WPIAL Schools in Double A Swimming

Moon Area (W)
Laurel Highlands (M)
Aliquippa (W)
Aliquippa (M)
Ambridge Area (W)
Ambridge Area (M)
Apollo Ridge High School (W)
Apollo Ridge High School (M)
Aquinas Academy (W)
Aquinas Academy (M)
Avella Area High School (W)
Avella Area High School (M)
Avonworth (W)
Avonworth (M)
Beaver Academic Charter (W)
Beaver Academic Charter (M)
Beaver Area High School (W)
Beaver Area High School (M)
Beaver Falls (W)
Beaver Falls (M)
Belle Vernon Area (W)
Belle Vernon Area (M)
Bentworth High School (W)
Bentworth High School (M)
Bethlehem Center High School (W)
Bethlehem Center High School (M)
Bishop Canevin High School (W)
Bishop Canevin High School (M)
Blackhawk high School (W)
Blackhawk high School (M)
Brentwood (W)
Brentwood (M)
Brownsville Area High School (W)
Brownsville Area High School (M)
Burgettstown (W)
Burgettstown (M)
Burrell (W)
Burrell (M)
California Area High School (W)
California Area High School (M)
Carlynton High School (W)
Carlynton High School (M)
Carmichaels Area (W)
Carmichaels Area (M)
Central Valley (W)
Central Valley (M)
Charleroi (W)
Charleroi (M)
Chartiers Houston (W)
Chartiers Houston (M)
Chartiers Valley High School (M)
Clairton (W)
Clairton (M)
Cornell (W)
Cornell (M)
Deer Lakes (W)
Deer Lakes (M)
Derry Area (W)
Derry Area (M)
Duquesne High School (W)
Duquesne High School (M)
East Allegheny (W)
East Allegheny (M)
Elderton (W)
Elderton (M)
Elizabeth Forward (W)
Elizabeth Forward (M)
Ellwood City High School (W)
Ellwood City High School (M)
Farrell (W)
Farrell (M)
Ford City (W)
Ford City (M)
Fort Cherry High School (W)
Fort Cherry High School (M)
Frazier High School (W)
Frazier High School (M)
Freedom Area (W)
Freedom Area (M)
Freeport Area (W)
Freeport Area (M)
Geibel Catholic High School (W)
Geibel Catholic High School (M)
Greensburg Central Catholic (W)
Greensburg Central Catholic (M)
Greensburg Salem (W)
Greensburg Salem (M)
Highlands (W)
Highlands (M)
Hopewell (W)
Hopewell (M)
Indiana (W)
Jefferson Morgan (W)
Jefferson Morgan (M)
Keystone Oaks High School (W)
Keystone Oaks High School (M)
Kittanning Senior (W)
Laurel (W)
Laurel (M)
Leechburg Area High School (W)
Leechburg Area High School (M)
Mapletown (W)
Mapletown (M)
Mars Area (W)
Mars Area (M)
McGuffey (W)
McGuffey (M)
Mohawk (W)
Mohawk (M)
Monaca (W)
Monaca (M)
Monessen (W)
Monessen (M)
Montour (W)
Montour (M)
Mount Alvernia (W)
Mount Alvernia (M)
Mt. Pleasant (W)
Mt. Pleasant (M)
Neshannock (W)
Neshannock (M)
New Brighton (W)
New Brighton (M)
North Catholic High School (W)
North Catholic High School (M)
Northgate (W)
Northgate (M)
Oliver (W)
Oliver (M)
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (W)
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (M)
Quaker Valley (W)
Quaker Valley (M)
Quigley Catholic (W)
Quigley Catholic (M)
Ringgold (W)
Ringgold (M)
Riverside (Ellwood City) (W)
Riverside (Ellwood City) (M)
Riverview (W)
Riverview (M)
Rochester (W)
Rochester (M)
Saint Joseph (W)
Saint Joseph (M)
Seaton LaSalle (W)
Seaton LaSalle (M)
Serra (W)
Serra (M)
Sewickley Academy Senior Schoo (W)
Sewickley Academy Senior Schoo (M)
Shady Side Academy (W)
Shady Side Academy (M)
Shenango (W)
Shenango (M)
South Allegheny High School (W)
South Allegheny High School (M)
South Fayette (W)
South Fayette (M)
Southmoreland High School (W)
Southmoreland High School (M)
Southside (W)
Southside (M)
Springdale (W)
Springdale (M)
Steel Valley High School (W)
Steel Valley High School (M)
Sto Rox High School (W)
Sto Rox High School (M)
Summit Academy (W)
Summit Academy (M)
Thomas Jefferson High School (W)
Thomas Jefferson High School (M)
Trinity Christian School (W)
Trinity Christian School (M)
Union Area (W)
Union Area (M)
Uniontown Area (W)
Uniontown Area (M)
Valley (W)
Valley (M)
Vincentian Academy (W)
Vincentian Academy (M)
Washington (W)
Waynesburg Central High School (W)
Waynesburg Central High School (M)
West Allegheny High School (W)
West Allegheny High School (M)
West Greene High School (W)
West Greene High School (M)
West Mifflin (W)
West Mifflin (M)
West Shamokin (W)
West Shamokin (M)
Western Beaver (W)
Western Beaver (M)
Wilkinsburg High School (W)
Wilkinsburg High School (M)
Wilson Christian Academy (W)
Wilson Christian Academy (M)
Winchester Thurston High Schoo (W)
Winchester Thurston High Schoo (M)
Yough (W)
Yough (M)
Indiana (M)
Jeannette (M)
Jeannette (W)
Knoch High School (M)
Ellis School (W)
Schenley (W) -- That's us, Obama Academy.
Schenley (M) -- Obama Academy, formerly Schenley.
South Park (W)
South Park (M)
Washington (M)
Kittanning Senior (M)
Knoch High School (W)

