Fulton Bank, UGI and Eschbach Bus Service make annual donations to the Solanco Education Foundation (SEF) through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. The SEF uses the donations to support Solanco’s Countdown to Kindergarten program for incoming kindergarten students and their parents, to purchase books and other literacy materials for young learners in Solanco, to support the middle school STEM team (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), and to fund the mobile science probeware program that is used by every student during their Solanco High School career.

Phil Smith, Tammie Lowry and Jake Menapace were recognized for their important partnership with Solanco at the February 3 Solanco School Board meeting. Thanks to Fulton Bank, UGI, Eschbach Bus Service and Mid Penn Bank, the Solanco Education Foundation has so far this year received $40,000 in EITC donations. For information about supporting Solanco students and teachers through the EITC program, email Solanco Education Foundation Director Keith Kaufman, or call the SEF at 786-5617.

Jessica Ryan – English Language Learners Teacher, high school, Smith and Swift middle schools

Project: Theme Books

The grant purchased theme books that correlate with materials titled Inside the USA.  These materials are products of National Geographic and are being used in the middle schools and high school. Inside the USA purchased by the SEF grant enables students to practice reading and further develop their use of the English language basic building blocks of literacy.

Lisa Tome – 6th-8th Grade Learning Support Teacher, Swift Middle School

Project: Seating for All – Enhance Attention and Focus

The grant purchased balance ball chairs, wobble chairs and ergonomic stools. They help students sit up straight and engage their muscles, and they stimulate their brain which enable students to be more focused on learning. Students with challenges such as ADHD focus better when using stability balls.

Alexandria DeCicco – 7th Grade English Teacher, Smith Middle School

Project: Escaping Ordinary Lessons with Breakout EDU

The grant purchased Breakout EDU boxes that bring the “escape room” concept into the classroom. Students engage in learning as they solve problems to figure out the codes needed to crack multiple locks. Students use collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity skills to work in groups to complete their mission. The escape rooms are used with 7th> grade English Language Arts curriculum.

Alexandria DeCicco – 7th Grade English Teacher, Smith Middle School

Project: Voices for Everyone

The grant purchased a wireless microphone. Research shows that to comprehend speech clearly, students need to hear at more than two-times the level of the average adult. The microphone gives each student a voice in the classroom and allows students to connect with what others are saying.

Carrie Falduts – Physical Education Teacher, Smith Middle School

Project: Gaga Ball Kit

The grant purchased a Gaga Ball Kit that will provide an additional physical activity for students on recess and will be used by teachers for classroom instruction and incentives. The Gaga Ball Kit will be constructed by Smith students who will use measuring and calculating skills, and will work with lumber, bolts and drills during assembly.

Matt Himmelberger – 6th Grade Math Teacher, Smith Middle School

Project: Seeing (Scholastic) MATH in the Real World

The grant purchased 35 year-long subscriptions to Scholastic MATH magazine. The magazine provides students with relevant articles to enhance the understanding of concepts learned in class. The teacher receives articles, core skill sheets to enhance mathematical thinking, and leveled exit slips for skill comprehension analysis, and mathematical vocabulary fluency builders.

Kay Bandy – 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Teacher, Bart-Colerain Elementary School

Project: Bart-Colerain Envirothon

The grant purchased study materials, off-site instructional opportunities and will cover registration fees for students to participate in the annual Lancaster County Jr. Envirothon. Envirothon is an academic competition in which students study Pennsylvania plants, animals, environments and conservation efforts. Students and coaches begin practicing in November for Envirothon which is held in May.

Jessica Knoll – 1st Grade Teacher, Clermont Elementary

Project: Developing a 21st Century Skillset in Young Learners Through STEM

The grant purchased three coding robots that students use to design tasks and challenges that go with reading, math and science essential questions to help extend their learning. In addition, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) picture books have been purchased and are used to incorporate STEM into science, language arts and math lessons.

Leah Willis – Special Education Teacher, Providence Elementary

Project: iLearn through iPad!

The grant purchased one iPad Mini and two OSMO expansion applications: The Pizza Game and Coding Jam. They are used for the benefit of students in the Learning Support Program by supplementing and enriching the direct instruction programs.  OSMO enables the iPad to merge the power of physical play with the digital advantages of real-time feedback.

Susan Zunino – Emotional Support Teacher, Providence Elementary

Project: Sensory Room

The grant will provide the sensory room at Providence with a sensory bubble tube, rocket ship tent, inflatable pea pod, exercise mat and other items. They will help support the sensory needs of students with autism, sensory processing needs, and emotional needs. The sensory room is a space where students receive sensory input at scheduled times throughout the day.

Denise Deaven – Kindergarten and 1st Grade Teacher, Quarryville Elementary

Project: Alphabet PuppetsThe grant purchased Alphabet puppets used in the kindergarten curriculum to help students learn the names and sounds of letters. The teacher holds the puppets to show students the appearance of each letter in lowercase and uppercase, and to discuss the sound of each letter. Students also hold the puppets and say the sound of the letters, which increases their reading skills and public speaking skills.

Richard Miller – 1st Grade Teacher, Quarryville Elementary

Project: Pokemon Club

The grant purchased Pokemon card decks and protective card sleeves. An After-School Pokemon Club will be established in which students will learn the rules of the game and will have others to play Pokemon with. Playing Pokemon builds math and reading skills, strategy skills, and sportsmanship.

Leslie McRobbie and Caley Roark – High School, AP Capstone for 11th and 12th graders. Project: To be Seen and Heard: Tech Bundles to Support AP Capstone Students. Advanced Placement (AP) Seminar and AP Research students are required to present and orally defend their work as part of their AP score, and this must be recorded for the AP College Board. The technology bundles include multiple pieces of equipment that will enable AP Capstone students to create professional presentations that will represent the students and Solanco with great honor.

