in-mars-spring

Spring 2010

ars Area COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Equestrian Dreams Horse Farms of Butler County

Mars Area School District Quarterly Newsletter

Spring 2010 | IN Mars Area |

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                 It is Girl Scout Cookie T imeL Each year the Girl Scouts drop off thousands of cases of cookies for the troops. In order for us to ship the cookies, it costs $12.50 a case. You can help the troops enjoy the cookies by adopting their case of cookies. Cookies start to arrive in February and the last case ships in May. All donations can be mailed to our address: Military Connections 3211 Arapahoe Road Pittsbu rgh, PA 15241

If you have cookies that you want to donate, please contact us at militaryconnections@hotmail.com.

Last year we shipped over 6,000 cases of cookies! Help us ship the same in 2010.

You can also check us out on the web at www.militaryconnections.org

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f eatures

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17 18 community

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SOCIAL - LITE

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POETRY CONTEST WINNERS

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BIRDS OF A FEATHER

interest

Mars Area School District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

I N d ustry

I N sig hts

“Make sure you don’t sign anything!”... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

By Steve and Gail Carpenter

Butler County, PA A Different Kind of Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

By Butler County Tourism

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EQUESTRIAN DREAMS Question and Answer with a Vein Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

By Lisa Kay Salser

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UPMC Today Health and Wellness News You Can Use

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IN KIDS on the cov er

Kim Giannamore from Rockin’ Horse Stables.

Photo by Teri Clements of Tri-Color Photography.

Please recycle this magazine when you are through enjoying it.

Spring 2010 | IN Mars Area |

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 Dedicated to the Fine Art of Living Within the Community

by Marybeth Jeffries

Hosting a Party

Where to Have Your Party

Have a reason to celebrate? How fabulous! Party planning may seem a little daunting, but with the right organization, you are on your way to a fun and entertaining time for you and your guests.

The “how to” starts with a software program or a good oldfashioned notebook. For my purposes, I always rely on a software program that will list and locate all of my contacts for a guest list, required vendors, and a place to establish a timeline leading up to the party.

Establish a Goal and Theme To make your party a success, you will need to establish what the goal for the party will be. Try to think about this in terms of who the guest of honor is and how to best make him or her happy.

Generally, a theme for the party should be established. This will make your job so much easier! For a graduation party, you might want to plan the party around your graduate’s favorite activity. If those themes don’t work, then create one! I love island-themed parties; guests dress in their favorite resort wear and drink tropical drinks to the sounds of a steel drum band.

Timeline Once you have established a theme, get busy with a timeline.

Figure out when you want to host your party and work backwards, noting when to order food, send invitations, and RSVP dates. Now you have some deadlines to work with and can keep your cool because you’re so organized.

Decide if You Need Help

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You’ll want to decide early in the process whether you will require help in the planning or execution of your party. For those who decide that they don’t want the work of planning their own party, a full-service event planner can handle all of the details including what foods to suggest, hiring service staff, coordination of rentals, and decorations to make your party special. Other planners may decide that all they need is one person to run your kitchen while you are attending to guests. Many times a family member or close friend will step in to take over the kitchen. You’ll want to enlist the help of family and friends, or hire an event planner as soon as possible.

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There are many places to host a great party. Most people choose their homes, and are able to set up their backyard, garage, or deck to accommodate their guests. There are other really great choices if you simply don’t have enough room to handle a large crowd. Check out local fire or church halls, hotels or parks located in your municipality.

Hosting your party at home can be done easily with the right setup. Party rental houses can rent tables and chairs, a dance floor, as well as tents and lighting to create the perfect atmosphere. Also, it is always a good idea to have a rain plan. I always count on it raining in Southwestern Pennsylvania in late spring or early summer! If you get lucky, you’ll have a beautiful day and if it rains, you’ll be prepared with a tent to keep everyone dry!

Day of the Party Once the basic plan is in place, you can cut down on your “day of party” stress by taking care of the party preparation ahead of time. “Make-ahead” food items will cut down on your time away from guests, so try to give that some additional thought when planning your menu and drink selections. Most rental companies will deliver your party items the day before the party to give you time to set up. Arrange a beverage station where guests can help themselves to cans of soda or premade punches. A good caterer will help you choose foods that don’t require a lot of extra handling and will remain delicious throughout the party! Placing trash receptacles in places where guests can dispose of paper products will help cut down on your after-party cleanup. This gives you the time to meet all of your guests and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Once your party has started, you can enjoy spending time with your guests and seeing the results of all of your hard work.

Party planning doesn’t have to be a chore. If you stay organized, you may actually enjoy the process.

Marybeth Jeffries has been planning and executing corporate and social events for over 20 years. www.alleghenymedia-events.com

FROM THE PubLISHER Sp ring

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IN Mars Area is a non-partisan community magazine dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Mars Area School District and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PU B L I S H E R Wayne Dollard A S S I S T A N T T O T H E PU B L I S H E R Mark Berton mark@incommunitymagazines.com MA N A G I N G E D I T O R Marybeth Jeffries marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com O F F I C E MA N A G E R Leo Vighetti leo@incommunitymagazines.com

elcome to the spring issue of IN Mars Magazine. Spring is a season of hope, change and new beginnings. The harsh cold and freeze of winter gives way to the gentle thaw of a growing sun’s strengthening rays.

For us at IN Community Magazine, spring is a time of new beginning as well. Our staff works diligently to plan out the entire year of features and news that will keep you informed and entertained. We have received numerous story ideas from you and have been putting them together for your friends and relatives to read and enjoy. You, our readers, continue to be the single most important “employee” of Mars magazine. Without your ideas, input and critique, this magazine would be a shell of the vibrant and lively magazine that it is.

So keep all of those great story ideas coming in! Call 724.942.0940 with your story and we’ll be delighted to include it in an upcoming issue.

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Sincerely,

W RI T E RS Jonathan Barnes Kelli McElhinny Pamela Palongue Sandy Trozzo Chris Weber

PH O T O G RA PH E RS Harry Blackwell Michael Haritan Mandy Kendall Elaine Petrakis Diane Setzenfand Carl Stillitano Garyyonphotography.com W

E B D E V E L O PME N T DS Multimedia

A D V E RT I S I N G S A L E S Stephanie Baker-Wolfson Renee Bennett Tina Dollard Rose Estes Linda Hall Jason Huffman Brian McKee David Mitchell Tara Reis Vincent Sabatini Michael Silvert Maureen Smith RJ Vighetti

pring! Even the sound of the word gets me brewing with excitement about the beautiful days which I know must be coming soon! Days spent in my garden, walking my boys to school or watching the days sun set just a bit later. With the beginning of each season, you can expect a little bit of good news from us. Our staff is hard at work following up on all of your phone calls and emails which let us know about things that are happening in the community. Whether it is a resident who is volunteering and making a difference or your favorite organization hosting a fund raiser, please, keep me up to speed! I am so pleased to share with you the winners of the Mars School District Poetry Contest on page 12. I think you will be impressed with the talent of the winners!

Many thanks to Darcy Silbaugh who coordinated the contest at the school district level. by the way, you can email your suggestions about a feature or a fundraiser, to me at Marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com.

Enjoy.

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FROM THE EDITOR

G RA PH I C D E S I G N Susie Doak Bridget Michael Katelyn Ruffing Tamara Tylenda

724.942.0940 sales@incommunitymagazines.com

Calling all IN Mars Area ReadersL

Summer Issue Deadline: April 4, 2010

Do you know someone in your school or neighborhood who is doing something positive to benefit our community? We’d like to know about it! Contact Marybeth Jeffries – North Editor at marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com with your suggestions!

IN Mars Area, published four times a year, is carrier route mailed to all Adams, Mars, Middlesex, and Valencia households and businesses. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Copyright 2010.

www.incommunitymagazines.com

Spring 2010 | IN Mars Area |

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CYBER-BULLYING …It’s NOT “Virtual”!

Cyber-bullying has become a new phenomenon that both parents and teens alike should be aware of. Cyber-bullying is defined as the use of the internet or text-messaging by a person or group of people to incite fear, spread gossip or harass someone. It can range from saying hurtful things in e-mails and textmessages to sharing embarrassing photos and videos through social networking pages.

While some are able to shrug off this kind of harassment as fun and games, to others it can be devastating. In some instances, it has led to withdrawal, depression, the necessity to change schools…even suicide.

Parents need to question their children’s electronic habits and talk openly about Cyberbullying and ways to prevent it. Joe Taylor, General Manager of Armstrong, says, “Armstrong does everything in its power to encourage safety on the internet and cell phones.

Our website, www.armstrongarmor.com, has a lot of information dedicated to safety issues concerning both telephone and internet usage.” by educating ourselves and our families of the dangers of cyber-bullying, we can all ensure that electronic methods of communicating remain a positive experience.

Spring 2010 | IN Mars Area |

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“Make sure you don’t sign anything!”

ou’ve probably heard people give this advice to friends and family about to pursue a new home. While such advice is wellintended, it’s often the very thing that causes the buyer some difficulty with their pursuit.

Allow us to give you some insight into Pennsylvania real estate practice using just this one example. You see, when you inquire about real estate, we are required by law to provide you with a Consumer Notice. This is a document – not a contract – that describes the various business relationship choices that you may have with a real estate sales person. Currently, buyers can be represented by agents whereas years

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ago, we only represented the sellers. At times, we represent bOTH parties….with proper disclosure and consent, of course.

The Consume r Notice also advises you that any information you give the agent at that time is not considered to be confidential, nor will it be unless/until you enter into a (written) business relationship.

So, you see……you DO need to ‘sign something’ (sorry, Dad…..), despite what your friends and family are telling you. Your signature on the Consumer Notice simply indicates that you’ve been properly advised. The agent who presents it to you will also sign it and provide his/her license number. Certainly mom and dad would prefer that you work with a professional who follows the law (Realtors® are held to a strict code of ethics).

Secondly, upon selecting a real estate agent you’re comfortable with, you must sign a business Relationship Agreement. This clarifies, in writing, who IS being represented – you or the seller. This is also required by law. Just imagine working with an agent for several weeks only to learn that this person DOESN’T represent you…..and you’ve disclosed not only your desperation to find that perfect home, but also financial information – what a surprise that the agent is representing the seller!

The added difficulty is this; most agents will not schedule time out of their day for you ahead of their signed clients without these forms signed, as there’s simply too much liability involved.

Please know that we welcome EVERYONE who will be involved in your decision-making process to sit down for a comprehensive consultation so that you can proceed properly and confidently in finding your dream home!

Feel f ree to call us today if you have questions regarding this topic or any real estate matter.

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This I ndustr y I nsig h t was written by Gail and Steve Carpenter.

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Can Glade Run Lutheran Services Wraparound Service Help Your Child? lade Run wraparound services are designed for children who have emotional, behavioral and/or autism spectrum disorders under the recommendation by a psychiatrist or psychologist. Wraparound services empower youth and families by teaching/modeling behavioral replacement techniques — in turn, improving the family’s overall well-being.

The wraparound process is a communitybased, in-home treatment model. The team of professional individuals are a Master’s level behavioral specialist consultant (bSC), mobile therapist (MT) and therapeutic support staff (TSS) who collaborate with the child, parents, and family members to develop an individualized treatment/care plan. Goals of the treatment plan may include safety, communication, social skills, anger management, problem solving and classroom behavior.

When “Sam”** was three years old, he was diagnosed with autism. All through his early childhood he was delayed in everything

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from speaking to walking. As frustrations mounted for Sam, his antisocial and aggressive behaviors developed.

Sam’s mother knew it was time to find additional help for her son. Sam received an evaluation that recommended wraparound services. Sam, his family, and his teachers met with Glade Run wraparound staff and developed a comprehensive treatment plan.

After six months of service, Sam was a different child. “His bSC and TSS understand Sam,” says Tonia, his mother.

“Wraparound services have been a blessing to us. Sam loves his bSC and his TSS.” The Glade Run team consults with Sam’s family four times a week to implement and develop social skills and behavioral modification techniques that apply to his specific needs. “I appreciate how Sam’s bSC is always available to our family,” says Tonia.

“She helps with everything from finding a pediatrician who is experienced in working with children with autism to finding us literature and support groups.”

“Lauren”** was a fourteen year old in crisis. Diagnosed as having bipolar disorder, she was having trouble at home and at school. Her family selected the assistance of Glade Run and became partners with the family to bring her behaviors under control.

Lauren’s mother believes that, “working with Glade Run has been a wonderful experience for our family. Our bSC and MT always listen, and also give Lauren another outlet outside the family unit. Lauren has done so well because of the support she’s received that she is now transitioning out of services.

At first it’s overwhelming, but it’s a hard road that’s worth the journey.”

The therapeutic team works in the home, giving parents additional support and providing a more holistic setting. Lauren’s bSC consults with her teachers and observes her at school when necessary and attends meetings as needed in an effort to promote success.

“Glade Run’s wraparound program has been a Godsend to us… It’s given us our daughter back,” stated Lauren’s mother.

Could wraparound services be right for your child? Glade Run Lutheran Services has been providing care for troubled youth since 1854 and provides wraparound services in three counties: butler, beaver and Allegheny. Contact your county Mental Health office to request wraparound services, or for more information on wraparound call the Glade Run Lutheran Services, butler Community Services office at 724.283.9436, ext 16. To inquire about any of Glade Run’s programs please call 724.452.4453, ext 1199. **Name changed for confidentiality purposes

Spring 2010 | IN Mars Area |

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Newly Formed

Chamber of Commerce

Celebrates!

hamber members, friends and staff members of the newly formed Chamber of Commerce gathered recently to celebrate the merger of the Cranberry Township Chamber and the North Pittsburgh Chamber. Guests were treated to live entertainment, a fabulous buffet, and raffles. Newly named executive director Susan balla welcomed guests of the newly merged organization that will boast over 1,000 businesses.

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Susan Balla, Scott Crum & Debbie Crum

Bill & Angela Guesman, Gail & Steve Carpenter

Carol & Jerry Walkins

Cranberry Twp. Manager Jerry Andree & Jan

Roy & Sherry Murray, Jeff & Becky Morella, Kerry & Chet Zombeck

Kim & Bob McClure

Things to check when Time Out doesn’t work

By Dr. Joanne Dixon, Ph.D. Director of Clinical Services Pace School Programs

1. be sure you are not warning your child more than once before sending him or her to time out. Warnings only teach your child that they can misbehave at least once (or more) before you will use time out.

Repeated warnings only make things worse, not better.

2. Adults who are responsible for disciplining their child at home should be using the time out procedure. You should agree when and for what behaviors to send your child to time out. You will want sitters, visiting friends, and relatives to read and discuss time out guidelines and watch you use it.

3. To maximize the effectiveness of time out, you must make the rest of the day (time in) pleasant for your child. Let your child know when they are well-behaved rather than taking good behavior for granted.

Most children would prefer to have you put them in time out than ignore them completely.

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Butler County, PA A Different Kind of Vacation icture green trees and beautiful buds.

Springtime in butler County is a time for defrosting and new life. The freshness of spring is wonderful reason to get out and dig in to Mother Nature! Travelers are now looking to get more out of their vacations – they want to get their hands dirty and maybe learn something while doing it. You’re invited you to do that in butler County!

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Wake up. A butler County experience begins right when you wake up. Camping sites are available for anyone, from primitive tenting areas to cabins complete with amenities. And then there’s another choice – a farm stay. butler County has traditional bed and breakfasts sprinkled across the area’s charming and quirky small towns. but there are also a few bed and breakfasts that will let you pitch some hay and get a glimpse of farm life. You can even befriend an adorable alpaca!

If your idea of getting out is hitting the greens, f ear notL butler County has plenty of golf courses. And with our Golf Trail Card, you can receive buy one get one green fees!

Just go to www.VisitbutlerCounty.com to sign up for free!

Dig in. There are plenty of other activities you can dive into! Ever tried extreme croquet?

Do you know how to make wine or brew beer?

How about blacksmithing or woodworking?

You can do all of those in butler County! You can also learn how to cook, pair wines with food, or all about teas and their history. There are about a dozen golf courses in the county and if you’ve never played, you can take lessons.

Visit a museum or experience life on an 18th century farm. Create jewelry from attractive

beads; try your hand at glassblowing; test out toys; paint your own pottery… the list goes on.

If you were wondering what there is to do in butler County before reading this article, hopefully you’re aware now. Despite the lack of a typical tourist attraction, like a beach, mountains or theme park, butler County holds a lot of small treasures. These treasures make the area perfect for a weekend getaway to escape from life’s pressures. Another (and possibly one of the most important) reasons a butler County vacation is different, is that it’s affordable. Chances are you can make the trip on less than a tank of gas. And we urge you to do so!

