Curriculum Committee

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, November 17, 2025, 4:00 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School / LGI Room #241 (Park in rear and enter @ Door #13)
244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA

Agenda

I.        Call Meeting to Order, E. Barshinger

II.       Curriculum Committee Departmental Report

• ELA 7-8 – Korie Lane, Curriculum Leader / Phalon Mallory, Admin
  • Departmental Report
  • Feedback from the Board Committee
     
• ELA 9-12 – Janelle Newark, Curriculum Leader / Christian Ehrhart, Admin
  • Departmental Report
  • Feedback from the Board Committee

III.     Next Steps  

IV.     Upcoming Curriculum Committee Meetings, 2025-2026

• December 8, 2025 – Math K-6
• February 2, 2026 – Math 7-12                                  

V.       Adjourn Meeting      

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING:   October 20, 2025 @ 4:00 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:     Middle School, LGI 241, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove

The following School Directors were in attendance: Eric Barshinger (Chair), Karen Baum, Doug Stein (Nicole Wilson arrived after the meeting was called to order.

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance: Dr. Dave Renaut, Acting Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary, Christian Ehrhart, High School Principal, Phalon Mallory, Middle School Principal, Joe Sokolovich, STEM Department Chair, Abbie Rothenberger, High School World Language Curriculum Leader, Jill Trimmer, Middle School World Language Curriculum Leader, Troy Smith, Art Department Chair

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A Curriculum Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, October 20, 2025.  Eric Barshinger called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM.

Barshinger explained the reason and genesis of this, and future curriculum meetings is to connect departments with board members, minimally once per year, with a goal to support educators and students in the district. 

Troy Smith, Art Department Chair, presented an Art Departmental Report.  In addition to items included in his report, Smith stated that one of his biggest challenges has been the change with block scheduling. Christian Ehrhart noted that with block scheduling, the number of kids is the issue, not the number of classes.  Smith stated he has appreciated the focus of students because of the implementation of students’ non-use of cell phones.  Numbers of interested students has increased.  If art were a major in 8^th grade, students could move even farther in high school.

Smith’s recommendation for the department would be that Rachael Zepp be moved up to the high school.  Zepp is identifying qualified students early on and assisting them with which art class to select at the high school level.  However, some students question the class once scheduled coming out of the Middle School.  Barshinger questioned if a short video (20-30 second) having teachers provide background and an intro to their class rather than just providing a short description might help students know what they are selecting. 

Joe Sokolovich, STEM Department Chair, presented a STEM Departmental Report.   In addition to the report, he would like to provide more opportunities for students to get into the job force, but noted insurance is a concern.  One option would be to consider a “College in the High School” type class.  Doug Stein stated his appreciation in hearing how teachers are doing multiple classes at the same time so students don’t have to decide to be removed from a class to stay involved in another.  Stein encouraged flexibility to maintain the heavy subjects for credits and still offer electives to meet student’s interests. 

Barshinger commented on Chris Fake making connections for students transitioning to jobs.  As these connections increase, Fake may be able to reach out to businesses about getting students’ access to equipment.  “Nitch markets” are helping to drive the next phase of STEM opportunities. Currently, the suggested classroom number of students is 18 max.  Sokolovich suggested it is a good number, but with all of the options for CTE courses, is that something to pursue to offer more opportunities in the future?  Particularly given that many students were turned away from YCST this past school year.  Dr. Renaut added that there is growing concern that YCST cannot offer the courses needed for school districts to send students.  Districts are considering what they can do, but money is prohibitive. Teachers’ dual certification requirements for in-house CTE programs is also problematic. Superintendents in surrounding school districts are questioning options as well. 

Wilson arrived at 4:50 PM.

Ehrhart noted that the high school is seeing students who want to go into the field of hands-on vs. academic accreditations.  Involvement in local clubs could be a consideration. 

Guadagnino noted that all departments on tonight’s agenda are currently in year five of the previous six-year curriculum review cycle and are working on course proposals for consideration and writing / re-writing curriculum in 2026-2027.  Sokolovich is currently the curriculum leader for STEM grades 9-12, which started as Technology.  He noted that there are also classes offered at the 7-8 and 5-6 levels, and there may be a need to create a 5-8 departmental advisor.

Abbie Rothenberger and Jill Trimmer presented a World Language Departmental Report. Abbie noted that students who speak an authentic language sometimes struggle in a world language class experience.  Another challenge is scheduling conflicts that exist between the middle and high schools.  They are working toward getting students acclimated to take courses at the right time for continuity and retention.  Bringing Deanna Thatcher back to teach German with her dual certification in English and German has been beneficial. Additionally, they have noticed an increased interest of students in ASL watching interpreters in the classroom.

Guadagnino noted that currently, there is no consistency among colleges for student prerequisites.  It is difficult for students to know what and how many foreign language classes are needed.  Barshinger questioned if it were possible to offer online language programs to get more kids interested in language with existing teacher certs; or, do opportunities exist for teachers who may be fluent in languages such as Chinese, but are not certified?  One example may be the use of Rosetta Stone or a similar program.  Guadagnino noted that teacher certification - by language - is a requirement. 

Barshinger thanked everyone for their time and input and adjourned the meeting at 5:25 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, October 20, 2025, 4:00 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School / LGI Room #241 (Park in rear and enter @ Door #13)
244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA

Agenda

I.               Call Meeting to Order, E. Barshinger

II.            Curriculum Committee Departmental Report

• Art – Troy Smith
  • Departmental Report
  • Feedback from the Board Committee
     
• HS/MS STEM – Joe Sokolovich, Christian Ehrhart
  • Departmental Report
  • Feedback from the Board Committee
     
• World Languages – Jill Trimmer, Abbie Rothenberger, Phalon Mallory, Elysia Ehrich
  • Departmental Report
  • Feedback from the Board Committee

III.          Next Steps

IV.          Upcoming Curriculum Committee Meetings

• November 17, 2025 – ELA 7-12
• December 8, 2025 – Math K-6                                 

V.             Adjourn Meeting      

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING:   September 15, 2025 @ 4:00 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:     Educational Service Center, 100 E. College Ave., Spring Grove, PA

The following School Directors were in attendance: Eric Barshinger (Chair), Karen Baum, Doug Stein

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance:  Dr. Dave Renaut, Acting Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary, Dr. Kelly Peake and Julianne Janusz, ELA K-6 Department Administrators, Amy Fisher and Megan Roy, ELA K-6 Curriculum Leaders

A Curriculum Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, September 15, 2025.  Eric Barshinger called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM.

Barshinger explained the reason and genesis of this and future curriculum meetings, which is for the school board to offer support to administration and staff in educational process.  Expectations are for board members to learn and have a better understanding of what is going on in departments through conversation.  He encouraged presenters to engage in open dialogue, interject ideas and communicate needs, share what is working and what is not working. 

Dr. Kelly Peake and Julianne Janusz, ELA K-6 Department Administrators, and Megan Roy – 6^th grade ELA instructor at SGI, and Amy Fisher – Kdg. instructor at Paradise Elementary, Curriculum Leaders, shared information outlined in the presented Departmental Report:

Recent Departmental Highlights and Accolades (what is working): 

·        ELA committee met in August

·        Systematic and Explicit Instruction in Foundational Skills in Grades K-2

·        Organized Resources and Assessments in Schoology (particularly in the upper grades); common assessments, scope and sequence for lower grades in SeeSaw

·        Teamwork between Classrooms; PLT time has allowed teachers to collaborate as a district team more effectively and consistently.  It has also increased time together. 

