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Student Scientists Judge Elementary Research Projects

January 10, 2018, 9:50 am
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Twelve Owen J. Roberts High School Science National Honor Society students remember their science research projects and the competitions for which they may have entered; some competitively successful, others more of a learning opportunity. Either way, their personal experience may have driven enthusiasm to take part in the competition from the vantage point of judge and mentor. High school teacher Mrs. Karen Neumaier had no problem assembling the first-ever student jury for an elementary science fair. High school scientists showed up at East Vincent Elementary School on Wednesday, January 10, eager to create a positive experience for younger students and happy to model that science continues to be fun as one grows up.

Beginning in early October, Owen J. Roberts School District students in grades 4-6 identify a problem, idea, or question to research. Later in the year, they are able to choose if they would like to enter the science research competition. The elementary competitions are held at each elementary school with the top five projects in each grade being selected to move on to the Chester County competition.


The entire science research process is a unique learning opportunity for students as they get to select a topic they are interested in learning more about. The process then not only encourages the student to conduct  research--- it promotes problem-solving scenarios,  writing exercises in journaling, process/procedural narratives, and abstract summaries in addition to the use of the scientific method as a framework to make these projects a wonderful integrated exercise.   




At East Coventry Elementary, the 12 high school jurors were joined by a local scientist and Ursinus biology student to judge more than 70 projects. “I was impressed how focused our judges were,” said Dr. Heidi Lehmann, K-12 Science Supervisor, adding “They were enthusiastic, provided encouragement and constructive feedback, and shared topics and courses that they are currently studying with the East Vincent student scientists.”
Choosing projects to move on to the country Science Research Competition is often difficult. Dr. Lehmann was impressed at how the student judges deliberated. “They used scientific vocabulary and shared content expertise,” she offered.
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Personal Account of "The Things They Carried"

January 11, 2018, 8:23 am
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National Guard Sergeant First Class Stephen Smith  visited Mrs. Jody McMahon’s literature classes today to give a real life version of what a soldier carries both physically and emotionally complimenting their study of  “The Things They Carried” a collection of short stories by American novelist Tim O'Brien about a platoon of American soldiers fighting on the ground in the Vietnam War. Sergeant Smith shared personal account of his time on the ground in Iraq in 2002. Tomorrow, Master Gunnery Sergeant USMC (Ret) Andrew Worley, will recount his experience in the Vietnam War. One difference that may strike students is how much the gear changed from one war to the next.





Students were able to try on some of the physical items Sgt. Smith brought including a protective vest and Kevlar combat helmet. They learned that, with gear and ammunition, soldiers carry up to 100 pounds of extra weight into their missions. 

Beyond the physical things a soldier carries during war, Sgt. Smith gave a personal account of the guilt and fear he sometimes felt, especially after suffering loss. He also talked about how he came through those burdens and learned to cope. He described the routine of each day as "eat. sleep. workout. mission" and contrasted that to life here, which tends to lack structure. He described how much colors impacted him upon his return from deployment. "As soon as I stepped of the plane, the colors rushed my senses," he said explaining that he hadn't realized how little color he lived with in Iraq.  Students were able to ask questions and invited to reach out to SFC Smith with any concern or need. 
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Fierce Spellers

January 12, 2018, 6:38 am
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Spelling Bee participants

Sarah Ewing with Mrs. Frank and Mr. Burns
On Jan. 11, twenty-two middle school students participated in a fierce battle for the title of Spelling Bee champion.  After a record-breaking 23 rounds of competition, seventh grader Sarah Ewing was declared the winner.  Sarah’s winning word was “telegenic.”  Sarah will represent the middle school at the Chester Counter Spelling Bee on February 9.  The bee Pronouncer was Dr. Ryan Monaghan, district supervisor of instruction and Language Arts curriculum.  Judges were Mr. Sean Burns, building principal, and Mrs. Laura Frank, Spelling Bee advisor.
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Elementary Language Club

January 16, 2018, 12:31 pm
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About 150 students in grades 3-6 are participating in a fee-based after-school Elementary Language Club at Owen J. Roberts High School. Students are able to choose one language to study: French, German, Latin or Spanish. There are 60 High School students acting in a teaching or administrative capacity for the program. Twelve different sections, five classes of Spanish, three French class, and two classes each of German and Latin are being offered this year. Class size is capped at 15 elementary language learners. Each class is staffed with three high school students, two acting as co-teachers and the third dedicated to engagement. 

