Lancer Band Headed to ACCs

For some, reaching the T.O.B. Atlantic Coast Championships may seem an easy task. Rest assured, the Lancer Band's ability to reach ACCs this year, like any year, is a tall order. Think of it as the equivalent of PIAA State Playoffs, in which there are also four classifications as a result of band size. ACCs spans eight (8) states and comprises over 250 bands of varying sizes. This past weekend, the Lancer Band placed first at their Chapter 4 Championships at Shamokin, qualifying them for this coming weekend. Lead by Mr. Robert Barrett, the band is seeded 17th out of over 80 bands from several states. ACCs have been in existence for over 30 years, and have seen several fantastic finishes. (Check out the video clip below for an idea of what yours truly was a part of while teaching English and assisting with marching band.) Best of luck to the Lancer Band students, their families, and Mr. Barrett as they travel this coming weekend to ACCs being held at Hershey Park stadium!

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Brain Surgery

On Friday, one of Mrs. Brelsford's classes dissected sheep brains.  Students completed the dissection using laptops and on-line simulations to guide them through it.  Students were totally having a great time, even though the smell was a bit "different."  Awesome work folks!

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The Bridge is Ours!

Another very wet and chilly evening found our Lancer football team victorious over arch rival Montoursville. The bridge rivalry has become a much anticipated matchup each year between the Lances and the Warriors. On any given year, the team that perseveres the most wins, and this year was no exception as the entire team came together to defeat Montoursville 21-8. Congrats to Coach Jackson and our young men on an outstanding win!

                                

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Girls' Tennis - District 4 Team Tennis Champs!

Our athletic program continues to grow in terms of championships.  Our girls' tennis team recently defended another team title with a District 4 crown!  What's even more noteworthy is that these ladies are excellent scholar athletes.  Their attention to detail both in the classroom and on the tennis court will continue to earn them success.  Congratulations to Coach Zimmerman and his young ladies on bringing home another championship!

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LTHS Students Meet Living History!

LTHS students were witnesses to living history today. Father Sipers, a holocaust survivor and German native, shared his experiences being persecuted under the Nazi regime. Loyalsock was his last stop prior to leaving the area. The 96-year-old priest survived torment for four years in Dachau Concentration Camp and described the prison camps, his survival and near death experiences.

Many thanks to our four social studies teachers who made this opportunity available to current social studies students. Special thanks goes out to Miss Beck and members of our student body who assisted in bringing Father Sipers to Central Pennsylvania.  You can read more about his experiences in a recent Sun-Gazette article.

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LTHS Educators Meet Howard Gardner!

Mr. Lee Saville-Andree, music teacher at Loyalsock Township Middle School, poses a question to world-renown psychologist Howard Gardner. Dr. Gardner, a professor with the Harvard Graduate School of Education and most well known for his theory on multiple intelligences, was part of the Bucknell Forum series. I ran into Mr. Saville-Andree after the Q&A session as well as Mr. Scott Mato, former principal of Shick Elementary.

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Lancer Drawings

Mr. Barrett proudly shows off his students artwork. Way to go!

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Governor Rendell Proclaims Oct. 18-24 Teen Driver Safety Week

PennDOT recently reminded teen drivers of the deadly consequences of driving while distracted and encouraged parents to talk with young drivers about unsafe driving behaviors.  Governor Edward G. Rendell has proclaimed Oct. 18-24 as Teen Driver Safety Week to coincide with the national observance.

"Teen drivers lack the experience needed to recognize and react to high-risk conditions and situations on roadways," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. "Distractions such as additional passengers in the vehicle, talking or texting on the cell phone, adjusting the radio, and eating while driving only compound the inexperience factor and increase the risk of a crash occurring."

The 23,059 crashes involving 16- to 19-year-old drivers in Pennsylvania in 2008 resulted in 194 fatalities. Although more than one factor may contribute to a crash, statistics show that driver distractions are major contributors to highway crashes as these behaviors take the teen driver's full attention away from the driving task. Driver distractions contributed to approximately 10 percent of crashes involving 16- to 19-year-old drivers in 2008.  Additionally, driving too fast for conditions, driver inexperience, and improper or careless turning were also major contributors to highway crashes.

In fact, 39 percent of the crashes involving a 16- to 19-year-old driver in 2008 involved at least one of these factors. The risk of a crash involving any of these factors can be reduced through practice, limiting the number of passengers a teen driver can have in a vehicle, parents setting a good example for the teen driver, obeying all rules of the road and exercising common sense.

With this in mind, PennDOT offers the following safety tips to teen drivers:

* Always wear your seat belt.
* Do not drink and drive; drinking under the age of 21 is illegal.
* Do not talk or text on your cell phone while driving.
* Obey the speed limit; driving too fast gives you less time to react.
* Do not eat or drink while driving.
* Adjust radio and climate controls before beginning your trip, have your

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Battle of the Bridge - This Friday

Each year, our rivalry with Montoursville is one in which both communities await with anticipation.  In recent years, the local Cable Sports channel and ESPN radio hypes up the game as the Battle of Bridge.  There has been some controversy as to whose bridge it actually is...  Maybe PennDOT has the answer?  Anyway, another classic matchup occurs this coming Friday evening at Kenneth M. Robbins memorial field as the Lancers look to reclaim the bridge trophy.  In recognition of the game, the blanket in the photo will be raffled off during the game.  Best of luck to Coach Jackson and the entire football team!

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Senior Kyle Winton Headed to States!

Congrats to Kyle Winton and his family on his success this golf season as a senior on the Lancers 42-0 record.  Kyle advanced through districts and earned the right to head to States this week.  Best of luck Kyle! 

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Loyalsock Grad Dan Hutchins Making Impact for Pitt Football

Perhaps you saw a post a few weeks ago where we mentioned that Loyalsock grad Dan Hutchins was given the nod to do the place kicking and punting for the Pitt Panthers.  In last week's win over Connecticut, Dan kicked the game-winning field goal.  The win, plus the one just this weekend, catapulted Pitt into the AP top 25.  Congrats to Dan and his family on such an outstanding opoortunity.  Best of luck Dan.

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Great work by LTHS scientists in Mrs. Christ's class!

Mrs. Christ's second block science class had a interesting problem to solve:  how does the process of osmosis change when water contains different levels of salt? As you can see, students were hard at work!

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Key Club Active in School Again This Year

According to Miss Beck and senior Emily Trautwein, September has been an exciting month for the Loyalsock Township Key Club. The main focus has been on recruiting new members, which has been going extremely well. Many freshmen and others have shown a great interest in joining Key Club and being active.

The first meeting was conducted during a new period called REACH, and the advisor, Miss Beck, recruited so well that the auditorium was required for the meeting. Key Club president, Caroline Heilmann, explained to the students what Key Club is all about.  The students found out that Key Club is a service club in which they can make a difference in other people’s lives.

The main activity this month was the American Red Cross Blood Mobile. The Blood Mobile came on September 30th to our high school gym where people could come give blood. The week before the blood drive, many members, both old and new, sat outside the cafeteria for sign ups and promotions. On the day of, Caroline Heilmann, Michelle Sekunda, Kaitlyn Pelligrino, Bryan Keith, and Bryan Eck all worked at the Blood Drive.

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Homecoming 2009

Despite the cold rainy atmosphere for the Loyalsock/Bloomsburg game, the girls of the 2009 Loyalsock homecoming court remained picture perfect for the crowning of the 2009 Homecoming Queen and Princess at half time. Members and escorts of the 2009 court included the following: Cassandra Beck escorted by Tyler Marshall, Beth Braunegg escorted by Craig Fought, Angela Cipolla escorted by Donny Kinney, Gina DiFrancesco escorted by Alex Cillo, Marlee Hibbs escorted by Kyle Winton, Paige Klingerman escorted by Craig Rockoff, Paige Robinson escorted by Michael Hayes, Heidi Stetts escorted by Brett Wise, Emily Trautwein escorted by Evan Nardone, Meredith Waters escorted by Brandon Smith, and Porshia Wilson escorted by Jacob Mackey.

