âIt's not just me doing it, it's for every- body in the building who .... Technology 101, web design, Multimedia/ ...
The Creek Indian Creek Local School District Newsletter
November 2016
Pawelczyk Recognized for Fundraising Efforts A Hills Elementary School teacher is being recognized for her work to raise money for a pediatric cancer cure. Ginny Pawelczyk, a third-grade teacher at the school, was recognized by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as a Gold Ribbon Hero for her efforts in generating money for Children’s Hospital. She has worked to raise funds and awareness for the past three years since her six-yearold son, David, was diagnosed as an infant. Fittingly, her recognition came at the conclusion of a recent weeklong campaign she led at the school which generated $1,025 for the cause. Pawelczyk was nominated by UPMC nurse Karen Fante at the beginning of September, which is also National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, and the announcement was made on Sept. 30 by Hills Principal Michele Minto. Pawelczyk was surprised and touched, saying the award was not just for her. “It’s not just me doing it, it’s for everybody in the building who spread awareness. They’re the ones that raised the money,” she said. “It’s our second year of raising over $1,000 and we did it with popsicles and hats. We’ll fund a cure for cancer one popsicle and hat at a time, but it was nice to be recognized.” The students donated $1 or more to wear a hat and purchased popsicles for 50 cents throughout the week of Sept. 26-30. Pawelczyk was inspired to help when her own son, six-year-old David, was diagnosed with a brain tumor as an infant. At only seven months old, he suffered from ependymoma and the tumor had suppressed his brain stem and was paralyzing him. He was Lifeflighted to Pittsburgh and underwent a 14-hour surgery, followed by dozens of radiation and chemotherapy treatments which rendered him permanently deaf in his right ear and hindered his
Ginny Pawelczyk, a teacher at Hills Elementary School, was named a Gold Ribbon Hero for her work to raise money and awareness for a pediatric cancer cure. She was inspired by her son, David, who was diagnosed as an infant but is now thriving.
pituitary gland. He’s had to take growth hormones, suffered paralyzed vocal cords, and was on a feeding tube until three years ago. Furthermore, he has had several ministrokes and a condition called moya moya which caused blood vessels to collapse in his brain. That required surgery and an artery on the outside of his skull was connected to his brain. Today, he has annual scans but is a thriving first-grader at Hills. Pawelczyk said that has motivated her to help other children because they, too, deserved a fighting chance. “Pediatric cancer still receives only 4 percent of its funding from the government and it still needs funding. It is grossly underfunded,” she added. “They’ve only had
three new pediatric treatments in 21 years. That’s only 4 percent of funding for bone, blood, brain—all of the cancers. They need to invest in the future.” In addition to activities in September, she also raises money as part of St. Baldrick’s festivities each spring in Toronto. Although the September recognition is over, Pawelczyk established a site to contribute to on line and community members may donate anytime. “People can still donate online and it goes directly to the Children’s Hospital Cancer Research Foundation,” Pawelczyk concluded. Donations can be made online at www.givetochildrens.org/TeamDavid.
ICHS Students Preparing for Trip to Italy Students at Indian Creek High School are raising money for a trip abroad this spring to see the sights of Italy. Teachers Janet Maxon, Sarah Bolen and Patricia Dalesio said moneymakers were underway to take more than two-dozen students, parents and chaperones to view the sights of Florence, Venice and Rome. Maxon approached school board members during the Oct. 20 meeting to obtain permission for the trip, which will occur from May 4—11. But the excursion was not just one of leisure; many of the sights tied into students’ lessons in English and history. “We have about 18 students who want to travel and four of them have at least one parent who wants [to go],” Maxon added, saying the three teachers would travel for free and the trip would be provided by EF Tours. “This is the same company many teachers use and we would spend eight days in Venice, Florence and Rome, and it’s almost all-inclusive. I think it’s important to make a real-life connection with
students as much as we can.” Bolen, who resided in Italy for nearly a decade, would also help as a guide. The group will arrive in Milan and head on to Venice, where they will see the likes of St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canals. Bolen said her familiarity with the locations will enable her to lead the group and see sights first-hand that they’ve only read about in the classroom. “I’m really excited to take the students,” she added. “Venice is a strategic point in history and is a great place to study world history. Florence is one of the most important cities in Italy for art and history; in Rome, we will tour the Coliseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel.” Maxon noted that students are eligible to earn up to a half-credit in high school history or college credit by completing a project that involves research and a PowerPoint presentation. Meanwhile, Dalesio said the country
holds plenty of significance in literature, primarily the tales of Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Dante’s Inferno” and Giovanni Boccaccio’s “The Decameron.” “To be there will be really interesting. Michelangelo was an artist but also wrote over 300 sonnets,” she continued. “I think this trip will give them a glimpse into the world we’re studying and it will be an experience they will never forget.” Costs are about $3,075 per student and friends and family can donate to a GoFundMe account operated through EF Tours. Other fundraisers include Meatball Mondays and sliders are being sold outside Room 114 from 1-3 p.m. to benefit the Principal’s Fund for the tour. The sandwiches cost $3 for one or two for $5 while more ideas are to hold a paint-and -sip night, spaghetti dinner and opera event and other independent sales to raise funds. The school board later approved the request and fundraising efforts began on Oct. 31.
