Most View Edgewood Discussions on Video

Photo by Evan Brandt

Pottstown School Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez, right, and business manager Maureen Jampo, wave to the livestreaming audience during a presentation on converting the former Edgewood Elementary School into a kindergarten center in order to be able to move the fifth grade out of Pottstown Middle School and back into the elementary schools.

It would be inaccurate to say that I was the only member of the audience for Monday afternoon's town hall meeting about converting the former Edgewood school into a kindergarten center.

I was just the only member of the physical audience at Barth Elementary School, other than the ever-present John Armato.

But by the time I got back home to write this up, I had heard from said John Armato that the presentation by Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez about the issues raised by the proposal had 92 views on the district's Facebook page where the presentation was livestreamed on video.

Click here to watch the presentation; or you can click here to watch the presentation from Oct. 24 at Rupert Elementary School. (That video already has more than 500 views).

I'm sure by the time you read this, that number from Monday afternoon will have at least doubled.

The final presentation will be held Friday, Nov. 8 at 9 a.m. at the administration building on Beech Street.

Rodriguez seems to have this presentation pretty well down. He indicated, as he has in the past, that this consideration is being driven by the desire to move the fifth grade back out of Pottstown Middle School, where they have been houses since 2015.

The cost to renovate the building, some of which will have to be undertaken whether the kindergarten center plan moves forward or not, hovers between $3 million to $6 million, not to mention some of the costs of busing.

On the down side, having kids go from pre-kindergarten programs, only half of which are in elementary buildings, to a kindergarten center, and then back to elementary schools is a lot of transitions which, educators know, can slow academic progress, particularly among the younger grades.

On the up side, kindergarten centers are fairly common, would allow for more flexibility and, or course, create the space to move the fifth graders back into the elementary schools, which is how we got here in the first place.

The district has looked at other place that have fifth grade in their middle school, such as Reading, but he said once you start getting down into the details or program and community expectations, the comparisons start to lose their value.

"People in Pottstown have very high expectations," Rodriguez said.

"There is a feeling of chagrin, I think, about the decision to move the fifth grade into the middle school. I think a lot of people think it was a big mistake," he said.

That said, Rodriguez said this discussion about Edgewood does not mean the district has made a final decision to move the fifth grade out of the middle school, only that it is looking at options.

One of those options is, of course, keeping things as they are now.

Currently, the district has added staff, including teachers, a security guard, several mentorship programs and mental health counselors through a partnership with Creative Health to try to improve behavior problems at the middle school.

The district has also focused most of its grant-making on the middle school, securing $2 million in grants for after-school programming -- academic, extra-curricular and career exploration -- to point middle schoolers in positive directions.

But Rodriguez said he does not expect any over-night miracles, such as a sudden jump in academic scores, and so far, the behavior statistics have yet to show any major improvements at the school building.

And, he said, the district could go through the steps and move the fifth grade out of the middle school and still find all the same academic and behavior problems at the school remain.

Should the school board decide to move forward with either turning Edgewood into a kindergarten center or a fifth grade center, as was discussed last year, a decision would have to be made no later than March, said Rodriguez.

That would give the district the 2020/2021 school year to get construction done at Edgewood and it would open as a school again in August of 2021 for the 2021/2022 school year.

And with that, here are the Tweets from Monday's presentation:

Edging Closer to a Decision

Yaileen Irizarry and Ezai Jones are Named This Year's Peacemakers at Barth Elementary School

Submitted Photos

Sharon Holloway, left, a former Barth teacher and First Presbyterian parishioner who runs a mentoring program at the school, joins the Rev. Kerry Pidcock-Lester, first Presbyterian pastor in congratulating this year's Barth Peacemaker winners, Ezai Jones and Yaileen Irizarry.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District.

Entering Barth Elementary School you will find a peaceful friendly environment. Two of the students that help keep it that way are Yaileen Irizarry and Ezai Jones. 

Every year, two students are chosen by their peers who have the qualities of a Peacemaker; respectful, courageous, and willingness to solve problems in a peaceful way, and this year they are the winners

This award was created in partnership with the First Presbyterian Church of Pottstown and presented by Pastor Kerry Pidcock-Lester. 

Ezai Jones with his family.

The students received a plaque with their name and a $100 check.

This is the 20th year that First Presbyterian has sponsored this program.This is how a student described Ezai: "I nominate this boy for the Barth’s Peacemaker Award because he is nice, kind, and respectful. One day we were playing basketball and two others began to fight over one calling a foul. This boy came over and said,'You don’t have to be mad, it’s just a game. Take a couple deep breaths,and get back to playing.' This boy is also helpful. When he saw a girl trip outside he went over to her and helped her up and asked if she was okay." 

Yaileen Irizarry with her family.

