By Katie Smolen
November 9-13 was Health Careers Week. In honor of this, with the help of Career Link, the Greater Johnstown High School held a career fair.
The career fair, which was held on Tuesday, November tenth, had a total of sixteen vendors. Some offered more to students than just health field related opportunities. The participants included: Allegheny Manufacturing and Electrical Service, Inc.; JWF Industries; Carpenter's Joint Apprenticeship; Aseracare Hospice; Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center; Pennsylvania Department of Transportation; Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center; Pennsylvania Highlands Community College; Pennsylvania Academy of Cosmetology; Mt. Aloysius College; St. Francis University/ Center of Excellence for Remote Medical and Under-Served Areas (CERMUSA); Career Link; and the US Army and Army Reserve. Those attending offered students information, job shadowing, and co-ops on careers ranging from engineering to secretarial work to the health field.
The event was organized by Eva Dobransky of Career Link, with the aide of Richard Capraun from the high school. Dobransky took care of contacting and obtaining the vendors, where as Capraun took care of the building preparation for the event. "This is twice as big as it was last year; just think of how big it will be next year,” said Capraun excitedly in a discussion regarding the attending vendors.
Capraun also noted that as part of Health Careers Week, a county-wide poster contest was held. Kaitlin Cramer, a Junior in Mrs. Nanassy's Health Occupations class, won third place in this contest.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Model Teachers
by: Katelyn Muller
Three GJHS teachers were recently chosen as model teachers. Dr. William Brotz, Miss Robin Cummings, and Mr. Robert Heinrich were chosen from forty teachers who were nominated statewide. The three were recommended by the principal and then observed by the State Department of Education. The teachers were filmed by Learning Science Services in April of 2009 and the films will be used in an online masters-level education.
Mr. Heinrich was filmed demonstrating Power-Teaching. He taught an American History class which consisted of students who previously had him as a teacher. Dr. Brotz and Miss Cummings modeled Team-Teaching in their video during a Chemistry class. The videos were directed and produced by the Executive Director of Learning Science Services, Elaine Clawson.
"It was quite an honor to be selected as a model teacher." Heinrich said, "It was great to have a chance to show-off some of the great things we are doing here at GJHS."
Mr. Heinrich was filmed demonstrating Power-Teaching. He taught an American History class which consisted of students who previously had him as a teacher. Dr. Brotz and Miss Cummings modeled Team-Teaching in their video during a Chemistry class. The videos were directed and produced by the Executive Director of Learning Science Services, Elaine Clawson.
"It was quite an honor to be selected as a model teacher." Heinrich said, "It was great to have a chance to show-off some of the great things we are doing here at GJHS."
GJHS Students Learn How to Save a Life
by: Shelby Mastovich
“…And I would have stayed up with you all night had I known how to save a life…” This is a verse from the popular song, “How to Save a Life,” by The Fray--a song about suicide prevention. This is what Freshmen at Greater Johnstown High School learned at an assembly given by the Cambria County Coroner's Office--how to help save the lives of peers struggling with the idea of suicide. The presentation is titled The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. Cambria County Chief Deputy Coroner, Jeff Lees, along with counselor, Dan Ayers, and Dale Emme (father of Michael Emme), spoke about the tragic effects of suicide and the importance of having awareness on how to prevent it.
The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program was initiated in Colorado, by the parents of Michael Emme, after their son committed suicide at the age of seventeen in 1994. Their purpose of establishing this program is to provide insight to students all over the nation about the effects of suicide and to inform them of ways to help those who are at risk of committing suicide. Forty-seven countries and all fifty states are now involved with implementing the program. During the assembly, Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Cards are handed out to the students, which educate and encourage them to take the steps necessary to stop suicide in its tracks. The cards are to be used as a “lifeline;” when a card is given to someone, he/she is asking for help. The cards speak for themselves, and they let the receiver know what to do next. The color yellow was chosen because Michael drove a yellow Mustang, which he rebuilt and cherished very much.
Cambria County Chief Deputy Coroner, Jeff Lees, knows very well that suicide is the second most prevalent cause of death in teens within Cambria County. He is very involved with implementing the program throughout the county’s schools. During the program’s involvement at Greater Johnstown, he stressed that recognizing warning signs of suicidal thoughts and talking about emotional problems are essential in avoiding suicide.
After attending the program, students at Greater Johnstown were a lot more educated about suicide. The intention of the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program is to prevent the calamity of someone taking their life. The speakers stressed how suicide is a permanent solution to a non-permanent situation. Any student who was fortunate enough to experience the program is now prepared with a resolution to preventing suicide in themselves and those around them.
