coordinator, Julie Painter,at 724.861.3010 x4123 or send an email to [email protected].
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS –AUTUMN 2011 COURSES
Norwin | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 7continued on page 8
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT
News You Can Use
8 Norwin
Women’s Self DefenseCome join the class, have some fun and you will not have to run. This class will allow you to have confidence in yourself.The fundamentals learned in this program will help you in all walks of life. Learn how to defend yourself from commonweapons such as clubs, knives, and men. Feel empowered and take charge of the opportunities that lay before you.
Instructors: Wilmerding YMCA Fitness Instructors Age range: All are welcomeDates: Thursdays (Two sessions are offered) September 8, 15, 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, & 27, 2011Session 1: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Session 2: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Course cost: $35 YMCA Members, $55 Non-Members Location: Hillcrest Library
Registration Autumn 2011To register for YMCA Fitness Classes please contact: Wilmerding YMCA • 1 Memorial Field, Wilmerding, Pa. 15148 • 412-823-9000 • [email protected] all other courses, please complete the registration form and send with payment to Norwin School District; the address is listed below. Due datefor registration is September 2, 2011. Our classes for this session will be held during September through November. Each description lists specificdates, times, and locations. Please note that if Norwin School District cancels school, there will be no evening activities. Occasionally inclementweather also causes the cancelation of evening activities; please check the District website for updates. If a class is canceled, the day of the week andtime when the make-up class is held will remain the same. Complete participant contact information is essential for notification of a cancellation.Courses have a minimum and maximum number of participants, so please register early. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Painterat 724-861-3010 x4123 or [email protected]. Please join us during this session.Community Connections • Norwin School District • 281 McMahon Drive, North Huntingdon, Pa. 15642
AUTUMN 2011 REGISTRATION FORM
Name
Address
Preferred Phone Alternate Phone
Course Request Course Cost
Due date for registration is September 2, 2011. Please make checks payable to Norwin School District
Total
Additional registration forms are available on the District’s website at www.norwinsd.org.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS – AUTUMN 2011 COURSES continued from page 7
Norwin | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
A NEW WEBSITE FOR NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Norwin School District will be unveiling an updated Web sitestarting with the 2011-2012 school year.
The new design has several advantages over the previous Web site,said Ms. Kathy Curran, Coordinator of Educational Technology. “Itwill allow teachers to easily create Web pages, and it will allow parentsand community members to register and sign up for school-level or
District-level email communications,” Ms. Curran said. It will also have a clean, streamlined look and a search tool that
allows viewers to search the site. It will also have the opportunity toshowcase more dynamic content, such as photo galleries of studentacademic activities. All of the same information that was on theprior design will be on the new Web site, but will be located in
slightly different areas that better fit the new organizational structure.The new Web site is through Schoolwires, a Pennsylvania
company that already serves the majority of Westmoreland Countyschool districts.
The Web address will be the same at www.norwinsd.org.
NORWIN HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND 2011 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
8/19/11 Norwin High School Norwin Band Preview Event
8/20/11 Kennywood Fall Fantasy Parade
9/2/11 Seneca Valley HS Varsity Football Game
9/9/11 Upper St. Clair HS Varsity Football Game
9/16/11 Baldwin HS Varsity Football Game
9/17/11 Vandergrift, PA Kiski Band Festival
9/23/11 Norwin High School Varsity Football Game
9/24/11 Norwin High School Bands of America – North Huntingdon Regional
9/30/11 Gateway HS Varsity Football Game
10/7/11 Norwin High School Homecoming Varsity Football Game
10/8/11 Irwin, PA Homecoming Parade
10/14/11 McKeesport HS Varsity Football Game
10/15/11 Akron, OH Bands of America – Akron Regional
10/21/11 Norwin High School Varsity Football Game
10/22/11 Imperial, PA West Allegheny Band Festival
10/28/11 Penn Trafford HS Varsity Football Game
10/29/11 Norwin High School PIMBA Championships
11/10-13/11 Indianapolis, IN Bands of America – Grand Nationals
10 Norwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sports
Sept. 14 Kiski 3:30 p.m.Sept. 21 Penn Trafford 3:30 p.m.Sept. 26 Connellsville 3:30 p.m.Sept. 28 Latrobe 3:30 p.m.Oct. 3 Franklin Regional 3:30 p.m.Oct. 5 Hempfield 4:00 p.m.Oct. 11 Mt. Pleasant (Var. only) 3:30 p.m.Oct. 12 Derry 3:30 p.m.
VARSITY GOLF (BOYS)Aug. 23 Derry 3:30 p.m.Aug. 24 Greensburg Salem 2:30 p.m.Aug. 25 Indiana Area 3:30 p.m.Aug. 29 Latrobe 3:30 p.m.Sept. 1 Hempfield 2:30 p.m.Sept. 4 Yough 2:30 p.m.Sept. 7 Greensburg C.C. 3:30 p.m.Sept. 8 Penn Trafford 2:30 p.m.Sept. 13 Derry 2:30 p.m.Sept. 14 Elizabeth Forward 3:00 p.m.Sept. 15 Greensburg Salem 3:30 p.m.Sept. 21 Indiana Area 2:30 p.m.Sept. 22 Latrobe 2:30 p.m.Sept. 28 Hempfield 3:00 p.m.Sept. 30 Yough 2:30 p.m.Oct. 3 Penn Trafford 2:30 p.m.
