On April 11th and 12th, after an eight-week learning process, 8th graders in Mr. Kelchner’s science classes presented their sustainable building design projects to a panel of engineers. The winning group was selected by a guest engineer who played the role of the building owner. The winners included Jack Garrigan, Carter Mensch, and Garrett Pesarchick. These students presented the details of their design with knowledge and professionalism. Their building had terraces and overhangs that gave it character, and it included a unique outdoor dining area for the building’s employees. They described an array of thoughtfully chosen energy-saving features and amenities, while still managing to come in just under their allotted budget of $20 million. Their “design firm” was able to win the contract by demonstrating how their systems reduced the operating cost through lowered electricity and water bills, using their calculated reductions to justify their design choices. Among other prizes, they will have their names engraved on the classroom trophy that features all past winners of the competition.
A big thank you to the guest judges who generously gave of their time again this year to be with us for two days. These included Eric Fedder, 2005 SCA valedictorian, architectural engineer, and senior project manager for Project Management Advisors Inc. of San Diego, California; John Kelchner, electrical engineer and retired President & CEO of Citizen’s Electric Power Company in Lewisburg, PA; and Noah Blusius, SCA alumnus, architectural engineer with Alexander Building Construction in Harrisburg.
Congratulations to all 8th grade students for your outstanding effort and successful collaboration on a very challenging real-world project!
The SCASD Board of Directors will hold the following meetings this evening in the High School Library 6:30 PM – Curriculum Committee, 7:00 PM – School Board. The meetings will be live streamed on the SCASD YouTube Channel.
YouTube Live Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep6dnNhykjA
Public Comment Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ExPF2RLz1kuoc4nEncUdfSXUdVnc_dFDgog_y0gYe4hUNFJJVE1BMUI4MUpKWTI3T0Y0NEQ0WkNRQyQlQCNjPTEu
Board Docs: https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/scol/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D3AQPV674D2D
Students in Mrs. Nestico's 6th Grade Math class learned how to organize data this week. Students worked in groups stacking coins as high as they could and when their towers fell over, they recorded the number of coins they used. They repeated this process and found the mean, median, mode, and range of their data.
The High School Journalism class has recently helped to expand our school district’s social media presence. The class is now in charge of creating content for our school’s Instagram page, and the account can be found on Instagram @scasdtigers. They hope to get High School students positively engaged with the school through student-centered ideas and creations. The students behind the page plan to consistently upload entertaining and informative posts while giving followers an inside look at what’s happening at SCA. The page has already uploaded a “Teacher Swap” Reel with over 3000 views, and the group has many creative ideas that they would like to carry out during the remainder of this school year and beyond. Give the page a follow!
Contributors: Siena Rovito and Aubrey Heath, Journalism Staff Members
Each week, our Life Skills students help to fill the food bags that go home every weekend to supplement children in need of additional food when not in school. 🍎
SCA Senior Micah Campbell is a member of our Aviation program. Yesterday he received his private pilot license after passing his Private Pilot Check ride at the Bloomsburg Municipal Airport. Congratulations, Micah! 🛩️
Both middle and high school students attended a CSIU sponsored drone building event at the Montour Preserve. Students were paired to follow directions in drone building, a meticulous feat that required patience and attention to detail. After building, students were able to code and fly the drones to test their hard work. Gifted students in the fifth grade enjoyed the mentoring from high school Aviation/Gifted students in this cooperative experience. Ms. Frey, Mr. Roughton, and Mrs. Roughton led the field trip.
The following students were chosen by the Sixth Grade staff at Southern Columbia Middle School as March's SoCo Stars of the Month. These students were chosen because they have displayed self-control, tolerance, academic integrity, and resilience within the school setting. Congratulations to each student and their families!
March 2024: Shane Jacobs, Violet Beyer, Ashlynn Sharkuski, Gavin Manney
Olivia Melick has been student teaching in Mrs. Spotts' Third Grade class since mid-January. Learn more about the New Jersey native in today's "Student Teacher Feature."
The following students were chosen by Fifth Grade Staff at Southern Columbia Middle School as March SoCo Stars of the Month. These students were chosen because they have displayed self-control, tolerance, academic integrity, and resilience within the school setting. Congratulations to each student and their families!
March 2024: Charlie (Charlotte) Paul and Orion Mourey
32 Southern Columbia students and their two advisors attended the FBLA State Leadership Conference in Hershey this week. Both students and the SCA chapter walked away with awards and honors:
Competitive Event Winners:
1. Gavin Krebs, 3rd Place, Sports and Entertainment Management
2. Ethan Rush, 3rd place, Help Desk
3. Amanda Strocko, 5th place, Broadcast Journalism
4. Amanda Strocko, 6th place, Local Chapter Annual Business Report
5. Daniel Marzeski, 6th place, Organizational Leadership
6. Andrew Sharrow, 9th place, Public Policy and Advocacy
Individual Recognitions:
- MolliLyn Petro was accepted into the Business Honor Society.
