Today, members of the Varsity Club volunteered their time to help a local organization deliver food and presents from a holiday drive. The Varsity Club recognizes, supports, and rewards High School student-athletes who achieve excellence in academics and athletics. Our core beliefs promote good citizenship, sportsmanship, competition, moral character, and friendship—on and off the field. Pictured are Jace Malakoski, Kaden Zachman, Joey Williams, Blaise Kissinger, Jake Gehret, and Ayden Hockenbroch.

Students in Mr. Major’s 9th grade Physical Science classes recently completed a “Scientist Ugly Sweater” activity to start Christmas Break. Students created an ugly sweater for a scientist that included symbols, icons, and graphics that represented the work the scientist did during their careers. Shown with their completed sweaters are students Josh Knoebel, Grady Garcia, Hope Hopper, Macie Swank, and John Giannotta.

Today the HS Student Council members delivered handwritten Christmas cards and gifts to all staff in the HS. Happy Holidays and have a wonderful break!! 🎄










Middle and High School S.A.V.E. (students against violence everywhere) spent lunches facilitating the Sandy Hook Promise remembrance tree creation. All students and staff grade 5-12 were invited to pledge their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of their peers by signing a hand and adding it to the tree. This tribute is on display in the cafeteria.

It doesn’t get any BUTTER than this! 🧈
Students in Miss Yoder’s "Farm to Table" class recently learned about milk production, benefits of milk, and the dairy industry. To finish off the unit before Christmas break, students got to make and sample their own butter! 🐄





Last Friday, Miss Yoder’s Ag Science class got into the holiday spirit by decorating the Christmas tree in the courtyard. They hung lights, strung garland, and hung ornaments they made in class. These ornaments, made from a simple mixture of water, flour, and salt, were shaped and decorated by the students. After making the ornaments, the students added a protective finish to ensure they lasted through the season. It was a great way to blend learning with holiday spirit!
Contributor: Karleigh Sommers, Journalism Staff Member




Yesterday the Music Department traveled to two local nursing homes to spread some holiday cheer! 🎄❄️

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected as 7th Grade Students of the Month: Dylan Searfoss-Math, Joey Serafini-ELA, Tori Haupt-Geography, Carly Heintzelman Science.

Due To Bread Delivery Shortage, the Menu for SCA HS/MS has changed for Thursday, December 19. The HS/MS will serve Chicken Noodle Soup w/ a PBJ Sandwich (sides and other offerings will remain the same). The Elementary School will still serve Cheese-steaks as the original menu lists. Dinner Rolls will also not be served this week as a result of the bread shortage.
The Southern Columbia Area School District will be operating on a two hour delay today, December 16, 2024. Again, the Southern Columbia Area School District will be operating on a two hour delay.
Southern Columbia High School Student Council members delivered 205 blankets and squishmallows to Janet Weis Children’s Hospital and AGAPE as part of our annual holiday blanket drive! Over the past 11 years our school community has collected and donated over 1500+ blankets to make the holidays brighter for those less fortunate. We're proud to be a part of such an amazing community.
Pictured: Lola Cecco, Madi Kerstetter, Braylon Feese, Madalyn LeVan, Harper Thompson

Congratulations to Dr. Crystal Gajkowski!
The Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development recently honored Dr. Crystal Gajkowski, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Southern Columbia Area School District, as the 2024 Outstanding Research and Publication Award recipient!
Dr. Gajkowski is honored for her outstanding textbook chapter, "Can Technology Contribute to Physical Activity? A Case for Utilizing Technology in PE Instruction," published by IGI Global.
Her work presents a compelling argument for leveraging technology in physical education to enhance learning and promote lifelong physical activity. By addressing the intersection of pedagogy and technology, her research provides actionable strategies that empower educators to transform physical education meaningfully.
Thank you, Dr. Gajkowski, for your impactful research and dedication to advancing education!


On Sunday, the Southern Columbia Softball team hosted a heartwarming fundraiser that brought the community together. Elementary students joined in on the fun by creating festive crafts and baking cookies. The event was made even more magical with a special visit from Santa Claus! Families enjoyed capturing memories with pictures, and every student left with a box of cookies and a warm cup of hot cocoa to celebrate the season. 🎅🏻





With only 5.5 days left until Christmas break, excitement is building throughout the Southern Columbia Area School District! While students and staff eagerly anticipate the holidays, the focus on learning and community spirit remains strong.
Tomorrow's Spirit Day theme is "Mad with Plaid!" Everyone is encouraged to join in the fun by wearing their favorite flannel or going all out with plaid from head to toe. It's a wonderful way to bring festive cheer and unity to our school community.
We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our students and staff as we approach the holiday season. We wish everyone a joyful and productive final week before the break. Happy Holidays! 🎅🎁



We wish our student teachers the best of luck as they move forward in their teaching careers. Their hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication have made a positive impact, and we are excited to see the great things they will achieve in the future. Farewell and good luck on your next adventure! Southern Columbia looks forward to welcoming new student teachers in the spring, and our Journalism class is excited to continue to provide recognition of these aspiring educators! 🐯


The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) organization is selling Knoebels' tickets. These tickets are $18 for a $20 pack. Discounts are offered if you buy four packs ($70 total) or eight packs ($138 total). These tickets will be given to you upon payment and make a great stocking stuffer! Please see/email Mrs. Long at clong@scasd.us if interested. 🎟️

When Junior Nicholas Briggs found himself stranded with a flat tire and no tire iron, the Bus Department came to the rescue, providing both the necessary tool and fresh air for the replacement tire. Mechanic Bob Hidlay stepped in to expertly jack up the car and get the new tire installed, demonstrating true Tiger spirit in action!
Contributor: Johnny Barnette, Journalism Staff Member

The following students were chosen by Fifth Grade Staff at Southern Columbia Middle School as November SoCo Stars of the Month: Sarah Davis, Tucker Hartranft, Jack McKelvie and Connor Wedekind. 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!

Yesterday, the Knights of Columbus in Elysburg generously donated over 100 new winter coats to the elementary school. If your child needs a winter coat, please email Mr. Hauer at dhauer@scasd.us AND Mr. Romig at cromig@scasd.us and they will make sure your child gets one. Thank you very much to the Knights of Columbus of Elysburg for the coat donation and your continuous support of the Little Tiger Care Closet! ❄️


Please be advised that students enrolled at Southern Columbia Area School District will be dismissed at 12:30 pm today, Thursday December 5th, 2024 due to a power outage.
All evening activities are being rescheduled including the Senior Citizens Dinner.
