quaker valley school news - Quaker Valley School District

Quaker Valley School News
Q
uaker Valley High School awarded 185 diplomas to members of the
Class of 2012, June 4, at Robert Morris University.
The graduating class included one National Merit Scholarship
finalist and several AP Scholars. Ninety-four seniors completed at least one
Advanced Placement course during their studies at Quaker Valley, and nearly
30 students took four or more AP courses.
In the fine arts, several students were selected to participate in district,
region and state band, chorus and orchestra ensembles. In addition, many
students have been honored as Gene Kelly Award winners – including Best
Supporting Actor – for this year’s production of Guys and Dolls.
In athletics, students competed in section as well as state championship
Quaker Valley Class of
Congrats to the
Members of the Class of 2012 have indicated
the following post-graduation plans:
Andrew Stanley Abbott, Penn State University - University Park
Evan Andrew Adelman, Thiel College
Michael Sergei Adelman, Baldwin Wallace College
Tyler Alt, Elon University
David M Bajsec, undecided
Zachary Barber, Warren Wilson College
Alexandra Elaine Barrett, undecided
Samantha Becker, Miami University of Ohio
John Adam Bensink, North Carolina State University
Logan Benson, Slippery Rock University
Bailey Clark Bergmann, North Carolina Dance Theater
Eve Rader Bowers, University of Pennsylvania
Stevie Lynn Bronaugh, Slippery Rock University
Gabrielle Cherie Buchan, Community College of Allegheny County
Joseph Cambou, Community College of Allegheny County
Katherine Rose Chmay, Boston University
Scott Anthony Chorba, Community College of Allegheny County
John Thomas Comerci, Dartmouth College
Kyle Francis Coonelly, Penn State University - Behrend
Matthew H Cooper, Boston University
Connyre Anne Corbett, Pepperdine University
Nicholas Cornell, Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Alessandra Crivelli, Carlow University
Charles Bruce Crow, Penn State University - Beaver
Maria Dal col, Study in Brazil
6 724.942.0940 to advertise
Sewickley Area
2012
competitions, including two seniors who won PIAA gold medals – one
for the second year in a row.
Nearly 90 percent of this year’s graduates are pursuing a two or fouryear degree at a college or university. In total, the Class of 2012 earned
$5,720,670 in scholarship awards.
Brittney Davis, undecided
Gabrielle Nissa Dech, Cleveland Institute of Art
Andrew Delie, Penn State University - University Park
Abigail DePace, Robert Morris University
Vitoria Suzanne DePace, work
Natalie Marie DiCenzo, Vassar College
Justin Ryan Dilley, Community College of Allegheny County
Alison Mirelle Dumek, Point Park University
Steven Emch, Slippery Rock University
Jesse William English, St. Joseph’s University
Sydney Elizabeth Eyrich, University of New Mexico
Joseph Fairley, Santa Monica College
Jonathan Fecko, University of Colorado Boulder
Jacob Fetterolf, Robert Morris University
Amber Flevaris, Point Park University
David Patrick Flewelling, Temple University
Brianna Nicole Fowler, Allegheny College
Nathaniel Zane Fox, Kenyon College
Robert Francis, University of Pennsylvania
Sarah Grace Frank, Slippery Rock University
Timothy Ross Franzen, Marshall University
Francesca Friday, Rollins College
Matthew George Frishkorn, Grove City College
Emerald Gabig, Carlow University
Natalie Mariel Gellman, Temple University
Lex Gibb, LaRoche College
Brandon Glenn, Waynesburg University
Jamal Gloster, Community College of Allegheny County
Nimar J Glover, Community College of Allegheny County
Eva Goubert, Evergreen State College
Robert Ian Greene, Drexel University
Austin VanDyke Grieger, Texas A & M University - Galveston
Joseph Guido, military
Daniel Adam Haberman, work
Margaret Staunton Harbison, Boston University
Brion Robert Harrison, undecided
Christopher Allen Heath, Robert Morris University
Caroline K. Heres, Syracuse University
Casey Holewinski, Community College of Allegheny County
Joshua Jett Hoover, Geneva College
Dillon Todd Irwin, Grove City College
Emily Maryann Jabro, LaSalle University
Brian Alex Jeffe, Duquesne University
Gregory Nathanial Johnson, work
Claire Walton Jones, Syracuse University
Colin Thomas Jones, Penn State University - Beaver
Ashish Juneja, University of Pittsburgh
Hannah Kahn, St. Vincent College
Thomas Patrick Kelley, Slippery Rock University
Elizabeth Emory Kennedy, American University
Katharine Bliss Kennedy, George Washington University
Kevin Edward Kenny, junior hockey
Kenneth Lundy King, Cheryl Felicia Rhoads N. VA Acting School
Alastair Knott, Duquesne University
Quaker Valley School News
Rachel Kohlmeyer, Community College of Allegheny County
Susie Kraus, University of Mount Union
Makenna Krusey, Community College of Allegheny County
