Family Engagement

Kids in an inflatable pool reading books

A photo of parents and their child smiling with a mascot Panther

Saucon Valley School District is committed to partnering with families to support student success and well-being. The Family Engagement page provides access to information, tools and opportunities designed to help families stay informed, connected and supported throughout the school year.

Please use the accordion sections below to explore available resources. Topics range from foundational information, such as understanding student anxiety and social-emotional needs, to opportunities for connection across the district.

This page will be updated regularly as new resources, videos, events and helpful links become available. We encourage families to check back often for the latest information and supports.

Have a resource you think should be included or a question?

Please contact Communications Specialist Grace Griffaton at Grace.Griffaton@svpanthers.org.

Family-Friendly Acronym Guide

We know schools can use abbreviations and acronyms that may be confusing at first. To help families navigate communications, reports and notices, we’ve created a simple guide explaining common educational acronyms used in our district.

Download the guide:
Saucon Valley Acronym Guide (PDF)

Think of it as a quick way to make school language a little easier to follow.

Explore these Resources

Counselors

Saucon Valley school counselors support students and families across academic, career and social-emotional development. Counselors work with students through individual meetings, small groups, classroom lessons and collaboration with families and outside agencies when needed.

Families and students may meet with counselors for support with topics such as organization, goal setting, relationships, coping skills, anxiety, stress management and life transitions.

Meet the Counseling Team

Our counseling teams at the elementary, middle and high school levels partner closely with students and families to support development, well-being and academic success.

Elementary School Counselors

Ms. Kelly Wehr (Students A-L)
Kelly.Wehr@svpanthers.org

Ms. Joanna Suriel (Students M-Z)
Joanna.Suriel@svpanthers.org

Middle School Counselors

Ms. Amanda Hicks (Grades 5 & 6)
Amanda.Hicks@svpanthers.org

Ms. Jenna Boring (Grades 7 & 8)
Jenna.Boring@svpanthers.org

High School Counselors

Ms. Katie Fisher (Students A-L)
Kathryn.Fisher@svpanthers.org

Mr. Matthew Dezzi (Students M-Z)
Matthew.Dezzi@svpanthers.org

Ms. Angela Rohrbaugh, Mental Health Specialist
Angela.Rohrbaugh@svpanthers.org

How School Counselors Support Students

Short-term individual counseling support
Small group counseling opportunities
Social-emotional learning and skill development
Academic planning and organizational skill support
Family communication and collaboration
Connection to community-based supports when needed

Families are encouraged to reach out to their child’s school counselor with questions or concerns at any time during the school year. You can find detailed contact information and other resources here.

Mental Health

Supporting student mental health and wellness is a shared priority across Saucon Valley School District. Our student support team works collaboratively to help students build coping skills, emotional awareness, and strategies for managing stress and anxiety.

The following resources feature District Social Worker Ms. Jessy Severino and School Counselor Ms. Angela Pflug, who partner with students, families and staff to support overall student well-being.

Mental Health & Wellness Resources

A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

Featuring District Social Worker Mr. Jessy Severino

Understanding and Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety

Featuring District Social Worker Mr. Jessy Severino,
and Mental Health Specialist Ms. Angela Pflug

Helpful Resources & Links

The resources below provide additional information and tools to help families support student mental health and emotional wellness.

Mental Health Matters for Teens
This presentation builds upon the "Holistic Approach to Mental Health" video above. It provides an overview of what it means to view mental health holistically and ways for families to support healthy coping and emotional development.

If you have concerns about your child’s mental health or well-being, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s school counseling or student support team. Contact information can be found under the Counselors section.

School Psychology

School psychologists support students by helping schools understand how students learn, think and develop socially and emotionally. They partner with families, teachers, and student support teams to help identify barriers to learning and determine what supports may help students succeed.

One important role of the school psychologist is conducting evaluations and assessments to help determine if a student may require specially designed instruction or services through special education. School psychologists are part of the multidisciplinary team that reviews data, evaluation results and student needs when determining eligibility for services.

Understanding Executive Functioning

In this video, School Psychologist Mrs. Randi McCullough explains executive functioning skills and how they impact student learning, organization, planning and task completion.

