65 Wildcat Lane Homer City, PA 15748 Business Office: 724-479-3601
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2007-2008 Updates

HOMER-CENTER SCHOOL DISTRICT

NEWS RELEASE
“Where Everybody is Somebody”

MR. JODY RAINEY NAMED PRINCIPAL OF HOMER-CENTER JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Date: May 29, 2008

At a special meeting of the Homer-Center Board of School Directors on Thursday, May 29, 2008, Mr. Jody Rainey was employed as principal of the Homer-Center Junior-Senior High School effective July 1, 2008. Mr. Rainey currently serves as assistant principal of the Purchase Line Junior-Senior High School in the Purchase Line School District and has done so for the past five years (2003-2008). Prior to this position, he was an assistant senior high school principal in the Punxsutawney School District (2002-2003). He also served as a social studies teacher in the Purchase Line School District from 1993-2002 and as an Alternative Education Coordinator from 2000-2002. Before becoming a teacher, Mr. Rainey served as a job specialist for a School to Work Transition Program (1992-93).

Mr. Rainey received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a concentration in Social Studies Education from St. Francis University in Loretto, PA, in 1991. He earned his Masters degree in Education in 2001 at St. Francis. At Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2001, Mr. Rainey received his Secondary Principal’s Certification and then proceeded to gain his Administrative II Certificate in 2005.

Mr. Rainey comes to the Homer-Center School District with a wide array of supervisory, curriculum development, organizational management, data collection/analysis, and student services experiences. He has played a significant leadership role in the instructional program and in the implementation of professional development activities for K-12 staff. He was also one of the lead authors for the Purchase Line School District’s Strategic Plan. In addition, Mr. Rainey was the English as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator and took on the responsibilities as School Safety Coordinator, Attendance Officer, Homebound Education Coordinator, and Point of Distribution (POD) Manager in that district—demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of emergency and crisis prevention strategies for schools.

Mr. Rainey serves on the Board of Directors for the Evergreen Boys and Girls Club and was involved in implementing this very successful after-school program in which the Homer-Center School District, along with the Purchase Line School District, currently participates. He also has taken a leadership role in various and valuable projects involving technology—one of which was analyzing and assisting in the selection of a computerized grading software program for the district.

After talking with various administrators in the Purchase Line School District, there is a clear consensus that Mr. Rainey has made a tremendous difference at their high school. They commented that he has been an integral part of their instructional leadership team and that he is personable, dependable, visible, communicates very well, and wears many hats. All expressed regret that Mr. Rainey may be leaving Purchase Line, but all were happy that he would be deservedly advancing his career. He has a good rapport with students, school staff, parents, administrators, and school board members. Most importantly, they stressed that he is very student-oriented and is totally committed to the success and well-being of the students under his charge.

In addition to his professional repertoire, Mr. Rainey is very active in his community. He is presently the Fire Chief of the Cherry Hill Fire Company and has experience in working with various student service and public agencies.

We have very high expectations for Mr. Rainey as principal of Homer-Center Junior-Senior High School and are looking forward to working with him. He will be an asset to our school district’s administrative team and to our school community.

Mr. Rainey, his wife, Christine, and their sons, Trey (age 6) and Luke (age 4), currently reside in Penn Run.

RESOLUTION – CONGRATULATIONS INDIANA COUNTY!

WHEREAS, the Children’s Advisory Commission of Indiana County, whose members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners of Indiana County has a stated mission of identifying, developing and implementing programs designed to meet the needs and enhance the opportunities and quality of life for the youth of Indiana County; and

WHEREAS, America’s Promise Alliance, the Largest Alliance in the nation dedicated to children and youth, has announced that Indiana County has been named a winner of its 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People in nationwide competition; and

WHEREAS, this outstanding award recognizes the positive developmental environment for the youth of Indiana County and brings national attention to our community:

The Board of School Directors of the Homer-Center School District hereby resolves as follows:

Section 1. That the members of the Executive Committee of the Children’s Advisory Commission of Indiana County are hereby recognized and honored for their spirit, dedication and tireless efforts in support of the mission of the Children’s Advisory Commission and their enlightened support of the youth of Indiana County.

Section 2. That the members, supporting agencies and entities of the Children’s Advisory Commission be recognized and honored for their support of the mission of the Commission and the youth of Indiana County.

