Saturday, June 7, 2014

Every Penny Counts

Photo Courtesy of John Armato
Diana Dotterer's fourth grade class were the top fundraisers.
Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District

When it comes to fundraising, every penny truly counts. 

The students and staff at Rupert Elementary School recently proved that when they took part in the annual Leukemia and Lymphoma Society “Pennies for Patients” fundraising campaign. 

Because of their efforts and understanding the value of every penny, their initial goal of raising $500.00 was far exceeded as the grand total read $1,222.62.

Fourth grade students in Diana Dotterer’s class earned the honors of raising the highest grade
total with $189.70. 

They were recognized with a bronze pennant to display in their classroom and a pizza party. 

Three other classes were able to exceed the $100 donation mark and received bronze pennants.

They included Shannon Wagner’s first grade class, Mrs. Jacinda Bartolucci’s kindergarten students, and Susan Paravis’ second graders.

The total team effort of all students and staff at Rupert Elementary School earned them special recognition by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with a gift card to purchase needed school supplies from Becker School Supplies. 

The fundraising efforts were organized by Rupert nurses Melissa Scaltrito and Dawn Hankins.

 “We all feel very proud of ourselves because with every penny, nickel, dime, quarter and dollar that was donated we helped save lives of cancer patients.," said Rupert Principal Matt Moywer. "The efforts of our students and staff far exceeded my expectations and are a fantastic result and testament to the fact that we care about our fellow man and are willing to help ensure better lives for our neighbors.”

Friday, June 6, 2014

On the Other Hand....


Blogger's Note: The following was submitted as a letter to the editor at The Mercury, but was rejected because the newspaper does not publish un-signed letters. However, the editor passed it along to me and it seemed to me like the content was worthy of discussion in the district.

At the last Pottsgrove School Board meeting, the administration allowed two teachers who support the proposed One-to-one computer plan to speak to the board. 

But as one person following my live Tweeting of that meeting pointed out, no staff who are opposed were given the same opportunity.

As long-time readers of this blog may recall, I have mixed feelings about anonymous publications.

Although the letter which appears below is unsigned, I have confirmed the identity and employment of the author as legitimate and as the anonymity is not being used as a way to make a personal attack, but to make a point while protecting a person's employment, I decided it was worth publishing.

Here is that person's opinion:

I am a Pottsgrove School District employee opposed to the One-to-One proposal featured in the June 3rd article "A computer for every student: How to pay for it?" 

My objections are threefold: it distracts from more critical priorities for improving STEM education; it is a solution in search of a problem for students misusing technology in class; and its implementation is hampered by a blind commitment to Apple over cheaper, more manageable options.

I endorse the pro-STEM platform of the new school board, but the most critical priority for STEM should be addressing curricular content, namely the elementary schools' lack of rote learning of math facts. 

The district, ever-eager to pursue the latest pedagogical theories, has taught students a dozen different "strategies" through an inconsistent, constantly changing curriculum, the result being high school algebra classes which rely upon calculators for basic arithmetic. If we wish to prepare students for the jobs of the future, the budget would be better spent on a back-to-basics math program.

Contrary to Technology Director Michael Wagman's characterization of faculty as "on the fence," most with whom I have spoken are opposed. Step into middle or high school classrooms, and you will see no lack of technology. 

Many students spend class on their smartphones and school computers to virtually "pass notes" or watch YouTube videos. With an administration unwilling to ban personal electronics, teachers already feel disempowered by technology. 

Unless strictly managed, a One-to-One will exacerbate this already endemic problem.

Even if this program is necessary, Wagman's "Apple-or-Nothing" line spells a budgetary and IT maintenance nightmare. Apple makes excellent products, but iPad touchscreens are for media consumption, not typing book reports. While MacBooks at least have a keyboard, the brand and ultrathin form factor carries costs. 

Almost all software students use is web-based, leaving no reason besides personal taste for a commitment to this ecosystem. Cheap Windows or even Linux devices could handle these universal apps at a fraction of the cost. Thin-client solutions such as Chromebooks would save money with fewer IT problems. With everything in the cloud, there would be no erroneous saves to local storage on shared devices, nor "I left my laptop at home" excuses for missing homework. It would also enable easier control and monitoring of user activity, which is needed to combat in-class misuse and the district's recent internet-related scandals and fights.

The idea of enticing cyberschoolers (many of whom have compelling reasons for not attending regular school) with electronic bells and whistles, leaves me questioning not only proponents' sense of reason but their motives. 

Based on my personal experiences, I have grave doubts this proposal will benefit teachers, students, or taxpayers. 

