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THE BOLT PRIDE S P R I N G 2 0 1 6
www.lasd.k12.pa.us
Teacher Appreciation Week 2
Outstanding Staff Awards 2
Make Up Days this Spring 2
New Employees 3
Retirement 3
Years of Service 4, 5
Earned Income Tax 6
Food Service News 6
Transportation News 7
Athletic News 8
Technology & Curriculum 8
Kindergarten Registration 9
Alloway Creek PTO News 10,11
Teaching & Learning at MA 11,12
NAHS Paint Night 12
Support at LHS 13
Scholastic Art Awards 13
PCR Comes to Littlestown 14
Learning Support News 15
FFA Plant Sale 15
Building Project Update 16
Thunderbolt Foundation 16
V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 3
A Publication of the Littlestown Area School District 162 Newark Street Littlestown, PA 17340
A Message from the Superintendent
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
C L I C K O N T O P I C
O R P A G E #
Thunderbolts Fly World Class!
I t’s hard to believe the end of the 2015-2016 school year is near and summer is in the horizon. The year has flown by with everyone riding first class! To attest to this, we recently received notification from the U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools {Bronze Award} that the
Littlestown Senior High School is nationally ranked. One year ago at this time, we surveyed you about the school district. Your responses, along with the staff, students, and the school board were all analyzed to develop a district Vision. Empower all learners to pursue their passion. The catch phrase or brand that supports the vision is “Thunderbolts Fly World Class”. What does this vision mean to you and the community? We want to create a school district where students have opportunities to explore their passions, de-velop critical thinking and digital skills, and inspire a generation of innovators who are pursuing their passions. We, the Littlestown community value:
setting goals and expectations for continuous improvement.
building relationships and collaborating to solve problems.
utilizing technology to expose learners to the world.
community involvement and Littlestown pride. The school board is beginning to make decisions that support the vision and values. The school board is working diligently to balance a budget, finalize a teacher contract, increase student access to technology, evaluate superintendent performance, and improve facilities. The school board initiated the elimination of the occupational tax, approved the creation of the Thunderbolt Foun-dation and a series of policies and decisions to make LASD a World Class School District. Please thank the board members for their service when you see them. When you read the newsletter, look for the connections to the vision and values stated above. We would not be motivated to move the district forward without your pride for Littlestown and support for public education. Please continue to check out our website links to stay informed. Building Project- http://www.lasd.k12.pa.us/about/Building-Projects.cfm Budget- http://www.lasd.k12.pa.us/finance/Budget-2016-2017.cfm Thunderbolt Foundation-http://thunderboltfoundation.weebly.com/ Superintendent Page- http://www.lasd.k12.pa.us/about/blog/15934
Have a safe and enjoyable summer! Chris Bigger
Superintendent
P A G E 2 L I T T L E S T O W N A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
T H E B O L T P R I D E
T he long cold winter weather is over and we were able to keep Friday, June 3rd, as our last 1/2 day of school for stu-dents and Graduation as scheduled on June 3rd. One more snow make-up day will be used on Tuesday, May 10th so students will only be off school on Monday, May 9th and return to school on May 10th. Please visit our website to
view the 2015-2016 calendar and also the 2016-2017 calendar at Academic Calendars
Please remember to update your calendars at home!
Make-Up Days this Spring and Last Day of School
T his week is a time to shine the spotlight on the people who are so much a part of children’s lives and we are so fortunate to have top notch Teachers in our district who really care about our stu-dents! Please take a moment this week and thank a teacher for all they do!
"Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students." — Solomon Ortiz
Don’t Forget To Nominate Your Favorite Teacher or Special Employee!
