Our Third Grade students recently put their engineering skills to the test during an exciting STEM challenge. Working in teams, they were given a variety of materials and tasked with designing and building a house capable of withstanding increasingly powerful winds.
Using creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, students worked through five levels of storms, making adjustments along the way to keep their structures standing and their paper people safe. Through teamwork and a little trial and error, these young engineers discovered firsthand how design choices can make all the difference when facing the forces of nature!
Using creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, students worked through five levels of storms, making adjustments along the way to keep their structures standing and their paper people safe. Through teamwork and a little trial and error, these young engineers discovered firsthand how design choices can make all the difference when facing the forces of nature!
The PAWsitive Leaders are excited to bring back our school spirit clothing sale featuring all of your favorite items, along with some exciting new additions! Show your Tiger pride with fresh gear just in time for the holiday season.
Available Items:
Youth T-Shirt: $16
Adult T-Shirt: $16-$19
Youth Crewneck: $23
Adult Crewneck: $23-$26
Adult Hoodie: $27-$30
Adult Long Sleeve Tee: $19-$22
Snap Back Cap: $18
Structured Twill Cap: $15
No Cuff Beanie: $13
Pom Beanie: $14
Varsity Stripe Neck Scarf: $14
Drawstring Pack: $14
50" x 60" Sweatshirt Blanket (Athletic Gray): $22
50" x 60" Sweatshirt Blanket (Black): $22
Rally Towel (Vegas Gold): $9
Important Ordering Information
Orders and payment are due by Wednesday, November 25, 2026.
Cash payments must be placed in an envelope labeled with the purchaser's name and submitted to the Southern Columbia Elementary, Middle, or High School office. Payment must be received by the deadline for orders to be processed. Orders without payment by November 25 will be canceled, and individual payment reminders will not be sent.
All orders will arrive before Christmas and be distributed prior to the holiday break in December.
Thank you for supporting the PAWsitive Leaders! We are excited to offer these spirit wear favorites once again and appreciate everyone who helps make this fundraiser a success.
Order today and show your Tiger pride!
Order here: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.cloud.microsoft%2Fr%2FDZx41xHJd1&data=05%7C02%7Crmensch%40scasd.us%7C41746f09e04d473cea6108df3a7f98df%7Cd9c51313f3124bd6a87389c49dc51d7d%7C0%7C0%7C639293991841408507%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ac8kIqftQNx5DMX2hNDWqJm%2Br8IR7248HtzaygC5Tao%3D&reserved=0
Available Items:
Youth T-Shirt: $16
Adult T-Shirt: $16-$19
Youth Crewneck: $23
Adult Crewneck: $23-$26
Adult Hoodie: $27-$30
Adult Long Sleeve Tee: $19-$22
Snap Back Cap: $18
Structured Twill Cap: $15
No Cuff Beanie: $13
Pom Beanie: $14
Varsity Stripe Neck Scarf: $14
Drawstring Pack: $14
50" x 60" Sweatshirt Blanket (Athletic Gray): $22
50" x 60" Sweatshirt Blanket (Black): $22
Rally Towel (Vegas Gold): $9
Important Ordering Information
Orders and payment are due by Wednesday, November 25, 2026.
Cash payments must be placed in an envelope labeled with the purchaser's name and submitted to the Southern Columbia Elementary, Middle, or High School office. Payment must be received by the deadline for orders to be processed. Orders without payment by November 25 will be canceled, and individual payment reminders will not be sent.
All orders will arrive before Christmas and be distributed prior to the holiday break in December.
Thank you for supporting the PAWsitive Leaders! We are excited to offer these spirit wear favorites once again and appreciate everyone who helps make this fundraiser a success.
Order today and show your Tiger pride!
Order here: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.cloud.microsoft%2Fr%2FDZx41xHJd1&data=05%7C02%7Crmensch%40scasd.us%7C41746f09e04d473cea6108df3a7f98df%7Cd9c51313f3124bd6a87389c49dc51d7d%7C0%7C0%7C639293991841408507%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ac8kIqftQNx5DMX2hNDWqJm%2Br8IR7248HtzaygC5Tao%3D&reserved=0
The following students were selected by the Fifth Grade staff at Southern Columbia Middle School as October SoCo Stars of the Month. These students were recognized for demonstrating self-control, tolerance, academic integrity, and resilience throughout the school environment. Congratulations to each student and their families on this well-deserved achievement!
October 2026 SoCo Stars:
-Aria Mack
-Fallon Buckley
-Isaac Cheddar
-Alden Campbell
October 2026 SoCo Stars:
-Aria Mack
-Fallon Buckley
-Isaac Cheddar
-Alden Campbell
The 6th Grade Team recently selected its October Students of the Month. These students have consistently demonstrated the qualities of STARS in the classroom through their hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to learning.
Congratulations to Audrey Maciejewski (Social Studies), Alaina Shoop (Math), Kenleigh Adams (Science), and Nathan Reefer (ELA) on this well-deserved recognition. Keep up the great work!
Congratulations to Audrey Maciejewski (Social Studies), Alaina Shoop (Math), Kenleigh Adams (Science), and Nathan Reefer (ELA) on this well-deserved recognition. Keep up the great work!
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!
