< PreviousYour SchoolsYour Schools N STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ARCHANGEL GABRIEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Soccer teams The soccer teams kicked off their inaugural season this past fall and players were excited to begin their season with new uniforms bearing the school’s new Knights logo. Four developmental AGS teams competed against teams ranging from first through fourth grade and were competitive throughout the year. Players worked to develop their foot skills and improve as the season progressed. They completed their season at the annual Fall Diocesan Tournament in October. The varsity teams, comprised of seventh- and eighth-graders, both performed well. While the boys team finished with a 2-1-1 record in their final four games, the girls finished as runners-up in the varsity girls tournament and earned medals. The junior varsity team, comprised of fifth- and sixth- graders, finished as section champions, going 6-1-1 in the nine-team, top-tier Olympic Division and bringing home the team’s first section championship trophy. Passport to Auction Nearly 200 guests showed up to support the Archangel Gabriel Auction Nov. 8. The fundraiser has been very successful over the years and is continuing a tradition started by the Holy Trinity Archangel Gabriel Catholic School ALCOSAN visits AGS The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority has been visiting fourth-grade science classes this year. During the authority’s latest visit, representatives led a class through a “build it like an engineer” exercise. Each group was given a set of criteria and time constraints and students were tasked with collaborating to build the tallest, freestanding structure possible out of simple materials. Challenges were implemented throughout the task to simulate real life challenges that may arise during construction. Students had to explain why the design process requires creativity and consideration of all ideas and how the design process is a purposeful method of planning practical solutions to problems. The winning team reached a height of over 20 inches and was extremely proud of their accomplishment. Squires meet the Knights Students in grades two through five who attend Archangel Gabriel’s school in Robinson are pairing up with preschoolers who attend school at Archangel Gabriel’s building in Kennedy. With the school’s mascot being the Knight, it is only fitting that the school’s youngest students be “in training” to become Knights and therefore be called squires! In order to introduce squires to Knights and make them feel excited about becoming a Knight, classes will connect via Skype calls, cards and notes throughout the year. There will be a culminating end-of-year celebration for the squires and Knights to meet face to face. AGS students work on a construction challenge coordinated through ALCOSAN. AGS soccer players pose for a picture with their new uniforms. 20 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2020N Your Schools Your Schools Auction, which over the past 19 years raised over $700,000. Highlights of this most recent event included an auction for four tickets to Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour with a limo ride from B&M Services and a $500 gift card to Hyde Park. There were also lively games like heads or tails and four corners, delicious macarons for sale, and over 200 additional auction items. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport hotel and the theme was “Passport to Auction.” The event was organized by a group of volunteer parents who were led by parents Leslie Williams and Sarah Smith. Alma Mater This past summer while preparing for the opening of the newly merged Holy Trinity and St. Malachy schools, the music committee set forth on a mission to create a new alma mater. The new alma mater, which was written by Rob Roehn and Henry S. Thompson, is now being performed at weekly mass: “In the Halls of AGS, we pledge our love for thee. Learning lessons from our teachers, values are the key. Gabriel! Gabriel! Guard us through the day. May our faith stay strong and steady, lead us as we pray...” Generations Together Second-grade students invited their great aunts, uncles and grandparents to AGS to tell stories and share their memories about “the good old days.” During the sessions, the Class of 2030 got to hear about what it was like to be in the Class of 1970. Anything from lessons and lunches to television and recreation were fair game. The school’s 7-year-old second-graders are learning to appreciate the past and present while preparing for their future. One grandfather recollected walking to school, not having a backpack, covering books with store bags, and even doing reports on a typewriter. He happens to be a big Steelers fan and surprised the class with their own pink terrible towels! By luck, or some other fortune brought on by the towel, the team won the following weekend. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School OLSH announces significant increase in financial aid resources Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School recently disclosed a significant expansion of its financial aid program in order to assure that an OLSH education is accessible to all who desire it. According to Cheryl Karashin, OLSH vice president for advancement, “Our new Assuring Access to an OLSH Education Program will demonstrate our commitment to meeting families where they are in terms of their finances and eliminating barriers to the enrollment of their children at our school.” The school continues to maintain one of the lowest Catholic high school tuition rates in the region and has established many new scholarships in recent years. With a growing number of current and prospective families earning under $50,000 per year, administrators realized that OLSH’s existing financial aid program was not enough. Under the terms of the new program, families with the greatest levels of demonstrated financial need may receive financial aid packages from the school for up to 75 percent of the total tuition cost. Families with students entering grades 9-12 that are interested in learning more can visit www.olsh.org or schedule a visit by calling (412) 262-3300. To be considered for financial aid during the 2020-2021 school year, an application must be completed in full by March 16. The financial aid application opens Jan. 31. SUBMITTED BY OLSH January/February 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 21Your SchoolsYour Schools N STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ST. PHILIP CATHOLIC SCHOOL St. Philip Catholic School Big Winners at Heinz Field St. Philip Middle School students Everett Sargent, Sean Kelsch, Charlie Colantonio and Maslen Anselm are the 2019 champions of the middle school division in the Powering Pittsburgh competition, sponsored by the Steelers and Shell Polymers. Challenged to find a new energy source to supply Heinz Field and the Pittsburgh region, the team designed a plan to place kinetic tiles in the parking lots, walkways and under the turf at Heinz Field. Kinetic tiles produce electricity when compressed by footfall or vehicular traffic. The boys created a physical model and PowerPoint to present their proposal at Heinz Field before a panel of judges from the Shell Polymers and the Steelers. At the home Steelers game against the Browns, the St. Philip team received a check for $1,500 for the St. Philip STEAM Program. They also received autographed footballs, Steelers hats, a Steelers game bag, and got to attend the Dec. 1 game and a VIP tailgate. After enjoying brunch at the tailgate party, the boys were taken onto the field before the game and presented with the check. The presentation took place and was recorded for showing during the second quarter on the scoreboard. The team was also permitted to stay on the field and watch the Steelers warm up before taking their seats to watch the game. Helpers in a Special Ministry St. Philip students have had a long tradition of helping the St. Vincent de Paul Society in St. Philip Parish by collecting food items, clothing and Christmas gifts for their ministry. This year, however, students took their partnership with the St. Vincent de Paul Society to a new level by helping with the preparation and distribution of their donations. Society members began the school outreach with a special program in church on the life and work of St. Vincent dePaul and the continuation of his legacy through the society. Next came an invitation to join more closely in the society’s work. The first project was a Love Walk for The Poor to collect food and funds to help the hungry. St. Philip Middle School students then joined in the monthly loading of trucks with food, clothing and household items for the Parish Mission in Tunnelton,West Virginia. Student volunteers also assisted in loading special trucks with winter coats and garments for the mission. In November and December, St. Philip School collected toiletries, with each grade bringing in a particular item such as toothpaste, brushes, combs and soap for the homeless. Student volunteers then loaded the donations into backpacks to be distributed them through Duquesne University to those in need. The children will continue to bring food donations to each first Friday school Mass with plans underway to have student volunteers help in the Societies’ Parish Food Pantry by sorting and categorizing foodstuffs. It is hoped that by spring they can form a Jr. St. Vincent de Paul Society within the school community. The overarching goal is to acquaint the children with the needs of those close to home, demonstrate the way in which the St. Vincent de Paul Society addresses those needs, and provide a way in which students can personally help with this mission. Let’s Move Pittsburgh Twelve St. Philip students participated in the Let’s Move Pittsburgh Champion Challenge sponsored by Phipps Conservatory. The program provided students with the opportunity to learn more about healthy food choices, active lifestyles and wellness careers. Breakout sessions included: “Pollination Power!” “Where does your food come from?,” “Conservatory Tour and Wellness Scavenger Hunt,” and “Wellness Careers.” Students who participated were the winners of a poster contest promoting healthy living and included Sofia Mikula, Macie Trombetta, Jack Dewhirst, Ava Lenigan, Mia Madden, Shae Trombetta, Cate Ravenstahl, Anna Stickman, Frankie Schlatterer, Sophia Muoio, Caroline Hall and Katelyn Miller. The “movers” are now encouraging their classmates to participate in the Let’s Move Pittsburgh Bingo contest, which is a bingo card listing fun, healthy activities in which to participate over the holidays. Students mark things they complete and can turn in their cards to Phipps when they score “bingo.” The school demonstrating the highest percentage of participation will win a family fun night at Phipps. St. Philip Powering Pittsburgh winners Maslen Anselm, Sean Kelsch, Charlie Colantonio and Everett Sargent hold a check on the field at Heinz Field. Colin Ziolkowski, Cooper Anselm, and Sarah Mikush pack toiletries for the homeless. St. Philip students try to learn dance