www.nesd.k12.pa.us
Vol. 3 Issue III January 2013
The Bobcat Way: 100% of our students will graduate and be fully prepared for a post-secondary education.
School Safety In Forefront After Newtown, CT Tragedy
Hours after the Newtown, CT tragedy at Sandy Hook
Elementary School, district administrators across the
country started reviewing their own safety procedures,
and how they are implemented and utilized. It was no
different at Northeastern. Superintendent Dr. Jody
Nace released a statement to all staff and parents
about how the district’s safety procedures are
practiced at all 8 schools within the district.
“Although there is no absolute guarantee that
something bad will never happen, it is important to
understand the difference between the possibility of
something happening and the probability that it will
affect you,” said Dr. Nace.
The district has a safety plan in place in the event of
a tragic situation. The district also has ‘BERT’ (Building
Emergency Response Team) in each building. The
teams of staff members and teachers are trained to
lead the emergency response in most crisis situations.
Orendorf Elementary Principal, Dr, Todd Monos has
met several times with his ‘BERT’ team. Training can
include reviewing safety procedures, practicing fire or
intruder drills, to dealing with the steps to help an ill
child.
Dr. Monos believes the most important piece of
providing safety for all students is to never let the
conversation stop.
“You cannot prepare for every scenario, however,
(Continued on Page 2)
NESD Safety Practices

Limited access to all school buildings
(Visitors must be “buzzed into main hallways.)

Monitor & Screen all guests (Guests must
sign in & wear visitor badges)

Local police/fire personnel part of school
safety plans.

Crisis plans & regular review.

Regular school preparedness drills for both
teachers/students (Intruder alerts, fire &
weather)

All buildings have security systems, along
with video-monitoring in some schools & on
all buses.

Emergency communication system in place
to get out messages to public quickly.

Crisis intervention counseling services
available.
For a complete list, please go to:
www.nesd.k12.pa.us
How to Talk To Children About Tragedies
In This Issue:
New School Board Member
2
Operation Help A Neighbor
3
Senior Project Profile
4
Volunteer Spotlight
5
Orendorf Staff T-Shirt
7
Matthew Hanes Eagles
7
It is important to speak with your child about tragic situations like Sandy Hook
if he/she is willing and ready to speak about it. York Haven Guidance
Counselor Mrs. Suzanne Howe explains listening to your child is of utmost
importance. Mrs. Howe suggests creating a time and place for your child to ask
questions. Also, allow the child to express his/her feelings in other ways, like
through a drawing or writing a story, if talking is too hard. Mrs. Howe stresses it
is important to avoid activities that may cause more stress like watching TV or
listening to adult discussions. Also, the reassurance that school is a safe
environment is proven helpful. Remind your child that there are people at
school to help them in a scary situation. If your child sticks to a normal routine,
that will help to reduce anxiety. As always, if you are noticing major changes in
your child, please seek help from your school guidance counselors.
Superintendent’s Message
8
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” Helen Keller
Page 2
Northeastern Highlights
School Safety (Continued)
District Information
you can constantly practice, talk and tweak procedures when you uncover
deficiencies,” Dr. Monos said.
Northeastern administration takes any school safety threat very seriously.
As a reminder to the community, if a rumor is verified, strong and appropriate
legal and law enforcement actions will be taken. Please do not hesitate to
report any school safety concerns to an administrator.
Vision
The Bobcat Way: 100% of our students
will graduate and be fully prepared for
a post-secondary education.
Board of Directors
Margie Walker, President
Linda Morningstar, Vice-President
Vanessa Snell, Treasurer
Kevin Gebhart
William Gingerich
Christine Hess
Constance Koener
Chris Neiman
K. Mike Redding
The Board of School Directors meets
on the first and third Monday of each
month at 7:00 p.m. at the Administrative Center, unless noted otherwise.