D eadline is May 13th to submit your nomination form to the Superintendent’s office. If an
employee in our District has made a posi-tive impact for you or your child, please take a few minutes to recognize this per-son. There will be 6 awards given annually: an Elementary School Teacher Award, an Intermediate School Teacher Award; a Middle School Teacher Award, a High School Teacher Award, and two Support Staff Employee Awards. Nominations are open NOW until May 13, 2016. Community members, par-ents/guardians, students, teachers, co-workers, administrators, and members of the School Board of Directors may nomi-nate staff members for this award. The nomination forms are available on our website at: NOMINATION FORM
Or the forms can be picked up in any of the school buildings’ front office. Complete the form and submit it to the Superintendent’s Office at 162 Newark Street, Littlestown, PA 17340 in a sealed envelope. Deadline for nominations is May 13, 2016.
A committee comprised of Teachers, Ad-ministrators, LEA Representatives, and a School Board Member will select the win-ning recipients from nominations received. Each winning recipient will receive an en-graved picture plaque which will be pre-
sented to them in the Fall following when they were nominated in the Spring during a Board Meeting. The plaque will be displayed in the District Office during the school year following the presenta-tion and then given to the recipient to keep at the completion of the school year when another recipient will be cho-sen. In addition, there will be a News Release and picture published in the Dis-trict Newsletter and local papers. Any questions on this program can be directed to Beverly Lang at [email protected] or at 717-359-4146 x1250.
It ‘s Not Too Late to Nominate!
P A G E 3 V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 3
New Employees
Welcome!
Retirement. . . Time to Relax
This year we have eight employees retiring and wish them well in their next stage of endeavors! L-R: Thom Leib, 34 Years of Service; Diane Bair, 35 Years of Service; Brenda Placke, 37 Years of Service; Kit Curlen, 37 Years of Service; Betsy Bein, 13 Years of Service; Pa-trice Smith, 30 Years of Service; Rebecca Shultz, 31 Years of Service; and Joyce Ridinger, 17 Years of Ser-vice.
Top Left: Justin Clabaugh, Fulltime Custo-dian at Alloway Creek Top Right: Gail Tharp, Personal Care Aid Bottom Left: Brooke Weaver, Part-Time Food Service Worker
Your Wisdom
will be missed!
P A G E 4
T H E B O L T P R I D E
L I T T L E S T O W N A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
Years of Service at Littlestown Area School District
S pring is the time of year we celebrate our employees who have been with us for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years.
This year we have eight employees celebrating their 20 + years of service at LASD. Coming in at 35 years is Diane Bair, Teacher at Rolling Acres and is also retiring this year. At 30 years is Amy To-massini, Teacher at the High School and Peggy Jo Roser, Cafeteria
Worker. At 25 years is Cindy Bushey, Secretary for the Technolo-gy Department and Bonnie Showvaker, Teacher at the High School. And at 20 years is Michael Lippy, Teacher at the High School and Football Coach; Lisa Smith, Teacher at Maple Avenue; and Kristin Snyder, Teacher at Rolling Acres. A reception will be held on opening day to honor the Years of Ser-vice recipients. We are very proud to have a caring, dedicated team of professionals at the Littlestown Area School District.
Alloway Creek L-R: Cindy Bushey (25.5 yrs), Janet Reynolds (5 yrs), Susan Aldinger (10 yrs), Chip Fissel (10 yrs), Sandra Leete (10 yrs)
Rolling Acres Elementary School L-R: Gina Witmer (5 yrs), Stephanie Zeitler (5 yrs), Michelle Durange (10 yrs), Andrew Fenimore (10 yrs), Beth Peart (15 yrs), Kris-tin Snyder (20 yrs), Diane Bair (35 yrs), and Christina Schipper (10 yrs)
P A G E 5 V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 3
Maple Avenue Middle School L-R: Lisa Smith (20 yrs), Steve McMaster (15 yrs), Jodi Trone (15 yrs), Cortney Golden (10.5 yrs), Eric Naylor (15 yrs), Kenneth Crockett (10 yrs)
High School L-R: Michael Lippy (20 yrs), Renee Bruder (10 yrs), Bonnie Showvaker (25 yrs), Sandy Clingan (10 yrs), Amy Tomassini (30 yrs), Michael Baker (15 yrs)
P A G E 6
T H E B O L T P R I D E
L I T T L E S T O W N A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
Voters Elected to Eliminate the Occupational Assessment Tax
O n November 3, 2015, Littlestown Area School District taxpayers voted to eliminate the Occupational Assessment Tax and move to a higher Earned Income Tax (EIT) rate, effective July 1, 2016.
