Steel Valley SADD would like to congratulate Benjamin Novotny, Chelsea Bulger, Brenna Kern, Veronica Brocato, Joe Nguyen, and Breanne Francis.  These 6 students have been chosen to be this year's 2022 NJM's Just Drive Teen Influencers.  As Teen Influencers these 6 students will focus on making an impact on their peers to make good decisions while driving.  The focus of this year's program will take a look at bad weather driving, safe driving, impairment behind the wheel, seat belts, and more. This project is being student led by one of our own, Benjamin Novotny. SV SADD is excited to see the work these students complete together!

It is so scary how distracted driving affects everyone.  

Please Take the Just Drive Pledge below:

https://justdrive.njm.com/pledge/

Park Elementary has been ranked #9 on Niche’s list of Standout Elementary Schools in Pennsylvania: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/niche-standout-elementary-schools/s/pennsylvania/.  The 2022 Standout Elementary Schools list recognizes public schools that are making a difference in their community.  The ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and data from the U.S. Department of Education.  

Park Elementary has partnered with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and will be welcoming visiting artists into the building over the next two-and-a-half years.  Things got off to a great start today when Joanna Abel came in for a meet-and-greet with the first grade students.  She visited each classroom and got everyone excited for the Balance and Motion science unit they're about to start.  The first graders can't wait until Ms. Abel comes back next week!!!

Thank you to Girl Scout Troop 16369 who generously donated to our Caring Closet and our Stand Together Group. 

The girls were so happy to be able to help locally after recentlyending their group ran by Melinda Fedoris, Katie Whitney and Jodi Strom. The girls finished as Juniors! Quite the accomplishment. 

In true Girl Scout fashion, these girls will impact others with their generosity and we are very grateful for their dedication and hard work for all of these years in our communities! Kudos girls! #Ironmenproud

Kelsey Salopek recently signed the National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Kent State University.  Kelsey has been successful in several sports at Steel Valley, most notably soccer.  Her career accomplishments include being a four year varsity starter (four year letter-winner), 3 years selected as All-Section, 2 years selected as All-WPIAL.  In her junior year, she was selected by the PA Soccer Coaches Association as All State.  The All State award for her senior year has not been announced.  Kelsey scored 109 career goals including a hat-trick in the first round of the state playoffs.  During Kelsey’s time on the team, the Lady Ironmen have made 3 consecutive playoff appearances including a trip to the wpial semi finals in her Covid affected junior year.  This year, the team won Steel Valley’s first ever WPIAL title in girls’ soccer.  Kelsey is also one of three finalists for the prestigious Moe Rosensteel Player of the Year award. In addition to playing for Steel Valley, Kelsey also plays club soccer for Century in the prestigious Girls Academy, a national level league.

Steel Valley SADD attended the Statewide Conference on November 1, 2021 at 7 Springs Resort.  Fifteen Students had the opportunity to listen to speakers such as Matt Bellace, psychologist, who talked about the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body and speaker Scott Pangnast, who shared his experiences with mental health.  At the conference, Ben Novotony was once again honored for his service to SADD with the presidential award.  Steel Valley SADD was also awarded the 2021 Activity of the Year for their online video series called Personal Perspectives.  These videos created by the SADD officers are short interviews with students, teachers, community members and more where the audience can see their perspective on the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol.  Steel Valley SADD is excited for their next Conference!

Students learn a number of strategies that help them master basic math facts and improve fluency with numbers.  Last week, second graders were introduced to the Make Ten strategy.  Manipulatives helped them make sense of what this strategy is all about.  Great work second graders!