FREEDOM VOICES
CONWAY, FREEDOM, NEW SEWICKLEY
QUARTERLY EDITION
Freedom Elementary Rising
First Day of School Scheduled for September 8th
What a difference a couple of months makes! The progress on the new Freedom Area Elementary School building has been amazing and we are on-track for a fall opening, with the
first day of the 2015-2016 School Year now scheduled for September 8 th. The masonry
work on the exterior of the building is almost complete and the drywall inside the building
is in the final stages. Paint is going on the walls and tile is going on the floors. In the next
few weeks the sidewalks and driveways will take shape as the weather improves. As we
move into summer, the final finishes will be installed and the furniture will be put into
place.
The new school will be a great asset to the community. We look forward to settling in and
providing a great education for our students.
Jeffrey A. Fuller, Ed.D, Superintendent
Wellness Day Gives All the Teachers Something to Enjoy
On February 13, 2015, district faculty and staff had the
opportunity to take part in “Wellness Day 2015.” The
afternoon of this in-service day was filled with activities
and events hosted by the Wellness Committee: Tami
Smithmyer, Gene Matsook, Dana Gaertner, Margie Anderson, and Lisa Wood. Months of planning and preparation proved to be successful, as faculty and staff enjoyed the variety of fitness options that were available.
Group games and activities included fitness centers and
a weight room, indoor walking routes, zumba, PIYO, yoga, volleyball, basketball, golf,
archery, self-defense, Pickleball, hip hop aerobics, and an outdoor running route. In addition, a wellness vendor fair was present to serve as an informational arena for those
interested in the various offerings. Vendors included Grice Chiropractic, Farm-to-Table,
Physical Therapy with Kim Woodske, Panera Bread, Daman’s Strength Training, UPMC
Cancer Center, Weight Watchers, a tobacco specialist, Safe Start, Colteryahn Dairy, Edible Arrangements, the YMCA, athletic training with Jackie Crytzer, and Paragon. At the
conclusion of the afternoon, over $1000 worth of prizes were given to participants of the
wellness day, from t-shirts and gift cards to gift baskets and Pittsburgh Penguin tickets.
Freedom Wellness Day 2015 would not have been possible without the hard work and
generosity of many!
Big Knob Elementary Receives
Distinguished Title I Award
Congratulations to Big Knob Elementary School for receiving honors as one of
the top performing Title I schools in Pennsylvania. High achievement schools are the
highest 5% of Title I schools, based on math and reading scores from the annual
PSSA test. High performing schools are also selected for closing the achievement gap
within various student subgroups. Ninety-six schools were selected from around
Pennsylvania. Congratulations again to faculty, staff, and community members for
working together and earning this achievement.
DATES TO REMENBER
April 1st through April 9th-Costa Rica Spanish Trip
April 21st through April 26th-Band Florida Disney
Trip
May 21st - Principal’s Reception-7:00 PM
May 20,21,26,27-Senior Final Exams, Make ups
28th
May 27th Choral Concert-7:00 PM
May 28th Senior’s Last Day
June 2nd Baccalaureate-7:00 PM
June 3rd - Circle of Scholars Dinner-Jayvee's 6:30
PM
June 2 & 3 Senior Graduation Practice-10:00–
12:00Pm
Senior Debts must be paid before graduation.
June 4th Graduation–7:00 PM
June 8th - Kennywood Park School Picnic
T
CHRISTMAS AROUND
THE WORLD IN
FREEDOM SCHOOL
DISTRICT
NHS collected money and presents for Toys for Tots. We
donated $246.26 to Toys for
Tots. We also collected items
for the Women's Shelter of
Beaver County. We are beginning to plan a Relay Carnival
for May 2 from 3:00pm to
10:00pm. It will be open to
the community to enter a
team, or just stop by to have
fun and help raise money to
support cancer survivors and
caregivers.
he Animals at
the
Humane Society
Hunter was adopted by
Mrs. Keener
The animals at the Beaver County Humane Society were lavished with gifts for Christmas. This year a Christmas tree with gift tags on it was placed in the hall just for the animals.
Students and staff donated dog and cat food, blankets, beds, treats and other small animal
items which were delivered to the B.C. Humane Society by secretary Linda Keener. The volunteers could not believe how many items were being donated, and told us that they know the animals would appreciate the gifts and kindness sent their way. Let’s do it again this Christmas!
A Crazy Hat Day was Sponsored by JHS
Junior Honor Society ran the Crazy Hat fundraiser prior to winter
break. Due to the generosity of the student body, $99 dollars
was raised to donate to, the Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation. Many donors did not even wear a hat. NJHS thanks you
for your generosity!
