The Pennsylvania Department of Education has commended the York Suburban School District for its Gifted Education Programs.

The state auditor was so impressed with the programs, she asked if York Suburban would share its methodology with other school districts.

Natalie Hasenfuss, York Suburban Director of Pupil Personnel, said the audit was conducted by the state this past spring.  Students in Gifted Programs are there because of their “cognitive and achievement levels.”  Gifted Programs can range from kindergarten through senior year.

There are 72 students in the Gifted Programs.  Some of the additional education is presented to the students in their classrooms, or they may go to a separate classroom.  There are three Gifted Program teachers in the district.

At the high school level, students choose their own programs, Mrs. Hasenfuss said.  That was of particular interest to the auditor.  The students select their own goals and then their action steps are monitored by the faculty.

The nuts and bolts of the audit include a self-assessment, “how we feel we are doing.”  The Department requires proof of the responses before coming to the school and doing a spot check of file reviews.  “The paperwork on 10 students is checked.  Interviews are then conducted with the students, the classroom teacher, the parents, and the Gifted Programs teacher.”

Also of special interest to the auditor and mentioned in the commendations was York Suburban’s “collaboration between regular teachers and gifted teachers, the monitoring of students, and for including guidance counselor in our meetings.”

The York Suburban Education Foundation (YSEF) honored the following York Suburban School District staff members who retired in 2013-2014:

 Gabija Blotzer – High School Latin Teacher — 35 years in education; 16 years with YSSD

Catherine Brown – High School Math Teacher – 25 years in education; 17 with YSSD

Sharon Craumer – Yorkshire Elementary Custodian – 9 years of service

Lindell Gladfelter – High School French Teacher – 31 years in education; 14 with YSSD

Billie Jean Jensenius – Valley View Elementary First Grade Teacher – 35 years in education; all with YS

Karen Kibler – Middle School Secretary to the Principal – 27 years of service

Linda Kim – High School Librarian – 36 years in education; 26 with YSSD

Carol Loucks – Middle School Office Secretary – 15 years of service

Kay Matthews – Yorkshire Elementary Second Grade Teacher – 28 years in education; all with YS

Kathy Meals – Facilities Secretary / Community Education Coordinator – 17 years of service

Kathryn Orban – YSSD Superintendent – 36 years in education; 9 with YSSD

Jane Piepmeier – Valley View Elementary First Grade Teacher – 30 years in education; all with YS

Warren Tyson – East York Elementary Head Custodian – 31 years of service

Georgia Valero – High School Spanish Teacher – 34 years in education; 30 with YSSD

 The York Suburban Education Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization providing funding for innovative programs that enhance the educational experience and foster continued academic excellence for district students.  For more information on YSEF, visit www.ysef.org.

Jessica Renjilian is the York Suburban High School student representative to the York Suburban School Board.

A junior, Jessica is the daughter of Rev. Robert and Christy Renjilian.  She lives in Springettsbury Township.

Her goal is “to get the voices of the students out there and be sure whatever they need is being heard.”

She discussed the position with her parents before seeking the post.  Active with youth groups, “I thought I was well qualified for it.”