2019 Back to School Guide

Back to

2019

School Can you hear it? That’s the school bell ringing calling students back to the classroom. We have so many great schools, teachers and programs that those bells should be ringing in celebration of all the opportunities awaiting students in our area. Northern Connection is proud to feature these outstanding educational entities in our Back-to-School issue.

Another Banner Year in Store for Students at A.W. Beattie Career Center

By Janice Lane Palko

“O

ur enrollment continues to grow, and we will have 840 students enrolled this fall,” said Eric C. Heasley, executive director, of A.W. Beattie Career Center. “In fact, half of our programs are at maximum capacity for enrollment.”

Located at 9600 Babcock Boulevard in Allison Park, A.W. Beattie Career Center provides students from nine area school districts—Avonworth, Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel Area , Hampton Township, North Allegheny, North Hills, Northgate, Pine-Richland and Shaler Area--with the opportunities to earn advanced college credits or industry certifications while still in high school that will enhance student’s college and career potential after high school graduation.

A.W. Beattie offers instruction in 20 different fields, and some of its most popular programs are Culinary Arts; Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning; Health and Nursing Sciences; and Automotive Technology. Students may enroll after completing the ninth grade.

The need for skilled, well-trained employees is projected to continue, and A.W. Beattie is planning for the future.

“We continue to reach out to the students in our elementary schools, providing them with the opportunity to explore careers,” said Mr. Heasley. “We begin in the fifth grade to provide students with the opportunity to see and understand what these careers are like.”

In addition, A.W. Beattie held a very successful Summer Camp program, which allowed students in 5-9th grade to enjoy and experience what A.W. Beat-

tie has to offer.

A.W. Beattie has articulations with many local technical schools, colleges and universities, including La Roche College, California University, Waynesburg University and CCAC,” said Mr. Heasley.

“Many of our students can test for certifications while still attending A.W. Beattie, helping them to ensure immediate employment opportunities. For example, students in the Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Program can test for their EPA certification, and students in

the Automotive Technology Program can earn their Pennsylvania State Inspection and Emissions Certification.”

“We are very proud of all our students and their many accomplishments,” said Mr. Heasley. 4 4 4 For more information on A.W Beattie Career Center, visit the website at: www.beattietech.com or call, (412) 847-1900.

Education Spotlight:

HeartPrints Center for Early Education

By Janice Lane Palko

A

t HeartPrints Center for Early Education, the children are the decision makers. Children explore a topic through research and hands-on exploration. The teachers find creative and interesting ways to incorporate Pennsylvania Learning Standards into the studentdriven study.

“We are influenced by three of the best early childhood philosophies- High Scope, Montessori and Reggio Emilia. Our staff is dedicated to reading, researching and continuing their education so we can continue to use best practice in early learning. Our curriculum features the arts and sciences, including STEM education, challenging the children to create and follow their own plans for play and investigating,” said Grace Byrnes, director.

Located in the Regional Learning Alliance building in Cranberry, HeartPrints teaches children from a young age to care for the community near and far by practicing peaceful conflict resolution in the classroom to taking up community-based philanthropy projects. Baking for Meals on Wheels, making dog treats for animal shelters, hosting a bake sale for the Red Panda Network in Nepal, and making care pack-

ages for local homeless shelters are a few recent projects.

HeartPrints offers a variety of programs for children ages 2-6. At two years old, children can attend Come Play with Me class with an adult on Friday mornings. Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten classes have morning, afternoon or full-day options ranging from 2-5 days per week. S.T.E.A.M classes offer a unique option for children ages 3-6 to explore the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, art and math. Classes are offered on a monthly basis, similar to a swimming or gymnastics class. Cooking Club, Gardening Club, and Chemistry Club are always favorites! The topics change throughout the year. “It’s a great option for preschoolers and children who attend half-day kindergarten programs here or at another school. In December, we host holiday gift making classes, holiday baking classes and an evening care session so parents can fit in some last-minute shopping. Our holiday classes are open to the public, so children do not have to attend HeartPrints to join. Lastly, we offer eight weeks of Summer Camp to children ages 3-8. Each week is a themed explosion of summer fun including lots of time outside,” said Julie Stanny, assistant director.

Lead teachers all have four-year or higher degrees in early childhood or a similar field of education. HeartPrints is also excited to be working on an Outdoor Classroom and Sensory Garden. “These spaces will be open to the public to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

The motivation for this project came from HeartPrints parent Julia Konitsky, who has two children with sensory processing needs. She wanted to provide them and other children with a magical place to explore and feel safe,” said Ms. Byrnes.

