NEW HEIGHTS
REACHING
MISSION STATEMENT
In collaboration with family and community, the mission of the Seneca Valley School District is to provide a nurturing and safe environment with academically challenging opportunities, emphasizing digital citizenship, innovation and global awareness in order to prepare our students to be productive and contributing citizens.
Photo Credit: Becky Thurner Photography
A MESSAGE FROM DR. VITALE
Dreaming bigger, aiming higher and pursuing greatness are just a few of the ways our students and staff are shaping a brighter future.
The 2024 Seneca Valley Annual Report showcases the remarkable achievements from across the District. Within these pages, you’ll discover highlights from our academics, athletics and activities, Seneca Valley Foundation, community involvement and the many ways we are making a positive impact on others.
These moments of personal and professional growth motivate us to become the
best versions of ourselves, empowering us to continue Reaching New Heights.
I believe excellence is a shared vision at Seneca Valley. Every day brings new opportunities to inspire, empower and elevate our students, faculty and staff.
In a world of ever-changing technological advancements that transform the way we learn, teach and connect, our commitment remains steadfast: to provide every student with the tools, knowledge and opportunities they need to succeed and thrive.
American author Zig Ziglar said, “You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success and endowed with the seeds of greatness.”
It’s my privilege to lead this remarkable District, and I want to thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to serve as our partners in education. Together, we will continue building a foundation of excellence that enables our students and staff to reach their fullest potential.
Dr. Tracy Vitale
Superintendent of Schools
2024 SENECA VALLEY
SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mr. Eric DiTullio, Board President
Lancaster and Forward Townships
Region 8
Mr. Jeff Widdowson, Board Vice President
Callery and Harmony Boroughs and Jackson Township
Region 9
Ms. Leslie Bredl
Cranberry Township East I and II
Region 1
Mr. Nick Brower
Evans City and Seven Fields Boroughs
Region 7
Ms. Susan Harrison
Cranberry Township West III & VII
Region 3
Mr. Timothy Hester
Cranberry Township East III and West V
Region 5
Mr. Mike Jacobs
Zelienople Borough
Region 6
Mr. Frederick Peterson, Jr.
Cranberry Township West IV and West VI
Region 4
Ms. Kari Zimmer
Cranberry Township I, II and VIII
Region 2
School board meeting information, agendas and minutes can be found on the school district website at www.svsd.net/school_board.
EXCELLENCE IN SCHOOL BOARD LEADERSHIP
Members of the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Seneca Valley School Boards were named recipients of a Tri-State Area School Study Council D. Richard Wynn Distinguished School Board Award.
The Board received this elite honor as it has demonstrated exemplary practices in addressing important issues that reflect directly on improved schooling for students. The Board was recognized by Tri-State during its 75th Annual School Board and Distinguished Educator Ceremony held March 21, 2024.
Pictured from L to R:
Dr. Tracy Vitale,
Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Timothy Hester,
board member
Mr. Eric DiTullio,
2024 Board President
Mr. Jeff Widdowson,
Board Vice President
Ms. Kathy Whittle,
2023 Board President
Mr. Nick Brower,
board member
2024
VIDEO
HIGHLIGHTS
A Message from Our 2024 Graduates
As one chapter ends, another begins. Our preschoolers and seniors shared advice with one another about graduation and their future plans. Here’s what they had to say…
Recognizing Impactful Teachers
Seniors never forget the impact teachers made on them. Classroom lessons went far beyond textbooks, and shaping minds and hearts for a lifetime. Teachers, thank you for being the guiding stars in our students’ educational journey.
The Seneca Valley School District honors the achievements of exceptional athletes and championship teams with the unveiling of a virtual Hall of Fame. From epic victories to jaw-dropping accomplishments, the new display showcases those who’ve paved the way in sports during their time at Seneca Valley.
The Hall of Fame features various Seneca Valley sports teams, a record book and significant honors that have taken place throughout SV’s athletic history. The virtual Hall of Fame has two locations where it is proudly displayed, one in the Senior High School and another in the Aquatic Center.
This sleek touchscreen interface is adorned with images of iconic moments in Seneca Valley’s athletic history and provides the opportunity for students, staff and visitors to scroll through and learn more about SV’s legendary athletes. Currently, records go back as far as 1964, and Seneca Valley’s Athletics & Activities Department updates the Hall of Fame with ongoing records and photos.