moves as a part of the Wellness Scavenger Hunt. 22 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2020y > Learning Curves Learning Curves For students, the end of the second nine-week grading period can either provide validation or be a real wake-up call. While some students find they’re right on course at the year’s halfway point, others realize that they’re not where they could, or should, be. Why that is can depend on a lot of factors, including how much, and how effectively, students are studying outside of school. Research has shown that we retain information better when actively participating in the learning process. In fact, it’s become an adage that we remember 10 percent of what we read, 20 percent of what we hear, 30 percent of what we see, 50 percent of what we see and hear, 70 percent of what we say and 90 percent of what we say and do. To develop an effective study strategy, try to determine whether the student is a visual, auditory or kinesthetic (learn by doing) learner: How can I improve my grades? CONTENT SUBMITTED Also consider the study environment. Make sure there are no distractions or interruptions, including phones or Internet. Ensure the space is comfortable and has good light, temperature and ventilation. As for the length of study, use a 2:1 ratio. For a one-hour class, plan a two-hour study block. Take 10-minute breaks for every hour of study daily. Work practice tests into studying. Create tests from past tests and quizzes with detailed solutions. Focus on questions the student got wrong. Utilize homework, textbooks and class notes to develop effective study guides. • Writing key words, ideas and procedures • Drawing and explaining pictures, figures and diagrams to describe new concepts • Using graphic note-taking methods (concept trees), timelines and mapping • Color coding common themes in notes and handouts with multi-colored highlighters • Outlining notes • Studying charts and graphics in textbooks • Drawing concept maps (visual brainstorming) • Preparing flashcards to “see” facts • Highlighting main ideas & important facts Visual learners do best with the following strategies: Auditory learners, meanwhile, can benefit from: • Listening for key words and phrases in lectures • Participating in class discussions • Asking questions during a lesson • Reading and summarizing notes aloud • Using word association • Reading questions and answers aloud • Using mnemonic devices such as rhymes with outlines Tactile or kinesthetic learners excel when they: • Use multiple senses to engage with material • Write flashcards & arrange them in groups to show relationships between ideas • Combine an activity, such as walking, with studying • Act out words or events with gestures that aid recall • Create flow charts and graphs when re-writing notes • Type notes to learn key facts • Use highlighters When learning vocabulary, create flashcards and use Online study tools such as Quizlet. When learning a difficult concept or idea, have the student develop a lesson plan as if they were the teacher. They can even create a Power Point presentation as part of a lesson. Encourage them to put concepts in their own words. To learn a long list of information, first picture it, then break up the list into parts and illustrate concepts. To learn names and dates, create trading cards. For significant people, include a picture or drawing of the person on one side and important identifying information on the other. Learn dates by drawing a timeline. When memorizing, learn from general to specific. Create associations using pictures, acronyms and mnemonics. Take a “read it, write it, speak it, listen to it” approach. It’s also important to recognize and deal with procrastination. Offset this by setting realistic, attainable goals. Divide larger tasks into smaller tasks and tackle schoolwork when the student’s energy levels are highest. Use rewards to encourage completion of a task. Also consider the student’s time management skills. If they’re struggling to balance multiple assignments and not reaching due dates, consider utilizing a weekly planner with a “to-do” list of tasks based on urgency and importance. Organize their schedule based on logical completion dates and schedule sleep, meals and relaxation to maintain a healthy balance. Improve note taking by summarizing key information with short, accurate and clear phrases. Write down what was written on the board and use symbols and abbreviations. Create outlines and then re-read notes right after class to ensure they make sense. Finally, encourage students to form effective study groups where they can share key concepts, prepare study notes from class notes and test each other. This information has been provided by the tutors at Open Minds Studios. Their tutors help students at every level develop effective study strategies and improve grades. Call them at (412) 600-1125 to set up an appointment or visit them at openmindsstudios.com. January/February 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 23Doing what they do best so you can too. Gerson B. Florez, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery, Hand & Upper Extremity Richard J. Mitchell, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine William T. DeCarbo, DPM Foot & Ankle Surgery Shaka M. Walker, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Leading experts in their field, St. Clair Orthopedics Associates physicians provide a full range of orthopedic services, including fracture care, sports medicine, total joint replacement, hand and upper extremity surgery, spine surgery, and foot and ankle