Are PSSA's Pie in Your Face, or Pie in the Sky?

Teacher Allen Ferster smiles through the whipped cream

Blogger's Note: This was put together with the help of another submission from our prolific friend, John Armato: 

Rupert Elementary students’ recent efforts during the state standardized testing program (PSSA) earned them a “pie reward.”

They were very enthusiastic about the whipped cream pies that they were permitted to throw at their Principal, Matt Moyer and volunteer teachers.

The pie throwing was a reward to the students who had perfect attendance during all six days of the math and reading PSSA testing program and demonstrated outstanding effort.

A pie in the face is in Jamie Fazekas' future

Teachers volunteering to be “pied” were Max Donnelly, Debbie Wilson, Allen Ferster, Sherry Shank, Jamie Fazekas, and Britney Oxenford.

Another way students were motivated this year was through assemblies held before hand, such as the one at Lincoln and Rupert with football stand-out Rian Wallace and Pottstown alum David Charles from High Street Music Co. 

"The kids seem to really enjoy the message.  I've had many requests from faculty and students for a song I wrote and performed at both pep rallies titled  'Get Into The Zone," Charles wrote in an e-mail.  

Franklin Elementary teacher Lindi Vollmuth played that song and accompanying video for the school board at Thursday's school board meeting.

Sherry Shank says 'no more pie please. I've had enough.'

Click here to hear the song.

Assistant Superintendent Jeff Sparagana told the school board recently that the PSSA testing time is a high-pressure period for both the students and teachers in Pottstown.

In March, I reported about how security measures surrounding the test have become draconian, in the opinion of many Pottstown educators.

“We all know these tests are already over-emphasized, but now the process of giving the test is becoming more important than the test itself,” Vollmuth told the board during the March 15 board meeting.

As far as Superintendent Reed Lindley was concerned, Vollmuth was preaching to the choir.

“It’s unbelievable all the things we’re dealing with to make sure there is no cheating,” Lindley said. “At this point, we are up in the ozone layer in terms of compliance,” he said.

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

At Thursday's meeting, Sparagana told the board "the difficulty for teachers also comes after the testing period is done when there is a "let down and the teachers have to try and pick the students up and keep them enthusiastic about getting through to the end of the year."

Meanwhile, according to this article in the Washington Post, "in Texas, New York, Illinois and other states, protests by parents and educators are getting louder against school reform that insists on using standardized test scores as the basis for evaluating students, educators and schools."

As Valerie Straus reports, part of the irony of this growing movement is that it is strongest in Texas where  some 345 school districts — out of about 1,030 districts — "have adopted a resolution that says that standardized tests are 'strangling' public schools and asking the state board of education to rethink the testing regime. Those school districts represent more than 1.6 million students."

The irony part comes in that that "it was in Texas where the era of high-stakes testing was born. George W. Bush started a test-based accountability program when he was governor and then blew it out into a national education initiative known as No Child Left Behind during his presidency."

And in New York, the latest flap about standardized tests has to do with whether or not a pineapple wears sleeves. Confused? So were the children. Read about it here.

It's your Earth, How are You Going to Celebrate It?

Blogger's Note: The following are a few ideas from the Perkiomen Watershed conservancy in Schwenksville about how to celebrate Earth Week.

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy has a few ideas, and it's probably not surprising that they involve water. During Earth Week, the Conservancy invites the community to get outside with the Annual Stream Clean-up and Lenape Survival Challenge.

For those companies who want to demonstrate tangible support of local environmental initiatives, the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy is seeking sponsorship for these events.

"Part of the reason we're so excited to offer these opportunities to celebrate Earth Week is that they give companies a concrete focus for their environmental awareness campaigns internally," said Andy Curtis, Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Board Chairman, "and externally, they highlight a company's important contribution to the watershed, resource conservation, and our communities. We really are all connected."

The Perkiomen Creek is a significant contributor to the Schuylkill River and Delaware River Watersheds, for example. What happens upstream is critical to the health of streams and rivers downstream.

