Press Releases 2005-2006

Tax Study Commission

The Marple Newtown School District is seeking volunteers to participate on the Tax Study Commission as required by Act 1. The purpose of this commission is to study financial and demographic data and to make a recommendtion to the School Board on the tax rate to be included on the May 2007 front-end referendum question shifting taxes from Real Estate taxes to Income taxes. Please submit a statement of interest as to why you wish to serve on this commission to the Superintendent - Marple Newtown School District, 40 Media Line Road, Suite 209, Newtown Square, PA 19073.

The Marple Newtown School District is also seeking special counsel and a financial advisor to assist the Tax Study Commission. Qualified individuals or firms should submit a statement of interest and professional qualifications to the address listed. The deadline for all submissions is August 1, 2006.

For information about Act 1, please see the attached article written by Kegel, Kelin, Almy and Grimm, LLP.

MNSD Introduces Sponsor-A-Scholar

On Tuesday May 23,  Merle Horowitz, Superintendent of Schools, held a recognition ceremony to introduce the new Sponsor-A-Scholar Program. This meeting brought the sponsors, mentors, students and families together for the first time.  The class of 2009 currently has 9 students that have been sponsored by the Marple Newtown business community,  members of the Board of School Directors, and Merle Horowitz. 

The Sponsor-A-Scholar program pairs a student with a sponsor and mentor during the four years of high school. This program is a partnership between the school district and the business community to reach out to young scholars and aid them in their pursuit of a college education. 

 The Sponsor has a financial commitment to the student to aid in the costs of a college education.  The Mentor serves as a role model and motivator for the student.  The mentor can be from the sponsor's organization or will be assigned from the school district's administrative or professional staff.  The students are selected by a set of criteria, such as financial need, GPA, interest and intention of a college education.  The number of students selected is determined by the number of sponsors in that given year.  

 There are 3 levels of Financial Sponsorship:

Gold Sponsor $1000/yr for 4 yrs.
Silver Sponsor $750/yr   for 4 yrs.
Bronze Sponsor $500/yr   for 4 yrs.

Please contact Robin Wallin at 610.359.4256 or rwallin@mnsd.org for additional information.

Paxon Hollow Middle School Raises $14,000 for Alex's Lemonade Stand

On Friday, May 19th, Paxon Hollow Middle School hosted the 1st Annual Lemonade Bowl in cooperation with Haverford Middle School to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand, funding research to fight pediatric cancer.   The theme was “Kids Helping Kids”.  The event raised $14,000 to bring the total contributed by both Potter Cup and Lemonade Bowl to over $65,000.  A check was presented to Liz Scott on Friday, June 2nd at the Athletics Award's breakfast.  This is the most money that has been contributed by any school sponsored event; " Young people can do great things", said Dennis Reardon, Director of Athletics, about the efforts of these students. 

Lemonade Bowl events included  8 th grade boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, 8 th grade boys’ baseball and field events in which the student body competed including inflatable obstacle course, plunger relay, knapsack relay, soccer maze and crabwalk relay. Paxon Hollow was the winner of this year’s competition and has the trophy on display. 

Special guest Michael Barkann, Comcast SportsNet, spoke to the audience to get the event kicked-off.  There were many activities for children to enjoy, such as face painting, moon bounces, dunk tanks, live music and a magician. Many girls had their hair cut and donated to Locks-of-Love.  It was a day enjoyed by all that included sports, food, entertainment and games!

