Newsletter

for Sun Valley High School

UPCOMING Valley Events

Jan 8-9 Algebra Keystones

Jan 9 1:1 Parent Meeting

Jan 14 1:1 Parent Meeting

Jan 14 Delco Hi Q Tournament

Jan 16 Delco Debate Tourney

Jan 21-24 Mid Term Exams

Jan 24 3rd Marking Period

Jan 25 SAT Test

Jan 27 Student Technology

Conference

Jan 30 NOPE Assembly

this issue

Letter from the Principal P.1

1:1 Initiative P.2

Keystone Exams P.3

Technology Conference P.4

Mid-Term Schedule P.4

Guidance Information P.4

Chamber Choir P.5

Sports P.5

Jan 2014

Accredited by the Middle States Association’s Commission on Secondary Schools

Happy New Year! A snow day and frigid temperatures are not deterring Sun Valley from staying active. The students are readying themselves for mid-terms the week of January 21-24. The mid-term exam schedule is enclosed. January 23rd and 24th will be early dismissal days. Exams are 10% of a student’s grade for the entire year. It is important that they put their best effort forward during exam week.

The Sun Valley Technology Conference for Students will take place January 27th for all underclassmen. On this date, the seniors will be starting their Mock Interview Senior Project preparations to fulfill their graduation requirement. The seniors will have a 12:15 dismissal that day. The day looks to be full of experiences that will prepare all students for life after high school.

During January, Sun Valley will host the Delaware County Debate Tournament and the Delaware County Hi-Q competition. Our student activities will include the winter formal, preparation for the school musical Oklahoma, Science and Reading Olympiad practices and many more exciting events. Our sports teams had a busy winter break with many team and personal successes. All events make the high school experience special. Thank you for all you do to help your student balance these activities and academics.

Please continue to visit our website for the latest information regarding guidance initiatives and 1:1 the many resources students can utilize for continued success. Have a Great Year, Pete Donaghy Principal

Spotlight on Curriculum… Technology… Transforming Teaching and Learning

Science– Partnering with Technology

by Christa Fazio, Public Relations, PDSD Beginning January 27th Sun Valley High School will launch a 1:1 (One to One) laptop initiative. As part of this exciting

program, every student in grades 9 through 11 will receive a laptop to use throughout the school year. Each student will

receive an HP ProBook 430 laptop, a notebook style PC with an Intel 5 Processor, Windows operating system, solid

state drive and webcam. This new technology will ensure access to up-to-date information, create new and exciting

learning opportunities beyond the classroom, enable collaboration with leaders and experts in a global community, and

provide access to the most current and interactive information to bring curriculum to life.

The 1:1 program will empower students to successfully explore, analyze and share knowledge globally through

innovation and creativity. Our mission through this program is to transform the learning process through the

personalization of knowledge. Prior to the 1:1 launch, there will be parent meetings to provide information and answer

questions. We are extremely excited to launch the 1:1 initiative at Sun Valley in January! This is a tremendous

opportunity for our students. Stay tuned for more information regarding 1:1 in the next coming weeks!

State Assessments ask students to “show what they know” By Anne Dudley and Rosemary Fowler, Curriculum Supervisors

Pennsylvania has established standards for Reading, Writing, Listening/Speaking, and Mathematics that identify what

a student should know and be able to do in grades K-12. These standards provide guidance for the development of our

district curriculum. In order to measure academic growth, the Department of Education requires an annual test for all

students in grades 3-8 in reading and mathematics. This test measures the student’s attainment of the academic standards

while determining the degree to which the school programs enable the students to attain proficiency. The results of these

assessments are used to assist teachers in identifying students’ needs and it also provides the district information for

curriculum and instructional planning.

The reading assessment requires students to read selections in both fiction and informational genres. To measure their

comprehension, they respond to multiple choice questions and write in response to the passage. The mathematics

assessment includes written explanations, computation, and word problems. The testing window is March 17-28, 2014.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education developed Keystone Exams which are end–of-course assessments in

specific content areas given in all public school districts across the state. These exams serve as accountability

assessments for federal and state purposes, provide local districts with information regarding their programs in each area

tested, and also measure student achievement of state standards. The Algebra I and Literature Keystone are aligned to

the Pennsylvania Core Standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts. The Biology Keystone Exam is

aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science.

The exams are given in Algebra 1, Literature, and Biology to Sun Valley High School and Northley Middle School

students who are enrolled in these courses during the 2013-14 school year. The testing window is from

May 12 – 23, 2014. Beginning with the Class of 2017 (this year’s 9th grade class), students must pass these exams in

order to graduate. If they do not pass on their first attempt, they are provided with remediation and have the opportunity

to retake the exam the following December and then again in May. Additional Keystone Exams are being developed in

other content areas for future administration.

