April 2011

The Newsletter of the Upper Moreland School District

Jo r nal2011-2012 School District Budget Update

(Editor’s note: This article will provide basic information regarding our District budget planning process and the budget outlook for the 2011-2012 school year.)

The Upper Moreland Board of School Directors has provided District Administration with clear direction on the development of the roughly fifty-four million dollar district budget for the 2011-2012 school year. The Board has directed District Administration to develop two budget scenarios. In scenario one, taxes may be increased at no more than the Act I Index, a rate calculated by Harrisburg using weekly wage and cost index data. For the 2011-2012 school year, the Act I Index is 1.4%. With scenario two, Administration has been directed to develop a scenario for a “zero percent” tax increase. It is this 0 to 1.4% window that Administration is currently using as our basis for establishing spending priorities and determining cuts and reductions to be taken for the next school year.

Some background information may be helpful here. Over the past few years, our economy has experienced a significant downturn, and it is only now beginning to recover. The negative economy has impacted District budgeting on two fronts. First, the economic downturn has adversely affected the revenues which typically flow into the District through our local tax base. Second, fallout from the downed economy has resulted in reduced financial support from Harrisburg and also from Federal sources. In addition to these two fronts, operations of the school districts have also been subject to increased costs. The factors contributing to our current budget shortfalls are summarized over the next few paragraphs.

In recent years, it is clear to everyone that our economy has slowed significantly. In sync with the National economic downturn, the District has lost money that had been a part of its budget in prior years. For example, many business and residential taxpayers have had their properties reassessed to reflect their decreased worth. As a result, real estate taxes to the District have fallen nearly one quarter of a million dollars for the next budget year. In addition, dollars generated from

earned income taxes and real estate transfer taxes have dropped dramatically as people have earned less and properties have sold more slowly. As interest rates have dropped, earnings on investments have dropped from nearly one million dollars per year in recent years to below two hundred thousand dollars per year for the next budget year. The bottom line associated with all of these decreased revenue streams is that there is less money for the District to work with even before new costs are calculated. To maintain District functioning at the same level as last year, we need to add money to the budget simply to “make up” for these lost dollars.

The second front which has taken away from the District operating budget has been decreased funding from Harrisburg and from Federal sources. Governor Corbett’s recent presentation of the Commonwealth Budget revealed declines in our District’s basic education subsidy, our transportation subsidy, and dollars associated with our District’s social security reimbursements. Federal stimulus funding which had been available in 2010-2011 had been used by Harrisburg to supplement subsidy payments to the District; the end of stimulus funding has meant even less money available to the District.

Together, reduced revenues and decreased funding to the District have resulted in a loss of nearly one and one-half million dollars to the District when comparing 2010-2011 dollars to the new 2011-2012 budget. Looking at this loss another way, the District would need to increase taxes by 2.7% simply to break even from one year to the next. However, there are additional operational costs which the District needs to meet in order to build a budget. Medical benefit costs have increased. Salaries from contracts built and agreed to before the economic downturn have required increases. Special Education costs, costs to educate our career and technical education students, and charter and alternative school costs have all increased. Required District payments towards the employees’ retirement system have also increased. The shortfall associated with new required costs alone would necessitate a

Program cuts and reductions are unfortunate “economic necessities” of the times, required to ensure minimal tax increases. By: Robert J. Milrod, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools

See Budget page 3

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

Timothy Uveges, the December Student is both insightful and analytical. An exceptional student, aca-demically, Timothy brings his “A” game to his every endeavor. His rigorous academic schedule includes AP (Advanced Placement) English, AP US Government/Politics, AP Physics & Lab, AP Calculus, AP German and Music. Tim maintains an impressive GPA of 102, ranking first in his class. Motivated and disciplined, Timothy is involved in the Key Club, German Honor Society, soccer and tennis teams, is President of the National Honor Society and is Student Representative to the School Board. Timothy has maintained Distinguished Honor Roll throughout his high school career.

In the community, Timothy continues to be committed to excellence. He plays on a travel soccer team and holds a part-time job at the Giant Food Store. Over the summer, Timothy has worked with a local contractor assisting him with some side jobs.

Timothy would like to attend Carnegie Mellon University in the fall to study Engineering.

Deanna Schwartz, the January Student of the Month, balances an extremely challenging academic sched-ule with a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. She is a member of the National Honor Society with a GPA of 91% and is ranked in the top third of her class.

