Fall Newsletter 2021

Forest Hills

Ranger Review

Vol. MMXXI
No. 1

Fall 2021-2022

~ SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE ~

Helen Keller is credited with saying, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Throughout the past several months it has become evident that we have been able to
accomplish great feats by working together towards accomplishing common goals. It is hard
to imagine we are over a quarter of the way through the 2021-2022 school year. Even
though we have worked through several challenging issues together, we are proud to report
that we have been able to provide consistent, face-to-face learning, we have significantly
reduced contact tracing and quarantines, extra-curricular activities have not been disrupted,
and the school calendar has remained consistent. “R” collective goal has been to provide
consistent, quality instruction in the safest possible manner. Together we have reached this
common goal. These accomplishments represent a true testimony of “R” ability to work as a
TEAM and to come together to overcome obstacles and to resolve problems. Thank you for your patience, resilience,
and cooperation. When Rangers unite for a common goal, great things occur! We are fortunate to live in such a
strong Ranger community. Thank you for your support and dedication to the Forest Hills School District.

Not only have we been able to successfully navigate challenges together, but we have also accomplished
several other noteworthy goals. Over the past 13 months, the District has refinanced three (3) bonds providing tremen-
dous savings and also providing fiscal relief to the general fund. The finishing touches to the facility renovation plan
have been completed. The Forest Hills School District can boast about the efficiency, functionality, and aesthetic
beauty of the Ranger campus. District staff have once again modeled excellence and provided leadership during a
collaborative in-service session with three other peer districts. I am proud to report that the Forest Hills staff shined
during their presentations and the overall condition of the facilities impressed the visitors. “R” staff has embraced the
1 to 1 Chromebook initiative and have also become adept at optimizing the Canvas Learning Management System to
enhance the learner’s experience. Additional educational and extra-curricular programs have been developed and
implemented to challenge Rangers and to provide learners with additional experiences. The staff’s leadership and
modelling of excellence has been outstanding!

Over the next several months we will be working to define “R” Core Values and to develop “R” Comprehen-
sive Plan. We will be soliciting input from community members as we lay out “R” strategic plan and develop plans to
enhance the learner’s overall school experience. Work will also continue on the School Culture initiative. We are
hopeful that you will add input as we plan for the District’s future and to work towards “R” collective potential.

Even though the Pandemic has impacted all of us in various ways, I would like to thank all Rangers for their
continued patience and willingness to work together to accomplish R” collective goals and provide “R” Rangers with
rigorous and fruitful learning experiences. Together we can provide leadership, model excellence, and help all
Rangers reach their full potential. Thank you for supporting this valuable mission.

Dr. David Lehman
Superintendent of Schools

Parent Compact for Title I

The Forest Hills School District’s Strategic Plan establishes the mission of the Forest Hills School District
regarding its educational program for all children, including Title I eligible children. Additionally, the For-
est Hills School District Title I Program has a primary mission to improve the educational opportunities for
Title I eligible children so these students are “equally likely” to achieve advanced skills, including those
established by Pennsylvania’s content and performance standards in reading, language arts, and mathe-
matics. It is within this framework that Title I students are provided with a highly supportive and congruent
learning environment specifically designed to provide appropriate developmental and/or intervention ac-
tivities to enhance their capacity to learn. Teachers are committed to sharing this responsibility with you
and your child by performing the following practices:

Teacher’s Pledge: I will
 Establish a safe, positive, and secure learning environment that promotes student learning.
 Build a relationship with the families through clear communication methods.
 Keep families informed of their children’s progress and needs in each subject.
 Help students learn through differentiated instruction.
 Send home learning materials to reinforce skills and concepts.
 Explain my approach to teaching, expectations, and grading to students and their families.
 Continue professional development to enhance best teaching practices.
 Strive to address the individual needs of each student.
 Communicate to students and or parents to help them understand assignments and their goals.
 Strive to gain appropriate participation of parents in the education decisions of their children.

Parents must also share the responsibility of providing children with appropriate learning experiences.
The African proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child,” indicating that education is the responsibil-
ity of all of us. Parents and teachers must work together as partners to provide children with a supportive
learning environment. Consequently, as parents, we ask that you share this responsibility by committing
yourself to the following practices:

Parent’s Pledge: I will
 Send my child to school regularly and well rested.
 Participate in educational decisions related to my child.
 Review daily / weekly school communications.
 Monitor my child’s progress and assist in homework completion.
 Use educational materials the school sends home throughout the school year.
 Attend parent / teacher conferences and school functions .

Students must also take responsibility for their own learning. We ask students to commit themselves to
the following practices:

Student’s Pledge: I will
 Ask for help from my teacher and family if I am having trouble understanding my school work.
 Attend school every day on time.
 Follow my teacher’s directions and instructions throughout the school year.
 Work on my math and reading skills at home, using the materials my teacher sends home.
 Write down assignments, do my homework every day, and turn it in when it’s due.

