Rommelt Honor Roll Assembly

I would like to congratulate all of our 5th & 6th Grade Honor Roll Students. This morning we held our 1st Trimester Honor Roll Assembly and recognized all of our honor students. Each student was called up onto the stage, received a certficate and an honor roll ID tag, and a much deserved round of applause from the staff and students at Rommelt. This marking period the Honor Roll ID tag was red.

I would like to challange each and every 5th & 6th grade student to work hard to achieve honor roll for next marking period. Can you earn an honor roll ID tag? What color will next trimester's be orange or purple?

Remember if you make honor roll all three trimesters, you will also earn a fourth ID tag that is blue. Can you do it? I hope so, I would love to have a lot of students earn this high academic honor.

Veteran's Day Assembly

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Major Max Furman for putting together our Veteran's Day Assembly on Friday. Major Furman did an outstanding job of relating to our students what his tour of Duty in Iraq was like and the important missions they were involved in. Major Furman showed the students an awesome slide show of pictures he took while in Iraq. Thank you for taking the time to share your story with our students.

I would also like to thank Ms. Pat Russell and Mr. Jamie Flick for presenting the students of Rommelt with the Mounties Mission Homefront Map that will be displayed at Rommelt. The students of Rommelt will soon get to see all the servicemen and woman that have ties to South Williamsport. We will also have some of the classrooms adopt a servicemen or women to send carepackages overseas. What a great project. Look for more information on Mounties Mission Homefront soon.

Finally, I would like to thank Mrs. Linda Hawkins at the High School for putting together a very moving assembly at the high school. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make the assembly due to a training demonstration, but I have heard so many wonderful comments on it. Thank you to all that took part in making the assembly one that our South students won't soon forget.

Thank you to all our Veteran's that have given so much for all of us to enjoy the freedoms that we have.

7th & 8th Grade Report Cards

The 7th & 8th grade students received their report cards today. How well did you do? Did you make honor roll? Congratulations to all students that made the honor roll. Check back soon to see your name posted for making honor roll.

If you did not make the honor roll this time, please work hard this marking period and make it your goal. You can do it if you just put your mind to it. Remember to return your signed report card to your homeroom teacher by Thursday, November 15th.

Please remember Parent Teacher Conferences are November 19th & 20th. Please make it an effort to make conferences and discuss your child's success so far. These are important times to hear about the successes they are having and where the struggles are as well.

October - Students of the Month

I would like to congratulate our October Students of the Month for Grades 5-8. These students have been chosen by their teachers for their outstanding work habits and great attitudes. If you see these students, please congratulate them.

5th Grade - Twix Picks: Sarah Kistner, Sean Wither, Logan Wein, & Chelsea Rieppel.

6th Grade - M-azing Mounties: Sabrina Mussare, Zach Reeder, Nick Mistretta, & Courtney Wenner.

7th Grade: Hannah Brumbach & Colt Young

8th Grade: Serena Engel & Michael Miele

Title One Hot Dog Roast

Title One sponsored a Hot Dog Roast this evening at Central. The purpose of the program was to introduce parents to Title One, what Title One is all about, and how the parents can help support their children at home with reading.

The evening began with a catered picnic by Humdinger. The parents and children got to eat hot dogs, baked beans, macaroni salad, and chocolate cake. Although the picnic was scheduled for outside, the rain did not dampen the spirits inside.

Mrs. Furman treated the children to a story, "The Principal From the Black Lagoon". What an interesting story! The children then went to a few classroom to read stories to the dogs.

I would like to thank Mrs. Pardoe, Mrs. Laudenslager, Mrs. Flerlage and Mr. Molino, our Title One teachers, for putting together a very informative and fun-filled evening. I also have to give special thanks to our Title One Para-professionals, Mrs. Guerrisky, Mrs. Dudek, and Mrs. Marzzacco for all their help and support, as well.

What an awesome evening. Thank you to all the parents for coming out tonight and helping us to support reading at school and at home. Also a special thank you to Title One for all you do! Keep up the great work.

The Showdown Has Been Set For Saturday Night

The Penn State Nittany Lions vs. the number 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. This is the game Penn State has been waiting for. Will Ohio State be the next Number 1 to fall? Happy Valley will be an unbelievable atmosphere for the 8:00 pm kick-up. I will be there cheering on the Nittany Lions. Go State!

