In Mr. Johnston’s Speech and Debate class, students recently performed a mock trial about a civil dispute involving a school and a student who was forced to change an “offensive” political shirt and warned that there would be more serious consequences if it happened again. The student said that the incident, along with the bullying that followed, disrupted her education and caused her emotional distress, raising serious questions about whether her First Amendment rights had been violated.
Ms. Hoffman’s freshman Civics class served as the jury, listening carefully to both sides. The prosecution, made up of Mara Turner, Johnny Barnette, Emily Valencik, Mason Laubach, and Nick Briggs, argued that the school violated the student’s First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and opinion and did not properly address the bullying that occurred after the incident. On the other side, the defense team, Dillen Brassard, Larry Kittle, and Karley McHale, claimed that the school made a reasonable judgment call in asking the student to remove the shirt because it was causing a disruption in the classroom, and argued that the school could not address the bullying if they were never made aware it was happening.
Overseeing the trial was Judge Leah Fenstermacher, who kept order and made sure everyone followed courtroom procedures as the jury worked toward a decision. In the end, the jury sided with the prosecution, and the school was found guilty.
Contributor: Maddison Yost, Print/Digital Media Intern
Ms. Hoffman’s freshman Civics class served as the jury, listening carefully to both sides. The prosecution, made up of Mara Turner, Johnny Barnette, Emily Valencik, Mason Laubach, and Nick Briggs, argued that the school violated the student’s First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and opinion and did not properly address the bullying that occurred after the incident. On the other side, the defense team, Dillen Brassard, Larry Kittle, and Karley McHale, claimed that the school made a reasonable judgment call in asking the student to remove the shirt because it was causing a disruption in the classroom, and argued that the school could not address the bullying if they were never made aware it was happening.
Overseeing the trial was Judge Leah Fenstermacher, who kept order and made sure everyone followed courtroom procedures as the jury worked toward a decision. In the end, the jury sided with the prosecution, and the school was found guilty.
Contributor: Maddison Yost, Print/Digital Media Intern
🎉 5th Grade SoCo Stars of the Month for January 🎉
These students were selected for demonstrating self‑control, tolerance, academic integrity, and resilience within the school setting.
January 2026 Honorees:
Ivy Margel, Emma Avellino, Ethan Heiser, Adalyn Blyler, and Hannah Taylor
Congratulations to each student and their families! ⭐
These students were selected for demonstrating self‑control, tolerance, academic integrity, and resilience within the school setting.
January 2026 Honorees:
Ivy Margel, Emma Avellino, Ethan Heiser, Adalyn Blyler, and Hannah Taylor
Congratulations to each student and their families! ⭐
🎶 Music Boosters Bingo! 🎶
Join us Saturday, February 7 for a fun afternoon of Bingo in support of our music program! 🎉
🗓️ Saturday, Feb. 7
⏰ 2:00 PM
📍 Bloomsburg Fire Department
📄 See flyer for full details
Join us Saturday, February 7 for a fun afternoon of Bingo in support of our music program! 🎉
🗓️ Saturday, Feb. 7
⏰ 2:00 PM
📍 Bloomsburg Fire Department
📄 See flyer for full details
Graduation will be held at Susquehanna University this year, as Bloomsburg University is unavailable due to renovations.
The ceremony is tentatively scheduled for May 28. Please note that this date may need to change if adjustments to the school calendar are required due to additional snow days.
We will keep families informed of any updates as soon as they become available. 🎓
The ceremony is tentatively scheduled for May 28. Please note that this date may need to change if adjustments to the school calendar are required due to additional snow days.
We will keep families informed of any updates as soon as they become available. 🎓
Please see the link below, or scan the QR code, if you’re interested in ordering High School Art Club apparel! All orders are due by Wednesday, February 25. 🗓️
🎨 Congratulations to Art Club member Hailey Gallup for creating the winning design!
Order here:
https://www.storessimple.com/academysportscenter/groupproducts.php?prodgroup_id=40400&prodgroupbypass=true
🎨 Congratulations to Art Club member Hailey Gallup for creating the winning design!
Order here:
https://www.storessimple.com/academysportscenter/groupproducts.php?prodgroup_id=40400&prodgroupbypass=true
7th grade life science students wrapped up their unit on the chemicals of life by completing a series of hands-on chemical reaction labs.
Middle school students held a carnival for Southern’s pre-kindergarten students. They generated ideas, built the games, and helped the children play them. The activity was facilitated by Mrs. Long and Mrs. Race.
Kindergarten Prom - Save the Date!