Communication is the essence of a good relationship. The Forest Hills School District’s Title I Program
has always and is continuing to commit itself to improving the communication between home and school.
Implementation of the “PARENT PARTICIPATION PLAN,” as adopted by the Board of School Directors in
conjunction with this compact, is a major step in the communication linkage. The Title I Newsletter, which
we will continue to publish twice a year, is yet another forum for the sharing of ideas and practices to help
keep the lines of communication open. There will also continue to be telephone conferences and requests
for face-to-face meetings to enhance communication.

2

Student Health Exams, Privacy, and Surveys

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents and students who are 18 years old or
emancipated minors (i.e., “eligible students”) certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection,
and use of information for marketing purposes and certain physical exams. These include the right to:
Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following
protected areas (i.e., “protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a pro-
gram of the U.S. Department of Education (USDoE)...

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parents;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sexual behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parents;
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of...
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening as a required condition of attend-

ance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate
health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physi-
cal exam or screening permitted or required under state law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from stu-
dents for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
Inspect, upon request and before administration and use...
1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above market-
ing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
The Forest Hills School District will develop and adopt policies, in consultation with parents, regarding
these rights, as well as make arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected
surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distri-
bution purposes. The Forest Hills School District will directly notify parents and eligible students of these
policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. The school
district will also directly notify parents and eligible students at least annually at the start of each school
year of the specific or approximate dates of the following activities and provide an opportunity to opt a stu-
dent out of participating in:

 Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribu-
tion.

 Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by the
USDoE.

 Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening described above.
Parents and/or eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with the:
Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington,
DC 20202-4605.

3

ESEA Title I Home Language is other than English, the
Parent Participation Plan Survey Cover Letter District will provide an
instructional program ap-
It is the goal of the Forest Hills School District’s The Civil Rights Law of propriate to your child’s
Title I program to develop partnerships with the 1964, Title VI requires developmental and in-
home. Parents and teachers working as partners that school districts/ structional level.
increase student achievement and promote posi- charter schools identify
tive attitudes about school. It is the intent of the Limited English Proficient If the answer to any of the
following plan to encourage and promote such a (LEP) students. Pennsyl- questions on the Home
relationship. vania has selected to use Language Survey is “yes,”
the Home Language Sur- your child will be given an
In accordance with the U.S. Education De- vey for identification of initial assessment to de-
partment’s regulations for ESEA Title I and the students who are English termine if an ESL program
District’s Title I Parent and Family Engage- language learners. is appropriate. ESL is a
ment Policy (#918), the following guidelines basic curricular area, and
concerning “Consultation with Parents and The Forest Hills School would take the place of
Teachers” shall be effective: District has the responsi- your child’s regular Eng-
bility under federal law to lish class if the initial as-
1. Conferences, including telephone confer- serve students who are sessment revealed that
ences, shall be established between individ- limited English proficient such a program was
ual parents and teachers. Parents shall also and need English instruc- needed. If this is the case,
be invited to attend, at the Forest Hills School tional services. Given this an in-depth assessment
District’s Title I program expense, state and responsibility, the school will be administered to
regional conferences designed to increase district has the right to your child, and the results
their knowledge regarding relevant Title I ask for the information it would be used to plan a
issues. needs to identify English suitable program of in-
Learners (ELs). As part of struction.
2. Timely information shall be provided con- the responsibility to lo-
cerning the Title I program, including pro- cate and identify ELs, the The Forest Hills School
gram plans and evaluation through a mini- District may conduct District will monitor your
mum of at least one annual meeting. Addi- screenings or ask for re- child’s academic and so-
tional meetings, as needed, may be request- lated information about cial progress throughout
ed by parents. students who are already his/her participation in the
enrolled in the District, as ESL program. Even after
3. Parents’ suggestions shall be solicited regard- well as from students who your child exits from the
ing the planning, development, and operation of enroll in the District in the ESL program, he/she will
the Title I program. future. be monitored for a period
of two years after reclas-
4. Consultation shall be conducted with parents The Home Language Sur- sification and reporting
about cooperation in achieving the program’s vey is used to determine if former Els to the state for
objectives. your child’s primary lan- an additional two years
guage is a language other (total of four years of mon-
5. An annual evaluation shall be conducted to de- than English. If your itoring status).
termine the effectiveness of the Title I Program. child’s primary language

Parental Concern/Complaints Step 1: Meet with the teacher. If the concern/
complaint is not resolved,
The Forest Hills School District is dedicated to Step 2: Meet with the Principal/Assistant Principal. If
meeting the educational needs of our students and the concern/complaint is not resolved,
is constantly working to ensure that your child re- Step 3: Meet with the Director of Education. If the
ceives the best possible education. To ensure that concern/complaint is not resolved,
the educational needs of students are being met, a Step 4: Meet with the Superintendent. If the concern/
strong educational program and communication complaint is not resolved, the parent/guardian may
between school and home must be maintained for then choose to address the Board of School Direc-
every student. tors regarding the concern/complaint.

