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![Two students hug while arriving at Park Forest Elementary School on the first day of school]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724788532/scasdorg/q4khe2jdbz8csqti1oe3/PFE3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724788532/scasdorg/q4khe2jdbz8csqti1oe3/PFE3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724788532/scasdorg/q4khe2jdbz8csqti1oe3/PFE3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724788532/scasdorg/q4khe2jdbz8csqti1oe3/PFE3.jpg","width":1200}])
First Day of School 2024-2025
The first day of school in the State College Area School District for the 2024-2025 school year.
![Seniors paint their parking spaces in the State High parking lot.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724110847/scasdorg/wa0tydh66xv4luwwazv9/Park1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724110847/scasdorg/wa0tydh66xv4luwwazv9/Park1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724110847/scasdorg/wa0tydh66xv4luwwazv9/Park1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724110847/scasdorg/wa0tydh66xv4luwwazv9/Park1.jpg","width":1200}])
Seniors Painting the Pavement
State High seniors put their own artistic styles on parking space in the school lot.
![The Pride Stride is a PBIS initiative at Radio Park Elementary]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1722865201/scasdorg/ajshamuobecdv0jncp74/RPpride32.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1722865201/scasdorg/ajshamuobecdv0jncp74/RPpride32.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1722865201/scasdorg/ajshamuobecdv0jncp74/RPpride32.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1722865201/scasdorg/ajshamuobecdv0jncp74/RPpride32.jpg","width":1200}])
New Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support Program
This fall, SCASD elementary schools will share a unified PBIS program called STAR — Show Kindness, Take Responsibility, Act Safely, Ready to Learn.
![State High senior Margo Wyckoff, second from left, stands with five other national TSA officers.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1722608613/scasdorg/tt9fjkjjk95xcudl4gxs/Wyckoff.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1722608613/scasdorg/tt9fjkjjk95xcudl4gxs/Wyckoff.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1722608613/scasdorg/tt9fjkjjk95xcudl4gxs/Wyckoff.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1722608613/scasdorg/tt9fjkjjk95xcudl4gxs/Wyckoff.jpg","width":1200}])
Wyckoff Named National TSA Officer
State High senior Margo Wyckoff is elected to serve on the National TSA Officer Team as the Reporter.
![Kristen Albright participates in the in the prestigious STEAM in the PARK program run by Expeditions in Education]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1722257517/scasdorg/nuvhb6vgzmfgsns9rf4p/AlbrightFish.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1722257517/scasdorg/nuvhb6vgzmfgsns9rf4p/AlbrightFish.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1722257517/scasdorg/nuvhb6vgzmfgsns9rf4p/AlbrightFish.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1722257517/scasdorg/nuvhb6vgzmfgsns9rf4p/AlbrightFish.jpg","width":1104}])
Teachers Participate In National STEAM in the PARK Program
Kristen Strong Albright and Jeni Kocher Zerphy studied salt marsh ecosystems in the selective STEAM in the PARK program this summer.
![Park Forest Middle School TSA Team]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1720527901/scasdorg/haeduudwbnuqwxcbxpn9/PFMStsa1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1720527901/scasdorg/haeduudwbnuqwxcbxpn9/PFMStsa1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1720527901/scasdorg/haeduudwbnuqwxcbxpn9/PFMStsa1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1720527901/scasdorg/haeduudwbnuqwxcbxpn9/PFMStsa1.jpg","width":1200}])
PFMS TSA Wins Two National Championships
Park Forest Middle School’s Technology Student Association chapter brought home a pair of titles from the 46th National TSA Conference.
![Susan Hipp]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1718720226/scasdorg/flnmbntqytszodo0jwyp/SusanHippF.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1718720226/scasdorg/flnmbntqytszodo0jwyp/SusanHippF.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1718720226/scasdorg/flnmbntqytszodo0jwyp/SusanHippF.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1718720226/scasdorg/flnmbntqytszodo0jwyp/SusanHippF.jpg","width":1200}])
State High Welcomes New Assistant Principal
The District is pleased to announce the hiring of Susan Hipp as the new assistant principal at State College Area High School, effective July 1, 2024.
![Principals laugh with paint on their hands]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1718300966/scasdorg/afqquz8sljrf0abcvaxw/SeniorPark17.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1718300966/scasdorg/afqquz8sljrf0abcvaxw/SeniorPark17.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1718300966/scasdorg/afqquz8sljrf0abcvaxw/SeniorPark17.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1718300966/scasdorg/afqquz8sljrf0abcvaxw/SeniorPark17.jpg","width":1200}])
A Culture of Excellence, Inside and Out
State High has another achievement to add to its impressive legacy – a 2024 Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction Platinum certification.
![Wrestling Coach Jason Nickal]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717516029/scasdorg/yct0bmhqus39vwkd9zgp/JasonNickalWebsite.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717516029/scasdorg/yct0bmhqus39vwkd9zgp/JasonNickalWebsite.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717516029/scasdorg/yct0bmhqus39vwkd9zgp/JasonNickalWebsite.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717516029/scasdorg/yct0bmhqus39vwkd9zgp/JasonNickalWebsite.jpg","width":1200}])
New State High Boys Wrestling Coach
The Board has approved Jason Nickal, who has six state team championship titles and 11 Coach of the Year awards, to be State High’s boys wrestling head coach.
