PA Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera  brought the Schools That Teach Tour to Aliquippa School District on Friday, according to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano.  Rivera toured the elementary school and junior senior high school, and a round table discussion with administrators, teachers, local leaders  and students  convened in the Black Box Theater at the junior senior high school. Rivera told the group  after being introduced by Superintendent Dr. Peter M. Carbone  that schools only work when communities come together . Elverna Cuffie, vice president of the school board said we’re very proud of the students , and every child can learn and be successful, “I know we’re on the right track.”   Ms. Cuffie graduated from Aliquippa High School in 1966, went to college, and came back and taught in the district and retired from here, remaining involved in the community.  Secretary Rivera thanked her for her service. Secretary Rivera said   the opiod wpidemic  is a problem , education is the biggest issue to be addressed , how we assess the schools,  not just with the standardized tests , how we assess schools will change , and we are looking at programs ,are kids learning after high school.? He said restoring critical funding and supporting pre-k to post secondary are the keys to Governor Tom Wolf’s “SCHOOLS THAT TEACH” initiative. Ideas are being explored to to modify the SCHOOL PERFORMANCE PROFILE   established in 2013 a program that heavily relies on standardized tests. He said the spp is heavily reliant on the test scores  at a single point in the school year . PDE”s recommendations for FUTURE READY PA INDEX  retains everal of the indicators , however weighting of the indicators would be modified he said. Under the Wolf Administration he has worked with legislature to secure $640 million  in education funding at all levels. Aliquippa is struggling, according to board member Catherine Colalella because the district  doesn’t receive enough funding, and teachers pay out of pocket for necessary supplies for the classroom.  Colalella asked it anything can be done at the state level, Rivera said yes.Dr. Carbone said there’s alot of pride , we’re successful, and we’ll keep it that way.” Secretary Rivera said ,”we’re here to help, we’re here to change the conditions you’re working in.” He talked about cleaning up communities ,and we’re here to help.He added we’re at a really messy part if the state had been  in the investment of education  5 years ago , we’re behind the 8 ball now.  He said PDe is working with school districts and the IU’s  to make sure teachers have what they need for personalized learning. He said there will be a data summit in a few months Curriculum coordinator Lisa Dutkovich said Aliquippa is unique  and the district can’t afford the advanced placement testing and students have to do it online. She said PDE has been extremely helpful.

U.S. residents will be paying $.49 each again for a  stamp beginning on Sunday, according to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano.  Stamps are currently .47 cents each, according to a U.S.Postal service spokesman at the  Aliquippa, PA post office .

Aliquippa School Board met last night and voted 7-1  to terminate the employment and the remaining term of boys head basketball coach Nick Lackovich, effective immediately, according to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano. Dwight Hines is currently  head coach. In other matters under athletics Jacqueline Sims was hired as the girls jv basketball coach effective 11/29/16 for the current school year. her salary is $4,125.60.  Keir Jeter was hired as the 7 & 8th grade boys coach effective 12/10/16 . His salary is $2,101.00. Athletic director and head football coach Mike Zmijanac had his 700 th win against Hopewell in 2016   He was approached by the Heinz History Center  who wants to display any historical memorabilia  of Aliquippa High Athletics from the 30’s and 40’s . He said any uniforms, shoes, shirts, pictures, yearbooks, and newspaper articles are welcome. He said it’s quite an honor for us.” He said that the Steelers have issued another $25,000 for the district’s athletic trainer for next year. Aliquippa resident Dr. Michael Alexander approached the board about purchasing a building the district owns on Sheffield Avenue  for use an urgent care clinic since none is available in Aliquippa.  He said if a purchase is approved the site could be up and running next year. A “RED OUT  SUPPORTING THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION  will be district-wide. The “Red out” will be at  the boys games vs. Lincoln Park on Tuesday, Jan. 31, Seniors Kenny Rainey and Alexander Riggins are doing their senior project supporting the American Heart Association .  A “Red Out”  will be at the girls basketball game vs. Washington on Thursday, Jan. 26. ‘LIFE IS WHY’ RED  t shirts are being sold at $10 each  at all home games .  The senior mentor Charles Brantner  is asking that all  t shirt monies be turned in  by Monday, jJa.n. 23. A banner will be  available to sign at all home games, and $1 donations are also being accepted  at that time.  The boys are asking that the red gear be worn on the game days  to support AHA’s life saving mission on cardiovascular disease.