September 2015 - North Allegheny School District

N O R T H
A L L E G H E N Y
S C H O O L
Tiger News
September 2015
Upcoming events
September 24 – Key Communicator
Meeting at NAI, 1:30 p.m.
September 24 – Sixth Grade Social at
IMS, 3:00 p.m.
September 24 – Open House at NAI,
7:00 p.m.
September 25 – School, Community,
and Police Partnership at CAO, 9:00 a.m.
September 25 – Fall Family Night at
BWE, 5:00 p.m.
September 28 – Book Fair at IMS
(through 10/2)
September 29 – School Pictures at IMS
September 29 – District TAG Orientation
at IES, 9:30 a.m.
September 29 – Open House at NASH,
7:00 p.m.
September 30 – NADPA Meeting at
NASH, 7:00 p.m.
September 30 – School Board Meeting
at CAO, 7:00 p.m.
October 1 – Combined MS Grades 6 &
7 Human Growth and Development
Parent Orientation, 7:00 p.m.
October 2 – School Pictures at MMS
October 3 – NASH Spring Musical
Audition Call Backs at NASH, 8:00 a.m.
October 5 – NA Parents’ Diversity Forum
at CAO Bd. Rm., 6:00 p.m.
October 8 – School Pictures at MCK
October 8 – Fall Pictures at IES
October 8 – Athletic Hall of Fame
Banquet at The Chadwick, 5:00 p.m.
October 9 – In-Service Day
October 9 – Homecoming Pre-Game
Ceremony/Athletic Hall of Fame
Ceremony/Homecoming Football Game
at NASH, starting at 5:45 p.m.
October 10 – Homecoming Dance at NAI
and NASH, 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
October 14 – Superintendent’s Coffee at
FES, 9:30 a.m.
D I S T R I C T
Welcome Back!
Students in the North Allegheny School District
headed back to the classroom on Tuesday,
August 25 for the first day of the 2015-2016
school year.
The District welcomed over 8,200 students to
their first day of classes. Students riding bus 46
on the first day back had a special surprise guest
tagging along for the ride. Dr. Robert Scherrer,
Substitute Superintendent of Schools, rode
bus 46 during its entire run to three separate
buildings that morning to greet students and
offer a personal welcome back.
The faculty, staff, and administration are
looking forward to another great year at NA
and are sending best wishes to all students for a
productive and exciting school year.
www.northallegheny.org
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N O R T H
September 2015
Have You Updated Your
Contact Information for
2015-2016?
This is a reminder to make
certain you are enrolled in the
SchoolMessenger system and to
ensure that your information is
current for the 2015-2016 School
Year. Parents/Guardians have the
option of adding and updating
contact information for phone
calls, emails, and text messaging
communications.
A L L E G H E N Y
S C H O O L
D I S T R I C T
Annual Superintendent’s Newcomers’ Coffee Held
On September 3rd, Substitute Superintendent of
Schools, Dr. Robert Scherrer, met with families new
to the North Allegheny School District during the
annual Superintendent’s Newcomers’ Coffee.
More than 50 people attended the event, where
a presentation from Dr. Scherrer and members
of the Superintendent’s Executive Council was
given. The presentation was designed to explain to
new families NA’s programs and processes and to
introduce key personnel.
New to the presentation this year was an
added explanation of the structure of the NA
Administration and School Board. “We have families
who move here from out of state and out of the
country who are not familiar with the organizational
SchoolMessenger is the first and
primary communication vehicle
used by the District in the event
of any emergency. It is used to
notify families of school closings,
delays, significant health-related
issues, and other critical issues.
structure, so we felt it was important to include that
information in our presentation,” said Dr. Scherrer.
Guests in attendance at the event also heard from
each member of the Executive Council. Dr. James
Bradley, Supervisor of Elementary Education,
told parents he encouraged their participation at
the schools their children attend. “Some districts
discourage parents from being in their buildings and
in their classrooms, but we are not one of them,” Dr.
Bradley said. “We have a lot of parents and we want
them in our buildings.”
Families new to the District who were not able to
attend the meeting are able to view the slideshow
presentation from the event on the NA website.
Register for SchoolMessenger,
update contact information,
and configure preferences
and settings by visiting the
SchoolMessenger website. For
more information, please visit this
page on our website.
www.northallegheny.org
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N O R T H
A L L E G H E N Y
S C H O O L
D I S T R I C T
September 2015
New Assistant Principal Appointed at North Allegheny Intermediate High School (NAI)
The North Allegheny School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Caitlin Bogosta to the
position of Assistant Principal at North Allegheny Intermediate High School (NAI).
Ms. Bogosta was unanimously approved by the Board of School Directors at the September 16th meeting.
