On Wednesday, December 3, 2014, faculty, staff, and students of the Mountain View School District celebrated the Family & Consumer Sciences Day—the national celebration that educates families about the importance of preparing healthy meals and “dining in” together. 

Pictured (l-r) are Ben Burman, Aiden Pachuta, Travis Bridgeman, Nathan Ofalt, Mr. Scott Fisher, fifth grade teacher, Seamus Fish, and André Wiggins.

In an effort to encourage students and their families to prepare and eat a healthy meal together at home, Elaine M. Chichura, D.Ed., Family and Consumer Sciences teacher along with Diana Slick, MS, NCC, LPC, Counselor for At-Risk Elementary Students encouraged faculty, staff, administration, and district retirees to eat lunch with students in school.

One hundred adults in both the Mountain View School District’s elementary and the high school joined the students by eating lunch with them on December 3rd.  Students and adults both enjoyed sharing a meal while having an opportunity to socialize outside of the traditional classroom setting.

In addition to sharing a meal in school individuals were encouraged to join in a national campaign sponsored by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).  Individuals showed their support for the “Dining In” campaign by committing to “Dining In” on the AAFCS web site. Their commitment to the project appeared on an interactive map on the web site.  In total one hundred eighty nine (189) individuals living within the Mountain View School District joined the more than 100,000 people worldwide in committing to preparing and eating a healthy meal with their families on December 3rd.  

With the numerous benefits to families preparing and sharing meals together, “Dining In” in school or at home calls attention to something simple that families can do to be healthier.  “We are proud to take part in this important initiative,” Chichura said.

Miss Allison Martino, Mountain View High School Counselor, stated, “It was wonderful to see all of the faculty and staff that joined students for lunch in the cafeteria. I personally had a great time doing it and enjoyed speaking with students in a setting that I wouldn’t normally see them. I also found myself bragging to friends and family about the experience that I had. I heard some great feedback from students as well. Hopefully we can make this an annual event.”

December 3rd was chosen as Family & Consumer Sciences Day to honor AAFCS Founder Ellen Swallow Richards, first female graduate of MIT.

Mr. Bronson Stone, Principal/Superintendent of Susquehanna Community Elementary School, announces the “Students of the Month” for November, 2014 for Grades Kindergarten, First, Second and Third.

Pictured (l-r) are: first row - Taylor Reed, Jordan Burke, McKenzie Benson, Aubrey Sanders; second row - Sara Barnes, Maxx Kelly, Nolan Ruckle, Sara Chamberlain; third row - Gianna Bullick, Mr. Stone, Sean Herschel; fourth row - Vanessa Payne, Paytyn Sellitto, Paige Straway. Absent from photo - Cassandra Moser.

And grades 4-6 ...

Pictured (l-r) are: first row - Nicole Adinolfi, Alanah Proutey, Lexis Iveson, Alexandra Iveson; second row - Joshua Marco, Meghan Kiernan, Paige Halesky, Nash Barnes; third row - Heather Fortune, Kaylee Rooney, Jenna Krall, Ella Hansen, Mr. Stone.

The Elk Lake Forensics team had a successful kickoff to its Scranton Catholic Forensics League season on December 6 at Hazleton HS by bringing home three trophies.

The team was led by senior Haley Skinner who placed third in Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate by compiling a 3 win and 1 loss record. Skinner narrowly missed advancing to Finals.

In Varsity Student Congress, junior Kenneth Brittingham continued his season long success by placing fourth in a very competitive field.

Pictured (l-r) are EL Forensics Team Place winners at Scranton CFL Tournament: Mika Smith – 5th Place in Varsity LD Debate; Kenneth Brittingham – 4th Place in Varsity Student Congress; Haley Skinner – 3rd Place in Varsity LD Debate. Junior Mika Smith placed fifth in Varsity LD Debate.

“This is a very good start to the year for the team in the league. We hope that we can continue our momentum next week,” commented EL Forensics Director Keith Brosious.

On December 13, the EL Forensics Team will travel to the prestigious LaSalle Forum Tournament at LaSalle College HS in suburban Philadelphia.

The team ended the first half of its season with a strong performance at the LaSalle Forum Tournament at LaSalle College HS in suburban Philadelphia on December 13.

The team had two competitors bring home trophies in their events.

In Varsity Student Congress, junior Kenneth Brittingham continued his strong performance by placing 4th in a strong field of competitors from eastern Pennsylvania.

