2013-14 Reading School District Annual Report

READINGSCHOOL DISTRICTPATHWAY TO EXCELLENCE

ANNUAL REPORT 2013-14

www.readingmusicalfoundation.org

The Reading Musical Foundation and other local endorsed partners would like to thank the Reading School District administration and board members for their support of the district’s LAMP programs. Reading School District’s commitment to bring out the best in every child happens daily in the library, art, music and physical education classes. We encourage our community and neighborhood friends to contact the district’s administration and school board and voice your support of these life-changing education opportunities.

Celebrating the Library, Art, Music and Physical Education programs in the Reading School District.

13th & Green – MusicErnesto CastanedaHopes his younger brothers Angel and Anthony will have music class, too!

Northeast Middle School – LibraryKarla & Alexandra DominguezWe read to know we’re not alone – C.S. Lewis

12th & Marion – ArtJuan CosteThis excellent artist inspires others with his creativity.

12th & Marion – Physical EducationOdalys CalderinShe loves to hoop shoot — and won first place at the local Elks Hoop Shoot Contest.

Endorsed Partners:

Calvary United Church of Christ

Where Christ is lived!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONNECT WITH US Visit ReadingSD.org and our school websites for important news, events, information and announcements. Our websites are continually updated.

For the upcoming school year, we are working to establish or strengthen our PTOs and PTAs. If you are interested in participating, contact Kristin Boyd at 484-258-7031 or [email protected]. Also, email Kristin to sign up for our e-newsletters and alerts.

Facebook.com/ReadingSDTwitter: @RDGschoolsPinterest.com/ReadingSDYouTube.com: Search Reading School District TV

Information included in this publication is from the 2013-2014 school year.

Reading School District

800 Washington St.

Reading, PA 19601

(484) 258-7000 office

(610) 371-5971 fax

www.ReadingSD.org

Project ManagerKristin BoydDirector of Community EngagementReading School District

Cover DesignJulie A. BunnickGraphic Designer Office of the Executive DirectorBerks County Intermediate Unit

PublisherReading School District© Copyright 2013-14

Special thanks to our advertisersReading Musical Foundationhttp://readingmusicalfoundation.orgKautter & Kelley Architectswww.kautterkelley.comGreater Reading Economic Partnership/Careers in 2 Yearswww.greaterreading.comwww.careersin2years.com

Special thanks to the following for providing photos and content RSD staff and administratorsSally Henderson/Berks Christian SchoolPam Keeler/BCIULauren Little/Reading EagleDave Zerbe Photography StudioGilmore-Henne Fund + Rochelle GrayEmily Yoder-Scheider + Lorrie BeardAlneasa JordanFidevia

More than 300 students competed in the annual (and fun!) All Elementary School Track and Field Day, held in May at the track behind Reading High School.

pg. 2

pg. 5

pg. 4

pg. 6-12

pg. 3

pg. 6

pg. 4

Superintendent’s Message

Our Schools

About Reading School District

District Highlights

Board President’s Message

Budget Outlook

Class of 2014 Graduation Spotlight

pg. 4 About Reading School District

www.readingmusicalfoundation.org

The Reading Musical Foundation and other local endorsed partners would like to thank the Reading School District administration and board members for their support of the district’s LAMP programs. Reading School District’s commitment to bring out the best in every child happens daily in the library, art, music and physical education classes. We encourage our community and neighborhood friends to contact the district’s administration and school board and voice your support of these life-changing education opportunities.

Celebrating the Library, Art, Music and Physical Education programs in the Reading School District.

13th & Green – MusicErnesto CastanedaHopes his younger brothers Angel and Anthony will have music class, too!

Northeast Middle School – LibraryKarla & Alexandra DominguezWe read to know we’re not alone – C.S. Lewis

12th & Marion – ArtJuan CosteThis excellent artist inspires others with his creativity.

12th & Marion – Physical EducationOdalys CalderinShe loves to hoop shoot — and won first place at the local Elks Hoop Shoot Contest.

Endorsed Partners:

Calvary United Church of Christ

Where Christ is lived!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONNECT WITH US Visit ReadingSD.org and our school websites for important news, events, information and announcements. Our websites are continually updated.

For the upcoming school year, we are working to establish or strengthen our PTOs and PTAs. If you are interested in participating, contact Kristin Boyd at 484-258-7031 or [email protected]. Also, email Kristin to sign up for our e-newsletters and alerts.

Facebook.com/ReadingSDTwitter: @RDGschoolsPinterest.com/ReadingSDYouTube.com: Search Reading School District TV

Information included in this publication is from the 2013-2014 school year.

Reading School District

800 Washington St.

Reading, PA 19601

(484) 258-7000 office

(610) 371-5971 fax

www.ReadingSD.org

Project ManagerKristin BoydDirector of Community EngagementReading School District

Cover DesignJulie A. BunnickGraphic Designer Office of the Executive DirectorBerks County Intermediate Unit

PublisherReading School District© Copyright 2013-14

Special thanks to our advertisersReading Musical Foundationhttp://readingmusicalfoundation.orgKautter & Kelley Architectswww.kautterkelley.comGreater Reading Economic Partnership/Careers in 2 Yearswww.greaterreading.comwww.careersin2years.com

Special thanks to the following for providing photos and content RSD staff and administratorsSally Henderson/Berks Christian SchoolPam Keeler/BCIULauren Little/Reading EagleDave Zerbe Photography StudioGilmore-Henne Fund + Rochelle GrayEmily Yoder-Scheider + Lorrie BeardAlneasa JordanFidevia

More than 300 students competed in the annual (and fun!) All Elementary School Track and Field Day, held in May at the track behind Reading High School.

pg. 2

pg. 5

pg. 4

pg. 6-12

pg. 3

pg. 6

pg. 4

Superintendent’s Message

Our Schools

About Reading School District

District Highlights

Board President’s Message

Budget Outlook

Class of 2014 Graduation Spotlight

pg. 4 About Reading School District

LEADERSHIP TEAM

ABOUT DR. KHALID N. MUMIN

FOLLOW DR. MUMIN ON TWITTER@DRMUMINRSD

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Education: University of PennsylvaniaEd.D, Educational Leadership

Pennsylvania State UniversityM.Ed., Teaching and Curriculum

Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaB.A., English

Northeastern Christian Junior CollegeA.A., Liberal Arts/English

Interests: Traveling, classic cars, cooking, reading, music collector

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

Wayne GehrisChief Financial Officer

Stepahnie HackashFinance Director

Christian LelligBusiness Services Director

Karen Gokay Chief Human Resources Officer Shelley LivengoodPersonnel Director

Dr. Kandace WilliamsMath & Sciences Director

Dr. Maura RobertsAssessment & Accountability Director

Kathy EvisonChief Student Services Officer

Deb DendasSpecial Education Director Marcia VegaFederal Programs Director

Wynton ButlerSocial Services Director Jeff Haas (BCIU)Acting Chief Information Officer

Todd ConnFacilities Director Kurt MyersFood Services Director

Allen McCloud Athletics Director

Juan RondonSafe Schools Director

Kristin BoydCommunity Engagement Director

Chris Celmer (BCIU)Acting Assistant to the Superintendent

Dr. Juliette PennymanAsst. Superintendent, Teaching & Learning

Positions currently being filledChief Instructional Services OfficerEnglish as a Second Language Director Literacy & Humanities DirectorEquity Director

It gives me great pleasure to serve as Superintendent of the Reading School District. The 2014-2015 school year will be a paramount time in our continuing journey to success, as we create a “Pathway to Excellence” for ALL children in the Reading School District.

Please understand, the pathway we aspire to create will entail an enor-mous set of challenges and events filled with infinite possibilities of success, and, together, we have the capacity to exceed expectations. The 2014-2015 school year will focus specifically on assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the following five areas: Academics, School Safety, Communica-tion, Organizational Effectiveness and Community Partnerships. More specif-ic, the aforementioned areas will guide the work of the teaching staff, sup-port staff and administrative team. We aspire to become a school system that is flexible by placing tremendous investments in teaching and learning, school climate, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, transparency, community involvement and responsive, reciprocal communication.

This annual report is among the many first steps on our pathway to excel-lence. Here, you’ll find succinct summaries about student accomplishments, graduation highlights, history-making military appointments, valued commu-nity partnerships, newly adopted math curriculum, school programs, con-struction projects and our financial outlook for the 2014-2015 school year.

Special thanks to the Reading School Board of Directors, the Berks County Intermediate Unit, students, parents, staff, residents and our many commu-nity partners as we partake in this journey, “Pathway to Excellence.” We are driven to become a cohesive unit, team, family and community of learners to move our schools to success — one student at a time. This is our calling, and together, we will persevere, triumph and succeed.

2

I am proud to serve as president of the Reading School Board of Directors. Just as the district is on a pathway to excellence, so is this board. We are working diligently to establish a new tone and new expec-tation for how we interact, conduct busi-nesses and govern the district. And we are striving to be positive examples for our stu-dents, staff and the community.

