< Previous30 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2021 Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services and Programs, Services for Gifted Students, and Services for Protected Handicapped Students Notice to Parents According to state and federal special education regulations, annual public notice to parents of children who reside within a school district is required regarding child find responsibilities. School districts and intermediate units are required to conduct child find activities for children who may be eligible for services via Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For additional information related to Section 504/Chapter 15 services, the parent may refer to Section 504, Chapter 15, and the Basic Education Circular entitled Implementation of Chapter 15. Also, school districts are required to conduct child find activities for children who may be eligible for gifted services via 22 PA Code Chapter 16. For additional information regarding gifted services, the parent may refer to 22 PA Code Chapter 16. If a student is both gifted and eligible for Special Education, the procedures in IDEA and Chapter 14 shall take precedence. This notice shall inform parents throughout the school district and intermediate unit of the child identification activities and of the procedures followed to ensure confidentiality of information pertaining to students with disabilities or eligible young children. In addition to this public notice, each school district and intermediate unit shall publish written information in the handbook and on the website. Children ages three through twenty-one can be eligible for special education programs and services. If parents believe that the child may be eligible for special education, the parent should contact their district of residence. Children age three through their school district’s age of beginners are also eligible if they have developmental delays or one or more of the physical or mental commissions as defined in Chapter 14 and, as a result, need Special Education and related services. Developmental delay is defined as a child who is less than the age of beginners and at least three years of age and is considered to have a developmental delay when one of the following exists: (i) The child’s score, on a developmental assessment device, on an assessment instrument which yields a score in months, indicates that the child is delayed by 25% of the child’s chronological age in one or more developmental areas, or (ii) The child is delayed in one or more of the developmental areas, as documented by test performance of 1.5 standard deviations below the mean on standardized tests. Developmental areas include cognitive, communicative, physical, social/emotional and self-help. For additional information contact the intermediate unit. Evaluation Process Each school district and intermediate unit has a procedure in place by which parents can request an evaluation. For information about procedures applicable to your child, contact the school which your child attends. Parents of preschool age children, age three through five, may request an evaluation in writing by addressing a letter to the Early Intervention Program Administrator, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 E. Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120. Consent School entities cannot proceed with an evaluation or with the initial provision of special education and related services without the written consent of the parents. For additional information related to consent, please refer to the Procedural Safeguards Notice which can be found at the PaTTAN website, www.pattan. net. Once written parental consent is obtained, the district will proceed with the evaluation process. If the parent disagrees with the evaluation, the parent can request an independent educational evaluation at public expense. Program Development Once the evaluation process is completed, a team of qualified professionals and the parents determine whether the child is eligible. If the child is eligible, the individualized education program (IEP) team meets, develops the program, and determines the educational placement. Once the IEP team develops the program and determines the educational placement, school district staff or intermediate unit staff will issue a notice of recommended educational placement/ prior written notice. Your written consent is required before initial services can be provided. The parent has the right to revoke consent after initial placement. Confidentiality of Information The school districts and to some extent the intermediate unit maintain records concerning children enrolled in the school, including students with disabilities. All records are maintained in the strictest confidentiality. Your consent, or consent of an eligible child who has reached the age of majority under State law, must be obtained before personally identifiable information is released, except as permitted under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The age of majority in Pennsylvania is 21. Each participating agency must protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information at collection, storage, disclosure, and destruction states. One official at each participating