December 2010

The Newsletter of the Upper Moreland School District

Jo r nalDigital Photography comes to Upper Moreland High School

As part of our District’s Framework for Continuous Improvement process, Digital Photography has been instituted as an art course at Upper Moreland High School.

In the past, photography had been a course offered to Upper Moreland High School students through the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology. This course was eliminated for Upper Moreland students in 2004, in a move to bring the course “home” to our high school as a cost saving measure. Delayed by the need for building renovations, our first digital photography courses did not begin until this past September, coinciding with the building of our new High School art wing.

Over seventy Upper Moreland High School students have enrolled in digital photography during its inaugural year.

Through the course, art teacher Mr. Alex Pinguli helps students to understand what could be described as three “C’s” of digital photography: understanding the camera, framing an artistic composition, and making use of software to enable computer editing. While this process may be seen as very different from yesteryear’s dark room, Mr. Pinguli is quick to report that photographers must continue

to compose, albeit with different instruments and tools.

The new digital photography lab boasts twenty student stations complete with computers and photoshop software. In addition to the student stations, there are several common printers in the lab. Students use their time in class to learn about art theory and solid composition quality and to make use of the computer software. Outside of class, they are able to practice their craft. Making use of techniques such as the “rule of thirds” for vertical and horizontal composition quality, the students are asked to think like artists and try new techniques. The digital photography students learn about and use manual controls to adjust shutter speed and aperture, and are able to be experimental.

For Alex Pinguli, the digital photography course is a new challenge in his ten year teaching career. This year marks Mr. Pinguli’s transition from the Primary School, where he taught art in grades kindergarten, one and two, to the High School. In addition to Digital Photography, Mr. Pinguli also teaches courses in Pottery and Introduction to Art at Upper Moreland High School. At Upper Moreland High School, Mr. Pinguli has had the opportunity to work side-by-side with long time art teacher Mrs. Pat Rampulla. When asked about the difference between children at the Primary School and students at the High School, Mr. Pinguli notes that the obvious, outward excitement is replaced at the high school with a drive to cultivate each individual from within. Quoting C.S. Lewis that “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts,” Mr. Pinguli, together with the Art Department, is attempting to bring better appreciation and understanding of art to the high school, one student at a time.

Katie Costello reveals her “Self Portrait” Photo

Students from our Digital Photography class are asked to provide their own camera for the course. For those students who do not have their own camera, a limited number of class cameras are available. Do you have a digital camera that you would consider donating to the District for stu-dent use? Cameras should have a “manual” setting so that aperture and shutter speed may be adjusted. If you would like to provide information about a camera that you are willing to donate, please con-tact Mr. Alex Pinguli through his e-mail address: apinguli@umtsd.org.

Cameras Needed

Art teacher, Alex Pinguli brings an appreciation of art to the high school.

The Willow Grove Rotary Club names two students per month as “Student of the Month” for demonstrating the Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” Students are selected from the Upper Moreland High School and the Eastern

Center for Arts and Technology.

Student of the Month

Menvekeh Daramay, the September Student is a young man of exemplary character and achievement. He has a multitude of talents and approaches every task rationally and responsibly.

Although he did not speak English when he arrived in this country at the age of ten, Menvekeh threw himself into understanding the language of his new homeland. After one year in America, Menvekeh was promoted from 4th grade to 6th grade. Taking exclusively Honors or Advanced Placement classes at the High School, Menvekeh is ranked #2 in the senior class with a GPA of 101.9. His vigorous

course load includes AP (Advanced Placement) English, AP Physics, AP Biology, AP Psychology & Honors Calculus. A true leader, Menvekeh was elected Class Council President by his classmates all four years at the High School. In addition, Menvekeh is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and track and soccer teams. For the past three years he has been named to the Suburban One All League First Team for soccer.

Incredibly disciplined and time-oriented, Menvekeh is a member of the township travel soccer team, employed at CVS, and finds time to volunteer at the Jewish Relief Agency.

Menvekeh is undecided where he will attend college next fall, but plans to major in pre-med.

Kevin Cyliax, the October Student of the Month is a hardworking and dedicated student who demon-strates loyalty and leadership.

Kevin can be found at the High School taking on various leadership roles such as President of the Key Club where he organized a food drive that resulted in over two tons of food being donated to local food banks. In addition, Kevin is a member of the High School Swim Team where he served as captain, a member of the National Honor Society, Environmental Club, and the Bear Buddies Club. Kevin has

achieved Distinguished Honor Roll throughout his High School career and holds an impressive GPA of 96.69.

Outside of school his motivation is endless. Kevin is an active member of his church, where he has participated in Youth Group, CYO Basketball, Volleyball and is an assistant coach of the St. David Tritons Swim Team. Throughout the Summer Kevin can be found at the Upper Moreland Swim Club working as a lifeguard and teaching swim lessons.

Kevin has applied to Penn State University, Ohio State University, University of Delaware, Drexel University and Bloomsburg University. He is undecided on his major.

Megan Marley, the November Student of the Month is a hardworking and dedicated student who demonstrates respect and leadership. Her energy is unlimited. She is a member of the Key Club, Student Council, President of the Interact Club and is a member of the field hockey and lacrosse teams. Megan has attained Honor Roll every marking period at the High School and is ranked in the top half of her class.

Megan has a multitude of talents and approaches every task rationally and responsibly. She demonstrates her care for others by participating in the blood drive and Philabundance food drive held recently at the High School. Her involvement doesn’t stop at the High School. Megan’s community contributions include participating in the Susan G. Komen Mother’s Day Walk and this year did the Susan G Komen 3 Day for the Cure. She is also employed at Wawa.

Megan hopes to attend the University of Pittsburgh in the fall where she plans to major in Engineering.

Representing Upper Moreland

A change of scenery can often lead to a change in passions; but not for Upper Moreland’s Nicole Pearson. The junior started gymnastics at the age of two. When she moved from Florida to Pa. at the age of seven, new friends and new weather didn’t change her aspirations. Nicole proved that this summer when she obtained her lifelong dream and greatest moment; she became an All-American Gymnast and the National Champion on uneven parallel bars. Nicole is now the first National Champion that the Hatboro area YMCA has ever had. While her favorite event is the uneven bars and/or beam, Nicole said she realizes it’s not easy. As Nicole continues to work hard and inspire her teammates with her positive attitude and dedication, she said she’s not focused on the future. “I would love to achieve the dream of continuing gymnastics in college, but for now I am enjoying my high school career.”

National Champion!!Impressive Season

Middle School students recently joined children from around the world in sharing their visions of world peace through a con-test sponsored by the Lions Club. Contestants were asked to create a poster that visually com-municated the contest theme “The Vision of Peace.” The winning poster, which will go on to the regional competition, was created by 8th grade student Spencer Ca-macho. Spencer received a check from Willow Grove Lions Club and will represent Upper Moreland in a South Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Competition. Spencer stated, “As humans, we are greedy

The Vision of Peaceand self-centered people that easily judge each other. If we become believers and take a step back, we begin to see that we are all

one with the earth. We must need to widen our scopes.” Pictured with their winning posters are (l-r) Willow Grove Lions Club Member Mr. Al Stachel, runner-ups Phoebe Park, Al-yssa Roberts, Vanni Nguy, grand prize winner - Spencer Camacho, and Art teacher Mr. Dwight Dulsky.

