IN Pine-Richland Spring 2018 | Page 55

(L-R) Seniors Molly McCarthy, Mahak Sethi and Tyler Viljaste are competing in an international speech and debate competition. Students Earn Top Placement in International Speech & Debate Competition Pine-Richland High School students are moving on in the “Top 64” teams and are now in the “Top 32” as they compete in the 17th annual International Public Policy Forum, under the direction of The Brewer Foundation and New York University. This is the only contest that gives high school students around the world the opportunity to engage in written and spoken debate on issues of public policy. Students making up the Pine-Richland team include seniors Mahak Sethi, Molly McCarthy and Tyler Viljaste, under the direction of PRHS Teacher Jeff Byko. Pine-Richland is the only team in Pennsylvania to move on in the competition. For 2017-2018, teams are debating the topic: “Resolved: International climate accords for greenhouse gas emissions should adopt binding enforcement mechanisms.” Senior Awarded with Student of Distinction The Pittsburgh Rotary named senior Matthew Zirckel with the Student of Distinction Award. Matthew is a member of the Air Force JRTOC Senior Matthew Zirckel program. The earns the Student of rotary recognizes Distinction Award. students who demonstrate a willingness to help others Pine-Richland High School Teacher Matthew Roberts earned the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award. Pine-Richland High Teacher Matthew School graduate Roberts Noah Adams, who is attending the University of Chicago, nominated him for the award. Noah, who graduated in 2017, specifically thanked Roberts for all he has done for him and his peers in Asians Studies and AP Psychology classes and for being a sponsor of the Global Relations Club. The university has asked entering students to help identify and commend outstanding high school educators for the past 30 years. Board Approves Senior Citizen Tax Rebate The Pine-Richland School Board approved a property tax rebate program for qualifying senior citizens, widows, and widowers for the calendar year of 2017. The program is for residents of Pine Township or Richland Township, who have owned a home in Pine or Richland Township for all of 2017 and used it as his or her primary residence. The filer must be classified as a senior citizen, widow or widower. Review details and download a packet by visiting pinerichland.org/ seniors. Board Approves Tax Resolution The Pine-Richland School Board approved a resolution certifying the district will not raise local taxes at a rate to exceed the school district’s Act 1 index of 2.4% for 2018-2019. The purpose of this resolution is to allow the school Alumni Directory Pine-Richland School District to Update Alumni Directory Pine-Richland School District is working with PCI-Harris Connect also known as Publishing Concepts to update the district alumni directory. PCI is a company, which is located in Dallas, Texas, that publishes directories for educational institutions and military organizations. During the school year, you may receive a postcard or a phone call. Graduates are not obligated to update their information or purchase a directory. However, the project allows PRSD to receive important updates to our database so we can better serve you and future alumni. If you wish not to be contacted, please email [email protected] or call 724.625.7773, ext. 6202. If you would like to provide the district with your information, you can submit it via our website by visiting pinerichland.org/ alumni. Sign Up for District E-Newsletter The district has an electronic newsletter packed with information about the district. If you would like to learn more about the district (budget information, upcoming events like musicals and plays and more), visit pinerichland.org/community to sign up for electronic newsletter. PINE-RICHLAND ❘ SPRING 2018 53 Teacher Earns Outstanding Educator Award district to continue through the general fund budget preparation process for 2018-2019. This resolution states the school board is not planning to raise the real estate tax rate for next fiscal year beyond the approved Act 1 index for the Pine- Richland School District. You can read more about the resolution by visiting pinerichland.org/budget. through initiatives and who are active contributors in their community.