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Fill Your Stockings at Wyndsor Farm
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Students Prepare Local Historic Home for Holidays
The horticulture club, under the advisement of Ms. Peg McGinnis, decorates a room at Welkenweir each holiday season as a community service project. The students plan and allow inspiration to guide gorgeous decorations to trim the estate house in holiday splendor.
Welkinweir, the former estate of Everett and Grace Rodebaugh, founding members of Green Valleys Watershed Association, is now the headquarters and educational center for the organization.
The 197-acre nature sanctuary and arboretum is located along a tributary to the Beaver Run, which itself is an Exceptional Value (EV) tributary of the French Creek. One of the factors contributing to the Beaver Run’s clean and healthy waters is an intact streamside forest, or riparian buffer.
The forests, meadows, ponds, and stream at Welkinweir are all valuable parts of the nature sanctuary. Welkinweir serves as a living laboratory where people of all ages can observe, appreciate, and learn more about its various ecosystems.
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Kindergarten Codes
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| Mrs. Yarbrough's French Creek kindergarten classes practice directional coding on the Kodable app |
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| The Kodable site has an Hour of Code program to teach students how to write code for the character “Fuzz” to move through the maze |
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| Kindergarten students can already apply logical coding strategies |
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| Students use up, down, left and right arrows to write the necessary code to help "Fuzz" |
There are many examples of coding happening in Owen J. Roberts schools this week. Some involve the computer, and others are "unplugged".
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ESSA and Future Ready Index
In the latest collaborative elementary principal newsletter, the following was explained:
Moving from No Child Left Behind to the Every Student Succeeds Act; A Guide for Parents, Guardians and the Community
In 2015, President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. Developed and passed with strong, bipartisan agreement, ESSA replaced No Child Left Behind (NCLB) as the nation’s main education law. ESSA presents an opportunity to impact the course of education in the state of Pennsylvania. The new federal law advances ESEA’s promise of ensuring that all students – from pre-kindergarten have access to a world-class education that prepares them for college, career, and life.
Future Ready PA Index
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has worked diligently to improve measures of school performance in preparing students for postsecondary success. The result is the Future Ready PA Index, a public school progress report that recognizes that students – and the schools that serve them – are more than just results on standardized tests.
The Future Ready Index will provide measures of school performance presented in a dashboard approach that:
Pennsylvania’s Approach to ESSA
At Owen J. Roberts, our mission of inspiring each student for success today and greatness tomorrow aligns with the philosophy that all children should have access to a world class education. Each elementary school has many programs, supports, and processes in place to ensure student success. This first-rate education begins within our elementary buildings and is the foundation for our graduating seniors. We take pride in each of our schools and being part of this outstanding community.
The Future Ready Index data will be recalculated annually each fall. For access please click on https://futurereadypa.org.
The links below will direct you to Future Readiness Index informational videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB7zzjBE0Gg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB7zzjBE0Gg
Future Ready PA Index
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has worked diligently to improve measures of school performance in preparing students for postsecondary success. The result is the Future Ready PA Index, a public school progress report that recognizes that students – and the schools that serve them – are more than just results on standardized tests.
The Future Ready Index will provide measures of school performance presented in a dashboard approach that:
- Emphasizes student growth measures that are less sensitive to out of school factors
- Measures English language acquisition among English Learners
- Eliminates the unequal weighting of content areas from previous school report cards
- Measures chronic absenteeism
- Adds measures for student access to well-rounded and advanced course offerings, such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), dual and concurrent enrollment, and career and technical education (CTE) programs of study
- Incentivizes schools to offer career pathways that culminate with high-value, industry recognized credentials
- Recognizes schools for reducing the percent of students scoring at the Below Basic level.
Pennsylvania’s Approach to ESSA
- Students are engaged, healthy, safe, and prepared to succeed in school, work, and life.
- Every school should have diverse, well-supported, and effective educators.
- Schools are an integral part of communities.
At Owen J. Roberts, our mission of inspiring each student for success today and greatness tomorrow aligns with the philosophy that all children should have access to a world class education. Each elementary school has many programs, supports, and processes in place to ensure student success. This first-rate education begins within our elementary buildings and is the foundation for our graduating seniors. We take pride in each of our schools and being part of this outstanding community.
