Middle School Christmas Dance has been canceled and rescheduled

The middle school Christmas dance has been canceled and rescheduled for Wednesday, December 23rd from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. The buffet will be available at 6:30.

Middle School Christmas Dance Information

The California Middle School Christmas dance is still on for tonight. According to weather reports, the snow is due to taper off to light showers after 5:00 p.m. Pending any changes in the weather report, the dance will not be canceled.

EXPLORE Test

8th grade students will take the ACT EXPLORE test today. The EXPLORE® program is designed to help 8th explore a broad range of options for their future. EXPLORE prepares students not only for their high school coursework, but for their post–high school choices as well. It marks an important beginning for a student's future academic and career success.

Limo Lunch December 18th

Eleven students in grades 5-8 will go on the annual "Limo lunch" on December 18th as a reward for high sales in the cookie dough fundraiser in September. Great job!

Math Counts

Mrs. Krofina is sponsoring Math Counts this year. She is holding practice after school each week. Please email her at krofinam@calsd.org for more information.

Midnight Madness 2009

The high school boys basketball boosters will hold the annual Midnight Madness on Friday, December 4, 2009 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Information has been sent home with students in grades 3-8. A dance for students in grades 5-8 will follow the tournaments until 10:30 p.m.

Christmas Dance is December 19th

The middle school (grades 7 & 8) Christmas Dance has been changed to Saturday, December 19, 2009.

Basketball Clinic

The California Boys Basketball Boosters are holding a skills clinic for boys and girls in grades 3-6 on Saturday November 7th and Saturday November 14th. Coach Pergola, his staff, and players will provide instruction on skill development and improving each player's game. The camp is noon to 2:00. Cost is$20.00. Applications are available in the K-8 office.

November 2nd End of Marking Period

November 2nd is the end of the first marking period. Report cards will be distributed on November 9, 2009.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

California School District is holding parent-teacher conferences on Tuesday, October, 27, 2009 from 9:00-3:00. Please contact the appropriate school for more information.

Cookie Dough Pickup Date Set

Mark your calendars for October 21, 2009. This is the date scheduled for picking up cookie dough orders. Pickup begins at 2:00 p.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m.

September Students of the Month

Eilish Miller has been named Student of the Month and Tristan Lint the Great Strides Student of the Month for September 2009. Congratulations girls!

EAP After School Tutoring Program

The EAP after school tutoring program for 7th and 8th grade students begins this week for both math and reading. Tutoring will be offered from 2:25 to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday as follows:

Monday - Mrs. Hrivnak (Math and reading)
Tuesday - Mrs. Lightner (Math and reading) and Mrs. Winfield (Reading)
Wednesday - Mrs. Hajdu (Math)
Thursday - Mr. Vavases (Math)

Information for qualifying students will be sent home on Monday.

Back to School Dance

The California Intermediate Middle School will hold a Back to School dance on Thursday, September 17, 2009 from 6:30 to 8:30 in the cafeteria. DJ Jonny D will provide the entertainment. The cost of admission is $5.00 which includes a drink and slice of pizza.

2009 Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Information

For up-to-date information about human cases of the 2009 Novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in Pennsylvania, please log on to the following link:

http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?q=252990

Back to School Night

Attention Middle School and Intermediate Middle School parents:

You are invited to our annual BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Information will be sent home with students on September 14th

Bus Conduct

Parents, please be advised that bus misconduct from students will not be tolerated by administration. Poor behavior becomes a safety risk for the drivers and students alike. Inappropriate behaviors include, but are not limited the following:

Out of seat
Bullying
Screaming
Pushing/shoving
Throwing objects including food
Verbal disagreements that create a disturbance

Incidents will be investigated and consequences may include afterschool detention or loss of bus privileges.

Starbase Visits

Fifth grade students and staff from our new intermediate middle school have been visiting the Naval Base in North Versailles. The purpose of the visits is to spend time in a hands-on science classroom entitled Starbase. A different group of student attend each day and return with a wealth of excitement from this outstanding program. The student will continue the program through early October.

Grades 5/6 P.M. Bus Changes

Grades 5/6

The following bus changes take effect immediately (August 31, 2009) and only impact elementary (K-6) P.M. bus runs. Please note the bus stop and the change in buses:

Stop Bus Change
1. Ash and Fourth Streets
From bus 12 to bus 10
2. South Ridge Road
From bus 12 to bus 6
3. Bright Beginnings
From bus 6 to bus 2
4. Pike Run Road
From bus 6 to bus 12

Tutoring to begin

Intermediate and middle school teachers are busy scheduling students for tutoring in all content areas before and after school. The schedules will be flexible as teachers try to meet the needs of students. Individual teacher tutoring schedules will be sent home within the next two weeks. This service for children will hopefully assist in improving academic achievement. In addition, the EAP after school tutoring program for grades 7&8 will begin in the near future. This program is a separate endeavor from the general tutoring program and is limited to math and reading. More information to follow.

