Voices, a Podcast from the Seneca Valley School District

SHOW TOPIC
Introducing Seneca Valley's Paraprofessional Incentive Program with Dr. Jeff Roberts and Ms. Kyra Bobak

SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Jeff Roberts, Director of Student Services and Ms. Kyra Bobak, Director of Human Resources 

 Dr. Jeff Roberts has been an administrator in the Seneca Valley School District since 2009, and currently serves as the Seneca Valley Supervisor of Gifted Education and Student Services. He earned his degree in doctoral studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Administration and Leadership Studies. In addition to supervising gifted education, Mr. Roberts oversees the school counseling, health service and library departments. Dr. Roberts is a graduate of the Leadership Butler County program. He is also currently a member of the Butler County Suicide Prevention Coalition, and a board member of the Butler County Alliance for Children. 

Ms. Kyra Bobak has over 20 years of experience in education and has been an administrator in Seneca Valley School District since 2006. She served as an assistant principal and then as a principal for Haine Elementary School. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and received her Master’s degree in Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• The job of a paraprofessional
• Qualifications and skillset needed to become a paraprofessional
• Details about the new paraprofessional incentive program
• Bonuses and other incentives within the new program

Learn more about the paraprofessional incentive program:
Human Resources / Paraprofessional Incentive Program (svsd.net)

SHOW TOPIC
Seneca Valley Selected as National 'Lighthouse' School System with Dr. Tracy Vitale and Dr. Sean McCarty

SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Tracy Vitale, Seneca Valley Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Sean McCarty, Seneca Valley Assistant Superintendent for K-6 Instruction

Dr. Tracy Vitale proudly serves as the Superintendent of Schools for Seneca Valley, which is one of the largest public school districts in Western Pennsylvania. Prior to becoming Superintendent in 2011, she was an Assistant Superintendent, Principal and Teacher in urban, rural and suburban environments in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. She has a strong understanding and experience in community relations, public education advocacy, business partnerships and workforce development. She also has an extensive background in personnel selection, training & supervision.

Dr. Sean McCarty has held the position of assistant superintendent of elementary education, grades K-6, since 2012. In his role he has expanded the elementary curriculum and added unique courses for the K-6 student. Dr. McCarty has overseen the development and expansion of an elementary foreign language program and is also credited for introducing and initiating the District's Creativity, Innovation & Research Center (CIRC), which serves as a model program for K-6 schools all across the State.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What is the AASA and AASA’s Learning 2025 Network? 
• What is the “Lighthouse” designation and how did SV earn such an award?
• What is the application process like?
• What this prestigious recognition means for Seneca Valley.

SHOW TOPIC
Introducing the 25th Annual Senior Holiday Event with Mr. Brian Croach, Instrumental Music Teacher for grades 7-12

SPECIAL GUEST
Mr. Brian Croach, Instrumental Music Teacher for grades 7-12

Mr. Brian Croach is in his ninth year of teaching and third year at Seneca Valley. He is a band director that works with students in grades 7-12 through various curricular instrumental ensembles such as the 7th grade band, 8th grade band, Symphonic Band, and Concert Winds. He is also the director of the Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) Jazz Ensemble and is one of the directors for the Roaring Raider Marching Band. Mr. Croach received he undergraduate degree in Music Education from Slippery Rock University and has continued his education through the Instructional Leadership program at Robert Morris University.

Additionally, Mr. Jason Shorr, Seneca Valley Intermediate High School and Senior High School Art teacher shared information regarding how guests can expect to see an exhibit of student artwork on display from grades 9-12 at this year's Senior Holiday Event.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What is the Senior Holiday Event?
• When does the event take place and who can attend?
• In celebration of the 25th anniversary, what can guests expect from this year's event?
• RSVPs are required by Dec. 13. Please call 724-452-6040, ext. 0 to reserve your spot.

SHOW TOPIC
Introducing "The Power of Prevention: Insights into Youth Substance Abuse and Addiction" with Dr. C. Thomas Brophy

SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. C. Thomas Brophy

Dr. C. Thomas Brophy is one of the regions only physicians board certified in Addiction Medicine as well as Emergency Medicine. He is local to the western PA area, obtained his neuroscience degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and completed his medical residency training at Allegheny General Hospital. With a passion for education, Dr. Brophy has become well known for educating the public as well as medical professionals on the neuroscience of addiction. He is a regular contributor to KDKA radio and has organized and executed over 100 public education seminars on topics related to addiction. His passion for helping addicts started at an early age.  Dr. Brophy has dedicated his life to not only helping those struggling with addiction, but also helping everyone understand the neurophysiology of addiction better, so that we can all be part of the solution. Dr. Brophy began working with the Gaiser Center in 2019 and serves as Medical Director for the facility.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• The upcoming parent event, "The Power of Prevention: Insights into Youth Substance Abuse and Addiction" 
• Facts about the neuroscience of addiction
• What parents can expect to hear during "The Power of Prevention"
• Why attend "The Power of Prevention"

SHOW TOPIC
The Seneca Valley Foundation presents the Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run with Ms. Annie Mersing

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.