The Future Ready Index data will be recalculated annually each fall. For access please click on https://futurereadypa.org.
The links below will direct you to Future Readiness Index informational videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB7zzjBE0Gg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB7zzjBE0Gg
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Concert Season Never Disappoints
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| "Sparkle" |
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| Jingle Bells around the world |
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| Students love listening and performing |
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| Principal Oswald and some staff get in on the drumming action |
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| You never know who may show up to guest drum at tonight's concert |
At East Coventry Elementary School today the EC Advanced Strings and S2S Strings to Stix group performed for peers in preparation of their concert tonight.
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Active Coding
Mrs. Munchbach’s West Vincent Elementary classroom! Students apply tactile learning to solve and create code.
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Students Create Lanternfly Solutions
According to the CCIU, this November, intermediate units in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties collaborated to hold the first Spotted Lanternfly Hackathon, inviting high school students to design unique platforms or applications capable of identifying, detecting and tracking the spotted lanternfly. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species native to Vietnam, China and India that was discovered in Berks County, PA, in 2014 and has since spread to nearby counties in Pennsylvania. Without careful monitoring, quarantine procedures and disposal efforts, these insects have the potential to significantly harm Pennsylvania’s agricultural industries. Now, thanks to southeastern Pennsylvania students, there might just be an app for that.
The CCIU hosted eight teams from Avon Grove, Downingtown, Owen J. Roberts and Unionville-Chadds Ford School Districts. Through video conferencing, students at each of the regional competitions simultaneously learned about the detrimental effects that an invasive species can have on foreign environments and the work currently being done by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) to prevent the spread of the insect.
“The regional competitions and the Hackathon were created to teach our students about real-world issues and empower them to be part of the solution right now,” said Dr. Demetrius Roberts, director of STEM and Educational Technology Services at the CCIU, as well as an executive team member of the PA SEED Ecosystem. “We want to hear students’ ideas and see them using their skills to solve local problems before they even graduate from high school. We know how much they are capable of, and this competition gives them a platform to demonstrate their creativity,” he added.
Each team of two to four students worked through the morning, combining creativity and computer science skills to construct a draft of an app to present to their peers and judges in the afternoon. Owen J. Roberts student, Vidisha Pandey, was proud of the final product her team pitched to the judges, saying, “It’s a really difficult challenge to design something that people might actually use to help protect our area and then pitch it to judges, but I think we’ve learned a lot from working together and listening to the other teams’ ideas, and I’m very happy with the app we’ve created.”
Although all of the teams were presented with the same objective, each team approached the design and building of the app differently. Some teams focused on acting as a resource for information on the spotted lanternfly, some chose to highlight beneficial connections between field experts and future users encountering the insect and some were inspired to transform the detection and tracking of the spotted lanternfly into a game to encourage users to download the app.
“We were so impressed by all of the students’ presentations and talent, and we’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to participate in such a unique and important project,” said competition judges Becca Manning and Rachel Schnaitman of Longwood Gardens’ education department. “I hope these students continue to pursue what they’ve created today because I think they have the energy and passion to really help tackle the spotted lanternfly problem or any other issues they encounter,” added Schnaitman.
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14th Annual Concert and Tea
Mr. and Mrs. Santa were both on hand to greet community members in the High School auditorium today for the 14th Annual Senior Citizen Holiday Concert and Tea. Nearly 150 people were treated to exceptional talent by the Naturals, the high school concert choir, and the Owen J. Roberts Jazz Ensemble.
Tea and desserts immediately followed the concert in the HS cafeteria served by the Anchor Club in conjunction with Chartwells Catering. During the tea, the freshman choir performed, followed by members of the high school orchestra.
Check out more photos on the district Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/OJRSD/
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Jazz Ensemble at Coventry Mall Saturday
The High School Jazz Band will be performing two shows of holiday music at the Coventry Mall this Saturday, Dec. 15th. The shows will be at 12:00pm and again at 1:30pm by the Food Court. Come out, do some shopping, and get into the Holiday Spirit with us!
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Meteorologist Brittney Shipp Visits School
Catch a segment this afternoon, December 12, at 4:00 p.m. on NBC 10.
