Great Week of School

What a great week of school it was last week. The students started their Study Island Benchmarks for the beginning of the year. Last week was Math and this week is Reading. So far it looks like the students have done a good job on this 1st benchmark test. We will look at the results and begin offering some remediation help for those students that need it. Thanks for all the hard work that went into this past week. It shows.

I would like to wish a speedy recovery to our nurse at Rommelt, Mrs. Ryan. She had back surgery on Friday and will be out for about 6-weeks. We are praying for a speedy recovery and hope everything goes well for you. Please rest and take care. A special thank you to Mrs. Borosky for filling in while Mrs. Ryan is out.

This week looks to be a busy one. The Rommelt and Central students will have the PTO Fall Book Fair on Wednesday and Thursday. Don't forget that Wednesday Night is Family Night from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Friday is also picture day at Rommelt.

The high school is also looking at a very busy week. On Tuesday, Dan Davis, will be in to speak to the students. His tell-it-like it is approach to the students on drugs and alcohol is a great message for all to hear. He will also give a presentation to the Parents at 7:00 pm in the high school auditorium. Then on Wednesday, the High School will have their Picture Day. Finally Friday will be a home football game vs. Muncy.

American Idol Concert

Last Night I took my wife and I took my daughter to see the American Idol Concert at the Wachovia Arena. I have to admit it was a really good concert. We had great seats, the performances were good, and it was just a great time. Check out the pictures I took at the concert. I think they came out pretty good.

Well I gotta go for tonight. It's STEELER Time. Time to watch the game. Go Steelers! Let's win #7 this year.

1st Week of School & Rommelt Open House

The first week of school was great. Everyone git back into the swing of school. New schedules were learned, new friendships were made, and a learning experience by all occurred in some form. Thanks for a great first week and we are all looking forward to a terrific year.

Tonight the 5th & 6th grade held its beginning of the year Open House. It was great night and I want to thank all the parents and students for coming out this evening. It was great talking with everyone. I also want to thank the 5th & 6th grade teachers for doing a tremendous job. You are awesome!

Just a reminder that all students must have their beginning of the year forms turned into the office by tomorrow morning. Any student that has not turned them in will have detention.

What did you do this past weekend? I spent Saturday at the Penn State Game and Sunday and Monday with Family just relaxing. I am looking forward to another great season for the Nittany Lions. What do you think? Can they win the Big Ten again?

New School Year

Good evening everyone. It is time! Another school year is upon us. The maintenance staff at Rommelt has done another tremendous job of getting the building in marvelous shape. We have added a lot of new things this year and we are all looking forward to a fantastic year.

Just a reminder that the first bell rings at 8:30 am for 5th & 6th grade. The last bell is at 8:35 am. These times are the same as last year. We have made an adjustment on the dismissal time this year. Students will be dismissed at 2:55 pm this year.

I am really going to try and do a better job of keeping my blog updated this year. My plan is to try and post at least two times a week. Please keep checking back for updates throughout the year.

Nasa E-Mission

Well the NASA Emission has been a great success. The students have done a tremendous job. Please check out the weblinks to the Williamsport Sun Gazette Article from Saturday's Newspaper, and also the link to WBRE-TV video on the lesson. Thanks Mr. Cremer for pulling off this great learning adventure for our students.

WBRE-TV: http://www.mounties.k12.pa.us/5360701024213616/site/default.asp

Williamsport Sun Gazette: http://sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/523073.html?nav=5011

I also have some pictures from one of the classes. Check them out:

7th & 8th Grade Winter Dance

The 7th & 8th Grade Winter Dance was held Friday Evening in the high school cafeteria. I want to thank all the students for their outstanding behavior. It was a great time and everyone seemed to have a fun time. Congratulations goes out to our Kings and Queens for the dance. The 7th Grade Queen was Kalynn Wheeland, and 7th Grade King was Logan Garvey. The 8th Grade Queen was Lindsay Bastian, and the 8th Grade King was Andrew Gipe. Special thanks to the junior high student counsel for organizing the dance and doing a great job on the decorations.

I made a video of all the pictures I took Friday Night. I hope you enjoy them.

8th Graders to Launch a NASA E-Mission

The 8th grade students at South Williamsport will work with NASA to launch an e-mission to Space Station Alpha. This e-mission will take place over the course of 3 days of each 8th grader being part of the mission on one of those days. "E-Mission: Space Station Alpha", is an interactive internet videoconference. The students have been preparing for the past 10 days to ensure a successful mission. The e-mission is a simulation that replicates the events that took place during an actual solar storm on February 17th of 2001. Astronauts on board the International Space Station faced some adversity when an unprecedented mass coronal ejection sent a large amount of gamma radiation their way. Students in my class will have data sent to their laptops every 5 mintues that tells them the current radiation levels, along with oxygen and carbon dioxide readings on board the space station. From there, they will graph and analyze the data to make calculated decisions on how to best handle the situation. During the entire simulation, a communications team of 8th grade students will be talking directly to a flight director with NASA who ensures that the mission is a successful one.

Please check back for pictures of this unique educational opportunity. A special thank you to the South Williamsport Foundation for providing the funding.

AR Sled Riding

What a great day of sled riding.  I want to thank our staff and students for a terrific day on the hill sled riding.  It was definitely a fun time.  I think the teachers had as much, if not more fun than the students.  Special thanks to Mrs. Flerlage, Mr. Molino and the rest of the AR Team for organizing such a great day.  The snow squalls made it even better.  Please check out the pictures I took below.

AR Reward Day

The 5th and 6th grade students that met their AR Goal for the 1st semester will be treated to an afternoon of sled riding on the hill at the high school.  It looks like it will be a great day for sled riding.  They will also get to drink hot chocolate and eat donuts from Dunkin Donuts. Congratulations to all our students that made their goal.  Check back for some pictures.

High School Report Cards

The report cards for 7th - 12th graders will be sent home tomorrow.  Please make sure you ask your child about their report card.  Congratulate them on their efforts and discuss with them ways they can improve their grades as well.  Discuss the report card calmly and set a plan together on ways they can improve their grades.

Please become active in your child's education.  Check their homework, email their teachers, and talk with your child everyday how their day at school was.  An active parent is very important in a successful education system.  

All report cards must be signed and returned to your child's 1st period teacher by Wednesday, February 4th.

AR Reward Day

Congratulations to the approximately 100 5th & 6th grade students that achieved their AR goal for the 1st semester. We are looking to do the AR Reward sometime next week (weather permitting). Get your sleds ready because the sledding will be fast, furious and fun.

I also want to thank my friend Mr. Fausnaught from Loyalsock for allowing Mr. Nunkster and myself the opportunity to come over and share ideas. You have a great school and a great staff. Keep up the good work. It was great to see all the great things you are doing.

Finally, I want you to check out this great audio clip Mrs. Pardoe sent to me. If your a Steelers fan you will enjoy it. It is called Stairway to Seven. Go to: http://richbanks.com/uploads/Stairway_To_Seven.mp3

HERE WE GO - PITTSBURGH'S GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to the Super Bowl! What a game. The defense stood out again and dominated the Baltimore Ravens. Next up - The Arizona Cardinals. The hottest team in the NFL against the most dominate team in the NFL. Enjoy the video from my visit to training camp this summer. I am sorry the song is old, but I will update it when the new one is released. GO STEELERS!