SVSD Monthly Newsletter
The Homestretch Begins
A Message from Superintendent Jaime Vlasaty
May marks the start of an important assessment season across our schools. In our elementary buildings, students will participate in PSSA testing, while our high school students begin AP and Keystone exams. These assessments are one measure of growth and learning, and we encourage all students to approach them with confidence and perspective. A good night’s sleep, consistent routines and balanced nutrition can make a meaningful difference. Just as important, we remind our students they are more than the outcome of any single test. Progress over time matters far more than perfection in a moment. Below, you will find additional information and practical testing strategies, particularly designed to support our youngest learners.
At the same time, May is also a season of celebration. We look forward to recognizing scholarships and academic awards, gathering for prom and preparing for graduation. It is a month that reflects both perseverance and achievement, and we are proud of the effort our students continue to demonstrate in every classroom and on every stage.
Senior Scholarships
Senior Scholarship Application Process Opens Soon
These scholarships will be awarded during the SVHS Senior Scholarship / Awards Ceremony 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, in the High School Auditorium.
In the coming days, seniors will be enrolled in a dedicated Senior Scholarship Schoology course. This course will serve as the primary resource for the application process; where they will find important information, available scholarship opportunities, application materials and detailed instructions.
Please be on the lookout for additional information, including important timelines and submission deadlines in the SVHS newsletter. SVSD strongly encourages seniors to take advantage of these opportunities and apply for any scholarships for which they are eligible.
Your 2026-27 School-Board Approved Calendar is Here
When do students return to school? When does the year end? Find all of the answers online.
The Saucon Valley School Board has approved the instructional calendar for the 2026-2027 school year; which outlines key dates for students, parents and staff. The upcoming academic year will consist of 184 student days and 192 teacher days.
The complete Panther Calendar is available online at svpanthers.org/panther-calendar. There, you can also download and print the 2025-26 and/or 2026-27 calendar.
Important: Sports Registration
Sports registration will be moving to Arbiter. This transition will streamline the registration process and provide a more user-friendly experience for parents and students, alike. Families need only one account to manage multiple student profiles, and forms can be filled out digitally -- with the exception of the physical evaluation form.
Additional details, including timelines and instructions, will be shared soon via the district athletics page. A copy of the physical evaluation form will also be available. For your convenience, it is available below.
Technology Updates
Update on Teacher ParentSquare Pilot
This spring, a group of teachers participated in a successful ParentSquare pilot. Teachers from each school were selected to test new ways to strengthen school-to-home communication. Through the platform, participating teachers were able to send direct messages to parents, respond privately to comments on classroom posts and share timely updates with their classes in a more streamlined and consistent way. We’re encouraged by the positive feedback and look forward to sharing more details soon about the district's next steps for its ParentSquare implementation
Download the ParentSquare App
Saucon Valley is proud to share we are 100% contactable via ParentSquare and ranked 1st out of 101 similar sized districts for our reachability. Now, we need to increase the number of people using the app. Download it today!
Jamf Parent
Additionally, we have begun testing the use of Jamf Parent, which allows families to apply controls to student-issued iPads outside of school hours. The app provides parents with greater visibility and device management capabilities at home while maintaining the district’s instructional configurations during the school day. Here is a link to the app on Google Play. Here is the one for Apple. You can also watch the 8-minute video linked below to get your student's iPad connected to the parent app.
SVSD is Hiring!
Saucon Valley School District is currently seeking qualified and dedicated individuals to join our team.
We invite interested candidates to explore the following opportunities:
- Anticipated Opening – Spanish Immersion Teacher (District-Wide)
- Anticipated Opening – French Teacher (District-Wide)
- Anticipated Opening -- Middle School Secretary
- Substitute Building Secretary (District-Wide)
- Junior High Girls Head Soccer Coach
- Summer IEP Writers
- and more.
To view full job descriptions and submit an application, please visit our employment page on SchoolSpring.
Family Engagement Feature
PSSAs Begin Next Week, and We Want Your Learner to Feel Prepared
The Drowsy Chaperone Performances Begin Tonight
Get Your Tickets for the Spring Production of The Drowsy Chaperone Today
The Saucon Valley High School Performing Arts Department is thrilled to announce its 2026 spring production of the Tony Award-winning musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. This hilarious "musical within a comedy" will take the stage for four performances from April 16 through April 19.