VARSITY GOLF (GIRLS)Aug. 22 Penn Trafford 3:00 p.m.Aug. 25 Derry 2:30 p.m.Aug. 29 Franklin Regional 2:30 p.m.Aug. 31 Shadyside Academy 2:30 p.m.Sept. 2 Fox Chapel 4:00 p.m.Sept. 6 Mt. Pleasant 3:00 p.m.Sept. 7 Gateway 2:30 p.m.Sept. 12 Bethel Park 2:30 p.m.Sept. 14 Franklin Regional 2:30 p.m.Sept. 19 Shadyside Academy 3:00 p.m.Sept. 23 Fox Chapel 2:30 p.m.Sept. 26 Gateway 2:30 p.m.Sept. 28 Shaler 2:30 p.m.Oct. 3 Elizabeth Forward 3:00 p.m.
VARSITY/J.V. FIELD HOCKEY (GIRLS)Sept. 2 Ellis School 3:30 p.m.Sept. 6 Fox Chapel 6:00 p.m.Sept. 7 Woodland Hills 7:00 p.m.Sept. 8 Peters Twp. 6:00 p.m.Sept. 13 Latrobe 4:00 p.m.Sept. 15 Pine Richland 6:00 p.m.Sept. 19 Upper St. Clair 6:30 p.m.Sept. 20 Hempfield 3:00 p.m.Sept. 22 North Allegheny 6:00 p.m.Sept. 27 Penn Trafford 6:00 p.m.Sept. 29 Woodland Hills (Var. only) 7:00 p.m.Sept. 30 Pine Richland 6:00 p.m.Oct. 3 Latrobe 6:00 p.m.Oct. 11 Hempfield 6:00 p.m.Oct. 12 North Allegheny 6:00 p.m.Oct. 18 Penn Trafford 6:00 p.m.Oct. 19 Peters Twp. 6:00 p.m.Oct. 20 Mt. Lebanon 6:00 p.m.
VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY (COED)Sept. 10 Red, White and Blue 8:50 a.m.Sept. 13 Franklin Reg/Yough 4:00 p.m.Sept. 17 Slippery Rock Inv. 12:10 p.m.Sept. 20 Greensburg Salem 4:00 p.m.Sept. 24 Blue Devil Invitational 10:00 a.m.Sept. 27 Derry 4:00 p.m.Oct. 4 Indiana/Hempfield 4:00 p.m.Oct. 13 WCCA Cross Country 3:00 p.m.Oct. 20 Tri-State Invitational 3:00 p.m.Oct. 27 WPIAL Championships 2:30 p.m.
7TH/8TH GRADE CROSS COUNTRY (COED)Sept. 7 Plum/Latrobe/Norwin 4:00 p.m.Sept. 14 Norwin/Hempfield/ 4:00 p.m.
Franklin RegionalSept. 21 Hempf/Kiski/Norwin 4:00 p.m.Sept. 28 Plum/PT/Norwin 4:00 p.m.Oct. 5 Gbg Salem/Indiana/ Norwin 4:00 p.m.
FRESHMAN SOCCER (BOYS)Sept. 7 Mt. Lebanon 4:00 p.m.Sept. 12 Butler 4:00 p.m.Sept. 16 Pine Richland 4:00 p.m.Sept. 19 Shaler 4:00 p.m.Sept. 21 North Allegheny 4:00 p.m.Sept. 23 Seneca Valley 3:30 p.m.Sept. 26 Pittsburgh C.C. 4:00 p.m.Sept. 28 Butler 4:00 p.m.Sept. 30 North Hills 4:00 p.m.Oct. 3 Pine Richland 3:30 p.m.Oct. 5 Shaler 4:00 p.m.Oct. 10 Seneca Valley 4:00 p.m.Oct. 12 Pittsburgh C.C. 6:00 p.m.Oct. 17 Mt. Lebanon 4:00 p.m.
VARSITY/J.V. VOLLEYBALL (GIRLS)Aug. 23 Shaler 4:00 p.m.Sept. 2 Gateway 3:30 p.m.Sept . 7 Penn Hills 6:00 p.m.Sept . 10 Shaler (Tournament) 8:00 a.m.Sept . 13 Hempfield 6:00 p.m.Sept . 15 Latrobe 6:00 p.m.Sept . 17 Shaler (Tournament) 8:00 a.m.Sept . 20 Kiskl 6:00 p.m.Sept. 22 Franklin Regional 6:00 p.m.Sept. 26 North Allegheny 6:00 p.m.Sept. 27 Penn Trafford 6:00 p.m.Sept. 29 South Park 6:00 p.m.Oct. 3 Fox Chapel 6:00 p.m.Oct. 4 Hempfield 6:00 p.m.Oct. 5 Linton-Penn Hills 4:00 p.m.Oct. 6 Latrobe 6:00 p.m.Oct. 11 Kiskl 6:00 p.m.Oct. 13 Franklin Regional 6:00 p.m.Oct. 18 Penn Trafford 6:00 p.m.Oct. 20 Greensburg Salem 6:00 p.m.Oct. 22 Norwin Varsity Tournament 9:00 a.m.