agency must assume responsibility for ensuring the confidentiality of any personally identifiable information. Each participating agency must maintain, for public inspection, a current listing of the names and positions of those employees within the agency who have access to personally identifiable information. For additional information related to student records, the parent can refer to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This notice is only a summary of the Special Education services, evaluation and screening activities, and rights and protections pertaining to children with disabilities, children thought to be disabled, and their parents. For more information or to request evaluation or screening of a public or private school child, contact the responsible entity listed below. For preschool age children, information, screenings and evaluations requested, may be obtained by contacting the intermediate unit. INTERMEDIATE UNIT OFFICE Allegheny Intermediate Unit 475 E. Waterfron Drive, Homestead, PA 15120 412-394-5700 SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICE Montour School District Dr. Robert Isherwood Director of Special Education Montour School District Administration Office 225 Clever Road, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 412-490-6500, ext. 6100November/December 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 31 School transportation issues have headlined many news reports, with driver shortages being the key topic. Montour, while faring better than most districts, is also experiencing a driver shortage. In my eight years as director of transportation, this year has clearly been the most challenging in this regard. Fortunately, the district has a dedicated staff of drivers and chaperones who have been able to maintain consistent service on our primary routes. Their attendance is the best of any employee group. This instills confidence and consistency, with most parents seeing the same face behind the wheel each day. When shortages arise, creative scheduling and minor adjustments help to accommodate all groups. This is done in numerous ways: • Times for outside events are slightly adjusted • Groups are dropped off so that drivers can be available for primary routes • Coaches have driven on rare occasion • Recent retirees are filling in on a limited as-needed basis • Mechanics and management are stepping up to transport • Bus chaperones have been trained and placed on van routes, as needed • Non-public schools with few students have been combined • Drivers have covered parts of open routes when their school is not in session With an attractive hourly starting rate of $23.50 per hour for drivers, the district has been able to attract several new candidates and will be starting another new class soon. Further information and applications are available by calling (412) 787-3776 or by visiting www.montourschools. com. Additionally, as the nation continues to struggle with COVID-19 issues, transportation protocols are still in place. These include periodic sanitizing, along with students and staff being required to wear face coverings. Parents, when possible, are encouraged to drive students to reduce numbers on buses. High school students are permitted to drive. Even with the many challenges, there has been good news. The Montour School Board continues to support district-owned transportation rather than opting for contracted service. A new five-year contract was ratified in August with the driver/chaperone unit containing both increased pay and benefits. In August, the district took delivery of five full-sized Bluebird buses. These were funded partially through a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Grant. The district is receiving a total of $135,000 for scrappage of five older buses that were replaced by these cleaner-burning diesel buses. Transportation plays an important role in the education of students. Our mission statement is “to support the education process of the Montour School District by providing students safe transportation in a caring environment for all students.” Montour transportation news By Bob Wagner, Transportation Director Homecoming festivities Once again, Montour did not allow COVID-19 to ruin homecoming. Instead, the high school hosted a series of fun events throughout the week, along with a special Interlude at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center Spirit of Pittsburgh Ballroom on Saturday, Oct. 9. The night prior, the Montour community came out to support the football team in its homecoming game against Blackhawk. Throughout the week, students enjoyed a series of fun, community-oriented activities. Each day, students held a special theme day, including PJ/Pink Out Day, Dynamic Duo Day, Country vs. Country Club Day, and Black & Gold Day. Seniors also held a workshop This year’s homecoming court is recognized at Montour’s homecoming game Oct. 8. Court members showed off their moves in walk-out dances during the homecoming assembly. to decorate jeans to wear that Thursday and enjoyed games of mini-golf and corn hole in the courtyard all week. Montour also brought back its homecoming banner contest this year with a “Back to the Future” theme. Fifteen clubs and homerooms lent