• To kick off Earth Week on Saturday, April 21, the Conservancy will engage hundreds of volunteers in its annual Stream Clean-up in and around the Perkiomen Creek, its banks and tributaries.  Remember Hurricane Irene back in August of 2011? The volume and force of water that plowed through the creek and overflowed its banks left the Perkiomen and many other local water sources in need of clean-up. In addition, many people may not realize that litter on our streets -- even cigarette butts -- gets blown directly into water sources or washed into storm drains and deposited in our waterways. The impact on the health of our streams is significant. Click the link to sign up: http://bit.ly/pwc_streamcleanup

• As the capstone to Earth Week, the Conservancy hosts The Lenape Survival Challenge. Now celebrating its 20th Anniversary, this unique two person team event is the only one of its kind in the area. Featuring a 5.7 mile dash through rolling back roads in Montgomery County, including 1/2 mile up and back down Spring Mountain. plus a 2.5 mile paddle down the Perkiomen, the Lenape Challenge accentuates the connection between land and water. One long time participant describes the race as something she looks forward to “like kids look forward to Christmas.” For details, click the link: http://bit.ly/pwc_lenapechallenge

Sponsorships of both events are available in tiers ranging from $125 for a Participant Sponsorship to $3,000 for a Premier Sponsorship and benefits to the sponsoring organization quickly add up.

For the Conservancy "Corporate involvement positively impacts these outreach events but does even more. Company sponsorships also sustain nonprofits like the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy throughout the year by funding our award winning Environmental Education, Conservation and Stewardship initiatives,” commented Curtis. The Conservancy encourages companies to demonstrate their environmental commitment proudly and locally by partnering with their local watershed this Earth Week.

To sign on as a 2012 Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Earth Week Sponsor or for more information please contact Susan in Outreach at 610 287 9383 or outreach@perkiomenwatershed.org

100 Years Young (The Second 100 Years is Always Easier)

Florence Schumacher is 100 years young this week.

Blogger's Note: The following information was provided by Amy Bathurst Francis, granddaughter of Florence Yeager Schumacher who celebrated her 100th birthday Monday at Frederick Mennonite Home.

"My grandmother has two children, my mother, Jo Ann Bathurst and Lee Schumacher; three grandchildren, my brother, Tim Bathurst,  myself, Amy Bathurst Francis, and Kara Schumacher: five great-grandchildren, Rachel Bathurst, David Bathurst, Sam Bathurst (my brother's children), and my children, Chloe Francis and Gabriel Francis.

"She was born in 1912 and raised in Reading, moving to South Street in Pottstown when my grandfather became employed by Firestone in 1949. She was married to Edward Schumacher, Jr. (not the funeral director, as he would say) for 64 years until, very sadly, he died of Parkinson's Disease at 86. She lived on South Street up until seven years ago, when she and my parents purchased the Victorian next to ours on chestnut street in the Old Pottstown Historic District, where she still lives today.

"She worked as a secretary and in bookkeeping until she had children, when she became the "house wife extraordinaire." seriously, from a grandchild's perspective, she was amazing at bringing joy into their home and making it a harmonious sanctuary... even for a teenage girl. If there was a pattern for the quintessential grandmother, it would be cut from the original pattern of my my grandmother.

Four generations were on hand for the celebration.

"She's far too gracious to take any credit for her longevity, she would say her loving family, friends, church family and by the grace of her God; however, if I were to take a stab at it I would say the credit should be given also to HER very loving, kind, appreciative and positive disposition in life.

"Many, many people would long to have her as their grandmother, and I'm blessed enough to call her mine."

Thanks Amy for sharing your grandmom's story with us.

If you have something you would like featured in The Digital Notebook, simply e-mail it to ebrandt@pottsmerc.com and we will get our large and well-paid staff right on it.

If the Shoe Fits, Collect 600 of Them!

Rachel Miller cleans some of the 600 pairs of shoes she collected

Blogger's Note: We wanted to share with you a letter The Digital Notebook received recently from Ron and Holly Miller regarding the recent shoe drive conducted by Rachel Smith for the non-profit organization named after their late son Ian.



Dear Evan,
I just had to let you know the results of Rachel Smith’s shoe drive. She blew it out of the water!!! In just one week she collected exactly 600 pairs of shoes!

This is a complete In Ian’s Boots record for the number of shoes collected in a week. Frankly, this is the only week long drive we’ve experienced, as most drives last about a month and still don’t yield that amount of shoes. The number of shoes she collected is simply astounding.

Ron and I got the shoes from Rachel today (all paired and boxed!), and she came along with us to see the process to the end. Together we cleaned, sanitized and bagged 53 pairs of shoes in about 2 hours.