7TH/8TH GRADE BLUE BASKETBALL (GIRLS)Sept. 7 O’Block Middle 3:45 p.m.Sept. 13 Jeannette 3:45 p.m.Sept. 15 Mt. Pleasant 4:00 p.m.Sept. 19 Harrold - Hempfield 4:00 p.m.Sept. 21 Southmoreland 4:00 p.m.Sept. 23 Derry 4:00 p.m.Sept. 27 Penn Middle-PT 4:00 p.m.Sept. 29 Trafford Middle-PT 3:45 p.m.Sept. 30 Gateway 3:45 p.m.Oct. 3 Jeannette 3:45 p.m.Oct. 5 Mt. Pleasant 3:45 p.m.Oct. 7 Harrold - Hempfield 3:45 p.m.Oct. 10 O’Block Middle 3:30 p.m.Oct. 11 Southmoreland 3:30 p.m.Oct. 13 Derry 3:45 p.m.Oct. 17 Penn Middle-PT 3:45 p.m.Oct. 19 Trafford Middle-PT 4:00 p.m.
7TH/8TH GRADE GOLD BASKETBALL (GIRLS)Sept. 7 Mt. Pleasant 4:00 p.m.Sept. 13 Gateway 3:45 p.m.Sept. 14 Yough 4:00 p.m.Sept. 15 Linton Middle School 3:45 p.m.Sept. 19 Franklin Regional 3:45 p.m.Sept. 21 O’Block Middle 3:30 p.m.Sept. 23 Woodland Hills 3:45 p.m.Sept. 26 Fox Chapel 3:45 p.m.Sept. 27 McKeesport 3:45 p.m.Sept. 30 Trafford Middle-PT 4:00 p.m.Oct. 3 Gateway 3:45 p.m.Oct. 7 Franklin Regional 4:00 p.m.Oct. 11 O’Block Middle 3:45 p.m.Oct. 13 Woodland Hills 3:45 p.m.Oct. 17 McKeesport 4:00 p.m.Oct. 20 Penn Middle-PT 3:45 p.m.Oct. 21 Fox Chapel 3:30 p.m.
VARSITY/J.V. TENNIS (GIRLS)Aug. 24 Kiski 4:00 p.m.Aug. 29 Penn Trafford 3:30 p.m.Sept. 1 Connellsville 4:00 p.m.Sept. 2 Greensburg C.C. 3:30 p.m.Sept. 6 Latrobe 3:30 p.m.Sept. 7 Indiana Area 4:00 p.m.Sept. 8 Franklin Regional 3:30 p.m.Sept. 12 Hempfield 3:30 p.m.
VARSITY FOOTBALL (BOYS)Sept. 2 Seneca Valley 7:30 p.m.Sept. 9 Upper St. Clair 7:30 p.m.Sept. 16 Baldwin 7:30 p.m.Sept. 23 Hempfield 7:30 p.m.Sept. 30 Gateway 7:30 p.m.Oct. 7 Connellsville 7:30 p.m.Oct. 14 McKeesport 7:30 p.m.Oct. 21 Latrobe 7:30 p.m.Oct. 28 Penn Trafford 7:30 p.m.
J.V. FOOTBALL (BOYS)Sept. 3 Seneca Valley 10:00 a.m.Sept. 10 Upper St. Clair 10:00 a.m.Sept. 17 Baldwin High School 10:00 a.m.Sept. 24 Hempfield 10:00 a.m.Oct. 1 Gateway 1:00 p.m.Oct. 10 Connellsville 4:00 p.m.Oct. 15 McKeesport 10:00 a.mOct. 22 Latrobe 10:00 a.m.Oct. 29 Penn Trafford 10:00 a.m.
FRESHMAN FOOTBALL (BOYS)Sept. 1 North Allegheny/Blackhawk 3:30 p.m.Sept. 8 Connellsville 3:30 p.m.Sept. 15 Hempfield 3:30 p.m.Sept. 22 Franklin Regional 3:30 p.m.Sept. 29 Greensburg Salem 7:00 p.m.Sept. 29 Greensburg Salem 7:00 p.m.Oct. 6 Indiana Area 3:30 p.m.Oct. 13 Derry 3:30 p.m.Oct. 20 Penn Trafford 3:30 p.m.Oct. 27 Indiana Area 6:00 p.m.
7TH/8TH GRADE FOOTBALL (BOYS)Sept. 7 Penn Hills 4:00 p.m.Sept. 14 Fox Chapel 3:30 p.m.Sept. 21 Kiskl 3:30 p.m.Sept. 28 Plum 3:45 p.m.Oct. 5 McKeesport 3:30 p.m.Oct. 12 Gateway 1:30 p.m.Oct. 19 Penn Trafford 4:00 p.m.Oct. 26 Franklin Regional 4:00 p.m.
VARSITY/JV. SOCCER (BOYS)Sept. 2 Baldwin/Chartiers Valley/ 6:00 p.m.
Seneca ValleySept. 8 Butler 6:00 p.m.Sept. 10 Peters Twp. 10:00 a.m.Sept. 13 Connellsville 5:45 p.m.Sept. 14 North Hills 4:00 p.m.Sept. 15 Kiskl 6:00 p.m.Sept. 20 Latrobe 5:45 p.m.Sept. 22 Hempfield (Varsity only) 7:15 p.m.Sept. 24 Penn Trafford 6:00 p.m.Sept. 27 Bethel Park 6:30 p.m.Sept. 29 Connellsville 6:00 p.m.Oct. 4 Kiski 5:45 p.m.Oct. 6 Latrobe (Varsity only) 4:00 p.m.Oct. 7 North Allegheny 4:00 p.m.Oct. 10 Fox Chapel 5:30 p.m.Oct. 11 Hempfield 6:00 p.m.Oct. 13 Penn Trafford 5:45 p.m.Oct. 15 Greensburg C. C. 1:00 p.m.Oct. 18 North Allegheny 5:45 p.m.
