Quaker Valley School District tapped a former NCAA Division I women’s basketball player to head its girls’ basketball program. Jill Brumbaugh, a four-year starter for the University of Connecticut, will coach both the varsity and middle school programs for the Quakers.

Ms. Brumbaugh, who played under Hall of Fame coach Geno Auiremma, attended UCONN on a full athletic scholarship. She led the team in steals and assists and served as team captain during her senior year.

Serving as the girls’ basketball coach for Claysburg-Kimmel High School in Blair County from 2010-2012, Ms. Brumbaugh led the team to two consecutive playoff appearances after a four-year drought.

“Jill’s success as a player and coach makes her an outstanding candidate to lead our girls’ basketball program,” Mike Mastrioanni, director of athletics and student activities, said. “Her willingness to head both our high school and middle school programs is commendable and our student-athletes will benefit greatly from her leadership.”

Ms. Brumbaugh holds a master’s degree in education from St. Francis University and a bachelor’s in nutrition with a minor in sports nutrition from the University of Connecticut. She resides in Center Township in Beaver County.

Ms. Brumbaugh takes over for Jim Dudas who resigned at the conclusion of the 2012-13 season. Mr. Dudas served as head coach for the Quakers since 2010 – making the WPIAL playoffs all three seasons. In 2011-12, the team won the WPIAL section championship for the first time in 31 years.

The Quaker Valley Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce the inductees for the Class of 2013. The current inductees include two undefeated teams, the 1956 Football Team and the 1991 Girls’ Soccer Team; and four athletes — Ernie Robinson, ’58; Courtney South, ’85; Chris Churchill, ’97; and John Houghton, ’03.

“We are really excited about another strong group of inductees,” Mike Mastroianni, director of athletics and student activities, said. “They again represent different eras and their credentials are impressive and unquestioned. Our athletic department and our school district are very fortunate to have had such distinguished contributors.”  

The Class of 2013 will be inducted into the Quaker Valley Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, at a brunch and awards ceremony at Sewickley Heights Golf Club. This will be the featured event of the QV Sports Hall of Fame weekend celebration beginning with recognition at the football game on Sept. 20. The Hall of Fame committee is encouraging all former Quaker Valley athletes and supporters to attend the weekend festivities.

Inductee Highlights

The 1956 Football Team is the only undefeated Quaker Valley football team in school history. As QV’s first football team it played an important role in uniting a new school district. Led by Coach Joseph Dobrick, a 2012 QV Sports Hall of Fame inductee, this team combined the talents of Sewickley and Leetsdale high schools. The impact of the team’s success brought two rival communities and student bodies together and set a tone for excellence in all areas that still exists today. In addition to Coach Dobrick, assistant coach Halley Willison (’99), and players Robert Mott (’00) and Jack Larimer (’02) have already been inducted into the QV Sports Hall of Fame. A third player, Ernie Robinson, will be inducted as a member of the Class of 2013.

Ernest Robinson, ’58 was an accomplished three-sport star athlete who excelled in football, basketball and track. Ernie was a three-year letter winner in football and the starting quarterback his senior year. The only blemish that year was a heartbreaking 7-6 loss to Beaver. Ernie threw the pass for QV’s only touchdown. Ernie earned all-section honors in basketball his senior year and excelled in three events as a sprinter on the track team. After a decorated stint in the U.S. Army, Ernie embarked on a hugely successful 31-year teaching and coaching career in Columbus, Ohio. He coached his school’s girls’ basketball teams to eight city titles and five district championships, winning a state title in 1986. He is a four-time City Coach of the Year and earned Ohio State Coach of the Year in 1986. He was inducted into his District Hall of Fame. 

The 1991 Girls’ Soccer Team became the first undefeated team at Quaker Valley since the ’56 football team. Coached by Dom Vezza, the ’91 team finished 23-0 en route to the WPIAL title. QV defeated a strong Mt. Lebanon team 1-0 in the championship game and ended the season ranked the #1 team in the country by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. The ’91 team was led by two Quaker Valley Sports Hall of Famers – Liz Gaadt (’99) and Liz Neidlinger (’01). Gaadt also earned All-American status.

Chris Churchill, ’97 captained back-to-back state championship soccer teams, the first in 1995 and then the undefeated 1996 team.   A three year starter, he was team MVP his junior year. In addition, he earned all-section and all-WPIAL honors three times during his sophomore, junior and senior years. Chris was also a two-time all-state pick and then became National All-American his senior year. He finished his career with 50 goals and 22 assists as a defender. After graduation Churchill went on to play at Penn State University lettering his freshman year before transferring to the University of Pittsburgh. While at Pitt he became a three-year starter and earned All-Big East recognition his junior and senior years.