In the event that a concern or complaint arises, par-
ents/guardians should follow the chain of command
listed to have the concern/complaint addressed:

4

Notice of Homeless Education Programs

Each year, more than 800,000 school-age children in the United States experience homelessness. The
federal McKinney-Vento Act includes a provision to make sure that homelessness does not cause these
children to be left behind in school. Homeless children should have access to the education and other
services that they need to meet the same challenging state academic achievement standards to which all
students are held.

The Forest Hills School District is required to provide activities for, and services to, homeless children,
including preschool-age homeless children and youths, enabling them to enroll in, attend, and succeed in
school or preschool programs.

The law requires all school districts to inform parents or guardians of their rights under this federal act.
Specifically, it states that, pending resolution of a dispute about school placement, a school district must
immediately enroll a homeless student in the student’s school of origin or other school selected on the
basis of the child’s best interest and provide a written explanation of the rights of appeal to the parent/
guardian.

Please contact Mr. Lucas Jacobs, Forest Hills School District Homeless Liason, at 814-487-7613 ext .3249
or [email protected], if you have any questions regarding homelessness.

Parental Involvement Meeting Notification

Title I – Part A – Homeless Education – ESL

Title I requires the Forest Hills School District to develop and distribute to parents a written parent in-
volvement policy that establishes the District’s expectations for parent involvement for Title I – Part A,
Homeless Education, and English as a Second Language (ESL). Specifically, schools must hold a year-
ly meeting, at a convenient time, to which all parents of participating children must be invited and en-
couraged to attend. At this meeting, the District will provide you with information about the school dis-
trict’s programs, a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the kinds of tests
the school district uses to measure student learning, and the proficiency levels students are expected
to meet. Administrators will also review the District’s parental concern/ complaint procedure at this
meeting.

This year’s meeting will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 9:30 am at the Forest Hills
Elementary School. Please complete the information at the bottom of this page and return it to the
Elementary School office. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Parental Involvement Meeting Response Form

Please check here:

_________ Yes, I will attend the Parental Involvement Meeting on Thursday, December 16th at
9:30 am

_________ No, I do not plan to attend the Parental Involvement Meeting on Thursday, December
16th at 9:30 am

_______________________________________ ___________________________________________
Printed Name of Parent/Guardian Printed Names(s) of Child(ren)

________________________________________ _________________________________________

5

Parent Right to Know Information as Required by
Elementary and Secondary Education Assistance (ESEA) [Section 1112(e)(1)(A)]

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) [Section 1112(e)(1)(A)]

Forest Hills Elementary School receives Federal Title I funds to assist students in meeting state achieve-
ment standards. Throughout the school year, we will be providing you with important information about
this law and your child’s education. This letter lets you know about your right to request information
about the qualifications of the classroom staff working with your child.
As a Title I school, we must meet federal regulations related to teacher qualifications as defined in ESEA.
These regulations allow you to learn more about your child’s teachers’ training and credentials. We are
happy to provide this information to you.
At any time, you may ask:

 Whether the teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade
level and subject he/she is teaching.

 Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which state
qualifications were waived, and

 What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher holds, including graduate certificates
and additional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.

 You may also ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional. If your child
receives this assistance, we can provide you with information about the paraprofessional’s
qualifications.

 The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which was signed into law in December 2015 and
reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1956 (ESEA) includes

 Information on policies regarding student participation in assessments
 Information on required assessments that include: subject matter tested, purpose of the test,

source of the requirement (if applicable), amount of time it takes students to complete the
test, and time and format of disseminating results.
The Forest Hills School District is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of our students and is
working to ensure that your child receives the best possible education. The district is fully committed to
the success of your child. We appreciate your partnership in our efforts.

~ JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ~

Forest Hills Junior-Senior High School Installs Vape Detectors

Mr. Brian Kostan, Operational Principal, with help from the
Cambria County Drug and Alcohol Program, secured a grant
through the county’s Environmental Strategies Reimbursement
Project, which funded vape detectors that were installed in the
batrooms at the Junior-Senior High School.

The detectors sense environmental changes that indicate vaping,
and send a message to school officials. The goal of the vape
detectors is to change the environment of the school and address
this epidemic found to be most common in teens between the
ages of 15 and 19. Board policy has been written. Teachers,
staff, and students have been provided clear cut expectations
surrounding vaping behavior.

