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Title 1

Dear GSMS Families,

Hello!  My name is Mrs. Hannah Mihalko and I am the Reading Specialist at Greensburg Salem Middle School. This is my 6th year working in the Greensburg Salem School District and my 5th year as the Reading Specialist at the Middle School. During the 2018-2019 school year I was the Reading Specialist Intern at Nicely Elementary. 

I work very closely with the ELA teachers in 6th to 8th grade during their language arts instruction. During intervention time (WIN) and enrichment, I provide small group instruction and support in reading. I am also the lead teacher in our benchmark testing, NWEA MAP Growth Assessments. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions regarding Title I, NWEA Assessments, and WIN.

I'm looking forward to another year of working with our middle school students!

Here is a link to the Greensburg Salem School District Federal Programs page. 

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Right to Know Letter 2023-2024

Dear Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s):

Your child attends Greensburg Salem Middle School in the Greensburg Salem School District that receives Federal Title I funds to assist students in meeting state achievement standards. Throughout the school year, we will be providing you with important information about this law and your child's education. This letter lets you know about your tight to request information about the qualifications of the classroom staff working with your child.

At Greensburg Salem, we are very proud of our teachers and feel they are ready for this school year and are prepared to give your child a high-quality education. As a Title I School, we must meet federal regulations related to teacher qualifications as defined in ESEA. These regulations allow you to learn more about your child's teachers' training and credentials. We are happy to provide this information to you. At any time, you may ask:

  • Whether the teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade level and subject he/she is teaching,
  • Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which state qualifications were waived, and
  • What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher hold, including graduate certificates and additional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.

You may also ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional. If your child receives this assistance, we can provide you with information about the paraprofessional's qualifications.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which was signed into law in December 2015 and reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1956 (ESEA), includes additional right-to- know requests. At any time, parents and family members can request:

  • Information on policies regarding student participation in assessments and procedures for opting out, and
  • Information on required assessments that include o subject matter tested, o purpose of the test, o source of the requirement (if applicable),
  • amount of time it takes students to complete the test, and
  • time and format of disseminating results. 

Our staff is committed to helping your child develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking he/she needs to succeed in school and beyond. That commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals meet applicable Pennsylvania state requirements.

If you have any questions about your child's assignment to a teacher or paraprofessional, please contact your building's principal, David Redinger, or email the Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs, Lenni D. Nedley at lenni.nedley@gslions.net.

HANNAH MIHALKO

Faculty Information

Location(s)
Middle School Faculty and Staff

Contact Information

School Email
(Primary)

Parent and Family Documents

 

MTSS Chapter

Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework that we use at GSMS to target and support ALL students. MTSS addresses academic and behavioral needs. Under the "umbrella of MTSS" are programs and supports that our school uses to address the needs of individual students. Two components of this at GSMS are our PBIS program and our WIN interventions.

 

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is an evidence-based program that works to encourage positive behaviors that can affect student outcomes. At GSMS we use RESPECT as our schoolwide initiative. RESPECT stands for responsibility, effort, self-control, preparedness, excellence, citizenship, and teamwork. When teachers notice students demonstrating these behaviors they may reward them with a RESPECT dollar that students can then use for prizes and rewards. 

 

WIN (What I Need) Interventions

Every student at GSMS receives a reading and math intervention period on alternating days. This is an intensive work time to provide students with what they need (remediation/reteaching, more practice, challenge activities, etc.). Intervention groups are flexible and based on NWEA MAP Growth scores as well as teacher input. 

NWEA MAP Growth Assessments

All students take the NWEA MAP test in math, reading and science 3 times a year (fall/winter/spring).   MAP Growth uses the RIT (Rasch Unit) scale to help measure and compare academic growth. Specifically, the scale measures levels in academic difficulty. The RIT scale extends equally across all grades, making it possible to compare a student's score at various points throughout his or her education.  In addition to RIT scores, MAP Growth provides specific learning statements showing what each student is ready to learn. Those learning statements are directly aligned to the PA state standards and projected PSSA performance.   Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teachers and/or Mr. Redinger or Mr. Francis.  

For Parents:  

 

For Students:  

  • Practice your skills. Khan Academy provides a way to improve your math skills based on your MAP Growth results (using your RIT scores). Log into MAP Accelerator to work on the recommended skills. Students can access their accounts through ClassLink which is linked on the school district website.  

  • Students all have access to Newsela accounts through ClassLink. Newsela has high-interest articles available for them to read for free.  

  • Actively participate in class, ask for help when you need it, and take advantage of our after-school programs for extra support!  

Future Ready Index

Having a well-educated and skilled workforce that is prepared to meet the current and projected demands of a global, knowledge-based 21st century economy. Therefore, it is imperative that Pennsylvania students at all educational levels have access to high-quality academic and technical education, as well as opportunities to assess interests, build skills, and identify and explore careers aligned to those interests and skills. Regardless of their postsecondary plans, all students should leave secondary education with a solid foundation in career education and work.

 

At GS - We are working with all students to prepare them to become productive responsible citizens, by giving them opportunity to have the knowledge of possibilities available beyond graduation.  We explore different careers, learn workplace skills, complete interest inventories, and speak with career industry professionals. 

 

PA Core Standards