New rules at Allentown High

BUZZ IN THE HALLS by Pam Koharchik: A look at activities at Allentown High School.

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   School at Allentown High started this year without a hitch as all the students piled eagerly into their new classrooms anticipating an agenda chock full of challenging work. Well, maybe not exactly with eagerness, but for the most part the new school year is off and running, so far, so good.
   There are many changes at AHS by way of building use, rules and staff, some of which are highlighted below.
   First off, if you’ve been reading the paper, you know that there are extensive renovations needed in order to keep up with the growing enrollment, whether we regionalize with Millstone or not. During the opening day speech, Superintendent Bob Connelly outlined the many changes needed for both the high school and elementary school.
   For the high school, this includes additional classrooms, including state of the art science labs, an expanded media center with a TV production studio, a new gym, a new entrance way, new staff and student parking (so that the staff lot doesn’t become the lake it usually does during rainstorms) and a new track (if you’ll remember, last year’s track team had to have all their meets offsite due to the dangerous condition of the track). A new football area and tennis courts are also in the works.
   You can hear more about the proposals by attending one of the community meetings set up in coming weeks. Keep checking this paper for information.
   The rules also have encountered an overhaul. During the principal’s and vice principals’ speeches, along with class visits, all students were briefed on the new expectations of them. The biggest change regards lates to class.
   In the past students received a warning for their first late to class/school (before 7:45 a.m.) and a detention for the next, both issued by teachers. Now, the doors close for homeroom at 7:20. All those not in their rooms will have to go to the main office for an admit slip, where they will be issued two demerits.
   Teachers are now required to submit their class attendance within the first 10 minutes of class, to track down those cutting. Teachers are now given the right to issue central detentions, a right previously held by the administrators. Those students in trouble with demerits who may be in jeopardy of attending the prom only have until the end of April to work off their demerits, rather than right up to the prom date, as has been past practice. All of this ties into this year’s main theme for the school, accountability.
   Lastly, there are a few staff changes to make note of. We welcome Maria Zullo, the new Spanish teacher to our school, and new media center aide Elaine Saullo, but say farewell to Mr. Hennessey, who is moving on to the Delran School District as a social studies supervisor.
   Mrs. Felip is also moving on to greater things, as the staff developer and curriculum coordinator for the Clinton School District. Both will be leaving within the next two months. Ms. Corbin, an ever-popular guidance secretary has taken on an English teaching position, which is a dream come true for her (of course … we English teachers area a noble lot), and Mrs. Baker (mom of student Jenna Baker) has taken over her tough desk to fill.
   Ms. McEwan has moved down to the elementary school full time. Mr. Visbeck is out on a medical leave, so athletic trainer Brian Irwin is taking over as long-term sub. Mrs. Goss, of the math department, is expecting her third child. Mrs. Gafgan and Mrs. Coleman, two extraordinary support staff, have announced their end of the calendar year retirement.
   Whew! A lot happens in a short two months!
Buzzing in the halls this week: Spirit week is coming quickly, with the Red and Black assembly and senior homecoming dance auction scheduled for Sept. 24 . . .
   Take a look at the school calendars and note that there are now half days scheduled preceding major holiday breaks . . .
   School will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 18, for Rosh Hashanah . . .
   Finally, I have to send a personal welcome to Tyler Jennings Skidmore, newborn son of Pond Road Middle School (Washington Township) teacher Robin Skidmore and her husband Dave (who happen to be my closest friends in the world). The 7 pound, 6 ounce, cutie was born on Sept. 9, with his crazy aunt Pam joining in the welcoming.
   Participating in that amazing event was the most wonderful gift I could ever have been given. Thanks and congratulations to all. Can’t wait until our first Flyers game.
Pam Koharchik is a teacher at Allentown High School. Buzz in the Halls is a regular feature.