Art Therapy
Kilowatt Klosets officially opened to all students at both Acmetonia Elementary and Springdale Jr-Sr High School on November 20. Students in several of the District clubs helped to set up the roomsbuilding racks, sorting items, and folding clothing. All students were then able to make an appointment to “shop” in the Kloset when they were in need of any clothing, hygiene products, or other miscellaneous items.
Over the course of the school year, numerous students were able to take advantage of the room. Individuals were able to stop in during office hours and schedule time with staff members to find items of need. In addition, students were able to request certain items necessitites.
The program was paid for through grants provided by The Dynamo Education Foundation and Springdale Energy. The community backed this initiative whole-heartedly, providing monetary and item donations. The Allegheny Valley School District is truly thankful for all of the support that was given to this project from the staff, students, and the entire community.
Acmetonia Elementary School added a new facet to its ouR3 Room this year...an Art Therapist. Art therapy uses the creative process to help children develop self-awareness, explore emotions, address unresolved emotional conflicts, improve social skills, and raise self-esteem. With parental approval, students are able to receive this support while working on art projects.
Teacher of the Month
Springdale Jr-Sr High School social studies teacher Connor Green was selected from more than 1900 nominations for the WTAE Teacher of the Month award. Nominated by one of his students, Green was awarded with a monetary gift to provide items for his classroom.
Co-Teaching Success
The co-teaching program extended to the high school this year, allowing certified support staff to teach along with the content teacher in a regular education classroom. Co-planning, co-teaching, and co-assessing occur throughout the lessons, with both teachers working to create a more inclusive classroom. Through the program, students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum as required by law, while all students enjoy more opportunities for one-on-one interaction with the teachers. Students also benefit from the additional supports, resources, and diversity in the classroom.
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Way To Go Dynamos!
Springdale Jr-Sr High School’s athletes made lasting impressions in the soccer, track, and baseball world this year. These students won honors for their play on the field. Senior Billy Lawrence was recognized for his accomplishments and named the 2023 Valley News Dispatch Male Soccer Player of the Year; Junior Garrett Myers took 2nd place in discus at the WPIAL track & field meet and 7th Place in the PIAA State Track and Field Championship. He hit 150 ft. 9 inches in his discus throw; and Senior John Hughs led the SHS Baseball Team to their first WPIAL playoffs in xx years. He was named the Valley News Dispatch’s Baseball Player of the Year for the second year in a row. He hit .558 with three homeruns, three doubles, two triples, and 16 RBIs. His pitching numbers were also amazing, with 79 strikeouts and a 2.14 ERA in 391⁄3 innings.
Well Done
The Stock Market Game is an online simulation of global capital markets that engages students in the world of economics, investing, and personal finance. Hundreds of student groups across the country compete in the game. This year, the SHS group of Shane Parsons, Owen Scheuring, and Casey Sprinkle won the Spring contest in Western Pennsylvania, beating over 500 teams to bring home the title.
Involvement of junior high students is helping to create a new “identity” for these grade levels. The Junior High Advisory Committee formed to get students involved in leadership positions and to help them feel that they have a voice in the school.
The District also hosted class breakfasts. This time was an opportunity for students not only to socialize with their class, but also to connect with their teachers and other staff members. Building relationships plays a significant part in creating role models and mentors; reaching out for help; and see something/say something.
Elementary student Tony Pater Griggle earned a large medal for his Fourth Place (out of 245 students) individual rank in the Propaganda game in the National Academic Games Tournament, held in April in Atlanta, Georgia. He also earned a small medal for his contributions to a Sixth place Current Events team. The Acadmeic Games League of America (AGLOA) provides a series of Academic Games competitions throughout the nation culminating in the AGLOA National Tournament in late spring each year.
Technical Education
Senior John Fitzgerald was named Forbes Road CTC Outstanding Co-Op student of the year. Forbes provides career and technical education programs that prepare students for a job right out of high school, and students can also complete their academic core requirements. Career and technical education (CTE) focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the workforce. CTE programs typically offer hands-on, practical learning experiences, and may include internships, apprenticeships, or other work-based learning opportunities. These programs provide students with valuable skills and experience that can help them find jobs and succeed in their careers.
Kids of Steele Kids of Steele
The Acmetonia Kids of Steel 5K Team includes 27 students who participated in the Pittsburgh Kids Marathon, with two also competing in the Pittsburgh Marathon’s 5K. Out of the 7,403 students competing, one acme student finished 12th, one finished 13th, and four others finished in the top 50. The Kids of STEEL Program is a youth introductory fitness program that seeks to inspire children, families, and communities to live healthy and active lifestyles. The program is unique – an official race provides a tangible goal for kids to work toward – and is available in more than 250 schools and community organizations in Western Pennsylvania.
