Author: msanger

Parent Night – September 22, 2016

msanger GSHS, Mr. Sanger, Principals

It’s a great day to be a Spartan!

To this day, I remember my dad dragging me through the halls of Annville-Cleona High School on a Saturday morning well before an afternoon football game. My principal, who just happened to be my neighbor, was more than happy to oblige my dad’s request. You see, I received a poor grade on a Spanish II quiz the previous week that had the potential of rendering me ineligible to play the next week. As fate would have it, I had a Spanish II unit test coming up the next week and I failed to take home my book and notes to study over the weekend. My dad would have none of it.

While I was embarrassed at the time, I look back on that moment fondly. I am thankful that my dad cared enough to hold me accountable, and I’m glad I had a principal that promoted the “student” in student-athlete. Trust me, there are plenty of opportunities for parents to get involved with their child’s education at Garden Spot High School that are far less embarrassing. One such opportunity is coming up on Thursday, September 22nd.

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and administration, I would like to invite you to Parent’s Night! Festivities begin at 6:45 PM in the Stan Dean Auditorium. During this event you will have the opportunity to follow your child’s schedule and speak with members of our faculty. The event concludes at 8:00 PM and light refreshments will be provided throughout the evening. We hope to see you on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 6:45 PM for Parent’s Night!

It’s a great day to be a Spartan!

msanger GSHS

The faculty, staff, and students at Garden Spot High School just completed the second day of the 2016-17 school year. I have been so impressed by the preparation of our faculty and staff. Spending time in almost every classroom, I have seen student engagement and positive relationships being established. Even more impressive is the way in which our students have embraced the ideals at the core of The Spartan Way. The Class of 2017 has certainly set a positive tone within the building and a true sense of Spartan pride lines the halls. I am excited to see what our journey through the 2016-17 school year has in store for us, but one thing is for certain…it’s a great day to be a Spartan!

A Glimmer of Hope…

msanger GSHS

Last week, the Conestoga Valley School District was once again shaken by the sudden death of a beloved colleague and friend, Mr. Pritchard. Mr. Pritchard served Conestoga Valley High School for 10 years as an assistant principal and was well-respected in the administrative ranks around the county. As the district and the surrounding communities grieve his passing, it is important to celebrate the life and legacy that has positively impacted so many young people.

Having lost two faculty members at GSHS in the last three years, I am once again reminded of the scene in the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, when Gandalf speaks to Pippin about the journey that is death. It is a touching reminder that offers a glimmer of hope in a time of distress and an assurance that our colleagues and friends are in a better place.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Pritchard family and the Conestoga Valley School District.

The Importance of Extracurricular Activities

msanger Athletics, GSHS, Mr. Sanger, Principals

This week Garden Spot High School celebrates the accomplishments of the Spartan Rifle team that recently won the Lancaster-Lebanon League Championship! Congratulations! Led by “Marksman of the Year”, Julia Irvin, the Spartans posted their best record in over 30 years with 11 wins and 1 loss. You can read all about the team’s exciting finish to the season at Lancaster Online.

As I followed the team’s success throughout the course of the year, I was reminded of how fortunate I was to play on several championship teams throughout my high school and college athletic career. While those accolades do not make me anything special, those experiences certainly taught me something special about the team concept and the importance of accountability. These experiences have made me a better principal, colleague, husband, and father.

One of the most memorable athletic experiences I had was in college while playing a small role on a pretty impressive “team”. You can read about my experience by clicking here. Ultimately, our expectation of excellence as a member of that “team” has followed us in our career paths. Daron (the holder) is now President and CEO of Rosie Pope Maternity, and he has frequented such TV shows as Bravo’s Pregnant in Heels. Brett (the kicker) is now a Tournament Director for the PGA, and he was recently named the Tournament Director of the 2016 Ryder Cup. As for me (the long snapper), I am fortunate enough, as principal, to lead a group of students and staff to similar successes in life as my teammates and I enjoyed as a result of our experience in college.

Only time will tell of the importance this championship has had on the members of our Rifle team, and I cannot wait to read about it! Again, congratulations to the Spartan Rifle team! It’s a great day to be a Spartan!

