Southern Columbia’s girls’ soccer team picked up a big 5–0 win over Midd-West, using strong teamwork and plenty of scoring to control the game from start to finish.
Alyssa Conner (#7) scored twice to lead the Tigers, while Kailee Helwig (#24) also added two goals of her own. Kennadie Reamer (#30) scored once and had an assist, helping set the tone on offense.
Southern Columbia also moved the ball well, with Macie Swank (#2) handing out two assists, and Bella Snyder (#13) and Colette Zsido (#19) each adding one.
The Tigers’ defense held strong all game, keeping Midd-West from finding the net and earning the shutout.
Contributor: Alyssa Conner, Journalism Staff Member
✨ Help us honor our heroes this Veterans Day! ✨
Southern Columbia is proud to honor our veterans this November with the DAV Field of Flags fundraiser, organized by our History Department. Over 700 flags will be placed on the high school lawn, each representing a hero’s story of courage, sacrifice, and freedom.
All proceeds benefit the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization.
To contribute, visit: https://support.dav.org/participants/southerntigers
Donations are due by Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
More details can be found in the attached document.
Southern Columbia is proud to honor our veterans this November with the DAV Field of Flags fundraiser, organized by our History Department. Over 700 flags will be placed on the high school lawn, each representing a hero’s story of courage, sacrifice, and freedom.
All proceeds benefit the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization.
To contribute, visit: https://support.dav.org/participants/southerntigers
Donations are due by Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
More details can be found in the attached document.
It is only the second week of school, and our kindergarteners are already shining. They worked hard on yesterday's activities with big smiles and lots of excitement for learning. We are proud of the wonderful start they are making to their school journey. ☀️
The Southern Columbia High School Band made a powerful debut at Friday’s pep rally and football game, setting the tone for an incredible season ahead. Let’s keep the momentum going; come out and support these talented students at every performance. They’re just getting started! 🎺🥁🎷
Southern Columbia Welcomes New Superintendent with a Vision for Every Student
Mrs. Jillan Shupp is a passionate educator whose journey has been shaped by dedication, resilience, and a deep love for helping students of all abilities thrive. A proud graduate of Berwick High School, she began her academic path at Temple University, later earning her master’s degree from Bloomsburg University and completing her superintendent certification at Marywood University. But her story didn’t start with a clear plan—it began with a friend’s encouragement to take a few education classes. That spark led to a lifelong commitment to teaching, especially in the field of special education.
Her career began in Philadelphia, where she worked with special needs students and discovered her true calling. “My experience in the Philadelphia School District as a special education teacher was huge,” she reflects. That time helped shape her passion for education and laid the foundation for her leadership journey. After returning home, she continued to serve in various leadership roles, expanding her impact across multiple districts.
Her biggest goals for Southern Columbia include fostering open communication across the district, developing a consistent, inclusive curriculum, creating more post-high school opportunities for all students, instilling a strong work ethic in every graduate.
She believes that “when you have good work ethic, it creates opportunity—and opportunity is everything.” Her leadership style is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a belief that every student deserves to flourish, “regardless of ability or disability.” Outside of education, she’s a vibrant personality—fashion lover, boutique owner, avid traveler, and proud sports mom.
Despite being new to the district, she’s felt warmly welcomed by staff, families, and even students. “I've felt welcomed since the day I arrived,” said Shupp. Southern Columbia is excited for the future under her leadership—a future built on heart, hard work, and the belief that every student matters.
Contributor: Maddison Yost, Print/Digital Media Intern
Mrs. Jillan Shupp is a passionate educator whose journey has been shaped by dedication, resilience, and a deep love for helping students of all abilities thrive. A proud graduate of Berwick High School, she began her academic path at Temple University, later earning her master’s degree from Bloomsburg University and completing her superintendent certification at Marywood University. But her story didn’t start with a clear plan—it began with a friend’s encouragement to take a few education classes. That spark led to a lifelong commitment to teaching, especially in the field of special education.
Her career began in Philadelphia, where she worked with special needs students and discovered her true calling. “My experience in the Philadelphia School District as a special education teacher was huge,” she reflects. That time helped shape her passion for education and laid the foundation for her leadership journey. After returning home, she continued to serve in various leadership roles, expanding her impact across multiple districts.
Her biggest goals for Southern Columbia include fostering open communication across the district, developing a consistent, inclusive curriculum, creating more post-high school opportunities for all students, instilling a strong work ethic in every graduate.