Littlestown residents paid their last Occupational Assessment Tax on July 1, 2015. Starting July 1, 2016, Littlestown residents EIT rate will increase from 1.0% to 1.6%. York Adams Tax Bureau will be notifying employers in early summer of the change. We encourage you to let your employers know of the change as well; however, remember this change does not take effect until July 1, 2016. Important dates to remember regarding the change:
July 1, 2015 – Last Occupational Assessment bills sent to residents. July 1, 2016 – Earned income rate of 1.60% takes effect. No Occupational Assessment bills. January – April 15, 2017 – Littlestown taxpayers will prepare their 2016 taxes. January 2016 through June 2016 will be calculat-ed at 1.0%. July 2016 through December 2016 will be calculated at 1.6%.
For more information on this tax shift, please visit the district’s website - http://www.lasd.k12.pa.us/finance/Occupational-Tax-Elimination-Act.cfm.
Food Service News
Summer Meals Program The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 requires all School Food Authorities (SFAs) to inform families about the availability and loca-tion of free meals over the summer months. Even though our district does not provide free summer meals, it is our responsibility to pro-vide this information to you. Families can use any of the following methods to locate sites that serve free meals to chil-dren during the summer:
Call 211
Call 1-866-3Hungry or 1-877-8Hambre
Text “MEALPA” to 877877 during the summer months
Visit the website: www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks
Use the site locator for smartphones – Rangeapp.org
NEW at Maple Avenue An “All You Can Eat Vegetable Bar” has been introduced at Maple Avenue during lunch on Wednesdays. The idea behind this bar, which is included with every lunch served, is to en-courage students to “Take What You Want. Eat What You Take”. My hope is that given a wide selection of fresh vegetables to choose from, less food will be wasted. Student response to this addition to Wednesday lunch has been positive. They enjoy the opportunity to make their own choice.
P A G E 7 V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 3
Does your Child need a Change in Transportation for Next Year?
S tudents are assigned busing from the information we have as of the last day of school. If your child needs a change in trans-portation arrangements for the 2016-17 school year, complete the transportation change form found on the LASD Website at: http://www.lasd.k12.pa.us/transportation/transportation-forms.cfm and mail it to the Transportation Office or drop it off
at any one of the school offices no later than June 15th.
No changes will be considered from mid-August through mid-September. Board Policy Guidelines indicate that schedules must be consistent for the week. No seats will be held for any students, particularly for van riders, that are inconsistent occasional riders. Students may not ride a bus other than the one to which they are assigned un-less it is a true emergency, and then by administrative discretion only. Bus drivers are not allowed to accept notes.
A s we approach the end of the 2015-2016 school year, we would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone who rides the bus of a few important items. First and foremost is the safety of each and every student who rides. Safety begins as we stop to pick up the students. As the bus approaches the bus stop, please wait 10 feet back from where the bus stops. Do not ap-
proach the bus until the doors open. That is the signal that it is safe for the student to board the bus. If you have to cross the street to board the bus, please wait for the signal from the driver that it is safe. The driver checks for vehicles from every direction and can see any dangers that might exist. Once on the bus, please sit in your assigned seat. Seats are assigned for safety reasons. Please remain seated while the bus is moving. If you are standing up and the bus has to come to an abrupt stop, you may get hurt. Please don’t dis-tract the driver. Distractions could cause the driver to take their eyes off of the road, which is potentially dangerous. Some of the things that are distracting could be screaming/yelling, items falling onto the floor of the bus and everyone getting out of their seats to retrieve the items, and standing up. Please follow all of the rules that your driver sets for you. That is the best way to ensure a safe trip to and from school every day. Secondly, as the last day of school gets closer, the students will be bringing home a lot of items from their lockers. Please ask them to only carry the necessary items in their back packs so that there is room for what they will be bringing home. In some cases, there are three students per seat on the bus. Having an overloaded back pack not only makes it really tight in their seats, but also items can easi-ly fall out onto the floor causing an unsafe situation as the students try to scramble to collect the items.