6

~ JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ~

Principal’s Corner ~ Mrs. Rebecca Roberts, Academic Principal

Welcome back for the 2021-2202 school year! I am excited to now be a part of the Forest Hills
Junior-Senior High School staff and I appreciate the warm welcome I have been given!
Throughout my administrative career, I have served as middle and high school principal for six
years prior to my tenure at Forest Hills School District. I am glad to be in a building with so
many familiar faces, as I have worked with many of the students in grades 7-10 as they were
some of my first classes at the Forest Hills Elementary School. It is great to see them growing.
I love seeing the activities they have become involved in, as this is one area that is stressed as
kids transition from the Elementary School to the Junior-Senior High School each year.
Our year has been busy already in the areas of academics, arts, and athletics. Class began on
August 25, 2021, with a seven day drop/add period. We have approximately 110 students who
are attending Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center through one of their technical
programs. Our arts department has begun working for the drama department at both the
Junior and Senior high levels. Our marching band can be seen each Friday night at our football
games and our fall sports programs are about half way through the season. Congratulations to
all our students who are actively engaged in our school activities! It’s a great time to be a
Ranger!

Mr. Brian Kostan is now serving as the Operational Principal at the Junior-Senior High School
this year. If at any time you need anything, please reach out to us via email or by calling the
Junior-Senior High School office at 814-487-7613.

Rebecca Roberts Brian Kostan
Academic/Achievement Principal Operational Principal
[email protected]
[email protected]

7

Forest Hills Welcomes New Teachers

Jerrod Moore - Chemistry
Jerrod is beginning his 15th year as a teacher. He is originally from Northern
Cambria and got his degree in Chemistry Education from IUP. Since then he
has been educating and supporting people around the world. He taught 8
years in Japan and helped students get into top universities around the
world. Then, he spent 2 years in Kazakhstan working for the President help-
ing to train teachers and rewrite their curriculum. After that, Jerrod spent 4
years in Saudi Arabia working in the King's school trying to help them with
their vision of becoming a leader in Science and Technology. Now he has
finally returned home with his family and is eager to help the communities
Nancy Ondesko - Special Education
Nancy Ondesko comes to Forest Hills Jr.-Sr. High School with six years of teaching
experience. She is a 2011 graduate of Portage Area School District. She then went
on to graduate from IUP in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Education: Early
Childhood (PreK-4), Special Education (PreK-8), and Urban Track with a minor in
Educational Psychology. The following year Nancy graduated from IUP with a MEd.
in Literacy where she also earned her reading specialist certification (PreK-12).
Nancy worked as a long term substitute teacher for Pittsburgh Public Schools and
as a literacy coach through IUP's graduate assistantship program with Central Cam-
bria School District. Nancy then worked as a special education teacher for Ignite
Education Solutions and Merakey Education and Autism Center. In 2020 she ob-
tained a Special Education 7-12 certificate. Nancy is inspired daily by her students
and strives for outcomes of excellence. She is proud to be a Forest Hills Ranger.
Olivia Faiad - English
Olivia Faiad is a Forest Hills alumni and a language arts teacher at the district. She
graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown in 2016 after completing
placements in various local districts, as well as spending time abroad in New Zea-
land for her student teaching. She taught for a full year at Westmont Hilltop, and
then spent last year at Chestnut Ridge. She completed her Master of Arts Degree in
English Literature in August of 2021 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Olivia strived to make it back to her home district and her success in achieving this
goal has brought a passionate advocate to the district. Olivia is also the Junior High
Drama Director and the Junior High Forensics Coach. In asking what she most
looks forward to, Olivia said, "Well, other than my upcoming wedding, I am just glad
to finally be working for the district that made me who I am. It's so rewarding to be a
Ranger for the remainder of my career and I look forward to many years of happi-
ness and prosperity here.”

Holly Berkebile—Special Education/Life Skills

Holly Berkebile is beginning her 10th year as a teacher. She previously taught Junior High
Life Skills Support for the Forest Hills School District through the IU8, High School Special
Education at Pressley Ridge, and Middle School Math and Science at Cathedral Catholic
Academy. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UPJ in 2008,
and her Master’s degree in Special Education from IUP in 2018. She strives to make a
difference in her students’ lives by helping them to progress towards, and achieve, their
goals. Holly looks forward to her career as a teacher for the Forest Hills School District.
She is proud to call herself a Ranger.

8

Connor Wysocki named a
Commended Student in

the 2022 National
Merit Scholarship Program

Senior Connor Wysocki has been named a Commended Student in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program.
A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the
program, has been presented by the Principal to this scholastically talented senior.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic
promise. Although they will not continue in the 2022 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards,
Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2022 competition by taking the
2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NSMQT).
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,”
commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their
accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advance-
ment of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational
opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
Connor has made the most of his time at Forest Hills. He is on track to become the first student to graduate from
the Mount Aloysius/Forest Hills College Degree in High School Program. Connor will complete an Associate of
Applied Science: Industrial Production Technology degree as he finishes his high school diploma. Connor
completed an internship with GapVax over the summer where he learned hands on every aspect of the production
process.
It was through this internship that he narrowed down the major he wants to pursue to industrial engineering.
Connor has worked on special projects at school including crafting two guitars at school and six in his home shop.
He has crafted furniture including entertainment centers and end tables. Connor’s current project is restoring his
1970 MG Midget and playing in his band.

