N O R T H A L L E G H E N Y S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

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Tiger NewsUpcoming eventsJune 12 – Last day of school

for students

June 13 – Class of 2014 Graduation

June 18 – School Board Work Session @ CAO Bd. Rm. – 7pm

June 25 – School Board Regular Meeting @ CAO Bd. Rm. – 7pm

Students and Staff Celebrate Memorial Day

Kennywood Tickets –

page 7

NA Foundation Golf Outing-

page 8

Don’t Miss!

N O R T H A L L E G H E N Y S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

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Support NA Schools through the NA Shopping Program.The NA Shopping Program is a fund-raising initiative to support the North Allegheny School District. By clicking on the Amazon banner on our website, you will be directed to the Amazon website to shop. Any purchases you make will earn money for NASD. You can support the School District by simply doing your regular online shop-ping in this way. For more information, please CLICK HERE.

NA JROTC Team Wins First Place in the NationThe Air Force JROTC team, comprised of NASH stu-dents Lionel Gumireddy, Brian Luebbert-Hill, and Jonathan Caulkins and NAI students Mi-chael Struk and Joseph Caulkins earned First Place in the 2013-2014 Air Force JROTC Academic Bowl. This competition is a nationally recognized aca-demic and leadership skills competition created exclu-sively for Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) students. The NA AFJROTC instructors are Maj. Frederick Schott and MSgt. Richard Denault.

More than 3,000 JROTC units from around the na-tion participated in the Level I team competition in November 2013, which tested their knowledge of English, math, science, leadership, and current events. The top-scoring teams advanced to Level II, and then the top 195 teams advanced to the cham-pionship level in April 2014, where the NAI team earned their ranking of First Place.

Winning teams will receive medals, trophies, gift cards and electronic tablets. In addition, all partici-pants received online access to COF’s Total College Success program, which provides preparation for college entrance exams (SAT, ACT), as well as in-struction for admissions, financial aid, scholarships, selection and overall college success.

NA Student Named 2014 Presidential ScholarSenior Surabhi Beriwal was recently named a 2014 Presidential Scholar. Out of more than 3,900 candidates who qualified for consideration in 2014, only 18 students in Pennsylvania were named semifinalists. Among the semifinalists, 141 students from across the nation were selected as members of the 50th Class of U.S. Presidential Scholars. A maximum of only two students – one young man and one young woman from each state – receive this honor each year.

The U.S. Presidential Scholar Program was established in 1964 by execu-tive order of the President, to recognize some of our nation’s most distin-guished graduating high school seniors. Congratulations to Surabhi for this extraordinary achievement.

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NA Students Selected to Governor’s SchoolsTwo NASH juniors have been accepted into Governor’s Schools this summer. Songela Chen has been accepted into the School for the Sciences at CMU and Victor Mao has been accepted into the School for Engineering and Technology at Lehigh University. The Governor’s Schools of Excellence are five-week summer programs for gifted high school students in Pennsylvania. These programs are completely free and highly selective, making it a very high honor to be accepted.

14 Musicians Go to All-State EnsemblesFourteen students were selected by audition into the 2014 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Ensembles. Earning placement in these ensembles requires the demonstration of a high level of musicianship and is an outstanding achievement. Congratulations to the following student musicians:

All-State ChorusStephen BaimeLindsey DavisCassandra Majewski

All-State Concert BandHannah Geibel

All-State OrchestraGregory BrkovichNathaniel ChenOlivia EastlyChristina EisenreichKatherine Falck

Emily HeMichael HelgermanBrianna PatriccaDavid Skrovanek

All-State Wind EnsembleKenneth Powell

NASH Student Earns Gold Medal in Physics CompetitionSean Tao earned a Gold Medal for placing in the top 10 percent at the Interna-tional Physics Olympiad Competition. Several students from NA competed and earned excellent scores in this year’s competition, which is spon-sored by the American Association of Physics Teachers and the Ameri-can Institute of Physics.

Congratulations to Aiden Li, IES 5th grader, who won 2nd Place in the Pittsburgh Piano Teachers Association Elementary Solo Competition!

NASH Student Council Presented with Prestigious AwardThe NASH Student Council has been awarded the 2014 National Gold Council of Excellence Award for their exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community. The National Gold Council of Excellence is award-ed only to Student Councils that demonstrate the highest levels of leadership and activities. NASH Student Council officers this year are Alyssa Warth, Libby Roach, Erin McMahon, John Gnalian, David Bursic, Yanni Balouris, and Garett O’Toole.

Student to Represent USA in International Chemistry OlympiadDerek Wang earned a top-20 score in a 3-part national chemistry exam and has earned the opportunity to compete for one of four spots on the U.S.A team in the International Chemistry Olympiad. Derek will now attend a two-week intensive Chemistry Olympiad Study Camp at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado. While there, Derek will receive college-level training, with an emphasis on organic chemistry, through a series of lectures, problem-solving exercises, lab work and testing. At the conclusion of this event, four members will be selected to represent the United States in the Olympiad. Approximately 1,000 students participated in the national exam, on which Derek placed in the top 20.