School Bus Safety
WANTED: School Bus Drivers
If you enjoy working with children and are looking for some supplemental income, consider becoming part of a great team that helps keep our children safe. If you are interested, please contact the Transportation Department at 359-4146 ext. 1272. We really look forward to talking with you.
TOP TEN REASONS TO BECOME A SCHOOL BUS DRIVER….. #10 – Obtain CDL Class B license with S & P Endorsements and Air Brakes – at no cost. # 9 – Have Summers and Holidays Off # 8 – See the Sun Rise # 7 – Drive through some beautiful countryside everyday # 6 – Have something to talk about with your friends
# 5 – Have your child or grandchild ride with you (if they are LASD school district students) #4 – Have a “Rainy” Day Fund or save for that Summer vacation #3 – Have time in the middle of the day to kick back, relax or do something else #2 – Interact with some Great Kids AND the # 1 reason to become a Bus Driver is to Make a Difference in a Child’s life!!
We hope everyone has a great summer and we look forward to seeing you in the fall!
T H E B O L T P R I D E
P A G E 8 L I T T L E S T O W N A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
N ew growth is evident everywhere you look this spring, including the Littlestown Area School District!
Our Technology Department is excited to announce the availability of a student wifi network and external student gmail for grades 6-12. Students in those grades have had internal gmail accounts through which they communicate with teachers and collab-orate with classmates on assignments. This access has been very beneficial for both teachers and students, and the district is now ready to expand educational opportu-nities for them. The student wifi network
allows students to utilize their own devic-es such as phones or tablets in an educa-tional setting. Opening external gmail for grades 6-12 will provide opportunities for interaction with other educators and students and allow educational collabo-ration on a wider stage. With this oppor-tunity comes greater responsibility, and district teachers and technology staff will educate our students to be accountable digital citizens. District filters and safe-guards already in place for their protec-tion will extend to the student wifi net-work and their gmail accounts. To foster discussion between parents and stu-
dents, the district has placed additional information on the district website un-der the Curriculum & Technology De-partment’s Technology page. There are various FAQ’s and explanations posted there, as well as an Opt-Out form should parents decide students may not partici-pate in this initiative. Undoubtedly, stunning student-based projects and learning experiences will be reported in subsequent newsletters as teachers and students eagerly grasp this new creative opportunity for educational advance-ment.
What’s Happening In The Technology and Curriculum Department?
Athletic News
T he Winter Sports Season wrapped up and despite what you might see in the win/loss column there was much improvement and the student-athletes worked hard and got better throughout the year. The Boys Basketball team finished with a record of 7-15, the Girls Basketball team finished at 9-12, and the wrestling team finished at 8-14.
We had five wrestlers qualify for the PIAA District III Wresting tournament in Hershey. Corbin Brown (126), Cory Becker (138), Carl Har-ris (145), Connor Geiman (182), and Matt Guilday (220) all made the trip to Hershey. Connor Geiman took 2nd place in Districts. Connor and Carl Harris then qualified for the PIAA SE Regional Tournament where both had good showings. Bridgid Costello qualified for the PIAA District III Swimming Championships in the 100 Yard Backstroke.
The Boys Tennis Team has finished up their regular season with a record of 10-4 overall. They just missed districts by a small amount.