John Houghton, ’03 is the leader of maybe the most accomplished brother-sister tennis act in the history of WPIAL tennis. According to his coach, Ed Perry, “I can state without reservation that John Houghton is the best tennis player ever to have graduated from Quaker Valley High School.” John has the credentials to back up that claim. A four-year number one singles player, John had only three losses his freshman year and all were to the eventual WPIAL champion. John then won three straight WPIAL championships and only had two losses in his sophomore and junior years and both came in the PIAA finals. In his senior year, John went undefeated on his way to winning the WPIAL and PIAA singles titles. John continued his tennis career at the United States Military Academy at West Point where he was the school’s number one tennis player for his entire four-year career.

Courtney South Schorr, ’94 is the most accomplished women’s swimmer in Quaker Valley history. She was a member of the Quaker Valley girls’ swim team for four years, and served as team captain during her senior year. During her senior year, Courtney was the three-time PIAA State Champion in three events (the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, and 200-yard freestyle relay). Based on her performance in 100-yard freestyle, Courtney was named a high school All-American in that event. Courtney then went on to swim at the University of Notre Dame, where she was a four-year letter winner and was co-captain during her senior year. She was Notre Dame’s top freestyle sprinter during her freshman, sophomore, and junior years, setting Notre Dame records in multiple events. Notre Dame’s women’s swim team won the Big East Championships in Courtney’s junior and senior years. In her junior year, Courtney was a top three finisher in the Big East Championships in her three individual events (50-yard, 100-yard, and 200-yard freestyle). Courtney was also a member of Notre Dame’s 800-yard freestyle team that won the Big East Championships in 1997 and set a new Notre Dame record. Her senior year she was the recipient of the Notre Dame Knute Rockne Student-Athlete Award, and was named an NCAA Academic All-American.
 

The Quaker Valley Sports Hall of Fame will publish full biographies and records of each inductee throughout the summer. Watch for more updates and information regarding the weekend festivities. Tickets to attend the Hall of Fame induction banquet will go on sale in early August. For more information or for anyone interested in contributing to the Hall of Fame and the weekend events, contact Gene Klein at kleing@qvsd.org.

The Quaker Valley School Board approved the 2013-2014 final budget during its June 18, 2013, meeting. The $42,155,011 spending plan calls for a millage reduction of 4.32 mills from 21.25 mills to 16.93 mills.

The new 16.93 millage rate does not increase the tax rate following the mandatory millage decrease that is required due to the countywide reassessment. Under Act 1 of 2006, school districts must adjust their millage rates to be revenue neutral following a reassessment. However, the property tax impact on individual homeowners will vary based upon the home’s prior and current assessment.

It is projected that Quaker Valley will have the fifth lowest millage rate among the county’s 42 suburban school districts. In 2012-13, Quaker Valley is ranked ninth lowest.

The difference between projected revenues and expenditures is $170,800. The district will use reserve funds from a special PSERS Stabilization Fund to bridge the gap as mandated retirement costs ballooned nearly $900,000 over the current year. Non-retirement expenditures increased only $186,000 or 0.45 percent over the current year.

“Knowing that drastic increases in retirement contributions were projected, our school board created the PSERS Stabilization Fund to absorb some of the burden,” Dr. Joseph Clapper, superintendent, said. “The benefits of this long-term planning will be evident in the next few years as PSERS costs continue to dramatically climb.”

Nearly 75 percent of the budget is comprised of salaries and benefits. Employment contracts and agreements typically limit school districts’ ability to reduce personnel costs. However, Quaker Valley staff members have been willing to explore cost-saving measures.

“Our staff understands the financial challenges that public schools face; therefore, the budget includes wage concessions and freezes for various employee groups – including our administrators.”

The vast majority of the district’s revenues – 84 percent – is derived from local taxpayers. Pennsylvania funds only 12 percent of Quaker Valley’s revenues.

The 2013-14 final budget provides funding for several new and ongoing initiatives including the following:

• The elementary program will benefit from a year-long extension of the elementary literacy coach position, which works closely with teachers and administrators to improve literacy instruction in for elementary students.
• A kindergarten teacher has been added in order to maintain acceptable class sizes for the district’s youngest learners.
• A four-year technology plan has been approved that continues the one-to-one laptop initiative for students in grades 6-12. The new plan represents significant immediate and long-term savings compared with previous years.
• There will be an increased focus on career education — especially for high school students including internships, job shadowing, etc.
• Quaker Valley High School will be developing curriculum for a pre-engineering offerings.
• Quaker Valley Middle School has the potential to pilot Mandarin Chinese.
• The district will examine the potential to transform the middle school library into an educational space that fosters innovation and creativity for 21st century learners where students choose to spend their time.

