Williamsport Area School District
Press Release Archive
2005 - 2006 School Year

6/14/06
Fall 2006 SAT prep courses through the
Penn State Continuing Education office in Williamsport
SAT Verbal: Williamsport - SAT Verbal Preparation (C I 5000J)
     Thursday Sept. 21, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
     Sunday Sept. 24, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
     Thursday Sept. 28, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
SAT Math: SAT Math Preparation (C I 5000G)
     Sunday Oct. 1, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
     Thursday Oct. 5, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
     Sunday Oct. 8, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
The tuition is $120 per course. For further information, please call our office at 570-322-5771.
Click here for the flyer.

6/14/06
The WAHS Orchestra Association is currently selling folding Captains chairs to help cover expenses for next Spring's trip to Disney World. The chairs are red and are emblazoned with the words "Williamsport Millionaires" and the Top hat logo. Each chair has two cup holders and a zippered cell phone/sunglasses pouch. They fold-up neatly to fit in their red, nylon drawstring bags. The cost of the chairs are $20. Please contact Barb Wallace at 326-5859 to purchase the chairs or with any questions.

6/8/06
Williamsport Area High School Graduation Announcement
June 8, 2006
Because of the likelihood of rain showers this afternoon and evening, the Williamsport Area High School Graduation Ceremony will be held indoors tonight at the gymnasium at 7PM. Please remember that previously distributed tickets will be required for entrance into the graduation ceremony this evening. To avoid major traffic problems, students and guests should plan to arrive early for the 7PM ceremony. Once again, the Williamsport Area High School Graduation is indoors this evening at 7PM.  There will be shuttle bus available from the Roosevelt Parking lot as well as C-Lot at the high school starting at 5:45 pm.

6/7/06
WAHS Senior Ryan Hastings has signed a letter of intent to play football at Mansfield University. In the picture, left to right, Head Coach, Tim Thompson, Ryan Hastings and Kevin Hastings (Ryan's father).

5/15/06
Postponements
The Williamsport Area High School junior varsity and varsity softball games scheduled for today (5/15/06) against Cumberland Valley have been postponed due to the weather.

The Williamsport Area High School junior varsity and varsity baseball games scheduled for today (5/15/06) against Central Mountain have been postponed due to the weather. The games will be played on Wednesday, May 17th. The junior varsity game will begin at 4:00 p.m. at Green Avenue Field and the varsity game will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Logue Field.

The 9th & 10th grade league track & field meet scheduled today (5/15/06) at Montoursville has been cancelled due to the weather; this meet will not be held this year.

5/11/06
WASD's Annual Diversity Day Celebration will be held May 19th at Brandon Park
Parade of Flags begins at 5:15, followed by Opening Ceremonies Rain Location: Curtin Middle School We invite families and friends of the Williamsport Area School District to join us for children's activities, live entertainment by our students and great ethnic foods. Student works from across the district will also be on display!

4/26/06
Attention all WAHS Seniors and Senior Parents!
As you are already aware, those Seniors who have not yet reached proficiency on the three test subject areas of the PSSA’s (Mathematics, Reading and Writing) were earlier sent an announcement that the District Local Assessments would take place May 1,2 and 3, 2006, here at the high school. The opportunities to demonstrate Proficiency in the three subject areas were offered by the Commonwealth during your child’s Junior year, and again at the beginning of the Senior year.  Click here to read more.

4/13/06
WASD Summer School registration materials will be available in the counselors’ offices in all area secondary schools. Williamsport Area School District students may register for summer school with their guidance counselors beginning May 15. Students who attend other area schools who wish to attend the Summer School Program should register with their own guidance counselor. The student’s parent/guardian and guidance counselor must sign the registration card.  Click here for the Summer School Brochure.
The following Summer School courses have been canceled: Spanish I, French I, Web Page Design, Introduction to Visual Arts, Reviewing Keyboarding & Computer

4/12/07
Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation Golf Tournament
Saturday, June 24, 2006 8:30 a.m. (Rain date: TBA) - White Deer Golf Course Vintage Course
Proceeds to benefit the High School Fitness Center Project Click here for flyer.

4/7/06
The High School Green House is open for business!. Visit the greenhouse during periods 6 & 7 (1-2:30 p.m. daily), or call Miss Nicole Carman at 323-8411, ext. 3431, email ncarman@wasd.org, make an appointment to visit, or come during our after school sales! Family, friends and neighbors are invited!  Click here for the Spring 2006 Plant List! (pdf)

After-school sales will be on:
Wednesday, April 26th, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 2th, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 4th, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 10th, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 17th, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 23rd, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 31st, 1:00-6:00 p.m.