Elementary students spend eight consecutive Thursdays investigating the language which they have selected to study. The curriculum and lesson plans were developed with the intention of providing an engaging and fun exposure to the basic elements of a second language. Mrs. Kristine Simmons, who coordinates the program, said, “My department sincerely hopes the classes will help students realize that languages are much more accessible than they seem and open up a world of alternate linguistic, cultural, historical, and social possibility.”

“If you want to learn something, read about it. If you want to understand something, write about it. If you want to master something, teach it.” – Yogi Bhajan. In addition to helping high school students master basics of the chosen language by teaching it, teachers in the high school world languages department also appreciate the opportunity for high school students to “get an eye-opening glimpse into the rewards of the teaching profession and the responsibility of taking care of others”. Mrs. Simmons is assisted on a weekly basis by fellow French teachers, Mrs. Kelly Joyce and Ms. Natalie Smith, and a rotating subset of teachers from the other languages.

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Annual Inspection Demonstrates Greatness

January 17, 2018, 12:02 pm
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Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit
Lieutenant Colonial Ramon Ramos USA (Ret), Senior Army Instructor, Overbrook High School Army JROTC conducted the annual Area Manager’s Inspection at Owen J. Roberts High School on Wednesday, 17 January 2018.  
A troop prepares for inspection

Final details were discussed prior to ceremonial phase of inspection


Master Gunnery Sergeant USMC (Ret) Andrew J. Worley,  offers pre-ceremony advice

Lieutenant Colonial Ramon Ramos speaks with Dr. Susan Lloyd, Superintendent of Schools for Owen J. Roberts School District
The annual inspection is an assessment required by the Navy that tests the cadets on basic JROTC knowledge and skills and also evaluates the overall JROTC program. Cadets may be inspected on how they look in their uniform, general knowledge of common questions, and their marching skills.

High School Principal Dr. Richard Marchin informed cadets how moved he is by how they march. "It's a skill that must be mastered both individually, and in unison, and just as you move that way, so does the entire school follow," he said, thanking cadets for being models and momentum for creating a better school community.

Dr. Susan Lloyd, Superintendent, was moved to see so many students for which she has know since they were in third grade. She invited reflection on a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King,
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way”. She encouraged cadets to continue to support each toward greatness to make the world a better place.
Lieutenant Colonial Ramon Ramos noticed the District mission upon entering the high school, "To inspire each student for success today and greatness tomorrow". He asked cadets to remember that purpose as they lead and motivate others into the future.

March on colors, the National Anthem performed by Mrs. McIntyre and the Naturals, invocation, and the pass-in-review were all performed. The audience was entertained with "Chair Force" on the lighter side and then the cadets were dismissed at the conclusion of the ceremonial phase. The pass-in-review was powerful and impressive. The Color Guard was comprised of ninth graders who performed for their first inspection.
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MS Art Class is PAEA Art Room of the Month

January 18, 2018, 9:48 am
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http://paeablog.org/become-a-member/art-room-of-the-month/
The art room of Mrs. Lisa Duffy of Owen J. Roberts Middle School is featured on the PA Art Education Association website this month. Click the link above and take a minute to explore these fine works of art coming from an OJR classroom and now shared with the world!
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Owen J. Roberts boys, girls sink Spring-Ford | Pioneer Athletic Conference

January 19, 2018, 7:16 am
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High School Mentors