The 2010 Upper Moreland Middle School Football Team finished their season 6-0 with a victory over Colonial Middle School 26 - 0. This was their first undefeated season since 1994. Earning the title “Undefeated Suburban One Cham-pions” were players: Christopher Apold, Tristan Barkley, Kyle Bennis, Timothy Bertman, Shane Bowman, Elliott Broaster, Ernest Brown, Kristopher Buckley, Zack Carrol, Mattieu Claude, Lawrence Daniel, Dominic Delaurentis, Nick De-Lucas, Evan Dougherty, Timothy Duff, Malik Eleby, Nassir Glover, Keith Hollenberg, Colton Hooker, Tyler Johnston, Hunter Joseph, Erik Kitchen, Tristen Koenig, Christian Leighton, James Martin, Xavier Mulligan, Ryan Norton, Kevin O’Donnell, Nicholas Park, Jonathan Sandoval, Nash Seiberlich, Shane Smith, William “Ian” Smith, Justin Stout, Matt Sullivan, Colin Tice, Shane Tice, Chris Venerri, Patrick Walker, Tyler Whitmore, Isaiah Williams, coaches: John DeFranco, Rob Ricker, Morrie Weiss, Ron Zeigler, Ed Clay and team Managers: Destinee Brown, Sierra Parker.

Abramovich, Danielle Montgomery County Community College Adams, Christopher Montgomery County Community CollegeAgasar, Max Montgomery County Community CollegeAndersen, Paige Arcadia UniversityAnderson, Brittany Bloomsburg UniversityAndrews, Jesse Indiana University of PennsylvaniaAngelo, , Michael Montgomery County Community CollegeArena, Paul Montgomery County Community CollegeArmstrong, Lucas Bloomsburg University

Ashton, Samantha Montgomery County Community College

Bachurski, Rebecca Montgomery County Community CollegeBarr, William Pennsylvania State UniversityBauer, Richard Montgomery County Community CollegeBeakley, Jon Montgomery County Community CollegeBeck, Theodore Montgomery County Community CollegeBlusiewicz, Amber Montgomery County Community CollegeBolich, Daniel West Virginia UniversityBoyle, Briana Montgomery County Community CollegeBozza, Elena Montgomery County Community CollegeBrewster, Brandy Montgomery County Community CollegeBright, Shana Montgomery County Community CollegeBrown, Chelsea Suffolk UniversityBrown, Donald Montgomery County Community CollegeBurman, Brian St. Charles BorromeoBurman, Sean Temple UniversityBurnick, Ryan Bloomsburg UniversityButhusiem, Rachel West Virginia UniversityButler, Ronald Montgomery County Community CollegeByun, Hajeong Pennsylvania State University

Caceres, Jonathan Montgomery County Community CollegeCampana, Mark Montgomery County Community CollegeCampoli, Justin Montgomery County Community CollegeCarey, Lisa Montgomery County Community CollegeCeneviva, Drew Shippensburg UniversityCheatham, Christopher Drexel UniversityChekay, Katie-Ann Frostburg StateChism, Carlos Pennsylvania State UniversityChoi, Sunny Villanova UniversityCirone, Nicholas PA College Of Technology Clardy, Dominique Montgomery County Community CollegeCleff, Mason Montgomery County Community CollegeCohen, Shane Temple UniversityComly, Alison Montgomery County Community CollegeConard, Samantha Indiana University of PennsylvaniaConnolly, Patricia Bloomsburg UniversityConover, William Dean CollegeCordenner, Nicholas Pennsylvania State UniversityCosenza, Ashley Montgomery County Community College

Cramer, James Pennsylvania State UniversityCranney, Joseph Temple UniversityCunningham, Carlee Delaware Valley College

Datts, Shaneen University of HartfordDelos, TrinosMinelle Montgomery County Community CollegeDenneny, Madalyn Bloomsburg UniversityDennis, Ronye Lackawanna CollegeDepalantino, Richard Montgomery County Community CollegeDigiacomo, Michael Montgomery County Community CollegeDirocco, Jacqueline Widener UniversityDixon, Jenna Art Institute of PhiladelphiaDoyle, Stephen Montgomery County Community CollegeDubzak, Jade Drexel UniversityDummeldinger, Michael University of DelawareDuncan, Shanae Montgomery County Community CollegeDurchsprung, Nicole Kutztown University

Ebner, Shane Montgomery County Community CollegeEllis, Jacob Montgomery County Community College