Executive Functioning Part 2

In this follow-up video, Mrs. Randi McCullough, School Psychologist, continues the discussion on executive functioning skills. She defines inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility and identifies issues children who struggle with these skills may experience. McCullough also identifies how caregivers and families can help.

Understanding these skills helps schools, families and students work together to support learning and organization.

Contact Mrs. McCullough

If you have questions about school psychology services, evaluations or student learning supports, you may contact:

Mrs. Randi McCullough
School Psychologist
randi.mccullough@svpanthers.org

For Parents

Talking With Your Child About Homework

Create a consistent homework routine and workspace
Encourage effort and problem-solving rather than giving answers
Help students break large tasks into smaller steps
Communicate with teachers if homework is consistently stressful or overwhelming

Reporting Student Absences

Regular attendance is important for your child’s learning and is required by Pennsylvania law. Excused absences must be reported, even if you do not have a doctor’s note. Without a note, absences will be recorded as unexcused.

Best Way to Report

1. ParentSquare (Recommended)
Reply to the automated ParentSquare message you receive when your child is absent. Include:

Student full name
Grade level
Date of absence
Reason for absence
Parent/Guardian name

2. Email Your School
If needed, you can also email your child’s school attendance office from the primary email on file:

Elementary School: es-attendance@svpanthers.org
Middle School: ms-attendance@svpanthers.org
High School: hs-attendance@svpanthers.org

Test-Taking Strategies Parents Can Incorporate at Home

Discuss beneficial test preparedness routines
Utilize positive language when discussing progress and anticipated tests
Review practice questions together
Encourage a growth mindset around assessments

Digital Resources

Saucon Valley School District uses ParentSquare for school-to-home communication. ParentSquare helps families stay informed, engaged and connected to their child’s school through one easy-to-use platform.

Understanding ParentSquare

What Is ParentSquare?

ParentSquare is the district’s primary communication platform. Parents/guardians, staff members, and middle and high school students receive important updates and notices via email, text message or app notification.

Receive school and district messages in one place
Choose instant notifications or a daily digest (6:00 p.m.)
Communicate in your preferred language
Sign forms and permission slips electronically
RSVP for events and sign up to volunteer
Add school events directly to your calendar

Important: ParentSquare does not replace PowerSchool, Schoology, or regular email communication.

Activating Your Account

ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each parent/guardian using the preferred email address and phone number provided to Saucon Valley School District. You should receive an activation email or text message.

To Activate:

Open the invitation email or text message.
Click Activate your account.
Create a password and select Register.
Confirm your phone number and/or email using the verification code sent to you.
Confirm your child(ren) listed on the account.
Select Yes, This is Me to complete setup.

If you notice a misspelled name, incorrect contact information, or a missing child on your account, please contact Margaret Davalos for assistance.

Sign In Here:
https://www.parentsquare.com/signin

Mobile App: Download the ParentSquare app from the App Store or Google Play for convenient access.

Helpful Parent Resource:
Frequently Asked Parent Questions

Reading

Saucon Valley is committed to supporting strong reading skills for all students. Our reading specialists work closely with students, teachers and families to monitor progress and provide interventions when needed.

Learn About DIBELS & Reading Support

Understanding DIBELS

Ms. Leah Mickey explains how DIBELS assessments are conducted and why they are an important tool for monitoring early reading progress.

DIBELS & mCLASS Home Connect

Mrs. Heather Borger introduces mCLASS Home Connect, a tool designed to help your learner grow in the key areas assessed on DIBELS.

Questions? Contact Mrs. Borger at heather.borger@svpanthers.org.

Access mCLASS Home Connect

Use this resource to support your child’s reading growth at home.

Go to mCLASS Home Connect

How DIBELS Supports Students

Measures early literacy skills like phonemic awareness, fluency and comprehension
Helps reading specialists identify students who need additional support
Guides targeted interventions to strengthen specific reading skills
Allows teachers and families to track reading growth over time
Supports communication with parents about student progress and next steps

How Families Can Support Reading at Home

Read with your child daily and discuss the story
Encourage practice with sight words and fluency exercises
Ask questions that promote comprehension and critical thinking
Celebrate reading progress and effort to build confidence
Communicate with your child’s teacher or reading specialist if you have questions

Special Education

Learn how the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) supports Pennsylvanians with disabilities in securing meaningful employment. This presentation covers eligibility, available vocational services, and specific programs designed for students aged 14–21.

