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25th "Touch the Future" Winners

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:32:14 -0500

Winners from the 25th annual "Touch the Future" art show:

First Place "BEST OF SHOW": Marisa Purdy, Pennsbury HS; Teacher: Lala Danyelle; 3D Mixed Media; “Victorian Sonata Dress”

Second Place "BEST OF SHOW": James Evans, Abington HS; Teacher: Nicole Caracciolo, B/W Drawing; “Self Portrait in Charcoal”

Third Place "BEST OF SHOW": Michele Spivak, Central Bucks East HS; Teacher: Helene Moriarty; Color Drawing; Self Portrait

Juror's Prize: Chelsea Eyer, Upper Dublin HS; Teacher: John Rodgers; 3D Functional

Digital Imaging/Computer Graphics: Shari Anne Heck, Methacton HS; Teacher: Beth Hall

B & W Drawing: Ellen Catanese, Methacton HS; Teacher: Jason Koons

Color Drawing: Eno Olson, Harrriton HS; Teacher: Peter Murray

Fiber-crafts: Ji Hye Chun (Alexis), Hatboro-Horsham HS; Teacher: Lori Gallegher

3D Functional: Anna Walker, Harriton HS; Teacher: Peter Ranieri

Jewelry/Metals: Gabrielle Constantine, Lower Merion HS; Teacher: Harriet Ackerman

Painting(Acrylic/Oil/Watercolor): Melissa Hough, Pennsbury HS; Teacher: Jim Minton

Digital Photography: Kelly Toner, Upper Dublin HS; Teacher: Steve Hopkins

Traditional Silver Print: Elaine Bishop, Council Rock South HS; Teacher: George Steinfeldt

Printmaking: Grace Park, Cheltenham HS; Teacher: Connie Berger

2D Mixed Media: Alison Shapiel, Hatboro-Horsham HS; Teacher: Lori Gallagher

3D Mixed Media: Julianne Santiago, Upper Dublin HS; Teacher: John Rodgers

3D Single Medium Sculpture: Kelly Burkey, Bensalem HS; Teacher: Aimee Krause

2-D Design (no digital): Kate Miller, Hatboro-Horsham; Teacher: Russell Coleman

Learn more about the show

Get a sneak peek of the winning pieces

25th Annual "Touch the Future" Art Show

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:12:34 -0500

When members of the Mideastern Region of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (MER/PSEA) gathered 25 years ago to discuss how to honor one of their fellow teachers – Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space who perished aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger -- they never imagined that the “Touch the Future” juried art show would grow into one of the highlights of the season for talented high school art students from throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Set to celebrate its 25th anniversary this Feb. 4 through 26, it will be held at the Montgomery County Guild of Professional Artists at SPP Gallery in Conshohocken. Students and teachers from 26 schools are expected to participate and approximately 1,000 entries are anticipated as the show continues to grow each year. An awards reception is planned for Sunday, Feb. 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with prizes presented at 2 p.m. Also sponsoring the annual event is the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS).

This year’s judge will be Barbara Suplee, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Art + Design Education and Art Therapy at the University of the Arts, and an active advocate for arts education.

Highly-coveted honors will include a “best of show” prize along with second and third place runners-up, two PSEA Purchase Prizes and a winner from the following categories: printmaking, jewelry/metals, fiber crafts, 2-D mixed media, digital imaging/computer graphics, traditional silver print, painting – acrylic/oil/watercolor, drawing – black & white, color drawing, 3-D functional, 3-D single medium sculpture, 3-D mixed media sculpture, 2-D design and digital photography. Each art teacher in the two counties may submit up to 10 entries. Prize money totaling $1,500 has been donated by MER/PSEA and the organization will also provide compensation to students who agree to sell their artwork to the organization for permanent display in the region offices.

Chairpersons of the 25th annual event are art teachers Lynne Pribis of Upper Dublin High School, Joanne Harris of North Penn High School and Connie Berger of Cheltenham High School. “We’re very excited to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of this special event,” Pribis said. “It’s a true testament to the students and teachers in Bucks and Montgomery counties that it’s continued this long. Every year it just keeps getting better and better”

Linda J. Weaver, president of the Mideastern Region, noted, “Arts are so important to a well-rounded education. Students who actively get involved in the arts are considerably more likely to have high academic achievement, be elected to class office, participate in math and science fairs and win awards for school attendance. With so many valuable programs on the chopping block because of funding issues, it’s even more important to share with the community the immense talent and dedication of our students and the teachers who help them to stretch and reach their potential each day.”

The exhibition will be open to the public through Sunday, Feb. 26, free-of-charge, during gallery hours: Mon. - Fri. 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 12:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Montgomery County Guild of Professional Artists (MCGOPA) at SPP Galleries is located at 800 River Road, West Conshohocken in the Inquirer Building on Rt. 23 between Rts. 320 and 202. For more information, visit http://www.mcgopa.org/.

*Directions to SPP Galleries (Please follow these directions as a GPS will not send you to the correct location):

Take Butler Pike, cross over Germantown Pike and then Ridge, where it will turn into Fayette Street into Conshohocken. Make a right after going over bridge onto Rt. 23. At the fourth left bear left onto Balligomingo Road, because of construction going on Rt. 23 after that point. At the traffic light make a right onto Holstein Rd. (Rt. 320 North), which turns into Swedeland Road after another traffic light. Follow until it dead ends into River Road. At the light turn left onto River Road (Rt. 23). Take second right turning lane into the Inquirer/ SPP Gallery parking lot.

Take the Blue Rt. 476 to the Schuylkill Expressway (76 West) to the Gulph Mills exit. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left. At traffic light turn right onto Holstein Road (Rt. 320 North). Follow Rt. 320 North to Rt.23 West (River Road). At traffic light turn left and take a second right turning lane into the Inquirer/ SPP Gallery parking lot.

Pennridge Teacher Honored

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:27:00 -0500

Maria Gannon, a life skills teacher at Pennridge High School, was named teacher of the year by Pediatric Therapeutic Service, a Montgomery County company. She received a check for $5,000 to continue her innovative programs working with students with special needs.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:12:03 -0500

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once remarked, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" So it seems only natural that when Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act in 1994 to honor the life of one of America's most influential leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, that service would be a large part of it.

CAPS invites you to consider celebrating with a “day on” instead of a “day off” on Monday, January 16. There are numerous ways to get involved and the sites below can help you find a project close to home in which you and your children can participate:

United We Serve (Corporation for National and Community Service) -- you can find a project here or register one you’re planning so that others can volunteer too.

17th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service -- In 2011, this was the largest King Day event in the nation with more than 75,000 volunteers serving in 1200 projects.