Steelers vs. Broncos - Sunday Night

The Steelers play tonight vs. the Denver Broncos. Will the Steelers be able to continue on their winning ways? Willie Parker needs a big running game against the poor run defense of the Broncos.

Reading Class

Doesn't Mrs. Levan make reading class fun and interesting? She has some of the corniest jokes, so how can you not laugh. Does anybody remember what the word "haughty" means?

Ashley H. thank you for offering me a reading book. Can you tell me what the book you are reading is about? I was a little lost listening to the middle of the story.

7th Grade Math

Today I sat in on the 7th grade advanced algebra class during period 3. The discussion today was on ratio's. Does anybody remember what sports you could use ratios in? Mrs. Fink did a great job explaining ratios and providing you with some great real world examples. I hope everyone did well on their test.

Rommelt Track & Field Day

Today was the 5th & 6th grade Track & Field Day. What a beautiful day to be out on the football field and competing. It was a great time had by all. Did you place during Track & Field Day. If so, send me a comment and tell me what place you came in and in what event. It sounded like the 5th grade champion was Mr. Brown's Class and the 6th grade champion was Mrs. Ogden's Class. Way to go. Congratulations to all our place winners.

September Students of the Month

I would like to congratulate our September Students of the Month. Each grade level has chosen a few students to be recognized for their outstanding efforts through the month of September. They are:

5th Grade - Twix Picks: Brock Jones, Olivia Lorson, Lexi Holtzman, & Carter Alexander

6th Grade - M-azing Mounties: Kiersten Betz, Jennifer Jackson, Taylor Koser, & Dakota Rosenberg

7th Grade - Students of the Month: Andrew Gipe and Rachel Wonderlich

8th Grade - Student of the Month: Samantha Reasner and Hunter Rosenberg

Congratulations to all of you and keep up the great work.

PTO Fall Festival Was Another Big Hit!

I would like to thank everybody that came out to the Elementary PTO Fall Festival on Friday Night. It was a great time for everybody and there was a lot of great food. Most importantly it was a great time for the kids. I had a chance to talk to a lot of people while selling tickets.

Did you win a basket? I actually won a basket this year for my wife. It was a Fall Decorations basket with a lot of candles in it. My daughter also won a basket this year. She won a basket filled with cat supplies. We don't own a cat, but my son's girlfriend does, so she got the basket.

A special thank you to the PTO for sponsoring this great community event. It takes a lot of work, so please thank the PTO for all their hard work for our students. I know I am thankful for everything they do for us.

Sailor Visits Rommelt!

Did you see the article in the newspaper about one of our 6th grade students brothers stopping in to surprise him while home on leave from the Navy. Michael D. got quite the surprise yesterday. I would like to thanks all the teachers and students for giving Michaels brother quite the hereo's welcome. I would also like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Ogden for helping to arrange everything and making it such a great surprise. I am blessed to have such a great staff. If you missed the article I have copied it below from the Sun Gazette.

Sailor drops by to surprise brother
By MIKE REUTHER of the Williamsport Sun Gazette

The thunderous applause of children filling a hallway of Rommelt Elementary School greeted U.S. Navy Seaman Scott Miller as he strode past them Friday. Decked out in his Navy whites and accompanied by a small entourage, including his mother and father-in-law, Miller walked into a classroom of sixth graders where he paused for a moment before barking the order, “Front and center, Michael Depasquale.” One of the students immediately went to the front of the room and embraced his big brother.

Miller, on leave from his home station in Norfolk, Va., was in South Williamsport Friday for an overnight visit with his family. Next month, he ships out for Iraq where he has already served one tour of duty. Miller is the son of Korin Hurley and the step-son of Gary Hurley, both of South Williamsport, who were on hand for the surprise school visit. His mother said she is happy he came home. “I’m so thrilled,” she said. “I am so proud of him. I think of him every day.”

Miller, a graduate of Muhlenberg High School in Reading, said he occasionally visits Lycoming County. “This is something I wanted to do,” he said of the surprise school visit with his little brother. The two share a common interests in music, television shows and paintball.