For more information on HeartPrints, visit the website at: www.heartprintsed.org, or call 725-741-1008 to schedule a tour. 4 4 4

Pittsburgh Career Institute (PCI)

P

ittsburgh Career Institute (PCI) prepares motivated students to begin and maintain successful careers in the health care field. PCI strives to provide each graduate with the knowledge, skills and judgment to be properly applied within a professional work environment. PCI offers seven programs of study, including: • Dental Assistant (10 months, Diploma) • Diagnostic Medical Sonography (24 months, Associate Degree) • Dialysis Technology (10 months, Diploma) • Medical Assistant (10 months, Diploma) • Respiratory Therapy (22 months, Associate Degree) • Surgical Technology (15 months, Associate Degree) • Veterinary Technology (18 months, Associate Degree) Pittsburgh Career Institute is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). All programs combine hands-on training in industrystandard labs with traditional classroom instruction. In

addition, an externship or clinical rotation is required prior to graduation and is designed to provide each student with essential real-world experience. PCI instructors are health care industry professionals, each with years of experience in his or her respective field. The PCI faculty is dedicated to academic achievement, professional education and to the preparation of students for their chosen careers.

The PCI Career Services department provides assistance to graduates in seeking employment both during school and after graduation. The Career Services team has developed and maintained valued relationships with many well-known health care employers, opening doors for PCI graduates to pursue their career goals.

Pittsburgh Career Institute is conveniently located in downtown Pittsburgh at the corner of Seventh Avenue and William Penn Way, near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The school is easily accessible via Port Authority Transit (PAT) bus, “The T” light rail system, and many nearby parking garages. 4 4 4

Back to School

Butler Catholic School (Butler)

Providence Heights Alpha School (Allison Park)

Principal: Sr. John Ann Mulhem C.D.P. (724) 285-4276 Principal: Margaret Ruefle M.ED.M.S. www.butlercatholic.org (412) 366-4455 www.alphaschool.org

Holy Cross Academy (Ross Twp)

(Saint Sebastian School / Saint Teresa of Avila School) Principal: Mrs. Patricia Osekowski 412-364-7171

St. Gregory Catholic School (Zelienople) 724-452-9731 Principle: Mrs. Erin Harris www.stgregzelie.org

North Catholic High School (Cranberry Twp)

Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights)

Northside Catholic Assumption Academy (Bellevue)

St. Wendelin School (Butler)

Principal: Luke Crawford 412-321-4823 www.northcatholic.org

Principle: Rosanne Kwiatkowski 412-761-5043 www.ncaacademynow.org

Oakland Catholic High School (Oakland)

Principal: Marisa Greco (412) 682-6633 www.oaklandcatholic.org

Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com

Principal: Mrs. JoLynn Clouse www.stwendelinschool.com 724-285-4986

Vincentian Academy (North Hills)

Mrs. Rita Canton (412) 364-1616 www.vincentianacademy.org

Higher Education Feature Coming in the September Issue of Northern Connection Magazine!

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724-940-2444

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Back to School

MHY Family Services Honors Individuals for Their Commitment to Volunteerism, Philanthropy and Leadership

M

HY (Mars Home for Youth) is celebrating 140 years of service and dedication to the community. The success of MHY Family Services is attributed to the commitment of the outstanding individuals who give by lending their time and leadership. To recognize the significant support of those who give so generously, the Jane Fox Award was granted to honor those who Lisa Schiller MHY Executive Director, Christine Raymond, Director of Longmore Academy, Leslie Osch Chairman of have volunteered their time and Butler County Board of Commissioners and Mayor Gregg leadership to the mission of MHY. Hartung of Mars Jane Fox, a model for volunteerism, philanthropy and leadership, started as a volunteer in 1977 when the organization was named United Presbyterian Home for Children. Fox was there through MHY’s early transition and evolution to specialized behavioral health services. It became Fox’s mission to reach into her community for new volunteers, especially women, to inspire others to donate their time with MHY. On its 140th anniversary, MHY officials and board members honored the following volunteers and supporters for their dedication and philanthropy: Pam Schiller, a long-standing board member; Cindy Bracken and Peg Lombardi, dedicated supporters and volunteers; Tom McMeekin, owner of Quality Gardens, Rev. Peter de Vries, pastor of Old Union Presbyterian Church and Rev. Jim Kirk, pastor of Valencia Presbyterian Church, for their work with MHY’s Chaplaincy Program. For more information on MHY Family Services, visit www.mhyfamilyservices.org. 4 4 4

Providence Heights Alpha School Partners with Faso Life

By Paula Green

A sister school program promotes international understanding, a partnership and friendship between two educational campuses.

