SHOW TOPIC
Performing Arts at SV: Proud of the Past, Excited to Move Forward with Mr. Varden Armstrong

SPECIAL GUEST
Mr. Varden Armstrong, Performing Arts Coordinator and Secondary Instrumental Music Teacher

Varden Armstrong is in his 24th year of teaching.  He is a band director in the intermediate and senior high school buildings and works with students in five instrumental ensembles. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Armstrong is also the Performing Arts Coordinator for the Seneca Valley School District.  He is responsible for coordinating budgets, calendars, equipment and scheduling all performing arts programs.  This includes band, chorus, orchestra, dance, theatre and video production in grades 4-12, across seven buildings.  
Mr. Armstrong, an SV alumnus,  received his Undergraduate Degree in Music Education from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University and has continued his education at Duquesne University studying conducting, music administration, and music technology.  

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW: 

• The role of a Performing Arts Coordinator and why do we have one at SV
• How COVID-19 affected Performing Arts and how the programs have adapted
• Planning for next year; recruitment, retention, motivation
•  Long-term goals and programs in development

https://www.svsd.net/domain/1102
www.svband.net 

SHOW TOPIC
2021-22 Program of Studies: Video Production/Film Courses with Mr. Dan McKosky 

SPECIAL GUEST
Mr. Dan McKosky, Seneca Valley Senior High School Video and Media Teacher 

Dan McKosky is in his fourteenth year at Seneca Valley. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Video Production and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Ohio University as well as a Certificate of Advanced Study in English and Communication Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He teaches various film, video and animation classes and is the co-sponsor of the SVTV club and television station.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
•Giving students an outlet for their creativity 
•21st century skills
•Authentic audiences

USEFUL INFORMATION
www.svsd.net/POS

SHOW TOPIC
2021-22 Program of Studies: Computer Science Courses with Mr. Ken Macek

SPECIAL GUEST
Mr. Ken Macek, Seneca Valley Academy of Choice, Applied Engineering and Technology/Computer Science Teacher (9-12)
 
 Ken Macek is in his seventh year teaching at Seneca Valley. He has a Bachelor of Science in Education with certification in Technology Education from California University of Pennsylvania along with a Master of Education degree (also from California University of PA). He teaches all Cyber and Blended Technology and Computer Science courses for the SV Academy of Choice. Ken also currently serves on the Instructional and Professional Development (IPD) Committee within the district.  

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
• What is a “blended” course
• What courses are offered as blended courses
• What the Computer Science Course sequence is and how it helps with scheduling
• Course highlights 
• What’s trending in computer science

USEFUL INFORMATION
www.svsd.net/POS

SHOW TOPIC
2021-22 Program of Studies: Orchestra Courses with Ms. Sarah Miller 

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Sarah Miller, Seneca Valley Orchestra Director 

Sarah Miller is a violinist and teacher in the Pittsburgh area. Ms. Miller has worked at Seneca Valley for five years where she teaches orchestra, grades 7-12. Ms. Miller holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Duquesne University, a master’s in music from the University of Michigan. She prides herself on her desire to be a lifelong learner and hopes to exemplify this in her teaching. As a violinist, Ms. Miller regularly performs with the Butler Symphony, and gigs in the Pittsburgh Area. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
• What students need to know about joining orchestra
• What orchestra is and what instruments are offered 
• The variety of music the orchestra plays
• What students say about being in orchestra
• What other music electives are offered

USEFUL INFORMATION
www.svsd.net/POS

SHOW TOPIC
2021-22 Program of Studies: Diverse Voices in US History Course with Ms. Heather Perella

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Heather Perella, Seneca Valley Senior High School Social Studies Teacher

Heather Perella is in her fifteenth year teaching at Seneca Valley. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Studies from Slippery Rock University and a Masters of Science in Education from Wilkes University. She currently serves on the Social Studies Curriculum Committee within the district. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
• The new course “Diverse Voices in US History”
• How the five themes for the course were developed
• Why this is important when learning about American culture 
• The benefits and advantages students gain from taking this course