It is wonderful to know that we have kids like Rachel in this world.

Many thanks,

Ron and Holly

As you can see, Rachel is pretty busy as a result of her
shoe drive.

As some of you may remember from a March 23 post in The Digital Notebook, Rachel is a junior at  Berks Christian School.

The shoe drive Rachel organized involved three schools: Berks Christian School, Conestoga Christian School, and West-Mont Christian School, where Ian Miller had been a student. 

So if some of you are kicking yourself, because you missed the chance to help out a worthwhile organization, get out your calendar because you'll get another chance on Saturday, May 19.

That's when The Second Annual "Boots Bistro" Italian Dinner and Giant Raffle will be held start9ing at 6 p.m.at The Cedarville United Methodist Church in North Coventry.


It will feature:

• Great Italian Food from Giovanni's;
• Fabulous Dessert Buffet donated by the West-Mont Women's Circle from West-Mont Christian Academy; 
• The band, "Some Don't" return again this year with awesome live music;
• A Giant Raffle featuring at least 50 unique items and baskets - Something for the whole family!

All proceeds benefit In Ian's Boots, Inc. whose mission is to provide foot ware to those in need - from our local Pottstown community to across the globe.

Formed by Ron and Holly Miller, In Ian's Boots collects footwear for the needy in memory of their son Ian, who was killed in a 2010 sledding accident while on a Boy Scout trip and whose story became well known for what was found in his boot.


Click here if you would like to know more about the organization they formed, or go to www.iniansboots.org.

Here is the story I wrote for The Mercury about this remarkable young man.

Inside his boot, the coroner found a typed passage from The Bible, James 1:2-4, which reads: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Point Guard Points the Way Toward Academic Success

Pottstown High School Point Guard Miles Elliott, center, helped these Franklin Elementary boys learn self-control.

Blogger's Note: More news from the Pottstown School District thanks to FOB John Armato....

Pottstown High School basketball player Miles Elliott demonstrated that his skills go beyond the basketball court as the Trojans’ star point guard.

This year he returned to Franklin Elementary School and assisted School Psychologist Stephanie Vigliotta in guiding a group of fifth grade boys to prepare for future academic success.

Each week Mrs. Vigliotta meets with the group and discusses topics such as anger management, effective social interactions, self-esteem, future transitions, goals, conflict resolution, and peer pressure. Miles, hoping to show gratitude to Mrs. Vigliotta for her efforts in helping him prepare for high school, offered to meet with the group and help serve as a role model.

Needless to say, the fifth grade boys were excited to meet one of Pottstown’s finest athletes, students, and citizens.

Miles served as a guest speaker to the group and had a tremendous impact on the boys as he reiterated the importance of them controlling their emotions in all settings – school, community, and sports.

Franklin Principal Mia DiPaolo noted, “We are thrilled to report that the mentoring relationship has helped to inspire our students to success.”

As a special treat the students, who proudly named themselves the “Miles Elliott Fan Club,” were invited to a special luncheon held at the Pottstown High School Culinary Arts lunch room.

Students shared stories of their success and improvement with one another, Miles, and Mrs. Vigliotta.

After lunch one of the boys was heard to say, “Wow! I really feel special today.” The students all agreed and hugged one another. The smiles on their faces that day were priceless.

The students have earned the trust and respect of their groupmates and in return have built lifelong bonds and memories.

Vigliotta noted, “Many of the boys use strategies to help themselves get their anger under control before it becomes an issue. They have actively been involved using journals and physical activity to help express themselves. There is a notable improvement in their grades especially in math and reading.”

Miles Elliott has helped to lead the Trojan boys’ basketball team to success on the court and is now helping to lead students to success in their future lives.

5K Aids Pottsgrove Educational Foundation

Blogger's Note: Below is information provided by the Pottsgrove High School Alumni Association:

The 12th annual Chartwells 5K Run, Fun Walk and Kids run will be held Saturday, April 28 with proceeds benefiting the Pottsgrove Educational Foundation.

The fee for those registering by April 16 is $20 per participant, which includes a t-shirt. After April 16, including race day, the fee is $25 while shirts last, and then $18 when they are gone.

Registration for the Kids Run is $5, with no shirt.



You can register here on-line and click on "Educational Foundation."