January 24, 2018, 11:22 am
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A student animal handler answers all sorts of questions about her horse
In early May, about 450 district kindergarten students will be bused to the high school to participate in Farm Day. There are 135 high school animal studies students presently working on the planning and execution of a positive learning experience which will include plenty of hands-on activities surrounding life on a farm, the food cycle, and how food finally arrives at the market. Each year, high school students evaluate the program and make adjustments. “The students are very excited to add a lesson about pollinators this year,” offered animal studies instructor, Mrs. Julie Taney. 
A high school student takes attendance prior to teaching Foreign Language Club

For the next several weeks, approximately 60 high school students are acting in a teaching or administrative capacity for the after-school Elementary Language Club at Owen J. Roberts High School. Elementary students are able to choose one language to study over a six-week time frame: French, German, Latin or Spanish.
High school student judges get instruction on how to interact with young scientists
Recently, 12 Owen J. Roberts High School Science National Honor Society students joined a local scientist and college biology student to judge more than 70 projects as part of one elementary school’s science research competition. “I was impressed how focused our judges were,” said Dr. Heidi Lehmann, K-12 Science Supervisor, adding “They were enthusiastic, provided encouragement and constructive feedback, and shared topics and courses that they are currently studying with the student scientists.”
EVES gets a musical preview
Older students share dancing, singing, and athletic skills with elementary-aged students. Musical and choral groups take their show on the road from time to time to very enthusiastic elementary audiences. Many high school athletes help at the pool and in sport camps. And high school students involve themselves in hundreds of service hours helping with after school activities such as yoga and mural painting as well as offering child care at parent-teacher organization meetings.

High school students take these mentorship opportunities very seriously. Depending on the level of sophistication, some programs require formal training while others may simply involve some instruction about how younger students learn and respond to information. In other situations, like farm day, much of the work is accomplished on the backside with about half of the students being comfortable in program delivery. High school students can often bring a level of enthusiasm about specific subject matter that is hard to match, which can inspire elementary students. From the high school students' perspective, they gain experience and confidence in delivering information and caring for others by offering a helping hand across the grades.
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Virtual Robot Allows Student to Learn and Interact with Peers

January 25, 2018, 7:36 am
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 Owen J. Roberts Middle School students embrace “Perfect Attendant” just as though it were any other classmate. The robot is involved in whispers, laughs, and all the subtle interactions one might expect from any group of teens. Peers speak to the person running the robot, addressing Perfect Attendant by the name Makenna.  Makenna is the robot’s controller, a homebound classmate who recently spent an extended period of time at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia fighting her second leukemia battle.
The Perfect Attendant technology gives Makenna the ability to be fully supported by her school, teachers, and peers. She can practice her Spanish or be present at lunch and special events. The Middle School hopes Makenna is able to attend some of the special Relay for Life events they will hold in her honor. The North Coventry Cancer Busters & Fight On Makenna team has been there for Makenna in the past and continues to be there in the present with the entire Middle School community supporting her fight. The school will raise money at the annual Dodgeball tournament (March 16th) as well as the Faculty vs. Student Basketball game (Feb. 9th). Additionally, one of Makenna’s classmates, Hunter Kqira, and his family have designed a T-Shirt and established a website with proceeds from those sales to also be donated to the American Cancer Society in Makenna’s name.   

The Perfect Attendant technology is offered through the Chester County Intermediate Unit as an innovative solution for students in grades K-12 who may have a restricted setting, allowing them full access to their comprehensive educational program as well as the ability to maintain and build peer relationships. “It looks a bit like a Segway with an iPad on top,” described Middle School Assistant Principal Corbin Stoltzfus. The iPad tablet allows the controller to be “present” via video and audio. In addition, Makenna can command the Perfect Attendant to wheel down the hallways to change classes while she is fully engaged in conversation with friends—as if she were physically present. If she is feeling up to it, Makenna will also be able to be virtually present with her peers for the epic annual dodgeball tournament and the ever-popular faculty-student basketball game.

