By TERRI REUTER
Publications/public information coordinator,
Southern York County School District

Glen Rock, Pa – Two Southern York County School District programs have been selected by Shippensburg University as Exemplary Programs.

The Shippensburg University Study Council recognized Southern Middle School’s Engineering by Design Program and the Life Skills Support Program at Susquehannock High School.

The district received awards and showcased the programs April 18 at Shippensburg’s annual Exemplary Program presentation. The event is for the benefit of administrators and teachers from across Pennsylvania.

“Congratulations are extended to Steve Hildebrand and Mike Konzelman for the Engineering by Design Program and Tom Laure for the Life Skills Support Program,” Superintendent Thomas Hensley said.

The Engineering by Design program, which was implemented in 2006, focuses on invention and innovation for seventh-graders and technological systems for eighth-graders. Students not only learn the history of technology, innovation and invention, but they also experience hands-on activities and use the engineering design process to solve design challenges. Students also use PowerPoint and AutoCAD to present and design systems.

Students in Susquehannock’s LSS Program range in age from 15 to 21. They are students who have been determined to be developmentally functioning below their expectancy, due to cognitive delays or significant intellectual disabilities. LSS assists these students in the transition from school to work. The program helps prepare them to function as independently as possible when they transition from school age to adulthood.

“These are the sixth and seventh programs in the last 13 years to be recognized by Shippensburg University as Exemplary Programs. We are very proud of this,” Hensley said.

The annual event is sponsored by the Shippensburg University School Study Council, a professional development partnership between public school districts and the University, which also supports school system leaders in improving the instructional experience.

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By TERRI REUTER
Publications/public information coordinator,
Southern York County School District

Students from Southern Middle School recently participated in the York County Middle School Honors Band Concert, which was held at York Suburban Middle School. The ensemble was comprised of band students from 15 York County middle schools. Susquehannock High School alumnus, Richard Anderson, served as guest conductor for the concert. Mr. Anderson is a retired Music Department Chair from the York Suburban School District.

Representing Southern Middle School were eighth-graders Maddie Ellis (clarinet), Ally Kerr (flute), Angela Novacek (flute), Jacob Rohrbaugh (alto saxophone), seventh-grader Taylor Breeding (clarinet), and Southern Middle School Band Director Justin Presley.

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The Southern York County School District’s Band Boosters will present the 12th Annual Jazzfest, Saturday, April 14, at Shrewsbury Elementary School.

This year’s theme, Lights, Camera, Jazz, features the jazz bands from Susquehannock High School and Southern Middle School. Entertainment will also be provided by the York College Jazz Ensemble, Dulaney High School Jazz Band, Franklin High School Jazz Ensemble, Sudbrook Magnet Middle School Band, and Time Out.

The event is held in a coffeehouse atmosphere, with members of the Susquehannock band program serving as the wait staff. A selection of specialty coffees and teas, water, and desserts will be available.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and performances start at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for students.

To reserve tickets or a table for the evening, contact Beth Bond at (717) 235-5993 or strivefor5@comcast.net.

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By TERRI REUTER
Publications/public information coordinator,
Southern York County School District

Glen Rock, Pa – Students at Southern Middle School danced, raced, and played games for seven hours recently to help children with cancer. As part of the Four Diamonds Fund, the school raised more than $18,000 to help combat childhood cancer. The Four Diamonds Fund, which began in 1972, assists children who are treated for cancer at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, along with their families.

During the fourth annual Mini-THON, the middle school students participated in an all-inclusive program that featured dodge ball, entertainment, games, music, crafts, and prizes. The students, however, had to stand for seven hours. They were entertained with a Zumba instructor, DJ, and the student bands, Frostbite and Black Jacks. In addition, the Bobby family, a local Four Diamonds family, visited with the student participants.

This year’s event raised $18,782.28, far exceeding the $12,728 that was reached last year, said Laura Szkudlapski, English teacher, and Southern Middle School Four Diamonds Fund advisor. Inspired by Penn State’s yearly dance event, THON, the Mini-THON was the culmination of a year-long fundraising effort.

“You should be very proud of your contribution,” she told students at a recent pep rally that was held in their honor. “Parents, students and community members were so generous.”

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By TERRI REUTER
Publications/public information coordinator,
Southern York County School District

Southern Middle school seventh-grader Adelaide Achterberg recently won a gold key and honorable mention in the 2012 South Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

Adelaide received the gold key award for her poems, “Eight Years Late” and “Broken,” which were advanced to the national level. She also won an honorable mention for her short story, “Lavender Lake Fish.”

The writing awards are sponsored by Commonwealth Connections Academy. Chosen from more than 1,100 entries, Adelaide is one of 350 students to be awarded gold keys, silvers keys, or honorable mentions. Winners of these awards come from 60 schools.

This nationally recognized program awards students for their creative excellence in 28 different categories, ranging from poetry to journalism, and painting to comic art. Students in grades 7-12 from the surrounding counties were eligible to showcase their talents and have their entries judged by area artistic and literary professionals. Students who received gold keys have their work advanced to the national level, alongside thousands of entries from other regional affiliate programs across the country.

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