Boys Basketball Wins Two Christmas Tournaments

The Trojans defeated Canon McMillan Middle School 41-38 in overtime to capture its' own Christmas tournament championship. Tanner Huffman (21) and Brian Fisher (16) led the scoring for the host team. The Trojans also defeated Laurel Highlands, Connellsville West and Brownsville to reach the championship game.

Also, the Trojans won the Laurel Highlands Christmas tournament by defeating Geibel 68-35 with Huffman (32) and Fisher (13) leading the scoring for California. The middle school quintet also defeated LayFayette Middle School and Ben Franklin Middle School to reach the finals. The overall team record is 20-0 this season.

The 7th grade boys team split a pair of games loosing to Laurel Highlands and defeating Brownsville.

Middle School Christmas Basketball Tournament

California is hosting a middle school boys basketball tournament on Monday and Tuesday, December 29 and 30, 2008. Play will begin at 10:00 a.m. The tournament championship game is Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.

Merry Christmas

The California Middle School wishes all a warm and safe holiday season. See you in 2009.

Two Hour Early Dismissal

The California School District will have a two hour early dismissal on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 for the Christmas holiday break.

Middle School Boys Basketball Defeats Charleroi

The middle school boys basketball team defeated Charleroi 45-17 on Friday with Tanner Huffman leading the scoring with 17 points. The Trojans will host a Christmas tournament on December 29 and 30.

Boys Basketball Victorious Again

The boys basketball team defeated West Greene 73-8 today. Tanner Huffman led the Trojans with 20 points followed by Demetri Clements with 10. The team returns to action tomorrow against Charleroi at home at 4:00 p.m.

Boys Basketball Team Defeats Belle Vernon

The middle school boys basketball team defeated Belle Vernon Middle School 55-11 on Wednesday 55-11. Tanner Huffman and Brian Fisher led the Trojans with 19 and 18 points respectively. The 7th grade team also defeated Belle Vernon 21-20 with Demetri Clements scoring 10. The team returns to action today at home against West Greene.

Middle School Boys Basketball Win Again

The middle school boys basketball team cruised to victory on Monday by defeating Waynesburg 69-13 on the Greene County team's court. The team host Belle Vernon today at 4:00.

Keystone Award

The California Middle School received a fifth consecutive Keystone Award on Tuesday from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The award is given annually to schools in Pennsylvania that meet Adequate Yearly Progress. Hats off to the students and staff for this honor. Also, congratulations to California High School for six consecutive years of receiving the award.

"Knockout" Monday

A middle school "Knockout" basketball contest will be held on Monday, December 22, 2008 from 11:45 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit an adopted family at Christmas. Good luck to all participants.

New Bullying and Cyber-Bullying Policy

The California School District Board of Directors have adopted a new Bullying/Cyber-bullying policy. Please contact the school office if you would like a copy.

EXPLORE Test

8th grade students took the ACT EXPLORE test last week. Taking EXPLORE® in 8th grade tells students things they need to know to plan high school courses, prepare for the ACT, or choose a career direction. More information about the test can be obtained at http://www.actstudent.org/explore/. Test results should be back in late January.

Middle School Boys Crush Mapletown

The boys basketball team defeated Mapletown by a score of 60-5 last Thursday. The Trojans led 30-1 after one period and Coach Martik emptied his bench on the way to the victory. Austin Wingo led the Trojans with 14 points followed by Tanner Huffman and Demetri Clements with 10 each. The team returns to action on Monday as they travel to Waynesburg.

Christmas Dance Update

Dance ticket money is due tomorrow. The cost is $5.oo for admission and an additional $7.00 for buffet tickets. The buffet will be open from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Progress Report Update

Progress reports were issued to middle school students on Thursday.

