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JHS STUDENTS PROVE TO BE BUSINESS SAVVY

2010-04-01T12:30:00.003-04:00

By: Alyson Kelly

The FedEx Ground Junior Achievement Titan Business Challenge Regional Competition: just another competition for three drummers of the JHS Marching Band, Nelson Gosnell, Jordan Ruiz, and Andrew Wilcox. After all, music is their game and being the best in percussion is their name; albeit different than the accustomed band competitions, the Junior Achievement Challenge proved to be no different to these teens that are used to giving their best efforts at all times. The boys brought to this competition the determination that they typically exhibit during the band season and it paid off, as Gosnell, Ruiz, and Wilcox not only entered this JA Business Challenge, but brought home the win for Johnstown High School in the form of brand new laptop computers and a place in the Grand Championship event in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

On March 11, 2010, twenty-eight teams of three students each from the Somerset, Cambria, and Indiana counties traveled to the IUP main campus to compete in the Junior Achievement Titan Business Challenge. The challenge itself entailed engaging in a simulation of the running of a futuristic business; participants had to make decisions such as which stocks to invest in, when to buy and sell those shares, and how high the prices for their product should be in order for consumers to purchase the item so that the industry could make a profit. Students, who were forced to use their math and logic skills to be a success in this world of business, were permitted to practice the simulation online individually in order to prepare for the competition. The JHS team was formed by Ruiz, who had heard about the event and received permission to compete, and Mr. Richard Capraun, the web design teacher at JHS, agreed to be the chaperone. Says Capraun of the competition, "This was a great challenge for our students in a real world simulation. They learned a lot about being a CEO of a business." Adds Wilcox, "It was a pleasant surprise to find out that we had won, but, more importantly, we gained a lot of knowledge about investing and budgeting, a skill that's really going to be useful after we graduate high school."

Sophomore Jordan Ruiz and seniors Andrew Wilcox and Nelson Gosnell are all members of the JHS Marching Band and the indoor percussion team. Ruiz plans to continue his education at a university yet to be selected. Gosnell, who is a member of the tennis team in addition to the band, plans on attending Slippery Rock University in the fall, and Wilcox, also involved in the JHS Key Club and Eagle Scouts, will be continuing his education at the University of Pittsburgh. Although none of the three plans on majoring in business at college, the skills needed to survive in the corporate world which they acquired during this competition will undoubtedly prove necessary in their daily lives.

The Grand Championship Event that the JHS has earned the right to participate in is being held at La Roche College in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. When asked about the upcoming challenge, Gosnell said, "We're all extremely excited to go to Pittsburgh and show what we can do. We plan on doing Johnstown proud in this competition." Ruiz confirms this hope, exclaiming, "We're going to dominate!" Spoken like a true Trojan.

THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS AT PLANET ICE

2010-03-04T12:35:00.000-05:00

By: Alyson Kelly

It has always been an aim of the Johnstown High School Key Club, being a community service organization, to lend a hand to people in our community by either participating in fundraisers or helping to deliver encouraging messages to people that could use a little pick-me-up. It then should come as no surprise that the Key Club offered to aid in the execution of the final round of short track speed skating for the Special Olympics in Cambria County being held at Planet Ice in Johnstown on February 23. The mission of the Special Olympics is to empower individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities by providing them with an opportunity to become fit and to engage in competition with their peers. In addition to the events that took place at Planet Ice on February 23, other competitions such as skiing took place at Blue Knob Ski Resort and Hidden Valley Ski Resort, while the figure skating contests were held at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena.

The Key Club volunteers helped in the efforts at Planet Ice by assisting the skaters in prepping for their races, aiding in the bleacher seating, escorting those competing from the locker room to the ice, and interacting with skaters who were waiting for their race to begin. According to the volunteers, most of the skaters that participated seemed to be affected by Down Syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that involves a variety of birth defects ranging from characteristic facial features, intellectual disability, heart problems, and other overall health issues. Those afflicted with the disease are more likely to develop heart and intestinal defects, hearing and memory loss, infections, thyroid problems, and leukemia; it is one of the most common genetic birth defects, affecting 1 in 800 babies a year in the United States. In addition to skaters with Down Syndrome, others had disabilities such as blindness.

