Agriculture students recently helped out at the Kids Pumpkin Painting event at Rohrbachβs Farm Market! This experience gave our students a wonderful opportunity to work with younger members of our community while helping raise funds to support our FFA program. We are grateful to Rohrbachβs for their continued partnership and generous support of agricultural education and our students! ππ±ππ
Foundations of Metalworking and Agricultural Technology & Mechanics students had an incredible opportunity this week to tour Great Dane and Roaring Creek Machine Company. Students saw firsthand the skilled work being done right here in our community and learned about a variety of career pathways from employees at each company. Between visits, students enjoyed lunch at Buddyβs Restaurant, whose continued support of our school and community is greatly appreciated. Thank you to all three businesses for helping provide this valuable real-world learning experience!
Yesterday, Southern Columbia students participated in the Youth in Philanthropy Kickoff at the Henry Hood Research Center at Geisinger, hosted by the Community Giving Foundation.
Throughout the day, students learned about the meaning and impact of philanthropy while collaborating with peers from other schools in a grant-making simulation. Using criteria such as need, people, plan, impact, money, fit, fairness, and remaining questions, students worked together to evaluate proposals and make funding decisions.
The kickoff marks the beginning of a year-long process in which students will research and assess the most pressing needs within our community. By the end of February, they will use the information they gather to determine which local organization will receive grant funding through the Youth in Philanthropy program.
As part of this effort, our students are asking community members to help identify local needs by completing a brief Community Needs Assessment. Your feedback will help guide their research and funding decisions.
Community Needs Assessment: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ExPF2RLz1kuoc4nEncUdfdTSh6Ra2sRJkyrDDgKzBUFURVNZMkVNNFpMSkhVS1IyM0VXMVVJNEJCQS4u
We look forward to seeing our students develop their leadership, critical thinking, and community engagement skills while making a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.
Throughout the day, students learned about the meaning and impact of philanthropy while collaborating with peers from other schools in a grant-making simulation. Using criteria such as need, people, plan, impact, money, fit, fairness, and remaining questions, students worked together to evaluate proposals and make funding decisions.
The kickoff marks the beginning of a year-long process in which students will research and assess the most pressing needs within our community. By the end of February, they will use the information they gather to determine which local organization will receive grant funding through the Youth in Philanthropy program.
As part of this effort, our students are asking community members to help identify local needs by completing a brief Community Needs Assessment. Your feedback will help guide their research and funding decisions.
Community Needs Assessment: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ExPF2RLz1kuoc4nEncUdfdTSh6Ra2sRJkyrDDgKzBUFURVNZMkVNNFpMSkhVS1IyM0VXMVVJNEJCQS4u
We look forward to seeing our students develop their leadership, critical thinking, and community engagement skills while making a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.
Yesterday, the Southern Columbia Area School District participated in a district-wide Suicide Prevention Day. Throughout the day, students received valuable mental health resources and had the opportunity to sign a banner pledging to help change the narrative surrounding mental health. Together, we can continue to promote awareness, encourage open conversation, and remind one another that support is always available.
Dear Friends of Southern Columbia & Pennsylvania FFA:
The Pennsylvania FFA Association and The Pennsylvania FFA Alumni is committed to embracing opportunities, experiences, friendships, and growth as individuals throughout this school year and help FFA members write a beautiful year of FFA experiences that will truly allow them to go βRedefine Possibleβ. Over the past nineteen years, the Pennsylvania FFA Alumni Association has worked diligently to provide 8,616 Pennsylvania FFA members the first step in a studentβs success in this organization, which is affording them with a National Blue and Corn Gold corduroy jacket.
As organizations advocating for agriculture, we hope to present over 1,000 students with jackets this winter. To reach our goal, we are asking for your assistance. For $85 you can sponsor a jacket for a first year FFA member. If you are interested, you may send a check, payable to Southern Columbia FFA, c/o Steve Roth, 812 Southern Drive, Catawissa, PA 17820. Donations for the January 2027 Convention presentation will be accepted until Friday, October 30, 2026.
We will provide FFA jackets to all chapter members that successfully complete a worthy jacket application. As alumni, friends and supporters we know the tremendous number of opportunities that lie before each of these young FFA members and the excitement of becoming a part of this life-changing organization.
