2 Newsletter · 2 National Merit Semifinalists 9 Received Letter of Commendation 1 Special...

Seneca Valley School District | 124 Seneca School Road, Harmony, PA 16037 | (724) 452-6040 | www.svsd.net page 1

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Raider Pride Newsletter

Raider Pride Newsletter

The Results Are In…

SV students soar above state averages

We are pleased to announce that, based on 2012

Pennsylvania System of School Assessment

(PSSA) results, students in the Seneca

Valley School District have demonstrated great

gains in achievement overall. The District was

once again designated as reaching or exceeding

the targeted assessment standards and was given

the status of meeting Adequate Yearly Progress

(AYP) as established by No Child Left Behind.

Additionally, Seneca Valley students placed

above the state, and in most cases, national

rankings in SAT, the standardized test for college

admissions, and American College Testing

(ACT) scores.

Score

Seneca Valley 23.2

State Norms 22.4

National Norms 21.1

2011-2012 ACT Assessment Scores

Writing Reading Math

Seneca Valley 503 510 514

State Norms 480 491 501

National Norms 488 496 514

2011-2012 SAT Scores

PSSA Scores

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The Seneca Valley School District recently announced that three sen-

ior high school students have been named Commended Students in the

2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. These scholastically tal-

ented seniors include Jennifer Rowekamp, Joseph Geyer and Rose-

mary Emmerling (as photographed, left to right). About 34,000 Com-

mended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their

exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among

the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the

2013 competition by taking the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit

Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

The Results Are In…continued

Class of 2012 By the Numbers

546 Students in Senior Class

107 Seniors in National Honor Society

11 SAT/National Merit Qualifiers

1 National Merit Finalists

2 National Merit Semifinalists

9 Received Letter of Commendation

1 Special Corporate Scholarships

1 National Merit Scholarships

2 Foreign Exchange Students in the

Senior Class

103 Students Graduating with Highest

Honors (4.0 or higher)

59 Students Graduating with High

Honor Roll (3.75 – 3.99)

After Seneca Valley

Education beyond SV, 2012 91%

4-year college 69.8%

2-year college 16.1%

Technical schools 5.1%

Employed/Military/Other 9%

Top 10 Schools and Colleges at-

tended by SV Students

1. Butler County Community College

2. Penn State University (including the

branches of Altoona, Behrend, Beaver,

Greater Allegheny, Main, New Kensington

and Pennsylvania College of Technology)

3. Slippery Rock University

4. University of Pittsburgh (including the

branches of Bradford, Greensburg,

Johnstown and Main)

5. Indiana University of Pennsylvania

6. Duquesne University

7. Ohio University

8. Robert Morris University

9. Kent State University

10. Allegheny College and Grove City College

(tie)

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Here at Seneca Valley, we have dedicated our-

selves to providing the best possible educational

experience through a top-notch curriculum. As

you can imagine, assessment plays a vital role in

our continued success.

For this reason, we wanted to let you know about

changes that are being made across the Common-

wealth in the way schools are measured for aca-

demic accountability. The Pennsylvania Depart-

ment of Education (PDE) recently released infor-

mation about the Keystone Exams and the imple-

mentation phase of this measurement tool. The

Keystone Exams are course assessments designed

to evaluate proficiency in academic content. Be-

ginning in 2012-2013, the Algebra I, Literature,

and Biology Keystone Exams will replace the

Grade 11 PSSA tests in mathematics, reading, and

science for purposes of satisfying No Child Left

Behind (NCLB)/Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)

requirements. Keystone Exams will be utilized as

a graduation requirement beginning with the stu-

dents in the class of 2017, and for AYP in a stu-

dent’s junior year only.

Additional classes of students will be added to

program as coursework is taken, and a chart below

identifies what those changes will be per class:

Keystone Exams Set for December

Exam Assessment Window Notes

Algebra 1 December 3 – 14, 2012 Additional information will be forthcoming

from the SHS administration.

Biology December 3 – 14, 2012

Literature December 3 – 14, 2012

Grade 11 (Class of 2014)

The Keystone Exam will be utilized for Adequately Yearly Progress (AYP) in the areas of Algebra 1

and Literature.



from the IHS administration.