The first thirty or forty Key Club members that signed up to assist with the Special Olympics were permitted to attend, and one such member was Deanna Sanders, a sophomore at Johnstown High School who is her class representative for the service organization. When asked to give her opinion on helping with the Special Olympics, she indicated that she felt very inspired by the determination of those with disabilities, saying, "For me, helping out people afflicted with mental and physical disabilities was a great learning experience. The competitors were outgoing and fun to be around; they proved to be extremely talented and caring as well. By helping with this event, I felt that I was doing a service for those less fortunate than me." Sanders expressed an opinion that is likely held by all those who were involved, and the Key Club is thankful for the opportunity to be able to assist with the Special Olympics.

"PINK THE DOC" AT JHS

2010-03-02T09:09:00.000-05:00

By: Alyson Kelly

Breast cancer awareness has become a lofty goal of more and more institutions across the nation as the epidemic heightens throughout the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 186,467 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States in the year 2005 alone. Far from merely being a national statistic to be recorded for posterity, this tragically high number of cases indicates that breast cancer can and does affect everyone. Increasing the awareness of breast cancer has proven to be the key to raising money for a cure for the disease, helping women around the world to recognize their symptoms, and to treat the cancer in its earliest stages. In addition to business corporations, medical research foundations, and the typical charity organizations, establishments of education have proven not to be immune to the giving spirit that entails helping those afflicted with the disease, and Johnstown High School has not been excluded from this admirable movement.

Taking the cue from the charitable attitude displayed by the volleyball team earlier in the school year, the JHS girl's basketball team, along with the opposing rival team Bishop McCort, decided to raise money to increase breast cancer awareness during a game earlier in the month. The Lady Trojans gathered donations for the breast cancer awareness fund from teachers, parents, and neighbors in the weeks leading up to the big game against McCort; around $600 was collected between the two schools. The JHS gym was decked out in pink paraphernalia, the color of breast cancer awareness, for the game, and the JHS girls sported pink warm-up shirts as well. Although the Lady Trojans gave a valiant effort during the game, their efforts came up short against McCort, losing 53-41.

Freshman member of the JHS girl's basketball team, Hannah Chilcot, raised about $50 of the total $600 for the breast cancer awareness fund by collecting donations from various teachers. Involved in the school's Key Club and also a member of the volleyball team, Hannah thoroughly feels that the money is going to a good cause, saying, "I felt really good about the whole thing, raising money for this disease that affects so many families in, but not limited to, Johnstown High School. It was a pleasure to be able to help in this way."

A Win for The Challenge Program

2010-01-29T12:30:00.000-05:00

By: Alyson Kelly

Community service, academic achievement, academic improvement, attendance. Four important criteria in the game of life that nevertheless get downplayed, especially in the day to day lives of today's adolescents. Luckily for current and future generations, a program dedicated to the promotion of these values has been created to improve the future of individual students as well the nation in which they live.

The Challenge Program, Inc. was founded by Johnstown native and CEO of MTS Technologies, Inc. Dan Perkins in 2003 as a way to give back to his community. The Program focuses on awarding cash amounts to students who excel in community service, academic achievement, academic improvement, or attendance; because of this incentive, high school pupils across seven counties of southwestern Pennsylvania are now even more motivated to perform well in school. Success in school by today's generation, maintains Perkins, promotes a better future for the entire country.

The Challenge Program, a nonprofit organization, was recently awarded with $51,000 by the Wal-Mart Foundation to Assist with Programs that Encourage Student Achievement to aid in providing these cash incentives to sixteen area high schools. The check was presented in a ceremony to Mr. Perkins on December 16, 2009, at Conemaugh Valley Senior High School before students, past award winners, school representatives that included students from Johnstown High School, and local officials. Conemaugh Valley High School, which graciously hosted the press release of these new funds, gave a superb band performance that preluded the formal presentation of the grant and provided those in attendance with refreshments afterwards. Noted speakers included one of the Founding Executive Directors of The Challenge Program Barbara Grandinetti, the marketing director of the area Wal-Mart's, representative of the Education Department of Pennsylvania Mitch Agurs, and the founder of the organization Dan Perkins. In addition, two Conemaugh Valley High School students who have been awarded with cash incentives by The Challenge Program in the past briefly spoke of how the money helped them to pursue service and academic goals around the world.

