Achievement Award for Middle School Art Student

Central Cambria's Arts programs are once again in the spotlight, as 8th grader Kayla Anna received an Achievement Award from the Allied Artists of Johnstown for her artwork exhibited in the 2011 Greater Johnstown Young Artists Exhibit, held at the Cambria County Community Arts Center in Westmont.


Pictured here at right is Kayla with her dimensional project which combines sculpture and acrylic painting techniques.

Also exhibiting in the show from the middle school are, Brooke Lyons and Noelle Shay, (pictured below), Mark Pavic, Lauren O'Farrell, Vanessa Ashurst, Taylor Albertelli, Jada McNeal, Ali Evans, and Kassy Brown.

Great work, and Congratulations to all students!

CCMS Summer Camps Offer a Chance to Explore Broadcasting, Creative Design, Math and Computers!

Eliminate that summer vacation boredom by joining us in week long, hands-on summer learning camps for middle school students. These exciting, engaging, active learning experiences are being offered by Central Cambria teachers and are open to any students who are currently in grades 5-8. These sessions may lead to new friendships, new hobbies, or even new career interests!

Want to be in television broadcasting or to create a film project? If so, Mrs. Michelle Shirk’s “Video and Broadcasting Camp” is perfect for you. Through the use of the high school’s audio-visual room students can experience life in front of the camera, behind the camera and in the director’s chair.

Mrs. Debbie Winn’s math camp extraordinaire will employ hands-on activities, games and real life manipulatives like restaurant menus and checkbooks to envelop students into the exciting world of applied mathematics.

Mr. Brian Dumm’s “Art, Design and Technology Camp” will introduce students to the use of technology in graphic design. Camp members will gain a deeper understanding of various pieces of technology and equipment that can be used and will then apply this knowledge to the visual arts. Students may use graphic software, visual tools, digital photography, video gaming and design, Photoshop, web design, digital imaging, and more to create dynamic works of art.

Students in Dr. Joseph Karwoski’s “Anatomy of a Computer” session will have the opportunity to learn just what it takes to make a computer run. Students will play the part of Computer Mechanic as they look inside the machines to learn about their basic workings – from the inside, out!

Mrs. Kimberly McDermott, middle school principal and secondary curriculum director is always surprised by the students waiting at the entrance at 7:00 am, or the students who linger on the front lawn at dismissal. It is obvious that they want to extend their middle school experience for a few extra minutes each day. Why not turn those minutes into hours of fun, friendship, discoveries, and memories that will last long after the doors of the middle school close forever!

Central Cambria school board member Thomas Woods believes these camps have something for every student. “Students always ask for hands-on, practical, enjoyable learning experiences, and these four teachers created dynamic, diverse learning opportunities to match those requests. Logistical challenges notwithstanding, it behooves me why anyone would not jump at the opportunity to join the fun with Dr. Karwoski, Mr. Dumm, Mrs. Winn and Mrs. Shirk.”.

Camps will meet during the weeks of June 13, June 20 and/or June 27. Participation in all camps will require students to pay a fee based on the hours, the level of interest, and the number of students registered for each session. We hope to provide these sessions for no more than $40 - $50 per session. The registration deadline has been extended until Tuesday, May 17.
Interested students/parents can contact Mrs. McDermott by phoning the middle school office at 472-6505 or by emailing kmcdermott@cchs.k12.pa.us.

CCMS Art Student Exhibits in Local Juried Show

Central Cambria 8th grader, Kassy Brown, stands below her art work which was on display at The 13th Annual Ebensburg Art In Bloom exhibit April 29th and May 1st. Kassy and family members attended an opening reception for the exhibit on Saturday evening. Kassy’s musically inspired artwork is a dimensional wood carving with wire elements and paint. Congratulations to Kassy for all her hard work completing a beautiful piece of art!

