Avenews - Winter/Spring 2024

Avenews

Winter/Spring 2024

Inside...

News from the Allegheny Valley School District

Junior High Identity...

Pg.

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Junior High is a time between elementary and high school filled with change....continued on page 2.

District Highlights Pg.

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A round of applause is given to a number of Allegheny Valley students. Over the course of the first...continued on page 3.

Foundation Update Pg.

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The Dynamo Education Foundation continues its work to help support the Allegheny ...continued on page 11.

Students and staff members have the chance to communicate during Junior High breakfasts. New this year, the breakfasts provide time for students not only to socialize with their class, but also to get a chance to connect with their teachers and other staff members....See page 2 for full story.

In the District...Allegheny Valley’s Emergency Management (EM) team continues to work to update the District’s program...continued on page 5

At Acmetonia Elementary... Educators and policymakers speak often about 21st-century skills ...continued on page 9

At Springdale Jr-Sr High School...

Springdale Jr-Sr High School ran a promotion to celebrate ...continued on page 9

Superintendent’s Message

We often hear about bullying incidents in the news, through media sources, and in various social circles.

During the Super Bowl LVIII, many of us watched commercials about bullying and its harmful effects.

In the September issue of Education Week, it was reported that bullying is a significant concern for parents as well as educators. A Pew Research Center survey of parents conducted in the fall of 2022 also found that nearly three-quarters of parents said they were either very or somewhat concerned about their child being bullied, up from 60 percent in 2015.

On occasion, misbehavior is confused with bullying because bullying, like unwanted behavior, can, in part, include unwanted negative actions toward another person. However, bullying goes even further because it consists of a pattern of repeated behavior over time and an imbalance of power or strength.

Bullying can occur through electronic, written, verbal, or physical acts or a series of actions directed toward a person. Contributing to the complexity of understanding bullying is that there are often silent bystanders who know what has occurred but are hesitant to share.

This year, we initiated more conversations about bullying through our Superintendent’s Circle, School Board Meetings, and family surveys (Survey Spot). Discussions revolved around what is happening at Allegheny Valley and what all of us can do to

Superintendent Dr. Patrick Graczyk speaks at this year’s Veterans’ Day program.

help.

At Acmetonia Elementary and Springdale Jr-Sr High School, administrators altered how we record discipline infractions so that school leaders can better analyze trends and potential bullying incidents. In addition, when a bullying investigation is underway, the school now sends a letter to families if their child is suspected of bullying or a possible victim.

The elementary school uses the PATHS program to help students understand bullying and ways to get along. This year, we have brought in speakers to the elementary school and the Jr-Sr (continued on page 9)

Junior High Identity...

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It’s a time that comes with new experiences, new challenges, and at Allegheny Valley, a new school.

Comprised of grades 7 and 8, junior high students experience a wider range of subjects and increased independence. For some students, the move can be difficult.

“The junior high years can be challenging for students with the transition to a new building, different academic expectations,” explained Ms. Danielle Britton, the District’s Social Worker. “There was a desire and a need to have our junior high students feel more included.” So she and principal, Mr. Andrew Leviski, instituted a Junior High Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee is a small group of students who come together to act as the voice for their entire class. They are also the ones who come up with ideas for activities and fundraisers for their classmates.

The involvement helps to create a new “identity” for these grade levels. Leviski explains that there aren’t many districts out there anymore who

have a junior high, most define a middle school, which adds grade 6 to the mix. The difference, it seems, is the structure and focus of the grades.

“Middle school students typically have a schedule with longer, more exploratory classes, whereas junior high students have a six- to eight-period schedule with shorter, more rigorous classes. Overall, middle schools are developmentfocused, and junior high schools are academicfocused,” (What’s the Difference Between Middle School and Junior High School? WGU website,

(continued on page 10)

District Highlights: A Round of Applause for...from page 1 semester, District students received a number of awards. Congratulations are extended to: l Andrew Redman, Molly Hurley, and Emir Halimic on their fine showing at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition at Baldwin High School. This challenging competition requires students to conduct an experiment, give a ten minute presentation on their work and withstand questioning by the judges. Redman’s 2nd place project investigated the Stroop Test relationship to executive functioning skills. Halimic’s 2nd place project centered around his DIY device for measuring the conductivity of sports drinks. And, Hurley’s 1st place project focused on the impact of music genres on math computation. For her efforts, Hurley has qualified for state level competition in May. l Fourth grade students, McKenna Anderson and Keira Varga, for qualifying for the State Level PA Invention Convention, held in February in Hershey.