As we continue through this school year, your support at home is important for your child’s success. For further

information, you can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education at www.pde.state.pa.us

\

From the Curriculum Department

Keystone Algebra I Exams January 8 and 9

JANUARY GUIDANCE SCHEDULE Freshmen elective assembly.

Junior parent meetings begin—make an appointment with your counselor!

Scheduling meetings begin with all underclassmen.

Senior DCCC application completion in classroom.

8th grade scheduling elective assembly.

8th grade scheduling in classroom.

SAT Cost $51

Registration Date Test Date

February 7 March 8

April 4 May 3 ACT Cost $35

Registration Date Test Date

January 10 February 8

March 7 April 12

Mid-Term Examination Schedule

Sun Valley Guidance CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

PD 1 Exam 7:30-9:10

PD 2 Exam 9:15-10:55

PD 3 10:59-11:22

LUNCH 1 11:26-11:56

PD 4A 11:26-11:56

PD 4B 12:00-12:30

LUNCH 2 12:00-12:30

PD 5C 12:00-12:30

LUNCH 3 12:34-1:04

PD 5D 12:34-1:04

PD 6 1:08-1:40

PD 7 1:44-2:15

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22

PD 3 Exam 7:30-9:10

PD 4 Exam 9:15-10:55

PD 2 10:59-11:22

LUNCH 1 11:26-11:56

PD 4A 11:26-11:56

PD 4B 12:00-12:30

LUNCH 2 12:00-12:30

PD 5C 12:00-12:30

LUNCH 3 12:34-1:04

PD 5D 12:34-1:04

PD 6 1:08-1:40

PD 7 1:44-2:15

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23

PD 5 Exam 7:30-9:10

PD 6 Exam 9:15-10:55

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

PD 7 Exam 7:30-9:10

MAKE UPS 9:15-10:55

January 27th Technology Conference Schedule

IF SCHOOL IS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER THE EXAMS WILL BE SCHEDULED 1/28/14

IF THERE IS A DELAYED OPENING THERE WILL BE NO TESTING AND IT WILL BE A FULL DAY SCHOOL

TECHNICAL SCHOOL WILL OPERATE DURING EXAM WEEK. BUS TIME WILL BE 11:00 IT WILL BE A FULL DAY FOR TECHNICAL SCHOOL

STUDENTS WHO HAVE STUDY HALL DURING EXAM PERIODS MAY ARRIVE LATE (ALL DAYS) OR LEAVE EARLY (1/23 & 1/24)

THERE WILL BE NO LATE BUSSES ON 1/23 OR 1/24

BUS TIME FOR 1/23: 10:55

BUS TIME FOR 1/24: 9:15

Sun Valley High School will hold the Technology Conference for Students on January 27th. Students will receive their laptop device on this day and take part in a variety of seminars designed to introduce them to web based programs, software and tools they will use throughout the school year. Students will report to homeroom and begin a full-day schedule of technology based seminars that include Google, My Big Campus, Microsoft/PDF, Symbaloo and Digital Citizenship. Seminars will range from 30 minutes to 60 minutes in duration. The senior class will use this day to receive instruction and preparation for their Mock Interview Senior Project. This will include instruction in resume writing, creating a cover letter, interview strategies and answering techniques. The senior class will be dismissed at 12:15.

Sun Valley Chamber Singers Perform at White House

By Christa Fazio, Public Relations, Penn-Delco School District ASTON, PA- Members of the Sun Valley High School Chamber Singers from the Penn-Delco School District had the experience of a lifetime on Monday, December 9th 2013 as they traveled to Washington, D.C. to perform at the White House. The Sun Valley High School Chamber Singers is an elite group of 22 students that frequently performs for the Penn-Delco community. Just two weeks ago, plenty of excitement could be heard from the Chamber Singers rehearsal as they received the news that they were invited to perform for White House guests amongst the beautiful holiday decorations. The Holidays at the White House theme for 2013 is “Gather Around.” Surrounded by the magnificent trees and decorations, the Chamber Singers filled the Grand Foyer with two hours of Christmas carols, winter songs, and multi-cultural holiday music. Their director, Ms. Denise Henkels stated, “It was a huge honor to be selected and the choir did an incredible job representing Sun Valley High School, the Penn-Delco School District, and the state of Pennsylvania. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for these students, and I couldn’t be happier for them.”

Chamber Singers include: Casey Berardi, Donald Campbell, Wayne Carlen, Ashley DiBona, William Everman, Connor Gillies, Clara Greskoff, Eric Kennedy, Sydney Lamoureux, Lauren Longhi, Michael Mann, Kayla McCaney, Kaitlin McCombs, Brooke McGlade, Jared Miller, Danielle Overbeck, Priscilla Pierdomenico, Alyssa Pyne, Oniel Salik, Gavin Sekel, Victoria Vinson and Miranda Vinson. Choir Director Ms. Denise Henkels; Accompanist Mrs. Yosmar Vinson.

