DiscoverVoices, a Podcast from the Seneca Valley School District
Voices, a Podcast from the Seneca Valley School District
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Voices, a Podcast from the Seneca Valley School District

Author: Seneca Valley School District

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Want to hear directly from the voices at Seneca Valley on the most current topics and updates?Join us in listening to Voices, a podcast brought to you by the Seneca Valley School District.This podcast interviews guests who share an inside look at what is happening at SV.
90 Episodes
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SHOW TOPIC"My baby is headed to kindergarten – now what?" Preparing for Kindergarten with Principal Ms. Kristen WhiteSPECIAL GUESTMs. Kristen White, Haine Elementary School Principal Ms. White is in her 28th year in education, with 17 years in administration. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Slippery Rock University, masters in Educational Leadership from Carlow University and is defending her dissertation in August 2022, to obtain her Doctorate in Special Education. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEWThe best place for kindergarten parents to find informationTips for first day - academically and emotionallySupplementing school supplies Where to go with questions 
SHOW TOPICPreparing for Fall with Ms. Holly Lingenfelter SPECIAL GUESTMs. Holly Lingenfelter, Seneca Valley School DistrictRegistration and Attendance CoordinatorMs. Lingenfelter has been an employee with the district for ten years and has served as the Registration and Attendance Coordinator for the past four years.  Before taking on this role, Ms. Lingenfelter worked at Connoquenessing Valley Elementary (CVE) as a paraprofessional for three years, then as a technology assistant for the secondary campus for three years.  She earned her Associate of Specialized Business degree in Medical Assisting/Medical Office Management from ICM School of Business in Pittsburgh.IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEWThe enrollment processWhere and how to learn more about building tours Deadlines to enrollOther enrollment tips/advice for someone moving into the districtUSEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/domain/519https://www.svsd.net/domain/110https://www.svsd.net/Page/2842https://portal.svsd.net/
SHOW TOPICA Look Back on 2021-22 with Dr. Tracy Vitale SPECIAL GUESTDr. Tracy Vitale, Seneca Valley Superintendent of SchoolsDr. 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• Seneca Valley 2021-22 successes 
SHOW TOPICPreparing for Fall with Mr. John DemkowiczSPECIAL GUESTMr. John Demkowicz, Seneca Valley School District Transportation Director Mr. Demkowicz served as the Operations Supervisor of the Monark Student Transportation Corporation in Gibsonia followed by the Supervisor of Transportation and Custodial Services for the Quaker Valley School District. During his 12 years of Pennsylvania pupil transportation experience, he became well-versed in multiple transportation software suites, developed innovative processes for state reports and implemented strategic communication strategies with the District’s transportation system. He also has experience in coordinating and facilitating emergency responses impacting the safety of District facilities and community roadways. Additional experience includes his role as Director of Operations at Performer’s Academy where he developed new revenue streams and business strategies while also maintaining fiscal and administrative duties. He also successfully recruited exceptional candidates to fill positions during the growth of the company. During his six years at FedEx Ground, Mr. Demkowicz was a Trainer, Swing Driver and Courier. He planned and provided efficient pickup and delivery services while complying with all operational, security and safety policies over a large territory covering multiple states and service areas. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEWMr. Demkowicz's background and experienceGeneral goals for Seneca Valley Alternative Stop notification and other important notices regarding transportation USEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/domain/105https://www.svsd.net/Page/28107https://portal.svsd.net/
SHOW TOPICSchool’s Out, Camp’s In with Mr. Steve FortunatoSPECIAL GUESTMr. Steve Fortunato, Seneca Valley Senior High School Applied Engineering & Technology TeacherSteve Fortunato has been a public education teacher for eight years, starting his career as a full-time construction technology teacher at Pittsburgh Public Brashear in 2013. During his time at Brashear, Mr. Fortunato was apart of a small team who launched Startable, a non-profit summer camp for underprivileged high schoolers in East Liberty. Throughout this time, he developed his skills in community development, fundraising, cultural diversity, event organization and an over-all better understanding of non-profit organizations.He accepted his position at Seneca Valley Senior High School in 2015. Although this was quite a change, he wanted the opportunity to expand his learning and passion for education. Mr. Fortunato followed that initiative by completing his master’s degree in Applied Engineering & Technology with an additional STEM credit, as well as his K-12 Principal Certification in December of 2019. Throughout his time at Seneca Valley, he has created three new robotic programs, special education summer camps and solidified strong relationships with local industry and community members.IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEWWhat Raider Robotics Camp and Raider Space Camp is at SV Who can attend, what can someone who signs up expect take place, cost, registration information, location, etc.How to continue with Raider Robotics after camp is overUSEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/Page/19662