surgery. They help patients ease pain, restore range of motion and return to normal activities. St. Clair Orthopedic Associates has offices conveniently located to serve you in Mt. Lebanon and Peters Township. TWO CONVENIENT OFFICES MT. LEBANON St. Clair Hospital Professional Office Building 1050 Bower Hill Road Suite 105 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 PETERS TOWNSHIP St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center 3928 Washington Road Suite 270 McMurray, PA 15317 412.942.SCOA (7262) | STCLAIR.ORG/SCOAJanuary/February 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 25 Montour School District Operation Troop Appreciation drive In the months leading up to Veterans Day, students in Eric D’Antonio’s social studies class, CHS theories of leadership class and military history club helped collect home goods and other items for Operation Troop Appreciation. The nonprofit ships basic necessities and cards of gratitude to active duty personnel. It also assists veterans who have experienced homeless or either difficulties with home goods. During the high school’s Veterans Day commemoration, representatives from Operation Troop Appreciation visited with a number of service members who talked about how they’d been impacted by Operation Troop Appreciation. For more on that, see page 29. FBLA toy drive For the eighth consecutive year, the Montour Future Business Leaders of America club at the high school held a toy drive and change drive. Their efforts resulted in the collection of over $6,000 worth of donations for Children’s Hospital and the Women’s Shelter of Pittsburgh. Students collected donations at school and received personal donations sent to the club via mail. They also held homeroom contests to encourage the donation of gift cards and a grade-level competition at lunch to encourage students to donate spare change. During an ensuing shopping trip to Walmart, FBLA members shopped for Children’s Hospital while the Montour Dance Team chipped in their time to shop for the Women’s Shelter of Pittsburgh. Students also partnered with Vintage Grace Boutique, which helped both collect donations and provided students with a space to wrap gifts. A rundown of this year’s holiday giving at Montour Throughout the school year, the Montour community donates to numerous good causes. These student-led initiatives provide students not only with valuable real-world organizational experience but also foster citizenship and soft skills such as teamwork. Efforts tend to ramp up around the holiday season and this past year was no different. Students, assisted by faculty members and parents, collected thousands of dollars worth of funds, food, clothing and other items for numerous organizations that help those in need. Here’s a rundown of some of their efforts over the past holiday season: Members of the Future Business Leaders of America club at Montour High School helped collect and deliver toys to Children’s Hospital. Follow Montour School District @MontourSD Pet Pals Each year, the Pet Pals Club at the high school makes stockings and homemade treats for a holiday fundraiser. All proceeds are donated to local shelters. Last year, the club donated $500 to Kitty Queen Cat Rescue in Kennedy Township and another $150 to a local family to replace their pet supplies after a fire. They also sponsor a donation drive every spring with the elementary school. At the time of this writing, their holiday drive has netted $650 that will go to a rescue or shelter. Stuff-a-Bus For the ninth consecutive year, the David E. Williams Middle School Teen Leadership Club led an effort to collect toys for the 96.1 KISS Pittsburgh’s Stuff-a-Bus campaign. Their efforts resulted in the collection of almost 1,000 toys donated by district families and staff. Organizers also packed and delivered all of the toys to KISS DJs Mikey and Big Bob at their drop-off location in Robinson Town Centre. Afterwards, students were rewarded for all their hard work with lunch at The Mall at Robinson. School counselors were once again amazed to see such a show of generosity from the community and are grateful for the support they’ve received. The 96.1 Stuff-a-Bus campaign ended up stuffing 70 buses with toys for the Toys For Tots Foundation. DEW TLC members get a picture with KISS DJs Mikey and Big Bob while dropping off toys to the Stuff-a-Bus toy drive. Want more good news about Montour? Search #MontourProud on Twitter. Share the Warmth Members of the David E. Williams Middle School TLC club led an appropriately themed charitable effort this past holiday season called Share the Warmth. With the assistance of the nurse’s office, the club collected hats, scarves, gloves and socks that were then donated to Pittsburgh’s homeless population through a program led by the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, 20 boxes of non-perishable food items were donated to the North Side Common Ministries, a social services organization for homeless men in the Pittsburgh area. DEW Food Drive For the ninth consecutive year, the Student Council at DEW hosted a food drive this past holiday season. Students in grades five through eight brought in food donations that were given to the Crafton-Ingram Rotary. In all, the effort resulted in the donation of 6,977 food items. To encourage participation, the Rotary held a contest that awarded the top two classes that raised the most items with a pizza party. Particular items donated on certain days gave students bonus points, such as Taco Kit Tuesday and Mashed Potato Monday. The top donating classes were Dennis Earley’s class