“The virtual Hall of Fame captures the history of Seneca Valley athletics and the legacy of our coaches and student athletes,” said Ms. Heather Lewis, Athletics & Activities Director. “You can scroll back in time to view our Hall of Fame, records and championship winning teams—it’s essentially a one-stop shop for Seneca Valley athletics. The Hall of Fame allows us to put everything in one place where the community can see it, and it even gives alumni an opportunity to show their children when they come to visit the campus.”
The virtual Hall of Fame operates from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. and can be viewed by the public during sporting or other open events taking place at the Seneca Valley Senior High School or Aquatic Center.
Ms. Lewis added, “We are very proud and honored to highlight the accomplishments of our current and former athletes. Our department started gathering data for the Hall of Fame in the fall of ‘23 and we’re excited to unveil it. We’d like to thank everyone for their hard work on this project, especially our IT and Building and Grounds Departments.”
The Seneca Valley virtual Hall of Fame was made possible by generous donations in memory of Jamie Thomas. Jamie along with his wife Laura were parents of SV standout student athletes: Chase ‘21, Boys Soccer and Natalie, ‘23, Cheer & Dance/Track and Field.
For more information about Seneca Valley’s virtual Hall of Fame or for potential inclusion, please contact Assistant Athletic Director Mr. Nii Sowa-Doku at [email protected].
DID
YOU
KNOW?
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
The Power of Positivity
Mr. Mike Manipole, a Health and Physical Education teacher at Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS), received the Ann Moniot Outstanding Middle Level Teacher Award for 2023-24 school year by the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education (PAMLE). Mr. Manipole was recognized for his exceptional contributions, inspiring enthusiasm for teaching and building strong, positive relationships with both students and colleagues.
A Symphony of Success
Inspiring Students One Note at a Time
Mrs. Tracy Glass received the 2024 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Citation of Excellence in Teaching Award for District 5, honoring her work as an instrumental instructor and director of elementary and middle school band ensembles—inspiring the District’s youngest musicians.
Recognized for her impactful work and instilling a passion for music in her students, Ms. Chessa Fernandez Crum, RGMS Choir Director, received the 2024 Butler County Symphony Association’s Outstanding Music Educator Award.
Music to Our Ears
The Seneca Valley School District was recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation with the prestigious designation of Best Communities for Music Education, in acknowledgment of its exceptional dedication to music education. This designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.
The Power of Positivity
Mr. Mike Manipole, a Health and Physical Education teacher at Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS), received the Ann Moniot Outstanding Middle Level Teacher Award for 2023-24 school year by the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education (PAMLE). Mr. Manipole was recognized for his exceptional contributions, inspiring enthusiasm for teaching and building strong, positive relationships with both students and colleagues.
National Designation
Receiving national recognition for achieving environmental excellence, Rowan Elementary School was awarded the designation of a Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Rowan was one of only three schools from Pennsylvania recognized, in addition to also being the only Pennsylvania elementary public school and the only educational institution representing the western side of the state.
Serving the Community
Seneca Valley School District received the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) Youth Award, a statewide honor recognizing students’ community service efforts. Throughout the year, hundreds of students partnered with Cranberry Township on various volunteer projects to enhance and beautify the area.
Honored in WPIAL Hall of Fame
Ms. Heather Lewis, SV Athletics and Activities Director, was inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) Hall of Fame Class of 2024, under the Courage category. A breast cancer survivor, she fought bravely for 10 months in 2021-22. Ms. Lewis is also Seneca Valley’s first female Athletics and Activities Director and has served in this position since 2012.
SPECIAL & GIFTED EDUCATION
Special Education
The Seneca Valley School District’s Special Education Department is committed to meeting the needs of students with disabilities and helping them reach their potential. The Seneca Valley School District offers a continuum of services and placement options to meet the needs of each student.
Services include but are not limited to:
- Autistic Support
- Blind-Visually Impaired Support
- Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Support
- Emotional Support
- Learning Support
- Life Skills Support
- Multiple Disabilities Support
- Speech and Language Support
Services may be provided by special education teachers, classroom teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school nurses, counselors, paraprofessional staff, and others with specialized training and expertise.