Paxon Hollow and Haverford Middle Schools would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support:

Paxon Hollow Middle School & Haverford Middle School
Worrall Elementary School, Russell Elementary School, Culbertson Elementary School, Loomis Elementary School, Marple Newtown High School;
Brandywine Signs, Dr. Christine Zabel, Dr. Steven Cohn, John G. Kaufman DC, PC, Rockport Construction, Bette's Bounces, Advanced Vision, Marple Sports Arena, USA Environmental, Hatfield, C&M Sporting Goods, The Fresh Stop, Lee Insurance Agency, Frank C. Videon, Inc., Rita's Water Ice of Broomall, Makin' Music, Pru/Fox/Roach – Newtown Square, Shear Touch Salon, Bernie’s Pretzels, AES & AEM Entertainment, Liberty Paper, Barbara Gambrill, Giant Food Store of Broomall, Mr. J’s Beverage, ACME Market of Broomall, Alfredo’s Pizza, Marple Newtown School Board, Church of Latter Day Saints, Michael Barkann

Pennsylvania Middle School Association Poster Contest

The Pennsylvania Middle School Association in partnership with Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency sponsored a "poster contest" for middle level students. 

Theme:  "What I Discovered in the Discovering Module at Education Planner.org".

Students visited and explored the website www.educationplanner.org to learn more about themselves (i.e. learning style, personality type, and career options).  Then, they created a poster based on their experiences and results.  Students had the option to use paint, colored pencils or markers; no computer graphics or letters.

On May 10, 2006 PHEAA presented a $2,000 check to Paxon Hollow Middle School in honor of students, Lexie Abel and Lauren Rutecki for winning the career development poster contest. 

In addition, they presented both girls with sweatshirts from Villanova. Mrs. Holly Dunleavy is the Career and Computer Teacher at PHMS that leads the outstanding Career awareness program.

Paxon Hollow Middle School Receives the 2005-06 Pennsylvania Middle School Association’s Don Eichhorn Outstanding Middle School Award.

On Sunday, March 19, 2006, Dr. Stephen Subers, Principal of Paxon Hollow Middle School accepted the Don Eichhorn Award for Outstanding Middle School. Paxon Hollow is one of three schools of the 501 districts in Pennsylvania to be recognized for their efforts. The award is in honor of Dr. D. Eichhorn, a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the founding fathers of the middle school movement.

Paxon Hollow Middle School incorporates the 14 Essential elements of a middle school outlined by the National Middle School Association, including courageous, collaborative leadership, high expectations, a challenging curriculum, and multifaceted guidance and support services. A complete list of the 14 Essential elements can be found on the Pennsylvania Middle School Association website: (http://www.pmsaweb.org/files/DON-EICHHORN.rtf). In addition to the rigorous academic program, a comprehensive arts related program is offered to meet the needs and interests of all students.

“I am so proud of the  Paxon Hollow Middle School community!  This outstanding award is a tribute to the administration, professional staff, support staff, students and parents.  Everyone works collaboratively to foster a wonderful educational program for our middle school students,” said Merle Horowitz, Superintendent.   

Architects Present Feasibility Study Recommendations

Hayes Large Architects presented their Feasibility Study recommendations for the Marple Newtown School District facilities on Monday evening, March 6 in the Gauntlett Center auditorium. Hayes Large based their recommendations on a year long study of the district’s facilities and feedback from many different constituents.

Their recommendations include two culminating design themes: a Flagship High School and an Early Childhood Center. Mrs. Merle Horowitz has provided a complete summary here.

The Hayes Large Architects powerpoint presentation is attached here for download. (Please note: this is a large file, and depending on your connection speed, may take a few minutes to download.)

Facilities Meeting to be held March 6, 2006

February 10, 2006 — Hayes Large Architects, LLP will present their recommendations for all the facilities in Marple Newtown School District on Monday, March 6, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gauntlett Community Center Auditorium (across from the board room).  This presentation will reflect the diverse and constructive community feedback received from the first two presentations, “Frame the Challenge” and “This is What We Heard”. Parking is available on the West Chester Pike side of the Gauntlett Center. The Public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Potter Cup to be held January 27, 2006.