VARSITY/J.V.SOCCER (GIRLS)Sept. 7 Albert Gallatin 4:00 p.m.Sept. 8 Shaler 5:45 p.m.Sept. 9 Mt. Lebanon 4:00 p.m.Sept. 10 Peters Twp. 10:00 a.m.Sept. 12 Laurel Highlands 6:00 p.m.Sept. 14 Bethel Park 5:45 p.m.Sept. 19 Latrobe 5:45 p.m.Sept. 21 Connellsville 6:00 p.m.Sept. 22 Hempfield (Varsity only) 5:45 p.m.Sept. 26 Penn Trafford 6:00 p.m.Sept. 28 Albert Gallatin 6:00 p.m.Oct. 1 Laurel Highlands 5:45 p.m.Oct. 3 Franklin Regional 6:00 p.m.Oct. 5 Latrobe (Varsity first) 4:00 p.m.Oct. 10 Connellsville 5:45 p.m.Oct. 12 Hempfield 6:00 p.m.Oct. 17 Penn Trafford 5:45 p.m.Oct. 18 North Allegheny 6:15 p.m.
For the most recent sports schedule, please visit highschoolsports.net.
Norwin | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
MONTH DAY
August 17-18 Staff Development Day 19 Teacher Clerical Day 22 First Day of Instruction
September 1 Open House - High School5 Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)6 Open House - Middle School7 Open House - Elementary K-413 Open House - Hillcrest 6th Grade15 Open House - Hillcrest 5th Grade
November 8 Act 80 Day - Parent Teacher Conferences K-6 (NO SCHOOL for K-6th Grade only)
24-25 Thanksgiving Recess (NO SCHOOL)28 Staff Development (NO SCHOOL for students)
December 26-30 Winter Recess (NO SCHOOL)
January 2 Winter Recess3 Classes Resume16 Clerical Day (NO SCHOOL)
February 17 NO SCHOOL - 1st snow make-up day20 NO SCHOOL - 2nd snow make-up day
March 9 NO SCHOOL - 3rd snow make-up day12 Staff Development (NO SCHOOL for students)
April 5 NO SCHOOL - 4th snow make-up day6 Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)9 Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)10 NO SCHOOL - 5th snow make-up day
May 4 Staff Development (NO SCHOOL for students)25 Last Day for Students/Graduation28 Memorial Day (NO SCHOOL)29 School Picnic30 Clerical Day (NO SCHOOL for students)
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT 2011-2012SCHOOL CALENDAR
14 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30 31
1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30
1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30
1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31
1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31
1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29
1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31
1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30
1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30
12 Norwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT
General Information
Acceptable Use of the InternetNorwin students have access to the Internet for thepurpose of academic studies within each school building. In order to use the Norwin School DistrictInternet, students must agree to the terms and conditions as outlined in the Student Internet AccessAgreement. This agreement is made available to students at the beginning of each school year. Studentsand their parents or guardians are required to sign a consent form before the students will be permitted to have access to the Internet. The acceptable use agreement outlines appropriate andunacceptable use of the Internet within Norwin SchoolDistrict. Students who violate the provisions of theagreement may be subject to disciplinary actions listedin the Student Rights, Responsibility/Discipline Code aswell as the loss of the privilege of access to the NorwinSchool District network and the Internet. The District’s computers are equipped with filteringsoftware which limits access to inappropriate materialas required by the No Child Left Behind and Children’sInternet Protection Acts. Questions regarding theStudent Internet Access Agreement may be referred to Mrs. Katherine Curran at 724.861.3000 ext. 1139.
AIDS InstructionNorwin School District provides instruction aboutAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) andrelated issues at all three (3) levels of curriculum: elementary, middle school and high school, as part ofDistrict policy and state regulations. Pupils may beexcused from the formal instruction within the healthcurriculum when the instruction conflicts with the religious or moral beliefs of the parents/guardians or the pupil. A written excuse is required and must be presented to the building principal, prior to theinstruction, for the pupil to be excused. Curricular outlines and materials used in conjunction with AIDSinstruction are available for examination by calling theappropriate building principal for an appointment during regular school hours.
AttendanceParents/guardians are reminded that regular school attendance is a necessity if a child is to have a successful school year. Students should bring a writtenexcuse, signed by their parent/guardian, the day theyreturn to school following an absence. Failure or refusalto supply a valid excuse within three (3) days uponreturn to school will result in an unexcused absence.Students excessively absent will be required to submita physician’s excuse within five (5) days of returning toschool. The District will follow the provisions of 24 P.S. 13-1327 Compulsory Attendanceand Truancy Elimination Plan of August 8, 2006.
BMIThe Pennsylvania Department of Health requires public school nurses to calculate the body mass index (BMI) of students based on their height and weight measurements. The index is a part of the scheduled screenings done at school.
BMI is a weight and stature index that is used todetermine whether a student is within a normal growthpattern, overweight or at risk for becoming overweightor underweight.
Building EmergencyEmergency situations sometimes develop in individualschool buildings too late to cancel or delay school forthat building. The situations may be temporary innature and not necessitate a cancellation or delay. Ineither situation, the District attempts to provide a safeand comfortable educational environment for students.In order to do so, students may be bussed to anotherbuilding, at regular intervals, to use lavatory facilities ormoved to another building for the day. The Districtbelieves that this plan of action provides the bestavenue for the child’s education and welfare. Yourpatience and cooperation during these unusual times isappreciated.