Through a digital submission process for the first round of the competition, the girls explained the benefits of their invention - a “Desk Ready Water Bottle Holder.” The girls researched and collected evidence that others were struggling with water bottles in the classroom. They scoured the internet to be sure that their idea had not been invented by someone else. Their online submission included a diagram, and they both built a prototype. l Isabella Iannuzzi and Maxwell Seybert, who were selected to represent Springdale Jr-Sr High School at the PMEA Jr. High District Chorus. l Mason Gent, Casey Dale, Billy Lawrence, Ari Caltagarone, Matt Lawrence, and Patrick Wylly for being honored with the “Most Efficient Reset” award at the Chain Reaction Contraption competition held at Westinghouse in Cranberry. l Seventh and eighth grade students - Aleah Mansour, Ella Trifanoff, Persephone Price, Lillian McCall, Ainsley Wade, Genevieve Conkin, Sydney Arvay, Kailyn LaBella, and Riley LaBella - who traveled to Pine Richland SD to take part in a creative writing workshop. This well known workshop attracted students from North Allegheny, Moon, Fox Chapel, Highlands, Riverview, Avonworth, and North Hills. l Several staff members who received grants for their classrooms: Ms. Angie Rudolf, grade 3, was awarded a grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh for an owl pellet program to support their animal classification unit, and Ms. McCall Emerick received a grant from Kids of Steel to provide students in that program with running shoes.

Springdale Jr-Sr High School’s Chain Reaction Contraption team.

Interns In The District An internship can provide unique opportunities for learning outside of academic settings. It can expose individuals to new tasks and help them learn goalspecific skills to complete those tasks. Internships also give you experience with technology, people, and projects that may relate to your career goals.

Interns often work with many professionals who have varying skills and experience levels. Internships can provide opportunities to meet new people who might be future colleagues or mentors. In addition, an internship gives a student the opportunity for career exploration and development, and to learn new skills. On the other hand, it offers the employer the opportunity to bring new ideas and energy into the workplace.

Allegheny Valley has had a wide variety of different interns over the years from student teachers, social workers, and public relations, as well as individuals working towards becoming principals

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Interns...continued from page 3 and superintendents From a student’s perspective, the Internship program can take many directions within the District.

Here are a few comments from our current interns: “As a communication major, I have explored various paths, and during my time at Allegheny Valley School District, I have focused on the public relations aspect. This internship has provided me with practical knowledge and helped me expand my skills in the field I am interested in pursuing in the future. Every day, I have been able to apply what I have learned in my academics to real-world situations, equipping me with the necessary tools to succeed in my career. My belief that I have chosen the right path has only grown stronger during my time here, and I am grateful for this opportunity.” [Josh Downing, Student Intern, LaRoche University] “Since my childhood, I have had a strong desire to help children. Therefore, when it was time to choose my college major, I decided to pursue a career as a school social worker. Working in a school environment and interacting with students has allowed me to teach on a deeper level. I find it fascinating how each day brings something new and different, and the tasks are never the same. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, and this internship has reinforced my belief that I have chosen the right career path. I am grateful for this opportunity.” [Reagan Cerra, Student Intern,

Intern Reagan Cerra works with the District’s Social Worker to gain experience in the workplace.

Slippery Rock University] Allegheny Valley is happy to provide these educational opportunities for internships, as these students are able to gain valuable work experience and explore a potential career path. For the District, these individuals bring new perspectives, thoughts, and energy to Allegheny Valley. The interns give themselves an edge in the job market; they are able to refine skills and learn new ones; and lastly they are given the opportunity to be able to network with professionals in their perspective fields.