She believes that “when you have good work ethic, it creates opportunity—and opportunity is everything.” Her leadership style is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a belief that every student deserves to flourish, “regardless of ability or disability.” Outside of education, she’s a vibrant personality—fashion lover, boutique owner, avid traveler, and proud sports mom.
Despite being new to the district, she’s felt warmly welcomed by staff, families, and even students. “I've felt welcomed since the day I arrived,” said Shupp. Southern Columbia is excited for the future under her leadership—a future built on heart, hard work, and the belief that every student matters.
Contributor: Maddison Yost, Print/Digital Media Intern
Mr. Leslie’s algebra classes spent time this first week learning about Ted Lasso and his philosophy to “Believe.” Students brainstormed to identify things we need to do to be successful—not just in algebra class, but in our lives. Some of those ideas included: “Be determined to succeed,” “I will ask for help when I need it,” “I will help others with anything they need,” and “Believe in yourself.” Each student had the opportunity to sign the “Committed to ‘Believe’” board, which will remain at the front of Mr. Leslie’s classroom all year as a reminder of their commitment to believe in “Believe.”
We’ve wrapped up our first week across Southern Columbia Area School District, and it’s been a great start! Classrooms are full of energy, and routines are starting to take shape. There is excitement in the halls, and on the fields. We’re looking forward to everything that lies ahead as we embark on another school year!
Yearbooks are now on sale at their lowest prices of the year, but only until September 12!
Celebrate the memories that will make this school year an unforgettable time of lifelong friendships with a yearbook that captures it all. Whether you're a student, parent, or teacher, this is your chance to lock in a discounted price before time runs out. Just click the link below to start your order. It only takes a minute to preserve a lifetime of memories.
Click here to order for any of our three schools: Yearbooks | Reserve Your School's Yearbook Today - Jostens | Jostens
The SCASD Board of Directors will hold the following meetings this evening in the High School Library: 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM Curriculum and 7:00pm – The Monthly Board Meeting. The meeting will be live streamed on the SCASD YouTube Channel.
YouTube Live Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrY4ZmW3suM
Public Comment Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ExPF2RLz1kuoc4nEncUdfexyOxjQPR9Et6QTXUt9m61UODI0WkNIWUdRNUhERDBLWDYzVERCWTdCWC4u
Board Docs: https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/scol/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DH3GR944FA09 for the Curriculum Meeting
and https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/scol/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DH3GRQ4500B8 for the Monthly Board Meeting
YouTube Live Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrY4ZmW3suM
Public Comment Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ExPF2RLz1kuoc4nEncUdfexyOxjQPR9Et6QTXUt9m61UODI0WkNIWUdRNUhERDBLWDYzVERCWTdCWC4u
Board Docs: https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/scol/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DH3GR944FA09 for the Curriculum Meeting
and https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/scol/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DH3GRQ4500B8 for the Monthly Board Meeting
The SCASD Board of Directors will hold the following meetings this evening in the High School Library: 6:30pm – Policy Meeting and 7:00pm Facilities/Finance Committee Meeting. The meetings will be live streamed on the SCASD YouTube Channel.
YouTube Live Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qDse9vOCR4
Public Comment Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ExPF2RLz1kuoc4nEncUdfSXUdVnc_dFDgog_y0gYe4hUMVdSRFRNNTYzMTlUUzJZM0U0R1NWTU4wTSQlQCNjPTEu
Board Docs: https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/scol/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DH3G4K41FEFF
YouTube Live Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qDse9vOCR4
Public Comment Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ExPF2RLz1kuoc4nEncUdfSXUdVnc_dFDgog_y0gYe4hUMVdSRFRNNTYzMTlUUzJZM0U0R1NWTU4wTSQlQCNjPTEu
Board Docs: https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/scol/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DH3G4K41FEFF
📣 Welcome Back, Students and Families!
We’re excited to begin a new school year!
🗓️ The first day of school is Monday, August 18th.
To ensure you receive all important updates and communications, parents and guardians should visit their Sapphire Parent Portal to review and update contact information as needed.
Stay tuned for more announcements as we get closer to the start of school!
We’re excited to begin a new school year!
🗓️ The first day of school is Monday, August 18th.
To ensure you receive all important updates and communications, parents and guardians should visit their Sapphire Parent Portal to review and update contact information as needed.
Stay tuned for more announcements as we get closer to the start of school!