Senior Haley Skinner advanced to the Quarter-Final Round in Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate by compiling a 3 win and 0 loss record during the preliminary rounds.

Skinner lost a split decision in the Quarter-Final Round and did not advance beyond that round.

“This was a good wrap up for the team’s first half,” commented EL Forensics Director Keith Brosious.

After a few weeks off, the EL Forensics Team will travel to Shikellamy HS to compete at the prestigious Blue, Maroon, and White Tournament on January 10.

The following students are December, 2014 Student Standouts at Blue Ridge Elementary School.

Pictured (l-r) are: Row 1 - Elijah Park, Travis Rutter, Aireonna Harvey; Row 2 - Madyson Tompkins, Corey Shaw, Dustin Shaw, Troy Ehrie, Chelsey Jump, MaKenzie Slater; Row 3 - Lindsey Shaw, Lucas Raffensberger, Chasity Fiske, Row 4 - Madison Makosky, Cameron Robinson, Abigayle Blewett, Marissa Fiske, Nicholas Laude; Row 5 - J.J. Rosa, Auston Harvey, Angel Alvarez, Christiana Mock, Ethan Ashley. Absent from photo - Wayne Canute, Jayden Warner, Clarissa Laude, Shawn Harvey, Jada Palmer.

The Blue Ridge Fifth Grade Art Club is getting ready to launch their annual Hexagon Project (www.hexagonproject.org) where they create donation containers to put into local businesses.  This money is collected, counted and donated to Susquehanna County Interfaith for their fuel assistance program.  Last year alone the students raised over $1300.  

Pictured (l-r) are: front row - Sienna Kowaleski, Rayne Glover, Alexis Parks, Reese Allen, Megan Kibler, Robert Lindquist, Angel Alvarez, Jesse Delousia, Twila Snyder, Elizabeth Smith, Logan Mann, Elizabeth Stone; back row - Keeton Yanonne, Layla Gregory, Kara Wdowiak, Rachel Upright, Carling Renwick, Trista Stone, Cameron Robinson, Madison Gelinger, Abigail Oakley, Kendra Brant, Gunnar Wenzl.

Using their art to make a difference, the money helped people stay warm over the cold winter months.  Over the last four winters the BR Art Club has collected and donated over $4000 to the fuel assistance program.  Art Club meets after school with Elementary Art Teacher, Sarrah Dibble-Camburn.  Students made the containers from cardboard, tape, and plaster.  They decorated them with a theme and color of their choice.  If you see a container made by one of our art club members, please spare some change and keep someone warm!  To make a donation please contact dibbles@brsd.org.  

Mr. Marc Weisgold , Elementary Principal at Elk Lake School, is pleased to announce the November, 2014 Student of the Month Award winners.

Pictured (l-r) are: front row- Nathan Warriner, Krista Jones, Danica Thurman; back row - Mr. Marc Weisgold, Elementary Principal, Evelyn Gaskill, Kaylee Conboy, Justice Johnson, Casey Kojola, Emily Moore.

Students in fifth and sixth grades were selected by their homeroom teachers. Students may be selected as student of the month from four different areas.  Those four areas are academic achievement, attendance, citizenship and most improved.

Elk Lake is proud of their students and congratulates them for their accomplishments.

The following are local Misericordia University students who applied and were eligible to participate in the winter commencement ceremony on Sunday, December 14th, 2014.

Robert Johnson, Jackson, Physical Therapy, DPT.

Marissa Robinson, Montrose, Health Care Management, BS.

Elk Lake High School Principal Brain Mallery has announced the November, 2014 Students of the Month for grades seven through twelve.

Pictured (l-r) are: front row - Natalie Newhart, Dominic Pasquali, Devin Bennett, Shania McClain, Alison Bell, Brooke Dunn, Kennidy Finch, Megan Bosscher, Karaya Faigle, Caitlyn Brown; back row - Bethany Bennett, Austin Graham, Brandon Way, Tre VanDeMark, Tiffany Toth, Randi Teed, Jenice Taluba, Mitchell Schwarztrauber, Garett Mowry, Anthony Falcone, David Fox, Juan Loboda, High School Principal Mr. Brian Mallery. Absent from photo - Alex Hewitt.

The following area residents were among the 456 students who graduated from Millersville University of Pennsylvania during the fall 2014 undergraduate commencement ceremony held on Sunday, December 12, 2014 in Millersville's Pucillo Gymnasium.

Susan Marie Greene, of Susquehanna, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.

Ashley Nicole Nolan, of Montrose, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work.