The first grade students had wonderful questions about the book writing process, career selections, weather processes, and meteorologist operations.
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| Never let a dream feel "too big" |
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Senator for a Day
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| Owen J. Roberts student government members who were able to attend Senator for a Day |
The Senator for a Day program is an opportunity for high school student government students to take on the simulated role of being senator for the day. The day, which was held recently at Montgomery County Community College, was sponsored by Senator John Rafferty, Jr. It allows students to learn about the legislative process and how to work to pass legislation.
In the morning, students go to assigned committees and review issues. In committee, a speaker and committee chair are selected. The committee debates issues and brings senate bills forward to general session for floor debate and mock Senate vote later that day. The experience helps students understand what is involved in lawmaking.
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DECA District Competition Results
Owen J. Roberts students participate in the DECA District Competition in King of Prussia yesterday. There were 330 students in competition from public and private schools from Montgomery County and Northern Chester County. Owen J. Roberts had a very strong showing with the following results:
1st Place
Linus Blatz, Automotive Services Marketing (plus high test and high role-play award)
Annie Arditi, Business Financial Services (plus high role-play award)
Theo Damiani, Business Services Marketing (plus high role-play award)
Sriya Jonnadula, Entrepreneurship (plus high test and high role-play award)
Lindsey Jennings, Hotel Lodging Management (plus high test and high role-play award)
Victoria Blancarte, Marketing Communications (plus high role-play award)
Mary Kate Duffy, Restaurant and Food Service Management (plus high role-play award)
Jackson Keating, Retail Merchandising (plus high role-play award)
Shavani Preveen and Ava Destefano, Entrepreneurship Team (plus high role-play award)
John Buckwalter and Peter Lynch, Sports and Entertainment Team (plus high role-play award)
2nd Place
Jared Folsom, Automotive Services Marketing
Sean Zubey, Business Financial Services
Blake Brennan, Food Marketing (plus high role-play award)
Eric Friedemann, Human Resource Management
Abbey Hannis, Quick Serve Restaurant Management
3rd Place
John Patrick Duffy, Business Financial Services
Chris Williams, Food Marketing
Alekya Srinivasan, Hotel Lodging Management
Jeevan Bandi, Marketing Communications
Ben Diamond, Restaurant and Food Service Management
Michael Giacoponello, Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Kendall Obara and Lauren McLaughlin, Business Law and Ethics Team
Jake Koster and Eric Scull, Financial Services Management Team
Emily Sabatino and Emma Muntzer, Marketing Management Team (plus high role-play award)
James Capece and Michael Kronengold, Travel and Tourism Team
4th Place
Nikita Chin, Apparel and Accessories Marketing (plus high role-play award)
Kira St. Clair, Entrepreneurship
Jack Murray, Retail Merchandising
Aidan Mancini and Dylan Murray, Hospitality Services Management Team
Raina Smolij and Kahlea Sachar, Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team
5th Place
Akash Prabu, Quick Serve Restaurant Management
6th place
Thomas Damiani, Accounting Applications
Maddie Hill, Human Resource Management
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Healthy Skills for a Healthy Life
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| Some students free-doodled, while others chose a color page |
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| Journaling was favored by some students |
The pair has visited every classroom twice. In the first visit, students learned about feelings and emotions. They learned that some emotions are very strong and can cause our bodies to react in certain ways. Some students may feel anxiety in their tummy, or get a headache from other strong emotions. Students learn that it is OK to feel emotions. They also learn that when emotions are making them feel uncomfortable or feel physical symptoms, there are strategies they may choose to feel better.
Today, a fifth grade class practiced a few skills that have the potential to help manage stressors. The students rotated among 5 centers:
Journaling
Senses Grounding
Art
Imagry
Meditation
The skills may overlap, but students, through practice, were able to choose which activities helped them to feel peace and calming.
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Academic Challenge
On December 17, Owen J. Roberts High School hosted an academic challenge.
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According to the Chester County Intermediate Unit, "Now in its 34th year, the Chester County Academic Competition provides an opportunity for students from 24 high schools to compete in a "college-bowl" format where students answer challenging questions from a variety of categories including literature, math, science, American and world history, geography, and contemporary events."