The Courage Needed in Education

msanger Mr. Sanger

By now I’m sure many of you have read the LancasterOnline article regarding a local teacher who recently resigned from her teaching position of 20 years. What you may not know is that Gina de Vitry is a dear friend of mine, and I admire her courage to do what she felt was best. Let’s be honest, how many of us would leave the comfort of a profession we have held for 20 years because we did not like the direction it was going?

Her resignation appropriately sheds light on a bigger issue within the realm of public education – standardized testing. While I believe standardized testing (i.e. PSSA and Keystone Exams) has its place in education, it should not be the sole indicator of success and effectiveness. Unfortunately, standardized testing is now the driving force behind public education and it is how schools are now being judged.

Kudos to those who have the courage to do what they feel is best! Good luck, Gina!

Course Selection – Coming Soon!

msanger Mr. Sanger

It’s that time of year again when we prepare our students and their families for the course selection process. Course selection is an exciting time for all students and best exemplifies the partnership between family and school. As we transition into the course selection process, we ask that you and your child identify future academic and career goals so courses can be chosen that will lead to successful attainment of those goals.

The future success of your child relies heavily upon the courses they take in high school. Moreover, your child’s education is not only important to our local economy, but to our national economy. Research shows time and time again a direct correlation between an individual’s level of education and the future success of that individual and his or her country. That is why we take course selection so seriously at Garden Spot High School.

Much time and energy is invested by the high school guidance counselors and administrative team in helping students make informed decisions. Discussions regarding course selection begin in October and the entire process is not complete until mid-summer. From an administrative perspective, the scheduling process is extremely important as we utilize student course request data to assign staff, allocate resources, and decide which courses will and will not be offered.

Ultimately, students are responsible for the courses they request. Course requests should only be completed after carefully consulting with parents, teachers, and counselors. School counselors are available throughout the process to answer any questions regarding course selection. Furthermore, students are permitted to submit schedule change requests during the selection and verification stages of scheduling from February to the last day of the current school year. After this time, no changes will be accepted.

The following schedule will be implemented for 2015/16 Course Selection:

            Class of 2016 – 02/10/2015 – 02/16/2015

            Class of 2017 – 02/17/2015 – 02/23/2015

            Class of 2018 – 02/24/2015 – 03/02/2015

            Class of 2019 – 03/03/2015 – 03/09/2015

Please note, 2015/16 Course Selection will occur online as it has been done in the past. Directions for 2015/16 Course Selection as well as the 2015/16 Course Selection Guide are available on the High School’s website.

We look forward to working with you and your child as they take steps toward preparing for a successful and productive future. We encourage our students to challenge themselves academically by setting realistic goals and enrolling in courses that will best meet their future needs. Please contact your child’s school counselor with any questions you have regarding course selection.

Ms. Cantymagli
Guidance Counselor (A-L)
(717) 354-1573

Ms. Kreider
Guidance Counselor (M-Z)
(717) 354-1575

 

Parent Night – February 10, 2015

msanger Mr. Sanger

It sure is a great day to be a Spartan, and here is to a successful February! On behalf of the entire faculty and staff of Garden Spot Senior High School, it is my pleasure to invite you to our Parent/Teacher Program for the second semester to be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 from 6:45 PM to 8:00 PM. The snow date for the second semester program will be Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 6:45 PM.

We would also like to invite you to our 2015/16 Course Selection presentation that occurs the same evening at 6:00 PM in the High School Auditorium, just before our Parent/Teacher Program. This informational meeting will allow you to gain a thorough understanding of the course selection process at Garden Spot High School as your child prepares for the upcoming school year.

This program provides you the opportunity to meet the high school administration and follow your child’s schedule as you meet each of his/her teachers. This is an excellent opportunity to gain a better understanding of your child’s academic schedule and the requirements of their courses. It is also a tremendous opportunity to meet the staff at Garden Spot High School. You will be able to get a “snapshot” of each class and information about major projects and assignments.

We encourage you to speak with your son/daughter and complete the enclosed schedule for the evening. As you are completing the schedule, please include the room number of each class. If your child has a class that meets every other day, feel free to visit either one. Student guides will be available to assist you in finding your child’s classes.

Please remember, time will not permit conferences with individual teachers during the program. However, school counselors will be available around the Guidance suite to schedule conferences with teachers or the counselors for a later date.

Please mark these dates on your calendar. Again, I encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity.