Message from Sun Valley Admin

Week of 9/29-10/3

Hello Sun Valley Families!

Wow! One month in! Our 1st quarter mid marking period is this Friday! Please ensure you are reviewing your students grades in Skyward and Schoology with them.

We are excited to celebrate homecoming this week! Below this is all the info you need to participate in the fun!

Shout out to all the students and staff on a successful evacuation drill to IceWorks on Friday. Students rose to the occasion and exemplified being ready, respectful and responsible.

The PSAT is being administered at SVHS on Wednesday October 8th.

This is a district wide half day of school. Students in grades 10 and 11

are automatically registered to take the PSAT. 9th grade students who

would like to take the test must opt in using the form sent to parent

emails. All 12th grade students and 9th grade students who do not opt in

do not need to report on 10/8/25.

Please note our upcomming college fair on 9/16 (5:30-7:00) and no school for students on 9/17.

There are tons of important information below including a new system when dropping off items for students when school is in session. Please read them all below.

John Paul Roskos

Principal

Here's a quick look at the week ahead: 9/29/25-10/3/25

Monday, September 29th - Day 2
Tuesday, September 30th - Day 3
Wednesday, October 1st - Day 4
Thursday, October 2nd - Day 5
Friday, October 3rd - Day 6

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Homecoming Parade - Friday, October 3rd starting at 6pm at Aston Community Center.

Homecoming Dance - Saturday, October 4th at Sun Valley High School, 6pm - 9pm.

Homecoming Spirit Week Themes:

Monday, 9/29: Soccer Moms vs. BBQ Dads

Tuesday, 9/30: Tropical

Wednesday, 10/1: Color Wars, 12th - Black, 11th - Pink, 10th - Blue, 9th - Red

Thursday, 10/2: Throwback Thursday

Friday, 10/3: Class Shirts, 12th - Eagles, 11th - Phillies, 10th - Flyers, 9th - Sixers

Any student who participates in the spirit days, and grade level photos during lunch will be entered into a drawing for their classes prize.

Seniors: 1 free senior prom ticket
Juniors: 1 free junior prom ticket
Sophomores: 1 free frosh ticket
Freshman: 1 free frosh ticket

🌟 Confidence Over Conflict 🌟

Girl Talk Workshop | Oct 7 @ 7PM | FREE | Virtual

Middle & high school girls face bullying in many forms — and it impacts their confidence, self-worth, and ability to thrive. That’s why Girls Spark is hosting Confidence Over Conflict, a FREE Girl Talk workshop led by Daniela Cerullo, Executive Director of TeachAntiBullying.org.

Girls will learn how to:

✔ Recognize bullying and affirm their self-worth

✔ Stand up for themselves and others

✔ Identify different types of bullying and respond effectively

✔ Build empathy, kindness, and stronger connections

💻 Virtual on Zoom

🗓 Oct 7 @ 7PM (Sign-up deadline: Oct 7 @ 12 PM)

Please share this opportunity with a teen girl in your life. Together, we can give girls the tools to rise above conflict with confidence.

👉 Register today - https://lnkd.in/ew-eP_yr!

ITEM DROP OFF FOR STUDENTS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

This school year there will be a table in the vestibule for parents/guardians to drop off items for students. Please make sure to label the item with your students name and let them know that you have dropped the item off. Student may pick up their items between classes, during their lunch period or at the end of the school day.

Everything you need to know about ordering your YEARBOOK!

Please click this link: 2026 Yearbook Info

Just a few reminders to everyone, regarding parking at and around Sun Valley.

Student parking at Sun Valley and Northley is in the numbered spots by permit only. Anyone parking without a valid parking pass is subject to disciplinary action. Anyone who has a parking pass must display it in the mirror.
The streets around Sun Valley are residential parking only, by permit. Parking in these areas are subject to ticketing by the Aston Police.
No parking is permitted at the office building located at 2901 Duttons Mill Road (next to Buggy Field, which houses Ware Medical and District Court.) You may be towed from this lot at any time, without warning.
The Aston Township Fire Department has their own internal permit process. Only those who have been approved in advance by the department may park there. Anyone without permission may be towed at any time.

3 Ways to Report your Students Attendance

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS!

Make sure you keep your Scholarchip ID swipe card in a safe place where you can find it easily. If you misplace your ID, you will need to purchase a new one. The cost of a temporary ID is $1.00 and the cost of a replacement ID is $5.00.

PTL dues are $10 per family this year. This can be paid with cash, a check payable to Sun Valley PTL or Venmo using the information above.

Students earn Sun Dollars by being Ready, Respectful, and Responsible. They can redeem those Sun Dollars for SV gear at the Sun Dollar store every Wednesday.

Thank you so much for the donations dropped off at back to school night. Our next donation drop off will be Wednesday October 1^st from 3-4 pm in the school lobby. If that date doesn’t work with your schedule, please email Monica Diehl (mdiehl@pdsd.org) to arrange another time.