This I ndustr y I nsig h t was written by the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau.

Chow down. From quaint cafés to fancy restaurants, there is a little bit of everything in the food department. Eaters on a budget and those looking to splurge can both find an eatery to satisfy their needs. While chowing down, you can drink up, too. The county has three wineries and a microbrewery. Don’t forget one of the season’s most tempting options – fairs and festivals! A full calendar of events is available to give you the where and when; but believe us, there are plenty of chances to indulge in funnel cake and cheese fries.

Get out. When there isn’t something on the calendar, we urge you to get out and explore the county’s wonderful green space. Go birding or hiking at Todd Nature Reserve or along the North Country Trail; take a guided hike or participate in a nature program at Jennings Environmental Education Center; or go geocaching and biking along the butlerFreeport Trail. Last but not least, Moraine State Park (Pennsylvania’s #1 State Park) offers just about every outdoor activity imaginable: biking, birding, boating, disc golf, fishing, geocaching, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming, wildlife watching and windsurfing.

Spring 2010 | IN Mars Area |

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   MARS SCHOOL DISTRICT & IN MARS MAGAZINE

A World That’s Not My Own Suzanne Nuttall Grade 11 Walking around on an unmarked path, the moon is my only guide as I stumble in the darkness.

I look for familiar landmarks. only to see that I am lost.

The animals surround me and guide me to the lake.

The lake is a reflection to the world.

Within it you can find your true self, but only if you look hard enough.

Look long, hard, and deep, and you will see the missing pieces come together.

I look at the world that surrounds me in views that are not mu own, but everyone’s.

I see the beauty.

I see the pain and hurt.

I see the love and laughter.

I see the mother that cares for her children, and never turns her back.

I feel the gentle caressing wind that winds around me and soothes me to sleep.

I hear the birds and cricket’s lullaby, as it too helps lay me to sleep.

I see the moon as my comforter and nightlight.

The shadows are at bay, but still hold my deepest fears.

I see the world in many ways.

Some that aren’t my own.

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Seagulls at the beach

My “You and I”

Kayla King Grade 9

Dominic Costentino Grade 11

The sea’s lullaby sings me a tune Within minutes, I’m asleep on the dunes.

Angry waves swallow up the sandy shore, Seagulls cry as the water hits once more.

They scurry, scamper, and skip, as I watch, one falls in and takes a dip.

The beach becomes alive.

Dolphins take me for a ride, eels beneath my feet slither and slide.

Fish kiss my palm and jump out of the sea, glittering corals hug my knee.

The ocean’s spray mists my face, I soak it up, not letting a drop go to waste.

Starfish clink to my every move, even sharks get into the groove!

Glistening turtles take me away.

If only the beach was alive every day.

Then a dark shadow, a giant tail!

Clearing my eyes, I see it’s a whale!

Sitting on its fountain of water, he lifts me into the clouds.

The beach goers start to form crowds.

Cheering spectators scream from the sea foam.

My mom shakes me awake; “Kayla, it’s time to go home.”

Many thanks to Darcy Silbaugh who coordinated the Mars SD/In Mars Magazine Poetry Contest.

Mrs. Silbaugh has been teaching at Mars School District for four years and currently teaches 11th grade English. She lives in Cranberry Township and is pursuing her Masters in English at Slippery Rock University. | IN Mars Area

I see the sunshine in your hair Waving in this winter air It’s moving now so I can see Clearly You grab me by the wrist and arm Not with your hand, but with your charm Now I can see that I was lost Without you You call out my name Oh, I wish this could change Right here, right now but that’s not our story When you came out to me I know you believed That we could be My “You and I” I feel you brush against my skin Your perfect touch feels like a sin ‘Cause every time I feel my breath Leave me You look at me with sunken eyes You know I know you’re sick of crying Time will wipe these tears away believe me You call out my name Oh, I wish this could change Right here, right now but that’s not our story When you came out to me I know you believed That we could be My “You and I” Only time will tell How this pain, oh it swells Grab my hopes as I yell I’ll catch your tears as you watch me fall…

(No Title) Robert Ashmore Grade 11 A Million last breaths make the Winds of Change

There Once was This Girl

Champion Abbi Wright Grade 11

Kady Huber Grade 10

that pushes the leaders on.

They who will soon join those breaths with their voices of victory or the cries of their defeat.

Adding to its strength slowly, the change will become undeniable, unstoppable like a titan without restraint, it without any “flaw”.

It will break the chains and destroy anything in its way, innocen t or not.

There once was this girl.

A Thousand innocent tears make the Seas of Time

So strong on the outside, but on the inside you’d never know.

that drowns any escape the serene end of death.

Each fighting to keep the shreds of what they once had.

To keep waking in an afterlife, trapped by broken memoirs of a shattered consciousness.

They, sorting through what is left in the silence that exist in the ears who can no longer hear. but in the broken ears of the once silenced can be heard the single memory of a beating heart.

A Hundred heartbeats bring a Creature into Life This new being has its own mind and in turn, its own spirit.

Given that these exist, it will be posed with questions.

Each question will lead to its own end.

Ten questions make the Lives of Men Each creates the man, each more difficult than the last, each leading to a different end, down a single path.

A Single path makes a Man Made up not of the great change, a thousand sadnesses, or the creation of life.

It is the mixture.

The even parts of all of them that create a Human being.

It is choices of what to do with these things, that make us what we are.

Not how they affect us, but how we choose to deal with them.

She was strong, and lovely.

She was sarcastic, and funny.

She heard what you said, She took it to heart.

You probably didn’t know that.

She’d never let it show.

She was strong, and lovely.

She was sarcastic, and funny.

It wasn’t really “all about her” Though that’s what people thought.

She didn’t think like that And she didn’t like that people thought she did.

She was strong, and lovely.

She was sarcastic, and funny.

She hid a lot behind her smile, Sometimes she cried at night.

Love came for her before, She fell deep and hard.

She was strong, and lovely.

She was sarcastic, and funny. but boys move, And boys are dumb.

She knew that now, And she couldn’t care less.

One boy would find her some day, Love would come for her eventually.

And it would all be okay.

Waiting, Your heart ticking clock…

Tick toc, tick tock.

There’s two of you, One red, one green.

What you want is to defeat.

The whistle sounds.

You’re off!

Crowds cheering, Families fearing, You can’t give up!

Put all your strength into it.

Power, might, intelligence.

You must outwit your opponent…

Takedown You earn two points.

You are now on top.

It is where you want to be.

You need to keep it up…

You need to watch your every move, On your way to victory.

Crowds still cheering, Your energy level is low.

That is no excuse thought.

Fifteen seconds, roll him over, You have him down, Just push and push… bAM! A hand pounds the floor.

People cheer and cheer some more.

You are so happy, You defeated, You overcame the biggest obstacle.

They raise your hand.

Claps, clapping all around.

You give a smile, but no sound.

Pictures, smiles, cameras, “Congratulations,” They will all soon begin. because you just made a Win, And now you are the CHAMPION!

She was strong, and lovely.

She was sarcastic, and funny.

Spring 2010 | IN Mars Area |

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Mix and Mingle with the Steelers for

Mars Home for Youth Sherry Jo Matt & Tom Bott, Shellyn & Tom Shoenthal

ommittee person Sherry Jo Matt(with Tom bott) hosted a lovely evening for friends of Mars Home for Youth. Guests were able to mingle with many from the Pittsburgh Steeler organization. Players generously signed sports merchandise of all kinds and chatted with guests. Chair person Monica Goodwin (with coach Harold) coordinated the players, who came out in support of a new sports court for Mars Home for Youth. Guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet, silent auction and live music. For more information on Mars Home for Youth or to make a donation, check out their web site at www.marshomeforyouth.org.

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Tara Alston & David Johnson

Jeff Reed

LaMar Woodley, Kevin Kaminski & Luke Colella

Coach Ken Anderson with Kristie, Jeff & Laurie Waller

We carry a w ide selection of F O U N T A I N S , S T A T U A RY and a complete line of W A T E R G A RD E N I N G and PO N D S U PPL I E S . We also install, maintain and service PO N D S , W A T E RF A L L S & F O U N T A I N S M enti on th i s ad and g et 1 0 % off nex t p urc h ase.

C all or visit us at 1 6 1 5 B abcock B oulevard • Pittsburgh, PA 1 5 2 0 9

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PA # 0 5 1 0 6 5

Are you having a fund raising event?

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e lov e p arties!

Send us the inf ormation and w e' ll d o our b est to g et y our org aniz ation some w ell-d eserv ed recog nition.

P lease send inf ormation to mary b eth@ incommunity -mag az ines. com

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E nsure your child a solid foundation and become part of our family at Little H ouseh Our classroom teachers are dedicated to providing a nurturing and safe environment for your child to grow and learnh • All meals and snacks provided • Creative, H ands-On curriculum Ages 1 and U ph • Enr ichment Classes Offered W eekly • N EW More Spacious Classroomsh

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Spring 2010 | IN Mars Area |

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WORSHIP NEWS Valencia Presbyterian Church Invites The Community to G.R.O.W. With us This Spring Valencia Presbyterian Church is inviting all area residents to Get Renewed on Wednesdays (G.R.O.W.) every Wednesday from 6 - 8 p.m. this spring through April 21st.

G.R.O.W. will kick off each Wednesday with dinner at 6 p.m. and programs beginning at 7 p.m. for every age group in the family.

The highlights will include a Small Group Study on a proven 7-Step Guide to Financial Freedom, an Adult Study on The Miracles of Jesus and local outreach opportunities, fun and biblical learning.

RSVP by calling the church office at 724.625.2002 or visit the church web site at www.valenciapresbyterian.com

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT! Please submit your information, including a phone number and e-mail information to: marybeth@incommunitymagazines.com

or call

724.942.0940

Spring 2010

a r s Ar ea

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Equestrian Dreams Horse Farms of Butler County

Mars Area School District Quarterly Newsletter

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Birdsof aFeather

By Sandy Trozzo

he first thing visitors to Wild bird Recovery notice is the greeting committee – a group of noisy geese. beth McMaster has turned her home of 50 years in Middlesex Township into an avian sanctuary and rehabilitation facility, caring for birds ranging from the exotic – a white cockatoo named boo – to the ordinary – several injured pigeons from Pittsburgh.

“We’ve really just turned the whole place into Wild bird Recovery,” she said.

It was boo that got McMaster interested in rehabilitating birds when she was able to purchase the umbrella cockatoo from an abusive owner.

Now, boo lives in a big cage in the front room of the medical facility, greeting guests with “pretty, pretty lady.”

Also in residence are Trevor, a rooster with neurological problems, an American kestrel named Orion, a barred owl named Kele and a crow named Russell. “I didn’t name him,” McMaster said, chuckling.

Then there are the nine geese, a peacock, turkeys, chickens and a guinea.

Other birds – between 350 and 400 per year – come and go at the rehab facility. McMaster said people bring her injured or baby birds from all over the area, as far south as Washington County.

She holds licenses from the u.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Pennsylvania Fish and Game Commission to care for injured birds and do education programs.

McMaster volunteered for another wildlife center for two years, and became licensed in 2000. She estimates that she has treated approximately 3,300 birds since then.

“This is the slow season – no babies. babies make it really busy,” she said. “I get babies that just came out of the egg.” baby birds are kept in makeshift incubators.

“Critter houses” that are sold for reptiles and similar pets are put on heating pads to make an incubator. baby birds fall out of nests and kids play rough with them. And, sometimes, they abuse them.

“Abuse from kids is getting to be a problem,” she said, citing one patient, a pigeon that was injured when kids pelted it with hard snowballs.

Another pigeon is recuperating after a woman in Pittsburgh repeatedly tried to run it over with a baby stroller.

“This time of year, we get a lot of pigeons,” she said. “There’s a lady in Pittsburgh who brings us a lot of pigeons.”

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Current patients include a mourning dove that was likely hit by a car and a house finch with conjunctivitis which, in birds, is a respiratory infection that is diagnosed through crusty eyes.

After five weeks of treatment, he will be released back into the air, she said.

When they first arrive, the birds are kept in cages in the rehab hospital. When they are better, they stay in one of two outdoor aviaries until it is time to release them, she said, adding that she has a 65-67 percent release rate.

“We do whatever it takes – splint broken limbs, give them antibiotics for cat bites,” she said.

Cats carry bacteria in their mouths that are deadly to birds, she added. Even a tiny puncture will allow the bacteria to enter the bird.

McMaster also does education program for groups on wildlife rehabilitation, chimney swifts and setting up a backyard habitat. She teaches them how to set up water features in their yard to attract birds and how to feed birds during the winter.

People should clean the bird feeders frequently, she said. Also, cutting down perennials in the spring rather than the fall allows birds to have access to seeds in the winter. Good plants for birds include blackEyed Susans, Ox-Eye Daisies, blazing Stars, Phlox, Swamp Milkweed and Strawberries.

She will tailor any education program to a class or Scout group to help them earn badges, she added.

McMaster will receive a Jefferson Award for Public Service this year. She said she has mixed feelings about the honor.

“I don’t like to have accolades for myself. This isn’t about me,” she said. but, she added, the award will draw attention to wildlife rehabilitation.

“Pennsylvania rehabbers are few and far between, and we really do have to beg for money.

There’s no funding for us.”

Spring 2010 | IN Mars Area |

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Kimberly Giannamore Pam McGready

Equestrian Dreams

By Sandy Trozzo he northern suburbs may be experiencing tremendous growth, but there are still places where children and adults can learn horseman skills.

Candy Lane Acres in Franklin Park, Silver Crest Equestrian in Middlesex Township and Rockin’ Horse Stables, Zelienople, offer horse boarding and private lessons in various disciplines.

Candy Lane Acres is the oldest, and smallest, of the three.

“We just started out with my horses and we kind of grew and grew. My dad built the original barn,” said Candy Stair.

Candy Lane Acres is 45 years old, but Stair’s mother, Marlene Hilderbrand, turned the farm into a business more than more than 20 years ago.

The relatively small – 7.5 acres – farm offers English jumping and Western riding lessons, and is a popular spot for summer horse camps.

The farm has thrived despite the suburban growth all around it. “Thank God we’re grandfathered in,” Stair said of the zoning around the farm. “I used to ride all around here as a kid. Now, it’s overgrown.”

Stair operates the farm with her mother and daughters, Chelsie, 18, and Hayley, 15, who show quarter horses. “It’s really kind of unique because we’re all female. We try to do as much as we can ourselves.”

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Lessons are given in the evenings and on weekends, and the students compete in shows, some of which are through the 4H clubs. They recently built a 75-foot-by-155-foot indoor arena, with a viewing room for parents to watch the action.

The farm also leases horses to the students. “We supply the tack and everything. All they have to do is come and ride. It gives them extra riding time,” she said. “I have lot of mothers and sons, and mothers and sons and siblings who all ride together.”

Candy Lane also does programs with Franklin Park’s recreation department and operates nine summer horse camps.

Silver Crest Equestrian is the largest, and offers private lessons in dressage, three-day eventing and western riding.

Dressage is basically horse training. That and three-day eventing are English disciplines, said Pam McCready, three-day eventing coach and riding instructor. Three-day eventing includes dressage as well as stadium and crosscountry jumping.

McCready said Silver Crest has been in business for 10 years, but the 33-acre property has been a horse farm much longer.

The farm has 54 horses on its property, some owned by the school and others boarded by customers.

“We are very active in the horse show community. Our students do a lot of showing in three different regions and we’ve had students who have gone onto some national championships as well as local and regional,” McCready said.

She said one of her favorite parts of her job is watching the students progress in skill.

“I have students that I’ve had for 10 years and I started out with them when they were 7 or 8 and can barely ride,” she said. | IN Mars Area

She said she also enjoys those who just come out and ride once a week.

“You get away from daily grind. There’s something very peaceful about being able to be out with the animals.”

The newest horse farm in the area is Rockin’ Horse Stables, Zelienople, which opened four years ago.

Owner and head trainer Kimberly Giannamore said the property used to be a junkyard, and the land had to be reclaimed.

“It wasn’t easy. They had big sales here.

They had an auction to come out and pick up the old vehicles. Metal detectors were brought in to get all the junk out of the ground. It was definitely quite the sight,” she said.

Giannamore originally started out near Sewickley. “We did what we could there. It was a hillside. The pastures were really tough to let horses out without worrying about them getting hurt,” she said.

Rockin’ Horse is 27 acres and contains five paddocks.

“We advanced every year,” Giannamore said. “We try to put up new jumps. Last year, we added a lunch pit. Every year we try to add something for the boarders to look forward to.”

The facility offers hunter and jumper training to children and adults.

Jumper is a timed event. Hunter is “a little more laid back” and is based on performance.

