Limerick to Limerick Exchange and DART Give Happy Presentations

Coláiste Chiaráin Headmaster Noel Malone was in attendance at last Monday's board of education meeting for the Spring-Ford Area School District. Malone gave a presentation as both headmaster of the Ireland school and a representative of the Limerick-to-Limerick Exchange Program, which is in its fifth year at .

Board president Joe Ciresi said he was proud to announce the program's success and he didn't think it could amount to this when he and Angela Larkin came up with the idea seven years ago.

Malone, who has his own triplets enrolled in the program, said he was able to spend time with his kids, leaving his wife and younger child behind, to come present about the wonderful things happening in the program.

He said he was very impressed with the democratic way in which the school district runs and with the construction project which was not complete the last time he visited. He also suggested Spring-Ford research a rowing team. Overall, he was happy to see the success and longevity of the program.

"Students will come up to me on the street and ask if I am Mr. Malone," he said. "They tell me they went through the exchange program with Spring-Ford in [high school] and are now studying [abroad] in university. It's wonderful to see them come back."

His presentation went on for 35 minutes, with both compliments and suggestions to the Spring-Ford board.

"Give an Irishman ten minutes and he'll talk for a half hour," he said at the beginning of the presentation, holding true to his word.

Superintendent David Goodin agreed with Malone's satisfaction.

"I won’t go on for 35 minutes," Goodin joked. "But it is a great opportunity for our students to experience a culture that’s different than ours. But, it’s significant in the fact that we’re going to school in Limerick. The folks from Ireland from Limerick settled this area. It’s not just an exchange program, there’s lots of exchange programs. We actually have a relationship with this school and a lot of the other exchange programs simply go with the group, send the kids over, they do some sightseeing and there’s not really a relationship there."

Goodin continued, saying the relationship between the two schools is strong.

"What we have in this situation, which is unique, is that there is a relationship," he said. "We have an opportunity for our kids to field those bonds. There’s some history, some heritage involved, as well as the relationship piece that’s very strong. It’s a great opportunity for us and we’re really excited to be doing it."

Also in attendance to present was Principal Edward Mackel to talk about the Dogs Are Readers Too [D.A.R.T.] Program. The program is designed to aid young readers who may have difficulty at the elementary school level.

A dog and its "handler" come into class and children read to them, sounding out words and relaxing to a calm and trained dog. Mackel showed a video of the program in action.

The program is in conjunction with the "All Good Dogs Therapy Program" from Limerick. Mackel said it was highly successful at Brooke so far.

"I like [the program] because you look up while you're reading and have puppy eyes staring at you," said Tyler from a Brooke third-grade class.

Two action items were approved unanimously, including the hiring of Christine Raber for the position of Supervisor of Special Education.

"[She will be] replacing Carol Frankel, whose Jan. 31, 2012 retirement was accepted by the school board on Aug. 22, 2011," the board agenda said. "Mrs. Raber received her Masters in Special Education from Penn State University. Effective date to be determined."

The board also approved Carol Ganister to the district office executive secretary to the assistant superintendent. She replaces Patricia Dillon, who resigned. She begins on Dec. 12.

Student liaison Elizabeth Brady reported that November is always a busy month for students. She said there has been a lot of community service by school clubs, including a toiletry drive by student council. The drive is held annually, donating toothbrushes and other toiletries to .

Brady concluded with a report that the Irish exchange students presented to the students the week prior and Spring-Ford students had a "great opportunity" to learn about the Irish culture.

"It was cool," Brady said. "They have a neat accent."