Emily Kay Kuzma, Community College of Allegheny County
Casey Lally, University of Pittsburgh: Honors College
Destin LeCornu, Berklee College of Music
Chantel Yvette Lee, Penn State University - University Park
Megan Letrick, Mercyhurst College
Markus Lewis, University of Pittsburgh
Jayson Oakes Lottes, Michigan State University
Robert Allen Love, U.S. Navy
Mariah Lowe, U.S. Air Force
Miranda Lowe, Community College of Allegheny County
Madison MacDonald, Penn State University - University Park
Bryan Magee, Penn State University - Beaver
Julian Mancuso, Community College of Allegheny County
Rachel Marie Manko, University of Utah
Gino Michael Masterani, Slippery Rock University
Jessica Kate Matthews, Point Park University
Candice May, West Virginia University
Alicia McCaffrey, University of Pittsburgh
Tedi Elizabeth McGeary, Continuing Education
Rory McGowan, Penn State University - University Park
Sarah E McKendry, Denison University
Kelsey McRoberts, Slippery Rock University
Taylor Medwid, San Francisco Art Institute
Patrick Yuan-Ming Meier, Dickinson College
Amber Lee Miller, Washington & Jefferson College
Edward Miller, Duquesne University
Sarah Elizabeth Miller, U.S. Air Force Academy
Dylan Morris, undecided
Jonathan Moulton, Robert Morris University
Ryley Cristine Murphy, Community College of Allegheny County
Kristy Lee Mutz, DCI Career Institute
Maurice Myers, undecided
Michael Myers, Geneva College
Elizabeth Narkevic, Edinboro University
Luke Joseph O’Neill, Montana State University
Klay Steele Pacheco, Santa Monica College
Kyle Papke, James Madison University
Ashiv V. Patel, undecided
Nathan Pawlik, University of New Mexico
Joseph David Peduto, Wheeling Jesuit University
Samuel Thomas Peduto, Wheeling Jesuit University
Kaylie Jo Peduzzi, Penn State University - University Park
Wilson James Perez, Community College of Allegheny County
Abbey Petrovich, Ohio University
Brittny Pflugh, Community College of Allegheny County
Rian Plummer, University of Utah
David Alexander Price, work
Emily Jonelle Priddy, Slippery Rock University
Timothy Pusateri, University of Notre Dame
Juan Carlos Jacob Puyana, University of Virginia
Joseph Rakowski, U.S. Navy
Sherif Ahmed Rashed, University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown
Kelly Raso, Duquesne University
Molly Elizabeth Reiser, Community College of Allegheny County
Emily Eugenia Resler, Grove City College
Douglas John Revak, junior hockey
Vaughn Ridgway, Edinboro University
Sean Michael Robertson, work
Skylar Roppa, University of Northwestern Ohio
Maria Hilda Ross, Drexel University
Wilson Bly Rougier, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Marcus Royal, Community College of Allegheny County
DeAnn Marie Ryan, Berea College
Sarah Scalercio, University of Pittsburgh
Julia Schaller, Penn State University - University Park
David Holdsworth Schurman, LaRoche College
Avery Schwartz, Community College of Allegheny County
Laura Scimio, Community College of Allegheny County
Allison Marie Shelton, Ohio University
William Scott Shoener, University of Pittsburgh
Harley Jo Skorpenske, Ohio State University
Thomas Smith, work
Scott Sommers, University of Richmond
Kelsey Spalding, University of Colorado - Boulder
Lisa Staley, Community College of Allegheny County
Joseph McDonald Starke, work
Lydia M Stater, ballet
Joshua Stephan, West Virginia University
Brenan Charles Stetzer, LaRoche College
Krista Stewart, Ithaca College
Lyndsi Stewart, undecided
Nicholas Jeremy Suiter, Brigham Young University
Rachel Thomson, St. John’s University
Benjamin Torisky, Duquesne University
Nicholas Trapizona, Penn State University - Beaver
Ashlyn Marie Turner, Slippery Rock University
Emily Olivia Tusick, John Carroll University
Annie Utterback, Allegheny College
Jovanna Alexa Valladares, Point Park University
Antonio Verbene, Robert Morris University
Jordan Patrick Vescio, Allegheny College
Benjamin Walker, Community College of Allegheny County
Austin Michael Warhola, Community College of Allegheny County
Ramon Joseph West, LaRoche College
John Andrew Westwood, Bucknell University
Tia Marie Wilde, Community College of Allegheny County
Charles Stuart Wilson, Denison University
Grace Richards Wilson, University of Southern California
Von Robert Wiltman, Purdue University
James Colins Wormsley, Continuing Education
Brandon Scott Yankello, Slippery Rock University
Sara Renee Yankello, Robert Morris University
Jade Taylor Young, Community College of Allegheny County
Marco Zappala, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey at New
Brunswick
Sewickley Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 7
Quaker Valley School News
QV athletic program ranks 1st in WPIAL
Quaker Valley High School has been named a 2011-12 MSA Sports Cup
Winner for Class AA by MSA Sports Network.
