On Friday, Mr. Lindenmuth welcomed a guest speaker to his Contemporary Issues class to discuss the coal industry in the Anthracite region and explain how surface mining operations work. Dale Lindenmuth, former Superintendent at Blaschak Coal, spoke to the class about the uses of anthracite coal and the fundamental processes involved in mining it locally.
With over 30 years of experience in the coal mining industry, Mr. Lindenmuth provided students with a unique and insightful perspective on how coal mining positively impacts the economy. As a token of appreciation, students received gifts including a piece of actual anthracite coal, Blaschak-branded earplugs, and a Blaschak coal stress ball/toy.
🏅 PIAA State Bound! 🏅
Huge congratulations to our incredible track & field athletes who have qualified for the PIAA State Championships!
💪 Jaden Carter – Shot Put
💥 Linsey Donlan – Discus
🎯 Ethan Reed – Javelin
🔥 4x400 Relay Team – Landon Rarig, Grady Garcia, Ben Gehret & Ethan Reed
✨ Fifth Grade Field Trip🎒
Last week, our fifth graders took a trip to Bloomsburg Town Park and the Children's Museum! From exploring nature to diving into hands-on exhibits, it was a day packed with learning, laughter, and lasting memories. 🌳🖍️🚌
This week, our 6th Grade students had the exciting opportunity to visit Washington, D.C.!
They toured the Pentagon and explored museums and historic sites around the National Mall. It was a memorable experience that brought learning to life beyond the classroom.
A big thank you to the VFW for their generous support, and to Master Sergeant Andrew Gajkowski, USAF, for coordinating our Pentagon visit.
Students, parents, and staff all had a fantastic day!
Kate Brecht, Isabella Miller, Ryan Maciejewski, and Declan McGinley completed their first year in the Chief Science Officer STEM Program this past week. Each member spent the year promoting STEM awareness by organizing a STEM Day for elementary students and attending various workshops that introduced them to STEM-based careers.
Declan McGinley received the Most Outstanding Chief Science Officer Award. This award is presented to the officer who goes above and beyond their regular duties and responsibilities—both in planning and presenting their action plan and in their engagement during workshops throughout the school year. Declan was the sole recipient of this award, selected from approximately 50 students representing several schools across the CSIU and BLAST IU regions.
Congratulations to 6th grader Emma Jones for earning an Honorable Mention in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation Art Contest! Emma competed against middle school students from across the state of Pennsylvania, and her hard work truly stood out. We are incredibly proud of her dedication and talent!
Be sure to check out Emma’s artwork on display in the art gallery near the old gym.
🌟 Celebrating Excellence! 🌟
The 8th Grade Team is proud to present our April SoCo Star students!
From left to right:
Addy Maclay – ELA 📚
Stella Adams – History 🏛️
Brenna Thomas – Math ➗
Ellie Unger – Science 🔬
Way to go, stars! Keep shining bright! ✨
📢 End-of-Year Technology Return Reminder 📢
Dear Parents & Guardians,
As we approach the end of the school year, we’d like to remind you that all school-issued technology equipment — including laptops, chargers, and cases — must be returned by May 30th.
🔹 Grades 1–8: Students will return their devices to their homeroom teachers when instructed.
🔹 Grades 9–12: Students must return their devices directly to the Technology Office (Room 103 in the High School). If a student has completed all coursework requiring a laptop, they may return their equipment at any time.
📌 Important Notes:
Once a laptop is turned in, it will not be returned.
All equipment must be returned in working condition.
Fees will apply for any damaged or missing items.
💻 For a list of potential fees, please check the Sapphire Parent Portal under the File Cabinet section, located in the 24-25 First Day Parent Forms.
Thank you for helping us wrap up the school year smoothly!
Take a look at the beautiful new mural that now welcomes everyone who visits our district office!
The idea was brought to the High School Art Club by Superintendent Mr. Becker, designed by high school art teacher Mrs. Roulin, and brought to life by senior Art Club members Sydney Bingaman and Hannah Reibsome.
We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and remarkable talent. Completing this mural was a major undertaking—especially while balancing all the other responsibilities that come with being a senior!
Follow @scahs_art on Instagram to see more fantastic artwork and get a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity, talent, and passion of our student artists! 🎨✨
Proud to Learn, Proud to Honor!
Students in Miss Hoffman's Civics & American Government class learned the importance of flag etiquette and how to properly fold the American flag. It was hands-on lesson in respect, tradition, and patriotism!
🎨 Thank you to the SCA community for showing support for the arts last week at the HS Art Show.
🖼️ If you missed the show, please enjoy the snapshots of the exhibit. We have such talented students! Your support inspires creativity and makes a lasting impact—thank you!
FBLA visited two businesses on May 13th: Cheetah Chassis, which manufactures chassis and trailers, and J&D Campground.
Cheetah Chassis provided our students with a comprehensive tour, where they observed welding, paint rooms, a robotic machine by Path Robotics, and more. We heard from the president, Garry Hartman, as well as managers from purchasing, accounting, and engineering. Cheetah was also incredibly generous—providing our students with pizza and allowing them to keep their hard hats.
The owner of J&D Campground, Lori Jones, also spoke with our students. She discussed the costs of running a business and shared some humorous stories from over the years. Students then enjoyed free mini golf and received some J&D "swag." J&D has been a strong supporter of SCA FBLA over the years, donating snacks and hosting fundraisers at the campground.
FBLA is so thankful for all the local businesses that welcome us and share their experiences.
The History Club sponsored a chess tournament in Mr. Lindenmuth's room. The tournament featured sixteen participants and took four months to complete. The results were as follows: Ethan Reed placed 1st, and Johnny Barnette placed 2nd.
