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.

Adelaide Achterberg, center, is featured at the award ceremonies with middle school teachers, from left, Kate Newland and Melissa Bazner.

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

Glen Rock, Pa. – Administrators, teachers and staff from the Southern York County School District battled one another recently as they raced like caterpillars, tossed footballs and beach balls, bowled, and played hockey with lemons, all in order to raise money for the Southern York County School District Foundation’s scholarship program.

The fourth annual Battle of the Buildings raised more than $5,900 for student scholarships. Teams from each of the six buildings competed in various races, while fans from each of the schools packed the Susquehannock High School gym and cheered for their teams.

From Admin’s Purple Team, Southern Middle’s Warrior Pride, and Susquehannock’s Warrior Nation, to Friendship Elementary’s Team Fire, Shrewsbury Elementary’s Team Storm and Southern Elementary’s Team Good Times, each school featured its own participants and events for the competition.

The humorous, yet competitive events consisted of the Caterpillar Race, Hockey Relay, Jamm’in Beach Ball Relay, Hut-Hut-Hike Relay, Three Ball Relay, and the Lemon Derby.

The Southern Middle School team, Warrior Pride, finished with the most points, and captured this year’s Battle of the Buildings trophy. Susquehannock High School’s Warrior Nation team placed second, with Friendship Elementary’s team finishing in third place.

District Athletic Director and event coordinator Chuck Abbott thanked all of the volunteers who helped make this year’s Battle of the Buildings a success. This year’s total of $5,911 surpassed the $5,237.90 that was raised last year.

“Congratulations to the Middle School for capturing the fourth annual Battle of the Buildings trophy,” Abbott said. “Also, congratulations to Southern Elementary School for being selected as the recipient of the Spirit Award. It was an awesome event. Many, many thanks to all those people who volunteered their time to help out. We could not have done it without them.”

Southern Middle School’s Warrior Pride team captured this year’s trophy.

Shrewsbury's Team Storm competes in the Caterpillar Race.

Friendship Fire staff members toss a beach ball in another event.

This year’s Battle of the Buildings raised $5,911 toward scholarships.

From left, teachers Bob Cousineau and Steve Funk are taped to the cafeteria wall.

Glen Rock, Pa. –Southern Middle School teachers clung to the cafeteria wall and tried to stay afloat recently as students duct taped and dunked them during lunch. As part of the Four Diamonds Fund, the school is raising money to help combat childhood cancer. During recent lunches, several teachers were taped to the cafeteria wall or placed in a water tank, as students paid $1 for a yard of duct tape or a chance to dunk them into the water. The school also held other fundraising efforts for its fourth annual Mini-THON.

At Southern Middle, the Mini-THON is a seven-hour event, inspired by Penn State’s yearly dance event – THON – which raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund. THON has donated more than $78 million to the Four Diamonds Fund since it began in 1972 and the Fund has helped more than 2,000 families. The Fund offsets the cost of treatment that insurance does not cover, helps families with expenses, and also supports medical research.

Principal Len Reppert waits to be dunked by students.

In 2009, Southern Middle school began its own version of THON with the mini-THON. Fund-raising efforts this year have included, lunch campaigns, community canning drives, and a district-wide raffle. Students have also sold t-shirts, bracelets, socks and raffled baskets, she said.

Several community and district organizations sponsored 17 themed gift baskets, which were raffled during the district’s annual Battle of the Buildings event. From foods, like ice cream dessert supplies, Tastefully Simple, baking, and an Italian dinner to a movie night, Vera Bradley, scrap booking items, and beach supplies, the baskets were filled with an assortment of supplies.

“It’s really great that we are getting more groups involved this year,” Szkudlapski said.

During the Mini-THON event, students who raised pledges were able to participate in the seven-hour no-sitting dance marathon. This year’s goal is to match the $12,000 that was raised last year, Szkudlapski said.

For more information and to donate online, visit smsmini-thon.yolasite.com.

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

Glen Rock, Pa. — Southern Middle school students recently participated in this year’s National Geography Bee. Following a qualifying test, the top students advanced in the competition, where they answered questions about United States, state, world, and cultural geography. The top two students proceeded to the final round, where they answered three questions to determine the school’s ultimate winner.

Seventh-grader Dylan Weston and eighth-grader Brooke Weber advanced to this year’s final round of competition, with Weston taking first place. He then completed another test to qualify for the state and national competitions. The state competition will take place this spring at Penn State University.

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

Glen Rock, Pa – Several Southern Middle School girls recently participated in this year’s Sweet Soundsations Women’s Choral Festival at Central Dauphin High School, in Harrisburg. The event featured a one-day, young women’s middle school choral festival, which was endorsed by the American Choral Directors Association of Pennsylvania.

