Seneca Valley School District

Just days before the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off in New York City, students at Ehrman Crest Elementary School (ECE) took part in their own special tradition, staging their own parade to celebrate the holidays. The hallways of ECE were filled with smiles, laughter and many balloons during the school's third annual Balloons Over Ehrman Crest. ???? Third grade classes read the book "Balloons Over Broadway," by Melissa Sweet. After learning about the history of the Macy's Day Parade, students designed their own balloon displays and proudly presented their creations in a parade for kindergarten, first, second and fourth grade students along with their parents. Special accompaniment was given by Ehrman Crest Middle School band students! #SVProud #EhrmanCrest #SV2425 #HappyThanksgiving

Last week, Rowan Elementary students with the help of teachers Ms. Stauffer, Ms. Dillon and Ms. Pascaralla, teamed up to create their own version of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Students learned the history of the parade and then designed their own “balloons” using different materials. After their unique creations were made, these student innovators integrated technology and robotic coding to plan a parade route and vehicle in which the balloons would be displayed. Completed floats were named and paraded against a green screen to mimic the backdrop of the real Macy’s parade. Students had a great time learning more about the parade and technology that goes into such a production! #SVProud #HappyThanksgiving

Seneca Valley is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to help support the heart of our schools – our staff! This position under the Human Resources Department works directly with employees on the big moments of their careers, from onboarding as new hires, to continuing education and achieving salary increases. The ideal candidate will be a fast-working problem solver with excellent communication skills. Learn more about this full-time position with excellent health benefits, paid time off and vacation days at www.svsd.net/Employment. Join the SV team and help inspire the next generation! #SVHiring #JobOpening?#SV2425?

Dozens of students and teachers at Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) got their hands dirty this week as they set off to beautify Cranberry Township through their second annual Tree Planting Blitz and Leaf Collection field trip. This collaborative effort, involving Cranberry Township, FirstEnergy, Penn Power, and the school district, highlighted the strength of community partnerships in making a positive impact. Over 150 trees were planted across Cranberry Township neighborhoods, including along the winding tributary of Brush Creek, where a multimillion-dollar streambank restoration project is helping to combat erosion and preserve vital animal habitats. The initiative extended beyond environmental stewardship, as students also visited nearly 50 senior citizens’ homes—raking leaves and assisting residents in areas such as Oak Springs Mobile Home Park. This day of service not only transformed the community but also fostered a spirit of teamwork, mentorship, and gratitude among students, school administrators and special guests. As part of the ongoing "Community Grown" initiative, the project exemplifies how RGMS empowers its students to give back to the communities that support their education, creating a legacy of service and connection. #SVProud #TogetherWEThrive #SV2425

On Thursday, Nov. 21, faculty, staff and students from across the District recognized Children’s Grief Awareness Day. At Rowan Elementary School, some classes created thoughtful posters for Highmark’s Caring Place. Their efforts aimed to highlight how to support a grieving friend, bringing awareness and sharing messages of compassion and kindness. At the secondary level, students and staff created “Walls of Support” that displayed encouraging and uplifting notes. Students worked with guidance counselors and teachers at the intermediate high school’s LIGHT Center to decorate a votive honoring someone they love and have lost. Additionally, everyone was encouraged to wear blue on Nov. 21, to show support for all who have grieved the loss of a loved one. If SV students, staff and/or their families are in need of mental health support services, Care Solace is here to help. Visit www.Caresolace.com/Seneca. Other mental health resources are also available on our website at https://lnkd.in/dKeM4gUj. #ChildGriefDay #SVTogetherWeThrive #AEW2024 #NeverGrieveAlone

This month, several Seneca Valley juniors had the opportunity to meet with professionals from the architect firm CannonDesign and tour their new Pittsburgh office through the District’s Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) externship. Students engaged in meaningful discussions and hands-on activities, including a design challenge where they were tasked to reimagine a courtyard or create an open collaboration space for schools. “The energy and creativity they brought to this challenge were truly inspiring,” said Mr. Jeremy Dwyer, Associate Vice President at CannonDesign. “They developed thoughtful and innovative ideas.” The visit concluded with an introduction to the role of artificial intelligence in design processes, highlighting how emerging technologies are shaping the future of these industries. “Sharing knowledge and witnessing the students’ enthusiasm for design was incredibly rewarding,” Mr. Dwyer added. “We hope this experience inspired them as much as they inspired us.” #BeyondOurWalls #SVProud #SVRaiderPride CannonDesign

Last month, three Seneca Valley students got a peek into the inner workings of the FBI during the 2024 FBI Teen Academy. Juniors Jaycie Kinney, Jordan Vaughan and senior Sydney Brower were selected to participate in this one-of-a-kind program that provides students the opportunity to learn about the FBI and what a variety of career paths in the FBI would entail. The FBI’s Teen Academy program offers high school juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds a chance to build leadership skills and explore the field of law enforcement. Led by FBI special agents, intelligence analysts and professional staff, the program features discussions and interactive sessions that delve into the FBI's mission, operations, and the efforts required to protect America. #SVProud

Congratulations to Connoquenessing Valley Elementary (CVE) first grade teacher Ms. Genevieve Morgan and tech facilitator Ms. Jodi Albert for representing CVE at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) 2024 MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Advanced Implementation Forum in Hershey. They shared their expertise through a presentation on boosting school-community partnerships and engagement, reflecting their commitment to fostering a caring and positive environment for our young learners! #SVProud #SVRaiderPride #SVFutureMakers

Late last month, Ehrman Crest Elementary/Middle School hosted budding educators from Brashear High School as part of a partnership with their Emerging Educator’s Program. During the visit, they toured classrooms, observed teachers in action and connected with our students over lunch, gaining insights into the elementary and middle school experience. The visit afforded a meaningful exchange, brought fresh perspectives and inspired a shared enthusiasm for shaping future educators. We look forward to your next visit! #SVProud #SVRaiderPride

Seneca Valley Leadership Team Members, in a recent hands-on meeting, took part in the impactful "Neighborhood Game," an innovative simulation designed by Dr. Kat Gray of Gray Consultants. Since 2003, this engaging exercise has served as a powerful antiracism training tool, guiding high school teachers, superintendents, faculty and support staff through the realities of segregation. The simulation’s goal is to offer a deeper understanding of systemic issues and encourage thoughtful dialogue about equity and inclusion in our schools. Many thanks to Lisa Graham and Malika Christopher, Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Counselors, for their facilitation of the game, and to Mr. Ashley Porter, Supervisor of Equity and Title IX Coordinator, and Mr. Dan Guerra, Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Assistant Principal, for assisting with the activity.