Awards will be given to top individual male and female, plus first through third place medals in each individual male and female run for 13 and under; 14 to 19; 20 to 29; 30 to 39; 40 to 49; 50 to 59; and 60-plus.

For more information, contact Gary DiRenzo at 610-326-6376 or e-mail him at gdrenzo@pgsd.org.

The Pottsgrove Educational Foundation, a registered 501(C)(3) organization, was established in 2000 to initiate and support programs for the benefit of the students and residents of the Pottsgrove School District.

The Foundation is registered in the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program which allows businesses to pay part of their state business taxes to non-profit organizations such as our Foundation. Contact the school district business office at 610-327-2277 if you would like more information about this opportunity.

How has the Pottsgrove Educational Foundation benefited the Pottsgrove community?

• Annually funds $10,000 in mini-grants for special projects in our schools including support for the art and music programs.

• Annually sponsors eight (8) teams to participate in the Montgomery County Reading Olympic Competition.

• Financially supports special events, assemblies and community concerts, such as the Army Chorale and Artist in Residency Programs in all schools.

• Annually awards the class valedictorian a $500 scholarship and honors the top 10 graduates.

• Purchased over 1000 books for our five schools.

• Established an Alumni Association with a link through www.pgsd.org and presented the Classes of 2002 through 2011 with free membership.

• Recognizes staff members who have reached 10, 20, 30 and 35 years of service at the opening day of school each fall.

• Supports an annual Honor Roll Dinner event to pay tribute to members of our community, alumni and/or employees who have given years of service and leadership to the district.

Open House on Limerick Nuke Performance Set

Exelon Nuclear's Limerick Generating Station

If you have ever wondered how safe the Limerick Nuclear Generating Station is, Wednesday, April 18 is the time to find out.

That is the date that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will conduct its annual "open house" to discuss the plant's performance over the prior year.

The meeting will take place at the Limerick Township Building, 646 West Ridge Pike, from 6 to 8 p.m. and is open to the public.

NRC staff members, including the on-site inspectors, will be on hand to discuss the plant's safety record over the year.

NRC oversight will be increased in 2012 as the result of a finding of "low to moderate safety significance," regarding the operation of Limerick's Unit 2 generator.

The finding was the result of "inadequate procedures" related to the operation of two main feedwater system valves, which would have been inoperable in the case of an accident  as a result of the problem.

As The Mercury reported in December, for a month last spring, two safety systems needed in case of a nuclear accident at Exelon Nuclear's Limerick Generating station were not working properly due to an error by plant personnel.

Exelon operates two boiling water reactors at the Limerick plant.

One, designed to get enough water to one of the nuclear reactors at the Limerick Generating Station during an accident; and another, designed to isolate radiation in the plant's containment building during an accident, would both have failed if called upon to perform during a nuclear accident, the NRC found.

An NRC team inspection is planned for the week of June 11 "to review the company's root cause and contributing cause evaluation for the problems; its assessment of potential similar issues; and its corrective actions to prevent a recurrence," according to an NRC release.

"Our expectation is that Exelon will thoroughly address the issues that contributed to the 'white' inspection finding finalized for Limerick late last year," NRC Region 1 Administrator Bill Dean said in the release.

"Ensuring that occurs will be a focus for the NRC in 2012," he said.

In 2011, "our inspectors spent time checking on whether there were any immediate safety concerns at U.S. nuclear power plants following the March events at the Fukushima Daiichi facility in Japan," Dean said. "Those reviews indicated the plants remained safe for continued operation."

Below is a timeline I put together that allows you to follow along with the developments after the earthquake and how they affected Limerick.

Earthquakes and Nuclear Plants on Dipity.

(If the timeline doesn't appear or work right, don't blame me. Every since I started paying for the Dipity service, it was gone straight down hill. If all else fails, in theory, you should be able to see the timeline by clicking on this link.)

The hydrogen explosion at Fukushima.

But one of the more significant outcomes of the NRC's review of the Fukushima disaster is an order for Limerick to install an upgraded venting system designed to correct the problem at the Japanese plant that allowed hydrogen to build up and cause an explosion that blew apart Japan’s Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear reactor buildings last March, spreading radiation in a 40-mile radius and forcing the evacuation of 90,000 homes. .

As The Mercury reported here last month, Exelon Nuclear has until the end of 2016 to install a new ventilation system.

You can read the annual assessment for the Limerick plant for yourself on the NRC web site or by clicking here.