Ms. Bogosta began her teaching career as a Middle School Math Teacher for the Pine-Richland School
District in 2008. During this time, Ms. Bogosta was nominated for the Pennsylvania Student Council Advisor
of the Year, was the Team Leader, and also the Math Department Lead Teacher. In addition to her teaching
responsibilities, Ms. Bogosta also served as a Cheerleading and Lacrosse Coach during her tenure at PineRichland Middle School.
She has served on numerous District-level committees focusing on curriculum development and
articulation, as well as committees working to implement technology throughout the District. As a
classroom teacher, she utilized technology daily and as an administrator has provided numerous technology
strategies for teachers and students.
Ms. Bogosta completed her Administrative Internship at Hartwood Elementary School in the Fox Chapel Area School District in
2011 and Seneca Valley Senior High School in the Seneca Valley School District in 2012. From 2013 to the present, Ms. Bogosta has
served as the Assistant Principal of Pine-Richland Middle School.
Ms. Bogosta received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Delaware in 2008 and
completed her Master of Education in Leadership and Policy Studies from the University Pittsburgh in December 2012. Ms. Bogosta
obtained her Pennsylvania Principal’s Certificate during the summer of 2012.
NA School Board Appoints New Member
The North Allegheny School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr.
Richard McClure to the North Allegheny Board of School Directors.
Mr. McClure was appointed during a special meeting on September 16th. He will fill the
vacancy left by long-time Board member Mr. Thomas Schwartzmier, who resigned in
August to serve on the Franklin Park Borough Council.
Five candidates applied for the open seat. Each candidate was interviewed by the Board
of School Directors prior to nominations being accepted for the open seat. Each candidate
was permitted to provide a two-minute introduction, followed by the answering of two
questions from Board President, Mrs. Tara Fisher.
During his opening statement, Mr. McClure said he was an 18-year resident of the District
and that he and his wife moved there specifically so their children could attend North
Allegheny. Mr. McClure said he had two children graduate from NA and a third who is
entering the intermediate high school.
Mr. McClure has 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, and is the owner and
president of Pennsylvania Commercial Management Services Inc. of Pittsburgh. Of the five candidates interviewed for the board vacancy,
Mr. McClure was the only one who appears on the November ballot for consideration to fill the seat on a permanent basis.
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N O R T H
A L L E G H E N Y
S C H O O L
D I S T R I C T
NA Announces 50th Annual Homecoming Parade
September 2015
The North Allegheny School District (NASD) announces that the annual Homecoming Parade and Game will be held on
the NASH school campus on October 9, 2015. This year marks the District’s 50th Homecoming Parade. Organizers of this
event cordially invite all former Queens and Kings to participate by riding in the Homecoming Parade on October 9, 2015
and they will be introduced on the field in the Band’s pre-game show. Anyone interested in accepting this invitation
should contact Mrs. Frances Hawbaker by October 5th at fhawbaker@northallegheny.org. Below are the names of all
Queens and Kings.
From 1966 through 1992 there were only Homecoming Queens. They were:
Special congratulations to the
following seniors elected as
members of the 2015
Homecoming Court:
JROTC
Amber Swan – Luke Slotterback
Band
Anastasia Baranova – Stephan Savchik
Student Council
Jesse Pak – Gabe Ren
DECA
Laura Ryder – Nick Gelosh
Orchestra
Jamie Smith – Greg Brkovich
Chorus
Margot Jezerc – Jason Earle
Speech & Debate
Grace Jin – Eric Mi
NHS
Vibha Reddy – Thomas Cwalina
Senior Class
Lacey Hilderbrand – Gavin Koma
Junior Class
Olivia Gill – Grant Chen
Sophomore Class
Paige Leshock – Evan Cottrill
Freshmen Class
Emily Gralewski – Joshua Semon
1966 Kathleen Van Cura
1976 Karen Varacalli
1967 Jane Vidmar
1977 Rose Lenihan
1968 Jean Koester
1978 Jodie Schwartz
1969 Barb Devlin
1979 Libby Neubauer
1970 Melanie Wright
1980 Margie Daniels
1971 Pam Manis
1981 Beth Murphy
1972 Wendy Wilson
1982 Teri Thompson
1973 Mary Henrickson
1983 Emily Morine
1974 Margie Kearns
1984 Heidi Weber
1975 Beth Rothenback
1985 Jodi Good
Homecoming Kings were not introduced
until 1993. Homecoming Queens and Kings
from 1993 through 2014 were:
1993 Jessica Maier, Sean Smith
1994 Shelly McMahon, Jason Kwiatkowski
1995 Jenn Lahitnen, Adam Summers
1996 Keely Busteed, Don Robbins
1997 Terra Wise, Tony Cacek
1998 Lauren Ordons, Greg Casey
1999 Carrie Hucko, Ethan Clay
2000 Erin Jarvis, Brian Mozuch
2001 Megan Barber, Bryson Turner
2002 Lara Hayhurst, Bubba Smith
2003 Kelly Knable, Luke Brungo
2004 Kelly Forsythe, Brad Vlassich
2005 Kylie Nellis, Dan LaVallee
2006 Julie Stas, Shane Hall
2007 Laura Kim, Dale Marshall
2008 Katie Knable, Kyle Ryan
2009 Kara Jewell, Kyle Higgins
2010 Madison O’Neill, Dan Sliveka
2011 Paige Wrigley, Ryan Koerner
2012 Lexie Pontiere, Sfuyash Fulay
2013 Megan Vankirk, Sean Kirby
2014 Casey Mrazik, Ryan Muskal
1986 Sue Keil
1987 Megan McCracken
1988 Christa Kryder
1989 Katie Stenson
1990 Nicole Glasbergen
1991 Krista Schwarz
1992 Shelly Hirsch
The October 9th celebration will begin at 3:30 p.m. as follows:
Important Message
3:30 – 7:00 p.m. – Pre-parade activities
• Try your hand at Football Toss, Floating Ball Race, Skee-Ball, Plinko, Roller
Bowler or the Prize Wheel for chance to win a prize (sponsored by the
NASH Student Council). Unlimited game play for a $5 donation to benefit
the North Hills Community Outreach.