Three-In-One

A person new to California may have some difficulty distinguishing the different schools in one building on Trojan Way. Here are some of the diffences in each school that should be noticed: a K-4 elementary school, 5/6 Intermediate Middle School, and a 7/8 Middle School. Each school operates on its' own schedule and is staffed independently. Mr. Sears is principal of the K-4 program while I am instructional leader of the Intermediate Middle School and Middle School. The schools share specialist teachers such as Physical Education, Music, Library, and Art to name of few. K-6 students ride the same buses, but are dismissed from class at different times at the end of the day. K-4 begins dismissal at 3:00 p.m. with parent pickup followed by general dismissal of grades K-6 at 3:06. These are just a few of the operational and physical characteristics of the three schools that may provide clarity for the uninformed. More to follow.

Intermediate Middle School Opens

While many have been focused on the new athletic facility here at California Area School District, the California Intermediate Middle School quietly opened this week. The major changes in how grades 5/6 are educated include teachers teaming, flexible schedule, co-teaching, school social events such as dances, and academic iniatives such as writing and reading across the curriculum. A few "tweeks" to transportation are in process by Mr. Ricco of Brownsville Bus Lines. He has been on site this week to listen to concerns and make appropriate changes. I would personally like to thank parents for their support of this new iniative and look forward to working with your children this year.

Sign up for Mobile E-Alerts

To sign up for mobile e-alerts, go to announcements on the district webpage and click on the Mobile E-Alerts link. Now click on the word document and follow the directions.

Intermediate Middle School Orientation Review

Thank you to all the parents and students who attended the Intermediate Middle School orientation this evening. Your attentiveness and interest in the middle school process was appreciated. We look forward to working with your children this school year.

Homeroom List

Please be advised that middle school students do not have a homeroom, but will report to morning orientation to start the school day. The list for morning orientation rooms will be posted on the school doors on Friday morning.

Intermediate Middle School Orientation

The new California Intermediate Middle School Orientation is Monday, August 24th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Parents and students are welcome to attend.

Have a great summer!

Brendan Sloan performs

Brendan Sloan performed a solo act today at the middle school. He is promoting the high school band and trying to encourage students to join. Nice job Brendan.

Report Cards

Report cards will be issued on Friday, June 5, 2009.

Mrs. Hajdu receives award

Mrs. Hajdu, 7th grade math teacher, has been named a finalist for the 2009 Dr. Howard Jack Outstanding Public Educator Award by the Washington County Foundation. Congratulations Mrs. Hajdu!

Middle school yearbooks are on sale

The 2008-09 middle school yearbooks are available for purchase beginning today. The cost is $15.00 and a video is also available for $5.00.

California Middle School Announces First National Junior Honor Society Inductees

The California Middle School proudly announces its' first group of inductees into the National Junior Honor Society. The students are as follows:

Natalie Baron*
Brooke Bilitski
Gia Bitonti*
Kailyn Clancy
Jordan Hartley*
Samantha Horner*
Tanner Huffman*
Michael Luketich
Eilish Miller
Alexis Morosky*
Emily Sabo*
Kimberly Sears
Ben Thomas*
Kirstan Webb


* Indicates 8th Grade Student

The students were selected on criteria including scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.

Congratulations to the new inductees!

American Legion Contest Winners

California Middle School is pleased to announce that Kailyn Clancy has been named winner of the 2009 American Legion Essay contest. The theme of for this year was "How can we as a nation support our troops". Larry Papini and Josh Gilotty were second and third place respectively. Congratulations Kailyn, Larry, and Josh!

2009 8th Grade Most Outstanding Students

The California Middle School is proud to announce Kayln Moore and Tanner Huffman have been selected as Outstanding Students of the Year for 2009 by the American Legion Post 377. They will be honored at the California Memorial Day ceremony in California on Monday, May 25, 2009. Congratulations to Kayln and Tanner!

Tune in to Channel 11 News

Mrs. Mancini's interview with Stu Brown of Channel 11 will be televised this evening between 5: 00 and 6:30 p.m. She is hopeful the information she provided will answer questions for parents and the community alike.

