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These are some of the Recent News articles about Midland Borough School District

Former Midland Superintendent Dr. Nick Trombetta Named to Lou Holtz/Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio – PA Cyber Charter School CEO Dr. Nick Trombetta, who was superintendent of Midland Borough School District for 12 years, has been selected for induction into the Lou Holtz/Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame. Among those joining Dr. Trombetta in the Class of 2008 is running back Jerome Bettis, who was coached by Lou Holtz at the University of Notre Dame before his legendary career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bettis will be principal speaker at the induction banquet Friday, June 13, at the East Liverpool Motor Lodge. Mountaineer CEO and President Ted Arneault and Hancock County (W.Va.) educator Suzan Smith are members of the incoming class. A nationally recognized leader in the reform and innovation of public education, Dr. Trombetta founded the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (www.pacyber.org.) PA Cyber opened for the 2000-2001 academic year with just over 500 students. Today, PA Cyber serves 7,500 K-12 students across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A native of Aliquippa, Pa., Dr. Trombetta is an alumnus of Quigley Catholic High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock State University, master’s from the University of Dayton, and doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Trombetta served as a teacher and coach at East Liverpool High School in Ohio, a principal in the Aliquippa (Pa.) School District and superintendent of the Midland (Pa.) Borough School District. Dr. Trombetta is founder of the National Network of Digital Schools (NNDS), an educational management foundation and exclusive distributor of Lincoln Interactive online curriculum. NNDS and PA Cyber launched and sponsor the Autism Initiative, an effort to improve K-12 curriculum, technology, teacher training, arts outreach, public awareness and support for students affected by autism spectrum disorders. This is the 10-year anniversary of the Lou Holtz/Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame, located in East Liverpool, where Holtz spent his youth. Banquet and ticket information are available by calling the Hall of Fame at 330.386.5443 or visiting the website at www.louholtzhalloffame.com. PA Cyber has offices in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Cranberry Township, and its home in Midland, Pa. It is a public charter school open to the children of Pennsylvania residents, and is the largest of 11 cyber charter schools operating in the commonwealth. PA Cyber students reside in 478 of Pennsylvania’s 501 public school districts. For more information, people may visit www.pacyber.org or www.nndsonline.org.

Public invited to celebrate Blue Ribbon with Midland By Jessica Bruni, Times Staff Published: Thursday, November 15, 2007 4:29 AM EST MIDLAND — Blue was the color of the day in Midland, but it didn’t reflect the mood, as the community celebrated Midland Elementary/Middle School being named a 2007 national Blue Ribbon winner by the U.S. Department of Education. In October, Midland was one of 13 districts in the state — and the only one in Beaver County — to receive the award. To be named a Blue Ribbon winner, a school must have at least 40 percent of students from low-income homes and show dramatic improvement on state test scores, or the school must rank in the top 10 percent of its state on state test scores, regardless of economic background. Midland achieved both. On Wednesday, the community gathered to celebrate the award with a ceremony in the school’s gymnasium. Although a parade of schoolchildren on Midland Avenue was canceled because of the wet weather, it was nothing but sunshine inside as elementary and middle school pupils, wearing blue and gray Midland T-shirts, were ushered into the gym by the beat of the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center’s steel drum ensemble. The event featured remarks by Louis Boykins, deputy director of the southwest region for Gov. Ed Rendell’s office, and several local officials, including Midland Mayor Angela Adkins, who proclaimed Nov. 14 as Blue Ribbon Day in Midland. After a rap performance to the tune of “We Will Rock You” by Midland Elementary/Middle School pupils and a song by Lincoln Park’s concert choir, Midland native and Pittsburgh sports media personality Ellis Cannon took the microphone. Cannon — who master of ceremonies Stephen Catanzarite joked must be important because he has his own Wikipedia entry — encouraged students to overcome their differences to achieve greatness. “It’s not about what makes you different, but what brings you together,” Cannon told the cheering crowd. “You are one right now.” The event ended a week of celebrations for Midland students that included an ice cream social and a carnival. Earlier this week, district officials returned to the school toting the Blue Ribbon, along with a flag and a plaque, after receiving it at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C. Jessica Bruni can be reached online at jbruni@timesonline.com. click to enlarge