A classmate gave these remarks in nominating Yaileen: "I nominate this girl for the Barth Peacemaker Award because she is caring. One time I fell and scraped my knee. Then she walked me to the nurse’s office and got me a band aid. She is very happy too. She always has a positive attitude toward teachers and students. She is very helpful. One time my friend and I got in a fight. This girl helped us solve the problem, and made things all better."

 

This year's Barth Peacemakers Ezai Jones and Yileen Irizzary

King, Perez Named Barth Elementary's Peacemakers

From left, First Presbyterian Co-Pastor Kerry Pidcock-Lester, Kendyll King, Isiah Perez and former Barth teacher Sharon Holloway

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District

At Barth Elementary School they practice the intent of the John Lennon song "All We Are Saying Is Give Peace A Chance." 

The annual "Peacemaker of the Year" program which was developed through the joint efforts of Barth Elementary School and the First Presbyterian Church of Pottstown, recognizes two students for the qualities of kindness, respect, courage, and the willingness to solve problems in a peaceful way.

The school‑wide program includes written student nominations. 

Recently at a school assembly, students read their nominating speeches which describe the qualities that the nominee has to qualify them to be "Peacemaker of the Year'. Pastor Kerry Pidcock-Lester was on hand to present plaques and a $100 award to this year's Peacemakers Kendyll King and Isiah Perez. 

Classmates described Kendyll as someone who listens to everyone's side of a story and tries to be a problem solver. 

"She cheers you up by making jokes:she is very funny. She helps us when we do not understand something in class. She does her best to be positive and cheer people up. Once when I was sad about something that happened she talked with me till I felt better," read some of the comments. 

One of Isiah's classmate wrote; "he helped me pick up my papers when I fell. He also made me feel welcomed and helped me when I first moved here. He included me in games at recess if he saw I was not involved. I was shy about singing in the chorus concert and he made me feel that it would be alright. Once I got mad because I tripped and he came to make sure I was OK and gave me a way to stay calm. 

Barth Principal Ryan Oxenford, Barth said "thanks to First Presbyterian for supporting this program for the last 19 years. It is a powerful learning lesson for our students and a stepping stone to becoming positive productive citizens."

Barth First Graders Take a 'Field' Trip, Literally

Photos Courtesy of the Pottstown School District

From left, Alonna Kacanda, Rashawn Ward, Morgan Gastonguay, check out some of the meadow's natural wonders as highlighted by teacher Connie Nye

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District.

Barth Elementary first graders recently took a field to, where else?

Connie Nye and Barth first graders Deandre James,
Zzahmyeir Reid-Anderson, Ashonti Stillman and
Ja'Nahla Wilson explore the meadow behind Barth

A field!

Thanks to a donation from Patient First, located at King Street and Shoemaker Road, Connie Nye, the creator of Sweet Water Education, was able to visit and present her program to the students.

The three-day program is called "Sweet Dream" and is looks at habitat, focused on the subject of animal habitats.

Isaiah Moser releases dandelion seeds to the wind

As part of the school's STEAM curriculum, it includes hands-on interactive activities such as field exploration, outdoor lessons, habitat songs and team scavenger hunts.


As one of the most under-funded school districts in Pennsylvania, Pottstown Schools reach out and take advantage of community partnerships to create learning opportunities for students.

Another reason to say Proud to be from Pottstown.

Homemade Caps Keeping Heads Warm at Barth

Christine Rhoads stopped by to make sure the caps she knit for Kathy Eagle's 1st grade class all fit.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District.

As a winter storm approaches and children and parents alike wonder if there will be school today, if they are in Kathy Eagle's class they know that school or not, at least their heads will be warm.

That's thanks to Christine Rhoads, a Golden Sage volunteer at Bath Elementary School.

Students in Eagle's first grade class will be able to stay warm by following the old rule of cover your head in the winter when you go outside. 

Mrs Rhoads, who is also Eagle's mother, hand knitted 23 winter hats as Christmas gifts for students in her daughter's class. 

We're betting in all likelihood, Eagle found a cap in her stocking as well. 

Children Warmed by Generosity of Exelon Employees

Barth Elementary staff and students with some of the winter coats being donated by employees Exelon's Limerick Generating Station through Operation Warm.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District.

Many Pottstown School District students do not have access to necessary winter apparel, but thanks to a local company, they have the winter coats that they need. 

Exelon Limerick Generating Station employees have been donating coats to Pottstown students for the past six years through the Operation Warm program. 

This year, 182 coats will be distributed to students in all four elementary buildings and the middle school.

“I’ve been working with Operation Warm to supply coats to families on behalf of Exelon Limerick Generating Station for the past five years,” said Donna Christman. “It’s a very rewarding experience to see the smiles on the children's faces when they receive their coats for the winter.”

School principals and staff appreciate that their students are equipped with warm enough clothing, and the students show gratitude. 