“The MSA Sports Cup offers a quantitative assessment of our athletic
program,” Dr. Joseph H. Clapper, superintendent, said. “It validates that
our athletic department and our student athletes continue to perform at an
exceptional level.”
The MSA Sports Cup is a challenge to determine the best sports
programs for the entire school year throughout the WPIAL schools in each
of the four classifications; A, AA, AAA and AAAA. Points are earned for the
success of each team sport in the fall, winter and spring seasons.
“We are thrilled to have our entire athletic program recognized,” Mike
Mastroianni, director of athletics and activities, said. “The success that our
girls’ and boys’ athletic teams have experienced this year is unprecedented.”
Achievements in 2011-12 include:
n Boys’ Cross Country: WPIAL & PIAA Pennsylvania State
Champions, WPIAL Section Champions, MAC Champions
n Boys’ Golf: WPIAL Playoff Qualifier, WPIAL Team Finalist
n Boy’s Soccer: WPIAL Section Champions
n Girls’ Cross Country: WPIAL Champions, WPIAL Section
Champions
n Girls’ Soccer: WPIAL Playoff Qualifier
n Girls’ Tennis: WPIAL Runner-up, MAC Champions, PIAA
Pennsylvania Elite 8
n Boys’ Basketball: WPIAL Playoffs, PIAA Pennsylvania Final Four
n Boys’ Ice Hockey: WPIHL Division Champions, WPIHL Western
Pennsylvania Champion & PIHL Pennsylvania State Champions
n Boys & Girls Swimming & Diving: Boys WPIAL Section
Champions, Boys MAC Champions, Girls WPIAL Playoffs
n Girls’ Basketball: WPIAL Section Champions
n Boys’ Track & Field: WPIAL Team Runner-up, WPIAL
Section Champions, PIAA Pennsylvania Team 3rd Place
n Girls’ Track & Field: WPIAL Team Qualifier
n Girls Lacrosse: WPIAL Playoffs
n Boys Lacrosse: WPIAL Playoffs
n Boys Tennis: MAC Champions
MSA Sports Cup Winners in the other classifications
include:
North Allegheny (AAAA), Mars (AAA), and Sewickley
Academy (A). For more information regarding the MSA
Sports Cup, visit www.msasports.net.
8 724.942.0940 to advertise
Sewickley Area
Quaker Valley School News
Apply online for
2012-13 Free & Reduced
Price School Meals
SAT and ACT exams. In addition, you may qualify for scholarship
assistance for many community resources including the Sewickley
Valley YMCA memberships, childcare and camps; Sweetwater Center
for the Arts; tutoring from the Laughlin Children’s Center; and the
Sewickley Community Center.
Eligible families can apply online for free and reduced price
school meals through Pennsylvania’s COMPASS website. Your
children may qualify for reduced price or free meals if your
household income falls at or below the limits on the chart below.
For those who prefer to complete a paper application, contact
any school office or Ms. Jennifer Reiser, director of food services,
at reiserj@qvsd.org or via phone 412-749-3610.
Quaker Valley School District offers breakfast and lunch
each day at a cost of $1.50 and $2.50, respectively. Those who
qualify can receive these meals for free or at a reduced price.
Those who qualify for free or reduced price school meals
receive additional benefits including fee waivers for the PSAT,
Federal Eligibility Income
Federal
ChartEligibility
For School
Income
Year 2012-2013
Chart For School Year 2012-2013
FREE Meals/Milk
FREE Meals/Milk
Household Size
Yearly
Household Size Monthly
Yearly
Weekly
Monthly
Weekly
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Each addl person $14,521 1 $19,669 2 $24,817 3 $29,965 4 $35,113 5 $40,261 6 $45,409 7 $50,557 8 +$5,148 Each addl person $1,211 $14,521 $1,640 $19,669 $2,069 $24,817 $2,498 $29,965 $2,927 $35,113 $3,356 $40,261 $3,785 $45,409 $4,214 $50,557 +$429 +$5,148 $280 $1,211 $379 $1,640 $478 $2,069 $577 $2,498 $676 $2,927 $775 $3,356 $874 $3,785 $973 $4,214 +$99 +$429 $280 $379 $478 $577 $676 $775 $874 $973 +$99 Federal Eligibility Income
Federal
ChartEligibility
For School
Income
Year 2012-2013
Chart For School Year 2012-2013
REDUCED Meals/Milk REDUCED Meals/Milk
Household Size
Yearly
Household Size Monthly
Yearly
Weekly
Monthly
Weekly
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Each addl person $20,665 1 $27,991 2 $35,317 3 $42,643 4 $49,969 5 $57,295 6 $64,621 7 $71,947 8 +$7,326 Each addl person $1,723 $20,665 $2,333 $27,991 $2,944 $35,317 $3,554 $42,643 $4,165 $49,969 $4,775 $57,295 $5,386 $64,621 $5,996 $71,947 +$611 +$7,326 $398 $1,723 $539 $2,333 $680 $2,944 $821 $3,554 $961 $4,165 $1,102 $4,775 $1,243 $5,386 $1,384 $5,996 +$141 +$611 $398 $539 $680 $821 $961 $1,102 $1,243 $1,384 +$141 Sewickley Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 9
Quaker Valley School News
QV Sports
Hall of Fame
tickets on sale now
Tickets are currently on sale for the Quaker
Valley Sports Hall of Fame banquet. The event,
which includes brunch and an awards ceremony,
is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, at
Sewickley Heights Golf Club.