SCA Families
If your child requires any prescription medication for the 25-26 school year, please be sure to have an updated Medication Order and Action Plan (if applicable) from your child's doctor. All medication must be brought to the school in the original prescription bottle with a medication order by a parent/guardian. Drop off times are as follows:
Monday, August 11th 5:30-7:00pm in the HS Office for K-12
Wednesday, August 13th 12-3pm Elementary & HS Office
Thursday, August 14th 9am-3pm Elementary & HS Office
Students' 5th- 12th grade are able to self-carry their inhalers and/or Epi-pens if approved by parent and doctor. Please submit a medication order stating they are self-carry. If --you would like to have your child's medication order faxed to the school the Elementary fax # is 570-356-7169 and the HS fax # is 570-356-2835. Thank you!
Alexis Spade
School Certified Nurse
If your child requires any prescription medication for the 25-26 school year, please be sure to have an updated Medication Order and Action Plan (if applicable) from your child's doctor. All medication must be brought to the school in the original prescription bottle with a medication order by a parent/guardian. Drop off times are as follows:
Monday, August 11th 5:30-7:00pm in the HS Office for K-12
Wednesday, August 13th 12-3pm Elementary & HS Office
Thursday, August 14th 9am-3pm Elementary & HS Office
Students' 5th- 12th grade are able to self-carry their inhalers and/or Epi-pens if approved by parent and doctor. Please submit a medication order stating they are self-carry. If --you would like to have your child's medication order faxed to the school the Elementary fax # is 570-356-7169 and the HS fax # is 570-356-2835. Thank you!
Alexis Spade
School Certified Nurse
Last week, 120 students across the district participated in our annual SCA STEM Camp, centered around this year’s theme: Dive into Discovery – STEM Adventures by the Sea. The camp offered a variety of hands-on, inquiry-based activities that sparked curiosity and built real-world skills.
Elementary students explored ocean science through activities like ocean in a bottle, simulated oil spill clean-up challenges, and virtual reality ocean dives, giving them a closer look at ecosystems and environmental impact.
Middle school students engaged in more advanced STEM projects, including a highlight experience using LecTec’s electric skateboard kits. LecTec, co-founded by SCA graduate Jared Ebersole, provided a platform for students to apply physics, engineering, and problem-solving skills in a fun, practical way.
Thank you to all of the educators, staff, and volunteers who made this engaging week possible and to our students for bringing energy and enthusiasm to every session.
Elementary students explored ocean science through activities like ocean in a bottle, simulated oil spill clean-up challenges, and virtual reality ocean dives, giving them a closer look at ecosystems and environmental impact.
Middle school students engaged in more advanced STEM projects, including a highlight experience using LecTec’s electric skateboard kits. LecTec, co-founded by SCA graduate Jared Ebersole, provided a platform for students to apply physics, engineering, and problem-solving skills in a fun, practical way.
Thank you to all of the educators, staff, and volunteers who made this engaging week possible and to our students for bringing energy and enthusiasm to every session.
👟💛 Girls on the Run is returning to SCA this fall! 💛👟
We’re excited to announce that Girls on the Run will return to SCA for the Fall 2025 season! This nationally recognized program empowers girls in grades 3–5 to build confidence, foster meaningful connections, and stay active—all while having fun!
🗓️ Season Dates: September 22 – November 22
📍 Meets Mondays & Wednesdays from 3-4:30 at SCA
👧 Open to girls in grades 3–5
🔢 Roster capped at 20 participants
📝 Registration opens August 25 and is handled through the national GOTR organization. If more than 20 girls sign up, a lottery managed by GOTR will be used to determine placement.
✨ We’re excited to bring this opportunity to our students again and look forward to a season of growth, teamwork, and fun!
📩 Questions? Contact Brianna Maciejewski at bmaciejewski@scasd.us
We’re excited to announce that Girls on the Run will return to SCA for the Fall 2025 season! This nationally recognized program empowers girls in grades 3–5 to build confidence, foster meaningful connections, and stay active—all while having fun!
🗓️ Season Dates: September 22 – November 22
📍 Meets Mondays & Wednesdays from 3-4:30 at SCA
👧 Open to girls in grades 3–5
🔢 Roster capped at 20 participants
📝 Registration opens August 25 and is handled through the national GOTR organization. If more than 20 girls sign up, a lottery managed by GOTR will be used to determine placement.
✨ We’re excited to bring this opportunity to our students again and look forward to a season of growth, teamwork, and fun!
📩 Questions? Contact Brianna Maciejewski at bmaciejewski@scasd.us
INFORMATION FROM THE FOOD SERVICE DEPARTMENT
• Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications for 2025-26 are now available and can be completed online at https://scasd.familyportal.cloud or by picking up a paper copy at any school or the District Office. After submission, you’ll receive a notification letter once your application is processed. Direct Certification will also be run before the school year begins, with letters sent promptly. To ensure proper benefits, submit one application per household and include all students and household members. Please provide complete information. For assistance, contact John Rosselli at 570-356-3457 or jrosselli@scasd.us.
