< Previous30 • Allegheny West Magazine • April/May 2020 High school assistant principal Cheryl McHone earns doctorate Dr. Cheryl McHone High School Assistant Principal Middle school PBIS team is perfection PBIS team members Valerie Meehan, Jessica Henry, Renee Treonze and Jeff Kiser present the middle school’s Indian Pride program at a state conference in March. West Allegheny School District is proud to announce that high school assistant principal Dr. Cheryl McHone has earned her doctorate degree after successfully defending her dissertation March 27. Her dissertation topic is titled “Blended Learning Integration: Student Motivation and Autonomy in a Blended Learning Environment.” McHone completed her degree through East Tennessee State University. She joined the District at the start of the 2018-2019 school year. The middle school was recognized by the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Network for their Indian Pride program after receiving a perfect score of 100% on the Tiered Fidelity Inventory. The Tiered Fidelity Inventory measures the extent to which the middle school has sustained the core features of the school-wide positive behavior program. For the second year in a row, the middle school has been awarded this distinction for its efforts to positively reinforce its amazing students and their safe, responsible and respectful behavior. The WAMS Indian Pride team presented a session on their PBIS Program at the PAMLE State Conference in State College on March 2 and 3. Presenters included Valerie Meehan, Jessica Henry, Renee Treonze and Jeff Kiser. On March 3, leaders from the high school Students In Action club presented at the annual South Hills Area School Districts Association Student Forum. Ava Pustover, Kayleigh Bayer, Luke Boni and Robert Moran presented on their initiatives this year, including the WAHS Day of Caring and blood drives, student led presentations, AERIE grant, and West A. & Co. program. Kateri Meinert served as the faculty representative and Kennan Grabner attended as well. Over 20 school districts attended and were able to learn from the student representatives. Area school leaders learn from student leaders at SHASDA Forum Ava Pustover shares the Students In Action initiatives with regional school leaders.April/May 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 31 Teacher parade takes on new meaning When elementary staff members realized they weren’t going to see their students for a time due to the statewide school closures, they decided to hold a parade to say “Hello.” On Sunday, March 22, over 150 teachers, administrators and school board members practiced social distancing while driving through community neighborhoods. They were touched by what they encountered. Though teachers wanted to show support for their students, it was the teachers who received a warm welcome and well wishes in the form of signs, chalk drawings and cheers from driveways, porches and street corners. The parade left a lasting impression on both students and teachers alike as they embarked on a stretch of remote learning.32 • Allegheny West Magazine • April/May 2020 Junior selected for district and regional chorus festival Cerina Wichryk attends the PMEA District 1 Chorus Festival at South Fayette High School. WA talent on display at Scholastic Art Awards Proudly displaying their winning pieces are (back row) Sabinah Wilson, Allison Wojtaszek, Elyssia Lesko; (middle row) Eden Schotting, Kayley Messner; (front row) Cheyne Arp, Brianna Longo, Olivia Rohal and Taylor Coulter. Missing from photo are Milan Site and Haley Denes. Eight seniors once again competed for the title of Mr. West Allegheny by entertaining an auditorium filled with classmates, staff and families in support of a good cause. Sponsored by the National Honor Society, this year’s spirited competition was held February 4 and raised over $4,000 for several deserving charities. In the running were Ryan Dorste, Kyler Moore, Robert Moran, Alex Morrison, Quellan Portis, Connor Stout, Jared Xiong and Tyler Zadrozny. After a highly entertaining competition in the categories of formalwear, casual wear, interviews and talent, Moran was named Mr. Congeniality and Xiong was crowned Mr. West A 2020. Junior Cerina Wichryk participated in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 1 Chorus Festival on January 18. The festival was held at South Fayette High School and was directed by Dr. Susan Medley, director of choral activities and professor of music at Washington and Jefferson College. The festival featured 175 students chosen from 53 Western Pennsylvania high schools. While at the festival, Wichryk also auditioned for the PMEA District 1 Regional Chorus and was again selected. West Allegheny was well represented at the 2020 Scholastic Art Awards ceremony at the Community College of Allegheny County on February 22. The District had 12 winning pieces from the high school and, for the first time ever, one from the middle school. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recognize the vision, ingenuity and talent of the nation’s youth. The awards provide opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated. Mr. West Allegheny crowned at annual pageant All the competitors take to the stage for a group dance performance. Robert Moran is crowned Mr. Congeniality and Jared Xiong takes home the Mr. West Allegheny crown.April/May 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 33 Over 50 members of West Allegheny’s JROTC traveled to North Carolina for their annual trip to visit historic sites in February. Under the leadership of Sgt.Maj. Robert Word, stops included the US Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum, Fort Fisher and the USS North Carolina. Students from the preschool program at the high school were excited to get a visit from the North Fayette VFD on February 25. First responders taught children about fire safety and demonstrated what firefighters look like when they are wearing all of their equipment. Students were also invited to explore a fire truck and learn about its many functions. A group of Stand Together members traveled to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on March 3 for a Youth Mental Health Advocacy Workshop at the Disability and Mental Health Summit with other students, mental health leaders and state legislators. Students listened to keynote speakers from around the county, participated in student-led discussion groups, and presented to state legislators. Students voiced the need for changes in the area of mental health support and school funding. Students were vocal and did a great job advocating for equality between physical and mental health. JROTC trip spotlights rich history of the Armed Forces Anti-aircraft guns aboard the USS North Carolina serve as a backdrop for JROTC members. JROTC members gather in front of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina. North Fayette fire department educates District’s youngest learners ABOVE: North Fayette firefighters gather with preschoolers during a visit. BELOW: A tour of the fire truck leaves one preschool student needing help down from the high perch. Mental health the focus of regional student summit Stand Together members gather at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center for a mental health summit.34 • Allegheny West Magazine • April/May 2020 History made in middle school academic bees Bee winner Blake Schwarz (second from right) is pictured at this year’s spelling bee along with second place winner Shannon Lafferty and third place recipients Charlotte Giles and Connor Bolind. Eighth-grader Blake Schwarz made history this year when he took the middle school academic bees by storm, winning the spelling, history and geography bees. He also finished as the runner up in the science bee following a tiebreaker. This was the first time a West Allegheny student has won more than two bees in the same year. Schwarz is also ranked among the top 10 National Academic League scorers. Middle school Horizons students attended the annual Science Bowl at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The science- based academic competition is for students in grades six through eight and sponsored by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. West Allegheny had three teams representing the middle school with two teams placing. The seventh grade team of Zach Lebak, Ashlee Lebak and Alicia Stierheim claimed first place to win the competition while the eighth grade team of Cassie Wolfe, Hope Fronczek, Josie Mercier and Eva Lutz came in third place. Middle school students and staff shared their talents with the school community in January during the school’s annual WAMS Talent Show. Performances were held for school families January 22 and for the student body January 24. The theme of this year’s show was “Hollywood” and it featured 25 acts ranging from piano and vocal solos to small and large group dance. Following tradition, the show closed with a special performance by the WAMS Rubber Band, a rock group made up of current and former teachers. The event was coordinated by middle school teacher Dana McCaskey along with a host of staff and student volunteers. Horizons students claim first place in science bowl Horizons students gather on the stairs of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History before the Science Bowl competition. Hollywood the theme for annual middle school talent show LEFT: Students join the staff-led WAMS Rubber Band to perform “The Time of Your Life” from “Dirty Dancing.” ABOVE: Emily McElwaine and Zach Lebak perform “Megalovania.” American Sign Language students perform “Sky Full of Stars.”April/May 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 35 Elementary Family Math Nights add up to fun ABOVE AND BELOW: Elementary families were up for the challenge as they take on fun and engaging math problems. All three elementary schools hosted Family Math Nights in February with the theme “We Love Math.” The math-focused evenings were full of puzzles, games and challenges for families to participate in together. The events highlighted the importance of math while engaging students and their families in important mathematical skills such as problem solving, mental math, estimation, basic operations and fact fluency. With more than 700 in attendance over the course of three nights, the response was amazing. Dr. Kim Buser and Dr. Shana Nelson worked with staff to organize the events. The West Allegheny Education Association celebrated Read Across America the week of March 2. Teachers and students in the West Allegheny School District participated in