2011 School Board Meeting Schedule

The 2011 School Board Meeting Schedule has been posted.

Central Cambria School District Meets AYP Targets!

All four schools in the Central Cambria School District have met the targets for achieving Adequate Yearly Progress for the 2009/2010 school year!  Adequate Yearly Progress measures whether the school has met the required academic goals for the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law.   Governor Rendell held a press conference on Tuesday, September 14^th to announce PSSA and AYP results.

School district data, a fact sheet about AYP, and the Governor’s press release are available via the PDE website at http://www.education.state.pa.us.

Pirate Camp

Pirate Camp  was held at JES July 13, 14, and 15th for JES students entering 2nd grade this coming school year.  Twenty five students took part in the camp that was planned and taught by Debbie Winn, Deanna Deetscreek, and Jolene Dishart.  Throughout the week the students were engaged in a variety of educational activities in numerous subjects.  The camp incorporated math by teaching the students how to meaure planks in cm, inches, and feet, after measuring and recording their information they got to "walk the plank.  Language arts was incorporated by having the students play pirate vocabulary bingo, singing pirate chanties, and having pirate stories read to them.  The students searched for their treasure (snack) and booty using treasure maps and compass rose.  We conducted a sink/float science experiment.  Each student constructed an aluminum foil boat, predicted how many pennies it would take to sink the boat, then went outside to test their predictions  by placing their boats in tubs of water and counting how many pennies it took to actually sink the boat.

The Central Cambria Education Foundation and Jackson Elementary School Fund funded this camp.

Magnificent Math Camp

Magnificient Math Camp was held Tuesday July 6- Friday July 13 from 9:00-11:00 at Jackson Elementary School. The camp was open for students from Jackson Elementary entering 4th and 5th grade. Twenty fourth and fifth grade students took part in the camp that Debbie Winn, first grade teacher, and Jolene Dishart, AmeriCorps, planned and taught. The students spent the week engaging in a variety of math activities such as writing checks and balancing their our own checkbooks, playing restaurant (taking orders, adding totals, figuring tax and tip, making change), playing quizmo (bingo with math facts), making fraction pizzas, and constructing figures with geometric shapes.

Row One: Katilyn Cooper, Christi Russell, Alexa Hays, Trevor Harriger, Katie Harrison, Row Two: Marian Grata, Ashley Deetscreek, Maria Letizia, Dalton Baker, Justin Bezek, Noah Gibson, Row Three: Caleb Sand, Danika Polka, Carly Kaschalk, Caitlyn Machuta, McKenzie Keiper, Jordan Farabaugh

Katie Harrison (waitress) takes Jordan Farabaugh's (customer) order at the Hamburger Hut

A group of 4th and 5th grade girls play Allowance: a game that requires students to count money and make change.

A group of students make fraction pizza.

Ashley Deetscreek uses pattern blocks to create a geometric figure.

Hays (customer) pays her waiter Jordan Farabaugh (waiter) at The Ice Cream Parlor.

Noah Gibson adds up his customers order.

Summer Reading Camp

A Summer Reading Camp was held at Jackson Elementary from June 14-18, 2010.  Twenty-two students who will enter the 1st through 3rd grades attended the camp.  The students worked in small groups and whole group to practice and reinforce reading strategies they learn throughout the school year.  At the end of the camp each student received a book to take home.  The camp was taught by Mrs. Winn and Mrs.Deetscreek.

ACE Outstanding Educator Awards

On Tuesday, June 8, 2010 Kate Wolf, Stephen Traino, Melissa Douglas and Susan Dixon received “ACE Outstanding Educator Awards” from the Central Cambria Education Foundation. 

Kate Wolf, elementary guidance counselor and director of the high school music theater program, was described as a caring, compassionate, dedicated member of the Central Cambria community.  In addition to offering counseling services to both elementary schools Kate has engaged students in such musical theater experiences as “The Wizard of Oz”, “Grease” and “Godspell” in recent years.  Kate coordinates an enormous charitable program that reaches many needy families in our community at Christmas and she initiated a summer music theater camp for elementary students in the district.  While much of Kate’s work is “behind the scenes”, her colleagues recognize and appreciate the tireless enthusiasm and boundless energy that she contributes to the district. 

Stephen Traino, a member of the Middle School faculty, was glowingly recognized by his peers for the innumerable contributions he has made to the district over the past 34 years.  Stephen was described as a “role model” for both students and his faculty colleagues, an “amazing educator” who energizes students in his classroom and a person who has served the district’s children in a plethora of ways during his career.  Stephen inspires students, counsels and mentors younger teachers and enhances the quality of the middle school experience for students and teachers alike. 