Students learned numerous pieces by memory prior to the festival, spent the day rehearsing music, and presented a concert at the conclusion of the program. This year, 150 female singers throughout the area participated in the festival. Guest conductor Kristen Albert, who is Music Professor at West Chester University and Artistic Director of the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus, guided the singers.

The nine students are eighth-graders Natalie Sawada, Emma Frecon, Casandra McKinsey, Amy Whitesell, Savannah Peyton and seventh-graders Morissa Gouak, Mackenzie Brose, Abby Deter and Rachel Sergent.

From left are, front row, Natalie Sawada, Morissa Gouak, Mackenzie Brose and Emma Frecon, and back row, Casandra McKinsey, Abby Deter, Amy Whitesell, Rachel Sergent and Savannah Peyton.

Principal Len Reppert was the Indian Warrior of the Village People.

Throughout October, students and staff at Southern Middle School dodged heart disease by playing dodge ball, wearing hats and pajamas to school, as well as voting for their favorite character. As part of a campaign for the American Heart Association, students and staff raised more than $1,869.31 for the Dodging Heart Disease fundraiser.

Students paid $1 to wear hats and pajama pants on various days. In addition, staff members participated in Staff Jean Days, when they paid to wear jeans. Students also collected pledges to compete in a dodge ball tournament. Each dodge ball team consisted of six members, with a total of 21 dodge ball teams that participated. The top teams from both seventh and eighth grades competed against the staff team. The event culminated as students and staff teams battled each other in dodge ball at Susquehannock High School.

“Each year, we have made more than the year before, said Darla Pennewill, Southern Middle School physical education teacher. “Our goal is to improve from year to year and we accomplished that.”

The school also held a Parade of Characters contest, a competition where staff members dressed as their favorite action heroes. Students voted for their favorite hero by placing money in the characters’ jars. The ‘heroes’ paraded across the gym during the tournament.

The Parade of Characters included Laura Szkudlapski and her student teacher, Beckie Voss, as Sock Monkeys; Bob Cousineau as a Ninja Turtle; Melissa Bazner as Glinda the Good Witch; Andy Warren as William Wallace; Dio Mendez and Donna Shick as Popeye and Olive Oyl; and Mike Konzelmann, Steve Funk, Steve Hildebrand, Caleb Walls, and Len Reppert as the Village People. Walls’ portrayal of the Policeman won this year’s Character contest.

“A big thank you goes to the Parade of Characters as 12 teachers/administrators dressed up in costume to surprise the students as well as the staff who formed the staff dodge ball team,” Pennewill said.

Parent volunteers also help contribute to the success of the fundraiser. “It was great to see the staff and students come together and participate in PJ, Hat and Jean Days,” she said. “We coordinated our final assembly with our PRIDE reward day. It is always enjoyable to have the assembly in the high school gym. The marching band added a great touch to the program.” The PRIDE program (which stands for Prepared, Respect, Integrity, Do Your Best, and Engaged) is the school wide effective behavior system.

“There were many opportunities for students to get involved throughout the month of October,” Pennewill said. “It was very fun and enjoyable for all of us at Southern Middle School.”

Students competed against each other and staff members.

Students and staff competed against each other.

The school 'Village People' performed 'YMCA' for the audience.

Leaders participated in group activities as preparation for the program.

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

Glen Rock, Pa – The middle school transition program that aids seventh-graders in making the transfer from elementary to middle school has been recognized by state organizations.

Where Everybody Belongs, which is designed to assist students in successfully managing the hurdles of middle school, will be showcased at this year’s Annual Pennsylvania Education Excellence Fair at the Pennsylvania School Boards Association/Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators Leadership Conference in Hershey, on Oct. 20.

Within the program, which is in its third year at Southern Middle School, select eighth-graders provide leadership and act as mentors for the incoming seventh grade students. This year, Southern Middle has a record number of student leaders participating, with 102 students, doubled from last year. Based on the Boomerang Project, WEB is similar to ninth grade Link Crew program, now in its fifth year at Susquehannock High School.

As part of WEB, the eighth grade leaders are grouped with about 10 seventh-graders. After applying and being selected at the end of seventh grade, they participated in summer training activities, which prepared them for their leadership roles.

As part of their training, WEB leaders worked together to form a giraffe.

“It’s super exciting,” middle school teacher and WEB trainer Trisha Coggins said. “My goal for next year is to have the entire eighth grade as WEB leaders so we have one on one (between WEB leaders and seventh graders).”

The WEB training consisted of group team work, where the leaders learned how to speak in front of groups and how to take responsibility. They were also assigned specific seventh graders to mentor throughout the year.

