Middle School Door Decorating Contest Results Are In! 🎃
Our middle school students truly outdid themselves this year with their amazing Halloween-themed door decorations! Creativity, teamwork, and school spirit were on full display throughout the building, and every homeroom did an outstanding job.
Congratulations to our grade-level winners:
🧹 5th Grade: Mrs. Venna's Homeroom with a Hocus Pocus theme
🧻 6th Grade: Mr. Visnosky's Homeroom with a spooky mummy theme
🎈 7th Grade: Mrs. Klebon's Homeroom with an IT theme
👁️ 8th Grade: Ms. Guffey's Homeroom with a Coraline theme
A special shoutout goes to Mrs. Venna's 5th-grade homeroom, whose door earned the highest score overall! 👏
As a reward, each winning homeroom had the opportunity to spin the Principal Mystery Challenge Wheel, leading to a day filled with laughter and unforgettable moments. Students challenged Mr. Keefer to:
🦄 Dress up as a unicorn
🎤 Channel his inner Taylor Swift
🐔 Perform the Chicken Dance in a chicken costume
🥧 Get pied in the face during lunch periods
Thank you to all of our students and staff for making this event such a fun and memorable experience. Events like these showcase the creativity, school spirit, and positive culture that make our middle school a great place to learn and grow! 🧡
Our middle school students truly outdid themselves this year with their amazing Halloween-themed door decorations! Creativity, teamwork, and school spirit were on full display throughout the building, and every homeroom did an outstanding job.
Congratulations to our grade-level winners:
🧹 5th Grade: Mrs. Venna's Homeroom with a Hocus Pocus theme
🧻 6th Grade: Mr. Visnosky's Homeroom with a spooky mummy theme
🎈 7th Grade: Mrs. Klebon's Homeroom with an IT theme
👁️ 8th Grade: Ms. Guffey's Homeroom with a Coraline theme
A special shoutout goes to Mrs. Venna's 5th-grade homeroom, whose door earned the highest score overall! 👏
As a reward, each winning homeroom had the opportunity to spin the Principal Mystery Challenge Wheel, leading to a day filled with laughter and unforgettable moments. Students challenged Mr. Keefer to:
🦄 Dress up as a unicorn
🎤 Channel his inner Taylor Swift
🐔 Perform the Chicken Dance in a chicken costume
🥧 Get pied in the face during lunch periods
Thank you to all of our students and staff for making this event such a fun and memorable experience. Events like these showcase the creativity, school spirit, and positive culture that make our middle school a great place to learn and grow! 🧡
Congratulations to the Family and Consumer Sciences students who won the annual FCS Painted Pumpkin Contest! Child Development students were tasked with painting a pumpkin based on a children's book. The pumpkins were displayed and voted on during the annual Trunk or Treat event.
Happy Halloween from Ms. Rodriguez's 1st Grade Class! 👻
Today, G.C. Hartman Elementary School's October Students of the Month posed with Bryan J. Snyder of State Farm Insurance. The students were recognized by staff members for consistently demonstrating the qualities of Safety, Respect, and Responsibility, which are the foundation of the school's positive behavior framework, during the month of October. Mr. Snyder congratulated the students and presented each of them with a special gift.
Carving out the Competition! 🎃
Congratulations to the Family and Consumer Sciences students who won the annual FCS pumpkin carving contest. The pumpkins were displayed and voted on at the annual Trunk or Treat event.
Congratulations to the Family and Consumer Sciences students who won the annual FCS pumpkin carving contest. The pumpkins were displayed and voted on at the annual Trunk or Treat event.
CMAVTS Strike Update for Families
Southern Columbia Area School District has been notified that teachers at Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School (CMAVTS) have elected to begin a strike. During the strike, CMAVTS students should not report to school.
Athletic activities and practices will continue as scheduled. Families are responsible for providing transportation to and from practices and home contests. However, transportation will be provided by the school district for students traveling to away athletic events.
Southern Columbia will also provide meal assistance for CMAVTS students during the strike. If your child would like to be added to the food distribution list, please contact Ms. Caeley McCollum, Guidance Secretary, at 570-356-2331 ext. 3499 or email cmccollum@scasd.us. Meal distribution will begin Monday, November 2.