with 1,888 donations and Dana Rongaus’ class, which raised 1,805 donations. Students from each grade were also recognized for making the most donations. Those students were: fifth-graders Roman Carr and Logan Fraser; sixth-graders Gwen Benton and Laura Cercone; seventh-grader Kara Fraser; and eighth-grader Anthony Czonka. Gianna Verri, Mateo Meyers, Evan Jennings and Lucas Boehme display winter clothing collected for the Share the Warmth drive. DEW students help box food donations for the Crafton-Ingram Rotary. Adopt-a-Family For the past nine years, students and faculty at DEW have been collecting gifts to help families during the holidays who have fallen on tough times. This year, with the help of St. Malachy Catholic Church and The Angel Tree, the effort resulted in the collection of gifts for 24 local children in 10 families. To raise funds and gifts, the effort relied on donations from teachers, parents and the Robinson Lion’s Club. The Brunick family also donated 10 hams and the seventh and eighth grade basketball teams held a foul shot contest fundraiser. A group of students from the high school who have assisted with the program in the past then helped DEW students - including Student Council members - wrap gifts. Each family receiving gifts also got a Giant Eagle gift card. Pajama Drive For the seventh consecutive year, Montour elementary students and parents donated to the Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive to benefit the Pajama Program, in association with Scholastic Books. The effort helps local children in need by ensuring they have pajamas to wear and books to read for a sweeter bedtime. For two weeks, Montour students were asked to bring in new pairs of pajamas to donate. On Nov. 15, the final day of the drive, students and teachers were permitted to wear pajamas for a $1 donation. The effort resulted in the collection of $1,435, which helped with the purchase of additional pajamas. In total, 1,392 pairs of pajamas were collected, making it the largest donation Montour has made to the effort to date. The three classes that brought in the most pajamas also received a pizza party. Angel Tree Drive During this year’s Angel Tree Drive at Montour Elementary School, Montour families and faculty donated children’s gifts for 45 local families in need. This year, the school also partnered with St. Malachy Catholic School, which provided gift cards to help the effort. Elementary students show off their pajamas during the Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive in December. 26 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2020Dr. Christopher Stone - Superintendent of Schools Superintendent’s Message Mid-Year Review with Dr. Stone We certainly hope the holidays were relaxing and peaceful. As we begin a New Year and end the first half of the 2019-2020 school year, we all can benefit from taking stock of what has happened thus far at Montour! One of the foundational goals this year for the district was embarking upon a cultural inclusivity initiative to ensure all stakeholders became better at embracing and celebrating students’ differences. We have worked diligently on this project with the help of Dr. Erika Gold Kestenberg, Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice Consultant from the University of Pittsburgh. All buildings now have cultural inclusion teams established and have been consulting with Dr. Kestenberg on training initiatives for all staff members. Among the projects we have already tackled is a review of Montour’s mathematics curriculum. Over 30 teachers and administrative staff members participated in a math operational review team in an effort to select a new math program in grades K-8. After multiple meetings, data discussion and presentations, the committee selected the following programs: (K-4) Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Into Math; and (5-8) McGraw Hill, Glecoe Math. Finally, the district has completed and submitted a PA Smart Grant for $35,000. We are excited to announce that eSports will be coming to Montour High School this spring. eSports is a form of sport competition using video games. According to research, today’s teens are intimately involved in all aspects of gaming, especially competitive gaming. In 2018, the Pew Research Center reported that 97 percent of teen boys and 83 percent of teen girls played video games. Some of these teens are involved in school sports and clubs. Many, however, are not. By offering eSports as an extracurricular activity, Montour is looking to engage students to compete with other students all over the world in various e-based competitions. We’re looking forward to another innovative, student-centered spring semester at Montour! A Message from the School Board Fellow Montour Residents: Please allow me to wish all of you a Happy New Year as we usher in 2020! I would first like to congratulate school board members Tom Barclay, Mark Rippole, Mary Ellen Moore and Ken Barth on their recent re-election. These directors, along with Darrell Young, Mitch Galiyas, Cindy Morrow and George Dudash, round out a very well-balanced team to represent our district This is an exciting time for the Montour School District as we continue to grow and make strides across the spectrum. Our district, like many other public schools, is tasked with enormous responsibilities. These responsibilities include meeting changing academic needs and demands, improving school safety, addressing our social footprint, and maintaining fiscal responsibility, to name just a few. Having a strong administrative team, a group of talented