Financial Update

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In an election year, a public school district’s budget timeline with Act 1, as prescribed by the school code, is accelerated. To be compliant with the timeline, the 2024-25 budget discussions started last year with the School Board adopting a resolution not to raise taxes above the index set by the Department of Education at 5.3%. The index is the highest reflecting statewide cost increases. School district budgets comprise of revenues and expenditures. To generate revenues, there are three funding streams available to public school districts in Pennsylvania - revenues from local, state, and federal sources.

School districts have no control over the first two sources and frequently have to rely on local effort to raise revenue. Local revenue is further restricted to raise taxes above the index as prescribed by Act 1 of 2006. While federal funding is flat, Governor Shapiro has presented his budget and the state funding reflects increases to public schools. However, that is impacted by priorities of the legislature in an

election year.

Preliminary budgeted expenditures are projected to increase by 10% at this time, with rising personnel costs including health care and other inflationary factors. Retirement contributions (employer rate decreased marginally from 34% to 33.9% this year) and health care through the Allegheny County School Health Insurance Consortium (current projection of 11% increase) transportation and debt service payments will comprise the bulk of the projected increase in budget expenditures.

The 2024-25 Budget will be reviewed over the coming months. It will continue to be revised through May 2024. Updates will be shared with the Finance Committee and School Board. The proposed budget will be presented to the Board of School Directors in May. The 2024-25 Final Budget will be approved and adopted no later than the June regular board meeting.

Emergency Management Update

to increase safety measures and security. These updates include items supported by state grants. For Allegheny Valley, that means over $140,000 in funding for physical improvements and mental/behavioral health programs. Awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), these funds will provide bollards at both buildings to help secure entrances and offer additional behavioral services.

Along with the grants, the District is working through its checklist for year two of the School Safety and Security Assessment implementations.

A review of facilities, emotional/behavioral health support, and policy were included in this evaluation.

Recommendations were given to the District in each area. The District’s Core Team devised an implementation plan that incorporates the findings into District security and the Emergency Management Plan.

Allegheny Valley also continues to schedule trainings for all staff members. Mandated by the state, employees must complete a minimum of three hours of training in the various named subjects and one hour on drills. The District continues to conduct these drills in both buildings to help instill and better develop protocols. The annual large-scale drill is scheduled to be held in the spring. Security, fire, bus, weather, and other drills continue throughout the year. Reviews on ALICE and other response protocols also continue in Pre-K through grade 12 classrooms. The District has completed updates to its Emergency Management Plan, gaining school board approval in September. Allegheny Valley also continues to carry out its third year of updates to event security and fulfill practices for Threat Assessment. These items are led by the District’s School Police Officers.

Finally, the Emergency Management team has begun revising its responses to Family Reunification training. The program outlines staff roles, responsibilities, and procedures for reunification plans of parents and students in emergency situations. The team will begin training staff on the program in the 2024-25 school year.

Allegheny Valley continues to evaluate its Emergency Plan, incident responses, daily protocols, and safety procedures on a regular basis. In addition, every crisis incident that occurs in the District, around the state, and across the nation provides lessons to learn and implement to improve safety. Staff members continue to attend trainings and presentations to stay current with crisis information.

Above: Local police departments participate in the last year’s District drill; Right, Acmetonia students walk through the building’s weather drill .

Parents Be A Part

Follow all District safety and emergency procedures. l Bring identification to the main office any time you are picking up your child. l Keep all student emergency information forms up-to-date in the building offices. l Notify your child’s school with any changes in custody arrangements and bring proper legal documentation to the school when necessary.

The school needs to keep this information on file. l Talk with the building nurse when specific health concerns or special needs arise with your child; this matter includes allergies. l Notify the school if you notice any unsafe conditions around the facilities and/or building grounds. l Know that in the event of a lockdown, NO ONE will be allowed to enter or leave District buildings. Parents are asked NOT to go to the schools, but to wait for information and/or directions from the District. l Report any behavior that would constitute a threat to your child, other children, or adults to District administration. l Contact a building or District administrator to ask questions or voice concerns about safety matters or procedures in the District. l

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In Our Schools...

Springdale Jr-Sr High School

Career Studies

Forbes Road National Technical Honor

Dashanae Beard (grade 12, health science technology), Kiley Stover (grade 11, cosmetology), and Riley Tiedemann (grade 11, computer network and security) were inducted into the Forbes Road Career & Technology Center’s National Technical Honor Society in

March.