Some Diving and a Saturday Intertube Race

Fwd: Controller Lamb wants review of decsion to close Schenley building

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Concerned Citizens"

Please give Controller Lamb a thumbs up and ask your county council, city council and school board representatives to join the Controller's request. Press Releases Sent 01/18/2013 @ 2:09 pm PITTSBURGH - As the Pittsburgh Public Schools consider the sale of the former Schenley High School building in Oakland, City Controller Michael Lamb sent an email to Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Linda Lane and members of the School Board, asking for a review of the decision to close the former high school. "I know the Board and staff at PPS have labored over the decision to close Schenley and the prospects for the future of the building," wrote Lamb "I am writing today to join in the suggestion that the Board should not only take its time with this decision, but also review information that has been made available since the decision to close Schenley to determine the cost effectiveness and impact on student achievement of that closure." Bids from potential buyers and developers of the former Schenley building were due into the district today. The Schenley High School building was closed in 2008 due to maintenance concerns and the estimated costs of repair. This message is from Concerned Citizens who started the petition "Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Directors: Investigate if important information about Schenley was withheld at the time of closing ," which you signed on Change.org. View the petition  |  View and reply to this message online Unsubscribe from updates about this petition

Tips for Teachers

Eventsburgh bites the dust

We are notifying you that Eventsburgh.com is in the process of terminating its current operation. 

Although we have attracted many businesses and major local organizations to utilize our service,  the business model has not been able to generate sustainable revenue for us to continue operating.

We would like to thank your support for the last 2 years and take this opportunity to recommend Pittsburgh business calendar (http://pittsburgh.businesscalendar.org/) for your future event postings. 

--
--
Ta.
 
 
Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com    
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach
Pittsburgh Combined Water Polo Team

http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Winning

Obama swim team won again in a sectional swim meet o er Northgate. We are looking good. Super inspiration from Hailey in a. EPIC 200 IM. Good efforts  everywhere.
Boys score 97-44 Obama over Northgate.
Girls score 86 to 63 Obama over Northgate.

Monday we go to Brashear at 3:15 meet.

Results to be posted soon thanks to Mary S, a vital volunteers

Thinking about summer employment. Apply here.

Dirty Dozen summary from Danny

2012 Dirty Dozen Results & Summary Article are now up on my website at:

http://www.dannychew.com/dd_12.html

 

--
--
Ta.
 