their creativity to the effort. The annual homecoming assembly with walk-out dances from the court was held that Thursday, with a parade of banners and recognition for fall athletes. Homecoming king Caleb Williams and prince Hank Cherrix were announced that Saturday at the dance, while queen Taytem Froehlich and princess Natalie Allen were announced at Montour’s homecoming game. Rounding out the court were Natalie Allen, Mikala Battles, Taytem Froehlich, Stephanie Phillips, Kim Randolph, Sophia Trevennen, Paytun Wiernik, Diaun Pinkett, Tyriq Eleam, Caleb Williams, Gabe Gordon, Hunter Fleck, Luke Smarra, Hank Cherrix and Ja’Mere Brown. Montour also brought back its banner contest this year for its homecoming festivities. The theme was “Back to the Future” and this banner was among those that won awards. 32 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2021 Support a Spartan campaign recognizes community members for acts of kindness When high school junior Brooke Bischak was in eighth and ninth grade, she often sat alone at lunch. That’s why, when the upperclassman sees someone else eating alone at lunch now, she often goes and sits with them. “I put myself into the shoes that I was once in,” she says. “I don’t want anyone to ever feel the way I did…Simply sitting with someone who is sitting alone at lunch can be life-changing.” Bischak never expected any recognition for her random act of kindness. That’s why, earlier this school year, Bischak was surprised when she heard her name mentioned on Bus Loop, the televised version of the high school’s morning announcements that are broadcast on YouTube. Someone who witnessed her sitting with a student eating alone at lunch inspired them to nominate Bischak to be recognized through a new program called “Caught Supporting a Spartan.” The effort, which is being spearheaded by the Acts of Random Kindness Club, gives high school staff and students the opportunity to recognize those who they see performing a kind act in support of a member of the Hilltop community. Those who witness an act of kindness can nominate an individual via an online Google form. Those individuals then receive a certificate and are invited to a special breakfast hosted by administration at the end of the month. In addition to being recognized on Bus Loop, they also get their picture taken for a display in a case outside of the Library Media Center that’s been titled “We Rise By Lifting Others.” By the end of October, the initiative had resulted in over 150 students and staff being recognized for showing kindness and promoting a positive school culture. “Support a Spartan” has also been named the theme of the 2021- 2022 school year at Montour High School. “The Acts of Random Kindness club believes that by making an effort to highlight the good, we can, in turn, have a meaningful influence on overall school culture,” says Natalie Rowe, who co- sponsors the club with Rhonda Marasco. “Supporting each other as part of a school community can foster connections and relationships through which students and staff can thrive.” Others who have been recognized include Nino Kerchin, who regularly holds a door for other people, and Olivia Caputo, who helped a classmate get caught up on their PSAT test preparation. Marcus Cetrone was nominated for clearing students’ lunch trays without being prompted and teacher Ashley Hellmann was recognized for lending help to her students. As for Bischak, she says she didn’t think anything of her act. She says it was just the right thing to do. “I didn’t think anything of that little act of kindness,” she says. “I feel as though everybody should do kind things and support each other. We are called the Hilltop family for a reason.” Members of the high school community “caught” performing kind acts are being nominated and recognized this year. Among those “caught” have been (from top) Brooke Bischak, Nicole Kashmer and Briona Fancher. On Sept. 30, high school senior Sophia Hanni gave a special presentation to over 100 of her peers at the high school on the subject of pediatric cancer. The presentation was part of a project Hanni undertook to earn her Gold Award, which is the highest honor awarded by the Girl Scouts. In addition, Sophia created a pamphlet on pediatric cancer with a list of helpful resources on the subject. A 13-year Girl Scout, Sophia says she undertook the project to raise awareness and open a dialogue about pediatric cancer, as it’s a subject she has found that people can sometimes find difficult to discuss. Sophia says she also twice witnessed the Montour community rally around families impacted by childhood cancer. Those families were the Rowe and DeLuca families. “I have seen firsthand the effects that cancer has on families and it is very important to me to be able to help people who are fighting cancer,” says Sophia. “I believe there is a lack of communication that causes more stress to families by creating an uncomfortable environment.” At the same time, Sophia was inspired by her mother, Becky, who works as a pediatric home care nurse. “My mom is my role model and I have always looked up to her for being brave, being selfless, and being empathetic to others, especially when they are in need,” says Sophia. Sophia, who is also a member of the