Though not an easy decision, contracting with Dr. John George and the BCIU this year to oversee district operations was a nec-essary step in the right direction. Their assistance has helped our district continue on our pathway to excellence. For example, our Finance Department is now fully functioning with up-to-date and accurate records (see our budget outlook on page 6), and our staff is currently in the process of reviewing, rewriting and realigning the district’s curriculum (see page 12).

One of my favorite moments this year was attending graduation in June and congratulating students as they received their diplo-mas. My heart was full of joy. That night was a reminder of why I and my fellow board members decided to serve. Our priority is always to provide a quality education for our more than 17,000 students, and we will continue to work together to ensure that happens.

I encourage you to get involved and attend our monthly board meetings. Your voice is important. This is your school district, too, and we want you be as proud as we are to be a part of it.

Manuel Guzman l Vice [email protected]

Bernardo Carbajal, Esq. [email protected]

Abraham Cepeda, Esq. [email protected]

Pierre V. [email protected]

Robin [email protected]

Robert Heebner, [email protected]

John [email protected]

Eddie [email protected]

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2013-14 BOARD HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

BOARD SECRETARY

BOARD MEETINGS

OPEN RECORDS OFFICER

SOLICITOR

Lisa Iezzi484-258-7030 [email protected] *Board policies and board minutes are available on our website, ReadingSD.org.

Chris CelmerActing Assistant to the Superintendent800 Washington St.Reading, PA 19601(484) 258-7030 office(610) 371-5971 [email protected]

John MiravichFox Rothschild LLP

Starting in August, Committee of the Whole meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., and regular board meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Meetings are held at the RSD Administration Building, located at 800 Washington St. All meetings are open to the public. Public comment is allowed at the beginning of regular board meetings.

Rebecca Acosta, Board [email protected]

BOARD PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

• Passed a balanced 2014-15 Fiscal Budget• Approved a new Breakfast in the Classroom program, which will pro-

vide all district elementary school students with a healthy breakfast each morning. About 92 percent of district students receive free or re-duced meals.

• Approved Berks Online Learning, a cyber education program for K-12 students who complete coursework online. The virtual program allows children to remain a RSD student and participate in all district activities, clubs and functions.

3

LEADERSHIP TEAM

ABOUT DR. KHALID N. MUMIN

FOLLOW DR. MUMIN ON TWITTER@DRMUMINRSD

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Education: University of PennsylvaniaEd.D, Educational Leadership

Pennsylvania State UniversityM.Ed., Teaching and Curriculum

Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaB.A., English

Northeastern Christian Junior CollegeA.A., Liberal Arts/English

Interests: Traveling, classic cars, cooking, reading, music collector

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

Wayne GehrisChief Financial Officer

Stepahnie HackashFinance Director

Christian LelligBusiness Services Director

Karen Gokay Chief Human Resources Officer Shelley LivengoodPersonnel Director

Dr. Kandace WilliamsMath & Sciences Director

Dr. Maura RobertsAssessment & Accountability Director

Kathy EvisonChief Student Services Officer

Deb DendasSpecial Education Director Marcia VegaFederal Programs Director

Wynton ButlerSocial Services Director Jeff Haas (BCIU)Acting Chief Information Officer

Todd ConnFacilities Director Kurt MyersFood Services Director

Allen McCloud Athletics Director

Juan RondonSafe Schools Director

Kristin BoydCommunity Engagement Director

Chris Celmer (BCIU)Acting Assistant to the Superintendent

Dr. Juliette PennymanAsst. Superintendent, Teaching & Learning

Positions currently being filledChief Instructional Services OfficerEnglish as a Second Language Director Literacy & Humanities DirectorEquity Director

It gives me great pleasure to serve as Superintendent of the Reading School District. The 2014-2015 school year will be a paramount time in our continuing journey to success, as we create a “Pathway to Excellence” for ALL children in the Reading School District.

Please understand, the pathway we aspire to create will entail an enor-mous set of challenges and events filled with infinite possibilities of success, and, together, we have the capacity to exceed expectations. The 2014-2015 school year will focus specifically on assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the following five areas: Academics, School Safety, Communica-tion, Organizational Effectiveness and Community Partnerships. More specif-ic, the aforementioned areas will guide the work of the teaching staff, sup-port staff and administrative team. We aspire to become a school system that is flexible by placing tremendous investments in teaching and learning, school climate, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, transparency, community involvement and responsive, reciprocal communication.

This annual report is among the many first steps on our pathway to excel-lence. Here, you’ll find succinct summaries about student accomplishments, graduation highlights, history-making military appointments, valued commu-nity partnerships, newly adopted math curriculum, school programs, con-struction projects and our financial outlook for the 2014-2015 school year.

Special thanks to the Reading School Board of Directors, the Berks County Intermediate Unit, students, parents, staff, residents and our many commu-nity partners as we partake in this journey, “Pathway to Excellence.” We are driven to become a cohesive unit, team, family and community of learners to move our schools to success — one student at a time. This is our calling, and together, we will persevere, triumph and succeed.

2

I am proud to serve as president of the Reading School Board of Directors. Just as the district is on a pathway to excellence, so is this board. We are working diligently to establish a new tone and new expec-tation for how we interact, conduct busi-ness and govern the district. And we are striv-ing to be positive examples for our students, staff and the community.

Though not an easy decision, contracting with Dr. John George and the BCIU this year to oversee district operations was a nec-essary step in the right direction. Their assistance has helped our district continue on our pathway to excellence. For example, our Finance Department is now fully functioning with up-to-date and accurate records (see our budget outlook on page 6), and our staff is currently in the process of reviewing, rewriting and realigning the district’s curriculum (see page 12).

One of my favorite moments this year was attending graduation in June and congratulating students as they received their diplo-mas. My heart was full of joy. That night was a reminder of why I and my fellow board members decided to serve. Our priority is always to provide a quality education for our more than 17,000 students, and we will continue to work together to ensure that happens.

I encourage you to get involved and attend our monthly board meetings. Your voice is important. This is your school district, too, and we want you be as proud as we are to be a part of it.

Manuel Guzman l Vice [email protected]

Bernardo Carbajal, Esq. [email protected]

Abraham Cepeda, Esq. [email protected]

Pierre V. [email protected]

Robin [email protected]

Robert Heebner, [email protected]

John [email protected]

Eddie [email protected]

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2013-14 BOARD HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

BOARD SECRETARY

BOARD MEETINGS

OPEN RECORDS OFFICER

SOLICITOR

Lisa Iezzi484-258-7030 [email protected] *Board policies and board minutes are available on our website, ReadingSD.org.

Chris CelmerActing Assistant to the Superintendent800 Washington St.Reading, PA 19601(484) 258-7030 office(610) 371-5971 [email protected]

John MiravichFox Rothschild LLP

Starting in August, Committee of the Whole meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., and regular board meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Meetings are held at the RSD Administration Building, located at 800 Washington St. All meetings are open to the public. Public comment is allowed at the beginning of regular board meetings.

Rebecca Acosta, Board [email protected]

BOARD PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

• Passed a balanced 2014-15 Fiscal Budget• Approved a new Breakfast in the Classroom program, which will pro-

vide all district elementary school students with a healthy breakfast each morning. About 92 percent of district students receive free or re-duced meals.

• Approved Berks Online Learning, a cyber education program for K-12 students who complete coursework online. The virtual program allows children to remain a RSD student and participate in all district activities, clubs and functions.

3

The Reading School District proudly serves the diverse communities of the City of Reading, the fifth largest city in Pennsylvania.

Each day, in every district building and in every district classroom, a vibrant learning community is striv-ing for the success of every single student. Our mission is to transform student potential into reality, and our district vision is relationships shaping dreams.

The district has 19 school buildings, in-cluding 13 elementary schools (grades Pre-K–5), four middle schools (grades 6–7), one intermediate high school (grades 8–9), and one senior high school (grades 10–12). (See a full listing of our schools and building principals on pg. 5).

The district employs approximately 2,000 dedicated staff members, who serve the educational needs of more than 17,000 students.

CLASS OF 2014 l GRADUATION SPOTLIGHT

ABOUT RSD

Joel Christophel l ValedictorianDuring class, Joel developed a mobile app that’s available on Google Play. He plans to study computer science at Eastern Mennonite University.

Astrid Perez l SalutatorianAstrid won a YNOT Award for her stellar role as “Abuela” in this year’s school show, “In the Heights.” She will attend Franklin & Marshall College and plans to become a doctor.

Patricia Paulino l Berks’ BestPatricia won the Berks’ Best Communications Award. An active community volunteer and VOICES writer, she will attend Brown University.

Marlene Estrella l In MemoriamSadly, Marlene passed away in November from leukemia. Her parents accepted her diploma during graduation on June 11.