this national celebration, which emphasizes the importance of reading in the lives of children. A host of Dr. Seuss-themed educational activities were infused throughout the week. The week-long celebration culminated March 7 with a children’s program of arts, crafts, face painting, cookies and Dr. Seuss stories at The Mall at Robinson. Kristina Tissue and Christiana Butler served as WAEA Read Across America co-chairs. The Read Across America celebration was a collaborative effort between the West Allegheny Education Association and the West Allegheny School District. Read Across America celebrated at West Allegheny Face painting is always a crowd favorite with Dr. Seuss fans. Local Read Across America program co-chairs Kristina Tissue and Christiana Butler welcome guests to a celebration held at The Mall at Robinson.for weekly events , school closings , and delays . V isit W est A llegheny O nline : www . westasd . org B OArd Of s chOOl d irectOrs A dministrAtiOn Mr. Robert Ostrander, President Mr. Mark Rosen, Vice-President Mr. George Bartha Mr. Joel Colinear Mr. Edward Faux Mr. Kevin Hancock Mrs. Tracy Kosis Mrs. Debbie Mirich Mrs. Tracy Pustover Dr. Jerri Lynn Lippert, Superintendent Dr. Christopher Shattuck, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Mrs. Tammy Adams, Assistant to the Superintendent for Special Education and Student Services Dr. Shana Nelson, Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning Mr. George Safin, Business Manager Dr. Frank Hernandez, High School Principal Mrs. Katharine Roche, High School Academic Principal Dr. Cheryl McHone, High School Assistant Principal Mr. David McBain, Director of Athletics/ Administrative Associate Mrs. Patricia Nolan, Middle School Principal Ms. Megan Huchko, Middle School Assistant Principal Dr. Erin Dierker, Donaldson Elementary Principal Mrs. Melissa Wagner, McKee Elementary Principal Mrs. Rachel Gray, Wilson Elementary Principal Mrs. Toni Baldanzi, Supervisor of Ancillary Programs Mr. Kenneth Fibbi, Director of Facilities and Operations Mrs. Karen Ruhl, Community Relations Coordinator W est A llegheny s chOOl d istrict All material has been prepared, written or edited by Karen Ruhl, School Community Relations Coordinator, West Allegheny School District (724) 695-5274 February 5 marked the date when nine senior athletes signed letters of intent to play sports at the collegiate level. Family members, coaches and administrators were on hand to support students as they advanced to this next level in their athletic careers. Athletes signing to play collegiate sports were: Nine senior athletes sign to play at the collegiate level. Administrators joined athletes as they congratulated them on the next step in their athletic pursuits. Ali Block - University of Pitt/Greensburg - Soccer Austin Hendrick - Mississippi State University - Baseball Annie Koester - Clarion University - Volleyball Caleb Miller - Haverford College - Soccer Cam Panyko Morris - Slippery Rock University - Baseball Mason Timko - Ohio Wesleyan University - Baseball Britney Wilson - California University of PA - Softball Gavin Chappel - Marietta College - Soccer Kam Kruze - Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Football 36 • Allegheny West Magazine • April/May 2020April/May 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 37S uch phrases have become considerably more common on property development signs in the last decade, both in Pittsburgh and around the country. As Baby Boomers have begun to reach their 70s and are retiring in droves, the population has created new demand for single- family home design. Today’s retirees are more likely than their parents to sell the homes in which they raised their children. They want less stress and maintenance, allowing them more time and freedom to travel and pursue hobbies and interests. The architectural history of the term “patio” is Spanish in origin, as Spaniards in medieval times adapted the atrium concept of ancient Rome to their dwellings. The Romans designed courtyards open to the sky within their public buildings. By the time of the Spanish Renaissance, many homes in Spain were built with secluded patios as a standard feature. According to Movoto.com, cluster homes first appeared on the scene in the U.S. in the 1960s. As a means of taking advantage of multi-family zoning while providing affordable single-family homes, dwellings were built together in clusters that conformed in size, price and design. While upkeep of these new dwellings decreases with ownership, square footage actually increases in many instances. One developer stated that, instead of the term “downsizing,” the transition to patio homes should be called “rightsizing.” Patio homes with basements and a second story can have upwards of 3,000 square feet. Michele Lutz, a realtor with Cowden Creek Realty, says that she’s been seeing an uptick in demand recently among homeowners in their 60s and older who want to sell their current homes and move into single-level homes. These homeowners have oftentimes been in their current homes for decades but now not only want a first-floor master but to also be free of the work an older home requires. “They’re in their 60s, they’re still healthy and doing stuff, they just don’t want all that maintenance,” she says. For these homeowners, the maintenance agreements