Teaching Proper Respect for Our Flag in Pottstown

Photo Courtesy of Pottstown Schools.

Navy veteran Billy Worrell, right, gives Lincoln Elementary students Nicholas Woodley and Matthew Berry instruction on the proper way to fold the American flag.

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

As the nation and president debate which actions indicate respect for the American flag and/or

veterans, at least one Pottstown area veteran was focusing purely on making sure Pottstown students are taught the proper and respectful way to handle the flag when putting it up and taking it down the flagpole at Lincoln Elementary School.

Fourth graders Nicholas Woodley and Matthew Berry, recently received some inpromtu  instruction on the proper way to fold our country's flag. 

U.S. Navy veteran Billy Worrell was picking his granddaughter up from school when he noticed the boys, who are members of the school Safety Patrol, trying to fold the flag. 

As a veteran of the Navy, member of the American Legion Honor Guard at veteran funerals and a Scout Master for 13 years, he knows a little bit about the subject.

Luckily, he was willing and able to pass on knowledge of how to properly fold our country's flag to the next generation of our country's leaders. 

"The citizenship shown by both young and old is just one more reason to say Proud to be from Pottstown," said Community Relations Director John Armato.

Supply Side Education

Photo by John Armato

Dr. Niraj Patel and Lincoln Elementary Principal Calista Boyer with some of the supplies provided by Patel.

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

Dr. Niraj Patel of the Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Pottstown has the prescription to ensure that students at Lincoln Elementary School have a good start to their year. 

Recently, Dr. Patel visited Lincoln Elementary School to drop off a donation of students’ school supplies of notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, backpacks, folders, and other needed materials. 

Just in case you were not sure which school these students attend...

The presentation of supplies was made to Calista Boyer, Lincoln Principal, and several student representatives. The school library was the setting for the presentation with many of the items being put on display covering several tables.

Dr. Patel said, “I am pleased to be able to help provide children in our community with the basic school supplies that they need that will help them on their path to a successful, adult life.”

Dr. Patel is no stranger to community involvement. For over ten years, he has sponsored school supply drives for the students of the Pottstown School District.

Boyer, said, “Dr. Patel and the Chiropractic Wellness Center have shown their commitment to our community and their desire to play a role in helping to prepare our young people to become successful adults. These supplies will be used to help our students build their educational future.”

John Armato, Director of Community Relations, said, “The Pottstown School District is fortunate to have developed a partnership with members of our community such as Dr. Patel who are dedicated to the mission of helping young people succeed.”

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.

Lincoln Elementary, Bigger and Better Than Ever

Photos by John J. Armato

Lincoln Principal Calista Boyer addresses the crowd.

Saturday was a busy day in Pottstown and one of the many things I would have liked to attend but did
not get to was the re-dedication of Lincoln Elementary School.

This is my neighborhood school (do we still say that in Pottstown?) and the school my son attended.

He was educated by many of the teachers in this the above photo and I will confess to having a soft spot for it.

But I was working the snack bar for the Pottstown Schools Music Association at the Pottstown/Boyertown football game and the one Mercury photographer working Saturday had about

The crowd listens to a speaker at the start of the re-dedication ceremony.

10 other places to be.

So I did what I always do when I can't get something covered, I go with Plan B and rely upon Public Relations Coordinator John Armato, who took photos and sent them to me despite the fact that I messed up his new iPhone trying to show him how to use Twitter.

Hey I didn't mean to do it, but, let's face it. I don't know as much as Twitter as I like to pretend I do.

Anyway, enjoy the pics and congratulations to Lincoln for opening on time.

Schools Superintendent

Jeff Sparagana

As many of you will remember, that was an open question earlier in the year when three elementary schools, Lincoln, Franklin and Rupert, were all supposed to be completed before the start of school.

Two of the schools made it, and work on Rupert continues while the students and staff stay in the former Edgewood building on Morris Street.

Hopefully, Rupert will be ready to open by the start of the next marking period, but only time and a late-running construction project will tell if that goal is attainable.

Third Grade Teacher Michael Koman, an excellent teacher of my son's, helps out with the fun and games.

More fun and games were set up up in the renovated school's all purpose room.

'Read This!' The Slimy Principals Said

Photos by Brian Mather

Regular Digital Notebook readers will remember this image from a June 28, 2012 post. In it, Principal Calista Boyer, then principal at Edgewood Elementary, is made into an ice cream sundae by her students after they met her challenge to read 5,000 books by the end of the year. Being slimed would be child's play, literally, for a woman this committed.

Blogger's Note: Recently a flyer went home with students from Lincoln and Rupert elementary schools. It said this:

In honor of Families and Reading Month, the principals are having a friendly reading competition between Lincoln Elementary School and Rupert Elementary School.