Biology December 3 – 14, 2012 Additional information will be forthcoming


Literature May 13 – 24, 2013 Students currently enrolled in Literature will

take the KE as an end of course exam. Addi-

tional information will be forthcoming from the

IHS administration.


The Keystone Exam will be utilized for Adequately Yearly Progress (AYP) in the areas of Algebra 1

and Literature. Scores will be banked until the students’ junior year.




Biology May 13 – 24, 2013 Students currently enrolled in Biology will take

the KE as an end of course exam. Additional

information will be forthcoming from the IHS

administration.


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Algebra 1 December 3 – 14, 2012 Students who completed Algebra 1 in 7th grade.

Additional information will be forthcoming

from the MS administration.

Algebra 1 May 13 – 24, 2013 Students currently enrolled in Algebra 1 will



MS administration.


The Keystone Exam is a graduation requirement beginning with the class of 2017 in the areas of Al-

gebra 1, Biology, and Literature. Eighth grade students will also take the Mathematics, Reading,

Writing, and Science PSSA in the spring of 2013.


Algebra 1 May 13 – 24, 2013 Students currently enrolled in Algebra 1 will



MS administration.


The Keystone Exam is a graduation requirement beginning with the class of 2017 in the areas of Alge-

bra 1, Biology, and Literature. Seventh grade students will also take the Mathematics and Reading

PSSA in the spring of 2013.

Make-ups/Retesting:

In the event that a student does not achieve a score of proficient or advanced on one or more of the

Keystone Exams, he/she will need to participate in a retake. PDE has established three testing win-

dows each year (i.e., winter, spring, and summer) for this purpose. Therefore, students will have the

potential opportunity to retest and will be notified by the school district as needed.

Exam Details:

The assessments are divided into two modules and will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to adminis-

ter. Additional information will be sent home from the buildings as we near the testing dates. Until

that time, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s counselor or principal if you have any questions.

We also invite you to visit www.education.state.pa.us or www.pdesas.org for more information as the

Pennsylvania Department of Education continues to update its process for the Keystone Exams.

Keystone FAQs:

Q: My child took Algebra I last year. What happens if a student in the class of 2017 or beyond

has completed a course before the test is offered?

The regulations state that students who have demonstrated proficiency on a Keystone Exam prior to

their junior year will have their scores banked until they reach grade 11.

Q: Can an individual student opt out of a Keystone Exam?

No. The regulations do not permit this.

Q: Does this mean that the State will be applying test results from middle school students to high

school graduation requirements?

Yes. If a student completes a course aligned to a Keystone Exam during the middle school years, the

proficiency outcome is used to determine eligibility for a high school diploma.

Q: Does this mean that the State will be applying test results from middle school students to high

school graduation requirements? Yes. If a student completes a course aligned to a Keystone Exam during the middle school years, the

proficiency outcome is used to determine eligibility for a high school diploma.

Q: Will Keystone Exams replace the PSSA tests? The Keystone Exams will replace the PSSA tests for grade 11 students only beginning in the 2012-13

school year.

See more FAQs at: http://www.svsd.net/domain/1234

http://www.sevenfieldsdentalcare.com/

http://www.education.state.pa.us

http://www.pdesas.org

http://www.svsd.net/domain/1234


Dare to dream

ECMS students participate in exploratory career fair

Evans City Middle School students participated in the school’s annual

exploratory career day, taking part in presentations given by more than

35 members of the business commu-

nity. In addition to occupational ther-

apy (seen here), students were able to

learn more about careers in law en-

forcement, hospitality, broadcasting

and auto repair, just to name a few.

We care

The Caring Place’s Caring Teams for Children begins each

year with a Kickoff Luncheon at Heinz Field, and Seneca

Valley was well represented. All of our K-8 schools are in-

volved with fundraising to assist Highmark’s Caring Place, a

center dedicated to grieving children and their families. After

a brief program and lunch, which included a family who

benefited from the peer support program of the Caring Place,

schools received information to raise awareness of the needs

of grieving children throughout their school district and com-

munity. Thank you to our teachers, students and families for

helping this worthy cause.