 
Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com    
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach
Pittsburgh Combined Water Polo Team

http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Fwd: Standing up for Pennsylvania

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "PA Governor's Office" <gov@pacast.com>
Date: Jan 6, 2013 3:22 PM
Subject: Standing up for Pennsylvania
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
Cc:

Standing up for Pennsylvania Surrounded by Penn State alumni and local business owners, Governor Tom Corbett this week announced that Pennsylvania is suing the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for its sanctions against Penn State University. This historic lawsuit is already being branded "the right call" by Gil Spencer of the Delaware County Daily Times. Here are five things you need to know: 1.   The lawsuit was brought by the Governor on behalf of all the citizens of Pennsylvania, and asserts that the sanctions, unlawfully leveled by the NCAA, will have irreparable effect to the economy of all of Pennsylvania in addition to Centre County. 2.   The suit asserts that the NCAA overstepped their authority by weighing in on the Jerry Sandusky scandal.  The crimes perpetrated by Jerry Sandusky and three other administration officials are a criminal matter and are, and should, be handled by the court system. 3.   The suit asserts that the NCAA did not follow their own due process rules when evaluating and handing down these sanctions.  The normal review processes were ignored and a small group of members made the sanction decisions. 4.   The choice given Penn State wasn't a choice at all. The University had to either accept the sanctions or face the harshest punishment available, a total football blackout, otherwise known as "the death penalty." 5.   The Governor will encourage the Penn State Board of Trustees to keep its commitment of $60 million to help victims of sexual abuse, but to keep that funding in Pennsylvania as opposed to the NCAA who would have it leave the fine leave our commonwealth.  Prefer a visual? Click to the right to see video and pictures from yesterday's press conference.

You are subscribed and received this message because you, or someone on your behalf, signed you up for this newsletter. If you feel you have received this message in error, please click here to unsubscribe. To ensure our messages are delivered properly to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), add gov@pacast.com to your Address Book or Safe List. This email was sent from an account that is not monitored. Please do not reply.

Fwd: 2013 Learn-to-Swim Program - Enroll Today!

From: American Red Cross National Headquarters

The American Red Cross is pleased to announce that enrollments are now open for the 2013 Learn-to-Swim program. New with the 2013 Learn-to-Swim program: Annual fee per facility, based on projected 2013 enrollees No additional student learning fees Simplified registration, ordering and fulfillment processes Exclusive access to a dedicated aquatics online store, with special offers for our partners Package containing educational posters for your facility Get Started Today! To get started, please visit redcross.org/LTSenroll. Act Now! Special Offer Enroll your facility in the 2013 Learn-to-Swim program by February 5 and receive 2 FREE lifeguard hip packs. Offer expires February 5, so enroll your facility now at redcross.org/LTSenroll.* Thank you for your interest in the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program. We look forward to a successful partnership with you in 2013. Best regards, Your Red Cross Aquatics Team

Fwd: FIJA demonstrations at courthouses

From: Julian P Heicklen <jph13@psu.edu>

Subject: FIJA demonstrations at courthouses

Hi Tyranny Fighters:

As you know, Mark Schmidter and I were arrested on the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando, FL on separate occasions. We both have been convicted of criminal contempt and sentenced to several months in jail.

The case is on appeal.  The appellate court is upholding the convictions based on the argument that courthouse plazas are not public forums, so First Amendment rights are not protected.

My aim is to refute the appeals court claim with facts on the ground.  I aim to show that many, many FIJA demonstrations have occurred on both federal and county courthouse without incident, so that the court's argument fails the test of fact.

For any of you that have participated in a FIJA distribution at any courthouse, please send me the courthouse, the number,of appearances, dates of appearances to the best of your recollection, and he names of any individuals who may have participated with you.  Let me know if you were hassled by any law enforcement officers.  If so what was the outcome?

With your help, we can smother the court's claim with the facts on the ground.

Our time has come to end the anti-FIJA efforts of the government.  Please do not let this moment pass.

Yours in freedom and justice — Julian

Things to do in 2013 include:

Watch this movie:

School Doors

Last Monday, like so many parents of young children across America, I found an excuse to visit my child’s classroom. As I stood outside the door of my son’s Kindergarten classroom before lunch, I heard his teacher remark to the class that there was a new rule: every classroom door was going to be closed and locked. If someone came to the door, the students were to first get the teacher before opening even if it was a parent or a fellow student.

I fought back tears as I listened to the little voices ask questions regarding the new policy and a sense of anger was rekindled. Adam Lanza not only took the lives of 26 innocent victims on December 14th, but he also stole the security of many families across this nation. Gone are the days where you could walk down a school hallway and hear a chorus of children’s voices, answering questions, or laughing at a story being read by their teacher. Now, school hallways are becoming as sterile as the corridors of a hospital. It makes one wonder if a child can really grow in such a cold, silent environment.