The National Technical Honor Society is an educational non-profit that exists to honor, recognize, and empower students and teachers in Career & Technical Education. As the Honor Society for Career & Technical Education, NTHS serves over 100,000 active members annually in both secondary and postsecondary chapters across the country.

1989 Championship Team Returns

Springdale Jr-Sr High School’s 1989 boys’ basketball team returned to the District in January to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of their WPIAL Championship. This team is the only boys’ basketball group to win the WPIAL trophy.

Twelve members of the team were onhand to cheer on this year’s Dynamos and raise money for their SHS scholarship. The team also took time to speak to the team and share some motivation for their game with Clairton, which was a Dynamo victory.

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Springdale High School students visited Slippery Rock University as part of their career readiness.

Junior year is the time when students begin to think more about their post-secondary plans. What do they want to do once they graduate from high school?

What career plan should they follow? What are the next steps? Not unexpected thoughts for this age group.

With a new focus in mind, staff at Springdale Jr-Sr High School looked at career readiness and developed a program to provide juniors with an inside look at the world after high school. Staff offered these students a chance to visit a four-year college, a community college, and a trade school - many of the options that students select for their careers.

Students were asked to choose which of these they would like to visit and could choose more than one if they desired.

Dates and locations were finalized and visitations took place throughout October. “We are hopeful that these visits to post-secondary institutions will be helpful and informative as our students begin to make future plans,” commented Principal Andrew Leviski. Students had the opportunity to visit Westmoreland County Community College, Triangle Tech, and Slippery Rock University.

Exploring careers begins in the elementary school, with students looking at different options through books, speakers, and technology programs.

Once in junior high, students are able to hear from alumni who visit the school to talk about their choices and how they achieved success in their selected vocations. The professionals respond to questions and provide a hands-on activity.

In addition, counselors and teachers take groups of students to businesses to get a closer look at positions in the job setting. This year, students were able to see jobs in health care, special effects & cosmetology, and technical education.

Acmetonia Elementary School Bullying Awareness

Josh and Gab visited Acmetonia Elementary to provide a kindness & bullying-awareness program.

The award-winning program focused on healthy choices, creativity, and community. The shows are “a high-energy mix of original music, standup comedy, dance segments, and interactive lessons with participants.” (https://www.joshandgab.com/) Their Bullying Awareness & Kindness themes are created in line with modern OLWEUS curriculum and Red Ribbon themed events. Students were able to participate in the assembly and hear important messages on making correct choices.

Students in fifth grade have become buddies with pre-kindergarten students. The partners read books together, then the younger students had a chance to practice their letters.

Kindergarten Registration 24-25 The Allegheny Valley School District will begin registration for 2024-2025 Kindergarten students in March. To register for Kindergarten, a student must be 5 years old by September 1, 2024. Any parent/guardian who has a child who is eligible to begin Kindergarten, and would like to register should go to the Kindergarten Registration page on the District’s web site. For additional information, please contact Ms. Judy Pribulsky, at 724-274-5300.

AIU Science Bowl

Celebrating 100 Days of School

Students and teachers celebrated the 100th day of school this year with a number of activities. The day started with students, Pre-Kindergarten to grade 6, dressing like they were 100. Grey hair, canes, and older clothing were seen all around the building. Project displays filled the hallways, and students could be seen and heard participating in a multitude of activities to highlight the number 100.

The day also provided a special opportunity to celebrate the major milestones in the students’ academic achievement.

Acmetonia Elementary students competed in the Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3 (AIU) Science Bowl at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The Science Bowl is open to students in grades 4-8 from schools throughout Allegheny County and even reaching some neighboring counties. The Science Bowl consisted of teams of four students who go and explore the exhibits and would then compete in various challenges throughout the day. For one activity, the students had to create a new species of dinosaur. The Diplodocus in the background was featured frequently in their designs.

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SHS Holds 91st Graduation The 91st graduating class of Springdale High School gathered in Marshall Auditorium on May 26th to celebrate the end of their high school years.

Friends and family joined the 60 members of the Class of 2023 as they began their last official event as students in the Allegheny Valley School District.