- Amanda Strocko placed 9th in the Who's Who Criteria/William Selden Scholarship.
- Madalyn LeVan, Amanda Strocko, Madison Kerstetter, and Madelyn Evert received Big 33 service hour recognition for obtaining and submitting service hours.
Chapter Recognition:
-SCA FBLA placed 9th out of over 250 chapters in the William H. Selden Outstanding Chapter Award which recognizes the above-and-beyond contributions of students and their advisors.
-SCA FBLA received the Hollis and Kitty Guy Gold Seal Award of Merit which is given to top 15% of chapters in PA based on the Outstanding Chapter guidelines.
The High School Guidance Department had a great turn out on Wednesday evening for an information session on Commonwealth-Bloomsburg’s Early College classes. A representative from the University was present to answer questions about all the program has to offer to the high school’s rising seniors. 🏫🎒
Update: There is no Activities Meeting tonight at 6:00 PM. The Policy Meeting will start at 6:30 PM.
The SCASD Board of Directors will hold the following meetings this evening in the High School Library 6:00 PM – Activities Committee, 6:30 PM – Policy Committee, 7:00 PM – Facilities/Finance Committee. The meeting will be live streamed on the SCASD YouTube Channel.
YouTube Live Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXLDsCS1YJI
Public Comment Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ExPF2RLz1kuoc4nEncUdfSXUdVnc_dFDgog_y0gYe4hUQ0I0OUU3UTJZMUZTQkRQQ0tSNFcyTjgzNSQlQCNjPTEu
Board Docs: https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/scol/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D3DV737F4D66
Reagan Glassmire is spending the duration of her student teaching experience working with Mrs. Sharrow's Kindergarten class. You can learn more about Miss Glassmire in today's "Student Teacher Feature." ✏️🏫
“You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” -John Bunyan
Our school is lucky enough to have seven students serving our communities as junior and regular firefighters. Students Hunter Sharrow, Chase Compton, Cameron Traugh, and Aidyn McHale are all volunteers at Valley Chemical Fire Department in Numidia. Students Aidan Wetzel, Austyn Balchunas, and Ryan Davis are volunteers at the Elysburg Fire Department. These dedicated students spend much of their time serving the communities and responding to emergencies. Both companies are always looking for more junior/regular firefighters. A person must be at least 14 years old to participate in the junior firefighter program. If interested, please see the attached flyer from the Elysburg Fire Department.
Contributor: Aidan Wetzel, Journalism Staff Member
Elizabeth Stamm is currently serving as a student teacher in Ms. Burcicki's 7th Grade ELA classes. Learn more about this aspiring educator and Rebersburg, PA, native below! 🏫🎒
Looking to expand your horizons? 🌟 Check out the wide range of elective courses available at Southern Columbia Area High School! From arts to sciences, and technology to languages, there’s something for everyone. Dive into new experiences and discover your passions! Explore the full list of courses by clicking the following link: https://www.scasd.us/o/hs/page/high-school-elective-courses-page
Today's "Student Teacher Feature" takes us to the High School, where Ellie Rowe is currently serving as a student teacher in Miss Stine's math classes. (She completed her first placement with Mrs. Troutman.) Learn more about Miss Rowe in the graphic below! 📚
Parents/Guardians
On April 8, 2024, (next Monday), we will have the opportunity to witness a solar eclipse. The timing of this eclipse is said to be between 2:30pm and 3:30 pm. This is a rare and educational event for our students. The timing is not so conducive to our school schedule as the eclipse will be happening during our regular dismissal time. However, it’s important to educate our students and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our children during this event. We will be dismissed at regular time but our teachers and coaches will be sharing information on the eclipse and safety guidelines needed for that afternoon. We encourage parents to discuss this information with their children as well:
1. Never look directly at the sun: Looking directly at the sun during an eclipse can cause serious eye damage or blindness.
2. Use approved solar viewing glasses: Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun. Instead, use solar viewing glasses which are specially made for safe eclipse viewing.
3. Supervise children closely: Make sure that children are always wearing their solar viewing glasses when looking at the eclipse.
4. Watch online: If you’re unable to get solar viewing glasses, consider watching the eclipse online. Many websites and TV stations will broadcast the event live.
5. Educate your children: Talk to your children about the eclipse and the importance of not looking directly at the sun without protection.
If parents would like to take their children from school to view the eclipse, you may do so any time after 12pm without an absence being recorded. A note just needs to be sent to the appropriate office. Remember, safety is our priority. Let’s make this a fun and safe learning experience for our children!
Below are links to resources regarding the Solar Eclipse.
2024 Eclipse Resources and Events | NOVA | PBS
2024 Solar Eclipse (pa.gov)
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety
Second Grade students in Ms. Merook's class enjoyed making 3D shapes using toothpicks and jellybeans. They were also treated to edible bird houses, compliments of Mrs. Traugh.
