Reports from the PMSA Regions

The Eastern Region Board met on May 11, 2006 with Jessica Singleton completing her fantastic leadership as the 2005-2006 President.  At the meeting there were discussions about continued region development, the Schools to Watch program, future Eastern Region Conferences, elections, and board membership.

 

The Eastern Region is the largest geographic region in the state.  It is composed of four proposed regions and the following Intermediate Units: East; IU’s 14, 20, 21 & 29  Northeast; IU’s 16, 17, 18 &19 South Central; IU’s 12, 13, & 15 and Southeast; IU’s 22, 23, 24, 25 & 26.  If you work in one of these proposed regions and are interested in helping us in regional development or simply being more involved in the Eastern Region Board, please contact me at pmeck@verizon.net.

 

The Schools to Watch program is off to a fantastic start.   Debbie Lappano, our State Director, has done a fantastic job of organizing the Pennsylvania team and leading many Eastern Region educators to participate in trainings and attend the School to Watch national conference.  The state coordinating team, consisting of Debbie Lappano, Parker Martin, Bob Furman, Paul Meck, Bruce Vosburgh, and Lou White, was trained June 12-13, 2006.  This team of state trainers then trained 12 additional state team members on August 10-11, 2006.  The Schools to Watch program is the basis for the new Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools: Schools to Watch, which replaces the former Donald Eichhorn Oustanding Middle Level School Award.  Look for on the website www.pmsaweb.org.

 

Congratulations to those Eastern Region Board members newly elected into positions of leadership and responsibility for this year.  Kathy Johnson - Brandywine Heights Middle School, as President-Elect;

Susanne DiBianca – Ridley Middle School, as Recording Secretary; Chas Cognato – G.A. Stetson Middle School, as Executive Secretary; Robert Houghton – Conestoga Valley Middle School, as Treasurer; and Robert Ruder – Director of Public Relations.   In addition, Judy Sargent – Schuylkill Valley Middle School, Debbie Lappano – Catherine Hall Middle School, and Paul Meck, were appointed to serve on the PMSA State Executive Board.  We thank these dedicated educators for their willingness to serve.

 

The Eastern Region Board focused on four goals at the recent board retreat.  Those goals include increasing membership in NMSA and PMSA, increasing and improving all forms of communication regarding the mission of PMSA, exploring regional expansion, visiting member and non-member schools in the region, and supporting the PMSA Executive Board goals.  Anyone interested in being involved in this exciting work may want to attend upcoming Eastern Board meetings on October 17, 2006, January 10, 2007, and March 4, 2007.  For more information, contact me or any member of the Eastern Region Board.

 

Does your school have wonderful programs, outstanding teachers, student teachers and interns, incredible students who give back to the school and community?  If you answered yes, now is the time to nominate them for PMSA Awards.  The awards are listed on the website along with easy to use downloadable forms.  Don’t miss your chance to recognize someone who makes a difference at the middle level.

 

As the second month of the 2006-2007 school year moves forward, take time to appreciate the bright spots of every day.  Best wishes for a successful and productive year!

 

Paul A. Meck, President

Greetings from the Western Region!  I hope that everyone’s school year is off to smooth start.  As region president, I am excited as to the direction of the Pennsylvania Middle School Association.  Our membership continues to grow and our relationship with both the National Middle School Association and the Pennsylvania Department of Education is stronger than ever.  We are excited to have an active voice in reforming middle level education.  Soon you will hear Secretary Zahorchak introduce Project 540.  Project 540 will focus on middle level reform.  Project 540 will provide opportunities for middle level schools similar to the Accountability Block Grants in the elementary schools and Project 720 at the high school level.  I am thrilled that PMSA will be at the table as a major contributor in Harrisburg. 

Locally we have begun preparation for our regional middle level conference.  This year’s conference will be held at Shaler Middle School.  The day long conference will be held on Monday, January 15, 2007.  Historically the conference has drawn over 500 middle level educators!   Registration forms and presenter application forms can be found on-line at www.pmsaweb.org.  We are always looking for presenters to provide expertise in any number of content areas and on topics related to middle level education.

 

We are always looking for people who want to get involved with the PMSA.  Should you have interest in getting involved please feel free to contact me at PerryN@casd.k12.pa.us or at 724-775-5600 ext 1044.

 

Nicholas Perry -President