In addition to these Conemaugh Valley students, two students from Johnstown High School who had been awarded with cash from The Challenge Program in the previous years were present that day as well. Richard Agurs and Katie Kovalchik won money from the program for academic improvement and community service, respectively. Kovalchik, now a senior planning to attend Penn State, was given the money during her sophomore year in high school and stored it in a savings account. Says Katie, "I greatly appreciated the money that The Challenge Program gave me as an award for my hours of community service. I'm glad that Mr. Perkins is closer to his goal of making the program national by this new partnership with Wal-Mart because I feel that it really does encourage students."

Dan Perkins has plans to make The Challenge Program a national organization in the future, and the new partnership with one of the largest retailers in the world is, he feels, a huge step towards making that dream a reality. After accepting the over-sized check made out to The Challenge Program for the amount of $51,000, Mr. Perkins made an acceptance speech that described his dedication to the development of today's youth. Speaking directly to the high school students in attendance that day, Perkins said, "I will be watching you."

JMS Teacher Honored

2010-01-20T22:25:00.002-05:00

A Middle School teacher, Carrie Andraychak, is Pennsylvania’s Middle School Advisor of the Year. The award is one of the highest honors a student council advisor can receive. “Ms. A,” as she is known by her students, is an art teacher as well as a student council advisor. She first was honored as District 6 Middle School advisor of the year and then was named as the state advisor of the year at the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils conference in Philadelphia.

“Ms. A” has been an advisor at Johnstown Middle School for more than 10 years. ‘She has volunteered countless hours to the JMS student council and her work has benefited many charities and other organizations in the entire community as well as in the school,” Darren Buchko, Middle School principal, said. Student Council member and JMS 8th Grader Ethan Hasselbauer is grateful for the dedication that Mrs. A shows to the organization and to the student members. “Mrs. Andraychak is a great role model, and she teaches us the importance of giving back to the community,” Stated Hasselbauer.

GJSD Board Recognized

2010-01-20T22:24:00.003-05:00

The Pennsylvania School Board Association is recognizing Greater Johnstown School Board directors for “donating time and talents for the betterment of public education” in the community.

The awards were a highlight of School Director Recognition Month in January. Those honored and their years of volunteer service as of the date of the end of their current term are: Raymond Arcurio, 19 years; Vincent Arcurio, 8 years; John Berzinsky, 12 years; Thomas Dadey, 4 years; Edward J. Mikesic, 12 years; Kimberly Murray, 8 years; Eugene Pentz, 8 years; Daniel Tomak, 4 years, and Richard Unger, 12 years.

Board President Richard Unger stated that he and his fellow directors were honored when Superintendent Dr. Barbara Parkins presented each of the members with a plaque at the January Board Meeting. “I am truly proud of the work that we have accomplished together. Our schools continue to make strides toward academic excellence, and we have been able to accomplish many great things without burdening property owners with a tax increase,” stated Unger.

GJSD Teachers Make A Difference!

2010-01-20T22:18:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday, January 12th, the JHS Varsity Basketball team and Head Coach Neil Cobaugh took time out to recognize all the teachers who make a profound impact in the lives of our students by having an “Educator Night”. All seniors on the team wrote a personal letter to the teacher(s) who have made a difference in their lives and invited them to attend the game. Prior to the start of the game, these teachers and student athletes were recognized at mid –court. This night was hailed as a huge success by Coach Cobaugh. The teachers wore black to be part of the “Black Out” fan section that cheers on the blue and black of Johnstown High. In order to support the event, JHS Art teacher Mrs. Trish Patula and her students created a banner for the teacher section.

Coach Cobaugh was delighted at the turnout of school district employees. “I want to express my sincere appreciation for the turnout. When I walked into the locker room to talk to the team after our win, all I heard were players talking about what teacher, what administrator or what school employee or official they saw at the game. I wish I could show you how important it was and what it meant to the players.” “As a former player myself, I know what it meant to me to have some of the teachers show up and tell me how proud they were of our team effort. When a teacher makes that connection to a student, the student will see that teacher as a special person. GJSD teachers are excellent teachers and special people who care about our students!”