“…And I would have stayed up with you all night had I known how to save a life…” This is a verse from the popular song, “How to Save a Life,” by The Fray--a song about suicide prevention. This is what Freshmen at Greater Johnstown High School learned at an assembly given by the Cambria County Coroner's Office--how to help save the lives of peers struggling with the idea of suicide. The presentation is titled The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. Cambria County Chief Deputy Coroner, Jeff Lees, along with counselor, Dan Ayers, and Dale Emme (father of Michael Emme), spoke about the tragic effects of suicide and the importance of having awareness on how to prevent it.
The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program was initiated in Colorado, by the parents of Michael Emme, after their son committed suicide at the age of seventeen in 1994. Their purpose of establishing this program is to provide insight to students all over the nation about the effects of suicide and to inform them of ways to help those who are at risk of committing suicide. Forty-seven countries and all fifty states are now involved with implementing the program. During the assembly, Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Cards are handed out to the students, which educate and encourage them to take the steps necessary to stop suicide in its tracks. The cards are to be used as a “lifeline;” when a card is given to someone, he/she is asking for help. The cards speak for themselves, and they let the receiver know what to do next. The color yellow was chosen because Michael drove a yellow Mustang, which he rebuilt and cherished very much.
Cambria County Chief Deputy Coroner, Jeff Lees, knows very well that suicide is the second most prevalent cause of death in teens within Cambria County. He is very involved with implementing the program throughout the county’s schools. During the program’s involvement at Greater Johnstown, he stressed that recognizing warning signs of suicidal thoughts and talking about emotional problems are essential in avoiding suicide.
After attending the program, students at Greater Johnstown were a lot more educated about suicide. The intention of the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program is to prevent the calamity of someone taking their life. The speakers stressed how suicide is a permanent solution to a non-permanent situation. Any student who was fortunate enough to experience the program is now prepared with a resolution to preventing suicide in themselves and those around them.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Key Club raises money for the Trojan College Access Center
Pictured above is the check presentation to Miss Cyndi Ahlborn of the Trojan College Access Center from the officers of the Greater Johnstown High School Key Club. The money was raised by chancing off LaRod Stephens-Howling autographed footballs at the last two Trojan home games. The event was sponsored by the Conemaugh Health Systems Oncology Department and other members of the community. All proceeds and monies raised will be used by the Trojan College Access Center to provide financial aid to disadvantaged Johnstown students paying for college. From left to right:Tyler Smay, Jocelyn Lonsinger, Alisha Boesrtler, Cyndi Ahlborn, Molly Ash, Katy Landis.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Cyclists
By: Alyson Kelly
Imagine the relentless wind blowing against your visage and pedaling harder than you've ever pedaled before that moment in time. Riding one hundred miles straight on a bike is not exactly an easy feat for anyone to accomplish, even if it's for a good cause. The last person anyone, faculty or students, would expect to embark on this ambitious endeavor would be Mr. Bill Chick, but, as the saying goes, always expect the unexpected.
The twenty-first annual Sea Gull Century bicycle ride took place on Saturday, October 10, 2009, at Salisbury University in Maryland. Eight thousand avid riders, including Mr. Chick and Mr. Callihan, flocked to this event and made the one hundred mile loop from the college campus and back again in order to raise money for specific charities. The two faculty members from JHS rode in the 73 degree weather, through a morning drizzle, and against an afternoon headwind in order to raise money for the Trojan College Access Center as well as for personal enjoyment.
Mr. Chick, who underwent a hip replacement last December, has participated in fourteen century rides since 1990 and has put in about fifteen hundred training miles throughout the past year, though he wished he had racked up a tad bit more before this century ride. He is happy to report that his hip replacement seems to have helped with his overall riding abilities because the doctors made his legs the same length when they replaced his hip, ensuring a smoother biking experience. When asked how sore he was after the fact, Mr. Chick stated, "I didn't feel too bad; I was more tired two days later. This is actually the best I've ever felt after completing a century ride, so it's been a pleasant surprise."
During the actual ride that weekend, Mr. Chick and Mr. Callihan made use of the various strategically placed rest stops along the route to stock up on carbohydrates and sports drinks as they biked. Now since everyone must be wondering who finished the ride first, Mr. Chick or Mr. Callihan, it must be reported that the two faculty members "tied"; because they waited for each other at rest stops and kept each other company along the way, it isn't really possible to determine a "winner" between the two.
The staff and students of Johnstown High School thank Mr. Chick and Mr. Callihan for their splendid efforts on behalf of the Trojan College Access Center and are glad to hear that everything went well on the adventure known as the Sea Gull Century.
