Due to a maintenance issue at State Street Elementary School today, the middle school concept presentation scheduled for this evening at State Street has been moved to Ambridge Senior High School. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the High School library on the second floor. We apologize for this inconvenience and look forward to seeing you at the High School this evening.
After professional inspection and evaluation, it has come to the administration and board’s attention that the bleachers at the fieldhouse are experiencing structural issues which require further evaluation of possible solutions.
While administration continues to look into possible solutions, it is necessary to move all junior varsity and varsity boys’ basketball games to the high school gymnasium instead of the fieldhouse. While we recognize the popularity of the fieldhouse and the preference of our teams and fans to host games there, this measure is necessary to ensure the safety of our fans and players.
We have not taken this decision lightly and understand the importance of the history of the fieldhouse venue. Replacement of the bleachers is estimated at approximately $400,000. Until the preliminary and final budgets have been approved, the board cannot determine final solutions to this issue. We thank the public for their understanding as the board works toward managing finances while still providing appropriate and safe venues for student activities.
Auditor General Eugene DePasquale released a statement on Wednesday that includes one finding and one recommendation for improvement for the Ambridge Area School District for an audit covering fiscal years July 2012 through June 2016.
The finding involved retirement benefits for previous superintendents which included the superintendent and their immediate family members. DePasquale determined the practice posed a significant financial impact on the District and recommended the District include a minimum years of service provision in all future employment contracts.
“The Ambridge Area School District appreciates the recommendations provided by the Auditor General’s Office following its review of District finances and operations,” said Doug McCausland, Director of Operations for the Ambridge Area School District. “The District takes all recommendations seriously and already has begun the process of implementing corrective action for the finding contained within the report.”
Starting with the three-year contract for its new superintendent, which is effective July 27, 2017 through July 30, 2020, post-employment benefits are extended only to Dr. Jo Welter. Should she elect to cover her spouse, she will be responsible for paying the difference in premium cost. Benefits for Dr. Welter continue only until she reaches age 65. Due to her decades-long career in public education, a minimum years of employment provision was not included in her current contract.
“Retirement insurance provisions are common features of superintendents’ contracts in the Commonwealth with many being more generous than what the Ambridge Area School District agreed to provide its current Superintendent,” said Mr. McCausland. “We believe the contract with our current superintendent is not only fair to her, but also fiscally responsible and in alignment with the auditor’s recommendations.”
The full auditor’s report is available here.
The 5'x5' banner was designed by senior Emma Van Dyke around the theme "Santa's Workshop" and painted by Mr. Ivanisin's Art 3 class. Our team was aptly named Nine Lives as there were 9 students and the winning proceeds were donated to the Beaver County Humane Society.
The Ambridge Area School District is exploring the concept of creating a middle school for sixth, seventh and eighth graders in the District. Superintendent Dr. Jo Welter will be presenting the idea to parents at each of the three elementary schools and gathering input from those in attendance.
It is important to note that the middle school concept is still in the development stages; gathering input from the community is a crucial stage in development and the opportunity to dialogue with parents is greatly appreciated.
Informational sessions will occur on the following dates and times:
- State Street Elementary School – 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018 (Cafeteria)
- Economy Elementary School – 7 p.m.. on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 (Music Room)
- Highland Elementary School – 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018 (Cafeteria)
Please join us for a
Highland Family STEAM Night
An evening of fun, hands-on activities for the whole family! Build, explore, and create together.
Who: Students in grades Pre-K through 6th & their families
When: January 11 from 6p.m.-8p.m.
Where: Highland Elementary School
Cost: FREE!
To register, please return the form below to Mrs. Darroch by Jan. 4.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes! Sign us up for Highland Family STEAM night on Jan. 11 from 6-8p.m.!
Student’s Name ________________________
Number of Adults attending ________
Number of Children attending ________
6th grade students only
Would you be willing to volunteer to help for 30 minutes during STEAM night? If you would like to be part of the STEAM Team please return this form to Mrs. Darroch. Sixth grade STEAM Team members will work at a STEAM table for 30 minutes on Jan. 11. The 6th grade volunteers will show families in attendance how to use the technology on display.