Educator Night will be carried over to all athletic teams. The next night will be held on February 3rd, 2010, as the Lady Trojans take on Bishop McCort.

GJHS Student Chosen as Winning Author

2010-01-14T12:40:00.003-05:00

A student from Greater Johnstown High School has been selected as the winner of a writing contest for the Tribune Democrat. Junior Breanna Rock submitted the fourth chapter to the Tribune Democrat’s “Your Story” contest last week and it was chosen for publication. Breanna is a student in Brieana Day’s Journalism class and completed the chapter as a class assignment. She is involved in cheerleading, track and participates in the school’s musical.

“Your Story” is a bi-weekly contest that encourages readers to become writers by composing the next four chapters in installments. Each chapter continues from where the previous one ends. The first chapter was written by an editor from the Tribune Democrat, the second by an author, and the third by a local doctor. The story is about a former Johnstown woman who returns 10 years later to begin her new life. The chapters are to incorporate a holiday theme and have Johnstown as the setting. All of the chapters can be found on the Tribune Democrat’s website. Breanna was one of many who entered a chapter for the story, which was published on December 13th. She and the entire journalism class are currently writing the fifth chapter, individually, which will be submitted in hopes of having another winning entry.

To read Bre's story, click on the link below:

http://www.tribune-democrat.com/features/local_story_344125108.html

GJHS Among America’s Best High Schools

2010-01-14T12:38:00.000-05:00

By: Alyson Kelly

The last few years at JHS have consisted of success after success. Greater Johnstown High School has been recognized as one of the top learning institutions in the state of Pennsylvania, and has won for the second consecutive year a bronze medal in America's Best High Schools Project.

America's Best High Schools Project, is sponsored by Standard and Poor's School Evaluation Services, a data research business. To fairly assess the schools across the nation, Standard and Poor's chose to bypass the traditional method for the ranking, the Challenge Index, in favor of the newly designed Top-Performing High Schools Method. The Challenge Index is valued for its simplicity, but these researchers felt that it focused too much on the number of Advanced Placement tests taken instead of the performance on them. The core principle of the Top-Performing High Schools Method, however, is that the school in question serves all of its students well. This is measured with three requirements: the school serves all its students well by exceeding expectations on state tests with the poverty level of the school figured in; it serves disadvantaged students by producing scores above the minimum required on state tests; and the College Readiness Index, which is measured by the participation and performance of students in AP classes.

Greater Johnstown High School earned a bronze medal in this ranking. JHS has been steadily raising its PSSA scores over the years, due to data driven instruction, good teaching, and the 4Sight tests that are taken five times a year by the students, developed for the sole purpose of preparing them for the PSSAs. If a student doesn't achieve proficient in the reading and math tests then he is taken out of an elective and put into a skills development class, serving the purpose of helping students who need assistance.

Schools that received a silver or gold medal in the America's Best High Schools Project had met the first two standards of the competition and were judged on the College Readiness Index from there. The top 100 schools were awarded a gold medal and the next 504 schools received a silver. In addition to this, a few schools that would have earned a gold based on the College Readiness Index but didn't fully meet the first two requirements were given Honorable Mentions. JHS has had a successful year in athletics, and the bronze medal earned shows that the school is successful in academic achievement, as well. Regarding this high honor, Principal Michael Vuckovich says, "It's an incredible accomplishment for the Greater Johnstown School District. We have a great teaching staff, great kids, and wonderful leadership from our school board and Superintendent, Barbara Parkins--all of which are reflected by this award. I speak for the entire school when I say that we are humbled and honored by this award."

GJHS Marks Health Careers Week by Holding Career Fair

2009-11-17T09:09:00.002-05:00

By Katie Smolen

November 9-13 was Health Careers Week. In honor of this, with the help of Career Link, the Greater Johnstown High School held a career fair.