USEFUL INFORMATION
www.svsd.net/POS

SHOW TOPIC
2021-22 Program of Studies: 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 is new for 2021-22
• When registration will take place for grades 7-12
• How the Program of Studies website was streamlined and updated  

USEFUL INFORMATION
www.svsd.net/POS

SHOW TOPIC
An Inside Look: How SV Handles Inclement Weather

SPECIAL GUEST
Mr. Jim Pearson, Seneca Valley Transportation Director

Jim Pearson  has previous experience as the assistant principal of Deer Lakes Middle School, as well as the assistant principal of Hampton Middle School and the dean of students for Hampton High School. Mr. Pearson has trained and received his Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with school bus and passenger endorsements, and is a member of the National Association for Pupil Transportation, Pupil Transportation Association of Pennsylvania and the Midwestern Pupil Transportation Association.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• Steps of the process for monitoring during an inclement weather event.
• Communications with other school districts and community public works departments.
• District and bus company personnel involvement and district size. 
• Impact of extreme cold weather temperatures on transportation.
• Criteria considered when working with the Superintendent to decide two-hour delays vs. a closure.

USEFUL INFORMATION
www.svsd.net
https://www.svsd.net/weathernotice
https://portal.svsd.net/

SPECIAL GUEST
Mr. Randy Miller, Seneca Valley Buildings and Grounds Director

Mr. Randy Miller comes to Seneca Valley from the corporate sector where he worked for three and a half years as a project manager for FedEx Ground Corp. in Moon Township. During his time there, he was responsible for managing the development and design of facilities, sites, buildings and material handling systems for expansions and new hubs/stations for the entire gulf region. His additional experience includes 25 combined years with Architectural Innovations, Eckles Architecture; and Richard N. Manns, Architect P.C. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• Preparation taken prior to inclement weather.
• Staff personnel needed to prepare for the arrival of staff and/or students.
• The number of school sites and areas that need cleared within those sites.
• Clearing/salting process and steps, including what comes first.
• Timing of the process during inclement weather event. 

USEFUL INFORMATION
www.svsd.net

SHOW TOPIC
An Inside Look: How SV Handles Inclement Weather

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Linda Andreassi, Seneca Valley Communications Director

 Linda Andreassi has been working at Seneca Valley for over 24 years. A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Ms. Andreassi has previous experience in the newspaper industry where she was a reporter and editor. She has over 60 awards for excellence in public relations programs and publications from such organizations as Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA) and National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).
Ms. Andreassi is responsible for all District written and electronic publications, as well as communications through the mass parent notification system. She also manages content for the District website, social media sites and mobile app, and serves as the press spokesperson for Seneca Valley. Additional responsibilities include press release submissions, working with community organizations, marketing and promotion of the District and managing advertising for the website, e-newsletter and calendar. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• The steps for communication during an inclement weather event. 
• The communication mediums available.
• Keeping contact information up-to-date via the SV Portal.
• Where residents and private/parochial parents can go to get transportation information.

USEFUL INFORMATION
www.svsd.net
https://www.svsd.net/weathernotice
https://portal.svsd.net/

SHOW TOPIC
It’s Not a ‘Mute’ Point: Why Cameras are Needed in the Remote Learning Environment

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Danielle McCormick, Haine Middle  School Fifth Grade Teacher

Danielle McCormick is  in her fourteenth year teaching at Seneca Valley. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Dickinson College and a Masters of Education with teaching certification from the University of Pittsburgh. She currently serves on the English language arts (ELA) Curriculum and Report of Student Progress Committees within the district.  

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW
• What the mental health benefits are for students if they keep their cameras on during remote instruction. 
• What the academic benefits are to keeping the camera on during remote instruction. 
• How to describe remote learning to parents who may view it differently than a classroom. 
• How to address student privacy, confidentiality and equity in a remote environment.

USEFUL INFORMATION
www.svsd.net