Todd Brown and Mike Minchhoff – High School, technology education teachers. Project: Penn State University and U.S. Navy Seal STEM Competition. The grant will purchase computers, programming units, power supplies and other materials students need to participate in the annual Sea, Air and Land High School STEM Challenge coordinated by Penn State University and the U.S. Navy. A consistent design aspect is the need for students to develop autonomous vehicles that meet the design criteria. (STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.)

Christine Sawicki – High School, family consumer science teacher. Project: Investigate the Nutrients. The grant will provide students in the Family Consumer Science class with food chemistry and nutrition lab investigation kits and workbooks. Students will use them to analyze food content and explore how food affects the human body and provides nourishment. This STEM activity will help students develop stronger math and science skills.

Allyson Pruskowski – Smith Middle School, learning support teacher. Project: Education Does Not Have to be an Uphill Battle. The grant will purchase two “Up” stools that enable students to work while twisting and turning in their seats. The stools will especially benefit students that need support pertaining to attention and focus.

Ashlee Kreider – Clermont Elementary, kindergarten teacher. Project: A Place to Start and End Our Day. The grant will provide a classroom carpet that provides kindergarten students with their own comfortable space each morning to learn new sight words, work in small groups during tier time, and learn addition and subtraction.

Marisa Sponhouse – Quarryville Elementary, learning support teacher. Project: Flexible Seating for Learning Support Student Growth. The grant will purchase stools for students with attention and focus needs. The stools provide sensory stimulation and movement which increases their focus, time on task, and completion of independent work.

Jessica Misel – Quarryville Elementary, reading teacher. Project: Flexible Seating to Establish Choice, Collaboration, and Commitment to Learning. The grant will provide balance balls and scoop rockers that enable students to safely move in their seats while learning, increasing their comfort and their ability to better focus.

Kayla Resh – Quarryville Elementary, speech therapist-special education. Project: Evidence-Based Therapy. The grant will provide access to the SLPnow website that features literacy-themed lessons and an organizational tool to track student progress.

Emily Miller – Quarryville Elementary, kindergarten teacher. Project: STEM Activities. The grant will purchase kits that provide students with STEM activities which will improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The activities involve students discussing their ideas, drawing their proposed projects, and reflecting on the outcomes.

Lindsey Orr – Providence Elementary, 5th grade teacher. Project: STEM Education. The grant will provide an educational robotic kit which enables students to create and build robots through fifth grade curriculum aligned to science, technology and math standards.

Elise Graybill – Providence Elementary, kindergarten teacher. Project: Play to Start the Day. The grant will purchase blocks, magna tiles, Legos, an easel, a puppet theater and puppets that will engage students in hands-on engagement opportunities when they arrive to class and during indoor recess. Play helps students develop socially, cognitively and physically.

The foundation announced the availability of the $500 grants in January and received outstanding applications from teachers and educators. Applications were carefully reviewed by the foundation’s Academic Venture Grant Committee and 11 proposals were chosen to receive grant funding:

John Girvin and Alyssa Girvin, Solanco High School science teachers Project: AIMS – Distance Learning Cadaver Demonstration

Taught by St. Louis University through the AIMS Distance Learning Program, the virtual anatomy experience provides hands-on interactive field trips. Cadaver specimens and high-definition cameras are used to demonstrate and discuss anatomy, pathology and wellness. Students are introduced to the “wonders of the human body in a way that is difficult to duplicate in the classroom.” Eleventh- and 12th-grade science students and students in the Gifted Program, can participate in the cadaver demonstration.

Kevin Childs, George A. Smith and Swift middle schools, STEM teacher Project: Solanco Middle School Technology Student Association (TSA) Chapter

The Solanco Middle School TSA Chapter is an extracurricular association in which students attend conferences and compete against others school in STEM-based activities. The grant will be used to purchase materials used in student competitions, including bass and balsa wood, axels and wheels, dragster cartridges, and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) equipment such as fingerprinting dust and brush, poster board, digital camers and microcontrollers.

Allyson Pruskowski, George A. Smith Middle School learning support teacher P Project: Take a “Stand” with Education

The grant will provide two standing desks for 6th to 8th grade students in Pruskowski’s classes. While students are expected to learn while seated in a chair, many students have a longer attention span and better focus when working while standing up.

Judy Argue, Bart-Colerain Elementary School, 2nd grade Project: A Place to Sit, Wiggle, and Learn

The grant will provide a 9-foot x 12-foot classroom carpet that students will use as a central meeting place for read-alouds, and an Active Learning Stool for student seating along with the Hop Balls that are already in the classroom.

Kayley Gates and Allyson Weitzel, Clermont Elementary School, 1st grade Project: Awesome Osmo

Osmo is a hands-on technology system that delivers magical experiences which will educate students with real world applications and will enhance the use of already-existing classroom iPads. Osmo fosters creativity and problem-solving skills in spelling, math, reading and visual thinking, and also allows students to explore STEM and tactile learning.

Elise Graybill, Providence Elementary, Extended Day Kindergarten Project: Auto-B-Good Character Education

This project will support the continued development of Solanco’s four key character traits (respect, responsibility, courage and kindness).The Auto-B-Good book series, CDs with printable activities, posters and bookmarks will also include other essential character traits including citizenship, fairness, trustworthiness, integrity and self-control.

Leah Kletzli, Providence Elementary School, learning support teacher Project: iLearn through iPad

The grant will purchase three Osmo applications for iPads that will merge physical play with the digital advantages of real-time feedback. Students will collaborate while manipulating tangible game pieces including number tiles, letter tiles and coding blocks. This will increase student enthusiasm, interaction and retention and provide measurable progress toward academic and behavioral goals.