Departmental Classes / Rosters / Caseloads:

·        K-2 Teachers teach in a self-contained setting with 17-25 students

·        3-6 Teachers teach in a departmentalized setting with 20-28 students

Variations / Strategies for Differentiation:

·        Daily small group instruction

·        Common time for small group instruction at each grade level to support flexible grouping

·        Use of benchmark screening assessments to identify students who need additional diagnostic assessments

Feedback from Parents / Students – (how information is collected):

·        Title I Annual Parent Surveys

·        Summer Pre-K Parent Surveys

·        Parent Teacher conference conversation/ongoing individual teacher/parent collaboration

·        Annual District Board Survey

Structured resources are being used at the K-2 grade level.  Trainings for teachers took place in 2021-22.  Coming out of that, grades 3-6 were added using one Notice and Note.  Initiatives and data continue to be collected and tracked.  Regarding differentiation within ELA, there is small group time and whole group instruction. Kdg. has the same books in every building.  Teachers have access to the same information.  There is common “read-aloud” time. Benchmarks are then established through data that was collected, and it is working well.  Communication with intervention teachers is open and productive.  

Technology Usage / How is technology being used? (what is not working): 

·        Used to practice skills with feedback for a minimal amount of time during small group instruction (IXL, Membean, UFLI Board, Seesaw Activities, TeachMe K,1,2, ReadWorks for Leveled Texts with digital response to receive immediate feedback)

·        Used to access and complete assignments (SeeSaw (K-2) Schoology (3-6)

·        Digital assessment as part of practices of PSSA and quick assessment data for planning purposes

Current Departmental Challenges: 

·        Consistency has been an ongoing focus for elementary teachers. Common resources for explicit teaching of foundational literacy skills have been implemented in grades K-2. The focus is currently on building consistency in grades 3-6.

·        Grade 3- Lack of consistent resources for small group instruction (decoding and comprehension), consistent shared reading passages, resource for writing

·        Grade 4-Vocabulary instruction, Text Dependent Analysis instruction is difficult , decoding resource for small group, engaging texts for small and whole group instruction

·        Grade 5-Meeting needs of diverse community of students, lack of support staff to help meet the range of student needs, Text Dependent Analysis

·        Grade 6- Text Dependent Analysis, balancing rigor while supporting different levels, supporting communication skills

·        Special education department- lacking intervention and progress monitoring resources

·        Continue to explore a curriculum director position to assist with building consistency with curriculum, instruction, and assessment across four elementary buildings.

·        Across the elementary level, there is often

Where do you see your department evolving in the future? 

·        Janusz shared an ELA Future Year Plan.

·        We are at the point where we can continue working with what we have and add additional resources or look for a more comprehensive evidence-based resource.

Peake expressed concern about consistency with support and resources.  LIU#12 no longer provides training opportunities; however, Janusz meets with other federal program coordinators to gather information and ideas that help with more consistency.

Guadagnino indicated that ELA is currently in year three of the curriculum cycle, with re-evaluation tentative in 2026-27, re-write in 2027-28, and purchase of materials thereafter. 

Stein questioned the organizational ability of Schoology, teachers’ use of the program, and parents’ knowledge of what is going on in the classroom.  Teachers should have opportunity to share materials and maintain flexibility to express their individual style.  Fisher reported that some programs provide letters for what is happening in each unit which is how some teachers create homework assignments.  At the Kdg. level, letters go home with students so parents can see what they’ve learned and are working on.  Teachers can link videos to assignments for parents to provide support.  Karen Baum noted that teachers collaborating will benefit all students. 

To avoid suggesting many different applications to address many different issues, Barshinger asked what the department considered to be the greatest way for the board to provide support.  There are administrators assisting curriculum leaders, and teachers are meeting and teaching students.  Bringing on a Curriculum Director instead of purchasing another program would provide one person to share consistent communications with all buildings at the same time and investigate the needs at the state level, which would address some of the consistency and balancing issues.  Janusz encouraged board members to click through information links shared by the department. 

Barshinger questioned the onboarding process for a brand-new teacher and how the district ensures they are ready and prepared. Dr. Renaut explained that at one time, there were two assistant superintendents, K-6 and 7-12.  What is occurring at present is the result of transitioning from two to one, noting it is not feasible to expect department administrators to make sure the same things are happening.  Stipends are associated with curriculum leaders; they are not added for departmental administrators.  Stein suggested seeing a proposal for bringing on a second assistant superintendent vs. adding a Curriculum Director. 

Barshinger thanked departmental presenters.  As a next step, he will present a report at the next board meeting.  He liked hearing about pilot programs, noting there are things in place.  He encouraged chairs to continue determining what is available.  If the Board is going to consider spending extra money, resources at the primary level are a good focus area.   

Barshinger adjourned the meeting at 5:09 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, September 15, 2025, 4:00 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School / LGI Room #241 (Park in rear and enter @ Door #13)
244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA

 Agenda

Call Meeting to Order, E. Barshinger

Curriculum Committee Departmental Report

• ELA K-6 – K. Peake, J. Janusz, M. Roy, A. Fisher
  • Departmental Report
  • Departmental “New” Business
  • Feedback from the Board Committee

Next Steps

Upcoming Curriculum Committee Meetings

• October 20, 2025 – Art, STEM, World Language
• November 17, 2025 – ELA 7-12
• December 8, 2025 – Math K-6

Adjourn Meeting      

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING:   June 23, 2025 @ 5:30 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:     Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA, Room #241

The following School Directors were in attendance: Eric Barshinger (Chair), Karen Baum, Doug Stein

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance: Dr. Joseph Bradley, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

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A Curriculum Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, June 23, 2025.  Eric Barshinger called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.

Curriculum Review and Development Time Sequence

Guadagnino presented a draft of a five-year curriculum review cycle and a revised six-year cycle for review and discussion: 

·        DRAFT Six-Year Cycle – Revised

·        DRAFT Five-Year Cycle – New

The five-year proposed cycle would require a bit more work when updating the curriculum handbook and could potentially have a greater impact on the budget for new materials, but there is a benefit to shortening the cycle by one year.  Life expectancy of textbooks could be extended further by ordering class sets and having digital access to accompany the books (pricing is different), and curricula can be revisited more often. 

Guadagnino stated that improved budgetary processes include consideration of needs when developing the following year’s budget far enough in advance of respective curricula reviews to lessen the chance of having money leftover.

Consensus of committee members was to move forward with an informational itemhe full board at the August 11 Directors’ Study Forum. 

Follow up to Proposed Curriculum Committee Departmental Reports

·        PROPOSED Meeting Schedule

·        PROPOSED Departmental Report Template

Guadagnino presented a proposed meeting schedule and departmental report template for review and discussion.  Presentation times could be reduced if/when there is more than one department presenting.  There may need to be adjustments to the timeframes and schedule after beginning the process and determining how much time is needed for board/department interaction and conversation following the report.  Barshinger does not want a department restricted on time after such effort to prepare information. 

Guadagnino will make teachers and administrators aware of due dates for respective departmental reports, and the template will be shared in advance so they can adequately prepare.  The consensus of the committee was that the template be in bullet point vs. narrative format, and the differentiation variations/strategies piece be removed. Stein suggested when listing what is working and proposing new ideas, consideration should be given to include what is challenging that could be removed.  The goal will be for board members to easily read and digest the information in order to provide support where needed. 

The proposed meeting agenda layout was reviewed and agreed upon:

·        Departmental “New” Business (30–40-minute initial presentation)

·        Feedback from the Board Committee (15–20-minute interactive Q&A)

·        Revisit “Old” Business (15–20-minute updates on prior presentations/topics)

Next Steps      

The next Curriculum Committee meeting, and first departmental report, will take place on Monday, September 15, with ELA (K-6).  The meetings will be tentatively scheduled and posted to calendars and placed on the website.  Guadagnino will restructure the cycle to five years, with no board action needed, and communicate the schedule to teachers. 