Administration
Jody L. Nace, Superintendent
Stacey A. Sidle, Asst. Superintendent
Shawn D. Minnich, Asst. Superintendent
of Curriculum and Instruction
Brian K. Geller, Director of Operations
Contact Information
Administrative Center
Conewago Elementary
York Haven Elementary
Orendorf Elementary
Mt. Wolf Elementary
Spring Forge Intermediate
Shallow Brook Intermediate
Northeastern Middle School
Northeastern High School
266-3667
266-1644
266-5007
266-5621
266-6570
266-9833
266-7030
266-3676
266-3644
District Website
www.nesd.k12.pa.us
Helping Sandy Hook Community
Several NESD employees and students have reached out to the community
of Newtown, CT. Monetary donations were collected by the Northeastern
Middle School yearbook & newspaper committee. They sold holiday treats
during student lunch periods. They raised $250 for the Sandy Hook PTA. The
PTA is collecting donations to re-build the elementary school.
Also, NHS sophomore and junior volunteer firefighter, Gabe Furst created a
first survivor bracelet. He set out a goal to make a bracelet for every first
responder, including police officers, firefighter’s, EMT’s, and dispatchers. He
also made bracelets for all of the students of Sandy Hook Elementary. He will
travel to Newtown, CT in February, If you’d like to learn more about Gabe’s
bracelets, go to the district website, www.nesd.k12.pa.us and click on the
“Bobcats In The News” section.
26 Acts of Kindness
NBC News reporter, Ann Curry made
national headlines when she asked the
country to remember all 26 of the
Sandy Hook Elementary school victims
by attempting to complete 26 acts of
kindness for others.
Northeastern Middle School parent,
Vergie Hall decided she wanted to do
something to show her gratitude to the
employees of NMS. In January, she
dropped off 26 gifts to the middle
school. She wanted everyone on the
staff from teachers, to secretaries, to
custodians to know how much she
appreciates their work.
Thank you for putting smiles on our
faces, Vergie!
Social Media
twitter.com/NESD (@NESD)
www.facebook.com/NortheasternSD
Northeastern Highlights is published
six times per year. Questions or comments may be directed to Keri Straub,
Communications Coordinator,
[email protected] or 266-3667.
Stay updated in between newsletters on all of the happenings with students
and faculty in our NEW “Bobcats In The News” section on the
district website. Log on to www.nesd.k12.ps.us, click on the
News section, and click on “Bobcats In The News.”
Also, become a fan on Facebook & Twitter today!
Northeastern Highlights
Upcoming Events and Reminders
Feb. 1-2
Feb. 4
Feb. 6
Feb. 7
Feb. 7
Feb. 8
Feb. 8-9
Feb. 9
Feb. 12
Feb. 13
Feb. 14
Feb. 15
Feb. 17
Feb. 18
Feb. 18
Feb. 21-23
Feb. 22-24
Feb. 28
Mar. 4
Mar. 5
Mar. 6
Mar. 7-9
Mar. 18
Mar. 21-23
Mar. 28
Mar. 29
York County Honors Band Festival (NHS)
School Board Meeting (Admin Bldg)
EARLY DISMISSAL (Parent-Teacher Conferences)
EARLY DISMISSAL (Parent-Teacher Conferences)
8th Grade Parent Scheduling Meeting (6PM)
EARLY DISMISSAL (Winter Pep Rally)
PMEA District 7 Chorus Festival
ACT Exam
District Musical Tour
EARLY DISMISSAL
Valentine’s Day
SCHOOL IN-SESSION (Hurricane Make-Up Day)
Choral Sacred Concert (NMS Aud. 7PM)
NO SCHOOL
School Board Meeting (Admin Bldg)
PMEA Region IV-V State Orchestra Festival
NHS Musical “Grease”
Parent Conferences (6:30-8:30PM)
School Board Meeting (Admin Bldg)
SBI/SFI Spring Concert
EARLY DISMISSAL
PMEA Region V State Band Festival
School Board Meeting (Admin Bldg)
PMEA Region V State Choral Festival
EARLY DISMISSAL (End of 3rd Marking Period)
NO SCHOOL (Holiday Break)
Operation-Help-A-Neighbor
Operation Help A Neighbor had another successful
year! District Social workers, Mrs. Kathy Minnich and
Mrs. Sally Reed orchestrated the entire event from start
to finish. They received thousands of dollars in donations
and gift cards to help 587 children and adults all living
within the Northeastern school district enjoy a special
holiday. Thank you to the 15
volunteers who offered their
talents and time!