Performance Dates & Times:
TONIGHT – 6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 17 – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 18 – 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 19 – 2:00 p.m. (Matinee)
Tickets: Tickets for all performances are available beginning 6:30 p.m. March 19 through the Saucon Valley Online Ticket Office. The cost is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+), students and active and retired military. Children under age five are free. Please be sure to select your child's free seat online when reserving. Cash admission is available at the door for general seating.
Plus, watch the student-produced trailer
A special thank you to Jaxon Beke for filming and producing this dynamic teaser of the fun to come. He captured footage from recent run-throughs, and the final product certainly highlights the talent, energy and hard work of the entire cast and crew.
Important Reminders
Register for Kindergarten Today
Kindergarten Registration is available online only via InfoSnap. Ready to Enroll?
Save the Date: A Kindergarten Screening Event will take place for all incoming Kindergarten students May 5 and 6.
Additional information about the 2026-27 school year will be available over the summer.
Questions? Please contact Elizabeth Gallagher at Elizabeth.Gallagher@svpanthers.org.
Graduation Set
The Saucon Valley School Board has approved Friday, June 5, 2026, as the graduation date. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 6.
Saucon Valley is Highlighting Graduating Seniors
We are excited to announce the creation of a Senior Spotlight, a special website designed to celebrate seniors and the many exciting paths they plan to take following graduation.
Please complete this form to have yourself or your student included.
We're on LinkedIn
Part of what makes SVSD strong is our shared bonds. We'd love to connect and build on the lasting connections forged. Follow us today to stay informed and engaged: 👉 Saucon Valley School District on LinkedIn
Panther Pride 🐾
The GIANT Company recently presented a check to Saucon Valley School District in the amount of $5,949 — thanks to your rounding up at the store and GIANT's match made possible by the annual Feeding School Kids initiative. This yearly effort encourages customers to round up grocery purchases to the nearest dollar or donate CHOICE points to support public school food programs.
The money raised this year will be used to support students in need -- particularly those who qualify for free or reduced meals but may not have completed their applications in time. These funds ensure that all students have access to meals, regardless of temporary eligibility or application delays.
We are thankful to Giant for this initiative and for your continued support of our students. Proper nutrition is essential for students to thrive in the classroom, and your support helps ensure they have access to this basic, vital need.
Special thanks to Store Employment Associate Brittany Fragano, Lead Checkout Coach Morgan Staats and Assistant Store Manager Center Store Michelle Shostek, who made the time to visit the district.
Saucon Valley Alumni Association, Big Panthers Little Panthers and Family Engagement Honored by CIU 20
Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 will host a joint celebration of the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards and the National Merit Scholar Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School (BAVTS).
This annual event recognizes outstanding student achievement and innovative educational programs across the IU20 region.
We are especially proud to recognize Saucon Valley’s 2025–26 National Merit Scholar, Alexander Morawski, for this distinguished academic achievement.
Saucon Valley is also being honored through the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards. The Saucon Valley Alumni Wall of Fame, sponsored by the Saucon Valley Alumni Association, has been named a Category 3 winner for its demonstrated commitment to strengthening and preserving public education.
In addition, the district received Honorable Mention recognition for Big Panthers, Little Panthers and Family Engagement, both of which reflect strong efforts to build connection and support student success.
Middle School iTeam Receives Congressional Letter
Saucon Valley's Middle School iTeam received a congressional letter and certificate from Congressman Mackenzie after taking home the Outstanding Overall Program award in the 2026 "What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?" Lehigh Valley contest.
Additionally, they were formally recognized by the Saucon Valley School Board at the most recent meeting.
This year, participating students highlighted the "color, ingenuity and brilliance" behind Crayola's manufacturing and showcased the people and machinery involved in producing crayons. You can watch the winning video below.
Students Receive Professional Certificates
This prestigious program is a collaboration between Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School and Northampton Community College's Center for Business and Industry (CBI).
A certificate signifies that these students mastered the high-level professional habits and workplace "soft skills" identified as critical for modern industry leadership.