Excellent Day After News Reports

The students and staff continued school today without incident following media reports of a district employee. Officer Rob Sheets was here at school all day and another officer was at the high school. Officer Sheets spoke briefly with middle school students to address any concerns they may have for him. Thank you goes out to Chief Encapera and the California Borough Police for making this uncomfortable situation more manageable for the schools.

Faculty/student Basketball Game Results

The students defeated the faculty 56-51 in basketball today. Much fun was had by all as this event has become an annual affair. Thank you to all the participants.

Audubon Project Plantings

The Audubon project advanced today with students planting shrubs and perennials in the afternoon. Please drive by the school and check out the students' work.

Field Trips

The 6th grade will visit the Carnegie Science Center on May 20th and 7th grade is making a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo on June 1, 2009.

6th Grade Girls Basketball

Our community has a new 6th grade girls basketball team this spring. The team is coached by high school girls player, Morgan Moluski and will play in the Laurel Highlands Spring League. Good luck girls!

Local Reflections Awards Ceremony Tonight

The 2008-09 Local Reflections Awards Ceremony is this evening from 6:30 to 8:00 at the high school auditorium. Congratulations to all participants and award winners!

Audubon Project Advances

If you were near the school on Saturday at 7:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m., chances are you would of observed 8th grade students and parents creating a pond outside of the middle school classrooms. The workers moved dirt, rocks, and sod that will serve as an outdoor classroom for future science activities. Nice work to all who helped make this an outstanding project!

Kennywood Trip Date Change

The 8th Grade Kennywood trip has been changed to June 3rd. Parents interested in serving as chaperones should contact the middle school office ASAP.

Principal At Jury Duty

I am serving on a federal jury at a case in Pittsburgh the next few days. The time spent away is quite a learning experience and I can't wait to return to school and share the event in Civics class.

Audubon Project Progressing

The Audubon Project is progressing as the various planting beds are being landscaped this week. Special thanks goes out to Slusarczyk Landscaping all their assistance with the project.

California Forms 6th Grade Girls Basketball Team

California 6th grade girls have begun practicing basketball for the Laurel Highlands spring league. Morgan Moluski, high school girls player, is coaching the team with the assistance of her father, Walter. Good luck girls.

Girls Softball Has Started

The middle school girls softball team has begun practice under the direction of Head Coach Alison Edwards and Assistant Coach Marisa Sekora. Seventeen girls make up the roster and the team hopes for a successful season. We can only hope Mother Nature cooperates a little more to have the team outside.

Audubon Project Advances

Work has continued on the Audubon Project as the layout for the various planting beds have been completed. Several of the beds have been dug and are ready for plantings to begin. Thanks goes to Mrs. Fabbri for coordinating this meaningful project.

8th Grade Kennywood Trip

The tentative date for the 8th grade Kennywood trip is June 4, 2009. Parents interested in chaperoning the trip may contact Mr. Huffman at huffmanr@calsd.org or 724-785-5800 ext. 2398. More information will be sent home with students next week.

Southwestern PA Math Council First Year Algebra Contest

For the third year in a row, California Middle School was the host of the Southwestern PA Math Council First Year Algebra Contest. The contest features students from throughout Washington County competing to see who is the area's top student in algebra. The top finishers move on to a region contest. Mrs. Hajdu sponsored the program this year.

8th Grade Cal U Career Field Trip

The 8th grade CAL U career field trip was a success! The students learned about science-related career possibilities and had hands-on experience with native and nonindigenous tropical plants and animals. Many students had the opportunity to enter the cadaver lab and learn all about the human body and even hold a human heart. The students were able to draw upon previous knowledge in question and answer sessions with professors. California graduate Barry Bilitski spoke to the students about the ninth grade transition into the high school and the importance of their high school transcript. The students ended their day with a detailed tour of the campus.

Marissa Sekora
Student Teacher
8th Grade Science

California Alumni Basktball Game

The California Basketball Boosters are sponsoring an Alumni Basketball game on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at the high school. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30. A weightlifting contest between California and Beth Center will preceed the event. Doors open at 5:45 and the weightlifting begins at 6:00 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for students.

7th Grade Creative Writing Winners

The winners of the 7th grade creative writing contest for Harold the Rat are as follows:

First Place: Logan Zahand
Second Place: Bradleigh Aldrich
Third Place: Kevin Gergely

Congratulations to the winners!

Middle School Students Compete At Computer Fair

The California Middle School was well represented at the Computer Fair held at IU #1 recently. Our school won five first place, two second place, and one third place ribbons in the competition.