Cal Metro Results

The California Metro 7th and 8th grade teams opened play this weekend with good results. The 8th grade team defeated Thomas Jefferson on Saturday 58-44 with Tanner Huffman (22) and Brian Fisher (20) leading the scoring. On Sunday, the Trojans defeated West Mifflin 55-40 as Huffman (23) and Fisher (22) again led the team in scoring. The 7th grade team split over the weekend, losing to Charleroi on Saturday and defeating Ringgold on Sunday.

Progress Reports Delayed

Progress reports for middle level students will not be issued today due to technical problems with PowerSchool. You can access the information on-line via the district homepage. Please accept our apology for the delay.

Middle School Boys Basketball Win

The California Middle School Boys Basketball team improved to 6-0 with a convincing 64-28 win over Chartiers Houston Middle School. Tanner Huffman (19) and Evan Patterson (13) were the leading scorers for Cal. The Trojans return to action Thursday at home with Mapletown at 4:00.

Boys Basketball Defeats Jefferson Morgan

The boys basketball team defeated Jefferson Morgan 56-17 on Monday to improve their record to 5-0. Tanner Hufman led the Trojans with 16 points followed by Demetri Clements with 7. The team host Chartiers Houston on Tuesday.

8th Grade Field Trip

On Friday, December 12, 2008, our 8th grade students will take a field trip to California University of Pennsylvania to see the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition "In Search of Giant Squid". For more information click on http://www.cup.edu/sites/index.jsp

Christmas Dance Tickets Are On Sale

Tickets for the Christmas Dance are on sale now. The form can be accessed on the district homepage.

4-Sight Test Results Are In

Middle school 4-Sight test results are completed and most students are demonstrating improvement in achievement from the baseline test given earlier in the year. Good job students!

PowerSchool Is Working

The recent issues with PowerSchool grades have been resolved and student grades are now accurate. Also, 7th grade students take 12-week courses and the grades are recorded in 'T' columns. Sixth and eighth grade students do not take 12-week courses. Thanks again for your patience.

November Students of the Month

The Student of the Month for November is Christina Puhnaty and the Great Strides Student of the Month is Raven Santo. Congratulations girls!

Boys Basketball Defeats Carmichaels

Our middle school boys basketball team opened section play today with a convincing 66-30 win over Carmichaels. Tanner Huffman and Brian Fisher led the Trojans with 21 and 20 points respectively. Evan Patterson chipped in with 10 points. The team resumes play on Thursday at McGuffey.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all the California family. I hope you have a safe holiday and enjoy family and friends.

Cell Phones Use

Please be advised that cell phone use is not permitted during school hours.

Incorrect Grades on PowerSchool

Please be advised that current grades on PowerSchool are not correct. The district is experiencing technical difficulties with combined grades from the first and second nine weeks. We expect a remedy to the problem very soon. Thank you for your patience.

Boys Basketball Defeats Washington

The middle school boys basketball team defeated Washington Middle School 56-36 in exhibition play on Wednesday. Brian Fisher and Tanner Huffman led the Trojans with 24 and 22 points respectively. The team returns to action on December 2nd when they host Carmichaels at 4:00.

Dance Dates From Other Schools

Students who are bringing a date from another middle school are required to notify administration. Visiting students are required to have a form signed by their principal indicating good behavior at school. The forms will be issued the week of December 8-12 and must be returned before December 17, 2008.

8th Grade Receives Motivational Speech

8th grade students listened to a lecture today about transitioning to the high school and college. Students were advised about becoming more organized and improve study skills that are needed for succes in secondary education as well as post-secondary education. With rising costs of post-secondary education, students were encouraged to participate in the University in the High School program at our high school to earn credits that may decrease a students time spent in college.

Middle School Boys Basketball

The middle school boys basketball team travels to Washington today to play an exhibition games. Tipoff is schedule for 3:30 p.m. The game is scheduled to be played at the WEEP complex near Washington Park.

Early Dismissal Wednesday

The California School District will operate on a two-hour early dismissal on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. The middle school will dismiss at 12:39 p.m.