Student’s Name ____________________ can be part of the STEAM Team on January 11.
______________________
(Parent’s Signature)
______________________
(Parent’s Phone Number)
Time slot your child is available to help
____ 6:00-6:30p.m.
____ 6:30-7:00p.m.
____ 7:00-7:30p.m.
____ 7:30-8:00p.m.
Student of the Month –
9th Kyla Fitzgibbons
10th Nathan Ritchey
11th Riley Sas
12th Sarah Gazda
Extra Effort -
9th Zach Massimani
10th Brooke Lively
11th Dalton Brandt
12th Coltin Barker
The Ambridge Area School District Administration recently has been made aware of several issues concerning R.J. Rhodes Transit, Inc., which provides contracted transportation services to the District.
First and foremost, we appreciate parents sharing their concerns, and would like to provide reassurance that each and every complaint is being investigated by the appropriate District personnel. The safety and security of our students is a top priority in the District, and we recognize that reliable transportation to and from school each day is a crucial component of a successful learning environment.
The District will continue to work with Rhodes Transportation to resolve ongoing issues. Corrective action, where necessary, will be taken. Parents who have questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to Mr. Brian Miller, Director of Transportation, at 724-266-2833, Ext. 2377 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Students in Kindergarten through Sixth Grade were awarded a certificate for
being chosen as Sept. Physical Education Star Students of the month. Mrs. Parisi has dedicated a bulletin board in the gym to honor her students.
Mrs. Parisi has established the following criteria for the award.
Not absent on a Gym Day, do an excellent job calling out the warm-ups, a good role model in class, extra effort, and encouraging fellow classmates to do
their best. Along with Mrs. Parisi in the picture are: CELIA MEUNIER, MCKENZIE BROOKS, BROOKE BORONSKI, VERA MEIDER, CONNOR PLOHR, ADRIEN ROTONDO, AND JOSEPH BELLINGER.
Congratulations to all!
Students in Kindergarten through Sixth Grade were awarded a certificate for
being chosen as Nov. Physical Education Star Students of the month. Mrs. Parisi has dedicated a bulletin board in the gym to honor her students.
Mrs. Parisi has established the following criteria for the award.
Not absent on a Gym Day, do an excellent job calling out the warm-ups, a good role model in class, extra effort, and encouraging fellow classmates to do
their best. Along with Mrs. Parisi in the picture are: LEONIDAS RIEGNER, ROBERT SEDLMYER, LILLYA JANECTIC, ALEXANDER POMPEO, EMMA PINCHOT,GAVIN HISIRO, SHAYLEE DUNKLE, ZOEE KUHEL, DAMIAN KAST, SEBASTIAN KELM, JACKSON KOZAK, EMMITT OLENIC, HANNAH THEAR, MALLORY MCKINNEY, ETHNE BELL, MARA ILKO, MIA MODROVICH, HARRISON HILL, LILY GEWETH AND JASON DESANTIS.
Missing from the picture is: KARLYCE CHANDLER
Congratulations to all!
For more than 20 years, the Beaver County Educational Trust has awarded mini-grants to area teachers to launch innovative classroom projects or expand curriculum that otherwise might not develop because of limited school budgets.
This year, however, is the first for its Teacher of the Year award honoring a teacher whose project grant application scored highest in judging rubrics and is deemed “exemplary.”
Caitlin Bajgier, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) coach in the Ambridge Area School District, helps kindergarten pupil Ty Hartman as he works on a computational thinking problem at Economy Elementary School. Bajgier is one of two teacher's named Teachers of the Year by the Beaver County Educational Trust.
“I see what the kids are learning in math, reading and science and pull them together,” Bajgier said.
For the full article go to: http://www.timesonline.com/entertainmentlife/20171217/beaver-county-educational-trust-awards-teacher-of-year
