Students in Mrs. Weale's Life Skills classes at the middle school are making friends the old fashioned way - by being pen pals!
Mrs. Weale's students have teamed up with the Life Skills class at Mars High School to do a Pen Pal project. By writing their letters, students are able to work on their grammar, spelling, penmanship and computer skills with the added bonus of making new friends.
The students will correspond several times during the school year. The best part will come at the end of the school year when the pen pals will have the opportunity to meet each other.
The Ambridge Area School District is pleased to announce that one of its teachers has been nominated for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year recognition.
Mrs. Nicole Darroch, a K-5 STEAM Educator and Technology Integrator for Highland and State Street elementary schools, was nominated for PA Teacher of the Year by the Beaver County Educational Trust (BCET). BCET announced its nomination of Mrs. Darroch on Friday, Sept. 27.
“We are so excited to nominate Nicole for this honor,” said Mrs. Jamie Connelly, BCET Executive Director. “Nicole was honored at the BCET Coming Together for Education event in May as one of the BCET Teachers of the Year. In 2018, Nicole’s award-winning grant was focused on Storytime STEAM packs. BCET is proud to support enthusiastic teachers like Nicole for their creativity, ingenuity and dedication.”
The PA Teacher of the Year Program is co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National State Teacher of the Year. The program recognizes excellence in teaching by honoring K-12 educators in public education who have made outstanding academic contributions to school-aged children in Pennsylvania. The nomination process for teachers for the 2021 program is underway. Educators, parents, students and community members are encouraged to acknowledge the efforts of teachers in their community through the nominations process. Twelve finalists will be selected from the applications received.
“I am honored by the nomination,” said Mrs. Darroch. “The Beaver County Educational Trust supports great educational efforts throughout Beaver County. I appreciate their recognition of the work I have done in the elementary STEAM programs at Highland and State Street.”
In addition to her latest nomination, Mrs. Darroch also has received the following recognition:
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Beaver County Teacher of the Year 2019;
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STEAM Catalyst Grant Recipient – Allegheny Intermediate Unit ($7,500 grant in September 2018);
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Target Field Trip Grant Recipient (December 2018);
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Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Teacher of the Month (March 2017);
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Beaver County Educational Trust Grant Recipient (2015, 2017, 2018 & 2019); and
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Society of Analytical Chemists Equipment Grant Recipient (2016 & 2018).
The first annual Bridger Back-to-School Kick-Off event was held on Monday, Aug. 19 at Wright Field House. The event featured food, fun and games for the entire family. A special thank you to our sponsors for helping to make the day extra special for our students and their families. Welcome back Bridgers! The first day of school for the 2019-2020 School Year is Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. A highlight reel of yesterday's event is available here or by clicking on the photo above.
After spending most of her career in inter-collegiate athletics, Addie Lucatorto decided it was time to make a change to a setting that was more student-focused.
On June 20, the Ambridge Area School District offered Ms. Lucatorto the opportunity she was seeking, hiring her as the District’s new Athletic Director. Ms. Lucatorto replaces Mr. Brian Miller, who resigned from the position in March.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with younger student athletes,” Ms. Lucatorto said. “I have missed being in a position where the welfare of the student athlete is a primary mission of the institution. At this level, adults can truly make a positive impact on young people’s lives.”
Ms. Lucatorto said some of her best memories of growing up were when she was busy in high school with sports, drama, choir and numerous clubs. “Those opportunities set me on my path. People never told me that I couldn’t achieve my goals. They helped me to find the way to achievement. I have worked to mentor in the same way that I was blessed to be mentored.”
She began her career as an athletic trainer and spent time working daily with student athletes. She then moved into a more administrative role as a Senior Woman Administrator with Robert Morris University. Ms. Lucatorto served in her most recent position of Associate Athletic Director with Robert Morris University from 2006 through 2019.
Ms. Lucatorto prides herself on being a critical thinker who will ask the tough questions so that solutions can be found to any situation. With only a month on the job, Ms. Lucatorto jumped right into the planning for Homecoming Weekend, which includes a community pep rally on Thursday, Sept. 19 and the big parade and game, scheduled for Friday, September 20. The full schedule of events for Homecoming weekend will be announced soon. She also has had a hand in planning and organizing the first annual Bridger Back-to-School Kick-Off celebration, planned for noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 19 at Wright Field House.
Something the AASD community can expect from Ms. Lucatorto is a growing presence for AASD athletics on the athletics website and social media. She plans to provide snapshots about athletic events, AASD athletes and other important information on the Twitter and Facebook accounts. She has also made it a priority to launch an AASD Athletics Instagram account for the purpose of sharing photos of our athletes and athletic events and accomplishments.
“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Addie’s skill set and experience in this position,” said Superintendent Dr. Jo Welter. “She truly cares about the well-being and overall success of our student athletes, not just on the field, but off the field as well.”
Ms. Lucatorto said she has felt very comfortable transitioning into her new role, and credits the Ambridge community for the ease in which she has been able to make the change. “The Ambridge community has been incredibly welcoming. I have met a lot of wonderful people that are committed to giving the students in AASD a positive athletic experience.”
Follow the Ambridge Bridgers Athletic website for the most up-to-date news on all AASD athletics and athletes.
