For May we are pleased to announce the newest member inducted into the SV All-Star Club, Ms. Tammy Tappe, kitchen manager at Ehrman Crest Elementary/Middle School. 

The SV All-Star Club is an awards program developed by the District to express our gratitude to Seneca Valley classified employees (administrative assistants, paraprofessionals, maintenance, cafeteria), bus drivers and security guards who are often the unsung heroes of our schools. We recognize a new member of this elite all-star club each month. 

“For those that know Tammy, the reason that she deserves this recognition is obvious,” said Mr. Nolen Fetchko, Director of Food Services. Tammy is a new manager, in a new school, adjusting to a new director. All of these, on their own, can be a challenge in and of itself, and she has taken on all three of these this year and done a phenomenal job.”

Tammy is organized, meticulous and, most importantly, she always has a smile on her face. She is a wonderful manager, and her priority is always serving the students and staff members at Ehrman Crest.

Mr. Fetchko added, “It's evident in the way she works, in the way she leads her team, and in the way that her team works, that their main goal is to make sure every staff member and student that comes to the cafeteria leaves having a better day than they were having when they walked in. For that, we thank her, and we’re grateful to have her on our team."

Pictured from L-R: Ms. Kathy Whittle, Board President, Ms. Tammy Tappe, Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent of Schools and Mr. Nolen Fetchko, Director of Food Services.

For April we are pleased to announce the newest member inducted into the SV All-Star Club, Ms. Tracy Vidnovic, front desk administrative assistant at the District Administration Office. 

The SV All-Star Club is an awards program developed by the District to express our gratitude to Seneca Valley classified employees (administrative assistants, paraprofessionals, maintenance, cafeteria), bus drivers and security guards who are often the unsung heroes of our schools. We recognize a new member of this elite all-star club each month. 

“It’s my honor and pleasure to nominate Tracy Vidnovic for this award, and in my opinion, she embodies the spirit of this award in every sense,” said Ms. Linda Andreassi, Communications Director. “As the front desk administrative professional, she is very often the first person to greet those interacting with Seneca Valley. Whether in-person or on the phone, she handles these calls and visitors with the utmost patience and professionalism. Since the start of her time with us, she has closely reviewed and updated protocols at the front desk. Doing so has allowed calls, in-person visits, deliveries and mail to be processed smoothly and with the utmost efficiency. She has also taken initiative to find better, more helpful ways in which to serve our public. She trains and keeps all other central office administrative professionals updated with front desk procedures and expertly manages work from several departments at once, including communications, student registration, special education and human resources.”

In addition to her warm greetings and hospitality, Ms. Vidnovic also goes the extra mile to make her colleagues feel special. If there’s an event, a holiday or if it’s just been a long and busy week, she will send staff members uplifting notes, make and bring in food and write clever emails inviting the staff members at central office to gather. 

For the Super Bowl this year, Ms. Vidnovic set up a lunch for everyone where she provided two different menus highlighting the best-known foods from Kansas City and Philadelphia. For March Madness, she created a “Meatball Madness” lunch. She also turned Thanksgiving into Turkey and Tacos Day and did it with a full taco spread. She always goes out of her way to help others and has also coordinated several denim day Fridays to help raise money for the Seneca Valley Foundation.

In her free time Ms. Vidnovic enjoys spending time with her family and attending baseball games at PNC Park with her daughter. In fact, Ms. Vidnovic is a former Pittsburgh Pirate Pierogi. That’s right, she raced down the base lines as Jalapeno Hannah for two seasons. “Being a Pirates Pierogi was definitely my 15 minutes of fame, but the memories and conversations it provides will last a lifetime," said Ms. Vidnovic.

Ms. Andreassi added, “Tracy is always giving to others with no expectation of anything in return, which is why it thrills me to give this to her today and to recognize her for being a valued employee who goes above and beyond in her role.”

“I was overwhelmed with gratitude when I learned I would be presented with the All-Star award,” said Ms. Vidnovic. “The All-Star not only recognizes my efforts, but also acknowledges the collaborative environment in which I spend my days with the most knowledgeable and supportive team. Thank you for inviting me to join the All-Star club.”

For March we are pleased to announce the newest member inducted into the SV All-Star Club, Ms. Patty Ruggerio, special education paraprofessional at Haine Middle School. 

The SV All-Star Club is an awards program developed by the District to express our gratitude to Seneca Valley classified employees (administrative assistants, paraprofessionals, maintenance, cafeteria), bus drivers and security guards who are often the unsung heroes of our schools. We recognize a new member of this elite all-star club each month. 

