EXETER TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
From the Desk of Dr. Beverly Martin, Superintendent
“Responding to Tight Financial Times Brings About Change in Use of K-4 Schools”
(continued on page 2)
I am always amazed at how
quickly the days fly by, and that a
quarter of the 2010-11 school year is
already behind us! With so much to
keep us all busy, there is no question
that the rest of the year will pass with
equal speed here in the Exeter Town-
ship School District.
Among the many things we are
looking forward to is the opening of
Owatin Creek Elementary School,
which will be Exeter’s first LEED
Certified (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) school build-
ing. In using energy-efficient and
environmentally-friendly materials, we
are conserving for the future and re-
ducing energy costs. We have also
applied for and received a grant to help
us in this endeavor, and will receive
additional state reimbursement avail-
able for LEED certified school con-
struction. Thus far, the construction
has proceeded very well, and is right
on schedule. We have a terrific team
of people working with us on this pro-
ject, including architects, construction
managers, and various contractors,
who are all committed to doing a qual-
ity job at a reasonable price in a timely
manner. Owatin Creek Elementary
School is designed for up to 500 stu-
dents and expandable for up to 250
additional students in its current con-
figuration.
As we move closer to the opening
of the new school, many decisions still
lie before us. We must determine how
to redistrict to allow students to oc-
cupy Owatin Creek, we must identify
the staff that we will put in place to
support the children, and we must pro-
vide the furniture, supplies, and educa-
tional resources for the classrooms,
library, gymnasium and computer lab.
As we proceed with this process, it is
stating the obvious to point out that the
economy remains a serious problem for
our residents, our community, and the
district. All public school systems are
feeling the impact of the slowed hous-
ing market, property tax reassessments,
and lack of support from the state and
federal government.
As we considered our redistricting
options, we realized that we had to
make some difficult decisions that
would impact Exeter School District
families. We recognized that our en-
rollment has remained stable at 4,400
students since the recession began, and
the rapid pre-recession growth in our
student population that we experienced
prior to 2008 had, at least temporarily,
stopped. It became clear that there was
an opportunity to save a significant
amount of money by expanding the
number of students originally planned
to be assigned to Owatin Creek Ele-
mentary School (exceeding the original
500 students), reduce the students at
the crowded Jacksonwald Elementary
School, and move the current student
population from M.L. Lausch School to
one or more of the other schools. We
could then determine how best to use
Lausch, and what renovations we need
to make to it to conform to the current
and future needs of the district. Since
we know how important schools are to
families and to the staff who work in
them, we know that there will be a lot
of emotion that accompanies this deci-
sion. Lausch is a wonderful school,
Construction of Owatin Creek Elementary on Schedule
Construction of the Owatin Creek Elementary School is on schedule for final completion next summer. This view, looking east from Schoffer’s Road, shows the two-story classroom wing in the foreground and the
gymnasium in the background.
Vol. 36 Number 1 Fall 2010
2 ETSD NEWSLETTER
Senior Citizens Tax Rebate Program
and we plan to assess our current fa-
cilities and needs, and determine how
best to use it, possibly for administra-
tive purposes and some specialized
educational programming. However,
by assigning our K-4 students to three,
rather than the four schools beginning
in the 2011-12 term, we can save sig-
nificant costs including additional sala-
ries, benefits, furnishings and supplies,
as well as some operating expenses.
The Lausch building will be available
to serve as a school in the future when
enrollments increase and additional
classroom space is needed.
In the meantime, our next step is
to determine the attendance boundaries
for the three K-4 schools
(Jacksonwald, Lorane, and Owatin
Creek), and then communicate with
our families to prepare them for the
changes that will affect them. We also
will survey staff members, and make
decisions about staff relocation, and
work diligently to assist and support
the transitions that will need to be
made for our students, their families
and our staff. With this plan we are
convinced that the high quality of ele-
mentary education will continue and at
the same time save taxpayer dollars.
Jacksonwald Elementary:
Doing What’s Best for
Children Through
Shared Leadership Craig Sell, Assistant Principal
Jacksonwald Elementary has had a
great start to the 2010-11 school year
and we look forward to working to-
gether to help every student find suc-
cess. This year we are excited about
continuing to work with the Response
to Instruction and Intervention (RtII)
program which utilizes data to make
educational decisions about student
needs. The use of student data at Jack-
sonwald also helps focus our instruc-
tion and makes sure that we are ad-
dressing state standards appropriately.
