Head Over Heels About Fitness

Physical education teacher Matt Fabian is head-over-heels about fitness.

Eating right is as important as exercise.

Blogger's Note: If you guessed that the following information was provided by the prolific John Armato, you guessed right ..... sorry, you don't win anything....

At Pottstown’s Rupert Elementary School students understand the value of the Greek philosophy of “Healthy Body and Healthy Mind.”

Students, staff, and parents recently took part in a family night of fitness.

Over 60 parents joined students in a night of activities that included blood pressure screenings, yoga, Pilates, cardio exercises, and an educational session on healthy snack ideas.

The students and parents were joined by a number of teachers and Rupert staff that helped to organize and conduct the activities. They included Stacey Bauman, Treena Ferguson, Shannon Wagner, Jamie Fazekas, Diana Dotterer, Nicole Leh, Lisa Stephenson, Christine Fiorillo, Melissa Scaltrito, Allen Ferster, Marybeth Reinhart, Susan Paravis, Rine Strohecker, Dave Genova, and Matt Fabian.

Most kids think adults
should be more flexible.

Principal Matt Moyer said, “I am so excited to see many of our students and parents coming back
after fter school hours to show their commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Once again our staff proves that they are here to help children succeed. Without their efforts in organizing and conducting these activities, the night would not be possible.”

Moyer expressed a special thanks to members of Fresh Start Fitness, Schuylkill Valley Sporting Goods, and the YMCA for supporting the evening’s events.

This year, the Pottstown School District has made physical fitness and its benefits to academic performance  an area of emphasis.

Each day, students throughout the school district participate in brain energizer activities to help prepare them for academic success.

I Feel Free

Ashon Calhoun

Blogger's Note: The following is happily culled from Pottsgrove Middle School Principal David Ramage's Principal's Update.

Pottsgrove Middle School is excited to celebrate the success of one of our 8th grade students! 

Ashon (Calhoun) found out that one of his original poems, "Free," was selected for publication by the PoetryWITS (Writer In Our Schools) program. 

This group is based in Montgomery County, and runs an annual Poetry Contest.

Ashon’s poem was an assignment for his 8th grade Laguage Arts class with Mr. Royce. A staff member at the school was impressed with Ashon’s work and submitted the poem to PoetryWITS.

Within a week we were notified that Ashon’s work was chosen for publication.

Effective writing is a skill sought after by employers in a broad range of fields. Here at Pottsgrove Middle School we take the craft of writing seriously. 

Students write in a variety of styles in a range of classrooms. Enjoy the power of Ashon’s writing as you read his original poem...

Free

I was made to be free
My past is trying to hold me
I can’t give up I’m a fighter
But the bonds keep getting tighter
Suddenly my life flashes before my eyes
I see all my truths and all my lies
I see all my regret and all my pain
I see all my pride and all my shame
I can’t let my past imprison me I will not be caged
I keep looking on the bad but I should just turn the page

I look on the good and the bonds loosen their grip
I look harder and they start to slip
I stare at the bonds that hold me no more
I scan the room then open the door
I step out and take in the sight
It’s been awhile since I was in the light
I don’t look back I am free
Those bonds no longer hold me

Comprehending the Region

Photo taken in the dark by Evan Brandt

Pottsgrove School Board's Latest Hits

Photo by Evan Brandt

Three Pottsgrove High School field hockey players advocate for turf fields as part of the Pottsgrove High School renovation and expansion project.

Public Meetings Squared

Oh the Books You'll Read

The Lincoln staff getting into the spirit of the day.

Courtland Yost, kindergarten, as the Cat in the Hat

OK, so this one is a little after-the-fact, but I didn't want to let it pass.

As anyone with children knows (and many without), March 2 was Read Across America Day, named in honor of the irrepressible Dr. Seuss.

At Pottstown's own Lincoln Elementary School (my neighborhood school!) the students and staff got into the spirit.

Principal Calista Boyer said "learning to read is one of the most important skills you need for success, enjoying reading will bring a lifetime of pleasure."

Whether it was the Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two, the Sneeches or the Lorax, or even the Grinch for that matter, Dr. Seuss would have felt right at home if he had stopped by Lincoln school on that day.

They say reading can brings things to life, but in this case, the folks at Lincoln brought to life what they had read.

And so, enjoy these photos of Lincoln's read spirit, conveyed by the equally irrepressible John Armato.

Jill Pluscht

Kiernan Welliever, Kindergarten

Kindergartener Michael Matos makes a good Grinch.

Kelly Mooney and Judy Friend as Sneeches

Owen Butler, Kindergarten

Third Ward Meeting Tuesday

Sheryl Miller

State Rep. Mark Painter and Pottstown Ward 3 Councilwoman Sheryl Miller invite local residents to the first monthly meeting of Ward 3.

The meeting will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the all-purpose room at Lincoln Elementary School in Pottstown.

Ward 3 residents are asked to bring their concerns, issues and ideas to the meeting.

Mark Painter

Volunteers will be sought for neighborhood watch, block captains and neighbors helping neighbors.

In addition to a member of Painter's office staff and Miller, it's possible that the Pottstown borough manager and police chief may attend the meeting.

Ward 3 is located in the northwestern part of Pottstown and votes at First Church of the Brethren at 371 N. York St. in Pottstown.