BY THE NUMBERS753 graduates

84 percent will pursue post-secondary education or

enlist in the military — a 13 percent increase

78 students attained full-time employment

94 percent graduated with a college or career plan

$1.8 million in scholarships awarded in June

RHS had 14 Berks’ Best nominees and finalists

CLASS OFFICERS President Elizabeth Gonzalez

Swarthmore CollegeVice President Franklin Melendez

Haverford CollegeSecretary Alyra Parker

Gettysburg CollegeTreasurer Annyrose Tavarez East Stroudsburg University

DEPARTMENTSSuperintendent: 484-258-7030 Business: 484-258 7061 Delinquent Tax: 484-258-7012 Federal Programs: 484-258-7035 Facilities Services: 610-921-4900 Health Services: 610-370-8578 Human Resources: 484-258-7011 MIS Department: 484-258-7013 Pupil Accounting: 484-258-7056 Special Education: 484-258-7102 Student Services: 484-258-7103 Transportation: 484-258-7057English Language Acquisition: 484-258-7104

4

10th & Green ElementaryPrincipal: Wanda Crespo

400 N. 10th St.610-371-5756 Enrollment: 732

13th & Union ElementaryPrincipal: Margaret Brown

1600 N. 13th St.610-371-5795Enrollment: 873

Lauer’s Park Elementary Principal: Gordon Hoodak

251 N. 2nd St.610-371-5960Enrollment: 763

Tyson-Schoener ElementaryPrincipal: Salvador Sepulveda

315 S. 5th St.610-371-5951Enrollment: 676

Southwest Middle Principal: Dennis Campbell

300 Chestnut St.610-371-5934Enrollment: 437

12th & Marion ElementaryPrincipal: Paul Hunter


Amanda E. Stout ElementaryPrincipal: Susan Higginson


Northwest Area Elementary Principal: Maria Wengyn

820 Clinton St.610-371-5904Enrollment: 803

Northwest Middle Principal: Joel Brigel

1000 N. Front St.610-371-5882Enrollment: 644

Reading Senior HighPrincipal: Eric Turman

801 N. 13th St.484-258-7458Enrollment: 2,785

10th & Penn ElementaryPrincipal: Rowbee’C Kasisky

955 Penn St.610-320-6994Enrollment: 525

16th & Haak ElementaryPrincipal: Traci Webb

601 Haak St.610-371-5760Enrollment: 680

Millmont Elementary Principal: Jennifer Murray

400 Summit Ave.610-320-8947Enrollment: 657

Northeast Middle Principal: Robinette Armstrong


Reading Intermediate HighPrincipal: Alex Brown


13th & Green Elementary Principal: Vacant501 N. 13th St.610-371-5766Enrollment: 668

Glenside Elementary Principal: Melissa S. Fisher

500 Lackawanna St.610-371-5913Enrollment: 408

Riverside ElementaryPrincipal: JuliAnne Kline

400 Centre Ave.610-371-5896Enrollment: 897

Southern Middle Principal: Geina Beaver


Reading Muhlenberg Career & Tech Center2615 Warren Rd.610-921-7300Administrative Director: Gerald Witmer

OUR SCHOOLS l VISIT READINGSD.ORG TO ACCESS EACH SCHOOL’S WEBSITENote: Enrollment figures are from the 2013-14 school year

Our Districtwide Art Show is held each

May at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.

This year’s show featured more than

1,000 pieces of artwork by our

talented students.

Yarilin Chimelis, who plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Art & Design and become an illustrator, received 2nd place in Berks Art Council’s Fast Lane Arts design competition. Cesar Gonzalez earned an honorable mention for his work. Both artworks are displayed on billboards in Berks County, courtesy of LAND Displays.

FAST LANE ART WINNERS

5

The Reading School District proudly serves the diverse communities of the City of Reading, the fifth largest city in Pennsylvania.

Each day, in every district building and in every district classroom, a vibrant learning community is striv-ing for the success of every single student. Our mission is to transform student potential into reality, and our district vision is relationships shaping dreams.

The district includes 19 school build-ings, including 13 elementary schools (grades Pre-K–5), four middle schools (grades 6–7), one intermediate high school (grades 8–9), and one senior high school (grades 10–12). (See a full listing of our schools and building principals on pg. 5).

The district employs approximately 2,000 dedicated staff members, who serve the educational needs of more than 17,000 students.

CLASS OF 2014 l GRADUATION SPOTLIGHT

ABOUT RSD

Joel Christophel l ValedictorianDuring class, Joel developed a mobile app that’s available on Google Play. He plans to study computer science at Eastern Mennonite University.

Astrid Perez l SalutatorianAstrid won a YNOT Award for her stellar role as “Abuela” in this year’s school show, “In the Heights.” She will attend Franklin & Marshall College and plans to become a doctor.

Patricia Paulino l Berks’ BestPatricia won the Berks’ Best Communications Award. An active community volunteer and VOICES writer, she will attend Brown University.

Marlene Estrella l In MemoriamSadly, Marlene passed away in November from leukemia. Her parents accepted her diploma during graduation on June 11.

BY THE NUMBERS753 graduates

84 percent will pursue post-secondary education or

enlist in the military — a 13 percent increase

78 students attained full-time employment

94 percent graduated with a college or career plan

$1.8 million in scholarships awarded in June

RHS had 14 Berks’ Best nominees and finalists

CLASS OFFICERS President Elizabeth Gonzalez

Swarthmore CollegeVice President Franklin Melendez

Haverford CollegeSecretary Alyra Parker

Gettysburg CollegeTreasurer Annyrose Tavarez East Stroudsburg University

DEPARTMENTSSuperintendent: 484-258-7030 Business: 484-258 7061 Delinquent Tax: 484-258-7012 Federal Programs: 484-258-7035 Facilities Services: 610-921-4900 Health Services: 610-370-8578 Human Resources: 484-258-7011 MIS Department: 484-258-7013 Pupil Accounting: 484-258-7056 Special Education: 484-258-7102 Student Services: 484-258-7103 Transportation: 484-258-7057English Language Acquisition: 484-258-7104

4

10th & Green ElementaryPrincipal: Wanda Crespo

400 N. 10th St.610-371-5756 Enrollment: 732

13th & Union ElementaryPrincipal: Margaret Brown


Lauer’s Park Elementary Principal: Gordon Hoodak

251 N. 2nd St.610-371-5960Enrollment: 763

Tyson-Schoener ElementaryPrincipal: Salvador Sepulveda


Southwest Middle Principal: Dennis Campbell


12th & Marion ElementaryPrincipal: Paul Hunter


Amanda E. Stout ElementaryPrincipal: Susan Higginson


Northwest Area Elementary Principal: Maria Wengyn

820 Clinton St.610-371-5904Enrollment: 803

Northwest Middle Principal: Joel Brigel

1000 N. Front St.610-371-5882Enrollment: 644

Reading Senior HighPrincipal: Eric Turman


10th & Penn ElementaryPrincipal: Rowbee’C Kasisky

955 Penn St.610-320-6994Enrollment: 525

16th & Haak ElementaryPrincipal: Traci Webb

601 Haak St.610-371-5760Enrollment: 680

Millmont Elementary Principal: Jennifer Murray

400 Summit Ave.610-320-8947Enrollment: 657

Northeast Middle Principal: Robinette Armstrong


Reading Intermediate HighPrincipal: Alex Brown


13th & Green Elementary Principal: Vacant501 N. 13th St.610-371-5766Enrollment: 668

Glenside Elementary Principal: Melissa S. Fisher

500 Lackawanna St.610-371-5913Enrollment: 408

Riverside ElementaryPrincipal: JuliAnne Kline

400 Centre Ave.610-371-5896Enrollment: 897

Southern Middle Principal: Geina Beaver


Reading Muhlenberg Career & Tech Center2615 Warren Rd.610-921-7300Administrative Director: Gerald Witmer

OUR SCHOOLS l VISIT READINGSD.ORG TO ACCESS EACH SCHOOL’S WEBSITENote: Enrollment figures are from the 2013-14 school year

Our Districtwide Art Show is held each

May at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.

This year’s show featured more than

1,000 pieces of artwork by our

talented students.

Yarilin Chimelis, who plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Art & Design and become an illustrator, received 2nd place in Berks Art Council’s Fast Lane Arts design competition. Cesar Gonzalez earned an honorable mention for his work. Both artworks are displayed on billboards in Berks County, courtesy of LAND Displays.

FAST LANE ART WINNERS

5

STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2014-15 BUDGET OUTLOOK

In spring 2013, Christine Wendt, a certified school nurse, used CPR and an AED to aid her former colleague, Lynn Haubrich, an educational assistant who suffered a heart attack and collapsed in a hallway at Lauer’s Park Elementary. For her efforts, Wendt was honored at the American Red Cross Berks County Chapter’s 10th Annual Heroes Awards & Breakfast in May. The event recognizes community members who have demonstrated heroism through remarkable acts of courage or kindness in Berks County. Wendt, who now works at 12th and Marion Elementary, received the Medi-cal Hero Award. The district first began acquiring defibrillators through donations and grants 13 years ago and now has one in each building. Larger buildings have several, and there are four at Lauer’s Park. Pictured at right, WFMZ reporter Karin Mallet inter-views Wendt for a video that was shown at the Red Cross event.

SCHOOL NURSE SAVES CO-WORKER’S LIFE

Helen Stevenson, a physical education teacher at 16th and Haak Elementary, was inducted into the Berks County Aquatic Hall of Fame.

Lauer’s Park teacher Tambra Isenberg won the grand prize in a Hameray Pub-lishing contest. Hameray asked teachers to write a brief description about why they and their students love Joy Cow-ley’s books. Isenberg’s class won more than 90 books, 10 big books and Mrs. Wishy-Washy puppets.