• Enjoy a variety of Food Truck Vendors (sponsored by the NA Marching
Band).
Drop-off and Pick-up of
Students at Home Varsity
Football Games
Any student attending a North
Allegheny School District home
varsity football game without being
accompanied by an adult must be
dropped off and picked up at the
front entrance of the Senior High
School (NASH). Parking attendants
will not permit vehicles coming
in to pick up students at the end
of a football game to drive to the
stadium or tennis court area.
5:45 p.m. – Parade with Floats and Homecoming Court Candidates
• The parade theme is “Welcome to New York (It’s been waiting for you)”
and will feature approximately a dozen floats.
• The parade route will be around the North Allegheny Senior High School.
• Homecoming Court Candidates and Organization Floats will be
announced in the front of the school.
7:00 p.m. – Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony
7:30 p.m. – Homecoming Football Game Kick-off: NA vs. Butler.
Your cooperation is greatly
appreciated.
Halftime
• NA Marching Band halftime show.
• Presentation of the full Homecoming Court.
• Crowning of this year’s King and Queen.
www.northallegheny.org
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N O R T H
September 2015
A L L E G H E N Y
S C H O O L
D I S T R I C T
Middle Schoolers Learn
Diversity, Teamwork, and
Cyber Safety
Students at Carson Middle School, Ingomar
Middle School, and Marshall Middle School
spent the day on September 4th learning about
diversity, teamwork, and cyber safety during a
number of special activities.
Students at Carson Middle School honed
their teamwork skills with a number of unique
exercises, including the cardboard walk and a
game of dodge ball with a unique twist.
Save the Date:
Diversity Forum
The North Allegheny Parents’
Diversity Forum will be held
on October 5th at 6 p.m. in
the Central Administration
Offices. This event provides an
opportunity for NA parents and
District Administrators to meet
and discuss diversity issues in
the School District. All parents/
guardians of NA students are
invited to attend this program.
Students at Ingomar Middle School engaged in a
number of new activities, including the Promote
Peace project, the Express Yourself Video activity,
and Ingomar Bingomar. As part of the fun, students
had a great time creating a Dub smash video about
what it means to be Ingomar Proud.
Students at Marshall Middle School learned how
Advertise in the NASD
E-Newsletter / Website
Today.
The North Allegheny
School District offers
premium, affordable
advertising in the
NA Tiger News
E-Newsletter and on
the NASD website.
Click here for more
information.
www.northallegheny.org
5
to keep their cool while online, were treated to a
session with service dogs that help the disabled and
spent time outside practicing their teamwork skills.
All three buildings were addressed by motivational
speaker Craig Dietz, who spoke to the students
about facing challenges and persevering no matter
the odds.
N O R T H
A L L E G H E N Y
S C H O O L
D I S T R I C T
NA Announces Apprenticeship Participants
The North Allegheny School District (NASD) is proud to
announce that 32 High School students were selected to
participate in the 2015-2016 AIU Apprenticeship Program. These students are provided the opportunity to discover
the wonders of subjects not included in the usual school
curriculum. The Apprenticeship Program consists of a halfday or day-long learning experience each month over a six- or
seven-month period during the school year. Students meet
and work with professionals who share their experience,
expertise, enthusiasm, and zeal for their professions. The
program provides hands-on, behind-the-scenes experiences
and gives students the opportunities to make connections with
organizations and people who can help them as they pursue
their career choices.