The career fair, which was held on Tuesday, November tenth, had a total of sixteen vendors. Some offered more to students than just health field related opportunities. The participants included: Allegheny Manufacturing and Electrical Service, Inc.; JWF Industries; Carpenter's Joint Apprenticeship; Aseracare Hospice; Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center; Pennsylvania Department of Transportation; Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center; Pennsylvania Highlands Community College; Pennsylvania Academy of Cosmetology; Mt. Aloysius College; St. Francis University/ Center of Excellence for Remote Medical and Under-Served Areas (CERMUSA); Career Link; and the US Army and Army Reserve. Those attending offered students information, job shadowing, and co-ops on careers ranging from engineering to secretarial work to the health field.

The event was organized by Eva Dobransky of Career Link, with the aide of Richard Capraun from the high school. Dobransky took care of contacting and obtaining the vendors, where as Capraun took care of the building preparation for the event. "This is twice as big as it was last year; just think of how big it will be next year,” said Capraun excitedly in a discussion regarding the attending vendors.

Capraun also noted that as part of Health Careers Week, a county-wide poster contest was held. Kaitlin Cramer, a Junior in Mrs. Nanassy's Health Occupations class, won third place in this contest.

Model Teachers

2009-11-17T08:22:00.008-05:00

by: Katelyn Muller

Three GJHS teachers were recently chosen as model teachers. Dr. William Brotz, Miss Robin Cummings, and Mr. Robert Heinrich were chosen from forty teachers who were nominated statewide. The three were recommended by the principal and then observed by the State Department of Education. The teachers were filmed by Learning Science Services in April of 2009 and the films will be used in an online masters-level education.

Mr. Heinrich was filmed demonstrating Power-Teaching. He taught an American History class which consisted of students who previously had him as a teacher. Dr. Brotz and Miss Cummings modeled Team-Teaching in their video during a Chemistry class. The videos were directed and produced by the Executive Director of Learning Science Services, Elaine Clawson.

"It was quite an honor to be selected as a model teacher." Heinrich said, "It was great to have a chance to show-off some of the great things we are doing here at GJHS."

GJHS Students Learn How to Save a Life

2009-11-17T08:12:00.004-05:00

by: Shelby Mastovich

“…And I would have stayed up with you all night had I known how to save a life…” This is a verse from the popular song, “How to Save a Life,” by The Fray--a song about suicide prevention. This is what Freshmen at Greater Johnstown High School learned at an assembly given by the Cambria County Coroner's Office--how to help save the lives of peers struggling with the idea of suicide. The presentation is titled The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. Cambria County Chief Deputy Coroner, Jeff Lees, along with counselor, Dan Ayers, and Dale Emme (father of Michael Emme), spoke about the tragic effects of suicide and the importance of having awareness on how to prevent it.

The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program was initiated in Colorado, by the parents of Michael Emme, after their son committed suicide at the age of seventeen in 1994. Their purpose of establishing this program is to provide insight to students all over the nation about the effects of suicide and to inform them of ways to help those who are at risk of committing suicide. Forty-seven countries and all fifty states are now involved with implementing the program. During the assembly, Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Cards are handed out to the students, which educate and encourage them to take the steps necessary to stop suicide in its tracks. The cards are to be used as a “lifeline;” when a card is given to someone, he/she is asking for help. The cards speak for themselves, and they let the receiver know what to do next. The color yellow was chosen because Michael drove a yellow Mustang, which he rebuilt and cherished very much.

Cambria County Chief Deputy Coroner, Jeff Lees, knows very well that suicide is the second most prevalent cause of death in teens within Cambria County. He is very involved with implementing the program throughout the county’s schools. During the program’s involvement at Greater Johnstown, he stressed that recognizing warning signs of suicidal thoughts and talking about emotional problems are essential in avoiding suicide.

After attending the program, students at Greater Johnstown were a lot more educated about suicide. The intention of the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program is to prevent the calamity of someone taking their life. The speakers stressed how suicide is a permanent solution to a non-permanent situation. Any student who was fortunate enough to experience the program is now prepared with a resolution to preventing suicide in themselves and those around them.