Graduation marked the final milestone of the school for the year. Principal Andrew Leviski hosted the event for the class, challenging each member to hone in on their passion. He wished them the best of luck as they move on to the next steps of their lives.

Valedictorian Brendan Werries told his classmates, “You are a testament to whatever adversities have faced.” He talked about why it is important to show up for what you care about. “Just showing up will get you far.”

Salutatorian Ashley Spencer talked about the importance of support through adversity, the memories made, and that achievements don’t define you. “You define yourself,” she told them. “and it’s okay to use autocorrect.”

Superintendent Patrick Graczyk addressed the class, congratulating them on completing the year and encouraging them to enjoy the experience “of where you are because these moments don’t come around very often.”

The class earned more than $1,189,800 in

Tech Sale

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The Holiday season is a primary time for people to be on the lookout for some new technology. The driving force behind doing the tech sale was for the School District to be able to use the outdated or any unneeded equipment for something purposeful. In this case, it was money to use for newer things.

The sale was a huge success due in large part to the overwhelming support of the community and everyone involved. The sale had lasted for a couple hours with many people from the community participating. The amount that was raised was a little over $26,500.

Valedictorian Brendan Werries, left, and salutatorian Ashley Spencer, right, led Springdale Jr-Sr High School’s 2023 graduating class. scholarships, several hundreds of hours in the community, and worked to donate thousands of dollars to charities.

Georgia Dale, Senior Class Vice President, commented on good awareness, noting that “these kids made me who I am.” She thanked all the teachers and staff who helped the class and encouraged the students to “remember where you came from.”

For the pride that they have brought to the Allegheny Valley School District, congratulations and best wishes are extended to all members of the Class of 2023.

This story was reprinted from the Summer 2023 newsletter due to errors in identifying students.

Mr. Maine, the Supervisor of Technology at Allegheny Valley School District had wanted to use the money that was raised for something off of the beaten path such as items that are not in the schools’ typical annual budget. He had eventually recommended putting the money that was raised towards some small improvements to the Springdale Auditorium in terms of the sound and lighting.

The improvement list to be made includes items such as microphones, speakers, lighting fixtures, a lighting control console, and other miscellaneous items such as additional cables and tools.

Mr. Maine had added that ultimately, “the success of the sale is a huge thank you to such a supportive community and Board of Directors. Without their support, these items would have been sold in bulk to [refurbishing companies] for far less money.

This sale was a big win for the School District, and I applaud the Board for allowing the public sale.”

Mr. Maine hopes to continue this practice in the future.

Superintendent’s Message

continued from page 2

high school. Acmetonia hosted Josh and Gab, who presented their kindness & bullying-awareness program. The Board of Directors approved an updated bullying/cyberbullying policy #249. Most recently, Phil Little from the PA Attorney General’s Office spoke to Jr-Sr high students about the dangers of bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment.

The District will continue to put measures in place to help combat bullying throughout the District. When they suspect that someone is being bullied, we encourage our learners to report it to a trusted adult at the school. If, for some reason, your child reports bullying at home, we kindly ask that the family member contact their child’s school so we can investigate and provide support. Together, we can make a difference.

Celebrating National Breakfast Week

National School Breakfast Week March 4 - 8, 2024. Each day of that week, students participating in breakfast could enter a drawing for prizes and scan a code for an Amazon Gift Card sponsored by Fuel-Up The Road to School Breakfast campaign.

National School Breakfast Week celebrates the importance of a nutritious school breakfast in fueling students for success. This special observance celebrates the national School Breakfast Program and the ways it gives kids a great start every day, according to the School Nutrition Association.

Several staff members assisted with each day’s event promoting breakfast, eating healthy, staying hydrated, and empowering youth to get physically active for a least 60 minutes a day. GEN-Youth, with the support of the NFL Foundation, donated a Flag-Football Kit along with 8 Footballs to the school’s physical education department.

For more information on the program, please see https:// www.fuelup.org/

Portrait of a Dynamo Allegheny Valley is looking for community input for its Portrait of a Dynamo program.