MathCounts Team Earns 5th Place in the Nation

Christopher Lee and Wanlin Li were part of a 4-member team represent-ing Pennsylvania in the National MATHCOUNTS Competition. The team earned Fifth Place overall among all teams that participated in the competition from across the nation. Congratulations to Christo-pher and Wanlin for representing Pennsylvania with distincton.

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NA Students Excel in State Science CompetitionMembers of the Science Club took part in the state-level competition of the Pennsylvania Junior Acad-emy of Science at Penn State University in May.

Students participating in this competition con-ducted a self-designed experiment in the fields of science technology and mathematics. The stu-dents then designed and rehearsed a presentation detailing their project, which was presented before

a panel of judges from universities, high schools, in-dustry, and related fields. The students were judged based on scientific research techniques, statistical data analysis, aesthetics of design, public speaking and presentation skills, and an all-around ability to interact with professionals.

Congratulations to the following students:

7th graders:Adelle Fernando – First Perfect

Terry Faber – First

8th graders:Nikhil Behari – First Perfect

and Director’s award for Computer Science

10th graders:Eric Mi – First Perfect

Ashwin Reddy – First Perfect

Gabe Ren – First Perfect

Vibha Reddy – First

Nila Suresh – First

Siddarth Narayan – First

Mohit Bhide – Second

Zain Mehdi – Second

Shanelle Fernando – Second

11th graders:Pranav Murthy – First Perfect

Pranav Cannanbilla – First

William Cheng – First

NA Junior Classical League Earns 17th Consecutive State ChampionshipThe NA Junior Classical League delegation recently won their 17th consecutive state championship at the 63rd annual Pennsylvania Junior Classical League State Convention. Approxi-mately 73 NA students in grades 8-12 helped achieve this remarkable accomplishment.

The Level I Certamen Team comprised of 9th grade students Gunasheil Mandava, Julia Maruca, Remi Akindele, Kathryn Barancyk, Jane Venezia, and Eric Ricci earned First Place in the state. In addition to this achievement, Gunasheil Mandava won the Overall Academic Award and Ashwin Reddy won the Individual Over-all Champion Award, accumulating the highest number of points in the areas of academics, athletics, and creative and graphic arts.

The NA Junior Classical League sponsors are Angela Bergen, Beth Block, Robyn Hassinger and Connie Ramsey.

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NA Middle Schools Students “Dare to Be”Three middle school students received honors for placing in the 2014 “Dare to Be” contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania Alliance for Safe and Drug Free Children. The students recognized for their contest entries are:

• Lauri Song, 2nd Place Art, MMS

• Jack Lopuszynski, 3rd Place Essay, CMS

• Adelle Fernando, Honorable Mention, IMS

These students were honored at a special luncheon held in May.

MES Student Wins First Place in Poster ChallengeSamhita Vasudevan from Marshall Elementary School won First Place in the 4th Annual “Let’s Clear the Air” Poster Challenge. As a result, Samhita earned a bicycle, a $100 certificate for school supplies, and a profes-sional magic show assembly at Marshall Elementary. All winning pieces are on display throughout public venues in Southwestern PA.

The goal of the Poster Challenge is for students to learn about the effects of air pollution, how to reduce exposure, and to encourage action promot-ing clean air and alterna-tive transportation.

The Class of 2014 Retirees were honored at a luncheon on May 29. We congratulate and thank them for their service.

Carla BaldwinSue BattagliaMarianne BiddleChristine BottiDennis BrayleySheila ClarkSusan ClarkKaren CraddockTerry CraigDavid DavisJane DearRuth DemianczykSusan EckertPaul FinstadRichard FrankensteinAnthony FunkJoy GaetanoRich GebroskyRobert GeyerStephen HeckmannDarla HerrnbergerPhyllis Hoadley

Barbara HoffmanThomas HughesMarianne Kennedy-EvansJack KernionJerry KronstainJuanita LamneckSally MatanDiane NapolitanConnie O’LareBarbara SchmidFrederick SchottDiane SobonCynthia SopherJanice SpohnSharon StamperDavid TubridyJoann UrbaniakThomasina VainaMarty WaibelClaudia WarkaskeCarol Wood

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Swimmer Zachary Buerger HonoredNASH student Zachary Buerger was named Western Pennsylvania’s “Most Positive High School Athlete” in Boy’s Swimming on Satur-day, May 3rd by former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, and Roberto Clemente, Jr., the son of the late Pirates Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente.

IMS Celebrates 20th Annual Benefit RunIngomar Middle School recently celebrated their 20th Annual IMS Benefit Run on Friday, May 16th.

This annual event has raised more than $100,000 for local charities since its inception in 1994. This year, IMS raised money for four local charities – all selected because IMS students have benefited from the organi-zation’s work. Donations raised this year will be divided between The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Children’s Heart Foundation, and The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Heart Institute.

This year’s run was also dedicated to the memory of Kyle Johnson, a former Ingomar student who collapsed at last year’s Pittsburgh Marathon. The donation to the Heart Institute is being made in Kyle’s memory.