“A couple students commented that they received jackets last year and demonstrated their appreciation to get a jacket that fits them” said Ryan Oxenford, Barth Elementary School Principal. “I think it’s an incredible example of generosity for an organization to reach out to our community and offer to provide assistance in some basic needs which helps families, especially at this time of year.”

Smith, Rubincam Named Barth's 2017 Peacemakers

Photos Courtesy of Pottstown Schools

Kerry Pidcock-Lester with this year's Peacemakers, Julia Smith and Joel Rubincam. Barth Principal Ryan Oxenford is at the podium.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by The Pottstown School District.

Recently, Pastor Kerry Pidcock-Lester from the First Presbyterian Church of Pottstown presented two students from Elizabeth B. Barth Elementary with Peacemaker awards.

Joel Rubincam and Julia Smith, were named Peacemakers by their classmates for being exceptionally kind and considerate to their peers.

Julia Smith and her family

“I commend you for being chosen as Barth Elementary School Peacemakers of the year. Your classmates have seen in you honorable qualities: kindness, respect, courage, and a willingness to solve problems in a peaceful way,” Pidcock-Lester said.

Several fourth grade students read remarks about the positive traits of the award
winners, including:

• “I nominate this girl for Barth Peacemaker award because she is fantastic. She stood out since she came to this school. She is brave and honest with everybody. She is a role model not only to younger kids but to older kids as well.”
• “I nominate this person for the Barth Peacemaker award because whenever I get hurt, she asks me if I’m okay. When we are out at recess and I am not playing, she asks me if I want to play with her. She is always kind to everyone. She is always truthful to me.”
• “I nominate this person for Barth Peacemaker award because she treats people how she wants to be treated, she solves fights fairly, and she stands up for what she knows is right. She is kind to all.”
• “I nominate this boy for Barth Peacemaker award because he is very forgiving. He helps me out very often. He is a very good friend to a lot of people. I don’t remember him ever being rude to me or anybody else.”
• “I nominate this boy for Barth Peacemaker award because he is very kind and respectful to others. He is also responsible. He is truthful and he is a good friend. For instance, he let a student in front of him because the student was feeling down.”

Joel Rubincam and his family.

Both Pidcock-Lester and Barth Principal Ryan Oxenford noted that the “Peacemaker” trait as particularly important in navigating today’s world.

“In a world that is often hurt by violence, these are very important qualities because peace is precious and peacemakers are people we like to invest in,” Pidcock-Lester stated. 

Pottstown School District is thankful for the First Presbyterian Church’s partnership and generosity in providing both students with $100 awards. According Oxenford, the church also donates $3,000 to the school for student educational field trips.

A Barth First Grader's Giving Spirit at 7 Years Old

Barth Elementary First Grader Ethan Caballero with Trojan Man and elven helpers Anthony Wiggins, left, and Austin Andrews review the toys Ethan collected to deliver to sick children in the hospital who could not be home for Christmas.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by John Armato, avatar of the Pottstown School District.

Barth Elementary School first grader Ethan Caballero may only be seven years old but he has shown that he can work side by side with men like, Trojan Man to help bring joy and cheer to children who have to spend their Holiday in the hospital.

Together they held a toy drive that collected more than 300 toys that will go to Pottstown Memorial Medical Center for children who were not be at home when Santa made his deliveries. 

Ethan has already learned that the true spirit of Christmas is more about giving than receiving and his wish to bring joy to others is one of the many reasons we can say "Proud to be from Pottstown." 

Trojan Man who is the a champion of the community along with his Elves Anthony Wiggins and Austin Andrews were happy to give a helping hand.

Girls on the Run in Pottstown Schools

Photo courtesy of Pottstown Schools and Danielle Prouty

Barth Elementary First Grade Teacher Kathy Eagle congratulates runner Nijae Grosvenor at the end of the 5K

More and more girls in the Pottstown schools are on the run, thanks to a program designed to boost their confidence, their fitness and their leadership skills.

Last year, the program, called Girls on the Run, was piloted at Barth Elementary School with 24 students.

This year, the success of last year’s program spawned similar efforts at Franklin and Lincoln

Pottstown Middle School runners were: Keyora Frazier, Debra Laulu,
Ariana Torres, Mylihng Ortiz, Amber Adamski, and Noel Wallner.

elementary schools as well as Pottstown Middle School.

Specifically, Girls on the Run is a 12-week physical activity based youth development program “that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience based curriculum which creatively integrates running,” according to information provided by the Barth leaders, whose 15 staff members were joined by nine coaches and 6 volunteers, and 31 students.

More than just running the Girls on the Run Program taught other lessons as well, and, at Barth the girls participated in a community impact project, cleaning up the Barth courtyard.