Melissa Douglass is a music teacher at Jackson Elementary School.  Her peers nominated her for this award because “she works incredibly hard for the school and her students”.  Melissa is known for her creative teaching methods as well as her willingness to go “above and beyond the call of duty” to nurture young student musicians.  Susan’s love for teaching and love of music inspires her students. 

High school guidance counselor Susan Dixon was described by her peers as the “consummate professional” who is “utterly dedicated to the children she serves”.  “Susan takes her responsibilities as a guidance counselor very seriously.  Her dedication to her job is admirable and inspiring”.  Susan is a caring soul who nurtures students as well as her district colleagues.  “Through her kindness, wit and sense of humor, Susan promotes the feeling of family among her colleagues”.  The finale of Susan’s peer nomination asserted that she adheres to the spirit of Steve Prefontaine’s assertion that “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift”. 

The Central Cambria Education Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of education in the district through creative programming that supports, encourages and recognizes the talents of district students and staff. 

Sixth Annual Central Cambria Red Devil Classic

The Sixth Annual Central Cambria Red Devil Classic was held at the Ebensburg Country Club on Friday, June 25, 2010. Proceeds from the event benefited the Central Cambria Education Foundation (CCEF).

An absolute text-book summer day boosted the spirits of 80 golfers who gathered to raise funds for a most worthy cause. Approximately 40 local businesses and individuals lent their support through tee sponsorship, cash and door prize donations, as well as goods and services.

The golf course was in excellent condition, which aided the first place team of Randy Seymour, Joe Cavalier, Jim Seymour and Ed Kramer in coming in 17 under par. Additionally, Dean Collins, Tom Cardellino and Mike Springer pocketed skill prizes during the event.

All of the golfers enjoyed a barbeque lunch of ham burgers, hot dogs and sides. The outing concluded with a chicken dinner and the awarding of skill, place and door prizes. Please join us next year on June 24, 2011!

The Central Cambria Education Foundation is a registered non-profit that provides funding in the arts, music, sciences, athletics and many other endeavors to the student body of Central Cambria. CCEF has underwritten programs such as Music on a Grand Scale, Girl’s in the Middle, Music Camp, Math Camp, Kindergarten Camp, After School Fitness Fun, Junior Ecology Adventure Camp, and many, many other wonderful programs.

For information on the CCEF, please call 814-472-8870, or log onto www.cchs.k12.pa.us, and click the “Foundation” link.

Groundbreaking Ceremonies

An exciting day for Central Cambria School District!  On Wednesday, June 2nd, groundbreaking ceremonies were held to kick off the construction projects set to begin on June 9th.  An addition at the high school will house sixth, seventh and eighth grade middle school students.  A new multipurpose room will be added to Jackson Elementary.  Both projects are scheduled for completion for the 2011 school year.  Watch for future updates and photos to be posted on the website as the construction continues!

Beating the Odds Rally

For the past 20 years, the Beating the Odds Foundation has been convincing students that anything is possible if they follow their dreams. On Monday, May 10, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students from Central Cambria joined other school districts from across Blair and Cambria Counties at a rally meant to inspire them to overcome adversity and realize their goals. The Blair County Ballpark in Altoona transformed into an outdoor classroom as a variety of special guests helped to convey the uplifting message.

Speakers, professionals, and even the Golden Knights parachute squad joined together to deliver the meaning of the day. The most noted of the presenters was Quinton Aaron, star of the blockbuster movie, “The Blind Side.” Much like his character in the film, Aaron found himself facing some difficult obstacles, but was able to persevere and become a “Quarterback for Life.”

Though the weather was cool, the positive effect of the rally left students, chaperones, and teachers alike with a warm heart and a bright outlook for the future.

CC Visual Art Has Strong Spring Showings

Central Cambria Middle School visual art students won 5 out of a possible 6 Achievement Awards at the 2010 Greater Johnstown Young Artists Exhibit. Students from the high school also took home 2 more awards in their division. Art programs from 16 local schools were featured in this year’s show from grades 6 - 12. The juried show is the final of several very strong spring exhibits in which Central Cambria students annually participate. Art work from all grade levels was also featured in this year’s “Artists of the 21st Century” exhibit at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Loretto, as well as the Ebensburg “Art in Bloom” exhibit. Congratulations to all artists for their hard work and achievements.

Central Cambria named to NAMM Foundation's "Top Communities for Music Education" 2nd year in a row!

