Here's What's Happening Inside Parkland Schools

Note: Parkland senior is the liasion to the Parkland School Board. This is from her recent presentation to the board about happenings in Parkland's schools:

*: The PTO also took advantage of Election Day to hold a bake sale, which yielded an incredible $600 for the school. Cetronia also held a school spirit day in which students were able to wear hats showing their pride for Parkland and Cetronia. 

* Fogelsville Elementary School: The fourth and fifth grade Running Club held their final day of running for the fall season. Teachers Jill Kemmerer and Eric Spadt organized the event. The running track really brought the students together as evidenced when a group of girls joined the last runner to encourage her to finish. Every student received a trophy. In going with the theme of a healthy lifestyle, Orefield teacher Mike Messerschmidt came to the school to share his experiences as a marathon runner. He mesmerized the students with stories of his competitions in continents such as Africa. 

* Ironton Elementary School: Ironton pride carried over into the PTO’s first clothing drive. Students and families collected enough bags of clothing and household items to cover the school's entire stage. Each pound of clothing collected helped to raise money for a new school playground. It’s now the job of students in kindergarten, first and second grades to work as a class to estimate the number of pounds collected. The closest class will be treated to a make-your-own-sundae party!

* Jaindl Elementary School: The PATHS Program (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies), which helps students with conflict resolution, feeling identification, and expression, will continue through Dec 19. Another example of how Jaindl is promoting character improvement can be seen through the second grade Friendship Trees. These trees are decorated with messages students created entailing what they believe makes a friend. Finally, Jaindl held its very firstthis year. Over 35 veterans were honored on Nov. 11, and each grade level prepared songs or poems to share with the veterans. This assembly helped the students gather a greater appreciation for our soldiers as well as a greater understanding for just what it means to be an American.

*  Fifth Grade students were able to take a field trip to Longwood Gardens. The area provides the perfect atmosphere to teach students hands on about the environment. Furthermore, IU classes were able to garden in the school's courtyard. They learned how to plant bulbs and water the plants. 

* The school's Pink Panthers is a group of 22 people who have the common interest of motivating one another to reach their individual fitness goals while also training to participate in local 5K races that support causes. Thirteen members of the group participated in the recent Women’s 5K Classic, a breast cancer fundraiser. To promote Parkway Manor Pride, members wear shirts that say “movin’ our paws for a cause” on the back.

From Nov. 1 through Nov. 15, students were able to take part in the 2^nd Annual PTO Turkey Trot. In honor of  Parkway Manor Student Justin Ortuno, proceeds go to the  Make a Wish Foundation. 

* Schnecksville Elementary School: On Nov. 2, Schnecksville’s running club had their culminating event for the fall session. Students and families completed a one-mile run as a grand finale to an eight-week session that included lessons on healthy eating as well as running. Additionally, Schnecksville held its Turkey Trot on Nov. 11 for students in fourth and fifth grades.

Also, the school held its School Wide Positive Behavior Awards Assembly. Students were recognized for exhibiting the attributes of a great SHARK: safe, helpful, accountable, respectful, and kind. During assembly, art teacher received the 2011 Howard L. Klopp Exemplary Teacher Award, given by Cedar Crest College. 

* Springhouse Middle School: Students have been hard at work this month involving themselves in numerous causes. The school held a Red Ribbon Poster contest in which students created ways to advocate a drug-free life. First-place winner was Steven Lipson; second place, Maya Rodgers and third place, Anila Ramlogan.

The students and staff collectively generated over $1,000 to the Breast Cancer Foundation. Activities included “Pink” day in which the staff colored their hair pink for the cause. Students donated money to have their teachers dye their hair for the day. Money was also collected from the school dance and Fright Day. Finally, Springhouse students successfully produced their fall play, “James and the Giant Peach.”

* Orefield Middle School would like to first congratulate their girls’ volleyball, girls’ field hockey, and middle school football teams who all had incredible seasons. Students are now anticipating the start of winter sports next week. Similar to Springhouse students, Orefield students contributed to breast cancer research by donating money for their favorite teachers at Fright Day. Orefield students also put on their Fall play, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”  It was well attended and a huge success.

* Parkland High School: The high school has had a very successful November. In the athletics department, a huge congratulations goes to the girls , who won the PIAA state title.  A best of luck goes to the football team who is currently in the district playoffs. They , against Nazareth, the number one seated team in the district. Hopefully the marching band will keep spirits high as they have done all season. The boys soccer team came up just short in the district game versus Emmaus.

The visual arts also had an extremely successful and well attended fall play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The play integrated many areas of the arts including a live orchestra, choreographed classical ballet performed by members of the dance team and talented actors from the theater arts program. Over 100 students were able to contribute their skills to the performance. Additionally, the chorus department has had numerous students advance to the state level.

In the visual arts, five photography students will have their photos featured at the “Seeing Through Young Eyes” exhibit at Northampton Community College. The pictures will be on display through Dec 15. Another congratulations is extended to the Debate Team, who won all four of their first competitions and was preparing for their next round of debates, on the topic of whether education should be privatized.

Finally, the Key Club will be hosting a competition between the high school clubs, based on the reality series “Minute to Win It.” Each club at parkland can send a team of students to the competition. All proceeds go towards the Make a Wish Foundation.