Taking flight

Art students in grades 1-3 and 5-6 at Evans City Schools cre-

ated this large scale “Fly” installation using paper butterflies.

This collaborative artwork was inspired by the installation at

the Asian Museum this summer in San Francisco. In San Fran-

cisco, origami birds flew away in the wind outside the mu-

seum. In Evans City, the butterflies students created are flying

throughout the school hallways. It has become a game, because

the students never know when they are going to spot a beautiful

butterfly, all while learning about art and what it can be.

Welcome!

What an amazing opportunity Haine Middle School ex-

perienced recently when they were able to welcome spe-

cial visitors from a school in Tanzania. HMS students

and staff were first introduced to the Ulaya Secondary

School in Tanzania during the school’s Annual Explora-

tory Cultural Day in 2008. At that time, a local resident,

Ms. Olive Tiller, spoke to the student body about the

school, which is located in a village in Nkinga, Tanza-

nia. Students and staff were so moved by the presenta-

tion that they sold “Rafiki” (Swahili word for friend)

bracelets as a fundraiser to help the school and its stu-

dents. Haine Middle Schoolers were also invited to write

letters to the Tanzanian students, receiving letters back

and learning more about the cultural differences. Did you know the students in the Ulaya Secondary

School made their own desks and chairs? This recent trip was so special because it brought the

school’s founder right to Haine where he and his guests were thrilled, if not a bit overwhelmed, to

learn and experience all about Haine. In this photo, band Instructor, Mr. Joe Ohodnicki, shows the

visitors the various instruments available to students in his room, including a guitar.


A Day Made Better

Ashley Moll, a teacher at Haine Elementary School, was recently chosen

by Office Max as a winner in their nationwide event, “A Day Made Bet-

ter.” Ashley, who teaches life skills students at Haine, was nominated and

chosen for her hard work, abilities and improvements in the life skills

classroom. As a result, she was surprised by Office Max representatives

with a new classroom chair and a box filled with $1,000 worth of class-

room resources and supplies.

Show time

Laura Neu, a Cranberry Township resident and Seneca Valley sophomore, was recently chosen - and

will soon appear - on the Nickelodeon smash hit game show "Figure it Out." Laura flew out to Cali-

fornia to film it recently with an expected air date to happen shortly. The popular show began its

second season on Oct. 15. “Figure It Out” airs Monday through Friday at 7 p.m.

SV teachers plan 2013 tour

Seneca Valley Intermediate High School German Teacher,

Heather Sibeto, accompanied by fellow teachers, Kate

Dankosky, Debbie McDermott, Marie McLachlan and Clare

Thomas (ECE) took 39 students, grades 9-12, on a 14-day

EF Educational Tour to discover Germany, Austria, Italy and

Switzerland. The main focus was for the students to experi-

ence other cultures and history first-hand. During the tour,

the students learned how to make Italian gelato, toured fairy

tale castles in Germany, investigated Roman ruins, walked

reverently through Dachau Concentration Camp, rode a luge in the Swiss Alps and sailed the canals of

Venice in gondolas.

Ms. Sibeto and Ms. Dankosky have led four EF student-tours to European countries including, Ger-

many, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Czech Republic and Poland. Ms. Sibeto is currently

planning their 2013 student-tour with stops in Munich, Innsbruck, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne

and Heidelberg. An informational parent meeting will be held at 6:15 p.m. on Nov. 13, 2012, in the

Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, room 107. If you would like additional information regard-

ing the 2013 tour, feel free to contact Heather Sibeto at [email protected] or 724-452-6042, ext. 2249.

IHS family and consumer science classes give back

The Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Family and Consumer Science Classes, in celebration of

World Food Day, collected nearly 500 food items.

The SBFP serves Harmony and Zelienople boroughs, and Jackson and Lancaster townships.