The Quaker Valley Sports Hall of Fame was
reformed this year after a nine-year absence. The
current inductees represent four decades — the
1950s, the 1970s, the 1980s and the 1990s.
Members include one team, the 1972 basketball
team; two coaches, Joseph Dobrick and Jerry
Veshio; and four athletes — Bill Sadd, ’58; Tom
Szuba, ’85; Ben McKnight, ’92; and Andrew
Wormsley, ’97.
“We are really excited about this group of
inductees,” Athletic Director Mike Mastroianni
said. “Not only do they represent different eras,
their credentials are unbelievably impressive.
Our athletic department and our school district
are very fortunate to have had such distinguished
contributors.”
Tickets are $35 per person – tables of eight
and 10 are available for those who would like to
reserve group seating. Checks should be made
payable to “QVSHOF.” Ticket order forms
are available at www.qvsd.org or through the
Athletic Department 412.749.6007. Tickets and
seating are limited.
Forward payment and the names of those
attending to:
Quaker Valley Sports Hall of Fame
c/o Quaker Valley Athletic Dept.
625 Beaver Street
Leetsdale, PA 15056
Inductees will also be honored during the
Friday, Sept. 28 football game between Quaker
Valley and Steel Valley High School. Kick-off is
7:30 p.m. at Chuck Knox Stadium.
Inductee Highlights
The 1972 Boys’ Basketball
Team was the first QV team to
win an outright section basketball
title in school history. They
finished 22-3 and were led by QV
10 724.942.0940 to advertise
Sewickley Area
Sports Hall of Famer
Keith Starr, who later
went on to star at
Pitt and play in
the NBA. QV
advanced to the
WPIAL semifinals and the PIAA quarterfinals,
only to be defeated by the eventual WPIAL and
state champion, Monaca. The team was coached
by Hall of Famer Vince Cortese and assisted by
Hall of Famer Kenny Johns.
Coach Joseph Dobrick was the first football
coach in Quaker Valley history. Joe had the
daunting task of combining two squads after
the merger of Leetsdale and Sewickley High
Schools. The results were impressive as he led
QV to one of its best seasons ever in 1956.
Very few people have served Quaker Valley
in so many capacities as coach Jerry
Veshio,’70. Veshio first contributed
as an athlete, lettering in football
and track. He then became the head
coach of both of those sports. In
1997 until his retirement he became
QV’s athletic director, as well as the head boys’
and girls’ track coach. His impressive credentials
include 11 section titles and seven WPIAL
championships.
Bill Sadd, ‘58, is a former football and track
standout from Quaker Valley’s second ever
graduating class, the class of 1958. He also
lettered in both sports at Sewickley High. Sadd
was a starter at guard and linebacker and was
named all-conference his senior year. He later
went on to Dartmouth College where he was a
three-year letterman in track.
Tom Szuba,’85, excelled in
football and baseball for four years.
He led the baseball team to QV’s
only WPIAL championship his
junior year. As a QV football player,
he earned all-conference honors
his junior and senior years and
honorable mention all-state his senior year.
Szuba then went on to play football at Yale
University, lettering three seasons and was the
team’s leading receiver his junior year.
Ben McKnight, ’92, is one of the most
decorated players ever in Quaker Valley’s rich
soccer history. McKnight excelled
from QV to college to the pros. He
was the co-captain, leading scorer
and team MVP of the 1991 state
championship team. He attended
Georgetown University where
he became the program’s all-time
leading scorer and a two-time All-Big East
selection, as well as regional all-American.
Andrew Wormsley, ’97, finished his career
as one of the top basketball players in Quaker
Valley history. He scored over 1,200 points
and earned all-WPIAL and all-State honors. As
captain of the 1997 squad he led QV to the only
WPIAL championship in school history. He
then went on to become one of the top players
ever at Westminster College scoring over 1,400
points and played over 10 years professionally in
Europe.
The mission of the Quaker Valley Sports Hall
of Fame is to honor individuals and teams
who have demonstrated athletic success
during or after their enrollment at Quaker
Valley High School or individuals who
have made significant contributions
to the Quaker Valley community. An
independent division of the Quaker
Valley Athletic Department, Sports Hall
of Fame is self-sufficient – relying on
private contributions to fund activities.
For more information or to
contribute to the Hall of Fame, contact
Gene Klein at kleing@qvsd.org.