If you have any additional questions during the strike, please contact Ms. McCollum, and she will connect you with the appropriate district staff member for assistance.
We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Southern Columbia Area School District has been notified that teachers at Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School (CMAVTS) have elected to begin a strike. During the strike, CMAVTS students should not report to school.
Athletic activities and practices will continue as scheduled. Families are responsible for providing transportation to and from practices and home contests. However, transportation will be provided by the school district for students traveling to away athletic events.
Southern Columbia will also provide meal assistance for CMAVTS students during the strike. If your child would like to be added to the food distribution list, please contact Ms. Caeley McCollum, Guidance Secretary, at 570-356-2331 ext. 3499 or email cmccollum@scasd.us. Meal distribution will begin Monday, November 2.
If you have any additional questions during the strike, please contact Ms. McCollum, and she will connect you with the appropriate district staff member for assistance.
We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Today, Southern Columbia High School welcomed Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver (Senate District 27) to speak with 9th Grade Civics students and members of the POD class about the importance of civics education and engaged citizenship. During her presentation in the auditorium, Senator Culver shared insights into the role of state government, the responsibilities of citizens, and ways young people can become active participants in their communities.
We thank Senator Culver for taking the time to meet with our students and share her experiences in public service.
We thank Senator Culver for taking the time to meet with our students and share her experiences in public service.
Congratulations to Southern Columbia students Adalyn Blyer, Ava Kate Maciejewski, Olivia Mitchell, and Emma Maciejewski on earning 1st Place in the 5th/6th Grade Division at the Pennsylvania Keystone STEM Competition held at the CSIU.
The competition challenged students to brainstorm and design an innovative solution to improve a local Pennsylvania State Park. Through creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving, this talented team developed a winning proposal that impressed the judges and earned top honors in their division.
The competition challenged students to brainstorm and design an innovative solution to improve a local Pennsylvania State Park. Through creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving, this talented team developed a winning proposal that impressed the judges and earned top honors in their division.
On October 23rd, our Career Cafe welcomed Davidson Ludwikowski from the U.S. Secret Service Police! Students gained firsthand knowledge about law enforcement, daily responsibilities, and the dedication required to serve and protect. Thank you for sharing your experiences and helping students explore exciting career opportunities! ☕
Students in the Middle School Publications class are learning to utilize different photography techniques and skills as they work together to create this year’s school yearbook! 📸
Congratulations to our senior Art Club members for taking top honors in The Exchange's Halloween Window Painting Contest! We are proud of your creativity, talent, and hard work. Great job representing our school and art program!
Second-grade students recently enjoyed a field trip to Rohrbach's Farm as part of their study of animal biodiversity and plant adaptations. During their visit, each student picked a pumpkin that will be used for STEM activities later this week. The hands-on experience provided an engaging opportunity to connect classroom learning with the natural world.
🎃 TRUNK OR TREAT IS TONIGHT!
🍬 Join us from 6:00–7:30 PM for candy, games, prizes, and more!
📍 LOCATION: In front of Southern Columbia High School.
🅿️ Parking is available in the main high school parking lot, the District Office lot, or between the elementary and high school buildings.
🚗 SAFETY FIRST! Please drive slowly and use extra caution throughout campus. With so many excited children walking around, the safety of our trunk-or-treaters is our top priority!
We look forward to seeing everyone tonight! 👻
🍬 Join us from 6:00–7:30 PM for candy, games, prizes, and more!
📍 LOCATION: In front of Southern Columbia High School.
🅿️ Parking is available in the main high school parking lot, the District Office lot, or between the elementary and high school buildings.
🚗 SAFETY FIRST! Please drive slowly and use extra caution throughout campus. With so many excited children walking around, the safety of our trunk-or-treaters is our top priority!
We look forward to seeing everyone tonight! 👻
On Friday, the elementary school hosted its first-ever Vehicle Career Day! The event showcased a variety of careers that rely on vehicles as an important part of daily work. Students had the opportunity to explore different vehicles up close while learning about the skills, training, and responsibilities required in each profession. It was an engaging and exciting experience that helped students make real-world connections between education and future career opportunities.
