Seneca Valley's Haine Elementary and Middle Schools are building an outdoor education program aimed at getting students in grades K-6 learning outside, administrators told the school board at its Oct. 7 work session.

The program, presented by Dr. McCarty and Haine Middle School teacher Ken "KC" Cahall, launched with a $15,000 Tugboat Grant from the Grable Foundation. The team has also applied for a $50,000 Moonshot Grant from the same foundation to expand the effort.

Cahall told the board the program grew out of concerns about "Nature-Deficit Disorder" — the growing disconnect between children and the natural world. He outlined short-term goals including construction of outdoor learning spaces at Haine and working with teachers to incorporate outdoor education across all subjects, not just science.

"Children are naturally inquisitive and tend to obtain more when they have firsthand experiences with their learning," Cahall said, noting research showing benefits for children with ADHD who spend time outdoors.

Long-term plans focus on kindergarten and fifth grade students. For fifth graders, Cahall hopes to bring back an experience similar to what students had at the now-closed McKeever Environmental Center. For kindergartners — especially those in extended-day programs — outdoor learning builds on children's natural first learning environments.

The program's long-term vision includes a four-season outdoor learning structure, increased community partnerships, and continued support for teachers across the district in grades K-6.

The board also recognized several students for outstanding academic achievement. Seniors Eric Chen and Ophelia Crano were named semifinalists in the 70th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program, placing them among less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Both will compete for scholarships and the title of Merit Scholar.

Four additional seniors — Sydney Brower, Gavin Helmsen, Rohin Jayaraman and Patrick Monahan — were named Commended Students in the program for their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT. More than 1.3 million juniors at over 21,000 high schools entered the competition.

Dr. Vitale and board members congratulated the students, who answered questions and shared their experiences.

In staff recognition, Health and Physical Education teacher Chris Eden of Ryan Gloyer Middle School received the 2024 Good Neighbor Award from NexTier Bank. Eden was honored for starting Seneca Valley's first girls' flag football team, which drew nearly 70 girls to its introductory meeting. Many participants are playing a sport for the first time. Eden received a GoPro Hero10 camera and accessories, which he plans to use for a classroom project.

Board President Eric DiTullio delivered a legislative update covering several items moving through Harrisburg, including House Bill 2536 extending property tax relief for longtime homeowners, Senate Bill 801 requiring evidence-based reading instruction curricula starting in 2025-26, and House Resolution 443 calling for separate playoff systems for public, private and charter schools.

In agency reports, board member Nick Brower noted that approximately 170 Seneca Valley students are attending the Vo-Tech this year. DiTullio reported that I.U. IV renewed Dr. Killmeyer's contract as Executive Director.

DiTullio also encouraged community members to sign up for the Seneca Valley Foundation's Second Annual SFC Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run/Walk, presented by Westinghouse, scheduled for Nov. 3 at the Secondary Campus at 9 a.m.

The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. by President DiTullio. Board members Leslie Bredl, Nick Brower, Susan Harrison, Mike Jacobs, Jeff Widdowson and Kari Zimmer were present. Tim Hester and Fred Peterson were absent. Second-grader Chase Salka from Connoquenessing Valley Elementary led the Pledge of Allegiance as part of the board's "I Led the Pledge" initiative.