However, they finished 7-1 in the YAIAA Division II and are Co-Champions. This is their first Division/League Championship since we
were members of the Blue Mountain League in 1989!
The boys worked hard this year and deserve every-
thing they earned. The YAIAA Singles and Doubles
Tournaments will start Friday April 29th.
The Baseball and Softball teams are about halfway through their seasons. The Baseball team is 6-5 over-all as of April 26th. The Softball team is 11-1 overall and undefeated in the YAIAA Division III as of April 26th. JH Volleyball’s 8th Grade team is 9-0 as of April 26th
and they are playing great! JH Volleyball 7th Grade is
also having a great season with a record of 7-2 as of
April 26th.
P A G E 9 V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 3
Your child will participate in a brief screening with one of our Kindergarten teachers.
You will meet with the office secretaries to review your completed paperwork and make copies of required documents. Please bring photo identification, original birth certificate, and proof of residency (2) to your appointment.
You will also meet with the school nurse to review the required immunization records.
Please stop by the office at Rolling Acres to pick up your registration packet. You will need to bring the completed paper-work to your scheduled appointment. Your child must be 5 years of age by August 31, 2016
Please call Rolling Acres to set up your appointment:
717-359-4146 extension 5252 or 5219
Rolling Acres Elementary Kindergarten Registration
for the 2016-2017 School Year
T H E B O L T P R I D E
P A G E 1 0 L I T T L E S T O W N A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
T he Alloway Creek PTO has been very
busy this year in bringing the stu-
dents, staff and parents many events
we hope made a positive impact on the school community. In every event we hosted, we focused on having partnerships between
school and local businesses.
Alloway Creek PTO had an Eventful Year!
Skip and Penny’s Country Catering and Kona Ice
provided dinner and dessert opportunities for
families at Back to School Night.
A bake sale supported the school’s Math Night in which donations were made by Da-vid Ross Orthodontics, Ken-nie’s Market, Weis Market and Giant Foods. Skip and Penny returned to provide additional snacks and bever-ages. Our November Gift Card fundraiser included five local businesses: Hickory Falls, Texas Roadhouse, Olivia’s, China House and Firehouse Grill. Our profits supported classroom resources, and we were able to provide the staff with a Holiday dinner. December brought our first
ever Spirit Night fundraiser,
where families were encour-
aged to eat at McDonald’s. A
portion of the sales were
given back to AC PTO.
North Hanover Bowling teamed with us in January and February to bring the school two opportunities to raise funds. As the teachers celebrated Read Across America in March, the PTO supported the students’ reading efforts with a Read-A-Thon. The students raised $4,460.00 and received the reward of turning Mr. Fissel and Mr. McMasters into Human Sundaes. It was a fun and unique event that we hope the students will remember for quite some time!
P A G E 1 1 V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 3
O ur April Chat N Chew became our Volunteer Apprecia-tion/Welcome Dinner in honor of all of our wonderful parents and staff who provided help whenever needed.
Third grade parents were also invited to encourage participation for next school year. The lasagna dinner was provided by La Cucina. David Ross Orthodontics and the PTO were able to provide snacks and rewards to all the students for their perseverance and hard work during the PSSA testing. As the year comes to an end, we continue to plan for our two final events: A Family Picnic/Summer Fair for our Alloway Creek students and their families (May 14) and the annual 5th grade Talent Show (May 27). The Photo Booth portion of the Family Picnic/Summer Fair is sponsored by David Ross Orthodontics. Hanover Bowling is providing bowling lanes. Potentially Everything Photography will be on site along with a face painting artist from Changing Faces 4 Fun, as well as John Sawyers’ “A Sing Thing” DJ and Karaoke. Utz has donat-ed chips to go along with the hamburgers and hot dogs and Rita’s Ice will provide the refreshment for the day. We want to thank all of our community partners, parents, staff and students for all of your generosity and support given to the AC PTO this year. All these events (plus the many not mentioned) could not have happened without your support. We wish our 5th graders much success next year at Maple Avenue Middle School and look forward to bringing many wonderful and
exciting events to next year’s 4th and 5th grade students and families!