Alyssa Lambert, Providence Elementary School, 4th grade Project: Empowering student choice with meaningful flexible seating choices

Flexible seating has enabled Lambert to “meet my students academically in an area where they feel comfortable and ready to learn. For some students, flexible seating allows kinesthetic movement during learning, helping them to remain engage for a longer amount of time.” The grant will purchase additional seating options to go along with the desks, stools, Adirondack chairs and pillows already in Lambert’s classroom.

Amanda Summers, Providence Elementary School, 5th grade Project: Flexible seating for improved on-task behavior

Research shows that flexible seating has had long-term positive impact on academic performance, better health and improved behavior. The grant will be used to purchase Yoga mats and Balance Yoga Balls for alternative seating options.

Carrie Page, Providence and Quarryville elementary schools, 1st-5th grade art teacher Project: Technology in the Art Room

Two iPads and apps, used along with the technology currently available to students in the art classrooms, would enable students to explore new mediums. Students will use the iPads to create their own pieces of digital artwork, look up reference images, create images using a green screen, create stop animation movies, and share their artwork with families and friends.

Kayla Resh, Quarryville Elementary, speech teacher Project: Speech in Motion

The grant would purchase K’Motion Stools which encourage self-regulation and concentration during group activities. The stools will provide the physical and sensory feedback that students need.

The Solanco Education Foundation (SEF) creates new and enhanced educational opportunities within the district by awarding grants to teachers and scholarships to students. To date, the Foundation has awarded nearly 150 Academic Venture Grants to teachers totaling nearly $65,000. The SEF also funds other important educational programs including the Science Mobile Probeware program at the high school, Baggy Books for young elementary readers, and the college advisor position at the high school.

Alexis Kanuha: Daughter of Ed and Paula Kanuha, New Providence – Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Jenevieve Eberly: Daughter of Kathleen and Gary Eberly, Quarryville – Moravian College

Amber Kirk: Daughter of Thomas Kirk and Teresa Hannum, Peach Bottom – Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Emily Duvall: Daughter of Brad and Julie Duvall, New Providence – West Chester University

Daniel Siegrist: Son of Dan and Regina Siegrist, Willow Street – University of Pittsburgh or Penn State University, after a gap year following graduation

Marissa Witmer: Daughter of John and Miriam Witmer, Quarryville – Franklin and Marshall College

Denise Brenneman Daughter of Dan and Michelle Brenneman, Willow Street – Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Amanda McCoy: Daughter of Wesley and Lisa McCoy, Drumore – Richmond the American International University in London

Kayla Brown: Daughter of Leonard and Amy Brown, Quarryville – Covenant College or Grove City College

Recipient of Solanco Education Foundation’s “Futures Scholarship” for student who will be the first in their family to attend college:

Hanna Welk: Daughter of Jeremy and Erin Welk, Quarryville – Pennsylvania State University

Recipient of Solanco Education Foundation’s first-ever “Opportunity Scholarship”:

Cortney Johnson: Daughter of Charles and Jean Johnson, Quarryville – Kenyon College

Applications are reviewed anonymously; foundation members are not aware of the applicants’ identities. The following selection criteria are used:

• 1. Average or better class standing and scholastic ability
• 2. Good character, leadership and moral standards
• 3. Involvement in school or community activities

The non-profit Solanco Education Foundation creates new and enhanced educational opportunities within the Solanco School District by awarding scholarships to students and grants to teachers.

Since its founding in 2002, the non-profit SEF has distributed more than $310,000 for student scholarships, teacher venture grants, and educational programs in Solanco schools. The SEF conducts community fundraising activities that provide funding for the scholarships and grants. They include a golf tournament which will be Friday, August 18 at Tanglewood Manor Golf Club, participation in the annual Extraordinary Give campaign in November, and “Solanco School Spirit Night” at the Lancaster Barnstormers. For more information, contact SEF Executive Director Keith Kaufman at 786-5617.

The Rhoads Energy contribution was made to the Solanco Education Foundation (SEF) through the state’s Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. Generous contributions from a number local businesses have enabled the SEF to distribute nearly $170,000 during the past 12 years to fund approved programs at all grade levels in Solanco schools.

Businesses that donate to the Solanco Education Foundation through the EITC program receive a 75% tax credit for the amount they have donated. Businesses that donate for two consecutive years or more receive a 90% tax credit. Businesses and corporations that pay Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax, Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax, Bank Shares Tax, Title Insurance and Trust Company Shares Tax, Insurance Premiums Tax, or Mutual Thrift Institution Tax, Malt Beverage Tax, and Retaliatory Fees are eligible to participate in the EITC program. S corporation shareholders and partnership partners that pay personal income tax also qualify for participation in the EITC program.

In addition to the EITC programs, the Solanco Education Foundation awards $1,000 scholarships each year to graduating seniors who will continue their education beyond high school, and Academic Venture Grants to Solanco teachers. Funding provided by the foundation has help make possible the new College and Career Advisor at Solanco High School who is helping students better understand and navigate the college application and financial aid process, especially students who would be the first member of their family to attend college. Contact Solanco Education Foundation Executive Director Keith Kaufman at 786-5617 for more information.