“The generosity of this
community never ceases to
amaze us. The Operation Help
A Neighbor program continues
to serve as a prime example of
the compassionate community that we are all blessed to
be part of,” Mrs. Sally Reed & Mrs. Kathy Minnich.
Page 3
School Board Appoints New Member
The Northeastern school board of directors appointed
Ms. Constance Koerner as its new school board
member. She will fill the vacant seat for the third region
which represents Manchester, Mount Wolf and York
Haven Boroughs. Ms. Koerner is a 1964 graduate of
Northeastern High School. She has a B.A. from
Goucher College and a MSW from Boston University.
Ms. Koerner worked for the University Of New Mexico
School Of Medicine for more than 20 years. She now
resides in Manchester Borough. Her appointment begins
immediately and lasts through the first Monday of
December 2013.
January is School Board of Directors
Appreciation Month! Thank you to all of our
board members for volunteering your time
and talents to the district.
Primary Election
There will be five Northeastern school board of
director seats on the ballot this spring. The board
member regions are::
Region 1: Conewago Township 1st & East Manchester
Township) - (2 Seats)
Currently held by: Christine Neiman & Linda
Morningstar
Region 2: Conewago Township 2nd & Newberry
Township 2nd- (1 Seat)
Currently held by: Margaret J. Walker
Region 3: Manchester, Mount Wolf & York Haven
Boroughs- (2 Seats)
Currently held by: Christine M. Hess &
Constance Koerner
Primary Election Schedule
Feb. 19: First day to circulate & file nomination petitions
Mar. 12: Last day to circulate & file nomination petitions
Mar 13: First day to circulate & file nomination papers
April 22: Last day to register to vote before the primary
May 14: Last day to apply for a civilian absentee ballot
May 21: MUNICIPAL PRIMARY
For more information, visit www.yorkcountypa.gov,
Dept. of Elections & Voter Registration.
Page 4
Northeastern Highlights
Senior Project Helps Special Needs Students
Senior Garrett Graybill had no idea what he wanted to do for his Senior
Project. So, the football player thought about two things he cared about deeply;
his brother, Dylan, who has downs syndrome and football.
Garrett decided he wanted to help children, like Dylan who only ever get the
chance to watch him from the sidelines be in the spotlight for a day. Garrett
organized a “Flag Football” day for special needs children.
“Everyone had a great day. They seemed to love it,” said Garrett.
Garrett said he was overcome with gratefulness when a high school
custodian ended up paying for the gym rental fee. He appreciated everyone’s
help to make his senior project something he will never forget.
Have You Seen?
Garret Graybill has also
been recognized by the local media for his Senior
Class Project. You can
watch a CBS21 report by
logging onto to
nesd.k12.pa.us & clicking
on the “Bobcats In The
News” section.
Great job, Garret!
“I wanted to impact someone’s life and make a difference,” said Garrett.
Winter Sports Highlights
The Boys Basketball team remains
number one in its section. Senior,
Khalid Nwandu scored his 1,000th
career point against Central York on
January 14. Nwandu scored a game
high 32-points and the team won 5856 in a down to the buzzer game!
The Northeastern Swimming &
Diving team have made a lot of new
records this season! Junior Niki
Price broke the NHS women’s 200
IM pool record from 1995 and the
women’s 100 Butterfly record from
1993.
This year, 17 boys are on the team.
There were only 5 members in
2010! The YAIAA Swimming and
Diving Championships are February 14-16 at Central York High
School. Senior diver, Becca Gross will be looking to win her third
straight diving championship.
The Girls Basketball team is having a team
building year. Coach Bill Novak says, “The
season has been one of learning the new
system and playing together. The girls are
playing hard and pushing themselves. They are
also becoming more of a team as the year goes
on.”