The teachers have done a phenomenal
job using the data to improve instruc-
tional practices, and together with sup-
port from the district and community,
the children at Jacksonwald receive
high quality instruction. Each week the
RtII leadership team meets with grade
level teachers and parents to work to-
gether assisting individual students to
ensure their success. In addition, the
social and emotional development of
the students remains an important part
of our educational process as we con-
tinue to look at the whole child.
The Jacksonwald Elementary staff
works together as a professional learn-
ing community to provide leadership in
a variety of areas. Whether it is read-
ing data, working on curriculum, or
assisting students, staff members share
their knowledge and help others learn
from their individual strengths to im-
prove the collective knowledge of our
learning community. Professional
development and opportunities to im-
prove instructional practices are a val-
ued part of our growth as a learning
community. As a team, Jacksonwald
Elementary provides a safe and nurtur-
ing place for every child to have every
opportunity to learn and grow every
day.
The Volunteer Tax Rebate Program for senior citizens is designed to provide assis-
tance for senior citizens in paying real estate taxes and to provide the district with citizens’
skills and time. The program is open to residents of Exeter Township School District, 60
years of age or older, who have a household income of less than $35,000 and are owners of
residential property.
In exchange for a tax credit, senior citizens can volunteer to work in a classroom, li-
brary, cafeteria, office, playground, or outside groundskeeping. Interested senior citizens
should submit completed “Senior Volunteer Application” and “Financial Needs Assessment
Information” forms to the business office at 3650 Perkiomen Avenue. The law requires
that new volunteers must also submit the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record
Check, the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and the Federal Criminal History
(FBI fingerprint).
After a senior is approved for the program, a record of volunteered time must be kept
by the volunteer and the department/building office. Every hour of service provided to the
district (maximum 100 hours from January 2011 to June 2011), $5.99 of credit will be set
aside towards a rebate on the next fiscal year’s property tax bill (maximum $599.00 or the
amount of property tax if less than $599.00). At the end of the district’s fiscal year (e.g.
end of June 2011), the business office will calculate the dollars earned during that fiscal
year, review the amounts with the superintendent, present the total list to the Board of
School Directors for approval, and issue a rebate check after the volunteer has paid his/her
next fiscal year property tax bill (e.g. issued in July 2011).
Superintendent’s message (continued from page 1)
Sixteen new teachers, eight ele-
mentary and eight secondary, were
welcomed and oriented to the district
during five days of inservice training
prior to the 2010-11 first student day.
At the senior high school Brett Witmer
is teaching social studies and Laura
Price is a long- term substitute (LTS)
also teaching social studies, Calli
Maguire and Elizabeth Tesoro are spe-
cial education LTSs, Matthew Hummer
is the new Latin teacher, and Virginia
Gonzalez is teaching Spanish. Jason
Zalno is a new member of the junior
high school staff, teaching technology
education.
At Reiffton Michelle Woolsey is
the newest fifth grade teacher and Kim-
berly Hinkle is a LTS special education
teacher. Monica Weisser is the new
reading specialist at Lorane and Kath-
ryn Hong is a LTS music teacher. At
Jacksonwald Kathy Walker is teaching
gifted education, while Matthew Had-
ley and Melinda Leffel are LTSs. Matt
is teaching physical education and
Melinda is teaching kindergarten.
Megan Hunt is the long-term sub guid-
ance counselor at M.L.Lausch and
Emily Holleman is teaching elementary
strings.
New Instructional Staff
for 2010-11 Welcomed
Fall 2010 3
Introducing Two New Assistant Principals
Inclement Weather & Emergency Reminders
A decision to close school or have a late start due to inclement weather is usually
made by 6 a.m. As soon as the decision is made, information will be disseminated to stu-
dents, parents, and staff using Connect-ED, the telephone messaging service. Messages
for late starts and closings are forwarded to home phone numbers. Emergency communi-
cations, including early dismissals, will be forwarded to all phone numbers listed for each
student. This includes a parent’s home, cell, and work phone, if provided to the district.
Closing, late starts, and early dismissal announcements will also be broadcast on
local television and radio. The following television stations will air the message: WFMZ
Channel 69, WCAU Channel 10, and WPVI Channel 6. Radio stations that will announce
the message are: 830 AM, 1340 AM, 107.5 FM, 96 FM, 99.9 FM, Y-102 FM, and 100.7
FM. The information is also available on the Internet at: Cancellations.com (it can also
be accessed from the district’s website) or www.wfmz.com.
