Computer Forensics Summer Camp Held for Young Spartans

From June 15th to the 18th, North Schuylkill high school teacher, Richard Gober, led thirteen curious middle-school-age students through a four-day investigation of Computer Forensics. The camp was sponsored by Bloomsburg University and Luzerne County Community College, financed through a 2+2+2 Workforce Leadership grant.

Students were guided through fun, hands-on and computer-based experiments which allowed them to gain a better understanding of the foundations of this growing field. The camp culminated with a field trip to Bloomsburg University and more activities, this time led by Dr. John Riley, professor of math, computer science and statistics.

A goal of the camp is to spark interest in computer forensics (which is increasingly being called digital forensics)and future enrollment in North Schuylkill's own computer forensics course and the 2+2+2 program available to North Schuylkill students.

New Reading Series Approved

The North Schuylkill Board of Education recently approved K-12, Language Arts curriculum revisions. Effective with the 2009-2010, school year, students in grades K-8 will refine their reading skills through the use of new reading series. Reading Street, published by Scott-Foresman, was approved for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, while students in grades 6-8 will use Pearson's Prentice Hall Literature: Language and Literacy series.

In addition to the new reading series, students in grades 9-12 will receive new grammar books. Also, approved was a required and recommended reading list for students in grades 6-12. All students will be required to read selected titles on the list while those enrolled in Honors English courses or AP English will also participate in a summer reading program.

Olweus Program Coming in 2009-2010

The district was recently awarded a grant from the Center for Safe Schools to bring the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program to our elementary students and staff during the 2009-2010 school year. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is designed to improve peer relations and make schools safer, more positive places for students to learn and develop. Goals of the program include: Reducing existing bullying problems among students; Preventing new bullying problems; and Achieving better peer relations at school.

A Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee has been formed and will receive training on May 18th and May 19th. The entire elementary staff will receive training during the in-service days scheduled for August 2009. Parent information nights are also planned for August.

The program consists of school-level, classroom-level, individual-level and community-level components. Among the basic school rules against bullying which will be introduced to our students are:

We will not bully others
We will try to help students who are bullied
We will include students who are left out.
If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

Additional information about the Olweus Program can be found at www.olweus.org.

Math Teachers Begin Curriculum Mapping

During this past week, North Schuylkill's Math teachers have been working in teams to construct core curriculum maps. A core map identifies the skills and content which must be taught in each course. It also identifies where each of the state-mandated standards and assessment anchors are being taught.

Core maps identify and prioritize content at each grade level and will help ensure teachers are successfully navigating through their instruction using the same "map." The goal of this effort is to maximize student learning and to ensure North Schuylkill's students do not experience fragmented, incoherent or repetitive learning experiences.

The Math teachers will continue to refine their core maps throughout the remainder of the year before embarking on "diary mapping." The diary maps they devise will identify the assessments and lessons needed to implement these "core" curriculum maps.

The following photos show North Schuylkill's Math teachers working collaboratively and diligently in building their core maps.




North Schuylkill's Science teachers will begin core mapping in August 2009, followed by the district's Language Arts teachers. Eventually, all courses and departments which comprise North Schuylkill's curriculum will undergo this process.

YES Program Coming to NS

During the 2009-2010 school year, year students will have the opportunity to enroll in YES (Your Employability Skills). The 120-hour program is a semester-long, curriculum-based elective course that teaches students skills such as conflict resolution, goal-setting, writing, interview training, resume writing and job application tips. Students who maintain a 95 percent attendance rate, pass the program's literacy and aptitude tests and pass a drug screening will receive a YES certificate issued by the Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council.

Anthracite Heritage Celebrated in our Schools

The week of October 20-24, 2008 was recognized as Anthracite Heritage Week at North Schuylkill and other Schuylkill County schools. K-12 teachers crafted lessons throughout the week in ways which helped promote an understanding and pride in the culture and history of the anthracite coal region. This week's celebration was the first of what we hope will become an annual tradition!

2+2+2 Partnership Forged!

The North Schuylkill School District has formed a partnership with Bloomsburg University and Luzerne County Community College which will allow students enrolled in the high school's Computer Forensics course to earn up to 15 credits of advanced standing at the post-secondary level.

The agreement will allow students to transfer 15 North Schuylkill credits to LCCC as they work toward an A.A.S.Degree in Cyber Security Management. These same students can then transfer to Bloomsburg University for four semesters. Their work at BU will allow them to earn a B.S. Degree in Computer Forensics.

By following this path a student can earn two degrees, an associates in Cyber Security and a bachelors in Computer Forensics! If you have questions about this program please e-mail me or contact our high school guidance counselors.

As a FYI, a Computer Forensics summer camp will be offered to middle school-age students this summer (2009). Times, dates and registration information will be announced later this year.