We also heard that there were tech issues with our survey form. Here is the link for the PBIS survey: https://forms.gle/eEbSCwkqXKessUTv5 We appreciate your feedback!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D4EAAA72BA3F58-50666640-sunvalley

STAFF MEMBER OF THE WEEK

Mrs. Harmon

Mrs. Spinogatti's pick for Staff Member of the Week: Mrs. Harmon

She writes,(Brighit Harmon) Mrs. Harmon brings efficiency and energy to the main office, while keeping everyone laughing. She is also the first to compliment my fashion!

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Cara McHugh

Selected by: Mrs. Martone

Cara is a hard worker and really tries her best. She always comes in with a smile to brighten everyone's day.

Riley Brooks

Selected by: Mrs. Martone

Riley has started working at the Goodwill and is doing an amazing job. She always comes in and tries her best.

Elizabeth Barnhart

Selected by: Ms. Bondanza

Lizz is a hard-working and dedicated student. This year she has taken on the role of Yearbook Editor in Chief and has done an amazing job communicating with the advisors, other editors and staff members, organizing meetings, and planning the book. Lizz puts maximum effort into everything she does which is why I selected her as student of the week.

Evan Bentley

Selected by: Ms. Bondanza

Evan has been a pleasure to have in 1st period science. He is an extremely conscientious student and always asks questions to make sure that he fully understands the content we are learning. He is also always friendly and kind to everyone in the class. Congratulations on earning Student of the Week.

Luci Damico

Selected by: Mr. Dobbins

I had the pleasure of teaching Luci in her Pre-Calculus class in her 11th grade year. Luci somehow manages to be just as dedicated to her academics as she is to the many sports and activities in which she participates here. She's a great asset to the Sun Valley community, and a wonderful role model for all the younger students at our school. On top of that, she is one of the most kind and respectful people you'll ever meet. Well done, Luci!

Braeden DiGiovanni

Selected by: Mr. Dobbins

I've known Braeden since he was a 9th grader at Sun Valley, and even back then, he was already displaying the kind of leadership characteristics he is now known for so well, whether it be in Band, Art Club, Robotics, Science Olympiad, or any of the other many clubs in which he's involved. While I unfortunately never had the chance to teach Braeden before he graduates from here (I wish I had!), at least I got to know him well through several extra-curricular activities. He's certainly made the school a better place. Congratulations, Braeden!

Class of 2026

The Class of 2026 is seeking donations for the homecoming dance on October 4^th. All donations can be dropped off at Sun Valley on October 2-3 during school hours or on the 4^th beginning at 5:00.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4CADAA2FA02-58224966-refreshments#/

Class of 2028

Attention 10^th graders: Do you see yourself as a leader here at Sun Valley High School? Are you interested in continuing to develop your leadership skills? If so, consider submitting an application to attend the HOBY Youth Leadership Conference. This is a wonderful opportunity for a 10^th grader from our school to participate in unique leadership training, service-learning, and motivation-building experiences. The seminar will be held at Neumann University in June. Students must be able to attend all sessions for the entire weekend.

Applications will be reviewed and one student will be selected to attend from Sun Valley. Use this link to complete the essay and submit a resume if you are interested in applying.

Submissions must be received by October 31st or sooner. Please e-mail Ms. Snyder (msnyder@pdsd.org) with questions.

Class of 2029

The freshman class is busy working on Homecoming Float decorations. If your student is interested in joining the Class Committee for the Class of 2029, please tell them to listen in homeroom for announcements.

Any student who helps out with the preparation and building of the float and walks with the class in the parade will receive a free ticket to the homecoming football game Friday Oct. 3rd.

The class is in need of a flatbed for the parade float. If you can help us out with this please contact the freshman class sponsors, Mr. Henning or Mrs. Mal.

Important Reminder for ALL 9th Grade Students: Over the summer, families of incoming freshmen received information and permission slips for the mandatory Freshman Academy Curricular Trips. Payment (online or check/money order) is DUE on or before October 17th. Please see Mrs. Schneider in B60 or Ms. Bondanza in B259 if you have any questions. Permission slips and check payments can be turned into Homeroom teachers.

Please access the following links:

SchoolPay LINK for Curricular Trips

Information & Permission Slip for Curricular Trips

CLUBS, COMMITTEES & CLASS MEETINGS

Hi-Q

The Hi-Q team meets in room B-245. Please see Mr. Baron with any questions.

Astronomy Club

Astronomy Club will meet every Thursday in the Planetarium from 2:15-2:55.

If you have any questions, please see Mr. Breiling & Ms. Di Pietro

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Invitations to National Honor Society went out to students in 10, 11, and 12^th grades with a GPA of 4.0 or greater. The students who received the invite are required to complete the application by September 30^th.

The application asks them to detail their academic successes and their community involvement. Those applications will be reviewed by members of the SV teaching staff and formal acceptances can be expected to be returned to qualifying students by early October.