Midnight Madness

Tonight is the annual "Midnight Madness" at the high school. The event includes three-on-three basketball games in two divisions including elementary and middle school. In addition, students may play "Knockout" and compete in foul shooting contests. Finally, food and refreshments are available. Proceeds benefit the California Basketball Boosters.

Knockout Next Wednesday

Middle school students may participate in "Knockout basketball" next Wednesday, November 26, in the gymnasium from 11:45 to 12:30. There will also be a half-court shot contest. The cost to participate in each event is $1.00 and students may re-enter for an additional dollar. All proceeds go towards student activities.

4Sight Tests Completed

The 4Sight tests have been completed in middle school and most students worked very hard at demonstrating improvement on the assessment. Great job students!

Middle School Boys Basketball Open With Win

The middle school boys basketball team opened the season with a convincing 60-21 win over Charleroi in exhibition basketball on Wednesday. Tanner Huffman and Brian Fisher led the Trojans in scoring with 20 and 16 points respectively. Jon Granato chipped in with 8 points. The Trojans return to action next Tuesday with an exhibition game at Washington.

Middle School Dance Information

Information and the attached middle school Christmas dance information is available on the district homepage. Click on the "Middle School Dance Information" button on the left side of the page and the document will be available for review or printing.

Midnight Madness

The California Boys Basketball Boys Booster Club will hold the annual Midnight Madness tournament on Friday, November 21, 2008. The cost for each team entry is $10.00 and the cutoff date is Thursday, November 20, 2008. Middle school students should see Mr. Huffman at lunch to sign up for the event.

6th Grade Boys Basketball

Mr. Altman has volunteered to coach a 6th grade boys basketball team that will play on Saturdays in the Uniontown YMCA elementary basketball league. He will announce tryout dates soon. Boys were permitted to sign up last week. If you have an interest in your son playing for the team, please have him stop in the office ASAP.

4 Sights Tomorrow

The middle school will begin 4-Sight testing on Tuesday.

Middle School Christmas Dance

The middle school Christmas dance is Friday, December, 19, 2008 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. A buffet provided by Lagerhead's Restaurant will be available for purchase. Buffet tickets must be purchased by December 16, 2008. The cost of the buffet is $7.00 per student and the cost of admission is $5.00 for a total of $12.00. Students' may attend the dance only for $5.00 and the cost of admission includes one free drink. Tickets will go on sale December 8, 2008 at school. Pictures will be taken at the dance for a minimal fee yet to be determined. More information on pictures will be made available by Thanksgiving.

Hunting On School Property

Please be advised that hunting is not permitted on school property. State code prohibits firearms on school property. If you know someone who is violating this code, please contact the schools at 724-785-5800.

MacKenzie Granato Speaks With School Board

California Middle School 8th grade student MacKenzie Granato spoke with the California School Board of Directors on Monday, November 10, 2008. She described her experiences in the lessons taught last month by Mrs. Fabbri, Mrs. Winfield, Mrs. Hrivnak and Mr. Feick. The lessons including writing, computer technology, and science standards incorprated into an individual, hands-on approach to instruction. Thanks MacKenzie!

Report Cards Were Issued Today

Report cards were issued to middle school students today. We apologize for the untimely technical problems that led to the delay.

Report Cards Delayed

Report cards will not be sent home today due to technical difficulties with the district student management system. Please accept our sincere apology while we attempt to rectify the problem.

Report Cards Will Be Distibuted Monday

Report cards will be distributed on Monday, November 10, 2008. As always, you can check your child's academic progress on PowerSchool. Access is available on the district website.

Dance Tonight

The California Middle School dance is tonight from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.

Thanks California Focus!

The California Middle School administration, staff, and students would like to say thank you to the California Focus staff and special thanks to the Sealys for the ongoing support of our school. The November issue is available at various locations including the school. Thanks again to the California Focus! The California Focus can also be viewed on-line at http://www.libertyroseincorporated.com/calfocus/index.html.