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.

SHOW TOPIC: Introducing 'We are SV' with Ms. Quincy Gildea

SPECIAL GUESTS
Ms. Quincy Gildea, Assistant Principal at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School

Ms. Quincy Gildea is in her eighth year with the Seneca Valley School District. She has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Penn State University and a Masters of Education degree with principal certification from CALU. She spent her first few years in the district as a second-grade teacher at Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School (CVE) before transitioning last year to the Intermediate High School as one of their Assistant Principals. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
• A new initiative that Seneca Valley Senior High School and Seneca Valley Intermediate High School have adopted, “We are SV” 
• Who will be impacted by this new program
• The purpose of "We are SV"
• What the senior high school and intermediate high school hope to achieve with "We are SV"

SHOW TOPIC
Introducing 'We are SV' with Ms. Lisa Graham and Seneca Valley sophomore, Miss Elaina Donahue and junior, Mr. Nolan Aleprete 

SPECIAL GUESTS
Ms. Lisa Graham and Seneca Valley sophomore, Miss Elaina Donahue and junior, Mr. Nolan Aleprete 

Ms. Lisa Graham is in her sixth year as a school counselor at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, grades 9-10.  Prior to her position as school counselor, she was an emotional and autistic support teacher in the district at both elementary and secondary levels for 12 years. She has Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary and Special Education from Mercyhurst University and Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. She has been part of Seneca Valley’s positive behavior intervention and support committees since she began teaching at Seneca Valley and currently serves as the secondary LEAD committee chair. 

Miss Donahue is a sophomore at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School. She participates in Latin and key club, as well Pom Pons, track and field, and she is also involved in chorus and piano.

Mr. Aleprete is a junior at Seneca Valley High School and has been a member of Seneca’s student diversity committee, SHOUT since freshman year. He hopes that his contributions can make Seneca a more inclusive and safe space for all. In his free time, he creates and releases his own music and plans to go to college for music business.  

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
• How "We are SV" evolved
• What students, teacher and community members can expect from "We are SV"
• Marketing efforts that are taking place to promote this new initiative
• What makes students excited about "We are SV"

SHOW TOPIC
Athletics & Activities - What's New for the 2023-24 school year with Ms. Heather Lewis

SPECIAL GUESTS
Ms. Heather Lewis, Athletics & Activities Director

Ms. Lewis, entering her 12th year as the District’s Athletic & Activities Director, has previous experience as the chief operating officer for USA Field Hockey, a U.S. Olympic & Paralympic National Governing Body. As part of this role, she hosted major events for the International Federation of Hockey, supported the women’s and men’s national teams in international competition, and assisted in the reorganization of the Association’s executive leadership structure. She also has previous experience as the head field hockey coach, head women’s lacrosse coach, associate athletic director and assistant athletic director for Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa. Additional experiences include time spent as an official for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and president of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.

A former athlete herself, Ms. Lewis was a regional All-American and All-ACC and captain of the field hockey team, and regional All-American and NCAA champion for women’s lacrosse, all while at the University of Maryland, College Park. Ms. Lewis has a bachelor’s of science in zoology and a master’s in kinesiology from the University of Maryland.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
• Major accomplishments by SV's sports teams from the 2022-23 school year
• Welcome, Mr. Eddie Kurtz, Assistant Director of Athletics & Activities 
• A look back at the first year of the girls’ wrestling season 
• Introducing a brand-new fieldhouse and press box

SHOW TOPIC
What you need to know: SV Summer Camps with Ms. Amanda Mallin

SPECIAL GUESTS
Ms. Amanda Mallin, Seneca Valley Academy of Choice Assistant Principal

Amanda Mallin is the assistant principal of the Seneca Valley Academy of Choice, working alongside Principal Dr. Denise Manganello. She joined Seneca Valley in 2018 as the assistant principal of the Senior High School. Before that, Amanda worked as a cyber coordinator for a partnering district and gained valuable classroom experience as an emotional support teacher and a learning support teacher. With a degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education, she is dedicated to continuous learning. Ms. Mallin has a strong interest and passion for wellness and mental health.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
• SV summer camp offerings
• Benefits of youth summer camp
• Open availability
• Deadline for registration and how to sign up

