SVSD Monthly Newsletter
November & December 2025
A Message from the Superintendent
October and November have been a whirlwind in all the best ways β packed with exciting fundraisers, engaging assemblies, meaningful student experiences and celebrations that remind us what makes Saucon Valley so special.
From honoring distinguished alumni to watching our students step up, lead and shine, this season has been full of moments that reflect the heart of our community.
Take time to pause and appreciate the people who make a difference in your life β your teachers, staff, principals, families, friends and anyone who inspires gratitude. Recognizing the efforts of those around us strengthens the culture of care we value so deeply here in Saucon Valley.
I am grateful for the opportunity to help guide this district and continue our pursuit of excellence. I see the dedication and spirit that make Saucon Valley such a remarkable place for students, families and staff alike. Thank you for allowing me to be part of these meaningful experiences and for the privilege of serving this community.
Warmly,
Jaime Vlasaty
Superintendent
Thank You & Congratulations
A special thank you to outgoing Saucon Valley School Board Members John Conte and Tracy Magnotta. Your service to the district and the surrounding community is appreciated!
Congratulations to newly elected school board members Meghan Lomangino and Christian Tatu!
A Look Back π«β¨
Substitute Teacher Tom Roney Speaks About Serving During the Vietnam War
3rd Grade Pawsitive Panthers Are Celebrated
The celebration for these outstanding Pawsitive Panthers culminates in a special ceremony at the School Board meeting. This is a unique opportunity for the community to recognize these students' exceptional character, and it's a reminder to board members, staff, students and families of the power of inspiring the next generation.
Click the image to learn more.
Senior Art Students Fill the High School Hallways with Color, Class and Design
Meet Your Panther Family πΎ
Get to know the leaders encouraging our students every day!
We're digging deeper than the standard rΓ©sumΓ© 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!
Want to Get Involved?
Consider joining one of the superintendent's three new committees.
Want to Volunteer?
We welcome parents, guardians, and community members to support our students and programs. Hereβs what to know:
Position Volunteers
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Unpaid roles with direct contact/responsibility for students
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Examples: field trip chaperones, tutors, coaches, activity advisors, recess/library helpers
Guest Volunteers
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Help under staff supervision with no direct student responsibility
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Examples: classroom celebrations, assemblies, concerts, reading to students, ticket-taking, concession stands, Career Day
Approval & Requirements
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All Position Volunteers must complete a volunteer application and be approved by the School Board.
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All Guest Volunteers must be approved by the building principal.
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Volunteers may begin only after official approval.
Clearances for Position Volunteers
Must be dated within the last 60 months:
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β PA Child Abuse History Clearance
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β PA State Police Criminal History Check
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β Volunteer Disclosure Statement
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If not a PA resident for the past 10 years β FBI Fingerprinting also required
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Clearances must be renewed every 60 months
Note: Students age 18+ volunteering for activities at their own school generally do not need clearances unless responsible for child-careβrelated duties.
Additional Requirements
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TB Test required for volunteers working 10+ hours/week in direct contact with students.
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Arrest/Conviction Reporting: Must notify the Superintendent within 72 hours of any reportable offense.
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Child Abuse Reporting: Volunteers must report suspected abuse as required by law.
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Confidentiality: Student information must remain private; questions go to the building principal.
Purchase Winter Sports Passes at a Discounted Rate
Check out our new SVSD footer π
- Forms
- Newsletter
- Calendar
- Community Engagement
- and more.
Expanded Quicklinks - Resources Are Just a Click Away
Each school's "Quicklinks" now features additional resources. Find an easy way to the Community Engagement page, your school's menu, the latest newsletter and more.
Bell Schedule Buttons
Keep an eye on your school's bell schedule, so you know how the day is impacted when there is a 2-hr delay, early dismissal and more.
Need Information About SVSD's Winter Weather Procedure? β
Head to the district transportation page, which is linked below.
Have You Moved WITHIN the District?
Follow the link below to complete the change of address form, located on the SVSD website.
Additional Resources for Families
CARONβs ePrevention Digital Postcard
Weβre excited to share a resource for students, families, and staff: Caronβs ePrevention Digital Postcard. This digital program provides interactive tools and educational content designed to prevent substance misuse and promote healthy decision-making.
Through engaging lessons, videos, and activities, students can learn about the risks of substance use, strategies for coping with peer pressure, and ways to build resilience.
Families can access resources to support conversations at home, and staff can utilize the platform to reinforce prevention education throughout the school year.
Our district is committed to supporting student well-being, and this platform is a valuable addition to our prevention efforts.
π Congrats to our Wall of Fame Award Recipients π
Distinguished Saucon Valley Alumni Honored
Congratulations to our 2025 Distinguished Alumni, Scott Sheriff (class of 1985) and Ryan OβConnell (Class of 2007). They have been inducted into Saucon Valley's Wall of Fameβa tradition recognizing exceptional alumni since 2015.
For a full list of previous recipients, visit sauconvalleyalumni.org.
Ryan O'Connell
Ryan OβConnell is the Music Director at Disneyland Resort and a teaching artist for Disney Imagination Campus. A USC graduate in Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television, Ryan has composed, arranged and orchestrated music for Fox, Netflix, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney, NBC and CBS.
He has worked with artists such as Bette Midler, Michael BublΓ© and Megan Hilty. He has also contributed to musicals, films and off-broadway productions. Ryan continues to be an in-demand composer, arranger, orchestrator and conductor across the globe.
Scott Sheriff
Scott Sheriff is a Nashville-based keyboardist and vocalist for Carrie Underwoodβs band. A Berklee College of Music graduate, he has had a prolific career performing, producing and arranging for artists, including Kenny Loggins, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kelly Clarkson and David Foster.