Beaver County Business Leaders Become Educational Mentors
Last December, Freedom Area High School offered our freshmen men and women an
educational opportunity beyond the traditional classroom. Although our focus is academics, we realize that there are more skills required to succeed in life beyond the
traditional core courses. We presented a Professional Business Women’s Forum for
our females, and we also invited businessmen from our local community to speak and
work with our young men.
When we were in the planning stages of the program, it was agreed on by school administrators, faculty, and the community business leaders that this could not be a
one day program. Therefore, we have partnered with the Beaver County Chamber of
Commerce and the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit, as well as community business
leaders, to develop a pilot program that will be used for our future freshmen classes.
In the near future, we will be sharing this pilot at the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit
Principal’s Academy for use by other districts in our county.
We also presented a Breakout Session Day on Friday, March 20th involving open discussion and activities with community leaders that included Leadership vs. Likership,
Personal Communication and Interpretation, Team Building, and Turning Up the Future in regards to academics, attendance and discipline.
Our next and final session of the forum will be held on Friday, April 17th. It will be our
Career Presentation and Interview Day. Under the direction of Andrea Niedbala, Language Arts Instructor and Barb Martz, Prevention Specialist, Our students completed
an on-line survey utilizing the COPS System Comprehensive Career Guide. This guide
is designed to assist our students in planning their career. Once they have completed
the survey they are responsible for researching their career possibility and preparing
a research paper, students are then required to present their career portfolio and they
will be required to go through an interview process. Community business leaders will
observe the presentations and facilitate the interviews. Freshmen Academy faculty
members will also observe the presentations and interviews and will grade their work.
Freedom Area Educational Foundation Continues to
Support the Students at Freedom
The Freedom Area Educational Foundation (FAEF) held their annual Hall of Fame Induction Banquet
on September 20, 2014 at The Club at Shadow Lakes. The Class of 2014 consisted of Greg Caputo,
Vinnie Guandolo and Ed Linta. The evening was a celebration of the accomplishments of these deserving individuals and also included the presentation of our 2014 Student Scholarships to Jessica
Canonge, Gabriele DeWeese, and Alexandra Wolf.
The FAEF is currently accepting nominations for future Hall of Fame candidates. If you know someone deserving of this honor, we encourage you to submit a nomination form. Any individual who
graduated from, worked for, or resides in the Freedom Area School District is eligible for consideration. Our objective is to select candidates who have found success and excelled in a variety of fields.
The Freedom Area Educational Foundation was created to benefit the students of the Freedom Area
School District. Its purpose is to enhance and enrich the quality of the educational and/or extracurricular experience beyond what is typically expected of taxpayer funding. The FAEF sponsors additional activities and events throughout the year and funds both student scholarships and teacher
grants.
Further information about the organization, guidelines on Hall of Fame eligibility, nomination forms
and scholarship applications are located on our website www.freedomareaeducationalfoundation.org.
Take a moment to check us out!
Dr. Wargo Shares His Research Study on a Igloo
Physics Club held a special meeting
on Wednesday, February 18th, where
Dr. Wargo presented a study on igloo
design and construction. The meeting
was open to all members of the high
school and was attended by over 150
interested students, faculty, and staff.
Anticipating a large crowd, the meeting took place in the high
school auditorium. The meeting began with Jake Beckey, president of the physics club, introducing Dr. Wargo by listing the
schools he attended and degrees he has accrued. Wargo, who
has built several igloos, and occupied them for over 10 nights
this season, spoke about the science of warming an igloo with
body heat, the mathematics of the shape of an igloo, and safety
issues associated with winter structures. The 25-minute presentation ended with a reflection on why humans are compelled to
build such structures. Josh Scott, a senior and a member of the
physics club, stated “it inspired me to think about how things
are built,” adding “not many teachers actually build stuff like
this.” As the students exited the auditorium and headed to their
buses, they were greeted by a snow storm. Coincidence or not,
many students surely thought of building an igloo of their own.
Their Feet Were Made
for Walking
Big Knob Elementary
also hosted Storywalk 2015.
It is a celebration and promotion of reading and literacy.
It was sponsored by the Beaver County Educational Trust.
The school had approximately
130 students and their families rotate through a number
of reading stations with the
sports theme of
“Let The Games Begin.”
GOOD CITIZEN AWARD for FREEDOM
Senior, Raylen Welling, was selected by her teachers to be the 2014-2015 recipient for the
Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. Teachers nominated a senior who
possesses these qualities to an outstanding degree.