Benchmarks Scheduled

The California Middle School will give 4-Sight tests from November 18 to 20, 2008. The test results serve as benchmarks to predict how students will achieve in math and reading on the PSSA tests. The tests also provide valuable information to teachers for planning instruction to assist students with improving achievement on the high stakes tests.

7th Grade Boys Metro Basketball Tryouts

The 7th grade boys Metro basketball tryouts will begin on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the middle school gymnasium.

October Students of the Month

The California Middle School Student of the Month is Eilish Miller and the Great Strides Student of the Month is Taylor Venetian. Congratulations girls!

Obama Wins Mock Election

Barack Obama won the middle school mock presential election in a landslide vote. Obama secured over 62 % of the popular vote compared to 37 % for John McCain.

Middle School Mock Election

The California Middle School will hold a mock presidential election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. All students are encouraged to vote during homeroom. The voting polls will be located in the cafeteria.

Shashura Finishes 4th in the State

Sarah Shashura won her first two matches at the PIAA Singles Championship to advanced to the semifinals on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. However, she dropped her next two matches to finish fourth in the state as a freshman. We are very proud of her accomplishments in tennis this year!

9th Grade PSSA Breakfast

The 8th grade teachers will honor the 9th grade students at a breakfast on November 19,2008 at 7:45 a.m. The Class of 2012 scored above the goal of 80/80/80 on the PSSA in math, reading, and writing. We are proud of the great accomplishment!

Change in Dance Schedule

The Fall Festival dance has been rescheduled for November 7, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:30. The dance was moved due to the high school playoff football game.

End of First Nine Weeks

Monday, November 3, 2008 is the last day of the first nine weeks. Report cards will be distributed on November 7, 2008.

Excuses for Absences

Please be advised that written excuses are required for all student absences and tardies. Today, students needing excuses were provided with the dates in question and excuses must be turned in to the office by Friday, October 31, 2008. Failure to comply with this mandate will result in the missed days being considered illegal. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

After School Tutoring

Parents are encouraged to sign their children up for after school tutoring in math and/or reading. Openings are available on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Please contact Mrs. Hajdu at hajdur@calsd.org for more information.

Middle School Basketball Tryouts

Middle school boys basketball tryouts will be held Tuesday and Wednesday (October 28 and 29) from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the middle school gym.

Reflections Contest

Reflections contest entries are due October 31, 2008. Please see Mrs. Hajdu for more information. The theme of the contest this year is "Wow".

Red Ribbon Pajamas and Slippers Day A Success

Many middle school students wore PJ's and slippers today and it made for an enjoyable day. Students are highly participating in all the activities this week with lots of fun while learning about abstinence from drugs and alcohol.

PA West Blue Devils Dance

The PA West Blue Devils will hold a dance on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the California Hill Gun Club from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The cost of admission is $5.00 and refreshments will be available for purchase. You can visit the team website at www.leaguelineup.com/pawestbd

PA Blue Devils To Play At California

The PA Blue Devils 14U AAU Boys team will play an exhibition game against high school players on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 2:30 during the California Girls Basketball tournament. The PA Blue Devils finished third at the USA Nationals in July and have a goal of competing for the AAU National Championship next summer. Local members of the team include Brian Fisher, Evan Patterson and Tanner Huffman. The public is welcome and proceeds will benefit the California Girls Basketball program.

Picture Make-up Date

The middle school make-up picture date is November 12, 2008.

Middle School Boys Basketball Sign-ups

Boys wanting to play middle school basketball can sign-up in the office this week. Physicals will be held November 4, 2008.

