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

SHOW TOPIC
College and Career Preparations with Ms. Darla Ramirez-Lightner

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

Ms. Darla Ramirez-Lightner is in her 32nd 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 three students who graduated from Seneca Valley, 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
The role of Coordinator of Collegiate and Career Affairs Top questions that parents ask regarding college and career planning Upcoming College and Career Fair Helpful tips/advice that parents/guardians should know, like SchooLinks, SV’s new college and career readiness platform Student and parent resources available on the website - Guidance / OVERVIEW (svsd.net)

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 paraprofessionalQualifications and skillset needed to become a paraprofessionalDetails about the new paraprofessional incentive programBonuses and other incentives within the new programLearn 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 addictionWhat 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.