SHOW TOPICSchool’s Out, Camp’s In with Mr. Nii Sowa- Doku SPECIAL GUESTMr. Nii Sowa-Dokui, Seneca Valley Activities/Athletics Assistant DirectorNii Sowa-Doku is in his first year working at Seneca Valley. He has a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from the University of Kansas and a Masters in Professional Studies in Sport Industry Management from Georgetown University. He currently serves as the Assistant Athletic Director for Seneca Valley School District.IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEWSome of the athletic camps that are availableWhat youth camps are being added and where they can be foundThe benefits to summer youth camps for students preparing for organized sports at the secondary levelThe importance of having fun at these campsUSEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/domain/1870https://www.svsd.net/domain/1452https://www.svsd.net/Domain/1090
SHOW TOPICMental Wellness Check-In with  Dr. Jeff Roberts SPECIAL GUESTDr. Jeff Roberts, Seneca Valley Student Services Director  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 recently 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. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEWWhat is student services and how does it pertain to mental health and wellness What mental health resources and measures are available at Seneca Valley  What Care Solace is How parents and students can learn more USEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/domain/2486https://www.svsd.net/Page/26830
SHOW TOPICThe Equity Experience with Mr. Ashley PorterSPECIAL GUESTMr. Ashley Porter, Seneca Valley School District Equity Supervisor Ashley Porter has experience as an elementary school principal for Pittsburgh Roosevelt Elementary School in the Pittsburgh Public School District, and high school vice principal for Moon Area and Big Beaver Falls School Districts in Allegheny and Beaver counties, respectively. Prior to his administrative roles, he was a director of online learning and teacher for Big Beaver Falls.  Mr. Porter also served as the assistant principal at Haine Elementary and most recently assistant principal of Seneca Valley Academy of Choice, both here in the Seneca Valley School District.Mr. Porter earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. He earned his Technology Integration K-12 Certification from Penn State University. He also earned his Master of Education in Administrative and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW:What is the role of the Supervisor of Equity The areas  that this role will cover with students and staff regarding diversity, equity and inclusion USEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/domain/2501
SHOW TOPICIntroducing SV SHOUT SPECIAL GUESTSSeneca Valley Seniors and SHOUT Committee Members Claire McCafferty and Vivian Palmer THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEWWhat SHOUT is•What SHOUT has accomplished since it first began •SHOUT's February focus •SHOUT’s plans for the rest of the school year  USEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/domain/2189https://www.instagram.com/sv_shout/The Poster Project
SHOW TOPICIntroducing SV SHOUT SPECIAL GUESTSSeneca Valley Sophomore and SHOUT Committee Member Jose Tinoco and Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Counselor and SHOUT adviser Ms. Lisa GrahamIN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW What SHOUT is and the purpose of the committee How this committee got startedSHOUT's February focusHow someone can join SHOUT  USEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/domain/2189https://www.instagram.com/sv_shout/The Poster Project
SHOW TOPICAn Introduction to OPT with Mr. Matt Pournaras SPECIAL GUESTMr. Matt Pournaras, Seneca Valley Academy of Choice (SVAOC) Outreach Program for Technology (OPT) Coordinator/Trainer  Matt Pournaras is in his eighteenth year teaching at Seneca Valley.  He has been a part of the SV Academy of Choice for ten years as both a teacher, administrator and coordinator. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Westminster College,  a Master’s degree and an online teaching certificate from Clarion University.  IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW• What is OPT• What type of learning happens through OPT• What the advantages are to those Districts who join OPT• What courses/programs are available to students whose Districts are a part of OPT• How to learn more about OPT USEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/domain/1104
SHOW TOPICGood to Know: Safety and Security Information with Officer Abigail EvansSPECIAL GUESTOfficer Abigail Evans, Jackson Township Police Officer Abigail Evans is currently serving as a patrol officer with Jackson Township Police  Department. Formerly, she was an officer for Evans City/ Seven Fields Police Department. Officer Evans has a Bachelor of Science from Point Park University and is a graduate of the Allegheny County Police Training Academy. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW• How to have a conversation with teen drivers about safety, being prepared and slowing down, especially in the winter weather months• What areas of concern this role sees with children/teens and drugs, alcohol and other risky behaviors• How this role assists the community with various safety-related mattersUSEFUL INFORMATIONhttp://jackson-township.com/public-safety/police-department/
SHOW TOPICGood to Know: Safety and Security Information with Officer Chris Miller SPECIAL GUESTOfficer Chris Miller, Seneca Valley Senior High School Student Resource Officer (SRO)Chris Miller has been a Police Officer employed by the Jackson Township Police Department for the last 13 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 role of the School Resource Officer• What areas are covered with students regarding laws and law enforcement• What behaviors among teens are you seeing that you would want parents to keep in mindUSEFUL INFORMATIONhttp://jackson-township.com/public-safety/police-department/school-resource-officers/
SHOW TOPICGood to Know: Safety and Security Information with Officer Jason YoungSPECIAL GUESTOfficer Jason Young, Seneca Valley School District Safety and Security Supervisor Officer Jason Young has previous law enforcement experience most recently 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.IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW• What Crisis Intervention Training is and how it is beneficial to the District• What various law enforcement privileges are performed by this role• What areas of investigative technology are employed by the District to keep students and staff safe• Why building relationships with external groups is helpful in this roleUSEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/domain/2302