Additionally, the District offers a robust Transition Program to support the development of vocational skills for students.
These opportunities include the following:
- Community-based vocational training
- On-campus vocational training:
- Raider Roast coffee shop
- Raider Gear spirit wear kiosk
- Seneca Square smoothie shop
- Community participation
- (shopping, banking and travel training)
- Independent living room
- Unified Bocce
Gifted Education
The Seneca Valley Special Education Department is also committed to meeting the needs of gifted students by ensuring that they are served through a comprehensive program designed to develop their strengths and potential. At Seneca Valley, through the partnership of support staff and general education teachers, educational opportunities for an identified student include varied enrichment and acceleration options. Each student is viewed as an individual with specific strengths, aptitudes and interests which contribute to the development of customized gifted programming for students.
COMMUNITY-BASED VOCATIONAL TRAINING
The Community-Based Vocational Training (CBVT) program is designed to provide on-the-job training for individuals with exceptionalities to help them gain skills for integrated competitive employment in the student’s home community. These students require the extra time and support offered to obtain vocational skills necessary for employment upon graduation.
CBVT Goals
- Offer students opportunities to acquire job skills in natural environments
- Provide vocational training in the business community with the support of a job coach and transition specialist
- Emphasize business standards regarding work quality, production, safety, work attire and appropriate work behaviors
- Require students to wear uniforms and call off when they will not be working
- Improve work rate, hard skills, soft skills and stamina
Partnering Businesses Have Included:
Ace Hardware
Barnes & Noble
Chick-fil-A
Courtyard Marriott
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
Elevate Trampoline Park
Fresh Thyme Market
Fun Fore All Family Fun Park
Gardner’s Greenhouse
Glade Run Adventures
Hampton Inn & Suites
Lutherlyn
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Monte Cello’s
Pittsburgh Marriott North
Pittsburgh Penguins
Plato’s Closet
Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA
SVSD Cafeterias/Clerical
The Strand Theater
Walgreens
YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
National Merit Winners
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced that Shivani Umesh (SV ‘24) was a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winner. Miss Umesh, one of 2,500 Merit Scholar designees, was chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Alexander Kim (SV ‘24) and Lucas Boyle (SV ‘24) were named semifinalists and then finalists in the 69th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program held by the NMSC. Additionally, Lydia Miller (SV ‘24) and Lihini Ranaweera (SV ‘24) were named Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Academic Excellence
Seneca Valley’s Academic Decathlon team placed seventh in the nation and earned four individual national medals at the United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) National Competition that was held April 25-27, 2024.
Prior to competing at Nationals, the SV Academic Decathlon team placed first in the USAD State Competition, ultimately earning them a spot on the national stage to represent the Keystone State.
The SV Academic Decathlon team members included Ophelia Crano (SV ‘25), Shivani Umesh (SV ‘24), Roshini Umesh (SV ‘26), Rohin Jayaraman (SV ‘25), Kaia Satory (SV ‘25), Heath Lyon (SV ‘26), Zachary DeVault (SV ‘24), Ashley Kemp (SV ‘24) and Gavin Cress (SV ‘25).
Carson Scholar
Yasmeen Fahs, a sixth grader at Haine Middle School, was named a 2024 Carson Scholar, one of 570 students nationwide to receive this honor. She received a $1,000 scholarship that will be invested for her college education and was recognized at the 20th annual Carson Scholars Fund’s Pittsburgh Awards Banquet on April 7, 2024. Miss Fahs was selected for her outstanding academic achievement, integrity, and civic and social responsibility.
Soaring Success
Seneca Valley received the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for its high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles. This prestigious award recognizes schools that have achieved 50% or higher female representation among AP Computer Science exam takers, or a percentage of female exam takers that meets or exceeds the school’s female population.
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024
A Sampling of Colleges and Universities Chosen by Our 2024 Graduates:
Auburn University
Butler County
Community College
Chatham University
Clemson University
Duquesne University
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Florida State University
Gannon University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Johns Hopkins University
Kent State University
La Roche College
Liberty University
Mercyhurst University
New York University
Ohio University
Penn State University
Pennsylvania Western University
Pittsburgh Institution of Aeronautics
Robert Morris University
Rosedale Technical College
Slippery Rock University
The Ohio State University
University of Dayton
University of Pittsburgh
West Virginia University
Westminster College
Youngstown State University
IN
THEIR
WORDS
SENECA VALLEY FOUNDATION
The Seneca Valley Foundation (SVF) is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to encouraging excellence and innovation in the Seneca Valley schools.