SHOW TOPIC
Learning about Seneca Valley's JROTC program with Seneca Valley junior, Miss Nina Buggan

SPECIAL GUESTS
Miss Nina Buggan, Seneca Valley junior

Miss Buggan is in her junior year at Seneca Valley and is the current executive officer of SV's JROTC battalion. She is interested in environmental science and zoology and wants to help the planet through animal conservation and creating biotechnology to reduce pollution. Miss Buggan plans to join one of the military branches.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
• Why Miss Buggan chose to get involved with SV's JROTC program
• The most impactful experience Miss Buggan has had within theJROTC program
• Why students should consider joining the JROTC
• Recommendations to students who are interested in joining the JROTC program

SHOW TOPIC
Learning about Seneca Valley's JROTC program with First Sergeant (Ret.) Angelo Lettiere and COL Howard Keebler

SPECIAL GUESTS
First Sergeant (Ret.) Angelo Lettiere III, army instructor for the Seneca Valley JROTC
COL Howard Keebler, senior army instructor for the Seneca Valley JROTC 

First Sergeant Lettiere is in his 11th year of teaching at Seneca Valley. He has a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science from Duquesne University, and he currently serves as the army instructor for the Seneca Valley JROTC. 

Colonel Howard Keebler is in his first year of teaching at Seneca Valley. He has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Edinboro University and a Masters in Logistics and Material Supply Chain Management from MIT. He currently serves as the senior army instructor for the Seneca Valley JROTC.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
• The history of SV's JROTC program
• How SV students can join JROTC 
• How students benefit from JROTC
• Insightful information for parents

SHOW TOPIC
Seneca Valley presents 'The Dangers of Tech' with Officer Jason Young and Officer Chris Miller

SPECIAL GUESTS
Officer Jason Young, Seneca Valley School District Safety and Security Supervisor and Officer Chris Miller, Seneca Valley Senior High School Student Resource Officer (SRO)

Officer Jason Young has previous law enforcement experience as a Police Officer for Jackson Township, as well as eight years working as a Deputy Sheriff for Butler County where he presented the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program to numerous Butler County public and private schools; organized safety lectures for teachers on active shooters; and field trained new law enforcement deputies. He also worked for nearly ten years with the Saxonburg Borough Police Department where he started as a Patrolman and was later promoted to Patrol Supervisor. Additional service includes his first year as a Patrolman with the Fawn Township Police Department in Tarentum, Pa. His training highlights include Crisis Intervention Training (C.I.T) that focuses on mental health incidents and a Field Training Officer certification through Penn State University. Officer Young earned an Associates Degree in Emergency Services-Police Services Option from Butler County Community College and attended the Municipal Police Academy (ACT 120) at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Officer Chris Miller has been a Police Officer employed by the Jackson Township Police Department for the last 15 years. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and is a graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police Academy Class #63.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
• The upcoming event, "The Dangers of Tech"
• What parents can expect to hear during "The Dangers of Tech"
• Online safety and awareness
• Why it's important for parents to attend this event

SHOW TOPIC
Preparing Students for the Workforce with Ms. Jess Pyle and Ms. Angela Kotula

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Jess Pyle, Transition Coordinator of Transition Planning, Career, and Vocational Education and Ms. Angela Kotula, parent and Ryan Gloyer Middle School librarian. 

Ms. Jessica Pyle is in her 18th year teaching at Seneca Valley. She has a Bachelor of Science in Special Education PK-12 and Elementary Education K-6 from Slippery Rock University and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University. She currently serves on the BC3@Cranberry Advisory Board and is a member of the Special Needs Consortium, Tri-County Transition Coordinating Council, Butler County Transition Council and Perkins Committee at BCAVTS. She also serves as a CHS teacher for Robert Morris University. 

Ms. Angela Kotula is in her 15th of teaching at Seneca Valley.  During that time she taught second grade, 7th grade English, and is currently the librarian at Ryan Gloyer Middle School.  Ms. Kotula graduated of both Robert Morris University and Edinboro University where she received a Bachelor of Science and Master’s in Education.  She has participated in multiple special needs trainings for parents, presented to pre-service teachers about being a parent of a special needs child, and has participated in various podcasts and interviews regarding parenting and special needs. 

Angela’s eldest son was diagnosed with autism at two and half years old and from that moment on, she became his biggest supporter and helped him take advantage of all the community and school resources possible, especially the Community Based Vocational Training (CBVT) program at Seneca Valley.  As a result, her son is now a productive community member and a competitively employable adult.  