The following students have been selected to participate in a variety of professional areas:
Acting:
Sarah Hartley
Filmmaking:
Gwen Lindberg
Advertising/PR:
Olivia Eastly and Nathanael Kegel
Green Design:
Samidha Sane
Astronomy:
Yuri Tamama
International Affairs:
Arlen Belitsky, Jonathan Moses, and Margo Weller
Avian Care:
Tess Majewski and Julia Maruca
Journalism:
Gabrielle Kossuth
Art:
Lauren Rogus
Marine Biology:
Mitchell Wadas
Broadcast Journalism:
Regina Torchia
Nursing/Healthcare:
Cecilia Jewell, Zeynep Marasli, Leah Popkin,
Eric Ricci, and Alexandra Ziolkowski
Conducting:
Sebestian Immonen and Megan Wadas
Digital Photography:
Brittany Burmester and Hunter Greenberg
Engineering:
Giavonna Borgese, Mason Gonzalez,
Maxwell Gonzalez, and Jane Venezia
Opera and Voice:
Tess Christensen
Screenwriting:
Mehrnaz Tiv
Zoo Animal Care:
Grace Brennan and Nadia Durante
For more information on the AIU Apprenticeship Program, contact the NASH GOAL Office at 724-934-7219 or the NAI GOAL Office at 412-369-5457.
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N O R T H
A L L E G H E N Y
S C H O O L
NAI Students Participate in “Boot-Up” Camp
NAI 9th and 10th grade students attended a laptop “boot-up” camp as part of their English
classes. It was the first time students had used their new devices, which were distributed during a
special parent informational session.
During the “boot-up” session, students were presented with information pertaining to their
laptop responsibilities at home, laptop responsibilities at school, student help desk procedures,
digital citizenship, and laptop customization.
Students also received the procedures for accessing their NA Gmail accounts, using Google
Drive, and accessing their Student Blackboard accounts. Students were reminded of the District’s
Acceptable Use Policy.
Each “boot-up” session was led by one of the District’s Technology Integrators.
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D I S T R I C T
N O R T H
September 2015
The North
Allegheny
Athletic Hall
of Fame
The North Allegheny Hall
of Fame Association will be
celebrating its 19th Annual
Induction Banquet at The
Chadwick on Thursday, October
8, 2015. This year, the Class of
2015-2016 includes :
Matt Butler (2003)
Kathy Byrnes (1976)
Virginia Hetzel (1985)
Morgan Howard (2005)
Nicole Lenart (2005)
Ray Lewis (1997)
Gregg Otto (1965)
Randy Potter (1980)
Gary Treser (1982)
Bill Turner (1992)
Tanja Wenzel Koller (1995)
A L L E G H E N Y
S C H O O L
D I S T R I C T
NA Offers Gold Card Club for Senior Citizens
The District extends free admission to many schoolsponsored events to all District residents who are 62
years of age or older.
special events and opportunities. Existing Gold
Card members who have not yet provided an email
address can do so by clicking here.
Gold Card membership may be used as an
admission ticket to most District-sponsored
athletic events, plays, concerts, and musicals at
designated Gold Card performances only. Gold Card
membership also entitles the holder to participate in
community swims and the indoor walking program
free of charge. Membership for the Baierl Center is
free for all Gold Card members.
Residents who meet the requirements may get
their membership card through the Office of
Communications and Development, located in the
Central Administration Offices, 200 Hillvue Lane. For
more information, please call 412-369-5445.
Gold Card members who provide the District
with an email address also will receive electronic
newsletters and communications pertaining to
In addition, the Hall of Fame
Association will honor Ron and
Pam Dassner with the Joseph
Drazenovich Award for legendary
service, and Mr. George Guiley
with the Bob Miller Award for
outstanding support of North
Allegheny. The Distinguished
Coaching Service Award will go to
Mr. Lou Meyer, a long-time Girls’
Basketball coach.
Disclaimer: The North Allegheny School District will not
share your email information with any third party for any
reason. The Gold Card database will be used exclusively
to communicate news of interest to Gold Card members
about NASD by NASD.
North Allegheny Intermediate High School proudly presents…
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Performance Schedule:
•
•
•
•
Tickets for the banquet are
available in the Athletic Office.
Order forms are available on the
athletic website.
Tickets for this special event
are $40. Tables of eight may be
purchased for $320. For more
information, call 724-934-7238.
FREE Senior Citizens’ Gold Card Performance
Wednesday, October 21st at 3:30pm
Thursday, October 22nd at 7:00pm
Saturday October 24th at 2:00pm
Saturday October 24th at 7:00pm
Tickets: $6.00 General Admission
For Info: Call 412-369-5530
www.northallegheny.org
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All performances will be held in the NAI
Auditorium, 350 Cumberland Road, McCandless