A selfless leader, Deanna is a member of the National Honor Society, President of Student Council, Captain of the field hockey, lacrosse and swim teams, Vice-President of the Key Club and participates in their Bear Buddies program. Deanna is involved in the High School Media, and is one of the daily anchors in the live telecast of the student announcements which is broadcast each morning on the Bear

News Network.

Deanna will be attending Bloomsburg University in the fall, and plans to study in the healthcare field.

Nichole Hamilton, the January Student of the Month at Eastern, demonstrates qualities of dedication, dependability and leadership. A second year student in EASTERN’s Commercial Art program, Nichole is a hardworking and dedicated role model for her classmates.

As an elected President of her Commercial Art Class for the 2010-2011 school year, Nichole received first place for Promotional Bulletin Board at the 2010 SkillsUSA State Competition. A motivated and hard working student, Nichole is an active member of EASTERN’s SkillsUSA student leadership group and has volunteered her time as a student presenter for recruitment efforts.

At the High School, Nichole is involved with many activities including the Drama Club, Concert Choir, and the tennis team. She is currently a member of the Upper Moreland High School Art Club and is a founder of the Anime Club.

Nichole plans to attend Moore College of Art and Design for Fashion Design and Illustration.

Kristi Lowery, the February Student of the Month, is an enthusiastic and dedicated young lady. Secre-tary for the National Honor Society, Kristi has achieved Distinguished Academic Excellence throughout her High School career.

Kristi is motivated to be successful in whatever activity she undertakes. Her resume includes being a captain and a leader on the tennis team, bowling team and a member of the Asian Club, Key Club, and Ski Club. In addition, Kristi was selected to the PMEA District Choir two years in a row. Kristi’s pas-

sion is the Senior Writing Program that provides her the opportunity to work with residents writing their memoirs, poems, or stories and volunteering with the Special Olympics. In addition, Kristi volunteers to serve June Supper at College Settle-ment and clean up the site with her rugby team.

Kristi has applied to University of Maryland (Baltimore County), Gettysburg College, University of Pittsburgh and Franklin & Marshall College where she hopes to study pre-med as she aspires to be an ophthalmologist.

DON’T WAIT! ----VACCINATE NOW

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has released the vaccination requirenents for all students for the

2011-2012 school year. By immunizing, we safegaurd our children against the potentially devastating effects of vaccine preventable diseases. For attendance in ALL Grades regulations for the 2011-2012 school year require children to receive the follow-ing: • 4 doses of tetanus* (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday) • 4 doses of diphtheria* (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday) • 3 doses of polio • 2 doses of measles* • 2 doses of mumps** • 1 dose of rubella (German measles)** • 3 doses of hepatitis B • 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or history of disease

*Usually given as DTP or DTaP or DT or Td **Usually given as MMR

Children ATTENDING 7th grade in the 2011/2012 school year will need the following:

• 1 dose of tetanus, diph-theria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) (if 5 years has elapsed since last tetanus immunization) • 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) These requirements allow for exemptions due to medical reasons and religious beliefs. If your child is exempt from immunizations, he/she may be removed from school during an outbreak. Pennsylvania’s school immunization requirements can be found in 28 PA.CODE CH.23 (School Immuniza-tion) Contact your health care provider or 1-877 PA HEALTH for more information.

Look for the required forms on the District Website, www.umtsd.org under the Student Services tab.

Selections for the fall sports first team were made by the coaches in the Liberty Division. Pictured above are the selected UMHS athletes: Back Row (l-r) : Sean Haley, football; Aaron Shotzberger, golf; Ryan Chris-tensen, football; David Driscoll, football; David Con-nelly, football; Karli Lynch, soccer; Kyle Lynch, soccer; Daniel Cripps, football; front row (l-r): Thomas Hays, soccer, Drew Magaha, cross country; and Menvekeh Daramay, soccer.

Suburban 1 First Team

Upper Moreland Township School District

Continued from page 1 - Budgetroughly two percent increase with no other changes to program or to our operations.