In addition, the 2013-14 budget maintains the district’s current contribution of $497,000 for the Sewickley Public Library of the Quaker Valley School District.

“The budget is always a delicate balance between high quality educational programs and fiscal responsibility,” Dr. Clapper said. “We continue to explore innovative opportunities to reduce expenses while preserving and expanding quality programs for students.”

The 2013-14 budget is available on the district’s website www.qvsd.org and at the district’s administrative offices, 100 Leetsdale Industrial Drive in Leetsdale as well as the Sewickley Public Library, 500 Thorn Street in Sewickley.

2013-14 Final Budget

The Quaker Valley School District’s high school Traffic Safety Advisory Committee presented its findings during the June 18, 2013, school board meeting. As the meeting was a work session meeting, no immediate action regarding the recommendations was taken.

“Although consensus was not reached on every recommendation, members of the Quaker Valley High School Traffic Safety Advisory Committee are unanimous in their concern for student safety,” Jason Richey, spokesperson for the committee, said.

The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee made the following recommendations:

• Complete all short-term recommendations (listed below)
• Explore the recommendation to add a student drop-off and pick-up lane adjacent to the front of the school entrance for southbound traffic by contracting with the appropriate professionals
• Contract with the appropriate professionals to complete a thorough site analysis – including geotechnical studies – of the high school campus and adjacent properties to determine the future usability of the grounds for any potential renovation and expansion of the high school.

The Traffic Safety Committee achieved unanimous agreement on the following short-term recommendations:

• Cut back vegetation along the northern lot access road to improve visibility as described on page 11 of the Wooster Report as well as anywhere else vegetation limits visibility in crossing areas;
• Add a blind spot mirror to aid drivers merging from the lower lot;
• Add appropriate stop signs at the top of the hill from the lower lot, at the top of the hill behind the back northern corner of the High School and the back southern corner of the High School;
• Eliminate the two parking spots adjacent to Beaver in the upper lot to eliminate blind spots for cars turning left or right onto Beaver as discussed on page 11 of the Wooster Report;
• Petition PennDOT, the Governor and State Representatives for additional signage on Route 65 indicating the entrance to the High School and/or to add a turning lane into the High School lower lot;
• Improve lighting on Beaver especially on cross walks;
• Redesign the back driveway and hill from lower lot so that there are designated walking lanes/paths to the school for pedestrians. This can be inexpensively accomplished by removing the current parking lines and repainting lines for a pedestrian walkway; and
• Identify temporary handicap/senior citizen designated parking spots to be used during school or stadium events only.

Pending the results of the recommended site analysis and a determination to renovate the high school at its current location, a majority of the committee supports the option to develop the properties south of the high school. Should the short- and intermediate-term recommendations alleviate present traffic safety issues, the need to develop the property should be re-evaluated.

The committee, an 18-member microcosm of the district, met throughout a four-month period (from February – May 2013) to analyze the pedestrian/car/bus safety issues on and around the high school campus and to recommend opportunities to mitigate safety concerns.

The committee included representation from all three voting regions; all age levels from high school students to retirees; and differing views and opinions, including four – more than 20 percent of the entire committee – who were openly opposed to the district's efforts.

Quaker Valley High School Traffic Safety Advisory Committee - Findings Report

Nominations are currently being accepted for the Quaker Valley School District Distinguished Alumni Awards. The Distinguished Alumni Awards program recognizes Quaker Valley graduates for the their outstanding contributions in their chosen profession and/or service to their communities.

Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 15, 2013.  Awardees will be recognized during the district’s homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 11, 2013. The Quakers host Seton-LaSalle at 7 p.m.

To qualify, nominees must be alumni of Quaker Valley High School who graduated at least 10 years ago. 

“Countless Quaker Valley graduates have become pioneers and leaders in their professions and in their communities,” Dr. Joseph H. Clapper, superintendent, said. “We are honored to have this opportunity to recognize them, their accomplishments and the tremendous pride that they bring to our Quaker Valley School District.” 

Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented annually to one or more Quaker Valley graduates in coordination with Homecoming. Nomination forms are available on the district’s website www.qvsd.org. The annual deadline is Sept. 15.

For more information, contact Tina Vojtko, director of communications and development, at 412-749-3623 or via email vojtkot@qvsd.org.