Central Cambria has been named to the NAMM Foundation's "Top Communities for Music Education" for the second consecutive year. This is due to our excellent students, our committed music teachers and our supportive Administration and Board of Education. This is a truly great honor! This is our third time to receive this distinction within the past five years! Congratulations!

 NAMM Announcement

High School Students Win Big at State Computer Fair

Central Cambria High School competed in the 2010 PA State Computer Fair at the Altoona Campus of Penn State on Monday March 8th, 2010. There were 56 school projects entered in this year’s regional fair sponsored by the IU-8, which was a qualifying event for the State Competition that will be held May 25th, 2010 at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. Central Cambria High School, under the direction of Dr. Joseph P. Karwoski and Mrs. Michelle Shirk, entered 13 teams (7 of which took first place):

Team 1: Programming Division – Mike Salgurero, Chris Lombardi, and Brennan Pryce – First Place

Team 2: Programming Division – Jonathan Ostinowsky and John Devlin – Second Place

Team 3: Programming Division – Dan McGill and Nick Caurvina – Third Place

Team 4: Animation Division – Jeremy Webb, Trista Custer, and Renee Getz – First Place

Team 5: Animation Division – Melissa Luther and Seth Peruso – Second Place

Team 6: Curriculum-based Webpage Design – Jenn Pfeil – First Place

Team 7: Multimedia Division – Luke Trotz – First Place

Team 8: Multimedia Division – Max Bodenschutz and Ian Sonafelt – Second Place

Team 9: Digital Movie Division – Logan Bodenschutz – First Place

Team 10: Graphic Design Division – Nicole Sokira – First Place

Team 11: Text Based Desk Top Publishing Division – Nicole Sokira and Erin Hartesi – Second Place

Team 12: Informative Web Page Design – Collier (John) Devlin – First Place

Team 13: Logo Division – Dan McGill – Third Place

Girls in the Middle Retreat 2010

The Girls in the Middle Retreat took place on Friday, March 26th with over 80 girls participating. The retreat built upon our Pyramid of Success ™ program and consisted of workshops on building positive relationships, teambuilding & cooperation, diversity & community service, self-esteem, creativity, leadership, team spirit & condition and skill, problem solving & positive attitude, and health & wellness. The goal was to foster new relationships among the girls, educate them on topics aimed at building their self-esteem, and prepare them for current and future conflicts that may arise. The girls had opportunities to showcase their talents in the problem solving workshop, create cards for residents of Rebekah Manor in the diversity & citizenship workshop, practice their basketball moves in the leadership, team spirit & condition & skill workshop, and learn different styles of dance in the health and wellness workshop, just to name a few. Additionally, the girls participated in group discussions, received valuable information, and celebrated old and new friendships. This event could not have happened without the help and support of the Central Cambria Education Foundation, Central Cambria PTSO, Sheetz, Inc., parent and community volunteers, teachers, staff, The PMSC/AmeriCorps Program, St. Francis University’s Women’s Basketball Team, Girl Scouts of Talus Rock, The Women’s Help Center, Communities in Schools of the Laurel Highlands and Le Dance Academie.

Central Cambria Music

Not long ago a group of Central Cambria students returned to the school’s auditorium for a “Wizard of Oz” cast reunion gathering. An eclectic smattering of young people milled around the stage conversing on topics as diverse as the colors of the rainbow until Mr. Nagy sat down at the piano. It was as if perching himself upon the piano bench activated a magnetic vacuum that drew students to the piano’s periphery. At the first depression of worn ivory piano keys all chatter ceased, students stood taller and carefree laxidicalism gave way to a more focused demeanor. A discrete nod of the head from the maestro brought twenty disjointed voices into a perfect show tune cadence. Onlookers were sure to notice the smiling faces and joyful deportment of the young carolers. After uniformly marching through the first segment of the tune, spontaneously factions of voices broke off into a multi-dimensional harmony. As the final key strokes were played, with the sound of the music still echoing off the walls, an anonymous student intoned, “We still got it!” And if fact, they did. It was a shame that the music had to end.

At Central Cambria, music is the force that shapes many of our most treasured memories. From elementary school concerts through high school graduation, music serenades many of the most unforgettable moments of the children’s education. Piano music is a tradition worth continuing, it is a blessing worth our continued investment and support.

Central Cambria school district is clearly endowed with great musicians but currently burdened by a woefully inadequate piano. For the last five decades, yes fifty years, the district has tickled the same ivories. It is time for a change, time for an upgrade, time for the current instrument to retire after many years of admirable service which includes propelling the district into the distinguished fraternity of the “Top 100 Schools for Music” designation by the National Association of Music Merchants.