Quaker Valley School News
Frequently Asked Questions
Allegheny County Property
Tax Reassessments
In March 2012, Allegheny County
mailed notices of reassessment to all property
owners. The issue – including how new
property values will affect school, municipal
and county taxes – can be confusing for local
taxpayers. In an effort to provide clarity,
below are several frequently asked questions
and answers regarding the process:
Why is the reassessment occurring?
The countywide reassessment is a
legislative process that has been directed
by the courts to ensure that each taxpayer
is paying his/her equitable share of the
local tax burden. The process is intended to
establish the fair market value of a home for
2012. Homeowners, who feel that the new
assessment is higher than what the property
could be sold, may use the appeals process.
Who determines the assessed value
of a property?
The assessment, or market value
of the property, is determined by
Allegheny County.
total value of all residential and commercial
properties in our community – prior to any
appeals. The overall increase will be reduced
due to property assessment appeals.
How much will the Quaker Valley School
District benefit from the reassessment
process?
Under Act 1 of 2006, school districts
must adjust their millage rate to be revenue
neutral and may only experience an increase
in property tax revenues that are equal to or
below the previous year’s index, which is 1.7
percent. As a result, Quaker Valley will be
required to reduce its millage rate when the
2013-14 final budget is approved in May or
June 2013.
When will the new assessments go
into effect?
The new assessed values do not take effect
for school taxes until July 2013.
What will my School District tax bill
be for 2013?
Due to the appeals process, it is too soon
to determine the 2013 millage rate. Quaker
Valley will receive final certified values in
January 2013. Subsequently, Quaker Valley
will be communicating the proposed millage
rate – which will be decreased to avoid a
windfall – throughout the 2013-14 budget
process. The Quaker Valley School Board will
approve the new property tax rate in May or
June 2013.
What was the overall increase in
tax assessments within the Quaker
Valley School District as a result of the
reassessment?
The current overall increase in value is
45 percent. This represents the increase in
The following website is an additional
source of information about the Allegheny
County reassessment process:
www.alleghenycounty.us/courtreassess.aspx.
2012 – 2013
Locations for
QVMS Co-Curricular
Programs & Activities
Due to the ongoing renovation of
Quaker Valley Middle School, afterschool
co-curricular athletics and activities will
be held at various locations throughout
the community. Coaches, sponsors
and leaders will provide further details
to participants regarding practices,
rehearsals, meeting schedules and times.
Quaker Valley School District will
provide transportation to these programs
and activities for students in grades 6 – 8.
Parents must arrange for transportation
from the activity to home. For more
information, please contact Director of
Athletics and Activities Mike Mastroianni
at mastroiannim@qvsd.org or call the
athletics office at 412.749.6001.
Program Grade Level(s) 2012-­‐2013 Location 2012-­‐2012 D
ates 2012-2013
Dates
Season/Activity
Season/Activity QVMS Cheerleading Running Club QVMS Boys Soccer QVMS Track QVMS Cross Country QVMS Football QVMS Girls Basketball QVMS Boys Basketball QVMS Volleyball QVMS Girls Soccer 7/8 6 7/8 7/8 7/8 7/8 7/8 7/8 7/8 7/8 July 30 – Feb. 10 Oct. 1 – Spring Aug. 20 – end of Oct. March 5 – May 15 Aug. 20 – end of Oct. Aug. 20 – end of Oct. Oct. 8 – Nov. 30 Dec. 3 – Feb. 8 Feb. 11 – March 26 Aug. 20 – end of Oct. Juggling QVMS Drama QVMS String Ensemble Student Government Video Game Club Homework Club Art Club Improv Club Writing/Semi-­‐Sweet Robotics Science Olympiad Odyssey of the Mind German Club Winter Concerts Spring Concerts 6 – 8 6 – 8 6-­‐8 6-­‐8 6-­‐8 6 6 – 12 6-­‐8 6-­‐8 6-­‐8 6 – 8 (6) 7 – 8 6-­‐8 6-­‐8 QVHS Osborne Osborne Field TBA QVHS/War Mem. Park Sewickley Community Ctr. YMCA YMCA & QVMS (TBA) YMCA & QVMS (TBA) YMCA & Osborne Fields YMCA & QMVS (TBA) QVHS QVHS TBA Sewickley Library Osborne QVHS Art Room QVHS Classroom Sewickley Library QVHS QVHS Science Rooms Osborne QVHS QVHS QVHS Oct. 1 – May Auditions TBA (Sept.) Fall-­‐Spring TBA After School/2012-­‐13 Oct. – May Oct. – May Oct. – May Oct. – May Oct. – May Oct. – May Oct. – May Oct. – May TBA TBA Sewickley Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 11
Quaker Valley School News
QV welcomes two
new administrators
The Quaker Valley School District recently welcomed Tina Vojtko as director of
communications and development and Jennifer Reiser as director of food services.
