PHOTO PROVIDED Sugar Valley Rural Charter School’s gym, which serves as a multi-purpose space is pictured.

LOGANTON — As we get into the second half of the school year, there are many exciting things that have been happening around Sugar Valley Charter School.

Academics

— Mrs. Kellerman’s 2nd grade students have been testing many different ingredients in science class to make glue.

— All 5/6th grade classes are collaborating and reading “Holes” this year. They are planning their “‘Holes’ Feast” together once they have finished the book.

— Mrs. Mayes, a 4th grade teacher, found a way to use the idea of Shark Tank in the classroom to help teach entrepreneurship in a fun way. The students worked in teams to come up with an idea or product, market it, financially plan for it and present it to the “Sharks” made up of a panel of adults, mostly school administrators, throughout the school. Teams kept folders with graphic organizers to help through each process from researching materials and labor, product pricing and profitability. After creating a stereotype and marketing plan, the teams presented their products. Some of the ideas presented were: a phone case that lights up and make a noise when you clap so you can find it; a water bottle with power in it, what when mixed with water becomes medication (antibiotics); an unbreakable doll; a sneaker that makes you run faster and jump higher; and glasses that can see through anything. The Sharks said that the students did a wonderful job with the entire process.

PHOTO PROVIDED Sugar Valley Rural Charter School band member Noah Smith and Band Director Joseph Mauck are pictured at a PMEA event.

— Engineering Design and Society, a new course designed this past school year, allows students to engage in hands-on activities that combine STEM disciplines. This semester, the class has focused on space and reaching the final frontier. They have been experimenting with design aspects of rockets to determine how to make them fly straight using geometry to calculate how high they have flown. Students then began building straw rockets before moving onto larger model rockets for their big launch.

— SVRCS’ Special Education department has developed a new course called Social Skills/Daily Living Skills. The course is taught by Mrs. Crawford who teaches the students how to use manners, express feelings and act as a responsible, kind and helpful adult. The course is designed to teach students how to confidently initiate conversations with others and how to respond in different circumstances. Students are able to build self-esteem while treating others and themselves in a positive manner, learning how to execute everyday tasks such as shopping, budgeting, eating out, cooking and so much more.

— The Career Readiness class has completed its first 12 week program, certifying students in the Mike Rowe WORKS curriculum. Mr. Pletcher’s class will be adopting the program each semester where students take ownership of their education and their future with long term success in creating a good work ethic.

Student Achievements

— The SVRCS volleyball team played in the district quarter finals.

PHOTO PROVIDED SVRCS freshman Keelie Wetzel wrestles an opponent.

— The wrestling teams had a successful season, hosting their second annual Christmas Classic Girls Tournament. Junior Hunter Baney and sophomore Tobias Conway will be competing in the District IV tournament and Pyper L will be competing in the girls regionals.

— Nickisha Wetzel and Tori Titus were the lead artists on the PennDot paint the plow. This is the second time SVRCS has won District 2.

— Mrs. Walizer, head of the eels and trout program Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom (PA TIC), currently has 8 eels that are growing each day and seem very healthy. Sophomore Brody Swanger and freshman Cameron Neff check them twice a day, monitoring their water (Ph, hardness, etc.), changing filters and adding/changing water as needed. The trout are also doing well. The eggs have hatched and have officially left the confines of the breeder basket and are swimming around the tank. This is the 15th year for the school’s participation in the PA TIC program and the 2nd year for the Eel Project. In the spring, students will work with the PA Fish and Boat Commission to release the eels and trout in the best location when they are ready.

— SVRCS entered the Environmental and Natural Resources category in the local and state FFA competitions, qualifying at the state level and earning a sport at the Big E in Springfield, Mass. where they took home a first place title in the ENR Career and Leadership Development events. The ENR team includes Marrin Clester, Evie Andrus, Carson Sanders and Kohana Yamashita, all juniors. The team was tested on their knowledge of addressing environmental and natural resource issues or protecting air, soil and water. Kohana Yamashita earned an 8th place national award during the individual test portion.

Community Outreach

PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured is a community preschool reading.

— The Charter School Parent Teacher Association (CSPTA) and Title I held a Book Bingo on Feb. 12 to promote reading at home.

— SVRCS Community Engagement held a back to school clothing event in August where they collected gently used clothing and shoes for all students that attend any school. Shoppers were able to fill a grocery bag full of anything they could fit in it for $5. Backpacks filled with school supplies were donated by the Kiwanis Club of Bald Eagle and Nittany Valley. Children were also able to receive free haircuts by three local salon professionals who volunteered their time to make sure the kids looked their best for the start of school.

— SVRCS Community Engagement has classes year round for community members to learn many things. Some of the classes have included cooking for crowds, strength training, basket weaving, painting and more. Check out their Facebook page Sugar Valley Rural Charter School Community Engagement for more information on classes.

Sugar Valley Rural Charter School

236 E. Main St., Loganton, PA 17747

PHOTO PROVIDED Last year’s 2nd grade class at SVRCS delivered goods to the SPCA following a collection drive.

570-725-7822

www.svrcs.org