Acts of Random Kindness Club at the high school, delivered her presentation on the last day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Following her presentation, members of the club and the Cure Finders organization both presented Rowe with a donation to the Charles D. Rowe Scholarship Fund. Sophia says she worked with another nurse, Margie Freehling, on the project. She also got some help from her sister, Maria, while creating the pamphlet, and teacher Rhonda Marasco on her presentation. “Sophia is very passionate about helping others, so when she told me her ideas about her topic for her Gold Award, it did not surprise me at all,” says Marasco. “It was my pleasure to be involved with her project.” Sophia Hanni addresses childhood cancer in presentation Sophia Hanni delivers a presentation to high school students about pediatric cancer Sept. 30. November/December 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 33 Follow Montour High School @hilltopspartan Follow David E. Williams Middle School on Twitter @DEWMiddleSchool Every year, seventh grade teachers at David E. Williams Middle School recognize the top two outstanding students who have achieved the overall highest percentage in their core classes. These two students have been described by their teachers as observant, conscientious, well-rounded, dedicated, kind, respectful, competitive and artistic. Both students not only do their best in their classes, but they also set high standards in the activities that they participate in as well. They are in accelerated classes and push themselves to be the best in whatever endeavors they pursue. Winners of the Lamp of Learning award this year are Elise Hornyak and Brynn Kaczmarek. The students will receive the Lamp of Learning trophy and have their names engraved on a plaque along with seventh grade students who have achieved this award in previous years. The plaque will be displayed in the trophy case located in the main entrance hall. Lamp of Learning Award winners DEW ranked among state’s best middle schools U.S. News and World Report has ranked David E. Williams Middle School among the top 4% of middle schools in the state of Pennsylvania. In its first-ever report ranking middle schools, U.S. News places DEW 34th among 877 schools, giving DEW an exceptional ranking. U.S. News based its rankings on math and reading proficiency, including how well students performed on state assessments. According to the U.S. News website, 68% of DEW students scored at or above the proficient level for math while 79% scored at or above that level for reading. “The success at the middle school hasn’t happened by accident,” said Dr. Christopher Stone, Montour superintendent. “The hard work and perseverance by the faculty and staff are certainly paying off. Not to mention that staff members truly enjoy being middle-level educators!” A middle school parent himself, Stone says DEW parents are a big part of the equation. “Montour parents do an amazing job holding their children academically and behaviorally accountable,” he said. “All of these are important pieces to the ‘success’ puzzle.” Dominic Salpeck, who was DEW’s principal for 13 years before being named director of instruction and academic achievement this school year, said, “This recognition is the result of the high standards that are placed on education by our parents, educators and students. The exceptional student achievement numbers are an outcome of the learning that occurs at DEW every day.” Dr. Jason Burik, who succeeded Salpeck and is now DEW’s current principal, said, “The students, faculty, and staff at David E. Williams Middle School work extremely hard each and every day. We are very proud to receive this great recognition.” Elise Hornyak and Brynn Kaczmarek have been named as this year’s Lamp of Learning award winners. High school counselors, Montour faculty members and the Stand Together club collaborated to hold a series of activities pertaining to mental health awareness on World Mental Health Day on Oct 17 and the week leading up to it. The effort encompassed a number of activities that took place during PLTs and history classes. Faculty members involved in the effort included Ryan Klingensmith, Joelene Hester, Maureen Callas and Lizzy Buckholt. While Klingensmith and school counselors met with students in each grade during their history classes, Hester and Stand Together members shared activities that Thursday with students to help them identify adults who they can reach out to when they need support. Callas and Buckholt also hosted educational mental health sessions during PLTs to engage students in mindful exercises that can help them prevent a mental health crisis. Sessions focused on yoga, positive affirmation, self love, being grounded and overcoming amygdala high jacking - a type of overwhelming emotional response. High school staff already offer a number of mental health activities during PLTs. However, the week allowed counselors to showcase a number of these and other resources that are readily available to students. “We wanted to give the students an idea of where to go for help,” says school counselor Jodi Williams. “Whether it’s a teacher or a school counselor, we wanted them to know that help is ‘just down the hall.’ Depending on the concern, we can find them the means for support.” One such resource available to students who need it is the school’s student assistance program, which allows students to meet with counselors on a regular basis. The school also works with licensed therapists through the Holy Family Institute. Anyone who would like to speak with a school counselor about a mental health issue or knows someone who could benefit from talking with a counselor is encouraged to contact the counseling department. Help is Down the Hall showcases high school’s mental health resources34 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2021 Speakers address critical issues at DEW Middle school is a difficult time for many teens, and to help students as they navigate the complexities of this critical age, David E. Williams Middle School hosted a series of speakers in October. First, on Oct. 19, fifth- and sixth-graders heard from Phil Little, an education and outreach specialist from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office of Public Engagement. Then, on Oct. 29, seventh- and eighth-graders heard from Allegheny County District Judge Ron Arnoni and national youth speaker and author Brad Killmeyer. In his presentation, Little discussed a number of topics relating to social media, including being mindful when posting. It’s what he terms “the gravity of pushing send.” In particular, Little talked about cyber bullying and strategies for addressing bullying of any kind in school. Little said the topic is particularly important these days, given that bullying now follows kids home right through social media and their mobile devices. To that end, Little said that instead of thinking about informing an adult about bullying as getting someone in trouble, young people need to realize they could instead be helping someone who desperately needs it. “It’s really about empowering young folks,” said Little, “and teaching them that they have the ability to change the culture within their own buildings.” Arnoni and Killmeyer then discussed a range of topics in their hour-long LEAD - or Leadership, Education, Accountability, and Direction - presentation. Throughout, their talk was interspersed with news clips about drinking and driving, drug use, cyber bullying and other issues. The two also discussed strategies for good decision making, self-improvement and self-evaluation. Rick Dayton from KDKA News Radio even made an in-person appearance to deliver an inspirational message. Arnoni said the purpose of the talk is to arm students with tools that allow them to be proactive and set them up for future success. During his talk, Arnoni frequently referred to his experience on the bench. He also urged students to be mindful when posting photos online that could contain personal information in the form of meta-data. Another part of the talk focused on drug use, and for that portion Arnoni and Killmeyer addressed a number of both legal and illegal drugs. The two impressed upon students that just because a drug isn’t illegal, that doesn’t mean it’s not harmful. They discussed marijuana, which is now legal in many states, and vape pens, which deliver huge loads of nicotine and are being marketed to underage people. “They don’t know what they don’t know,” said Killmeyer. Arnoni said they want to help guide young people in the right direction and make good decisions. “If we can save one kid’s life, it’s like we’re saving hundreds of kids lives...,” said Arnoni. The LEAD visit was arranged by Montour School District Board of Directors Member Cynthia Morrow and DEW greatly appreciates her efforts to bring the event to the school. “It was with heartfelt feelings and excitement that The Honorable, Ron Arnoni and National Speaker/Author, Brad Killmeyer accepted my invitation to speak to our students at absolutely no cost to the district,” said Morrow. “When I presented the LEAD PROGRAM to Mr. Dom Salpeck and Dr. Jason Burik, they took off running to get this on the calendar after they heard the topics and of course recognized the importance of this program and the impact it could have. I cannot thank them enough! We have such an amazing administrative team at Montour. “This program specifically covered strong issues that our kids may encounter from vaping, drugs, alcohol, social media and bullying. It specifically promotes leadership skills and a focus on prevention through educating students. Most importantly, it opens the doors for discussions concerning compromising situations and their consequences. It is through this program that students are provided resources for help and guidance. “I personally have strong feelings attached to drug abuse from losing a cousin to an overdose. If this program made a difference in just one of our students’ lives, I would be forever grateful. I would hope that it raised such a thought process that many of our students walked away knowing there is help and that we care.” (412) 490-6500 Dr. Christopher Stone Superintendent (412) 490-6500, ext. 6221 stonec@montourschools.com Dr. Eric Sparkenbaugh Assistant Superintendent (412) 490-6500 sparkenbaughe@montourschools.com Mr. Dominic Salpeck Director of Instruction and Academic Achievement (412) 771-8802, ext. 2611 salpeckd@montourschools.com