It is imperative that young children know where they should go and what they
should do if a parent is not at home and there is a need for an unexpected early dis-
missal. In order to avoid a problem, please prepare children for this potential cir-
cumstance.
If there is a need to delay the opening of school for two hours, a modified schedule
will be used for kindergarten. The adjusted schedule will be: AM kindergarten (11 a.m. to
12:50 p.m.) and PM kindergarten (1:50 to 3:40 p.m.).
Craig A. Sell was appointed as the Jacksonwald assistant principal last spring
replacing Tara Ricci, who acquired a principal position in another district. Mr. Sell
comes to ETSD from the Perkiomen Valley School District where he served as a third
grade teacher and Instructional Support Team coordinator for 12 years. He coached
high school varsity baseball and various elementary sports.
Mr. Sell grew up in the Lehigh Valley and graduated from Northern Lehigh High
School. He earned a B.S. in early childhood education and psychology from James
Madison University, a M.Ed. in elementary education from West Chester University,
and principal certification from Alvernia.
Craig and his wife currently reside in northern Chester County and are the parents
of a four-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son. He enjoys spending time with his
family, golfing, and is an avid baseball fan. After several months in the district, Craig
said: “It has been a pleasure getting to know the staff and students of Jacksonwald and
I am excited to be part of an excellent school and supportive community.”
On October 25 Jeffrey A. MacFarland began his duties as an assistant principal at
ETSHS. Mr. MacFarland replaces Joseph Hepp who left the district to work in an-
other district. Prior to arriving in this district Jeff taught social studies at Springfield
Township High School in Erdenheim, PA. He also served there as a gifted support
teacher, senior seminar teacher, head boys’ tennis coach, and class advisor.
Mr. MacFarland received a B.A. in history from The College of William and
Mary, a M.Ed. in secondary social studies from Arcadia University, and principal
certification from Pennsylvania State University.
Jeff and his wife are the parents of a three-year-old son and a 10-month-old
daughter. The family resides in Paoli. In the warmer weather, Jeff enjoys staying ac-
tive with golf and tennis and heading to the beach with the family. When asked about
his first impressions of ETSD, Mr. MacFarland said: "While searching for a job in
educational administration, I focused on finding a high school that was a match with
my own educational beliefs, practices and personality. Among the supportive admin-
istrative team, the talented faculty and staff, the strong community connections, and
most importantly, the students who have welcomed me with sincere graciousness, I
could not have found a better match. I am incredibly excited to be working at Exeter
Township Senior High School."
Craig Sell
Jeffrey MacFarland
Don’t miss an
opportunity to
meet face to
face with your
child’s teachers.
Schedule a
Parent Conference
JHS Nov. 17 - 5:30-8:30 p.m.
SHS Nov. 18 - 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Elementary
Nov. 22 - evening
Nov. 23 - afternoon
Nov. 24 - morning
Fall 2010 4
Each year the district applies for and receives numerous grants that provide valuable revenue to enhance programs and ser-
vices for ETSD students. Most grants are very specific in their purpose and dictate how the funding can be used. The district is
pleased to inform residents about the grants received for 2010-11 which total over $2 million.
Program or Grant Purpose Amount Title I Improving basic programs $317,474
Title II Increase achievement by improving teacher and principal quality $86,431
Title III: Improving Help for limited English proficiency & immigration
Language Instruction students attain English proficiency $11,182
PA-PACT “Above the 2.9%” Instruction of students $42,357
“Up to and including 2.9%” Instruction of students $936,571
Accountability Supports student achievement through full-day kdg. and class size
Block Grant reduction in K-3 classrooms $460,420
Educational Assistance Portions of teachers’ salaries to support students who struggle academically $86,576
Program
PA Green School Assists with Owatin Creek “green design” $25,000
Planning
Classrooms for
the Future Assisting teachers to use technology $25,000
Dual Enrollment Assists with tuition cost reimbursement $19,054
District Acquires $2 Million Through Grant Funding
TOTAL $2,010,065
Senior Timothy Austin, the son of
Patrick and Kathryn Austin, earned a top
composite score of 36 on a recent ACT test.
The ACT, originally known as the Ameri-
can College Test, assesses high school stu-
dents' general educational development and
their ability to complete college-level work.
Nationally, while the actual number of
students earning a composite score of 36
varies from year to year, roughly one-tenth
of one percent receive a top score. Among
test takers in the high school graduating
class of 2009, only 638 of nearly 1.5 million
students earned a composite score of 36.