...

My son will go to school after the first of the New Year to a learning environment much different from what he left in 2012. His classroom has been transformed more into a jail cell not to keep him locked in, but rather to keep the world locked out.

Source.

psych sheet

The South Side Residential Parking Program went down in flames

Hi Director Ismail and Mayor Ravenstahl,

What's this letter dated Dec 21 from City Planning about the Residential Permit Parking Program? The South Side firmly defeated the parking program. It went down in flames. It is a done deal -- and NOT to happen -- for a few more years. 

What is this letter. 

Treason?

I live on the South Side Flats at 12th Street and the community went AGAINST the plan. There was a clear statement to NOT allow it because we could not agree on a number of pressing factors.

I went to many of those meetings and this issue was DEAD ON ARRIVAL to city hall. 

--
Ta.


Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com  
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach
Pittsburgh Combined Water Polo Team

http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Fwd: Not just a suicide, NFL petition

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Players on 21 NFL teams have faced domestic assault or sexual assault charges. Ask the NFL to require counseling and intervention services for players who have committed domestic violence. Sign My Petition Mark - On December 1st, pro football player Jovan Belcher killed Kasandra Perkins, the mother of their three month old daughter, before he killed himself in front of coaches at a Kansas City Chiefs practice facility. The media was shocked by his suicide, but they seemed to forget about the murder. The National Football League (NFL) has a disturbing history of domestic violence. In August, Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson was arrested for headbutting his wife. Last March, Brandon Marshall was accused of punching a woman in the face outside a nightclub. Those aren't even all the assaults this year. In fact, out of 32 NFL teams, players on 21 have at some point faced domestic assault or sexual assault charges. As a professional child therapist, I work with families in domestic violence situations at an organization called House of Ruth Maryland. I know how devastating violence can be for partners, children, and even the perpetrators themselves. And the sad truth is that without proper treatment, it's a vicious cycle that goes on and on. That's why I started a petition on Change.org calling on the NFL to require counseling and intervention services for any player convicted with domestic violence. Click here to add your name. This isn't just an issue that affects NFL players and their partners -- it also affects women all over America. 1 in 4 women will face domestic violence in her lifetime, and studies show that violence goes up by 10% when the local NFL team lost a game it was expected to win. The NFL has shown an admirable commitment to women's health and mental health, promoting breast cancer awareness as well as providing counseling services for players who need it. But for players who have assaulted their partners or family members, the NFL must do more. People have used petitions on Change.org to help victims of domestic violence before: just this fall, petitions convinced Verizon and Sprint to change their policies so victims won't have to pay to break their cell phone contracts. I know that if enough people sign my petition, we can convince the NFL to take a stand and intervene when players have committed domestic violence. Click here to sign my petition demanding that the NFL require counseling and intervention services for all players convicted of domestic violence. Thank you, Gretchen Tome Baltimore, Maryland

Educate

Rauterkus Letter, mailed on December 20, 2012

#Firstworldproblems

As we reviewed the highlights we wanted to share over the past year, we realized that we have been blessed with a year full of first world "problems" and we thought we'd share some of them.

Which gelato flavor should Grant choose? Should Catherine have a cappuccino or latte? These questions came up daily as Catherine and Grant toured Northern Italy in June, 2012.

What water polo team should Grant play with for the Junior Olympics? Grant stayed with a very generous family in Princeton, New Jersey, while he trained with the Princeton club team to get ready for the JO competition at Stanford, CA, in July. Erik's God parents hosted him while he was in California!

Would Erik prefer the garnet colored sweatshirt or the white with garnet trim?  A decision that became important after receiving early acceptance to Swarthmore College!

What do you do when Grant becomes a freshman in HS and wants to play on the golf team but there is no coach? Dad steps up and becomes the golf coach and big brother joins the team. Grant was 4th in the city championships (after 3 seniors). So, Dad is "Obama's new golf coach." (Keep in mind that "Obama" is the name of the school!)

Which dress shirt should Erik wear for his acceptance speech as Youth Governor of Pennsylvania? Erik was elected by Youth and Government (YAG) students from around the state to be their Governor.  He traveled to North Carolina for the Conference on National Affairs and spent a week in Washington, DC at the governors' conference. He has spoken to groups throughout PA and was met with a standing ovation at a talk to YMCA CEOs.