L

ast fall, the students of Providence Heights Alpha School joined a sister school program called Faso Life. This

initiative began with twin sisters, Wendyam Ouermi and Wendkouni Ouedraogo, who are from Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. Wendyam is the director of the school in Africa, and Wendkouni lives in Switzerland and oversees fundraising for Faso Life.

Their youngest sister, Micheline (Mimi), who attends La Roche University introduced local resident Suzie DeVore to the program.

Together, Mimi and Suzie decided to spread the word about Faso Life. In 2019, along with their board members, they started a nonprofit organization to help raise the necessary funds to expand the African school from two classrooms to eight. Suzie serves as Faso Life’s president, and she is grateful for Mimi’s guidance and enthusiasm. “Mimi represents her country in a most gracious and loving manner; she is Faso Life US,” Suzie said.

Suzie’s daughter-in-law, Erin DeVore, who has taught at Alpha for 17 years, is thrilled that their school is involved in the program. “My mother-in-law asked if my second graders would be interested in being pen pals with the Faso second graders.

I thought it was a wonderful idea. Mimi started coming to our class monthly to teach the Alpha students about their new African pen pal’s way of life,” said Erin.

First-grade teacher Lauren Walters explains the positive effect of Faso, “The

partnership allows us to help others in need, and our children get to see a different way of life. They learn compassion, empathy and the importance of giving back. We see pictures of our buddies using the items we donated. When Mimi visits, they’re engaged, and they inquire about life in Faso. We write monthly letters and trade ‘biographies’ with our buddies. We send pictures so our buddies can learn what life is like in Pittsburgh--from the weather to sports/activities. At the end of this school year, we sent a mural our first graders created to hang in their schoolroom. Mimi has brought in food samples that our friends would eat for lunch in Faso (rice and seasoned beans). She shared artwork, clothing and pictures of the village in Faso.”

Alpha’s director of marketing and admissions, Claire Hartman, emphasized how Faso Life is helping the students.

“Everything about this organization and development of Alpha speaks directly to the Mission of our School and who we challenge our children to be. Our student council leaders participated in a Skype call with the board members in Burkina and Switzerland.”

It was the Alpha students who stated that, “we need to fundraise for the children” that began a deeper relationship and a sister program with Faso Life. For information on Faso Life, visit www.fasolife.us. 4 4 4

2019 Back-to-School Directory All That Jazz

Oakland Catholic

St. Wendelin School

A Place to Grow Learning Center

PA Cyber

Studio 19 Dance Complex

A.W. Beattie Career Center

Pittsburgh Career Institute

www.dancestorewexford.com (724) 933-0555 www.aplacetogrowlearning center.com (412) 963-7000 www.beattietech.com (412) 847-1900

HeartPrints Center for Early Education www.heartprintsed.org (724) 741-1008

La Roche University www.laroche.edu (412) 367-9300

Little Appleseed

www.littleappleseedlearningcenter.net (724) 625-4029

www.OaklandCatholic.org (412) 682-66334 www.pacyber.org (888) 722-9237 www.PCI.edu (412) 281-2600

Providence Heights Alpha School (412) 366-4455 www.alphaschool.org

St. Gregory

ww.stgregzelie.org (724) 452-9731

www.stwendelinschool.com (724) 285-4986 Facebook/Instagram: @studio19dancecomplex (724) 779-0019

TenderCare

www.earlyeducationpros.org Wexford: (724) 934-0411 McCandless: (412) 367-3269 Cranberry: (724) 772-0598

Vincentian Academy

www.Vincentianacademy.org (412) 364-1616

Saint Joseph High School www.saintjosephhs.com (724) 224-5552

A Place to Grow Learning Center Creates a Love of Learning and Precious Memories

By Janice Lane Palko

S

ince its founding in 2001, A Place to Grow Learning Center has been providing quality childcare for children ages twelve-weeks to five years. Located at 1331 Freeport Road in O’Hara Township, A Place to Grow’s vision is to create a love of learning and a lifetime of memories.

Dana Cupples is the owner of A Place to Grow and has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Clarion University and a Special Education Degree from Duquesne University.