Bullying/Cyber BullyingThe Norwin School District is committed to providing allstudents with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community aretreated with dignity and respect and are free fromharassment or bullying. The District recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment necessary for student learning, and may lead to more serious violence. Therefore, bullying is strictlyprohibited and will not be tolerated.
Bus Transportation/ScheduleMost students at Norwin enjoy the privilege ofriding the school bus to and from school. Allstudents, their parents, and members of thecommunity can help maintain safe transportationfor Norwin students by remembering:
• Students should be at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before the scheduled arrival time.
• Parents who wait to pick up their children at bus stops should have alternate plans prepared in case of early dismissals, emergencies, etc.
• Students should stay a safe distance from theroad while waiting for the bus.
• Students must behave while waiting for and riding the bus.
• Students are not permitted to eat or drink while on the bus.
• Students must remain seated while the bus is in motion.
• Students may be assigned seats by the driver at any time.
• The bus driver is responsible for maintaining bus discipline.
• Students should wait until the driver signals “allclear” before crossing in front of the bus.
• Students should not reach under the bus to pick up dropped items. Rather, the driver should be asked for help.
• Students must board and unload at the designated spot unless permission to do otherwise is obtained in advance.
• Drivers are required to come to a completestop to enable students to be picked up anddropped off.
• Nothing is to be sticking out of an open schoolbus window.
• Late students should avoid injury by not running after the bus.
• Students should avoid injury by not touchingthe outside of the bus.
• On arrival, students should report directly to their building.
Transportation assignments for the 2010-2011 school year are posted on Norwin’s website atwww.norwinsd.org and on the front door of each ofNorwin’s school buildings. The information includes busnumber, bus stop location and pick-up time.
If there is a question regarding your child’s assignment,please call Mr. J. Randall Rovesti at 724.861.3006.
In order to assist the transportation process,parents/guardians should check the information for accuracy and report any errors to First Student (724.863.2262). Parents/guardians of students whose bus stops will change, should report that change to First Student or the Norwin Transportation Office (724.861.3006).
Cellular Phones and Electronic DevicesStudents are not permitted to have electronic devices inschool, on school property, at school-sponsored eventsand on buses or other vehicles provided by the schooldistrict. These include, but are not limited to: radios,tape and CD/DVD players, MP3 and iPod players, video games, headphones, universal remotes,laser pens, pagers, beepers and other portable devices.Cellular phones that have the capability to takephotographs or record audio or video are not permitted to be turned on during the school day in district buildings. Additionally, any device that provides for a wireless, unfiltered connection to theInternet is not permitted to be used during the schoolday in District buildings.
Complaint ProcedureWhen a parent/guardian has a complaint, it is District procedure that it should be resolved at thelowest possible level. The process typically would follow the steps below when there is a classroom concern:
Step (1) Classroom Teacher Step (2) Building Administrator Step (3) District Office Administrator Step (4) School Board
Following this procedure will ensure that the process isnot delayed. All complaints must be filed within 90calendar days of the alleged incident.
Norwin | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
Drug Free SchoolsParents, students, and members of the community arereminded that, under provisions of the Drug FreeSchools and Communities Act (Act 211) and theapproved Norwin School District Student Rights,Responsibilities and Discipline Code, mandatory standards of conduct have been set concerning theunlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugsand alcohol at any time on school premises.Disciplinary sanctions, including expulsions and/orreferral for prosecution, are in effect for violators ofthe provisions. The sanctions are included in theDistrict’s Student Rights, Responsibilities andDiscipline Code. Drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs are alsoavailable through E-N.E.S.T. and N.E.S.T., the District’sstudent assistance programs.
Entering a BuildingAll members of the Norwin community are reminded of the District policy concerning entry ontoschool property and into school buildings. All Districtbuildings are secured after students arrive; only one (1) entrance is opened to the public. You must identifyyourself and your purpose to be buzzed in. When youenter the building, please first report to the main officeto obtain a visitor’s pass. When you prepare to leavethe building, please notify the office and return thepass. Unauthorized individuals will be required to leavethe building voluntarily or forcibly. Following this policy will help us protect our children and ouremployees.
ExaminationsAs required by law, all students in Norwin SchoolDistrict must participate in medical and dentalexaminations. The examinations will be scheduled bythe school nurse and conducted by the school physicianand dentist throughout the school year. Parents maysubstitute a medical and/or dental examination by theirfamily physician or dentist, at their own expense.Further information about medical and/or dentalexaminations, or their schedule, can be obtained fromschool nurses.
Family AccessNorwin School District is pleased to provide FamilyAccess by Skyward, Inc., a secure Internet basedwebsite that will allow you to easily view your child’sattendance, grades, schedule, food service balance,progress, assignments, and emergency contactinformation. Family Access is a free service and will beavailable to all parents with children enrolled in theDistrict. More information is available on the Norwinwebsite, www.norwinsd.org, through the “Information”link on the left side of the web page.
Foreign Exchange StudentsIt is the policy (#202) of the Norwin School Board that foreign exchange students from American Field Service(AFS) and Rotary International will be given first priority.All foreign exchange students must meet specificminimum requirements to attend Norwin and must beapproved by the Superintendent of Schools prior to
enrolling. District policy requires individuals violatingthe policy to reimburse the District for the student’stuition and any ESL services required. Individualsinterested in hosting a Rotary Exchange student orbecoming an exchange student to a foreign countrythrough Rotary Youth Exchange should contact Mr. JonBabyak of the Norwin Rotary (724.863.3775).