Barshinger adjourned the meeting at 6:10 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, June 23, 2025, 5:30 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School / LGI Room #241 (Park in rear and enter @ Door #13)
244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA

Agenda

Call Meeting to Order, E. Barshinger

Curriculum Review and Development Time Sequence

• DRAFT Six-Year Cycle – Revised
• DRAFT Five-Year Cycle – New

Follow up to Proposed Curriculum Committee Departmental Reports

• PROPOSED Meeting Schedule
• PROPOSED Departmental Report Template
• PROPOSED Meeting Agenda Layout to include:
  • Departmental “New” Business (30–40-minute initial presentation)
  • Feedback from the Board Committee (15–20-minute interactive Q&A
  • Revisit “Old” Business (15–20-minute updates on prior presentations/topics

Next Steps     

Adjourn Meeting      

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING:   May 19, 2025 @ 4:00 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:    Educational Service Center, 100 E. College Ave., Spring Grove, PA

The following School Directors were in attendance: Eric Barshinger (Chair), Karen Baum, Rachel Rohrbaugh (arrived at 5:10 PM), Doug Stein

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance:  Dr. Joseph Bradley, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

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A Curriculum Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, May 19, 2025.  Eric Barshinger called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM.

Barshinger referred to proposed list of Key Performance Indicators to serve as suggested markers for the committee’s review.  Barshinger developed the proposed list to serve as a reference for the administration to use when presenting information to the board to help board members assess if the district is being successful with student achievement. 

Guadagnino presented a draft Curriculum Committee Departmental Report template and suggested having curricular departments use the proposed model to share with the board members in advance of regular monthly presentations from the departments at Curriculum Committee meetings.  The process would be ongoing throughout the year, rotating departments.  The goal would not be to write or change curriculum.

The committee reviewed and suggested updates to the template to list markers for inclusion in the report.  The format will promote uniformity with information provided, and the board can use the information to determine departmental needs and requests in order of priority.  Performance indicators listed on the original list that are associated with educators and academics will be addressed in the report template.

Guadagnino presented an example of regular departmental meetings for the committee’s review and consideration.  Committee members opted to tentatively schedule one 90-minute meeting per month, 4-5:30 PM, on a non-board meeting evening, beginning in September.  The agenda will include three sections:

1)     Departmental “New” Business (30-40-minute initial presentation)

2)     Feedback from the board (15-20-minute interactive Q & A)

3)     Revisit “Old” Business (15–20-minute updates on prior presentation(s)/topic(s))

Modeled after regular districtwide departmental reports by administrators recently added to Directors Study Forum meetings, the written reports (initial and updates) will precede the committee meeting, and comments during the presentation will summarize specific areas including what is working and what is not working for administrators and teachers.  The committee recommended that when board meetings are scheduled at alternate educational buildings, the board hears directly from the building principal about that building.

Guadagnino recommended keeping the six-year curriculum review cycle, rather than reducing it to lesser years, to avoid additional costs in a given year if new materials/textbooks were proposed.  He noted that the recent decision to update K-6 math curriculum in an “off-cycle” year interrupted the normal schedule, which could prove problematic if that were to recur.  The budget could not accommodate similar purchases on an annual basis. Guadagnino will re-evaluate the existing six-year curriculum schedule to determine where it can coincide with monthly committee meeting curricular presentations and bring back to board committee members for consideration.

When questioned if teachers get into other classrooms, Guadagnino reported that there is limited interest by teachers currently, and substitutes would be an issue.  It is currently a requirement as part of induction.  There may be a way to advertise the opportunity to teachers.

Board members questioned where the “portrait of a graduate” might be best considered as an agenda item for discussion.  York Suburban has a CAC model that the district may be able to use as a starting point for a future district CAC topic (possibly 2026-27) to include many stakeholders in the initiative. 

Dr. Bradley commented on the recommendation for Dr. Dietrich to take on the district’s online learning program with the board’s approval of his transition from the High School to New Salem Elementary.  Dr. Dietrich’s evaluation will include advocacy initiatives, a determination of why students are leaving, how the district can focus on retention, and what can be done to bring students back.  The district can offer a better online alternative to outside cyber/charter enrollment and be flexible.  It will mean reimaging and rebranding the online program.  Dietrich will be invited to a future board meeting to update the board and present his findings. 

Barshinger adjourned the meeting at 5:32 PM.

Respectfully Submitted, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, May 19, 2025, 4:00 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School / LGI Room #241 (Park in rear and enter @ Door #13)
244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA

Agenda

I.              Call Meeting to Order, E. Barshinger

II.             Update to Proposed Key Performance Indicators

• KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS DEFINED / SUGGESTED MARKERS
  • Review suggested markers to determine relationship to curriculum
  • Consider proposed collection methods
  • Finalize how results are communicated

III.           Follow up to Proposed Curriculum Committee Departmental Reports

• PROPOSED MEETING SCHEDULE
• DRAFT DEPARTMENTAL REPORT TEMPLATE

IV.           Next Steps                                                                                                           

V.            Adjourn Meeting      

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING:   March 31, 2025 @ 6:00 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:    Educational Service Center, 100 E. College Ave., Spring Grove, PA

The following School Directors were in attendance:  Eric Barshinger (Chair), Doug Stein, Doug White, Nicole Wilson

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance:  Dr. Joseph Bradley, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

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A Curriculum Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, March 31, 2025.  Eric Barshinger called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

Attachment – Proposed Key Performance Indicators  

Barshinger referred to a list of Key Performance Indicators as a guide for conversation.  He stated the purpose of the meeting was to review each item and determine relevant items (beyond PSSAs and Keystones) for creating a tool to better assess how data is collected, evaluated, and presented to the School Board and community related to student performance.  Bradley cautioned that there are always things that cannot be measured.

Barshinger suggested looking at numbers of students with special and/or gifted education and questioned how the district currently measures productivity of curriculum and instruction and technology efficacy, especially at the lower grades.  One consideration is to glean feedback from parents and students. 

Guadagnino indicated that currently, the district is above the state in all the areas of growth and is trending upward.  Speaking to technology, beginning next year with grade 3 and above, all state achievement testing will take place online, affirming the need for technology in the hands of students.  He noted at the K-2 level, students do not take iPads home.

Teachers in the audience were questioned about the use of iPads by students.  At the elementary level, guided math groups using IXL online are conducted.  J. Tharpe can visibly see and track a student’s growth from the start to the conclusion of the school year.  It assists with facilitating small groups and providing a wide range of, and a teacher’s requirement of, providing differentiated instruction.  However, there continue to be times when paper and pencil are the preferred tool.

Barshinger suggested establishing a means of tracking other items, such as:

·       health and wellbeing of individual students and how they are being cared for 

·       disciplinary actions – are they a distraction to other students? 

·       financial equitability among all students K-12

o   Bradley stated that when looking at transportation, maintenance and nutrition services, the district’s AFR and annual audit are accountability factors. 

·       community and parental engagement

o   This is captured in Community Relations updates.

·       post-graduation outcomes

o   When a student graduates, do they feel prepared in workforce readiness?

o   Guadagnino added that the district tracks information on students’ post-graduation intentions; but beyond that, there may not be a way to track how students do or do not follow through.  He will investigate.

Wilson suggested the board establish a focus moving forward and begin to understand what is currently in place to determine next steps. Guadagnino stated that recently added monthly departmental reports may provide the information that is being considered. 

Stein suggested the committee focus on curriculum and give the administration opportunity to consider suggestions to bring back to the committee.  Barshinger added that with the information gathered, the board will better know how to support teachers. 

White suggested a report from curriculum leaders on each of the proposed performance indicators, presented similar to newly developed departmental board reports - 1 or 2 times per year. 

N. Riser, attendee and high school teacher, commented that if there are findings that a department has needs, the department is going to want the board’s support. 

Next Steps

Barshinger and committee members requested the administration review the performance indicators, consider how best to collect data for each, and schedule a next committee meeting to present, review and discuss how differing curricular departments can present the information to the board on a regular basis. 

