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Weekly Update
October 4, 2026
| | A Message from the Principal | |
Homecoming Week!
Our spirit week themes are below!
The mid marking period is this Friday, October 9th!
Reminder for Friday's homecoming. There is a new parade route for this year. More information on this is HERE. Our homecoming dance is Saturday October 10th.
We have a ton of new announcements in the boxes below. Please carefully review them!
The PSAT is being administered at SVHS on Wednesday October 14th. 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 10/14/26.
We thank you for all your continued support and a wonderful start of the school year!
John Paul Roskos
Principal, Sun Valley High School
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Friday, 10/9: Homecoming Pep Rally during school,
Homecoming Parade at 6pm
Homecoming Football Game at 7pm at Sun Valley Stadium
Saturday, 10/10: Homecoming Dance 6pm - 9pm at Sun Valley High School
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PSAT Reminder
As a reminder, the PSAT will be held on 10/14 for all 10th and 11th grade students as well as 9th grade students that opted in.
All seniors and 9th grade students that did not opt in, do not have to report to school on this day.
Students should bring their chrome books fully charged and arrive on time to school.
Dismissal will be at 10:15am after testing is complete.
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DCTS Students: Remain in 4th period until dismissal
DCTS students do not have permission to leave 4th period class early. If they're having trouble getting their lunch between 10:58 and 11:10, they can acquire a "fast pass" from the main office.
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Save the Date: Student-Athletes Invited to Strength & Conditioning Seminar and Demo, October 13 | Featured speaker Tim Teefy, Director of Olympic Sports Performance at Temple University, will share practical guidance on training, goal setting, injury prevention and more. | | | |
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Explore Great Britain and Ireland
Summer 2028
Big news, Sun Valley High School students! You can travel to Great Britain and Ireland with Ms. Di Pietro in
Summer 2028!
Register for the information meeting on October 13th to learn more about this exciting opportunity
here: Sign up Here
Students need to currently be in grades 9 to 10 to attend the tour.
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Complete and Return Nurse's Emergency Cards
We are still in need of your students completed Nurses Emergency Cards. If you have not already completed the white nurses card and sent it back to school. Please do so as soon as possible.
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Schedule Class of 2027 Senior Portrait Retakes
All seniors must be photographed for the yearbook. If you have not gotten your senior portraits taken or would like retakes, Barksdale will be at Sun Valley High School on Monday, October 12 to take your picture. Use the below link to schedule your appointment.
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PBIS
We are pleased to announce that Sun Valley has achieved 100% fidelity in implementing PBIS and will be recognized by the state in the fall.
2025-2026 PBIS Annual Summary
Parents and students can send a postcard of praise to a member of our faculty and staff by filling out this form.
Post Card of Praise
We have a lot of activities planned for the students this year and could use your help! Please consider donating used or new (high school appropriate) puzzles, card or board games. Check out our Sign Up Genius for other requested items. Questions? Please email Kat Phelps.
We appreciate your support!
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PTL Dues
PTL dues are $10 per family this year. This can be paid with cash, a check payable to "Sun Valley PTL" dropped of in the main office, or Venmo (@SunValley-PTL) using the information above.
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Sun Valley Cell Phone Expectations for 2026-2027 | This change reflects a balanced approach to technology by limiting device use during instructional time. | | | |
Student Parking Reminders
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Student parking: Parking at Sun Valley and Northley is permit-only in designated numbered spaces. Permits must be displayed. Parking without a valid permit may result in disciplinary action.
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Residential streets: Parking on surrounding residential streets is permit-only and subject to ticketing by Aston Police.
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2901 Duttons Mill Road: Parking is not permitted. Vehicles may be towed without warning.
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Aston Township Fire Department: Parking is limited to those with prior approval from the department. Unauthorized vehicles may be towed.
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Item Drop-Off for Students During the School Day
There is a table in the vestibule for parents/guardians to drop items for students. Please make sure to label the items with your student's name. Students may pick up the items between classes, during their lunch period, or at the end of the school day.
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Student ID Cards
Students must carry their SchoolChip ID card every day and swipe it at the main entrance. IDs are required for building entry and hall passes. Students who forget their ID must obtain a temporary ID for $1; replacement IDs cost $5.
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Missing a day here and there may not seem like much, but those days add up. Regular attendance helps students stay connected to learning and make the most of every school day. | | | |
Homecoming Parade to Follow New Route on October 9 | The Sun Valley Homecoming Parade will follow a new route on Friday, October 9, due to an event at Aston Community Center. | | | |
2026 Flu Clinic Provided by Springfield Pharmacy, October 22 | Springfield Pharmacy will provide flu vaccinations for students and staff. An online consent form is required by 5 p.m. on October 21. | | | | |
New FAFSA Requirement for Pennsylvania Seniors
A new Pennsylvania law creates a FAFSA requirement for all high school seniors beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
Before completing high school, every Pennsylvania public and non-public school senior (and parent, if the student is a dependent) must either:
What is the FAFSA and why does it matter?