Read today's Philadelphia Inquirer article about Makenna as an Eagle's fan:
 http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles-super-bowl-chop-teen-fan-ertz-wentz-20180125.html?mobi=true

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Great Day for Producing Energy

January 26, 2018, 10:18 am
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It's a sunny day! That means Owen J. Roberts is producing lots of energy! 
Check out the energy being produced by our solar panels:

Solar panels are generating plenty of energy today on the roof of the high school
An estimated 30% of the energy needs on Owen J. Roberts main campus are generated with solar as part of an aggressive project to create renewable energy while reducing energy consumption throughout the district. A huge step toward reducing the dependence on non-renewable fuels was the installation of more than 2,200 solar panels in 2012 on the rooftops of the high and middle schools capturing solar energy with a 525 kW solar photovoltaic array.
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Hand Hygiene Lesson

January 29, 2018, 8:13 am
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Grade 2 works with MPH provider, Lindsay Smith on proper hand hygeine

Lindsay Smith, MPH,  from the Chester County Health Department, is vising every East Coventry Elementary School classroom this week to demonstrate proper hand washing. 
 
Glow Bug allows students to see microbes on their hands


Before handwashing

Students take home a hand washing poster for their bathroom
Students learned that washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. They also learned what types of germs may linger on hands.

Ms. Smith brought a device called the Glow Bug which had a black light so that students could see germs before washing their hands and do a germ check after washing. 
How did I do?
 East Coventry nurse, Mrs. Lisa Bailey set up the Chester County Health Department visit in September, knowing that hand washing is always a good first line of defense from getting ill and spreading sickness. "It's timely that students can experience this now when the flu has hit so many communities," she said. 

In his weekly newsletter, EC Principal Todd Oswald had also shared the following timely ideas with staff and families:



Directions for Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Gadgets:

  • Remote controls – Use a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner with an appropriate attachment to remove all visible particles. Then swab with a well-wrung-out, commercial, pre-moistened disinfecting wipe.
  • Computer keyboards –Swab with a well-wrung-out, commercial, pre-moistened disinfecting wipe.
  • Video game controllers – Disconnect from the game console and use a vacuum cleaner with the appropriate attachment or a dry cloth to remove all visible particles. Then swab with a well-wrung-out, commercial, pre-moistened disinfecting wipe.
  • Computer mouse – Disconnect from the computer and use a dry cloth to remove all visible particles. Then swab with a well-wrung-out, commercial, pre-moistened disinfecting wipe.
  • Smartphone and tablet covers (plastic / fabric) – Remove cover from device and use a dry cloth to remove all visible particles. Then swab with a well-wrung-out, commercial, pre-moistened disinfecting wipe.
  • Touch screens – Disconnect device from its electronic source and use a dry cloth to remove all visible particles. Then clean with a scratch-free product designed for electronics.

Source: https://momsagainstcooties.com/how-to-clean-and-disinfect-a-keyboard-smartphone-remote-control-etc-a-gadget-guide-for-moms/
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High School PMEA Region 6 Choir

January 30, 2018, 4:59 am
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As a result of successful re-auditions at the recent PMEA District 12 Choir festival at Conestoga High School,  11 of 13 students will represent Owen J. Roberts High School in the PMEA Region 6 Choir Festival at Central Bucks High School South in March 2018.  Students must place in the top ten in each voice part to advance to the Region 6 Choir.

Congratulations are extended to:

Kaiden Roberts, 1st Place, Alto 1
Becca Emery, 1st Place, Tenor 1
Michael Maher, 1st Place, Tenor 2
Maxwell Gallagher, 2nd Place, Tenor 1
Madison Frederick, 3rd Place, Alto 1
Robin Mailum, 5th Place, Tenor 2
Samuel Turley, 5th Place, Bass 2
Wyeth Casperite, 7th Place, Tenor 1
Tristan Fish, 7th Place, Bass 1
Emily Reitz, 10th Place, Soprano 2

Lucas Gray, 10th Place, Bass 1
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Holistic Admissions Process Defined by Panel of Experts