So clearly, something has to give when revenues lost to the budget and required increases in operational costs equal nearly five percent, and there is a Board directive which takes into account the economic necessities of the day and allows for a budget increase of either 0% or the Act I Index of 1.4%. If roughly 5% is required simply to “break even,” and there is only 0% to 1.4% available, there will need to be cuts or reductions in order to complete the budget process for next year. Moreover, it is apparent that economic necessities will require such cuts or reduction to adjust to budget shortfalls for the foreseeable future. Across our Nation, across our Commonwealth, and across Upper Moreland, the only way to work within this new reality will be to continue to reduce spending while attempting to preserve those aspects of our K-12 comprehensive program which remain most important to the District and to the larger community. While no cut or reduction will ever be easy or will ever be taken lightly, these cuts and reductions are likely to become “the new normal” for our schools.

(Editor’s note: In the next issue of the Journal, the focus will shift to identify how changing economics will impact our District programs for years to come).

Congratulations to Mr. Glenn Brown and 8th grade student Alexis Humbrecht who were awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award at the Middle School’s Accep-tance Day celebration. The annual award acknowledges adults and students who display acceptance of others, and who have worked to improve the lives of others. Presenting the awards to Mr. Brown & Alexis at the celebration were committee members (l-r) and UMMS teachers John DeFranco, Rob Ricker, and Linda Christensen.

Improving Lives in their Community

High School cheerleaders recently competed at the Dis-trict 1 competition and came back with medals! Pic-tured with their 1st Place medals from their stunning “Lib” competiton are senior Kelly Dietrich, junior Sar-ah Fullerton, and sophomores Kelly McCoog, Tess Platt, and Rachel Agasar. In addition, the squads placed 3rd in the all around division. Congratulations girls!!

First Place Finish

Meet the 2011 Upper Moreland School Board of Direc-tors (bottom row l-r): April Stainback, Donald Warner (Vice-President), Dr. David Hakes (President), Lisa Ber-lin (Asst. Secretary), Michael Braun (Board Secretary); (top row l-r): Paul Roberts, Dr. Richard Latta, Brian Davis, Mark Wenik,Daniel Barber and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Milrod.

2011 School Board

Upper Moreland Happenings

K-Kids at the Upper Moreland Intermediate School made Valentine Cards for the Breathing Room Foundation associated with Abington Hospital. This “student led” branch of the Kiwanis Club community service organization made over 100 cards to bring a smile to individuals and their families who are suffering from cancer.

Preparing to gather the cards are K-Kids (front row, l-r) Makayla King, Caityln Walker, Isabella Fenerty and Cassandra Dillon. From the left top: Aryanna McLaughlin, Jaclyn Martino, TJ Bartie, and Nick Nigro.

K-Kids Bringing a Smile

The Upper Moreland Middle School Wrestling Team repeated another undefeated season in the Montgomery County Mid-dle Schools League. In route to their third consecutive league title, the Golden BEAR’S were a perfect 8 – 0 in Suburban One League dual meets. Members of the 2010 – 2011 team include: Matt Amy, Trevor Patterson, Evan Dougherty, Ryan Shana-han, Petey Herbert, Anthony Jourousky, Elliot Broaster, Joey

Colbridge, Earnest Brown, Kyle Clayton, Jelani Crosby, Pat-rick Murt, Justin Stout, Shane Bowman, Dominic DeLau-

rentis, Patrick Walker, Hunter Joseph, Ricky Mapes, Gabe Bermudez, Tyler Smith, Tyler Whitmore, Marvin Williams, Malik Eleby, Adair Hernandez, Isaiah Williams, Seyvon Jones; Managers - Ali Humbrecht, Ashley McGlinsy, Kayla Smith; and Coaches: John DeFranco, Anthony DeLaurentis and Jake Ellis. Go BEARS!

Upper Moreland Township School District

Sophomore Curtis McPeak - Band , Senior Brian Ruby - Band and Orchestra, Senior Andrew Odendahl - Band and Orchestra, Sophomore Matt Salazar - Band and Orchestra , and Sophomore Natalya Bondarchuck - Orchestra were chosen through the audition process by the PMEA (Pennsylvania Mu-sic Educators Association) to participate in the 2011 Pennsyl-vania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 11 Band and Orchestra. Students were selected from 35 area school dis-tricts from Bucks & Montgomery Counties. After subsequent auditions, Brian, Andrew & Matt were selected through the audition process to participate in the 2011 Region VI State Band. Brian and Andrew will also represent UM in the 2011 PMEA Region VI State Orchestra. Brian hopes to continue his music aspirations next year in the Army while Andrew antici-pates tryouts to the University of the Arts Music Program.