The farm also breeds horses with b Man’s bid as stud. The horse is the son of Spectacular bid, the horse that won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness in 1979, only to lose the belmont after he stepped on a paper clip in his stall the morning of the race. Spectacular bid won more than $2 million during his career, Giannamore said.

She is currently trying to train a 6-year-old wild stallion that was rescued. “I actually got a saddle on him, and lived through it.”

Question and Answer with a Vein Specialist

hen people at my son’s school, at parties or even at sporting events find out that I specialize in venous disease I often find myself being flooded with a variety of questions. There is a reoccurring theme to these questions so I thought it might be helpful to answer a few.

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Do I have to have bulging veins like I see in pictures to get my legs evaluateds No, since most veins lie deep to the skin surface, vein disorders are not always visible to the naked eye. A physical examination teamed with a diagnostic ultrasound should be used to determine the condition of the veins. The ultrasound examination gives us a real time and detailed view of the patients’ varicose vein system.

Patients are often surprised to see how extensive and complicated their varicose veins are.

What are some symptoms of venous diseases Not everyone has visible symptoms of venous disease. For some patients, their only indicator is the aching they have in their leg or legs. For other patients, in time, their varicose veins can become enlarged and in some cases, quite

prominent. They can be seen in some individuals as ropey or raised lumps in the thighs, legs, calves and ankles. Other symptoms of venous disease include pain, aching, fatigue, heaviness, cramping, throbbing, itching, burning and swelling. Symptoms of venous disease may worsen with standing or walking for prolonged periods. Many patients state that after shopping at Walmart or Costco their legs are “killing them”. Severe venous disease can compromise the nutrition of the skin and lead to eczema, inflammation or even ulceration.

Who suf f ers f rom venous diseases I often hear that patients think that the pain, aching and swelling of their legs is just a part of “getting older” because they remember their mother or father having the same complaints.

Although age is not a determining factor, heredity is the number one contributing factor in venous disease, followed by gender, with women being more likely to suffer from venous disease than men.

Who should I talk to about my complaintss I will often use the analogy “when your car is making a funny noise, you would take it to your

mechanic, not your hair dresser.” As with any medical condition you should have your complaints evaluated by a physician. I advise patients to see a physician who specializes in venous disease, known as a phlebologist.

Phlebology is recognized by the American Medical Association and is the field of medicine that focuses on veins.

A board certified phlebologist should determine if you have venous disease, determine severity if disease is present and develop a treatment plan. As with many medical conditions there is a spectrum of disease as well as treatment options. Therefore, it is important to seek the help of a specialist who is well rounded in their knowledge of the entire field of phlebology as opposed to just one treatment option.

What are the health implications of venous diseases Implications widely vary, based on the patient and the extent of disease. Varicose veins can cause a range of unsightly nuisances to medical problems including leg and foot ulcers, spontaneous bleeding, superficial thrombophlebitis (clots in the veins causing painful inflammation) and even deep vein thrombosis which is potentially life-threatening.

Does insurance cover the treatmentss When a patient comes for the evaluation of their complaints, their visit is covered, just as if they were going to their primary care physician for an office visit. If a patient has a co-pay, deductible or co-insurance that would, as in any doctors visit, be applicable. If a patient’s insurance requires a referral for a specialist then that would be required for their visit to the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh, because I am a general surgeon.

This I ndustr y I nsig h t was written by Lisa Kay Salser.

Terrance R. Krysinski, MD General Surgeon Board Certified Phlebologist Vein Institute of Pittsburgh 724.934.VEIN (8346)

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| IN Mars Area

S P R I N G

inner is...

W l a d Me

Hey kids- swing

by the library to check out the new Caldec ott Medal Winner!

The Caldecott M edal was named in hono r of nineteenth century English illus Randolph Caldec trator ott. It is awarded annual ly by the Association for Libr to Children, a di ary Service vision of the American Librar y Association, to the artis distinguished Am t of the most erican picture book for childre n.

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The 2010 Caldecott Medal winner is T h e Lion & th e M ouse, illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney (Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers).

The screech of an owl, the squeak of a mouse and the roar of a lion transport readers to the Serengeti plains for this virtually wordless retelling of Aesop’s classic fable. In glowing colors, Pinkney’s textured watercolor illustrations masterfully portray the relationship between two very unlikely friends.

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Spring 2010 | IN Mars Area |

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| IN Mars Area

COLO-RECTAL ASSOCIATES 25 years experience specializing in all problems of the colon and rectum

Brad Levinson, MD

Board-Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon • A Colonoscopy is the only proven method to PREVENT colon and rectal cancer.

• Colon and rectal cancer is ALWAYS preventable.

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• New colonoscopy bowel preparations. NO MORE GALLON SOLUTIONS!

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724-741-6070

Spring 2010 | IN Mars Area |

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M AR S AR E A SC H OOL D I ST R I C T 545 Route 228 • Mars, PA 16046 (724) 625-1518

Board of School Directors Kimberly Geyer, President J. Dayle Ferguson, Vice President Rebecca Brown Rita Dorsch Gordon Marburger H. Ross McConnell Christian Ola Christine Stroup Bonnie L. Weaver

District Information Web site ............................................................ www.marsk12.org The eCommunicator ................................. Subscribe online at www.marsk12.org Mars Area School District -TV .................... Cable Ch. 50; Digital Cable Ch. 209 Community Information Line ...... (724) 625-1581, press 1 Sports Information Line ............... (724) 625-1581, press 3

Administration Dr. William Pettigrew....................................... Superintendent Dr. Sharon A. Kamicker.................. Assistant Superintendent Jill L. Swaney .................................................. Business Manager Frank Randza ..................................... Maintenance Supervisor Jeffrey bitzer ......................................... Director of Technology Josh Schwoebel .......................... Director of Communications Jane Roth............................................. Transportation Contact Scott Heinauer ................................................ Athletic Director Liz Peters...............................Food Service Director, Nutrition Inc.

Mars Area High School Todd Kolson ................................................................ Principal Dale Sleva Jr. ............................................... Assistant Principal

Mars Area Middle School Richard Cornell ............................................................ Principal

Mars Area Centennial School Todd Lape .................................................................... Principal

Mars Area Elementary School Robert Zaccari .............................................................. Principal

Mars Area Primary Center Dr. Elizabeth McMahon............................................. Principal

O f f ice of Special Education Q Pupil Services Dr. Susan Cunnup ................... Director of Special Education Anna Saker ....................................... Director of Pupil Services Scott Semow ....... School Psychologist, Intermediate Unit IV Richard Glosser ....... School Psychologist, Intermediate Unit IV

2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1 Sc h ool C a lenda r Adopted The first day of school for the 2010-2011 school year will be Tuesday, Sept. 7, as Mars Area School Board unanimously approved next year’s school calendar.

The later start date was selected because of the ongoing Mars Area High School renovation and expansion project, which is scheduled to be completed this summer.

The calendar does not include an extended Spring Break, but only includes the Friday before (April 22) and the Monday after (April 25) Easter. Thanksgiving Break will be held from Thursday, Nov. 25 through Monday, Nov. 29.

Winter Break will be held from Friday, Dec. 24, through, Friday, Dec. 31, with an Act 80 Day on Thursday, Dec. 23.

Students and staff members will return to school on Monday, Jan. 3.

The last day of school will be on Tuesday, June 13.

To view the 2010-2011 School Calendar, visit www.marsk12.organd click on the “District Calendar” link.

B oa r d R eor g a niz es, W elc om es New M em b er

Mars Area principals Elizabeth McMahon, Mars Area Primary Center; Robert Zaccari, Mars Area Elementary School; Todd Lape, Mars Area Centennial School; Richard Cornell, Mars Area Middle School; and Todd Kolson, Mars Area High School; display banners recognizing their school’s achievement of AYP for two consecutive years.

Sc h ools Ac h iev e AYP f or Sec ond C onsec utiv e Yea r Each of Mars Area School District’s five school buildings was recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for achieving AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) for two consecutive years.

Mars Area Primary Center, Mars Area Elementary School, Mars Area Centennial School, Mars Area Middle School and Mars Area High School each attained AYP during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 school years.

The recognition was co-sponsored by the Pennsyl-vania Association of Federal Program Coordinators.

Mars Area School Board welcomed new board member Rita Dorsch at its Reorganization Meeting in December.

Dorsch, who worked as a science teacher and curriculum leader at Mars Area Middle School, retired at the end of the 2008-2009 school year.

“When I made my decision to retire ... I knew that I still D istr ic t I m plem ents Online wanted to be involved in education,” said Dorsch, adding M ea l P a y m ent Sy stem that she hopes to offer her knowledge of District curriculum, Mars Area School District has implemented a new syswhile learning from her fellow Board members about the vartem for parents to check the status of their child’s school ious other aspects of District business.

Dorsch and her husband, Tom, a special education breakfast and lunch accounts through myLunchMoney. teacher at Mars Area Centennial School, live in Mars. The com.

The Web site enables parents to check a student’s accouple has two children, Kaylan, 24, and Zach, 17.

Mars Area School Board also reorganized for 2010, re- count balance via a computer, phone or fax as well as to sign electing Kimberly Geyer as Board President and electing J. up for “low balance” e-mail notifications. Parents may also acDayle Ferguson as Vice President. Other Board members cess their child’s spending history online to monitor what are Dorsch, Rebecca S. Brown, Gordon Marburger, H. types of foods are being purchased.

To enroll, parents will need to visit www.myLunch Ross McConnell, Christian Ola, Christine Stroup and Bonnie L. Weaver.

Money.comand click “Enroll Now.” Parents will need to creWork sessions and regular Board meetings will continue ate an account for themselves and their children, entering to be held at 7 p.m. on the first and second Tuesday of the each child’s District ID number (listed on each child’s report month, respectively, with some exceptions. Remaining meet- card by their name). ing dates for 2010 are March 2 and 16, April 6 and 13, May Credit card information will be required if parents wish 4 and 11, June 1 and 8, July 20, Aug. 10 and 17, Sept. 7 and 14, to pre-pay online for a student’s breakfast, lunch or a la carte Oct. 5 and 19, Nov. 2 and 9, and Dec. 7. food items.

The Board will continue to meet in the boardroom at Note: There is a fee to pre-pay online, however; there in no fee the District’s Administration Office, 545 Route 228, Mars, to pre-pay at the school cafeteria. Parents may also select an autoPa. 16046. All meetings are open to the public. matic pre-payment option.

For more information, call (724) 625-1518.

To enroll by phone, parents may call (800) 479-3531.

The call center is also available to answer questions regarding the use of www.myLunchMoney.com.

For more information, call (724) 625-1988.

Mars Area School District Taxpayer Bill of Rights Notice

You are entitled to receive a written explanation of your rights with regard to the assessment, audit, appeal, enforcement, refund and collection of certain School District taxes. The written explanation is titled Mars Area School District Taxpayer Bill of Rights Statement. Upon receiving a request from you, the School District will give a copy of the Disclosure Statement at no charge. You may request a copy in person or by mailing a request to: Mars Area School District; 545 Route 228; Mars, Pa. 16046. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on any weekday other than a holiday. A copy will also be mailed to you if you call the School District at (724) 625-1518.

Mars Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and handicap in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504.

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district news C onstr uc tion C ontinues on H ig h Sc h ool P r oj ec t

F eder a l G r a nt to B enef it D istr ic t’ s T itle I P r og r a m

Construction on the $12.3 million Mars Area High School renovation and expansion project continues as crews are completing the installation of all masonry walls in the school’s new two-story rear wing.

All partition walls on the first floor of the rear wing have been erected, said John Hays, construction manager with Thomas & Williamson Program Management.

All windows have been installed on both floors of the rear wing and all brickwork and the roof have been completed, says Hays. Installation of all mechanical, electrical and plumbing lines as well as the HVAC ducts in the rear wing is underway.

Crews are putting the finishing touches on the school’s new pre-engineering and robotics classrooms, located in the school’s former art rooms. All finish work is completed in the new guidance/nurse’s office and faculty dining area (located to the left of the high school’s main entrance) and District staff members have begun to move into the new areas.

The school’s Large Group Instruction (LGI) and computer rooms, located in the former auxiliary auditorium, are also finished and available for use.

The new broadcast/television studio, also located in the former auxiliary auditorium, is temporarily being used to accommodate several of the school’s foreign language classes until their permanent classrooms have been completed in the rear wing.

Mars Area School District has received $96,964 in Title I Stimulus Grant funding from the United States Department of Education.

The monies will be used to purchase one computer and printer for each classroom with identified Title I students, said Dr. Sharon Kamicker, assistant superintendent. Mars Area Primary Center will receive 14 computers and Mars Area Elementary School will have 26 computers.

Title I students will have access to the computers during the school day to practice and reinforce their reading, writing and mathematics skills. Each computer will be loaded with specific reading and math software.

The impact on students’ achievement and improvements to their reading and math performance as a result of using the computers will be monitored and reported, said Kamicker.

The purpose of Title I is to ensure that all children have a fair and equal opportunity to obtain a high quality education and to reach proficiency on state academic achievement standards and assessments.

A student’s eligibility to participate in Title I is based on multiple, education-related criteria. Title I staff members analyze assessment data to identify those students who are in need of additional support in reading and mathematics.

Once the student has been identified, the Title I Team obtains parental permission to include the student in small group lessons within the classroom. Lessons are held two to three days per week under the direction of a Title I reading specialist and/or math teacher.

Title I Team members work with the individual classroom teacher to schedule small group lessons so that a student is not missing out on regular curriculum lessons.

Parents of Title I students looking for ways to support their child’s reading and mathematics skills at home are invited to join Mars Area School District’s Title I Parent Advisory Council (PAC) program.

Various workshops are held throughout each school year, offering take-home educational activities, helpful hints and games to help support a child’s reading and math skills at home.

For more information, visit www.marsk12.org.

C om m ittee C onsider s B enef its of C om m unity R ec r ea tion P la n Mars Area Community Council Parks & Recreation Study Committee held its initial meeting last week to discuss the opportunities and obstacles that may come with the creation of a community-wide parks and recreation plan.

In July 2008, Mars Area School Board approved a resolution establishing the District as a participating member in a joint application for a $10,000 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) “peer-to-peer project” parks and recreation grant.

The grant application was a recommendation of Mars Area Community Council’s Parks & Recreation Committee, which is comprised of Mars Area School Board members and representatives of Middlesex and Adams townships as well as Mars and Valencia boroughs.

The grant required the formation of the Parks & Recreation Study Committee, which must include at least one elected official and one community member from each of the four municipalities and the School District.

Committee members are Kimberly Geyer and Dayle Ferguson, Mars Area School Board members; as well as Russell Fordand Chuck Roudarepresenting Adams Township; Mark Vincent and Cindy Knauff, Middlesex Township; JoAnn Rogers and Ken Scott, Mars Borough; and Mike Sirianni, Randy Smith and Carolyn Smith, Valencia Borough; and Steven Georgiadis, community/ youth sports. The committee will be responsible for any final decisions regarding the scope of study.

The process of establishing an overall parks and recreation plan is two-fold, said Bob Good of Pashek Associates, who has been hired by the committee through DCNR to serve as a peer consultant.

Crews are putting the finishing touches on the high school’s new pre-engineering classrooms including the robotics classroom (above).

At left, work continues on the school’s new two-story rear wing.

Construction will continue throughout the 2009-2010 school year. District administrators are working to make accommodations for students whose classes have been temporarily moved to other portions of the building.

The District is working to ensure that any disruption to the students’ educational experience remains minimal during the construction project.

To view photos of the construction project, visit the Mars Area High School page of the District’s Web site, www.marsk12.org, and click on the “Construction” link.

First, the committee will identify existing programs and facilities as well as discuss expanding the number of recreation opportunities available to residents of the entire Mars Area and the obstacles that may be faced moving forward.

Committee members agreed that a community-wide plan could increase participation by providing for a wider variety of programs for more age groups from children to senior citizens; improve existing facilities to accommodate increasing demand; maximize fund-raising and volunteer efforts; expand non-traditional sports groups; and create a centralized information source for parks and recreation.

Second, the committee will discuss the types of agreements needed to outline intergovernmental cooperation to establish and/or manage recreation facilities and programming. Four types of intergovernmental agreements are available including Handshake, Council of Governments, Joint Authority, and Act 177 agreements, said Good.

An Act 177 agreement, the most common, requires a written, legally binding agreement that allows for more flexibility, specifies purpose and can be as expansive or limiting as the municipalities decide.

Under Act 177, a board of elected or appointed officials would serve as the primary decision-making body in regards to parks and recreation, he said. The board would not include any non-governmental groups; however representatives of community sports organizations and businesses would be encouraged to offer input.