Arrington: Ranked #1 in the Nation at 145 lbs.

Jackson Arrington became the first Forest Hills Ranger to compete in Flo Wrestling’s,
“Who’s #1” wrestling event in September in Dallas, Texas. Flo Wrestling, a major sports
broadcaster and streaming service, started the event a few years ago to determine who
is the best wrestler in the nation at their respective weight class. Individuals are chosen
based on a nationally recognized ranking system developed through Flo Wrestling. This
head-to-head event usually pits the #1 and #2 ranked wrestlers in the nation to see who
truly is the best wrestler in the nation.

Jackson, who was ranked third in the nation, was not originally selected to participate in the
event. However, a week prior to the event the #2 ranked wrestler in the nation was injured giving Jackson
the opportunity to showcase his talents on a national level. Like always, Jackson was prepared for the match
even on such a short notice. He battled to a hard fought 4-3 victory over the #1 ranked wrestler in the
country. This propelled Jackson up the rankings, making him the first Forest Hills wrestler to earn a #1
ranking in the country. Congratulations Jackson and keep up the good work!

9

Boys & Girls Track 2021
The varsity boys track team completed another winning season. The boys compiled an 8-6 overall record that
included wins against Bishop Carroll, Bishop Guilfoyle, Bishop McCort, Cambria Heights, Chestnut Ridge,
Johnstown, Purchase Line, and United. Overall, 13 boys qualified for the district meet with Carson Berkheimer earning a 3rd
place finish in the high jump. Additionally, Carson qualified for the PIAA Championship meet. Overall, the team had a tremen-
dous season and competed hard in every meet. The team was coached by Robert Petrunak and Chris Gallaher.

GIRLS TRACK TEAM WINS LAUREL HIGHLANDS CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

After a one year absence from track due to Covid-19, the Forest Hills Girls Varsity Track and Field team was
able to rise to the challenge and capture the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference Championship. This was
the team’s 9th conference title in the past 11 track seasons (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21).

The Lady Rangers finished the season with a 12 – 0 conference record which included hard fought victories
over Central Cambria (11-1) and Bedford (10-2). The teams over-all dual meet record was 14 – 0. The girls also
won the Bedford Giant Eagle Invitational, finished 2nd out of 35 teams at the Altoona Mt. Lion Track and Field
Classic, and finished 3rd out of 33 teams at the District 6 Meet.

Once again, the team’s success was the result of a group effort. 25 girls accomplished at least one of their
season goals or set a new personal best time or distance. 31 girls scored at least one point in a meet and 25
earned a varsity letter. 16 girls earned 89 individual honors at major meets. There were 17 additions or
changes in 13 events to The BIG List (Top 10 All Time Performances). We were truly 40 girls strong.

Senior Josi Wehner was the District javelin champion with a personal best throw of 125-9, which qualified
here for the state meet in Shippensburg. Josi also qualified for the state meet in the discus. Other state meet
qualifiers were Remi Smith in the 100 and 300 hurdles and Delaney Dumm in the 3200 meter run.

Two girls earned All State Honors by placing in the top 8 in their event at the PIAA Championship Meet in
Shippensburg. Sophomore Delaney Dumm finished 6th in the 3200 meter run with a personal best time if
11:18.69 and junior Remingtyn Smith placed 7th in the 100 meter hurdles with a personal best time of 15.86.

Middle School Track & Field

The Forest Hills Middle School Girls and Boys Track & Field teams completed a very successful season! A team of
nearly all first-time participants stepped right in and learned events quickly. The girl’s team went undefeated with a
record of 8-0, while the boys team finished with a winning record of 6-2. At the beginning of the season the teams
started out with an impressive showing at the Clearfield Invitational, bringing home many Champion t-shirts and
ribbons! The girl’s team was second behind Altoona, and the boys finished third. At the Laurel Mountain meet,
almost every member of the team stood on the podium at least once, with many medals and ribbons taken home!
Champions: Olivia McLeary High Jump, Mylee Glessner 100M Hurdles, Sam Danel
Shot & Disc. Almost the entire team qualified for the Altoona Championships meet,
with the following earning podium honors: 4X800 Relays 4th place Olivia McLeary,
Laura Martyak, Julia Felix, Chloe Norton; boys 8th place Kaden Carpenter, Isaac
Dibble, Tyler Caron, Logan Moss; Shot Put Champion Sam Danel; Disc 3rd Place
Sam Danel and 8th place Eli Rudnik; High Jump 6th place Olivia McLeary and 4th
place Kaden Carpenter, Long Jump 8th Place Maggie Latshaw; 4X400 Relay 8th
place Olivia McLeary, Teaira Howey, Danica Shrift, Mylee Glessner. New school
records by Sam Danel in shot 38’ 3” and disc 88’ 7”!! We are so very proud of all
these teams have accomplished. Despite adversity throughout the season, they all
continued to push towards the tradition of excellence.