• Starting this school year, lunches will be served on washable trays instead of disposables to enhance the meal experience. Trays will be sanitized after each use and regularly inspected for safety. Students and staff must return trays the same day, placing trash in the bin near the dish room and stacking trays neatly for cleaning. Guidance will be provided at the start of school. Disposable trays will be available when returns aren’t feasible. Due to time constraints, breakfast will continue to use disposable items when possible.
• Our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable meal experience for all students and staff. To support this, we ask everyone to follow basic cafeteria guidelines: no running or throwing food/items, and keep noise levels reasonable. Students should remain seated after being served at both breakfast and lunch. Cafeteria monitors will dismiss students as needed; please avoid gathering in aisles or walkways to maintain safety and efficiency. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
• A la Carte Reminder: Students and staff must have a positive lunch account balance to purchase a la carte items, including bottled water, chips, cookies, snack foods, extra entrées, and individual milks outside a complete meal. This applies to both students buying lunch and those who pack. Funds can be added via https://scasd.familyportal.cloud or by sending cash/check to be deposited.
Thank you.
--John Rosselli--Food Service Director
• Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications for 2025-26 are now available and can be completed online at https://scasd.familyportal.cloud or by picking up a paper copy at any school or the District Office. After submission, you’ll receive a notification letter once your application is processed. Direct Certification will also be run before the school year begins, with letters sent promptly. To ensure proper benefits, submit one application per household and include all students and household members. Please provide complete information. For assistance, contact John Rosselli at 570-356-3457 or jrosselli@scasd.us.
• Starting this school year, lunches will be served on washable trays instead of disposables to enhance the meal experience. Trays will be sanitized after each use and regularly inspected for safety. Students and staff must return trays the same day, placing trash in the bin near the dish room and stacking trays neatly for cleaning. Guidance will be provided at the start of school. Disposable trays will be available when returns aren’t feasible. Due to time constraints, breakfast will continue to use disposable items when possible.
• Our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable meal experience for all students and staff. To support this, we ask everyone to follow basic cafeteria guidelines: no running or throwing food/items, and keep noise levels reasonable. Students should remain seated after being served at both breakfast and lunch. Cafeteria monitors will dismiss students as needed; please avoid gathering in aisles or walkways to maintain safety and efficiency. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
• A la Carte Reminder: Students and staff must have a positive lunch account balance to purchase a la carte items, including bottled water, chips, cookies, snack foods, extra entrées, and individual milks outside a complete meal. This applies to both students buying lunch and those who pack. Funds can be added via https://scasd.familyportal.cloud or by sending cash/check to be deposited.
Thank you.
--John Rosselli--Food Service Director
Southern Columbia Area School District is accepting applications for:
Director of Special Education
Substitute Music Teacher - Elementary/Middle School
Multiple Varsity Head and Assistant Coaching Positions
Junior High Cheerleading Coach
Check out www.scasd.us and click on Employment for more information
Director of Special Education
Substitute Music Teacher - Elementary/Middle School
Multiple Varsity Head and Assistant Coaching Positions
Junior High Cheerleading Coach
Check out www.scasd.us and click on Employment for more information
Southern Columbia Area School District Announces New Superintendent
The Southern Columbia Area School District Board of Directors has conducted a diligent search for Mr. Becker’s replacement, advertising the position widely and receiving 11 applications. We gathered valuable input from faculty, staff, administrators, and community members through direct conversations and an online survey yielding over 300 responses. It was evident throughout our search that clear, consistent leadership was the top attribute desired of our next superintendent across all categories of stakeholders.
First-round interviews were held with the most qualified candidates. The position was then reposted as “open until filled” to ensure a broad and inclusive process. Final interviews included the full Board, administrators, and a group of teachers from all buildings and special education.
We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Jillann Shupp was appointed as our next superintendent by the School Board during our regular monthly meeting on July 21, 2025. She will officially transition to her new role on August 25th.
Mrs. Shupp is committed to student-centered, fiscally responsible leadership rooted in the values of family, respect, and honesty. In her brief time as our Special Education Director this spring, her fresh perspective and bias for action have resulted in numerous positive changes for students in our district. We are confident her leadership as superintendent will support continued collaboration, growth, and innovation across Southern Columbia.