Barth third grader Mackenzie Prouty

The Barth students completed a practice 5K in April and in May joined dozens of other schools, including those from Pottstown, in a 5K held at Wissahickon High School that boasted 809 girls and 1,100 coaches.

“Though the completion of the 5K the 14 Franklin girls learned they are capable of achieving any goal they set their mind to; even the impossible is possible,” wrote the four coaches at Franklin Elementary School.

“As a building we had presentations from Sarah Blum explaining what GOTR was all about. We were hooked from the start,” the five Lincoln coaches wrote in an e-mail.

“ We knew that we wanted to do this to help our Lincoln girls. The lessons that were shared were things that we knew our girls would benefit from,” the wrote. “They would be gaining so many qualities and lessons that they can take with them for the rest of their lives,” lessons that included confidence gained, fears overcome and friendships forged, they wrote.

At Lincoln, the 11-member team “started our lessons either in the gym or a near by classroom watching videos, playing games, and having discussions on whatever the daily topic was. After our lesson we would head outside, weather permitting, and challenged the girls with running laps around the building,” the coaches wrote.

“We started with five laps progressing all the way up to 15 laps equaling 3.1 miles. We were fortunate to be able to take the girls to Memorial Park for our practice 5k halfway through the season. The change of scenery really forced the girls to challenge themselves,” they wrote. “After each practice we finished in the gym with discussions, wrap-up, and their favorite thing- energy awards.”

At Franklin, the practice 5K was a school-wide affair.

“Before the practice 5K, the Franklin GOTR program had a rocking pep rally, with the entire school in attendance. All of the classrooms made flags, banners and signs to support the girls,” the Franklin coaches wrote.

Each girls on the Run runner received one of these medals.

“Each participant was called up by name and a slide show to music was presented spotlighting the season. The entire building participated in a brain energizer called the Cha Cha Slide. The school cheered the girls on as they left the building to start the practice 5K and continued to support them outside as they ran,” the wrote.

“As the girls completed each lap around the building a letter was written on their arm. After the ten laps they had the word the “INCREDIBLE” on their arm.”

At the middle school, the six-member team practiced twice a week from February leading up to the event in May. “During practices the girls participated in activities that built self esteem, encouraged leadership and teamwork, and focused on making smart choices,” the five middle school coaches wrote.

“My daughter truly enjoyed the experience and it has given her the dream to compete in track and field once she is in middle school,” Barth parent Danielle Prouty wrote in an e-mail to The Mercury.

The Barth Elementary School Girls on the Run team.

The Barth Coaches and volunteers were: Minday inman, Tia Miller, Sarah Blaum, Jodi Zechman, Rachel Pollock, Sarah Paul, Nikki Alutius, Sam Mazzei, Jeniffer Burkholder. Volunteers were Mieke Mazur, Kathy Eagle, Kim White, Gerri Alderfer, Colleen Blute, Meghan Walsh.

Barth Students were: Sabrina Albert, Gianna Allen, Richelyne Appolon, Nyla Baird, Aleecia Bearden, Madison Beasley, Nicole Boughter, Mia Caballero, Rosario Clemens, Hannah Daniels, D'Asiah Davis, Alexis Demeter, Brittany Endy, Kristina Gray, Nijae Grosvenor, Lovia Hickey, Kylee Kennon, Joseclyn Malauulu, Melanie Norris, Najae Perez, Madison Part, Mackenzie Prouty, Dorothy Roash, Kira Rodriguez, Danielle Rubincam, Yamaia Skipper, Leah Smith, Ashiyana Thorn, Makhiya Tinson, Oralee Wilson, Rosalee Wilson.

Franklin coaches were: Jamie Vigliotta, Jen Swenk, Bridget Baldwin, Nicole Ewing.

Franklin students were: Josephine Bechtel, Sarai Brant, Olivia Brudowski, Gabrielle Cassell, Emily Castillo, Ruthie Engle, Makenna Franey, Natalee Hums, Avery Shope, Emily Swider, London Trout, Sanaa Watson, Madisyn William, Kenyada Wise.

Education By the Numbers

Photos Courtesy of John Armato

Members of the Franklin Elementary School Math Olympiad team work on a problem.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Pottstown School District .

Fourth Grade students from all four Pottstown Elementary Schools competed again in each other in the first annual Math Olympiad on Thursday, May 21. 

The Rupert Elementary Math Olympiad team puts their
math knowledge to work.

More than 30 students competed as individuals and as teams to complete complex mathematics problem solving questions. 

In each timed round students were given 10 mathematical problems to solve. Round one was an individual round, and round two a team round. 

Team scores were a combination of the individual and team rounds. 

"I am excited to see our students so enthusiastic about this event," said Rupert Elementary Principal Matthew Moyer. "Competitive academic events like this, challenge the students and will lead to excellence in the classroom."