The FAFSA is a free application that helps students and families determine what financial aid may be available for college, career school, or other postsecondary education. Completing the FAFSA may make students eligible for:
- Federal grants, loans and work-study opportunities
- Pennsylvania state financial aid through PHEAA
- Scholarships and other financial aid offered by colleges and career schools
Completing the FAFSA does not require a student to accept financial aid or attend a college or career school. It simply gives students and families more information about their options.
A few important notes:
- No student will be prevented from graduating or penalized in any way for not completing the FAFSA.
- Completing the FAFSA does not commit a student to accepting financial aid or enrolling in any postsecondary program.
- Choosing not to file now doesn't close the door on filing later — financial aid applications are done annually, so the option remains open in future years.
Save the Date: FAFSA Webinars
PHEAA holds state-wide webinars that families can participate in. The upcoming sessions for the fall cover creating your StudentAid.gov account, filing the FAFSA, a FAFSA question and answer session, and searching for scholarships. Learn more about PHEAA statewide events
Helpful links:
If you have questions about completing the FAFSA or the opt-out form, please reach out to the counseling office - we are happy to help walk you through the process.
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Upcoming College Visits
Juniors and Seniors: Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with college representatives! Log in to SchooLinks to view all upcoming visits. Pre-registration (required) closes 8 hours before each visit.
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Who: Lincoln University
Date: Thursday, Oct. 8
Time: 8:15 am
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Who: Immaculata University
Date: Thursday, Oct. 8
Time: 9:30 am
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Who: American University
Date: Monday, Oct. 12
Time: 8:15 am
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Who: Villanova University
Date: Monday, Oct. 12
Time: 9:30 am
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Who: Widener University
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 13
Time: 9:30 am
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Who: Messiah University
Date: Thursday, Oct. 15
Time: 8:15 am
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Who: St. Joseph's University
Date: Thursday, Oct. 15
Time: 9:30 am
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Who: United States Army
Date: Thursday, Oct. 15
Time: All Lunches
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Who: Williamson College of the Trades
Date: Friday, Oct. 16
Time: 9:30 am
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Class of 2030
We will be meeting on Thursday, October 8th from 2:15-3:15 (or longer) in B56 to work on the homecoming float.
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Class of 2030: Freshman Academy DUES Reminder
Over the summer, families of 9th grade students received information about the Mandatory Curricular Field Trips this school year. Payment and permission slips are due at this time, and payments can be made online or turned into the student's Homeroom teacher.
If a student needs a new copy of the information and permission slip, he/she can see Mrs. Schneider in room B60 or Ms. Bondanza in room B259. Thank you for your support of this academic requirement!
| | Class of 2028 Fundraisers | | Club, Committee Announcements | |
Clubs & Honor Societies
Explore SV clubs and honor societies, including descriptions, meeting information, and links to Schoology pages for more details.
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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 or Ms. Di Pietro.
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Bible Buddies
Please see Mrs. Bednar in D94 with any questions.
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Cabaret Club
The Sun Valley Theater Fall Cabaret will be held on Thursday, October 29.
Any interested student who is not already in the Theater Google Classroom should stop in the choir room to get the join code, or email Mrs. Hazlett directly.
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FCCLA
FCCLA will be meeting on Wednesday, October 7,2026 at 2:20 PM in A-2. We will also be meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 2:20 PM. New members welcome.
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GSA
New members are needed, all allies welcome! We NEED student leaders!
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Hi-Q
Delco Hi-Q is the oldest continuous academic competition in the United States. The Sun Valley Hi-Q Team meets on selected Thursdays and Fridays throughout the season in B-245. (Click Here for More Information)
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Math Honor Society
The Math Honor Society applications for new members are now available - stop by Room B53 to pick one up (they will also be posted in Schoology). All applications are due no later than Friday, Oct 9th to Mrs. Caputo.
MHS will hold their first meeting, after school in the MIC on October 21st at 2:20. (New members will receive a notification message in Schoology). We will also start our peer tutoring in the MIC after school in October.
Questions, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Caputo in B53.
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Newspaper Club
Interested in writing, drawing, publishing or photography? Come join Newspaper Club! We put out a quarterly publication featuring art and writing by Sun Valley students. Meetings are every Monday in B44 at 2:20 p.m.
Please see Mrs. Coughlin in B44 with any questions.
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Science National Honor Society
Current Members: You can accrue volunteer hours from the summer. Please fill out this form to provide proof of hours.
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Student Senate
New members welcome.
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Ultimate Frisbee
Come play Ultimate Frisbee with your fellow students and teachers. Preseason starts in late November and the play offs end in January. Games are Wednesdays after school from 3 to 4 p.m.
