Moss Side’s morning show more than just announcements in Monroeville

Three teachers made an appearance at the Gateway School Board meeting on Nov 15. Kelly Perry, Steve Manges and Troy Ulewicz lead Moss Side Middle School students in their daily student announcements.

Students who participate learn the ins and outs of news production. Their setup includes green screen use, roving reporters, script writers and a camera crew. The morning announcements club is open to all students and will include auditions for newcomers.

Club members study other high school news coverage in order to keep their middle school broadcast up to date. They have also gone on a field trip to the WPXI news station and received a visit from Gateway alum and former Saturday Night Live director, Donald Roy King.

A video of the students’ work is available at www.gatewayk12.org/msms/morning-announcements.

Also at the meeting, board member Mandal Singh gave a short presentation about Diwali, an Indian holiday that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the human ability to overcome. It is traditionally celebrated as a festival of lights.

Singh is hoping to add the holiday to the Friday after the Thanksgiving holiday on the district calendar. The matter was tabled so residents and religious leaders in the community would be given a chance to weigh in on the matter.

Other school board business included:

• Board members approved approximately $107,900 in change orders for the Gateway Middle School renovation. The majority of this round of change orders was dedicated to buying more steel for structural support. The net total for the renovation’s change orders is now $2,237,815.14.

• Santamaria Landscape & Cement Co. was awarded a $277,262.50 contract to complete the Gateway High School north entrance project. Money was approved to be taken from the district’s general fund balance.

Plans are to make the entrance, one of the most used in the district, more accessible by adding a new concrete ramp, stairs, a metal railing and a metal canopy roof. The loading dock will remain where it’s currently located.

• The school district will be forming a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, assisting in the university students’ learning and field experience.

• Board members approved four resignations, six leaves of absences, two employment terminations and two transfers. One paraprofessional will be joining Evergreen Elementary School, and 18 individuals were approved to assist with the after-school tutoring program.

• Julie McEwen will be transferring from payroll/benefits coordinator to assistant business manager.

• Cleveland Steward Elementary accepted a $1,500 donation from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

• Business Manager and treasurer of the board Michael Zourelias will serve as the district’s primary representative regarding the Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3’s Joint Purchasing Program.