The district’s Health Department coor-dinates the annual ROAR weight loss competition. Based on total percentage of body weight lost, ROAR winners were Mary Quesada, 1st place; Joe Okonski, 2nd place; and Tara Breidenstine, 3rd place.

Nadine Poper, school librarian at Aman-da Stout Elementary, recently published her first children’s book, Dachshunds in Moccasins. She is currently working a second book, due out this summer.

The district’s music teachers hosted the 4th annual Red Knight Music Benefit Concert at RACC’s Miller Center for the Arts in March. The event, coordinated by RHS vocal music teacher Joe Smith, raises scholarship money for graduating music students.

The 2014-2015 final budget in the amount of $226.8 million was approved by the Reading School District Board of Directors on June 25. There are no cuts to personnel, programs or services. Here’s a brief budget outlook:

TOTAL BUDGET — FUNDING SOURCES l $226,826,371

EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES

EXPENDITURE SUBCATEGORIES

2014-15 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS: A principal, assistant principal and school nurse in every elementary school; An appropriately staffed district office; Employment of approximately 19 additional instructional staff to support students needing academic interven-tions; New mathematics textbooks and curriculum materials; revised curriculum for all classrooms in grades K-5; Additional curriculum improvements, textbooks and materials; Enhancements for alternative education; Develop-ment of a cyber education program; New laptop computers with updated operating systems for all teachers; Additional technology improvements for students and classrooms; and renovations for select elementary schools

STATE

INSTRUCTION

SALARIES

72 PERCENT

61 PERCENT

39 PERCENT

16 PERCENT

28 PERCENT

25 PERCENT

9 PERCENT

22 PERCENT

3 PERCENT

1 PERCENT

4 PERCENT

10 PERCENT

10 PERCENT

LOCAL

SUPPORT SERVICES

BENEFITS

FEDERAL

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

OTHER

OTHER

OTHER

DEBT SERVICE

DEBT SERVICE

includes student & community activities

includes supplies & other expenses

Instruction includes:Non-special education: 68 percent Special education: 26 percent Vocational education: 4 percent Pre-Kindergarten: 1 percent Other Instruction: 1 percent

6

STUDENT SUCCESS

Kristen Batista, a fifth grader at 10th and Penn Elementary, won first place in the 2014 Crime Alert Berks County Poster Contest. The contest garnered more than 2,000 entries. Her poster is now featured on three billboards throughout Berks County.

Wepa! The cast and crew of this year’s school show, “In the Heights,” won Most Memorable Choreography and Most Memorable Performance of a Produc-tion Number at the YNOT Awards. Danny Garcia won Most Memorable Featured Male Vocal Performance, and Astrid Perez won Most Memorable Perfor-mance by an Actress in a Supporting Role.

RHS student Abigail Tellez was named Junior Achievement’s 2014 Student of the Year. She received her award during a school board meeting in May.

Students in Lisa Richter’s class at Tyson-Schoener Elementary helped raise awareness about autism with the 10 Things Project. The multimedia project is on the district website and features students holding signs with messages from the book “The 10 Things

Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew” by author Ellen Notbohm.

The 2014 Arxalma has been inducted into the “Gallery of Excellence” by Wals-worth Publishing for the second year in a row. The “Gallery of Excellence” is a showcase of the best yearbooks pub-lished by Walsworth each year. Austin Runkle and Lakota Matson served as yearbook editors.

BCIU PARTNERSHIP EARNS A+

The Fightin’ Phils and Screwball stopped by 12th and Marion Elementary in June to congratulate the students on surpassing their Million Word Challenge goal. Princi-pal Paul Hunter challenged the students to read 1 million words in seven weeks. To help the kids get started, the Cops & Kids Program donated 600 books. The children exceeded their goal and read more than 5.7 million words — 5,726,749 million to be exact. Students from each grade who read the most words (pictured, right) received special recognition.

In January, the Reading School Board of Directors en-tered into an unprecedented partnership with BCIU. It marked the first time in the commonwealth that a school board chose to partner with an intermediate unit to tem-porarily handle operations. It was a courageous decision on the board’s part, says Dr. John George, executive di-rector of the BCIU.

Dr. George, who served as the district’s acting super-intendent until Dr. Khalid Mumin began his tenure in mid-July, is pleased that the intermediate unit was able to help with the following: Stabilize the district’s Finance Office; present a balanced 2014-15 school budget; rebuild and up-grade technology; conduct a successful superintendent search; establish a proper board governance structure; realign administrative functions; develop an appropriately staffed organizational chart; start necessary building renova-tions; and begin to address the items in the PHRC conciliation agreement.

“We have strengthened the foundation,” he said. “I don’t want to give false expectation because there’s still much work to do. The district is now in a better position, and I’m confident that staff will be able to continue on a pathway to excellence. We’re on the road to financial recovery. Our vital signs are stable. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together. There’s much to be optimistic and hopeful about for the future of the Reading School District.”

2013-14 DEPARTMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS: • Approximately 3,200 English Language Learners received ESL instruction, and ESL classrooms in grades 6-12

received new textbooks. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has also released the district from the Improvement Status for the Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives required to show program progress.

• The Equity Department implemented the nationally recognized Olweus bullying prevention program at three schools, conducted a climate survey and developed an overall Pathway to Excellence plan, which describes the District’s approach to moving beyond PHRC compliance.

• The Assessment Office submitted a Project Prevent grant application to the U.S. Department of Education and successfully completed and submitted School Improvement Plans for the Focus Schools. School Im-provement Plans for non-Focus Schools are now being completed.

• The Food Services Department provided 841,784 breakfast meals and 2,427,909 lunch meals. Approximate-ly158 tons of trash were kept from going into the landfill and, in conjunction with Rodale Institute, 14 tons of food waste was composted and applied as a soil amendment to local farm fields. Another 44 tons of cardboard waste and 100 tons of empty metal cans were recycled.

• The Health Department hosted another successful Knight Walk event and participated in the PDE Pilot for the Certified School Nurse and Certified Registered Dental Hygienist Teacher Effectiveness Plan.

7

STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2014-15 BUDGET OUTLOOK

In spring 2013, Christine Wendt, a certified school nurse, used CPR and an AED to aid her former colleague, Lynn Haubrich, an educational assistant who suffered a heart attack and collapsed in a hallway at Lauer’s Park Elementary. For her efforts, Wendt was honored at the American Red Cross Berks County Chapter’s 10th Annual Heroes Awards & Breakfast in May. The event recognizes community members who have demonstrated heroism through remarkable acts of courage or kindness in Berks County. Wendt, who now works at 12th and Marion Elementary, received the Medi-cal Hero Award. The district first began acquiring defibrillators through donations and grants 13 years ago and now has one in each building. Larger buildings have several, and there are four at Lauer’s Park. Pictured at right, WFMZ reporter Karin Mallet inter-views Wendt for a video that was shown at the Red Cross event.

SCHOOL NURSE SAVES CO-WORKER’S LIFE

Helen Stevenson, a physical education teacher at 16th and Haak Elementary, was inducted into the Berks County Aquatic Hall of Fame.

Lauer’s Park teacher Tambra Isenberg won the grand prize in a Hameray Pub-lishing contest. Hameray asked teachers to write a brief description about why they and their students love Joy Cow-ley’s books. Isenberg’s class won more than 90 books, 10 big books and Mrs. Wishy-Washy puppets.

The district’s Health Department coor-dinates the annual ROAR weight loss competition. Based on total percentage of body weight lost, ROAR winners were Mary Quesada, 1st place; Joe Okonski, 2nd place; and Tara Breidenstine, 3rd place.

Nadine Poper, school librarian at Aman-da Stout Elementary, recently published her first children’s book, Dachshunds in Moccasins. She is currently working a second book, due out this summer.

The district’s music teachers hosted the 4th annual Red Knight Music Benefit Concert at RACC’s Miller Center for the Arts in March. The event, coordinated by RHS vocal music teacher Joe Smith, raises scholarship money for graduating music students.

The 2014-2015 final budget in the amount of $226.8 million was approved by the Reading School District Board of Directors on June 25. There are no cuts to personnel, programs or services. Here’s a brief budget outlook:

TOTAL BUDGET — FUNDING SOURCES l $226,826,371

EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES

EXPENDITURE SUBCATEGORIES

2014-15 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS: A principal, assistant principal and school nurse in every elementary school; An appropriately staffed district office; Employment of approximately 19 additional instructional staff to support students needing academic interven-tions; New mathematics textbooks and curriculum materials; revised curriculum for all classrooms in grades K-5; Additional curriculum improvements, textbooks and materials; Enhancements for alternative education; Develop-ment of a cyber education program; New laptop computers with updated operating systems for all teachers; Additional technology improvements for students and classrooms; and renovations for select elementary schools

STATE

INSTRUCTION

SALARIES

72 PERCENT

61 PERCENT

39 PERCENT

16 PERCENT

28 PERCENT

25 PERCENT

9 PERCENT

22 PERCENT

3 PERCENT

1 PERCENT

4 PERCENT

10 PERCENT

10 PERCENT

LOCAL

SUPPORT SERVICES

BENEFITS

FEDERAL

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

OTHER

OTHER

OTHER

DEBT SERVICE

DEBT SERVICE

includes student & community activities

includes supplies & other expenses

Instruction include:sNon-special eduation: 68 percentSpecial education: 26 percentVocational education: 4 percentPre-Kindergarten: 1 percentOther Instruction: 1 percent

6

STUDENT SUCCESS

Kristen Batista, a fifth grader at 10th and Penn Elementary, won first place in the 2014 Crime Alert Berks County Poster Contest. The contest garnered more than 2,000 entries. Her poster is now featured on three billboards throughout Berks County.

