ARCC Kick-Off at CCSD

Over the past year, we have revitalized our District Bullying Prevention program with ARCC – Atmosphere of Respect, Courtesy, and Courage. Our goal is to use this theme as a vehicle for developing a positive school culture based on these character traits. Motivational speaker Mr. Mike Hall visited Central Cambria on September 11th with presentations for both middle school and high school students. Mike has traveled the nation talking to various schools and teen groups about their lives and how to rise above the pressures they face. His “Zero to Hero” assembly emphasized the expectations of our ARCC program and encouraged the student body to make a difference in creating a positive school climate for all. The date of September 11th was selected to accentuate the Courage aspect of character, often needed to stand up for what’s right. Mike used his experiences moving from school-to-school as a military child to connect with the hardships of building and maintaining friendships. He encouraged students to keep the “big picture” in mind and to treasure the gifts that we encounter every day. Students were able to interact throughout the program and then participate in a “meet and greet” session for follow-ups conversations and book signings. The High School AV/Media class recorded the assembly and will be using segments in future productions.

Wear Blue Campaign

Could a simple gesture of wearing a blue shirt really make a difference in the world? Well, students at CCHS believe that you can make a difference in the little things that you do. National Honor Society students, Interact Club members, as well as Student Council members will lead the entire population at CCHS as Central Cambria’s students plan to join thousands of students across the country in wearing a simple blue shirt to school on Oct 1st in support of a nationwide campaign called “Stomp-Out Bullying.”

While Central Cambria has been working diligently to reduce bullying in its district by implementing campaigns like ARCC (Atmosphere of Respect, Courtesy, and Courage), “Stomp- Out Bullying” is just one more example of students really taking the lead at CC in a positive way to promote bullying prevention efforts.

In response to why this was a student lead event, NHS advisor, Mrs. Shirk stated, that “Yes, teachers and staff have a role in the prevention of bullying at our school, but the reality is that kids and teens are really the ones who can put an end to bullying and cyber-bullying. That’s why it is so important to get the students themselves involved in anti-bullying campaigns in our district. It’s important that students know that they are the key to ‘Stomping-Out’ bullying."

Punjari Vyas, NHS president, stated that “We are hoping for total school participation on Oct 1st and that perhaps students in other schools will get involved as well!”

Mrs. McDermott, CC high school principal, stated “I couldn’t be more proud of the students here at Central Cambria High School for taking the initiative on this. The blue shirt campaign is all about reshaping attitudes about respect for others. This campaign coordinates with all of our efforts throughout the year aimed at promoting this message, through guidance programs, guest presenters and assemblies, classroom lessons, morning news broadcasts, student-produced videos, and more. The ARCC program provides the overall umbrella for unifying our efforts.

As one poster in the hallways of CC ponders, “Could you imagine a world without bullying?” The possibility of a bully-free world seems much more probable with Central Cambria’s planned display of solidarity against bullying. On Oct 1, as CC’s students and the rest of the Nation help to “Stomp- Out Bullying,” will you too be wearing blue in support?

The Next Step

Parents/guardians of juniors and seniors are cordially invited to attend “The Next Step,” a session to discuss post-secondary considerations. This session will be held prior to the “Meet the Teachers” event on September 6, 2012 at 6:00 PM in the CCHS/MS Auditorium. Parents/guardians will then move to the “Meet the Teachers” schedule at 7:00 PM. Representatives from local colleges/career schools/military branches will be available in the Commons throughout the evening to provide information and answer questions about their particular school or military branch. Hope to see you there!

PSSA Results Demonstrate Continued Commitment to Student Achievement

Congratulations to our students, teachers, and administrators for their continued efforts towards achieving academic success in the classroom and on the PSSA! The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, also known as the PSSA, measures how well students have achieved according to Pennsylvania's academic standards. Recently received reports indicate that Central Cambria School District has met the targets to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the 2011/2012 school year! The PA performance targets increased again this year to 78% of students scoring Proficient or higher in Mathematics and 81% of students scoring Proficient or higher in Reading. Schools can achieve AYP by meeting the performance target outright, or through a number of statistical calculations that demonstrate improvement in test performance and student achievement growth over time. More detailed information on district and building performance will be available in the coming weeks. Parents can expect Individual Student Reports to be sent home at the beginning of the school year.

	Math	Reading
CCSD	85%	78%
Cambria Elem	85%	77%
Jackson Elem	86%	80%
Middle School	84%	80%
High School	71%	78%

Red Devil Marching Band

The Central Cambria Marching Band began their 2012-2013 season with the start of band camp on August 6th. This year’s show features the music of Michael Jackson with his popular hits “I Want You Back”, “Billie Jean” and “Thriller”. Students have been working hard all week to perfect their music, drill, and choreography. They will present a preview of their show at the “Meet the Red Devil Night” on August 20th. Throughout the fall they will also perform at the Red Devil Football Games, Cambria County Fair Band Night and the Ebensburg Christmas Parade. The band is under the direction of Mrs. Michelle Kokus and assistant band director, Kenny Biter. Additional instructors include Mrs. Laura Wolf and Mr. Josh Duman, a music education student at Slippery Rock University. The band looks forward to the support of the Central Cambria community during their performances this season and their financial support through the concession stand and other fundraisers to help supplement their cost of bussing.