The Knightly News
September 2024
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Dear Reading School District Community,
I am excited to introduce The Knightly News, our new monthly newsletter dedicated to keeping you informed and celebrating all the amazing things happening in our schools. This will be your go-to resource for important updates, events, and highlights from across our district.
Communication with our community is essential to ensuring the success of our students, and we hope The Knightly News serves as a useful tool to strengthen our connection with families, staff, and partners. Together, we can continue to support our students and showcase the incredible achievements happening in the Reading School District.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jennifer Murray
Superintendent, Reading School District
WE "R" READING
WE "R" READING premiered at Opening Day 2024 for RSD Staff at FirstEnergy Stadium. This video is dedicated to every employee of the Reading School District that devote their lives to the betterment our students. We "R" ready for another spectacular school year.
Join Us for RSD Community Knights
Connect, engage, and share your voice at our upcoming Community Knights events! These forums provide an opportunity to hear important updates from district administration on construction, initiatives, and programs, with dedicated time for community questions and feedback. These events are open to all community members & parent networks.
- Thursday, October 17, 2024 - 6:00 PM at Southern Middle School
- Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - 6:00 PM at Northwest Middle School
- Thursday, January 16, 2025 - 6:00 PM at Northeast Middle School
- Thursday, February 20, 2025 - 6:00 PM at Reading High School
Please complete this form, if you would like to ask a question or leave a comment for the Superintendent, Dr. Murray. The answers to the questions not responded during the live event, will be posted on the RSD website at readingsd.org.
The Knight's Keep Opens Its Doors
The Reading School District hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new "Red Knight's Keep" at Reading High School. The Red Knight's Keep will be a safe space where students experiencing housing instability and other barriers to school attendance, can come and shower, relax, do laundry, and more. Thank you to all of the staff, local officials, community partners, family, and friends who joined us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
RSD Fast Facts 2024-2025
Click on the images below to view everything RSD for the 2024-2025 school year.
RSD BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
School Board Updates
Eric Baker presented with the psychologist interns.
The contract with Apptegy was approved.
Employment Approvals:
Stacey Hoffman was approved as the new RSAA Instructional Supervisor
Change of Status
Andrew Altland was approved as Assistant Principal Reading High School.
Brooke Dower was approved as Assistant Principal at Tyson-Schoener.
Seth Fasig was approved as an Instructional Supervisor at Central Middle School.
Megan Patt was approved as Assistant Principal 13th & Green.
The contract was approved between Helping Harvest and RSD for the 24-25 School year.
- A proclamation was signed designating September as Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in RSD.
- A proclamation was signed designating September 15th to October 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month.
RSD School Board Meeting Schedule
- Regular School Board Meeting - August 28, 2024 at 7 p.m.
- Committee of the Whole - September 18, 2024 at 6 p.m.
- Regular School Board Meeting- September 25, 2024 at 7 p.m.
- Committee of the Whole - October 16, 2024 at 6 p.m.
- Regular School Board Meeting- Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 7 p.m.
- Committee of the Whole - November 20, 2024 at 6 p.m.
- Regular School Board Meeting- November 26, 2024 at 7 p.m.
- School Board Reorganization Meeting - December 4, 2024
October 1 - College Fair @ Geigle
October 5 - Homecoming Dance
October 8-9 - PSAT Testing
October 14 - Schools Closed, In Service Day
October 15-16 - PSAT Testing
October 16 - Committee of the Whole
October 23 - RSD Regular Board Meeting
October 31 - Early Dismissal for all students
Homecoming Spirit Week
Monday, September 30th:
Cultural Pride Day - Wear something that represents your culture.
Tuesday, October 1st:
Pink Out - Wear pink for breast cancer awareness month.
Wednesday, October 2nd:
Sports Day - Wear your favorite team jersey.
Thursday, October 3rd:
90’s Day - Wear your best 90’s outfit.
Friday, October 4th:
Red Knight Pride - Wear your RSD Red and Black.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Reading is Reading
Please check out the video below to learn more about our Reading is Reading initiative and about the assessments our students will be engaging in across the district throughout the month of September. Closed captioning and translation are available in the YouTube video settings by selecting the autotranslate feature, and then the preferred language.