The Boys Wrestling team is having a
successful season. They participated in the
Governor Mifflin tournament over holiday
break. Jeb Payne took 1st, Nick Yinger and
Darrion Latimore placed 5th. Individual
sectionals is February 16. Qualifiers move on
to districts and states.
Thank you to all winter cheerleaders!
Volleyball Coach Award
Head Boys’ Volleyball
Coach, and NHS
graduate (‘91), Matt
Wilson, was recently
inducted into the
Pennsylvania Volleyball
Coaches Association's
Hall of Fame.
Wilson has coached the Boys' Volleyball
team since 1996. He led the 2010 team to a
state title along with several other title
championships.
Wilson played volleyball for Northeastern,
and went on to play at Ohio State University.
Congratulations Matt!
“You have to be great to win a championship,”
Matt Wilson quote, York Dispatch, June 4,
2011.
Northeastern Highlights
Page 5
NMS Martin Luther King, Jr. Art
Northeastern Middle School students got creative and
designed posters that were displayed all around York
County businesses during the month of December.
Students created posters on what Martin Luther King, Jr.
day means to them. Their work was showcased in
businesses partnered with United Way of York County.
Mount Wolf “Let’s Go Camping”
Students at Mount Wolf
Elementary got into the
camping spirit in January
when the school celebrated
its “Let’s Go Camping!”
learning day.
Students set out on adventures
around the school and
participated in hikes, dances
and scavenger hunts all while
learning about National Parks.
Thank you to all the teachers
and volunteers who made this
such a successful event!
The posters can
now be viewed
at NMS!
Quiz Bowl Team Brainbusters Visit
The NHS Quiz Bowl team competed in December on
WGAL-TV’s ‘Brainbusters’ show. The team taped two
shows, winning their first competition, and losing their
second by only 10 points! The shows aired on WGAL-TV
in January.
Good job Quiz Bowl team!
Volunteer Spotlight
This month’s volunteer spotlight is a very special one!
Meet Dora Fitzsimmons. She volunteers at York Haven
Elementary and Shallow Brook Intermediate every
week. Dora spends her Mondays at York Haven helping
out with her daughter, Malissa’s kindergarten class and
her daughter, Maleah’s second grade class. In
kindergarten, Dora helps with writing, and in second
grade she helps students with their math. On Tuesdays,
Dora helps out with her daughter McKenna’s fourth
grade class at SBI. She spends her time assisting
students with math and reading exercises.
Dora has
volunteered with
the district for 5
years and
counting. She
likes the extra time
she gets to spend
with her three
daughters.
Thank you, Dora!
4370 N. George Street Extended, Manchester, PA 17345
(717) 266-3651
Page 6
Northeastern Highlights
NHS Aquatics Classes Help Students Find Summer Jobs
One of the most popular classes to take at NHS is in the Aquatics program. The Lifeguarding class teaches
students the rescue skills they need to know for the job. Students become certified as a lifeguard through the
American Red Cross as well as gaining CPR/AED training. Students are taught how to deal with all types of injuries
from drowning, to neck, head and back injuries. Many students find themselves using their certifications to land a
summer job.
Junior Leah Wiley already interviewed for a lifeguard position at a summer camp.
“I never realized this class would turn into something that paid off in the end,” said
Wiley.
Another student, senior Ashley Fager will use the certifications as a next step in
her future career.
“I plan on studying to become a nurse at West Virginia University,” said Fager.
Students are also required to take two written tests during the certification process.
Since the courses are extremely popular,
school guidance counselors suggest starting the
initial classes early in students ninth and tenth
grade years to secure spots in the certification courses later.
There is also a canoeing, boating and aquatic fitness class where students can
earn a boating certification from the PA Fish & Boat Commission. Once students
complete the course, it allows them to drive a jet ski or operate a boat with a
greater than 25 horsepower engine. For more information on the Aquatics
program at NHS, visit www.nesd.k12.pa.us.