A special thank you goes out to all of the volunteers who made the day possible, including the PSP SWAT Team, PSP Bomb Squad, Catawissa Police Department, M.S. Bond Busing, Weaver's Tire Service, Locust Township Police Department, Vought's, SOS Metals, Columbia County Traveling Library, Ken Snyder Inc., Washington, D.C. Fire Department, Give It A Mow, and Scott Pfirman. Your time and willingness to share your careers with our students are greatly appreciated!
Dear CMAVTS Community Members,
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Following last night’s meeting, we would like to clarify some information shared regarding the future of CMAVTS.
Prior to the meeting, the sending superintendents and members of the JOC met in executive session to discuss personnel and contractual matters.
At this time, there is no intent to transition CMAVTS to a part-time model for the 2027–2028 school year. The sending superintendents are evaluating options to identify potential cost savings while prioritizing student opportunities and the long-term sustainability of the program.
We recognize the importance of CMAVTS to our students, families, and communities. These discussions require thoughtful consideration of our students’ educational needs, the quality of the programs offered, and our shared responsibility to be fiscally responsible.
It is important that our community has accurate information regarding where these discussions currently stand. We remain committed to working collaboratively to evaluate options and make informed decisions in the best interests of our students and the communities we serve.
Thank you for your continued support of CMAVTS,
its students, and its programs.
Respectfully,
The Sending Superintendents
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Following last night’s meeting, we would like to clarify some information shared regarding the future of CMAVTS.
Prior to the meeting, the sending superintendents and members of the JOC met in executive session to discuss personnel and contractual matters.
At this time, there is no intent to transition CMAVTS to a part-time model for the 2027–2028 school year. The sending superintendents are evaluating options to identify potential cost savings while prioritizing student opportunities and the long-term sustainability of the program.
We recognize the importance of CMAVTS to our students, families, and communities. These discussions require thoughtful consideration of our students’ educational needs, the quality of the programs offered, and our shared responsibility to be fiscally responsible.
It is important that our community has accurate information regarding where these discussions currently stand. We remain committed to working collaboratively to evaluate options and make informed decisions in the best interests of our students and the communities we serve.
Thank you for your continued support of CMAVTS,
its students, and its programs.
Respectfully,
The Sending Superintendents
The Southern Columbia Area School District is excited to host our annual Senior Citizen Dinner for district residents, and we'd love for you to join us! This special evening is free of charge and is our way of showing appreciation to the senior members of our community.
📅 Thursday, December 3rd
📍 High School Cafeteria
🕓 Appetizers and refreshments begin at 4:00 PM in the library
🕔 Dinner will be served at 5:00 PM in the cafeteria
Menu: • Pineapple Baked Ham • Scalloped Potatoes • Green Beans • Dinner Roll with Butter • Apple Pie or Cheesecake • Coffee or Hot Tea • Lemonade or Iced Tea
📞 Please RSVP by November 16th by calling 570-356-3400.
We look forward to welcoming our senior district residents for an evening of delicious food, great company, and lasting memories!
📅 Thursday, December 3rd
📍 High School Cafeteria
🕓 Appetizers and refreshments begin at 4:00 PM in the library
🕔 Dinner will be served at 5:00 PM in the cafeteria
Menu: • Pineapple Baked Ham • Scalloped Potatoes • Green Beans • Dinner Roll with Butter • Apple Pie or Cheesecake • Coffee or Hot Tea • Lemonade or Iced Tea
📞 Please RSVP by November 16th by calling 570-356-3400.
We look forward to welcoming our senior district residents for an evening of delicious food, great company, and lasting memories!
Congratulations to the following students who, after rigorous auditions yesterday, were selected to the District Choir! The concert will take place at Shikellamy High School on January 27, 2027. Congratulations to all three of you! You make Southern Columbia proud!
October Citizen of the Month: Hadley Maciejewski
Congratulations to Hadley Maciejewski, our October 2026 Citizen of the Month!
Hadley was nominated by her teacher, Mrs. Roberts.