 The Goals of Math Olympiad:

• To stimulate enthusiasm and a love for Mathematics 

  

  The winning team was Franklin Elementary School.

• To introduce important Mathematical
  concepts 
• To teach major strategies for problem solving 
• To develop
  Mathematical flexibility in solving problems 
• To strengthen Mathematical intuition 
• To foster Mathematical creativity and ingenuity 
• To provide for the satisfaction, joy, and thrill of meeting challenges

The Results:

Team Winner: Franklin Elementary School

Individual Winners:

1st Place winner Abby Eagle

1st Place - Abby Eagle from Rupert Elementary School

2nd Place winner

Lily Fetterman

2nd Place - Lily Fetterman from Barth Elementary School

Special Thanks To: Tri-County Federal Credit Union for sponsoring the event!

Our Pottstown Staff for their help and involvement:

Barth- Kathy Eagle, Coleen Blute, Cara McGuffin, Nikki Alutius, Rachel Pollock

Lincoln - Mandi Wampole, Denise Schleicher

Franklin- Karen Confino, Darla Stout, Bridget Baldwin

Rupert- Allen Ferster, Diana Dotterer, Nicole Valenti, Jamie Fazekas, Lauren Crean, Del Ferster

On Excellent Teachers and Zero-Tax Budgets

Inadequate photo by Evan Brandt

From left, Pottstown School Board President Judyth Zahora, high school social studies teacher Maureen Rieger, Franklin Elementary teacher Jane Hospador and Superintendent Jeff Sparagana.

As much as this is the season of spring concerts, graduations and field days, it is also the time of the school year when excellence in teaching is recognized.

Some of that recognition occurred at Thursday night's school board meeting.

The first teacher to be honored was Jane Hospador, who teaches at Franklin Elementary School and was a finalist for the Montgomery County-wide Voices of Inspiration Award.

Here is a short video with Superintendent Jeff Sparagana reading why Hospador was recognized.




After Hospador, it was Pottstown High School social studies teacher Maureen Reiger's turn.

She was recognized by the Philadelphia Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution as one of the teachers the organization recognizes each year "as an extraordinary educator."

It is presented to "a teacher whose instruction on the era from 1750 to 1800 demonstrates education efforts in the classroom that exceed and excel above the current, accepted curriculum requirements.

Rieger will not compete at the state and possibly national levels.

Here is a short video of the ceremony in her honor Thursday.



Of course that wasn't the only newsworthy thing that happened Thursday night.

There was also the small matter of a $57 million proposed budget that was adopted unanimously and will not raise taxes in the coming year.

But we both know that will get splashed all over the front page of The Mercury, so I thought it would be nice to lead off with the teachers since, to be honest, that will likely not make the paper.

And that's why The Digital Notebook's motto is "All the News That Doesn't Fit Into Print."

Speaking of non-print news, here are the Tweets from Thursday night's meeting.

(Be sure to scroll your way through to the bottom to see lots of photos from the district's first Elementary Math Olympiad, held at Rupert Elementary, as well as photos of students helping to establish a new community garden at Charlotte and Walnut streets.)

Volunteers in the Vanguard

Photos  by John Armato

Volunteers from Vanguard Investment Corporation helped spruce up Pottstown High School during a "Day of Caring." Even a dummy ion the health occupations room can see the value of that.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pottstown School District.

The Pottstown School District and community taxpayers benefitted from a result of a partnership of volunteers from the Vanguard Investment Corporation, United Way, and the Pottstown School District. 

Vanguard employees (referred to as crew members) along with family members and representatives of the Pottstown School District participated in the annual “Day of Caring” sponsored by United Way of Southeast Pennsylvania. 

Both young and old gave up the pleasure of sleeping in late on a Saturday morning for the satisfaction that comes from working side-by-side with others for a worthy cause. 

This year’s projects included painting of the Pottstown High School Health Occupations Suite and landscaping of Barth Elementary School’s courtyard.

Dave Siravo, Vanguard Project Leader said, “The Vanguard Corporation’s philosophy includes a strong component of community involvement and commitment. Our crew members are dedicated to making a positive difference in the community. I am particularly proud of the fact that many of our crew members bring their younger children along so that the seeds of community service are sown early.”

The day’s project goals were accomplished quickly because, as always, the Vanguard crew comes with enthusiasm, organization, and focus. 

Working side-by-side with Vanguard volunteers were Barth Elementary School Principal Ryan Oxenford, Michaela Johnson, Health Occupations Teacher; Danielle McCoy, Director of Career and Technical Education; Nick Yonas, member of the Buildings and Grounds crew; and John Armato, Director of Community Relations. 

Mr. Oxenford said, “It is exciting to see so many people willing to give of their personal time to make a difference in our community.” 