Section 3. That the Board of Commissioners of Indiana County be recognized and honored for their support of the mission of the commission and the youth of Indiana County.

Section 4. That the participating youth of Indiana County, with special recognition to those who are students in the Homer-Center School District, be recognized and honored for their participation in the programs of the Commission and their efforts in bringing about the National Recognition of Indiana County as one of the 100 Best Communities in the nation for young people to live and grow in all aspects of life.

WHEREFORE, this resolution is unanimously adopted by the Board of School Directors of the Homer-Center School District this 14th day of February, 2008; and it is directed that this resolution be duly posted and distributed within the District and Indiana County to make known the recognition and honor conveyed by the adoption of this special resolution.

November 1, 2007

Dear Parents and Guardians of Homer-Center Students:

Over the past few weeks, you may have heard/read news stories or had conversations about MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) and the increase of cases occurring throughout Western Pennsylvania. As we have learned, MRSA is a type of staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria normally present on the skin and noses of many healthy people without causing any health problems. However, if staph enters the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, it can cause an infection and in some cases, it may be resistant to the class of antibiotics typically used to treat such staph infections. State Health Secretary Dr. Calvin Johnson said in a recent press release that, “This infection has been around for a number of years and experience has shown us that its spread can be prevented by simple measures like hand washing, practicing good hygiene, and immediately seeking medical attention when you have a skin infection.”

To our knowledge and at the time of this writing, we have no diagnosed or confirmed cases of MRSA at Homer-Center. Nevertheless, we realize that, as a school district, the possibility of students or others contracting or spreading the bacteria exists, and we have taken precautionary measures to make sure that we are doing as much as possible – learning as much as we can, alerting our staff, and implementing more rigorous cleaning procedures that disinfect surfaces in classrooms, bathrooms, and facilities; and on athletic equipment, mats, door knobs, desks, chairs, etc., at both the Elementary and Junior/Senior High Buildings. Our school nurses and administrators have had meetings with our staffs to educate and provide them with information about MRSA. Our district has also been in touch with our local office of the Pennsylvania Department of Health for advice and consultation. In addition to what we are doing, the local branch of the State Health Department has recommended various procedures to assist in protecting against this bacteria. Our athletic department, coaches, maintenance staff, support personnel, professional and administrative staffs have been given this information and are following the Health Department’s recommendations.

Some of the traditional precautionary measures include: encouraging frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water; not sharing personal items such as towels, razors, clothing, uniforms, drink containers, ointments, creams, antibiotics, and equipment; avoiding contact with other people’s wounds or bandages; showering as soon as possible after physical activity and drying with a clean, dry towel; and washing personal items on a daily basis. We are asking staff and parents/guardians to continue to reinforce good hygiene and other healthy practices with our students. According to Nancy Smith, Director of Community Services at Indiana Regional Medical Center, “These same simple practices are helpful in preventing other diseases as well.”

This letter is being sent to inform you regarding the MRSA issue and to share information with our school community. Enclosed with this letter is a fact sheet from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and answers to some common questions from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (see both sides). You may also have seen the article on the front page of the Indiana Gazette on October 24 entitled “School, Hospital Officials Stress MRSA Education.”

If your child or anyone in your family has a suspicious skin condition or signs that might indicate a skin infection (such as boils or abscesses that are red, swollen, and painful that may have pus or other drainage), it is important that they see a physician, because if untreated, MRSA can lead to more serious infections. Early signs of infection may resemble a spider bite or an ingrown hair. Most skin irritations are not MRSA. However, if there is a diagnosis of MRSA made by a physician, it would be extremely helpful that you contact our school nurses, Mrs. Cathy Bonarrigo at the Junior-Senior High School or Mrs. Patty Pavolko at the Elementary School. Please be assured that any information you provide to us will be held in the strictest of confidence.

We hope this information is helpful to you. If you have questions or concerns regarding MRSA, its origins, and treatment, you should contact your physician and/or the Health Department (724-357-2995). Further information can be obtained from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) web site at www.cdc.gov and/or the PA Department of Health at www.health.state.pa.us (or cal11-877-PAHEALTH).