January 13, 2006 — On January 27, 2006, Paxon Hollow Middle School and Haverford Middle School are combining their efforts to raise money for pediatric cancer research in the name of Alex’s Lemonade Stand. The Third Annual Potter Cup will again benefit pediatric cancer research through Alex’s Lemonade Stand. The 2005 Potter Cup raised over $20,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

The Potter Cup began in 2004 as an opportunity to promote and display the various talents of middle school children, beginning with an athletic competition between Paxon Hollow and rival middle school, Haverford.  The school that wins two of the three events is awarded “The Potter Cup.”  Students are involved in all aspects of the planning, including the design of the official Potter Cup tee shirt, and making signs and commercials to promote the event.

The day begins at 1:15 p.m. when the Paxon Hollow Road Trotters, a group of teachers including Principal Steve Subers, leave Paxon to dribble the game basketball from Paxon Hollow to Haverford High School, regardless of the weather! After they see the Road Trotters off, the students will board the buses for the big event. In addition to the athletic events at Haverford, there will be face-painting, games and prizes for kids of all ages. The schedule of events at Haverford is as follows (times are approximate):

• 2:15 p.m. – Joint pep rally with guests Phil Martelli ( St. Joseph’s University), John Clark(NBC 10), Hip Hop, 76ers dance squad. A few words from the Athletic Directors: Bill Booth, Dennis Reardon, and Liz Scott, Alex’s Mom.
• 3:30 p.m. – Wrestling Match
• 5:00 p.m. -- Shining through Program – Shaving heads to show support for cancer patients. Paxon Hollow Asst. Principal John Beltrante will have his head shaved by Liz Scott (Alex’s Mom).
• 5:15 p.m. -- Phillie Phanatic will be available for pictures
• 5:30 p.m. – Remembrance of Alex
• 5:40 p.m. – Phillie Phanatic tosses up the first ball for the Girls Basketball Match
• 7:15 p.m. – Boys Basketball Match
• 8:15 p.m. – Closing Ceremonies and presentation of Check to the Scott Family

Besides proving to be a major fund raiser, the Potter Cup day has developed a strong sense of sportsmanship, friendship and cooperation between the student bodies. Students are learning that competition between schools can be friendly and that by working together they can better reach the common goal of “kids helping kids with cancer.” Students are corresponding with children at Children’s Hospital. Local school boards have donated over $1,200 to sponsor the Road Trotters. The “Shining Through Program” expects to raise over $3,000 with additional incentive being provided by Assistant Principal John Beltrante, who has agreed to have his head shaved during the event.

Fundraising for Alex’s Lemonade Stand will continue this spring with “The Lemonade Bowl” to be held on May 19.

Kindergarten Registration Scheduled for January 17 & 18, 2006

December 15, 2005 — Kindergarten registration for the Marple Newtown School District will be held at all elementary buildings on the following dates: Tuesday, January 17 th from 6:00-8:00 P.M. and Wednesday, January 18 th from 9:30 to 3:00 P.M.

Children who will be five years old before the first day of school are eligible and should be registered at their neighborhood school. (Historically, the first day of school has been the day after Labor Day). Placement in kindergarten is on a first-come, first-served basis. Late registrants may be scheduled to attend other district elementary schools where there are openings.

Parents may not register their children without the following:

• Proof of immunization - including 4 or more DPT (with the fourth one on or after the 4 th birthday); 3 Polio; 2 Measles, 1 Mumps, and 1 Rubella (preferably given as 2 MMR, with the first one given after 12 months of age); the 3 shot series of Hepatitis B; and the date of Chicken Pox disease, or the Varivax vaccine.

• The child’s Birth Certificate or Passport or Baptismal Certificate
• Proof of residence in Marple or Newtown Township. Residency may be demonstrated by presenting a deed (or an agreement of sale) or a lease, and three other forms of identification including current utility and cable bills. No other documents will be accepted.

We will provide a Kindergarten Information Kit for each new kindergarten student and parent as we welcome our new students to the Marple Newtown School District.

Marple Newtown School District Facilities Meeting Postponed

November 28, 2005 — In the past two months the Hayes Large Architectural Firm has held presentations for the purpose of seeking feedback from the community on the feasibility study for Phase II of District renovations. The first two presentations (“Frame the Challenge” and “This is What We Heard”) generated community feedback that was constructive and diverse. In order to allow the Hayes Firm to adequately respond to the feedback, the final meeting, “These are the Options” originally scheduled for Monday, December 12, has been postponed. The meeting will be rescheduled for January.