Sincerely,
The AC PTO
Alloway Creek PTO News Cont’d
face of teaching and learning to better re-flect those needs? How can we leverage technology to accelerate and deepen learn-ing experiences? Can we put middle school
students in the driver’s seat and support them in pursuing their passions? Collectively, we spent the school year ask-ing those questions and challenging each other. We worked to imagine what school
Great Things Are On the Horizon
For Teaching and Learning at
MAMS! by Cortney Golden, Assistant Principal
Kari Anthony, Secretary;
Tricia Hitchner, President;
Jamie Hitchner, Treasurer;
Danielle Hinton, Vice President
Marc Hinton, Fundraising Chairperson
A fter a decade long career here at Littlestown Area School District, last summer I learned that I would
join the team at Maple Avenue MIddle School as the assistant principal. I knew that I was privileged to be a part of a school that has a long-standing reputation for excel-lence in education. I was excited to work with such a distinguished staff and stellar students. Throughout this school year, in an effort to live out the district’s motto, “Average is Over, Thunderbolts Fly World-Class,” we began to consider that our current middle school structure may not live up to our new expectations. Under the leadership of the principal, Mr. Naylor, we worked along side of the staff to envision what the future could hold for Maple Avenue students. What do our students need to be successful global citizens? How could we change the
would look like if we prioritized provid-ing innovative, technology-rich learning experiences to our students. We knew our students need exposure to things beyond our walls. They need to be cre-ative, think critically, collaborate, and learn to effectively communicate. Mid-dle school needs to look differently. At Maple Avenue we are prepared to implement a plan to enhance the edu-cation our students receive. Next year, each student will have daily, individual access to technology and the internet. This includes Chromebooks and iPads for students and teachers. Additionally, the library will take on a new shape as we begin to transform it into a learning commons that will include a recording studio with a green screen, collabora-tion spaces, student work spaces, and a large-group area for classes to work and create.
Cont’d on Page 12
T H E B O L T P R I D E
P A G E 1 2 L I T T L E S T O W N A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
W e believe the power that comes from technology-infused learn-ing will only be effectively har-
nessed if we maintain our focus on stu-dents and their learning. Thus, we are working on some changes to the curricular programming such as a revamped comput-er application course, digital citizenship, and a project-based learning structure that will allow for interdisciplinary study, and will promote student engagement. It is our goal to introduce our students to engi-neering opportunities through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) experiences. It is our hope that these learning opportunities will enable students to take a more active role in their education. This spring, things are already taking shape. Teachers are thinking like facilita-tors. Students are interacting more deeply
Great Things Are On the Horizon For Teaching and Learning
at MAMS! Cont’d
with the content. We are working to em-power our students as learners and innova-tors. Are you curious? Please follow our hashtag on Twitter, #MAMSLearning. Many of the teachers at Maple Avenue utilize this hashtag to publicize the amazing things that are happening in our classrooms. Teachers are motivated by what their students are able to accomplish, and the other shared successes in the building! My very first tweet was, “Great things are on the horizon for MAMS teaching and learning! #MAMSLearn-ing” Little did I know just how true that statement would be! I am energized each day by the buzzing ex-citement within the walls of Maple Avenue MIddle School. Teachers are eager to pre-sent new learning opportunities to their stu-dents. Students can be overheard talking
about the “awesome” class that they just attended. I am only left imagining with anticipation about what the future holds for our students as we strive to provide a relevant, integrated learning experience for every student. We hope to cultivate passion and drive in our students that will serve them in the world beyond Maple Avenue. Are you ready?