Thank you to all who made their voices heard in this important process. I encourage the Tiger community to introduce yourselves to Mrs. Shupp when you see her around campus, openly communicate with her when you have concerns, and share your ideas on how we can continue to work together to make Southern Columbia the very best for our students.
Brianna Maciejewski
President, Southern Columbia Area Board of Directors
The Southern Columbia Area School District Board of Directors has conducted a diligent search for Mr. Becker’s replacement, advertising the position widely and receiving 11 applications. We gathered valuable input from faculty, staff, administrators, and community members through direct conversations and an online survey yielding over 300 responses. It was evident throughout our search that clear, consistent leadership was the top attribute desired of our next superintendent across all categories of stakeholders.
First-round interviews were held with the most qualified candidates. The position was then reposted as “open until filled” to ensure a broad and inclusive process. Final interviews included the full Board, administrators, and a group of teachers from all buildings and special education.
We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Jillann Shupp was appointed as our next superintendent by the School Board during our regular monthly meeting on July 21, 2025. She will officially transition to her new role on August 25th.
Mrs. Shupp is committed to student-centered, fiscally responsible leadership rooted in the values of family, respect, and honesty. In her brief time as our Special Education Director this spring, her fresh perspective and bias for action have resulted in numerous positive changes for students in our district. We are confident her leadership as superintendent will support continued collaboration, growth, and innovation across Southern Columbia.
Thank you to all who made their voices heard in this important process. I encourage the Tiger community to introduce yourselves to Mrs. Shupp when you see her around campus, openly communicate with her when you have concerns, and share your ideas on how we can continue to work together to make Southern Columbia the very best for our students.
Brianna Maciejewski
President, Southern Columbia Area Board of Directors
The SCASD Board of Directors will hold the following meeting this evening in the High School Library: 7:00pm – Board Meeting. The meeting will be live streamed on the SCASD YouTube Channel.
YouTube Live Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDYByCVKYPM
Public Comment Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ExPF2RLz1kuoc4nEncUdfSXUdVnc_dFDgog_y0gYe4hUQjZIRlNHME4zUlYyT0szWFFMQk5RUkg1QSQlQCNjPTEu
Board Docs: https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/scol/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DH3G3641C523
YouTube Live Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDYByCVKYPM
Public Comment Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ExPF2RLz1kuoc4nEncUdfSXUdVnc_dFDgog_y0gYe4hUQjZIRlNHME4zUlYyT0szWFFMQk5RUkg1QSQlQCNjPTEu
Board Docs: https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/scol/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DH3G3641C523
Thank you to the hundreds of members of our Tiger community who have completed our community input survey. Your responses are valuable in our superintendent selection process.
Reminder: if you haven't completed the survey and would like to you have until 12:00 PM on Saturday July 12th to let your voice be heard.
You can access the survey at the following link - https://forms.office.com/r/EkhbFrXTNQ
Thank you for your participation and we look forward to sharing an update on our search in the weeks ahead.
📅 The survey will close on July 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM
Thank you for your time and support as we shape the future of Southern Columbia, together!
Sincerely,
Brianna Maciejewski, Board of Education President
Reminder: if you haven't completed the survey and would like to you have until 12:00 PM on Saturday July 12th to let your voice be heard.
You can access the survey at the following link - https://forms.office.com/r/EkhbFrXTNQ
Thank you for your participation and we look forward to sharing an update on our search in the weeks ahead.
📅 The survey will close on July 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM
Thank you for your time and support as we shape the future of Southern Columbia, together!
Sincerely,
Brianna Maciejewski, Board of Education President
✨ Your Voice Matters — Help Us Select Our Next Superintendent! ✨
Southern Columbia Area School District is beginning the important process of selecting a new superintendent, and we want to hear from you.
Please take 5 minutes to share what qualities, priorities, and skills you believe are most important for our next district leader.
📅 The survey will close on July 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM
👉 https://forms.office.com/r/EkhbFrXTNQ
Your input will help us choose a superintendent who reflects the needs and hopes of our students, families, staff, and entire community.
Thank you for helping to shape the future of Southern Columbia!
Southern Columbia Area School District is beginning the important process of selecting a new superintendent, and we want to hear from you.
Please take 5 minutes to share what qualities, priorities, and skills you believe are most important for our next district leader.
📅 The survey will close on July 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM
👉 https://forms.office.com/r/EkhbFrXTNQ
Your input will help us choose a superintendent who reflects the needs and hopes of our students, families, staff, and entire community.
Thank you for helping to shape the future of Southern Columbia!