Contact Jennifer Maiale @ jmaiale.pdsd.org with any questions.

D & D CLUB

The D&D Club meets Mondays and Thursdays after school.

MATH HONOR SOCIETY

The Math Honor Society will have their first meeting for current members on October 15th (in the MIC afterschool) and are asked to check the Schoology group for updates and announcements. Peer tutoring will also start back up in the MIC after school very soon.

Applications for new memberships are available in Schoology (and copies are in B53) and will be due by Oct 3rd.

Please reach out to Mrs. Caputo or Mr. Mal with any questions.

NATIONAL ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY

Please ask Ms. Mancarella or Ms. Starinieri for more details.

SPEECH & DEBATE TEAM

Speech and Debate will be meeting Wednesday at 2:20 pm in Room B42.

New members welcome! If you can’t make the meeting, please email Ms. Phelps @ kphelps@pdsd.org

BLACK STUDENT UNION

The BSU promotes culturally relevant conversations, advocates for students who feel overlooked or misrepresented, and encourages student empowerment. We embrace our cultural heritage, unity, and the appreciation of diversity.

If you have any questions, please see Mr. Henning.

The Black Student Union meets on Mondays after school in C86.

SCIENCE NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY

Students interested in joining Sun Valley’s Science National Honors Society are invited to apply. Students must meet the following requirements:

Entering grades 11 and 12
Must have at least a B course grade in all science classes
Be willing to complete 10 service hours throughout the year

The SNHS application is available until September 26^th. No late applications will be accepted. https://forms.gle/jKhYwgLFF8FJTiXt6

GSA

GSA is open to all LGBTQIA+ students and Allies! We are always looking for student leaders who want to make a difference at Sun Valley.

See Miss Willow with questions and to join the remind. Meeting times and dates will vary month to month!

ART CLUB/NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY

Art Club will start back up Wednesday 9/17 and will be held every Wednesday (unless otherwise told) until Arts Alive in May!

Anyone is welcome to join Art Club, letters for invitations to National Art Honor Society will go out to students who express interest who meet the requirements.

Please see Miss Willow in A4 with any questions!

NEWSPAPER CLUB

Are you interested in writing, editing, art or photography? If so, join the Newspaper Club! The first meeting for Newspaper Club will be Monday, September 15, in B-44 after school. All are welcome to attend. We will discuss plans and a publishing schedule for the 2025-2026 school year.

We are always looking for new members interested in writing, editing, photography, or videography.

SUN VALLEY STAGE CREW

Please see Mr. Pry or Mr. Bittner if you are interested in doing Stage Crew.

YEARBOOK CLUB

Yearbook needs YOU! Who wants to help make this year's yearbook the best yet?! We have our theme, we have team leaders, now we need anyone who would like to help!

Join the Schoology Group and see Miss Willow or Ms. Bondanza about meeting times and dates.

Also note - ANY STUDENT can send in photos from events, classes, lunches, trips etc. throughout the year to be considered for the yearbook. Want to be in the yearbook? Send in photos!

FCCLA CLUB

FCCLA will be meeting on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 2:20 PM in A-2. We meet every other week. We would love new members.

CHESS CLUB

The Chess Club meets on Wednesdays after school in room B-245. Beginners and advanced players are welcome. When you lose, you learn. When you win, you teach.

Text: @rooknroll to: 81-010

Top 10 Benefits of Playing Chess

STUDENT SENATE

Student Senate will be meeting on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 2:20 PM in the MIC.

We meet every other week. We would love for all classroom representatives to attend this meeting if possible.

Are you interested in student leadership? This is the club for you.

GAMING CLUB

"Video Game Club or E-Gaming Club meets three times a week, Monday, Wednesday, Fridays, after school from 2:15PM to 3:15PM. You do not need to sign up, and attendance is not mandatory, show up when you please!

We usually play games that are local Co-Op, and the Nintendo Switch is what we use most due to its portability.

BRING YOUR OWN GAMES as they will not be provided, we are a collaborative group who share and work together. If you would like something added just ask!

We have three different AV set-ups so up to three groups of students may play at any given time!"

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TEAM

The Science Olympiad Team will meet on Tuesdays after school in D-97.

Please see Mr. Dobbins with any questions.

No experience required – as long as you like something about science, you'll be a great addition to the team!"

COUNSELING NEWS!!!

Upcoming College Visits

Juniors and Seniors – Please sign-up in Naviance. You must pre-register in order to attend scheduled college visits.

Registration closes 8hrs prior to each visit.

Seniors – Interested in attending a Service Academy after graduation? The 2^nd Annual Service Academy Night is Wed. Sept. 17th at 6pm at Valley Forge Military Academy & College - (Mellon Hall). See Schoology for registration information

Parkside Junior Council is now accepting applications to their Junior Council program for high school students who are residents of Parkside. Looking for a few students to begin the program in October.