Vojtko, who previously served as communications coordinator for North Hills School
District, has more than 11 years experience in public school communications and 10 years
in nonprofit development. Prior to North Hills, she served as the director of annual giving
for West Liberty State College in West Virginia and as director of community relations for a
children’s service agency in Wheeling, W. Va.
“As school districts face unprecedented challenges, communication and the willingness
to explore alternative funding opportunities will become more important than ever before,”
Dr. Joseph H. Clapper, superintendent, said. “Tina brings outstanding talent and expertise to
the director of communications and development position – her work in communications is
widely respected and well known throughout the region.”
A graduate of Bethany College in West Virginia, Vojtko earned a bachelor’s degree in
communication. In addition, she is currently completing a dual master’s degree program at
Duquesne University, where she is earning advanced degrees in multimedia technology and
corporate communication.
Vojtko resides in Ross Township with her husband, Dan, and their two schoolaged children, Andrew and Darby. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of
Communications Manager Martha Smith.
Reiser has seven years of school food service management experience. She previously
served as the regional nutrition educator and assistant director for Metz Culinary Management,
which manages the food service operation within the North Allegheny School District.
A graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Reiser earned a bachelor’s degree in
nutrition. In addition, she is a registered dietician and licensed nutritionist.
“Providing the healthiest lunch choices for our Quaker Valley students is a top priority,”
Clapper said. “Jennifer’s experience as a registered dietician will prove invaluable as we continue
to adjust to ongoing changes in the federal school lunch program.”
Reiser resides in Allison Park with her husband, Jeff, and their five-year-old son, Evan. She
fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Director of Food Services Betsy Klasnick.
“We are pleased that Tina and Jennifer have brought their expertise to the Quaker
Valley School District,” Clapper said. “We are delighted to welcome them to our
administrative team.”
Annual Notices
Services for Students
in Non-public Schools
Public school education may be
accessible to resident students
attending non-public schools on a dual
enrollment basis in a special education
program operated in a public school.
A multidisciplinary evaluation, which
determines the child’s eligibility for services, must be conducted
and, if eligible, an individualized education program plan (IEP) is
developed. Parents of non-public school students who suspect
that their child is disabled and in need of special education may
request a multidisciplinary evaluation of their child through a
written request to the building principal or director of pupil
services.
12 724.942.0940 to advertise
Sewickley Area
Tina Vojtko
Jennifer Reiser
Services for Preschool Age Children
Act 212, the Early Intervention Systems Act, entitles all
preschool age children with disabilities to appropriate
intervention services. Young children experiencing
developmental delay or physical or mental disabilities are
eligible for early intervention services if it is determined that
they meet eligibility requirements.
The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare is
responsible for providing services to infants and toddlers,
defined as children from birth to three years of age. Contact the
Early Learning Institute, 2510 Baldwick Road, Pittsburgh, PA,
15205, 412.922.8322.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is responsible for
providing services to preschool age children from ages three
through five. Contact the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Project
DART, 425 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120,
412.394.5941.
Quaker Valley School News
Standing from left: John Sheline, Board Secretary
and Director of Finance & Operations; Danielle
Cairns Burnette, Region III; Rob Riker, Region II;
Gianni Floro, Region I; Mark Rodgers, Region III;
David Pusateri, Region II; and Dr. Heidi Ondek,
Assistant Superintendent.
Seated from left: Dr. Kay Wijekumar, Region I;
Sarah Heres, Vice President, Region II;
Dr. Joseph H. Clapper, Superintendent; Jack Norris,
President, Region III, Patrick Clair, District Solicitor;
and Debbie Miller, Region I.
Nominations accepted
for new Distinguished
Alumni Award
Quaker Valley School District is currently accepting nominations
for its inaugural Distinguished Alumni Awards. The Distinguished
Alumni Awards program recognizes Quaker Valley graduates for the their
outstanding contributions in their chosen profession including business,
education, journalism, law, medicine, military service, science, performing
or visual arts, and public service.
Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 15, 2012. Awardees will
School Board
Mr. Jack Norris, President
Ms. Sarah Here, Vice President
Mr. Mark Rodgers, Treasurer
Ms. Danielle Burnette
Mr. Gianni Floro
Ms. Debbie Miller
Mr. David Pusateri
Mr. Robert Riker
Dr. Kausalai Wijekumar
Administration
Dr. Joseph H. Clapper, Superintendent
clapperj@qvsd.org :: 412.749.3617
Dr. Heidi Ondek, Assistant Superintendent
ondekh@qvsd.org :: 412.749.3616
Dr. Jillian Bichsel, Director
of Academic Services
bichselj@qvsd.org :: 412.749.3620
Dr. Sally Hoover, Director of Pupil Services
hoovers@qvsd.org :: 412.749.3618
Leah Wells, Assistant to the Director
of Pupil Services / School Psychologist
wellsl@qvsd.org :: 412.749.4013
Dr. Jospeh A. Marrone, Director
of Administrative Services
marronej@qvsd.org :: 412.749.3604
be recognized during the district’s homecoming celebration on Saturday,
Oct. 23.