Dr. Robert Isherwood Director of Special Education and Pupil Services 412-490-6500, ext. 6102 isherwoodb@montourschools.com Mr. Darryl Yonkers Director of Operations (412) 490-6500 x 6510 yonkersd@montourschools.com Mrs. Susan Sinicki Director of Human Resources 412-490-6500, ext. 6235 sinickis@montourschools.com Mrs. Anna Borsos Director of Finance (412) 490-6500, ext. 6232 borsosa@montourschools.com Mr. Bob Wagner Transportation Director (412) 490-6500, ext. 4700 wagnerb@montourschools.com Mr. Lou Cerro Athletic Director (412) 490-6500, ext. 1627 cerrol@montourschools.com (412) 490-6500 Mr. Todd Price Principal (412) 490-6500, ext. 1612 pricet@montourschools.com (412) 771-8802 Dr. Jason Burik Principal (412) 490-6500 ext. 4312 burikjason@montourschools.com Mr. Michael Marvin Assistant Principal (412) 771-8802, ext. 2612 marvinm@montourschools.com (412) 490-6500 Mr. Jason Shoaf Principal (412) 490-6500 ext. 4313 shoafj@montourschools.com Mr. Robert Carlisle Principal (412) 490-6500, ext. 1615 carlisler@montourschools.com Allegheny County District Judge Ron Arnoni (far right) and national youth speaker and author Brad Killmeyer (far left) visited to discuss a range of critical issues affecting teens in October. They are pictured with DEW students and eighth grade teacher Dave Powers.November/December 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 35 Two special education teachers at Montour Elementary School are utilizing a new animatronic robot called Milo to help kids on the autism spectrum learn social skills and gain confidence in social situations. Standing at two feet tall and donned in a futuristic-looking spacesuit, Milo looks like a toy that a lot of kids would love to see on their Christmas list. He can talk, move his arms, rotate his head, blink his eyes and mimic facial expressions. Designed by a Harvard-educated speech pathologist, Milo, however, is a rather sophisticated teaching tool. He comes loaded with modules and lessons based on a social-emotional curriculum designed by experts in the field. That makes Milo a valuable tool, says MES special education teacher Sheri Sumpter. “It’s nice because there aren’t a lot of social-emotional curricula out there, and the ones that are, they’re mostly just on paper,” she says. “With Milo, the kids are more engaged because they’re paying attention to him.” Sumpter and fellow teacher Alexis Bucci are utilizing Milo in their K-4 life skills and autistic support classrooms. Sumpter says Milo’s lessons focus on topics such as conversation, emotional understanding and situational awareness. One section helps students learn self-calming techniques for when they’re upset. Another teaches students how to identify and mimic facial expressions, greet others and hold conversations. Students also learn how to behave in certain situations, such as when they’re on a play date or at a birthday party. Working in tandem with an iPad, students interact with Milo by answering questions. Perhaps what’s most impactful about Milo, however, is the way the robot keeps students engaged. Research by RoboKind, the company that designed Milo, has shown that students remain engaged with Milo 87.5% of the time during a 52.5-minute session. Comparatively, kids remained engaged with a human teacher 2.5% of the time during a one-and-a-half minute session. Sumpter says she immediately saw a positive reaction to Milo among her own students. “It was amazing to see the reaction among the kids,” she says. Sumpter says that even though her students just began working with Milo at the beginning of October, she’s already seeing positive results. She says one of her students who has completed the most modules with Milo is now interacting more in the classroom. Every month during the school year, students in each grade at David E. Williams Middle School are chosen as students of the month. These individuals exemplify the positive characteristics of a successful student. Students of the Month for September are pictured below. DEW Students of the Month DEW students of the month for September were (from top left) fifth-graders Sofianne Sujai and Lucas Johnson; sixth-graders Samantha Slepecki and Michael Valeri; seventh-graders Madelyn Lewis and Lane Martinec; and eighth- graders Mika Scott and Caden Halajcio. The David E. Williams Middle School Student Council is in full swing and currently planning a number of its annual community service efforts around the coming holidays. Student Council members will again partner with the Crafton-Ingram and Robinson Rotaries to supply DEW families with food boxes, including items for a full turkey dinner. Any leftovers will be delivered to local food banks. In the past, this effort has provided dinners for over 60 families. Student Council will also be organizing its Adopt-a-Family program and working closely with the DEW guidance department to make sure families who are in need receive gifts and food this holiday season. This year’s Student Council officers are Sal Magliocco, president; Macey Rathway, vice president; Delaney Barto, secretary; and Baylin McCleaster, treasurer. The following committees have also been established: Birthday Wishes, School Store, Pep Assembly, Talent Show, Dinner Dance, Hall Decorating, Tech/Music, Philanthropic, Theme