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First Place in Horse Judging Contest
Congratulations to Maddie LeBlanc, a senior Veterinary Science student at TCHS Brandywine, for placing 1stin the Horse Judging contest at the 2018 Fall Eastern Regional FFA Career Development Event competition. Students participating in the competition are tested on subjects such as horse breeds, tack items, nutrition, management, anatomy, marketing/current trends, health and animal welfare (care and well-being), and reproduction. Additionally, students have to judge and place a group of horses from first to last place using their knowledge and skills. There were 126 students representing high schools from around the eastern region of Pennsylvania at this competition. We are so proud of Maddie for her hard work and determination!!
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Our Community in Gingerbread
Second grade students at French Creek Elementary School re-created what could be the sweetest place on earth, the Pottstown Community in Gingerbread.
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12 Days of Christmas
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Lunch Accounts Paid by Donor
Thank you!! $1,123 in negative lunch balances in the Owen J. Roberts School District was just paid off by Santa. Thanks Santa for helping our students!
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2018 Outstanding Alumni and Community Service Awards
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| Mr. Kirk Brown, Superintendent Dr. Susan Lloyd, Mr. Jay Erb and Mrs. Kim Malmstrom |
On Thursday, December 20, 2018, theOwen J. Roberts Education Foundation presented two annual awards honoring three individuals this year. The Education Foundation has been giving the Outstanding Community Service and Distinguished Alumni Awards since 1997.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to an Owen J. Roberts alumnus who enhances the quality of life by preserving, promoting and carrying out positive and quantifiable traditional values and traits. This individual’s leadership and integrity should result in significant accomplishments in his business and professional life in the community. Mr. Kirk Brown was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award this year. Mr. Brown started a landscaping and lawn care business when he was 12 years-of-age. He studied horticulture and computer at Owen J. Roberts High School. Kirk’s Lawn Care now employs three full time employees and services more than 125 customers. His business has been featured in national magazines and he was Total Landscape Care Magazine’s 2015 Landscaper of the Year.
Mr. Brown is an active community servant and role model for community giving. He assists with Green Allies and has been critically active in creating the Althouse Arboretum and the Children’s Forest Trail. He has stayed involved with Owen J Roberts School District by starting an Excellence in Horticulture scholarship award designated for a horticulture student who has displayed exemplary attitude and extraordinary skill development.
The Community Service Award is given annually to honor an Owen J. Roberts resident who enhances the quality of life by preserving, promoting and carrying out positive and quantifiable traditional community values and traits. The Owen J. Roberts Education Foundation honored two residents for their work to make our community and world a better place: Mr. Jay Erb and Mrs. Kim Malmstrom.
Mr. Jay Erb is an Owen J. Roberts alumnus and lifelong Owen J. Roberts resident. He is a Chester County Park Ranger and owner of a Tae Kwon-Doe school located in North Coventry Township. He is an active community servant and an advocate for nature and clean environment. He volunteers for countless education programs, both at our schools and in the community organizing and leads stream studies, wildlife programs, bird watching programs and night hikes for learners of all ages. He is involved in adventure challenge and High Ropes work teaching self-esteem, confidence and teamwork. He is an advocate for healthy lifestyles and combines nature walking with physical fitness tips as well.
Mrs. Kim Malmstrom established the Kyle’s Quillows Foundation seven years ago following her son’s diagnosis and treatment for aplastic anemia. She has grown this foundation to share the warmth of personalized fleece quilt-pillows for those in need. Kyle's Quillows makes home-sewn quillows (the cross between a pillow and blanket) to brighten and cheer children. The soft, warm fabric works as a reminder that many people are cheering for their recovery and it Kim hopes it inspires patients to know the quillow is given by a survivor. She inspires her own children, their friends and other community members to donate time, skills, money and efforts toward a cause to bring comfort to others. Kyle’s Quillows has donated more than 7,000 quillows to CHOP and has also sent them to patients in other hospitals in the U.S. and abroad.
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Job Fair
Find out more about great opportunities within the district including bus drivers, security personnel, housekeeping personnel, nurses, substitute teachers and para-professionals. Join us on Thursday, February 21, 2019, from 4 - 7 p.m.
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