10

Baseball & Softball 2021

The 2021 baseball season was exceptional. The team had lost the previous season
due to Covid –19 and the group did not waste any time taking advantage of playing
on the new turfed field. The team won their first 12 games and established them-
selves as a quality group. They won the Boswell Jaycees Tournament and became
Laurel Highland Champions with a 14-1 record. They then then faced the #1 seed-
ed Central Dragons who had four players already committed to play Division 1 col-
lege baseball. The Rangers gave great effort, but could not overcome the experi-
enced Blair County team. The team finished the season with 17 wins and 4 losses.
The three Seniors on the team were great leaders and outstanding student-athletes. Zach Myers was the Senior
Award winner as well as the Laurel Highlands All-Conference selection. His pitching was dominating at times; he
threw a no hitter versus Johnstown, had 9 wins on the mound ,and had only 1 loss. He also had a .349 batting aver-
age along with 24 RBI’s. Brad Madigan played a great centerfield and had a .393 batting average. He also led the
team with 29 runs batted in. Griffin Christ, a senior, contributed in many ways on and off the field, and will be attend-
ing Alabama on an Academic Scholarship. The underclassmen gained valuable experience and with hard work can
achieve more success in future campaigns. Junior Colton Cornell led this group with a .424 average and won 4
games pitching. Kirk Bearjar had a .426 average as a DH and 1st baseman. Taylor Vranich also had positive contribu-
tions, sharing playing time in right field. The Sophomore group had 6 starters and is a super class of baseball players.
Brooke Williamson led the group with a .481 average and three homeruns, Brody Roberts had a .477 average and led
the team with 33 runs scored and 31 hits. Colby Rearick had a .353 average and had the only hit in the playoff loss to
Central. Devin Kreger had a .340 batting average and became an excellent 1st baseman. Devin Brezovec had a big
hit in the quarterfinal playoff win and will have a bigger role in the future. Jeremy Burda had 2 wins on the mound and
his role will also be expanded next year. Dayton Maul, and Freshmen Jacob Poldiak and Tyler Orris also lettered.
The 2021 Ranger Junior Varsity also experienced success, winning 9 games and losing 3. The Rangers had to deal
with heavy hearts, as their announcer and great supporter, Smokey Myers’ sudden passing shook the team. They
dedicated the season to Smoke and will have a memorial tournament each season to honor him.

The 2021 softball season came with many challenges but the hard-working
Lady Rangers overcame many obstacles and made their first playoff ap-
pearance since 2016. The team started the season with only 2 of their 3
returning starters and was made up of mostly Freshmen and Sophomores
that had never played a season. Quarantines and injury left us multiple
games with only one remaining returning starter. Our Freshmen players
stepped up and helped the team stay on track, earning 3 victories during
that time. Once everyone returned, we faced the toughest part of our
schedule facing Richland, Cambria Heights, and Penn Cambria.
After three tough losses, we needed to get back on track and were facing a one loss team in Central Cambria, who
also boasted one of the best pitchers in the area. We made some changes to the lineup and the team responded with
their best showing of the season, beating Central Cambria 5-4. The team went on a 5-game winning streak to help
increase their chances of making it to the playoffs. The team ended the regular season with a 9-8 record ranking them
6th in the District VI 3A standings. he team faced a tough 12-3 Richland squad in the District quarterfinals. The team
trailed 1-0 until the 6th inning, but the season concluded with a 5-0 loss.
The season was a year of hard work and improvement every day. The team leaders on offense were Junior Macken-
zie Hoover, with a batting average of .458 and 15 RBIs & 2HRs, Sophomore Aislinn Myers with an average of .423
with 25 RBIs & 4HRs, Freshman Madison Emerick with an average of .358, 11 RBIs & 1HR. Josie Makin pitched 15
games with 8 wins with an ERA of 3.769. This year's Senior Award went to Taylor Burda and the LHAC All-
Conference selection was Mackenzie Hoover. The Lady Rangers will be losing 2 seniors in Paige Debias and Taylor
Burda. Both have been a huge part of the program the past 4 years and will be greatly missed. The Lady Rangers
look to build on this year's success next Spring.