Download the nomination form

School lunch and breakfast prices have been approved for the Quaker Valley School District for the 2013-14 school year. Lunch prices will increase by 10 cents – from $2.50 to $2.60 for all students while breakfast will remain $1.50. The new meal prices were approved during the school board’s legislative meeting on June 25, 2013.

The price increase is necessitated by section 205 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which requires participants of the National School Lunch Program to make efforts to equalize the cost of a federally reimbursed free lunch/breakfast and a fully paid lunch/breakfast.

During the 2012-13 school year, Quaker Valley’s federal reimbursement was $2.92 for free lunch and $1.55 for free breakfast. The law caps the required increase in the average paid meal price at 10 cents in any year.

Two Quaker Valley School District teachers will be performing in “Bye Bye Birdie” July 18-21, 2013, at Robert Morris University.  Osborne Elementary music teacher Stephen Donnelly will play the part of Albert Peterson and Osborne kindergarten teacher Annette Matthews will play the part of Gloria Rasputin.  

Quaker Valley High School has been named the Class AA 2012-13 MSA Sports Cup winner by MSA Sports Network for the second consecutive year. 

The MSA Sports Cup is a challenge to determine the best sports programs for the entire school year throughout the WPIAL schools in each classification, A, AA, AAA and AAAA. Points are earned for the success of each team sport in the fall, winter and spring seasons. Only sports with at least 30 percent participation throughout the WPIAL schools are included.

“The MSA Sports Cup offers a quantitative assessment of athletic programs throughout the entire WPIAL,” Dr. Joseph H. Clapper, superintendent, said. “The MSA Sports Cup affirms that our athletic department, our coaches, and, most importantly, our student athletes are performing at an exceptionally high level.”

Point totals for schools in the WPIAL AA classification ranged from 0 to Quaker Valley’s 525. The next highest score was 330, earned by Shady Side Academy.

“Winning the MSA Sport Cup is a huge accomplishment as it measures the success of the entire athletic program,” Mike Mastroianni, director of athletics and activities, said. “Our girls’ and boys’ athletic teams have brought great pride to our school and to our greater community.”

Achievements in 2012-13 include:

• Boys’ Cross Country: WPIAL champions, PIAA Playoff Berth
• Boys’ Golf: Qualified for WPIAL Playoffs
• Boy’s Soccer: Section Co-Champions, WPIAL Champion, PIAA Playoff Berth
• Girls’ Cross Country: Section Champion, WPIAL champions, PIAA Playoff Berth
• Girls’ Soccer: Qualified for WPIAL Playoffs
• Girls’ Tennis: Section Co-Champions, WPIAL champions, PIAA Playoff Berth
• Girls’ Volleyball: Qualified for WPIAL Playoffs
• Boys’ Basketball: Qualified for WPIAL Playoffs, PIAA Playoff Berth, WPIAL Playoffs 4th Place Finish
• Boys’ Ice Hockey: WPIHL Division Champions, WPIHL Western Pennsylvania Champion & PIHL Pennsylvania State Runner-Up
• Girls’ Basketball: Qualified for WPIAL Playoffs
• Baseball: Section Champion, WPIAL Runner-Up, PIAA Playoff Berth
• Boys’ Tennis: Qualified for WPIAL Playoffs, WPIAL Playoffs 4th Place Finish
• Girls’ Track & Field: Qualified for WPIAL Playoffs, PIAA Playoff Berth

MSA Sports Cup winners in the other classifications include: North Allegheny (AAAA), Mars (AAA), and Greensburg Central Catholic (A). For more information regarding the MSA Sports Cup, visit www.msasports.net. 

The FRIENDS OF QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOLS Education Foundation recently award 10 $4,000 scholarship awards to graduating seniors. The 2013 scholarship awardees include the following 2013 Quaker Valley High School graduates:

• Toren Andrewson, Colorado College
• Clayton Bouchard, University of Notre Dame
• William Ferris, College of William and Mary
• Molly Johnson, University of Pittsburgh
• Mericka McCabe, Barnard College
• Dante Piccolo, Lafayette College
• Jake Pilewicz, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
• Matthew Regueiro, Franklin and Marshall College
• Johnathan Roppo, Carnegie Mellon University
• Rachael Skolnekovich, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Scholarship recipients will receive the annual award for up to four years, provided the student remains enrolled in a two or four-year college or vocational/technical school.

The FRIENDS OF QUAKER VALLEY SCHOOLS Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that has grown to support the students in the Quaker Valley School District by helping them to learn and develop into well-educated, healthy, productive, and socially conscious adults with a life-long commitment to learning.