The Foundation achieves this by seeking donations and patrons to facilitate new District, building or classroom projects, programs and/or grants/scholarships. Its board members consist of stakeholders from local business leaders, community leaders and school leaders. As a non-profit organization, the SVF is utilized as a vehicle by which memorial and other charitable donations may be made to the Seneca Valley School District.
The SVF is committed to encouraging academic excellence and innovation throughout Seneca Valley Schools. With the incredible generosity of the Seneca Valley community and beyond throughout 2023-24, the SVF has proudly supported 49 initiatives throughout the District totaling over $110,500. Those initiatives included teacher-inspired and districtwide programs including international educational seminars for teachers, creation of the Seneca Valley Fishing Club, STEAM activities, Vo-Tech Student Equipment Mini-grants, solar eclipse-viewing initiatives, book vending machines in elementary schools and global citizenship programs.
In addition, as a non-profit organization and approved education improvement organization, the SVF is utilized as a vehicle by which Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program contributions, memorials, scholarships and other charitable donations may be made to the Seneca Valley School District.
SVF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers
Dr. Tracy Vitale
President and Executive Director
Ms. Annie Mersing
Vice President and Development Director
Ms. Dana Kirk
Treasurer and SV Business Manager
Ms. Julia Benson
Secretary and SV School Board Secretary
Trustees
Mr. J. Victor Conrad
Independent Financial Advisor, Founder of PINNACLE Financial Strategies
Mr. Steven Fortunato
SV Educator
Ms. Amanda Kile
Chief Advancement Officer
The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh
Attorney Michael Ozdinec
Ozdinec & Witzel, LLC
Dr. Marie Palano
SV Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Scott Phelps
Vice President of Technology
Pittsburgh Steelers
Ms. Rosemary Piso
SV Educator
Dr. Jeffrey Roberts
SV Educator
Attorney Terry Shulsky
Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney
Mr. David Silvester
BNY Mellon
Mr. Dean Walker
SV Educator
Attorney Anastasa Williams
Anastasa S. Williams Law
SV Track Coach
SVF
DONORS
We are grateful for the generosity of the following individuals and businesses and their support of our mission:
Platinum Donors ($1,000+)
Baird Wealth Advisors
Central Maintenance
Fun Fore All Family Fun Park
Mr. and Mrs. Dustin & Jamie Thompson
Mr. and Mrs. J. Victor & Debra Conrad
Ms. Heather Lewis
Penna Flame Industries
Mr. Gregory & Dr. Tracy Vitale
Gold Donors ($300 – $999)
Ms. Beth Allen-Boyle
Ms. Linda Andreassi
– In memory of Dr. Daniel Pyle
Mr. and Mrs. Bob & Erin Ceh
Mr. John Demkowicz
Eckles Construction Services
Dr. Mallory Eyles
Ms. Kristen Kress
Mr. Randy Miller
– In memory of Marcie Peaco
Dr. Bridget Miller
Mr. Michael Ozdinec
Ms. Lauri Pendred
Mr. & Mrs. Fred & Cecelia Peterson
Mr. Taylor Schmidt
Silk & Stewart
Ms. Linda Starosta
Ms. Claire Zovko
Anonymous
– In memory of Samantha Condrick
Anonymous
Silver Donors ($20 – $199)
Ms. Tesin Amoscato
Dr. Anthony Babusci
– In memory of SFC Ryan Gloyer
Ms. Susan Baker
Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Patty Ball
Ms. Margaret Beggy
Ms. Anne Bernacki
Ms. Ashley Berty
Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Leslie Bredl
Ms. Elizabeth Cavicchia
Ms. Melissa Cornibe
Ms. Whitney Corrigan
Mr. Thomas Donati
Ms. Lillian Emlet
Ms. Celeste Foley
Ms. Lisa Fornadel
Ms. Natalie Green
Ms. Susan Harrison
Ms. Jodi Hassen
– In honor of ECE Multiple Supports Staff
Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Kristin Henry
Ms. Tiffany Hernandez
Mr. Matthew Hoffman, Esq
Ms. Jessica Kerr
Ms. Dana Kirk
Mr. Alex Kraniak
Ms. Kathleen Kuznicki, Esq.