Bradley and Guadagnino will prepare information and look to schedule a next meeting in May 2025 with a proposed schedule for communications to the board from curriculum leaders (one or two times per month). 

Barshinger adjourned the meeting at 7:00 PM. 

Respectfully Submitted, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, March 31, 2025, 6:00 PM
Spring Grove Educational Service Center
100 East College Avenue, Spring Grove, PA

 

Agenda

I.             Call Meeting to Order, E. Barshinger

II.            Benchmarks (Attachment – District Key Performance Indicators)

a.     Purpose of Benchmarks

b.     Exploring Necessity of Benchmarks

c.     Identifying Key District Benchmark Areas 

d.     Desired Outcomes

e.     How data is to be gathered

III.          Next Steps                                                                                  

IV.          Adjourn Meeting      

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING:   February 10, 2025 @ 4:15 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:    Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA, LGI Room #241

The following School Directors were in attendance:  Eric Barshinger (chair), Karen Baum, Rachel Rohrbaugh, Nicole Wilson

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance:  Dr. Joseph Bradley, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Chip Fissel, Spring Grove Elementary Principal, Kelly Peake, Intermediate School Principal, Ashlie Rittle, Elementary Assistant Principal, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

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A Curriculum Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, February 10, 2025, at the Spring Grove Area Middle School.  Eric Barshinger called the meeting to order at 4:15 PM. 

Improving Schools Conference

Jamie Tharpe and Amy Fisher, Paradise Elementary teachers, recently attended a PA Title I Improving School Performance Conference in Pittsburgh.  They summarized material covered during the event, referenced a slide show presentation, and explained the value to their participation.  Tharpe and Fisher stated it was a good experience, and they have been invited back to present next year.  A lot of work goes into flexible groupings of students and differentiation, and they gave examples for the committee’s information.  Mr. Barshinger, committee chair, thanked them for their report.

Follow-up/Discussion of K-6 Math Resources

Mrs. Peake stated that at the last committee meeting, she and Mrs. Rittle were going to push out a survey to K-6 teachers comparing the two top-rated Math curricular programs.  Results yielded similar responses for each of the two, with Reveal coming out on top at 52%.  Karen Baum appreciated seeing the inclusion of professional development with Reveal’s proposed package.  Mrs. Rittle noted Eastern York is using Reveal, and Littlestown is using a digital version.  Reveal can also provide a broader list of PA districts using the program. Rittle will make the inquiry.

For cost estimates, Peake used current K-6 enrollment numbers.  Prices listed were for K-5; a separate quote is needed for 6^th grade.  Slides reflected a total estimated cost for a six-year purchase of digital materials, with text materials included at no cost.  Students would receive and take ownership of a physical book each year.  Peake removed program estimates of $114,000 for manipulatives, stating the district can take care of that feature, adjusting the total to approximately $319K for K-5, without adding grade 6.  Peake’s recommendation is to pilot the program for one year to see if there are current initiatives in place that could be removed from a future purchase and to determine any existing cost outlay that could be removed. 

Barshinger noted that if the cost for Reveal is $61,000 per year, that is very close to the district’s current expense of $55,000 per year for IXL materials.  Peake added that if teachers are on board, and there is confidence in what students are learning, there will be support for the change.  Additionally, teachers are currently purchasing materials, modifying and creating assessments independently.

Dr. Guadagnino noted that the cost of a one-year pilot is just under $80,000 and includes professional development before teachers leave for the summer and additional professional development when teachers return the following school year.  If the committee and full board are ready to move forward, Guadagnino is confident that he could find the funds to make the purchase.  Peake was informed that cost for the six-year purchase would be up front with no option to spread out payments over the six years.  If the district moves forward with the purchase, Peake will continue to request spreading the purchase over several years. 

Peake continued with slides showing total expense breakdowns, reflecting a per student cost of $30.46 per year.  The text with the digital component is less than the typical cost of a textbook.  A write-in edition and student practice book are included in the package, and new books would be received every year.  New student enrollments may increase the annual cost slightly.

Dr. Fissel noted that while not having a common resource at the lower elementary levels, there are also no scoring issues at the lower levels.  It is a costly outlay to address one area.  Fissel does not find elementary math to be a top concern for student growth, and suggested looking to areas K-12 that will address more pronounced problems. 

Peake stated that the program will align elementary buildings with common language and consistency not currently taking place due to the teachers’ varying instructional practices and materials.  Barshinger voiced his agreement.  If teachers and administrators are in support, the board should find a way to make it work. 

Guadagnino reported that each year, the Assistant Superintendent’s budget includes money for curricular resources.  At present, the amount budgeted will not cover the proposed six-year purchase.  Guadagnino is supportive of a one-year pilot in 2025-2026 and budgeting in future years for the regular cycle.  The administration would require teachers to use the standardized materials during the pilot.  Wilson supported the standardization piece but expressed concern with establishing buy in from teachers.  Administrators will reinforce the requirement for the six-year program as it will require fidelity.  The first year will be an implementation year.

Mrs. Rittle stated that consistency and standardization are what every building has been requesting.  The administration took the time to look at options to stop doing the same thing expecting different results.  Teachers will still need to implement their own judgment piece to assess their students. 

Next Steps for K-6 Math Resource:

The administration will prepare a presentation for the full board with a recommendation from the curriculum committee (with administrative support) for a one-year implementation plan followed by a six-year commitment.  Guadagnino will discuss with the Business Office what funds are available for use to invest in the Reveal program. Rohrbaugh requested the presentation include a list of pros and cons and cost differentiators that could offset expenses.  Guadagnino will include a projected plan and timeline for board presentation, consideration of a purchase, professional development schedule, and full-scale implementation.

Fissel suggested the committee be cautious when considering programs that come with testing components and be mindful of how such tests translate to future years.  Barshinger suggested the administration include a periodic report schedule during the implementation year to secure feedback from and provide scaffolding for the teachers. 

Review of K-4 Assessment Data

Rittle shared an overview of how to gauge student progress, particularly how to support identifying grouping and regrouping of students based upon need.  Rittle provided benchmark information at K-4 grade levels and an analysis of testing data beyond PSSAs, as requested by the board.  When looking at the data and where students are in a year, the team is then able to provide and adjust.  The assessment numbers and results look good despite some areas where there are evidenced gaps.  This was an information-sharing item, with no next steps to document at present.

District Benchmarks

Barshinger shared a handout regarding district benchmarks.  He requested that more feedback be provided to the board from administrators and teachers on the information listed with the goal of developing Key Performance Indicators moving forward.   Specifically, a rubric with numbers or something that determines the district’s level of effectiveness would be helpful to determine what is not working and provide support for what is working.  Guadagnino will begin planning the project, but noted the effort will not be a one-time endeavor, but rather, an ongoing project with building administrators.

Barshinger requested another meeting be considered as quickly as possible.  Before scheduling, preparations for a full board presentation and considerations of where funding will be provided to support any purchase for curricular materials will need determined.

