Science instruction for students in the middle school grades also utilizes the inquiry-based, hands-on model of instruction through the use of modules similar to those provided by ASSET.

At the secondary level, students are able to select from a full-range of courses in each of the major areas of scientific study. Multiple levels of each science are offered over the course a student’s high school career, including Advanced Placement (AP) or College in High School (CHS) courses. In addition, students may select a course in Molecular Biology or a course in Organic and Biochemistry, offerings that are typically reserved for a college level science program. A course in Anatomy is now also offered to students.

 

Seneca Valley now offers state of the art equipped buildings to its students and staff.  An ultra-modern infrastructure and wireless capability provide the backbone of technology in each of the buildings. Each elementary classroom has a pod of three computers and Smart Interactive White Boards.

As a result of the district’s efforts to establish a culture that values and supports the appropriate implementation of instructional technology, the Seneca Valley School District was named a 2010 Pennsylvania School Boards Association School of Excellence in Technology Award winner.  Additionally, because of our implementation of Smart resources, the Seneca Valley Intermediate High School has been named a SMART Showcase Elite School, one of only 25 selected from across the nation. SMART Showcase Schools are recognized as Elite for the duration of the calendar year as a result of their demonstrated commitment to technology and using a wide range of SMART products in the majority of classrooms. This prestigious designation provides access to new SMART technologies and professional development at significantly reduced costs.

In order for students to make effective use of the instructional technology available to them, the district has a unique, fully developed technology curriculum for students in Kindergarten through grade six. Instruction focuses on developing students’ skills in:

• Keyboarding
• Communication
• Multimedia Presentation
• Data Organization and Presentation
• Internet Safety

 

In grades K-12, a fully developed cyber service program gives students many different options for their mode of instruction and also some additional course options they would not be able to take traditionally. 

Secondary students enrolled in the Seneca Valley Academy of Choice: Cyber Service program have access to a wide variety of courses to support the development of a STEM program. The curriculum for the STEM program is designed to accommodate the various interests and abilities of our students.  Every student will receive individualized instruction and support by certified and highly qualified members of the Seneca Valley School District professional teaching staff concerning which courses will best help the student meet his/her goals.
Seneca Valley students who wish to pursue a program that features a very strong technical component are able to enroll in the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School. Vo-tech offers students the ability to focus their educational program on a career or skill area in which the student works for two hours each day. Seneca Valley currently has approximately 100 students enrolled in vo-tech programs. Sample program offerings include HVAC, Automotive Technology, Commercial Art, Computer Aided Drafting, Computer Networking and Telecommunications, Health Assistant, Welding, and Machine Technology. 

 

Students in this program gain extra hands-on skills and opportunities such as job shadowing, mentorships with active professionals in the field, and possible internships. Initial partnerships have been established with several of the businesses in the area, but expansion in this area is necessary.

 

In order to be successful in the STEM-related content, students must have a strong background in both mathematics and research. To support students in the development of these skills, these important areas are woven throughout each of the STEM strands. In the area of mathematics, students are engaged in an instructional program that is tightly aligned to a consistent curriculum and supported by rigorous resources and professional development. Students have an opportunity to participate in a variety of Advanced Placement and College in High School mathematics courses.