He joined the Navy nearly four years ago to “see the world” and plans on making the Navy a career. The sight of Miller in his Navy uniform seemed to pique the curiosity of the sixth graders. One male student wanted to know what kind of guns or artillery he had used.“Many,” Miller responded. When he asked the students if any of them had siblings in the military, a few hands shot up. Miller said his job in the Navy involves munitions and putting bombs on airplanes.

And then all too soon, the classroom visit was over.“Where are we going now?” Miller asked his mother. “We are going to walk down the hall and you are going to be embarrassed again,” she said. And once again, Miller was met with that thunderous applause of children as he moved past them.

PTO Fall Festival

The annual Elementary PTO Fall Festival will be held tomorrow evening from 5:30 - 8:00 pm in the high school gyms. This has been a great time for everyone in the past, and I am sure this year won't be any different. I will be selling tickets. I hope to see you there.

Rommelt Study Skills/Recess Block

We are working very hard at developing a study skills block at the end of the day. The study skills block will occur 3 times a week at the end of the day and will replace recess. We will break the students out into smaller groups to allow them to work on reading skills development. I will post more information as the study skills block gets developed.

My Apologies

I would like to apologize for my lack of postings the last few weeks. I have finally gotten a lot of things caught up and will be making posts a few times a week. I am looking forward to posting about all of the great things that are going on in grades 5-8.

Rommelt Open House

On Wednesday, September 12th, we will have our annual 5th & 6th Grade Open House at the Rommelt Building. The open house will begin at 6:30 pm and we will begin in the Auditorium. Following a few opening remarks and an introduction on the teaching staff, we will send you to your child's home room to begin.

This is a great time for you to meet the teachers and get a brief introduction to the education expectations of the teachers. We hope to see you Wednesday evening.

Joe Pa Returns to the Sidelines and PSU Wins Easily

It was a beautiful suuny day in Happy Valley and 107,600 fans turned out to see the Nittany Lions open the 2007 football season against Florida International University. One of the biggest enjoyments of the day was seeing the 81-year old Joe Paterno run onto the field with the Nittany Lions. (If you remember last season, Joe Pa broke his leg in a game at Wisconsin when he got hit by a PSU and Wisconsin player on the sidelines).

Although the Lions didn't play a particularly strong opening opponent, it did serve as a tune-up game for them. Penn State handled FIU in every aspect of the game. I only hope they can get the running game working before next weeks game with the Fighting Irish.

The final triumphant of the day, was sitting at the tailgate party and watching Michigan get beat by 1AA Appalachian State (Sorry, Riley - I know your a Michigan Fan. I bet the Michigan Flag won't be flying at your house for a while). It was fun watching the game. It reminded me of March Madness and always cheering on the big underdogs. (Remember when Bucknell beat Kansas a few years ago in March Madness). As much fun as it was watching Michigan get beat, the question that comes up is "How much will this loss hurt the Big Ten Conference?"

Anyway, I had a great time in Happy Valley on Saturday and I can't wait until the PSU vs. ND game this weekend in State College. I wish I had tickets, but watching it at home will be just as much fun seeing Charlie Weis take one on the chin. It will also give me an opportunity to collect back from a friendly wager that I lost last year from Ryan K. Hey, Ryan are you going to be painting your car in blue and gold again this year?

South Boys Soccer Opens Season with a "W"

The boys soccer team opened their 2007 soccer season with a big win at Mansfield. The boys played outstanding defense in the 1st half and opened a 3-0 lead. Mansfield fought back only to end up losing the game by a 4-3 score. Logan Yerger scored 2 goals, with Austin McNeil and Devin Killian scoring the other two goals.

The JV team also opened their season with a 2-1 win at Mansfield. Matt Desanto scored both goals for South. South's next game is Tuesday at Benton.

1st Week of School

This past week was a very successful opening of school. We only had a few small bumps this week, but they all got worked out. The biggest hurdle was small schedule changes that we had to make to the 8th grade schedules. We had them all worked out by Friday morning and the 8h graders will all get revised schedules on Tuesday morning. I would like to thank all the teachers, students, and parents for a great opening week. Thanks for all your hard work and patience. We are looking forward to a great school year. And remember if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your child's teacher or email me.

