3 Phila.-area schools receive Golden Apple awards

Three Philadelphia-area schools will be among six to receive Golden Apple Awards for educational innovation today in Harrisburg.

The awards, initiated by House speaker Dennis O'Brien, (R, Philadelphia) are designed to highlight unique education programs in Pennsylvania's public schools.

The award for Administrative Leadership went to Valley Elementary School, in Bucks County's Bensalem School district. Leslie Fleming, the school nurse, Kelly McGowan, a Physical Education teacher, and Anne Evans, a first grade teacher, created the "Fit for Life" program, to educate children about healthy eating.

The award for Applied Studies went to West Philadelphia High School's Auto Academy. Students in the program students combine science, English, math and automotive skills as they design, build and compete with hybrid vehicles. The Hybrid Vehicle Team won the Philadelphia Science Fair and Tour De Sol twice.

The Natural Sciences and Mathematics award went to the West Chester Area School District's B. Reed Henderson High School, in Chester County. A new math curriculum designed to enhance the use of technology in teaching was designed through a collaboration between teacher Donna Spatz and Henderson high principal Marc Bertrando.

The other winning schools were: McKeesport Area School District in Allegheny County (for Parental Involvement); Kennard-Dale High School in York County (for Arts and Humanities) and Susquehannock High School in York County (for Behavioral and Social Sciences).