Discover the essential role of Seneca Valley's Student Services Department in supporting students' academic, social, emotional and physical well-being. This episode highlights the wide range of special education programs and resources available to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• A general overview of SV's Student Services Department
• Types of special education programs that are offered
• Student counseling services across the district
• Transition programing and community partnerships
• How students and parents can access resources and support provided by the Student Services Department

SPECIAL GUESTS
Dr. Cassandra Doggrell, Director of Student Services; Dr. Mallory Eyles, Assistant Director of Student Services and Ms. Ashley Pattison, Special Education Supervisor

Dr. Cassandra Doggrell began her career at Seneca Valley in 2010 as an Autism and Emotional Support Teacher at Rowan Elementary. She has held various administrative positions, including Principal of Haine Middle School and Assistant Principal at Evans City and Haine Middle. Before returning to Seneca Valley, she spent five years at Upper St. Clair School District as Director of Student Support Services and Special Education. Her research and practice interests include comprehensive mental health systems in schools, students with autism, students with emotional/behavioral disorders, and inclusionary service delivery models. Dr. Doggrell holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Mallory Eyles has been working in the Seneca Valley School District since 2011. She has filled a variety of roles within the district including School Psychologist, Assistant Principal at Rowan and Evans City Elementary, Assistant Director of Special Education and currently, Assistant Director of Student Services. Dr. Eyles received her Doctorate in Psychology from Duquesne University.

Ms. Ashley Pattison began her career at Seneca Valley School District in 2008 as a learning support teacher and later developed the district’s elementary life skills program. She has served as a special education teacher, behavior specialist, and currently works as the supervisor of special education, overseeing programs for students with exceptionalities. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Elizabethtown College, a Master’s in Education from the University of Pittsburgh, and a School Supervision Certification from Slippery Rock University.

Two Seneca Valley students are working together to make a difference by raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In this episode, you'll learn all about their Student Visionaries of the Year fundraiser, ways to donate and how this campaign supports blood cancer patients.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What's the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• The Student Visionaries of the Year program
• Details about fundraising efforts
• How to donate
  • Student Visionaries of the Year Pittsburgh

SPECIAL GUESTS
Seneca Valley juniors, Mr. Samuel Boyer II and Miss Roshini Umesh

Mr. Samuel Boyer II is a junior at Seneca Valley Senior Highschool. He is the vice president of the Key Club as well as Future Business Leaders of America. He is also involved in organizing a financial literacy presentation for the senior class.

Miss Roshini Umesh is an aspiring physician-scientist who is dedicated to making a difference in her community. She founded HEART Volunteers, a program that supports hospice patients through personalized care and meaningful initiatives. Miss Umesh combines her affinity for healthcare with policy, and she hopes to make a difference through legislation. She is also involved in Academic Decathlon, Youth and Government, Science Honor Society, and plays the piano and violin.

Explore the exciting world of STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, right here at Seneca Valley! In this episode, we're uncovering the wide range of STEM classes, clubs, and activities available to students, plus a sneak peek at the upcoming STEM Alumni event and STEM fair.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What STEM is and the significant growth in related classes and programs over the years
• The many ways students can get involved with STEM
• Details about Seneca Valley's STEM Alumni event and STEM fair
• How STEM skills are preparing students for future careers

For more information about the STEM Alumni event or STEM fair, email Ms. Rebecca Finch at FINCHRS@svsd.net or Ms. Kelly Weston at WESTONKM@svsd.net.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Ms. Kelly Weston, Seneca Valley Senior High School AP Chemistry teacher, Science Department Chair and Sponsor for Science Honor Society

With 25 years of teaching experience, including two decades at Seneca Valley, Kelly Weston is a dedicated educator and passionate advocate for science. Currently teaching AP Chemistry, she also serves as the Science Honor Society sponsor and faculty advisor for the PJAS and PRSEF competitions. Her commitment to outreach shines through her organization of elementary STEM activities and mentorship of senior project students as they create their own STEM events. Mrs. Weston loves sharing her enthusiasm for science with learners of all ages, inspiring the next generation of curious minds.

Ms. Rebecca Finch, Seneca Valley Senior High School/Anatomy and Molecular Biology Teacher

Rebecca Finch is in her 32nd year of teaching in the science department of Seneca Valley Senior High School. Throughout her career, she has taught a variety of subjects, including Science and Technology, Horticulture, Biology, Honors Anatomy, and Honors Molecular Biology. Ms. Finch is also the proud sponsor of the Medical Careers Club, where former STEM students return to engage current students in hands-on career exploration. Additionally, she co-sponsors the Science Honor Society, overseeing both the STEM Fair and annual events featuring STEM alumni.

Did you know there's a historic landmark on SV's secondary campus in Jackson Township that dates back to 1905? In this episode, you’ll learn about the small plot of land that houses a cemetery with 16 graves, all belonging to members of the Knights of Pythias. Join us as we learn more about the cemetery, its residents, and the ongoing efforts to honor and preserve this special part of our community's past.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• Historic landmarks on the SV campus dating back to 1905
• General information about the Knights of Pythias and its grave sites on the secondary campus
• Unique ways these historic landmarks are utilized as an educational resource
• Lesser-known facts about the Knights of Pythias

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Linda Andreassi, Seneca Valley Communications Director

Linda Andreassi has been working at Seneca Valley for over 27 years. A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Ms. Andreassi has previous experience in the newspaper industry where she was a reporter and editor. She has over 60 awards for excellence in public relations programs and publications from such organizations as Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA) and National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

Ms. Andreassi is responsible for all District written and electronic publications, as well as communications through the mass parent notification system. She also manages the District website, social media sites, "Voices" Podcast series, mobile app, and serves as the press spokesperson for Seneca Valley. Additional department responsibilities include press releases, annual report development, marketing and promotion of the District and managing advertising for the website, e-newsletter and districtwide calendar.