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Boys & Girls Volleyball

The junior high girls’ volleyball squad had an extremely successful season! The varsity ended the season
undefeated over 18 matches (36 sets) and are this year’s Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference Champions! The
junior varsity finished the season with an impressive record of 17-1!
The squad included one freshman, Alexa Papcunik; fourteen eight grade athletes: Julia Chunta, Rebekka
Coffman, Mya Colosimo, Samantha Danel, Mylee Gdula, Sophia Jacobs, Mya Kehn, Brielle Leventry, Payton
Pcola, Sienna Rowland, Avery Smiach, Alyssa Walker, Kayla Charney, and Miley Roberts; and six seventh grade
athletes: Morgan Gdula, Aivah Maul, Eva Myers, Paxton Pcola, Shay Rowland, and Adalynne Webb.
Next season we will be returning many experienced, talented, and driven athletes. Many of these athletes work on
their skills year-round to be the best that they can be. They exhibit dedication and a true love and passion for the
sport. Great season girls!

The Rangers returned to the court in 2021 after COVID cancelled the
2020 season. The roster included 16 players, most who were playing
volleyball at Forest Hills for the first time. The team started participating
in open gyms throughout January and February, officially kicking off
Spring practices in early March.
Although inexperienced, the team worked hard throughout the season to learn and improve their skills, winning
matches against Dubois and Bishop Guilfoyle. The team also faced Central and West Shamokin this season ending
with a record of 3-5.
The 2021 Rangers continued the tradition of excellence in athletics, laying the foundation for continued success of
players and the program. Two of the Rangers were honored with a place on the Mid-State Boys Volleyball League
All Star Team – Austin Plummer and Carson Berkhimer. Austin Plummer also committed to continue his volleyball
career and will be joining the Mount Aloysius Men’s Volleyball Team in 2022.
Team members include six seniors: Carson Berkhimer, Mitch Costlow, Jacob Flynn-Long, Tanner Kalmanir, Dylan
Kundrod, and Austin Plummer. The underclassmen include Junior, Connor Wysocki; Sophomores, Nolan Cabala,
Colten Danel, and Dewy Gates; Freshmen, Wyatt Allison, Brady Ambrose, Lucas DeLoatch, Levi Hockensmith,
Ayden Martinage, and Josh Weinzierl. Head Coach Jen Poldiak, Assistant Coach, Tim Kestermont and Volunteer
Coaches, Garrett Donoughe and Timmy Kestermont.

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~ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ~

Principal’s Corner

Dr. Robert Dill, Mr. Edward Alexander,
Academic/Achievement Principal Operational Principal

Dear Ranger Families,

We are thrilled to welcome our students and staff back for the 2021-2022 school year. It was a
busy summer at Forest Hills Elementary School for those students who attended our district-
sponsored summer learning camp. We hope that all students, families, and staff were able to
relax and create special summer memories with family and friends. Our highly dedicated staff
of educators have been in school throughout the summer to prepare for the new school year of
in-person instruction. We are aware and prepared to address unfinished learning created by
unexpected changes to our conventional instructional delivery model, by using acceleration
strategies to fill in gaps in knowledge. Instruction will be focused on specialized skills and
content needed to learn grade-level material, while providing students with opportunities to
connect, engage, and grow.

Forest Hills Elementary School is a special place where students connect with peers and car-
ing staff members, engage in meaningful learning experiences, and grow socially, emotionally,
and educationally. We are proud of our beautiful facilities that reflect our RANGER pride and
our trademark tradition of excellence. As we prepare for an exciting and full year of in-person
learning, we continually ask for the support of our parents and community. Our success as a
school district, as captured in our storied tradition, rests in the strong and supportive
community that, when working together, can overcome any challenge, however big or small.

Our youngest Rangers reflect the values of our community; they are kind, compassionate, and
resilient. As we genuinely believe and say, “It is great to be Forest Hills Rangers!”

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The fourth graders spent a week in the Pennsylvania Agriculture Mobile Ag lab
doing a variety of hands on experiments with some of Pennsylvania’s most
valuable natural resources. The students began the week experimenting and
learning about the many uses of soybeans, and made a soybean crayon.

Next, the students studied features of an environmentally friend farm in PA,
and how it works on a daily basis. Then, the students found out what method
was the best way to wash their hands to get rid of germs. They examined
their own hands underneath a black light to see what method worked the
best. The students also examined different types of PA eggs to find the Grade
of the egg, and the learned the specific parts of an egg. Finally, the fourth
graders did an experiment on pigment power. Here, they learned that using
baking soda can cause a chemical reaction and show the healthy phytochemi-
cals in natural juices.

The students enjoyed a week full of thinking like a scientist and using our
own PA products to conduct experiments in the traveling PA Mobil AG Lab!

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It is time again for the annual Ranger-thon fundraiser to benefit the Forest Hills Elementary students! This
is the one and only Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) sponsored fundraiser for the 2020-21 school year.
The goal is to raise $40,000. This averages to be approximately $40 per student. Collections have been
tallied and we are AMAZED at the support of everyone in our ranger community. Money raised from the
Ranger-thon fundraiser is used to fund field trips for all the elementary grades and provide a Ranger t-shirt
and yearbook for each student, among other fun and exciting surprises throughout the year. The PTO
sponsors other events throughout the school year including the extremely popular end of the year carnival
and sixth grade dance.