We encourage you to talk with your students about the importance of these assessments and the power of literacy.
September is National Literacy Month
Reading School District is proud to celebrate September as Literacy Month. This month we highlight the importance of reading and literacy in shaping bright futures for students. Literacy is the foundation of learning, imagination, and critical thinking skills that last a lifetime. Instilling a love for reading from an early age is key to empowering students both academically and personally.
Pictured below are several of our wonderful teachers proudly displaying their favorite books.
RHS 2024 College Fair
Attention all 11th and 12th graders, you are invited to the Reading High School 2024 College Fair on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Come speak with representatives from over 30 colleges and universities from across the state. If you are interested in attending the College Fair, please click HERE to complete the registration form.
RHS Senior Class Officers
Congratulations to the newly elected Reading High School Class of 2025 Senior Class Officers.
President, Mardoche Jules
Vice President, Le'Shay Collins
Secretary, Carmen Hernandez
Treasurer, Emely Abreu
Historian/Media Specialist, Malia Evans
Paw-sitive Energy
This week at Glenside Elementary School, students and staff were delighted by a visit from Quinn, a certified therapy dog. Special thanks to Quinn’s owner, Susan Monk, a retired Penn State professor who generously volunteers her time to bring comfort and joy to various organizations. Quinn holds the highest level of certification in the therapy dog field, and and it shows with the impact of their visits. Susan and Quinn visit the school every other Wednesday, providing support to the students' social, emotional, and academic learning needs. Their visits foster a sense of well-being, reduce stress, and enhance students' ability to focus and engage in learning, contributing to a more positive and supportive school environment.
Intramural Sports Kicks Off in Reading School District!
The Reading School District’s Athletic Department has proudly launched its first-ever Intramural Sports program for 5th and 6th graders. This inaugural year program gives students the opportunity to participate in four sessions spread across the academic year, two in the fall and two in the spring.
Nearly 1,000 students have signed up for the fall session to participate in bowling, wiffleball, and basketball. The next session is scheduled to begin on October 14th, introducing tennis, golf, track & field, and wrestling. These sports will create more options for students to develop their athletic talents and try new activities.
RSD’s Athletic Department has worked hard to ensure that the program is a success, coordinating schedules to create a robust, district-wide initiative that promotes teamwork, physical activity, and fun, while giving our students the opportunity to make friends, build confidence, and stay active.
This is only the beginning for intramural sports in the Reading School District! With two more sessions in the spring, the program promises even more opportunities for students to get involved.
Athlete of the Month
September's Athlete of the month is Aliha Toledo Soto of Reading High School's golf team. Aliha not only secured a spot in the BCIAA Championships but also made a significant impact, finishing 10th overall in the county and 5th in the AAA division of the BCIAA. Despite challenging conditions on a rain-soaked course, Soto delivered an impressive round, shooting a 101. With the qualifying standard for the district golf tournament set at 104, Soto’s stellar performance not only earned her a BCIAA qualification but also a spot in the PIAA District 3 tournament.
Congratulations to Aliha Toledo Soto for these amazing accomplishments. Her determination and skill have certainly made this season one to remember.
No Cash at an RSD Event? No Problem!
No cash? No problem! We’re excited to announce that Reading School District has teamed up with S2 Pass as our brand-new digital ticketing partner! As an option, you can now easily pay with your credit or debit card at any event, or by downloading their super handy mobile app from the Apple or Google Play Store. While this makes your ticketing experience smoother than ever, please note that each transaction will include a small fee, depending on the payment amount. For all the details on how to download and use the app, along with info on the fees, check out RSD’s Athletics page.
RHS Student Places First in Fashion Construction Competition
Josh Arroyave is a senior this year at Reading High School and RMCTC. He is in the Sewing & Clothing Manufacturing program, which focuses on the world of fashion, sewing, and textiles. Students create their own personal garments, choosing from a wide variety of fabrics, patterns, and trims, which allows them to showcase their creativity and design skills. Josh placed First in July's Fashion Construction competition at the FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America) National competition in Seattle, Washington. FCCLA is a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for students that emphasizes intra-curricular opportunities for students to pursue careers in Family and Consumer Sciences. Way to go, Josh!