Moving forward, Good will be reviewing Adams and Middlesex townships comprehensive parks and recreation plans as well as identifying all existing facilities and programs.

The Parks & Recreation Study Committee will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18, at Mars Area School District Administration Office, 545 Route 228, Mars, Pa. 16046. The meeting is open to the public.

For more information, call (724) 625-1518.

D istr ic t P a r tic ipa ting in P r ev ention V ideo P r og r a m Mars Area School District is participating in a “Prevention Video of the Month” program, held in partnership with The Alliance (Against Highly Addictive Drugs) and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

The program offers a series of parent and community education videos, which may be viewed at The Alliance’s Web site, www.drug-alliance.org, via the “Multimedia” link.

Note: A high-speed Internet connection is required to view the videos.

The videos discuss teen drug use, drug prevention and the devastating effects of drug addiction. Parents may download talking points for each video from the Alliance Web site, which also offers a discussion blog.

For more information, visit www.drug-alliance.org.

Spring 2010

IN Mars Area

3 3

making a difference

Sc h ool a c tiv ities, f und- r a iser s a id loc a l c h a r ities

Students at Mars Area Middle School carry items donated to Mars Home for Youth as part of the school’s Charity and Spirit committees’ Holiday Giving Drive. Below, Mars Area Centennial School students make donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure as part of the school’s annual “Hats for Heroes” fund-raiser.

Students at Mars Area School District strive each year to make a difference in their local community.

Through a variety of fund-raisers, charitable contributions and other activities, Mars Area students and staff members continue to work to help those in need so far this year.

At Mars Area High School, members of the school’s Interact Club sponsored a Fall Community Pep Rally & Food Drive to benefit The Lighthouse Foundation in Middlesex Township.

Student Council, in partnership with Butler County Salvation Army, held its annual “Treasures for Children” program to provide children and families in need in and around the area with gifts during the holidays.

Student Council also held its annual Winter Coat Drive to benefit Glade Run Presbyterian’s Boaz House as well as several Blood Drives, held in cooperation with Central Blood Bank.

And, Student Council also participated in its inaugural “Hats for Heroes” fund-raiser to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Members of National Honor Society held a Canned Food Drive to benefit The Lighthouse Foundation and volunteered at Adams Township’s annual “Santa in the Park” event. Mars Area High School Marching Band members offered a Paper Football Sale with proceeds benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

At Mars Area Middle School, the Charity Committee raised $60.64 through a Halloween “Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin” Contest and held a Thanksgiving Food Drive. Both fund-raisers benefited The Lighthouse

Foundation.

Members of the school’s Charity and Spirit committees collected clothing and other basic necessities for a Holiday Giving Drive to benefit Mars Home for Youth and the Charity and Intramural committees raised $3,850.93 as part of an annual “Hats for Heroes” fund-raiser to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Mars Area Middle School’s Environmental Committee held a Sweater/Coat Drive to benefit The Lighthouse Foundation and an Athletic Shoe Recycling for Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe Program.

The school’s Environmental Committee is continuing its annual Recycling Campaign.

The committee is recycling aluminum cans to benefit Habitat for Humanity; aluminum can tabs for Mars History & Landmarks Society; and phone books to be donated to Consolidated Communications’ phone book recycling program, which recycles phone books into ceiling tiles.

Used ink and toner cartridges as well as all newspapers and office paper will be recycled to benefit Mars Area Middle School.

Members of the school’s Seventh and Eighth Grade choruses sang holiday carols for residents at local nursing facilities and at various other locations around the Mars Area community.

Mars Area Middle School and Mars Area Centennial School each collected and donated first aid and hygiene items to Brother’s Members of Mars Area High School Student Council along with advisors Tanis Rose Brother Foundation, a Pittsand Dr. Tina Bigante display some of the items donated to the school’s annual “Trea- burgh-based international aid sures for Children” program. This year’s program, held in cooperation with Butler organization.

County Salvation Army, will provide 100 children and five families in need with gifts The items were sent to during the holiday season.

Photos by Josh Schwoebel

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Haiti to aid the victims of January’s devastating earthquake.

Mars Area Cen-tennial School raised $3,694.07 as part of its annual “Hats for Heroes” fund-raiser to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The school also held an Angel Tree fund-raiser to benefit families in need in and around the Mars Area community.

Students in Megan Balawejder’s class at Mars Area Centennial School held their third annual Food Drive to benefit Butler County Salvation Army’s food bank. And, fifth- and sixth-graders participated in state Sen. Jane C. Orie’s annual Valentine’s for Veterans project.

Teachers and staff members at Mars Area Elementary School raised $290 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure as part of a Breast Cancer Awareness Month Jean Day and collected funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through Make-A-Wish Fridays.

The school also collected clothing and other items for Mars Home for Youth as part of the school’s annual Holiday Giving Tree program.

Mars Area Primary Center raised $1,686.70 and collected numerous non-perishable items to benefit The Lighthouse Foundation through the school’s annual Holiday Raffle & Food Drive.

Students could purchase raffle tickets for 25 cents each or by bringing in a non-perishable food item. The students could then use their tickets in a Chinese auction for toys and other items.

Mars Area Primary Center, Mars Area Elementary School and Mars Area Centennial School also held Sock Drives to benefit American troops stationed in Afghanistan.

Students and staff members at all of Mars Area’s school buildings are committed to serving the community and doing what they can to help those in need.

For more information about upcoming charitable events or activities, contact the individual school building.

what’s happening Sc h ola stic B ook F a ir s

Spr ing B r ea k

Spr ing C onc er ts

Mars Area School District’s elementary schools will offer Scholastic Book Fairs in March: Mars Area Primary Center — Monday through Friday, March 1-5 (724) 625-1588 Mars Area Centennial School — Monday through Friday, March 8-12 (724) 625-2601 Mars Area Elementary School— Monday through Thursday, March 22-25 (724) 625-3161 (Note: Event sponsored by Mars Area Elementary PTO.)

Mars Area School District will hold its Spring Break from Friday, April 2, through Monday, April 5.

Act 80 Days will be held on Wednesday, March 31, and Thursday, April 1, therefore there will be no school for students. Students and staff members will return to school on Tuesday, April 6.

For more information, call (724) 625-1518.

For details, contact the individual school building.

Mars Area School District will hold two Title I Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Workshops to wrap up the 20092010 School Year: Wednesday, March 4 — “Math Focus,” 5 to 6 p.m. at Mars Area Primary Center Wednesday, May 4 — “End-of-Year Title I Party: Looking Forward to Summer,” 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Mars Area Primary Center

Mars Area School District will offer various spring concerts in May. Performances will include: Monday, May 10 — High School Orchestra & Band Concert, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 11 — High School Chorus & Middle School Eighth Grade Chorus Concert, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 12 — Middle School Orchestra, Band, & Seventh Grade Chorus Concert, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 18— Centennial School Band, Chorus & Orchestra Concert, 6:30 p.m.

Spr ing Open H ouses Mars Area schools will offer several upcoming Spring Open House events: Mars Area Middle School— Thursday, Feb. 25, 6 to 8 p.m. (724) 625-3145. Mars Area Centennial School — Wednesday, March 10, 6 to 8 p.m. (724) 625-2601. Mars Area Primary Center— Tuesday, April 15, 6 to 8 p.m. (724) 625-1588. Mars Area Elementary School — Thursday, April 22, 6 to 8 p.m. (724) 625-3161.

For details, contact the individual school building.

T itle I P a r ent W or k sh op

Each workshop will offer parents of Title I students new ways to help their children improve their reading and math skills as well as provide materials that parents can use to help support their child’s education at home.

For more information, call (724) 625-1588.

All performances will be held in Mars Area High School auditorium. For more information, call the individual school building.

2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1 K inder g a r ten R eg istr a tion Mars Area Primary Center will hold Kindergarten Registration for the 2010-2011 school year from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, April 29-30.

Kindergarten is open to children who will be 5 years old on or before Tuesday, Sept. 1. Parents may stop by the school’s main office between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to obtain a registration packet.

For more information, call (724) 625-1588.

ev ents at a g lance AP R I L 2 9

M a r c h 2 2 - 2 5 PTO Book Fair @ Elementary School M a r c h 2 3 - 2 6 REACH/STRIVE Training @ Mars Alliance Church M a rc h 2 5 Elementary School Family Literacy Night, 6:15 to 8 p.m.

M a rc h 3 1 No School — Act 80 Day (Parent Conferences — Grades K-8); High School Blood Drive, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

AP R I L 3 0

M AR C H

AP R I L

M a rc h 1 -5

AP R I L 1

M AY 1 M AY 4

M a rc h 2

AP R I L 2 - 5 AP R I L 6

F E B R U AR Y F eb . 2 2

High School Financial Aid Night, 6:30 to 8 p.m. @ Auditorium Elementary PTO “New Parent Tea,” 9:30 to 11 a.m. @ Primary Center Spring Sports Physicals, 8 a.m. @ Middle School, 1 p.m. @ High School; Middle School Open House, 6 to 8 p.m.

F eb . 2 2 F eb . 2 5

M a rc h 4

M a rc h 5 M a rc h 8 M a rc h 8 M a rc h 1 M a rc h 1 M a rc h 1 M a rc h 1

M a rc h 1

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Primary Center Read Across America Week; Primary Center Book Fair Elementary PTO Meeting, 9:30 a.m. @ Middle School Title I Parent Advisory Council Workshop, 5 to 6 p.m. @ Primary Center; Primary Center Reading Jamboree, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Middle School Parent Advisory Board Meeting, 9:15 a.m.

Spring Varsity Sports Begin - 1 2 Centennial School Book Fair 0 Centennial School Open House, 6 to 8 p.m.; High School AFS/MISA Chapter Meeting, 7 p.m.

0 - 1 3 High School AFS/MISA International Days 3 SAT Test Date, 7:30 a.m. @ High School (SAT Reasoning Only) 5 Spring Junior High Sports Begin; High School Parent/Principal Communication Connection Meeting, 7 p.m. @ Cafeteria 7 Centennial School St. Patrick’s Day Party, Grade 5, 1 to 2 p.m., Grade 6, 2 to 3 p.m.; Market Day Pick-Up, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. @ Elementary School 8 Lifesteps Developmental Screenings, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. @Primary Center 9 - 2 0 Spring Musical, No, No, Nanette, 7:30 p.m. @ High School Auditorium

AP R I L 9 AP R I L 1 0 AP R I L 1 2

AP R I L 1 2 - 1 6 AP R I L 1 4 AP R I L 1 5

AP R I L 1 6 AP R I L 2 1 AP R I L 2 2 AP R I L 2 8

No School — Act 80 Day (Staff Development — Grades 9-12) Spring Break Elementary PTO Meeting, 9:30 a.m @ Primary Center Middle School Parent Advisory Board Meeting, 9:15 a.m.

ACT Test Date, 7:45 a.m. @ High School High School “Making College & College Count” 12th Grade Assembly; EXPLORE and PLAN testing @ High School Primary Center “Stuff the Bus” Diaper Drive High School AFS/MISA Chapter Meeting, 7 p.m.

Primary Center Open House, 6 to 8 p.m.; High School National Honor Society Induction, 7 p.m. @ Auditorium Middle School Spirit Dance/Activity Night, 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Market Day Pick-up, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. @ Elementary School Elementary School Open House, 6 to 8 p.m.

MAC Track & Field Invitational, 2 p.m. @ Mars Athletic Complex

Mars Area Junior High Track & Field Invitational, 2 p.m. @ Mars Athletic Complex; 2010-2011 Kindergarten Registration @ Primary Center Mars Area Varsity Track & Field Invitational, 1 p.m. @ Mars Athletic Complex; 2010-2011 Kindergarten Registration @ Primary Center

M AY

M AY 5 M AY 6 M AY 7

M AY 1 0 M AY 1 1

M AY 1 2

M AY 1 3

M AY 1 4 M AY 1 7 M AY 1 8

SAT Test Date Title I Parent Advisory Council Workshop, 5 to 6:30 p.m. @ Primary Center; Primary Center Teacher Luncheon Elementary School Teacher Luncheon Centennial School Teacher Luncheon Middle School Parent Advisory Board Meeting, 9:15 a.m.; Coffeehouse Gallery Art Showcase, 6 to 9 p.m. @ High School High School Band & Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m. @ Auditorium Elementary PTO Meeting, 9:30 a.m. @ Primary Center; High School Chorus & Middle School Eighth Grade Chorus Concert, 6:30 p.m. @ High School Auditorium Middle School Band, Orchestra & Seventh Grade Chorus Concert, 6:30 p.m. @ High School Auditorium; High School AFS/MISA Meeting Safe & Drug Free Schools & Community Council Meeting, 9 a.m. @ Administration Office; Centennial School Student Art Show, 6 to 8 p.m.

No School — Act 80 Day (Staff Development); High School 2010 Senior Prom Middle School Medieval Fair, 4 to 6 p.m.

Middle School Medieval Fair, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Centennial School Band, Chorus & Orchestra Concert, 6:30 p.m. @ High School Auditorium Spring 2010

IN Mars Area

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



Students in Mars Area Middle School’s Spanish I class locate Spain on a globe.

In Spanish I, students learn the basics of the language including grammar, vocabulary and expressions as well as cultures and traditions. Students also explore the Spanish-speaking world by learning about music, literature, science and art.



Courses highlight cultural differences, spark students’ interest in foreign traditions Students at Mars Area School District have a myriad of opportunities to experience foreign cultures through the District’s World Language curriculum that offers courses in Spanish, German, French and even Mandarin Chinese.

Mars Area Middle School offers Spanish to students beginning in eighth grade.

The course is optional; however, students are encouraged to begin their world language studies as early as possible to take advantage of all of the courses that will be available to them at the high school level, says Karen Kirch, Spanish I teacher at Mars Area Middle School.

In Spanish I, students learn the basics of the language including grammar, vocabulary and expressions as well as cultures and traditions. With each chapter, the students learn about a different Spanish-speaking country.

The students explore the Spanish-speaking world by learning about music, literature, science and art, says Kirch.

Students also have an opportunity to attend field trips related to their studies.

Once students graduate to Mars Area High School, students have the option to take a variety of world languages courses including Spanish I through Advanced Spanish IV and Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish V; French I through French IV; German I through Advanced German IV; and an online course in Mandarin Chinese.

While taking a second language is not a graduation requirement, District seventh- and eighth-graders are encouraged to enroll in a world language course during their freshman year at Mars Area High School, says Scott McCarthy, Spanish teacher at Mars Area High School.

Students are urged to take a language for at least three years at Mars Area High School, which enables the students obtain a basic understanding of the language, says Carol Wolcott, French I, II & III teacher at Mars Area High School.

Also, certain universities and colleges will waive foreign language requirements for students who have successfully completed three years of a second language at the high school level.

Most colleges and universities require that high

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IN Mars Area

school students have at least two or three years of a foreign language, while Ivy League schools require four years of a second language, says Erin Donahue, German II, III and Advanced German IV teacher at Mars Area High School.

Knowing a second language can also expose students to potential employment and travel opportunities, says Shawna Peters, German I & II teacher at Mars Area High School.

“Speaking a language other than English is a benefit for most jobs and careers,” says Erin Linden, Spanish II teacher at Mars Area High School.

Mars Area School District strives to prepare students for success at the next level, either at a college or university or in the work force, says Andrew Costigan, a longterm substitute German teacher at Mars Area High School.

There is concrete evidence, says Costigan, that students who take a second language in high school achieve higher scores on standardized tests.

Studying a second language can also help students to better understand their first language, says Donahue, noting that English grammar is often better understood by studying the grammar of a foreign language.

All World Language courses are taught according to the guidelines set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

“I always keep in mind the five Cs of the ACTFL: Communication, Culture, Connections, Community and Comparisons,” says McCarthy.

“Can the students communicate if they meet a native speaker? How are the United States and (foreign) cultures different? How can students connect what they’ve learned in other classes to their world language classroom instruction? How can students use what they’ve learned in their own communities? And, what inferences can students make from comparing their own language to the language they’re studying.”

In their Spanish classes, students are learning to engage in authentic communication through reading and listening as well as through speaking and writing, says McCarthy. Since language is culture, lessons often intertwine grammar and vocabulary with culture history and geography.

In Spanish II, students focus on speaking and using the language in practical situations through skits, role-playing, dialogues and speaking quizzes or tests, says Linden.

Students also learn about grammar, vocabulary, cultural lessons pronunciation and listening practices.

Students may also attend a field trip to the Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning.

In Spanish III, students access online resources to elicit teacher- and text-generated communication.

In their German classes, students learn listening and speaking skills as well as grammar, vocabulary, writing, culture, history, food and geography, says Peters.