Thank you for considering assisting us change the world, one national blue and corn gold jacket at a time. The Pennsylvania FFA Association, The Pennsylvania FFA Alumni, and the Southern Columbia FFA Chapter secures the promise of the FFA mission and agricultural education by creating an environment where people and communities can develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. Thank you for considering this opportunity to assist a young FFA member and open the door to the unlimited possibilities of this tremendous organization!
Feel free to contact me at sroth@scasd.us with questions. All donations can be mailed to Southern Columbia FFA, ATTN: Steve Roth-FFA Advisor 812 Southern Dr., Catawissa, PA 17820.
Sincerely,
Steve Roth
Agriculture Program Teacher
FFA Advisor
On October 9, students had the opportunity to explore the exciting world of cosmetology during a presentation by Alexus Grady from Empire Beauty School. Ms. Grady shared insights into the cosmetology field, discussed the education and training required to pursue a career in the industry, and brought the profession to life through an engaging hands-on demonstration. Students gained a firsthand look at the many opportunities available in the beauty industry and learned about the pathways they can take to turn their interests into future careers.
Congratulations to these students on being selected for the Columbia-Montour County Choir! You make the Southern Music Department proud!
Menu Change for 10-9-2026: At Southern Columbia Middle School and High School, lunch today will be Stuffed Crust Pizza.
Our students had an amazing two days participating in the CSO STEM Leadership Training Institute at the CSIU. They explored STEM, developed leadership skills, collaborated with others, and gained valuable experiences they can bring back to our school community. Weβre proud of their hard work and enthusiasm!
SCA is excited to announce an opportunity for students interested in space and manufacturing! NASA (National Aeronautics & Space Administration) will be offering two virtual career events that SCA will be participating in.
Space exploration isnβt just about astronautsβitβs powered by a wide range of Career & Technical Education (CTE) and STEM pathways! From welding, machining, and robotics to coding, electronics, and materials science, every skill plays a critical role in launching missions beyond Earth. Interested students must sign up in the guidance office.
We hope that this virtual event will ignite your studentsβ curiosity and passion for skilled technical and manufacturing careers.
Space exploration isnβt just about astronautsβitβs powered by a wide range of Career & Technical Education (CTE) and STEM pathways! From welding, machining, and robotics to coding, electronics, and materials science, every skill plays a critical role in launching missions beyond Earth. Interested students must sign up in the guidance office.
We hope that this virtual event will ignite your studentsβ curiosity and passion for skilled technical and manufacturing careers.
Mara Turner and Dillen Brassard were both selected to be featured as Artists of the Week with WVIA.
Mara and Dillen were recently interviewed and filmed at the WVIA studio in Pittston. Mara showcased her artistic talents by sharing five of her acrylic paintings, and Dillen shared his musical talents by performing a special musical selection for his segment. Their finished segments are expected to be released on the WVIA website sometime in April, so stay tuned.
We canβt wait to see their incredible talents shared with a wider audience!
Mara and Dillen were recently interviewed and filmed at the WVIA studio in Pittston. Mara showcased her artistic talents by sharing five of her acrylic paintings, and Dillen shared his musical talents by performing a special musical selection for his segment. Their finished segments are expected to be released on the WVIA website sometime in April, so stay tuned.
We canβt wait to see their incredible talents shared with a wider audience!
CHANGE WARS FUNDRAISER
Each year, the Southern Columbia High School Student Council hosts its Change Wars Fundraiser to support a local family in need. This year, we are honored to support the Harmon Family. Malania Harmon, a 9th-grade student at Southern Columbia, was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and is currently receiving treatment at Janet Weis Childrenβs Hospital in Danville. Her parents, Ashley and Drew, are both employees of the Southern Columbia Area School District.
HOW IT WORKS:
The competition is open to all homerooms in grades Kβ12. From now through October 23, homerooms are encouraged to collect and bring in spare change to support the Harmon Family. The homeroom in each building that collects the most change will earn a prize! Every coin counts, and together, our Southern Columbia community can make a difference for the Harmon Family.
Each year, the Southern Columbia High School Student Council hosts its Change Wars Fundraiser to support a local family in need. This year, we are honored to support the Harmon Family. Malania Harmon, a 9th-grade student at Southern Columbia, was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and is currently receiving treatment at Janet Weis Childrenβs Hospital in Danville. Her parents, Ashley and Drew, are both employees of the Southern Columbia Area School District.