Week, Public Relations and Field Day. Student Council sponsors are Amy DiClemente and Angela Tempest. Student Council gearing up for annual efforts MES utilizing robot to help kids on autism spectrum Milo is an animatronic robot being used by special education teachers at MES to teach social-emotional skills. DEW Theatre Productions Presents Nov. 18-21 | DEW Auditorium Thursday-Saturday: 7 p.m. | Sunday: 2 p.m. Adults: $8 | Students: $6 dewtheaterproductions.com | Masks required!Varsity Sports 36 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2021 Football The football team kicked off its season against some tough non- conference 5A competition, but from the start, head coach Lou Cerro knew that would only make his team better. By the time the team reached its final game of the regular season, the Spartans controlled their destiny. A win against section rival Chartiers Valley would propel them to the post season. In that game, the Spartans racked up over 350 yards on the ground, thanks to 179 yards from Caleb Williams, 132 from Brock Janeda and another 45 from quarterback Jake Wolf. In the waning minutes of the fourth quarter, Janeda scored a touchdown that put the Spartans up by seven. He then intercepted a pass with under a minute left to punch the team’s ticket to the post season. At the time of this writing, the 11th ranked Spartans are preparing to take on fifth- ranked Armstrong in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs. Tennis After reaching the WPIAL quarterfinals last year, Maddie Rimbey and Peja Cruise are now heading to the PIAA girls doubles finals to cap off this year’s season. At the time of this writing, the duo are preparing for the state-wide tournament in Hershey. Look for an update in the next edition. Cross Country Montour’s cross-country runners had a strong showing at the WPIAL meet on Oct. 28. After going 8-0 in section competition and repeating as section champions, the girls team also won its first WPIAL title in the sport since the team joined District 7. At the WPIAL meet, junior Harley Kletz finished second overall, followed by senior Alex Fleck in fifth, sophomore Lakyn Schaltenbrand in sixth, senior Sophia Trevenen in eighth and freshman Megan Ranier in 37th. At the time of this writing, the entire team is now preparing for the state championship meet in Hershey on Nov. 6. Two members of the boys team will also be joining them. Sophomore Julian Kletz earned a spot at the PIAA meet after finishing sixth at the WPIAL meet while junior Peter Chacon punched his ticket to states after finishing ninth at the WPIAL meet. The boys team finished seventh at the WPIAL meet, making this the sixth consecutive year they finished in the top 10 in AA competition. Girls Volleyball The girls volleyball team once again earned a playoff spot after making it all the way to the championship game last year. The team also secured an 11-5 regular-season record and The girls cross-country team celebrates winning a WPIAL title. The girls volleyball team got healthy just in time for the post-season. Every month during the school year, students from each grade in either Team Curiosity or Team Discovery at Montour Elementary School are selected as Students of the Month. These students are chosen for exhibiting appropriate behavior, performing random acts of kindness, demonstrating improvement in academic areas and exhibiting self control. The honor can also recognize a deserving student with a quiet disposition. Students of the Month for August were kindergartners Olive Held and Colton Smith; first-graders Alexis Humbert and Freya Vesci; second-graders Eliana Bucci and Ari Linsenmeyer; third- graders Nick Vadas and Talia Worsen; and fourth-graders Jackson Tannehill and Emmy Linsenmeyer. Students of the Month for September were kindergartners Livia Lienert and Grant Iorio; first-graders Jack Koch and Savannah Smith; second-graders Scarlett Spisak and Isaiah Sutton; third-graders Zalia Irby and Aarav Nagarkoti; and fourth- graders Caitlin Neal and Samuel Higgins. MES Students of the Month MES Students of the Month for August are pictured above and Students of the Month for September are pictured below. Every single varsity fall sports team either reached the playoffs or had representative members in the post season. Here’s a rundown:November/December 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 37 tied for second in its section despite battling injuries and illnesses throughout much of the season. The team entered the playoffs as an 11th seed, which may have been appropriate for its record but not its ability. Finally healthy, the team proceeded to sweep sixth-seeded Franklin Regional in the first round of the playoffs on its way to a quarterfinal matchup against third-ranked Hampton. That match proved too much, however, and the Spartans lost to end their season. The playoff appearance marks the team’s fifth consecutive post-season bid since head coach Mike Marchionda returned to lead the team. Girls Soccer At the time of this writing, the girls soccer team is preparing to once again play in the semi-final game of the WPIAL playoffs. This will mark their second consecutive semi-final appearance and, just like last season, they’ll have to face off against top- ranked Mars Area