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.