Forgione, Assunta Montgomery County Community College

Galetti, Courtney Montgomery County Community CollegeGallagher, Erin Pennsylvania State UniversityGaris, Kelly West Chester UniversityGaston, Jonathan Temple UniversityGavala, Jonathan Temple UniversityGilchrist, Alexandria Temple UniversityGiordano, Nicholas Shippensburg UniversityGoebel, Ryan Temple UniversityGraf, Christie Lebanon Valley CollegeGrimes, Casey Johnson & Wales UniversityGrimes, Sharnelle Temple UniversityGrivjack, Carly University of DelawareGrumm, Thomas Temple UniversityGunagan, Colleen Bloomsburg University

Harmon, Cara Manor CollegeHarper, Nyree Montgomery County Community CollegeHeck, Alisa Montgomery County Community CollegeHeiland, Brianna Montgomery County Community CollegeHensley, Evan Montgomery County Community CollegeHess, Destiny Montgomery County Community CollegeHester, Jennifer Widener UniversityHiggins, Margaret Gwynedd Mercy CollegeHilpl, Julia Bloomsburg University

Joseph, Ashley Montgomery County Community CollegeKeeney, Christine Pennsylvania State UniversityKempf, Catherine Hussian School of ArtKim, Aaron Philadelphia UniversityKim, Han Na Temple UniversityKim, Sul Ki Montgomery County Community CollegeKistner, Nathan University of Rochester

Class of 2010 College/University, or military program that was provided by the students to the HS Guidance Office as

they made their post-high school education choices.

Upper Moreland School DistrictCongratulates the Class of 2010

Kleinfelder, Pam Millersville UniversityKowalewski, Patrick Delaware Valley CollegeKurzmann, Kim Montgomery County Community College

Laflamme, Eric Montgomery County Community CollegeLarosa, Alexander Bloomsburg UniversityLeon, Emerald Arcadia UniversityLi, Xiao Jie Montgomery County Community CollegeLindley, Caitlin Ursinus CollegeLindquist, Alexander Montgomery County Community CollegeLiu, Tiffany Pennsylvania State UniversityLodge, Richard Drexel University

Makalintal, Bettina Wellesley CollegeMallon, Sarah Montgomery County Community CollegeMalone, Kelly Bloomsburg UniversityMarkert, Nicholas Pennsylvania State UniversityMarshall, Zachary Montgomery County Community CollegeMatthews, Kevin Montgomery County Community CollegeMcAnany, Sean Lehigh UniversityMcCoog, Robert Pennsylvania State UniversityMcGlinsey, Joseph Montgomery County Community CollegeMcKay, Patrick West Chester UniversityMcKenna, Erin University of DelawareMcPeak, Vincent United States Air Force Academy/RRsMcWethy, Amy Montgomery County Community CollegeMeade, Margaret West Chester UniversityMeloy, Julia Bloomsburg UniversityMiekley, Craig Milwaukee School of EngineeringMiller, Amber Montgomery County Community CollegeMoore, Anthony PA College of TechnologyMorales-Pina, Nancy Montgomery County Community CollegeMoravec, Kelly Ann Community College of PhiladelphiaMorello, Evan Montgomery County Community CollegeMorris, Andrew West Chester UniversityMorris, Philip Temple UniversityMorrison, Sarah University of PittsburghMurphy, Robert Pennsylvania State UniversityMurt, Katherine Pennsylvania State University

Nair, Reshma Arcadia UniversityNajbrt, John Montgomery County Community CollegeNelson, Casey Shippensburg UniversityNeumann, Ashley Bucks County Community CollegeNice, Kaitlyn Montgomery County Community CollegeNicholson, James Kutztown UniversityNolden, Cassandra Montgomery County Community College

O'Brien, Jane Gwynedd-Mercy CollegeOhm, Jonathan Montgomery County Community College

