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Great Valley highlights National Merit semifinalists, cybersecurity course, driver awards and new staff honors
Summary
Superintendent and student leaders reported 18 National Merit semifinalists and 28 commended students, a new project-based cybersecurity class at the high school, bus-driver safety competition placements, and four inaugural 'Heart' award winners recognizing staff excellence.
The board heard several positive updates from students and the superintendent.
Student council officers from Charlestown Elementary, the middle school and the high school outlined fall activities, including spirit weeks, nomination processes for homeroom representatives, a Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin fundraiser, and plans for dances and club spotlights. The middle school projected 120–130 representatives attend monthly general council meetings.
A high school student presented on athletics, AP exam registration and an elective cybersecurity course taught by Mr. Ellis. The course is described as project-based with labs covering secure password storage, forensics, cross-site scripting and cross-site request forgery, and an emphasis on prevention and career exposure.
Superintendent remarks highlighted that Great Valley had 18 National Merit semifinalists (top 1% of PSAT takers) and 28 commended students. The board also celebrated two bus drivers — Shelly Musser, who placed second in a county safety competition and later eighth in state qualifying, and Alisa Groff, who placed sixth in the county competition.
The district introduced a new "Heart" award to recognize excellence, citing four inaugural winners: Kristen Bellotta (autistic support teacher at General Wayne), Alana Sisi (5/6 center), Shelley Musser (bus driver), and Allison Morse (high school nurse). The superintendent said nominations came from inside and outside the district.
The instructional tech and curriculum committee noted ongoing work on social studies consulting, vocabulary instruction for grades 7–9, PA STEALS science standards planning, and an upcoming recommendation (November) for a replacement of the Skyward student information system.
No formal board action was required on these recognitions or instructional updates during the meeting.