On display

The Seneca Valley “Blue Ribbon” Middle School held their fifth

annual permanent art collection ceremony on Thursday, October 11

at the school. Inducted into the collection for 2012 are students Ethan

Mooney, Charlie Spirk, Savana Sippel and Hannah Swartz.

SV art teachers sweep competition

Seneca Valley art teachers won a host of awards at the Associ-

ated Artists of Butler County (AABC) Faculty Exhibit currently

being held in the Cranberry Township Municipal Building. Ja-

son Woolslare (second from right) won best of show and second

prize. Noele Reynolds (far right) and Mary Mason (third from

right) received honorable mentions, and Jason Shorr (third from

left) had his artwork featured on the exhibit’s program design.

mailto:[email protected]


SV Sports Shorts

GIRLS’ SOCCER

The Raider girls’ soccer team clinched

their second consecutive section title and

fourth in the past five seasons. The 2012

team finished the season 16-1, 11-1 in

section play. Seneca Valley enters into

the WPIAL playoffs, facing Plum in the

first round. Morgan Williams leads the

team in scoring and goalkeeper Jessica

Neill has given up only 10 goals on the

season. Captains Melissa Lynskey and

Misha Demchuk, starters since their

freshmen year, will lead the team in

search of another WPIAL title.

BOYS’ SOCCER

The Raider boys’ soccer team enters the WPIAL playoffs following a second-place sectional finish.

They finished the season with an overall mark of 13-4-1 and a sectional mark of 8-3-1. Leading scor-

ers are Anthony Crivelli (Sr.) with 15 goals, 7 assists, Ryan Vilella (Sr.) with 10 goals, 6 assists and

Jared Myers (Jr.) with 3 goals and 4 assists. Junior goalkeeper Colton Smith has 7 shutouts and 47

saves.

FOOTBALL

Photo by Bill Paterson

Raider football currently stands at 6 -1 with two re-

maining games against Bethel Park and at Fox Chapel.

The WPIAL playoff seedings and bracket will be an-

nounced on Monday, October 29. Senior running back

Forrest Barnes has had a memorable senior season

breaking both the single-game rushing record against

Connellsville and he continually sets new marks for the

career rushing record.

CROSS COUNTRY

Both the girls’ and boys’ cross country season have finished their regular season meet schedule and

are in preparation for the upcoming WPIAL Championships to be run on October 25, 2012, at Coo-

per’s Lake.

GIRLS’ TENNIS

Girls’ tennis finished their season on a winning note, defeating Beaver Area, 3-2, on Tuesday October

9, 2012. The Raiders’ team demonstrated vast improvement from a season ago, increasing their win

total from three in 2011 to eight in 2012. The Junior Varsity squad enjoyed a winning season and

Coach Grove is optimistic the underclass players will continue the improvement in 2013.

Follow Us on Facebook,

Twitter and YouTube

Do you like social networking? Are

you a registered user of Facebook,

Twitter or YouTube? Then join us!

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Get Your SV Ornament Today!

The Seneca Valley Foundation is selling a limited edition holiday orna-

ment that celebrates Seneca Valley's 25th Year (1987-2012)! This beauti-

ful keepsake was expertly crafted by the renowned Wendell August

Forge Company and features the district logo intricately carved

into heavy aluminum metalware. An excellent teacher or coworker gift,

this hand-wrought ornament comes with a Seneca Valley blue ribbon that

makes it easy to display this one-of-a-kind item. For just $25 an orna-

ment, you can reserve yours today by emailing your name, contact infor-

mation and the quantity you would like to Katie Osan, central office re-

ceptionist, at [email protected]. You will be contacted once the ornament

is delivered in mid-November. Be sure to hurry while supplies last!

Hand Tool Donation

The Seneca Valley School District would like to thank Tractor Supply Company of Cranberry Town-

ship for their generous donation of hand tools given to the District’s buildings and grounds depart-

ment. Numerous hammers, wrenches, saws, pliers, vice grips, screw drivers and cutters were included

in the donation that was valued at nearly $1,000.

http://www.theschoolnewslettercompany.com/

http://www.svsd.net/Page/9509

http://www.svsd.net/Page/9509

mailto:[email protected]

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