and committed teachers, and a great support staff all working together in the same direction is paramount to not only meeting these responsibilities, but also exceeding them. To that end, as a board we will continue to support the core values of the district when making decisions. In so doing, we believe that we are best when we are “adding value” to all of our stakeholders in the Montour School District, which includes our communities, our taxpayers, our employees and, most importantly, our children. By putting “children first” we can continue to create an environment that allows our students to achieve their full potential. Finally, we want to keep you informed. You can find us here every other month in each edition of Allegheny West Magazine. You can also visit us online at www.montourschools.com, look for our annual newsletter or join us at our monthly meetings. Hopefully, you will also join us for one of our many sporting or cultural events. As for myself, I am a 1983 graduate of Montour and the father of two sons who have also graduated from Montour. I take a great deal of pride in the “Black and Gold” and the experiences and opportunities that Montour has provided us. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board so we may continue to successfully move Montour School District forward in the years ahead. Best Always, Mark Hutter President - Montour School Board January/February 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 27 Imagine a future where autonomous mobile robots travel around as if they were droids in a “Star Wars” movie. In this future, you might even see robots in elementary schools going about delivering items from classroom to classroom. Well, the future is here at Montour Elementary School. Students are now getting to experience an autonomous mobile robot every day in hallways as it performs delivery tasks. The robot is part of Montour School District’s Artificial Intelligence K-12 program. In the fall of 2018, Montour launched its AI program at the middle school to teach students about autonomous robots, AI ethics, AI music, AI experience and AI computer science. To successfully kick off the program, the district partnered with several organizations to provide expertise, among them the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, Ready AI, Carnegie Learning: Zulama, Amper Score, WitLingo and Google. In August, Montour’s AI program was extended to the elementary level with the addition of TUG, a smart autonomous mobile robot from Aethon. This type of autonomous mobile robot is currently used in a number commercial settings, including hospitals, factories and hotels, to make deliveries. Combined, these robots make upwards of over 5 million deliveries per year. The TUG mobile robot at Montour Elementary School, however, is the first TUG deployed at a school. According to educator, speaker and author Rachelle Poth, “It is important that we help our students understand not only the capabilities for using AI in learning, but also to develop their own skills to become the creators and innovators of the future.” This is one of several reasons for Montour’s current AI program. Many people fear AI but, as we know, people fear what they do not know. Therefore, TUG teaches students about AI and how AI can be used for good. It is also helping to decrease the equity gap in society, providing opportunities to students so they can learn how AI can transform massive amounts of data in order to perform an important task. “It is really cool and it sparks curiosity in our children about how it works and how it knows where to go and how to get back,” says Jason Shoaf, co-principal at Montour Elementary School. “Our goal is to encourage that kind of questioning and exploration daily.” As Montour expanded its AI program to the elementary level, district leaders did not want to just teach AI - they also wanted students to interact with AI on a daily basis. Every day, students witness the TUG robot traveling the hallways and delivering items. One of our students’ favorite moments is when the TUG robot goes to a classroom, pulls in the door and says, “Your delivery is here.” As a fan of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” I tend to think of the TUG as a kind of technological, modern-day Mr. McFeely, making its own kind of “speedy delivery.” “To observe students and teachers interacting daily with robotics and AI is inspiring,” says Dr. Christopher Stone, superintendent of schools for the Montour School District. “I cannot help thinking what’s going on in a 7-year-old’ s mind as they engage with this type of technology in their school.” At Montour Elementary School, they are intrigued naturally every day with how the TUG robot moves, how it stops when someone walks in front of it, and how it can self-navigate through the building, among other actions. In addition to the TUG robot, students in grades K through four are learning AI through computer science using Google’s AI Experiment programs, such as Teachable Machines, Pattern Radio, Semiconductor and many more experiments that are available for free through Google Experiments. So far, the TUG is helping us spark curiosity and discovery in the minds of students. Montour will be continuing to expand its AI program with new opportunities at the high school level. In the spring of 2019, Montour beta tested a course called AI4ALL Open Learning for high school students and has since received a $2,500 grant to continue the program. AI4ALL Open Learning is geared toward high school students and provides tools to solve problems using AI. The free program builds problem-solving and technical skills, helping students understand how AI impacts their lives. Montour continues AI program with new robot at MES By Dr. Justin Aglio, Director of Academic Achievement (K-4) and District Innovation Stay up to date at www.montourschools.com! Follow Montour School District at @MontourSD Follow Montour High School @hilltopspartan Follow David E. Williams Middle School on Twitter @DEWMiddleSchool Usually only seen in commercial settings, the TUG robot at Montour Elementary School is helping acquaint students with artificial intelligence. 