Hazing and HarassmentIt is the policy of Norwin School District that its students are free from hazing, initiations and other acts of violence, threats, intimidations and misconduct.The policy is reviewed with coaches before eachathletic season and the coaches, in turn, review it withtheir students. Students receive a copy of the policyand are required to sign off on it in order to participatein the activity. Violators of the policy are subject toappropriate disciplinary action.
Homebound Instruction The State Board of Education established the rules forhomebound instruction. Students may be onhomebound instruction for no longer than three (3)consecutive months unless a new physician’s requestis submitted and approved. If the physician’s request isnot submitted, or if the state does not approve therequest, homebound instruction will cease.
Immunizations All school age children attending school inPennsylvania are required to have completeimmunizations. The school nurse will inform you of anyrequirements that your child is lacking. If you want tosee a complete list of required immunizations, go to thePA Department of Health website atwww.health.state.pa.us and follow the links listed below:
Health Services and ResourcesImmunizationsSchool Children Immunizations
Information AccessParents/guardians and students age 18 or older have access to information concerning the curriculum offered by Norwin School District, including instructional materials, academic standardsand assessment techniques. Requests must be made in writing to the appropriate Superintendent ofElementary or Secondary Education, who will arrangefor the review of the information under provisions of Board Policy #105.1. [See 22 PA Code § 4.4 and 20 USC § 1232h (a)].
Medication PolicyThe Norwin School District has specific procedures inplace for dispensing medication to students during school hours.These procedures include:
(1) written instructions from the physician on theproper procedure for the dispensing of the medication must be received;
(2) the student must take the medication to theoffice/nurse upon arriving at school;
(3) the medication shall be taken in the
presence of the parent/guardian, nurse or building administrator.
The school staff is not responsible for errors in the written instructions received concerning dosage, administration or the supply of medication. If written communication is not received, no medication will be dispensed unless the building administrator or nursehas called the parent/guardian and/or the student’s physician. Parents are required to follow the procedures to assist the District in helping the students who need medication.
Newborn InformationIf you know someone who lives in the Norwin SchoolDistrict, and has just brought home a new baby or isexpecting one, please contact the Norwin Council of PTAs at [email protected]. TheCouncil, in conjunction with the District, has developeda packet for new and expectant parents which includespamphlets regarding immunizations, child safety, childdevelopment, Mr. Yuk stickers and more.
Norwin Food ServiceAs a partner in the education process, it is ourcommitment to provide safe, quality meals that reflecta high nutritional standard, while providing excellentcustomer service in a warm, friendly environment.
At the Norwin School District, we believe that thebreakfast and lunch programs are part of theeducational system. We are responsible for teachingchildren nutrition and offering new and exciting fooditems that meet the nutritional standards set forth in theDistrict’s Wellness Policy. We continuously strive tomake the lunch menus more appealing, encouraging thechildren to eat breakfast and lunch at school. The FoodService Department tracks the sales of the various menuchoices in order to provide the menu items that thestudents prefer. This is how we determine if a new itemis a success, or if it needs to be changed or removed.
Another resource that the Food Service Departmentuses to get feedback from students, parents,administrators, teachers and staff is the Food AdvisoryCouncil Meetings. These meetings are held on aregular basis in the high school auditorium and areopen to anyone (i.e., students, parents, administrators,teachers or staff) who would like to attend. We discussthe current menu items, new menu items, and anyother food-related issue. This gives the students aplatform to air any complaints directly to the Directorand the administration. It is also a great way for theDirector to share important information with the folksthat attend the meeting.
To encourage students to make healthy food choices,the Food Service Department and the District, througheducation and curriculum, teach students how to selectmore health conscious choices. We also meet thedietary needs of any student who requires a specialdiet because of a medical reason. Forms may beobtained from the Director’s office.
School food service is the world’s largest food servicebusiness, serving more meals a day than the fast foodindustry. School lunch has often been referred to as the
14 Norwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT
General Information
original fast food operation: serving millions of lunchesacross the United States in a time span of 1 1/2 hours.The National School Lunch Act of 1946 established theNational School Lunch Program to safeguard thehealth and well being of our nation’s children. Studiesfound that the overall health of Americans was poorand many were malnourished. Minimum nutritionalrequirements were defined. Prior to 1946, schoollunches were done primarily by volunteer groupsserving mostly cold lunches.
The third addition of the Dietary Guidelines forAmericans was released in 1990 and triggered thenew guidelines for school meals. The School MealInitiative is designed to meet 1/3 of the dietaryguidelines for children for lunch. All school luncheshave an age appropriate calorie allowance, with lessthan 30% of the calories from fat and 12-15% of thecalories from protein.