Allegheny Valley Introduction but what does that mean to K-12 education and the workforce? Acknowledging the need to connect these concepts, many school districts are developing a Portrait of a Graduate. A Portrait of a Graduate or for AVSD, A Portrait of a Dynamo - is not about strategies and methods or instructional practices, it is about knowledge, disposition and characteristics that District students should embody as they move forward in the world. It is a shared vision beyond district personnel.

The Portrait is developed with the input of parents, local business leaders, students, teachers, and district leaders by asking, “What are the core key competencies and dispositions we want our children to have for life beyond the Allegheny Valley School District PreK-12 education?”

Through this process, the District will develop pillars that reflect the skills that universities, employers, and our community say they are seeking. Once these pillars are identified, examples will be clarified and purposefully identified in the District’s curriculum. It is important to note that the District’s Portrait of a Dynamo is meant to complement academics and measures of preparedness. It is does not replace a focus on academic achievement, it shows the District’s commitment to investing in educational experiences for life.

Steps in creating a Portrait of a Dynamo: l Form a Portrait of a Dynamo committee. l Engage community members in discussion. l Brianstorm Portrait of a Dynamo skills. l Create a visual representation. l Bring the Portrait of a Dynamo to life across the community. l Measure progress for all students toward Portrait of a Dynamo.

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Junior High...continued from

page 2

Kimi Pace, July 19, 2022) District staff members ultimately hope that students learn that even though they are just a “small” part of the school, they are very important to the Springdale community. It’s not just those involved with the Advisory Committee, but all 7th & 8th graders. “We want them to use their voices in the classroom to speak up for what they want,” commented Britton, “and also use any leadership skills they have.” Junior high students involvement in school activities outside the classroom can also boost a student in areas such as behavior and attendance.

“I took over as the sponsor of the junior high in February 2023,” she continued. “Since I work with students while they are at Acme as well, I thought it would be a good idea for me to be their sponsor to help with that transition and help them… at SHS.” The Junior High Advisory Committee formed to get junior high students involved in leadership positions and to help them feel that they have a voice in the school. “We wanted the junior high students to feel like they are a part of our SHS community. We wanted them to enjoy their junior high years just as much as their elementary years.”

Britton said with a smile.

The activities started at the end of the 20222023 school year, when the group was able to organize a junior high volleyball tournament. So far this school year, the committee has held a bracelet sale and a holiday cookie sale. The bracelets were sold to all students at SHS and all proceeds are going towards a junior high dance. The same thought came with the holiday cookie sale; cookies were sold during all lunches and students got the opportunity to decorate their own cookies. All money from this sale is going towards a junior high dance as well.

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Junior High students enjoy breakfast with their classmates and teachers.

The District is also hosting class breakfasts for 7th & 8th graders. This time is a great opportunity for students not only to socialize with their class, but also to get a chance to connect with their teachers and other staff members. Building these relationships plays a significant part in creating role models and mentors; reaching out for help; and see something/say something.

The students loved the volleyball tournament last year, with so many students participated. The ones who preferred not to play still had a great time cheering for their classmates. “By the third day of school, I already had multiple emails from 7th & 8th graders asking about a volleyball tournament or offering suggestions for this year,” stated Britton.

Britton explains that she loves how this program has expanded over the last year, . It has given so many students different opportunities to grow in many ways.

A seventh grade student who has been shy in the past is now speaking up and voicing the opinions of her seventh grade classmates during Junior High Advisory Committee meetings; another student who never played a team sport got the opportunity to play volleyball with his classmates and the look of complete joy on his face was all worth it. When the students enjoy these opportunities, whether they know it or not, they are growing outside the classroom.

And, although the new initiative may not be the sole explanation, the school has seen a decrease in discipline referrals this year. In addition, truancy rates are also lower than at the same point last year.

Britton states that the students would like to expand and do more fundraising opportunities for organizations in the Cheswick/Springdale/Harmar area, not just in the school building. For example, students have talked about doing a clothing/food/supply drive around the holidays that would benefit the Lower Valley Food Bank or the Springdale Library. They also hope to finish out the year with either another volleyball tournament or a 3v3 basketball tournament, and, of course working towards holding that junior high dance too!

“When students interact and talk with each other,” commented Leviski, “it’s a really awesome thing to watch.”