Solanco Education Foundation

Officers:

President: Susan Broomell

Treasurer: William Musser

Secretary: Kathy Eberly

Executive Director: Keith Kaufman (non-voting member)

Board of Trustees:

Larry G. Albright

Fan Bender

Tom Brackbill

Bill Coble

Cindy Coble

Joanne Diedrich

Julie Duvall

Cathy Kaschak

Steve Mitchell

Brenda Roark

Patty Wilds

Sandy Tucker (non-voting member)

“The generous contributions made by UGI and Fulton Bank enable the Solanco Education Foundation to fund innovative educational programs in the Solanco School District that otherwise would not exist in our classrooms and schools,” Susan Broomell said. Those important programs include Countdown to Kindergarten that prepares parents and their young children for the start of their educational career, and the Mobile Science Probeware program that is used by every student at Solanco High School. “UGI and Fulton Bank are important partners in education, and our students, teachers and the entire Solanco community benefit from their commitment to inspiring greater academic achievement in the Solanco School District,” Broomell said.

Tammie Lowry said each year UGI donates more than $1-million each year to support educational programming. “UGI recognizes that our commitment to education helps to ensure that our young men and women receive the quality training and skills necessary to take on the role of being tomorrow’s leaders.” In particular, UGI is a supporter of reading/literacy programs, “along with investments in programs supporting stronger science, technology, engineering and math – known as STEM curricula – in schools across the UGI service area,” Lowry said.

“Fulton Bank is proud to support the Solanco School District in its mission to educate the next generation, and we thank Solanco for all it does to provide a quality education to its students,” said Curt Myers. “The EITC program is a wonderful way for Fulton Bank to give back to the community, and it’s a great example of the cooperation that exists between businesses, schools and our state government.”

Fulton Bank has been a vital part of the growth and development of south central Pennsylvania, providing strength and support to our community since 1882. As one of the leading financial institutions in our region, Fulton Bank provides consumer retail and business customers with the best in banking services and products, investment management and trust services. Customers and community members are invited to visit the Fulton Bank website at www.fultonbank.com; the company’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FultonBank or you may follow Fulton Bank on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FultonBank.

Generous contributions from a number local businesses have enabled the SEF to distribute nearly $170,000 during the past 12 years to fund approved programs at all grade levels in Solanco schools. Businesses that donate to the Solanco Education Foundation through the EITC program receive a 75% tax credit for the amount they have donated. Businesses that donate for two consecutive years or more receive a 90% tax credit. Businesses and corporations that pay Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax, Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax, Bank Shares Tax, Title Insurance and Trust Company Shares Tax, Insurance Premiums Tax, or Mutual Thrift Institution Tax, Malt Beverage Tax, and Retaliatory Fees are eligible to participate in the EITC program. S corporation shareholders and partnership partners that pay personal income tax also qualify for participation in the EITC program.

In addition to the EITC programs, the Solanco Education Foundation awards $1,000 scholarships each year to graduating seniors who will continue their education beyond high school, and Academic Venture Grants to Solanco teachers. Funding provided by the foundation has help make possible the new College and Career Advisor at Solanco High School who is helping students better understand and navigate the college application and financial aid process, especially students who would be the first member of their family to attend college. Contact Solanco Education Foundation Executive Director Keith Kaufman at 786-5617 for more information.

Fulton Bank President and COO Curt Myers is a 1986 Solanco graduate, and he served as Distinguished Speaker during graduation ceremonies for the Solanco Class of 2013.

UGI Utilities is a natural gas and electric utility with headquarters in Reading, Pennsylvania. UGI serves 680,000 customers in 44 Pennsylvania counties and one county in Maryland. Customers and community members are invited to visit the UGI website at www.ugi.com; our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ugiutilities; or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ugi_utilities.

Solanco Education Foundation

Officers:

President: Susan Broomell

Treasurer: William Musser

Secretary: Kathy Eberly

Executive Director: Keith Kaufman (non-voting member)

Board of Trustees:

Larry G. Albright

Fan Bender

Tom Brackbill

Bill Coble

Cindy Coble

Joanne Diedrich

Julie Duvall

Cathy Kaschak

Steve Mitchell

Brenda Roark

Patty Wilds

Sandy Tucker (non-voting member)

The foundation announced the availability of the $500 grants in May and received outstanding applications from teachers and educators. Applications were carefully reviewed by the foundation’s Academic Venture Grant Committee. Eleven proposals were chosen to receive grant funding and the grant recipients were announced at the December 19 Solanco School Board meeting. Following is a list of the grant recipients as they appear in the photograph, and a description of their program:

Front row (left to right):

Sarah Henry, Clermont Elementary School, 4th grade teacher

Project: Flexible Seating for Increased Attention and Focus – This project is designed to meet the needs of our 21st century learners. It will allow all students to have flexible seating options which will help increase motivation and engagement as well as improve academic performance, physical health and behavior.

Alexandria DeCicco, George A. Smith Middle School, 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher

Project: 20 Time in Education – During Genius Hour, students will be completing self-driven, independent studies. The students will document their work throughout the year through the use of a teacher-made portfolio and classroom iPad. Once finished, the students will present a TED-style speech to the community, where they reflect on their discoveries and their learning throughout the project.

Krystie Kramer, Quarryville Elementary School, 3rd grade teacher

Project: Brain POP Jr. – BrainPop Jr. is an online resource that features engaging educational videos and related activities for many subject areas. The videos use the characters, Annie and her comical robot Moby, to introduce and teach many topics covered in Solanco’s curriculum. Students enjoy the humor in each video while simultaneously learning new vocabulary and strategies.

Emily Miller, Quarryville Elementary School, kindergarten teacher

Project: Dramatic Play Center – The grant will enable students to participate in a Dramatic Play Center. Kindergarten students will practice literacy and math concepts through activities like playing restaurant, grocery store, eye doctor, construction worker, and many more fun and engaging activities.