O n Friday, April 8th, 2016 Littlestown’s chapter of the National Art Honor Society hosted it’s first paint night fundraiser. The event brought
together students, family, faculty and community mem-bers for an evening of laughter and painting. The event brought in almost 60 artists and raised nearly $1500 dollars for the organization. Some of the money raised will be used to support a field trip for art students to
National Art Honor Society
Paint Night
attend a guided tour and activity at the Susquehanna Art Museum in Harrisburg in May and be part of a lecture and demonstration by local artist, Ann Lawson. The National Art Honor Society also gives its time and funds to supporting local organizations such as the Little-stown Public Library by holding arts and crafts events for children. Because of the success of the event, we plan on holding another paint night in the fall of 2106.
Be on the lookout for more information.
Trinh Richwine
P A G E 1 3 V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 3
Littlestown High School Multi-Tiered System of Support
for all Thunderbolts
T his year the high school has implemented a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to identify and assist students at risk of fail-ure. This program serves as an early warning system for all students to identify and prevent barriers to student success. Twice a marking period, all students are screened based on attendance, academic performance, and disciplinary referrals.
When a student is identified as at-risk, teachers collaborate with the MTSS team (a team of teachers, guidance counselors and adminis-trators) to target that student’s individual needs and interests. Teachers coordinate instruction based on what the team determines is in the best interest of the student. Together, the high school team works to monitor the students’ progress and revisit goals as necessary
The MTSS program has implemented the extra support system of a focused homeroom for students identified as high risk. Their home-room teacher uses this time to conference with students and keep them focused on their goals for each day. Another support of the MTSS program is increased communication between students, parents and the school and collaboration among all parties involved. As the 2015-2016 school year comes to an end, the MTSS team is excited about the programming evolving and becoming an integral part of the high school.
T his year the Littlestown High School art department took home two silver key awards and two gold key awards in the scholastic art awards competition. Sen-ior, Heidi Wymer received a silver key in the category of glass and ceramics,
titled “Perfect Imperfection”. Grace Rutter received 2 gold keys for her “Thea” drawings and a silver key for her art portfolio. The scholastic art competition received over 2,200 entries this year from York, Adams, Franklin, Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry County.
Scholastic Art Awards
Heidi Wymer, “Perfect Imperfection” Silver Key for ceramic and glass
Grace Rutter, Goodnight Thea, Gold Key for drawing.
Grace Rutter, “Thea”, Gold Key for Drawing
Grace Rutter. “Puddles” 1 of 8 pieces that won a Silver Key for art portfolio
T H E B O L T P R I D E
P A G E 1 4 L I T T L E S T O W N A R E A S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
PCR Comes to Littlestown!
W hat is a PCR machine? Ask people from around the world and you may get an assortment of answers ranging from Phone
Call Recorder machine to Plutonium Converting Ray machine. None of these quite hit the mark. A PCR machine, more
commonly known as a thermocycler, is a piece of science equipment that carries out a polymerase chain reaction (hence
the PCR abbreviation). Let me guess, that did not help you much. In short, a PCR machine can be used to amplify a segment of DNA
millions of times within a short time period, a feat that drastically changed the world of biology, chemistry and forensics. This tech-
nique is used all across the world in science laboratories, and now thanks to the Thunder Bolt Foundation and Patrick Haley from
BridgePath Scientific, it can be carried out at Littlestown High School. This not only will provide students with unique learning experi-
ences by allowing them to carry out their own crime scene investigations and inquiry based learning; it will equip them with real life
laboratory skills and techniques that will put them ahead of the global competition. Just another example of Bolts flying world class!
GRADUATION FOR SENIORS
IS JUNE 3, 2016
AT 7:30 PM
CONGRATULATIONS
CLASS OF
2016!!!
P A G E 1 5 V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 3
Look What’s Growing in the LHS Learning Support Class!
O ur students planted these plants as seed in the fall of 2015. They have tomatoes, peppers, basil and rosemary. The toma-toes are beginning to ripen. When ready, the basil and rosemary is donated to The Farnsworth House Restaurant in Gettys-burg which is then used by their chef. The culinary classes at the high school also utilize the rosemary and basil. We plan on
growing more herbs next year.