The winners were as follows:

Desktop - Gia Bitonti and Elish Miller, 1rst place
Logo - Gia Bitonti, 1rst place
Movie - Brian Fisher, Ben Thomas, Jordan Hartley, and Stanley Rossell, 1rst place
Powerpoint - Kimberly Sears, 3rd place and Ben Thomas, 2nd place
Graphic Design - Elish Miller, 1rst place and Rachel Wilkinson, 2nd place
Webpage - Nina Victoria, 1rst place

Congratulations to all of our students and good luck to the first place winners as they will compete at the state level next month.

Volleyball Results

The girls volleyball team traveled to Avella yesterday and the 7th grade team once again were victorious. The 8th grade team came up short as they lost their match to the Lady Eagles. The next game is home on Tuesday March 24th against Jefferson Morgan, so come out and support the Lady Trojans and help the 8th grade girls celebrate "senior night".


Submitted by Emily Wilson

PSSA Makeup Tests

Parents and guardians:

It it my belief that students should not come to school to take the PSSA tests if they are physically ill. Some children think they should take these high stakes test no matter how they feel, but they will perform better when focused, not sick. We will make arrangements for students taking makeup tests.

Volleyball Results

The Lady Trojans Volleyball team traveled to Bentworth on Tuesday and came away with a split. The 7th grade team won an exciting match by coming back in game three to seal a victory. Way to go girls, great game! The 8th gade team wasn't as fortunate. They lost back to back games.

The girls play at Avella today.

Come out Tuesday March 24th to help the 8th graders celebrate "senior night". The game is scheduled for 4:00.

PSSA Tests Begin On Tuesday

The PSSA tests will begin on Tuesday for middle school students. Please make sure your child gets plenty of rest and emphasize the importance of this high stakes tests.

Volleyball Results From March 12, 2009

The middle school volleyball teams lost to Chartiers Houston on Thursday. Neither the 7th or 8th grade teams could come up with a game victory against the Lady Buccaneers. The teams return to action week with away games at Bentworth on Tuesday and Avell on Wednesday.

Students of the Month

Students of the Month for February are as follows:

Student of the Month
Michael Luketich

Great Strides Student of the Month
Patrick Short

Congratulations to Michael and Patrick!

Volleyball Results vs. Carmichaels

"Once again the Lady Trojans Volleyball games were great games! The seventh grade team won their sets of games and were victorious. So far this season, they have lost only 2 games. Way to go girls!!
The eighth grade team was a great game to watch! They won in a set of 3 outstanding games. Nice teamwork girls!!
The girls travel tonight to Chartiers Houston, Good Luck!!"

*Submitted by Emily Wilson

Volleyball Results From March 5th

Tonight the girls volleyball team traveled to West Greene. The 7th grade team lost back to back matches. This is their 2nd loss of the season.
The 8th grade team got their 3rd victory of the season tonight. They played 3 great matches, resulting in a win.
The next game is Wednesday March 11th at 6:00.

California Alumni Basketball Game

The California Boys Basketball Boosters are considering hosting an alumni (men) basketball game on April 9, 2009 for Cal High graduates. If you are interested or know someone is interested in participating please have them email me at huffmanr@calsd.org or phone at 724-785-5800 ext. 2398.

8th Grade Team Presenting to the PMSA

The 8th grade team of teachers and Mr. Huffman will present "Flexible Scheduling" at the Pennsylvania Middle School Association Conference in Harrisburg on Monday. Mrs. Lightner, Mrs. Krofina, Mrs. Fabbri and Mrs. Winfield will speak on the best practices of scheduling here at California Middle School.

Middle School Girls Volleyball Results

On Tuesday, February 24th, California played Avella. Our seventh graders played two very good games and won. Our eighth grade girls lost in a three game set. The first game they played very well and won, but lost the next two including the final by a score of10-15. The girls play at Jefferson Morgan on Thursday. Good Luck!

Thanks to Emily Wilson for submitting the game results.

Schedule For Make-Up Days

April 9 and 14 have been scheduled as make-up days for the January 27 and 28 snow days. There will be a two-hour early dismissal on April 9, 2009.

Optimist Club Awards

California Optimist Club officers presented Student of the Month and Great Strides awards to the winners on Friday, February 13, 2009. Thanks to Galvie Gardner and Jennifer Yeardie for their commitment to the program. See the March issue of the California Focus for a picture of the students and Mr. Gardner. Congratulations to all the students!