Red Ribbon Week Schedule

Please help us celebrate Red Ribbon this week by dressing in the following themes:

Monday “I Get Red Hot When Someone Asks Me To Do Drugs!” (Wear all red)

Tuesday “You’d Be Crazy To Do Drugs!” (Wear crazy hair)

Wednesday “Give Drugs the Slip!” (Wear your school appropriate P.J.’s & slippers)

Thursday “We Are United Against Drugs!” (Each grade level dresses the same)

Friday “California Gets Fired Up Against Drugs!” (Wear a California Shirt)

David Mounts Injury Update

California Middle School student David Mounts injured his leg in a CYFA football game on Saturday and has been admitted to Childrens Hospital in Pittsburgh. We all wish David a quick recovery.

8th Grade Students Will Attend LBI Career Fair

Our 8th grade students will make a trip to Divito Park in the Connellsville area on October 23, 2008. The purpose of the trip is to visit with over 200 vendors that focus on career exploration. Students are encouraged to ask the representatives about jobs including educational requirements, training, and of course compensation ($$$). Laurel Business Institute is sponsoring the event.

"I Love Gas" Assembly

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania sponsored an assembly "I Love Gas" today for middle school students. The production was held in the high school auditorium and presented information to students about natural gas and potential problems in your home. Through a staged performance, students learned about natural gas and what to do if they smell natural gas in their homes. The demonstration by Justin Magestro, Columbia Gas Distribution Representative, about the problems that may occur when you miss natural gas, oxygen, and and igniter got the attention of all in attendance. Thanks to Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania for the wonderful assembly.

Reminder For Students

Students should be advised that conduct at school sponsored events is covered under the district discipline policy and infractions will be addressed in the same manner as in school. The events include all sporting events, plays, concerts, dances, etc.

Pep Rally A Success

The fall sports pep rally went very well today as the school recognized the football team, cheerleaders, girls basketball team, and the soccer team. Congratulations to all the teams. Also, special thanks to the high school band, Mr. Stetar and his staff for making the trip over the hill to play at the event. See you at the next pep rally in the winter months.

Faculty Meets With RJ Lee Group

The high school science teachers, Mr. Jackson and I met with several members of the RJ Lee Group in Waynesburg today to explore developing a partnership focusing on microscopes. Specifically, information was exchanged on utilizing microscopes in middle and high school science classes. Also, the team met with faculty from Waynesburg University to discuss the Forensic Science program and programs available to our school district. More information about RJ Lee can be accessed at http://www.rjlg.com/ and the Forensic Program at http://www.waynesburg.edu/?q=Undergraduate_Programs/Forensic_Science.

Parent Teacher Conference Review

Thank you to all the parents and guardians who attended parent teacher conferences today. We hope you found the conferences informative and guiding.

No School For Students On Monday

Please be reminded that Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled for Monday and there is no school for students.

September Students of the Month

Kelsey Tyler has been named Student of the Month and Kendra Henderson Great Strides Student of the Month for September. The program is sponsored by the California Optimist Club. Congratulations girls!

Middle School Pep Rally

The middle school will host a fall team sports pep rally on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. in the gymnasium. The middle school football, girls basketball and soccer teams will be recognized. In addition, the midget cheerleaders will lead the student body in school spirit. Go Trojans!!!

Bruce Dal Canton Passes Away

California Area High School graduate Bruce Dal Canton has passed away following a brief illness. Mr. Dale Canton was also a former Major League Baseball player with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves as well as others. Our sympathy goes out to his family.

After School Tutoring Schedule

The middle school after school tutoring schedule is as follows:

Monday - Reading with Mrs. Carnello
Tuesday - Math with Mrs. Hrivnak
Wednesday - Math with Mrs. Lightner or Mrs. Hajdu and reading with Mrs. Scrip

The tutoring is from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m.

Openings are still available, so call the school today and request for your child to receive this valuable service.

Parent Teachers Conferences

Parents and guardians are encouraged to sign up for parent teacher conferences on October 13, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you next week.

Board of Directors Interview Three Architects/Engineers

The California Area School Board of Directors interviewed three architects/engineers for the sports complex and administration building. Each presentation was different and based on experiences from other projects they have worked on previously. The board will decide which architect/engineer the ditrict will use on the projects in the near future.