Barshinger adjourned the meeting at 5:49 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, February 10, 2025, 4:15 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA
LGI Room #241 / Park in Rear of Building and Enter at Door #13

Agenda

Call Meeting to Order            ERIC BARSHINGER

Improving Schools Conference           DR. GUADAGNINO

• Summary of Presentation                                            JAMIE THARPE, AMY FISHER

Follow-up/Discussion of K-6 Math Resources    KELLY PEAKE, ASHLIE RITTLE

Review of K-4 Assessment Data                    ASHLIE RITTLE, DR. GUADAGNINO

District Benchmarks             ERIC BARSHINGER 

Next Steps     

Adjourn Meeting             ERIC BARSHINGER

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING

of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, December 2, 2024, 5:00 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA
LGI Room #241 / Park in Rear of Building and Enter at Door #13

 Agenda

I.                Call Meeting to Order, ERIC BARSHINGER

II.             Purpose of Meeting, ERIC BARSHINGER

III.           Review of Previous Curriculum Committee Meeting, DR. GUADAGNINO

• November 6, 2023

IV.           Discussion of Specific Questions from Curriculum Committee, DR. GUADAGNINO, KELLY PEAKE, ASHLIE RITTLE

V.              Next Steps                   

VI.           Adjourn Meeting

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

 

DATE/TIME of MEETING:   December 2, 2024 @ 5:00 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:    Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA, LGI Room #241

The following School Directors were in attendance:  Eric Barshinger (chair), Karen Baum, Ben Ramsay, Rachel Rohrbaugh, Doug Stein, Doug White, Nicole Wilson

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance:  Dr. Joseph Bradley, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Ludwig, Director of Pupil Services, Dr. Chip Fissel, Spring Grove Elementary Principal, Kelly Peake, Intermediate School Principal, Ashlie Rittle, Elementary Assistant Principal, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

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A Curriculum Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, December 2, 2024.  Eric Barshinger called the meeting to order at 5:05 PM and stated the purpose of the meeting was to address board members’ questions related to Math K-6 curriculum.

Dr. Guadagnino projected slides from 2023 Curriculum Committee meetings when K-12 curriculum leaders and department chairs presented an overview from their respective curricular areas.  A repeated question was how to achieve consistency and alignment to standards, and departmental requests for more time and more people.

The Math K-6 department currently uses IXL and has conducted professional development on the program.  Kelly Peake and Ashlie Rittle, K-6 Math Supervising Administrators, investigated other Math resource options including online, paper, hardback, and/or a combination. In addition to investigating available resources, Rittle stated that staff at the K-4 level are continuing to meet on a regular basis and check in with one another to increase collaboration and communication. 

A survey was conducted K-6 for teacher interest and input regarding six resource options with the intent of narrowing it down to two.  Teachers had the option to participate; there was not a lot of response.  Feedback received was from the same teachers who have helped to narrow the options to Reveal Math and Envision Math.  Following a free trial subscription shared with interested teachers, Peake purchased a subscription and asked teachers to provide feedback with a goal of finding something that works K-6.

Peake stated that the tentative plan would be for teachers to receive an introduction to a new platform in the spring, then introduce the new resource to students in the fall of the following school year.  The biggest thing to consider is appropriate professional development.  With the expense of purchasing new textbooks K-6, the cost requires implementation fidelity. 

Wilson asked if the resource would be online or textbook.  The recommendation would be for the entire package, online and hard copy, to include but not be limited to assessments, differentiated instruction, and professional development. Barshinger expressed concern about putting K-3 students on iPads.  An additional concern is addressing those teachers using materials they are familiar with and fond of.  If the board approves a K-6 resource, using it will not be optional.  However, any transition to a new resource must be driven by a majority and work consistently with students below and above grade level. Dr. Fissel, elementary principal, suggested exercising caution when considering marginal teachers that may remove the fidelity of the program.  Peake stated that accountability and professional development will be critical at the administrative level; when conducting classroom visits and observations, they need to know what to look for to hold teachers accountable when considering a purchase.

White questioned how administration maintains consistency in communicating with teachers if they are not teaching the same material and creating their own lesson plans.  He agreed that having one system may shorten lesson planning time. 

Currently, Peake explained there is no lesson planning K-6.  Substitutes obtain teachers’ lessons (planning) in the absence management system, Frontline.  Additionally, many teachers have their own Schoology Class to access.  Schoology is a repository for the lessons, which gives teachers autonomy in their classroom, since teachers move more rapidly in accelerated math than in the learning support class.  Though not working at the same pace, the same standards are being taught.  An existing hurdle for teacher collaboration is the amount of information stored in Schoology, which has become unmanageable.  An advantage to proposing a new resource would address this issue.

Also currently, local end-of-unit assessments created by teachers are housed in Schoology.  However, depending on the grade level, they are often changed year after year.  Because of such changes, it is difficult to compare year over year data and/or align the assessments to core standards. 

Fissel expressed concern about an estimated cost of $430,000 (+) for a new resource.  When looking at differentiation, a Pacing Guide can sometimes restrict teachers and programs, like the two proposed, and can get bastardized over time; assurances with a contract are only good for a few years.  The current curriculum is to Core Standards; our resources should align us with that.  An alternative and less costly path might be to create a framework and add proficiency scales (goals) defined by teachers and administrators.  The SAS system has free materials to review. 

Barshinger questioned determining man hours to go the route of creating a framework, developing scope and sequence, etc.  Rittle stated the process would be ongoing, and the existing format and information in Schoology would not prove a helpful starting point.  Peake added that we do not currently have the culture or climate to ask teachers to do more.  Barshinger suggested that purchasing new materials would provide needed accountability.  Stein agreed that accountability is a necessity and stated there are many ways to test but is not convinced that putting students on computers is the answer.  Textbooks provide less opportunity for distractions.  Stein supports the direction being proposed.

Stein suggested grouping students by ability to keep students at the same pace.  Rohrbaugh countered. Grouping students by ability removes opportunity to challenge lesser learners.  Consistency should remain the focus. 

Guadagnino provided a history on getting to this point and requested the committee’s direction on next steps so that administrations can move forward.  The estimated cost for the proposed programs is between $350-$450K, which is more than all the curricular materials we have for a given year.  For consistency, Peake recommended moving forward with one of the two proposed resource options and noted that currently, Hempfield School District is using Envision Math and Littlestown is using Reveal Math.  While possibly an anomaly, test scores have gone up in those districts.  The investment contract would be over a six-year period, with payment required up front.  Online subscriptions are available for renewal.  Books would last longer.

Barshinger asked if the cost could be offset by expenses that would be removed and/or, be returned by giving more time to teachers.  They are not curriculum writers.  Fissel stated that to address a problem, the problem should be identified as either an instructional issue or resource issue. 

White suggested that hiring a Director of Curriculum would help with consistency and accountability.  It would be less costly, and that person would have better opportunity to bring clarity to the ongoing issues and how to address them most efficiently.  Ramsay agreed that filling the director position would provide opportunity to focus on the issues.

Barshinger suggested teachers be informed of targets – not be given specific instructions to arrive at those targets.  He also suggested establishing a process for writing curriculum and needed benchmarks.

Peake stated additional time is needed to refine a final recommendation, establish exact needs and costs, and determine if the questions asked by the board can be addressed by purchasing new program materials.  Feedback from teachers on the subscription (test) is due before Christmas break.   Peake and Rittle will then review the information and be prepared to regroup with the curriculum committee in the end of January.

Dr. Bradley thanked the administrators and agreed to reconvene with the Curriculum Committee in January 2025 to present a recommendation for moving forward to the full board in the spring.

Barshinger adjourned the meeting at 6:47 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, November 20, 2023, 5:30 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA
LGI Room #241 / Park in Rear of Building and Enter at Door #13

 Agenda

I.               Call Meeting to Order                                NICOLE WILSON

II.            Purpose of Meeting:

A.    Review of Curricular Area in Cycle Year 1 (Planning Year 2028-2029 / Budget Year 2029-2030)

III.          Review of the Goals/Objectives of Year 1 of the Curriculum Development Cycle

IV.          Introduction of Staff / Presentation of Curricular Areas

A.    Science (K-6)

·       Curriculum Leader – Sara Stark / Administrators – Dr. Fissel & Ashlie Rittle

B.    Science (7-8)

·       Curriculum Leader – Stephen Hersh / Administrator – Dr. Intrieri

C.    Science (9-12)

·       Curriculum Leader – Catrina Frey / Administrator – Christian Ehrhart

D.    English Language Arts (K-6)

·       Curriculum Leaders – Amy Fisher & Amy Fawks / Administrators – Kelly Peake & Julie Janusz

E.    English Language Arts (7-8)

·       Curriculum Leader – Korie Lain / Administrator – Phalon Mallory

F.     English Language Arts (9-12)

·       Curriculum Leader – Amanda Grant / Administrator – Christian Ehrhart

V.             Consider Next Steps / Next Meeting

A.    December 11, 2023

VI.          Curriculum Materials on Display

A.    Available for review through Tuesday, November 21, 2023

VII.        Adjourn Meeting

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS 
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 

DATE/TIME of MEETING: November 20, 2023 @ 5:30 PM 

LOCATION of MEETING: Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA 

The following School Directors were in attendance: Karen Baum, Doug Stein, Dave Trettel (left at 5:50 pm) 

The following from Spring Grove Area School District were in attendance: Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary 

A Curriculum Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, November 20, 2023. Karen Baum called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. 