Back row (left to right):

Matt Jansen, George A. Smith Middle School, Physical Education Teacher

Project: Mule Muscle: Phase II – The grant will fund Phase II of the Mule Muscle project at Smith Middle School. The physical education department will add workout equipment (body bars, battle ropes, and stability balls) for daily use by all students during PE classes. Students will learn about exercises with a strong focus on proper weight training techniques and exercises that can be used to achieve lifetime fitness.

Souzan Darley, Clermont Elementary School, 4th grade teacher

Project: Flexible Seating for Increased Attention and Focus – The project will bring in alternate seating options for students, such as stability balls, kore flex chairs, and pedal exercisers. Flexible seating is beneficial for all learners, as it allows students to increase attention, focus, and motivation through movement. These seating options will benefit students throughout the school day by creating a student-centered environment where they will be engaged and active learners.

Karen Huber, 3rd Grade Music teacher at Bart-Colerain and Providence elementary

Project: Recorder instruments for 3rd grade music students – All third grade music students will have test their rhythmic and melodic reading skills when they learn to play the recorder. Each student will be responsible for the care of their own instrument and will continue to use it through fifth grade.

Diana Lyons (third from right, Swift Middle School), and Phil Cogdill (far right, Providence Elementary) Emotional Support Teachers

Project: STEM Bins and Stations – STEM bins will allow students to participate in self-directed STEM activities. These activities will include building bridges that sustain weight, building varying structures and solving real world problems using a wide range of materials such as Lego’s, straws and toothpicks.

Lindsay Capoferri (second from right), Solanco High School Counselor, and Carol Graybeal, School Psychologist (not in photo)

Project: RENEW Program (Supporting Students At-Risk of Dropping Out) – RENEW stands for Rehabilitation for Empowerment, Natural supports, Education, and Work. The program will provide intervention for students who are identified as being at risk for dropout through indicators such as truancy, failing grades and retention, problem behaviors, and socioeconomic factors. Trained facilitators, including teachers, school counselors/psychologists, and administrators, work closely with the students to help them identify strengths and needs, set goals, and create action plans to reach goals.

Grant recipients not pictured:

Stacy Shelton, Solanco High School, Business Teacher

Project: Solanco Literacy Project – The Solanco Literacy Project provide books to children to promote reading at home. In three years the project has distributed more than 3,000 books. Books are collected from the community and then distributed again at various district and community events. The grant will help supplement reading levels that are lacking in donations, fund the New Student Welcome bags the project provides, and help start a middle school book donation project.

Kesse Humphreys, George A. Smith Middle School, Art Teacher

Project: iPad Your Imagination – The grant will purchase two tablets to create digital artwork as well as short film making projects. The specific project to be completed is a collaborative piece where students create a short film documenting “Art: the untold story” through the process of claymation or animation.

The Solanco Education Foundation creates new and enhanced educational opportunities within the district by awarding grants to teachers and scholarships to students. To date, the Foundation has awarded nearly 130 Academic Venture Grants to teachers totaling nearly $65,000.

Solanco Education Foundation

Officers: President: Susan Broomell, Treasurer: William Musser, Secretary: Kathy Eberly, Executive Director: Keith Kaufman (non-voting member)

Board of Trustees: Larry G. Albright, Fan Bender, Tom Brackbill, Bill Coble, Cindy Coble, Joanne Diedrich, Julie Duvall, Cathy Kaschak, Steve Mitchell, Brenda Roark, Patty Wilds, Sandy Tucker (non-voting member)

The engaging books are taken home by the 243 kindergarten students in all four Solanco elementary schools. Students read the books on their own, and read them to their parents and older siblings. The books have repetitive language and reinforces high frequency words. Baggie Books also provide children and their parents with opportunities for bedtime stories and repeated readings of favorite tales. Teachers often send these books home in large, sturdy bags and refer to them as “Baggie Books.”

Collections of books cover a range of levels, assuring that all children will be able to borrow books appropriate for their emerging literacy skills. 
“A 2010 study by sociologist Mariah Evans found that the size of the home library has a substantial effect on educational success of children living there,” Bart-Colerain Elementary School Principal Sandy Haines said. “A more recent study by Evans also found that books in the home are especially beneficial to economically disadvantaged families.”

The Baggie Books cost approximately $12,540, and the Solanco Education Foundation greatly appreciates a financial contribution made by Kohl’s that help offset the cost, as well as Kohl’s assistance in preparing the books for distribution to the elementary schools. The Solanco Education Foundation Board of Directors consists of retired educators, local business owners, and residents who volunteer their time and skills to create enhanced educational opportunities and inspire greater academic achievement in the Solanco School District. The retired teachers and elementary principal on the board saw the need to provide interesting and inspiring books for kindergarten students. The Solanco Education Foundation is hoping to provide similar take-home reading books appropriate for first grade students.

Front row: Emily Hobbs, Julianna Zak, Alexis Davis, Kelsey Bastien, Rebekah Borcky, Megan Mecouch. Back row: Samuel Broomell, Liam Hodgson, Daniel Riddell, Luke Kreider.

Emily Hobbs, daughter of Brice and Kimberly Hobbs, New Providence, Bucknell University.

Julianna Zak, daughter of Gerald and Colleen Zak, Kirkwood, West Chester University.

Alexis Davis, daughter of Sharon Davis, Holtwood, Swarthmore College.

Kelsey Bastien, daughter of Keith and Carolyn Bastien, Quarryville, West Chester University.

Rebekah Brocky, daughter of Bob and Linda Borcky, Nottingham, Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Megan Mecouch, daughter of Steven and Kathleen Mecouch, Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Samuel Broomell, son of Mark and Susan Broomell, Kirkwood, Franklin and Marshall College.

Liam Hodgson, son of Mark and Patricia Blakeslee, Kirkwood, University of Pittsburgh.