HOW IT WORKS:
The competition is open to all homerooms in grades Kβ12. From now through October 23, homerooms are encouraged to collect and bring in spare change to support the Harmon Family. The homeroom in each building that collects the most change will earn a prize! Every coin counts, and together, our Southern Columbia community can make a difference for the Harmon Family.
Mr. Snyder, SCA employee and owner of the Squeeze-In and Sunbury Sub Shop, spoke with FBLA members and business-minded middle school students on Wednesday. He discussed SMART goals, risks in business, and key elements to consider when starting a business. His interactive presentation allowed students to answer and ask questions to receive prizes.
Did you know that your student has access to Smart Futures, a career exploration and planning program available through ClassLink for SCA students K-12? Smart Futures helps students discover career interests, explore education and training pathways, and build skills for future success. We encourage you and your student to review this fantastic resource as a family!
Members of the Southern Columbia High School Art Club recently completed an autumn-themed window painting project in the cafeteria, adding seasonal colors and creative fall designs throughout the space. Their artwork helped bring the beauty of the season indoors while showcasing the talent and hard work of our student artists.
Yesterday, Southern Columbia took a break from the internet for "Disconnect to Reconnect: A Day of Unplugged Learning."
Students spent the day working together, reading, solving problems, and taking part in hands-on activities without relying on technology. It was a great chance to slow down, connect with classmates and teachers, and see that learning can happen in plenty of ways beyond a screen.
Contributor: Destiny Deeter, Print/Digital Media Intern
Students spent the day working together, reading, solving problems, and taking part in hands-on activities without relying on technology. It was a great chance to slow down, connect with classmates and teachers, and see that learning can happen in plenty of ways beyond a screen.
Contributor: Destiny Deeter, Print/Digital Media Intern
As we wrap up our Student Teacher Feature series for the fall semester, we're excited to spotlight our final student teacher, Jill Hartranft!
Jill is completing her student teaching experience in Mr. Mensch's 9th Grade English and Journalism classes. Be sure to check out the attached graphic to learn more about Miss Hartranft.
Jill has played a key role behind the scenes by collaborating with the Journalism class to create the graphics and social media posts featured throughout this Student Teacher Feature series. Her creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm have helped showcase the outstanding future educators spending time at Southern Columbia this semester.
We would also like to extend a thank you to Bloomsburg University for partnering with us and sharing these talented student teachers with our district. We appreciate the opportunity to help support the next generation of educators and wish all of our student teachers the very best as they continue their journeys toward becoming educators.
Jill is completing her student teaching experience in Mr. Mensch's 9th Grade English and Journalism classes. Be sure to check out the attached graphic to learn more about Miss Hartranft.
Jill has played a key role behind the scenes by collaborating with the Journalism class to create the graphics and social media posts featured throughout this Student Teacher Feature series. Her creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm have helped showcase the outstanding future educators spending time at Southern Columbia this semester.
We would also like to extend a thank you to Bloomsburg University for partnering with us and sharing these talented student teachers with our district. We appreciate the opportunity to help support the next generation of educators and wish all of our student teachers the very best as they continue their journeys toward becoming educators.
Last week, Southern Columbia's Technology Education and Criminal Justice programs showcased student creativity, technical skills, and hands-on learning through displays in the Education Building at the Bloomsburg Fair. These exhibits highlighted innovative projects, career-focused learning experiences, and the hard work and dedication of our students.
On September 18th, students from Mr. Lindenmuthβs Contemporary Issues class presented to 7th graders in Mr. Williams's class. Students were tasked with researching three political parties. They then created their own campaigns based on the information they collected.
Following their presentations, students participated in an election to determine the winning campaign. The American First Party, led by Grayson Reck, won the election.
Contributors: Karley McHale and Hope Hopper, Journalism Staff Members
Following their presentations, students participated in an election to determine the winning campaign. The American First Party, led by Grayson Reck, won the election.
Contributors: Karley McHale and Hope Hopper, Journalism Staff Members
This week, several Southern Columbia classes and clubs are showcasing their creativity and hard work through displays in the Education Building at the Bloomsburg Fair. We are proud to highlight the talents and accomplishments of our students throughout the week.
Yesterday's displays were created by members of FCCLA, Art Club, and Student Council. Thank you to our students and advisors for representing Southern Columbia and helping make this annual tradition a success!
Yesterday's displays were created by members of FCCLA, Art Club, and Student Council. Thank you to our students and advisors for representing Southern Columbia and helping make this annual tradition a success!