Purpose of Meeting: 

Dr. Guadagnino stated the purpose of the meeting was to review curricular areas in cycle year 1 (planning 2028-2029, budget 2029-2030) and referred to the Curriculum Development Cycle previously shared. 

Introduction of Staff / Presentation of Curricular Area 

a. Science (K-6): Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Sara Starck, Curriculum Leader, and Dr. Fissel and Ashlie Rittle, supervising administrators. Starck shared a presentation that reflected the adoption of new curriculum following completion of cycle year six during 2022-2023 and new standards that will take effect in the 2024-2025 school year. Courses offered now include implementation of PA’s adoption of the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) and STEELS Standards. 

b. Science (7-8): Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Stephen Hersh, Curriculum Leader, and Dr. Intrieri, supervising administrator. Hersh shared a presentation that included curriculum offerings and daily allotted time for students’ daily schedules. Grade 8 is a PSSA testing year, and Hersh noted that teachers’ focus, and teaching materials have expanded with the new PA Standards. 

c. Science (9-12): Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Catrina Frey, Curriculum Leader, and Mr. Ehrhart, supervising administrator. Frey shared a presentation that included an overview of the courses and curriculum offered to students at the high school level, instructional strategies, and materials and resources utilized. 

d. English Language Arts (K-6): Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Amy Fisher and Amy Fawks, Curriculum Leaders, and Mrs. Janusz and Mrs. Peake, supervising administrators. Fisher and Fawks presented a PowerPoint that included an overview of K-6 course offerings and the specific standards covered at each of the grade levels. Baum recognized the Department’s concentrated efforts to collaborate regarding lesson plans. 

e. English Language Arts (7-8): Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Korie Lain, Curriculum Leader, and Mrs. Mallory, supervising administrator. Lain shared a presentation outlining the courses offered in grades 7-8, scope and sequence of courses by marking period, and other similar items presented in earlier presentations. Lain noted the collaboration as a department at the middle school level that includes navigating students with the ethics and use of AI. She also credited the department for the significant PVAAS growth at the 7-8 level from the 2021-22 to 2022-23 school year. 

f. English Language Arts (9-12): Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Amanda Grant, Curriculum Leader, and Mr. Ehrhart, supervising administrator at the high school level. Grant shared a presentation that included a myriad of course offerings and electives available for students. Resources are generally the same as those used at the K-8 level, with materials reinforcing curricular changes approved during the 2022-2023 school year. 

Consider Next Steps / Next Meeting: 

Baum and Stein thanked all presenters and noted that their efforts contribute to board members’ decision-making process. Guadagnino also thanked presenters and stated that the meeting tentatively scheduled for December 11th is now postponed. He will present information to Mrs. Wilson, Curriculum Committee Chair and discuss opportunities for a follow up meeting in January 2024. 

The meeting adjourned at 6:40 PM. 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY: Suzanne E. Sterner, Board Recording Secretary 

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, November 6, 2023, 5:30 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA
LGI Room #242 / Park in Rear of Building and Enter at Door #15

 Agenda

I.                Call Meeting to Order                                                          NICOLE WILSON

II.             Purpose of Meeting:

A.    Review of Curricular Area in Cycle Year 3 (Planning Year 2026-2027 / Budget Year 2027-2028)

III.           Review of the Goals/Objectives of Year 3 of the Curriculum Development Cycle

IV.           Introduction of Staff / Presentation of Curricular Areas

A.    Mathematics (9-12)

1.     Curriculum Leader – Melissa Grim

2.     Administrator – Christian Ehrhart

B.    Mathematics (7-8)

1.     Curriculum Leader – Tim Guy

2.     Administrator – Dr. Intrieri

C.    Mathematics (K-6)

1.     Curriculum Leaders – Jessica Gibble & Anne Shaffer

2.     Administrators – Kelly Peake & Ashley Rittle

V.              Schedule for Upcoming Curricular Presentations

A.    November 20^th – Year 1 - English Language Arts & Science  (No scheduled curriculum review, year 2)

B.    December 11^th – Next Steps

VI.           Next Meeting: November 20, 2023

VII.         Adjourn Meeting

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING:    November 6, 2023 @ 5:30 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:    Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA

The following School Directors were in attendance:  Karen Baum, Doug Stein, Dave Trettel

The following from Spring Grove Area School District were in attendance:  Dr. George W. Ioannidis, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

---

A Curriculum Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, November 6, 2023.  Karen Baum called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.

Purpose of Meeting:

Dr. Guadagnino stated the purpose of the meeting was to review curricular areas in year 3 (planning 2026-2027, budget 2027-2028) and referred to the Curriculum Development Cycle previously shared. 

Introduction of Staff / Presentation of Curricular Area – Mathematics

A.      9-12:  Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Melissa Grim, Curriculum Leader at the High School, and Christian Ehrhart, administrator.  Grim shared a slide presentation that outlined courses offered at the high school level, instructional strategies and resources, assessments, and successes and challenges. 

B.     7-8: Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Tim Guy, Middle School Curriculum Leader, and Dr. Intrieri, administrator.  Guy shared several slides reviewing areas similar to the preceding high school presentation. He noted that by the time a student reaches graduation, they have received 4 credits of math, typically completing algebra and geometry.  As veteran math teachers retire there is a corresponding institutional loss, however, incoming teacher-created math materials are vetted for consistency by using common storage locations for grade level collaboration.  Additionally, common assessments are given with continual examination of scoring results.

C.      K-6:  Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Jessica Gibble and Anne Shaffer, K-6 Curriculum Leaders, and Kelly Peake and Ashlie Rittle, administrators.  Gibble and Shaffer shared a slide presentation that listed the number of teachers and time allocated for math classes, instructional strategies, and materials/textbooks used at the K-6 level.  Shaffer highlighted Spring Grove’s higher PSSA testing score averages among York County districts.  Collaboration among teachers through the use of Professional Learning Time (PLT) has been a benefit in addition to a central housing location for consistency.  Baum questioned the usefulness of textbooks purchased in 2007.  Shaffer noted they no longer align to testing, and the collaboration piece is going to be helpful when considering purchases of resources and materials down the road.

