Monday, May 20, 2013
The vehicle a drunk driver died in is also sitting outside of Upper St. Clair High School this week.
There was complete silence amongst the normally chatty students on Monday at Upper St. Clair High School as they witnessed a mock, yet powerful, fatal DUI crash. It's the first time in 20 years the high school organized the event for the students around prom season. This year, students will be eating dinner at the site of the prom—the Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe—and officials expect more kids will be driving to the event instead of taking a limo for a short time. "We're hoping that this sends the seniors a message and that it's well received," said Dr. Bill Rullo, guidance counselor. If Monday's simulation doesn't do the trick, the school bells will be switched to tolling bells on Tuesday, representing the actual amount of people who die…
Friday, May 17, 2013
The public is invited to visit the facility on Tuesday, May 21.
Upper St. Clair is participating in National Public Works Day on Tuesday, May 22. The public is invited to the public works building between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. There will be equipment and vehicle displays, activities for children and a public works construction video. The department will also be hosting more than 300 Upper St. Clair elementary students taking field trips. Join Patch for more community news or join us on Facebook and Twitter.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Administrators laid out an approximate timetable.
The Upper St. Clair School District hopes to replace the high school track in the summer of 2014. There was hope to possibly get a new track this summer, but the district ran out of time to get the project started, according to Superintendent Patrick O'Toole. Business Director Frosina Cordisco said bids will begin this year. O'Toole said the best prices may come in the winter. Some capital projects that are expected to be completed this year include a chiller replacement at the high school, the upgrading of the electrical distribution system at the high school, bleacher repairs and a new PA system at the high school stadium, handicap access bridge redecking at the high school, a water line replacement at Boyce Middle School and 100 new …
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
The new principal was once Mrs. Brown's intern.
The Upper St. Clair School Board unanimously approved Monday the hiring of Amy Pfender as the new Boyce Middle School principal with the salary of $89,000 a year. Pfender is currently the assistant principal at Boyce and Fort Couch middle schools. She started with the district as an intern for principal Karen Brown and was hired in August 2005 as a special education teacher at Boyce. She assumed the position of elementary special education department chairperson in 2009 and special education curriculum leader in 2010. Pfender holds a Master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her administrative principal certification, she also holds certifications in …
The Upper St. Clair police, Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department and Tri-Community EMS will be participating.
A dramatic, mock drunk-driving crash will be staged for Upper St. Clair High School students on Monday, May 20 as a pre-prom activity. The crash is designed to encourage students to think about their decisions and consequences to help them make the right choices for themselves. The event is organized by the Natural Helpers Program, a peer-to-peer support based program that has been at the high school for the past 28 years. Upper St. Clair police, Upper St. Clair volunteer firefighters and Tri-Community EMS will be participating, along with several high school students to create a “real-life” scenario of an alcohol-related crash. If it rains on May 20, the mock crash will be rescheduled for May 21. In addition, another wrecked vehicle …
A water main break canceled two S.T.A.R. Nights.
Upper St. Clair School District the rescheudled open houses for Baker and Streams elementary schools. A troublesome water main break canceled the orignal date for the S.T.A.R. Nights. Baker: Kindergarten: May 14 at 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. OR May 17 at 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. 1st Grade: May 16 at 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. OR May 16 at 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. 2nd Grade: May 13 at 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. OR May 13 at 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. 3rd Grade: May 14 at 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. OR May 14 at 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. 4th Grade: May 15 at 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. OR May 15 at 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Streams: May 14 4th Grade: 7:30 - 8:15 a.m. 1st Grade: 8:15 - 9 a.m. 4th Grade: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Kindergarten: 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. May 15 3rd Grade: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Kindergarten: 11 am - Noon May 16 …
Monday, May 13, 2013
Do you know where to get decorations with your school's colors? Specialty cakes? Signs for the yard?
Upper St. Clair graduation is in a month, and parents of high school seniors are already planning special parties to celebrate. Local bakeries, party stores and other businesses offer school-color cakes, signs announcing the graduation, balloons and sometimes novelties, such as a multi-serving sandwich baked into the shape of the school mascot. Eat'n Park has gotten into the act via SmileyCookie.com. The restaurant chain's famous sugar cookies can be ordered online decked out in Upper St. Clair Panthers colors. So, tell us in the comments box below: Where have you found specialty graduation food or party supplies for your Panther? Or, if you have an idea to help make another parent's planning a bit easier, share your tips here!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Dr. Patrick O'Toole is set to speak to the graduates this month.
Upper St. Clair's Superintendent Patrick O’Toole, a graduate of 1979, will return to Clarion University May 18 to deliver both the 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. commencement addresses. In his address, “Leadership, Learning and Opportunity,” O’Toole will encourage graduates to seek the opportunities that come through personal leadership and learning. "My selection (as commencement speaker) is an example to students that we are not finished products on graduation day," O’Toole said. One of the most inspiring moments in his education, and one that has guided his career as an educator, happened in a Clarion University classroom. "A college professor once gave me feedback that I could be a ‘good teacher’ by being technically sound, but if I wanted to be a…
Friday, May 10, 2013
'Tis the season for ticks.
Upper St. Clair School District nurses sent an email warning out to parents and guardians this week warning them of tick season. Ticks are among the most efficient carriers of disease because they attach firmly when sucking blood, feed slowly and may go unnoticed while feeding on their host. Avoidance is the obvious best protection. Areas to avoid are those that are heavily wooded or have tall grasses or weeds. Ticks should be removed using the proper procedure as soon as noticed. Consult your physician if a bull’s eye rash or generalized rash or fever develops. For more reliable information about ticks, visit the CDC or this article with photos of common ticks. Join Patch for more community news or join us on Facebook and Twitter.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
A water main break forced the district to cancel the S.T.A.R. Nights last week.
Upper St. Clair School District announced Wednesday that the open houses for Baker and Streams Elementary schools will be rescheduled after last week's water main break canceled S.T.A.R. Nights. "Unfortunately, we were unable to schedule a replacement night using the original format, however, the staff has worked hard to make time available for parents to visit their child’s classroom. Both buildings will be announcing their schedule by the end of this week," the district said in an e-alert. Check back with Patch for updates. Join Patch for more community news or join us on Facebook and Twitter.
Glenn Robinson
9:43 am on Tuesday, May 14, 2013
I love it when good things happen to good people. Amy Pfender is an extremely talented and caring person. This was a wise and hopefully easy decision for the board. more ›