Our piano no longer is able to hold a tune. Multiple tunings are required prior to school concerts and district productions. If the piano is tired, it has good reason to be weary. The piano serves as a catalyst to a plethora of district events. All four of the district’s schools utilize the instrument. From elementary school concerts, to upper level band/chorus concerts/shows, to high school musical theater productions, to the annual prom march, graduation ceremonies and selected community events, the piano works hard during the school year. Our piano’s best days are clearly behind it and now we are faced with the prospect of recruiting its replacement.

Please help us continue to jettison the sound of piano accompaniment through the halls of our school and into the memories and hearts of our students. By contributing to the “Music on a Grand Scale – Piano Purchase Project” you invest in the future of music in our district.

The projected cost for a piano replacement is $20,000. All donations, both large and small, are gratefully accepted. Contributions can be sent to the Central Cambria Education Foundation, PO Box 624, Ebensburg, PA 15931 and an electronic PayPal option is available on the Foundation’s website at http://www.cchs.k12.pa.us/district/foundation_donatenow.html

For more information about the “Music on a Grand Scale – Piano Purchase Project”, please feel free to contact Paul Seymour, Kate Wolf or Tom Nagy at the Central Cambria School District.

If educational theorems are to be believed, we all learn a great deal more from what do compared to what we hear others tell us. Music, song and performance are the ultimate “action verbs”. Your contribution to the project uplifts the district’s curriculum in more ways than you can imagine and serves as a unique springboard for student growth.

Please consider making a generous donation to this project so that the baton of both refined and raucous music will be passed on to future cohorts of our children.

Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge

President Obama announces a new Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge and invites public schools across the country to compete to have him speak at their graduation. Click here to watch the video that our students created for Central Cambria.

Public Notices

March 10, 2010, 2:00 pm.:
Bid opening for Middle School Addition/High School Renovations, 2:00 p.m., Central Cambria High School Auditorium.

The Central Cambria School District Board of Directors will hold the following public meetings:

March 15, 2010, 6:30 p.m.:
Special Meeting to award bid for Middle School Addition/High School Renovations. Meeting to be held in the Central Cambria High School Library.

March 22, 2010, 6:00 p.m.:
Public Budget Meeting. Meeting to be held in the Central Cambria High School Auditorium.

Visiting Composer Teaches Elementary Students

Visiting_Composer_Teaches_Elementary_Students.pdf

Book Fair at Jackson Elementary School

The PTO held its annual Book Fair on February 9th and 12th. Even though the weather did not cooperate, the PTO made $1611.27. The students seemed to love reading their new books. Every student received 25% off the regular book price. A big thanks goes out to everyone who made this Book Fair such a huge success!!

Central Cambria Students Continue to Reap the Benefits of Dual Enrollment

In the 09/10 school year 99 Central Cambria High School juniors and seniors earned a total of 703 college credits through dual enrollment programs set up through the CCHS Guidance Office, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Mount Aloysius College and the University of Pittsburgh. Students had the opportunity to enroll in any or all of sixteen different dual enrollment courses offered at the high school. A number of students elected to earn college credits in more than one class at more than one institution. Due to funds obtained through a grant, the credits were available at no cost to the students. The chart below shows what costs the students would have incurred at a typical state institution (Slippery Rock Univ.), a state related institution (PSU – main campus), and typical private institutions (St. Francis Univ. & Duquesne Univ.), had they not opted to take part in the dual enrollment program.

Total # of Credits - 703
Slippery Rock Univ.($231 per credit)- $162,393
Penn State Univ. Main Campus($567 per credit)- $398,601
St. Francis Univ.($765 per credit)- $537,795
Duquesne University($795 per credit)- $558,885

Bear Buddies Club at CCMS

A group of young seamstresses are putting their sewing skills to good use, and hoping to brighten the lives of homeless children at the same time. Members of the “Bear Buddies” club have been busy cutting patterns, learning hand embroidery stitching to create smiling bear faces, then machine sewing and stuffing cuddly little Teddy bears.  When the bears are completed they will be donated to an area shelter for homeless families.  It is the student’s wish that each bear will bring a smile to any sad faces.

Jackson Elementary Chorus visits the Jackson Township Senior Activity Center

On December 16th, the 4th and 5th grade chorus members visited the Jackson Senior Center to sing Christmas Carols with the Jackson Township Senior Activity Center members. Everyone had fun!! This has become an annual event.

Breakfast With Santa

On December 18th, parents, grandparents, and guardians were invited to eat breakfast with their children. Santa was also there to eat with the students. The Jackson Township Fire Company volunteers passed out healthy treats to all the students. The Nutrition Group provided the food.