In addition to scholarships and awards, the Education Foundation has provided support to initiatives including the district’s Art & Technology After-School Programs; the community youth worker, Floyd Faulkner; and the wellness center in the newly renovated Quaker Valley Middle School.

For more information, including donation opportunities, please contact QVSD Education Foundation President Dorothy Pollon at 412-389-2655 or email qvsdfriends@aol.com.

Eligible families can apply online for free and reduced price school meals through Pennsylvania’s COMPASS website. Your children may qualify for reduced price or free meals if your household income falls at or below the limits on the chart below.

For those who prefer to complete a paper application, contact any school office or Ms. Jennifer Reiser, director of food services, at reiserj@qvsd.org or via phone 412-749-3610.

Quaker Valley School District offers breakfast and lunch each day at a cost of $1.50 and $2.60, respectively. Those who qualify can receive these meals for free or at a reduced price.

Those who qualify for free or reduced price school meals receive additional benefits including fee waivers for the PSAT, SAT and ACT exams. In addition, you may qualify for scholarship assistance for many community resources including the Sewickley Valley YMCA memberships, childcare and camps; Sweetwater Center for the Arts; tutoring from the Laughlin Children’s Center; and the Sewickley Community Center.

The String-A-Palooza Advanced Strings Camp that was scheduled for July 22-26 at Quaker Valley Middle School has been canceled due to low enrollment. For more information, contact Mrs. Corrie Nye at nyec@qvsd.org. 

For information regarding summer programming throughout the region, visit the Quaker Valley School District website www.qvsd.org. 

(The grade 12 Honor Roll listing is based on the student’s cumulative GPA during his/her high school career. The listing for students in grades 9-11 is based on the 2012-13 school year only.)

Distinguished Honors: 3.75 and higher

Grade 12:  Toren Andrewson | Haley Ashner | David Bajsec | Clayton Bouchard | Levi Bowers | Rocco Brown | Caitlin Carlson | Boris Chapin-Fortin | Julian Dech | Solange Fairlie | Monica Felix | Morgan Felt | William Ferris | Lauren Ferris | Iris Ferris | Sarah Francis | Ryan Garbee | Lea Giotto | Roy Hadfield | Stefan Henschke | Molly Hill | Bryan Houdeshell | Rachael Houser | Molly Johnson | Kelsey Kirby | Courtney Kroner | Timothy Lagnese | Christopher MacPherson | Meredith Malcolm | Emily Martin | Mericka Brooke McCabe | Tegan McRoberts | Catherine Michaels | Burke Moser | Sebastien Pereira | Dante Piccolo | John Pilewicz | Olivia Poppenberg | Abigail Rausch | Matthew Regueiro | Samantha Richman | Johnathan Roppo | Elizabeth Ruscitti | Mathilda Savocchia | Laura Schumacher | Rachel Silverstein | Rebecca Silverstein | Rachael Skolnekovich | Laura Stinson | Rose Swanson | Joshua Szymanski | Luke Torrance | Stephen Wei | Nelson Westwood | James Wormsley

Grade 11:  Noah Abbott | Nicholle Benedict | John Bernard | Joshua Billings | Sophia Bunde | Joseph Daval | Rachel Dye | Madison Eichenlaub | Emily Fisk | Axel Gross | Julianna Halcomb | Julie Hall | Natalie Hoey | Kaylene Kowalski | Ceili Lang | Rebecca Lewis | Ryan Lottes | Kendall Luton | Emma McCormish | Ashley McKendry | Brock Meanor | Nicholas Medich | Helena Meier | Allegra Menniti | Christian Miller | Sonia Morrill | Clara Murray | Jocelyn O'Kane | Motunrayo Olawaiye | Erin Papke | David Parrella | Heather Peduzzi | Pilar Puyana | Rowan Reyes | Matthew Russell | Logan Schmitt | Eva Simakas | Lydia Sopp | Adam Stanley | Michelle Starke | Sara Starke | Caroline Steliotes | Mazherali Udaipurwala | Benjamin Utterback | Emily Veeck | Robert Veltre | Tyler Walker | Harrison West | Molly Wicker

Grade 10:  McKenna Bergmann | Brianna Brooks | Joshua Chamberlain | Hannah Cho | Alexander Comerci | Christopher Conlan | Mattias Cooper | Aaron Cunningham | Michael Falcone | Kayla Foster | Miriam Fox | Addison Gould | Justin Green | Tice Harkins | Elise Haybron | Ciara Henschke | Natalie House | Eric Lagnese | Xavier Lang | Carlyle MacDonald | Maxwell Magera | Lexie Meanor | Julia Nelson | Christian Notte | Adam Pilewicz | Julia Poppenberg | John Regueiro | Teresa Reiter | Mira Reitmeyer | Chester Rengers | Matthew Rodgers | Guillaume Shippee | Michaela Sobecki | Hannah Stater | Mackenzie Takus | Tianna Wallick | Andrew Warburton | Caroline Westwood | Emily Wilson | Kathryn Wroblewski | Ziyu Zhang