Middle School Athletic Physicals

Middle school winter sports physicals are Tuesday, November 4 and Friday, November 7, 2008.

Homecoming This Week

The California Area High School is celebrating homecoming on Friday, October 10, 2008.

Mobile Dentist Forms

Forms for the mobile dentist program will be sent home on Wednesday.

Middle School Athletics - Football

The middle school boys football team takes on Mapletown at home today at 4:00. Good luck Trojans.

Sarah Shashura Named Tribune-Review Female Athlete of the Week

Female athlete of the week: Sarah Shashura
By The Tribune-Review Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Sarah Shashura

School: California

Sport: Tennis

Class: Freshman

California tennis player Sarah Shashura won WPIAL Class AA tennis title.

What is your favorite memory of your high school career? It would have to be winning the WPIALs. I went as an independent because we don't have a girls team. Most of the girls were older than me and I was almost an unknown.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I'd definitely like to have a career in tennis, but not as a professional. I'd like to either teach tennis or work at a club where I could play and teach.

People may be surprised to know ... I have no trouble playing in front of crowds when I am playing tennis, but when it comes to talking in front of crowds, I get really nervous and have trouble calming my nerves.

What are your post-high school plans? I plan on going to college. I want to continue playing well and get a tennis scholarship.

Name a role model in your life (other than your parents): My older sister, Apryle. She's always been there for me. She did great in school, a lot of (academic) accomplishments and I just want to be like her. I want to be recognized academically like she was.

-- By Mike Dudurich

Teacher Blogs

Most middle level teachers have homework blogs that are operational at this time. Please check the teachers' blogs for homework and the lastest classroom updates.

Progress Reports Will Be Distributed on October 1rst

Middle school students will receive first nine-weeks progress reports on October 1, 2008. As always, you may check your child's academic progress on line via PowerSchool.

Homework Procedures

The administration and staff of California Middle School have well-defined homework procedures for students to follow at each grade level. To support this process, students not completing homework will receive minor school sanctions such as lunch detention and demerits. Teachers will also contact parents/guardians when a student does not adjust as a result of the aforementioned interventions. More severe consequences may include after-school detention, parent conferences with the grade level teams, and social probation (not permitted to attend dances, athletic events, etc.). Ms. Schmider manages a homework log system for students in need of developing consistent habits of completing assignments. She is available at 724-785-5800 ext. 2416.

Sarah Shashara Wins WPIAL AA Singles Tennis Gold

California Area High School freshmen tennis sensation Sarah Shashura won the WPIAL AA Girls Singles Tennis Championship on Friday. Shashura defeated Elise Held of Vincentian Academy 7-6 (7-0) 6-4 to capture the gold medal. Sarah is also an exceptional student in the classroom as she carries a 4.0 average. Great job Sarah, the California family is quite proud of you!

Sarah Shashura In WPIAL Championship Finals

California High School freshman girls tennis player Sarah Shashura will play Elise Held of Vincentian Academy on Friday for the WPIAL Class AA Girls Singles Championship at Shady Side Academy. Shashura defeated Beaver's Kimmy Borza in the semifinals, Logan Antill of Sewickly Academy in the quarterfinals and Tracy Gibson of South Park in the opening round of the playoffs. Good Luck Sarah and bring home the WPIAL Gold!

Thanks For Attending Open House

Middle school administration, teachers, and staff would like to thank all the parents and visitors for attending open house. We hope each teacher provided you with relevant information that pertains to your child's education. Also, we thank you for allowing our staff to share our technology with you. We hope to see you for a parent teacher conference on October 13th.

High School Musical Dates

Mr. Jackson has announced the high school musical will be held on March 4, 5, and 6, 2009.

Open House Tonight

The California Middle School Open House is this evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Parents will go "Back to School" beginning at 5:45 in the cafeteria. Please be prompt.

Middle School Athletics

The middle school football team defeated West Greene 26-0 yesterday at Rogersville, while our girls basketball team was defeating the West Greene girls team 28-19 here at California. Way to go teams!

After School Tutoring

TUTORING LETTERS WERE SENT HOME ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2008 TO THE ELIGIBLE STUDENTS. M REPRESENTS MATH AND R REPRESENTS READING. IF YOUR CHILD RECEIVES ELIGIBILITY FOR BOTH SUBJECTS, PLEASE CHOOSE TWO DAYS OF THE WEEK, IF POSSIBLE.

Team Approach to Teaching Today

If a outsider visited room 202 between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. today, he/she may wonder what was going on in the classroom. Imagine four teachers, a teacher aide, two groups of students, and the principal in one classroom. In fact, it was an integrated lesson of science, language arts, and computers. Students worked on Mrs. Fabbri's science project involving animal research, Mrs. Winfield instructed students on writing about the topic, and Mr. Feick helped students with their presentations on wireless laptop computers. Mrs. Hrivnak assisted students with individual learning needs and Mrs. Wilson served as her aide. Finally, I videotaped much of the lesson for educational review with the teachers. The purpose of this setup was to increase student independent learning in both science and writing, integrate technology into lessons, and provide real-life applications content. The entire activity received an overwhelming seal of excellence! Great job student and staff.

Yearbooks Available at Open House

A limited number of yearbooks will be on sale at Middle School Open House on Thursday. The cost is $25.00. See Mr. Feick or Ms. Schmider.

District and school PSSA scores are available on line

The public can access district and school PSSA scores on-line at www.paayp.com. Use the county dropdown menu near the top left to reach Washington County and then to California Area School District.

Athletic Schedules Link

All athletic schedules can be accessed by copying the following link and pasting it on your search browser:

http://www.calsd.org/16421027175050557/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=55908

Sarah Shashura Wins Section I-AA Girls Tennis Title

There is a new singles champion in Section 1-AA girls tennis and she'll be back for more next year.

Freshman Sarah Shashura of California shocked defending champion Samantha DeStefano of Greensburg Central Cathoilic, 6-0, 6-1, to win the title Friday.

Perhaps as impressive as her win is the fact that California doesn't have a girls tennis team anymore, so Shashura put in a lot of time in lonely practices to get ready for the event.

(Published by Mike Ciarochi in the Herald-Standard)

Great job Sarah!

OLSAT testing for 6th grade today

6th grade students are taking the OLSAT group ability test today. The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT), published by Harcourt Assessment, Inc. — a subsidiary of Pearson plc — is a test of abstract thinking and reasoning ability of children pre-K to 18. The Otis-Lennon is a group-administered (except preschool), multiple choice, taken with pencil and paper, measures verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning ability. The test yields verbal and nonverbal scores, from which a total score is derived, called a School Ability Index (SAI). The SAI is a normalized standard score with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 16. With the exception of pre-K, the test is administered in groups. OLSAT is not an IQ test.

The test has twenty-one subtests, organized into five areas, and an equal number of verbal and non-verbal items is included at each area. The five areas are:

Verbal comprehension
Verbal reasoning
Pictorial reasoning
Figural reasoning
Quantitative reasoning

If you have any questions concerning this test, please contact Ms. Schmider at 724-785-5800 ext. 2416.

Middle School Pictures

Middle school pictures will be taken on September 30, 2008 in the cafeteria. Make-ups will be scheduled at a later date.

Highest Math PSSA Score

Congratulations to Devan Peterman for scoring the highest on the PSSA Math test in middle school last year. Great job Devan!

4-Sight Tests Are Completed

The middle school completed 4-Sight testing today except for a few makeups. The students were very diligent in their efforts and seemingly have a strong willingness to succeed on the exams. Nice job middle school students and staff.