The rain let up just in time for the returning 2008 homecoming queen, Cassandra Leete, to crown the 2009 queen, Marlee Hibbs. Returning 2008 princesses, Tali and Taigen Thorne, had the honors of crowning the 2009 princess, Paige Robinson. After the crowning, the rain returned, but the Lancer Football Team knocked out a 14 to 0 victory, after four straight losses to Bloomsburg. For both ladies and lads, the night was one that will never be forgotten. Congratulations ladies, and special congratulations to our new homecoming queen, Marlee Hibbs and princess, Paige Robinson!

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PSAT/NMSQT Testing

The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Competition) is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at the Loyalsock Township High School. If you are college-bound, this test is a must for you! Even if you took the PSAT as a sophomore, we highly recommend you take it as a junior because ONLY juniors can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Your test results will be returned to you before Christmas, and it is an excellent way to prepare for the SAT I in the winter/spring. Remember that the PSAT does not qualify as a College Entrance Exam and is not included on the high school transcript.

The cost of the test is $13.00, and checks should be made payable to Loyalsock Township High School. Any student who has difficulty paying the fee should contact either counselor about a possible fee waiver.

We will open registration for Juniors ONLY on September 29, 2009. On October 6th, sophomores may begin registering for the exam. NO sophomore registration will be accepted before October 6th. Students should register in the Guidance Office.

When you register for the PSAT, you will be given an excellent study guide and preparation materials. USE THEM!!! Statistics support that those students who take advantage of the free preparation materials tend to do better on the test than those who do not prepare.

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Two Spring 2009 Teams Bring Home PHAC Championships

On Wednesday evening this week, two of our spring sports teams were honored at the annual Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference banquet.  Accepting the awards are Coach Zimmerman of the boys' tennis team, and Coaches Frederick and Thaler of the boys' baseball team.  Each team had another stellar season last spring, and their acheivements were recognized by all in attendance.  Congratulations to both coaches and respective student athletes on yet another successful spring sports season!

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Red Cross Bloodmobile Visit a Success

On Wednesday this week, eligible students and staff donated much needed blood.  Several people donated double reds.  While our spring bloodmobile typically produces more pints of blood, students and staff came out for a very good cause.  Thank you to each perosn who donated, to Miss Beck for coordinating the event, and to the students who assisted with putting on an outstadning blood drive.

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Golf Team 42-0 this season!

Wow. This year's Golf team is now 42-0.  The team has easily handled all of its competition, with several of our golfers only underclassmen and contributing a great deal to this year's success.  Good luck to Coach Whiteman and his team as they enter District play.  The team is in first place in the PHAC - one of five of our Loyalsock teams that also are currently in first palce in the PHAC.  What an outstanding season golfers!

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Lance & Shield - New Journalism On-Line Newspaper

For the first time ever at Loyalsock, the new Journalism and Media class has designed a student-published digital newspaper, The Lance & Shield.  The newspaper can be found on the homepage to the LTHS website.  The first publication has been posted, with October's edition now live.

The students of Yearbook & Media Journalism invite you to peruse the articles and watch the embedded slideshows set to music. Congratulations to Miss Stiber and her class for embarking on a fantastic opportunity for our students.

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Great teaching going on!

Each year, we are impressed by the type of teaching and learning our staff designs for our kids. This week was no exception in which multiple classrooms were engaged in some fantastic activities that had our students highly involved in their own learning. From Mr. VanFleet's student-led informative projects to Miss Stiber's journalism class's first publication of the Lance & Shield, students were using technology and teacher-designed activities to maximize their learning. Mrs. June's guests, Mrs. McCarty and Mr. Smith, assisted her one English class with clinically diagnosing Hamlet's psychoses (or not?) evidenced in perhaps Shakespeare's greatest play. In short, kids and the teaching staff have been having what appears to be a fantastic time learning. Frankly, it doesn’t get much better than what was observed this week. Thanks to these folks, and many more of our staff, for putting their heart into the teaching and learning process, and kudos to our students for allowing learning to actually be a fun and exciting process! Check out the video...

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