Out of the students who took the ACT in
June 2010 (when Tim took it) only four in
the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
and no other student in Berks County scored
36.
The ACT consists of tests in English,
mathematics, reading and science. Each test
is scored on a scale of 1-36, and a student’s
composite score is the average of the four
test scores.
ETSHS Senior Earns a Perfect Score on the ACT
Tim Austin
School Meals - We Serve
Education Everyday! Gloria L. Clay SNS
Food Service Supervisor
We all know that food prices have
increased considerably and school meal
prices, while they have risen slightly,
are still a great value.
The Exeter Township School Dis-
trict recognizes that student wellness
and proper nutrition are essential to a
student’s physical well-being, growth,
development and readiness to learn. All
Exeter schools serve nutritious meals
which follow the National School Pro-
grams regulations and are under the
supervision of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture and Nutrition Services.
When planning school menus, a
computerized analysis is used to make
sure the menus meet the required key
(continued on page 5)
ETSD NEWSLETTER 5
Reiffton Is Busy with Many Fall Activities
Principal Gregory Fries, Ed.D.
As you walk through the front
doors of Reiffton School there is a
large banner hanging over the library
entrance that states “United in Excel-
lence.” Each year the previous sixth
grade class chooses a theme for the
incoming fifth and sixth grade classes.
At Reiffton we work hard to emphasize
to students that they are all part of a
“united” Reiffton team. Our team of
teachers works extremely hard to pro-
vide a quality education for our stu-
dents and challenges them to use the
knowledge and skills learned during
their two years at Reiffton by applying
them throughout their lives.
One of the highlights of the fall is
our annual Team Building Days which
focus on respect, responsibility, rela-
tionships, trust, and community build-
ing. Craig Erb and his Experiential
Dynamics team lead activities that in-
clude discussions on ground rules for
success, goals for the day, cooperative
games, trust-building activities, and
group problem solving. Each day con-
cludes with a debriefing of what stu-
dents learn and how that information
can be used during their time at Reiff-
ton School. It is always a pleasure to
see all students working together as a
team to solve problems. It is our hope
that the students will take what they
learn from these days and apply it to
the classroom.
At Reiffton we are committed to
preventing all forms of bullying. On
September 16, John Halligan came to
Reiffton to speak to our students about
the dangers of bullying. Mr. Halligan
travels around the country presenting
“Ryan’s Story.” He explained to our
students that his son Ryan was first
bullied as a fifth grade student, and at
age 13 ultimately took his own life.
Mr. Halligan’s presentation focused on
the dangers of bullying and cyber bul-
lying and how it can be prevented.
This powerful presentation gave our
students much to think about.
Starting in November our students
will have the opportunity to take part in
an after-school program in which they
will be given an introduction to the
language of Mandarin Chinese. Each
Thursday the students will spend one
hour learning about the language and
culture of China. This program is being
offered through a grant awarded to the
BCIU. Ms. Summer Perella, who has
taught Mandarin Chinese to students in
the Twin Valley School District, will be
coordinating the program at Reiffton.
Ms. Song Ying and Ms. Yang Zequing,
visiting teachers from China, will be
teaching our students how to speak in-
troductory Chinese. Students were in-
troduced to Mandarin Chinese for the
first time on October 8, when all three
teachers came to read at our Morning
Reading Club. A total of 248 students
listened to the teacher read the story in
English and then in Mandarin Chinese.
Our holiday concerts will set the
spirit for December. Mrs. Claus, Ms.
Kline, and Mrs. Keebler have been
working very hard to prepare their stu-
dents for the first concerts of the school
year. This year’s grade five concert will
take place on December 14 at 4:15 p.m.
and the grade six holiday concert will
be held on December 16 at 4:15 p.m.
The doors will open at 3:45 p.m. with
both concerts being held in the Reiffton
cafetorium. The children have spent the
first several months of the school term
learning songs and learning how to play
their instruments, and they will be eager
to demonstrate their accomplishments
for parents and staff.
nutrients, including calories, fat, iron,
protein, calcium, Vitamin A and C.
Meals include vegetables, salads, fresh
and canned fruit, whole grain bread
and low fat milks. Entrees and potatoes
are baked and not fried, helping to re-
duce the fat. Luncheon meats and hot
dogs are turkey based, which also help
in fat reduction.
We provide wholesome food and a
variety of choices. Our staff provides
service with a smile and a caring atti-
tude while encouraging students to try
new foods, as well as, enjoying the
“old comfort” favorites.