Page, Madelyn Indiana Wesleyan UniversityPantal, Jeano Bloomsburg UniversityPark, Hye Jin Pennsylvania State UniversityParker-Washington. Keith East Stroudsburg UniversityPearson, Christopher Penn StateUniversityPearson, Jordan Montgomery County Community College

Pflaumer, Benjamin Pennsylvania State UniversityPronzato, Samantha Pennsylvania State University

Rairdon, Gary Montgomery County Community CollegeRapson, Marc Ohio Technical CollegeReeves, Khalia Montgomery County Community CollegeReich, Gordon Binghamton UniversityRoberto, Kiera Montgomery County Community CollegeRondinelli, Brynne Montgomery County Community CollegeRowland, Robert Delaware Valley College

Sabol, Olivia Robert Morris UniversitySampson, Joanna University of MichiganSantry, Timothy Bloomsburg UniversitySawa, Carolyn Montgomery County Community CollegeSchilling, Brian Shippensburg UniversitySchneider, Michael Montgomery County Community CollegeScipione, Laura Pennsylvania State UniversitySeong, Min Montgomery County Community CollegeSheppleman, Danielle DeSales UniversitySimpson, Laren Widener UniversitySlutsky, Hanna Bloomsburg UniversitySmallwood, Christopher Indiana University of PennsylvaniaSmith, Lillian West Chester UniversitySmith, Theresa Drexel UniversitySnyder, Lisa Montgomery County Community CollegeStachel, Laura Kutztown UniversityStanton, Sherry Montgomery County Community CollegeStecyna, Mark Montgomery County Community CollegeStevens, Brennon Montgomery County Community CollegeStumpp, Ryan Pennsylvania State UniversitySwank, Luke Montgomery County Community College

Taylor, Drew Millersville UniversityTemler, Sean Montgomery County Community CollegeThompson, Jena Indiana University of PennsylvaniaThompson, Kyle West Chester UniversityToledo, Isis Restaurant SchoolTompkins, Stephen Montgomery County Community CollegeTravis, Victoria Bryn Mawr CollegeTrivedi, Pratikkumar Montgomery County Community CollegeTrusty, Anjelica Montgomery County Community College

Wagner, Kathleen Arcadia UniversityWashburn, Mark University of PittsburghWebster, Daniel Montgomery County Community CollegeWelsh, Mark Art Institute of YorkWesner, Samantha Philadelphia UniversityWilliams, Sasha Montgomery County Community CollegeWilson, Matthew Drexel University

Yarnall, Kaitlin Millersville University

Zarroli, John Montgomery County Community CollegeZhang, David Pennsylvania State University

Zigler, Alan Franklin & Marshall

UM Students .....

Congratulations to the boys soccer team in winning the District One AA Championship. This was Upper Moreland’s first boys soccer district title since 1973, and the first title since Upper Moreland went to Class AA in soccer. “It has been a wonderful journey going from summer camp to WINNING districts!! stated Coach Knauss, “Words can’t describe how proud we are for the school and especially for the boys....The boys deserve ALL the credit”

KUDOS TO:

High School Math teacher - Mrs. Karen Grossi who participated in the Philly Marathon and achieved her personal best!

The members of the Upper Moreland Marching Unit for their excellent performance at Northern States Championships. The unit received 6th place with a score of 93.950. The Color Guard received 1st place and the award for "Best Color Guard!"

Middle School teacher Andrew Walton and the Philadelphia Boys Choir for their performance of the National Anthem prior to a Phillies Game in October!

Upper Moreland School District employees Dena Criss and Mary Ann Jensen presented at the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) Regional Conference in Baltimore, MD. The title of their presentation was Con-structivist Lessons: How to Incorporate Them into Mathemat-ics Classrooms. The focus of the presentation was the work completed in study groups during the past two years by the Upper Moreland Middle School mathematics teachers. Teachers and administrators from across the region attend-ed the session and benefitted from the lessons and ideas created and shared.

District Champs!