Daniel Riddell, son of John and Deb Riddell, Quarryville, Nyack College.

Luke Kreider has received the foundation’s first-ever “Futures Scholarship” as the first from his family to attend college. He is the son of Mark and Kanah Kreider, New Providence, and will attend the University of Pittsburgh.

Applications are reviewed anonymously; foundation members are not aware of the applicants’ identities. The following selection criteria are used:

• 1. Average or better class standing and scholastic ability
• 2. Good character, leadership and moral standards
• 3. Involvement in school or community activities

The non-profit Solanco Education Foundation creates new and enhanced educational opportunities within the Solanco School District by awarding scholarships to students and grants to teachers.

The Rhoads contribution was made to the Solanco Education Foundation (SEF) through the state’s Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.

The SEF this year has also received an EITC contribution from Eschbach Bus Service.

Businesses that donate to the Solanco Education Foundation through the EITC program receive a 75% tax credit for the amount they have donated. Businesses that donate for two consecutive years or more receive a 90% tax credit. Businesses and corporations that pay Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax, Capital Stock Franchise Tax, Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax, Title Insurance Company Shares Tax, Insurance Premiums Tax, or Mutual Thrift Institution Tax are eligible to participate in the EITC program.

S corporation shareholders and partnership partners that pay personal income tax also qualify for participation in the EITC program.

Front row: Guidance counselor Emily Good, and teachers Krystie Kramer, Cody Mellinger, and Stephanie Rowe, and Solanco Education Foundation President William Coble.

Second row: Teacher John Girvin, school nurse Andrea Cook, and teachers Susan Dawson, Matt Jansen, Lisa Schell, Karen Huber and Phil Cogdill.

Following is information on the educational programs and activities the grants will fund:

John Girvin, Solanco High School Science teacher

Project: Adventures in Medicine and Science – Distance Learning Cadaver Demonstration The grant enables Solanco forensics students to observe autopsies and study cadavers via video conference taught by St. Louis University. This virtual experience provides lessons on anatomy, pathology and wellness.

Lisa Schell, Solanco High School Math teacher

Project: Solanco Mini Thon 2016 The grant supports the 2016 Mini Thon. The Mini Thon provides students in grades 6 through 12 with the opportunity to participate in an important service-oriented project. The upcoming Solanco Mini Thon will be Friday, February 5 into Saturday, February 6. The first two hugely successful Mini Thons have raised $50,000 for Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. So far, the 2016 Mini Thon has raised nearly $5,000.

Andrea Cook, Solanco High School Nurse

Project: Health and Nutrition meet Philanthropy – Solanco Mini Thon 2016 The grant will teach students participating in the overnight Solanco Mini Thon the benefit of maintaining good nutrition while taxing their bodies to raise money for children with cancer. Students will dance and participate in other activities for 12 hours or more, and the goal is for students to recognize how healthy nutritional intake will have a positive impact on their performance.

Matt Jansen and Carrie Falduts, Smith Middle School Physical Education teachers

Project: Mule Muscle The grant will equip a fitness room/weight room for daily student use during physical education classes. Students will be more active and engaged during PE classes, they will learn proper technique and safety, and they will also learn lifelong healthy fitness habits.

Susan Dawson, 6th Grade Language Arts teacher at Swift Middle School

Project: Starbucks Incentive Program The grant will purchase school supplies which will stock the Starbucks cart at Swift. Swift 6th grade students can earn “Starbucks” for demonstrating good citizenship and putting forth maximum effort, and as Starbucks are accumulated, they are used to purchase school supplies and other items from the Starbucks cart. The incentive program focuses on students demonstrating lifelong skills that exemplify Solanco’s Core Expectations of Respect, Responsibility, Courage and Kindness.

Krystie Kramer, Quarryville Elementary 2nd Grade teacher

Project: BrainPOP Jr. The grant will purchase a subscription to the BrainPOP Jr. web resource. It includes content including science, math, social studies, English language arts, technology, engineering, arts, music, reading, writing and English as a Second Language. The online learning games and interactive quizzes will enhance students’ classroom learning experiences.

All four elementary school counselors: Emily Good at Providence and Bart-Colerain, Shawn Moyer at Clermont, and Mary Humphries at Quarryville

Project: Personal Safety Lessons The grant will purchase resources that will enable elementary school counselors to teach important lessons on the understanding personal safety and to teach students personal safety strategies.

Cody Mellinger, Health and Physical Education teacher at Bart-Colerain and Providence Elementary

Project: Action-Based Learning The grant will purchase Action-Based Learning materials such as academic cards and pathway mats that can be used to implement 15-minute structured physical activity experiences to reinforce math and reading concepts. The program incorporates physical movement that reinforces academic concepts in the classroom.

Karen Huber, 3rd Grade Music teacher at Bart-Colerain and Providence elementary

Project: Recorder instruments for 3rd grade music students The grant will purchase recorders for third graders at both Bart-Colerain and Providence elementary schools. Students will learn how to play a simple instrument and put their music knowledge to use during each class. Students will continue to use the instruments through 5th grade.

Phillip Cogdill, Emotional Support teacher at Providence Elementary

Project: Social Detective Training The grant will purchase the Superflex curriculum. Social thinking is an intuitive process that considers the points of view, emotions and intentions of others along with how one’s behaviors impact others. The Superflex curriculum teaches children this intuitive process through the use of Superheroes and Unthinkables.

Stephanie Rowe, 1st Grade teacher at Bart-Colerain Elementary

Project: 100 Chart for Playground Moving with Math – the grant will be used to purchase a 100-120 chart stencil to paint onto the primary playground at Bart-Colerain. It will be used by all grade levels during recess and math core instruction. Plans are to incorporate math games and activities to use whole-body movement and learning at the same time.