The greenhouse will close for the year on Thursday, June 1st at 2:30 p.m.

4/6/06
Career Exploration Day 2006 will be held on Thursday, April 27. This is an opportunity for students grades 5 through 12 to go to work for a day with a parent or guardian to learn about career options available. Students wishing to participate can pick up a registration packet from their school. Participating students must adhere to specific guidelines including the return of completed applications to their school no later than April 19, 2006. Absolutely no applications will be accepted after April 19. If you have questions about Career Exploration Day, contact Mr. Theodore R. Piwowar, Director of Career and Technical Education at 323-8411 ext. 3351.

4/6/06
“WHAT 8TH GRADERS AND THEIR PARENTS NEED TO KNOW TO SUCCEED AT WAHS"
7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, April 26, 2006 Williamsport Area High School D-Large Instruction
Parents and future freshmen, please plan to attend this informative and welcoming evening presented by the WAHS Freshmen Mentoring Program. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our high school. Students, parents, families, and friends are welcome to attend. For more information contact Instructional Support Teacher Kathy Otzel kotzel@wasd.org 323 8411 ext. 3252.

4/4/06
Summer 2006 SAT prep courses through the
Penn State Continuing Education office in Williamsport
SAT Verbal: August 7-9 from 9AM-noon
SAT Math: July 24-26 from 9AM-noon
The tuition is $120 per course. For further information, please call our office at 570-322-5771.

4/3/06
Wyoming Valley West have been postponed. The varsity game against Wyoming Valley West will be played tomorrow, Tuesday, April 4, 2006. The game will begin at 4:00 p.m. at Elm Park. The junior varsity game will not be played this year.

3/29/06
The Curtin Middle School Chamber Choir proudly presents its Spring Musical “How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, which was recently revived on Broadway starring Matthew Broderick. This show tells the story of the ambitious window washer Finch (played by Zachary Wagner) who climbs his way to the top of the World Wide Wicket Company. Along the way, he manages to befriend the boss JB Biggely (played by Peter Lovecchio), outwit the boss’ nephew Bud Frump (played by Andrew Reiff), win the respect of the stern secretary Smitty (played by Fatema Esaa), and fall in love with Rosemary (Farida Esaa). This hilarious show is sure to delight audiences with it’s satirical view of the business world.

The show will be presented in the Andrew G. Curtin Middle School Auditorium on April 7th and 8th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $4.00 each and all seating is reserved. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 323-4785, ext. 229. Tickets can also be purchased at the door at 7:00 p.m. prior to the show.

3/23/06
You are invited to attend the Lycoming Valley Middle School Student Works Exhibit which is being held on April 27th from 6:30 to 8:30. During your visit, you will be able to see what our students have been working on this year. There will be musical performances and demonstrations by students during the evening, as well as the opportunity to meet members of the faculty. So, please mark your calendar for April27, and we'll leave the light on for ya.

2/17/06
2006 Williamsport Area School District All District Choral Concert
The Williamsport Area School District’s Music Department will present its Thirty Third Annual All-District Choral Concert at 7:30 PM on Monday, April 3, 2006, in the Williamsport Area High School auditorium. The event concludes the District’s celebration of “Music in Our Schools Month”. The concert is free to the public and features the slogan “Music, the Heart in Education. more info and photos

2/10/06
The Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation Scrabble Tournament Cancelled.

3/13/06
The Williamsport Area High School Division III Odyssey of the Mind “Tech Transfer” team placed first at the Odyssey of the Mind, North Central PA Regional Competition held Saturday, March 4, 2006 at Berwick High School. Team members include Tim Betts, Sarah Border, Zack Kyle, Amber Lee, Elyssa Okkelberg, Matt Okkelberg and Pat Welteroth are coached by Joe and Eileen Okkelberg. The team will go out to compete at the Pennsylvania State Odyssey of the Mind Competition to be held on Saturday, April 8th at Altoona Area High School.

The Tech Transfer problem requires the team to create and present an original performance, which includes the use of a technical device that extends into different areas to move items. The team designs, builds and operates the device, and creates the items. The team must integrate the moving of the items into its performance.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program, which provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Kids apply their creativity to solve problems, which range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and World level. Thousands of teams from throughout the U.S. and approximately twenty-five other countries participate in the program.

3/9/06
The Roosevelt Chamber Choir presents HONK! Jr.

March 17 and 18, 2006 at 7:30 P.M. in the Roosevelt Middle School Cafetorium

3/7/06
Williamsport Area High School presents: The Millionaire Indoor Performance Invitational
Sunday, March 19 2:00 pm in the WAHS Gymnasium
Tickets: $6.00 for adults, $4.00 for students and seniors
Click here for the flyer.