Teacher Web Pages

October 28, 2005 — Dear Parents/Guardians:

One of the most important measures of success for a student today is the communication between home and school. Parent involvement is critical to support the efforts of students, as they meet the expectations of their teachers.

I am proud to inform you that our school district is taking another step in the right direction to improve the communication between home and school. We are introducing teacher web pages, which will give parents the opportunity to check each teacher’s page for homework, long-term assignments and test/quizzes. Additionally, we will encourage our students to check their teachers’ web pages to confirm assignments and find links to help them improve their skills in those areas.

You can access any teacher’s web page by going to the district website. Click on Teacher Web Pages and you will find a page with all schools listed. Click on the school name and then you will find a list of teachers and other professionals. Click on the appropriate name to view that teacher’s webpage. Links are also provided on each building’s webpage.

Our teachers and professional staff members are learning how to use their web pages. They are encouraged to update their pages, but please be patient as we learn how to use the program. Please contact the professional staff member if you have any questions about the content of the web page.

Thank you for supporting us in our efforts to provide an excellent educational experience for each and every child.

Sincerely, Merle Horowitz, Superintendent

Facilities Feasibility Study

September 28, 2005 — In the past decade, the Marple Newtown School District completed Phase I of its renovations of the six school facilities. This past year, the district contracted with the Hayes Large Architectural Firm from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to complete a feasibility study for Phase II. The feasibility study took into consideration the current condition of all facilities, as well as the projected enrollment of the district into the future.

The Hayes Large Architectural Firm will be presenting the completed feasibility study and seeking feedback from the community. The dates for the various presentations are as follows:

Meeting 1: Frame the Challenge

Elementary School Focus — Monday, October 10, 7:00 p.m.
Secondary School Focus — Tuesday, October 11, 7:00 p.m.

Meeting 2: This is What We Heard

Secondary School Focus — Tuesday, November 1, 7:00 p.m.
Elementary School Focus — Thursday, November 3, 7:00 p.m.

Meeting 3: These are the Options

District Presentation — Monday, December 12, 7:00 p.m.

All meetings will be held in the Auditorium of Marple Newtown High School. At the conclusion of these presentations, the Hayes Large Firm will prepare an Executive Summary for the Board of School Directors. It will be presented at a future meeting in January. The community will be invited once the date is established.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings. Community feedback is very important to the future Phase II renovation projects of our school district.

Stadium Rededication

September 27, 2005 — A rededication of the recently renovated Harry R. Harvey Field at Marple Newtown High School will be held Friday, September 30, at 6:30 at the Field. The Marple Newtown vs. Springfield football game will kick off immediately following the dedication ceremony.

Message from the Superintendent:

September 8, 2005 — I am honored and delighted to be the new Superintendent of the Marple Newtown School District. I believe the 30 years I have spent in education in Delaware County have prepared me well for the challenges and opportunities present at Marple Newtown. The first twelve years were spent in the classroom, as an elementary teacher, an elementary reading specialist, and a middle school reading specialist in the Upper Darby School District. My career also includes 18 years in administration, as an elementary principal, the K-12 Director of Curriculum, and Assistant Superintendent for the Upper Darby School District, and most recently as Assistant Superintendent for the Penn Delco School District. In the very near future, I expect to earn an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

I have many exciting ideas and positive experiences to bring to Marple Newtown. My vision for this school year is to enhance communication and public relations, to renew the sense of community pride that was the hallmark of Marple Newtown for several years and to encourage the use of technology in creative ways to increase student achievement.

I value the support of our staff, parents and community members, and know that we can work collaboratively on behalf of the students of the Marple Newtown School District to continue the tradition of excellence. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you this year. ~~ Mrs. Merle Horowitz