Public invited to celebrate Blue Ribbon with Midland MIDLAND, Pa. – Parents and Midland residents are invited to join in a Blue Ribbon Award celebration Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Lincoln gymnasium. Principal Sean Tanner and a teacher from the Midland Borough School District, Mrs. Kerry Musser, are to attend the national Blue Ribbon awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 12-13, and bring back a Blue Ribbon plaque and flag to show at the celebration and display at the school. The assembly at 12:30 p.m. in the gym is to be preceded by a parade of schoolchildren from Sixth to Ninth streets on Midland Avenue, said Tanner. Tanner said the purpose of the event is to allow the school and community, along with Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, to properly celebrate the 2007 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence National Award won by Midland Elementary-Middle School. The award was announced in late September. Remarks by Midland Borough School District Superintendent Dr. Nick Trombetta, a proclamation by Midland Mayor Angela Adkins, and words of praise from elected officials and other dignitaries are to be part of a short program. The Lincoln Park Chorus is to perform under the direction of Dr. Marissa Ulmer. As people arrive at the gym they will hear the Caribbean rhythms of a newly formed Lincoln Park steel drum band under the direction of Sal Aloe, said Tanner.

Midland Elementary-Middle School receives Keystone Award November 6, 2007 MIDLAND, Pa. - Midland Elementary-Middle School has been notified by Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak that it once again has won a Keystone Achievement Award for showing sustained academic progress, Principal Sean Tanner announced. Of the 2,138 schools receiving Keystone Achievements Awards this year, Midland is one of 1,350 schools that have received the award every year since the inception of the award, meaning they met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) annually since 2002-03. Each school that earns a Keystone Achievement Award receives a large, keystone-shaped placard that can be displayed at the school. Tanner was notified in early October that Midland is one of 13 schools in Pennsylvania and 287 in the nation to be named a 2007 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. It is the first Beaver County school to earn a Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education.

3 area schools win U.S. blue ribbons By Bill Zlatos TRIBUNE-REVIEW Thursday, October 4, 2007 Three schools from West Mifflin, Canonsburg and Midland have been named 2007 Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Clara Barton Elementary School in the West Mifflin Area School District, First Street Elementary School in the Canon-McMillan School District and Midland Elementary Middle School in the Midland Borough School District are among 18 schools in the state to receive the national honor. To get the award, a school has to have at least 40 percent of its students come from low-income homes and have made dramatic gains in student achievement -- or the school must place in the top 10 percent of its state's reading and math scores in at least the last year tested, regardless of its income status. "Just because you don't have a lot of money doesn't mean we're giving up on you," said Clara Barton Principal Mary Jane Hudak. Forty-six percent of its 203 students in grades K-5 come from low-income homes. She said her teachers meet twice a month to discuss how to help their students. "All of our students belong to everyone," Hudak said. About 365 students attend Midland, a K-8 school in Beaver County. Of those, about 67 percent come from low-income homes. "Fifteen (students) to one (teacher) would probably be one of the largest classes throughout our school," said Principal Sean Tanner. "There's a pride here in Midland to be the best."

