Towanda Area School District -

Venture Grants Awarded Through the Education Foundation

Several Towanda Area School District educators have been awarded venture grants through the Education Foundation to assist in the design and implementation of “dream activities” in their classrooms.  Venture grants reward the development of innovative and creative educational ideas in the classroom.  They are competitive and must enhance the curriculum.  The program was initiated in the 2005/2006 school year and has been gaining popularity with more teachers applying for grants each year. 

This year, 13 grants have been awarded in very diverse areas to the following teachers and projects:  Mrs. Amy Belosky, 5^th grade, “A Technology Driven Classroom”; Mrs. Treena Miller, 5^th grade learning support, “Reaching Special Needs Students through Technology”; Mrs. Stacy Mount, academic and behavioral support, “Character Counts”; Mrs. Tammy Templeton, secondary English, “Tenth Grade Sees the World” & “Holocaust Literature Beyond the Classroom”; Mr. Jason Strickland, art & Mr. James Wecker, secondary English, “Jack Troy Poetry and Pottery Tile Mural Project”; Mrs. Lynda Homet, librarian, “Getting Hooked on Books”; Ms. Dayna Dawsey, Mr. John Pierson, Mr. Mike Hudyncia, secondary science, “Towanda Turkey Vulture Project”; Mr. Mike Geurin, physical education and health, “Healthy Cooking and Eating”; Mrs. Ann Smith, junior high reading & Mr. Mike Maurer, junior high learning support, “21^st Century Readers Continued”; Mrs. Shvonne Strickland, art, “Silver Casting Workshop”; Mr. Keith Brown, physical education and health, “Survival Confidence Course”; Mrs. Phyllis McNeal, secondary English, “Interactive Kiosk”.

Each grant recipient may receive up to $1,000 in funding.  The Education Foundation is excited about the creativity being brought to our classrooms and look forward to education being electrified in classrooms for our students!

Rensselaer Medal Awarded to Ross Stevens

Mr. Dennis Peachey, principal of Towanda Junior/Senior High School, announced that Ross Stevens has been named as this year's Rensselaer Medalist. For more than 95 years, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has awarded the Rensselaer Medal to high school students who have distinguished themselves in math and science. The award recognizes the superlative academic achievement of young men and women and seeks to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology. This award is presented to one outstanding junior student in each of 4,200 participating high schools across the world. This $15,000 per year merit scholarship is guaranteed for four years for each Medalist who applies, is accepted, and chooses to enroll at Rensselaer.

Ross is the son of Scott Stevens and Lorelei and Edward Abrams of Towanda. Ross is interested in environmental issues and research. He is a member of the National Honor Society and works at a local department store in order to save money for college.

The students, staff and faculty of Towanda Junior/Senior High School are proud of Ross and his accomplishments.

An Outstanding Teacher and an Outstanding Coach

The National Individual Events Tournament of Champions (NIETOC) brings together the nation's best and brightest students and teachers in Oral Interpretation and Oratory. This year's tournament took place in San Antonio, Texas, where Towanda students--seniors Khabeera Calaman and Elizabeth Vana, as well as sophomores Caroline Vana and Blakely Watkins-- participated in the Tournament of Champions.

Their long-time forensics coach, Julie Larnard-Newbury, also enjoyed guided workshops, networking opportunities, and strategies for increasing student achievement. And, this year, Towanda's outstanding coach was recognized as the co-recipient of the Josephine Mamie Dukes Outstanding Teacher Award at the May 12, 2013, closing ceremony!

The tournament organizers recognized Larnard-Newbury for her strong emphasis on community and on learning over competition. Her spirit of optimism, and her generosity both in and out of the speech world make her a consummate teacher. She loves learning, respects diversity, and instills that attitude in her students as well.

Congratulations Julie, and thank you for all that you do!

Local Author Visits JAM and TAES

Students in grades K-6 had a visitor on Wednesday, May 8th. Mr. Greg Bellows, author of "The Giant," read his story and talked about the writing process. Currently teaching 3rd grade in Canton, Mr. Bellows taught in Towanda for nine years. His second grade students at J. Andrew Morrow Primary school gave him lots of input while writing "The Giant," as well as his own two sons at home. Mr. Bellows told students that no matter what your size, you can accomplish giant things! Thank you for your visit, Mr. Bellows!