All for Good - Provides a forum for Americans to discover all the different ways that they can help to strengthen their communities, including, but not limited to, conventional notions of volunteering.

You may also want to visit the National Constitution Center where there will be a variety of programs including service projects, dramatic performances, an opera, and crafts activities, all free with admission to the museum.

Additionally, consider expanding your knowledge about Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement by checking out the Huffington Post’s reading recommendations for adults. Books for children of various ages can be found at Apples4theteacher and Flashlight Worthy which provides reviews, grade level recommendations, ISBN numbers, and indicates that you can find their selections at the local public or school library.

Making 2012 a Safe Year

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:12:58 -0500

While the Internet can be a wonderful and educational resource for children, we’ve all heard horror stories about kids who were lured by a predator in a chat room, or inadvertently typed an inaccurate search term and found themselves directed to sites that display pornography or violence. That’s why CAPS reminds you that it’s crucial to monitor what your children see and hear online, who they interact with, and what they share about themselves. And just like any issue related to your child’s safety, it's important to discuss your concerns with your kids, access resources that can protect them, and pay close attention to what they’re doing online.

Internet Safety Laws

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a federal law, is one step in protecting kids. It requires that websites post their privacy policies on the site and obtain parental consent before collecting or using a child's personal information, such as a name, address, phone number or Social Security number. It also prevents online sites from asking for more personal information about the child than is necessary to play a game or participate in a contest. Your child cannot divulge personal information without your agreement beforehand.

Online Tools for Protection

Your children should create a screen name that protects their real identity. And you can disable “cookies” that track information and take advantage of various programs designed to enhance safety online. These include:
• Parental controls offered by many Internet service providers (ISP)
• Software that helps block access to specific sites based on a "bad site" list that your ISP develops
• Filtering programs that block sites from being available and also restricts the sending of personal information
• Other programs that monitor and track online activities

Get Involved and Follow Basic Rules

Take an active role in protecting your kids by becoming computer literate and blocking objectionable sites. Make your monitoring easier by putting the computer in a common area and sharing an e-mail account with your children. Bookmark their favorite sites and prevent them from visiting private chat rooms.

Pay attention if your child reports an online exchange that makes them uncomfortable. If you or your children receive obscene or threatening messages, forward them to your Internet service provider. And if you become aware of the transmission, use or viewing of online child pornography, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678. Finally, if your child receives pornography, get in touch with your local law enforcement agency or the FBI.

There's An App for That

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:37:36 -0500

Children are adapting to new technologies at the speed of light. According to a recent study, 52 percent of all children up to age eight now have access to a smartphone, video iPod, iPad or other tablet device. More than a quarter of parents have downloaded apps for their children to use. There are thousands of apps available, so how can you know which ones are age-appropriate and truly help your children brush up on their skills or learn something new?

CAPS suggests parents take the time to research the apps they download for their children and be sure to monitor the apps children download themselves. Appolicious and Yahoo! Education have numerous lists of the best educational apps, ranging in subject matter and age levels. Another website that can assist in sorting through the dizzying number of choices out there is IEAR.org. The site is a collection of educational app reviews by teachers and students, how-to tips and a weekly podcast. Teachers with Apps is a review site compiled by two experienced teachers that also breaks down what’s available to parents and teachers. Common Sense Media, a non-profit that reviews media for children, has an entire section dedicated to reviewing educational apps. Reviews include age recommendations and details on apps’ educational value, ease of use, and level of violence, sex, language, consumerism, alcohol and drugs and safety.

As always, your children’s teachers are another great resource for navigating the host of options out there. Talk to them about which apps they use in the classroom or which ones might best complement the subject matter they’re currently teaching. New mobile technology can be a fun, new way to help your children learn.

Arts and the Holidays

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:20:28 -0500

With lots of holiday performances coming up in the next few weeks, you’ll be interested to know that your children’s participation in the arts have much more value than you might think. According to ArtsEd Washington, a member of the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network, students participating in the arts are:

• four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
• three times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools
• four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair
• three times more likely to win an award for school attendance

So the value of arts in your public schools goes way beyond the actual skills that students learn. CAPS suggests that you consider holiday gifts that pique your children’s interest in the arts as another way of extending their learning experiences. These could include software programs, magazine subscriptions, books, DVDs or CDs that focus on topics such as music, dance, art, photography or theater. They could also be tickets to performances that open their eyes to an art form that may be new to them such as ballet, jazz or opera, or even a membership to a museum so that they can explore all year round.

If you’re looking for some new ideas, your children’s teachers may be able to make age and learning-appropriate recommendations. Also consider using the winter holiday break to take local field trips to museums and historic sites and get your kids moving, and away from the television, computer, video games and mobile devices. And, of course, spending time with your children -- no matter what you do -- ranks way up there on the list of great ways to enjoy the holidays!

Out of This World

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:07:20 -0500

More than 30 Council Rock High School South students, known as the Rock Rovers, are working to create a remotely operated vehicle to work in the zero gravity of outer space. Four teachers will take the students’ project to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in early February to test the vehicle in NASA’s Reduced Gravity Aircraft, better known as “The Vomit Comet.” Council Rock High School South was one of seven schools selected nationwide to participate in NASA’s Microgravity Experience Program.

Visit the Rock Rovers website to learn more and read about the team in an article from the Bucks County Courier Times.

Holiday Win

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:44:24 -0500

Congratulations to the fifth grade chorus at Evergreen Elementary School in the Perkiomen Valley School District and their instructor Mrs. Myren! The students won first place in the B101 K-8 Christmas Choir Competition. The school's music program will receive $5,000 and the choir will perform live on stage at the Peter Nero and the Philly Pops Holiday Pops Show.

You can listen to "Blitzen's Boogie" on the B101 competition website.

Tackling Reading

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:32:10 -0500

The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) and the Norristown School District hosted Eagles Book Mobile events at Whitehall Elementary School and Gotwals Elementary School. Eagles’ Storybook Man read to several second grade classes and provided free books and PSEA parent brochures on reading to all students.

PSEA and the Norristown School District invited the program to the schools as part of the district’s continued efforts to promote reading among students and families as a start on the path for life-long learning. Every summer and fall, the Eagles Book Mobile travels to hundreds of Philadelphia area schools, shelters, libraries, recreation centers and summer camps, reading to children and distributing a free, new book to each child - most of whom have never owned a book.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:44:06 -0500

The Council for the Advancement of Public Schools recently filmed a commercial at the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology with students, teachers and professionals from Bucks and Montgomery county public schools. The spot - reminding the public that when we build successful students through our public schools, we help build their futures - will be running on the Comcast network over the next nine months. Be sure to keep an eye out for it!

