Principal's           

          Report

        South Fayette High School

March 17, 2006

 

              From the Offices of Ann Bisignani, High School Principal

              and Aaron Skrbin,, Assistant High School Principal

 

 

NEW SCHOOL TSA STATE QUALIFIERS RECORD

 

The Pennsylvania Technology Student Association held the 2006 Region I & VI, Joint Leadership Conference, on Friday February 24th. The event was hosted by California University of PA, Department of Applied Engineering and Technology. Twenty-one South Fayette high school TSA club members attended and competed in a wide variety of competitions, ranging from Structural Engineering and Technology Problem-Solving to Extemporaneous Presentation and CAD – Engineering 3D. The respective list of attendees and their competitions are as follows: (Competitions listed in ITALICS denotes student qualification in that event for the state competition, April 19-22, at Seven Springs Resort. An * in front of the competition denotes a first place finish.)

 

  1. Evan Schulz               9th Grade        Dragster Design, Structural Engineering
  2. Ray Mountain           9th Grade        CAD Architectural 2D, Technology

Problem-Solving

  1. Owen Bonnaure        9th Grade        Dragster Design
  2. Jim Barrett                9th Grade        Dragster Design, Structural Engineering
  3. Bryan Vock               9th Grade        Dragster Design, * Structural Engineering
  4. J.C. Kent                    10th Grade      CAD Architectural 2D, Transportation

Modeling

  1. Prashant Gabani       10th Grade      CAD Engineering 3D, Structural

Engineering

  1. Matt Shuck                10th Grade      Dragster Design, Structural Engineering
  2. Luke Quattro             10th Grade      CAD Architectural 2D, Structural

Engineering, Transp. Model

  1. Chris Spicer               10th Grade      Technology Problem-Solving
  2. Andrew McClelland 10th Grade      Prepared Presentation, Extemporaneous

Presentation

  1. Andrew Klimek         11th Grade      * Flight Endurance, Structural

Engineering

  1. Pat Reilly                    11th Grade      * CAD Engineering 3D, Technology

Problem-Solving

  1. Matt Tornebene        11th Grade      Dragster Design, PA R.C. Vehicle
  2. Joe Campbell             11th Grade      Dragster Design, PA R.C. Vehicle
  3. Pat Chaussard           11th Grade      Structural Engineering, Technology

Problem-Solving

  1. Brandon Priore         11th Grade      Structural Engineering
  2. Mike Wood                12th Grade      CAD Engineering 3D, PA R.C. Vehicle
  3. Anthony Marcolini    12th Grade      Technology Problem-Solving, PA R.C.

Vehicle

  1. Nick Goettman          12th Grade      Technology Problem-Solving, PA R.C.

Vehicle

  1. Marc Landy               12th Grade      Dragster Design, Structural Engineering

 

Nineteen of the participants have qualified to compete in the 2006 PA-TSA State Competition. All of these students will now be preparing to compete in their respective competitions again, only this time it’s against the state’s best. They will also have the opportunity to compete in a broad spectrum of other challenging competitions as teams and individuals. Congratulations to the students and their sponsor, Mr. Brian Garlick.   (A special thanks to Mr. Garlick for submitting this article.)

 

 

HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR VISITS SOUTH FAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL

 

On February 28, Jack Sittsamer, a native of Poland and survivor of the Holocaust, visited South Fayette High School.  Mr. Sittsamer spoke to a group of approximately 150 students telling them stories of his experiences as a young Jewish man living in Poland before and during World War II.  He shared stories of the Krakow Ghetto and each of the concentration camps he was in from 1941 to 1945.  He also shared stories about trying to find his family, his journey to America and eventually Pittsburgh, and how he copes with his memories of the Holocaust.  At the conclusion of the presentation, Mr. Sittsamer was very candid as he answered any questions the students had about his experiences.  Feedback from the presentation was overwhelmingly positive, and Mr. Sittsamer has generously offered to return next year.  The presentation was organized by Kristen Hodgson, a MAT Intern assigned to Mrs. Chris Kosik, as part of a 10th grade interdisciplinary unit in English and Social Studies.  While studying the Holocaust in World Cultures, 10th grade students will also be reading Night by the noted author and Holocaust survivor Elie Weisel in English 10. 

 

 

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

 

Congratulations to the following Students of the Month for February.  The theme for the month was students who showed “Most Improvement”:

 

9th Grade – Morgan Castanet and Kelley Pucci

10th Grade – Ken Morgan, Lana Blue and Karla Armentrout

11th Grade – Lauren Scott and Petra Husnaj

12th Grade – Sean Kennedy and Martin Yater

 

 

PENNSYLVANIA TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

SELECTED AS PENNSYLVANIA SEMI-FINALIST

 

Congratulations to Mrs. Christine Kosik, English Department Chair, who was nominated for the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year 2007 award.  Mrs. Kosik’s contributions to the school, her commitment to children, and her leadership in many aspects of school life make her a very deserving candidate.  This week Mrs. Kosik was notified that she was selected as one of 30 semi-finalists for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year!  We are so proud of her and wish her all the best as she continues in the award program!  The regional finalists will be notified in early May.