28 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2020 This past November, Montour once again held a series of events across the district in honor of Veterans Day that not only gave students the opportunity to show their appreciation to local veterans, but also helped them learn from those who have served. At the elementary school, active military personnel, members of local law enforcement and a number of veterans were once again invited for a special breakfast and parade through the school’s hallways. A number of those veterans then spoke to each grade level about their service and how military service impacts the freedoms that U.S. citizens enjoy. Veterans ranged from those who had served during World War II to those who have recently served or are still serving on active duty. Two to four veterans each spoke about their service to each homeroom and adapted their talks to each grade level. For a number of students, the annual event holds particular significance, says principal Jason Shoaf. “Many students connect with the veterans because many have relatives who have or are currently serving in the armed forces,” he says. David E. Williams Middle School also welcomed over 40 veterans for its own special breakfast and a ceremony at the Athletic Center on the high school campus. Throughout the program, which lasted an hour and half, the DEW band performed several patriotic pieces, including “America The Beautiful” and the “Armed Services Salute.” Social studies teacher Dennis Earley spoke about honoring police and veterans and several students read essays they had written on the topic of heroism. Remarks were also delivered by state Rep. Anita Kulik and students watched a video tribute to veterans. Madison Van Oss, founder of the Fleece Connection, also addressed students and described the impact that blankets donated by the organization have on veterans. Earlier this year, volunteers assembled blankets during a special event held at DEW for the organization. On Nov. 13, the high school held its own special event in honor of Veterans Day and welcomed several veterans, including Montour alumnus Sgt. Ryan Tuszynswki, who is now a recruiter for the Marine Corps, to speak. Also in attendance was Sgt. James Nichelson, an Army veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and former congressman and Navy veteran Dr. Tim Murphy, who is now working with the medical practice Transformations. A special division within the practice utilizes transcranial magnetics, dieticians, fitness programs and non-opiod pain treatments to treat patients with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. A number of those patients are veterans. Leading up to the event, the social studies department and student-led military history club collected donations while ninth-graders wrote cards for Operation Troop Appreciation. As Sherry Einhaus, the organization’s director of community services, pointed out in her own remarks to high school students, the nonprofit collects everything from hygiene products to household goods for both veterans and active duty personnel. The organization then ships those goods to troops serving overseas and provides them to veterans who are in need. Shipments are also accompanied by cards with messages of encouragement and gratitude. “At first we just collected within our social studies department,” says teacher Eric D’Antonio, who helped organize the Veterans Day event and the collection effort for OTA. “But then we opened it up to the whole school and ended up with a pretty good truckload of supplies.” In their remarks, both Tuszynswki and Nichelson recalled receiving care packages from OTA and described the impact those packages and the enclosed cards left on them. Tuszynswki said he received over 280 letters in 2013 from the senior class at Montour while in boot camp and that he still has them. Petersen, who lost a leg as a result of injuries sustained during his service, recalled receiving the cards and care packages while stationed in a desolate combat operation base in Iraq. In a place where a soldier can sell a Snickers bar for $20, basic necessities like body wash and some encouragement from back home helps keeps soldiers focused and rejuvenated, he said. Following remarks from Nichelson, Murphy, who was also a military psychologist in the Navy, presented a $1,000 check to OTA on behalf of Transformations. Murphy then talked about the mental trauma that affects some soldiers long after they return home and even recounted his own memories of being injured in the field. Afterwards, Murphy commended the efforts of students and faculty at Montour. Montour celebrates Veterans Day ABOVE: At Montour Elementary School, veterans and active duty personnel were given a warm reception and then invited to speak with students in their classrooms. RIGHT: At the high school, Sgt. James Nichelson, Dr. Tim Murphy, and Sgt. Ryan Tuszynswki were among those invited to speak. January/February 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 29Next >