Key Club raises money for the Trojan College Access Center

2009-11-09T07:55:00.000-05:00

Pictured above is the check presentation to Miss Cyndi Ahlborn of the Trojan College Access Center from the officers of the Greater Johnstown High School Key Club. The money was raised by chancing off LaRod Stephens-Howling autographed footballs at the last two Trojan home games. The event was sponsored by the Conemaugh Health Systems Oncology Department and other members of the community. All proceeds and monies raised will be used by the Trojan College Access Center to provide financial aid to disadvantaged Johnstown students paying for college. From left to right:Tyler Smay, Jocelyn Lonsinger, Alisha Boesrtler, Cyndi Ahlborn, Molly Ash, Katy Landis.

The Cyclists

2009-11-03T11:22:00.001-05:00

By: Alyson Kelly

Imagine the relentless wind blowing against your visage and pedaling harder than you've ever pedaled before that moment in time. Riding one hundred miles straight on a bike is not exactly an easy feat for anyone to accomplish, even if it's for a good cause. The last person anyone, faculty or students, would expect to embark on this ambitious endeavor would be Mr. Bill Chick, but, as the saying goes, always expect the unexpected.

The twenty-first annual Sea Gull Century bicycle ride took place on Saturday, October 10, 2009, at Salisbury University in Maryland. Eight thousand avid riders, including Mr. Chick and Mr. Callihan, flocked to this event and made the one hundred mile loop from the college campus and back again in order to raise money for specific charities. The two faculty members from JHS rode in the 73 degree weather, through a morning drizzle, and against an afternoon headwind in order to raise money for the Trojan College Access Center as well as for personal enjoyment.

Mr. Chick, who underwent a hip replacement last December, has participated in fourteen century rides since 1990 and has put in about fifteen hundred training miles throughout the past year, though he wished he had racked up a tad bit more before this century ride. He is happy to report that his hip replacement seems to have helped with his overall riding abilities because the doctors made his legs the same length when they replaced his hip, ensuring a smoother biking experience. When asked how sore he was after the fact, Mr. Chick stated, "I didn't feel too bad; I was more tired two days later. This is actually the best I've ever felt after completing a century ride, so it's been a pleasant surprise."

During the actual ride that weekend, Mr. Chick and Mr. Callihan made use of the various strategically placed rest stops along the route to stock up on carbohydrates and sports drinks as they biked. Now since everyone must be wondering who finished the ride first, Mr. Chick or Mr. Callihan, it must be reported that the two faculty members "tied"; because they waited for each other at rest stops and kept each other company along the way, it isn't really possible to determine a "winner" between the two.

The staff and students of Johnstown High School thank Mr. Chick and Mr. Callihan for their splendid efforts on behalf of the Trojan College Access Center and are glad to hear that everything went well on the adventure known as the Sea Gull Century.

The Challenge Program, Inc. Awards $250.00 to Greater Johnstown Students for Exellence

2009-11-02T18:39:00.003-05:00

The Challenge Program, Inc. is once again offering $250.00 cash incentives to sophomores, juniors and seniors who excel in the categories of: Academic Improvement, Attendance, Community Service and Academic Excellence. This is the 6th year The Challenge Program, Inc. has provided financial incentives to Greater Johnstown students.

For the 2009/2010 school year, a few modifications have been made to the program to motivate and include a larger number of students to compete for an award. This year, the top 10% of students in each of the categories listed above will be eligible to win $250.00. Each eligible student will be notified at the end of the 3rd grading period and asked to complete a brief online survey. Submission of a survey will enter the student in a lottery drawing to be held at the school to determine a winner for each award.

Partnering with The Challenge Program, Inc. to provide incentives to the students is Mount Aloysius College. Mr. Matt Bodenschatz from Mount Aloysius was on hand to address the students at an Orientation Assembly held at the school on September 15th. The Challenge Program, Inc. would like to thank Mount Aloysius College for their support and commitment to Greater Johnstown High School.

For more information about The Challenge Program, Inc., visit our website at www.tcpinc.org or contact your school’s guidance counselor.

Gone Fishing

2009-10-28T14:56:00.000-04:00

Students in Mr. Dadey’s 6th grade science classes at the Greater Johnstown Middle School held an electromagnetic fishing derby in the classroom. The students who built the fishing rods competed by finding who could pick up the most paper clips in thirty seconds. It was a fun and exciting extra credit/enrichment activity that connected school and family in the same project!