Wacky Wednesday

Another Wacky Wednesday Success! On Wednesday, August 22nd, Mrs. Laidecker our 7th grade Guidance Counselor, hosted Wacky Wednesday. Wacky Wednesday is an annual event in which the incoming 7th graders get an opportunity to come in before school starts and learn where their classes are, practice opening their locker, complete a school scavenger hunt, and meet some 8th grade mentors and high school teen contact members. It was a great time had by all. We had a great turnout with 77 7th graders attending. Thanks Mrs. Laidecker for all your hard work in making this a great success. Also thank you to our 8th grade mentors and teen contacts for making our new 7th graders feel welcome.

Oh yea, if you are a 7th grader ask Kinsie P. if she knows who the 7th grade principal is? She forgot!!!

School Begins in Two Weeks!

Where has the summer gone? In just two short weeks school will begin for another year. Are you excited to start another year? What are you looking forward to most this year? If you are going into 5th or 7th grade you are probably excited about going to a new school and the new adventures that lie ahead. Tell me what you are looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to being the new 5th through 8th grade principal. It is going to be a fun-filled year with many surprises and challenges. I am thankful that I have a great group of teachers that work extremely hard and want to help each child succeed.

Fall Sports Practice Has Begun!

Fall Sports Practice in Full Swing!

Have had the chance to get out and check our fall sports teams practicing? The football team, boys and girls soccer teams, girls tennis, golf, and jr. high softball teams have all started practicing this week. Good Luck to all the teams on a successful season.

7th & 8th Grade Open House

7th & 8th Grade Open Houses:

The 7th grade open house was held on Wednesday, August 1st in the high school auditorium. The program began with an introduction to the parents by Mr. Woodley, Principal grades 5-8. Immediately following the introduction of staff, Mrs. Laidecker, 7th grade guidance counselor, talked with the parents about the transition to 7th grade and how she can help the students in a new school. Parents were then dismissed to follow their students academic schedule. The 7th grade teachers provided the parents with an overview of their curriculum and a list of necessary supplies the students will need. I would like to thank all the parents that attended the open house.

The 8th grade open house was held on Thursday, August 9th in the high school auditorium. The program began with an introduction to the parents by Mr. Woodley, Principal grades 5-8. The teachers then took over and showed a video on what their child's 8th grade experience will be like. Following the video each teacher discussed their curriculum, requirements, and what supplies the students may need. Finally, Mrs. Correll, 8th grade guidance counselor, talked with the parents on her role and how she can help them support their child's education. Again, I would like to thank all the parents that attended the open house.

Remember: Communication is very important so we can be proactive in helping your son or daughter. Please feel free to email or call any of your child's teachers, guidance counselor or myself when the need arises.

Rommelt Class Lists

Rommelt 5th & 6th Grade Room Assignments:

The 5th & 6th grade class room assigments will be sent home and posted on the front doors of the Rommelt Building on Friday, August 17th.

Steelers Training Camp

On July 25th, my family and I made our 3rd trip to the Steelers Training Camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. This has been a very exciting and enjoyable time for us. This year my son, Tyler, and daughter, McKenna got to shake hands with Ben Roethlisberger. She was in heaven!

We also got to see some fellow South Siders at camp on the same day. Tyler's basketball teammate Robbie and his father were at camp the same day. The lucky duo got to be on the field and have a lot closer view of practice then we did. Robbie told me he got some great autographs after practice. Next year, you can bet I will be on the field, also.

Who is your favorite professional football team? Mine is the STEELERS!

Blogs

What is a Blog?

Many of you may be sitting there asking yourself this. Hopefully I will be able to help you understand what a blog is.

Blogger.com defines a blog as a personal diary. A daily pulpit. A collaborative space. A political soapbox. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of links. Your own private thoughts. Memos to the world.

Your blog is whatever you want it to be. There are millions of them, in all shapes and sizes, and there are no real rules.

In simple terms, a blog is a web site, where you write stuff on an ongoing basis. New stuff shows up at the top, so your visitors can read what's new. Then they comment on it or link to it or email you. Or not.

Since Blogger was launched in 1999, blogs have reshaped the web, impacted politics, shaken up journalism, and enabled millions of people to have a voice and connect with others.

Hopefully this will help you understand what a blog is.

Welcome

Welcome to Principal Woodley's Blog. I have been teaching other teachers about Blogs for the past year and I thought it would be a great idea to create one of my own. Throughout the year I will be making postings about various events that are going on in school, around the community, and of great interest to me. I hope you will find the postings fun, entertaining, and informative.