Resources, programs for students and families continue to expand through Steel Valley Stronger initiative

Academics, health, equity and inclusion, and careers have always been integral components to a quality Steel Valley education, but the goal through Steel Valley Stronger has been to turn them into strategic focal points to ensure the district’s students and families are thriving.

Thanks to the ongoing collaboration with The Pittsburgh Study, Steel Valley is continuing to expand and add programs and resources for students and families. During a recent professional development day, Dr. Liz Miller of The Pittsburgh Study, her team, and Steel Valley staff all provided updates on the progress these programs have been making and the plans for the future.

Following an introduction from Superintendent Edward Wehrer and an update on academics from Assistant Superintendent Bryan Macuga, Dr. Miller took to the podium to discuss the role The Pittsburgh Study plays in education. The Pittsburgh Study helps connect school districts with community and regional organizations and programs to help address the root causes of inequity.

Multiple presentations followed, with each touching on the key strands of Steel Valley Stronger.

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Olando Dulin as well as district counselors Mr. Jason Novak and Ms. Casey Walker talked about the variety of college and career guidance available to students. Students are now able to arrange visits to a wide array of colleges. Mr. Dulin noted he is always looking for new ideas and opportunities and presented a new relationship with Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The two-year technical college also has a robust football program. Given the strength of Steel Valley’s football program, it’s another opportunity for students who may be interested in continuing their pursuit of the sport while exploring more technical career opportunities. It may also be a fit for Steel Valley students currently enrolled at Steel Center for Career and Technical Education.
• Ms. Lauren Zagorac introduced SV Friends and Alums, a new program that will be a one-stop shop for information, a hub for class reunions, and a way to connect current students and alumni with community organizations for volunteer opportunities, internships, and careers. An initial survey for Steel Valley alumni and friends in the community is available to fill out here. Keep an eye out for more information about SV Friends and Alums in the coming weeks and months.
• Dr. Shallegra Moye of The Pittsburgh Study reviewed the work that has been done through the 3Rs program, which connects students with racially affirming picture books in order to tackle reading proficiency. The 3Rs program is now in place at both Barrett Elementary and Park Elementary and is providing the schools with books that can strengthen the literary experience for students. These books include protagonists of different backgrounds, helping young readers identify and relate, thereby encouraging them to read more. The 3Rs program includes a professional development program and Dr. Moye’s team is working with Steel Valley administration, Mr. Walsh, and Dr. Shaughnessy to ensure the elementary staff has what it needs to connect with students.

• Two programs designed to address behavior, relationships, and the effects of violence are continuing to resonate with Steel Valley students. Expect Respect meets weekly to help middle school students maintain healthy relationships with their peers, teachers, other adults, law enforcement, and a number of other groups. It also serves as a safe space for students to express themselves and share the challenges they are facing in their lives.
• Creating Peace starts by helping high school students develop a positive self image and serve as a support program for students impacted by any form of violence, including gun violence, domestic violence, and more. Beyond that support system, Creating Peace coaches students on regulating emotion. Mike Crist, a Steel Valley student who has taken part in the program twice, shared how Creating Peace has helped him understand the important of a support system and how to develop positive relationships. Crist noted that there is a stigma that young men aren’t supposed to cry or show emotion, but that Creating Peace has helped him navigate that stigma and manage emotions better.
• Pastor Keith Kaufold spoke about the success coach program. Success coaches are present a couple of days per week to act as another layer of support for students. Success can look different for each student. For a chronically absent student, success might be showing up more often; for a student struggling in the classroom, success might be a modest grade improvement and a better grasp of the material. The key is to create individualized conversations in order to develop the proper amount of support.

More programs are also in place or currently being developed, from the Diverse Student Union to a new aftercare program for recent graduates to the addition of community liaisons like Mr. Kevin Clarke. Each is a step toward creating a multi-layered, interconnected system of support to continue emphasizing growth in academics, careers, health, and equity and inclusion in the Steel Valley School District.