“I first met Patty when I was a life skills classroom teacher; Patty was a paraprofessional supporting a student that began coming to my room,” said Ms. Ashley Pattison, Supervisor of Special Education. “Together, Patty and I have worked with the student to determine the student’s behavioral needs, rule out academic concerns and help the student become successful at school. In the 10 plus years I have known Patty, I have observed her supporting students in our learning support program, multiple supports programs, as well as supporting a student as his personal care assistant.  In every role Patty has possessed, I have seen her go above and beyond to support students with significant learning and behavioral needs. I have seen her implement behavior plans with fidelity, build relationships with students who are hard to connect with, and help her students be successful in their educational programming.”  

“Patty is a remarkable asset to Haine Middle School,” said Dr. Erin Wilcher, Principal of Haine Middle School. “Her passion allows her the ability to see something special in every student she encounters. Every day she can be seen smiling, interacting, and supporting students within her special education classroom.”  

Ms. Pattison concluded, “What makes Patty the most deserving of this award is her selflessness. We have never heard her say no to any supports or recommendations the team, including me, have asked of her. She puts students first, always. It is my honor and privilege to present this award on behalf of the student service department and Haine Middle school.”

Pictured from L-R: Mr. Jeremy Womer, Vice Principal of Haine Middle School, Ms. Kathy Whittle, Board President, Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Patty Ruggerio, Ms. Ashley Pattison, Supervisor of Special Education and Dr. Erin Wilcher, Principal of Haine Middle School.

For February, we are pleased to announce the newest member inducted into the SV All-Star Club, Mr. Dennis Moyer, site supervisor for Seneca Valley’s contracted security team. 

The SV All-Star Club is an awards program developed by the District to express our gratitude to Seneca Valley classified employees (administrative assistants, paraprofessionals, maintenance, cafeteria), bus drivers and security guards who are often the unsung heroes of our schools. We recognize a new member of this elite all-star club each month. 

Officer Jason Young, Seneca Valley Safety and Security Supervisor said, “I asked Dennis to become the site supervisor for our contracted security team shortly after I was hired by the school district. From that day, I’ve never had to second guess, ask or be concerned that an event wasn’t covered by security. Dennis is the type of supervisor that works with his team to ensure that every event from a Saturday SAT event to a 400-person wrestling tournament is covered with adequate security staff. Rarely will you ever see him during the school day in the office sitting at his desk. One of his sayings is ‘I won’t ask my team to do something I wouldn’t do.’ That could be an all-day swim meet or standing in the pouring rain to direct traffic.” 

Mr. Moyer is an Army veteran who served in Panama and is a retired juvenile corrections officer that worked in several maximum-security juvenile detention centers for over 20 years. In his free time, Mr. Moyer enjoys kayaking and participating in mock combat tournaments.

Officer Young added, “Dennis is well deserving of this recognition. He maintains constant foot patrols checking on each of his team multiple times to know their concerns as well as what’s going on in their lives.  He will humbly tell you the team makes him look like a good leader, and he has a great team. As an SRO, I have seen some great security teams and others just get the job done, but no one gels together quite like this group.”

Pictured from L-R: Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Jason Young, Safety and Security Supervisor, Mr. Dennis Moyer and Ms. Kathy Whittle, Board President.

For January, we are pleased to announce the newest member inducted into the SV All-Star Club, Ms. Jane Casey, bus driver for ABC Transit, Inc.

The SV All-Star Club is an awards program developed by the District to express our gratitude to Seneca Valley classified employees (administrative assistants, paraprofessionals, maintenance, cafeteria) and bus drivers who are often the unsung heroes of our schools. We recognize a new member of this elite all-star club each month. 

Ms. Casey is a proud SV alumna and has served the Seneca Valley School District for 14 consecutive years. She began her career with AJ Myers in 2008 then transitioned to ABC Transit, Inc. to continue her route where she serves all the schools on the secondary campus (Seneca Valley Senior High School, Seneca Valley Intermediate High School and Ryan Gloyer Middle School) as well as Connoquenessing Valley Elementary (CVE). 

Mr. John Demkowicz, Director of Transportation said, “Ms. Casey continues to help with activity routes, athletics and school trips. She speaks with love and compassion of her experiences watching the children she transports grow from young children into adulthood.”

Mr. Demkowicz has received numerous emails from parents about Ms. Casey’s generosity and kindness and how she goes out of her way to support students.

One parent wrote: I wanted to take a minute to let you know how appreciative we are of Ms. Jane. For the last few years, she has driven my elementary school son to CVE and my older three kids to the SV high school campus. She is unfailingly kind, welcoming, and professional. She always greets the kids with a kind word and a smile when they get on the bus, and my daughter (currently a senior at SV) has mentioned how much she enjoys chatting with Ms. Jane in the afternoons as they're waiting in the bus line to drive home. Ms. Jane also helped my daughter identify a Senior Project and proudly informed me that the project is ready for review to fulfill graduation requirements.