To qualify, nominees must be alumni of Quaker Valley High School
who graduated at least 10 years ago.
“Countless Quaker Valley graduates have become pioneers and
leaders in their professions and in their communities,” Dr. Joseph H.
Clapper, superintendent, said. “We are honored to have this opportunity
to recognize them, their accomplishments and the tremendous pride that
they bring to our Quaker Valley School District.”
Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented annually to one
or more Quaker Valley graduates in coordination with Homecoming.
Nomination forms are available on the district’s website www.qvsd.org.
The annual deadline is Sept. 15.
For more information, contact Tina Vojtko, director of communications
and development, at 412.749.3623 or via email vojtkot@qvsd.org.
John M. Sheline, Director of Finance
& Operations / Board Secretary
shelinej@qvsd.org :: 412.749.3619
Kimberly Eaton, Assistant Director
of Finance
eatonk@qvsd.org :: 412.749.3614
Karlton Chapman, Director of Technology
chapmank@qvsd.org :: 412.749.3604
Jennifer Reiser, Director of Food Services
reiserj@qvsd.org :: 412.749.3610
Tina Vojtko, Director of Communications
& Development
vojtkot@qvsd.org :: 412.749.3623
Diane Hess, Student Information Manager
hessd@qvsd.org :: 412.749.5095
Catherine Kovach, Human Resources
Specialist
kovachc@qvsd.org :: 412.749.3613
Mike Mastroianni, Director Athletics
& Student Activities
mastroiannim@qvsd.org :: 412.749.6007
Andrew Surloff, Principal
Quaker Valley High School
surloffa@qvsd.org :: 412.749.6012
Deborah Riccobelli, Assistant Principal
Quaker Valley High School
riccobellid@qvsd.org :: 412.749.6021
Kelly Frank, Director of Collegiate Affairs
Quaker Valley High School
frank@qvsd.org :: 412.749.6047
Sean Aiken, Principal
Quaker Valley Middle School
aikens@qvsd.org :: 412.749.5079
Adrienne Floro, Asst. Principal/District
Assessment Coordinator
Quaker Valley Middle School
floroa@qvsd.org :: 412.749.5079
Susan K. Gentile, Principal
Edgeworth Elementary
gentiles@qvsd.org :: 412.749.3605
Dr. Barbara Mellett, Principal
Osborne Elementary
mellettb@qvsd.org :: 412.749.4003
Additional Contact
Information
• Athletics Office:
412.749.6001
• Food Services:
412.749.5089
• Maintenance:
412.749.3604
• Transportation:
412.741.3242
• Sewickley Public Library 412.741.6920
• Parkway West CTC
412.923.1772
Sewickley Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 13
Quaker Valley School News
Exciting school year awaits
QV students on Sept. 4
T
he new school year will
get underway for Quaker
Valley’s nearly 2,000
students on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
This fall, work will continue on
the Quaker Valley Middle School
renovation. The new facility will
open for teaching and learning
Jan. 7, 2013, when students and staff
return from winter recess. Students
in grades 7 and 8 will spend the first
few months of the school year at
nearby Anthony Wayne while sixth
graders will be instructed at Osborne
Elementary. All Quaker Valley
kindergarten students will remain at
Edgeworth Elementary School for
the entire 2012-13 school year.
Quaker Valley Middle School will
welcome Adrienne Floro as assistant
principal. She will also serve as the
district’s assessment coordinator. Floro joined the Quaker Valley faculty in
1991 and has served in numerous capacities including classroom teacher at
Edgeworth and Osborne Elementary schools, middle school teacher and,
most recently, academic specialist for Osborne Elementary. She earned a
bachelor’s degree in education from Duquesne University and her principal
certification at Carnegie Mellon University.
The middle school will continue its focus on writing across the
curriculum using the Collins Writing Program that is designed to improve
students’ thinking and writing skills. In addition, teachers will be continuing
their work to align curriculum and instruction practices according to the
pre-AP framework. This will help to ensure that students are engaged and
successful in rigorous Advanced Placement courses at the high school.
Secondary teachers along with curriculum leaders will be
aligning the math and English/language arts curricula to the
Common Core Standards. The
Common Core Standards are
a federal initiative to ensure
that all United States students
graduate high school with a
minimum competency level.
Beginning this year Quaker
Valley elementary schools will
intensify their focus on writing
across the curriculum. First
grade teacher Dana Pecanis will
lead this effort as a literacy coach
serving both Edgeworth and
Osborne Elementary schools.
Art and music teachers K-12
14 724.942.0940 to advertise
Sewickley Area
will continue working with Dr. Sarah
Tambucci, director of the Arts Education
Collaborative, to design a more coherent
and rigorous fine arts curriculum.
Edgeworth and Osborne
Elementary schools will continue to
incorporate the School-wide Positive
Behavior Support Program. This
program focuses on teaching positive,
appropriate school behaviors, uses data
trends for educators to address specific
areas, and moves from extrinsic to
intrinsic motivation.