Imagine the relentless wind blowing against your visage and pedaling harder than you've ever pedaled before that moment in time. Riding one hundred miles straight on a bike is not exactly an easy feat for anyone to accomplish, even if it's for a good cause. The last person anyone, faculty or students, would expect to embark on this ambitious endeavor would be Mr. Bill Chick, but, as the saying goes, always expect the unexpected.
The twenty-first annual Sea Gull Century bicycle ride took place on Saturday, October 10, 2009, at Salisbury University in Maryland. Eight thousand avid riders, including Mr. Chick and Mr. Callihan, flocked to this event and made the one hundred mile loop from the college campus and back again in order to raise money for specific charities. The two faculty members from JHS rode in the 73 degree weather, through a morning drizzle, and against an afternoon headwind in order to raise money for the Trojan College Access Center as well as for personal enjoyment.
Mr. Chick, who underwent a hip replacement last December, has participated in fourteen century rides since 1990 and has put in about fifteen hundred training miles throughout the past year, though he wished he had racked up a tad bit more before this century ride. He is happy to report that his hip replacement seems to have helped with his overall riding abilities because the doctors made his legs the same length when they replaced his hip, ensuring a smoother biking experience. When asked how sore he was after the fact, Mr. Chick stated, "I didn't feel too bad; I was more tired two days later. This is actually the best I've ever felt after completing a century ride, so it's been a pleasant surprise."
During the actual ride that weekend, Mr. Chick and Mr. Callihan made use of the various strategically placed rest stops along the route to stock up on carbohydrates and sports drinks as they biked. Now since everyone must be wondering who finished the ride first, Mr. Chick or Mr. Callihan, it must be reported that the two faculty members "tied"; because they waited for each other at rest stops and kept each other company along the way, it isn't really possible to determine a "winner" between the two.
The staff and students of Johnstown High School thank Mr. Chick and Mr. Callihan for their splendid efforts on behalf of the Trojan College Access Center and are glad to hear that everything went well on the adventure known as the Sea Gull Century.
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Challenge Program, Inc. Awards $250.00 to Greater Johnstown Students for Exellence
The Challenge Program, Inc. is once again offering $250.00 cash incentives to sophomores, juniors and seniors who excel in the categories of: Academic Improvement, Attendance, Community Service and Academic Excellence. This is the 6th year The Challenge Program, Inc. has provided financial incentives to Greater Johnstown students.
For the 2009/2010 school year, a few modifications have been made to the program to motivate and include a larger number of students to compete for an award. This year, the top 10% of students in each of the categories listed above will be eligible to win $250.00. Each eligible student will be notified at the end of the 3rd grading period and asked to complete a brief online survey. Submission of a survey will enter the student in a lottery drawing to be held at the school to determine a winner for each award.
Partnering with The Challenge Program, Inc. to provide incentives to the students is Mount Aloysius College. Mr. Matt Bodenschatz from Mount Aloysius was on hand to address the students at an Orientation Assembly held at the school on September 15th. The Challenge Program, Inc. would like to thank Mount Aloysius College for their support and commitment to Greater Johnstown High School.
For more information about The Challenge Program, Inc., visit our website at www.tcpinc.org or contact your school’s guidance counselor.
For the 2009/2010 school year, a few modifications have been made to the program to motivate and include a larger number of students to compete for an award. This year, the top 10% of students in each of the categories listed above will be eligible to win $250.00. Each eligible student will be notified at the end of the 3rd grading period and asked to complete a brief online survey. Submission of a survey will enter the student in a lottery drawing to be held at the school to determine a winner for each award.
Partnering with The Challenge Program, Inc. to provide incentives to the students is Mount Aloysius College. Mr. Matt Bodenschatz from Mount Aloysius was on hand to address the students at an Orientation Assembly held at the school on September 15th. The Challenge Program, Inc. would like to thank Mount Aloysius College for their support and commitment to Greater Johnstown High School.
For more information about The Challenge Program, Inc., visit our website at www.tcpinc.org or contact your school’s guidance counselor.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Gone Fishing
Students in Mr. Dadey’s 6th grade science classes at the Greater Johnstown Middle School held an electromagnetic fishing derby in the classroom. The students who built the fishing rods competed by finding who could pick up the most paper clips in thirty seconds. It was a fun and exciting extra credit/enrichment activity that connected school and family in the same project!
All of Mr. Dadey’s students agreed that it was fun building this project at home and that it was also nice to work with their families, showing off what they were learning in school.