The Solanco Education Foundation creates new and enhanced educational opportunities within the district by awarding grants to teachers and scholarships to students. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than 100 Academic Venture Grants to teachers totaling nearly $60,000.

Brooke McCardell,daughter of Jeffrey and Kimberly McCardell, Kirkwood, Springfield College.

Morgan Myer, daughter of Randy and Kim Myer, Quarryville, University of Pittsburgh.

Maribeth Ault, daughter of Scott and Tina Ault, Peach Bottom, Juniata College.

Amanda Herr, daughter of Bryan and Kelly Herr, Drumore, Lock Haven University.

Alyse Crandall, daughter of Scott and Hope Crandall, New Providence, Lebanon Valley College.

Gabrielle Redcay, daughter of Robert and Patricia Redcay, Quarryville, Millersville University.

James Howell, son of James and Cynthia Howell, Kirkwood, University of Pittsburgh.

Joshua Wolf, son of Thomas and Rachel Wolf, New Providence, Maryland Institute College of Art.

Cole Boxleitner, son of Steven and Yvonne Boxleitner, New Providence, Temple University.

Travis Hoover, son of Michael and Debra Hoover, Paradise, Millersville University.

Anna Schillenn, daughter of Joseph and Lita Schillenn, Quarryville, Savannah College of Art and Design.

Applications are reviewed anonymously; foundation members are not aware of the applicants’ identities. The following selection criteria are used:

• 1. Average or better class standing and scholastic ability
• 2. Good character, leadership and moral standards
• 3. Involvement in school or community activities

The non-profit Solanco Education Foundation creates new and enhanced educational opportunities within the Solanco School District by awarding scholarships to students and grants to teachers.

Leslie McRobbie, Solanco High School English teacher

Project: Hear, Hear! Supporting Differentiated Reading Instruction with Listening. Grant will purchase three classroom Kindle Fires, three sets of headphones, and the audio books for four of the books read in McRobbie’s Modern Novels course. The books are The Road by Cormac McCarthy, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safron-Foer, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. According to McRobbie, “multiple media has proven to be a highly-effective and motivating form of differentiating, particularly for learners who struggle with focus, engagement, or pacing. Audio books allow students to better understand tone and content delivery. Moreover, it will help engage the learner and will lead to student success.”

Caley Roark, Solanco High School gifted support teacher

Project: Classroom tools for use in “Odyssey of the Mind”. Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Team members apply their creativity to solve problems from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretations of literary classics. The grant will purchase a rechargeable cordless drill, pre-constructed tool kit, rotary tool kit (dremel tool), clamp assortment, folding work table, and a tool box or bag for building mechanical devices. Solanco’s Odyssey of the Mind teams have earned three trips to the Pennsylvania state finals, and an 11th place World Finals finish in 2014.

Irene Lefever, and Todd Brown, Solanco High School teachers

Project: FORE! Mini Golf Course Design The grant will purchase materials needed for students to construct a miniature golf course to be used by the residents at the Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community. Students in Irene Lefever’s physics part II will study the concepts of energy changes, momentum and forces when designing the course. Students will have the “opportunity to study a physics problem that has a real world application and that the students can see from the design stage through to the product actually being used.” Students in Todd Brown’s design engineering classes will build the mini golf course.

Cindy Willman-Kinsey, Swift Middle School 7th grade science teacher

Project: Transitions from Matter to Energy for a Sustainable Future Old tires donated by the community will be used as a foundation for multiple raised gardens constructed within the environmental site on school grounds. Smaller gardens will be established near the school. Donated food grade barrels will be used as rain barrels to support the gardens. A lean-to structure will be constructed to collect rain water. According to Willman-Kinsey, “Through the use of compost bin and classroom lessons, 7th graders know that bacteria and other decomposers recycle organic matter into nutrient-rich soil. This project will enable them to witness how those nutrients are transferred into energy in the form of plant food. This will expose students to a service-learning component which emphasizes critical thinking skills while helping to solve real issues such as hunger within our local community.”

Alison McPherson, Swift Middle School teacher, and Jennifer Pearson, Swift guidance counselor

Project: We Challenge Swift Rachel’s Challenge is a national non-profit organization dedicated to creating  safe, connected school environments where learning and teaching are maximized. “Rachel’s Challenge provides a continual improvement process for schools designed to awaken the learner in every child.” The grant will purchase Rachel’s Challenge materials, including classroom manuals, classroom activity books, Beyond Bullying Seminar Manual, and Character in Action workbooks. Materials will be used to improve school culture, allowing students to learn in a safe environment.

Sandy Lee, Smith Middle School 6th grade LEAD teacher

Project: Just Dance The grant will purchase a Wii, games, and remotes which will be used at Smith to provide additional opportunities to become and stay physically fit by dancing. According to Lee, the Wii will be used during her Just Dance club, and during times when recess is held indoors. “There are limitations to the activities done during indoor recess and Just Dance would give students another option to be active but not in a competitive way. Just Dance helps students to be successful and build confidence.”

Emily Miller, Quarryville Elementary kindergarten teacher

Project: Differentiated Center The grant will purchase materials including Syllable Count Instant Learning Center, Beginning Sounds Match-Ups, Ending Sounds Match-Ups, Build-A-Word Magnet Board, Vowel Teaching Tubs, and others. According to Miller, “These activities will allow me to better differentiate for all of my students’ strengths and weaknesses. I will use these activities to reinforce skills that are being taught in our classroom and for my struggling learners. I will use some of these activities in extending and refining activities for my more advanced students.”