Schedule for Upcoming Curricular Presentations

Guadagnino thanked presenters and confirmed the schedule for the remaining presentation and potential summary meeting:

A.      November 20^th – Year 1 – English Language Arts & Science (note: currently no curricular areas in year 2)

B.     December 11^th – TBD

Next Meeting:

The next meeting is scheduled for November 20.  Meeting adjourned at 6:13 PM.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY:   Suzanne E. Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, October 30, 2023, 5:30 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA

LGI Room #242 / Park in Rear of Building and Enter at Door #15

 Agenda

I.                 Call Meeting to Order             NICOLE WILSON

II.              Purpose of Meeting:

A.    Review of Curricular Areas in Year 4 (Planning 2025-2026 / Budget 2026-2027)

1.      STEM (Technology)

2.      World Languages

3.      Art

4.      Business Education / Career Education / Work

III.           Review of the Goals/Objectives of Year 4 of the Curriculum Development Cycle

IV.            Introduction of Staff / Presentation of Curricular Areas

A.    STEM (Technology)

1.      Curriculum Leaders – Clint Walters (7-8) & Steve Richards, Joe Sokolovich (9-12)

2.      Administrators – Dr. Intrieri & Dr. Dietrich

B.    World Languages

1.      Curriculum Leaders – Jill Trimmer (7-8) & Abbie Sechrist (9-12)

2.      Administrators – Dr. Intrieri & Elysia Ehrich

C.    Art

1.      Department Chair – Troy Smith

2.      Administrator – Michael Snell

D.    Business Ed / Career Ed / Work

1.      Curriculum Leader – Nicole Riser (9-12)

2.      Administrator – Michael Snell

V.               Schedule for Upcoming Curricular Presentations

A.    November 6^th – Year 3 - Mathematics

B.    November 20^th – Year 1 - English Language Arts & Science

C.    December 11^th – Next Steps

VI.            Next Meeting: November 6, 2023

VII.         Adjourn Meeting

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING:    October 30, 2023 @ 5:30 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:     Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA

The following School Directors were in attendance:  Karen Baum, Doug Stein, Dave Trettel, Nicole Wilson

The following from Spring Grove Area School District were in attendance:  Dr. George W. Ioannidis, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Ludwig, Director of Pupil Services

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A Curriculum Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, October 30, 2023.  Nicole Wilson called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.

Purpose of Meeting:

Dr. Guadagnino stated the purpose of the meeting was to review curricular areas in year 4 (planning 2025-2026, budget 2026-2027) and referred to the Curriculum Development Cycle previously shared.  Presentations this evening will include a summary of the respective analyzed curricular area, audit, mapped curriculum, and strategies and plans for the re-write year.

Introduction of Staff / Presentation of Curricular reas

a.      STEM (Technology) 7-8, 9-12

Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Clint Walters, 7-8 Curriculum Leader, and Joe Sokolovich, 9-12 Curriculum Co-leader. Steve Richards, also 9-12 Co-leader, was not in attendance.  Drs. Joe Intrieri and Dave Dietrich serve as administrators.  A slide presentation was shared outlining STEM program opportunities for students at the secondary level, including an overview of the AOPA Program offered at the high school.

b.     World Languages 7-8

Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Jill Trimmer, Curriculum Leader, and announced Dr. Intrieri serves as administrator.  Trimmer shared a slide presentation.

c.      World Languages 9-12

Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Abbie Sechrist, Curriculum Leader, and Elysia Ehrich, administrator, who shared a slide presentation.  Sechrist shared information related to German and Spanish electives for students at the high school level and gave an overview of instructional strategies and assessments provided with the courses.

d.     Art

Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Troy Smith, Department Chair, and Michael Snell, administrator, who shared a slide presentation.  Smith discussed the department’s curriculum and general lesson planning for K-12 classes.

e.      Business Ed / Career Ed / Work 9-12

Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Nicole Riser, Curriculum Leader, and Michael Snell, administrator, who shared a slide presentation.  Riser presented benefits and outcomes of business, career, and accounting course options for students at the high school level.

Schedule for Upcoming Curricular Presentations

Guadagnino thanked presenters and confirmed the schedule for future presentations, continuing to follow the planning cycle in reverse order:

a.      November 6^th – Year 3 – Mathematics

b.      November 20^th – Year 1 – English Language Arts & Science

c.      December 11^th – TBD

Next Meeting:

The next meeting is scheduled for November 6.  Meeting adjourned at 6:39 PM.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY:

Suzanne E. Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, October 16, 2023, 5:30 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA
LGI Room #242 / Park in Rear of Building and Enter at Door #15

 Agenda

I.               Call Meeting to Order                                NICOLE WILSON

II.            Purpose of Meeting:

a.    Review of Curricular Areas in Year 5 (Planning 2024-2025 / Budget 2025-2026)

1.     Social Studies

2.     Counseling

3.     Music

4.     Family Consumer Science (FCS)

III.          Review of the Goals/Objectives of Year 5 of the Curriculum Development Cycle

IV.          Introduction of Staff / Presentation of Curricular Areas

a.    Social Studies

1.     Curriculum Leaders – Derrick Roy (K-6), Tom Trone (7,8), Kathleen Krall (9-12)

2.     Administrators – Craig Seelye, Phalon Mallory, Dr. Dave Dietrich

b.    Counseling

1.     Department Co-Chairs – Jennifer Dugan, Carrie Schmoyer

2.     Administrator – Dr. Michelle Ludwig

c.    Music

1.     Department Chair – Tim Bupp

2.     Administrator – Craig Seelye

d.    FCS

1.     Administrator – Elysia Ehrich

V.             Schedule for Upcoming Curricular Presentations

a.    October 30^th – Year 4 - Art, Business, World Language, STEM

b.    November 6^th – Year 3 - Mathematics

c.    November 20^th – Year 1 - English Language Arts & Science

d.    December 11^th – TBD

VI.          Next Meeting: October 30, 2023

VII.        Adjourn Meeting

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

 

DATE/TIME of MEETING:    October 16, 2023 @ 5:30 PM 

LOCATION of MEETING:    Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA

The following School Directors were in attendance:  Karen Baum, Doug Stein, Nicole Wilson

The following from Spring Grove Area School District were in attendance:  Dr. George W. Ioannidis, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Ludwig, Director of Pupil Services, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary 

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A Curriculum Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, October 16, 2023.  Nicole Wilson called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.

Purpose of Meeting:

Dr. Guadagnino stated the purpose of the meeting was to review curricular areas in year 5 (2024-2025) and referred to the Curriculum Development Cycle previous shared.  Presentations this evening will include a summary of analyzed curricular area, audit, mapped curriculum, and strategies and plans for the re-write year.

Introduction of Staff / Presentation of Curricular Areas

a.     Social Studies / K-6

Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Derrick Roy, Curriculum Leader, and Craig Seelye and Ben Louey, administrators.  Roy shared a slide presentation and noted that as the student grade level increases, so does the amount of time.

Wilson questioned how we measure consistency across elementary levels.  Roy stated that although varying materials are used, the requirements and instructional scope and sequence/pacing guides remain the same.  Resources are available in a common location (Schoology/O365) across the district for easy access by teachers.

b.     Social Studies / 7-8

Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Tom Trone, Curriculum Leader, and Phalon Mallory, administrator.  Trone shared a presentation that included major topics and concepts, scope and sequence of learning by marking period, and instructional strategies and assessments by grade.  All teachers have access to the same materials, housed in a common place. 

Wilson questioned if the increase in online learning and the use of iPads is helpful.  Trone stated that the use of technology has not changed the instruction, and student time with the classroom teacher remains most important.  Mallory noted there is a good balance between in-person classroom collaboration with the teacher and online options. With civic engagement at the forefront, Trone stated that a full year of social studies instruction to 7^th graders would be beneficial. 

c.      Social Studies / 9-12

Guadagnino introduced Kathy Krall, Curriculum Leader, and David Dietrich, administrator.  Krall shared a presentation and stated that results of a survey will likely show that Spring Grove offers more at the 9-12 grade level when compared to other York County school districts.  There is collaboration among teachers in addition to a common-place storehouse for materials.  Wilson questioned and Krall confirmed that electives always fill up quickly.  There are considerations underway to rotate opportunities for those classes. 

d.     Counseling

Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Carrie Schmoyer and Jennifer Dugan, Department Chairs, and Dr. Michelle Ludwig, administrator.  Schmoyer and Dugan shared a presentation that summarized the Department’s emphasis and focus on the whole child by providing support to the students, their families, and staff in respective buildings as they interact with students. 

e.      Music

Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Tim Bupp, Department Chair, and Craig Seelye, administrator.  Bupp shared a presentation and noted that as the grade level increases, student opportunities also increase.  Music classes are an elective at the high school.  One of the challenges is the tight scheduling for teachers as the department continues to offer as much as possible to students. 

f.      Family Consumer Science (FCS)

Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Elysia Ehrich, administrator, and the department’s instructor, Diana Tufano.  Ehrich shared a presentation and noted a highlight has been to witness organic relationship-building among students and staff members from the Autistic Support classrooms and general education classes through FCS programs. 