Wepa! The cast and crew of this year’s school show, “In the Heights,” won Most Memorable Choreography and Most Memorable Performance of a Produc-tion Number at the YNOT Awards. Danny Garcia won Most Memorable Featured Male Vocal Performance, and Astrid Perez won Most Memorable Perfor-mance by an Actress in a Supporting Role.

RHS student Abigail Tellez was named Junior Achievement’s 2014 Student of the Year. She received her award during a school board meeting in May.

Students in Lisa Richter’s class at Tyson-Schoener Elementary helped raise awareness about autism with the 10 Things Project. The multimedia project is on the district website and features students holding signs with messages from the book “The 10 Things

Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew” by author Ellen Notbohm.

The 2014 Arxalma has been inducted into the “Gallery of Excellence” by Wals-worth Publishing for the second year in a row. The “Gallery of Excellence” is a showcase of the best yearbooks pub-lished by Walsworth each year. Austin Runkle and Lakota Matson served as yearbook editors.

BCIU PARTNERSHIP EARNS A+

The Fightin’ Phils and Screwball stopped by 12th and Marion Elementary in June to congratulate the students on surpassing their Million Word Challenge goal. Princi-pal Paul Hunter challenged the students to read 1 million words in seven weeks. To help the kids get started, the Cops & Kids Program donated 600 books. The children exceeded their goal and read more than 5.7 million words — 5,726,749 million to be exact. Students from each grade who read the most words (pictured, right) received special recognition.

In January, the Reading School Board of Directors en-tered into an unprecedented partnership with BCIU. It marked the first time in the commonwealth that a school board chose to partner with an intermediate unit to tem-porarily handle operations. It was a courageous decision on the board’s part, says Dr. John George, executive di-rector of the BCIU.

Dr. George, who served as the district’s acting super-intendent until Dr. Khalid Mumin began his tenure in mid-July, is pleased that the intermediate unit was able to help with the following: Stabilize the district’s Finance Office; present a balanced 2014-15 school budget; rebuild and up-grade technology; conduct a successful superintendent search; establish a proper board governance structure; realign administrative functions; develop an appropriately staffed organizational chart; start necessary building renova-tions; and begin to address the items in the PHRC conciliation agreement.

“We have strengthened the foundation,” he said. “I don’t want to give false expectation because there’s still much work to do. The district is now in a better position, and I’m confident that staff will be able to continue on a pathway to excellence. We’re on the road to financial recovery. Our vital signs are stable. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together. There’s much to be optimistic and hopeful about for the future of the Reading School District.”

2013-14 DEPARTMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS: • Approximately 3,200 English Language Learners received ESL instruction, and ESL classrooms in grades 6-12

received new textbooks. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has also released the district from the Improvement Status for the Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives required to show program progress.

• The Equity Department implemented the nationally recognized Olweus bullying prevention program at three schools, conducted a climate survey and developed an overall Pathway to Excellence plan, which describes the District’s approach to moving beyond PHRC compliance.

• The Assessment Office submitted a Project Prevent grant application to the U.S. Department of Education and successfully completed and submitted School Improvement Plans for the Focus Schools. School Im-provement Plans for non-Focus Schools are now being completed.

• The Food Services Department provided 841,784 breakfast meals and 2,427,909 lunch meals. Approximate-ly158 tons of trash were kept from going into the landfill and, in conjunction with Rodale Institute, 14 tons of food waste was composted and applied as a soil amendment to local farm fields. Another 44 tons of cardboard waste and 100 tons of empty metal cans were recycled.

• The Health Department hosted another successful Knight Walk event and participated in the PDE Pilot for the Certified School Nurse and Certified Registered Dental Hygienist Teacher Effectiveness Plan.

7

MUSIC TO OUR EARS

On the same night that Reading High School’s chorale students performed Pharrell’s hit “Happy” on stage at the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Annual Din-ner with “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts, the Reading Musical Foundation teamed with Freedom Auto Group and Menche Music to donate 61 instruments, worth $12,000, to the district. The presentation was made dur-

ing the district’s annual All City Elementary Concert.The next week, Sen. Judy Schwank donated her beloved childhood violin to

Kaylah Garcia, a 13th and Union Elementary student, during the school’s spring concert. Kaylah was selected for her hard work and determination in learning the instrument. Schwank’s violin was restored through Reading Musical Founda-tion’s Operation Replay, in which Zeswitz Music refurbishes used instruments.

And Reading Intermediate High School’s music students were jazzed when they learned they had won a $10,000 music package in National Educational Music Company’s voting contest. Schools from across the country were vying for the top spot, but Reading School District garnered the most votes, thanks to social media and strong community support. The prize package also included an additional $1,000 for the Red Knight Music Association.

STUDENT SUCCESS

The RHS Dance Team was selected to perform three times during Philadelphia 76ers basketball games this winter.

For the 8th time during the past 11 seasons, the RHS wrestling team received the Sportsmanship Award at the annual Berks County Banquet.

RHS Key Club received nine awards at the annual Key Club convention. The club is ranked #2 in the state for Com-munity Services Hours, and it was rec-ognized as the most Distinguished Club in Pennsylvania. Naomy Torres, who will attend Albright College in the fall, won the Unsung Hero Award, which is given to Key Club students making an impact in their community.

RHS swimmers Ellen Moser, Mikaela Lantz, Elizabeth Gaspari and Olivia Iswalt were recognized as the first place team for the 200 Meter Relay in the Reading Eagle’s 2013-14 All-Berks sports section. Matt Lubas was named Coach of the Year for Girls Swimming.

Baseball pitcher Zabdiel Parrilla was named as the Reading Eagle’s All Berks Best Athlete for Baseball. Others named to All-Berks teams include: Isael Abreu, Boys Basketball; Jonathan Lantz, Boys Swimming Team; Sahara Randall, Field Hockey; Cassandra Noray, Girls Tennis; Matt Sensenig, Football-Defense; and Omar Guzman, Bryan Alvarado and Oliver Calvo, Boys Soccer.

Reading Intermediate High School stu-dent Alexandra Vargas, who plays the bari sax, was among 19 students select-ed to perform with the Berks County High School All-Star Jazz Band during Berks Jazz Fest.

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESSOur students and staff love giving back and donating to charities, such as the Eastern Kentucky Animal Rescue, Leukemia & Lym-phoma Society and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Each year, 13th and Union teacher Samantha Frees completes a kindness unit at the school, and third grade students create care packages with games and goodies for area cancer patients. The bags are delivered to patients at St. Joseph Medical Center and Reading Health System.

8

MAKING HISTORY

ANNIE SULLIVIAN NOMINEE

Rep. Joseph Pitts has nominated hundreds of students for military ap-pointments during the past 20 years. JROTC standout Demetrius Merkey (top photo) and football cap-tain Matthew Sensenig are the first ever from Pitts’ list of nominees to receive appointments. Matt is

now attending the U.S. Naval Academy and plans to become a pilot. Demetrius is now attending the U.S. Naval Prep School.

Tyler Rutt, a special education teacher at Reading Intermediate High School was the district’s nominee for the prestigious Annie Sullivan Award this year. BCIU presents the award annually to recognize outstanding service and dedication of individuals who advocate for the well-being of students with disabilities.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS ‘GRANDMOM PHYLLIS’ WINS VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT AWARD

Big hugs for Phyl-lis Gogliuzza, also known as “Grandma Phyl-lis.” The 92-year-old has been a Foster Grandpar-

ent volunteer at Glenside Elementary for more than 20 years. This spring, she received a Volunteer Spotlight Award from Secretary Brian Duke of the Penn-sylvania Department of Aging during a surprise presentation at the school. The Berks Area Agency on Aging oversees the Foster Grandparent program.