Sincerely,

Vincent R. Delconte, Ed. D. Superintendent

We have received information that one of our teachers, Ms. Suzanne Mazur, has recently been inducted (September 29, 2007) into the Penn State Behrend Lions Athletic Hall of Fame. The Penn State Behrend Lions Hall of Fame was established in 1991 to honor individuals and teams for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the college. Each year an induction ceremony and dinner are held.

Suzanne Mazur is one of our math teachers at Homer-Center Junior-Senior High School. She attended Penn State Behrend from 1992-95. According to the information we received, Ms. Mazur was an impact player for the Penn State Behrend Softball Squad and a four-year starter at third base. She also served as a team captain and was named to the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) All-Star Team.

During the time that Ms. Mazur was on the Penn State Behrend Softball Squad, the team had the most winning season in the program’s history. She helped lead her team to back-to-back ECAC Championships, a runner up berth, and another ECAC berth. She and her teammates defeated nationally ranked opponents and attained the program’s highest regional and national ranking—setting a school record for wins.

Ms. Mazur was the Penn State Behrend Softball team’s leader in hits, RBI’s, singles, triples, and sacrifices. Her career batting average was .309. She was also an excellent defensive player and is second all-time for defensive assists. (At the time of her graduation, she was the all-time defensive assist leader.)

Our teachers are role models for our students, and we feel that it is important that we share this information with our school-community. We are proud to have her as a member of our staff. Congratulations to Ms. Mazur!

*For additional information about the Penn State Behrend Lions Athletic Hall of Fame and the 2007 Inductees, please call 814-898-6180.

Homer-Center High School Math Teacher

   Congratulations Mr. Butler!

Mr. Mark Butler, a math teacher at Homer-Center Senior High School, was recently selected as one of twelve finalists in the 2008 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Program.  That announcement was made by Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak, on May 17, 2007.  Nominated by Homer-Center Junior/Senior High School Principal, Rick Foust, with support from the school community, Mr. Butler’s dedication to his students and excellence in teaching and community involvement are part and parcel to the high quality of teaching and instruction that exists in the Homer-Center School District.

For seventeen years, students in Mark Butler’s math classes – Algebra II, PSSA Prep, and AP Calculus – have greatly benefited from his “Butler Balance.”  Yes, Mr. Butler is an outstanding math teacher who goes above and beyond to not only teach math concepts and applications to his students, but he also strives to develop critical thinking and logic skills that help his students to relate math to their everyday lives in more meaningful ways.  Yet, Mr. Butler takes his notions for student success and achievement a step further by introducing his students to the “Other Mr. Butler.”

The “Other Mr. Butler” is an accomplished guitar player who loves the arts and how it brings joy, passion, and creativity to our lives.  He strives to help his students understand that they must find a “balance” in their lives to be healthy, happy, and productive.  Putting their eggs all in one basket doesn’t allow students to spread their wings and achieve their potentials and aspirations.  Thus, many of Mr. Butler’s students have gone on to successful careers in mathematics, music, and more.

In this world of cutting edge technology and advancement, we can find comfort that teachers like Mark Butler remain grounded and focused on what is best for our children.  Much can be said the same for Homer-Center High School English Teacher, Roxanne Rouse.  She was a finalist in the 2005 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Program who credited her students for her success.  Both Mr. Butler and Ms. Rouse are exemplary examples of the talented teachers that we have here at Homer-Center.  They represent a stellar staff of educators dedicated to our students and community.        

The annual Teacher of the Year celebration in Harrisburg will be held on October 1-2, 2007, at the Harrisburg Hilton.  The announcement of the 2008 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year will take place during the morning of October 2, 2007.  That teacher will also be Pennsylvania’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program.  The National Teacher of the Year will be named in the spring of 2008. 

Meet Dr. Delconte

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

Home Town / State:   Vince Delconte grew up in Clairton, PA, Allegheny County, the oldest of three children born to Concetta Delconte (who still resides in Clairton) and the late James G. Delconte. 

Immediate Family:    Dr. Delconte and his wife, Bonnie (a native of Westmoreland County), currently reside in the Pittsburgh area.  Prior to their current residence, the family lived in Elkins, WV.  Bonnie is a teacher in an Allegheny County area school district.  Dr. and Mrs. Delconte are the parents of two children:  Domenic and Maria Delconte.