Provenzano has designs on multimedia class Johnna Provenzano is using her knowledge of technology to inspire younger generations as the new multimedia instructor at Indian Creek High School. Provenzano, a Mingo Junction native who now resides in Weirton, most recently worked at Eastern Gateway Community College and is excited about instructing at the high school level. She hold a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a marketing concentration and a master’s degree in business administration from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She began working at EGCC right out of college as an academic advisor and recruiter before becoming transfer coordinator. It was at that time that she started working with local high schools to offer college courses on their campuses. Most recently, she enrolled in the Workforce Education and Development Program for Career and Technical Education at Bowling Green State University to complete her resident educator license. “I have been wanting to get into the teaching profession for a couple of years and started networking with colleagues in secondary education,” she said. “I found
out about the position opening and took the opportunity to apply. Based on my background in marketing and familiarity with digital media creation and information technology platforms, I knew I would be a good Provenzano candidate for the position. I am excited to be a leader in the classroom and educate students. Being an advisor for 10 years has given me skills to guide students on their pathway to a career.” Provenzano is teaching Information Technology 101, web design, Multimedia/ Image Management, game design and the IT Capstone course. “Each course has so much to offer. Students in IT 101 will gain the basics in the information technology field. This course is to act as a prerequisite to the other courses offered in the pathway,” she continued. “It will build a foundation for stu-
dents moving forward. The web design and game design courses are completely online curriculums where the students will actually be working on code and creation every day in the classroom. Each course starts from the very basics and will lead to the students creating their own professional portfolios in web and game design.” She said the multimedia course will guide students through learning all types of digital media and how they are used, such as printed media, photo editing and video editing. Finally, the IT Capstone course will give students an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the information technology pathway through project-based learning. Students will utilize a variety of technology from basic computer software to video creation and editing software, while students in the web design and game design courses will respectively use a web-writing platform and game creation software. Provenzano sees the technology as a vital tool to prepare youth for the future. “Once students realize you will use digital media and information technology in any field they choose to pursue, I believe the interest will continue to rise.”
TechGYRLS Program Takes Off at ICMS The TechGYRLS program is taking off during its second year at Indian Creek Middle School and is building interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. About 22 sixth- through eighth-graders are currently active in the weekly sessions, which are held each Wednesday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the school. Led by eighth-grade science teacher Austin Cable, the latest gathering took a look at rocket propulsion with representatives of the Citizen Science Lab of Pittsburgh. Staff member Carrianne Floss and intern Jayrin Reji performed different types of propulsion with Alka-Seltzer and water, vinegar and baking soda, and dry ice and water. The latter was mixed in plastic bottles and tested during an outdoor experiment. Cable said participation in the program has increased since it started last year and TechGYRLS is designed to bolster interest in STEM subjects. He added that quite a few students returned this year while new members also joined. “Last year, we had 16 [participants] and this year we have six extra. The girls get excited about it and do things that are fun. It is fun afterschool stuff they can enjoy and learn something in the process,” he said. “It’s intended to generate interest to do better in math, do better in science, and do better in school in general. They do things they don’t normally do in class.” The Citizen Science Lab representatives were the first speakers to visit ICMS, but it was at no cost to the school TechGYRLS is provided by the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh and is sponsored by Huntington Bank. Kelsey Derringer, STEM specialist with the YWCA, said the program is also offered to schools in Weirton, the Woodland Hills
Twenty-two female students at Indian Creek Middle School are participating in the TechGYRLS program, which started last year to inspire interest in STEM subjects. The group got a lesson in rocket propulsion during their recent session with Citizen Science Lab of Pittsburgh.
School District outside Pittsburgh and Carmichaels, Pa. “TechGYRLS is a legacy program through the YWCA and is all around the country. The YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh is partnering with Huntington Bank, and this program wouldn’t be possible without their funding,” Derringer commented. “We have STEM Stars in Pittsburgh for grades 5-8. With all of the science opportunities available in Pittsburgh [with such sites as the Carnegie Science Museum], the kids there have more science opportunities. That’s why we brought out TechGYRLS so girls outside the city can learn about science.” The Citizen Science Lab also provides onscene opportunities and classes for education, including labs lasting from one hour to three
days for elementary, high school and adult learning. Derringer said with TechGYRLS, female students can learn hands-on science about lip gloss, glitter slime and other things that might interest them. “They take science that’s everywhere and make it relatable,” she said. “They really get to form a bond and appreciate hands-on science. It empowers girls to solve problems and engineer the solution.” Several of the students said they’ve enjoyed the experience. “I love it,” said sixth-grader Kirsten Driscoll. “I like that you can tap into your inner scientist.” “I like it,” added sixth-grader Abigail Beegle. “We get to do a lot of fun projects and work with girls in different grades.”