Grace Gerhauser, a 5th grade student at Edgewood Elementary School and Theresa Prato, a science teacher at Bucks County Technical High School

Alan Ostrow, a teacher at Wissahickon High School and members of his robotics team

Jeanise Dimitri from the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, Jack Garrity, a 1st grade student at Shady Grove Elementary and Ava Probst, a 3rd grade student at Worcester Elementary School

Kudos!

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:08:43 -0400

Newsweek recently ranked the top public high schools in the country. The rankings were comprised of six components: graduation rate (25%), college matriculation rate (25%), AP tests taken per graduate (25%), average SAT/ACT scores (10%), average AP/IB/AICE scores (10%), and AP courses offered (5%). Out of the 500 schools ranked, more than 61% of those located in Pennsylvania are in Bucks or Montgomery counties. Congratulations to Harriton, Lower Merion, Council Rock North, Council Rock South, Central Bucks East, Central Bucks West, and North Penn!

Stop Cyberbullying

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:40:22 -0400

When a child or teen is harassed, tormented, threatened, embarrassed or humiliated by another minor through the Internet or other digital technologies such as mobile phones, it’s called cyberbullying. As most parents know, it has become increasingly prevalent in this digital age, with children taking each other’s lives and their own after being involved in an incident of cyberbullying. The Council for the Advancement of Public Schools encourages parents to educate themselves about this issue and take action to ensure that their children are not involved, either as the ones carrying out the bullying or the victim.

Cyberbullying is limited only by the child’s imagination and ability to access technology. Their methods vary and kids frequently change roles, from victim to bully and back again. Kids may cyberbully each other because they are bored, angry, frustrated or seeking revenge. They may think that it’s funny or may do it by accident, sending a message to the wrong person. Power-hungry kids may look to bolster their own egos. Some may start out by defending themselves from traditional bullying and find out that they enjoy being the “tough” guy or girl. Others may think that they are righting a wrong and standing up for others.

It’s important to educate yourself about this issue and talk to your kids about consequences, setting ground rules such as losing use of their online accounts or mobile phones. It’s also crucial to teach your kids to respect one another and to stand up against bullying. There are numerous online sources that can provide information, but a good place to start is at stopcyberbullying.org, a program of the Wired Safety Group.

Watch NSBA Discuss School Bullying

Summer Learning

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:34:50 -0400

For most children, summer means no homework, playtime and relaxation. However, CAPS encourages parents to keep learning in mind amidst all the fun. According to the National Summer Learning Association, all students experience learning loss over the summer months - about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills, and for low-income students, about two months in reading achievement too.

Summer camps, sports camps and learning programs can be great resources to keep young brains engaged, but there are fun and inexpensive alternatives to consider as well. SchoolFamily.com suggests that to keep up on math and wellness skills, parents should ask children to plan a picnic for the family. Give them a budget to stick to and ask them to keep track of nutritional value. On road trips, involve children in the navigation by using maps and road signs to see how far you’ve traveled and how much of the trip is left. To keep literary skills alive, ask children to keep a journal of exciting summer adventures. Have them practice reading by enlisting younger siblings or older relatives as an audience.

In addition, many public libraries offer summer reading programs. Beyond just encouraging children to read, these programs often offer discussion groups or activities that enhance the experience of reading the book and offer valuable social time. State parks are another great option to teach children about nature while enjoying the warm weather. With a little creativity, the summer can be both fun and a great learning experience for your children!

Heat Wave

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:28:59 -0400

As school lets out and the summer heats up, the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS) encourages parents to keep heat tolerance in mind. Whether training for school sports or just playing outside, all children can be at risk during steamy summer days.

According to HealthyChildren.org, children have a few key differences in their chemical makeup that make it harder for them to regulate body temperature than adults. Children have more body surface area than body weight so they tend to gain heat faster when the temperature outside rises. While exercising, children generate up to 25 percent more heat for their body weight than adults, due to their higher metabolic rate. Children also have immature sweating mechanisms and a smaller number of sweat glands giving them less ability to get rid of heat by evaporation of sweat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest keeping children well hydrated in hot weather. The best bet is simple water, since drinks with high sugar concentrations actually cause an individual to lose more body fluid. Be sure to have children wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothes and use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher when venturing outdoors. Try to limit children’s outdoor activity to morning or evening and keep them in shady areas. Ensure that they rest often and do not overstrain themselves.

If you see any of the signs of heat stroke in children – red, hot and dry skin, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or unconsciousness – be sure to seek medical attention immediately.

Support the Troops

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:31:21 -0400

The 10! Show's Justin Pizzi recently visited students at Stewart Middle School as they packed boxes to send to troops overseas. School nurse Cheryl Brumbaugh, whose son is currently serving in Afghanistan, has encouraged students to participate since she has been at the school. The packages go to many deployed soldiers who are alumni of the Norristown School district or residents of the Norristown area.

View the clip

Speech and Hearing

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:06:14 -0400

As the end of the school year approaches, now is a good time to consider whether your child may be one of the more than 5 million children in the United States with a speech, language, or hearing disorder. Because any communication disorder can seriously impact a child’s ability to learn, socialize and be successful in school, it’s important that it be diagnosed as early as possible.

Problems with speech or language can occur at any time and be caused by accidental injury or illness, or be inherited at birth. Examples include stuttering, problems with articulation (such as saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”), language disorders (such as the slow development of vocabulary, concepts and grammar), and voice disorders (including speaking with a nasal, breathy, or hoarse voice or speech that is too high or low).

According to Catherine Gottfred, PhD, speech-language pathologist and former president of the American Speech-Hearing-Language Association (ASHA), “Fortunately, most children with speech, language, and hearing problems can be helped. Even if the problem cannot be eliminated, we can teach the child strategies to help them cope with their communication disorders, or provide them with the appropriate technology.”

ASHA recommends that children from ages five to 18 be screened when they enter school, once a year in kindergarten through third grade, and again in seventh and eleventh grade. For those at risk of hearing loss, including children with chronic ear infections and in families where there is a history of hearing loss, screening by a certified audiologist should occur as frequently as needed to ensure that they are hearing well.

What are typical signs of hearing loss in children?
- Responding to sounds inconsistently
- A delay in language and speech development
- Unclear speech
- Turning the sound high on electronic equipment such as the radio, TV or CD player
- Failing to follow directions
- Often responding with "Huh?"
- Not replying when called
- Frequently misunderstanding what is being said and asking for things to be repeated

If you suspect that your child may have a problem, speak to his teacher, school nurse or guidance counselor to learn what services your public school may offer. You can also call 800-638-8255 or visit www.asha.org for free information and to locate an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist or audiologist in your community.