Grade 9:  Hannah Bablak | Aubrey Bouchard | Anastasia Chapin-Fortin | Madeline Durbin | Anne Fecko | Lindsay Fields | Connor Gatesman | Sabine Gross | Kyle Hrabovsky | Emma Huckestein | Dana Jensen | Rachel Kuo | John Medich | Thomas Musial | Isabella Olive | Drake Palmer | Daniel Retamal | Colby Schmitt | Juliana Sebolt | Olivia Sevcik | Tzarina Shippee | Brooke Stanley | Emily Steinberg | Taylor Thornhill | Elizabeth Truchan | Gia Veltre | Phoebe Wraith | Carly Zaccaria | Mary-Elizabeth Zipparo | Gabriela Zucckero Prise

High Honors: 3.5 – 3.74

Grade 12:  Kathryn Hughes | Jarrod Kopf | Jonathan Pijar | Garrett Powell | Rachel Rush | Andrew Schlosser | Kelci Vilseck

Grade 11:  Hannah Blizzard | Giovanna Brown | Marcus Coury | John Fields | Madeline Hoey | Isabella Hubsch | Blake Irwin | Jessica Jeffries | Laura Kuo | Lauren Life | Samantha Murphy | Raquel Neumann | Rebecca Nunemaker | Joseph Popowich | Alexander Quinn | Ciara Resler | Savannah Resler | Caesar Retamal | Hugh Rice | Kara Rollock | Matthew Schlosser | Mary Torrance | Matthew Trapp

Grade 10:  David Allada | Megan Amoroso | Ashlee Bacvinskas | Amanda Bemis | Alexander Besong | Sydney Bichsel | William Corry | Tyler Garbee | Gabriella Giotto | Molly Harkins | Tessa Houser | Stephen King | Charles Kristo | Madeline Lavery | Sophia Lee | Andrea Littlefield | Frederick Moeslein | Katherine Nichols | Griffin Nincke | Mackenzie Porter | Karen Pugh | Hannah Renner | Anna Ridgway | Alexander Tanabe | Fritz Wiltman | Hunter Wolz

Grade 9:  Jackson Bender | Charles Bickel | Samantha Carlin | Jaden Dobrosielski | Daniel Frishkorn | Natalie Gardinier | Jay Alexander Hadfield | Robert Kolessar | Jacob Kuzma | Isabella Malcolm | Sarah McSweeney | Nicholas Mesko | Emily Pilewicz | Samantha Plummer | Elana Ragan | Jonathan Reboton | Brooke Sommers | Charlie Veeck | Gabriel Weiner | Amelia West

Honors: 3.25 – 3.49

Grade 12:  Timothy Augustine | Benjamin Bartling | Jannel Cambridge | Theresa Campisano | Samuel Connelly | Alex Cusma | Matthew Durant | Shane Emery | Micah Glenn | Connor Hamilton | Andrew House | Kelsey Rohrbach | Matthew Stock | Mark Sylvester | Marissa Trapizona | Laura Wesnofske | David Whalen

Grade 11:  Alyssa Bartling | Mary Beson | Robert Cary | Lindsey Drake | Sarah Elste | Emily Erkert | Izzabella Goodnight | Alison Hallaman | Benjamin Haybron | Laura Hess | Leo Hill | Zachary Mancuso | Katherine Manuel | James Perkins | Cameron Peterkin | Samantha Pugh | Isabelle Rougier | Nathaniel Schaper | John Stater | Hollie Walker

Grade 10:  James Burnette | Michael Colaiaco | Gabriel Haley | Anna Henry | Alivia Makepeace | Laura Mangan | Jane Merriman | Jared Vescio | Miranda Zamer

Grade 9:  Robert Doherty | Calista Gregoire | Josephine Kenny | Hannah Kley | Bo Lenhardt | Katherine McManus | Alexi Pinkham | Connor Quinn | Elliott Sadja | Kelli Shar | Mark Shlyahovsky | Julia Stinson | Claire Torrance | Moriah Wigley | Brigette Wilhelm | Cole Wolf | Jack Woodburn

Quaker Valley Middle School was recently honored as a Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program (RAMP) – one of only four schools in the nation to earn this achievement three consecutive times. The middle school was officially recognized during the ASCA national conference on July 2, 2013, in Philadelphia.