The NA Federation of Teachers Announces 2014 Scholarship WinnersThe North Allegheny Federation of Teachers has awarded two $2,500 scholarships for North Allegheny seniors who have chosen to enter a career in elementary or secondary education. Congratulations to Rebecca Robles who will attend Slippery Rock University and major in Secondary English Education and Sarah Zallow who will attend Ohio University and major in early childhood education.

Students Earn High Scores on 2014 National Language ExamsRecently, 233 students garnered national honors for their performance on the 2014 National Foreign Language Exams. A total of 25 students achieved high rankings for the French Exams, 32 for the German Exams, 67 for the Latin Exams, and 109 for the Spanish Exams. These students all were honored by the NA School Board at the May 28th Distinguished Achievement Award Ceremony that preceded the School Board meeting.

Félicitations!Herzlichen GlückwünschGratulationes!¡Felicitaciones!

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IES Students Influence Local Interior Design ProjectSecond grade classrooms at Ingomar Elementary school were recently “clients” for three groups of LaRoche College interior de-sign students. These designers met with IES students to discuss their interests, including topics such as movies, books, characters, etc. The designers created chairs influenced by the students’ input and then returned to IES to present the finished products to the students. The elementary students also engaged in discus-sions about drafting design plans, how their ideas influenced the design, and Q&A sessions during which they asked many insightful questions.

The project was proposed to IES by LaRoche Associ-ate Professor and Interior Design Department chair, Nicole Bieak Kreidler, Ph.D.

Kennywood Day 2014

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The Universe in My Hand

The ink is drawn, the pen is poised, I look and look and look again, but inspiration is not for thcoming, the snow white page stares back at me.

I open my mind to the spin of the planets, the twinkle of the stars, the curvature of the universe, to focus back again where the sheet still stares. Pen on paper, I let the ink flow from my hand to spot and dash the snow, footprints breaking the untouched fields, the dark sky broken by a myriad of stars.

The beauty from my mind, from the mind of humanity, dances along the page, a train chugs toward a coast on tracks of its own design. As I draw, the world flows down my arm and onto the paper, As I draw, nature in her power guides my hand, As I draw, the world is painted in lines clearer, sharper, cleaner, better, Drawing sets apar t the dull from the glorious.

Brilliant bright and benign my drawing is complete.

- Isley Smith

Isley Smith Wins Poetry AwardJunior Isley Smith won First Place and the Log House Award for traditional verse in the Ligonier Valley Writers’ 23rd an-nual student poetry contest.

A Night in ‘Hawaiian Paradise’ at MCKFathers and their daughters were invited to attend a night in ‘Hawai-ian Paradise’ at McKnight Elemen-tary School for the Father/Daughter Dance on May 2nd. This fun-filled night featured music, dancing, games, raffles, food, and more. Grandfathers, brothers, step-fathers, and other relatives were also invited to attend.

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2014 Golf ClassicMonday, June 16, 2014

Register Today.For more information, contact Sally Scherling at 412-369-5419

Paid advertisements in District communica-tions and/or on District property do not repre-sent the District’s endorsement or approval of the matters or organizations represented in the advertisements. (School Board Policy #2580 – Approved Commercial Advertising.)

FOR DISTRICT INFORMATION

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NA Celebrates 25-Year EmployeesAt the opening of the May 21st School Board meet-ing, special recognition was given to 14 employees who have achieved the milestone of 25 years of service to the North Allegheny School District. Dr. Ray Gualtieri, Superintendent of Schools, introduced Dr. Jo Welter, Director of Human Resources, who presented an overview of the 25-year honorees.

Each honoree in attendance received a certificate and a small gift from the District. Family members and friends in the audience congratulated them warmly. The Board took a brief recess following the 25 Year Service Award Ceremony for a reception, during which Board members had the opportunity to personally greet the honorees and guests.

Congratulations to the following employees who are celebrating 25 years with North Allegheny:

• Karen Goodman – Carson Middle School• Wanda Marcinick – Carson Middle School• Gregory Waslo – Carson Middle School• Lori Partridge – Central Administration Office• Lois Schulz – Hosack Elementary

• George Walker – Marshall Middle School• Kelly Lynskey – Hosack Elementary• Richard Gebrosky – Ingomar Middle School• Dana Boyd – Marshall Middle School• Jeffrey Scheller – Marshall Middle School• Jack Kernion – NA Senior High School• Penny Zunski – Peebles• Susan Eckert – Transportation• Mary Kozminski – Transportation

Year End Notes for Parents of Elementary StudentsStudents Withdrawing from NAIf you are aware that your child will not be returning to North Allegheny School District for the 2014-2015 school year, please contact your school’s office to notify the secretary of your child’s plans for next year. This is helpful information as we plan for next school year. Please fill out this questionaire: Click Here

2014-2015 Placement InformationHomeroom placement information for the 2014-2015 school year will be sent to parents via the U.S. mail in August 2014.

2014-2015 New Student Orientation and Kindergarten OrientationNew Student and Kindergarten Orientations will be held at each elementary school during the two weeks prior to the first day of school. Specific dates will be listed on building websites and sent to new and kin-dergarten families via welcome letters from the building principal. These dates will also be listed on the District’s 2014-2015 Activities Calendar.

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