 

 

STUDENTS RECEIVE ASPIRE INFORMATION

 

Ten sophomores will be applying as candidates for the ASPIRE (Area Students Participating in Rewarding Education) program for the 2006-2007 class.  After completing an on-line application and providing letters of recommendation, the student packets will be reviewed by the ASPIRE Foundation and a select number of students will be invited for an interview as the next step in the process.  Following the interviews, ASPIRE will select typically 10-12 students from the Pittsburgh area to participate in the program, which includes adult mentoring as well as academic, social, and community service activities.  ASPIRE students also have an opportunity to compete for one of four $10,000 scholarships at the successful conclusion of this two-year program.  The students nominated for the first round of the process include Allison Supko, Chris Morales, Kirsten Carr, Bethany Drake, Leigh Clark, Prashant Gabani, Mike Venetti, Emily Risner, Jessica Ross, Lauren Davis, Celina Mauti, Annie Barry, Brittany Troyer, Sam Taylor, Garrett Vidak, and Stephanie Kedzuf.

 

 

TEACHER NOMINATED FOR CMU AWARD

 

Congratulations to Mr. Jeff McGowan, who has been nominated for the Carnegie Mellon University Sigma Xi Award for Outstanding High School Science Teacher in Allegheny County!  Mr. McGowan has submitted to the review committee a curriculum vitae and a one-page letter of recommendation, and the winner will receive a cash prize, a plaque, and an invitation to the CMU annual Sigma Xi Initiation and Awards Banquet. 

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO . . .

 

¨      Andrew DiDonato, who was nominated for the Lincoln Investments Student Athlete Leadership Award.  Andrew was one of the student-athletes who successfully participated in the Student Athlete Leadership Academy in August

¨      Lora Werkmeister, who received a full scholarship including tuition, room and board, and textbooks, for eight semesters at Youngstown State University!  Lora, who would like to become a certified, registered dietician, will be a member of the Honors Program there and will complete at least 60 hours of volunteerism annually as part of the scholarship requirement.  Congratulations to a most deserving, hard-working young lady on this phenomenal accomplishment!

¨      Mrs. Chris Kosik, who was nominated by 3 students to be included in the Who’s Who Among American High School Teachers 2006 edition.

¨      Rachel Kurta, Dina Pucci, Megan Rooney, Jillian Zewe, Alyssa Bazala, Luke Morgan, Andrew Bernett, Andrew Josey, Brandon Soubie, and Adam Gregory who participated in the WPIAL Swimming Championships at the University of Pittsburgh earlier this month.   Rachel, Luke, and Megan advanced to the PIAA State Championships after strong finishes in the WPIAL Individual Qualifiers.  Luke earned a berth at states for finishing 3rd in diving in the WPIAL, Rachel for a 5th place finish in the 200 and 500 meter freestyle and Megan for a 5th place finish in the 50 meter freestyle. All three swimmers are participating in the PIAA state championship held at Bucknell University March 15 through March 18.  Good luck Luke, Rachel and Megan!

¨      Ryan Boynes and Stefan Chaussard, who placed in the Section 6 “AAA” Wrestling Tournament which was held at Mt. Lebanon High School.  Ryan was section runner-up in the 171 lb. weight classification and Stefan placed 3rd in the 103 lb. weight classification.  Ryan and Stefan advanced to the WPIAL/Southwest Regional Championships at Norwin High School late in February.

¨      Lauren Holmes, who was selected to represent South Fayette at the PMEA Region/State Chorus Festival at Beaver Area High School from March 15-17.

¨      The Media II students, under the direction of Mr. Tom O’Connor, who were featured in a very nice article in the Bridgeville News for the good work they do every day in producing the morning news show.

¨      The Art Club, under the direction of Mr. Patrick McAndrew, who received a thank you check from the Greater Bridgeville Area Chamber of Commerce for the wonderful job they had done in decorating the windows of area businesses for the holidays.

¨      Jason Wilcox, senior, trumpet; Alyssa DeYoung, junior, oboe; and Garrett Vidak, sophomore, tenor saxophone, who were selected by audition to the PMEA Region/State Band.  Jason, Alyssa, and Garrett will perform with the PMEA Region/State Band on March 1-3 at North Allegheny High School!

 

 

HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

 

¨      Thirty students, grades 10-12, took the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test today.  The test measures vocational skills, as well as core academic skills, required for entry to the Armed Services.