for a shot at advancing to the championship match. The Spartans were unable to do so last year, but if their playoff performance this year is any indication, they’ll no doubt put up a good fight. The Spartans have yet to give up a goal in the post season as they’ve rolled over their fist two playoff opponents. The fifth-seeded Spartans defeated Trinity 8-0 in the opening round and won against Kiski Area 4-0 in the quarterfinal match. Boys Soccer The boys soccer team had high hopes going into this past season. With 11 seniors who had played together their entire careers - and who were entering their fourth season under head coach Stephen Okai - the team seemed poised for a breakout fall. Injuries, however, plagued the team and took down three starters. Despite losing some of its most impactful players, the team continued to battle through a difficult section stacked with the likes of Moon Area and West Allegheny, the top-ranked 3A team in the state, to finish with a 9-6-1 record and reach the playoffs. Entering as a 13th seed, the Spartans drew fourth-ranked Plum in the opening round but failed to come away with a victory. Still, it marked the second year in a row the team reached the WPIAL playoffs after reaching the quarterfinals last year. Golf The varsity golf team, under the direction of head coach Trent Karlik, finished in second place in Section 5-AAA. The team wrapped up the season with an 8-4 record and earned a spot in the WPIAL semi-finals, which were held Oct. 12 at Links at Spring Church. Though they came up short, the team had a very successful season and gained experience, with nine underclassmen competing on the varsity roster. With its large roster of young players, things look bright for the team next season. The golf team reached the playoffs again this season and is poised for more success next year. The Montour School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.38 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2021 Christmas Light-Up Celebration Clinton Park Nov. 20-Jan. 2 | 5-10 p.m. nightly Stop out any night starting Nov. 20 between 5-10 p.m. for a scenic drive through Clinton Community Park’s woodlands section. The area will be decked out with hundreds of lighted decorations in a variety of themes appropriate for the season. The $10 entry fee per car is payable in cash at the gate and benefits a variety of needs in the community. Local organizations, businesses and residents also sponsor a Christmas tree display at the end. The entrance to the light-up is located along Route 30 in Clinton, not far from the Clinton Exit off I-376. The light-up celebrates its 27th year this season. Clinton residents Patty and Lloyd Faux have been organizing the effort each year and get help from volunteers who generously donate their time starting in September to get the light-up prepared. For more, follow the Christmas Light Up on Facebook: @ChristmasLightUpCelebration. Local Light-Ups The Christmas Light-Up in Clinton Park is a drive-through light-up following a one-mile route. Laser Light Shows North Park Dec. 1-22 | Multiple times nightly Celebrate the holidays with this one-of-a-kind drive- in laser show at North Park. You’ll be dazzled by a 45-minute show synchronized with holiday music - all from the comfort of your own vehicle. Multiple sessions take place every night. Tickets are $20 to $25 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance. Proceeds benefit the Kane Foundation. Purchase tickets at alleghenycounty.us/lasershow. Robinson’s Christmas Light Up Clever Park Dec. 3 | 6:30 p.m. start Who says you can’t have fireworks in December? At Clever Park on the evening of Dec. 3, not only will you get to see Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving atop a decorated Forest Grove fire truck, but there will also be a special fireworks show to cap off the evening. Be sure to bring your letters to Santa, as there will again be a special mailbox set up at the gazebo. Include a return address and Santa will do his best to respond. Stay tuned to townshipofrobinson.com for the latest. Collier Township Light Up Night, Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m., Collier Community Center, learn how other countries celebrate Christmas, light refreshments and crafts, free, all ages, (724) 693.0780. North Fayette Tree Lighting, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m., Donaldson Park, outdoor event, dress accordingly, tree lighting, holiday music, light refreshments, Santa, limited attendance, masking required, www.north-fayette.com/335/Parks-Recreation. Moon Lights Holiday Festival, Dec. 4, 5-7:30 p.m., Moon Park, performances by local dancers and musicians, food trucks, craft vendors, games, Santa arrives 5:30 p.m., photos and visits with Santa, bring letters to Santa, www.moonparks.org. Robinson’s light-up event includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. More Area Light Ups! All events subject to change. Check the contact information listed for the latest details. Please follow all CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 when attending any event. What to do in and around the area this holiday season Holiday Happenings GuideNovember/December 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 39Next >