The Red Knight Marching Band
The Red Knight Marching Band participated in the Twin Valley Marching Showcase on Saturday, September 14th. This was an event hosted by the Twin Valley School District to promote comradery and a positive sense of community among band programs in Berks County and to also provide the unique opportunity for band students to see and hear other local bands. Participating schools were Fleetwood, Muhlenberg, Daniel Boone, Exeter, Owen J. Roberts, and Twin Valley. Our students did a fantastic job representing Reading, and we are planning to participate again next year!
Back to School Bash
Despite a little rain, the 2nd Annual Back to School Bash, held at First Energy Stadium on August 7, 2024, was a resounding success, bringing together the community in a spirit of excitement and unity. The event’s success was a testament to the dedication and hard work of many, without whom this celebration could not have taken place.
A special acknowledgment goes to Emily Snisky and the RSD social work team, whose tireless efforts in organizing the event ensured its seamless execution. The family engagement team also played a crucial role in planning and coordination, contributing to the event's success. Scott Frederick and the facilities team were instrumental in adapting to the unpredictable weather with flexibility and determination, while the student services team worked diligently to ensure every detail was handled.
Dr. Samantha Frees’ generous donation of tents provided much-needed shelter, keeping the RSD team dry and allowing the festivities to continue without disruption. Finally, a heartfelt thank you is extended to all the volunteers who stepped in wherever needed, offering their support before, during, and after the event.
The collective efforts of everyone involved were deeply appreciated, and the success of this year's Back to School Bash sets a positive tone for the 2024-2025 school year. The Red Knight family looks forward to future opportunities to gather and celebrate together.
Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th through October 15th. The Reading School District is proud to serve Latino students and families, who account for approximately 87 percent of our student population. During Hispanic Heritage Month, our District recognizes and celebrates the rich history and cultural traditions of the Hispanic-American community. They represent many countries, each enriching our communities with their own cultural strengths and perspectives. We honor their contribution to art, music, poetry, education, business entrepreneurship, social justice advocacy, science, engineering, and medicine, as well as defending our nation in the armed forces. Our District joins other communities across our nation in celebrating and recognizing the legacy and contributions that are attributed to these Americans. In the Reading School District and urge our students, staff members, and community to honor this month and celebrate with appropriate activities, ceremonies, and programs the aspirations, tenacity, perseverance, achievements of the people who have contributed and made an impact on our American character and culture.
On October 24, 2024 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Reading High School will be hosting Hispanic Heritage Month Showcase in the Geigle Gym. Come view the work RSD students have prepared throughout the month. There will be art displays, performances, authentic cuisine, celebrations of diversity and more.
The Quadrant Parent Networks
The Quadrant Parent Networks is a space dedicated for parents to network with other parents in their quadrant, share their opinion and give the district feedback on what is happening in their building/quadrant, and a space to learn more about the district that the parents can then share with other families in their schools, and in the future will include training on advocacy. We piloted the initiative last year. The networks meet in September, November, March, and May. The first meeting of the year opened up a space for parents to share how the start of the school year went for their building, express any concerns, learn about what the teaching and learning department is focusing on this year with literacy and the September student exams, learn about title I, suggest ways we can use the funds and give feedback on the family engagement district policy, and get an update on district-level activities.
The Knight's Closet
The Reading School District proudly offers a resource called the Knights Closet to help with basic needs. RSD Social Workers assist students and families in accessing essential items like shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, and school supplies. In recent years, we’ve expanded our support to ensure we’re removing barriers for our students. If you or someone you know needs assistance or would like to contribute, please reach out to your school’s social worker. For more details, visit: https://www.readingsd.org/Page/403
Gold for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month
Cancer is the #1 cause of death of children in America. Globally, approximately 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. The American Cancer Society estimates about 9,910 children under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, our nation comes together to remember all those whose lives were cut short by pediatric cancer, to recognize the loved ones who know too well the pain it causes, and to support every child and family who are battling this disease. We honor every child’s determination and bravery to fight the battle against childhood cancer, including our Reading School District students who have been diagnosed. During the month of September, we show our support by wearing gold to help raise awareness and urge our students, staff members, and community to honor and remember those who have been impacted by Pediatric Cancer.