📅March 20, 2026
🕧6:00-8:00 pm
📍HS Cafeteria
The Class of 2027 proudly presents a night of celebrating little hearts and big milestones. Kindergarten Prom is a joyful event where our youngest learners dress to impress, hold hands with friends, and dance their way through memories that will be treasured for years to come. With giggles, music, and bright smiles, this special evening honors how much they've grown and the beautiful beginning of their journey ahead. Permission forms will be going home with students during the first week of March.
📅March 20, 2026
🕧6:00-8:00 pm
📍HS Cafeteria
The Class of 2027 proudly presents a night of celebrating little hearts and big milestones. Kindergarten Prom is a joyful event where our youngest learners dress to impress, hold hands with friends, and dance their way through memories that will be treasured for years to come. With giggles, music, and bright smiles, this special evening honors how much they've grown and the beautiful beginning of their journey ahead. Permission forms will be going home with students during the first week of March.
Track & Field sign-ups are happening right now! If you’re interested, be sure to check your school email for important information.
A student from Mrs. Traugh’s class joined several of Mrs. Gratti’s students to collaborate on a Valentine’s Day craft today. It was a great opportunity for creativity and teamwork, and a fun way to celebrate the season of friendship and kindness. 💕
Tickets for Sister Act are now available. Tickets may be purchased using the link below or by scanning the QR code on our promotional materials.
As always, thank you for your continued support. Our students are eagerly looking forward to performing another outstanding show for our community.
Purchase tickets here: https://our.show/t14ljcnsbd
Calling all softball players in Grades 1st-6th! Join us for the Lady Tiger’s softball camp: a fun, skill-building day for young athletes. Fill out the attached registration form located on our Southern Columbia Softball Facebook and make all checks payable to SCA Softball Boosters. Come learn, train, and play like a Tiger!! 🖤💛
🎒 Kindergarten Registration for the 2026–2027 School Year is NOW OPEN!
Families can get started by visiting:
https://www.scasd.us/page/student-registration-process
Families can get started by visiting:
https://www.scasd.us/page/student-registration-process
🌟 6th Grade Students of the Month 🌟
We are proud to recognize our outstanding 6th Grade Students of the Month! These students have demonstrated strong effort, a positive attitude, and a commitment to learning in their respective classes. Keep up the great work!
📚 ELA – Mrs. Powell: CeAsia Graham
➗ Math – Mr. Fegley: Firman Abdill
🔬 Science – Mr. Kaseman: Brady Boucher
🌎 Social Studies – Mr. Visnosky: Nathan Snyder
We are proud to recognize our outstanding 6th Grade Students of the Month! These students have demonstrated strong effort, a positive attitude, and a commitment to learning in their respective classes. Keep up the great work!
📚 ELA – Mrs. Powell: CeAsia Graham
➗ Math – Mr. Fegley: Firman Abdill
🔬 Science – Mr. Kaseman: Brady Boucher
🌎 Social Studies – Mr. Visnosky: Nathan Snyder
Southern Columbia Area School District is accepting applications for:
School Psychologist
Full-time Paraprofessionals
Part-time Cafeteria Workers
Please check out www.scasd.us and click on Employment for more information and for other current open positions!
School Psychologist
Full-time Paraprofessionals
Part-time Cafeteria Workers
Please check out www.scasd.us and click on Employment for more information and for other current open positions!
This is the revised 2025–2026 Academic School Calendar. To view it online, go to www.scasd.us, select “About Us” and then “Academic School Year Calendar.”
Today, Miss Chittum teamed up with Mrs. Huntington’s class to kick off Part 1 of their Winter Snowflake Art Project. Students got started exploring designs and letting their creativity shine as they began this seasonal masterpiece. We can’t wait to see how their snowflakes take shape! ❄️❄️❄️
📣ATTENTION SoCo Students & Staff in grades 5-12!📣
It's official - SoCo Showdown is happening, but not without YOU!
Do you sing, dance, play an instrument, tell jokes, or even doing something that is totally unexpected? Anything can be a talent - don't hold back!
⏰ Sign-up at the link below by February 27th!
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ExPF2RLz1kuoc4nEncUdfe4cNjiWfWpBrSN5-Nv0hV5UN0c1QU1BTU9UTVgxNlpKTkpJQ0k4RDQ1Qi4u&route=shorturl
📧 Check your school email or stop by the High School Guidance Office to see Mrs. Petro for more info.
Kindergarten registration is here! The online registration form opens on February 2nd. Registration days will be March 9th-11th with the 12th and 13th being used as needed. Please note that when you fill out the online form you must select an in-person time for the days in March as walk-ins will not be accepted.
Congratulations to Rowen Humphrey on reaching 100 career wrestling wins. This milestone is a testament to his hard work, discipline, and relentless determination. Every match, every practice, and every challenge has contributed to this remarkable achievement.