Distracted Driving

Thu, 26 May 2011 11:15:27 -0400

With nice weather and summer vacations approaching, there are more young drivers and adults on the road. CAPS reminds you and your teens who are driving to give 100 percent of your attention to the task when you’re behind the wheel. In 2009, nearly 5,500 people were killed and 450,000 injured in the U.S. due to distracted driving. This can involve anything that diverts attention from the road – texting and checking your PDA, eating, drinking, talking, adjusting the radio, or reaching for your bag.

A new video on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) website created by Springfield, Pa. resident Joel Feldman -- whose 21-year old daughter Casey was struck and killed in N.J. in 2009 by a driver who took his eyes off the road for seconds to grab an iced tea -- is a powerful, tragic example of how distracted driving is more than just texting.

The video, including testimonials from Casey’s mother and her friends talking about how they drove distracted -- and have since changed their habits after the death of the 21-year old -- is the first produced by a member of the public in the DOT’s series on distracted driving.

In communities where there has been a traffic tragedy, another program has been developed to help young drivers. They are urged to take their feelings of sadness and helplessness and focus them on developing programs to remember their classmate and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Supported by the National Highway Traffic Administration ( NHTSA) and the National Organization for Youth Safety (NOYS), with the sponsorship of the Casey Feldman Memorial Foundation, there are cash prizes for winning student entries.

CAPS urges you to educate yourself and your children about driving safely and to follow the guidelines, because the consequences of failing to do so can be life-altering for you and others.

Celebrate Women's History Month

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:15:23 -0400

March is Women’s History Month and it’s a great opportunity to discuss with your children the accomplishments women have made throughout the years. It serves as an example for all students – both male and female – about what can be done with an outstanding education, hard work and dedication.

CAPS salutes a sampling of local women who graduated from public schools in Bucks and Montgomery counties and have gone on to do great things. Ann Shoket, a graduate of Pennsbury High School, currently serves as editor-in-chief of Seventeen magazine. Margaret Mead, a graduate of the former Doylestown High School, was a well-know American cultural anthropologist. The author, Lisa Scottoline hails from Lower Merion and Suzy Kolber, an Upper Dublin grad, is currently a sideline reporter for ESPN. JoAnne Epps, dean of the Temple University Beasley School of Law, is a graduate of Cheltenham High School.

View the full list of successful women – and men – from Bucks and Montgomery counties’ public schools.

Fine Young Artists

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Winners of the 24th annual "Touch the Future" art show were recently featured in a piece by Montgomery Media's "Ticket." View the article.

"Touch the Future" Featured

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

NBC 10's Aditi Roy visited the 24th annual "Touch the Future" art show for her "Teacher Says" segment. Winning students Natalie Robinson and Aimee Seu of Cheltenham High School were interviewed along with their teacher, Connie Berger. The annual event was held this past February at the Abington Art Center.

Watch the clip

24th Annual "Touch the Future" Winners Announced

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 09:58:17 -0500

Congratulations to the winners of the 24th annual “Touch the Future” art show! The annual competition highlights the top-notch artistic talents of public high schools students in Bucks and Montgomery counties. This year's show saw 1,200 pieces submitted from 20 local high schools. The exhibit will run from Feb. 5 through Feb. 27 at the Abington Art Center.

First Place “BEST OF SHOW”: Courtney Kalinewski; Pennsbury HS; Teacher: Curtis May; 3D Mixed Media titled “2D to 3D”
Second Place “BEST OF SHOW”: Galit Brodie; Council Rock South HS; Teacher: Christiane Casella; Book titled “9-18-10”
Third Place “BEST OF SHOW”: Katherine Dillon; Pennsbury HS: Teacher: Kelly Washington; 3D Single Medium titled “Self Portrait”

Category Awards
Digital Imaging/Computer Graphics: Lisa Johnson; Spring-Ford HS; Teacher: Chad Strickler; “The Escapist”
B & W Drawing: Anna Mouraleva; Council Rock North HS; Teacher: Lynne McDowell; “Puppetmaster”
Color Drawing: Caleb Benjamin; Methacton HS; Teacher: Jason Koons; “Still life Abstraction”
Fiber-Crafts: Veronica Dallas; Upper Dublin HS; Teacher: Lynne Pribis; Batik Pillow titled “Musical Comfort”
3-D Functional: Rachel Berman; Upper Merion HS; Teacher: Lisa Burns; “My Great Grandfather was a Tailor”
Jewelry/Metals: Shane Foust; Harriton HS; Teacher: Laura Labrinakos; “Henna Cuff Bracelet”
Painting/Acrylic/Oil/Watercolor: Michelle Krysztofiak; William Tennent HS; Teacher: Tim Walker; “Always Something”
Digital Photography: Gina Proietto; Plymouth Whitemarsh HS; Teacher: Candance Maggioncalda; “Eastern State”
Traditional Silver Print: Allyson Griffin; Central Bucks South HS; Teacher: Beth Janney Horan; “Photo Essay of Multiple Exposure”
Printmaking: Natalie Robinson; Cheltenham HS; Teacher: Connie Berger “Untitled”
2D Mixed Media: Aimee Seu; Cheltenham HS; Teacher: Connie Berger; “Femme-fatale”
3D Mixed Media Sculpture: Anna Mei-li Adelman; Council Rock South HS; Christiane Casella; “Unspoken Words”
3D Single Medium Sculpture: Christina Cole; Springfield HS; Teacher: Mark Kobasz; ”Lochness”
2-D Design (no digital): Amy Gettlin; Upper Dublin HS; Teacher: Lynne Pribis; “Self Portrait”

Juror’s Prize: Emily Trueswell; Lower Merion HS; Teacher: Russell Lowe; 2D Mixed Media

Purchase Prizes
Eva Strauss; Pennsbury HS; Teacher: Curtis May; “Eva’s Milkmaid”
Brynne Fitzgerald; Methacton HS; Teacher: Jason Koons; “Snowflake of Swallows”

View photos of the winning pieces and students.

24th Annual "Touch the Future" Art Show

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

24th Annual "Touch the Future" Art Show

The community is invited to experience the finest artistic talents of local public high school students at the 24th annual “Touch the Future” art show - sponsored by the Mideastern Region of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (MER/PSEA) and the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS). Open to the public from Feb. 5 through Feb. 27, an awards reception is planned for Sunday, Feb. 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with awards presented at 2 p.m. The juried show, which highlights the extraordinary works of art from students in Bucks and Montgomery counties, will be held this year at the Abington Art Center.