Scott also founded ClassicTributeBands.com and performs with tribute bands such as The Eaglemaniacs. His musical roots trace back to his family and early high school experiences, including forming bands like Black Horizon and Drama.
πΎ Panther Pride πΎ
ICYMI: Virginia Kraus makes history π½
Saucon Valley School District is proud to celebrate one of our most accomplished student-athletes, Virginia Kraus, for her historic achievements in cross country. Virginia recently became the first athlete in the 86-year history of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) to win four state cross-country championships, a record-setting accomplishment that highlights her dedication, talent and perseverance.
Zara Ortiz to Present at State Technology Conference
Weβre proud to share that Zara Ortiz has been selected to present to teachers at the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference (PETE & C).
Encouraged by Dr. Kandianis from the Colonial Intermediate Unit, Zara submitted a proposal highlighting their work with 3D printingβmost notably, her Ironman suit projectβand was accepted.
She will present a poster session on Tuesday, February 3, from 3:00β4:15 PM at the Hotel Hershey -- offering a student perspective on innovation, creativity and hands-on learning.
This opportunity grew from work happening right here in Saucon, and weβre excited to see our student representing the district on a statewide stage. Go, Zara!
Saucon Valley High School Celebrates Signing Day β½π
Surrounded by Asst. Superintendent Dr. Bruce Tinor, Principal Dr. Rich Kaskey, Assistant Principal Mrs. Julie Davis, Athletic Director Mr. Ryan Johnston, along with their families, friends and teammates, the Panthers were celebrated in a special photo op:
β½ Elliot Policare β Lehigh University
β½ Tesia Mikuta β University of Tennessee
πββοΈ Julia Cort β University of Richmond
π€ΌββοΈ Carter Chunko β Rutgers University (junior, committed for wrestling; unable to attend the celebration, but we are still so proud!)
The Saucon Valley community applauds these student-athletes for their hard work, dedication and Panther pride, and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.
The Saucon Valley High School Marching Band closed out their season with an unforgettable performance at the Cavalcade of Bands Championshipsβearning bronze overall in the American A Division and achieving an exceptional 92.325.
The band also secured 1st place in Ensemble Music.
βWe are incredibly proud of our students,β said Director Kaela Bitting. βThey poured their hearts into this season, supported one another every step of the way, and represented Saucon Valley with pride and professionalism.β
Saucon Valley Grad Elected to PA Track & Field Hall of Fame
Saucon Valley High School Class of 2020 graduate Talitha Diggs has been elected to the Pennsylvania High School Track & Field Hall of Fame.
A standout sprinter during her time at Saucon Valley, Diggs earned multiple state titles and national recognition for her performances in the 200m and 400m events.
Her induction will take place during the PIAA Track & Field Championship Meet on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Shippensburg University.
We are proud to celebrate Talithaβs continued success and her lasting impact on Saucon Valley athletics!
We're hiring! πΌ
Saucon Valley School District is hiring for a variety of positionsβfull-time, part-time and volunteer opportunities.
From instructional paraprofessionals and substitute teachers to coaches, custodians and bus drivers, thereβs a role for everyone who wants to make a difference in our schools.
Explore current openings and help support our students and community. Apply NOW!
Remember: Saucon Valley is on LinkedIn π
Stay Connected with SVSD
Did you know Saucon Valley School District is on LinkedIn? Weβre excited to share our latest job postings updates, events and achievements with our professional community.
Part of what makes SVSD strong is shared bonds. We'd love to connect and build on the lasting connections forged. Follow us today to stay informed and engaged:
SVSD in the News π°
Saucon Valley is making headlines π
Saucon Valley Schools Bring Scratch-Made Thanksgiving Meals to Students
Saucon Valley schools bring scratch-made Thanksgiving meals to students. Itβs part of a larger move to offer more fresh food in cafeterias.
Virginia Kraus Claims Unprecedented 4th PIAA Cross Country Gold Medal
Saucon Valley's Virginia Kraus made history by winning her fourth consecutive PIAA cross country state championship, setting a new standard for excellence in the sport.
Saucon Valley Alumni to Receive Wall of Fame Honors
This year's Wall of Fame honorees include outstanding Saucon Valley alumni whose achievements reflect the district's rich legacy of excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.
Want to read more?
Attendance Reminder
Panther Preview
- November 21: Powderpuff Football Game
- November 24: Teacher In-Service, NO SCHOOL
- November 25: Teacher In-Service, NO SCHOOL
- November 26: Act 80 Day, NO SCHOOL
- November 27: Happy Thanksgiving, NO SCHOOL
- November 28: Black Friday, NO SCHOOL
- December 1: SVSD Students Return to School from Thanksgiving Break
- December 2: Saucon Valley School Board Reorganizational Meeting @ HS LGI, 7 p.m. Business meeting to follow.
- December 3: Winter Sports Picture Day
- December 4: SVES Chorus @ the SVHS Auditorium, 5:15 p.m.
- December 4: MS/HS Chorus Winter Concert, 6-8 p.m.
- December 10: Facility Committee Meeting @ District Office, 5 p.m.
- December 10: Finance Committee Meeting @ District Office, 6 p.m.
- December 11: MS/HS Band Winter Concert, 6-8 p.m.
- December 12: SVES Grades K-2 Theater Performance of Holiday Joys, 6-7 p.m.
- December 16: School Board Meeting @ HS LGI, 7 p.m.
- December 17: Academic and Personnel Committee Meeting @ District Office, 5-6 p.m.
- December 22: Teacher In-Service, NO SCHOOL
- December 23: Act 80 Day, NO SCHOOL
- December 24-January 2: WINTER BREAK, NO SCHOOL πβ
This is our monthly video highlighting achievements, events and standout students, teachers, faculty and staff.