ACORAll Soul’s Ecumenical ChurchAzko NobelBerks Arts CouncilBerks Historical SocietyBerks Packing BCAPBCIUBerks Community Prevention PartnershipBerks Women in CrisisBurger King - Reading locationCalvary United Church of Christ Caron Foundation Christ Lutheran ChurchCity of Reading (COR) TennisCity of Reading Recycling ProgramClover Farms Council On Chemical AbuseCrossRoads XP

Fantasy Skateaway Gilmore/Henne FundGirl Scouts of Eastern PennsylvaniaGirls on the RunGlad Tidings Church GoggleWorks Center for the ArtsGrace Lutheran ChurchGreater Berks Food BankHoly Spirit Lutheran ChurchHoly Trinity Church of God in Christ Hope Lutheran ChurchJunior League of ReadingKoinos Church Lamar AdvertisingMigrant Education ProgramMike & Joes BarbershopOlivet Boys and Girls ClubOlivet United Church of Christ Path of Holiness

Peace Lutheran ChurchReading Fightin’ PhilsReading Health SystemReading Musical FoundationReading Public MuseumReading Public LibraryReading Symphony Orchestra Ready.Set.Read!St. Joseph Medical CenterSt. Margaret’s RC ChurchSt. Luke’s ChurchSalvation ArmySofritos Bistro Southern Alumni Association The Food TrustThe Place at RiveredgeTravelersTrinity Lutheran ChurchUnited Way of Berks County Wood-to-WonderfulYes Mentoring ProgramYocum Institute

*List is not comprehensive or exhaustive. We appreciate and thank all of our community partners.

The Reading School District values its community partners and all that they do for our students, staff and parents. This year, Glenside Elementary partnered with Penn State University and Penn State Berks to a become Professional De-velopment School for PSU students. Other local colleges are also providing as-sistance, including Reading Area Community College and its Upward Bound program, Albright College’s partnership with 13th & Union Elementary, Kutztown University’s partnership with Lauer’s Park Elementary and Alvernia University’s partnership with Millmont Elementary. Pictured above: RHS students participat-ed in a Career Prep Workshop, thanks to a new partnership with the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry; middle school students enjoyed Youth Fun Day, made possible through our partnership with the Reading Rec-reation Commission; Carpenter sponsored Riverside Elementary’s Science Ex-plorers program; and 10th & Green held its first annual Friends of 10th & Green Appreciation Dinner to thank community partners. Other partners include:

9

MUSIC TO OUR EARS

On the same night that Reading High School’s chorale students performed Pharrell’s hit “Happy” on stage at the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Annual Din-ner with “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts, the Reading Musical Foundation teamed with Freedom Auto Group and Menche Music to donate 61 instruments, worth $12,000, to the district. The presentation was made dur-

ing the district’s annual All City Elementary Concert.The next week, Sen. Judy Schwank donated her beloved childhood violin to

Kaylah Garcia, a 13th and Union Elementary student, during the school’s spring concert. Kaylah was selected for her hard work and determination in learning the instrument. Schwank’s violin was restored through Reading Musical Founda-tion’s Operation Replay, in which Zeswitz Music refurbishes used instruments.

And Reading Intermediate High School’s music students were jazzed when they learned they had won a $10,000 music package in National Educational Music Company’s voting contest. Schools from across the country were vying for the top spot, but Reading School District garnered the most votes, thanks to social media and strong community support. The prize package also included an additional $1,000 for the Red Knight Music Association.

STUDENT SUCCESS

The RHS Dance Team was selected to perform three times during Philadelphia 76ers basketball games this winter.

For the 8th time during the past 11 seasons, the RHS wrestling team received the Sportsmanship Award at the annual Berks County Banquet.

RHS Key Club received nine awards at the annual Key Club convention. The club is ranked #2 in the state for Com-munity Services Hours, and it was rec-ognized as the most Distinguished Club in Pennsylvania. Naomy Torres, who will attend Albright College in the fall, won the Unsung Hero Award, which is given to Key Club students making an impact in their community.

RHS swimmers Ellen Moser, Mikaela Lantz, Elizabeth Gaspari and Olivia Iswalt were recognized as the first place team for the 200 Meter Relay in the Reading Eagle’s 2013-14 All-Berks sports section. Matt Lubas was named Coach of the Year for Girls Swimming.

Baseball pitcher Zabdiel Parrilla was named as the Reading Eagle’s All Berks Best Athlete for Baseball. Others named to All-Berks teams include: Isael Abreu, Boys Basketball; Jonathan Lantz, Boys Swimming Team; Sahara Randall, Field Hockey; Cassandra Noray, Girls Tennis; Matt Sensenig, Football-Defense; and Omar Guzman, Bryan Alvarado and Oliver Calvo, Boys Soccer.

Reading Intermediate High School stu-dent Alexandra Vargas, who plays the bari sax, was among 19 students select-ed to perform with the Berks County High School All-Star Jazz Band during Berks Jazz Fest.

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESSOur students and staff love giving back and donating to charities, such as the Eastern Kentucky Animal Rescue, Leukemia & Lym-phoma Society and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Each year, 13th and Union teacher Samantha Frees completes a kindness unit at the school, and third grade students create care packages with games and goodies for area cancer patients. The bags are delivered to patients at St. Joseph Medical Center and Reading Health System.

8

MAKING HISTORY

ANNIE SULLIVAN NOMINEE

Rep. Joseph Pitts has nominated hundreds of students for military ap-pointments during the past 20 years. JROTC standout Demetrius Merkey (top photo) and football cap-tain Matthew Sensenig are the first ever from Pitts’ list of nominees to receive appointments. Matt is

now attending the U.S. Naval Academy and plans to become a pilot. Demetrius is now attending the U.S. Naval Prep School.

Tyler Rutt, a special education teacher at Reading Intermediate High School was the district’s nominee for the prestigious Annie Sullivan Award this year. BCIU presents the award annually to recognize outstanding service and dedication of individuals who advocate for the well-being of students with disabilities.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS ‘GRANDMOM PHYLLIS’ WINS VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT AWARD

Big hugs for Phyl-lis Gogliuzza, also known as “Grandma Phyl-lis.” The 92-year-old has been a Foster Grandpar-

ent volunteer at Glenside Elementary for more than 20 years. This spring, she received a Volunteer Spotlight Award from Secretary Brian Duke of the Penn-sylvania Department of Aging during a surprise presentation at the school. The Berks Area Agency on Aging oversees the Foster Grandparent program.

ACORAll Soul’s Ecumenical ChurchAzko NobelBerks Arts CouncilBerks Historical SocietyBerks Packing BCAPBCIUBerks Community Prevention PartnershipBerks Women in CrisisBurger King - Reading locationCalvary United Church of Christ Caron Foundation Christ Lutheran ChurchCity of Reading (COR) TennisCity of Reading Recycling ProgramClover Farms Council On Chemical AbuseCrossRoads XP

Fantasy Skateaway Gilmore/Henne FundGirl Scouts of Eastern PennsylvaniaGirls on the RunGlad Tidings Church GoggleWorks Center for the ArtsGrace Lutheran ChurchGreater Berks Food BankHoly Spirit Lutheran ChurchHoly Trinity Church of God in Christ Hope Lutheran ChurchJunior League of ReadingKoinos Church Lamar AdvertisingMigrant Education ProgramMike & Joes BarbershopOlivet Boys and Girls ClubOlivet United Church of Christ Path of Holiness

Peace Lutheran ChurchReading Fightin’ PhilsReading Health SystemReading Musical FoundationReading Public MuseumReading Public LibraryReading Symphony Orchestra Ready.Set.Read!St. Joseph Medical CenterSt. Margaret’s RC ChurchSt. Luke’s ChurchSalvation ArmySofritos Bistro Southern Alumni Association The Food TrustThe Place at RiveredgeTravelersTrinity Lutheran ChurchUnited Way of Berks County Wood-to-WonderfulYes Mentoring ProgramYocum Institute

*List is not comprehensive or exhaustive. We appreciate and thank all of our community partners.

The Reading School District values its community partners and all that they do for our students, staff and parents. This year, Glenside Elementary partnered with Penn State University and Penn State Berks to a become Professional De-velopment School for PSU students. Other local colleges are also providing as-sistance, including Reading Area Community College and its Upward Bound program, Albright College’s partnership with 13th & Union Elementary, Kutztown University’s partnership with Lauer’s Park Elementary and Alvernia University’s partnership with Millmont Elementary. Pictured above: RHS students participat-ed in a Career Prep Workshop, thanks to a new partnership with the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry; middle school students enjoyed Youth Fun Day, made possible through our partnership with the Reading Rec-reation Commission; Carpenter sponsored Riverside Elementary’s Science Ex-plorers program; and 10th & Green held its first annual Friends of 10th & Green Appreciation Dinner to thank community partners. Other partners include:

9

A PLACE TO PLAY: TWO SCHOOLS RECEIVE PLAYGROUNDS

RENOVATION PROJECTS WINS URBAN LAND AWARD

SCHOOLS EARN ‘NO PLACE FOR HATE’ DESIGNATION

LITERACY PROGRAM RECEIVES FAMILY DOLLAR GRANT

Kautter & Kelley Architects and the Reading School District were one of nine winners at the Urban Land Insti-tute’s inaugural Willard G. “Bill” Rouse III Awards for Excellence in June. Kaut-ter & Kelley and the district were cited by jurors for the Amanda Stout/Benners Count project, which they described as a “sophisticated community project that pioneered educational concepts and involved students in the construc-tion process — an unusual public project that was completed on time and under budget without the school needing to close during reconstruction.” Architect Michael Kautter accepted the award.

Both Amanda Stout Elementary and 12th and Marion Elementary received the prestigious “No Place for Hate” designation during school assemblies in May. To earn this distinction, each school formed a No Place for Hate committee, adopted a resolution pledging to create a more inclusive school and implemented a number of projects promoting respect fordifferences.