The annual competition began as a memorial to Christa McAuliffe, NASA’s “teacher in space,” whose motto was “I touch the future…I teach.” This year’s judge will be Carmina Cianciulli, assistant dean for admissions, Tyler School of Art, Temple University.

“I’m pleased to have the opportunity to judge the exhibition once again,” Cianciulli said. “I have seen some wonderful pieces at previous shows and am expecting the same level of sophistication from this year’s participants. I’m sure it will once again be a welcome challenge to pick the winners.”

Highly-coveted honors will include a “best of show” prize along with second and third place runners-up, two PSEA Purchase Prizes, a “juror’s prize” and a winner from the following categories: printmaking, jewelry/metals, fiber crafts, 2-D mixed media, digital imaging/computer graphics, traditional silver print, painting – acrylic/oil/watercolor, drawing – black & white, color drawing, 3-D functional, 3-D single medium sculpture, 3-D mixed media sculpture, 2-D design and digital photography. Each art teacher in the two counties may submit up to 10 entries and 27 schools are expected to participate in this year’s show. Prize money totaling $1,900 has been donated by MER/PSEA and the organization will also provide compensation to students who agree to sell their artwork to the organization for permanent display in the region offices.

Chairpersons of the 24th annual event are art teachers Lynne Pribis of Upper Dublin High School, Joanne Harris of North Penn High School and Connie Berger of Cheltenham High School. “We’re thrilled to have our students participate in this great show once again,” Pribis said. “It’s such a joy to see the talent and promise of our students in Bucks and Montgomery counties and the impact of their teachers.”

“The community is in for a treat from our very talented students,” said Jim Sando, president of the Mideastern Region. “We are honored to host this show and provide the opportunity for community residents to see what public school art education provides for our children. Today, when budgets are especially tight, we hope the community will recognize that education in the arts is critical to a well-rounded education.”

The exhibition will be open to the public through Sunday, Feb. 27, free-of-charge, during gallery hours: Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thurs., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Abington Art Center is located at 515 Meetinghouse Road in Jenkintown. For more information on the center, please call 215-887-4882 or visit www.abingtonartcenter.org.

View the list of winners and some photos of winning artwork.

Ticket to "Touch the Future"

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Montgomery Media's "Ticket" recently featured a preview of the 24th annual "Touch the Future" art show. View the article here.

Winter Tips

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:09:04 -0500

Winter Safety Tips

We’ve all seen children and teens that weren’t dressed appropriately for the frigid temperatures we’ve been experiencing. The Council for the Advancement of Public Schools is pleased to share some tips developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for keeping your children safe and warm.

What to Wear
• Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Don’t forget warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
• The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.

Hypothermia
• Hypothermia develops when a child's temperature falls below normal due to exposure to colder temperatures. It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing proper clothing or when clothes get wet. It can occur more quickly in children than in adults.
• As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. Speech may become slurred and body temperature will decline in more severe cases.
• If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once. Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him in blankets or warm clothes.

Frostbite
• Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen. This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose. They may become pale, gray and blistered. At the same time, the child may complain that his/her skin burns or has become numb.
• If frostbite occurs, take the child indoors and place the frostbitten parts of her body in warm (not hot) water. A temperature of 104° Fahrenheit (about the temperature of most hot tubs) is recommended. Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears and lips.
• Do not rub the frozen areas.
• After a few minutes, dry and cover the child with clothing or blankets. Give him/her something warm to drink.

When your children play outdoors during the winter, set reasonable time limits to prevent hypothermia and frostbite and have them come inside periodically to warm up.

Healthy 2011 Resolutions

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:29:34 -0500

With the New Year quickly approaching, it’s a great time for your kids to develop some healthy resolutions for 2011, regardless of whether they’re in pre-school or high school, according to the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS).

Those in pre-school can “promise” to brush their teeth at least twice a day, clean up their toys, and avoid teasing dogs, even friendly ones.

Children in the five to 12-year old range can resolve to limit sodas and fruit drinks and choose milk and water instead. They can find an activity or sport they enjoy and try to do it at least three times a week. Remembering to wear a bicycle helmet and fasten their seat belts every time is also important.

Teens can be encouraged to eat well, get enough physical activity and learn how to constructively deal with stress through outlets such as exercise, journaling or discussing the problem with a parent or teacher. They can resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol and seek out a trusted adult for help when their friends engage in risky behaviors. They can be careful about whom they choose to date and treat the other person with respect, and without coercion or violence.

Kids also need to know that they can speak to their parents or another trusted adult if there are issues that are troubling them. For tips about success in school, visit the CAPS site.

'Tis The Season

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Searching for the perfect holiday gifts for your kids? The Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS) suggests that you ask your children’s teachers. Remember that they know your children well and can frequently recommend educational games, toys and experiences that are age and learning-appropriate.

While considering holiday gifts, think about books, e-readers, museum memberships, local field trips and activities that will get them moving, especially in this cold weather when many kids like to hibernate in front of the TV or computer. And don’t forget to help them find ways to share with other children who may need their help to enjoy a happy holiday!

Remember -- the best gift of all is your time and undivided attention at the holidays and year-round. If it doesn’t happen naturally, CAPS suggests that you schedule time in your planner, like the other important things you do. Children need to know how special and loved they are and there’s no better way to show them.

However you celebrate, enjoy the holiday season.

Stay Informed

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500

With the first marking period under their belts, your kids are probably fully entrenched in their school work and you’re seeing the benefit of a great public education. Now’s the perfect time to check out some of the programs underway in your local district and share your school’s activities on a community calendar by visiting the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS). While you’re there, sign up as a Friend of Public Education to receive an occasional newsletter about activities impacting public education.

You’ll want to be “in the know” as the New Year will bring a lot of news regarding education funding on the state and federal level. With a $4.2 billion gap identified in late 2007 by the Costing-Out Study conducted by the Pennsylvania Legislature, it’s important for all parents to understand the funding issues.

CAPS also invites you to learn about some research-based recommendations on how to improve public schools for all students. Included in these goals are adequate funding, early childhood education, reduced class sizes, parental involvement and policies that improve student achievement. These are detailed by the Pennsylvania State Education Association’s 20/20 Vision for the Future. Learn more and contact your legislators to voice your opinion.

Giving Back

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Justin Pizzi and the 10! Show recently visited teachers at Shady Grove Elementary School in Ambler as they packed bags to make the holidays a little brighter for children in the community. Teachers at the school have been giving back around the holidays for more than 20 years.

Watch the clip

Students Soar

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Watch students from Milford Middle School featured on NBC 10's "Teacher Says" segment as they showcase their paper airplane experiment. This project not only taught the students about engineering but also connected them with students around the world.