The parent went on to share: The reason I'm writing now is because of a recent event. My son, currently a sophomore, was in the fall production of The Addams Family at SV. Not only did Jane put up a playbill to help promote the show, she and her husband gave up some of their precious weekend hours to come see the kids perform. Her thoughtfulness and generosity in supporting our child like that means so much to him and to us. It was WAY beyond the call of duty and demonstrates how much Jane cares about her students and goes the extra mile to make them feel seen and to feel special.

We are so lucky, grateful and tremendously appreciative of Ms. Jane and the care and compassion she shares with our Seneca Valley students. Ms. Jane is a wonderful person to have in the lives of our students. She keeps them safe, gets them to school reliably, and most importantly, cares about them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictured from L-R: Mr. John Demkowicz, transportation director, Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Jane Casey, and Ms. Kathy Whittle, Board President.

For the month of October, we are pleased to announce the newest member inducted into the SV All-Star Club, Mr. David Bopp, District Maintenance Team Member. 

The SV All-Star Club is an awards program developed by the District to express our gratitude to Seneca Valley classified employees (secretaries, paraprofessionals, maintenance, cafeteria) and bus drivers who are often the unsung heroes of our schools. We intend to recognize a new member of this elite all-star club each month. 

Mr. Randy Miller, Director of Buildings and Grounds shared, “I am very proud and honored to have nominated Mr. Bopp for the SV-Allstar Club award. Mr. Bopp began his tenure as a sub-custodian in 1999 after he was encouraged by a former SV custodian, Warren Mitchell, to apply for a position at Seneca Valley – and now 23 years later, I think it’s safe to say he’s glad that he did.” 

“I can speak for the Buildings and Grounds Department by saying that we are very glad that Mr. Bopp joined our staff. He’s a ‘jack of all trades.’ I think Mr. Bopp truly enjoys some of the challenging tasks that he encounters, and he has yet to meet a clogged drain that he can’t clear,” said Mr. Miller. 

Mr. Bopp graduated from Butler High School in 1978.  Shortly after graduating he began working at Pullman Standard in Butler. In his spare time, Mr. Bopp enjoys spending time with his stepson, stepdaughter and step-grandchildren as well as fishing and slot car racing. 

Mr. Miller added, “My Supervisor’s and I wish we could have 30 more ‘David Bopps’ on our staff. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Congratulations on this much deserved award.” 

October 2, was National Custodial Workers Recognition Day. We want to give special thanks to all custodial workers and maintenance personnel who do such a wonderful job with the upkeep of our buildings throughout the District. 

Pictured from L-R: Director of Buildings and Grounds, Mr. Randy Miller, Seneca Valley Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Tracy Vitale, District Maintenance Team Member, Mr. David Bopp and Seneca Valley School Board President, Mr. Jim Nickel. 

For the month of September, we are pleased to announce the newest members inducted into the SV All-Star Club, Ms. Beth Craig and Mrs. Madeline Nowak, paraprofessionals at Ehrman Crest Middle School. 

The SV All-Star Club is an awards program developed by the District to express our gratitude to Seneca Valley classified employees (secretaries, paraprofessionals, maintenance, cafeteria) and bus drivers who are often the unsung heroes of our schools. We intend to recognize a new member of this elite all-star club each month. 

Mr. Tim Eiler, Principal of Ehrman Crest Middle School shared, “Day in and day out, our schools could not operate without our paraprofessionals’ hard work and dedication to our staff and students. We have the best of the best, and they step up and prove it repeatedly. With that said, what Beth Craig and Madeline Nowak did on Friday, September 2, took the high regard in which we hold our paraprofessionals to an entirely new level. They didn’t just step up and do the right thing - they saved a life.  

“On that day, Ehrman Crest had a serious and dire situation in which a student was choking on his lunch. The student's airflow became restricted, and he was not breathing. When these situations occur, they are obviously extremely jarring, but they solidify that we have great kids and great people who do the right thing.”  

Mr. Eiler explained, “Students got the attention of the adults in the cafeteria. Ms. Craig stepped up and began to administer the Heimlich maneuver. Though she was at first unable to remove the obstruction, she never gave up. Mrs. Nowak was then able to step in and relieve her, continuing the Heimlich. Within moments, the obstruction began to clear, airflow moved again, and color returned to the student’s face. Our school nurse was able to take over at that point, and although she sent the student home early that Friday, he returned the following week without complications,” said Mr. Eiler. 

Mr. Eiler added, “This incident served as a reminder of how much we need each other. It wasn’t just training that saved a student’s life; it was individuals looking out for each other, working in tandem, and exhibiting the willingness to be selfless. As one student put it when Mrs. Bridget Miller, Assistant Principal at Ehrman Crest Middle School, and I talked with classes who witnessed the event, “I feel a whole lot safer at school knowing that they know how to do that.”  