Prior to opening A Place to Grow, she taught for the Pittsburgh Public Schools. She, as well as the rest of her staff including directors Nicole Bush and Terry DeMoss, have education degrees and experience in caring for and teaching young children.

Classrooms at A Place Grow are bright, cheerful and inspire children to explore, play and learn. A Place to Grow also has a safe, secure environment and uses video surveillance and security cameras both inside and outside of the building. “We have installed ProCare, a specialized childcare software that utilizes biometric ID scanning which allows convenient and secure checkin and check-out,” said Ms. Bush. “We have a kiosk in front of the building, and parents sign their children in and out, by scanning their fingerprints.” The software also allows A Place to Grow to track attendance, revenue and assist with all day-to-day operations.

Parents sing A Place to Grow’s praises as the numerous testimonials on their website reveal.

A Place to Grow is always looking for educators who share its vision of creating an environment where children develop a love for learning while creating a lifetime of memories.

For more information, on A Place to Grow Learning Center, visit the website at: www.aplacetogrow.net. 412-963-1222 4 4 4

Join our Team!

We are looking for great teachers to join the A Place to Grow team!

Call for more information!

August: An Amazing Month for America!

By Weston Waite

T

he month of July figures prominently in our nation’s history, but August does as well. Coincidentally, some of the most important documents written when conceiving our nation were all created in the month of August, amazing right?

Do you remember these from your history class?

The Declaration of Independence (1776) Anyone who celebrates the Fourth of July should know what the Declaration of Independence is. Written by Thomas Jefferson, this is our official “break up” letter with England, sent to King George III in 1776. It lists his many tyrannical abuses, and in it, we also reassert our rights to choose our own government. I like to think of this as the metaphorical birth certificate of our country. While formally presented to the General Assembly on July 4, it wasn’t actually signed by most of the 55 men until August 2.

The Articles of Confederation (1776-1777, 1781) This document was our first shot at creating our own government. It unites the 13 colonies, not as one country, but more as an alliance, or a “league of friendship.” It then only consisted of a very weak National Congress. It was not oppressive, but it was too passive. The National Congress wasn’t given the power to tax the 13 states, and so, it could not provide basic things to

the states, such as an organized military. No military means no protection, and The Articles proved to be a failure after Shay’s Rebellion wreaked havoc across the land.

The Constitution (1787) The Constitution was written by James Madison and is perhaps the most well balanced and most just form of government ever created, as it blends the three main types: Monarchy, Aristocracy, and Democracy. Checks and balances prevent any of the three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial), from becoming more powerful than the rest. Otherwise, the U.S. could become a dictatorship or fall into mob rule. The Articles define what each branch can and cannot do. In addition, the Bill of Rights, consisting of 27 amendments, outlines our rights as American citizens.

If you’re up to the challenge, try reading the full texts of these documents. It will make you more knowledgeable about what it means to be an American! 4 4 4

Weston Waite is a senior at Duquesne University, majoring in Political Science and French.

His academic specialties are those of American history and American politics. In addition, Weston is a member of the Duquesne Men’s Hockey Team and Sigma Nu Fraternity. He is a lifelong resident of McCandless, where he currently resides with his family.

School Movers & Shakers Aquinas Academy

Seneca Valley

Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh recent graduate Margaret (Molly) Maglio qualified as a Finalist for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which ranks her as one of the top 15,000 finishers of the more than 1.6 million entrants who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Maglio was presented with her Finalist certificate from the NMSQT program during Aquinas Academy’s high school award ceremony on May 31.

Seneca Valley earned three awards in the National School Public Relations Association’s (NSPRA) 2019 Publications and Digital Media Contest.

The district’s Communications Department received an Award of Excellence for the Annual Report, The Future Starts Here, an Honorable Mention for the Raider Pride E-Newsletter and an Honorable Mention for the special purpose web page dedicated to the story of Ryan Gloyer Middle School.

Sewickley Academy

Three rising Fox Chapel Area High School juniors were selected to receive the distinguished Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) award. Ava Kazmierczak, Ryan Kenyon, and Abigail Rickin-Marks attended the Pennsylvania-West HOBY Leadership Seminar June 14-16, at Washington and Jefferson College.

Fox Chapel Area School District Superintendent, Gene Freeman, Ed.D., has announced that he will retire, effective June 12, 2020.