Nick Yonas, who is also a Pottstown graduate, was responsible for the onsite organization of materials and work crews. He said, “This is an exciting experience for me. Seeing so many people willing to give their time to help our school district makes me proud to be an alumni.” 

Michaela Johnson, also a PHS graduate, said, “My students will be surprised when they come to class on Monday and see that their classrooms have a warm and inviting atmosphere because of the efforts of the Vanguard crew.”

John Armato, Director of Community Relations and honorary graduate of 2014 Pottstown High School, took part in the day’s events. 

 “Partnerships, such as these, help to save valuable taxpayer dollars while completing much needed school district projects. The adults and young people today served as role models and have done their part to ensure that our community moves forward in a positive fashion. Today’s events are just another reason for us to say, Proud to be from Pottstown.”

The Right Engle

From left, Barth Principal Ryan Oxenford, Christinna Longecker, Zachary Mitchell and Makenzie Johnson

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Barth Elementary School.

Barth Elementary School recently held an awards program to honor the accomplishments of the 3rd and 4th grades.

One of the elite awards given out was the Engle Award.

William Engle established a fund for children because he loved them and wanted to be remembered by them.

This fund has been collecting interest since his death in 1935.

The interest from this fund is awarded to students who have made the most significant progress through their third and fourth grade elementary years.

These students show dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to go above and beyond the required academics.

They consistently perform their very best.

This award is presented to the three students with the highest academic standing upon their exit from fourth grade.

Barth's Engle Award Winners were:

1st place – Christinna Longenecker

2nd place – Zachary Mitchell

3rd place – Makenzie Johnson

Girls on the Run

Barth's Girls on the Run after the race at Wissahickon High School.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Barth Elementary School

How many third and fourth grade girls do you know who would spend 12 weeks training so they could run in a 3.1 mile race?

At Barth Elementary School, the count is 22 students who took part in the “Girls On The Run” program.

GOTR is designed to allow every girl to recognize her inner strength. 

The Girls On The Run curriculum inspires girls to define their lives on their own terms. 

Barth's Ariana Torres is having fun on the run.

Throughout the season, the girls make new friends, build their confidence, and celebrate all that makes them unique.

High school guidance counselor Sarah Blaum, who is one of the program organizer, said, “The girls are learning to work together to help and support each other, to listen to their own bodies, and to listen to their coaches but most importantly to believe in themselves.”

“The 12 week program has three purposes which include life skill lessons, community service projects, and training for the 5K race,” said Barth Principal Ryan Oxenford.

The program was supported through generous donations by grant funding from different sources that included the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, First Presbyterian Church, and Chester County Running Store. 

Blaum said, “Our parents have been so supportive in helping with transportation issues for the girls after practice. This truly has been a collaborative effort of GOTR staff, community members, Pottstown School District staff, parents, and students.”

One parent noted the positive difference that participation in the program has provided when she said, “I’m so amazed with this awesome program. I have never seen my daughter so ambitious about something. She strives for perfection in almost everything she does and this program is teaching her so much it’s beautiful to see.”

On a sunny spring day in May the 22 girls, along with their coaches and volunteers, participated in the 3.1 mile race held at Wissahickon High School. The event, which attracted over 1800 participants from across Montgomery and Delaware counties, was the final chapter in the girls’ journey. 

The lessons the girls learned helped them not only complete the race but realize their potential as leaders in the classroom and the community.

Barth Elementary School was the scene of an afterschool celebration attended by all of the girls, their coaches, family members, and supporters. The girls received certificates and a personalized school bag with a journal and pictures of each of them participating in the program.

Oxenford said, “This program has enabled these young ladies to realize the potential they have to be successful through individual effort and teamwork. I am proud of them and appreciate the many volunteer coaches who helped to make this program a success.”

Volunteer coaches included: Sarah Blaum – PHS; Sarah Paul –Barth; Rachel Pollock – Barth; Mary Anderson – Barth; Jennifer Burkholder – Barth; Matthea Mazzie – Barth; Ashley Lanyon – Barth volunteer; Megan Walsh – Barth volunteer; Helen Bowers – PHS; and Melissa Schubert – PHS.

Participants included: Amber Adamski, Gianna Allen, Jenia Brown, Khaia Burgess, Mia Caballero-Vega, Josie Chladek, Hannah Jane Daniels, Margaret DiPietro, Lily Fetterman, Sanai Greene-Brinkley, Jazmin Gulick, Brianna Higgins, Makenzie Johnson, Aniyah Jones, Chasey Jules, Kylee Kennon, Jocelyn Malauulu, Mackenzie Moser, Kira Rodriguez, Ariana Torres, Chakae Tinson, and Oralee Wilson.