School Activities Provide Something for Everyone There’s something for everyone at Indian Creek Middle School. A variety of new organizations are sprouting up to give students many opportunities for socialization and community service. Grades 7-8 Principal Dr. Holly Minch-Hick said quite a few ideas have come from parents, as well as students themselves. “We started a parent advisory committee and talked about kids’ interests, things they enjoy, and what we can do that’s feasible,” she said. “We wanted kids to feel connected to the school and make friendships so
coming to school is more enjoyable.” In addition to athletics and band activities, students can also join the choir in either the fall or spring session and lift their voices in song at school and other events. There currently are 55 sixth-througheighth-graders participating and they have appeared at the recent ICMS Community Night and the Cherry Blossom Festival each spring. The Pep Club became active this year and yields about 40 members. Advisor Stacey Zink said the group has helped promote athletics and causes in the school.
Additionally, the Media Club includes 22 eighth-graders who provide daily broadcasts of school news and a dozen seventhgraders who comprise the newspaper staff. The Lego Club has a total of 85 fifthand sixth-grade boys and girls who construct unique projects. Other organizations include the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Destination Imagination, the student council, Students Against Destructive Decisions, the National Jr. Honor Society, the Mi Futuro program and the upcoming jump rope club that is being formed for fifth-graders.
WES First-Graders Learn “Yes, I Can” Attitude First-graders at Wintersville Elementary School learned the “Yes, I can” attitude during a visit from a local martial arts expert. Ed Littlejohn, who operates Martial Arts Super Center at 356 Main St. in Wintersville, offered a brief motivational talk that encouraged students to have good selfesteem and grades while expressing the philosophy behind his craft. “I’ve done martial arts since 1977,” he said, adding that he’s visited schools since 1985 to share his message. “It is to help build an ‘I can’ attitude and confidence. It’s about discipline, focus, and respect. I’m a believer in that it builds up confidence.” He said he was inspired by his wife, a schoolteacher for the past 32 years, and his sessions concluded with the presentation of “discipline” pencils as a reminder for kids to remain sharp in mind and body. He also distributed flyers inviting students to take part in a free martial arts curriculum for one month. Four sessions were set between Oct. 13 and Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. and teach respect for parents and authority figures; guidance on setting and achieving goals;
Ed Littlejohn, martial arts instructor and operator of the Martial Arts Super Center in Wintersville, visited students at Wintersville Elementary School to discuss self-esteem and developing a “Yes, I can” attitude.
training to say no to unhealthy peer pressure; three exciting self-defense techniques; instruction in child emergency situations; and advice on how to defeat the bully without fighting. Littlejohn plans to address more classes through Nov. 1 and possibly beyond. He
has spoken at Indian Creek and other area school districts for three decades and said he wants to motivate youth to be the best they can be. For more information about his sessions, call (740) 266-6568 or go online to www.tkdpowerteam.com.
Hills, WES Hold Joint Literacy Night Event Nearly 130 people, including 48 students from Hills and Wintersville Elementary Schools, took part in joint Literacy Night festivities on Oct. 25. Events were held at Hills and included fun and educational activities for students and their family in the classrooms while a hayride, photo area, a table with information on dyslexia, and fall-themed refreshments were also available. Amy Rusnak, who organized the evening with teacher Karen Lloyd of Wintersville Elementary, said attendance was lower than expected but those who took part enjoyed the experience. “There were a lot of hands-on activities based on reading and math and [the children] were split up into grade levels so the activities could be appropriate,” Rusnak said. “Our goal was to keep it ageappropriate.” Examples included sequencing stories for preschool and kindergarten students; pumpkin-related crafts for first- and second-graders; illustrating book characters for a reading event targeting third- and
Brooke Crites, a fourth-grade student at Hills Elementary School, is pictured creating a structure with marshmallows and toothpicks as part of a STEM-based activity during Literacy Night on Oct. 25.
fourth graders; a STEM-based session for fourth-graders using toothpicks and miniature marshmallows to build a structure. Kids in the latter event said they enjoyed their candy creations. “It’s sticky,” said Kaitlyn Kakascik, a fourth-grader at WES. “It’s good. We get to eat the marshmallows,” added Tyler Smith, a sixth-grader at Indian Creek Middle School. “It’s fun building,” noted Mason Lester, a fourth-grade student at Hills. Principals Michele Minto of Hills and Lorrie Jarrett of WES said there was something for everyone. “The kids had fun, that’s the big thing,” said Minto. “They had a lot of activities,” added Jarrett. Two literacy events are held each year that combine both schools and Wintersville is scheduled to have a holiday-themed event in December. Rusnak said each school will then host its own activity in the spring in conjunction with the Scholastic Book Fair.