Students also complete projects and perform skits to give them a better understanding of the language.

Students focus on both the written and spoken as-

AF S/ M I SA C h a pter Of f er s U niq ue E x per ienc e Students

Mars Area High School students review vocabulary words in their German class. Students in Mars Area High School’s World Language Course are learning to engage in authentic communication through reading and listening as well as through speaking and writing. Lessons often intertwine grammar and vocabulary with culture, history and geography.

Photos by Josh Schwoebel

pects of the language as well as German culture, says Linden, noting that at least one cultural lesson is included in each section of the students’ German textbook.

“It is extremely interesting and equally important to highlight our cultural differences,” says Linden.

Students often use the Internet to access up-to-date information about German culture, music and news. Podcasts, videos and online news broadcasts are used to enhance classroom lessons and discussions.

In addition to their German classes, students participate in field trips as well as an annual World Language competition at Slippery Rock University.

In their French classes, students learn vocabulary and how to speak the language while often contrasting French culture to their own, says Wolcott, whose goal is for her students to use the language in as many contexts as possible including music, food, culture, geography and in practical situations such as a visit to a doctor’s office.

Mars Area High School also offers an online course in Mandarin Chinese, which serves as an introduction to the language and is designed to develop each student’s reading writing, listening and speaking skills. The course is held in conjunction with the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV and PowerGlide.

Outside of the classroom, Mars Area High School also offers several student language clubs including a German Club, French Club and Spanish Club.

Club members often participate in supplemental activities that expose them to foreign cultures both locally and abroad.

Each year, members of the German Club attend a Ger-

man-style dinner at Hoover’s Olde Plank Road Restaurant and attend a field trip to the Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh.

In past years, club members have taken a trip aboard the Gateway Clipper, which offered a performance by traditional German folk dancers, and visited Teutonia Maennerchor, a German Club in Pittsburgh.

Student members of German Club may also participate in a summer trip abroad.

In Spanish Club, students may join in local field trips and may also have an opportunity to immerse themselves in Spanish culture as part of overseas trips to Spanish-speaking countries, says Linden, who is planning a student trip to Spain this summer.

Members of the high school’s French Club join in the club’s mission to share in the French language and culture.

Mars Area High School’s AFS/MISA (American Field Service/Mars International Student Association) Chapter also exposes students to other cultures by hosting Mars International Week, during which students receive foreign exchange students in the classes and have an opportunity to host a student for an extended weekend.

AFS/MISA is an international exchange program that welcomes high school students from around the world as well as offers scholarships to eligible students who are interested in traveling abroad. The chapter usually meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at Mars Area High School.

It is important for students to learn a second language so that they may better understand their own language, says Peters.

Mars Area High School’s world languages courses offer students a inside look at cultures and life around the world.

In addition to French Club, German Club and Spanish Club, each of which offer various language specific activities for students, the high school’s AFS/MISA (American Field Service/Mars International Student Association) Chapter aids students in experiencing other cultures first hand.

The AFS/MISA chapter offers an international exchange program that welcomes high school students from around the globe and offers scholarships to eligible students who are interested in traveling abroad.

The program has been active in Mars Area School District for more than 40 years. “(Through AFS/MISA,) students experience the diversity of culture and lifestyles in the United States, which they might not otherwise learn from a textbook,” says McCarthy, a Spanish teacher at Mars Area High School and AFS/MISA sponsor. “(And,) many host families maintain lifelong connections (with their exchange students).”

The chapter sponsors various activities throughout each school year including its International Days in March (see below) and a Fall Craft Show, held each November in cooperation with Mars Area Foundation for Educational Excellence (MAFEE).

The high school’s AFS/MISA Chapter usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month during the school year. The chapter’s next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, at Mars Area High School.

Families interested in learning about other cultures by hosting students from other countries during the 20102011 school year are encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact McCarthy at (724) 625-1581.

‘ I nter na tiona l D a y s’ Mars Area High School will hold its annual “International Days,” Wednesday through Friday, March 10-13, as the school’s AFS/MISA Chapter welcomes foreign exchange students from around the globe.

On Thursday and Friday, March 11 and 12, exchange students from various countries will speak with students at Mars Area High School, Mars Area Middle School and Mars Area Centennial School.

AFS/MISA members, who will host the exchange students during the event, will join their international classmates in a variety of other activities as well.

For more information, call (724) 625-1581.

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W esting h ouse E ng ineer s Of f er H a nds- on Lesson f or Students

Mars Area juniors Han Gao, Blake McCarty and Kaleb Trudeau qualified for the 2010 FBLA State Leadership Conference to be held April 12-14.

F B LA M em b er s P la c e a t R eg iona l C onf er enc e Three members of Mars Area High School’s Future Business Leaders of America Chapter placed at the 2010 FBLA Regional Leadership Conference, held on Jan. 6.

Juniors Han Gao, Blake McCartyand Kaleb Trudeau placed in the Computer Problem Solving, Marketing and Accounting II competitions, respectively. Each have qualified to compete at the 2010 FBLA State Leadership Conference, to be held April 12-14 in Hershey, Pa. Other participants in the regional competition were seniors Daniel Kearney, Sports Management; Brendan Blakeney, Marketing; and Kayla Finney, Business Calculations; and juniors Nicholas Ashmore, Public Speaking II; and Adam Langer, Personal Finance.

During the 2008-2009 school year, then senior Anthony Moraco (Class of 2009 graduate) chartered Mars Area High School’s FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Chapter.

FBLA is a non-profit educational association of students preparing for careers in business or simply interested in learning more about the American Business Enterprise.

The organization aids students in enhancing leadership abilities as well as in preparing for entry into and advancement within a business or business-related occupation.

The purpose of FBLA is help students to develop leadership skills and build character through a variety of businessrelated activities as well as fund-raisers and charitable actions, says Nicholas Ashmore, chapter president.

Last fall, FBLA sponsored a “Best Seat in the House” fund-raiser, which offered the winner free pizza and a seat on a couch located on the sidelines at Mars Area High School Fightin’ Planets football games. The chapter is also planning a spring fund-raiser to benefit Habitat for Humanity.

Members of the Mars Area chapter, a member of Pennsylvania FBLA Western District Region 13, also have an opportunity to compete in regional competitions held throughout each school year. Competitive events range from accounting and business communications to public speaking and word processing.

FBLA is for more than just students interested in business, says Ashmore, noting that the program is a great way for students to get involved in their school and in the community and is an excellent addition to any student’s resume.

For more information, visit www.pafbla.org.

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Photo by Josh Schwoebel

high school Mars Area High School students participated in a variety of engineering activities and exercises during a Westinghouse Electric Company N-Vision Student Workshop on Nov. 20.

As part of the workshop, a team of Westinghouse engineers offered students information on “Careers in Engineering,” “What is Nuclear Energy?” and “Forms of Energy.”

Students learned about non-renewable energy sources such as coal, natural gas and nuclear energy as well as renewable sources including water, wind and solar energy.

Students also had an opportunity to participate in hands-on lessons in engineering. The students were divided into teams to complete two activities guided by the visiting engineers.

The first activity, a “Marble Transport,” asked the students to move marbles from one fixed point to another using a limited number of plastic pipes. Teams that successfully transported marbles were given more pipes to use, making their task easier.

The second activity, a “Blind LEGO Construction,” required that one student on each team be blindfolded, while Students at Mars Area High School participate in a handsthe other team members instructed him or her how to on “MarbleTransfer” activity as part of Westinghouse Electric Company’s N-Vision Student Workshop. build an object using LEGO building blocks.

Engineering not only involves math and science, but also requires ingenuity, said Ryan Stout, Westinghouse electrical, architectural, mechanical, nuclear, technical, chemical, software and aviation engineering, said Rapali. principal engineer.

And, different types of engineers are constantly working “There is a need for engineers, especially with today’s together, for example, a chemical engineer may work with an ‘nuclear renaissance,’” said Tracey Rapali, Westinghouse senior communications specialist, noting that the goal of electrical engineer on a given project.

Engineers often work in a number of industries that are the N-Vision program is to spark students’ interest in scinot typically associated with the profession, said Rapali. ence, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Engineering spans a variety of fields and may include “Who ever thinks an engineer works to design a shoe?”

For more information, visit www.westinghouse.com.

P er f ec t Attendees R ec og niz ed a t B r ea k f a st Mars Area High School recognized 337 students with perfect attendance in November, as part of the school’s quarterly Renaissance Breakfast.

The event honors those students with perfect attendance and positive school behavior during the corresponding nine weeks of the school year. To be eligible to attend the breakfast, students must have perfect attendance, no more than two tardies and no in-school or out-of-school suspensions.

At the event, students enjoy a continental breakfast and are eligible to win gift cards and other prizes, donated by local businesses.

Donors to the event included Applebee’s, Chick-fil-A, CiCi’s Pizza, Cranberry Cinema, Fun Fore All, Geyer Construction, Great Clips, Hollywood Tans, Krispy Kreme, Mars Dental Specialists, McDonald’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Pizza Hut, Puccini Hair Design, Sheetz, Three Rivers Paintball, T.J. Maxx, Wal-Mart and Wendy’s.

In addition, the students were entered into a raffle to win one of two grand prizes. Winners were sophomores Chase Strickland and Chad Knox, who won an XBOX 360 and a DVD Player, respectively.

Grand prize winners at Mars Area High School’s Renaissance Breakfast (center, from left) sophomores Chad Knox and Chase Strickland are joined for a picture by Dale Sleva, assistant principal, and Todd Kolson, principal.

The prizes were purchased through partial funding from Target department store’s “Take Charge of Education” program.

The program allows shoppers to designate that Mars Area High School receive a percentage of their total purchase when they use their Target card.

For more information, call (724) 625-1581.

high school

T ea c h er Na m ed to R a c e f or th e C ur e H onor R oll James Frank, Mars Area High School business education teacher, was named to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Pink Honor Roll.

Frank, who received the honor for his fund-raising efforts to benefit the 2009 Race for the Cure, was among the top 14 fund-raisers for the Pittsburgh affiliate’s annual event.

Members of the Pink Honor Roll each raised more than $75,000 overall to benefit breast cancer research.

In 2009, Frank’s wife, Tina, announced that she was to undergo surgery for breast cancer. When a family friend and teacher at Montour High School established a team of walkers for The Race for the Cure, Frank began his fundraising efforts.

After hearing about the Montour team, members of Mars Area High School’s Student Council joined the cause, establishing their own team of walkers named “Mars High L oves Mrs. Frank.”

Frank was able to collect more than $8,000 for The Race for the Cure and finished as the seventh highest individual fund-raiser out of more than 30,000 participants.

J unior s Selec ted f or Ac c ounting H onor s I nstitute Mars Area juniors Sarah Cubarney and Preston Brownwere selected to attend the Accounting Honors Institute at Duquesne University.

As part of the six-week program, Cubarney and Brown will learn how to use PeopleSoft, a fully integrated computer program used by many Pittsburgh-area businesses. The students will also learn about the different types of white-collar crimes and use forensic accounting techniques to investigate criminals as well as how to analyze financial statements and annual reports.

All students accepted into the program must have an interest in business and were nominated by their teachers and/or guidance counselors.

P M E A H onor s B a nd Several members of Mars Area High School Band were selected by solo audition to perform in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5 Honors Band Festival, held Dec. 3-5, at Westminster College.

Students are senior Kayla Esterline, trumpet (sixth chair); juniors Kylee O’Donnell, flute (first chair); Christi Blahnik, clarinet (sixth chair); Abby Iksic, trumpet (sixth chair); and Kerrin Hay, euphonium (sixth chair); and sophomores Michael Prijatelj, trombone (first chair); and Sam Concelman, tuba (fourth chair).

P a r ent/ P r inc ipa l M eeting Mars Area High School will hold a Parent/Principal Communication Connection at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 15, in the cafeteria.

For more information, call (724) 625-1581.

Students and staff members from Mars Area High School pose for a picture at the 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure as members of the “Mars High Loves Mrs. Frank” team.

Mars Area High School’s 2010 team, the “Mars Schools Miracle Marchers,” is seeking donations for the upcoming event on May 9.

He will be recognized as a Pink Honor Roll member on stage at the 2010 Race for the Cure on Sunday, May 9, at Schenley Park.

Fund-raising efforts for the 2010 Race for the Cure are already underway and Mars Area High School Student Council will once again have a team in the race.

P M E A D istr ic t J a z z B a nd Two members of Mars Area High School Band were selected by solo audition to perform in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5 Jazz Band Festival, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 5-6, at Slippery Rock University.

Students are junior Abby Iksic, trumpet; and sophomores Michael Prijatelj, trombone.

P M E A D istr ic t C h or us Several members of Mars Area High School Chorus were selected by solo audition to perform in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5 Chorus Festival, held Jan. 27-29 at Lakeview High School.

Seniors Laura Kurtz and Kristen Miller; juniors Zachary Herrmann, Michelle Flynn and Nicholas Ashmore; and sophomores Troy Giel and Phillip Lowry were chosen to participate in the event. Erich Lascek, choral director at Gateway High School, served as guest conductor.

P M E A D istr ic t B a nd Four members of Mars Area High School Band were selected by solo audition to perform in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5 Band Festival, held Feb. 10-12 at Rochester Area High School.

Students are juniors Kylee O’Donnell, flute; and Christi Blahnik, clarinet; and sophomores Michael Prijatelj, trombone; and Sam Concelman, tuba.

Daniel Eaton of the University of Minnesota Duluth served as guest conductor.

To join the 2010 team or to make a donation, visit www.pittsburghraceforthecure.org and click on the “Race” tab, then on the “Sponsor a Team or Participant” link.

To select the Mars Area team, type in the 2010 team name, “Mars Schools Miracle Marchers.”

For more information, call (724) 625-1581.

J unior Selec ted f or C ong r essiona l P a g e P r og r a m Mars Area junior Tyler Odom was selected to participate in the Congressional Page Program at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. “It’s a prestigious program and I wanted to be involved,” says Tyler, who eventually hopes to attend either the United States Military Academy at West Point or the United States Naval Academy.

At Mars Area High School, Tyler serves as president of REACH (Responsible Educated Adolescents Can Help); is a captain on the Boys Varsity Swimming Team; and is a member of Class Council, Spanish Club and Ski Club.

Tyler also volunteers at Butler Veterans Administration Medical Center and as a leader of the AWANA children’s program at his church, Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sewickley, Pa. “We are so proud of him,” said Heidi Odom, Tyler’s mother. “We feel very blessed that Tyler has this opportunity.”

As a Congressional Page, Tyler will serve as support staff for the United States House of Representatives, delivering legislative correspondence and monitoring phones off the House floor.

Tyler, 17, of Gibsonia will serve in the position through Friday, June 4. During his time in the nation’s capital, Tyler will live in the Page Residence Hall and attend the House Page School, which offers classes similar to those at Mars Area High School as well as Washington seminars, field trips and guest speakers.

“Being a Congressional Page provides high school students with an invaluable opportunity to see firsthand how their government works,” said U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-4).

For details, visit http://pageprogram.house.gov.

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high school Small, Medium At-Large; Brian Benninger as Nebraska; Maria Albensi as Paisley; Colin Bell as Monroe; Michelle Flynn as Proton; Ali Zortman as Neutron; Vaughn Barley as Skipper; Julie Koenig and Milinda Homison as Hopeless High Cheerleaders; Jordan Brimmeier and Katie Richards as NoName High Cheerleaders; and Chris Hardt and Philip Lowry as Football Players.

Student director was Laura Kurtz and stage crew members were Bart Benz, Danni Double, Kerrin Hay, Greg Leysens, Nick Leysens and Connor Scott.

Sc h ola r sh ip E sta b lish ed with E x x onM ob il G r a nt Wendy “Weenie” Wienerman (center), played by Christa Lamendola, proudly takes her place among the staff at Barnacle Betty’s Surf Shop. At right, Ivana Ratnik (Paige Mundy) threatens to buy out the surf shop to expand her nuclear power plant.

H ig h Sc h ool P r esents ‘ Atta c k of th e P om - P om Z om b ies’ Mars Area High School presented its fall play Attack of the Pom-Pom Zombies in late November.

The comedy by Stephen Murray, set in the 1960s, follows the teenagers of Ocean View High who are enjoying fun in the sun at Barnacle Betty’s Surf Club when Cindy Sue (played by Alex Manalo) accidentally bites into a hot dog contaminated by sludge from a nearby nuclear power plant owned by Ivana Ratnik (Paige Mundy). Soon, the beach is overrun by pom-pom wielding zombies as the nerds, the beatniks and the Barracudas Gang fight to save the beach.