In June, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation awarded Reading School District’s Family Literacy Program a $10,000 grant. The grant will be used for technology upgrades within the program, according to Family Literacy Coordinator Nancy Jackson.

Students frrom two stchools received their dream playgrounds this year, thanks to community support, community partnerships and volunteers who wanted to ensure students had a safe place to play.

Students at 10th and Green Elementary had been without a playground for more than 20 years. But that changed this spring when local nonprofit Wood-to-Wonderful and Koinos Church stepped in to help. They made it their mission to help the students get a playground, and Doug and Louise Brown from Wood-to-Wonderful led the charge in raising the funds needed to move the unused playground from Thomas Ford Elementary to 10th and Green.

In April,16th and Haak Elementary was selected as this year’s Gilmore-Henne Community Fund playground revitalization project (pictured above). The area had no real outdoor space where kids could play. With the financial backing of Wyomissing-based Kautter & Kelley Architects, the Gulati Family Fund, the Reading Royals and KaBOOM, the fund provided swings, slides, monkey bars and much more for the school. In late June, staff, students, parents and the community volunteered (pictured above, left) to help install the equipment and refurbish the park, including planting flowers and painting the fence.

REPAIRS & RENOVATIONSAs we continue on our pathway to ex-cellence, the district is working diligently to repair and upgrade our buildings. Our Facilities Department is overseeing several renovation and repair projects that will improve the overall school environment for students and staff. Current projects, which are being completed by Fidevia, are taking place at Reading High School and the four middle schools. The first round of projects includes: exterior brick repair,

roofing repairs at the middle schools, new windows for the middle schools and boiler room renovations at the high school (pictured above). Renovations are planned for select elementary schools next school year.

10

TOP 10 STUDENTS

RHS ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

The Top 10 students in grades 10-12 are honored annually at the Superinten-dent’s Scholastic Recognition Banquet. Ashley Furniture was the major sponsor of this year’s event, which was held at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Reading.

Top 10 sophomores: Adriana Lemus-Adame; Jasmine E. Argueta; Yalil Antonio Caraballo; Sarah Camil Diaz; Jennifer Du Duong; Khalil X. Eaddy; Emanuel Luna; Thomas M. Mease; Tristan Michaels Morales; and Kirsy P. Rosario.

Top 10 juniors: Isabelle Rose Bender; Becky L. Jones; Marcos Lozano Mendez; Venus D. Velazquez; Cassandra M. Malack; Gharline Manoushka Pierre-Paul; Vanessa Ramirez; Anthony Ariel Rivera; Lexus M. Rosado; and Daniel Wallace.

Top 10 seniors: Joel Christophel; Narda Caudillo; Ari Chan; ErissonJ. Contreras; Carlos D. Cornelio; Elizabeth Gonzalez; Franklin Nestor Melendez; Astrid Perez; Matthew L. Sensenig; and Jessica Singlar.

RHS ATHLETIC CHAMPS

Student-athletes were recognized during the annual Athletic Banquet at Reading High School. Amanda Dorsinville (top) was named as the Top Fe-male Athlete. She plans to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Francisco Reyes was named Top Male Athlete. He plans to attend Albright College.

In December 2013, the Reading High Boys Basketball players and Coach Rick Perez reached a milestone after winning their 2,000th game this season — the first team in Pennsylvania to achieve this ac-complishment. Only two other programs in the country have officially been recog-nized with 2,000 wins.

The Red Knights fielded their first team in 1901, and in the first 112 seasons, they won 20 Central Penn League champion-ships, 20 Berks Conference champion-ships and a record 19 District 3 titles.

The RHS Boys Soccer players also had an all-star year. The team advanced to the Berks County Championship Game for the first time since 1980. The team also qualified for District Playoffs for the first time since 2005 and defeated Red Lion 1-0 for the first District Playoff win in school history. The team finished the season with 15 wins, which tied the school record set by the 1980 team.

Oliver Calvo was honored as an all-state selection by the Pennsylvania Soc-cer Coaches Association in January. And Mike Cahn was named Berks County Boys Soccer Coach of the Year.

In the spring, the RHS baseball team and Coach Jason Zeigler won the Berks County championship game. It marked the first county win for RHS baseball since 1993. (Interesting fact: The RHS 1993 winning team included Alex Brown, who’s now principal at Reading Intermediate High School.)

Pitcher Zabdiel Parrilla was named Player of the Year at the All County Meet-ing, while Maicol Parrilla was named an All County Member at the All County Meeting. Francisco Reyes was named MVP for the Berks League team in the Baseballtown Senior All-Star Game. Reyes and Kyle Gantert were also named All Division Members at the All County Meeting. Roanderson Severino received an All Division Honorable Mention at the meeting, and Zeigler was named Coach of the Year.

More than 500 students from Reading High and Reading Intermediate High School participate in the district’s JROTC program, which is among the best in the country, ac-cording to Sgt. Major Thomas Wright. This year, JROTC placed third in armed drills and unarmed drills at the national champion-ships held in Daytona Beach, Fla. Three Class of 2014 graduates have applied to be Ma-rine Corps officers, Wright says.

11

A PLACE TO PLAY: TWO SCHOOLS RECEIVE PLAYGROUNDS

RENOVATION PROJECTS WINS URBAN LAND AWARD

SCHOOLS EARN ‘NO PLACE FOR HATE’ DESIGNATION

LITERACY PROGRAM RECEIVES FAMILY DOLLAR GRANT

Kautter & Kelley Architects and the Reading School District were one of nine winners at the Urban Land Insti-tute’s inaugural Willard G. “Bill” Rouse III Awards for Excellence in June. Kaut-ter & Kelley and the district were cited by jurors for the Amanda Stout/Benners Count project, which they described as a “sophisticated community project that pioneered educational concepts and involved students in the construc-tion process — an unusual public project that was completed on time and under budget without the school needing to close during reconstruction.” Architect Michael Kautter accepted the award.

Both Amanda Stout Elementary and 12th and Marion Elementary received the prestigious “No Place for Hate” designation during school assemblies in May. To earn this distinction, each school formed a No Place for Hate committee, adopted a resolution pledging to create a more inclusive school and implemented a number of projects promoting respect fordifferences.

In June, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation awarded Reading School District’s Family Literacy Program a $10,000 grant. The grant will be used for technology upgrades within the program, according to Family Literacy Coordinator Nancy Jackson.

Students frrom two stchools received their dream playgrounds this year, thanks to community support, community partnerships and volunteers who wanted to ensure students had a safe place to play.

Students at 10th and Green Elementary had been without a playground for more than 20 years. But that changed this spring when local nonprofit Wood-to-Wonderful and Koinos Church stepped in to help. They made it their mission to help the students get a playground, and Doug and Louise Brown from Wood-to-Wonderful led the charge in raising the funds needed to move the unused playground from Thomas Ford Elementary to 10th and Green.

In April,16th and Haak Elementary was selected as this year’s Gilmore-Henne Community Fund playground revitalization project (pictured above). The area had no real outdoor space where kids could play. With the financial backing of Wyomissing-based Kautter & Kelley Architects, the Gulati Family Fund, the Reading Royals and KaBOOM, the fund provided swings, slides, monkey bars and much more for the school. In late June, staff, students, parents and the community volunteered (pictured above, left) to help install the equipment and refurbish the park, including planting flowers and painting the fence.

REPAIRS & RENOVATIONSAs we continue on our pathway to ex-cellence, the district is working diligently to repair and upgrade our buildings. Our Facilities Department is overseeing several renovation and repair projects that will improve the overall school environment for students and staff. Current projects, which are being completed by Fidevia, are taking place at Reading High School and the four middle schools. The first round of projects includes: exterior brick repair,

roofing repairs at the middle schools, new windows for the middle schools and boiler room renovations at the high school (pictured above). Renovations are planned for select elementary schools next school year.

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TOP 10 STUDENTS

RHS ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

The Top 10 students in grades 10-12 are honored annually at the Superinten-dent’s Scholastic Recognition Banquet. Ashley Furniture was the major sponsor of this year’s event, which was held at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Reading.

Top 10 sophomores: Adriana Lemus-Adame; Jasmine E. Argueta; Yalil Antonio Caraballo; Sarah Camil Diaz; Jennifer Du Duong; Khalil X. Eaddy; Emanuel Luna; Thomas M. Mease; Tristan Michaels Morales; and Kirsy P. Rosario.

Top 10 juniors: Isabelle Rose Bender; Becky L. Jones; Marcos Lozano Mendez; Venus D. Velazquez; Cassandra M. Malack; Gharline Manoushka Pierre-Paul; Vanessa Ramirez; Anthony Ariel Rivera; Lexus M. Rosado; and Daniel Wallace.

Top 10 seniors: Joel Christophel; Narda Caudillo; Ari Chan; ErissonJ. Contreras; Carlos D. Cornelio; Elizabeth Gonzalez; Franklin Nestor Melendez; Astrid Perez; Matthew L. Sensenig; and Jessica Singlar.