Interests: Baseball, Football, Basketball, Antique Cars, Baseball Card Collecting, History, Political Science, and Community Newspapers                                                                                                    

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

                                           
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

2007 – Present           Homer-Center School District, Homer City, PA 

l990 – 2007                 Principal, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA 
                                    O'Hara Elementary School (a National Blue Ribbon School)
                                   
l982 - l990:                  Principal, Randolph County Schools, Elkins, WV 
                                    Jennings Randolph School (a National Blue Ribbon School)

l977 - l982:                  Teacher, then Principal, Beverly School
                                    Randolph County Schools, Beverly, WV 
                                                     

Highlights of Dr. Delconte’s Educational Accomplishments

• Fox Chapel School District Representative/Board of Directors for All of Us Care – A community organization with the primary purpose of enhancing the welfare and safety of families and creating a caring community for the district’s six municipalities (2004-2007).

• President of the Pennsylvania Association of Middle/Elementary School Principals - Elected to serve by his Pennsylvania colleagues to serve (1997-2000).

• National Blue Ribbon Review Panel Member - Selected by the United States Department of Education to serve for the 1996-97 (Elementary/Middle), 1997-98 (Secondary), 1998-99 and 2000-2001 (Elementary/Middle) United States Blue Ribbon Schools Programs – Recommending schools throughout the nation to be recognized by the United States Department of Education.

• National Blue Ribbon Site Visitor/Reviewer - Selected by the United States Department of Education to serve during the 1987-88, 1989-90, and 1993-94 National Elementary/Middle School Blue Ribbon Schools Programs – Visiting and reviewing the top schools in the nation for recognition by the U.S. Department of Education.

• National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence (O’Hara Elementary in Pittsburgh, PA) – Under Dr. Delconte’s leadership, O’Hara was recognized by the United States Department of Education and honored by President Clinton at the White House.  This program is officially listed in the 1991-92 Program with the Recognition ceremony taking place in 1993.  O’Hara was the first school in Fox Chapel and the only elementary in Western Pennsylvania honored that year.

• National Distinguished Principal Award (1989) – Named as a National Distinguished Principal by the US Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary/Middle School Principals.  He was honored by President George Bush at the White House.

• Outstanding Educator Merit Award (1988) - Honored by Leaders in Business and Industry in cooperation with Higher Education.  (Named Outstanding Principal in West Virginia and received a monetary merit award.)

• Vice President of the West Virginia Association of Elementary/Middle School Principals (1989-90) - Elected by his colleagues in West Virginia to serve.

• National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence (Jennings Randolph Elementary in Elkins, West Virginia) – Jennings Randolph School was recognized by the United States Department of Education and honored by President Reagan at the White House.  This Recognition Program was the first of its kind and took place in 1985-86.  In addition, Jennings Randolph Elementary was one of only two schools selected nationally from the state of West Virginia.

• Boss of the Year Award (1985) - Presented by the Elkins/Randolph County Jaycees in recognition of community service and education.

Dr. Delconte is also proud that throughout the years…

Numerous teachers in his schools have received recognition as:

• A 2003 Teacher Excellence Foundation Robert F. Wolf Award Winner—($20,000 Award)—Presented by the Teacher Excellence Foundation (a Celebration of Teaching in Southwestern PA) to an O’Hara Teacher who was also a Fulbright Scholar.
• A 2001 Teacher of Distinction/Silver Award Winner—(Monetary Award) Presented by the Teacher Excellence Foundation (a Celebration of Teaching in Southwestern PA) to an O’Hara Teacher.
• Teachers of Distinction Awards—Presented by the Teacher Excellence Foundation (a Celebration of Teaching in Southwestern PA).
• A Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year – Selected by the Pennsylvania Department of  Education;
• A Pennsylvania State Guidance Counselor of the Year - Presented by the Pennsylvania  Association of School Counselors;
• A Citation of Excellence Award for Music Instruction - Bestowed by the Pennsylvania  Educators Music Association;
• An Excellence in Science Education Award – Presented by the Spectroscopy Society of   Pittsburgh.
• A West Virginia Language Arts Teacher of the Year - Awarded by the West Virginia  Language Arts Association; and
• Several County Teachers of the Year were recognized in West Virginia

His schools have also been recognized by: 

