LDC initiative and its teams applauded

By: LUCY RICCOMINI Review Staff, Staff Writer

Superintendent Dr. Bruce Sensenig opened the Feb. 25 school board meeting by introducing a presentation by the team that makes up the Literacy Design Collaborative (LDC), a program that challenges students and better prepares them for college. The program takes place in the middle and high schools.

"It is something that the high school has been involved in for two years," added Sensenig. "It is a staff development initiative to advance the PA Literacy Common Core Standards across the curriculum."

High School assistant principal Whitney Seltzer introduced the Literacy Design Collaborative for high school and middle school. Wendy Schmid, a team leader and social studies teacher who has been an integral part of the program, explained the benefits of LDC.

"The purpose is to dig deeper into the lessons. Students get more involved and are better prepared for college."

Different modules or tasks are given to the students through the LDC, a completely online learning center. Teachers assign different types of lessons for the students, which help improve reading skills and challenge the students. The teachers work together to select text and challenge students and better prepare them for college. Grading systems are in place and feedback can be given to the students modules.

"We’re really impressed with the work that our students did," said Schmid.

Sensenig also commented on the benefits of the LDC and the staff involved in it.

"I just want to make a comment to the team. I know the work and the projects and products you’ve done have been appreciated. I know you’re doing a good job with this and your projects are applauded, so thank you very much."

In other news, the treasurer’s report was given by John Lorah and approved by the members. Beginning balance for Jan. 1 was $19,984,374.12. Total receipts were $2,416,623.22, while total expenditures were $3,453,573.54. The ending balance as of Jan. 31 was $18,948,174.33.

The board also approved the Capitol Project Fund Account Register in the amount of $24,485.72. Sensenig reiterated that these costs included the new roof and HVAC upgrades at Adamstown Elementary and closed circuit TV (CCTV) systems. The CCTV systems have been discussed and reviewed by the board prior to the Feb. 25 meeting and the board agreed that an upgrade or replacement of security cameras was in the best interest of the district.

The board also approved the use of IU 13 joint purchasing catalog bids through the 2014 school year

"This is an extension of a two-year contract that was originally approved by the board in February of 2011. There’s no changes to the terms themselves," said Sherry Stull, board secretary.

The special education supplemental contract with Ephrata Area School District regarding one of its students was also approved.

Assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, Mrs. Ella Musser, presented the board with the summer recreational and enrichment programs, which the board approved as well. These programs offer camp read-a-lot to elementary students, tutoring at the middle and high school level, and are very popular within the district.

Retirements that were approved included Donna Dinger, an Adamstown Elementary school teacher for 33 years; Joseph Geisey, a middle school social studies teacher, who also served as assistant principal at the high school and principal at the middle school; and Anne Carmitchell, a middle school communication arts teacher for 31 years.

Sabbatical leaves were approved for Matthew Eshleman of Denver Elementary for the 2013-2014 school year and Victoria Kreider of Denver Elementary school, for the 2013-2014 school year.

The nurse for Reamstown and Adamstown Elementary will also resign. Casey Seidel, who was with the district for only a short time, is moving out of the area.

Angel Haney and Ray Burns, who recently retired from the East Cocalico Police department, were both accepted as substitute administrative assistants and paraprofessionals.

The board also approved sport event workers, volunteer coaches for spring sports programs and substitutes for continuos employment.

President Allen Dissinger presented the IU 13 report and reminded the board of the legislative breakfast on March 11 and the convention that takes place in April at Lebanon. Dissinger is also currently interviewing potential candidates to replace Cynthia Burkhart, the IU 13 executive director, who is retiring in August.

Dr. Tim Zimmerman announced the Fly on the Run fly fishing benefit for the CTC students, who are providing the food for the event. It takes place on May 15 and 16 at the Mount Joy Campus and Millport Conservancy.

Dr. Sensenig introduced a presentation from the elementary math programs, who introduced Math Expressions, a program that is much more up-to-date and aligned to the common core state standards for mathematics. The math programs at the elementary schools have not been updated since the 2001.

Amy Tillett, Cocalico’s family and consumer sciences also requested the use of a new textbook for her students, to better explain, teach, and expand on early childhood development. More SCHOOL BOARD, page A10