Will Grant be on the A or B Northwest Zone Olympic Development Team?  It was the A Team so the whole family had a great vacation visiting family and friends in Florida.

Should you eat another delicious meal at the Loveless Café or play a round of golf? A common question when Erik and Grant make their yearly Nashville visit to Uncle Bob and Aunt Molly.

Is it possible to make every city youth water safe? Mark's reach stretches beyond first world problems as he provides aquatic opportunities to the youth of the city.  What do you do when kids can't be on the swim team because they have no way to get home – you drive them home yourself. What do you do when you are organizing a trip to a water polo tournament and a kid can't tell you where to pick them up in the morning because they don't know where they will be spending the night – you have them spend the night at your house. What do you do when kids show up to play water polo not owning swim suits or towels – you make sure you have extras of both.

We hope to embrace more first world problems this year and to reach out to others who are facing real problems.   

Happy Holidays 2012    

Mark, Catherine, Erik, Grant

108 S. 12th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203  mark@rauterkus.com

Fwd: [DW] Article - Engagement Organizing

From: Steven Clift
Date: Thursday, December 20, 2012

http://engagement-organizing.org/

ENGAGEMENT ORGANIZING
The Technology and Culture of Building Power | Matt Price & Jon Stahl

We are in the midst of a historic shift from one era of social change
advocacy to another.  A world of expert-driven, direct mail oriented
organizations is giving way to nimble, data-driven, learning
organizations that place relationship building and mobilization of
supporters at the heart of their work.  There is a model emerging
here, and in this paper, we attempt to describe and document it
through the stories of five midsized organizations.

Got comments?
"Engagement Organizing" is about raising questions and starting a
conversation.  What do you think?  Does the model speak to your
experience?  Do you have other lessons to share? How do we move the
work forward from here?  Let us know.

Steven Clift - http://stevenclift.com
Executive Director - http://E-Democracy.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/democracy

Fwd: Education Notebook - #12-24 - 12.20.12

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "The Education Policy and Leadership Center" <robinson@eplc.org>
Date: Dec 20, 2012 5:06 PM
Subject: Education Notebook - #12-24 - 12.20.12
To: <rauterkus@rauterkus.com>
Cc:

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

EPLC Education Notebook Thursday, December 20, 2012 In this issue PENNSYLVANIA POLICYMAKERS GOVERNOR CORBETT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OFFICE OF THE BUDGET PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TASK FORCE ON CHILD PROTECTION PENNSYLVANIA BULLETIN REPORTS DATEBOOK The EPLC Education Notebook (current and past editions) also is available by visiting the EPLC web site at http://www.eplc.org/publications-reports/weekly-policy-notebook/      PENNSYLVANIA POLICYMAKERS The 2013 Session of the General Assembly begins when Pennsylvania legislators take the oath of office the first Tuesday in January (January 1), as required by the state's constitution.   GOVERNOR CORBETT     On November 1, Governor Corbett signed into law  Senate Bill 1225 (Act 210 of 2012). SB 1225 codifies the Library Code in consolidated statute form to improve the readability and reconcile conflicts between the Library Code and regulations that have been issued under it. It also sets forth the manner in which State-aid for libraries will be allocated for Fiscal Year 2013-2014. Funding for State-aid to libraries in Fiscal Year 2013-2014 will be dependent upon appropriations made by the General Assembly in the General Appropriations Act and approved by the Governor. Click here to read the fiscal analysis prepared by the House Committee on Appropriations.   HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES    On November 30, the House Select Committee on Property Tax Reform, pursuant to House Resolution 774 (2011-2012), unanimously adopted its final report with recommendations. The special legislative panel was tasked with studying the interrelationship between all taxes affecting municipalities and school districts, with an emphasis on property taxes. According to the Chairman's final remarks, the Committee, through its work and subsequent recommendations, attempted to find common ground on initiatives or actual legislation that can be acted upon when the legislature convenes in 2013.  Here are just a few of the recommendations approved by the Committee:     At the start of the 2013-2014 Legislative Session, introduce a resolution to re-establish the select committee created under House Resolution 774 of 2011-2012; Amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to provide for a homestead and farmstead exemption of up to 100 percent of the property value. Review all state-imposed public education requirements that are not mandated by Federal statute or regulation for cost-effectiveness, fairness, and/or educational value. Develop recommendations for achieving efficiencies and increasing cost effectiveness in the construction, maintenance, renovation, and disposition of public buildings and school facilities, helping to ensure that students have access to adequate facilities. Develop a new funding formula for special education based on the actual costs of providing special education instruction and services. Direct an independent entity or entities to determine the actual costs of educating a student at a charter school and at a cyber-charter school and the effects on local school budgets and property taxes. Click here to read the full report and recommendations.      OFFICE OF THE BUDGET On November 26, the Governor's Budget Office released "The Keystone Pension Report: A Discussion of Structural Reform and Relief to Pennsylvania's Retirement System for Long Term Sustainability." The pension report, according to the Office of the Budget, "is intended to provide financial facts, highlight key issues, and advance the dialogue on meaningful pension reform and relief, with the goal of creating a common framework around which solutions can be structured." The report examines the following questions: What are the state's pension systems? What created the pension problem? What is the pension challenge? What happens if we do nothing? How can we create a framework for solutions? In setting the stage for what appears to be a top budget priority, the Governor has described     Pennsylvania's two public pension systems (PSERS, SERS) combined unfunded liability of over $41 billion as a "tapeworm" or "Pac-Man" devouring the state's budget and severely undercutting the Commonwealth's ability to fund essential programs and services such as education, public safety and human services.   But not all agree with how the administration's pension report frames the policy dilemma and  solutions. Mike Crossey, President of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA)  believes the Corbett Administration's pension report sets up false choices between fixing the pension dilemma and funding crucial state programs. He faults policy decisions that provide more than $800 million in corporate tax breaks - more than the projected pension debt owed in Fiscal Year 2013-2014 -- for adding to the pension crisis. Click here to read the full statement by Mike Crossey.   The Keystone Pension Report is available at www.budget.state.pa.us.     On December 5, Secretary of the Budget Charles Zogby gave a mid-year budget briefing which provided a glimpse of what to expect in February when Governor Corbett unveils his 2013-2014 state budget proposal. Secretary Zogby's presentation reiterated the Governor's earlier budgetary directives to state agencies to maintain level funding and to expect that no general fund dollars will be used to backfill reduced federal funds. He also restated the Governor's commitment that no new taxes will be part of the proposed Corbett budget for Fiscal Year 2013-2014.    The Secretary's mid-year budget report identifies the following challenges in crafting the upcoming state budget:   Pension cost growth of $511 million (PSERS, SERS); Managing growth in welfare spending in light of continued health care cost inflation; Controlling the growth of Corrections costs; and Pending litigation against the Commonwealth.  Click here to learn more about the budget process in Pennsylvania. PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION On November 20, the Pennsylvania Department of Education announced that it received an award of $6.5 million from a federal grant to provide professional development opportunities for educators who provide special education services to students with disabilities. With funds from the federal grant program, Pennsylvania teachers and school leaders will receive intensive and on-going training to establish goals, provide effective instruction, and ensure that all Pennsylvania students graduate from high school with the skills to be successful. Specifically, the professional development provided will ensure that: Educators know and can effectively teach to the Pennsylvania Common Core academic standards; Educators plan and deliver effective instruction that meet the needs of Pennsylvania students; School leaders have the ability to implement policies, practices and procedures that support the learning of all students; Students demonstrate growth and achievement in English, language arts and math; Students can effectively participate and engage in learning, using communication supports and technology; Parents have high expectations for achievement for students; and Institutions of higher education prepare future educators and leaders with the necessary training. On November 29, the Pennsylvania Department of Education announced that Shaler North Hills Library in Glenshaw (Allegheny County) was one of ten recipients nationally to receive the 2012 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The award is the nation's highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for their service to the community. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (located in Washington, D.C.) annually recognizes institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Click here to learn about the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.    On December 4, Secretary of Education Ronald Tomalis recognized two outstanding Pennsylvania educators at the Keystone Awards of Excellence banquet in Hershey.   Ryan Devlin, a teacher in the Brockway Area School District, was named Pennsylvania's 2013 Teacher of the Year. Devlin teaches eleventh grade British literature, eighth grade computer science, and two senior high electives on creative writing and digital media. He also is Chairman of the high school's English department. Devlin is a graduate of Waynesburg University where he received his bachelor's degree in secondary English education. He earned his master's degree in educational leadership from California University of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania's Teacher of the Year program is co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National State Teacher of the Year, which was founded in 1995.   Jennifer Hoffner-Turkowski, a first grade teacher at University Park Elementary School in the Gateway School District, was awarded the 2012 Milken Educator Award. Hoffner-Turkowski has taught for eight years and holds bachelor's degrees in both elementary education and health policy and administration. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in education, including principal certification. The Milken Educator Award, sponsored by the Milken Family Foundation, is one of the nation's top teacher recognition programs that honor K-12 teachers, principals, and specialists with a $25,000 individual, unrestricted award. The first award was granted in 1987 and since that time the foundation has awarded more than $63 million to over 2,500 educators across the nation.   PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE On December 3, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue reported that the Commonwealth collected $1.7 billion in General Fund revenue for November, which was $23.1 million, or 1.4 percent, less than anticipated. However, fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $9.8 billion, which is $59.1 million, or 0.6 percent, above estimate. To review November collections for sales tax receipts, personal income tax, corporation tax, inheritance tax, realty transfer and others, visit www.revenue.state.pa.us.   TASK FORCE ON CHILD PROTECTION On November 27, the Task Force on Child Protection established by the General Assembly in December 2011 released its final report with numerous policy and statutory recommendations to improve state laws and procedures governing child protection and the reporting of child abuse. Among the key findings and recommendations included in the report:     The Task Force recognizes the importance of children's advocacy centers (CACs) and multidisciplinary investigative teams (MDITs). The Task Force supports a dedicated funding source to establish and sustain CACs. The Task Force recommends that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency conduct a thorough study of the existing CACs and MDITs. The Pennsylvania State Police and municipal police departments should train troopers and officers regarding the efficacy of forensic interviewing within the CAC setting in the investigation of child abuse and child sexual abuse. The Task Force recommends an analysis of state statutes and regulations that require, or fail to require, the disclosure of a licensed professional's sexual misconduct, arrests, and convictions to the relevant licensing or certifying board. The Task Force supports the enactment of legislation to expand reporting requirements where allegations of sexual misconduct have been made. Such legislation should include barring school entities from entering into confidentiality agreements with educators accused of misconduct.  For more information on the Task Force on Child Protection, visit www.childprotection.state.pa.us  PENNSYLVANIA BULLETIN Notice was published in the November 24 Pennsylvania Bulletin (Vol. 42, No. 47) announcing future meetings of the State Charter School Appeal Board. The board will meet on the following Tuesdays in 2013: February 19; March 26; April 30; and June 11. These meetings will be held in the Honors Suite on the First Floor or Heritage Room A, Lobby Level of the Education Building, 333 Market Street, Harrisburg beginning at 1:00 PM. Click here for additional details. REPORTS Recently, the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) released a new series of policy guides entitled "Fit, Healthy and Ready to Learn" that address safety and violence prevention in and around schools. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assisted in the development of the guides which are designed to provide vital tools for state and local education policymakers and administrators, as well as school health professionals, youth-serving organizations, and health and safety advocates. The guides contain recent scientific data, analysis, examples of state and local best practices, and evidence-based model policies that can be adapted by schools, districts, and states. For more information about the guides and how to order visit www.nasbe.org/fhrtl.  DATEBOOK    The Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Administrators will hold an Education and Workforce Development Symposium on "Preparing Students for the Workforce of Tomorrow" in Hershey February 26-27. Click here for additional information and registration details. The Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) will hold their 58th Annual Conference and Exhibits in Pittsburgh March 19-22. Click here for more details and registration.  The Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) will hold its 2013 Annual Conference in Harrisburg April 22-23. Click here for more information. For information on upcoming events, please visit www.eplc.org and click on "Events Calendar". EPLC Education Notebook is published by The Education Policy and Leadership Center (EPLC).  Permission to reprint or electronically redistribute the Notebook in whole or in part is granted provided attribution to EPLC is provided.  The Education Policy and Leadership Center is an independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit organization.  The Mission of the Education Policy and Leadership Center is to encourage and support the development and implementation of effective state-level education policies to improve student learning in grades P-12, increase the effective operation of schools, and enhance educational opportunities for citizens of all ages.

Forward email This email was sent to rauterkus@rauterkus.com by robinson@eplc.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. The Education Policy and Leadership Center | 800 N. 3rd St. | Suite 408 | Harrisburg | PA | 17102