Congratulations to our recipients:
- Jerik Lesser – Masonry
- Bethany Dietrich – Electronics Technology
- Jacob Gillespie – Commercial Art
- Ty Lehr – Protective Services
This kind of certificate is a powerful addition to their resume -- signaling to employers that they are the "top tier" of career-ready graduates.
Congrats to the Reading Team
Congratulations to our Reading Team for earning 2nd place in the IU Reading Competition.
Each spring, schools from across the IU come together for this academic challenge. Teams read a shared list of 25 books — a new list each year — and collaborate to answer detailed questions about the texts. Success depends on preparation, teamwork and deep understanding of the material.
Keep turning those pages; it will serve you far beyond the competition.
Model UN Simulation
Forty-two high school students represented Saucon Valley at the East Penn Model UN simulation at Lehigh University.
Kristen Lussier and Violet Whitley successfully ran the Committee on Women & Children, while other participants served as delegates in various committees.
Four students also came home with medals for their efforts: Vaughn Kaye on the Environmental Committee and Sara Bocchini on the Social and Humanitarian Committee were recognized for their well-constructed resolutions. Nitya Thakkar on the Environmental Committee and Ryan Pakzad on the Security Council were recognized for their diplomatic skills as delegates.
Big Panthers, Little Panthers Spring Celebration
Big Panthers, Little Panthers (BPLP) recently held their spring celebration — egg hunt, relay races, sidewalk chalk and (the best part) time together. We asked some of our Bigs and Littles what they love most about the program. The video is linked below.
SVIPE Takes Home Two First Place Awards
The SV Indoor Percussion Ensemble competed at Salisbury Township HS Saturday, April 11, 2026. They were judged on their musical performance as well as their overall effect. They took home 1st place in both categories out of all the schools in their division. Their overall score was 1st place with an 81.400. They have jumped over 20 points since their first competition. They will compete again at Springhouse MS on Saturday, April 18, 2026, and then for Chapter Championships at Souderton HS on Saturday, April 25. They are working especially hard to prepare for their competition at the Atlantic Coast Championships in Wildwood, NJ the first weekend in May. We wish them the best of luck!
Reading Team Takes Home Second
Who likes a good book? These students sure do!
Congratulations to our Reading Team for earning 2nd place in the IU Reading Competition
Each spring, schools from across the IU come together for this academic challenge. Teams read a shared list of 25 books — a new list each year — and collaborate to answer detailed questions about the texts. Success depends on preparation, teamwork and deep understanding of the material.
Well done! Keep turning those pages; it will serve you far beyond the competition
PA FBLA State Leadership Conference
Congratulations are in order!
Our FBLA students had a great time and represented SVSD well at the PA FBLA State Leadership Conference in Hershey this week. Sanya and Tanya Namboodiri took home 9th place in the Coding & Programming competition.
We hope the experience left lasting memories and instilled an even deeper love of leadership.
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Please fill out the form linked here.
Never Miss the Latest District News 📰
Meet the Newest Members of the Panther Family 🐾
Get to know the leaders encouraging our students every day!
We're digging deeper than the standard résumé to share their backgrounds, passions and the secret superpowers they wish they had. Discover who is teaching your kids, coaching your teams and inspiring our future leaders! Click the image to view the file 💻
Attendance Reminder
Stay Connected to Your School, On the Go
Panther Preview
Upcoming Dates on the Calendar
- April 16-19: High School Musical The Drowsy Chaperone performances; information included above.
- April 21: PSSAs begin
- April 29: High School Art Show, National Honor Society Induction & Leo Club Induction, 6 p.m.
- May 1: High School Prom, 6 p.m.
- May 4: AP Exams Begin
- May 5 & 6: Kindergarten Screening
- May 7: HS / MS BAND Spring Concert 2026
- May 11: Start of Week 1 of Keystone Exams
- May 14: HS / MS CHORUS Spring Concert 2026
- May 15: Senior Pageant 6-8 p.m.
- May 18: Start of Week 2 of the Keystone Exams
- May 21: Freddy Awards
- May 25: Memorial Day Holiday -- NO SCHOOL
- May 28: Senior Scholarship Ceremony, 6:30-8 p.m.
- June 3: SVES Field Day & Carnival
You can view more calendar events on the Panther School Calendar.