NAMM FOUNDATION SURVEY REVEALS CENTRAL CAMBRIA SCHOOL DISTRICT A 'BEST COMMUNITY FOR MUSIC EDUCATION' IN THE UNITED STATES

Designation Provides Crucial Support for Local Music Education Advocates as They Fight to Save Funding for School Music Programs-

CARLSBAD, Calif. (May 5, 2010)- Amid a dramatic backdrop of school budget cuts, the NAMM Foundation today announced the results of its 11th annual "Best Communities for Music Education" survey, which acknowledges schools and districts across the U.S. for their commitment to and support of music education in schools. This year, Central Cambria School District in Ebensburg, PA has been designated a "Best Community."

The announcement came today as a part of NAMM's "National Wanna Play Music Week," (May 3-7) a week-long promotion designed to encourage people of all ages and skill levels to experience the proven benefits of playing music.

As the economy hinders state and local school budgets to adequately support music education, the 175 school districts named by the NAMM Foundation demonstrate a commitment to providing music education for their students.

The 2010 designation as a Best Community for Music Education comes at a precarious moment, as school districts nationwide are voting on their budgets in the coming weeks. According to the NAMM Foundation, this "Best Communities" designation represents not only a distinction worthy of pride, but a call to action for local music education advocates to help preserve - and in some cases, save - their current music education programs.

"Past designees have benefited by receiving this mark of excellence, but this year's economic environment is challenging for many communities," says Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation. "Even having earned this designation, schools are working hard to keep programs strong in the midst of some of the deepest education cuts seen in decades. We hope this award presented at this critical time will compel communities to re-consider cuts that we know are in play in many districts across the U.S. "

"This year's survey data reaffirms the power of community support and commitment for music education as critical elements in quality schools," added Luehrsen. "Music education plays a vital role in student success in school and in life. We urge schools nationwide to include comprehensive music and arts education planning in their competitive federal 'Race to the Top and Investing in Innovation' funding programs to sustain and expand local music education initiatives."

The 2010 survey, which opened on Thursday, January, 17, and ended Friday, March 12, was available to all districts nationwide. This year, teachers and school district administrators, representing communities across the country, participated in the web-based survey. The districts were measured across curricular and programmatic criteria as well as public support of their music programs. The survey was developed and administered by The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

Each school receiving the "Best Communities" designation scored in the 80th percentile or higher in the survey's grading process. Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and other relevant factors in their communities' music education programs. The responses were verified with district officials, and advisory organizations reviewed the data.

Throughout the survey's 11 years, many districts have reported that making the "Best Communities" list has had a positive effect on their ability to preserve music for their students.

In conducting the annual survey, the NAMM Foundation is joined by advisory organizations in the fields of music and education, including Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org ), League of American Orchestras (www.americanorchestras.org ), The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation (www.mhopus.org ), The Metropolitan Opera Guild (www.operaed.org ), Music for All (www.musicforall.org ), Music Teachers National Association (www.mtna.org ), National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts (www.nationalguild.org ), National PTA (www.pta.org ), Yamaha Corporation of America (www.yamaha.com ) and VH1 Save The Music Foundation (www.vh1savethemusic.com ). The survey was conducted by The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, KS, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

The complete "Best Communities for Music Education" roster can be viewed alphabetically here: or at www.nammfoundation.org .

About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry.

National Walk at Lunch Day April 27, 2011

With the warm spring weather finally making an appearance in Ebensburg, everyone seems to be itching to get outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Students at Central Cambria Middle School had the opportunity to take advantage of a beautiful day as they celebrated National Walk @ Lunch Day on April 27. National Walk @ Lunch day is “an extension of WalkingWorks, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield program created to help consumers live healthier lives and reduce unnecessary medical costs due to physical inactivity.” It is an idea that was designed while keeping those with busy schedules in mind in hopes that it may help jump-start a daily walking or fitness routine and improve national health.

Schools were encouraged to join in the Walk @ Lunch movement by incorporating walking into the school day as a first step toward long-term prevention of health problems for future generations. During gym classes and study halls, CCMS students made their way outside to the track get their hearts pumping for the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity. Not only did the mid-day walk invigorate their bodies and elevate their moods, but it stimulated their minds and enabled students to focus on their afternoon tasks in the classroom, as well. National Walk @ Lunch Day was a success at Central Cambria, and we look forward to observing this day for years to come.