Watch the segment

Teacher of Year

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Congratulations to Jeffrey Chou - sixth grade teacher at Highland Elementary School in Abington Township School District - for being named Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year! Chou was chosen in part for his use of technology tools in the classroom, including wikis, Skype and podcasts. He also mentors new teachers and serves on the board of the Briar Bush Nature Center in Abington and Children's International Summer Village.

Chou was shocked when he learned of winning the award “because the other 11 finalists are all amazing educators and innovators in their disciplines.” He credits the Abington Township School District for providing the latest technological tools to best reach his students and for supporting new strategies and ideas, while still sustaining traditional, proven methods that provide results.

Chou said, “Public education has evolved as times change and we are in a time of rapid change. With the advent of the internet and networking technologies, the world is a smaller place. People from across the globe can now interact, learn and collaborate together. We are charged with the task of making everyone ready to be productive citizens, but we must also ready every child to be a productive member of this growing global community.”

He hopes to use this award to illustrate how public education is working. “To me, public education is the most important government institution,” Chou said. “We not only inform our citizenry, but also teach them how to think critically so they can make decisions that shape the future. We do all this regardless of who walks through our doors, and give everyone a chance to rise above their current status. Without this, can you have a true democracy for the people?”

View the Philadelphia Inquirer article about Chou

"I Can Change the World" Essay Contest

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Winners were recently announced for the "I Can Change the World" essay contest, sponsored by CAPS and WPHT. All Bucks and Montgomery county public school students in grades three through 12 were invited to participate. The winners recently attended a Philadelphia Phillies game on September 19 and had the chance to meet Gov. Ed Rendell.

Visit the essay section of the website to see a list of winners, read and listen to their essays and view photos from the game.

Real World High School with the 10! Show

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The 10! Show recently visited Natalie Lewis' Real World Teen Life class at Springfield Township High School. The class gives students a crash course on parenting, peer pressure, self esteem and other real issues teens are facing.

Watch the segment

The 10! Show Goes Back to School

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Justin Pizzi from NBC 10's 10! Show returned for a visit with Amy Waldron's kindergarten class at Lafayette Elementary School in Bristol Township School District. Pizzi will follow the class of 2023 throughout the year to highlight how kindergarten has changed over the years.

Watch the segment

Tips to Stay on Budget for Back-to-School

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400

With summer winding down, it’s back-to-school time again and preparing for the upcoming school year can get expensive. Getting your kids ready for school without breaking the bank has always been a challenge. The Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS) offers tips to keep spending under control.

Check Last Year’s Stash
Chances are you probably still have some glue sticks, notebooks and pencils lying around from last year, especially if you have more than one child. Before you buy new supplies, be sure to check the house for leftovers.

Focus
Make a list -- and stick to it. When everything is written down, it will be easier to avoid buying unnecessary items. It may also help to get your children involved in preparing the list. That way, they won’t be as easily swayed by items that may be tempting but weren’t already included.

Buy in Bulk
Buy supplies in bulk from warehouse clubs. You can purchase basics like pencils, paper, and notebooks that will need to be replenished each year and store them. You can also consider getting a group of parents together to take advantage of discounted bulk rates and split up the goods.

Procrastinate
If you can hold off purchasing items until after classes are back in session, you will be able to take advantage of back-to-school clearance sales. Many stores discount surplus merchandise because they need to clear their shelves in preparation for the upcoming holiday sales push.

Learn to Share
Have a neighborhood clothing swap to keep a clothing budget under wraps. Have other moms bring clean, slightly-used items to exchange with pieces that no longer fit your kids. This is a great way to update your child’s wardrobe for free.

Brown Bag It
Keep lunch spending down by not buying one-use juice boxes or water bottles. Save money by purchasing a reusable water container to refill. Avoiding aluminum foil and plastic bags for lunch and snacks not only aids your pocketbook, but is good for the environment too. Reusable containers are a better option.

Teacher Says

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400

NBC 10's Aditi Roy recently featured a unique program offered by Bucks County Technical High School in her "Teacher Says" segment. The program brought history to life and gave students the opportunity to interact one-to-one in the classroom with veterans who served our country over the last 60 years. Veterans from wars and conflicts beginning with World War II through today shared their real-life experiences on the battlefield with students. Aditi spoke with WWII veteran Albert Moss about his participation in the D-Day invasion and featured two students' reactions to the program.

Watch the segment

10! Show BCTHS

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400

NBC10's "10! Show" recently visited Bucks County Technical High School. Roving reporter Justin Pizzi showcased the Life Skills/Hospitality program as they manned the omelet bar and then joined the culinary class as they learned to make exotic ice cream flavors through a podcast developed by their teacher. Watch the segment and view photos from the shoot below.

Bucks County Technical High School offers a total of 17 different programs including dental, automotive repair, cosmetology, allied health and carpentry. With more than 5,000 students in six technical schools in the two-county region, Bucks and Montgomery county students are getting the skills they need to land jobs right after graduation.

23rd Annual “Touch the Future” Art Exhibition Winners Announced

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The Feb. 7, 2010 opening of the 23rd annual "Touch the Future" student art exhibit at the Lansdale Center for the Performing Arts highlighted the bountiful artistic talent of Bucks and Montgomery county public high school students. Three best of show winners were announced as well as 14 category winners and two PSEA Purchase Prize winners.

Approximately 1200 pieces of artwork were submitted by 28 school districts to this year's show, sponsored by the Mideastern Region of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (MER/PSEA) and the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS). Erin Elman, dean of continuing studies at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and this year's judge, juried 228 pieces into this year's show in categories that included printmaking, painting, digital imaging/computer graphics, sculpture, and more.

"I was overwhelmed by not only the quantity and diversity of artworks submitted for consideration, but most of all by the high quality of the work across media," said Elman. "I was seeking work that had a transcendent power, or spoke to issues outside of the medium. I felt that these young artists possessed the ability and the vision to 'touch the future' through their art. The work of these students is a testament to their teachers, who are creating the next generation of artists and leaders. "

The annual event began as a memorial to NASA's "teacher in space," Christa McAuliffe, whose motto was "I touch the future...I teach." It gives students the opportunity to participate in a professionally juried show, and the public the opportunity to experience innovative, top-quality creative pieces that go far beyond the assumed capabilities of high school students.

The event is chaired by art teachers Lynne Pribis of Upper Dublin High School, Joanne Harris of North Penn High School, Ian Williams of Wissahickon High School and Connie Berger of Cheltenham High School.

Said Jim Sando, MER/PSEA president, "We are excited to host this show every year, especially at great local galleries like this year's location, the Lansdale Center for the Performing Arts. It's very encouraging to see the talent and dedication of our students. They prove year-in and year-out that education cannot be measured by test scores alone. Their artwork, and the accomplishments of so many students across all disciplines, demonstrates the importance of providing a well-rounded school experience for all children."

