エピソード

  • Digital Dangers: What Families Need to Know with Ms. Angie Kotula, Dr. Lou Nagy and School Resource Officer Chris Miller
    2025/10/02

    In this episode, we’re talking about online dangers that students can potentially face, including sextortion and cyberbullying. We’ll hear from school leaders and one of our School Resource Officers about how these issues impact students, ways to stay safe, the importance of understanding your digital footprint, and what steps to take if you or someone you know is targeted.

    IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

    • Sextortion, cyberbullying and the misuse of AI-generated images
    • Legal consequences of sextortion and cyberbullying
    • Steps students, parents and educators can take to prevent sextortion and how to respond if it happens
    • Ways students can protect themselves from online scams, predators or sextortion
    • Reporting tools
      • Sprigeo
      • Takeitdown
      • National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

    Overview

    SPECIAL GUESTS
    Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) librarian Ms. Angie Kotula, tech facilitator Dr. Lou Nagy and School Resource Officer Chris Miller

    Ms. Angie Kotula is in her 18th of teaching at Seneca Valley. She has taught second grade, 7th grade English and is currently the librarian at RGMS. Ms. Kotula graduated of both Robert Morris University and Edinboro University where she received a Bachelor of Science and Master’s in Education. She holds certifications in K-6 Elementary Education, 7-9 and 7-12 English, K-12 Reading Specialist, and K-12 Library. Additionally, she has received numerous online-safety certifications from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and has taken a graduate level course in digital citizenship. She is a current member of the digital citizenship committee at Seneca Valley and has years of experience teaching middle school students about online safety alongside local law enforcement and building colleagues.

    Dr. Lou Nagy is currently in his 37th year at Seneca Valley. He began his career at SV as a Biology Teacher for General Biology, Advanced Biology and AP Biology. As Seneca Valley began incorporating technology into the classroom, Dr. Nagy left teaching Biology and became one of the first technology facilitators, a role that he continues in today. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Molecular Biology from Westminster College and obtained his Master of Arts in Teaching as well as his doctorate with a concentration in Instructional Technology from the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to his tenure at Seneca Valley, Dr. Nagy has taught Biology at Highlands High School and Duquesne University in the department of Educational Technology and Leadership.

    Officer Chris Miller has been a Police Officer employed by the Jackson Township Police Department for the last 17 years. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and is a graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police Academy Class #63.

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    27 分
  • Back to His Roots - Introducing Seneca Valley's New Head Varsity Football Coach, Don Barclay
    2025/09/23

    “Seneca Valley has always been home to me,” said Don Barclay, head varsity football coach. In this episode, Coach Barclay, reflects on his journey from a student-athlete at Seneca Valley to his collegiate career and eight seasons in the NFL. Now back to where it all began, Coach Barclay shares his vision for the football program, and how he’s working to build a culture of commitment, resilience and community pride, setting a foundation for long-term success.

    IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

    • An overview of Coach Barclay's background, including his time in the NFL
    • Offseason training
    • Coaching staff
    • Game preparation, both physically and mentally
    • Overall goals for the season and organization

    Overview

    SPECIAL GUEST
    Mr. Don Barclay, Seneca Valley's Head Varsity Football Coach

    Mr. Barclay, a 2007 Seneca Valley graduate and former NFL player, brings both experience and hometown pride to his new role as head varsity football coach. After a standout collegiate career at West Virginia University and eight seasons in the NFL, he returns to his roots with a passion for developing a program that values academics, athletic growth and community involvement. Coach Barclay plans to emphasize speed, quickness, and agility on the field while fostering academic excellence and character off it. A dedicated husband and father of three, he is proud to raise his family in Seneca Valley and give back to the district that shaped him.

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    14 分
  • Building for the Future with Jeremy Dwyer and John Pappas
    2025/09/09

    Seneca Valley is building for the future. In this episode, we’re talking with CannonDesign architect, Jeremy Dwyer and John Pappas from Eckles Construction Services to discuss plans for the Intermediate High School construction project which will include a three-story classroom addition and a new Performing Arts Center.

    IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

    • An overview of the construction project
    • Unique features of the new building
    • How the building will reflect the future of education
    • Ways the Performing Arts Center will enhance opportunities for students in music, theater and beyond
    • Timeline for construction and opening

    Overview

    SPECIAL GUESTS
    Jeremy Dwyer, AIA, Associate Vice President at CannonDesign is an architect specializing in innovative K-12 educational environments that inspire and empower students. With over two decades of experience, he brings a passion for blending design, education, and community impact, reimagining how learning spaces can foster creativity, exploration and lifelong learning.

    Since 2000, Eckles Construction Services has proudly served clients across Western Pennsylvania, specializing in construction management, project representation and construction administration. Under the leadership of President John Pappas, who remains actively involved in nearly every project, the company delivers a wide range of services, including project phasing and sequencing, constructability reviews, facility planning, on-site supervision, critical path scheduling, and cost estimating.

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    22 分
  • Wake up and Learn - Rebuilding Healthy Sleep Habits for Students with Ms. Liz Williams
    2025/08/18

    Good sleep isn’t just rest—it’s the foundation for learning, growth and success. In this episode, we sit down with Liz Williams, nurse at Ryan Gloyer Middle School and lead nurse for the district, to discuss the importance of establishing healthy sleep routines.

    IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

    • Why it's important to establish a consistent sleep routine before the school year begins
    • Advice for parents on how to help reset their child(s) sleep schedule
    • Limiting screen time before bed
    • Benefits of eating a nutritional breakfast
    • How good sleep habits and strong school attendance contribute to student success.

    Overview

    SPECIAL GUEST
    Ms. Liz Williams, Ryan Gloyer Middle School nurse and lead nurse for the district

    Liz Williams is a nurse at RGMS and the Department Head for district nurses, marking her 26th year of service. She is passionate about ensuring students’ medical needs are met during the school day, allowing them to fully participate in a quality education with minimal disruption. Ms. Williams believes in the remarkable resilience of students in the face of adversity and values the dedication of Seneca Valley’s staff in supporting students to remain engaged and successful.

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    14 分
  • Charting a New Course: Introducing SV’s New Transportation Director and Bus Partner
    2025/07/28

    As the new school year approaches, we’re gearing up for an exciting start. In this episode, we're introducing our new Director of Transportation & Operations, Dr. Tony Babusci and our new bus partner, First Student. Tune in as we highlight key priorities such as safety, efficiency and clear communication. First Student representatives also share updates on brand new buses, GPS technology and more—including job opportunities and generous sign-on bonuses.

    IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

    • An introduction of SV's new Director of Transportation & Operations, Dr. Tony Babusci
    • SV's new bus partner, First Student
    • Job opportunities and sign-on bonuses with First Student
    • How to learn more about job opportunities with First Student
      • First Student | Careers
    • Best ways for parents to reach out about questions regarding transportation

    Useful Information:

    • https://www.svsd.net/departments/transportation/overview
    • https://portal.svsd.net/
    • https://firststudentinc.com/

    Overview

    SPECIAL GUESTS
    Dr. Tony Babusci, Director of Transportation & Operations; Steven Hovis, Location Manager for First Student and Pam Osche, Assistant Location Manager for First Student

    Dr. Tony Babusci became Director of Transportation and Operations in 2025 after years in educational leadership. He began his career in 2004 as a social studies teacher at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, later teaching in the District’s cyber program at SVAOC. He moved into administration in 2014 as SVAOC’s assistant principal, then served as assistant principal and later principal at Ryan Gloyer Middle School.

    Steven Hovis serves as the Location Manager for First Student Inc. in Harmony, PA, where he oversees transportation operations serving the Seneca Valley School District. With a strong commitment to safety, leadership and customer service, Steven works to ensure the seamless daily transport of hundreds of students while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence among his team. Drawing on years of experience in the transportation industry, Steven leads with a hands-on approach that prioritizes student safety and employee engagement. He collaborates closely with school district officials, drivers, and parents to maintain high operational standards and address concerns proactively.