NOTICE:
The Ambridge Area Softball Boosters are having a meeting on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at the Ambridge Eagles at 7:00 PM. Things to be discussed are this September 14th golf outing fundraiser at Blackhawk Golf Course, fall ball for the Varsity team, September Calendar ticket and other fundraising ideas. Any parent should attend who has a child that is interested in playing on the junior high , junior varsity, or varsity team in the 2019- 2020 school year. If you have any questions contact Leigh Ann Holman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Ambridge Eagles is located on 4th and Maplewood.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FACT SHEET
2019-2020
School District: Ambridge Area School District
Contact Person for Kindergarten Registration: Cathy Hopkins
Phone Number: 724-266-2833 x 1273 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
District Website: www.ambridge.k12.pa.us
Dates and Location of Registration:
Tuesday, February 5th: 8:00am – 2:30pm State St. Elementary
Wednesday, February 6th: 8:00am – 2:30pm Economy Elementary
Thursday, February 7th: 8:00am – 2:30pm Highland Elementary
Tuesday, February 12th: 4:00pm – 8:00pm – High School Media Center
Tuesday, February 19th: 4:00pm – 8:00pm – High School Media Center
Please call Cathy Hopkins to schedule an appointment – See Above
Age Requirement: A child is eligible for admission to kindergarten if she/he has attained the age of five (5) years on/or before September 1st of the school year.
Documents that are REQUIRED to be presented the day of registration:
§2 Proofs of residence
§Child’s birth certificate
§Immunization records
The Pennsylvania State Health Law requires each child entering school for the first time to have the following immunizations before school begins:
- 4 doses of tetanus (usually given as DTP or DTaP or DT or Td) (1dose on or after the 4th birthday)
- 4 doses of diphtheria (usually given as DTP or DTaP or DT or Td) (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday)
- 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given)
- 2 doses of measles (Usually given as MMR)
- 2 doses of mumps (Usually given as MMR)
- 1 dose of rubella (German Measles) (Usually given as MMR)
- 3 doses of hepatitis B
- 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or history of disease
The immunization requirements are a condition of attendance at any public, private, or parochial school in Pennsylvania. Parents will be expected to produce evidence of the immunizations or their child will be denied entrance to school until the requirements are met.
What to expect when you and your child go to Kindergarten Registration: Parents bring their child to registration and the secretary will check required documents. The nurse checks over immunization record with parent. The child is separated from parent and given the screening tests. They consist of vision screening, hearing screening, visual matching, writing skills (hand dominance), cutting skills, counting skills, numeral recognition, shape recognition, identifying upper and lower case letters, and verbal skills (can the child say their full name, address, phone number)
Orientation activities from the district include: Parents will be notified of the date of orientation. Parents and children go to the Kindergarten classroom and are introduced to the teacher. After ½ hour, the children ride the bus route that they will be taking while the Kindergarten teacher discusses the Kindergarten curriculum with the parents. When the children get back refreshments are served.
PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR KINDERGARTEN ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER!
AASD Registration Form 19-20.pdf
KINDERGARTEN HANDBOOK 2019-2020.pdf
Photo Courtesy of Alan Freed
Now in its 30th year at Ambridge, the Ambridge Steel Drum Band is celebrating the milestone with a few unique opportunities to shine this year. First on the agenda is the upcoming performance in the 38th Annual WPXI Holiday Parade. The steel band was invited to march in this prestigious local parade, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 24 starting at 9 a.m. The parade will be aired live on WPXI Channel 11. The theme for this year’s parade is “Neighborhoods,” and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.
It was the first time in the parade’s 38-year history that a steel band performed in the parade and was the first time Ambridge's Steel Drum Band appeared in the WPXI Holiday Parade, said Steel Band director Mr. Todd Hartman. “Much like the heartbeat of the once-booming steel town, the Ambridge Steel Drum Band has established a culture of excellence, hard work and pride for our students and the Ambridge community."
Tune into WPXI on Saturday to catch the band in action!
The Meet and Discuss session of the Ambridge Area School Board will be held on Wednesday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. with the Board meeting immediately following. This is a change in date for the meetings as previously scheduled. The meeting will be conducted in the Ambridge High School Media Center.
* Art shows begin at 6pm and band/choral concerts begin at 7pm
Tuesday, April 24 – HS Chorus Concert
Tuesday, May 1 - Jr. High Art Show and Band Concert
Wednesday, May 2 – HS Art Show and Band Concert
Thursday, May 3 – Jr. High Art Show and Chorus Concert
Tuesday, May 8 – HS Steel Band Concert
Thursday, May 10 – State St. Elementary Chorus & Recorder Concert
Monday, May 14 – Highland Elementary Art Show and Band Concert
Thursday, May 17 – Highland Elementary Chorus & Recorder Concert @ HS Auditorium
Tuesday, May 22 – Economy Elementary Band Concert
Wednesday, May 23 – State St. Elementary Art Show and Band Concert
Thursday, May 24 – Economy Elementary Art Show and Chorus & Recorder Concert
Monday, May 28 – Jr. High Band in Baden Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 28 – HS Band and Chorus at Ambridge Memorial Day Service