During the annual Senior School Awards ceremony, James Lieber presented Sewickley Academy rising senior Mishon with the Caplan-Lieber Human Relations Award. For the past 62 years, the Pittsburgh Area Jewish Committee (PAJC), has presented this award to one high school student in Allegheny County who has shown initiative and leadership. As the 2019 Caplan-Lieber Human Relations Award recipient, Mishon was awarded $5,000 and the Sewickley Academy was gifted $500.

Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area High School 2019 graduate Jordan Jackson was selected as a winner in the City Theatre’s Annual EQT Young Playwrights Contest. Jordan’s play, entitled “The Dream Series,” was one of only six winners (three in the high school category and three in the middle school category) from nearly 400 submissions.

Pine-Richland John Dolphin, a teacher now in his 21st year at Pine-Richland High School and a member of Prime Stage Theatre’s Board of Directors and Teacher Advisory Committee, has been named the 2019 recipient of the All-Star Teacher Award, presented annually by Chevron, Pirates Charities and the Grable Foundation.

Holy Cross Academy Holy Cross Academy is happy to announce the appointment of Mrs. Patricia Osekowski as Patricia Principal. Mrs Osekowski Osekowski holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and taught at St. Patrick’s School in Canonsburg for nine years. She earned her Principal Certification from Point Park University and was principal at Saint Patrick’s for two years before her appointment to Holy Cross.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced that Scott McElhinny, a recent 2019 Scott graduate, has been McElhinny offered a National Merit University of Pittsburgh Scholarship.

Grove City College / BC3

(BSN) degree program that offers students the best that both higher education institutions have to offer.

CCAC

Kimberly Reed of Ross Township, a student in the Community College of Allegheny County’s Medical Assistant program at South Campus, was recently awarded the Jacqueline P. Fehling Memorial Scholarship last during the Pennsylvania Society of Medical Assistants State Conference held in Johnstown, Pa. Reed, who just completed the certificate program, was the only student in the state to receive the award, which included a $500 scholarship for training in the field.

Mars Area

Grove City College and Butler County Community College are partnering to create a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Mars Area School District was awarded 2018-2019 Trib HSSN (High School Sports Network) Class 5A Sports Cup.

SU PP ORT OUR T ROOPS

Educational Institutions

By Paula Green

I

t is back to school time! There are thousands of military servicemen and women who return home from active duty and decide to further their education. Fortunately, there are over 11,000 higher educational institutions that are recognized as being military-friendly. These facilities support active-duty members, veterans, spouses, dependents of deceased veterans in any of the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

When pursuing higher education, here’s what a service person should look for -

• ACE (American Council on Education) – institutions that participate in ACE are experienced at translating prior military learning experiences into college credit. Additionally, ACE will provide recommendations for formal courses and occupations based on an individual’s military training and experience.

• Change of Order Withdrawal – Active duty members may be called to serve. Before enrolling in a school, check into their change of order withdrawal policies. Distance Learning and Online Degree Programs are also a possibility.

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) – is a group of standardized tests administered by the College Board.

Military members and eligible spouses are eligible to take CLEP tests. They may also have them paid for either by GI Bill benefits or through the DANTES program.

• DANTES External (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) – DANTES provides education alternatives to service members who cannot attend classes or schools, due to work schedules or active duty.

• Military Discounts – if it genuinely is a military-friendly university/college, then service members should receive a discount on their education. Discounts can vary; some go up to 50% off.

• Military Tuition Assistance – is a program available to active duty, National Guard and Reserve Component service members. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides it. TA can lessen a service person’s financial concerns considerably.

• Military Scholarships – similar to Military Discounts this varies greatly by each school. Some schools also offer free textbooks and supplies for varying military affiliations. State Veterans Education Benefits – many states provide additional veterans with education benefits. Check to see if any benefits are provided within your state.

• Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) – helps service members and veterans meet their education and training costs with monthly benefit payments. It provides over $71,000 in cash and numerous support programs.

• MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts) Member – this program is for military spouses and provides up to $4,000 (over two years) of financial assistance for military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or Associates degree in a portable career field and occupation.

• Yellow Ribbon Program – to receive benefits, service members must be eligible for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This includes: those who served 36 months on active duty. It also includes Purple Heart recipients with an honorable discharge and any amount of service.

• Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) – unemployed Veterans who are 35 to 60 years old may be eligible to receive up to 12 months of free retraining assistance at community colleges, technical schools and colleges offering only AA degrees may.

For more information on military-friendly educational institutions, visit https://militarybenefits.info/military-friendlycolleges-guide. 4 4 4

www.northernconnectionmag.com | AUGUST 2019

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