3/6/06
Zachary Wagner Wins Music Scholarship
The Lycoming County Band Directors Association announced that Zachary Wagner, an 8th grade saxophone player from Curtin Middle School, won the 2006 Paul E. Seifrit Memorial Scholarship. Zachary was awarded the scholarship at the L.C.B.D.A. Junior High Honors Band Festival held at Montgomery Area High School on February 25, 2006. He received a certificate and a check for one hundred dollars will be issued to a summer music camp of his choice. Zachary competed for the scholarship by performing scales and a solo for a panel of L.C.B.D.A. judges. In addition to these criteria, Mr. Kevin Henry, Curtin Band Director, recommended Zachary for the scholarship for his commitment to the band program and his citizenship in school. Zachary is the son of Christine and David Wagner, Williamsport PA.

3/3/06
Closure of schools due to snow on December 9, 2005 and March 2, 2006 requires that we make up two days.  The make up days will be April 18 and 19, 2006.  Both April 18 and 19 will not be vacation; all students should be in school and all employees at work.

3/3/06
Ten Williamsport Area High School students were selected to perform in the 2006 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 8 Chorus Festival held at Athens High School on February 4, 2006. Participating student include Jason Albert, Marlaina Carson, Sarah Esaa, Andrew Giordano, Caroline Mahoney, Andrew Mextorf, Brian Mextorf, Michael Stratton, Joseph Tokay and Ashley Walter.

Nine of those students, Jason Albert, Marlaina Carson, Sarah Esaa, Andrew Giordano, Andrew Mextorf, Brian Mextorf, Michael Stratton, Joseph Tokay and Ashley Walter have been selected to perform at the 2006 PMEA Region Chorus Festival to be held March 15-19, 2006 at Tunkhannock High School.

3/3/06
Andrew Mextorf Wins Chorus Festival Music Scholarship Baritone, Andrew Mextorf, a Williamsport Area High School Senior, won the 2006 Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association District 8 Chorus Festival Scholarship.

Andrew received a framed certificate and a $300 scholarship at the PMEA District 8 Chorus Festival held at Athens High School on February 4, 2006.

The scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior with high academic and musical achievement. Each candidate is required to write a 100 word essay on “How participation in the school’s music program has enriched his life and influenced his future.”

Andrew’s accomplishments include being selected for PMEA District 8 Band, Chorus and Orchestra, PMEA Region Band, Chorus and Orchestra and the 2005 PMEA All State Band. Andrew participates as principal trumpet in the Williamsport Symphony Youth Orchestra and performed the lead role of “Curly” in the 2005 WAHS production of “Oklahoma.”

Andrew is the son of Richard and Kathy Mextorf, of Williamsport PA.

2/28/06
Williamsport Area School District Visual Art Department Celebrates Youth Art Month
Featuring Student Art Representing K-12, March 1-31, 2006
WHEN - Open House and Artist's Reception March 3, 2006 5-7 PM In conjunction with Downtown Williamsport's First Friday Events
WHERE - Dr. June Baskin Gallery Williamsport Area School District Service Center 201 West Third Street Downtown Williamsport
Celebrate Youth Art Month & Quality Art Education in our Schools!

2/23/06
February 22, 2006, Water Boil Advisory
The current water boil advisory is a precautionary measure taken by the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority. They assure us that there is very little likelihood that tap water contains contaminants that will make anyone ill. The Department of Environmental Protection has advised the Water Authority that any discomfort could only be caused by ingesting water or its contents.

The Williamsport Area School District has taken precautions to be sure this situation does not affect our students: *Bottled drinking water has been distributed to all buildings. *Drinking fountains in the buildings have been sealed to prevent their use. *Hand sanitizer is present in all restrooms as an alternative or follow-up to hand washing. *Food service staff are boiling water before use and paper products will be substituted for the normal tableware until the water system is clear.

2/22/06
Kindergarten Registration for 2006-2007 school year
will take place in the elementary schools
during the week of April 3 – 7, 2006
Click here for the time schedule.

2/20/06
Students at Williamsport Area High School are performing William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet at the high school auditorium on March 24-25 at 7:30 p.m. It is directed by John C. Weaver, and it will be set in a modern American high school. General admission for the play will be $5.00.

2/17/06
The WAHS 2005 Course Catalog has been updated as of 2/17/06.

2/10/06
The Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation is sponsoring a Scrabble Tournament. The tournament is for all ages and abilities. Random parings will be done for round 1. The tournament will be held in the J. Henry Cochran Elementary School on March 18th and 19th. The cost to participate is $25.00. This is a fundraiser to support our School District. Please consider participating and/or encouraging others to participate. The tournament is limited to 128 participants. 
Click here for the application.