I encourage those teachers grumbling behind closed doors but resigned to this decision as a fait accompli to publicly speak out.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Council Talks Stormwater, Railroads and Crime

Photo by Evan Brandt
Yeah, I know, this has nothing to do with the council meeting topics other than the fact that these soap box derby cars are on display in borough hall, along with a placard reminding us the race is June 21 on Wilson Street.


So below are the Tweets, along with a few addendums, from last night's Pottstown Borough Council work session.

As always, remember to click the blue "read next page" bar to ensure you don't miss a single thrilling Tweet from the meeting.,

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Dress for Success

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Pottsgrove Manor

The Mantuamaker is coming to Pottstown.

On Saturday, June 14, 2014 from 11:00am to 3:00pm, historic Pottsgrove Manor will host a living history program, “A Visit from the Mantuamaker.”

As a wealthy family, the Pottses would have likely hired a professional “mantuamaker”—that is a
dressmaker— to cut out, fit, and sew gowns for Mrs. Potts and her daughters. 

In this program, the Manor’s staff and volunteers will demonstrate the process of creating a gown from scratch, as well as other aspects of sewing and tailoring colonial garments. 

They will also be dressed in reproduction 18th-century clothing, giving visitors an up-close look at the fashion of the era. 

Visitors of all ages can try their hand at some of the needlework techniques and play dress-up in replica 18th-century clothing. 

This program is being held in conjunction with the Manor’s current exhibit of both reproduction and original 18th-century garments, “To the Manor Worn: Clothing the 18th-Century Household,” which can be toured on the hour during the program. 

There is a suggested donation of $2 per person for this program. 

The museum shop will also be open throughout the event and will be having a special one-day-only sale—10% off all sewing-related items.

The clothing exhibit can also be toured during regular museum hours through Nov. 2, Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Tours are given on the hour. 

The last tour of the day begins at 3 p.m. 

The site is closed Mondays and major holidays. Groups of ten or more should pre-register by calling 610-326-4014.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422. 

Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department. 

For more information, call 610-326-4014, or visit the website at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor

Like Pottsgrove Manor on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

It Would Have Been 'Gauche' to Win

Photo Courtesy of John Armato

Abigail studying with her father Erich Richter
Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District.

Pottstown Middle School eighth grader Abigail Richter was anything but “gauche” as she competed in the Times Herald Montgomery County Spelling Bee contest held at Norristown High School.

Abigail placed third falling in the eighth round of competition on the word “gauche.”

Along with being an honor student, Abigail is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Reading Olympics, soccer, and track teams. 

In her spare time, she enjoys drawing and writing. 

Abigail has attended Pottstown schools since kindergarten.

When asked about her experience at the spelling bee, Abby said, “I studied the week before for hours. I was not nervous until they made us sit quietly in our seats. I was actually shaking when it got down to the last five students and I knew I had made Pottstown proud.”

“Abigail is an excellent example of a student who has taken full advantage of the educational opportunities provided in the Pottstown School District. We are proud of her many accomplishments and are confident that they are forerunners to greater things in the future,” said eighth grade teacher Mary Ann Hill.

She correctly spelled powwow, mathematics, concerto, verboten, charpoy, calypso, hyperbole, and mesmerize.

"Abigail competed in the Middle School Spelling Bee all three of her years here. I'm so proud to see all of her hard work paying off!" said teacher Mrs. Kim Petro.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Perkiomen Creek Sojourn



So maybe the idea of the Schuylkill River Sojourn tickles your fancy, but you've never done anything like that before, so you're not so sure you want to sign up for too many days.

Well, there is a way you can try out something similar a little closer to home and only lasts for a couple of hours.

The Perkiomen Creek Sojourn, sponsored by the Perkiomen Watershed conservancy and Keenan, Ciccitto & Assoc. law firm, will be held Saturday, June 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the beautiful Perkiomen Creek.

The rain date is Saturday, June 15.

Canoes and Kayaks are available for rental at $30 for conservancy members and $55 for non-members.

By happy coincidence, the registration fee is also $30 for members and $55 for non-members.

You can get a printable registration form by clicking here.

Of you can print out a copy of this blog post and cut out the form I've pasted here.


The launch point for the event is Red Fox Park, adjacent to the Route 73 bridge over the Perkiomen Creek.

Parking is in the Conservancy parking lot across Route 73 from the launch site.

Take out is at Hoy park, along Arcola Road in Lower Providence Township. Know that transportation back from Hoy Park is limited, so if you have a partner, you may want to park one vehicle at Hoy and the other at Red Fox.

Remember to bring your own lunch and drink, a water bottle and sun screen.

For more information, call the conservancy at 610-287-9383.

Other event sponsors include Eastern Mountain Sports, the Wildlands Conservancy, Alpine Sanitation and the Pennsylvania Organization of Watersheds and Rivers.