January 30, 2018, 11:17 am
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Drexel University, Moravian College, Penn State University, St. Joseph's University and West Chester University
Owen J. Roberts extends a special thank you to the following guests who provided an excellent college admissions panel discussion for the Board of School Directors and public last night:



J. Scott Myers
Director of Undergraduate Admission
Moravian College
Catherine Campbell-Perna
Associate Director, Freshman Admission
Drexel University
Becky Eckenrode
Assistant Director of Admissions
Penn State University
Summer Davey
Assistant Director of Admissions
West Chester University

Maureen Mathis
Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Enrollment
Saint Joseph's University

Representatives fielded a variety of questions about SAT/ACT scores, grades, GPA and class rankings. While the each college and university had variances in the college admissions process, the overriding theme which emerged from the panel is that the college admissions process is a holistic one. Each student application is reviewed in a way that brings context to the student, his school experiences and how he or she may fit at the college or university to which he or she is applying. Many factors are considered. Some students may work, others may play sports, others may dance or play a musical instrument. No one activity is more meaningful than another.
 
"Students need to pursue [in high school] what they enjoy, what they are able to do, what they may be good at or want to try, and what makes them happy," said Maureen Mathis of Saint Joseph's University. Each panelist expressed that there is no one factor that makes an admissions decision.

The audience learned that GPA is only one factor that is considered by colleges for admissions and merit monies. GPA cannot be compared from one high school to another as the scales are not standardized and, in fact, vary tremendously. Students apply from all over the state, the country and the world are reviewed in the context of the high school profile.
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Reflections Supports Arts in Schools

January 31, 2018, 1:03 pm
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Regional projects are being judged using a national score card
Reflections is a National PTA program which allows students to explore ideas and learn through the arts. During the 2017-18 school year, hundreds of thousands of students nationwide have reflected on a common theme "Within Reach" and created original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.

The Reflections program builds support for the arts in schools
Students enter through their school's PTA. Parents can watch for announcements at the beginning of each school year. Once projects are judged at the school level, a select number advance to the exciting regional and national levels. Owen J. Roberts PTA leaders hope the program continues to be a vibrant way to support student success and serve as a valuable tool for building strong partnerships in our school community. "It's really exciting to see the awards at the national level," said regional reflections coordinator, Mrs. Heather McCreary.
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IB and AP Learning Opportunities Presented

February 1, 2018, 10:37 am
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“I personally believe that any student in Owen J. Roberts High School has the ability to succeed in AP coursework,” offered Senior Max Gallagher.

Two current high school students shared aspects of their AP experience as part of a panel at the January 29, 2018 Curriculum Committee meeting of the Board of School Directors. In addition to the students, the panel included teachers, guidance, and administration. The panel spoke to both the IB and the AP programs at the high school and fielded questions from the public and Board. 

Mr. Bill Richardson, International Baccalaureate (IB) CP Coordinator, gave an overview of the IBCP program, which will expand next year. After a rigorous process, the high school was officially certified for IBCP in July, 2017, and accepted its first IB students to the program this past fall. Mr. Richardson spoke about the courses which will be added next year and the planned growth of the program as it pertains to teacher training, student growth, and the program of studies. Next year will include IB Information Technology, for which there is much interest among students.

Students Max Gallagher and Liam Conway spoke about the significance of AP testing and offered specifics about how their AP courses prepare them to succeed on the exams. They also talked about how AP courses helped them build confidence in many areas and how appreciative they were to have many AP options. Two AP teachers shared some of their teaching methodologies and talked about how, at OJR, instruction is driven not only through data and student input, but by global collaboration among AP teachers across districts. AP potential, as derived from PSAT score reports, is used by teachers, guidance, and administration as students make course selections. The high school staff and administration work together toward the goal of each student learning at full potential. “We try to guide students to feel confident in their abilities to succeed in rigorous coursework,” said Assistant Principal Mrs. Caroline Slade.