Accomplished Musicians

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Joseph Papeika to Upper Moreland as our new Program Specialist for Curriculum & Instruction. Mr. Papeika comes to us after 8 years in the North Penn School District where he taught middle and high school social studies and worked as a Curriculum Coor-dinator. Although he has a lot to look forward to in his new position, Mr. Papeika emphasized the long term benefits of a career in Education Services. “It is exciting to work with a great group of professionals on K-12 curriculum knowing that efforts for continual improvement lead to a better academic experience and create life long learners.”

Wrestling Wonders

A Warm UM Welcome

In honor of Dr. Seuss’ Birthday, the Primary School held an all-week celebration. Representing three different Dr. Seuss’ books -- “Cat in the Hat,” “I’m Not Going to Get Up Today Day,” and “Fox in Socks,” students were encouraged to wear their P.J.’s, hats, and their coolest socks to school. They also held a Red & White book swap at the library. Revealing their coolest socks are students in Mrs. Enama’s First Grade class.

“Fox in Socks”

Upper Moreland Happenings

UM Students .....

KUDOS TO:

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

Scholarship Recipient

Pursuing Their DreamsJohn Bolich, David McInerney, and Terrell Watson all have one thing in common. All three standout athletes have re-ceived athletic scholarships. Since the start of the school

year, these senior athletes have been going through an intense process of pre-paring for their future on and off the field. Making a commitment to attend and play Division 1 college baseball before the start of the school year was an easy

choice for David McInerney. David, a catcher, will play

baseball at the University of Cincinnati next fall. Last sea-son, McInerney batted .432 with 17 RBIs, 15 runs, 9 dou-bles, 5 home runs, and a .510 on-base percentage. He was an Inquirer third-team all-Southeastern Pennsylvania selection and first-team Suburban One League American Conference pick. Another Upper Moreland standout is Terrell Watson,

an outside line backer and defensive end football player, with 10 sacks and 40 tackles this year. Terrell was given a full schol-arship to attend and play football at Slippery Rock Unversity in the fall. Wrestler John Bolich who set his sights early on Le-high University, has been rewarded a scholarship. A four-time winner of both the Hatboro Tournament and the Wetzel Holiday Classic, Bolich won a sectional title last season as well as placed second in both the Regional & District competitions. “We at Up-per Moreland High School are proud to recognize our student-athletes as they plan to pursue a higher level of education,” stated Athletic Director Richard Gould. “Along with academics these students will continue to pursue their dreams of participating in intercollegiate athletics. We wish these young gentlemen the best as they continue their journey.”

David McInerney signs his letter of intent to play Division 1 baseball.

Terrell Watson recently signed his let-ter of intent to play at Slippery Rock.

Middle School 7th grade student Emily Jeinnings who volunteered at a holiday party sponsored by The Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation.

700 Club

The 700 Club at the High School is an academic distinc-tion that showcases those students who achieved a score or 700 or above on the SAT Subject Tests. The latest stu-dents joining the honor are: Tim Uveges - Math 1, Hali Kohls - Math 1, Emily Hakes - Literature, Hannah Land-ers - US History, Austin Davis - US History, and Ekat-erina Vlasova - Critical Reading.

Scott Paripsky was selected to receive the Herman DeVry Scholarship Award & the Start Now Scholarship from DeVry University. The scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who exhibit excellence in a well rounded educational pro-gram. Presenting Scott with the good news was (l-r) Laura Paripsky (his mother); John Shreiner of DeVry University and Melvin Dixon, Electronics Engineering Technology In-structor. Scott plans to attend DeVry next year to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology.

The UMHS Boys’ Basketball team, for their post-season play. The golden bears went into the District One AAA round the No 11 seed and ended their season with a 51-49 decision to Bishop Shanahan.