Lace up your sneakers for the 2nd Annual Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run (5K Run/Walk), Sunday, Nov. 3 on SV's Secondary Campus in Harmony, PA. In this episode, you'll learn more about the event, how to register and the overall mission of the Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What is the Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run?
• Where and when the event will take place and who can participate.
• The mission of the Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run.
• What the event proceeds go toward?
• How can someone register for the event.

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Annie Mersing, Seneca Valley Foundation Director of Development

Ms. Annie Mersing earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management from Robert Morris University. Ms. Mersing has been in the Seneca Valley School District since 2019, first serving as the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools. Now in the role as the Director of Development for the Seneca Valley Foundation, Ms. Mersing also serves as the District's Director of Advancement and provides assistance with securing and writing District grants.

Dive into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and how it's making its way into schools. Listen to discussions about the opportunities for students and educators to learn about AI and its applications along with the guidelines set in place.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What artificial intelligence and generative AI is and how it's making its way into schools
• Ongoing professional development related to AI for educators
• Guidelines for use of AI technologies in the school environment
• Privacy and security measures when utilizing AI
• Opportunities for students to learn about AI and its applications

SPECIAL GUEST:
Dr. Matt McKinley, Seneca Valley Assistant Superintendent for 7-12 Instruction and Mr. Sean VanScoyoc, Director of Information Technology

Dr. Matthew McKinley serves as Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Instruction, grades 7-12. Prior to his assistant role, he served for six years as principal of the Seneca Valley Senior High School. He also served as assistant principal of the Seneca Valley Senior High School and as a mathematics teacher at the same building for six years. Prior to coming to Seneca Valley, Dr. McKinley taught as a mathematics teacher at Mercer Area Junior/Senior High School. He earned his bachelor of art’s degree in mathematics from Grove City College and obtained his Master of Education degree and his Doctor of Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. McKinley developed the Academy of Choice Program in the district, which includes a growing cyber program and a one-of-a kind performing arts department. He is also author of the Seneca Valley Random Drug Testing Policy, which has been lauded locally as well as nationally and was cited as a model program by the White House Drug Policy Council.

Mr. Sean VanScoyoc is the Information Technology Director for Seneca Valley School District, a Quad A school district with a host of academic, technical and extracurricular honors and accolades. Mr. VanScoyoc has a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and has more than 25 years of educational technology experience in non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, higher education, and as an expert consultant. He was recognized as a finalist in “Tech & Learning” Magazine’s Leader of the Year Award and Seneca Valley School District received a Pennsylvania School Board of Association’s Schools of Excellence in Technology Award.

Bring your friends and family and join us for the Inaugural Seneca Valley Best Buddies Walk. This milestone event takes place on June 1, at North Boundary Park and celebrates inclusion and the diverse abilities of individuals, providing a wonderful opportunity to support fundraising efforts for Best Buddies International.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• Overview of the new Best Buddies chapter at Haine Elementary School
• Volunteering with Best Buddies
• Details about the upcoming Seneca Valley Best Buddies Walk
• Mission of the Best Buddies Walk
• How to register for the Best Buddies Walk, scheduled for Saturday, June 1
  • Seneca Valley Best Buddies Walk (runsignup.com)

SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Kathy Mahon, School Psychologist and Miss Lucy Martsolf, Seneca Valley fourth grader at Haine Elementary School

Dr. Kathy Mahon is in her 23rd year as a school psychologist with Seneca Valley. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Mercyhurst University, Master of Education and Specialist Certification in School Psychology from Edinboro University, and Doctor of Education in School Psychology with a neuropsychology specialty from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is also the lead advisor for the Best Buddies chapter at Haine Elementary.

Miss Lucy Martsolf is a 10-year-old student at Haine Elementary who has been active in the special needs community from a young age. She has volunteered at numerous sensory events through the nonprofit her mother started in honor of her sister in 2016. She has an older sister with autism who she loves very much. They are “best buddies.” Miss Martsolf has demonstrated courage to help individuals who learn differently and respect for those who demonstrate a need for a helping hand.

Navigating the journey for college and career preparations is exciting but can also come with lots of questions. Listen as SV's Coordinator of Collegiate & Career Affairs takes a deep dive into the prospects of the upcoming college and career fair and reviews “SchooLinks,” SV’s new college and career readiness platform.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• The role of Coordinator of Collegiate and Career Affairs
• Top questions that parents ask regarding college and career planning
• Upcoming College and Career Fair
• Helpful tips/advice that parents/guardians should know, like SchooLinks, SV’s new college and career readiness platform
• Student and parent resources available on the website - Guidance / OVERVIEW (svsd.net)

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Darla Ramirez-Lightner, Coordinator of Collegiate & Career Affairs

Ms. Darla Ramirez-Lightner is in her 32nd year at Seneca Valley as a school counselor. In the Spring of 2019, she transitioned into the Coordinator of Collegiate & Career Affairs for the secondary campus working with the three school counseling offices 7-12. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Education degree with Secondary School Counseling Certification from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Psychology Degree from Grand Canyon University. Additionally, she holds a College Admissions Counseling Specialist Certificate and Career Development Specialist Certificate.

As a proud parent of three students who graduated from Seneca Valley, she offers a dual college and career perspective and has served the Seneca Valley community with experience, passion and enthusiasm.