2/6/06
Community Course Available - Intro to Ceramics  -  Tuesday Night Class:  6:00 – 8:45 P.M.
Introduction Jewelry Design & Fabrication - Thursday Night Class 6:00 – 9:00 P.M.
Click here for more information.

2/1/06
2006 LumberJack Indoor Classic Soccer Tournament
Click here for flyers:  High School Flyer   Middle School Flyer

1/30/06
There will be a workshop for ninth graders and their parents regarding scheduling classes for next year. We will discuss various topics of course selection including college prep courses, career & technical programs, and PIAA requirements for athletes. Course selection deals with students' goals as well as students' present performance. The workshop will be held February 28th at 7pm in D-large at the high school.  We want your child to take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that our school has to offer.

1/30/06
WASD 2006 - 2007 School Year Calendar PDF (Board approved 1/17/06)

1/27/06
“Embrace Roosevelt”
Roosevelt Middle School Community Night
Thursday, February 23, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.
Student Works, Music and Basket Auction
Come Experience Roosevelt!

1/4/06
We are having our premiere dance recital on January 18, 2006 at the Williamsport Area High School Auditorium starting at 7:00p.m. This dance recital is free to the public and will include performances by the physical education/dance classes, the Williamsport Area High School Dance Company and The Williamsport Area High School accapella gentlemen's singing group GQ. The set artwork is being done by the Williamsport Area High School Advanced Art students. 
Click here to view the flyer.

12/19/05
The snow make-up day to implement from the December 9, 2005
closing of WASD schools will be Wednesday, April 19, 2006.

12/15/05
The Lycoming Valley Orchestra Concert scheduled for 12/15/05 has been postponed to Tuesday, December 20th at 8:00 p.m.

12/15/05
Roosevelt Middle School's Band and Orchestra Concert scheduled for 12/15/05 has been postponed to Tuesday, December 20th at 7:30 p.m.

12/13/05
The Music Department would like to invite you to the Williamsport Area High School’s sixteenth annual Holiday Celebration. The concert will be held in the Williamsport Area High School Auditorium on Sunday, December 18th at 3:00 p.m. The program will be filled with festive holiday music and; at a little over an hour in length, is excellent family entertainment. We hope that you will be able to come and enjoy our musical gift to the community.

There is no admission fee and tickets are not required. Additional information can be obtained through the DSC Music Office at 327-5500, ext. 3517.

12/05/06
It is the time of year when seniors are beginning to receive college acceptance letters and parents are beginning to think, "How am I going to pay for this?". Find out some of the answers to these questions during the annual Financial Aid Night at the high school on Tuesday, January 24th at 7 p.m. Dennis Correll, Director of Financial Aid at Penn College, will be our featured speaker.

12/01/05
Playhouse for Sale: 
Sealed bids are being accepted for the sale of an adorable 8' x 12' playhouse built by students at the Williamsport High School Construction Trades class.  Questions should be directed to Ted Piwowar at 570-323-8411 x3351.  Minimum Bid is $1,000.

Included are:
A hip roof with a 30 yr Tamko "Rust Cedar" (brown) shingle. 
Four inch reveal hemlock wood siding that needs painted or stained to your liking. 
A lockable wood front door that comes with a "Woodpecker" door knocker. 

Buyer needs to supply and install glass for the four small windows.  Inside is board and batten siding made of unfinished pine.  Made with a pressure treated band joist that allows the playhouse to sit directly on the ground.  Sold as is.  Buyer is responsible to move to location.  Sealed bids will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2005.  Bids shall be delivered or mailed to Ted Piwowar, Director of Career and Technical Education, Williamsport Area High School, 2990 West Forth Street, Williamsport.  Bids must be sealed and clearly marked as “Playhouse Bid” on the outside of the envelope. 

The playhouse is available for inspection in the parking lot behind the Career and Technical Education wing of the Williamsport Area High School. 

11/29/05
Homework Strategies Workshop
Thursday, December 1 at 7pm
WAHS D-large
All parents & students are welcome
presented by
Dana Schenck-Welshans ninth grade teacher & reading specialist and
Kathy Temple teacher & chair of the Freshmen Mentoring Program

11/22/05
Come meet the Millionaires!
There will be a Boys Basketball Scrimmage game against Hughesville
Tuesday, November 29, 2005 6:00 pm - WAHS Gymnasium

11/21/05
WAHS Baseball sponsored Craft Fair in the High School Commons
Saturday, November 26 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

11/17/05
The Class of 2007 and 2008 raised over $4,000.00 to help families in our community.
We purchased 200 turkeys for families for Thanksgiving and we are currently working to purchase toys and clothing for children in need in our community for Christmas. The money raised from the raffle goes toward these projects.  Click here for the list of winners.