The exhibition will be open to the public through Sunday, Feb. 28, free-of-charge, during gallery hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Lansdale Center for the Performing Arts is located in the former Masonic Temple on Main Street in historic downtown Lansdale at 311 West Main Street; please enter from Madison St. For more information on the center, please call 215-361-1296 or visit www.lansdalecpa.org.

Winners by county are as follows (with best of show and purchased pieces highlighted with an asterisk):

Bucks County

Central Bucks East High School
*Hannah Bromley, Third Place "Best of Show"
(Instructor Helene Moriarty)

William Tennent High School
Cameron Nottage, Best of Category - Digital Imaging/Computer Graphics
(Instructor Amanda Penecale)

Ryan Ross, Best of Category - Traditional Silver Print
(Instructor Kristen King)

Council Rock North High School
James Sturner, Best of Category - B&W Drawing
(Instructor Lynne McDowell)

Ashley Hendrix, Best of Category - Color Drawing
(Instructor Lynne McDowell)

Council Rock South High School
* Caroline Hardy, Metal Piece titled "Inside-Out" - Purchased Piece
(Instructor Christine Casella)

Pennsbury High School
Courtney Kruscavage, Best of Category - 3D Mixed Media Sculpture
(Instructor Curtis May)

Rebecca Pollock, Best of Category - 3D Single Medium Sculpture
(Instructor Danyelle Lala)

Neshaminy High School
*Ashley Schatfer, Second Place "Best of Show"
(Instructor Kris Troxell)

Montgomery County

Cheltenham High School
*Victoria Viletto, First Place "Best of Show"
(Instructor Merav Nesvisky)

Methacton High School
Kelsey Bolognese, Best of Category - Fiber-Crafts
(Instructor Nancy Marcinko)

Springfield Township High School
Martha Meiers, Best of Category - 3-D Functional
(Instructor Mark Kobasz)

Spring-Ford High School
Rachel Young, Best of Category - Jewelry/Metals
(Instructor Karen Tagg)

Upper Dublin High School
Molly Metz, Best of Category - Painting (Acrylic/Oil/Watercolor)
(Instructor Lynne Pribis)

Tori Snyder, Best of Category - 2-D Design
(Instructor Jen Tulli)

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School
Shawn Donahue, Best of Category - Digital Photography
(Instructor Candace Maggioncalda)

Lower Merion High School
Desmond Ellis, Best of Category - Printmaking
(Instructor David Hazel)

Cheltenham High School
* Logan Niederriter, Best of Category and Purchased Piece - 2D Mixed Media
(Instructor Connie Berger)

Bucks and Montgomery County Public Schools Home to 21 of Top 50 Schools in Region

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Twenty one high schools in Bucks and Montgomery counties were listed in Philadelphia Magazine's September 2009 report of the top 50 public high schools in the eight-county Philadelphia area. Additionally, local programs in the two counties were highlighted as best in the region.

The annual rankings are based on a number of factors, including test scores, percentage of college attendance, faculty information, extracurricular activities, district family income level and spending per student.

Mark Thomas, Upper Perkiomen High School choir director, was acknowledged for his efforts to lead the school's choruses in 40 out-of-school location performances, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Chicago's Orchestra Hall in the United States, as well as in Europe. Abington High School was recognized for its commitment to community service. Each year, the student body of less than 2,000, records 90,000 hours of service in fulfillment of the three-year "service learning" path requirement for graduation.

At Harriton High School, the magazine ranked the scientists as the "coolest kids," naming last year's captain of the Science Olympiad as "Mr. Harriton." Pennsbury High School's "homemade" prom was also spotlighted. Ann Shoket, Pennsbury alumna and editor-in-chief of Seventeen magazine, called the event "legendary" and "authentic" with well known prom night musical acts such as John Mayer and Asher Roth. The North Penn football team and Lower Merion boy's basketball team also received recognition for their winning seasons and state championships.

Also of note, Vince Cotter of Plymouth-Whitemarsh was given the nod as an exceptional superintendent for his use of technology, teacher training, parent communication and promotion to improve the school. Council Rock School District's North and South High Schools were honored as the first in the country to improve the overall efficiency of their buildings by 40 percent, saving nearly $6 million in energy costs.

"We're very proud to have schools in Bucks and Montgomery counties once again ranked as top in the region," said Jim Sando, a leader in the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS). "It's great that this year's report has reached beyond statistics to highlight other opportunities that help produce a valuable learning environment and a well-rounded education. We have terrific things going on in our schools and it's wonderful to see these programs receive some well-deserved recognition," he added.

School Rankings are as follows:

Montgomery County

Harriton - #1
Lower Merion - #3
Jenkintown - #7
Lower Moreland Township - #11
Springfield Township - #15
Upper Dublin - #16
Plymouth-Whitemarsh - #25
Wissahickon - #28
Upper Merion - #29
Hatboro-Horsham - #37
Cheltenham - #43
Abington - #44
Perkiomen Valley - #49
Methacton - #50

Bucks County

New Hope-Solebury - #9
Central Bucks East - #21
Council Rock North - #30
Council Rock South - #33
Palisades - #34
Central Bucks South - #41
Central Bucks West - #45

Tips as Your Child Begins Kindergarten

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

There's more to getting your child ready for kindergarten than buying a new outfit or lunchbox. The Council for the Advancement of Public Schools offers these important tips to ensure he/she is prepared to enter school.

Make play a learning experience.

Start learning early by practicing the Alphabet Song with your child, advises Child Care Aware.
Teach your children to identify objects by playing the "Name That Thing" game.
Incorporate counting exercises into your child's day.
Read aloud to your child every day, recommends the U.S. Department of Education.

Develop your child's sense of self.

Confidence: Children will be more willing to attempt new tasks-and bounce back faster from failures if you help them feel good about themselves and believe they can succeed.
Independence: Allow your child to begin doing things by him/herself such as dressing and putting toys away.
Motivation: Children must want to learn. Show a positive attitude toward learning and school. Encourage your child's curiosity and desire to explore. Praise after a job well done instills pride in achievement.
Persistence: Help children learn to complete tasks by emphasizing the importance of practice and patience. Repetition is part of this process.
Cooperation: Children must be able to get along with others and learn to share and take turns.

Prepare yourself.

While readying your child for school, it's also important to make sure you are ready for this important next life phase. The Federal Citizen Information Center offers this advice.