We Are Pottstown -- for 175 Years

Mercury Photo by John Strickler

On Friday and Saturday, Pottstown School District wrapped up the celebration of its 175th Anniversary with a Friday dinner at Brookside Country Club for the Foundation for Pottstown Education and a celebration Saturday at Pottstown High School that culminated in the above photo.

Here are my Tweets and Touts from Saturday's event, almost outnumbered by Tweets from Schools Superintendent Jeff Sparagana, who is new to Twitter but taking no prisoners, and a few from John J. Armato from Friday night.

(As always, remember to click the blue "Read Next Page" bar to make sure you don't miss any of those sweet, sweet Tweets.)

The 'Top Teacher' so Nice, You Can Vote for Her Twice (...or even three times)

Mercury Photo by John Strickler

Barth elementary first grade teacher Ellen Eisele is one of 12 finalists for Top Teacher honors on Live with Kelly and Michael. You can vote for her once a day at http://bit.ly/1lOn6mr

Barth first grade teacher Ellen Eisele suffers from severe arthritis and, at age 50, has already had to have a knee replaced.

It rarely keeps her out of the classroom, but they don’t do replacement knee surgery in elementary classrooms, so it has landed her in the hospital at least once.

“While she was in the local hospital last April for her surgery a young nursing student came in to care for her. They looked at each other and realized Ellen had taught this lovely young lady in first grade at Barth Elementary School,” wrote Susan Deegan-Watson, Eisele’s self-described best friend.

“Her former student hugged her and told her and her husband Fred that she is the reason she continued to be a good student and wanted to become a nurse because Ellen always told her she could be anything she wanted to be if she just studied hard and was a good citizen,” wrote Deegan-Watson.

Mercury Photo by John Strickler

You can vote for Ellen Eisele until Monday at 5 p.m.

Her letter was to television personalities Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan, hosts of the long-running morning show, “Live with Kelly and Michael.”

She was writing to them to nominate Eisele as the Top Teacher, and the Kelly and Michael show is where the winner will be announced.

Eisele is already one of twelve nationwide semi-finalists and can be one of five if she gets enough
votes by 5 p.m. Monday.

You can vote online once every 24 hours at http://bit.ly/1lOn6mr

The site, where you will find Deegan-Watson’s full letter, also allows comments and Eisele has collected quite a few compliments there.

If the true measure of a successful teacher is the success of their students, it could easily be argued that Eisele is already a Top Teacher.

What follows is just a sampling of her fan base:

• “I am 29 and Mrs. Eisele was my teacher at Barth. She was always kind, caring and loving. She is a teacher I will never forget. She is the best hands down,” wrote Aubre Carter.

• “My oldest had her for first grade. Now her younger sister is currently in her class.. my girls speak very highly of her all the time. We hope that when our younger two are in first grade that they are in her class as well. Mrs. Eisele is a wonderful teacher. Good luck from the Prouty family,” posted Dannielle Prouty of Norristown.

• “Ellen is what teachers should be. Educators that love for children to go forward in this world,” wrote Lenny Cox.

• “I had Mrs.Eisele in elementary school , I’m now a senior class of 2014! And she’s still my favorite teacher. Funny my little sister now has her as well! We love you Mrs. Eisele! We hope you win!” wrote DeIoni Tinson.

• “My son is currently in Mrs. Eisele’s first grade class. He has learned so much this year. Not only has Mrs. Eisele been instrumental in helping him learn his “book smarts,” but we have also see a difference in his behavior. He is more conscious of his actions, and focuses on being a ‘good citizen,” Erin Michelle Egleston posted.




• “My two children were students of Mrs. Eisele before she went to her present school. She was an awesome teacher and was instrumental in providing such support for all her students,” posted Donna Grace Bersaglia.

“My husband traveled a lot at that time of our lives and my son was more affected by it. She knew when and could tell and was so very helpful and kind especially at those times. I came in as a helper weekly and could see the love she had for her students,” Bersaglia wrote.

“My daughter is now a high school special education teacher in a neighboring district and because of her and other teachers like her, she saw how special a teacher can be in a child’s life,” according to Bersaglia.

• “Ellen was my tutor when I was very young. I still have a book she gave me and have read it to my daughter several times. She is a wonderful person,” posted Andrea Palladino Noel.

• “Mrs. Eisele was my daughter’s teacher in first grade. She loved her as soon as she stepped into her room. And Mrs. Eisele loved her too I never met a more amazing teacher in my life,” wrote Stacey Ehrhart.

Of Pottstown Schools Facilities and Finances

A Warm Feeling

Barth students in Mrs. Wolfel's and Mrs. Blute's classes get an unexpected gift from a generous parent.

When Barth Elementary School parent Melissa Caballero found out about students who come to school cold, she decided she needed to do something about it.

According to school principal Ryan Oxenford, she organized "Operation Keep Me Warm for the Holiday" for two classes at Barth. 