Mr. Pete Donaghy, Principal

Ms. Rosemary Edmiston, Assistant Principal

Mr. Joel Alutius, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Amy Jenkins, Assistant Principal

Sun Valley HS 2881 Pa ncoas t Avenue

As ton Pa 19014

visit us at www.pdsd.org

WRESTLERS GRAB SECOND PLACE AT RADNOR HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT

Alex Elliott captured gold to help the Sun Valley wrestling team finish second in the highly competitive Radnor Holiday Tournament. Elliott has a 14-1 record heading into Ches-Mont League competition. Steve Okoorian (15-2) grabbed silver for the Vanguards. Ricardo Xavier (5-2), Jim Pro (10-7), Anthony Grosso and Christian Bateman (12-6) were bronze medalists. Anthony Oristaglio reached the semi-finals at 160 lbs.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CAPTURES FOURTH STRAIGHT HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT

Chelsea Jones (SR) 10 pts 8 rebounds and Katie Lannon (FR) 11 pts 19 rebounds were named co-MVP’s as the Lady Vanguards won their fourth consecutive championship at the Interboro Preferred Sportswear Christmas Tournament. Sun Valley defeated Penncrest in the opener and Interboro in the championship game.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL DEFEATS RIVAL CHICHESTER FOR 3RD PLACE

Juwann Chandler scored 30 points as the boys defeated Chichester 62-30 to claim 3rd place at the Garnet Valley Holiday Tournament. Shane Gilfoy leads the Vanguards with 15.3 pts/game while Chandler is averaging 13.2 pts/game. Sun Valley also participated in the Haverford Coaches v Cancer Benefit losing a close game to Interboro. All proceeds benefitted the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research.

MIKE PROIETTO SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT WITH WEST VIRGINIA

Senior Mike Proietto has signed a letter of intent to attend West Virginia University. The two time defending District One Champion diver will be a member of the Mountaneer Diving Team in the Big 12 conference. Proietto and teammate Josh Dardeen look to continue their diving dominance in the Ches-Mont league.

BUSH LEADS VANGUARD TRACK

Zack Bush’s 10:07.22 for the 3000M run earned him 4th place in the DELCO honor roll for the

week ending 12/22/13. Zach’s Sun Valley record setting finish at Lehigh University was a great

start for the 2014 indoor season.

VANGUARD HOCKEY IN THE PLAYOFF HUNT

The Sun Valley Ice Hockey Club has started the season with a 5-2-1 record. The Vanguards,

playing in the Ches-Mont Division, are led by Shawn Ryan (6 goals, 8 assists), Tanner Wetten

(7 goals, 6 assists) and Rickey Walsh (6 goals, 6 assists). Paul Sykes has been a stone wall in

the goal for Sun Valley. His saves average of.88.5 and 2.14 goals against average place him

among the leagues best goaltenders.

“HOME OF THE VANGUARDS”

Boys Basketball

1/9 Oxford (A) 6:00 1/13 Bishop Shanahan (H) 6:00 1/15 Great Valley (A) 6:00 1/16 WC Rustin (A) 6:00 1/21 Kennett (H) 6:00 1/23 Unionville (A) 6:00 1/25 Chichester (A) 1:30 1/28 Great Valley (H) 6:00 1/30 Octorara (A) 6:00

Girls Basketball

1/9 Oxford (H) 6:00 1/15 Great Valley (A) 6:00 1/16 WC Rustin (H) 6:00 1/18 Phoenixville (A) 1:00 1/21 Kennett (A) 6:00 1/23 Unionville (H) 6:00 1/25 Perk Valley (H) 3:30 @ Neumann University 1/28 Great Valley (A) 6:00 1/30 Octorara (H) 6:00

Swimming & Diving

1/10 Great Valley (H) 3:30 1/13 Ridley (A) 3:45 1/17 Oxford (A) 4:30 1/24 Unionville (H) 3:30 1/31 WC Rustin (H) 3:30

Wrestling

1/13 WC Rustin (H) 6:15 1/15 Unionville (A) 6:15 1/25 Vanguard Invitational @ Sun Valley 8:00 am 1/29 Great Valley (A) 6:15

Indoor Track

1/7 Delco Finals (G) 1/13 Chesco Finals (B&G) 1/26 Glen Mills Invite (B) 1/30 Delco Finals (B) 1/31 F&M Invite (G)

WINTER SPORTS TEAMS HEATING UP