.....In the News

Running Excellence

Upper Moreland Township School District

The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) is a nationally sponsored organization for music teachers, promot-ing excellence in music education. Each year PMEA, District 11, sponsors a one-day elementary band festival. This festival invites the top 5th & 6th grade instrumentalists from the school districts in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. The day consists of rehearsing with a guest conductor and culminates with an evening concert. Pictured are the fifth grade instrumentalists from the Intermediate School who represented the Upper Mo-reland School District: Rebecca Alvarez, Sterlen Barr, Colleen Davis, Kelsey Holm, Joshua Jung, Paige Martelack, Ian Mason, Ethan McBain-Adornetto, Sarah McHugh, Ethan Rosenberger, Dawson Ruggles, Julia Scholly, Hannah Stainback, Dean Wal-ton and Kirsten Weidenauer. Congratulations to these out-standing musicians!

Top Instrumentalists

Members of the Upper Moreland boys track team and the 4X400 Meter Relay qualified for the PIAA State Championships in Penn State. The Bears running squad, who finished the meet with a time of 3:34.24, include (l-r) Dustin Woywod, Carl Wambold, Drew Magaha, Dave Baynard, and Jacob Soltis. Jacob qualified for the Long Jump with a school record of 21-11.5”. Drew, qualified for the mile and the 800-meter and set two school records at the competition. Drew’s 4:24.10 mile time set the school record and earned him fifth place at the State Tournament. He finished the 800-meter run in 1:56.61 (another school record) and finished third in the state!

Athletes from the boys and girls bowling team re-cently participated in the Individual Eastern PA Regional Tournament. Dean Simonsen, Kurt Rosenberger, and Chris Searle represented the Boys bowling team at the Brunswick Zone and Kristen Brownholtz representing the girls team at Bristol Lanes. The boys ended their season with a terrific record of 37-19 while their girls, not to be out-shined, ended with an impressive record of 42-14.

Avid Bowlers

Students from Mrs. Rondinelli’s art classes were thrilled to draw along with Mr. Timmy Britt, one of only twelve licensed Disney illustrators in the nation. Mr. Britt, an energetic illustrator, born and raised in the Philadelphia area, spent an entire day at the Primary School drawing such characters as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Tinkerbell and more. Students, teachers, and even Principal Smith, had fun creating their own wonderful Disney characters along with Mr. Britt. These drawings are hanging in the Primary School along with some of Mr. Britt’s originals. Students were able to apply their knowledge of lines, shapes, proportion and scale to their drawings, and with Mr. Britt’s guidance and a few “tricks” from the artist, Disney magic was in the air! The illustrator, who works in Orlando, Florida, shared some fascinating and inspiring stories with the students and encouraged them to find their passion, work hard, practice, and “Dream Big!” Getting advice from Mr. Britt to “draw light” are students Frank Bevivino, Britney Fortune and Autumn Ockershausen.

Dream Big!!

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 School District - At a Glance

May 2011

A Glance Ahead*

*Dates are subject to change.

May 3 - National Teacher Appreciation Day

May 4 -MS - Reading Olympics

May 5-MS-Spring Instru. Concert, 7:30 PM

May 6 - PS/IS - Mother’s Day Plant Sale

May 9 - IS-HSA Mtg. 7PM, Library

May 11 - MS-Academic Awards Dinner

May 12 - K-12 District-Wide Art Show, MS

May 13- PS - Grandparents/Grandfriends

Visitation by Invitation

SAVE THE DATE

K-12 District-Wide Art Show

Thursday, May 12, 20116:30 - 9:00 PM

Middle School Lobby

Freedom Steps 5 K Walk and Run Sunday, May 01, 2011 09:00am

Loyalty Day Parade Sunday, May 01, 2011 02:00pm

Historic Film Series : “The Crossing”Tuesday, May 03, 2011 01:30pm - 03:00pmUpper Moreland Free Public Library

Rotary Club of Willow Grove CARNIVALTuesday, May 03, 2011 - Saturday, May 07, 2011 05:00pm - 11:00pm

Lecture:”From Manor of Moreland to 1887”Wednesday, May 04, 2011 07:00pmUpper Moreland Township Building

Middle School Spring Instrumental ConcertThursday, May 05, 2011 07:30pm - 10:00pmUpper Moreland Middle School

Settlement Music School Student PerformancesSaturday, May 07, 2011 10:00am - 11:30amSettlement Music School

Old Mills and Houses on the PennypackSaturday, May 07, 2011 11:00am - 12:30pmPennypack Ecological Trust

U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps & Silent Drill TeamTuesday, May 10, 2011 07:30pm - 10:00pmUMHS Football Stadium www.willowgrove300.com

Willow Grove 300