She shared, “Hadley was nominated because of her hard work, dedication, and kindness to her peers. She is a great leader within my classroom and is always willing to help anyone who is in need. Hadley faces all challenges with a smile and works hard to put her best self forward. I'm so lucky to have her in my class, and I'm beyond proud of her!”
Congratulations, Hadley, on this well-deserved recognition!
Congratulations to Hadley Maciejewski, our October 2026 Citizen of the Month!
Hadley was nominated by her teacher, Mrs. Roberts.
She shared, “Hadley was nominated because of her hard work, dedication, and kindness to her peers. She is a great leader within my classroom and is always willing to help anyone who is in need. Hadley faces all challenges with a smile and works hard to put her best self forward. I'm so lucky to have her in my class, and I'm beyond proud of her!”
Congratulations, Hadley, on this well-deserved recognition!
8th Grade September SoCo Star Students of the Month ⭐
(Not pictured: Ella Ferrance)
ELA – Ella Ferrance: Ella is a hardworking, respectful student who consistently gives her best effort. Her determination, kindness, and strong character make her a positive role model and a valued member of our school community.
Science – Ayva Merva: Ayva brings a positive attitude and enthusiasm for learning to class every day. Her resilience, strong work ethic, and kindness toward others make her a shining example for her peers.
History – Izzie Leffler: Izzie stands out for her responsibility, dedication to academics, and outstanding character. Her kindness, positive attitude, and ability to balance school and activities make her a deserving SoCo Star.
Math – Amy Abdill: Amy is an engaged, hardworking student who approaches every challenge with a positive attitude. Her commitment to learning and consistent effort make her a great example for her classmates.
Congratulations to these outstanding students on being recognized as September SoCo Star Students of the Month! Keep up the great work!
(Not pictured: Ella Ferrance)
ELA – Ella Ferrance: Ella is a hardworking, respectful student who consistently gives her best effort. Her determination, kindness, and strong character make her a positive role model and a valued member of our school community.
Science – Ayva Merva: Ayva brings a positive attitude and enthusiasm for learning to class every day. Her resilience, strong work ethic, and kindness toward others make her a shining example for her peers.
History – Izzie Leffler: Izzie stands out for her responsibility, dedication to academics, and outstanding character. Her kindness, positive attitude, and ability to balance school and activities make her a deserving SoCo Star.
Math – Amy Abdill: Amy is an engaged, hardworking student who approaches every challenge with a positive attitude. Her commitment to learning and consistent effort make her a great example for her classmates.
Congratulations to these outstanding students on being recognized as September SoCo Star Students of the Month! Keep up the great work!
CHANGE WARS FUNDRAISER
Each year, the Southern Columbia High School Student Council hosts its Change Wars Fundraiser to support a local family in need. This year, we are honored to support the Harmon Family. Malania Harmon, a 9th-grade student at Southern Columbia, was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and is currently receiving treatment at Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Danville. Her parents, Ashley and Drew, are both employees of the Southern Columbia Area School District.
ONLY A FEW DAYS REMAIN TO DONATE!
The competition is open to all homerooms in grades K-12. Through Friday, October 23, homerooms are encouraged to collect and bring in spare change to support the Harmon Family. The deadline is quickly approaching, and every donation, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference.
The homeroom in each building that collects the most change will earn a prize! Let's finish strong and show the strength, generosity, and compassion of the Southern Columbia community. Every coin counts!
Each year, the Southern Columbia High School Student Council hosts its Change Wars Fundraiser to support a local family in need. This year, we are honored to support the Harmon Family. Malania Harmon, a 9th-grade student at Southern Columbia, was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and is currently receiving treatment at Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Danville. Her parents, Ashley and Drew, are both employees of the Southern Columbia Area School District.
ONLY A FEW DAYS REMAIN TO DONATE!
The competition is open to all homerooms in grades K-12. Through Friday, October 23, homerooms are encouraged to collect and bring in spare change to support the Harmon Family. The deadline is quickly approaching, and every donation, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference.
The homeroom in each building that collects the most change will earn a prize! Let's finish strong and show the strength, generosity, and compassion of the Southern Columbia community. Every coin counts!