Janet Braightmeyer, Quarryville Elementary music teacher

Project: Recorders The grant will purchase one plastic soprano recorder for each third grade student that they will use in a step-by-step program through fifth grade during which they learn nine songs; each song introduces something new and progressively more challenging. According to Braightmeyer, “As part of note reading and learning rhythms, recorders will be a motivational tool to enhance students’ learning as well as allow students to apply what they have learned. This program will give all students additional opportunities to move forward independently, as well as providing a challenge for all.”

Allison Lane, Providence Elementary 4th grade teacher

Project: Reading Olympics The grant will purchase books for use in the Reading Olympics. Teams of 4th and 5th grade students will be given a list of 30 books to read by May. Lane said, “In May, the teams will come together along with an audience of family, friends and staff for the competition the students have been working toward all year. The students will participate in three rounds of comprehension questions.” The teams with the highest scores will receive a gold, silver or bronze medal. “This program will inspire students to read books they may not have discovered on their own. It will instill teamwork and responsibility.”

Karen Kopp, Kara Phipps, Courtney Wagner, special education teachers at Clermont Elementary

Project: Equipping our Sensory Room The goal is to “place appropriate, meaningful sensory equipment in the designated sensory room, case manager classrooms and general education classrooms to benefit our students with sensory diet needs and improve their overall success as learners.” Students with sensory diet needs require specially-designed instruction per their Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and therefore sensory materials are imperative to their success. The materials, including noise reduction earmuffs, concentration rockers, emotion putty, massagers, wiggle cushions and wobble chair, will enable students to have the sensory input they need, making them more likely to perform more adequately and function better within the classroom.

Karen Huber, Bart-Colerain Elementary School music teacher

Project: FootNOTES Music Rug With the FootNOTES Music Rug, students will learn about the notes on the treble clef staff. Students will learn by standing on the place where the notes go. The rug will also be used during games to reinforce what students have learned.

Judy Argue, Bart-Colerain Elementary School 2nd grade teacher

Project: At Their Fingertips The grant will purchase chair pockets for student chairs. The bags are put over the back of the chair, and have pockets to hold books, pencils and other important items. According to Argue, “Students would have their books right at their fingertips whenever there is an opportunity to read or an assignment to read.”

The Solanco Education Foundation creates new and enhanced educational opportunities within the district by awarding grants to teachers and scholarships to students. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than 100 Academic Venture Grants to teachers totaling more than $53,000.

In the photo, Emily Lane (left) from Frontier Communications presents a check to Sandy Tucker with the Solanco Education Foundation.

Donations through the EITC program are used by the Solanco Education Foundation to fund $1,000 scholarships to graduating Solanco seniors who will continue their education beyond high school, and to fund grants that are used to implement creative educational programs in Solanco classrooms.

Jason Long also won the longest drive contest. James Kiscaden won closest to the pin, while Dan Baughman won the straightest drive competition.

The Solanco Education Foundation sincerely appreciates the support provided by the golfers, and local businesses and organizations that provided sponsorships! The education foundation uses proceeds from the tournament to provide scholarships to graduating Solanco seniors who will continue their education beyond high school, and grants for innovative educational programs that are implemented in Solanco classrooms. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships and grants.

Jennie Bender, daughter of Dan and Fan Bender; Millersville University. Jani Hileman, daughter of Douglas and Kristine Hileman; Tyler School of Art at Temple University, or Maryland Institute College of Art. Amy Robinson, daughter of Linda and Harold Robinson; Philadelphia University. Luke Redcay, son of Bob Redcay; Messiah College. Zachary Leonard, son of Tim and Lori Leonard; Lancaster Bible College, or Penn State Harrisburg. Karson Beane, son of Danny and Rhonda Beane; West Chester University, Towson College, or Drexel University. Not pictured: Morgan Hodson, daughter of Ryan and Michelle Hodson; University of Pittsburgh.

The non-profit Solanco Education Foundation creates new and enhanced educational opportunities within the Solanco School District by awarding scholarships to students and grants to teachers. The Foundation also develops and implements fundraising activities that provide funding for the scholarships and grants. The signature fundraising event for the foundation is its annual Fall Shoot-Out Golf Tournament. This exciting tournament features about 80 golfers each year, exciting prizes and a delicious meal following golf. This year’s tournament will be held Friday, September 12 at Meadia Heights Golf Club. Contact Terry Becker at bck649@aol.com, or Keith Kaufman at 786-5617.

Businesses that make donations to the Solanco Education Foundation through the EITC program receive a 75% tax credit for the amount they have donated. Businesses that donate for two consecutive years or more receive a 90% tax credit. Businesses and corporations that pay Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax, Capital Stock Franchise Tax, Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax, Title Insurance Company Shares Tax, Insurance Premiums Tax, or Mutual Thrift Institution Tax are eligible to participate in the EITC program. S corporation shareholders and partnership partners that pay personal income tax also qualify for participation in the EITC program.

“Donations through the EITC program provide valuable resources for important educational projects in Solanco schools,” Tucker said. “The Solanco Education Foundation greatly appreciates Rhoads Energy’s participation in the EITC program which benefits students, teachers and businesses in our community.”

Sandy Tucker said, “The Solanco Education Foundation appreciates Fulton Bank’s participation in the EITC program and the ongoing support it provides to the students and staff of the Solanco School District.

Busineses that make donations to the Solanco Education Foundation through the EITC program receive a 75% tax credit for the amount they have donated. Businesses that donate for two consecutive years or more receive a 90% tax credit. Businesses and corporations that pay Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax, Capital Stock Franchise Tax, Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax, Title Insurance Company Shares Tax, Insurance Premiums Tax, or Mutual Thrift Institution Tax are eligible to participate in the EITC program. S corporation shareholders and partnership partners that pay personal income tax also qualify for participation in the EITC program.