She coordinated efforts using Facebook and was able to provide each student in those classes with a bundled package consisting of a hat, scarf, blanket, book, stuffed animal, and gloves or mittens. 

The students were extremely excited by this surprise gesture. 

"This idea was brewing in my head after going to a PTO meeting," Caballero told Oxenford. 

"We were talking about taking up donations for hats and gloves. And who we should donate them too. After the meeting I was talking to a teacher. She told me that for years children would come to school cold and ask if there were any hats and gloves that they could have. This made my decision final. I had to do something," Cabbalero said. 

"I sat down and talked to my husband about this and he was super supportive of my idea. And I knew that I could not just give them hats and gloves. I wanted to give more. So we thought and thought what else. Then that is how I came up with 'Keep Me Warm for The Holiday' name." 

"What else would keep them warm? Heads , hands, how about their brains (a book). How about their hearts( a teddy bear and blanket to cuddle) also went with it would be a snack bag with hot chocolate," she said.

She got an outpouring of support in this effort.

"I knew I was not financially table to pull off this idea alone. So I facebooked my friends and family," she explained.

"Each of us bought items here and there when we could. We pulled it off in three weeks; 80 children from three different schools."

And why would anyone undertake such a project during the holiday season? Precisely because it is the holiday season.  

"Pottstown is my home town. And I am willing to try to do whatever I can to make a difference in our town, our children's lives," Caballero said. 

"They are our future. I want to show them that no matter how tough life gets. There are ways to work them out. That WE Pottstown stick together we can make a difference to make our town the best place to be," she said. 

Is this the beginning of a new tradition? It could be...

"I hope I can do another project like this next year. I have a lot of my friends and family who are willing to help me again. I can't thank my husband, family and friends enough for their help and support," Caballero said.
Both Caballero and her husband, Alex, are graduates of Pottstown Schools and they have four children; Alex Jr., 13, who attends Pottstown Middle School, Mia, 8 and Jade, 5, both of whom attend Barth and Ethan, 3, who is a future Pottstown student.

Mia is in Kelli Wolfel's class and Jade has Colleen Blute.


"The kids were super surprised and super excited by the generosity of Operation Keep Me Warm," Wolfel said! "They looked great in their new hats and gloves reading their new books."

"Operation "Keep Me Warm For the Holidays" was an incredible undertaking by one person," Blute said. "She, along with other community partners, demonstrated to the children how important it is in this day and age to understand the true meaning of Christmas. The excitement on the faces of each and every child made the message clear to every person present."

As for Oxenford? He said simply, "I continue to be amazed by the spirit of people."

You're right about that Mr. Oxenford.

Barth Was In the Pink Yesterday

Blogger's Note: Barth Elementary School Principal Ryan Oxenford sent along this tidbit about what was going at his school yesterday.

On Friday, Barth Elementary School students and staff participated in a schoolwide 'Pink Out.' 

Students and staff wore pink in support of the Pottstown High School's 'Pink Out' football game on Friday night, to raise breast cancer awareness.

The students and staff are pictured forming the shape of the trademark pink ribbon.

"It was exciting to see so many students and staff coming together in a project to defeat this disease," said kindergarten teacher Colleen Blute.

"This is an age-appropriate way to show our support and demonstrate awareness of the cause, said speech and language pathologist Hayley Quigley. "The students enjoyed seeing the staff and their friends participating in something together." 

Tools for School

From left, Beth Desch, Wendy Wilkinson, Talayia Mays, Alisha Woods-Ross, Paula Kamp, Mike McGivern, April Gebhard, Heather Yocum.

Blogger's Note: The latest from John Armato, director of community relations for the Pottstown School District.

Recently, the employees of Pottstown Community Health and Dental Care provided Barth Elementary students with the “tools for school.”

Representatives of the center distributed the packets which included folders, crayons, pencils, rulers, notebooks, and erasers to a representative group of students who they met in the school library.

Barth Principal Ryan Oxenford said, “it is rewarding to see all the happy faces on our students as they accept the supplies which they will be able to use both in the classroom and at home. Their academic success is dependent upon having all of the ‘tools for school’.”

Beth Desch, from Pottstown Community Health and
Dental Care, meets 

with some Barth Elementary students.

Beth Desch, a representative from Pottstown Community Health and Dental Care, said, “we are very happy to be able to provide these supplies to our youngest citizens and hope that it helps prepare them for the future.” 

The donation of supplies was part of the National Health Center Week Celebration.

CHDC is a non-profit, federally qualified health center which provides medical and dental services for all ages. 

They accept most insurances including Medicare and Medicaid. 

The center is located at 11 Robinson St., across Shoemaker Road from Wal-Mart and has convenient hours including night and weekends; call 610-327-7405 for dental appointments and 610-326-9460 for medical appointments.