Ms. Holly Lingenfelter
Ms. Megan Lizewski
Dr. Jaclyn Macioce
Dr. Kathy Mahon
Ms. Amanda Mallin
Dr. Denise Manganello
– In honor of SV Class of 1995
Dr. Thomas McKelvey
Ms. Jenifer McMurray
Ms. Annie Mersing
Ms. Cathy Mowery
– In memory of Jason Wehrle
Ms. Faye Nelson
– In memory of Arron Jones
Mr. and Mrs. James & Karen Nickel
Dr. Marie Palano
Dr. Taisia Papariella
Ms. Jessica Parker
Mr. Ashley Porter
Dr. Jeffrey Roberts
Dr. Rebecca Rockey
Ms. Christine Roe
– In memory of Ashley Roe-Snyder
Mr. Terry Shulsky, Esq.
Ms. Heather Sibeto
Mr. Gregory Smolinski
Mr. Nii Sowa-Doku
SunLife
Dr. Andrew Teti
Ms. Christine Thayer-Miller
– In memory of Samuel Thayer, Sr.
Ms. Sandy Thompson
Venezie Sporting Goods
Mr. Dean Walker
Ms. Kelly Weston
Dr. Kristen White
– In honor of Haine Elementary Staff
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff & Joan Widdowson
Ms. Elizabeth Williams
Mr. Stephen Wolfe
Mr. and Mrs. Dan and Joelleen Yerace
Ms. Kari Zimmer
Ms. Chyrstal Zinkham
Anonymous
Anonymous
– In honor of SV Marching Band
Directors
Anonymous
– In memory of SFC Ryan A. Gloyer
Anonymous
– In memory of Rich Duggan
Major Fundraisers
Gift of Hope Golf Classic
$55,548
SFC Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run/Walk 5K
$36,170
Harlem Wizards Basketball Event
$14,750
General Fund Donations
$2,650
Mr. and Mrs. Brian & Amanda Kile
Anonymous
– In memory of Madison Kmonk
Trout Unlimited
No Cost To Shop
$2,178
Ms. Lauri Becker
Fidelity Charitable
Plains Presbyterian Church
Ms. Paula Strong
Raider Robotics
$7,000
Penna Flame Industries
Westinghouse
Scholarships
$12,000
The Burkholder Foundation
Ryan Gloyer Memorial Scholarship
Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program Contributions
In 2023-24, the Seneca Valley Foundation received generous donations from local businesses totaling $56,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program grant. We sincerely thank the following businesses for their continued generosity. These donations directly benefit Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) classes at Seneca Valley.
NexTier Bank – $35,000
Waste Management – $10,000
The Buncher Company – $5,000
Farmers National Bank – $5,500
UPMC – $500
For additional information about this program and how your business can receive tax credits for your donations
to our non-profit, please visit:
www.svsd.net/SVFoundation/EITCProgram
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2023-24
FINANCIALS
The primary sources of Local Revenue for Seneca Valley are real estate and earned income taxes. Also included in Local Revenue are federal funds that pass through our intermediate unit, as well as funds generated when Seneca Valley provides cyber services to outside school districts. We are cognizant of the significance—and take very seriously—the responsibility that comes with spending revenue from local sources.
Instructional Services account for more than 60 percent of the expenditures budget and provide educational services for regular, special and vocational education. Our Instructional Support Services provide logistical support to further enhance and facilitate instruction and includes guidance and pupil health. We are committed to maintaining an expenditures budget that provides the tools necessary for maximum student success.
To view the budget in its entirety,
visit www.svsd.net/2024Budget.
VISION STATEMENT
Seneca Valley School District will continue to foster academic integrity, offer advanced educational opportunities and serve as an innovative leader in education while preparing all students to be productive members of society.
SENECA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Photo & Design credits
Bill Paterson with additional photos by the SV Communications Department
Graphic design by Krakoff Communications, Inc.
CURRENT AND ARCHIVED ANNUAL REPORTS