Guardians of R Knights
The RSD Mental Health Committee alongside In Mind Services are SO excited to be offering a 4-session series for “R” Guardians. This series has been created based off the Parent Interest Survey that was dispersed at the end of last year. Please see the “Guardians of “R” Knights” Flyer for more information, and make sure to RSVP using the QR Code/Link by Friday October 4th as dinner and childcare will be provided for this LIVE event. Any Guardians who attend all 4 sessions (Live Kick Off Event on November 7th and 3 virtual sessions) will be entered to win a Staycation Raffle Prize including a FREE night at the Double Tree of Reading. We hope to see you on November 7th.
Attendance Awareness Spirit Week
From September 16th to 20th, the Reading School District celebrated Attendance Awareness Spirit Week, to raise awareness about the importance of attendance and encouraging students to make school a priority. Each day, students and staff participated in themed activities, promoting school spirit while spreading the message that showing up matters.
The week kicked off on Monday, September 16th, with Neon Day. Tuesday, September 17th, was Twin Day, with students and staff teaming up to match in identical outfits. Wednesday, September 18th, was Wacky Hair Day. Thursday, September 19th, students embraced professionalism with Dress for Success Day, donning outfits that represented future career aspirations. The week wrapped up on Friday, September 20th, with Red Knight Pride Day, as the school came together to display their Red Knight pride by wearing the school’s signature colors and swag. Thank you to all the students and staff who participated and made the week a success!
Red Knight Radio - Lo Nuevo Del Distrito
Make sure to check out all episodes of Red Knight Radio which airs live on Albright Radio WXAC 91.3, then rebroadcast on the RSD YouTube channel. Our incredible hosts, Dorcas Ramos and Arleny Pimentel, along with various guests, dive into exciting topics focused on the Reading School District. Make sure to like, subscribe, and share! You won’t want to miss a single episode!
Donate to the Knights Closet:
We are in need of essential items to stock the Knights Keep shelves. Priority items include shampoo, conditioner, soap, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and gift cards. You can bring your donations to Central Middle School or the Administration Building. https://www.readingsd.org/Page/403
Partner with Community Aid (5370 Allentown Pike, Reading, PA 19560):
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Community Aid. Donations made using our partnership code 50249 will provide credit to RSD, which supports our students and families. To make a donation, please visit: https://communityaid.org/
Volunteer Opportunities:
If you're interested in volunteering, please visit our website and follow the volunteer process. We will reach out as we begin to staff additional volunteer positions. For more information, visit: https://www.readingsd.org/Page/1904
Thank you once again for your support and dedication to enhancing the resources available to our students. Together, we are making a significant impact!
United Way Campaign
Calling all RSD Staff! Help us reach our fundraising goal of $53,000 for the United Way. Check out our staff tab on our website to view all of the fantastic incentives we have to offer this year.
Click the picture above to view all RSD Staff Shout Outs
RSD NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Bashae Josephs
Art Teacher
Ericka Major-Cruz
2nd Grade Teacher
Stephani Ebert
1st Grade Teacher
Welcome to all new teachers in Reading School District. You are now an official Red Knight.
A Small, Sweet Token of Our Appreciation
Reading School District’s Human Resources Department has been working on ways to acknowledge our staff members throughout the year. One small token of appreciation was a chocolate chip cookie to give them a sweet treat on the first student day back to school! The Director of HR, Dr. April Rostek, worked with Chassiti Anderson of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading to ensure that 2,500 cookies were ready to go for the staff of Reading School District. The district’s HR team counted and delivered cookies to every building in the district. The gesture may have been small, but we are hopeful that it brought a positive moment to someone’s day. We appreciate all that our staff members do for our students, families, and community every day.
Reading School District is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on its recruitment and selection procedures and processes. Our Human Resources Department is instrumental in posting and advertising for open positions; the collection, screening, and processing of application packets; facilitating the interview process, and responding to applicant inquiries. The goal is to attract qualified applicants who will enhance the educational program for the District’s almost 18,000 students.
For more information on the Department of Human Resources or if you have specific questions regarding employment opportunities or benefits available to you as a Reading School District employee, please contact us at (484) 278-7000.