PSSA TEST PREPARATION

Agree with them, disagree with them, think they are overemphasized, and many other opinions of the PSSA tests have been made by many. The fact is we need to prepare to take the high stakes PSSA exam next month and middle school teachers are busy preparing students to do well. Early indicators point to another successful year for our students and hopefully well-planned preparation by all will continue our strong performance on the test.

Students of the Month

The California Middle School Student of the Month for January is Emily Sabo and the Great Strides winner is Jonathon Abbott. Congratulations Emily and Jonathon!

Volleyball Results

The California Trojans girls volleyball team traveled to Carmichaels on Thursday night.
The 7th grade team got a victory by winning two of three matches. Way to go girls! Team captains are Felicity Macosta and Stephanie DiPiazza. The 8th grade team came up short and lost two straight matches. The 8th grade captains are Emily Sabo, Danielle McBurnie and MacKenzie Granato. The next game is Tuesday, February 17 at home against Chartiers Houston. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the Lady Trojans volleyball teams.

PowerSchool

PowerSchool is now fully operational.

8th Grade Boys Metro Top Seed

The 8th grade boys Metro USA team has earned the top seed in the post-season tournament. The Trojans will face the winner of the play-in bracket at 6:00 p.m. on February 20, 2009 at the Monongahela Education Center. More information can be obtained at http://www.eteamz.com/metrousa/index.cfm. In addition, the 7th grade boys will open post season play at Keystone Oaks on February 22, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. when they take on Upper Saint Clair. The 7th grade boys received the number seven seed in their division.

PowerSchool

Please be advised that PowerSchool is not working properly at this time. Our technology coordinator, Mr. Smith is away at a training and should be back on Thursday. He will address the problem at that time. Thank you for your patience.

Bullying

Please be advised that any form of bullying including verbal and physical will not be tolerated at school. Students are encouraged to tell an adult at school or have their parents call to report bullying incidents.

6th Grade Pep Talk

The 6th grade listened to a motivation discussion today that emphasized student becoming more committed to academic excellence. Students were encouraged to use "I will..." statements.

Cal Metro Boys Results

The California Metro teams split a pair of games at home on Sunday with the 8th grade boys defeating Peters Township 61-31 and the 7th grade boys team losing to Mount Lebanon 34-32. Leading scorers for the 8th grade team were Brian Fisher (18), Tanner Huffman (16), Mike McKula (13) and Jon Granato (12). The 8th grade team captured the regular season division championship with a 10-1 record and is expecting the number one seed in the post-season tournament held at Ringgold. The 7th grade team finished at 4-5-1 and will play in the post-season tournament hosted by Keystone Oaks. For more information, visit the Metro USA website at http://www.eteamz.com/metrousa/.

California Middle School Boys Basketball Banquet

The California Middle School boys basketball team will be honored at Lagerheads Restaurant on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.

8th Grade Metro Defeats Bethel Park A

The 8th grade boys defeated Bethel Park A in the USA Metro league on Saturday night 64-52. Brian Fisher (24) and Tanner Huffman (20) led the scoring for the 9-1 Trojans.

Friday the 13th Knockout

The middle school will hold a basketball "knockout" contest on February 13, 2009 during lunch and ANCHORS. A half court contest will also be available for students to enter. Proceeds benefit student activities.

8th Grade Metro Drops First

The 8th grade boys Metro basketball team lost to Upper Saint Clair 64-53 on Wednesday in a non-section game. Tanner Huffman (17), Brian Fisher (16), and Mike McKula (12) scored in double figures for the Trojans. The team is 8-1 overall in Metro play and return to action Sunday at home against Peters Township with a noon tipoff.

Report Cards Issued

Report cards were issued to middle school students on Wednesday, February 4, 2009.

PSSA Writing Exam for 8th Grade

8th grade students will take the PSSA Writing test from February 10-12, 2009. The teachers are continuing to prepare students for this high-stakes test.

Report Cards Delayed

Report cards due for issue on February 3, 2009 were delayed until the 4th due to technical difficulties with PowerSchool.

Boys Basketball Defeats Chartiers Houston

The middle school boys basketball team defeated Chartiers Houston 58-29 to end the 2008-09 school season. Brian Fisher (21) and Tanner Huffman (16) led the Trojans in scoring. Congratulations to the boys for a great season!

LETS GO STEELERS!!!