![State High thespians The Pirates of Penzance]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717416371/scasdorg/rtqvyewpucc8rjaooed0/Pirates2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717416371/scasdorg/rtqvyewpucc8rjaooed0/Pirates2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717416371/scasdorg/rtqvyewpucc8rjaooed0/Pirates2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717416371/scasdorg/rtqvyewpucc8rjaooed0/Pirates2.jpg","width":1200}])
State High Thespians Win Isaac Awards
State High Thespians brought home four recognitions from the 19th annual Isaac Awards from their production of The Pirates of Penzance.
![A teacher works with students in a world language class]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717083507/scasdorg/vj0agdvnkp9n93m6yzre/WorldLanguage10.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717083507/scasdorg/vj0agdvnkp9n93m6yzre/WorldLanguage10.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717083507/scasdorg/vj0agdvnkp9n93m6yzre/WorldLanguage10.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717083507/scasdorg/vj0agdvnkp9n93m6yzre/WorldLanguage10.jpg","width":1200}])
State High World Languages Department Recognition
The State High World Languages Department received a Silver Globe Award from the Pennsylvania State Modern Languages Association (PSMLA) Exemplary Program Awards.
![Park Forest Middle School teacher Andy Cunningham]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716471881/scasdorg/xprgt6xljkiycrvmcyyx/WordWall3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716471881/scasdorg/xprgt6xljkiycrvmcyyx/WordWall3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716471881/scasdorg/xprgt6xljkiycrvmcyyx/WordWall3.jpg","width":720}])
PA Teacher of the Year Semifinalist
Andy Cunningham, who teaches the eighth-grade academic literacy course at PFMS, was a semifinalist for the 2025 PA Teacher of the Year award.
![State College Area High School seniors Amy Liu, right, and Lydia Shen, left, have achieved a rare feat: winning a National Merit Scholarship.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716219980/scasdorg/xwb7wso7xvfcws5yrd1i/MeritScholar1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716219980/scasdorg/xwb7wso7xvfcws5yrd1i/MeritScholar1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1716219980/scasdorg/xwb7wso7xvfcws5yrd1i/MeritScholar1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1716219980/scasdorg/xwb7wso7xvfcws5yrd1i/MeritScholar1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1716219980/scasdorg/xwb7wso7xvfcws5yrd1i/MeritScholar1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1716219980/scasdorg/xwb7wso7xvfcws5yrd1i/MeritScholar1.jpg","width":2200}])
National Merit Scholarship Winners
State College Area High School seniors Amy Liu and Lydia Shen have achieved a rare feat: winning a National Merit Scholarship.
![State College Area High School senior Prithvi Narayanan]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717619518/scasdorg/k0yqbfgw3m0fdqnmfphh/PrithviNarayanan2666666.jpg","width":200}])
Narayanan Named U.S. Presidential Scholar
On May 9, Prithvi Narayanan learned that the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars had chosen him to be a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar, just one of 161 seniors selected for outstanding scholastic and artistic achievement, citizenship, service, and more.
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about Narayanan Named U.S. Presidential Scholar
![Thirteen State College Area High School National Merit Scholarship Finalists]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717619516/scasdorg/hr3mm75vc7bkdbifxpk0/NationalMerit20246666.jpg","width":200}])
National Merit Scholarship Finalists
Twelve State College Area High School students were named National Merit Scholarship Finalists, among the 15,000 finalists nationwide. Learn more about each student.
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about National Merit Scholarship Finalists
![Delta Program English teacher Amy Allison]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717619513/scasdorg/rrxvcxvc9b4bt9gcwaka/Room666666.jpg","width":200}])
Delta Program Teacher Recognized for Advocacy Class
Delta Program English teacher Amy Allison won the Judith’s Award for her Advocacy for Teens class. “I feel it is my duty as a teacher to aid students in learning how to navigate our world, understand our cultural literacy and advocate for themselves and others,” Allison said.
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about Delta Program Teacher Recognized for Advocacy Class
![Principal Beth Solensky]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717619511/scasdorg/d2huj161truiascgntr1/Tile77777.jpg","width":200}])
New Mount Nittany Elementary Principal
On Monday, May 6, 2024, the State College Area School District Board of Directors approved Beth Solensky to be the new Mount Nittany Elementary School principal. She succeeds Mark Feldman, who is retiring in June.
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about New Mount Nittany Elementary Principal
![Principal Kara Treweek]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717619509/scasdorg/l992gvlf9yunujuhy0z7/KaraTreweek66666.jpg","width":200}])
New Ferguson Township Elementary Principal
On Monday, May 6, 2024, the State College Area School District Board of Directors approved Kara Treweek to be the new Ferguson Township Elementary School principal. Treweek succeeds Shelly Buckholtz, who is retiring in June.
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about New Ferguson Township Elementary Principal
![Officer Quimby and Zain, a 2 ½-year-old, 90-pound German Shepherd]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717619503/scasdorg/bsmwrhvljo2xuog66dzi/K9dog2666.jpg","width":200}])
Student Safety Ambassadors Bark up the Right Tree
State High student safety ambassadors organized a demonstration with Zain, a K-9 explosive detection dog, in coordination with SRO John Aston. The presentation emphasized how much trust and teamwork are necessary to search spaces thoroughly and possibly save lives.
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about Student Safety Ambassadors Bark up the Right Tree
![A State High culinary student talks to a judge]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1717619500/scasdorg/dmj06tdc3irnwtjoolxm/SHchopped99991.jpg","width":200}])
Culinary Students Enter the Pressure Cooker
The aroma of sizzling meat and sautéed vegetables filled the air as student chefs raced around State College Area High School's culinary arts kitchen. But this was no ordinary cooking class. It was a high-stakes culinary showdown – a local rendition of the hit TV show “Chopped.”
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about Culinary Students Enter the Pressure Cooker