Dependability – truthfulness, loyalty and punctuality.
Service – cooperation, courtesy and consideration of others.
Leadership – personality, self- control, and ability to assume responsibility.
Patriotism – unselfish interest in family, school, community and nation.
Raylen will be invited to a dinner with other Beaver County DAR recipients to
compete for a scholarship. Congratulations to Raylen, this is a well deserving
honor to an extraordinary young woman!
Kindness & Compassion
Goes a Long Way
In February, Big Knob Elementary Kindness and Compassion Club along with the
help of Freedom High
School’s Friends of Rachel
Club sponsored a Band-Aid
Drive benefiting the Hematology/Oncology Clinic at
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. All together, the
students collected a total of
220 boxes of bandages.
People will never know how
far a little kindness can go.
Dennis Bowman Educates Big
Knob Elementary & Conway
students on the weather
Rachel Joy Scott
Congratulations to Kameron Mayhue, Kristy Sturgess, Nathan, James, Brittany Bionda and Rob Raso on representing Freedom HS at District Band
held at Greenville HS in January. Most importantly a record 4 of these students have moved on to the Regional band level at Hickory HS to compete
for State Band. As a follow up: Robbie Raso and Kameron Mayhue both
qualified for PMEA State Band in Hershey. Congratulations and Thank you
to all these students for representing our school well at these competitions.
6th Grade Service Field Trip to Rochester Manor
The 6th grade students visited Rochester Manor in February to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the
residents. PTSA generously donated the bus money to make the trip happen. While there, the chorus
sang songs, and students played balloon volleyball and chair hockey with the residents. Ladies were
treated to a nail painting station. Many enjoyed playing table games, not just for the competition, but
for the conversation and friendships that developed. After a few rounds of Wii and karaoke, one resident shared her piano skills and treated 6th grade to a sing along. Students created a borrowing library and bookcase to leave for the residents, and made rainbow loom bracelets as keepsakes. Students visited folks who were unable to attend in their rooms, and handed out gift bags that were donated by the students’ families. The day ended with a group Jeopardy game and door prize raffle.
This multi-generational experience was rewarding to everyone involved. Students left with a good
feeling in their heart and a new friend.
As a Rachel's Challenge project, Big Knob students made Freedom's biggest Olaf!
In December, all students traced their hands and wrote about their kind actions and how they could
make the world a better place. It took 319 hands to create Olaf. He is approximately 10 feet tall and
made of pure KINDNESS!!
"Some people are worth melting for!" - Olaf
Middle School Students are Positive Bulldogs
“Be A Bulldog” Is the Theme for the
Positive Behavior Program
Students at the middle school are positively bulldogs. ‘Be A
Bulldog’ is the theme of the positive behavior program at
the middle school. The program promotes the idea that a
bulldog is kind, respectful, and responsible. Posters placed
around the school remind students what it means to be
kind, respectful, and responsible. The program rewards students who exhibit positive behavior on
a daily basis. Teachers fill out a ‘Bulldog Bonus’ coupon for students they see being a bulldog
(being kind, being respectful, being responsible). Students who are awarded a Bulldog Bonus get
their name announced on the morning announcements, and they receive a pencil and a free homework pass. The ‘Bulldog Bonus’ coupons are displayed in the cafeteria for everyone to see. Once a
month all the students who were awarded bonuses from that month are entered to win a bonus
prize. Four students each month win either a T-shirt that promotes being a bulldog or a ten dollar
gift card of their choice. The bonus prizes were generously donated by the PTSA.
Conway/Big Knob Elementary Show Their Talents
The Elementary Talent Show was held in November at the Freedom Middle School and many students participated.
They put on an outstanding
show. There were many exciting acts to watch. It
was obvious that the students had spent significant
time practicing in order to give their best effort.
Thanks to both Conway and Big Knob PTA’s for combining once again for a wonderful evening of student
entertainment.
Jim “Basketball” Jones Assembly
Comes to the Elementary Schools
Conway and Big Knob Elementary Schools were both
able to enjoy the Jim
“basketball” Jones assembly.
Jim uses
basketball to inspire
and encourage while
also promoting what
can happen with hard
work and perseverance. Jim struggled
mightily with dyslexia and reading, and
discussed how using
strategies to overcome adversity can put
you on the path to success. Students were involved in the presentation and thoroughly enjoyed
his words of wisdom. Thanks again to both Conway and Big Knob PTA’s for sponsoring this assembly.
ATTENTION SENIORS!!!!!
CURRENT AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS
APRIL 2015
Please check our website at www.freedomareaschools.org or see
Mrs. Brenner in the Guidance Office for more information.