11/14/05
The Williamsport Area High School has experienced difficulty in processing student report cards for the first marking period this year.  A series of problems at the report card contractor’s end of the system has caused the first set of cards to be printed without attendance data.  A second run of report cards last week proved to be inaccurate in terms of the calculation of students’ GPA’s to date, and the accounting for cumulative credits. 

We are working closely with the programmers to rectify these errors and omissions, and will print accurate report cards as quickly as possible.  We appreciate your concern over this delay, and we certainly share that concern.  If you wish, please contact your student’s counselor here at the high school for first marking period grade information.  Our goal is to produce a report card that is flawlessly calculated and correct in all regards, so that this important document is one that you as parents, as well as employers, colleges and universities, may rely upon to accurately portray your child’s progress. 

Thank you for your understanding in this difficult time.

10/20/05
Orders for high school graduation announcements will be taken on the morning of October 27th. Order forms and information were distributed to students October 18th. If more information is needed, please contact the Gold House Office at 323-8411 x 3231.

10/20/05
Lycoming Valley students walk to raise money for school affected by Hurricane Katrina
Lycoming Valley Middle School applied for and received a Keystone Healthy Zone grant given by PANA (Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity).  Click here for more info and to see photos.

10/20/05
Curtin Middle School Annual Chicken and Biscuit Dinner
November 2, 2005, 5-7 pm, take out starting at 4:30
Cost is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 7
The Strolling Strings will be performing from 5:30-6:30.
There will be a Baked Goods Sale and a Raffle.

10/10/05
Stevens Elementary Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Celebration
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• 5:30-6:30 PM OPEN HOUSE TOURS
• 6:30-7:00 PM AUDITORIUM CEREMONY
• 7:00 PM CLOCK TOWER ILLUMINATION
• 7:15-9:00 PM LHU SCIENCE FAIR

WE WELCOME EVERYONE TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR SPECIAL CELEBRATION!

10/6/05
The City of Williamsport has enacted a public curfew, which prohibits minors (under the age of 18) from being on any public place, street or establishment in the City of Williamsport between the hours of 11:00 pm and 5:00 am unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The curfew takes affect and will be enforced effective Thursday, October 6, 2005. Violators may be fined.

There are some exceptions to this curfew including the following:

1. Any minor who is engaged in gainful, lawful employment during the curfew hours or who is traveling to or from such employment.

2. Any minor who is on active duty in the United States Armed Forces.

3. Any minor who is attending any scheduled school, artistic, civic cultural, educational, religious or sporting event.

4.Any minor who is returning home from, by a direct route and within thirty (30) minutes of the termination of any event mentioned above.

Questions about this ordinance should be directed to City Hall, 245 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA

10/03/05
Penn State SAT Preparation Classes can help you achieve your full SAT potential.  Click here for more information. (PDF Formatted)

9/30/05
Thursday Oct. 6 from 6:30-8:30 PM
Over 80 colleges and universities will be at the Lycoming College Gym to meet with parents and students to talk about any and all aspects of college admissions.

9/26/05
Class of 2007 & 2008 Raffle - Tickets: $2.00 a piece
DRAWING ON NOVEMBER 17, 2005 (click to view entire list of items)
To buy raffle tickets, see members of the Executive Boards of the Class of 2007 & 2008, or call Steve Wiser, ext. 3251 or Jeanne Yaggi, ext. 3293.

9/8/05
The Williamsport Area School District’s Adult Education Program will hold class registration for evening GED and ABE classes and the Independent Supervised Study Program during the next two weeks.  Registration will be held promptly at 7 p.m., September 12-14 and 19-21, 2005, in the basement of the District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport. 

Students wishing to attend classes in Hughesville or Jersey Shore should report directly to those class sites and do not need to pre-register in Williamsport.  Classes are offered at Ashkar Elementary School in Hughesville on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. and at the Jersey Shore High School on Wednesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m.  Morning classes are also offered Monday – Thursday from 9:00-11:45 a.m. in Williamsport at the Career Link, 145 West Third Street.  

Persons desiring more information can contact the Coordinator of Adult Education at 327-5500, extension 3580.

8/8/05
CLASS OF 2009 FRESHMEN & PARENTS WELCOME NIGHT & ORIENTATION TO WILLIAMSPORT AREA HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday evening August 25, 2005 7:00 p.m. Williamsport Area High School E Cafeteria