Update Valley School District’s programs and activities.

Unfortunately, the Foundation lost the location of its successful fundraiser with the devastating fire at the Harmar House. Despite looking at other local event centers, the group could not secure another venue in time to host its annual dance. To help secure some funding, the organization held a Super Bowl event with the assistance of the Krivan Association. Special thanks to the Krivan for all of their support.

With spring around the corner, the group continues to discuss additional activities to sustain the Foundation’s Grant Program. These grants allow the Foundation to fund programs and activities that cannot be incorporated into the District’s annual budget, fulfilling the Foundation’s mission. Each year, fantastic applications are received from staff members for programs that help students learn. Over the ten years of the program, more than $27,000 has been given to the District. The amounts continue to grow each year.

Members of the Board remain excited and committed to hosting these activities and supporting education for the youngest Dynamos.

For additional information on Foundation activities or to learn more about the Dynamo Education Foundation or make a donation, please see the Foundation’s web page at: www.avsdweb.org.

2023-2024 Grants...

The Dynamo Education Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of three grants to Allegheny Valley staff members for the 2023-24 school year: • Project 1: The Science Behind Green Science. This project will allow students to collect data in areas of science that are studies throughout the school year and work with data that is meaningful to them. Staff recipient: McCall Emerick, Grade 6 Teacher.

• Project 2: The Allegheny Valley Closet. The project supports closets in both buildings for students to “shop” for clothing, hygiene, or school supply needs. Staff recipient: Danielle Britton, District Social Worker.

• Project 3: Shop With A Cop. This initiative helps students who meet criteria to shop with a local police officer for holiday gifts. All municipalities and school district police participate in the program.

Top: Grade 6 students enjoying growing and preparing vegetables (a past DEF grant); Right: elementary students helping to set up the Acme closet.

Allegheny Valley School District

300 Pearl Avenue Cheswick, PA 15024

Our Mission: The mission of the Allegheny Valley School District, a group of small traditional communities, is to educate all students to achieve their maximum potential. A dedicated staff, in partnership with school, home, and community, will empower students to become responsible and contributing citizens able to meet challenges in an international society.

Allegheny Valley School District 300 Pearl Avenue, Cheswick, PA 15024 Phone: 724/274-5300 Fax: 724/274-8040 www.avsdweb.org

And Finally...

Unless otherwise noted, the Allegheny Valley Board of School Directors conducts its agenda planning session on the second Tuesday of the month. Regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. Both meetings are held in the Acmetonia Elementary School Forum beginning at 7:00 p.m. (A complete list of the meetings is located on the District’s web site: www.avsdweb.org.)

The newsletter is published through the Public Relations Department of the Allegheny Valley School District.

Comments and inquiries pertaining to the newsletter should be sent to Ms. Janice Zastawniak, Public Relations Director, 300 Pearl Avenue, Cheswick, PA 15024.

The Allegheny Valley School District will not discriminate in its education programs, activities, or employment practices, based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, ancestry, disability, union membership, or any other legally protected classification. Announcement of this policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Employees and others involved with the District who have a complaint of discrimination or harassment or require information about accommodations for disabled individuals, should contact the superintendent of schools by calling 724-274-5300 or writing and mailing a letter addressed to 300 Pearl Avenue, Cheswick, PA 15024.

Administration...

Patrick M. Graczyk, Ed.D. Superintendent Jennifer L. Vecchio Coordinator of Curriculum & Instruction Melissa Holler, Ph.D. Supervisor of Pupil Services Andrew Leviski Springdale Jr-Sr High School Principal Melissa Gibbon Springdale Jr-Sr High School Assistant Principal Gregory J. Heavner Elementary Supervisor Janice Zastawniak Public Relations Director/Newsletter Editor Joshua Downing Public Relations Intern

Board Of School Directors...

President

Antonio Pollino Vice President

Kathleen Haas Treasurer Paula Jean Moretti Salvatore Conte, Mary Ellen Ecker, Larry Pollick, Nicole Paulovich, Glenna Renaldi, Amy Sarno Secretary

Hamsini Rajgopal, Ed.D. Solicitor Matt Hoffman, Esq.