Ask yourself how you're feeling about this momentous occasion. If you're experiencing fear and anxiety, try not to communicate this uneasiness to your child.
Attend school meetings and activities or set up brief meetings with the principal and teachers. Ask to sit in on classroom sessions to observe not only what your child is learning, but whether he/she seems to enjoy learning. Gradually you'll begin to feel better about entrusting your child to the care of others. If you believe school is going to be an exciting experience, your child will most likely feel the same way.
Visit the school with your child ahead of time. Plan a relaxing day or two before school starts, and don't rush back from a family vacation or other stimulating experience.
Don't be too concerned if, in spite of your best efforts, your child cries and refuses to leave your side the first day of school. Clinging and crying are healthy coping mechanisms in very young children, so try not to overreact. Most concerned teachers will allow you to stay in the classroom for awhile. Gradually lessen the amount of time you stay, but don't sneak out when you leave; it may make your child feel abandoned and unloved.

Back-To-School Success Tips

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS) is offering these tips to students and parents in Bucks and Montgomery counties as a new academic year begins.

Healthy bodies equal healthy minds.
- Back-to-school is an appropriate time to set up doctor and dental check-ups, according to the National Association of School Psychologists. It is also a good time to discuss any concerns you may have about your child's emotional health or development with your doctor. He or she can determine if issues are normal or need to be examined more closely.
- The Federal Citizen Information Center recommends making sure your child's immunizations are up-to-date. If you have any concerns or questions about a certain vaccine, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. While there has been a great deal of concern voiced about vaccines in recent years, it is important to remember that they can greatly reduce the threat of serious illness. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits for your child's specific needs with your doctor.

You are what you eat.
- Starting the day with a healthy breakfast is a great way to give your kids an advantage. A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to succeed in school due to better concentration, improved problem-solving skills and eye-hand coordination, increased alertness, creativity, memory and fewer absences.
- The U.S. Department of Education concurs that balanced meals help children concentrate in class. Eating meals high in fiber and whole grains, along with fruit, dairy and protein, while also limiting fatty foods and sweets, will assist your child in school.

Creating a healthy lifestyle.
- Children need opportunities to exercise, according to The U.S. Department of Education. Not only will it keep them physically healthy, it also helps build muscle control and coordination.
- Adequate sleep is also key to ensuring your child is at his or her best. The National Sleep Foundation recommends children aged five to 12 get 10 to 11 hours of sleep per night and that teenagers sleep for nine hours. Lack of sleep can lead to poor performance at school because children will have trouble focusing during the day. A Journal of Child Development study also found a link between lack of sleep and obesity in children. Simply sleeping an additional hour can reduce children's obesity risk four to six percent.

Getting back into the groove.
- Re-establish school routines at least a week before school begins, notes the National Association of Psychologists. Switching activities from watching television and playing video games to quieter things, such as puzzles, coloring or reading will help get children back into school mode mentality. Schedules also keep children well rested and help them stay on top of school work and activities.
- The Child Development Institute suggests setting up a daily homework routine. There should be a designated, quiet, distraction-free place for students to do homework. Organization is also imperative for keeping on top of assignments.

Souderton Area High School Environmental Group to be Featured on NBC 10's Green Is Universal

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Souderton Area High School's SAVE (Students Against Violating the Earth) group will have their "solar chimney" featured on an upcoming Green is Universal segment with NBC-10's reporter Terry Ruggles.

"SAVE is improvising on a 'solar chimney' design, using recycled and inexpensive and easily obtained materials to help cool a building with the sun, rather than electricity," according to advisor Ken Hamilton, an environmental science teacher at the school. "We used plywood, 2' x 4' lumber, sheet metal and an old glass door to construct the simple model."

The segment will air three times on NBC 10 on Friday, August 7, 2009 during the morning (5:45 am and 6:45 am) and 5 o'clock evening newscast (last half hour of broadcast), as well as on Sunday morning.

Ruggles recently viewed the chimney at the group's Student Environmental Education Campus (SEEC). The SEEC grew from an unused plot of land on a district elementary school to a campus where students take responsibility for cutting edge and experimental projects like the "solar chimney." Built by students and more than 70 different community businesses that donated supplies, funds and professionals, the campus houses summer camps for elementary school children, an alternative watering system, nature center and a demonstration home filled with green products and ideas to share with the community. Managed and maintained entirely by students, the campus has also won two national awards, including the Presidential Environmental Youth Award presented by President George W. Bush.

Their goal is to test and implement the design and use of recycled materials at home as well as in third-world countries where electricity is not available. With the help of student volunteers, the design is already being used in time shares on the island of Tortola by Jack Althouse, of Althouse, Jaffe and Associates, a local architect and key program volunteer who helped the students design and construct the demonstration house. Althouse and the students also hope to include the chimney in plans for a hospital in Africa.

"This innovative program is an illustration of the quality public education in Bucks and Montgomery counties," said Linda Weaver, a leader of the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS).

To learn more about SAVE, visit http://www.wix.com/savealliance/SAVEalliance.

CAPS and the 10! Show Go Back to Kindergarten

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS) and the 10! Show on NBC-10 spent the morning of Sept. 3, 2009 in kindergarten at Lafayette Elementary school in the Bristol Township School District demonstrating how kindergarten has changed over time.

Amy Waldron's new kindergarten class welcomed the 10! Show's Tim Furlong for two live segments as they showed off their computer room, began art projects and sang about the days of the week - all this on the second day of school. "It was a wonderful experience for the children and an exciting way to start their school years," said Waldron who is beginning her third year as a kindergarten teacher in the school.

The show demonstrated that kindergarten is much more than playtime, naps and socialization, as it may have been a generation ago. Students are now learning basic computer skills, how to read words instead of just learning letters, how to count to 100, and how to write and illustrate a story. Waldron explained that small groups rotate through computer, writing, art and library learning centers and there is time for movement and singing as well as trips to the larger computer room as well.

The program at Lafayette Elementary is a full-day kindergarten class. Research has shown that children who attend full-day kindergarten exhibit more independent learning, classroom involvement, and productivity in work with peers, according to the Pennsylvania State Education Association. Overall, they show greater reading and mathematics achievement gains and long-term educational gains than those who attend half-day programs. This is especially true for low-income and minority students. An Ohio study also showed higher scores on reading tests in the early elementary grades, and achievement tests administered in third, fifth and seventh grades.

According to Linda J. Weaver, a special education teacher in Bristol Township School District and president, Pennsylvania State Education Association, Mideastern Region, "A full-day program provides more time to get to know students and identify and address their learning challenges early. This increases the odds that children will be successful later in school and saves money and resources over the long-term. Additionally, the longer day offers social and emotional as well as intellectual benefits by allowing more flexibility and the chance to complete longer-term projects and more in-depth lessons."