    Pam Osche is the Assistant Location Manager at First Student in Harmony, where she brings exceptional organization, reliability and care to the heart of school transportation services. With a strong background in logistics and team operations, Pam helps coordinate day-to-day scheduling, supports driver management, and ensures that safety remains the top priority for every student on board.

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    16 分
  • Seneca Valley Girls Basketball: Celebrating Success On and Off the Court with Ms. Dorothea Epps
    2025/06/03

    Coming off a milestone season that ended with the team’s first section title in 48 years, we’re catching up with Seneca Valley Girls Varsity Basketball Head Coach Dorothea Epps. The journey is not just about basketball wins, but about building culture, community, and confidence in young athletes. Coach Epps shares how her team’s success didn’t start in December — it was built in the offseason, through open gyms, tough schedules and a whole lot of belief.

    IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

    • An overview of the Seneca Valley's Girls Basketball Team
    • Most memorable moments of the season
    • Vision for the program heading into next year
    • Upcoming camps
    • Special coaching recognition

    SPECIAL GUEST
    Dorothea Epps, head varsity coach of the Seneca Valley Girls Basketball Team

    Ms. Epps brings 28 years of high school basketball coaching experience and is currently in her sixth year at Seneca Valley. Under her leadership, the team has earned a section title with an undefeated record and has qualified for the WPIAL playoffs in five of the last six seasons. Before joining Seneca Valley, Ms. Epps coached at Butler.

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    19 分
  • Exploring the SV Academy of Choice: Drop-in Center, Summer Camps and More with Ms. Sarah Parish
    2025/05/09

    With summer right around the corner, we're exploring the exciting lineup of summer camps offered through Seneca Valley's Academy of Choice. From Culinary Arts to FIRST Robotics, this episode highlights unique options for camps, how to register and a brief overview about SV's Academy of Choice and the Drop-in Center.

    IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

    • An overview of the Seneca Valley Academy of Choice (SVAOC)
    • The SVAOC Drop-in Center
    • Summer camp offerings
    • What's new for summer camps
    • Deadlines and registration information for summer camps
      • Summer Camp Registration - Deadline for registration is May 23


    SPECIAL GUEST
    Ms. Sarah Parish, Seneca Valley Academy of Choice Assistant Principal

    Ms. Sarah Parish is the Assistant Principal at Seneca Valley Academy of Choice, where she supports students in both virtual and blended learning environments. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Communications and a Master of Education from Westminster College. She also earned a K-12 Master of Science in Art Education from St. Joseph’s University and her Principal Certificate from Westminster College. At SVAOC, she focuses on student engagement, innovative programming, and building strong relationships with families and the community. Ms. Parish believes in meeting students where they are, creating inclusive spaces where they can thrive and empowering them to take ownership of their learning.

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    8 分
  • From Day One to 100: The Journey of Voices and What the Future Holds with Ms. Tiffany Hernandez
    2025/04/29

    Reaching 100 episodes is a major milestone! In today’s special episode, we’re taking a look back at the journey of Voices—from how it all began to where we are now, and what’s ahead for the future. We’ll also highlight some of our top episodes, share insights from a recent survey and more. A huge thank you to all our guests and listeners—you are the reason Voices has become what it is today!

    IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

    • An overview of Seneca Valley’s Voices podcast and how it started
    • Top 5 downloaded episodes
    • Recent survey results
    • Types of episodes listeners can expect to hear in the future
    • How Seneca Valley is celebrating its 100th episode of Voices


    SPECIAL GUESTS
    Ms. Tiffany Hernandez, Content Marketing Specialist

    Ms. Hernandez has been part of the Seneca Valley team since 2022. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University and brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing. Prior to joining Seneca Valley, she worked in public relations at the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, where she played a key role in developing award-winning communication strategies. At Seneca Valley, Ms. Hernandez works alongside the Communications Director to create story ideas, write press releases, photograph events, manage the Voices podcast, support content marketing for the Seneca Valley Academy of Choice, plan special events, coordinate the annual report, contribute feature articles, and more.

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    15 分