Other cast members were Ryan Miller as Roger Spaulding; Christa Lamendola as Wendy “Weenie” Wienerman; Nicholas Ashmore as Melvin; Chris Blahnik as Myron; Abbi Wright as Pickle; Paige Laubach as Gertrude; Troy Giel as Waldo; Mark Gaynord as Floyd; Jamie Drennen as Muffy; Lindsey Wolf as Betsy; Lauren Laughlin as Spike; Corinne Gressang as Slick; Katie Williams as Grunt; Sara Chodkowski as Weasel; Grace Morgan as Pinky; Kara Angeletti as Laverne; Kristen Miller as Shirley; Katherine Francois as Barnacle Betty; James Garrity as Zeke LaRock; James McCorkle as Moose; Jessica Kimbell as Pandora Spocks; Kayla Finney as Wanda

G uida nc e Of f ic e 2013 Class Counselor — Colleen Tosadori 2012 Class Counselor — Dr. Tina Bigante 2011 Class Counselor — Mark Varlotta 2010 Class Counselor — Tanis Rose Student Assistance Coordinator — Tanis Rose Guidance Secretary — Diane Truver Guidance Secretary — Laurie Dufford Phone —(724) 625-1581, ext. 2 Web site — www.marsk12.org

Mars Area High School received a $750 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance program grant.

The funding will be used to establish a senior scholarship for the 2009-2010 school year. The scholarship will be awarded to a Mars Area senior who is pursuing their post-secondary education in a scienceor math-related field.

Ed Szalankiewicz of HandeeMarts Inc. in Gibsonia provided the grant, one of 2,400 available to schools across the country, through funding from the ExxonMobil Corporation.

The program provides local Exxon retailers with an opportunity to invest in the community through educational grants to neighborhood schools.

M a r c h ing B a nd 5 K Mars Area High School Marching Band Boosters is taking registration for its second annual “Mars Band on the Run” 5K Race, to be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, at Mars Area High School.

Awards will be presented to the top three male and female overall runners, the top three male and female masters (age 40 and above), and to the top three male and female runners in various other age groups. The top three teams of three to five runners and the top male, female and coed teams will also be awarded.

The race, which begins and ends at Mars Area High School, will be timed by “Miles of Smiles” timing serviceand all results will be posted online at www.smileymiles. comand www.marsband5K.com. A Post-Race “Out of This World” Party will include an awards ceremony, music, prizes and refreshments.

Cost to register is $18 per runner through Saturday, May 8, then $22 per runner through Tuesday, May 18. Runners

F ina nc ia l Aid Nig h t Mars Area High School will hold a Financial Aid Information Night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

The event is geared toward parents of juniors and seniors. Julianne Louttit, Butler County Community College director of financial aid, will discuss how to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.

For more information, call (724) 625-1581.

Students to P r esent Spr ing P r oduc tion of No, No, Na nette Mars Area High School students will take the stage with a performance of the musical, No, No, Nanette, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 19 and 20, in the auditorium.

The musical follows Nanette, ward to the straight-laced Jimmy, a Bible publisher, and his thrifty wife, Sue. Despite Jimmy and Sue’s best efforts to raise a respectable young lady, Nanette takes off to Atlantic City with her boyfriend, Tom Trainor, as the two fantasize about one day getting married.

The show feature music by Vincent Youmans including the songs “Tea for Two” and “I Want to be Happy.”

Lyrics are by Irving Ceasar and Otto Harbach.

Tickets to Mars Area High School’s performance of “No, No, Nanette” are $7 per person for reserved seating and will be available beginning in March.

For more information, call (724) 625-1581. who register by Saturday, May 8, will receive a technical running shirt.

Registration will also be available for $22 per runner from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 21, at Up-N-Running Specialty Running & Walking Center on Route 8 and for $25 from 7:30 to 8:50 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, at Mars Area High School.

All proceeds benefit Mars Area High School Marching Band, which will provide entertainment along the 3.1-mile race route. Registration forms and information are available in each Mars Area school building as well as online at www.marsband5K.com.

Senior Na m ed F ir st R unner - up in P a g ea nt Mars Area senior Christa Lamendola was named first runner-up in the 2009 Miss Butler County USA pageant, held on Dec. 13 at St. Barnabas Health System’s Kean Theatre in Gibsonia.

Lamendola, 18, of Mars participated in evening gown and swimsuit competitions as well as a one-on-one interview with judges. All contestants were judged on poise, personality, stage presence and overall appearance.

SAT T est D a tes SAT Test Dates March 13* May 1 June 5*

Registration Deadlines Feb. 4 March 25 April 29

Late Registration Deadlines Feb. 18 April 8 May 13

Registration Deadlines March 5 May 7

Late Registration Deadlines March 19 May 21

AC T T est D a tes ACT Test Dates April 10* June 12*

* Test will be held at Mars Area High School

For a complete list of upcoming events at various colleges and universities as well as additional guidance resources, visit the Mars Area High School’s “Guidance” page at www.marsk12.org.

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high school/middle school Students who are selected maintain an “A” grade average, have exceptional attendance, no discipline and are recommended by their trade area teacher.

Senior s Listed in NE X T M a g a z ine

M a r c h ing B a nd W ins P I M C la ss AA C h a m pionsh ip

Mars Area seniors Luke Gruber and Elaine Hasek are listed among the Top 50 2009 Student Excellence Award winners in NEXT: A Guide to Life After High School in Pennsylvania magazine.

Mars Area High Hasek and Gruber, who were selected for the awards School Marching Band won the 2009 in spring 2009, were also recognized at an awards banquet and presentation at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in PIMBA Class AA Championship on Harrisburg on May 30, 2009.

Nov. 7, earning its The awards program, which is open to all high school 10th title in Class juniors, recognizes students with good academic standing AA competition. who are dedicated to their schools and the community.

For more information, visit www.PAnext.com.

B A

Mars Area High School Marching Band & Color Guard won the 2009 PIMBA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association) Class AA Championship, held on Nov. 7 at Gateway High School.

The marching band earned its 10th title in Class AA competition at the event with a combined score of 86.45 and achieved awards for high music, high visual and high general effect. The band competed against Class AA marching bands from Blackhawk, Elizabeth Forward and Southmoreland high schools.

This year’s marching band show features the music of Blood, Sweat & Tears, including the songs, “Lucretia Mac Evil,” “God Bless The Child” and “Variations on a Theme.”

For more information, visit www.pimba.org.

Students R ec eiv e V o- T ec h P r inc ipa l’ s List Awa r d Several Mars Area High School students received the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School Principal’s List Award for the first grading period of the 20092010 school year.

Recipients are seniors Allen Foster, Scott Greenawalt, Michelle Perri, Darrin Smith and John DeCaria.

T ea c h er to R ec eiv e Awa r d f or T ec h nolog y E duc a tion Ar tic le Curtis Funkhouser, technology education teacher at Mars Area Middle School, has been selected to receive the ITEA (International Technology Education Association) and The Technology Teacher journal’s Top-Rated PeerReviewed Article Written by a Classroom Teacher Award for his article, “‘Egg- citing’ Vehicles!” that was published in the journal’s March 2009 issue.

The article documented a seventh-grade project at Mars Area Middle School that asked students to design a car that could safely carry an egg and withstand a high-speed front impact.

Each vehicle could be made using only a set number of materials such as notebook paper and rubber bands and each vehicle had to comply with certain size restrictions.

During the process, the students developed designs

B lood D r iv e Mars Area High School Student Council and Central Blood Bank will sponsor a Blood Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31.

Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds and be in general good health. To schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Tina Bigante or Tanis Rose, Student Council advisors, at (724) 625-1581.

Spr ing C r a f t Sh ow Mars Lady Planet Softball Boosters will hold its second annual Softball Craft Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, at Mars Area Middle School.

Vendors interested in participating should send an email to marssoftballcraftshow@yahoo.com. For more information, call (724) 933-0153.

Na tiona l H onor Soc iety I nduc tion Numerous students at Mars Area High School will be inducted into the National Honor Society at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, in Mars Area High School auditorium.

For more information, call (724) 625-1581. and kept a journal of their progress. The students also reviewed each other’s designs and offered feedback on what could improve their vehicles.

After completing the final design process, each group submitted their car for approval. The cars then underwent a pre-test, after which the design team could make last minute modifications.

At the culmination of the activity, students submitted their completed vehicles to a high-speed crash impact test to see which design could safely carry an egg.

In addition to basic engineering design, the lesson also taught students about the effects of gravity; the differences between potential and kinetic energy; inertia and friction; and Sir Isaac Newton’s three laws of motion.

Funkhouser will be presented with the award on Saturday, March 20, at the annual ITEA Conference in Charlotte, N.C.

D a nc e T r oupe P er f or m s in AB C D isney P a r a de Members of North Pittsburgh Dance Academy in Mars performed in the Disney Parks Christmas Parade, which aired on ABC channels on Dec. 25.

Participants included several Mars Area students including senior Lauren Slivosky; juniors Laura Eppley and Alexis Hammond; freshmen Katie Boyer and Karly Schwab; eighth-graders Brooke Lampenfeld and Victoria Vogel; seventh-graders Madelyn Brake and Nicole Petrilena; sixth-graders Neve Mayer and Victoria Vogel; fifth-grader Logan Boyer; and third-grader Mackenzie Phillips.

The dance troupe, which also included students from Seneca Valley and other local school districts, performed with Disney artist Steve Rushton, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Strikers and the Jonas Brothers. Kelly Ripa of “Live with Regis and Kelly” hosted the event, held at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. While at Walt Disney World, the dancers met actor and rapper Nick Cannon and attended a live taping of a Celine Dion performance.

Dancer Katie Boyerwas also selected to participate in a taping of Disney 365 with Chelsea Staub and to meet the Jonas Brothers.

“We are just so proud of the kids,” says Erin Vekkeli, owner/director of North Pittsburgh Dance Academy, adding that the dance troupe has already been invited to perform in next year’s parade.

For details, visit www.northpittsburghdanceacademy. com.

C of f eeh ouse G a ller y Ar t Sh owc a se Mars Area High School will host its annual Coffee-house Gallery Art Showcase from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 7.

This year’s event, a juried art show, will feature artworks such as paintings, ceramics, sculptures and drawings created by students in seventh through 12th grades.

One student will be selected as the winner of the second annual Robinson Purchase Prize, sponsored by Robinson Family Industries. The student’s work will be framed and displayed in the lobby of Mars Area High School’s auditorium.

Festivities will also include entertainment, refreshments and other activities. Admission is free.

For more information, call (724) 625-1581.

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middle school/centennial school Sur v iv or Spea k s with Students Ab out E x per ienc es D ur ing H oloc a ust To supplement their discussions of the book, “The Diary of Anne Frank,” in their language arts classes, eighthgraders at Mars Area Middle School attended a special presentation on the Holocaust in December.

“It is difficult to speak to young people about the negative aspects of our life and our history, but you have to know,” said Moshe Baran, Holocaust survivor, who spoke with the eighth-graders.

In 1941, two years after the German army invaded Poland, Baran and his family were herded into a ghetto surrounded on three sides by a barbed wire fence and on the other by a bridge guarded by German soldiers.

A year later, the German army entered the ghetto, separated the able-bodied people and removed the others to an old barn, where they were shot with machine guns and the barn was burned.

While in the ghetto, Baran and others began collecting and hiding guns and other weapons to be used by the resistance.

After meeting a woman who told him about a resistance camp located in a forest 20 miles away, Baran crawled through a space under the fence surrounding the ghetto and made for the camp.

At the camp, Baran joined the Jewish resistance and became the liaison between the resistance fighters and the Russian army, which introduced Baran to a local farmer who

Holocaust survivor Moshe Baran speaks with eighth-graders at Mars Area Middle School as part of a special presentation to supplement the students’ language arts discussions of the book, “The Diary of Anne Frank.”

Photo by Josh Schwoebel

had access to the ghetto.

The farmer was able to aid Baran in rescuing his family and acquiring the guns stored in the ghetto.

In 1944, Baran joined the Russian army and was sent to the front lines in G’Dansk, Poland. Having been a bookkeeper before the war, Baran was pulled off the front lines and made an assistant to the treasurer.

He remained stationed in Germany until after the war in 1946. As his hometown was destroyed in the war, he ended

up in a “Displaced Persons” camp, where he met his wife.

Some time later, Baran was contacted by members of his family who were living in Shreveport, La., and in 1948, he and his wife immigrated to America.

“This opportunity to hear from someone who was there during the Holocaust, may not happen again in your lifetime,” Richard Cornell, principal, reminded the students.

For more information, call (724) 625-3145.

Six th - g r a der E a r ns F ir st P la c e in Annua l G eog r a ph y B ee

Mars Area Middle School students Jongook Son, Jiyoon Son and Jiyoung Park created a bulletin board illustrating items from their Korean heritage.

E SL Students C r ea te K or ea n B ulletin B oa r d Three students in Mars Area Middle School’s ESL (English as a Second Language) program created a bulletin board illustrating various aspects of their Korean culture.

Eighth-grader Jongook Son and seventh-graders Jiyoon Son and Jiyoung Park worked together to design the bulletin board, which includes a Korean fable, “The Sun Girl and the Moon Boy,” that has been passed down through their families.

The students included the fable’s title in Korean as well as offered pictures and information about their home country.

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Mars Area sixth-grader Nico Romano earned first place in the 2009 Geography Bee Final Round Qualifier, held on Jan. 15 at Mars Area Middle School.

Second-place winner was seventh-grader Nick Pecora and seventh-graders Andrew Guidarelli and Ty Reginelli tied for third place.

Other participants were eighth-graders Michaela Valentaand Henry Barron; seventh-graders Zach Hunkeleand Richie Mamajek; sixth-graders Sam Morrisseyand Brendan Murphy; and fifth-grader D.J. Bauer.

Romano will now complete a written exam that will be mailed to the Pennsylvania State Geography Bee, which will notify him as to whether he has qualified for the state contest on Friday, April 9.

The state winner will then advance to the National Geography Bee competition, to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 25-26. The National Geographic Society sponsors the contest.

Prior to the Mars Area competition, all students at Mars Area Middle School and Mars Area Centennial School completed a 50-question, written geography exam based on the physical and cultural geography of both the United States and the world during their social studies classes.

The top 50 students who missed no more than eight questions then took the round-two exam in December. The 12 students who missed no more than eight questions moved on to the final round on Jan. 15.

For more information, call (724) 625-2601 or visit www.nationalgeographic.com/geographybee .

Mars Area sixth-grader Nico Romano earned first place in Mars Area Middle School and Mars Area Centennial School’s annual geography bee.

Photo by Josh Schwoebel

Spir it D a nc e/ Ac tiv ity Nig h t Mars Area Middle School will hold a Spirit Dance/ Activity Night from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 16.

Cost is $3. Student pick-up times will be 9:20 p.m. for seventh-graders, and 9:30 p.m. for eight-graders.

For more information, call (724) 625-3145.

M ediev a l F a ir Mars Area Middle School will hold its annual seventh grade Medieval Fair from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, May 17, and from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, in the gymnasium.

Students will dress in period clothing and offer presentations and demonstrations on life during the Middle Ages.

The students will also sit down to a medieval dinner and offer play performances on Monday.

For more information, call (724) 625-3145.

elementary schools K nowledg e M a ster Open Students at Mars Area Centennial School placed 16th among 23 Pennsylvania schools participating in the national “Knowledge Master Open” academic competition on Jan. 20.

The team also placed 105th out of 283 participating schools from across the United States and around the globe.

As part of the program, members of the team, comprised of fifth- and sixth-graders, gathered in the school's computer lab to answer 100 questions on varying topics from current events to the fine arts.

Mars Area Centennial School sixthgraders welcomed local veterans to the school’s annual Veterans Day celebration, which offered a history of the American holiday and offered a flag-folding demonPhotos by Josh Schwoebel stration.

Students W elc om e Loc a l V eter a ns a t Annua l C er em ony Sixth-graders at Mars Area Centennial School welcomed local veterans, as the school held its third annual Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 6.

As part of the event, students offered a presentation on the history of Veterans Day, the armed forces, and the American Flag. Sixth-graders also read poetry and essays as a tribute to those who have served their country.

Fifth-graders in Jody Harbison and Brian Zima’s classes also recited the Gettysburg Address and sixth-graders Nathan Kline and Nathan Sablowski performed “Taps” on trumpet.

Guest speakers at the event included Art Greathead and Gene Wise of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 64 in Butler. Veteran Buzz Kelly also donated the book, “Lest We Forget,” which includes stories and information provided by local veterans, to the school’s library.

St. P a tr ic k ’ s D a y P a r ty Mars Area Centennial School will hold a St. Patrick’s Day Party from 1 to 2 p.m. for fifth-graders and from 2 to 3 p.m. for sixth-graders on Wednesday, March 17.