Schedule for Upcoming Curricular Presentations

Guadagnino thanked presenters and confirmed the schedule for future presentations, continuing to follow the planning cycle in reverse order:

a.      October 30^th – Year 4 - Art, Business, World Language, STEM

b.     November 6^th – Year 3 - Mathematics

c.      November 20^th – Year 1 - English Language Arts & Science

d.     December 11^th – TBD

Next Meeting:

Dr. Ioannidis thanked Guadagnino, Board members, department chairs, curriculum leaders, administrators, and all who were in attendance.  He noted the next meeting is scheduled for October 30.  Meeting adjourned at 6:35 PM.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY:

Suzanne E. Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, October 2, 2023, 5:30 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA
LGI Room #242 / Park in Rear of Building and Enter at Door #15

Agenda

I.                Call Meeting to Order             NICOLE WILSON

II.              Purpose of Meeting:

 a.      Review of Curricular Areas in Year 6 (2023-2024)

• PE/Wellness
• Library

III.           Review of the Goals/Objectives of Year 6 of the Curriculum Development Cycle

IV.            Introduction of Staff

a.      PE/Wellness:

• Department Chair, Tony Miller
• Administrator – Michael Snell

b.      Library:

• Department Chairs, Mary Kauffman / Melissa Sneeringer
• Administrator – Ben Louey

V.               Presentation of Curricular Areas

a.      PE/Wellness

b.      Library

VI.            Schedule for Upcoming Curricular Presentations

a.      October 16^th – Year 5 - Social Studies, Music, Counseling, & FCS

b.      October 30^th – Year 4 - Art, Business, World Language, STEM

c.      November 6^th – Year 3 - Mathematics

d.      November 20^th – Year 1 - English Language Arts & Science

e.      December 11^th – TBD

VII.         Next Meeting: October 16, 2023

VIII.      Adjourn Meeting

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING:    October 2, 2023 @ 5:30 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:    Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA

The following School Directors were in attendance:  Karen Baum, Doug Stein (via Zoom), Nicole Wilson

The following from Spring Grove Area School District were in attendance:  Dr. George W. Ioannidis, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Ludwig, Director of Pupil Services, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary 

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A Curriculum Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, October 2, 2023.  Nicole Wilson called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.

Purpose of Meeting:

Dr. Ioannidis stated the purpose of the meeting was to review curricular areas in year 6 (2023-2024), as outlined during the September 18^th meeting:  PE/Wellness and Library.

Introduction of Staff / Presentation of Curricular Areas

a.      PE/Wellness

Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Tony Miller, Department Chair, and Michael Snell, Administrator.  Mr. Miller shared a slide presentation with Board Committee members and meeting attendees.  Miller stated that the department considers grant opportunities and fundraising as additional means to generate revenue for programs.  Additional department attendees included Jen Whalen, Vicki Bortner, Nikki Colucci, and Lexi Andrews.

b.     Library

Dr. Guadagnino welcomed and introduced Melissa Sneeringer, Department Co-Chair, and Ben Louey, Administrator.  Mary Kauffman, Department Co-Chair, is currently on leave and was not present at the meeting.  Mrs. Sneeringer shared a slide presentation and stated that the department regularly reviews and evaluates books housed in libraries K-12.

Schedule for Upcoming Curricular Presentations

Dr. Guadagnino thanked presenters and confirmed the layout for this evening’s slide content will be used for future presentations following the planning cycle in reverse order:

a.      October 16^th – Year 5 - Social Studies, Music, Counseling, & FCS

b.     October 30^th – Year 4 - Art, Business, World Language, STEM

c.      November 6^th – Year 3 - Mathematics

d.     November 20^th – Year 1 - English Language Arts & Science

e.      December 11^th – TBD

Next Meeting:

Dr. Ioannidis thanked Guadagnino, Board members, department chairs, administrators, and all who were in attendance.  He noted the next meeting is scheduled for October 16.  Meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY:  Suzanne E. Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING
of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, September 18, 2023, 5:30 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA
LGI Room #242 / Park in Rear of Building and Enter at Door #15

Agenda

I.             Call Meeting to Order                                KAREN BAUM

II.            Review the Plan for the Committee – Purpose and Goals

III.          Introduction of Staff – Curriculum Leaders, Department Heads, & Supervising

a.     Administrators – Chart

IV.          Overview of Curriculum Review / Writing Process

a.     Key Vocabulary

b.     Curriculum Handbook

c.     History / Cycle Chart

d.     Format

1)    Course Overview

2)    Planned Course

3)    Curriculum Maps

e.     Budget Process

V.           Current Curriculum (as of September 2023) - SGASD website

VI.          Schedule for Curricular Presentations & Format

a.     September 18^th – Overview

b.     October 2^nd – Year 6 - PE/Wellness & Library

c.     October 16^th – Year 5 - Social Studies, Music, Counseling, & FCS

d.     October 30^th – Year 4 - Art, Business, World Language, STEM

e.     November 6^th – Year 3 - Mathematics

f.      November 20^th – Year 1 - English Language Arts & Science

g.     December 11^th – TBD

VII.        Next Meeting: October 2, 2023

VIII.      Adjourn Meeting 

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING:   September 18, 2023 @ 5:30 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:    Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA

The following School Directors were in attendance:  Karen Baum, Doug Stein, Dave Trettel, Nicole Wilson (via Zoom)

The following Spring Grove Area School District were in attendance:  Dr. George W. Ioannidis, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Ludwig, Director of Pupil Services, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary 

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A Curriculum Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, September 18, 2023.  Karen Baum called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.

Review the Plan for the Committee

Dr. Ioannidis stated that the purpose for scheduling this and a series of follow-up Curriculum Committee meetings is to provide an overview of the six-year cyclical process for reviewing and rewriting existing curriculum, ensuring that the District remains current with State and National standards. 

Introduction of Staff

Dr. Guadagnino shared a chart of assigned curriculum leaders, department heads, and supervising administrators, most of whom were present in the audience.

Overview of Curriculum Review / Writing Process

The following items were presented with a brief explanation:

a.      Key Vocabulary

b.     Curriculum Handbook

c.      History / Cycle Chart

In 2011-2014, the curriculum review cycle years were frozen due to budget-related concerns.  By 2020, all subjects were unfrozen and back on a cyclical review. In 2020-2022 due to COVID-19, subjects were again frozen.  The District, again, resumed its six-year cycle in 2022-2023.

d.     Format

1)     Course Overview

2)     Planned Course

3)     Curriculum Maps

e.      Budget Process

Following the review and rewrite process, recommended textbooks, materials and/or resources are presented to the School Board for approval.  Typically, $300,000 is budgeted each year.

Current Curriculum

Guadagnino shared that all K-12 curriculum, as of September 2023, is housed on the SGASD website.

Scheduled Curriculum Committee Meetings / Presentation Format

Guadagnino will work with staff and administrators as they prepare presentations according to the following schedule, and provided items for consideration:

a.      October 2^nd – Year 6 - PE/Wellness & Library

b.     October 16^th – Year 5 - Social Studies, Music, Counseling, & FCS

c.      October 30^th – Year 4 - Art, Business, World Language, STEM

d.     November 6^th – Year 3 - Mathematics

e.      November 20^th – Year 1 - English Language Arts & Science

f.      December 11^th – TBD

Dr. Ioannidis thanked Guadagnino, Board members, and all who were in attendance.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY:

Suzanne E. Sterner, Board Recording Secretary