York Haven Elementary Wins Grant
Congratulations
to York Haven
Elementary as the
school was
chosen as one of
PPL Corporation’s
Empowering
Educator grant
recipients.
$460 will be used to help 75 York Haven third grade
students study the water cycle and wetland
environments at PPL's Brunner Island Environmental
Preserve. During the month of May, the students will
learn how to take care of the environment and write
reports on their findings to present.
York Haven is among six other school districts in the
state chosen for the grant. PPL’s Empowering
Educators grants program is part of an initiative to
educate the public about energy resources and the
environment. A team of PPL employees, environmental
professionals and educators chose the winning
projects. Great job, York Haven!
Conewago Elementary Capes
If you ever get a chance to
visit Conewago Elementary
School, make sure you ask
about the Gym Class Hero
capes!
Conewago PE teacher Mr.
Dave Zirkle came up with the
idea to award exceptional
students by wearing a cape
for the day! Teachers and
staff nominate students.
“I always like to nominate
students who display
fantastic behavior, effort, and
participation,” said Mr. Zirkle.
A big thank you to Conewago
Kindergarten teacher, Mrs.
Diane Jordan, who sewed all
eight capes!
Northeastern Highlights
Page 7
Orendorf Elementary Staff T-Shirt Designed By NHS Senior
Last spring, Orendorf Principal, Dr. Todd Monos,
wanted to come up with a message that represents
Orendorf Elementary School. He posed the question to
his staff, “what would you want people to say about
Orendorf?”
Dr. Monos and his teachers brainstormed together and
came up with the idea of a tree with roots. In the roots
they thought of words that depict what the school
means to everyone.
Next, Dr. Monos needed a talented
graphic artist to design their ideas
into a drawing. He contacted NHS
senior, Shelby McGuigan. Shelby
designed the t-shirt and worked
with a company to print the t-shirts.
In November, the t-shirts were
passed out to all of the teachers.
(Pictured
Right)
Orendorf
staff with
t-shirts.
Senior,
Shelby
McGuigan
centered.
Cpl. Matthew Hanes Eagles Visit
Shelby McGuigan
Shelby is interested in Digital Communications and
hopes to study a similar field in college. Good luck,
Shelby!
NESD 2010 graduate, Cpl. Matthew Hanes continues
to recover in a Tampa, FL hospital after being shot in
Afghanistan last June. On December 8th, Matthew got
the chance to meet several Philadelphia Eagles football
players. Matthew also went to the Eagles versus Tampa
Buccaneers football game. His father and NESD
employee, Lee Hanes said he had a wonderful time and
got to take home the kickoff football!
Pictured below: (Top Photo) Cpl. Matthew Hanes with
Philadelphia
Eagles.
(Bottom
Left) Hanes
with Former
Head Coach
Andy Reid
(Bottom
Right)
Another fan
battling
leukemia
greeted by
players.
Thank you,
Eagles!
Page 8
Northeastern Highlights
WGAL-TV ‘Learning Matters’
NHS art students work is currently on display at the
Administration Center. Students learned how to hollow
out five forms and create a sculpture.
Northeastern Middle School was featured in a
WGAL-TV ‘Learning Matters’ report on January 19. The
report focused on the eighth grade science classes
taught by Mr. Marc Lentz and Mr. Michael Ritts. News 8
anchor/reporter Anne Shannon interviewed teachers and
students about how technology plays a role in the
learning process.
In the science classes, students are encouraged to
use smart phones, computers, I-pads and e-readers
during class for extra help while completing their work.
Students also use remotes (active engagement clickers)
to answer questions during class.
Another other project
required students to
design a toy that had
movable body parts.
Beautiful work!
(Above Left: Anne Shannon interviews Mr. Ritts. Above
Right: News 8 photographer films students.)
Spring Forge Spelling Bee
Spring Forge Intermediate School held its school
spelling bee on January 11. All students participated in a
class spelling bee before moving onto the grade-wide
competition.