that come with many patio home developments are huge. She says that by the time homeowners decide to make the move, it’s already been on their minds for some time. Sandee Toulouse, a Berkshire Hathaway realtor who has been selling homes in the area for 30 years, says she believes there are not yet enough one-level, maintenance-free homes in the region to keep pace with demand. One reason for this is the area’s predominantly hilly terrain, which doesn’t lend itself to single- level homes. Toulouse commented that her office gets calls weekly from buyers looking for homes with a master bedroom on the first floor, which is a limited option in many Pittsburgh homes. Baby Boomers on the younger end of the spectrum are prime buyers of the residences, as they want to keep the open concept style of the 1990s-era homes they are selling. Toulouse stated that such buyers are planning for space to host family gatherings or allow extended stays for adult children and grandchildren. Here are three different area developers and a breakdown of how each is handling the growing demand for patio homes with their own unique approach: One-level design. Maintenance-free living. Patio homes. INTRODUCTION BY JILL BORDO CONTENT SUBMITTED 38 • Allegheny West Magazine • April/May 2020 It’s not every homebuilder that can say it changes lives with every home built, but it certainly is the case for local family-owned patio homebuilder Scarmazzi Homes. Recently ranked as Pittsburgh’s 7th Largest Single-Family Homebuilder, Scarmazzi Homes has provided over 500 single-level, low-maintenance patio homes to those looking for a more carefree lifestyle in the Pittsburgh region. “We don’t simply build homes,” says Lisa Scarmazzi, who owns Scarmazzi Homes along with her husband Paul, both Canonsburg natives. “We create vibrant neighborhoods where our residents form new friendships, connect with peers, and have more time to do the things they want to do, not have to do.” The patio homes in each Scarmazzi community range in size from approximately 1,500 to 2,800 square feet. All models feature a sun-filled open floor plan, two bedrooms, two full baths, a den in select models, and an oversized garage - all on one floor. A second floor or basement is optional, providing an additional bedroom, bath and living area. With the introduction of more free time, residents can also take advantage of outdoor living. “Our private courtyards, which come standard on every home, provide another living area for relaxation and entertaining. The interiors wrap around these outdoor living rooms and provide natural light and courtyard views from all areas of the home,” explains Scarmazzi. A private clubhouse with pool and fitness center is featured in many of Scarmazzi’s developments. Outdoor services include mowing of grass, seasonal mulching, edging of beds and snow removal to the front door. “We truly provide a ‘lock and leave’ scenario for those who travel or live away other times of the year. And for those who don’t…there is always a book club gathering, poker game or Happy Hour going on in the clubhouse!” says Scarmazzi. Scarmazzi Homes currently has a limited number of homes still available in its Preserves community located in North Fayette Township and in its Arabian Meadows community near The Meadows in Chartiers Township. Homes in both of those developments start at around $295,000. The company is also building in two new developments near Canonsburg. One of those developments, Arden Farms, is located close to I-79, the Tanger Outlets and the Washington County Country Club in Chartiers Township. The other development, called The Sanctuary, will be located just north of downtown Canonsburg and minutes from the Southpointe Business Park in Cecil Township. For updates on both, visit www.scarmazzihomes.com. Along with transforming the lives of residents, Scarmazzi Homes is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Through the company’s Give-Back program, a donation is made on behalf of every new homeowner annually to a local charity and, this year, the City Mission was presented with a $4,900 donation on behalf of the residents who moved into their new homes in 2019. In addition, Scarmazzi Homes is an annual Corporate Sponsor of City Mission, has aided in the design and fundraising for City Mission’s newly renovated Avis Arbor Women with Children’s shelter, provides scholarships to graduating seniors entering a post-education trade school, is a financial partner in the construction of a new trade school in Haiti, and is a presenting sponsor for Canonsburg’s Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration. “We view our business as a platform to make a difference and give back,” says Scarmazzi. Through Guild Quality, a third-party customer surveying company for the homebuilding industry, Scarmazzi Homes has consistently been awarded the Guildmaster designation for its unparalleled customer service. In addition, 95 percent of Scarmazzi Homes customers would recommend the company to others looking for a new home. For more information on Scarmazzi Homes’ communities and patio homes, visit www.scarmazzihomes.com or call (724) 223- 1844. Developments in North Fayette, Chartiers and Cecil Townships $295,000+ www.scarmazzihomes.com April/May 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 39Next >