All of Mr. Dadey’s students agreed that it was fun building this project at home and that it was also nice to work with their families, showing off what they were learning in school.

Planting the Seeds of Citizenship

2009-10-26T22:27:00.003-04:00

On October 8th, 20 students from the JHS Key Club and 20 students from the JMS Builders Club joined forces on their long term urban beautification project in Johnstown. For the 4th consecutive year, the students worked with the Johnstown and Richland Kiwanis Club to maintain the massive flowerbed that resides at the city’s entrance on Bedford Street. The students plant a variety of annual flowers in the spring and remove them in early October. Club advisors Robert Heinrich, Thomas Staib, Bernard Conway, Wes Bowser would like to thank the students for their continued dedication to their community.

Connecting with Parents

2009-10-26T22:20:00.002-04:00

During the week of October 12th, parents of East Side students were invited to reading workshops aimed toward informing parents how the Success for All reading program works for their students. Presented by reading facilitator Mrs. Kathy Kessler, the workshop focused on the specific skills and procedures taught during the reading block.
Before the sessions began, Principal Doug Henry and Assistant Principal Amy Arcurio thanked the parents for their focus and dedication to their children’s education. Mrs. Arcurio also pointed out the importance of literacy at the early elementary level because as she noted, without a basic foundation of literacy, other content areas become increasingly more difficult as a child progresses throughout his or her education.
After the brief presentations, parents were given the ability to observe their child’s reading classes. Impressed with the level of student active participation, the parents came away with a thorough understanding of the program and learned how to reinforce the topics when they are home with their children.

The Physics of Fun

2009-10-26T22:17:00.001-04:00

Mrs. Phyllis Meyers’ 7th and 8th grade science classes at Johnstown Middle School enjoyed building and flying air powered rockets down the school’s hallway. No, the students were not being mischievous! They were actually launching the soft foam rockets to learn a valuable and relevant lesson on physics. Students competed to achieve the longest distance while learning about drag and aerodynamics. The project made possible by the Saint Francis University and the Pennsylvania STEM Initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) was deemed to be a huge success by the students because they learned some “hard science” while having some serious fun.

Working Hard at West Side

2009-10-26T22:12:00.005-04:00

Students at West Side Elementary have been actively involved in the community during October. Mrs. Tomak's and Mrs. Thompson's 5th grade classes worked together to create an original scarecrow for the contest in downtown Central Park. "Balancing Bob" not only balances on his head, but also balances all of the student responsibilities that our West Side students balance (as noted on the pumpkins that surround him.) Stop down and check him out!
Additionally, West Side is helping local food banks by collecting non-perishable food items during the month of October. Students or staff members who choose to participate in “casual Fridays" must bring in a non-perishable food item. The goal is to help people through the economic downturn while simultaneously teaching students to become good citizens.

Johnstown Shows Trojan Pride

2009-10-23T11:19:00.000-04:00

“Pride and Tradition” is something that the students and faculty members take very seriously at JHS. This can especially be witnessed every single Friday throughout the school year with all of the blue and black that can be seen throughout the hallways and classrooms. So, it was no surprise that on Friday, October 16, 2009, Johnstown High School stayed true to their “Pride and Tradition” motto for the big game against the McCort Crushers. Faculty members participated by wearing the team’s away jerseys during the school day and at the game, for a donation of at least one dollar. This was used to help purchase pom poms that were given to the first two hundred Johnstown students who entered Trojan Stadium that night for the game. Many Trojan fans showed their school pride by wearing their blue for a “freeze out” theme, and cheering enthusiastically throughout the game. The Trojans played a hard-fought game against McCort, but the game did not end in their favor; the final score of the game was Trojans: 21-McCort: 40. Despite this loss, Johnstown’s school pride still remains strong.

New School Store Merchandise

2009-10-08T20:31:00.004-04:00

The JHS School Store is pleased to announce that we have new inventory in for all GJSD fans. Specifically, we have the new "Trojan Army" and "Believe in Johnstown" merchandise in stock and available for all Trojan fans.

BELIEVE%20ORDER%20FORM%202009.jpg

TROJAN%20ARMY%20ORDER%20FORM%202009.jpg

Welcome

2009-10-07T10:05:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the GJSD Journalism blog!