All of Mr. Dadey’s students agreed that it was fun building this project at home and that it was also nice to work with their families, showing off what they were learning in school.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Planting the Seeds of Citizenship
On October 8th, 20 students from the JHS Key Club and 20 students from the JMS Builders Club joined forces on their long term urban beautification project in Johnstown. For the 4th consecutive year, the students worked with the Johnstown and Richland Kiwanis Club to maintain the massive flowerbed that resides at the city’s entrance on Bedford Street. The students plant a variety of annual flowers in the spring and remove them in early October. Club advisors Robert Heinrich, Thomas Staib, Bernard Conway, Wes Bowser would like to thank the students for their continued dedication to their community.
Connecting with Parents
During the week of October 12th, parents of East Side students were invited to reading workshops aimed toward informing parents how the Success for All reading program works for their students. Presented by reading facilitator Mrs. Kathy Kessler, the workshop focused on the specific skills and procedures taught during the reading block.
Before the sessions began, Principal Doug Henry and Assistant Principal Amy Arcurio thanked the parents for their focus and dedication to their children’s education. Mrs. Arcurio also pointed out the importance of literacy at the early elementary level because as she noted, without a basic foundation of literacy, other content areas become increasingly more difficult as a child progresses throughout his or her education.
After the brief presentations, parents were given the ability to observe their child’s reading classes. Impressed with the level of student active participation, the parents came away with a thorough understanding of the program and learned how to reinforce the topics when they are home with their children.
Before the sessions began, Principal Doug Henry and Assistant Principal Amy Arcurio thanked the parents for their focus and dedication to their children’s education. Mrs. Arcurio also pointed out the importance of literacy at the early elementary level because as she noted, without a basic foundation of literacy, other content areas become increasingly more difficult as a child progresses throughout his or her education.
After the brief presentations, parents were given the ability to observe their child’s reading classes. Impressed with the level of student active participation, the parents came away with a thorough understanding of the program and learned how to reinforce the topics when they are home with their children.
The Physics of Fun
Mrs. Phyllis Meyers’ 7th and 8th grade science classes at Johnstown Middle School enjoyed building and flying air powered rockets down the school’s hallway. No, the students were not being mischievous! They were actually launching the soft foam rockets to learn a valuable and relevant lesson on physics. Students competed to achieve the longest distance while learning about drag and aerodynamics. The project made possible by the Saint Francis University and the Pennsylvania STEM Initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) was deemed to be a huge success by the students because they learned some “hard science” while having some serious fun.
Working Hard at West Side
Students at West Side Elementary have been actively involved in the community during October. Mrs. Tomak's and Mrs. Thompson's 5th grade classes worked together to create an original scarecrow for the contest in downtown Central Park. "Balancing Bob" not only balances on his head, but also balances all of the student responsibilities that our West Side students balance (as noted on the pumpkins that surround him.) Stop down and check him out!
Additionally, West Side is helping local food banks by collecting non-perishable food items during the month of October. Students or staff members who choose to participate in “casual Fridays" must bring in a non-perishable food item. The goal is to help people through the economic downturn while simultaneously teaching students to become good citizens.
Additionally, West Side is helping local food banks by collecting non-perishable food items during the month of October. Students or staff members who choose to participate in “casual Fridays" must bring in a non-perishable food item. The goal is to help people through the economic downturn while simultaneously teaching students to become good citizens.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Johnstown Shows Trojan Pride
“Pride and Tradition” is something that the students and faculty members take very seriously at JHS. This can especially be witnessed every single Friday throughout the school year with all of the blue and black that can be seen throughout the hallways and classrooms. So, it was no surprise that on Friday, October 16, 2009, Johnstown High School stayed true to their “Pride and Tradition” motto for the big game against the McCort Crushers. Faculty members participated by wearing the team’s away jerseys during the school day and at the game, for a donation of at least one dollar. This was used to help purchase pom poms that were given to the first two hundred Johnstown students who entered Trojan Stadium that night for the game. Many Trojan fans showed their school pride by wearing their blue for a “freeze out” theme, and cheering enthusiastically throughout the game. The Trojans played a hard-fought game against McCort, but the game did not end in their favor; the final score of the game was Trojans: 21-McCort: 40. Despite this loss, Johnstown’s school pride still remains strong.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
New School Store Merchandise
The JHS School Store is pleased to announce that we have new inventory in for all GJSD fans. Specifically, we have the new "Trojan Army" and "Believe in Johnstown" merchandise in stock and available for all Trojan fans.
BELIEVE%20ORDER%20FORM%202009.jpg
TROJAN%20ARMY%20ORDER%20FORM%202009.jpg
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
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