This year’s spelling bee
winners were: Fourth Grade:
Xander Bishop, 5th Grade MacKenzie Jenkins (second
year in a row to win!), 6th
Grade: Madison
Wrightstone, and overall
building winner: Xander
Bishop. Students raise
money during the Spelling Bee period each year to win
prizes and to add e-books to the school library.
SFI Principal, Mr. Devin
Moyer moderates the
spelling bee and awards
the winning spellers with
their very own trophy.
Shallow Brook Spelling Bee
Shallow Brook Intermediate School held its 2nd annual
school spelling bee on January 18. Students qualified for
the competition by getting the highest scores in their
class on a written qualifying spelling test. The top 3
students from each class got to come on stage for a
“spell-down.”
This year’s spelling bee
winners were: (Pictured Left)
Alexandra Versace (left), 4th
grade champion, Madison
Hetherington,5th grade
champion, and Kaitlyn
Henderson (right), 6th grade
champion.
(Pictured Right) Students
pay attention as Assistant
Superintendent, Dr. Shawn
Minnich explains the
spelling bee rules.
Northeastern School District
41 Harding Street
Manchester, PA 17345
NHS Presents Musical
Grease Feb. 22-24
Tickets On Sale Now @ nhsdramatics.org
The Superintendent’s Message
As the Northeastern School District Board of School Directors and administration work together
to close a deficit of at least $1.2 million dollars for the 2013-2014 budget, it is important for our
school community to understand the major expenditure drivers behind the district’s deficit.
There are several mandated costs that school boards do not have any authority to change. The
largest mandate from the state for all school districts in PA is the required contribution districts
must make to the state’s Public School Retirement System (PSERS) on behalf of every school
employee. In next year alone, Northeastern School District will be required to contribute over $1
million dollars more in increased retirement contributions. Even if the School Board would vote
to raise property taxes to the index of 2.3%, they would only be able to raise about $715,000,
which will not cover the new retirement contribution bill of over $1 million dollars. You may
wonder what has caused the problem?
Among the contributing factors were generous improvements enacted by our legislators to
member and retiree benefits created under Act 9 of 2001 that did not require a proportional
Dr. Jody Nace,
employee match. Another factor was a low return on investments due to a downturn in the
Superintendent
national economy. Investment earnings are the largest source of funding for PSERS, and these
earnings directly impact the employer contribution rate. During a down market, the employer contribution rate will rise
when there is investment loss at the system.
The problem facing the state, employers and PSERS is the sharply rising costs to the state and school districts to
sustain the system. In December 2012, the PSERS board set the employer contribution rate for 2013-14 at 16.93%. This
was a large jump from the 2012-13 rate set at 12.36%, which was a 42% increase over the 2011-12 rate. The employer
contribution rate is projected to continue to increase sharply over the next several years, jumping to 21.31% in 2014-15,
to 25.80% in 2015-16, to 29.15% in 2017-18. The rate is projected to further climb to over 30% beginning in 2019-20 and
peak at 31.43% in 2034-35.
Pennsylvania’s massive public pension crisis is expected to be one of the top priorities of Gov. Tom Corbett and
General Assembly in the 2013-14 session. It will not be an easy debate, but the need to deal with escalating costs
related to rising pension costs for state and school employees is critical. If not addressed, the pension crisis will have a
crippling effect on the state’s economy and a devastating impact on local school district budgets. The current system is
unsustainable, leaving taxpayers to feel the brunt of staggering increases unless a workable, long-term solution is
enacted. These mandated costs are beyond any school board member’s local control.
NESD “Alumni Updates”
In this issue of NESD “Alumni Updates,” we caught up with
Casey and Kenneth Weaver. Both were recently presented
with “white coats” after completing pre-pharmacy course work
at West Virginia University.
Casey and Kenneth were two of
87 participants selected into the
WVU Pharmacy program out of
360 applicants!
After graduation, Casey and
Kenny both plan to complete a
12-month hospital residency
which focuses on acute and
ambulatory care, clinical services
and practice management.
Their proud mom, Mrs. Melissa Felinski is a learning support
teacher at Shallow Brook Intermediate.