Owen J. Roberts High School offers 25 AP courses. The high school has been included on the AP Annual Honor Roll, 5 out of 8 years.In 2017, there were only 447 school districts in the U.S. and Canada to make the list. To be included a high school must continue to increase the number of students participating in AP while also increasing or maintaining the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. Goals are set to continue this trend toward AP growth and success.
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Congratulations, Swimming and Diving Teams!

February 2, 2018, 8:43 am
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Congratulations to the girls’ and boys’ swimming & diving teams - both teams finished the dual meet season with a 9-0 record, and captured the Pioneer Athletic Conference Championship. This is the boys’ FOURTHConsecutive PAC Championship and the girls’ SECOND Consecutive PAC Championship !


Congratulations on a great regular season and best of luck with postseason competitions!


GO WILDCATS!!!!!
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Common Classroom, Common Goal

February 2, 2018, 10:25 am
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A7th grade home bound student, Makenna Massi, who happens to be a HUGE Eagle’s fan, attended classes today on Eagle’s Spirit Day through virtual technology. Owen J. Roberts Middle School students embrace “Perfect Attendant” just as though it were any other classmate. The robot is involved in whispers, laughs, and all the subtle interactions one might expect from any group of teens. Peers address the robot as Makenna. 



Makenna was able to perform a lab with her science peers. In unification,  almost the entire class was decked out for the Birds and Makenna was sporting a fine Eagles hat, but there was not a lot of cheering going on about the science test. Classmates were excited, however, that Makenna could join them toward a common goal...the desire for a Philadelphia Super Bowl win!

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First OJR Student to Run Millrose

February 2, 2018, 11:10 am
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Liam Conway will be the first Owen J. Roberts student to compete at the Millrose Games, which are being held tomorrow in New York City.  The Millrose Games are the world’s longest running and most prestigious indoor track and field meet.  Liam is one of 14 boys from across the country to compete in the New Balance Boys High School Mile.  He qualified by winning a race a month ago running 4:15.33 (which is the 8th fastest time in the United States currently) to qualify for this race. Liam will be attending Stanford University next fall.

The Millrose Games will be on NBC tomorrow from 4:00-6:00pm nationwide and they will show the race. 


http://www.nyrrmillrosegames.org/
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Remembering Merrill Reese Calling "The Keys to the Concert"

February 5, 2018, 11:45 am
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2015 Upbeat Strings Camp
In honor of the the Eagles' victory, let's remember when Merrill Reese, the voice of the Philadelphia Eagles, called “The Keys to the Concert” on June 24, 2015, introducing OJR Orchestra Camp! Below is a link to the NBC airing:

https://tinyurl.com/y9r2ctnh



An excerpt, written by Mr. Cliff Hall:
“The kids then leave their section and all hit the field, at the same time. This is where it gets tricky. You’ve got cellists running their route of eighth notes right as the drummers are laying down a steady beat. They’ve got to keep the group together as the violins are dancing up the sidelines making the big play. It’s a TOUCHDOWNfor the orchestra when the big moment happens when the kids as all come together to make music that audience can move their feet to.”
 
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National School Counseling Week

February 6, 2018, 5:17 am
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National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 5–9, to focus on the unique contribution of professional school counselors and how students benefit as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

Owen J. Roberts School District school counselors are actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents. Counselors are invested in enhancing students' social/personal, educational and career development and they work with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential.

Dr. Richard Marchini, Owen J. Roberts High School Principal, commended counselors at the high school, “From college applications and course selections to very upset kids and parents related to personal issues – they do it all. Along with career planning and life coaching, the counselors coordinate standardized testing, Chapter 15’s, Naviance [college/career technology], transcripts, Program of Study, schedule changes and the list goes on.  With all of that, the guidance office is where we all go when we are worried about a student because… they care.”


Owen J. Roberts has highly trained, caring counselors at every school setting. The roles vary somewhat to meet the needs of each age group, but the ways school counselors demonstrate caring is constant. We acknowledge school counselors this week as an integral part of the total educational program.
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