First place received a brand-new, high-quality chess board, while second place was awarded a $20 Sheetz gift card.
Thank you to everyone who helped organize and participated in this much-anticipated event!
🏅🔥 PHAC Championship Podium Finishers! 🔥🏅
Congratulations to our outstanding Track & Field athletes who made the podium (Top 8) at the PHAC Championships on May 10, 2025! Your hard work, dedication, and competitive spirit truly shined!
🏃♂️ Boys Highlights:
🥉 L. Rarig, G. Garcia, B. Gehret, E. Reed -4th Place – 4x400m Relay (3:27.61 PR!)
🥇 Ethan Reed – 5th, Javelin (172-3)
🥇 John Quinton – 5th, Shot Put (48-4.5)
🥇 Jaden Carter – 6th, Shot Put (46-4)
🥇 Jaden Carter – 8th, Discus (134-5)
🏃♀️ Girls Highlights:
🥈 Brook Charnosky – 2nd, Javelin (118-2)
🥉 Linsey Donlan – 3rd, Discus (114-5)
🥇 Makenna Golden – 5th, Pole Vault (9-6)
🥇 Haley Conner – 7th, 1600m (5:45.34)
🥇 Haley Conner – 8th, 3200m (12:37.16)
👏 Also a shoutout to:
🎉 Lola Cecco – 10th, Pole Vault (8-6 PR!)
We’re so proud of all our athletes for their incredible performances and sportsmanship. Keep reaching for new heights! 💪🏽🌟
🌿💧 Bringing the Courtyard Pond Back to Life! 💧🌿
Our Agricultural Science students rolled up their sleeves and got to work restoring the courtyard pond—and their efforts paid off!
With the guidance of Mr. Rich Yoder, students drained, cleaned, and refilled the pond, adding fresh water and vibrant plants to breathe new life into this peaceful outdoor space.
Their hard work not only beautified the courtyard but also created a hands-on learning experience in environmental care and aquatic ecosystems. Great job, team! 👏🐟🌱
Contributor: Karleigh Sommers, Journalism Staff Member
🌾🐄 Farm Day Fun at Southern! 🐖🌱
The Agricultural Department recently hosted an exciting Farm Day for students in grades K–8, and it was a huge hit! The event featured a variety of engaging, hands-on stations where students could:
-Get creative with face painting
-Test their strength in a bale throwing competition
-Meet and interact with farm animals
-Explore the inside of a real combine harvester
-Plant seeds and learn about crop growth
-And enjoy many other agriculture-themed activities!
It was a fantastic day of learning, laughter, and discovery—bringing the world of agriculture to life for our youngest learners. 🌻🚜
Contributor: Karleigh Sommers, Journalism Staff Member
On Saturday, May 10th, members of the Middle School Bicycle Club met for a group ride on the Roaring Creek Tract Road at Weiser State Forest. Pictured from left to right are advisor, Mr. Deljanovan, Collin Maclay, Jackson Pfirman, Levi Hanaway, Joey Serafini, and advisor, Mr. Kelchner. Despite the chilly wind, the students successfully rode the entire 16-mile route, making it the furthest that some of them had ever ridden.
As we wrap up our student teacher features, we’re excited to highlight Amanda Joyce, who brought her passion for business and technology to Southern while working alongside Mrs. Becker and Mr. Williams. Her creativity, dedication, and connection with students made a lasting impact!
To all of our incredible student teachers this year—thank you for your hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment to education. We wish you the very best as you begin your teaching journeys. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see all you accomplish! 🌟🍎
🎶 It was a music-filled week at Southern, and what a celebration of talent it was! 🎶
The week kicked off on Tuesday with the Middle School Spring Concert, where our amazing 5th–8th graders took the stage. Their performances were full of energy and heart—they did a fantastic job, and we couldn’t be prouder!
On Wednesday, it was the High School’s turn to shine. The band rocked the house, and the choir delivered a phenomenal performance that left the audience in awe.
Friday evening brought our cherished tradition—the Senior High Banquet. It was a night of recognition and celebration, as seniors were honored with awards for band and choral excellence and received their senior gifts in a heartfelt ceremony.
Finally, Friday, our talented ENCORE students attended the Ray of Light Awards, which spotlight excellence in high school theatre. What an inspiring way to wrap up the week!
🎭🎵 Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams are incredibly proud of all the hard work, dedication, and passion their students have shown.
Amazing job to everyone involved—you made this week unforgettable!
ATTENTION PARENTS OF ATHLETES IN GRADES 6-11:
Free PIAA sports physicals will be held on Tuesday May 27, after school from 3pm to 6pm. This is the ONLY date available for free physicals.
After opening the link, please put in the *athlete's SCA email address* to sign up. PIAA paperwork will need to be filled out in Healthy Roster to receive a physical.
For new parents, email Alexcis ahower@scasd.us to request access to Healthy Roster.
To complete paperwork:
Select “Documents”
Under “Expired or Missing” documents, click the form to fill out.
Click “Upload new document”
Click “Next”
Click “Complete form” then fill out the required information.
There are 5 documents that must be completed by a parent or guardian before receiving a physical. “Section 6” is where the physical will be uploaded, parents can take a picture of a physical completed by a PCP to upload, or the Athletic Trainer will upload the physical they receive at school.
Physicals completed by a PCP must be dated after May 1, 2025 to be accepted.
https://outlook.office.com/owa/calendar/Gbfa59300e9614a97b95b9cdb2ad59149@scasd.us/bookings/