The Norwin School District participates in the FederalFood Program. The purpose of this program is to providea hot, nutritious lunch for students of families in thelow and below minimum income range. Guidelines andapplications for this program are sent home withstudents at the beginning of each school year and aremade available throughout the year through thedistrict’s Food Service Office. When the applicationsare completed and returned, a determination is madewhether the child is eligible for a free or reduced pricelunch. Free and reduced lunch lists are also used by thedistrict in determining individual building eligibility forTitle 1 remedial reading services.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibitsdiscrimination in all its programs and activities on thebasis of race, color, national origin, gender, age ordisability. Persons with disabilities who require alternativemeans for communication of all program information(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contactUSDA’s TARGET Center at (202)720-2600 (voice and TDD).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA,Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, WhittenBuilding, 14th and Independence Avenue, Washington,DC 20250-9410 or call (202)720-5964 (voice and TDD).USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Norwin Golden Age CardsAll Norwin School District residents, 65 years of age orolder, are entitled to a NORWIN GOLDEN AGE CARD.Those wishing to attend school functions withoutcharge or at a reduced rate should bring identification,showing their birth date (such as a driver’s license) tothe Superintendent’s Office at the AdministrationBuilding between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. during theregular work week. An official seal will be applied tothe card once a signature is secured. The card can beused immediately for District functions.
Professional QualificationsUnder provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act [20USC § 6311 (h) (6) (A)], parents or guardians of studentsin District Title I buildings may request informationregarding the professional qualifications of their child’steachers. The information is limited to:
• whether the teacher has met state licensing criteria for the grade level(s) and subject areas taught
• whether any teacher is on emergency or provisional certification
• the undergraduate/graduate degree major of the teacher and the field of discipline of the certification or degree
Parents interested in obtaining the information must senda written request to Mr. Thomas Wrobleski, Director ofHuman Resources. Title I buildings for 2010-2011 includeHahntown, Sheridan Terrace and Hillcrest Intermediate.
Registration for New StudentsStudents who will be new to the Norwin School District in 2010-2011 i.e., transfers in from other public schools,parochial or private schools, should register with a Norwin representative as soon as possible. Elementarystudents who will be entering Kindergarten through sixth grade in August of each year should register in the building where they will be attending, or may contact Dr. Mary Anne Hazer, Assistant Superintendentof Elementary Education, at 724.861.3021.
Middle School students, grades seven and eight, shouldregister with the Guidance Office at the Middle School(724.861.3010), High School students, grades ninethrough twelve, must contact the High School GuidanceOffice 724.861.3002 for an appointment to ensure thatthey will have a schedule ready for the fall term. HighSchool Guidance Counselors will be available for newstudent registration and for anyone unable to scheduleat an earlier time.
Requests for InformationUnder provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act of2001 (20 USC § 7908) and the Family Educational Rightsand Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g, schooldistricts are required to provide, upon request made bymilitary recruiters or an institution of higher education,access to secondary school students’ names, addressesand telephone listings. Secondary students or their parents/guardians who wish to have their informationexcluded from disclosure without prior written consent,must do so in writing and send the written exclusionrequest to their child’s guidance counselor, the designated school official.
Safeguard ProgramOnce again, the Safeguard Program will be available in all elementary schools and Hillcrest IntermediateSchool. Through it, before and after school child care is provided for Norwin students in grades K-6. The program includes homework supervision, a snack, art projects and organized play. For hours of operationand fee information, please call the Safeguard Office at 724.864.1004.
School AttireThe Norwin School Board-approved Student Rights andResponsibilities Regulations addresses student attire.Students are not permitted to wear the following items at school:
• Slippers• Shoes with wheels; “Heelies”• Halters, tube tops, spaghetti straps, mesh
or see-through blouses or shirts• Tank tops, undershirts, T-shirts advertising
illegal products or behavior or which containprofanity
• Any item of clothing which exposes the shoulder or midriff
• Messages or wording across the seat of shorts,pants, sweatpants and skirts are not permitted
• Cutoffs and clothing that is ripped, cut or has holes• Form-fitting athletic attire• Jewelry or ornaments which cause injury
In addition, undergarments are not to be exposed. Pantsand shorts must be secured at the waist and cannot beworn “sag style.” Students must wear clothing withsleeves. Students inappropriately dressed will berequired to change to appropriate attire. In all cases,the decision of the Principal is final.
School ClosingsInformation relative to the emergency closing ofschools in the Norwin School District is broadcast overthe following television stations: KDKA, WPXI andWTAE. The decision to delay or postpone school due toweather conditions is made as early as possible. Ifweather conditions deteriorate while school is insession, early dismissals may occur.
Special EducationIn compliance with state and federal law, the NorwinSchool District will provide to each protectedhandicapped student, without discrimination or costto the student or family, those related aids, services,or accommodations which are needed to provideequal opportunity to participate in, and obtain thebenefits of, the school program and extracurricularactivities to the maximum extent appropriate to thestudent’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protectedhandicapped student, the child must be of school agewith a physical or mental disability, whichsubstantially limits or prohibits participation in, oraccess to, an aspect of the school program.
These services and protections for “protectedhandicapped students” are distinct from thoseapplicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled(or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.
For further information on the evaluation proceduresand provision of services to protected handicappedstudents or eligible students, contact Margaret Zimmer,Director of Pupil Services and Special Programs at 724-861-3000 x 1113 throughout the school year.
NOTICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
Child Find - Norwin School DistrictPupil Services and Special Programs281 McMahon Dr., North Huntingdon, PA 15642Phone: 724-861-3000 x1113 Fax: 724-863-9467
Norwin | Fall 2011 | incommunitymagazines.com 15
Each school district, along with other public agencies inthe Commonwealth, must establish and implementprocedures to identify, locate and evaluate all childrenwho need special education programs and servicesbecause of the child’s disability. This notice is to help findthese children, offer assistance to parents and describethe parent’s rights with regard to confidentiality ofinformation that will be obtained during the process.
