Tulpehocken Area School District’s first day of school is Monday, August 28.
What is new this year? “We are adding a scheduled STEM class at the elementary level. In previous years, the students would visit the MakerSpace, but moving forward it will be part of their scheduled program,” said Superintendent Robert Schultz.
For Junior High Tulpehocken revised its 8th grade Ag Experience course, adding STEM content to the course.
Tulpehocken also revised its high school Ag program, with the addition of Engineering and Technology components to the course of study.
“We are also adding Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to our high school this coming year,” said Schultz. “The first course in the PLTW program will be Intro to Engineering Design.”
Talking about Instructional Technology, Schultz explained that “prior to this coming school year we had ipads for all students in grades K – 4, and laptops for students in grades 5 – 8. This year we will also be providing laptops to all students in grades 9 – 12.”
New Staff includes the following:
Douglas Molhoek – Computer Science/ Business Education Teacher – Junior/Senior High School
Robert Aregood, Jr. – Elementary Autistic Support Teacher – Bethel Elementary
J.D (Joseph) P. Ricapito – Technology Education Teacher- Junior Senior High School
Administration changes include the following:
Denis Quirk will be moving from his position as High School Assistant Principal to Junior High House Principal
What should students and parents expect on the first day of school?
“On the first day, students and teachers will spend time getting to know each other, set expectations, and become familiar with the routines and schedules in the school buildings,” said Schultz. “Teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, school counselors, and administrators will be available throughout the day to help students with any questions that they have regarding school routines and schedules.”
Advice for students and parents: “As is true for any school day, be sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast in the morning before coming to school. After school, have a conversation with your child to ask questions about his/her day.”