7 on 7 Flag Football and Powder Puff Football Leagues Formed

If you hear you child talking about playing football at school and you are not a football enthusiast, don't be alarmed; he or she may be participating in the lunch recess 7 on 7 Touch Football League for boys or the Powder Puff League for girls. The rosters are filled and the games will begin on Monday, September 22, 2008. This intramural program is for purely for fun and hopefully creates a little healthy competition for all participants. Additionally, the exercise is good for our children. Some time this fall, a team of teachers may challenge a student team!

Open House Forms

Students were given "Back to School" registration forms for parents today. Please complete the requested information and return it to school by Monday, September 22, 2008. The information will assist the middle school staff with making Open House a successful evening. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing you in class on the 25th!

4-Sight Tests

The middle school students are taking 4-Sight tests today and everything is going well after a few "technical glitches" this morning. The tests are providing teachers with information about student achievement that will drive instruction for the next nine weeks. Please be advised that students may not perform as well on early-year 4-Sight tests because they have not been exposed to tested material. Our goal for our students is to demonstrate progress throughout the school year and hopefully meet Adequate Yearly Progress on the PSSA exams.

Athletic Schedules

Middle school athletic schedules are available on-line by clicking on the Athletics button on the district home page. Next, click on the Athletics Schedule button on the left side of the page.

Girls Basketball Wins

The Middle School girls basketball team defeated Jefferson Morgan on Monday. They resume play tomorrow at home against Mapletown. Good job girls!

4-Sight Testing

All middle school students will participate in the 4-Sight testing program on Wednesday and Thursday this week. The purpose of the tests is to identify areas of academic needs for students during the first quarter of the school year. Teachers will plan instruction and curriculum from the testing outcomes in Reading and Mathematics.

Yearbooks Distributed

The yearbooks were distributed today to all students who purchased the yearbooks in advance. A limited number of yearbooks are still available for $25.00. See Ms. Schmider or Mrs. Matty.

Back to School Dance a Success!

The Back to School Dance was attended by many of our students and the feedback was great! Jonny D played all the latest hits and some older music as well. The students were well-behaved and all are looking forward to the Fall Festival dance next month.

Highest Math Achiever

Congratulations to Sarah Shashura for having the highest achievement on the PSSA Math test in middle school during the 2007-08 school year!

Reading Achievers

Congratulations to Autumn Stinnett, Annie Zheng, Skyler Boehm, Victoria Terry and Tiffany Kent for their highest achievement on the PSSA Reading Exam!!

Middle School Football News

The middle school football game scheduled on September 17 with Geibel has been cancelled.

CYFA to be Recognized

All students participating in CYFA organization will be recognized at halftime of the California High School game against Geibel on September 19, 2008. Admission will be free to all CYFA students attending the game in team apparel.

Middle School Open House is September 25th

The California Middle School Open House is September 25th from 6:00 to 8:00. Parents are invited to the 2nd annual "Back to School" night. The goal is to inform parents about what happens in individual classrooms throughout the school year.

California Middle School wins fourth consecutive Keystone Award

The California Middle School has won the Keystone Award for the fourth consecutive year! The award is presented annually by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to schools meeting Adequate Yearly Progress. Hats off to the middle school staff and students for winning this prestigious award again.

Year Book Sale

The California Middle School 2007-08 Yearbooks will be on sale beginning September 16, 2008. Advanced purchased yearbooks will also be distributed on that date.

Magazine Sale

The California Middle School only is holding the third annual magazine sale through Friday, September 12, 2008. Please contact a middle school student to order your favorite magazine today!

Individual PSSA results for Reading, Math, and Writing will be sent home today.

Middle School school students PSSA results will be sent home today and include Math and Reading for all grades and Writing for 6th grade.

Middle School Dance

The California Middle School Back To School dance is Friday, September 12, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Admission is $5.00.

New School Year

I would like to welcome all middle school students to our school this year! There are many new changes in the middle school this year including 7th grade students taking 12-week Encore classes. Also, some 8th grade students will be taking Geometry in middle school for the first time. Welcome back and I hope you enjoy the upcoming year.