¨      Student Government, under the direction of Mr. Felix Yerace, sponsored a Valentine’s Dance for over 120 students.  A special thank you to those who chaperoned:  Mr. Alex Hobbs, Mrs. Donna Meehan, Ms. Aileen Brasacchio, Mr. Adam Manion, Ms. Melissa Rubottom, and Mrs. Joann Johnston.

¨      An Air Force Linguist visited with the Foreign Language students in an assembly program about opportunities in the armed services and civilian life for students who are bilingual.  The program was coordinated by guidance counselor Mr. Rege Fechter, in conjunction with the Foreign Language Department Chair Mrs. Daniela Wiernik.

¨      SF alum Jessica Silko and Jordan Shoenberger visited the school, along with a Penn State admissions representative, to meet with students who have already been admitted to Penn State for next year to talk about freshman life.  The program was well received by the seniors in attendance.  The program was coordinated by guidance counselor Mr. Rege Fechter.

¨      Members of Student Government had their monthly “Lunch with the Principal” on March 14.  This is always a wonderful time of conversation and idea-sharing.

¨      Mrs. Lane, Mr. Fechter, Mr. Skrbin, and Mrs. Bisignani met with students in grades 8-11 to discuss scheduling options and processes for next year.  Middle School Guidance Counselor Mr. Michael Perrott was an invaluable help in coordinating this program for the 8th grade students.  Additionally, an evening meeting and presentation was held for parents on Tuesday, March 14.  Following that presentation, the counselors had individual scheduling meetings for parents on March 15 and 16 from noon to 7:30 p.m. to talk about specific questions and concerns families may have.

¨      The High School held its annual Emergency Weather Preparedness Drill on March 16.

 

 

MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES ATTENDED

 

Mr. Silhanek:  AP Consortium Meeting

Mr. Sekelik:  “Sense of Place:  Land and Cultural Identities Around the World” Seminar

Mrs. Kim Sahady, Ms. Shannon Willy, Ms. Jodi Holley, and Mrs. Lindsy Bushmire: 

Pennsylvania Educational Technology Conference

Mrs. Bisignani – Videoconference at PaTTAN’s for Project 720

Mrs. Bisignani – SHASDA Principals’ Meeting, Elizabeth Forward High School

Mr. Farkas – Tri-County AD Meeting

Mr. Farkas – WPIAL AD Meeting

Mr. Skrbin – “Disciplining Students with Disabilities” Seminar, Monroeville

Mr. Skrbin – “Effective Hiring Practices and Interviewing Techniques” Seminar, AIU

March, 2006

 

ü      20-24 – PSSA Math/Reading Exams (Gr. 11)/Terra Novas (Gr. 9 & 10)

ü      21 – Faculty Meeting, 2:05 p.m.

ü      23 – Project 720 Committee Meeting, 6-8 p.m.

ü      27 – Parent Advisory Council Breakfast, 7:15 a.m.

ü      30 – Winter Jacket Fittings, Commons Hallway during Lunch Periods

ü      30 – Administrative Meeting, Noon – 3 p.m.

ü      31 – Spring Sports Recognition Assembly

ü      31 – Third Nine Weeks Ends

 

April, 2006

 

ü      3 – Clerical/Staff Development Day (No School for Students)

ü      4 – Arts and Humanities Career Fair at South Fayette

ü      4 – Faculty Meeting, 2:05 p.m.

ü      6 – Administrative Meeting, 9 a.m. – Noon

ü      6-8 – Spring Broadway Musical My Fair Lady

ü      7 – MAT Intern Interviews at University of Pittsburgh

ü      10 – Report Cards Issued

ü      10 – Health Careers Club Blood Drive

ü      10-11 – Tentative Dates for Arena Scheduling (Gr. 10 & 11)

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ü      11 – New Teacher Meeting, 2:05 p.m.

ü      12 – National Vocational-Technical Honor Society Induction at Parkway

ü      13-17 – Spring Break (No School)

ü      18 – Department Chair Meeting, 2:05 p.m.

ü      19 – APEX Liaison Committee Meeting, 2:05 p.m.

ü      19 – Duquesne Jazz Ensemble performs with SF Jazz Ensemble, 7 p.m.

ü      20 – Career Shadow Day

ü      20 – Celebration of Excellence, Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m. for HS

  (with lunch)

ü      21 – Student Leadership Recognition Breakfast

ü      24 – Two-Hour Late Start for Professional Development

ü      24 – National Honor Society Induction, 7 p.m.

ü      25 – Career Fair for Health and Human Services, Upper St. Clair HS

ü      25 – Kennywood Ticket Sales at SF

ü      27 – Administrative Meeting, Noon – 3 p.m.

ü      27 – HS Spring Band Concert, 7 p.m.

ü      28 – SHASDA Conference, Southpointe

ü      28 – Oldies Concert with Johnny Angel and the Halos and the Mansfield Five