SHOW TOPIC
Exploring AI's Role in Education with Dr. Matt McKinley and Mr. Sean VanScoyoc

SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Matt McKinley, Seneca Valley Assistant Superintendent for 7-12 Instruction and Mr. Sean VanScoyoc, Director of Information Technology

Dr. Matthew McKinley serves as Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Instruction, grades 7-12. Prior to his assistant role, he served for six years as principal of the Seneca Valley Senior High School. He also served as assistant principal of the Seneca Valley Senior High School and as a mathematics teacher at the same building for six years. Prior to coming to Seneca Valley, Dr. McKinley taught as a mathematics teacher at Mercer Area Junior/Senior High School. He earned his bachelor of art’s degree in mathematics from Grove City College and obtained his Master of Education degree and his Doctor of Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. McKinley developed the Academy of Choice Program in the district, which includes a growing cyber program and a one-of-a kind performing arts department. He is also author of the Seneca Valley Random Drug Testing Policy, which has been lauded locally as well as nationally and was cited as a model program by the White House Drug Policy Council.

Mr. Sean VanScoyoc is the Information Technology Director for Seneca Valley School District, a Quad A school district with a host of academic, technical and extracurricular honors and accolades. Mr. VanScoyoc has a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and has more than 25 years of educational technology experience in non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, higher education, and as an expert consultant. He was recognized as a finalist in “Tech & Learning” Magazine’s Leader of the Year Award and Seneca Valley School District received a Pennsylvania School Board of Association’s Schools of Excellence in Technology Award.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• What artificial intelligence and generative AI is and how it's making its way into schools
• Ongoing professional development related to AI for educators
• Guidelines for use of AI technologies in the school environment
• Privacy and security measures when utilizing AI
• Opportunities for students to learn about AI and its applications

SHOW TOPIC
Introducing the Inaugural Seneca Valley Best Buddies Walk with Dr. Kathy Mahon and Seneca Valley fourth grader, Miss Lucy Martsolf

SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Kathy Mahon, School Psychologist and Miss Lucy Martsolf, Seneca Valley fourth grader at Haine Elementary School

Dr. Kathy Mahon is in her 23rd year as a school psychologist with Seneca Valley. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Mercyhurst University, Master of Education and Specialist Certification in School Psychology from Edinboro University, and Doctor of Education in School Psychology with a neuropsychology specialty from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is also the lead advisor for the Best Buddies chapter at Haine Elementary.

Miss Lucy Martsolf is a 10-year-old student at Haine Elementary who has been active in the special needs community from a young age. She has volunteered at numerous sensory events through the nonprofit her mother started in honor of her sister in 2016. She has an older sister with autism who she loves very much. They are “best buddies.” Miss Martsolf has demonstrated courage to help individuals who learn differently and respect for those who demonstrate a need for a helping hand.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• Overview of the new Best Buddies chapter at Haine Elementary School
• Volunteering with Best Buddies
• Details about the upcoming Seneca Valley Best Buddies Walk
• Mission of the Best Buddies Walk
• How to register for the Best Buddies Walk, scheduled for Saturday, June 1
  • Seneca Valley Best Buddies Walk (runsignup.com)

SHOW TOPIC
College and Career Preparations with Ms. Darla Ramirez-Lightner

SPECIAL GUEST
Ms. Darla Ramirez-Lightner, Coordinator of Collegiate & Career Affairs

Ms. Darla Ramirez-Lightner is in her 32nd year at Seneca Valley as a school counselor. In the Spring of 2019, she transitioned into the Coordinator of Collegiate & Career Affairs for the secondary campus working with the three school counseling offices 7-12. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Education degree with Secondary School Counseling Certification from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Psychology Degree from Grand Canyon University. Additionally, she holds a College Admissions Counseling Specialist Certificate and Career Development Specialist Certificate.

As a proud parent of three students who graduated from Seneca Valley, she offers a dual college and career perspective and has served the Seneca Valley community with experience, passion and enthusiasm.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW

• The role of Coordinator of Collegiate and Career Affairs
• Top questions that parents ask regarding college and career planning
• Upcoming College and Career Fair
• Helpful tips/advice that parents/guardians should know, like SchooLinks, SV’s new college and career readiness platform
• Student and parent resources available on the website - Guidance / OVERVIEW (svsd.net)