During the 2012-13 school year,
Quaker Valley High School will
recognize its first group of Global
Scholar Graduates. In addition,
the high school will implement
the Pennsylvania Department of
Education’s new high school testing
system – the Keystone Exams. All 11th
graders along with students in grades 9 and 10 enrolled in the respective
courses will complete Keystone Exams in Algebra I, Biology and Literature.
Each school will welcome several new and returning faculty members:
Edgeworth Elementary
n Caraline Cody will serve as a grade 1 long-term substitute teacher. She
has taught in a similar capacity in the North Hills and Hampton Township
school districts. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, she holds a
bachelor’s degree in applied developmental psychology and a master’s
degree in teaching.
n Katie Yalch, a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in
elementary and early childhood education, returns to Edgeworth as a
fifth grade teacher.
Quaker Valley School News
Osborne Elementary
Tyler Choura will be teaching fifth grade as a long-term substitute.
During the previous school year, he served as a class size reduction teacher
for grade 6. He holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and kindergarten
education from Penn State University.
n Alisha Falgren returns to Osborne as a long-term substitute learning
support teacher. A graduate of Slippery Rock University, she holds a
bachelor’s degree in education. During the 2011-12 school year, she served
in a similar capacity teaching second grade.
n Lara Grogan returns to Osborne as a grade 2 long-term substitute
teacher. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor
in Italian and her master’s degree in teaching from the University of
Pittsburgh. She served as a class size reduction teacher at Osborne during
the previous school year.
n Allison Bush Krause will serve as the school’s
speech and language teacher. She holds a bachelor’s
degree in speech and hearing sciences and a master’s
degree in speech-language pathology from Edinboro
University of Pennsylvania. She worked as a speech
pathologist for Barber National Institute since 2010.
n
Quaker Valley Middle School
n Kelly Krahe joins the middle school faculty as a
mathematics teacher. A graduate of Duquesne University,
she earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary mathematics
education. She previously served as a long-term substitute
in the Quaker Valley and Hampton Township school
districts.
n Sarah Mammay will return to the middle school as
a long-term substitute teacher in the art department for the first semester
of the 2012-13 school year. She has also served as an art instructor for
the Pittsburgh Center for Arts and the Sweetwater Center for the Arts in
Sewickley. She holds a bachelor’s degree in art education from Carlow
University.
n Kerri Patterson will serve as long-term substitute mathematics
teachers. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University
of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in secondary mathematics from
Slippery Rock University.
n Michael Simon earned his bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock
University and will serve as a grade 6 long-term substitute teacher.
Quaker Valley High School
n
Charlie Bauer returns to the high school as a long-term substitute
German teacher in the World Languages Department.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in German and a master’s
degree in teaching from the University of Pittsburgh.
n Rachel Schneider will serve as a long-term
substitute teacher in the World Languages Department,
teaching French. A graduate of the University of
Pittsburgh, she also taught in a similar capacity at Quaker
Valley Middle School during the second semester of the
2011-12 school year.
n Cathy Villacis will serve as a long-term substitute
special education teacher. She served in a similar capacity
at Osborne Elementary during the previous school year.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from The
Ohio State University and a master’s degree in education
from Carlow University.
District awaits results of traffic study
The results of a study regarding traffic
safety issues at Quaker Valley High School
are expected this fall. Quaker Valley
School District contracted with David E.
Wooster & Associates, a traffic
engineering firm, to complete a traffic
study and to explore solutions that will
alleviate this safety hazard for the
long-term.
The traffic flow behind the school and
especially on Beaver
Street during arrival
and dismissal times is
a safety hazard that
must be addressed.
This problem is
longstanding and
there are no simple
solutions. As H.L. Mencken wrote, “For
every complex problem, there’s a solution
that is simple, neat, and
wrong.”
The high school
campus is site challenged in terms of size
and topography. In order to alleviate this
obstacle and provide options for a safe,
long-term solution, the district has
purchased two adjacent homes on Beaver
Street. In both cases, the homeowners
were willing sellers. The district has had
discussions with the owner of a third
property. The school board has no plans to
acquire any additional property beyond
these three homes.
One of the stated concerns is that
school tax dollars are being used to
purchase these properties. The district has
not used general operating funds for
property acquisition. Instead, the district
has utilized a portion of the capital reserve
funds that are available from the $775,000
sale of nearly 34 acres of the Bell Acres
property in 2009. This property, which
totaled more than 80 acres, was previously
donated to the school district many years
ago. The remaining 46 acres are being
leased to QVRA for $1 per year for 50 years
in order to provide sports facilities for
Quaker Valley students – including boys’
and girls’ soccer, baseball, and
softball – as well as recreational facilities
for area youth.
Traffic engineers have met with
neighbors to listen to their concerns as
well as their ideas for possible solutions.
The district is awaiting the final analysis
and will share the report with the
community when it is complete.
Sewickley Area | Fall 2012 | incommunitymagazines.com 15