Miss McMullen's Kindergarten class learned about the first Thanksgiving through stories and a play, and culminatied with a Thanksgiving Feast. The "pilgrims" and "Native Americans" enjoyed turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce as they thought about things that they are thankful for. Enjoying their feast are students (l-r) Jimmy Torpey and Sasha Gutierrez.

The First Thanksgiving

Congratulations to Kristi Lowery who was selected to the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 11 Chorus. Kristi auditioned and was selected from 35 area school districts from Bucks & Montgomery County. Kristi hopes to at-tend Gettsyburg College in the fall.

Accomplished Musician

Teaching to their own

...In the News

Dec. 10 - PS/IS

Report Cards D

istributed

Dec. 15 - MS - C

horal, Orch. Con

cert, 7:30 PM

Dec. 16 - HS -

Winter Concert

, 7:30 PM

Dec. 21 - IS - W

inter Concert 9:15

AM, 1:30 PM

Dec. 22 - Instru

mental Concert

, 7:30 PM

Dec. 24 & 27 -

District Holida

y

Dec. 28 - 30 -

Student Teache

r Holiday

Dec. 31 - Distri

ct Holiday

December 2010

A Glance Ahead

*

*Dates are subject to change.

Athletic Excellence

Students from the Upper Mo-reland Intermediate School were inducted into the Upper Moreland Intermediate School Chapter of The National El-ementary Honor Society. To be eligible for membership, students must have advanced grades in all of the major aca-demic subjects. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate responsibility at home, at school, and in the community. Twenty-eight students from the fourth and fifth grades were evaluated and selected by the faculty council of the chapter.Pictured with the inductees at the ceremony is Upper More-

land Intermediate School Prin-cipal Dr. Joseph Waters and Teacher of Gifted Education Ms. Eileen Lipski. Congratula-tions to: Grade 4: Zachary Ad-nane, Elena McMullan, Anna-bella Morrison, Julia Jennings, Christian O’Donnell, Tabitha Schmer, Madison Brooks, Sarah Veneziale, Matthew Marcinowski, Joshua Hong, Nina Vitek, Kirsten Denardo,

Emma Mattio-Smith, Ethan Stainback, Autumn Grace God-shall, Andi La, Olivia Cieri; Grade 5: Grace Gillespie, Debby Park, Kelsey Holm, Katie Harkins, Samantha Acuna, Taryn Painter, Chloe Ellen Tice, Carly Wasson, Mariel Makalintal, Helen Lam, Kevin Walder.

Congratulations to student athletes (l-r) Drew Magaha and Menvekeh Daramay. Drew, American Conference Suburban One League Cross Country Champion - was selected American Conference Cross Country Athlete of the Year by the Suburban One League. In addition, Menvekeh was selected as a Suburban One League All-Star as well as voted to the All Southeast Pennsylvania Soccer Team. Nice work boys!

Jan. 3 - School

Resumes

Jan. 3 - PS - H

SA Parent Mee

ting, 7 PM

Jan. 5 - IS - M

arket Day Pick

up

Jan. 7 - PS/IS -

College Aware

ness Day

The National Elementary Honor Society

Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year from the

Administration and Staff of the Upper Moreland School District.

Upper Moreland School District2900 Terwood RoadWillow Grove, PA 19090

NonprofitU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDHorsham, PAPermit No. 62

Non-Profit Organization

The UM Journal is published by: The Community Information Network

Robert J. Milrod, Ph. D. Superintendent

Nora RosenbaumPublisher

Upper Moreland High School Community Open House

With much anticipation, the Upper Moreland High School held their Community Open House on Saturday, October 23, 2010. Dr. Robert J. Milrod, Superintendent of Schools, welcomed over 150 guests and invited them to enjoy refreshments and self-guideed tours. Construction at the High School began in October of 2007. The building has a total square footage of 214,204, air conditioning, 25 renovated classrooms, new Science, Music and Art facilities, a Family & Consumer Science Center, renovated gymnasium & cafeteria, and much more.

October 23, 2010