            *Standard & Poor’s Evaluation Services in its publication, The Greatest Gains:  Making       Consistent Improvements.
            *PDE with a monetary award for School Performance Incentive Attendance Efforts;        *The GRAMMY Foundation with a Signature Schools Gold Award for promoting music education as an integral part of the curriculum.
            *PDE with a monetary award for PSSA Outstanding School Performance Achievement. *The Pennsylvania Alliance for Arts Education for Best Practices in Quality Arts  Education.
            *The Power of Positive Students Program for being selected as the first filming site in the United States.  (Piloted in West Virginia and shown nationally, it was filmed by a Los  Angeles, CA, film crew in cooperation with the West Virginia Department of Education and Positive Communications, Inc., New York.)

*Dr. Delconte emphasized that all of these accomplishments, various forms of recognition, and more could not have been possible without all the hard work, commitment, and cooperation of staff, parents, administration, and community working together for the benefit of the students, schools, and communities.

September 14, 2007

Dear Parents:

In accordance with the recommendation of the administrative staff and guidance personnel, the Board of School Directors will provide a district-wide testing program designed to assess the academic achievement, aptitude, or vocation interest of each child in the district.

The results of some of these tests provide a continuing record of each child's academic progress in comparison with national norms. They are also an invaluable aide to your child's teachers and counselor in diagnosing individual abilities, aptitudes, interests, strengths, and weaknesses in order to provide more effective individualized instruction. During the coming year, the following tests will be administered to your child as part of this program.

In addition to the above tests, the school psychologist, counselor, speech, hearing, vision clinicians, and/or support teacher may participate in the instructional support process with your child. This process may include classroom observations and individual meetings with your child to assist in collecting information to adapt your child's basic education program if necessary. Should a decision be made to administer any additional standardized (published) test to your child, further permission will be obtained from you.

All test scores will be recorded and maintained in the school record, while your child is enrolled in our schools. No individual or agency outside of the school system will be permitted to inspect your child's records without your written permission. Should you wish to examine your child's record file at any time, you may arrange to do so by contacting the principal's office for an appointment.

    Sincerely,

   Vincent R. Delconte, Ed. D.
   Superintendent

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April 12, 2006

To Employees/Coaches/Community Groups:

The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act encourages schools to educate students about nutrition and physical activity, offer healthier food, increase student’s physical activity, and in general try to reduce childhood obesity.  The law requires every school district receiving Federal Funds for the National Lunch and School Breakfast Programs to adopt wellness policies and examine the physical activity and beverage and snack options available to our students.  As a result of this act, the Homer-Center School District will adopt a student wellness policy by July 1, 2006, which will form the philosophical foundation of our efforts over the next several years.  We realize that there are adjustments that we can make during the school day, but ask for your cooperation as well.  In your capacity as an advocate for our students, you too serve in a pivotal position.  The food that students bring to school or are provided beyond the school day also helps to form good eating habits.  As you are directly involved in coordinating snacks and meals for our children, please consider providing healthy alternatives.  Be conscience of the fat and sodium content of foods, and look for ways of educating yourself and our students on good nutrition.  Please consider avoiding products that are high in sugar and calories; limit the amount of carbonated beverage, candy and chips; increase individual and group activities that involve fitness; and offer more fruits and vegetables when possible.  By doing so, you will assist us in reducing childhood obesity which is directly linked to problems later in life, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, etc.

Thank you in advance for helping to create these life changing habits for the health and welfare of the students of Homer-Center.

Federal Guidelines on School Prayer

Recently, additional guidelines were sent to public schools, providing further clarification on the issue of school prayer. Students may read their bibles or other scriptures, say grace before meals, and pray or study religious materials with fellow students during recess, the lunch hour, or other non-instructional time to the same extent that they may engage in non-religious activities. At the same time, school officials may not “compel students to participate in prayer or other religious activities” nor may teachers, school administrators and other school employees, when acting in their official capacities as representatives of the state, encourage or discourage prayer or participate in such activities with students. Furthermore, school officials must remain neutral in their treatment of religion, showing neither favoritism toward nor hostility against religious expression such as prayer. In general, public schools are not permitted to teach or organize prayer, but may teach about various religions. The above activities may not interfere with instructional time. If any student or parent would have a question on this matter, they should check with their building principal or superintendent.