“What Beth and Madeline saw that day was unimaginable. But what they did was nothing less than heroic - they literally saved a life. We are honored to know and work with these ladies, and it’s a pleasure to help recognize them for being so loving, caring and willing to step up when they were needed,” said Mr. Eiler.” 

From L-R: Principal of Ehrman Crest Middle School Mr. Tim Eiler, Assistant Principal at Ehrman Crest Middle School Mrs. Bridget Miller, Paraprofessionals Ms. Beth Craig and Mrs. Madeline Nowak, Seneca Valley Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tracy Vitale and   
Seneca Valley School Board President Mr. Jim Nickel.

For the month of May, we are pleased to announce the newest member inducted into the SV All-Star Club, Mrs. Val Damiani, Seneca Valley Cyber Service Administrative Assistant.

The SV All-Star Club is an awards program developed by the District to express our gratitude to Seneca Valley classified employees (secretaries, paraprofessionals, maintenance, cafeteria) and bus drivers who are often the unsung heroes of our schools. We intend to recognize a new member of this elite all-star club each month.

Dr. Denise Manganello, Principal of Seneca Valley Academy of Choice (SVAOC) Cyber and Arts shared, “Val Damiani is true star who brightens the way for everyone who comes along her path. She is the friendly voice that answers the phone for the SVAOC and the warm, welcoming smile that greets you as you enter our cyber offices. Always professional, patient, and kind, Val leans in to listen and understand actively and then works diligently to find a solution. She seeks out the best possible solution for every scenario, showcasing the finest qualities of a valid student advocate.”

“SVAOC, which is not only our SV Cyber Program, but each Outreach Program for Technology (OPT) partnering school district and our SV Performing Arts program, each aspect continues to change and evolve as the world changes. Val keeps it all straight and sometimes challenges us to do more than we think we can do because she has genuine empathy for every student and family situation. Val is someone who advocates for others and does what's right for everyone. Her assertive nature makes her someone we highly respect, value, and admire, someone who is irreplaceable and genuinely one of a kind, which is why she is the perfect candidate for the SV All-Star Club,” said Dr. Manganello.

Dr. Manganello added, “A person's most valuable asset is not a head full of knowledge but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen, and a hand willing to help others. And Val leads with kindness, actively listens, and goes above and beyond daily to help others. Thank you, Val, for your leadership and the example you set for us.”

“I appreciate this special recognition and feel fortunate to have a job that allows me to help children, parents and staff in the Seneca Valley School District as well as our partnering districts,” said Ms. Damiani. “Working with a dedicated cyber team, in an environment of constant change and growth, is busy and exciting. We continually look for ways to improve and do what is best for students, and when the students succeed, it is very rewarding.”

From L-R: Seneca Valley School Board President Eric DiTullio, Dr. Manganello, Ms. Damiani and Seneca Valley Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tracy Vitale

From L-R: Seneca Valley School Board President Eric DiTullio, Dr. Manganello, Ms. Damiani and Seneca Valley Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tracy Vitale.

For April, we are pleased to announce the newest member inducted into the SV All-Star Club, Ms. Carol Baptiste, Seneca Valley Intermediate High School (IHS) Secretary.

The SV All-Star Club is an awards program developed by the District to express our gratitude to Seneca Valley classified employees (secretaries, paraprofessionals, maintenance, cafeteria) and bus drivers who are often the unsung heroes of our schools. We intend to recognize a new member of this elite all-star club each month.

Dr. Matthew Delp, Principal of Seneca Valley Intermediate High School shared, “Ms. Baptiste is always there to assist both the staff and students daily. She’s been with the Seneca Valley School District for nearly 41 years. During that time, she has continually adopted and adapted to change of all shapes and sizes that have occurred within the IHS and the Seneca Valley School District.”

“Being the Attendance Secretary, Ms. Baptiste has a special lens into the lives of our families and has always been a caring and comforting first line of support for them here at the IHS. Whether it is a parent dropping off a forgotten lunch or band instrument, managing early dismissals for doctor’s appointments, or logging the countless comings and goings of our students, Ms. Baptiste does so with grace and compassion,” said Dr. Delp.

Dr. Delp added, “Over the past two years, Ms. Baptiste has served in a critical capacity to our students, parents, staff, and administration while managing the ever-evolving conditions of the pandemic. She quickly implemented a new electronic protocol that greatly advanced our efficiency in managing student attendance. In addition, she played a large role in communicating and coordinating student attendance not only at the building level but also in the virtual world of live streaming. Her masterful accounting of our students’ attendance provided the information needed to best serve our students and community during these incredibly challenging and unpredictable times.”

“It was an honor to be inducted into the SV All-Star Club out of so many deserving people,” said Ms. Baptiste. “It has been a privilege to serve the Seneca Valley School District for 41 years.”

From L-R: Seneca Valley School Board President Eric DiTullio, Ms. Baptiste, Seneca Valley Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tracy Vitale and Dr. Delp.