The content of this notice has been written in English. If a person does not understand any of this notice, he or she should contact the school district (seecontacts) and request an explanation.
IDENTIFICATION ACTIVITY Child Find refers to activities undertaken by public education agencies to identify, locate, and evaluate children residing in the State, including childrenattending private schools, who are suspected ofhaving disabilities, regardless of the severity of theirdisability, and determine the child’s need for specialeducation and related services. The purpose is tolocate these children so that a free appropriate publiceducation (FAPE) can be made available. The types ofdisabilities, that if found to cause a child to needservices are: Autism, deaf-blindness, deafness,emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, mentalretardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedicimpairment, other health impairment, due to chronicor acute health problems, specific learningdisabilities, speech or language, traumatic brain injuryand visual impairment including blindness, in the caseof a child that is of preschool age developmental delay.
The Norwin School District provides educationalservices for all eligible students either throughdistrict- operated classes, contracts with IntermediateUnit #7, or Approved Private Schools. Classesproviding Learning Support, Life-Skills Support,Emotional Support, Physical Support, MultipleDisabilities Support, and Autistic Support are availablefor students at beginning school age through age 21, ifnecessary. Additional services include hearing, vision,and speech and language support.
Each school district is required to annually provide notice describing the identification activities and the procedures followed to ensure confidentiality of personally identifiable information. This notice isintended to meet this requirement.
Identification activities are performed to find a child whois suspected as having a disability that would interferewith his or her learning unless special educationprograms and services are made available. Theseactivities are sometimes called screening activities. Theactivities include: Review of group data, conduct hearingand vision screening, assessment of student’s academicfunctioning, observation of the student displayingdifficulty in behavior and determining the student’sresponse to attempted remediation. Input from parentsis also an information source for identification. After achild is identified as a suspected child with a disability,he or she is evaluated, but is not evaluated beforeparents give permission for their child to be evaluated.
The Norwin School District follows procedures outlined in thespecial education regulations (Chapter 14) for determiningeligibility and need for special education services.
The Norwin School District will provide ongoing screening services. If you wish to learn more, have questions, or believe your child may need to be identified, please contact:
Margaret Ford Zimmer, M.Ed.Director of Pupil Services and Special Programs 724-861-3000 x 1113
Student ID CardsAll Norwin students will be issued/re-issued ID cardsthis year. Students in grades seven through twelve must carry their ID cards at all times during the schoolday. Cards will be used to borrow material from thelibrary and to purchase meals from the cafeteria.Replacement cards will cost $1.00 for the first card and $5.00 for each subsequent replacement. The ID cards must be turned in at the end of the school year to meet District obligations. A student ID card must be presented to any administrator or staff member upon request.
Student RecordsParents/guardians and students have access to the student’s educational records and have theopportunity to amend them for accuracy.Parents/guardians or eligible students who wish toinspect the student’s educational records shouldmake an appointment with their child’s counselor forthe review. If, after the review of the records, theparent/guardian or eligible student wishes to amendthe records for accuracy, he/she is required to makethe request in writing. The request should specify thenature of the amendment desired, the reasons for thechange and any verification of the change requested.Within a reasonable time, the District will determinewhether to amend the records.
Parents/guardians have the right to a hearing on theirrequest to amend educational records. Additionally, parents/guardians have the right to file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) in theU.S. Department of Education.
Students and the MediaDuring the school year, events and activities occur thatare shared with the community through the local newsmedia. Parents/guardians have the right to restrict thisaccess at any time. Parents of elementary students should return the signed permission form to their child’sbuilding principal indicating whether or not they havegranted permission to have their child’s picture takenfor local newspapers or to be videotaped.
Parents/guardians of middle school or high schoolstudents should send a written request to thebuilding principal if they do not wish to have theirchild’s picture taken or videotaped.
It is District procedure that a school official be presentduring any media initiated photograph or interview of astudent during the school day or activity.
SurveysThe Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) [20 USC § 1232H (b) ], gives parents and students who are 18 or older or emancipated minors rights regarding the District’s use of or participation insurveys, collection and use of information formarketing purposes and conduct of certain physicalexams. These include the right to:
1. Consent, in writing, to federally funded surveys concerning protected information before the student provides information relating to the following categories:
• political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents/guardians
• mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family
• sexual behavior or attitudes• illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or
demeaning behavior• critical appraisals of student’s close family
relationships• privileged or similar relationships recognized by law• religious practices, affiliations or income
other than that required by law to determine program eligibility
2. Opt out of surveys and exams that involve: • the collection, disclosure or use of personal
information obtained from students forpurposes of marketing or selling or otherwisedistributing information to others
• protected information surveys as set forth above regardless of funding
• any non-emergency, invasive physical exam orscreening required as a condition of attendanceadministered by the District and scheduled by the District; and not necessary to protect theimmediate health and safety of a student,except for hearing, vision or scoliosisscreenings or any physical exam or screeningpermitted or required under state law
3. Inspect the following material prior to its use or administration:
• protected information surveys of students• documents used to collect personal information
from students for marketing, sales or distribution purposes
• instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum
• Parents and eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office, USDOE400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.Washington DC 20202-4605
Weapons ProhibitedAct 26 requires the expulsion, for not less than one (1)year, of any student who brings a weapon onto schoolproperty, a school transportation vehicle or to anyschool-sponsored activity. The Act requires parentswho register their children for school to file statementsconcerning previous expulsions for offenses relating toweapons, alcohol, drugs or willful infliction of injury.