RHS ATHLETIC CHAMPS

Student-athletes were recognized during the annual Athletic Banquet at Reading High School. Amanda Dorsinville (top) was named as the Top Fe-male Athlete. She plans to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Francisco Reyes was named Top Male Athlete. He plans to attend Albright College.

In December 2013, the Reading High Boys Basketball players and Coach Rick Perez reached a milestone after winning their 2,000th game this season — the first team in Pennsylvania to achieve this ac-complishment. Only two other programs in the country have officially been recog-nized with 2,000 wins.

The Red Knights fielded their first team in 1901, and in the first 112 seasons, they won 20 Central Penn League champion-ships, 20 Berks Conference champion-ships and a record 19 District 3 titles.

The RHS Boys Soccer players also had an all-star year. The team advanced to the Berks County Championship Game for the first time since 1980. The team also qualified for District Playoffs for the first time since 2005 and defeated Red Lion 1-0 for the first District Playoff win in school history. The team finished the season with 15 wins, which tied the school record set by the 1980 team.

Oliver Calvo was honored as an all-state selection by the Pennsylvania Soc-cer Coaches Association in January. And Mike Cahn was named Berks County Boys Soccer Coach of the Year.

In the spring, the RHS baseball team and Coach Jason Zeigler won the Berks County championship game. It marked the first county win for RHS baseball since 1993. (Interesting fact: The RHS 1993 winning team included Alex Brown, who’s now principal at Reading Intermediate High School.)

Pitcher Zabdiel Parrilla was named Player of the Year at the All County Meet-ing, while Maicol Parrilla was named an All County Member at the All County Meeting. Francisco Reyes was named MVP for the Berks League team in the Baseballtown Senior All-Star Game. Reyes and Kyle Gantert were also named All Division Members at the All County Meeting. Roanderson Severino received an All Division Honorable Mention at the meeting, and Zeigler was named Coach of the Year.

More than 500 students from Reading High and Reading Intermediate High School participate in the district’s JROTC program, which is among the best in the country, ac-cording to Sgt. Major Thomas Wright. This year, JROTC placed third in armed drills and unarmed drills at the national champion-ships held in Daytona Beach, Fla. Three Class of 2014 graduates have applied to be Ma-rine Corps officers, Wright says.

11

THREE CHEERS FOR TROOP #1353

ANNUAL PEACE MARCH

LAUNCH OF WATCH D.O.G.S.

The Reading High cheerleaders made history in the fall when they became the first squad in Berks County to be recognized as a Girl Scouts troop. The squad — also known

as Troop #1353 — includes cheerleader Cori Diggs (above), who was selected from more than 350 young women to be one of the presenters at the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Take the Lead program in March. She introduced Jill M. Scheidt, a local attorney and 2014 award winner.

Hundreds of students, staff and commu-nity members attended Project Peace’s 4th annual Peace March this spring. The march starts at the four middle schools and continues to City Park, where a community cookout is held. Project Peace has clubs at the four middle schools, Reading Intermediate High School and Reading High School. More than 125 students are involved.

With help from its PTA, 16th and Haak Elementary launched the WATCH D.O.G.S. program, which encourages fathers of students to get involved during the school day. Eight dads participated regularly and helped out in the hall-ways, classrooms, cafeteria and on the playground. The dads’ names are an-nounced at the beginning of the school day, and students are encouraged to give them a high-five or a handshake. The district is now working to bring the successful program to more schools for the upcoming year.

Professional staff and administrators began to review, rewrite and update the district’s curriculum. This will ensure curriculum is consistent districtwide, as well as aligned vertically and horizon-tally, which will directly impact student success and growth. Staff has implemented a curriculum review cycle, created a curricu-lum mapping system and developed an assessment plan. After a thorough analysis of data, the district determined elementary math was the highest area of need. A core group of teachers developed a new math curriculum based on Common Core standards and Pennsylvania Core Standards. They also conducted an in-depth analysis and selected Go Math as the district’s new math resource, which the board approved in June. The district is now developing new curriculum, including units of inquiry based on STEM, for the elementary gifted program. Other highlights include a successful first year of peer collaboration among teachers and the development of a professional evaluation system.

CURRICULUM REVIEW

ALUMNI GIVE BACKThe Reading High Alumni Association held its annual banquet in May and

inducted its 2014 alumni honorees, including Chris Krasa, Lt. Col. Raymond Kimball and Mary Ann Zerkowski, former principal at Riverside Elementary. The organization also awarded 16 scholastic achievement awards to seniors.

Interested in joining the alumni association? Cost is $6 per year or $35 for a lifetime membership. An application is available on the organization’s Face-book page, or you can e-mail [email protected]. The association also collects and sells past yearbooks. E-mail [email protected] for information, prices and availability. Other ways our alumni continue to give back: • Actress Isabel Santiago, RHS Class of 1997, returned to RHS this spring to

meet the cast and crew of “In the Heights.” Isabel played multiple lead roles while at RHS. She also played Daniela, one of the lead roles, in the national tour of “In the Heights.” She lives in New York City.

• The Northeast Middle School Alumni Association helps the school ar-range speakers each month and hosts an annual breakfast in May to recognize outstanding alumni and top students. This year’s alumni hon-orees included Howard S. Kaufold, James M. Lillis and Michael H. Reese.

• Southern Middle School’s Alumni Association also recognized alumni during a program at the school in May. This year’s honorees included Anthony Baxter, Richard Diebic and Fianna (Yiengst) Holt.

• Nicole Kemp, RHS Class fo 2004, planned a RHS Music Department Re-union in June at the high school. The event included a student recital, raffles and meet and greets. All money raised was donated to the music department.

• Dozens of alumni work in the district and/or coach RSD athletic teams.

12

Amanda E. Stout Elementary School & Benners Court

THREE CHEERS FOR TROOP #1353

ANNUAL PEACE MARCH

LAUNCH OF WATCH D.O.G.S.

The Reading High cheerleaders made history in the fall when they became the first squad in Berks County to be recognized as a Girl Scouts troop. The squad — also known

as Troop #1353 — includes cheerleader Cori Diggs (above), who was selected from more than 350 young women to be one of the presenters at the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Take the Lead program in March. She introduced Jill M. Scheidt, a local attorney and 2014 award winner.

Hundreds of students, staff and commu-nity members attended Project Peace’s 4th annual Peace March this spring. The march starts at the four middle schools and continues to City Park, where a community cookout is held. Project Peace has clubs at the four middle schools, Reading Intermediate High School and Reading High School. More than 125 students are involved.

With help from its PTA, 16th and Haak Elementary launched the WATCH D.O.G.S. program, which encourages fathers of students to get involved during the school day. Eight dads participated regularly and helped out in the hall-ways, classrooms, cafeteria and on the playground. The dads’ names are an-nounced at the beginning of the school day, and students are encouraged to give them a high-five or a handshake. The district is now working to bring the successful program to more schools for the upcoming year.

Professional staff and administrators began to review, rewrite and update the district’s curriculum. This will ensure curriculum is consistent districtwide, as well as aligned vertically and horizon-tally, which will directly impact student success and growth. Staff has implemented a curriculum review cycle, created a curricu-lum mapping system and developed an assessment plan. After a thorough analysis of data, the district determined elementary math was the highest area of need. A core group of teachers developed a new math curriculum based on Common Core standards and Pennsylvania Core Standards. They also conducted an in-depth analysis and selected Go Math as the district’s new math resource, which the board approved in June. The district is now developing new curriculum, including units of inquiry based on STEM, for the elementary gifted program. Other highlights include a successful first year of peer collaboration among teachers and the development of a professional evaluation system.

CURRICULUM REVIEW

ALUMNI GIVE BACKThe Reading High Alumni Association held its annual banquet in May and

inducted its 2014 alumni honorees, including Chris Krasa, Lt. Col. Raymond Kimball and Mary Ann Zerkowski, former principal at Riverside Elementary. The organization also awarded 16 scholastic achievement awards to seniors.

Interested in joining the alumni association? Cost is $6 per year or $35 for a lifetime membership. An application is available on the organization’s Face-book page, or you can e-mail [email protected]. The association also collects and sells past yearbooks. E-mail [email protected] for information, prices and availability. Other ways our alumni continue to give back: • Actress Isabel Santiago, RHS Class of 1997, returned to RHS this spring to

meet the cast and crew of “In the Heights.” Isabel played multiple lead roles while at RHS. She also played Daniela, one of the lead roles, in the national tour of “In the Heights.” She lives in New York City.

• The Northeast Middle School Alumni Association helps the school ar-range speakers each month and hosts an annual breakfast in May to recognize outstanding alumni and top students. This year’s alumni hon-orees included Howard S. Kaufold, James M. Lillis and Michael H. Reese.

• Southern Middle School’s Alumni Association also recognized alumni during a program at the school in May. This year’s honorees included Anthony Baxter, Richard Diebic and Fianna (Yiengst) Holt.

• Nicole Kemp, RHS Class fo 2004, planned a RHS Music Department Re-union in June at the high school. The event included a student recital, raffles and meet and greets. All money raised was donated to the music department.

• Dozens of alumni work in the district and/or coach RSD athletic teams.

12

Amanda E. Stout Elementary School & Benners Court

2013-14 Reading School District Annual Report

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