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Yearbook Club
Don’t forget, you can break up your payments rather than paying all at once.
| | Recognitions: Staff Member of the Week | |
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Ms. Malone
Selected by: Mrs. Bohannon
I chose Ms. Malone because the first day I walked into Sun Valley High School last October, Julie Malone gave me a big hug and told me whatever I need, she will help me. I immediately knew I made the right choice. Every day since, she has helped me in some way, shape, or form. She taught me everything I needed to know about how to be a Special Education Teacher. Beyond that, her students adore her because of the love that shines out of her. She wears her heart on her sleeve and gives her all. I am so grateful to have met her when I arrived and to be able to work with her daily.
| | | | Recognitions: Students of the Week | |
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Shawn Burns
Selected by: Mr. Baldys
Shawn recently started school here at Sun Valley, and immediately participated in class and talked with classmates as if he had been here all along. His discussion contributions have been helpful too. Good job Shawn!
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Nie Rembert
Selected by: Mr. Baldys
Nie has been a model student. But the reason I'm nominating her is because of her contagious smile and laughter, which are ever present and positively affect everyone around her. Keep it up Nie!
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Monica Stasul
Selected by: Ms. Wessel
Monica always comes to my University of Pittsburgh Intro to Film course with great enthusiasm for the subject matter, and is consistently ready, respectful, and responsible. Her contributions to class discussions are much appreciated, and her film knowledge is impressive! When assessing movies, her critiques are very thorough. She is truly a joy to have as a serious film student!
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Darren Miniconzi
Selected by: Ms. Wessel
Darren shows up to British Literature with an admirable amount of energy each and every day! He follows all expectations, and asks thoughtful questions. He is usually the first to volunteer in class discussions, and remains positive even when the subject matter is difficult. His determination and ambition make him a great role model for other students!
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Maggie Mucklow
Selected by: Miss Larck-Fiorilli
I was lucky enough to have Maggie in my Honors English class freshman year, so I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow over the past three years into an even more incredible student, leader, and person. Just as I’ve watched her bring hard work and determination to the classroom, I’ve had the opportunity to see those same qualities shine through as a Class of 2027 officer over the past two years. Maggie is incredibly motivated and has an innate ability to push not only herself to be successful, but also those around her. She leads by example, works hard, and genuinely wants to see the people around her succeed. The Class of 2027 is so lucky to have you on their team, Maggie!
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Alina Blair
Selected by: Miss Larck-Fiorilli
Alina, I am lucky to have you in my first period Honors English class! You bring such positivity to my room, and I always look forward to our conversations about the latest book you are reading. You work hard, consistently participate, and are always willing to help those around you be successful. I appreciate the way your input in class makes learning and reading more fun for those around you. Not to mention you somehow manage to accomplish all of this before 8 a.m.! Your positivity, kindness, and dedication make you such a wonderful part of our classroom community. Congratulations, Alina! You are so deserving of this recognition!
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PTL Dues
PTL dues are $10 per family this year. This can be paid with cash, a check payable to "Sun Valley PTL" dropped of in the main office, or Venmo (@SunValley-PTL) using the information above.
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Last Chance to Order Class Rings
The Sun Valley class ring ordering deadline has been extended to Friday, October 9. This is the final deadline for students in grades 10–12 to order for delivery before winter break.
SHOP SUN VALLEY CLASS RINGS →
Families can choose from three collections:
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Official Sun Valley Class Ring (shown above) — Features the school name and Griffins mascot, personalized with the student’s name, graduation year and a school-color stone.
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Modern Class Ring Collection — 16 contemporary, jewelry-inspired styles with personalized school details.
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Fully Customizable Class Rings — Choose your style, metal, stone, side designs and personalized details.
Every ring is custom-made for your student, with multiple metal options available at a range of price points. Only a deposit is required to begin an order for most rings.
Please place your order by October 9 to meet the final deadline for delivery before winter break. Orders placed after this date may arrive during the next scheduled delivery period.
ORDER YOUR SUN VALLEY CLASS RING →
Questions or need help ordering? Contact Student Services Company at 610-539-1330 or rings@studentservicesco.com.
Thank you,
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Class of 2027: Last Call to Order your Graduation Cap and Gown
Sun Valley High School has once again partnered with Student Services Company to provide the school's official custom caps and gowns and graduation products for the Class of 2027.
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Order Your Yearbook!
Order the 2026-2027 yearbook, personalize it, and explore options for Senior Ads before important deadlines arrive. Learn more: Yearbook Information. Click the button below to purchase your yearbook.
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Review 2026-2027 Family and Student Handbook
As we begin the school year, we’ll review key policies and expectations from the Family and Student Handbook. Families are encouraged to review the handbook as well to ensure everyone starts the year on the same page.
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