This effort was spearheaded by middle school counselor Matthew D. Parrish and retired middle school counselor Dr. Christy A. Clapper.

“We appreciate the leadership and dedication of Matt and Christy,” Sean Aiken, Quaker Valley Middle School principal, said. “This is an incredibly rigorous process, which brings great benefit to the middle school and, most importantly, our students.”

The American School Counselor Association established RAMP in 2003 to promote exemplary school counseling programs. Quaker Valley is one of more than 450 schools from throughout the nation that has received the RAMP designation since the program’s inception.

Quaker Valley Middle School is one of 73 schools honored this year. Quaker Valley School District is the only district in Pennsylvania to have all of its schools honored with RAMP distinction.

Quaker Valley School District has planned two upcoming events for incoming kindergarten students and their families to assist with the transition to school. Plant a Garden for Kindergarten is set for Thursday, Aug. 1, at Edgeworth Elementary for all incoming kindergarteners and Kindergarten Story Time will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 13 for Edgeworth students and Wednesday, Aug. 14 for Osborne students at the respective schools.

“The kindergarten year such an important transition for students as well as their families,” Dr. Joseph H. Clapper, superintendent, said. “These events are the building blocks for positive parent-teacher-school relationships that are vital to academic success.”

The Plant a Garden for Kindergarten event is from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, at the garden in front of Edgeworth Elementary School. This event is for all incoming kindergarten families from both Edgeworth and Osborne schools. Families may stop by as their schedules allow. Those who are unable to attend due to a work or other schedule conflict are encouraged to send their child with a babysitter, grandparent, or childcare provider.

Families will have the opportunity to meet the kindergarten teachers and other incoming kindergarten students and their families as well as plant a flower together. Parents must stay with their child while planting flowers. Small shovels will be available; however, families are welcome to bring their own gardening tools.

For more information regarding the Plant a Garden for Kindergarten event, please contact kindergarten teacher Andrea Croft by calling 412-749-3605 or via email at crofta@qvsd.org.

Kindergarten Story Time – set for Tuesday, Aug. 13 for Edgeworth students and Wednesday, Aug. 14 for Osborne students – includes a half-day session where students will learn about their new school and classrooms, meet their classmates, as well as experience the school bus and cafeteria. Students with last names beginning with letter A – J will attend from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Students with last names beginning with letter K – Z are scheduled from 1 – 3:30 p.m.

The event will include a story and craft, recess, a tour of the school, and a short ride on a school bus. There is no charge for the program but please note that there will be no bus transportation provided to and from the event.

While kindergarten students are participating in Story Time, a separate informational session for parents will be conducted with kindergarten teachers. The session, Countdown to Success, will include a review of the district’s kindergarten curriculum as well as math and reading tips and games to use with children throughout the duration of the kindergarten year.

The Countdown to Success and Story Time programs, which will be held in separate areas of the respective elementary school, will start and end at the same time. These programs are intended for incoming kindergarten students and their parents/caregivers only. Childcare arrangements should be made for other siblings.

For more information regarding the Countdown to Success and Story Time programs, please contact kindergarten teacher Kelly Miller at millerk@qvsd.org. Families are asked to RSVP by Aug. 9 at millerk@qvsd.org.

The first day of school for the Quaker Valley School District is Monday, Aug. 26, 2013.

Two Quaker Valley High School vocalists were recently selected to the National Association for Music Education All-National Honors Choir. Rising seniors Joseph Daval and Nicholas Medich will perform during the national music conference Oct. 27-30, 2013, in Nashville.

This marks the first time in school history that Quaker Valley students have been selected for this national honor.

“Selection to the All-National Honors Choir is a first for QV,” Matthew Boice, choral director, said. “One is special; but two is amazing.”

Joseph and Nicholas were selected to the All-National Honors Choir based upon competitive audition. Eligible candidates must be in grades 10-12 and had participated in their state’s 2012-13 All-State Festival.

The All-National Honors Choir will be directed by Rollo Dilworth, associate professor of choral music education and chair of the music education department at Temple University’s Boyer School of Music and Dance in Philadelphia. He previously served as director of choral activities and music education at North Park University in Chicago for 13 years. Dr. Dilworth holds degrees from Case Western Reserve University, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and Northwestern University. He has written and/or arranged more than 150 choral works that are currently in print.