Midland named Blue Ribbon School of Excellence; One of 13 in Pennsylvania, 287 in nation Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007 MIDLAND, PA – Midland Borough School District officials have been notified by U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings that Midland Elementary-Middle School has been selected as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. One of the most prestigious education awards in the country for individual schools, Blue Ribbon designation distinguishes and honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap. Midland is one of 13 schools in Pennsylvania and 287 in the nation to be named a 2007 No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. It is the only school in Beaver County ever to be named a Blue Ribbon School. “These schools are doing wonderful work in helping our students prepare for the 21st Century global economy,” Pennsylvania Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak said. “I urge them to continue their quality work and I’m confident all of Pennsylvania’s schools will rise to the same levels of achievement, ensuring our students are among the best in the world.” “This award shows what a community can do when it believes in itself,” said Dr. Nick Trombetta, superintendent. “We are living the dream.” "This is an honor of which the entire community of Midland can be proud,” said School Board President Michael Conti. “It could not have been possible without the efforts of our dedicated and caring staff, the hard work and discipline of our wonderful students and their families, and the support of our community." “These schools are proving that when we raise the bar our children will rise to the challenge,” Spellings said. “It takes a lot of hard work by teachers and students to become a Blue Ribbon school, and it’s a privilege to celebrate their great efforts.” The No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement to high levels. The schools are selected based on one of two criteria: 1) Schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged background that dramatically improve student performance to high levels on state tests; and 2) Schools whose students, regardless of background, achieve in the top 10 percent of their state on state tests or, in the case of private schools, in the top 10 percent of the nation. Kerry Musser, president of the Midland PSEA, stated, “This excellence is a sign of how cooperation among board members, administration, faculty, staff, unions, students, parents, community members, and their resources work together to succeed. Each relies upon the other for support, which is something that has always existed in Midland.” “This is a fantastic achievement for our school, our board, our staff and our town, but mostly for our students,” said Sean Tanner, Principal. “It proves our motto, ‘Small but Mighty,’ is more than words.” Tanner said Midland Schools have a history of academic achievement and innovation. Recent achievements by Midland schools include: No. 1 statewide (tie) for 3rd grade math (scored 100% on PSSA test 2005-06) No. 1 statewide (tie) for 8th grade math (scored 95% on PSSA test 2005-06) Has made Adequate Yearly Progress every year since AYP began in 2002 Ranked 18th of 148 school districts in Western Pennsylvania for 2007 by Pittsburgh Business Times Has operated its own full-time Age 4 Kindergarten for 30 years without state aid Governor’s School of Achievement Award 2001 Keystone Award from Pennsylvania Department of Education for Achievement 2002-2006 The principal and a teacher from the Midland Borough School District are invited to attend the Blue Ribbon awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on November 12-13. They are to be presented with a plaque and a flag signifying the school’s NCLB-Blue Ribbon School status. Blue Ribbon program spokesperson Aba Kumi said Midland showed continuous improvement over the past five years. For instance, reading proficiency for all Midland fifth graders improved dramatically, from 54 percent in 2001-02 to 80 percent in 2005-06. Those classified as economically disadvantaged improved from 44 to 60 percent proficient in that same period. A complete list of 2007 winners is available on the Web at http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html.

GOVERNOR RENDELL COMMENDS PENNSYLVANIA’S BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IS HONORED UNDER NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND Oct. 3, 2007 - HARRISBURG – Thirteen Pennsylvania schools have been honored by the U.S. Department of Education for their academic excellence by being named 2007 Blue Ribbon Schools, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today. “I commend these schools for upholding high standards and accountability, which help to ensure that students perform and succeed,” the Governor said. “This dedication to academic excellence is admirable and serves as a great example that can be modeled by other schools as we work toward achieving academic proficiency for every student.” The No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private K-12 schools that are either academically superior in their states or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. Pennsylvania’s 2007 NCLB-Blue Ribbon Schools include: • Brady-Henderson Mill Creek Elementary School, Huntingdon • Clara Barton Elementary School, West Mifflin • Edison Elementary School, Erie • First Street Elementary School, Canonsburg • Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Elementary School, Spring House • Midland Elementary Middle School, Midland • Robert Blair Pollock Elementary School, Philadelphia • Saint Anastasia School, Newtown Square • Saint Ignatius of Antioch Catholic School, Yardley • Saint Patrick School, Carlisle • The McAuliffe Heights Program at Irving Elementary School, Altoona • Turnpike Elementary School, Mildred • William Prescott Elementary School, Scranton They are among 287 Blue Ribbon schools nationwide that were announced this week by U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings. “These schools are doing wonderful work in helping our students prepare for the 21st Century global economy,” Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak said. “I urge them to continue their quality work and I’m confident all of Pennsylvania’s schools will rise to the same levels of achievement, ensuring our students are among the best in the world.” Since the Blue Ribbon program began in 2003, 43 Pennsylvania schools have made the prestigious list. This year’s 13 schools is the largest showing ever by the commonwealth. Blue Ribbon schools are selected based on one of two criteria: • At least 40 percent of the school’s students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and the school has dramatically increased its performance on state assessments in at least the past three years. Disadvantaged students are those who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school, are migrant, have limited English proficiency or receive services because they are from low-income families. • The school scores in the top 10 percent on annual state reading and math assessments in at least the last year tested (and in at least the highest grade tested), regardless of the school’s demographics. States nominate eligible public schools to the U.S. Secretary of Education each February, while the Council for American Private Education nominates private schools. After being nominated, each school must submit an application for recognition to the U.S. Department of Education. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program began in 2002 after implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001. The 2007 Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored during an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. on Nov. 12-13. For more information on Pennsylvania’s education initiatives, visit the Department of Education Web site at www.pde.state.pa.us.