The Food Service Department
offers many services and information
on the district’s web site:
Menus for breakfast and lunch
Nutrition analysis of lunch meals
A celebration party form for order-
ing foods for birthday or class par-
ties
Access to the LunchBox point-of-
sale account information
Internet payment to LunchBox
meal accounts
The Food Service Department also
provides nutritious breakfasts for local
senior citizens prior to the JHS fall
musical and SHS spring musical per-
formances. The senior citizens’ break-
fast and show at the JHS is November
18 and at the SHS on March 9.
Schools Meals (continued from page 4)
The SHS Student Forum was held in October and the discussion topics included bullying, course work, and school rules. Participating in the senior class discussion were (left to right) Mary Kate Hennessy, Maya
Cryor, Brooke Harley, Risa Cullen and Morgan Hissick.
SHS Student Forum Covers Many Diverse Topics
6 Fall 2010 EXETER TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Carrier Route Presort
Non-profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Reading, PA
Permit No. 810
The NEWSLETTER is the official publication of the
Exeter Township School District 3650 Perkiomen Avenue Reading, PA 19606
Telephone: 610-779-0700 FAX: 610-779-7104
www.exeter.k12.pa.us
Beverly A. Martin, Ed.D., Superintendent
Warren Mata, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS Jack A. Linton, President
Russell J. Diesinger, Vice President
Dr. David S. Bender - James J. Brady, Jr. - J. Ken Hart
Carole A. Kutscher - Sharon McLendon
Robert H. Quinter, Jr. - Joseph R. Staub
Appointees: Anne C. Guydish, Secretary
Kathlene M. Tschudy, Treasurer
Questions, suggestions, and/or information concerning
the NEWSLETTER should be directed to Don W. Cramer,
Editor, in the Instructional Support Services Office.
WHAT’S INSIDE . . . Changes in Use of K-4 Schools $2 Million in Grant Funding New Instructional Staff Reiffton School Happenings Senior Earns Perfect Score Two New Asst. Principals
Jacksonwald News School Meals Are a Good Value Senior Citizens’ Tax Rebate
The Exeter Township School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and in compliance with the requirements of Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and the Americans with Dis-
abilities Act. The district will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, disability, or handicap. For information regarding civil rights or grievance
procedures, contact Don W. Cramer, Compliance Officer, 3650 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, PA 19606.
Nov 18 Senior Citizen Breakfast &
Show - JHS, 8:15 a.m.
Nov 19-20 JHS Fall Musical
“Guys and Dolls”
JHS aud 7:30 p.m.
Nov 22 SHS Talent Show
SHS aud 6 p.m.
Dec 7 8th Gr Winter Concert
SHS aud 7:30 p.m.
Dec 9 7th Gr Winter Concert
SHS aud 7:30 p.m.
Dec 14 5th Gr Holiday Concert
Reiffton café 4:15 p.m.
Dec 15 SHS Orch Winter Concert
SHS aud 7:30 p.m.
Dec 16 6th Gr Holiday Concert
Reiffton café 4:15 p.m.
Dec 20 SHS Choral Winter Concert
SHS aud 7:30 p.m.
ECEF’s “Gift with a Future” Program
Show your appreciation to someone who is a special mentor in your child’s
life. This could be your child’s teacher, coach, librarian, bus driver, family member
or daycare provider. It could simply be to honor your child for excellent academic
performance, service achievement, positive attitude or ANY accomplishment.
Whatever the reason, your donation will help the foundation’s efforts to enhance
and enrich student programs throughout the Exeter Township School District. This
is a great holiday or anytime gift to show that you care. Printed notification in-
forms the honoree that a donation has been made to ECEF by the donor. All contri-
butions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. ECEF is a 501(C)(3) en-
tity. Visit www.ExeterEducationFoundation.org for a “Gift with a Future” form or
for more information on ECEF.
The Exeter Community Education Foundation (ECEF) is a non-profit organi-
zation dedicated to enhancing the education of students in ETSD. ECEF is an inde-
pendent public charity dedicated to encouraging community-wide participation and
philanthropy, including post-secondary scholarships,
in order to enhance and expand enrichment opportuni-
ties of all students. The mission of the Foundation is to
secure resources for our students to support programs
for which sufficient funds are not available from fed-
eral, state, and local public sources. These programs
will promote excellence in learning and mobilize com-
munity support for enhancing the quality of education
in the Exeter Township School District.
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