For more information, call (724) 625-2601.

Students R enew P ledg e to M a inta in B ully - F r ee Sc h ool Students at Mars Area Elementary School renewed their pledge to make a difference by promoting acceptance and tolerance through their own actions as part of the school’s Olweus Bullying Prevention Rally on Oct. 29.

The event, themed “Team Up Against Bullying & Drugs,” featured skits on recognizing bullying by members of the High School’s REACH (Responsible Educated Adolescents Can Help) program.

Students also displayed class banners with messages denouncing bullying and all students renewed their pledge to resist and report bullying.

The event re-introduced the students to Mars Area School District’s Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.

The purpose of the program is to empower all Mars

Students R ec eiv e B us Sa f ety Lesson As part of National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 19-23, bus drivers from A.J. Myers & Sons bus company spoke with Mars Area students in kindergarten through fourth grade about how to remain safe at the bus stop and while riding the bus.

Students were reminded to always stay out of the street while waiting for the bus and to always cross the street “10 giant steps” in front of the bus. Students were told to never to cross behind the bus or to try to retrieve any items that may fall under the bus.

On the bus, students should remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion and students should not shout, yell or sing as not to distract the driver.

For more information, call (724) 625-2032.

P a r ent C of f eeT a lk M eeting s Mars Area Centennial School will sponsor two upcoming Parent Coffee Talk Meetings: Wednesday, March 24 — “Don’t Stress the Test!” will offer ideas to relieve students’ stress at home. Wednesday, May 19 — “Summer Skill Building” will provide various activities to strengthen students’ skills over the summer.

Both meetings will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. in the school’s library. For more information, call (724) 6252601.

Students at Mars Area Elementary School display class banners with messages denouncing bullying behaviors.

Area students, teachers and staff members to recognize and prevent bullying and to increase their feelings of positive belonging.

In addition to the kickoff rally, teachers will facilitate classroom discussions about bullying behaviors and promoting positive school behavior throughout the school year.

For more information, call (724) 625-3161.

Mars Area students (from left) Eli Wright, Zachary Leachman, Macey Wright, Chloe Ceasar and Gwenyth Brennan were named winners in Mars National Bank’s annual Holiday Card Contest.

Students Na m ed W inner s in H olida y C a r d C ontest Five Mars Area students were named winners in the sixth annual Mars National Bank Holiday Card Contest.

Second-grader Gwenyth Brennan earned first place and will receive a $200 United States Savings Bond.

Her card design, which depicts a family of snowmen on a wintry day, will be featured on Mars National Bank’s 2009 holiday cards. Gwenyth’s winning entry also earned Mars Area Elementary School a $500 award to benefit art education at the school.

Other winners at Mars Area Elementary School are second-grader Zachary Leachman, second place, and fourth-grader Macey Wright, third place. The secondand third-place winners will receive a $150 and $100 U.S. Savings Bond, respectively.

Winners at Mars Area Primary Center are first grader Chloe Ceasar, fourth place, and kindergartner Eli Wright, fifth place. Fourth- and fifth-place winners will receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond.

All entries in the contest, which was open to all students in kindergarten through fourth grade, were on display at Mars National Bank in Downtown Mars in December.

E x x onM ob il G r a nt to B enef it M a th , Sc ienc e I nstr uc tion Mars Area Elementary School received a $750 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance program grant to enhance the school’s math and science instruction.

The funding will be used to purchase four kits containing tools for teaching physical and liquid measurements, said Robert Zaccari, principal. Teachers will be able to check the kits out of the school’s library to be used in their classrooms.

The grant, one of 2,400 available to schools across the country, was provided by HandeeMarts Inc. through funding from the ExxonMobil Corporation.

For more information, call (724) 625-3161.

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elementary schools Lymphoma Society through Friday, Feb. 26.

The school will be collecting monetary donations as well as new hats to be given to leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy. Students who donate dollars or new hats will be entered into a prize drawing to win a Mars baseball cap.

For more information, call (724) 625-1588.

R ea d Ac r oss Am er ic a Mars Area Primary Center is planning a myriad of activities as part of its annual Read Across America Celebration of reading and literacy on Monday and Friday, March 1-5.

Throughout the week, students will participate in various theme days. On Wednesday, March 3, Bruce Daniela Marra, parent, talks with students at Mars Area Primary Richards, former Mars Area teacher and storyteller, will Photo by Josh Schwoebel perform in the gymnasium.

Center about her home country of Brazil.

On Thursday, March 4, The Hill Brothers will offer perP r og r a m I ntr oduc es Students formances at 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and during the school’s “PCto H olida y s Ar ound th e W or ld Reading Jamboree” at 7:30 p.m.

The event will also include a variety of literacy and eduStudents at Mars Area Primary Center explored winter cational games and activities as well as face-painting and a holidays around the world as part of a several parent presenbook fair. tations in December.

On Friday, March 5, various guest readers including The program, which showcased parents of students in Mars Area administrators, school board members, teachers, the school’s ESL (English as a Second Language) program, students and community members will read their favorite transported students in kindergarten and first grade across stories to students at the Primary Center. the globe to the countries such as Brazil, India and France.

For more information, call (724) 625-1588.

Students received passports and were able to check off D ia per D r iv e each country as they visited the location.

As part of the presentations, the students learned about Mars Area Primary Center will hold its second annual the different customs and traditions of other cultures as well “Stuff the Bus” Diaper Drive, Monday through Friday, April as the music, clothing and food that accompany the holi- 12-16, to benefit The Lighthouse Foundation in Middlesex days.

Township.

Students also participating in a number of activities that The school is accepting donation of diapers, which stuhighlight other students’ cultural traditions in December. dents will “stuff” into a school bus provided by A.J. Myers & Sons bus company and transported to The Lighthouse on ‘ D olla r D ona tions f or P a tients’ Friday, April 16.

Donations may be dropped off at the school’s main ofMars Area Primary Center will hold a “Dollar Donations for Patients” fund-raiser to benefit the Leukemia & fice during school hours. The fund-raiser is being held in

art mad ness

F a m ily Liter a c y Nig h t

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IN Mars Area

‘ R ea ding J a m b or ee’ Mars Area Primary Center will offer its “PC-Reading Jamboree” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 4.

Activities will include variety of literacy and educational games and activities as well as face-painting, a book fair and a presentation by The Hill Brothers.

For more information, call (724) 625-1588.

‘ W a ter m elon W elc om e’ Mars Area Primary Center will hold a Watermelon Welcome from 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25.

The event is open to all students who are registered to attend the school’s kindergarten program for the 2010-2011 school year and their parents. Participants will meet the school’s kindergarten teachers, join in computer lab activities, and play on the school’s playground.

The purpose of the program is to aid students in making the transition into the Mars Area Primary Center Kindergarten Program.

To RSVP, call (724) 625-1588 before Thursday, May 13.

F r ee D ev elopm enta l Sc r eening s Mars Area School District and Lifesteps will offer free developmental screenings from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, at Mars Area Primary Center.

Screenings, which are for newborns through children age 5, will include vision, hearing and speech as well as motor and cognitive skills.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, call (800) 225-2010.

F our th - g r a der s J oin in M a th Oly m pia d C om petition Fourth-graders at Mars Area Elementary School competed in the second of five Math Olympiad competitions on Dec. 15.

Fourth-graders Alec Skomo and Luke Miller tied for first place, answering three out of five questions correctly.

The national competition, which is open to students in fourth through seventh grades, asks students to answer a series of complex math questions.

George Williams, an art teacher at Seneca Valley Middle School, creates fast-paced portraits of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington as part of an “Art Madness: Action Painting” program he presented at Mars Area Elementary School in December. For details, visit Photo by Josh Schwoebel http://art-madness.com.

honor of the “National Week of the Young Child.”

For more information, call (724) 625-1588.

Mars Area Elementary School will hold its fourth annual Family Literacy Night from 6:15 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 25.

The event will begin with a skit performed by teachers, followed by a variety of reading activities including author studies, songs, poetry and more.

For more information, call (724) 625-3161.

Second-graders at Mars Area Elementary School join in variety of games and other activities as part of the school annual Colonial Day celebration.

‘ C olonia l D a y ’ Second-graders at Mars Area Elementary School participated in a full day of hands-on learning activities that support the students’ social studies unit on American history as part of the school’s Colonial Day event in November.

The event included sessions on colonial toys, games and music; Native American dwellings and games; butter churning; achievement feathers, wampum belts, quilt-making and square-dancing. Students and teachers also dressed in clothing representative of the colonial time period.

sports Spr ing Spor ts 2 0 1 0 B oy s V a r sity B a seb a ll 03/17/10 — Montour (scrimmage), 3:45 p.m.

03/23/10 — North Hills (scrimmage), 4 p.m.

03/25/10 — South Carolina, TbA 03/26/10 — South Carolina, TbA 03/27/10 — South Carolina, TbA 03/29/10 — Riverview, 3:45 p.m.

03/30/10 — Ford City, 3:45 p.m.

03/31/10 — Chartiers Valley, 3:45 p.m.

04/01/10 — Deer Lakes, 3:45 p.m.

04/06/10 — Pine-Richland, 4 p.m.

04/07/10 — Hampton *, 3:45 p.m.

04/09/10 — Ambridge*, 3:45 p.m.

04/12/10 — New Castle*, 3:45 p.m.

04/14/10 — Blackhawk*, 3:45 p.m.

04/16/10 — Highlands*, 7 p.m.

04/21/10 — Knoch*, 3:45 p.m.

04/23/10 — Hampton*, 3:45 p.m.

04/26/10 — Ambridge*, 4 p.m.

04/28/10 — New Castle*, 4 p.m.

04/30/10 — blackhawk*, 4 p.m.

05/03/10 — Highlands*, 3:45 p.m.

05/07/10 — Knoch*, 3:45 p.m.

05/10/10 — North Hills*, 3:45 p.m.

B oy s J V B a seb a ll 03/17/10 — Montour (scrimmage), 3:45 p.m.

03/23/10 — North Hills (scrimmage), 4 p.m.

03/25/10 — South Carolina, TbA 03/26/10 — South Carolina, TbA 03/27/10 — South Carolina, TbA 03/29/10 — Riverview, 3:45 p.m.

03/31/10 — Chartiers Valley, 3:45 p.m.

04/01/10 — Deer Lakes, 3:45 p.m.

04/06/10 — Pine-Richland, 4 p.m.

04/07/10 — Hampton *, 3:45 p.m.

04/09/10 — Ambridge*, 4 p.m.

04/12/10 — New Castle*, 3:45 p.m.

04/14/10 — Blackhawk*, 3:45 p.m.

04/15/10 — Ford City, 3:45 p.m.

04/16/10 — Highlands*, 5 p.m.

04/21/10 — Knoch*, 3:45 p.m.

04/23/10 — Hampton*, 3:45 p.m.

04/26/10 — Ambridge*, 3:45 p.m.

04/28/10 — New Castle*, 4 p.m.

04/30/10 — blackhawk*, 4 p.m.

05/03/10 — Highlands*, 3:45 p.m.

05/07/10 — Knoch*, 3:45 p.m.

05/10/10 — North Hills*, 3:45 p.m.

B oy s 9 th G r a de B a seb a ll 03/18/10 — Montour (scrimmage), 3:45 p.m.

03/22/10 — Hopewell (scrimmage), 3:45 p.m.

03/29/10 — North Allegheny (Marshall)*, 3:45 p.m.

03/30/10 — Seneca Valley*, 3:45 p.m.

03/31/10 — North Allegheny (Ingomar)*, 4 p.m.

04/01/10 — North Hills*, 4 p.m.

04/06/10 — Fox Chapel*, 3:45 p.m.

04/08/10 — Shaler*, 3:30 p.m.

04/12/10 — New Castle, 3:45 p.m.

04/13/10 — Butler*, 3:45 p.m.

04/14/10 — Blackhawk, 3:45 p.m.

04/15/10 — North Allegheny*, 4 p.m.

04/19/10 — North Allegheny (Carson)*, 3:45 p.m.

Home games are in Bold

* denotes conference game 04/20/10 — Hampton*, 3:45 p.m.

04/22/10 — Seneca Valley*, 3:30 p.m.

04/27/10 — North Hills*, 3:45 p.m.

04/28/10 — New Castle, 4 p.m.

04/29/10 — Fox Chapel*, 3:45 p.m.

04/30/10 — blackhawk, 4 p.m.

05/04/10 — Shaler*, 3:45 p.m.

05/06/10 — butler*, 4:15 p.m.

05/11/10 — North Allegheny*, 3:45 p.m.

05/13/10 — Hampton*, 3:45 p.m.

G ir ls V a r sity Sof tb a ll 03/18/10— Shaler(scrimmage),3:45p.m.

03/22/10 — South Park (scrimmage), 3:45 p.m.

03/26/10 — Pine-Richland, 3:45 p.m.

03/29/10 — New Castle, 3:45 p.m.

03/30/10 — Deer Lakes, 3:45 p.m.

03/31/10 — butler, 4 p.m.

04/06/10 — Indiana*, 3:30 p.m.

04/08/10 — Hampton*, 3:45 p.m.

04/10/10 — Franklin Regional*, 11 a.m.

04/13/10 — Highlands*, 3:45 p.m.

04/15/10 — Kittanning*, 3:30 p.m.

04/20/10 — Knoch*, 3:45 p.m.

04/22/10 — Indiana*, 3:45 p.m.

04/24/10 — Hampton*, 11 a.m.

04/27/10 — Franklin Regional*, 3:45 p.m.

04/29/10 — Highlands*, 4 p.m.

05/03/10 — Ford City, 3:45 p.m.

05/04/10 — Kittanning*, 3:45 p.m.

05/06/10 — Vincentian, 3:45 p.m.

05/10/10 — Fox Chapel, 3:30 p.m.

05/11/10 — Knoch*, 3:45 p.m.

05/12/10 — North Hills, 3:45 p.m.

G ir ls J V Sof tb a ll 03/18/10— Shaler(scrimmage),3:45p.m.

03/26/10 — Pine-Richland, 3:45 p.m.

03/29/10 — New Castle, 3:45 p.m.

03/30/10 — Deer Lakes, 5 p.m.

03/31/10 — butler, 4 p.m.

04/06/10 — Indiana*, 3:30 p.m.

04/08/10 — Hampton*, 4 p.m.

04/10/10 — Franklin Regional*, TbA 04/13/10 — North Allegheny, 3:45 p.m.

04/15/10 — Kittanning*, 5 p.m.

04/20/10 — Knoch*, 3:45 p.m.

04/22/10 — Indiana*, 3:45 p.m.

04/24/10 — Hampton*, 3:45 p.m.

04/27/10 — Franklin Regional*, 3:45 p.m.

04/30/10 — North Allegheny, 4 p.m.

05/03/10 — Ford City, 3:45 p.m.

05/04/10 — Kittanning*, 3:45 p.m.

05/06/10 — Vincentian, 3:45 p.m.

05/10/10 — Fox Chapel, 3:45 p.m.

05/11/10 — Knoch*, 3:45 p.m.

05/12/10 — North Hills, 3:45 p.m.

G ir ls 7 th / 8 th G r a de Sof tb a ll 03/25/10— Butler(scrimmage),3:45p.m.

03/29/10 — butler, 4 p.m.

03/30/10 — North Hills, 3:45 p.m.

03/31/10 — North Allegheny (White), 3:45 p.m.

04/05/10 — Hampton, 4 p.m.

04/06/10 — Pine-Richland, 3:45 p.m.

04/07/10 — East Allegheny*, 3:45 p.m.

04/09/10 — Plum*, 4 p.m.

04/12/10 — Deer Lakes, 3:30 p.m.

04/14/10 — Burrell*, 3:45 p.m.

04/16/10 — Avonworth*, 4 p.m.

04/19/10 — Valley*, 3:45 p.m.

04/21/10 — Highlands*, 4 p.m.

04/26/10 — East Allegheny*, 4 p.m.

04/28/10 — Plum*, 3:45 p.m.

04/30/10 — Deer Lakes, 3:45 p.m.

05/03/10 — burrell*, 4 p.m.

05/05/10 — Avonworth*, 3:45 p.m.

05/07/10 — Valley*, 4 p.m.

05/10/10 — Highlands*, 3:45 p.m.

05/12/10 — North Allegheny (White), 4 p.m.

G ir ls 7 th / 8 th G r a de G old V olley b a ll 02/19/10 —North Allegheny (Gold) (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.

02/25/10 — Riverview (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.

02/26/10 — Hampton, 3:30 p.m.

02/27/10 — Shaler Tournament, 8:30 a.m.

03/02/10 — Riverview*, 3:30 p.m.