The Challenge -- Which school can read the most pages AT HOME from April 1,  to April 30?

The Reward -- The school that reads the most pages will get to “Slime” their principal! 

All students that turn in a calendar will receive a prize!

Here’s how it works -- Complete the monthly reading log. Turn it in by the end of the day Friday, May 2. We will total the number of pages read, and see which school wins!

Now, having read this flyer, I am intrigued.

I don't know about you, but knowing both of these principals as long as I have, this strikes me as a challenge not to be ignored.

As some readers may recall, Calista Boyer was the principal at Edgewood Elementary School until it was closed as part of the elementary school re-organization. But she didn't miss a beat and moved right over to Lincoln (my neighborhood school).

While at Edgewood, Mrs. Boyer kissed a pig, let her students put cream pies in her face, and let them turn her into an ice cream sundae, all in the cause of inspiring them to read.

Teachers Terry Shank and Max Donnelly took their lumps
along with Rupert Principal Matt Moyer, right.

So normally, my money would be on her. 

But Matt Moyer is no slouch in the crazy stunt department. 

Now occupying the building Boyer once led, while the original Rupert is being gutted and renovated, Moyer has also allowed his students to throw a pie in both his face, and the faces of most of his staff.

He has also challenged his students to raise money for Pottstown's Relay for Life by pledging to have his closely-cropped hair styled into a purple Mohawk.

Mr. Moyer in younger days?

In other words, I'm not sure where to put my money. 

I'll root for Lincoln, because its my home school and taught my son well and because I think Mrs. Boyer is definitely up for the challenge and will not shy away from inspiring her students. 

(Also, I know it will rub Mr. Moyer the wrong way that I picked a favorite and it wasn't him, and that will push him even harder!)

But I know better than to underestimate Mr. Moyer. 

Pies, purple Mohawks, the guy is up for anything when it comes to his students.

In fact, the only think I can say for sure, is that a whole lot of books are going to be read in Pottstown this month.

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.

Proud to be from Pottstown (Part 1)

Writing Award winners from Barth Elementary School.

Blogger's Note: Once again, spinmiester John Armato has provided us with insights into the goings on in Pottstown schools, in this case, essays written by students about why they are "Proud to be from Pottstown. Look for Part 2 coming soon....)

When Pottstown School District conducted its annual writing award contest sponsored by the local McDonald’s restaurants, the theme on which the students were asked to write, was reflective. 

Students from kindergarten through eighth grade were asked to write about why they were “Proud to be from Pottstown.”

Rupert Elementary Principal Matt Moyer, who serves as the coordinator of the annual event, said, “Our partnership with the McDonald’s restaurants has helped our students develop a greater understanding of writing techniques and has given them reason to do thoughtful thinking. This year’s topic allowed students the ability to show why they are proud of their home town.”

Marcia Graham, speaking on behalf of herself and her husband Bruce who are the owner/operators of the local McDonald’s restaurants, said, “We are always energized by reading the student essays and are glad to

Pottstown Schools Superintendent Jeff Sparagana, left, 

and Marcia Graham, owner of the local McDonald's franchise.

play a small role in helping to develop the skills that they will need to become successful adults. Their expressions of pride in our community reaffirm our belief that we are proud to be from Pottstown.”

The following are the expressions of “Pottstown Pride” from students in kindergarten and first grade:

• Angel Jones – Barth Grade 1 – I am proud to live in Pottstown because you can meet new friends. You can play at the playground and go to the water park. You can go to celebrations like parades and fairs. I am proud to be a student at Barth because you can be Barth’s Best. You can be “caught doing good.” At Barth we do pledges, read, learn about vowels and write. I am proud to be Me because I have a heart and brain. My heart lets me have feelings and my brain lets me learn and become smart. I also have a mom, a dad and a brother that I am proud of.
• Regina Fleming – Edgewood Grade 1 – I am proud to live in Pottstown because I like the Pottstown Hospital. When I had bronchitis the doctors there helped me. I got better. The doctors are nice because they gave me warm socks and they let me play in the playroom.
• Riley O’Brien – Franklin Kindergarten – I am proud of Pottstown because of school. Learning is fun. I also like the library. I like to take out books to read.
• Denajah Bailey – Franklin Grade 1 – I am proud to be from Pottstown because of my friends, family, school and teachers. I love my teachers so much. Over break, I read and read and read to make them proud.
• Aniah Smith – Lincoln Kindergarten – I am proud of my school because they keep us healthy and safe.
• Ricardo Scott – Rupert Grade 1 – I am proud to be from Pottstown because I like this school because it is big and safe. I like my home because it is big and safe.