Strath Haven Middle School students showcase service projects, screen printing and flexible seating at board meeting

Strath Haven Middle School staff and students presented highlights of the year to the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District Board, describing a range of student service projects, teacher peer observations, a flexible-seating pilot and the student-run screen printing club.

Principal Chris Vatsanka introduced student presenters Gideon Rain, Ai Mei Lee and Clementine Damaro and described the school's theme “together we can,” staff team-building work and ongoing implementation of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports).

Assistant Principal Mr. Stock described a teacher peer-observation pilot: volunteers observe a class for one period and provide feedback across four engagement domains — social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive. “We had over 20 teachers engage in this process,” Stock said, and teachers rated the experience “a 3” on a 0-to-3 usefulness scale.

Teacher Fraus Shippik (as presented) piloted flexible seating in a seventh-grade class. The board heard that nearly 80% of students in one class voluntarily chose different seating options and reported feeling more focused, awake and comfortable.

Students from the screen printing club explained the production process and how designs are selected. Gideon Rain, a student presenter, summarized the printing sequence: "First, you have to make a design, then you make a screen from it. ... The printer takes a squeegee and pulls it across the screen, applying a generous amount of pressure to force the ink through the screen. Raise the screen back up, and voila. Your shirt has a cool and unique design." He added a practical note: "Of course, the ink needs to dry, and you should iron and wash the shirt before wearing it."

Student presenter described how the club collaborates with the Home and School Association for supplies and a new press, and how student work — for events such as musical theater and bowling night — has supported school activities. Adviser Mr. Massey and other staff said they are exploring expanding printing into a school store to support the program.

Board members praised the students' presentation and thanked staff. Several board members noted the professional quality of the shirts and the value of student-run enterprise and service projects.

The presentation concluded with board recognition of student contributions and announcements that student-created items appear in a board 'swag' bag distributed that evening.