Baseline ImPACT testing for Quaker Valley High School student athletes who need a new or updated baseline is scheduled for the following dates/times:

Please click here for additional information and sign up instructions. Testing will be conducted in computer lab inside the high school Library.   Student athletes should enter the school through the main doors by the high school office and follow the signs to the library.

ImPACT testing for concussion is a mandatory requirement for the following Quaker Valley High School sports:

• Baseball
• Boys Basketball
• Boys Lacrosse
• Boys Soccer
• Diving
• Football
• Girls Basketball
• Girls Lacrosse
• Girls Soccer
• High Jump / Pole Vault
• Hockey
• Softball
• Volleyball

Quaker Valley High School student athletes are not permitted to participate in the above-mentioned sports until they have completed the ImPACT test.  Please click here for additional information and sign up instructions.

Quaker Valley Middle School students participating in football, soccer or cheerleading are required to complete the baseline ImPACT test. Free baseline testing is being offered to QVMS athletes at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16 and at 9 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 19 at Quaker Valley Middle School.

The ImPACT test is a preventative measure to ensure safety and provide information in case of a concussion.

To register for the ImPACT testing, contact the middle school office at 412-749-5079. The baseline test must be completed before student athletes will be permitted to practice or participate in any of these sports.

School lunch and breakfast prices have been approved for the Quaker Valley School District for the 2013-14 school year. Lunch prices will increase by 10 cents – from $2.50 to $2.60 for all students while breakfast will remain $1.50. The new meal prices were approved during the school board’s legislative meeting on June 25, 2013.

The price increase is necessitated by section 205 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which requires participants of the National School Lunch Program to make efforts to equalize the cost of a federally reimbursed free lunch/breakfast and a fully paid lunch/breakfast.

During the 2012-13 school year, Quaker Valley’s federal reimbursement was $2.92 for free lunch and $1.55 for free breakfast. The law caps the required increase in the average paid meal price at 10 cents in any year.

Tickets are currently on sale for the Quaker Valley Sports Hall of Fame banquet to honor the induction class of 2013. The event, which includes brunch and an awards ceremony, is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, at Sewickley Heights Golf Club, 126 Backbone Road in Sewickley.

Tickets are $35 per person – tables of 10 and 12 are available for those who would like to reserve group seating. Checks should be made payable to “QVSHOF.” Ticket order forms are available at www.qvsd.org or through the Athletic Department 412-749-6007. Tickets and seating are limited.

The 2013 inductees include the 1956 football team; the 1991 girls’ soccer team; Chris Churchill, class of 1997; John Houghton, class of 2003; Ernest Robinson, class of 1958; and Courtney South Schorr, class of 1994. Read more about the inductees on Quaker Valley’s website.

Individuals can support the Quaker Valley Sports Hall of Fame and congratulate inductees by purchasing an ad in the banquet program. Ads range from a $25 quarter-page ad to a $100 full-page ad. Download the form from the district’s website.

The banquet and induction ceremony serve as the final event of a weekend-long celebration. Additional Sports Hall of Fame events are scheduled as follows:

Friday, Sept. 20

• 5:30 – 7 p.m.: Hospitality Tent for all friends and family of the Class of 2013 and past inductees at Quaker Valley High School – Chuck Knox Stadium
• 7 p.m.: Quaker Valley Football Game vs. Keystone Oaks | Class of 2013 inductees will be introduced between the first and second quarter of the football game.

Saturday, Sept. 21

• 11 a.m.: Quaker Valley Boys’ Soccer v Montour at Chuck Knox Stadium

Sunday, Sept. 22

• 10:30 a.m.: Sign-in begins for the Hall of Fame banquet at Sewickley Heights Golf Club
• 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Quaker Valley Sports Hall Of Fame Induction Banquet-Brunch

The mission of the Quaker Valley Sports Hall of Fame is to honor individuals and teams who have demonstrated athletic success during or after their enrollment at Quaker Valley High School or individuals who have made significant contributions to the Quaker Valley community. An independent division of the Quaker Valley Athletic Department, the Sports Hall of Fame is self-sufficient – relying on private contributions to fund activities.

For more information or to contribute to the Hall of Fame, email qvshof@qvsd.org or call the Athletic Office at 412-749-6007.

Ticket Order Form

Program Ad Form

The InSewickley Area magazine features 11 pages of Quaker Valley School District news and information. The partnership with the magazine offers a cost effective solution for continuing a direct-mail component of the district’s communication plan.

“Nearly 80 percent of our residents do not have children in our schools,” Dr. Joseph H. Clapper, superintendent, said. “It is vital that we continue to communicate with our community members who may not be receiving our electronic communications.”

Click here to view the district’s 11 pages of news and information.