“You have the power to change this building and make it the best building,” middle school teacher and WEB trainer Marlene Quesenberry told the students during training.

This may be accomplished by making the school a friendly place where students want to come, she explained. As a result, this will decrease the discipline issues, and students will be more caring and supportive of one another, which will make them more successful.

To help welcome the incoming seventh-graders, WEB leaders phoned them prior to the start of school. They also created posters and provided school tours the first day. Seventh-graders also participated in several challenges, alone and in groups, so they could recognize each other’s differences.

“The whole idea is for them to get into groups so they get to know each other,” Quesenberry said.

As the year progresses, the leaders teach their group about cooperation, how to work as a team, and ultimately, how to be successful in middle school. WEB leaders recently participated in their first PRIDE lesson, Reppert said. PRIDE (which stands for Prepared, Respect, Integrity, Do Your Best, and Engaged) is the school wide effective behavior system. The leaders lead their seventh grade peers in these lessons.

“The WEB leaders were enthusiastic and looking forward to this unique leadership opportunity,” Southern Middle School Principal Len Reppert said.

So far, the students are off to an excellent start. “The program continues to grow with WEB leaders due to the positive experience the eighth-graders received when they were in seventh grade,” he said. “We believe that the students want to give back to their younger peers as a way to improve the overall transitioning to SMS.”

WEB leaders created posters to welcome the seventh graders to middle school.

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

Glen Rock, Pa – Online writing has expanded to include all Southern Middle School students. The Southern York County School Board recently approved an online blogging program so that seventh and eighth grade students may share their opinions and ideas in a safe and secure manner.

The writing program was set up last year as a pilot for eighth graders to use during their computer labs. Several other teachers participated as well, Computer Technology Teacher Jim Lebo said. Students wrote their blogs in a protected program, called Blackboard. Blackboard is a tool that allows faculty to add resources for students to access online. Blogs provide commentary on a particular subject and offer online personal opinions. Students express their opinions on current issues online and also comment on one another’s opinions as well. The program teaches students safe ways to blog, while also providing them with proper writing techniques as well. Students are graded on their writing techniques.

Blackboard offers a new feature this year for adding writing guidelines. As a result, the middle school is using the Pennsylvania standardized writing standards, which students should follow, Lebo said.

“All teachers are teachers of reading and writing,” said Southern Middle School Principal Len Reppert.

Middle school teachers who participate will use the blogging to enhance the instructional program in their various subjects. Teachers will create a blog in their Blackboard page. Once a teacher invites the students to participate in the blog, students may gain access and start writing in the blog. Students may also see and comment on each other’ blogs as well.

Last year, students were asked to blog about topics, such as technology advancements and their impacts on society; the uses and benefits of computer programs (like Excel) at home; or if the use of technology as a means of communicating is damaging and why or why not.

Student feedback from the pilot blogging program was very positive, Lebo said. Students said they enjoyed expressing their opinions, even if they disagreed with a discussion. They also enjoyed seeing the diversity in the answers from their peers.

This year, students may blog about a book in English class or a science project in science class. In social studies, for example, students may engage in current events and comment about it, Social Studies Teacher Robert Cousineau said.

“Debate and discussion are great opportunities in social studies blogging,” he said. “Some students aren’t as comfortable speaking in public so blogging is great for that.”

In addition, blogging is used heavy at the college level and is essential for the 21st Century classroom, he said.

“This gives every student a voice in the classroom,” Assistant Superintendent Sandra Lemmon said. “Some students don’t feel as comfortable about participating and giving their opinions (out loud).”

Since Blackboard is already in use at the middle school, school officials said there will be no additional costs with the blogging program.

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

Southern Middle School students Anthony Iannuzzi and Alexis Anelli received the 2011 American Legion Awards, the highest awards that the American Legion gives to middle school students.

The annual awards represent courage, scholarship, leadership service and Americanism. Larry and Jean Hollabaugh, from the American Legion Post 403 in Glen Rock presented the students with the award at the end of the school year. Both students are now enrolled at Susquehannock High School.

From left are presenter Jean Hollabaugh, award winners Alexis Anelli and Anthony Iannuzzi, and presenter Larry Hollabaugh.

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

The Southern Middle and High School bands will perform the National Anthem prior to the York Revolution game against the Long Island Ducks on May 22. Game time is at 5 p.m., with the National Anthem performance taking place at 4:50 p.m.

Come enjoy the game with lots of other Southern York County friends and support the band by purchasing your tickets for the May 22 game from a band member or directly from the band boosters. Tickets are $5 for performing musicians, $10 for spectators.

For more information, call the school at 235-4811.