T he Littlestown FFA chapter will be holding its annual spring bedding and vegetable
plant sale the first three Fridays and Saturdays in May, in the high school greenhouse. The sale will be open to the public, Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21. This year there are a variety of annuals to choose from, including Begonias, Marigolds, Petunias, Gerbera daisies, Impatiens, Gerani-ums, Dianthus, Portulaca, Cosmos, Ganzia, Petchoa, Zinnia, Calibrachoa, Coleus, and Dracaena (spikes). The hanging baskets are full of Petunias, Begonias, Boston Ferns, and purple Wandering Jews.
For those looking to start their vegetable garden, we have Mountain Spring, Early Girl, Carolina Gold, Mountain Glory, Celebrity, Beefmaster, Moun-tain Pride, Better Boy, Cherry Tomato, and Picus Plum toma-toes as well as California Won-der, Centella, King Arthur, and Sweet Banana Peppers. All proceeds from the plant sale fund FFA activities and the Chad Dutterer Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports former Littlestown FFA members who are attending college.
Attention Gardeners! FFA Plant Sale starts in May
Alloway Creek Building Project Update
T he Alloway Creek building project is well on its way to getting started. We have been through many improvement ideas over the past couple
months. If all goes well, the project will be out to bid early summer and potentially start in August or Septem-ber of 2016. We hope to complete the project before school opens in the fall of 2017. This will all depend on the winter weather and the contractors we hire through the bidding process. We are currently within our approved budget of 11 mil-lion dollars leaving 3 million for the extra-curricular up-dates. We will have firm numbers on this after the bids for Alloway Creek are opened and approved in early summer. The Athletic Committee and School Board will be reviewing phasing plans and ideas this summer. We should see some work begin on fields during the 2016-2017 school year.
What an exciting time for the Littlestown community! For more information go to http://www.lasd.k12.pa.us/about/Building-Projects.cfm
T he Thunderbolt Education Foundation recently formed in Littlestown is very active. “The Thunderbolt Foundation” is an in-dependent charity to improve the future of public education by the Littlestown Area School District. They are a charitable organization under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Section 501(c)(3). The board has set out to raise mon-
ies for educational programs and athletic field enhancements. The Foundation has nine board members with Joe Herman as Presi-dent. Other members include Wendy Quinley, Vice President; Don Bergman, Chris Bigger, Jack Bream, Jamie Hitchner, Bryant Meck-ley, Jim Witt, and Kyle Yost. Activities Include:
Applying for EITC Earned Income Tax Credit Program at the State Level. http://thunderboltfoundation.weebly.com/eitc-info.html Businesses can send their state tax dollars to the foundation and get full tax credit instead of sending monies to the state general fund. Contact Kyle Yost ([email protected]) or Mike Statler ([email protected]) for more information.
The foundation is seeking businesses interested in advertising on all sports fields and building facilities to raise monies for enhanc-ing the extra-curricular building project. The school district has about 2 million dollars allocated to start the projects but we need at least 2 million more to see the project through to the end.
Become a member of the foundation by donating monthly, annually or one time by going to the Foundation website at http://thunderboltfoundation.weebly.com/giving-levels.html
The Littlestown Community is where Thunderbolts Fly World Class!
Proposed front entrance of Alloway Creek Elementary School
Have You Have Heard About The Thunderbolt Education Foundation?
Visit our Booth at the Littlestown Wine Festival! May 14th and 15th Noon till 6:00 PM
Littlestown Community Park 151 East Lakeview Drive
Littlestown, PA 17340 Ticket Information:
www. littlestownwinefestival.weebly.com $10—does not include tasting
$15 in advance includes tasting $20 at gate includes tasting
Two Days of Entertainment, Great
Food, and Unique Specialty Vendors