Elementary students from Pre-K through sixth grade are challenged to reach the $40 goal level. Parents
can contribute the total amount or students can collect donations from family, friends, neighbors, and local
businesses. Any amount collected above goal helps other Ranger students that are unable to fundraise.
A donation-based fundraiser has proven to be more successful than selling food or material items.

The 2021 Ranger-thon kickoff was held on Tuesday, August 31st. Elementary students attended a prize
assembly where the PTO explained how the fundraiser works, and where they learned our theme this
year: The Olympics. Prizes are used to motivate the students to participate. All students received the
participation prize, a light-up flag keychain, that day. Students have an opportunity to earn additional
prizes and be entered in drawings based on different dollar levels achieved. Prizes are awarded for Top in
Grade, plus Grand Prizes are awarded to the top three students in the school. Grand prize (Gold Medal)
for top in school was a $100 gift card of their choice. First runner up, Silver Medal, received their choice
$75 gift card of their choice. Second runner up, Bronze Medal, received a $50 gift card of their choice.

We had our Opening Ceremony on Thursday, September 30th. The Top in Grade winner, carrying their
“torch”, led their grade outside where the entire school gathered to “light” the Olympic flame. The Ranger-
thon celebration was held on Friday, October 1st. All students got a chance to go outside and participate in
our Ranger-Thon Olympics. We had 7 stations for the kids to experience: soccer, golf, equestrian, karate,
track & field, a craft where they created their own Olympic medal, and a snack where they heard some fun
facts about the Olympics.

The PTO is a 100% volunteer organization managed by the parents of elementary school students.
Activities and events that are sponsored by the PTO are an integral part of the Forest Hills elementary
year. These activities would not be possible without the support from the generous members of our Forest
Hills community. On behalf of the 2021-22 PTO executive board, we would like to thank everyone who
has made this fundraiser possible. We greatly appreciate the generosity from all donors along with the
participation from students, guardians, teachers, district staff, and the Forest Hills community. We could
not do it without you!

Lighting the Olympic Flame Showing off Their Medals Trying out Karate

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Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit #5
Johnstown, PA

“BTohaerdmoifsSsciohnooolfDtihreecFtoorrsest HilDlsisStrcihctoAodl mDiisntisrtircattiiosnto

BporaorvdidofeSthcheoboel Dstirsetcutodresnt-cenDtiestrreicdt eAddumcinaitsiotrnatsioonall
Fred Russell, President Edwin Bowser, Superintendent
Dr. David Lehman, Superintendent
Vanessa Sral, Director of Education
Galen George, President

students acquire and apply the knowledge and skills toGTarlaecnyGHeeolsrgele,,11ssttVVicicee-P-Prreessidideenntt
Lucas Jacobs, Director of Education
Claudia Mehall, School Psychologist
Richard Knavel, 1st Vice-President

succeed in an ever-changing world.”Deborah Petrunak, 2nd Vice-President
Deborah Petrunak, 2nd Vice-President Elissa Boyd, Special Education Supervisor
John Bopp, SecrePtuabrliyshed by the Office of the SupCeruinrteVndaesnatso,f HthiegFhoSrecsht HooilllsPSrcihnocoilpDaisltrict
Rebecca Roberts, Jr-Sr High School Principal
Keith Rager, Secretary
Robert MacTavish, Treasurer Brian Kostan, HS Assistant Principal
Brian Kostan, Jr-Sr High School Principal
Timothy Ondrejik, Treasurer
Rick DanielTsr,aAcsysiHsetalsnetlS, Mecermetbaerry/Treasurer Edward Alexander, Middle School Principal
Colleen Wolfhope, Asst. Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Robert Dill, Elementary School Principal
JRaicrehdarCdrKonnaauverl,, MMeemmbbeerr Laura Miller, Dean of Students
Edward Alexander, Elementary School Principal
Edward Hudak, Member
GCaolerinnaGeLorngge, ,MMeemmbbeerr Lucas Jacobs, Elementary School Principal
Chris Reighard, Business Manager
Corina Long, Member
Timothy Ondrejik, Member Larry Celmer, ES Assistant Principal
Jesslyn Anslinger, Food Service Director
Daniel Russell, Member
GilCbeartl BE.eCaradr,oSffo, lSicoiltiocritor Chris Reighard, Business Manager

Ronald Repak, Solicitor Marian Boyer, Food Service Director

“The mission of the Forest Hills School District is to
provide the best student-centered education so all
students acquire and apply the knowledge and skills to

succeed in an ever-changing world.”

Published by the Office of the Superintendent of the Forest Hills School District

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