03/04/10 — South Allegheny*, 3:30 p.m.

03/09/10 — Wilkinsburg*, 3:30 p.m.

03/11/10 — Steel Valley*, 3:45 p.m.

03/16/10 — Duquesne*, 3:30 p.m.

03/18/10 — Plum*, 3:30 p.m.

03/22/10 — Butler (Gold), 3:30 p.m.

03/23/10 — Knoch, 3:30 p.m.

03/25/10 — Riverview*, 3:45 p.m.

03/27/10 — Pine-Richland Tourn., 8:30 a.m.

03/30/10 — South Allegheny*, 3:30 p.m.

04/01/10 — Wilkinsburg*, 4 p.m.

04/06/10 — Steel Valley*, 3:30 p.m.

04/08/10 — Duquesne*, 4 p.m.

04/09/10 — North Allegheny (Gold), 3:45 p.m.

04/13/10 — Plum*, 3:30 p.m.

04/14/10 — Knoch, 3:30 p.m.

G ir ls 7 th / 8 th G r a de B lue V olley b a ll 02/17/10 — North Hills (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.

02/23/10 — butler (Gold) (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.

02/27/10 — Shaler Tournament, 8:30 a.m.

02/27/10 — Pine-Richland Tourn., 8:30 a.m.

03/02/10 — Shaler*, 3:30 p.m.

03/04/10 — Seneca Valley*, 3:30 p.m.

03/08/10 — Fox Chapel, 3:30 p.m.

03/09/10 — Gateway, 3:45 p.m.

03/11/10 — Burrell*, 4 p.m.

03/16/10 — Deer Lakes*, 3:30 p.m.

03/18/10 — Valley*, 4 p.m.

03/23/10 — Pine-Richland*, 3:30 p.m.

03/24/10 — Fox Chapel, 4 p.m.

03/25/10 — Shaler*, 3:30 p.m.

03/29/10 — Seneca Valley*, 3:30 p.m.

04/01/10 — Gateway, 3:30 p.m.

04/06/10 — burrell*, 4 p.m.

04/08/10 — Deer Lakes*, 3:30 p.m.

04/13/10 — Valley*, 3:30 p.m.

04/15/10 — Pine-Richland*, 3:30 p.m.

C oed V a r sity T r a c k & F ield 03/18/10 — North Allegheny (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.

03/23/10 — Pine-Richland (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.

03/30/10 — blackhawk, 3:30 p.m.

04/06/10 — Fox Chapel, 3:30 p.m.

04/08/10 — beaver @ Quaker Valley, 3:30 p.m.

04/13/10 — Knoch*, 3:30 p.m.

04/15/10 — Avonworth*/Northgate, 3:30 p.m.

04/20/10 — Hampton*, 3:30 p.m.

04/22/10 — Kiski*, 3:30 p.m.

04/26/10 — Highlands*, 4 p.m.

04/28/10 — MAC Invitational, 2 p.m.

04/30/10 — Mars Area Invitational, 1 p.m.

05/04/10 — WPIAL Team Playoffs, TbA 05/07/10 — Pine-Richland Invit., 2 p.m.

05/11/10 — WPIAL Individual Qualifiers @ butler, 2 p.m.

05/20/10 — WPIAL Championships @ baldwin, 12:15 p.m.

05/28/10 — PIAA State Championship@ Shippensburg university, TbA 05/29/10 — PIAA State Championship@ Shippensburg university, TbA

C oed J unior H ig h T r a c k & F ield 03/25/10 — North Allegheny/blackhawk @ N.A. Intermediate, 3:30 p.m.

04/06/10 — Fox Chapel, 3:30 p.m.

04/07/10 — Blackhawk, 3:30 p.m.

04/13/10 — Knoch, 3:30 p.m.

04/15/10 — Shady Side Academy, 3:30 p.m.

04/20/10 — Hampton, 3:30 p.m.

04/22/10 — Freedom/Quaker Valley, 3:30 p.m.

04/26/10 — Highlands, 3:30 p.m.

04/29/10 — Mars Junior High Invit., 2 p.m.

05/03/10 — North Hills, 3:30 p.m.

05/04/10 — Seneca Valley Invit., 3:30 p.m.

05/06/10 — North Allegheny Invit. , 3:30 p.m.

B oy s V a r sity T ennis 03/15/10 — Pine-Richland (scrimmage), 3:30 p.m.

03/18/10 — Shaler (scrimmage), 3 p.m.

03/22/10 — Hampton*, 3:30 p.m.

03/23/10 — Springdale, 3:30 p.m.

03/24/10— SewickleyAcademy*,3:30p.m.

03/25/10 — Quaker Valley*, 3:30 p.m.

03/26/10 — Vincentian*, 3:45 p.m.

03/31/10 — Knoch*, 3 p.m.

04/01/10 — Shaler, 3:30 p.m.

04/06/10 — Seneca Valley, 3:30 p.m.

04/09/10 — Hopewell*, 3:30 p.m.

04/12/10 — WPIAL Section Singles @ Sewickley Academy, 11 a.m.

04/13/10 — WPIAL Section Singles @ Sewickley Academy, 11 a.m.

04/14/10 — Hampton*, 3:30 p.m.

04/15/10 — MAC Ten @ Pearson Park, 9 a.m.

04/16/10 — Sewickley Academy*, 3:30 p.m.

04/21/10 — Vincentian*, 3:30 p.m.

04/23/10 — Quaker Valley*, 3:30 p.m.

04/26/10 — Knoch*, 3:30 p.m.

04/28/10 — Shaler, 3 p.m.

05/03/10 — Hopewell*, 3:30 p.m.

05/06/10 — WPIAL Section Doubles@ Sewickley Academy, 11 a.m.

05/07/10 — WPIAL Section Doubles@ Sewickley Academy, 11 a.m.

All sports schedules are subject to change. For sports schedules, call Mars Area School District Athletic Office at (724) 625-9380 or visit www.highschoolsports.net.

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sports Spr ing T r a c k & F ield I nv ita tiona ls Set f or Apr il

G ir ls Soc c er T ea m E nds Sea son in W P I AL P la y of f s

Mars Area School District will host its annual Track & Field invitationals on the following dates: Wednesday, April 28 — MAC Track & Field Invitational, 2 p.m Thursday, April 29 — Mars Area Junior High Track & Field Invitational, 2 p.m. Friday, April 30 — Mars Area Varsity Track & Field Invitational, 1 p.m.

Mars Area High School’s Girls Varsity Soccer Team ended the 2009 regular season with an overall record of 143-1 and 10-3-1 in Section 2-AAA. The Lady Planets advanced to first round of the 2009 WPIAL/McDonald’s Class AAA Girls Soccer Championship on Oct. 27, but were defeated 2-0 by the Peters Township Indians.

The team trounced the Upper St. Clair Panthers 1-0 in the preliminary round of the WPIAL playoffs on Oct. 24.

Seniors on this year’s team are captains Lexie Mastro, Erin Resoskyand Erica Sullivanas well as Corrine Gressang, Dominique Jeremko, Kristina Paracca, Corinne Williams, Sarah Williamsand Kelsey Brueckner(statistician). Other outstanding players this season included juniors Dana Wonderly and Meghan Kelly and sophomore Kristen McKenzie.

All events will be held at Mars Athletic Complex. For more information, call the Mars Area School District Athletics Office at (724) 625-9380.

Chris Knauff, head coach of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team (center, left), was honored by the Western Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association along with team members Ryan McKenzie, Jack Leslie, Christopher Karns, Tim Vandall and Tanner Panza.

C oa c h , P la y er s H onor ed b y Soc c er Assoc ia tion Chris Knauff, head coach of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team, was named WPIAL Class AA Coach of the Year by the Western Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association (WPSCA).

Knauff, a business technology teacher at Mars Area High School, has served as head coach since 2007 leading the Fightin’ Planets to WPIAL championship wins in 2008 and 2009. The team ended the 2009 regular season with an overall record of 17-1-0 and 12-0-0 in Section 2-AA. “Our success was the result of synergy of many components coming together including parent support, great assistant coaches and having, in my opinion, the most talented players to come through Mars,” said Knauff.

WPSCA also named Mars Area senior Ryan McKenzie to the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association (PSCA) All-State Team. As a member of the team, McKenzie had 78 goals and 45 assists.

In addition, McKenzie along with fellow seniors Christopher Karns, Tim Vandall, Jack Leslie and Tanner Panza were named WPIAL Class AA All-Stars.

D istr ic t to Of f er 2 0 1 0 Spr ing Spor ts P h y sic a ls Mars Area School District will offer physicals for spring sports beginning at 8 a.m. at Mars Area Middle School and at 1 p.m. at Mars Area High School on Thursday, Feb. 25.

Cost is $15 per student. The Pennsylvania Inter-scholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) process and forms required for athletic physicals have changed. All student-athletes interested in participating in athletics are required to undergo one comprehensive physical evaluation per year.

To obtain the necessary forms, visit the “Athletics” page on Mars Area School District’s Web site, www.marsk12. org, and click on the “Athletic Physicals” link.

For more information, call (724) 625-9380.

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R unner s C om pete in W P I AL C r oss C ountr y C h a m pionsh ip Mars Area High School’s Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country teams placed 20th and 39th, respectively, in the 2009 WPIAL Cross Country Championship on Oct. 29.

On the girls team, freshman Maggie McChesney placed 85th with a time of 21:07; senior Samantha Brandon, 106th (21:25); freshman Pheobe Pierre, 134th (21:53); senior Gabri Pierre, 137th (21:58); senior Michelle Perri, 141st (22:02); junior Carly Clark, 174th (22:36); and sophomore Elizabeth Parsons, 200th (23:13).

On the boys team, freshman Scott Slaney placed 113th with a time of 18:12; sophomore Sean Gannon, 123rd (18:16); sophomore Zach McManus, 247th (19:37); junior Jacob Hunter, 273rd (20:14); junior Colby Mathews, 276th (20:16); freshman Grant Arnold, 282nd (20:36); and sophomore Ryan Winner, 293rd (21:07).

Students H onor ed f or C r oss C ountr y Ac h iev em ents Four Mars Area High School students were honored by the Butler Eaglefor their performance as members of the 2009 Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams.

Sophomore Sean Gannonand freshman Maggie McChesney were named 2009 Butler Road Race Cross Country MVPs, an honor for which they were nominated by the Mars Area cross country coaching staff.

Gannon and McChesney were also named to the AllCounty Cross Country Second Team and senior Samantha Brandon and freshman Scott Slaney were named to the All-County Cross Country Honorable Mention Team.

All-County Teams are selected by head coaches in the county coaches association.

Senior Awa r ded W endy ’ s H ig h Sc h ool H eism a n Mars Area senior Samantha Brandonwas named a winner of the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award.

The national award is presented to high school seniors who exhibit excellence in academics, athletics and community/school leadership. The honor encourages future leadership by recognizing well-balanced lifestyles.

Brandon, a member of Mars Area High School’s Girls Varsity Cross Country and Track & Field teams, holds the seventh fastest time in the Top 25 in Mars Area history.

Samantha Brandon, senior, was named a winner of the 2009Wendy’s For more information, visit www.Wendys- High School Heisman Award. At left, Brandon poses for a picture with Rick Matlick, track & field coach, and Joe Cioc, cross country coach.

Heisman.com.

sports G ir ls V a r sity V olley b a ll T ea m C om petes in P I AA Q ua r ter f ina ls Mars Area High School’s Girls Varsity Volleyball Team ended the 2009 regular season with an overall record of 162 and 12-0 in Section 2-AA. The Lady Planets advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2009 PIAA Class AA Volleyball Championships on Nov. 13, but were defeated 3-0 by the Brandywine Bullets, the Holy Redeemer Royals and the Freeport Yellowjackets. The Planets outpaced the Wilmington Greyhounds 3-1 in the first round of the PIAA championship on Nov. 10.

Despite the team’s 3-1 loss to the Freeport Yellowjackets in the semifinal round of the 2009 WPIAL/ McDonald’s Class AA Girls Volleyball Championship on Nov. 5, the team placed fourth in the WPIAL playoffs and garnered a spot in the PIAA Championship Bracket.

The Planets defeated the Indiana Little Indians 3-1 in the WPIAL quarterfinals on Nov. 3 and crushed the Quaker Valley Quakers 3-0 in the first round on Oct. 29.

Seniors on this year’s team are Camille Plesniak, Taylor Boice, Maddie Hudac, Anne Beitler and Camblin Leonard.

Other outstanding players this season included juniors Brooke Finney, Heather Hodges and Victoria Romano as well as sophomores Mara Randolphand Lara Caraway.

V a r sity F ootb a ll T ea m E nds Sea son in W P I AL Q ua r ter f ina ls Mars Area High School’s Boys Varsity Football Team ended the regular season with an overall record of 6-3 and 4-1 in Section 4-AAA play.

The Fightin’ Planets advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2009 WPIAL/ McDonald’s Class AAA Football Championship on Nov. 13, but were defeated 33-0 by the Hopewell Vikings. The Planets toppled the Trinity Hillers in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs on Nov. 6.

The team also clinched the 2009 Greater Allegheny Conference title with a 7-3 win over the Knoch Knights on Oct. 30.

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p ial champ s

Members of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity SoccerTeam pose for a picture after winning the 2009 WPIAL Class AA Title on Nov. 7. The Fightin’ Planets advanced to the PIAA quarterfinals on Nov. 14, but were defeated 2-1 by the Palmyra Cougars.

B oy s V a r sity Soc c er T ea m Adv a nc es to P I AA Q ua r ter f ina ls The 2009 WPIAL champion Mars Area High School’s Boys Varsity Soccer Team ended the 2009 regular season with an overall record of 17-1-0 and 12-0-0 in Section 2-AA. The Fightin’ Planets advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2009 PIAA Class AA Boys Soccer Championship on Nov. 14, but were defeated 2-1 by the Palmyra Cougars. The Planets tamed the Harbor Creek Huskies 2-1 in double overtime in the first round of the PIAA championship on Nov. 10.

The team earned the 2009 WPIAL title after trouncing the Hampton Talbots 1-0 in the final game of the 2009

WPIAL/McDonald’s Class AA Boys Soccer Championship on Nov. 7.

The Planets whipped the Chartiers Valley Colts 3-0 in the WPIAL semifinals on Nov. 3; crushed the Southmoreland Scotties 4-0 in the quarterfinals on Oct. 31; and defeated the Indiana Little Indians 4-0 in the first round on Oct. 26.

Outstanding players this season included seniors Ryan McKenzie, Jack Leslie, Tanner Panza, Michael Page, Tim Vandall, Dylan McNany and Christopher Karns; juniors Alex Perri, Robert Sigurdsson, Josh Brake and Yulian Lutsiv; and sophomore Ryan Gralish.

Seniors on this year’s team are Christopher Karns, D.J. Delucia, Brad Grosso, Bill Matoka, Randy Seebacher, Dillon Lennen, Brandon Williams, Kevin Randolph, Ibn Hoffman, Ben Leshow, Jordan King, Nevan O’Donnell, Brody Maughan-Evanson, Lucas Cybachand Cameron Malewski.

Other outstanding players this season included juniors Eric Guzak, Dylan Bear and Seth Geyer, sophomore Austin Miele and freshman Brian Cassidy.

Miele led the team in rushing, receiving and points scored. Other top scorers were Karns, Geyer and Seebacher.

Guzak led the team in passing yards.

Mars Area Sports Organizations Mars F ast - Pit ch S oft b all A ssoc.

Web site: www.marssoftball.com Mars Y ou t h F oot b all/ C heerleading P.O. Box 663 Mars, Pa. 16046 E-mail: mail@marsyouthfootball.com Web site: www.marsyouthfootball.com Mars A rea S occer C lu b P.O. Box 610 Mars, Pa. 16046 Web site: www.marssoccer.org

Mars B aseb all A ssociat ion P.O. Box 630 Mars, Pa. 16046 E-mail: marsbaseball@zoominternet.net Web site: www.marsbaseball.com

N ort h Pit t sb u rg h Y ou t h H ockey A ssoc.

103 Marshall Drive Warrendale, Pa. 15086 E-mail: npwildcats@hotmail.com Web site: www.eteamz.com/npyha

Mars C om m u nit y Recreat ion A ssociat ion ( “ Mars Pool” ) 591 Stanton Avenue Mars, Pa. 16046 Ph: (724) 625-9530 E-mail: manager@marspool.org Web site: www.marspool.org

Mars Y ou t h W rest ling Web site: www.marswrestling.com

ST AY U P T O DAT E WIT H ALL Y O U R MASD NEWSLVISIT WWW.MARSK12.O RG. 24/7L Spring 2010

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