Cell Phone Use

Many middle school students were disciplined today for having their cell phones on at school and/or text messaging during class. Use of cell phones is a violation of district policy and is a distraction to the educational process. The discipline for continued infractions will be progressive and involve more severe consequences. Parents are encouraged to speak with their children about district policy. Any questions can be addressed by contacting me at 724-785-5800 ext. 2398.

Boys Basketball Defeats Laurel Highlands

The middle school boys basketball team defeated Laurel Highlands MS 66-34 on Friday to improve their record to 20-1. Brian Fisher (29) and Tanner Huffman (24) led the Trojans in scoring. The team plays its' last game of the season on Monday at Chartiers Houston.

Reports Cards

Report cards will be distributed on Tuesday.

Boys Basketball Game Cancelled

The middle school boys basketball game has been cancelled today due to the poor weather conditions.

Metro Defeats Peters Township

The 8th grade boys Metro team defeated Peters Township 73-23 on Sunday to improve their record to 6-0. Tanner Huffman and Brian Fisher scored 26 points each to lead the Trojans.

Steeler Pep Rally

The middle school will hold a Steelers pep rally on Friday, January 30th during ANCHORS. We will have fun and games and a special cheer by Mrs. Krofina and Mr. Damico.

Eighth Grade Metro Defeats Elizabeth Forward

The 8th grade boys metro team defeated Elizabeth Forward 58-17 on Saturday. Tanner Huffman led the Trojans with 40 points including eight 3 pointers.

Boys Basketball Drop First Game

The middle school boys basketball team were defeated by Washington Middle School 39-37 on Friday. Tanner Huffman (19) and Brian Fisher (11) were the leading scorers for the Trojans. The team is 17-1 on the season.

Congratulations Tyler Lusk

Tyler Lusk won the Steelers football and blanket in the raffle to benefit the Audubon Society.

Christmas Pictures

The middle school Christmas dance pictures will be distributed tomorrow, January 21, 2009.

Steelers Win AFC Championship

Our Pittsburgh Steelers are headed to Tampa to play in the Super Bowl on February 1 after a convincing 23-14 win over arch rival Baltimore Ravens!

Yearbook Sale

The California Middle School is having a 20% off sale for 2007-08 yearbooks. The cost of a yearbook is now $20.00. Please see Ms. Schmider.

School Closed

The California School District will be closed on Friday, December 16, 2009 due to severe cold temperatures. School will reopen on Tuesday, December 20, 2009.

Ski Club Trip Cancelled and Rescheduled

Due to extremely cold conditions expected tomorrow the ski trip is rescheduled for next Friday, January 23, 2009. The bus will depart at 3:45 and return to the school at 12am.

Two-Hour Delay

The California School District will operate on a two-hour delay on Thursday, January 15, 2009.

Christmas Dance Pictures

Middle school Christmas dance pictures will be distributed on Thursday, January 15, 2009.

Steelers Pep Rally

The middle school will hold a Steelers pep rally this Friday during ANCHORS period. Friday is also black and gold day.

Presidential Inauguration Day

The middle school will celebrate the inauguration of President Elect Obama on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 by asking students and staff to wear red, white, and blue. Also, students will watch the ceremony and speech during the day.

Boys Basketball Defeats Laurel Highlands

The middle school boys basketball team improved to 16-0 with a convincing 50-31 win over Laurel Highlands Middle School on Friday. Tanner Huffman (18) and Brian Fisher (14) led the scoring for the Trojans.

Steelers Pep Rally on Friday

The middle school will hold a Steelers pep rally during ANCHORS period on Friday, January 9, 2009. All students are encouraged to wear black and gold for the event. In addition, the middle school boys basketball team will be recognized.

Boys Basketball Team Defeats Bentworth

The middle school boys basketball team defeated Bentworth 61-20 on Tuesday with Tanner Huffman (19) and Brian Fisher (18) leading the Trojans in scoring. The team returns to action on Thursday at Carmichaels.

Welcome Back

Welcome back to school from the holiday vacation. The administration and staff hope that everyone had a wonderful break.

Boys Metro Basketball Results

The 8th grade boys defeated Belle Vernon on Saturday 68-38 with Tanner Huffman (29) and Brian Fisher (15) leading the scoring for the Trojans. On Sunday, the Trojans defeated Baldwin by a score of 46-35 with Fisher (18) and Huffman (17) leading the scoring. The 7th grade boys dropped a tight 31-29 game to Charleroi on Sunday.

The California 8th grade quintet lead the division with a 4-0 record while the 7th grade team is in last place with a 1-3 record. See all the latest Metro results at http://www.eteamz.com/metrousa/index.cfm.