SHOW TOPICThe Season of Giving with Mr. Mike PelloniSPECIAL GUESTMr. Mike Pelloni, Rowan Elementary/Evans City Elementary Health/Physical Education TeacherMike Pelloni is in his sixth year as a health/physical education teacher at Rowan Elementary and Evans City Elementary Schools. He earned a  Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Penn State University and a Master of Education in Physical Education from Slippery Rock University. Prior to his time at Seneca Valley, he has also taught the importance of health at South Butler County School District, Knoch High School and Middle School, Ambridge High School, and South Morrison Elementary in Virginia. In addition to teaching the importance of physical activity, sports skills, and sportsmanship, Mr. Pelloni implements a diverse curriculum based on locomotor, non-locomotor, agility, balance, and coordination, fine and gross motor skills through various physical activities and games. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW•How Seneca Valley Foundation (SVF) funds extra needs in the classroom •Why the SVF donation was so valuable •How the donation impacted students •What teachers, parents, students and community members would benefit from knowing about SVF USEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/domain/1132
SHOW TOPICThe Season of Giving with Ms. Megan BonistalliSPECIAL GUESTMs. Megan Bonistalli, Seneca Valley Senior High School Art TeacherMegan Bonistalli is an art teacher at the Seneca Valley Senior High School and has been with the district since 2006. She performed her undergraduate studies at The Pennsylvania State University, where she received both a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in ceramics and a Bachelor of Science degree in art education. Her Masters in Art Education was earned from Carlow University. Megan's love of clay led her to develop a Pottery and Ceramic Techniques Program for Seneca Valley, which she has taught exclusively since its inception. She currently serves as the National Honor Society Adviser, The Scholastic Art Awards Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Region, and the Mud Geeks Pottery Club sponsor.IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW•How Seneca Valley Foundation (SVF) funds extra needs in the classroom •Why the SVF donation was so valuable •How the donation impacted students •What teachers, parents, students and community members would benefit from knowing about SVF USEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/domain/1132
SHOW TOPICThe Season of Giving with Ms. Annie Mersing SPECIAL GUESTMs. Annie Mersing, Seneca Valley Foundation Director of DevelopmentMs. 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 REVIEWWhat is the Seneca Valley Foundation (SVF)? Who does it help?What are SVF’s future goals? How can someone give to SVF?USEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/domain/1132
SHOW TOPICThe Age of Information: How SV is Keeping up with the Times with Mr. Mike StebbinsSPECIAL GUESTMr. Mike Stebbins, Seneca Valley Senior High School Library Teacher Mike Stebbins is in his 21st year at Seneca Valley.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and his teaching certificate from the University of Pittsburgh.  He earned a Master’s Degree is School Library and Information Technologies from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.  Mike currently serves as the secondary library department chairperson for the district.IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEWHow to find reliable resources in this day of technology How to teach students to combat the world of misinformationHow much has the library changed because of technologyHow social media influences the libraryWhat parents and students would be surprised to know about the library today USEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/domain/955
SHOW TOPICThe Age of Information: How SV is Keeping up with the Times with Ms. Kelly McDonaldSPECIAL GUESTMs. Kelly McDonald, Rowan Elementary CIRC Teacher Kelly McDonald is in her thirty-third year of teaching, with thirty of those years at Seneca Valley. She previously taught kindergarten, first grade, and second grade, but has been a K-4 Creativity, Innovation & Research Center (CIRC) teacher at Rowan for the past twenty-nine years. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Indiana University of PA and a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Kelly currently serves on the English Language Arts (ELA) Curriculum Committee within the District.  IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEWHow to find reliable resources in this day of technology How to teach students to combat the world of misinformationHow much has the library changed because of technologyHow social media influences the library What parents and students would be surprised to know about the library today USEFUL INFORMATIONwww.svsd.net/CIRC 
SHOW TOPICBack to School 101: Transitioning and Re-engaging Students with Ms. Christina KarmecySPECIAL GUESTMs. Christina Karmecy, Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School Counselor Christina Karmecy is the Elementary School Counselor at Connoquenessing Valley Elementary (CVE) School. This is her fifth school year as CVE’s school counselor. Before joining the SV team, she was South Side Area School District’s elementary school counselor for six years. Ms. Karmecy received her Masters of Education in School Counseling from Slippery Rock University, and is also a National Certified Counselor. She also serves as a member of CVE’s Learn, Explore, Act, Develop (LEAD) and Diversity Teams. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW The importance talking with students through regular “check-ins” after school Ideas for being organized at home with homework Suggestions for developing an at-home routine/scheduleEncouraging students to advocate for themselvesWho to contact should students or parents have questions or concernsUSEFUL INFORMATIONhttps://www.svsd.net/Page/26833
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