New scholarships will be updated monthly.
Go to www.educationplanner.org for information about Pennsylvania’s Scholarships!!!
SCHOLARSHIP
DEADLINE
Big Knob PTA Scholarship
Vietnam Veterans of America
Constance T. Rockwell Scholarship
Freedom Area Educational Foundation
Student-View Scholarship
Freddie Fu Scholarship
Beaver Valley Contractors & Suppliers Association
Pittsburgh Regional Food Service Scholarship
PTSA Scholarship
Beulah Frey Environmental Scholarship
Mechanical Contractors
Botti-Kaplan Scholarship
Charles Cerjak Scholarship
Executive Women’s Council Scholarship
John J. Knobloch Scholarship
Philip Inman Excellence in Choral Arts Scholarship
Zana Scholarship
Zdunek Medical Scholarship
The American Legion-Robert W. Valemont Scholarship
The American Legion-Joseph P. Gavenonis Scholarship
Robert Trace Essay Contest
Caretenders Scholarship Program
Aspiring Fashion Professional Scholarship
Aspiring Animation Professional Scholarship
Three Rivers Desk and Derrick Scholarship
10 Words or Less Scholarship
Global Lift Equipment Scholarship
April 15, 2015
April 15, 2015
April 17, 2015
April 21, 2015
April 22, 2015
April 25, 2015
April 29, 2015
April 30, 2015
April 30, 2015
April 30, 2015
May 1, 2015
May 1, 2015
May 1, 2015
May 1, 2015
May 1, 2015
May 1, 2015
May 1, 2015
May 1, 2015
May 30, 2015
May 30, 2015
May 31, 2015
May 31, 2015
June 1, 2015
June 1, 2015
June 1, 2015
June 15, 2015
June 15, 2015
BRRR…. That Was Cold !
The Polar Plunge this year was a contest
between all four Freedom Area Schools to see
which school could raise the most money for the
Special Olympics. The two elementary school
totals were combined, in the spirit of them joining together next year, thus earning them the
Polar Plunge traveling trophy. The traveling
trophy goes to the school within the district that
raises the most money. Together the district
raised $1,955.11. Congratulations and Thank
you to all that participated.
SAVE THE DATE:
The Freedom Area High School National Honor Society will be hosting an American Cancer
Society Relay for Life event this spring. Mark your calendars for this important event!
WHEN: May 2, 2015 from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
WHERE: On Freedom’s Track and Field
WHAT: The theme for this relay for life will be Dream for a Cure! Activities and entertainment
for all ages will be scheduled throughout the day and evening. In addition to team donations
raised before the event, concessions and other fundraisers will take place around the track.
Our Fundraising Goal is $10,000!
WHO: Everyone is encouraged to participate! Freedom students, teachers, staff, relatives, survivors, families,
Senior, Robbie Raso, will take the Stage at Heinz Hall
Congratulations to Senior Robbie Raso, who was nominated by our
band director, Mr. Keith Kovalic to perform alongside the Pittsburgh
Symphony Orchestra in the “Side-by-Side” program. The concert will be
held on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at Heinz Hall. Students will go to Heinz
Hall once a month for rehearsals; their ability to play challenging music
will determine the repertoire that is performed. They then promote the
concert by selling tickets to the community and family members. The
proceeds from the concert benefit the arts and music programs of the participating schools, including Freedom.
Once again, congratulations to Robbie Raso in his many achievements involving the band program. Your
friends in the Freedom Community are wishing you the best of luck!
Elementary Musicians
Our elementary music programs are the foundation of music education
here at the Freedom Area Schools. Students in grades K-3 develop
their musical skills through singing, listening, improvising on classroom
instruments, and begin to learn to read notes and rhythms. In fourth
grade music, our students have the opportunity to learn to play the recorder. This further develops their basic musicianship, but also fosters
students' musical abilities at a young age. K-4 music teacher, Mrs.
Jennifer Newman believes that playing the recorder is a pivotal experience in our student's music education. With a series entitled Recorder
Karate, students learn to play several new melodies, while learning the
skills of playing a pre-band instrument. Mrs. Newman teaches the song
to the class as a whole, and then students have the opportunity to "test
-off" the song by playing it individually for Mrs. Newman. Once the
student succeeds, the child receives a small colored karate belt for
each song he/she performs successfully. This method has been a wonderful way to motivate the students, and they may receive up to nine
belts by the end of the year. The added benefit to teaching is that
many students develop a love for playing an instrument, and choose to
be a part of beginning band when they enter the fifth grade.