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• Responsibilities of the Coordinator of Transition Planning, Career and Vocation Education 
•  SV's Community Based Vocational Training (CBVT) program 
• A parent's perspective of the CBVT program 
• How the CBVT program prepares students for the workplace

SHOW TOPIC
Preparing Students for the Workforce with Dr. Regina Hiler

SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Regina Hiler, Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School Executive Director 

Dr. Hiler is in her 20th year in public education, proudly working in the career and technical education field for the past seventeen years. This is her third year serving as Executive Director at Butler County AVTS. Dr. Hiler received her Ed.D. in Leadership and Administration from Point Park University, Master of Education from Gannon University, and Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English Education from Geneva College. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• SV's partnership and overview of Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School 
• Hands-on learning and training opportunities at Butler County Vo-Tech
•  Cooperative Education
•  Certifications and Accreditations through Butler County Vo-Tech 

SHOW TOPIC
Preparing Students for the Workforce with Ms. Darla Ramirez-Lightner

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

Ms. Darla Ramirez-Lightner is in her 31st 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 two students who graduated from Seneca Valley and one current senior who will graduate with the class of 2023, she offers a dual college and career perspective and has served the Seneca Valley community with experience, passion and enthusiasm.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• College and Career Speaker Series
• Training opportunities, mentor programs and work-related programs that are available to students
•  Upcoming College and Career Fair and Job Fair
•  PNC Partner Up program
• Student and parent resources available on the website

SHOW TOPIC
Preparing Students for the Workforce with Mr. Bob Ceh

SPECIAL GUEST
Mr. Bob Ceh, Seneca Valley Senior High School Principal 

Bob Ceh is finishing his 30th year in public education, all at Seneca Valley.  He has served as a teacher and dean of students for the first 20 years of his career in the middle and high schools.  For the past nine years, he has served as a principal in the district, four years in Ryan Gloyer Middle School and five years in the Senior High School.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• The Seneca Valley Co-op program
•  The five SV Career Pathways
•  Benefits of the Graduation Project
• SV alumni returning as guest speakers in classrooms

SHOW TOPIC
Preparing Students for the Workforce with Dr. Tracy Vitale

SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Tracy Vitale, Seneca Valley Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Tracy Vitale proudly serves as the Superintendent of Schools for Seneca Valley, which is one of the largest public school districts in Western Pennsylvania. Prior to becoming Superintendent in 2011, she was an Assistant Superintendent, Principal and Teacher in urban, rural and suburban environments in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. She has a strong understanding and experience in community relations, public education advocacy, business partnerships and workforce development. She also has an extensive background in personnel selection, training & supervision.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
• An overview of how SV is preparing students for the workforce
• The many opportunities SV has to help students prepare for the future
• Parent resources for college and career development
• Partnerships with local businesses and universities

SHOW TOPIC
25 Years of the SV Graduation Project: An Inside Look with Seneca Valley senior, Miss Mya Stackhouse

SPECIAL GUEST
Miss Mya Stackhouse, Seneca Valley senior

Miss Stackhouse is in her senior year at Seneca Valley.  She has a love for art, learning about people, and growing experience within the introduction of the Information of Technology field.  She is currently studying for a coding certification and plans for a successful ideal future with Butler County Community College and Slippery Rock University. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What Miss Stackhouse's Graduation Project is about.
• Job shadowing for the Graduation Project
• How Miss Stackhouse manages her time with the Graduation Project and what she's learned from the project itself.
• Types of career opportunities one can discover through the Graduation Project.
• Recommendations to students who will be working on the Graduation Project in the future.

SHOW TOPIC
25 Years of the SV Graduation Project: An Interview with Ms. Natalie Green

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Natalie Green, English teacher and Graduation Project Coordinator

Natalie Green is in her 18th year teaching at Seneca Valley Senior High School. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Slippery Rock University with teaching certification in secondary English, as well as a Master of Education in School Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh. Mrs. Green is a fellow of the National Writing Project and a member of Carlow University’s Madwomen in the Attic writing workshop. At Seneca Valley, she serves on the English Curriculum Committee and the Graduation Project Coordination Team.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• The components of the Graduation Project.
• The different pathways students can choose within the project.
• Types of Graduation Projects that have been done in the past.
• How mentors are involved with the Graduation Project.
• Student requirements of the Graduation Project.
• Benefits of the Graduation Project.

SHOW TOPIC
25 Years of the SV Graduation Project: A Review with Dr. Matt McKinley

SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Matt McKinley, Seneca Valley Assistant Superintendent for 7-12 Instruction

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.

Dr. McKinley 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.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
•  What the Graduation Project is.
•  The history behind the Graduation Project.
•  Why the Graduation Project is a requirement for SV seniors.
•  How students benefit and the overall goal of the Graduation Project.