Key Details included in the PDF:

Mission: Assistance with employment and independence.
Who it’s for: Residents with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities.
Student Focus: Specialized Pre-ETS services for those with IEPs or 504 Plans.
The Process: From pre-application to the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

Nurses

School Health Services

Saucon Valley’s Health Services team supports student health and well-being throughout the school day. School nurses provide care for illness and injury, manage student health plans, administer medications, conduct screenings and work closely with families and healthcare providers to support student needs.

Elementary School Health Office
Grades K–5

Ms. Dianna Shotwell, RN, CSN
School Nurse
Email

Ms. Linda VanVliet, RN
Staff Nurse
Email

Phone: 610-838-7001 x4707

Secondary School Health Office
Grades 6–12

Ms. Kelly Miller, RN, CSN
School Nurse
Email

Ms. Eileen Dolphin, RN
Staff Nurse
Email

Middle School Phone: 610-838-7001 x3709
High School Phone: 610-838-7001 x2718

For additional information about student health services, required health updates, immunizations, physicals and other important forms, please visit our Health Services page.

Math

Food Services

Student Safety and Awareness

Saucon Valley School District is committed to keeping students safe, informed, and prepared. This section provides high-level information about substance awareness, emergency preparedness and important contacts within the district.

Explore Safety Sections

Fentanyl Awareness

Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid found in fake pills and sometimes mixed into street drugs. Even very small doses can be lethal. Awareness, education, and conversation with children are critical for prevention.

Fentanyl is up to 50x more potent than heroin.
Fake pills may look like OxyContin®, Xanax®, Adderall®, or come in bright colors resembling candy.
DEA labs find that 5 out of 10 fake pills contain potentially lethal doses.
Physical and mental effects include confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, cold/clammy skin, coma, and respiratory failure.
Parents and caregivers can use age-specific conversation tips and resources from DEA’s Together for Families Network: DEA One Pill Can Kill

Downloadable Resources:

Notifications of Weapon Incidents

Act 44: Notification of Weapon Incidents

Act 44 of 2025 increases transparency when weapons are found on school property or at school events. Parents, guardians and staff must be notified within 24 hours. Notifications do not include student-identifying information.

Covers weapons found on school grounds, during school events and on school transportation.
Notifications are sent via ParentSquare (text/email), even if there is no ongoing threat.
Supports compliance with state law while protecting privacy.

More information: PA Department of Education — Act 44

ALICE Training

ALICE training prepares staff and students to respond to armed intruders. Students and staff are trained to make situation-based choices. The Acronym stands for alert, lockdown, inform, counter and evacuate.

Alert: Share that a threat exists.
Lockdown: Secure a safe location.
Inform: Provide real-time updates.
Counter: Last-resort distraction if escape is not possible.
Evacuate: Move out of the danger zone safely.

Students are taught in age-appropriate ways. PreK–5 students use the book “I’m Not Scared… I’m Prepared” and associated classroom activities. Parents are encouraged to discuss drills calmly and follow their child’s lead in answering questions.

More information: ALICE Training Institute

Safety Personnel

Student Assistance Program

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) provides a continuum of care for students as they grow. Whether building a foundation of resilience in elementary school or navigating the complex risks of adolescence in high school, these resources are designed to empower parents with the tools they need.

Elementary: Building Resilience

Early intervention focuses on helping children "bounce back" from challenges. This presentation covers how to identify early signs of stress and how to foster the emotional strength children need to avoid risky behaviors later in life.

Focus: Emotional regulation, coping skills, and identifying early warning signs.

Secondary: Caron PREP Program

The Prevention Resources & Education for Parents (PREP) program addresses the specific risks facing middle and high schoolers, including substance use trends, vaping and the impact of drugs on the developing teen brain.

Your browser does not support iframes. Click here to view the PDF.

Focus: Substance use prevention, brain development, and communication strategies.

Need Support? If you have concerns about your child's behavior or social-emotional wellbeing at any grade level, please contact your school's SAP Team or Guidance Counselor for a confidential referral.

Additionally, we have popular forms available for parents, guardians and community members on one dedicated page. If you don’t see the form you’re looking for, please reach out to Grace Griffaton, Communication Specialist, at Grace.Griffaton@svpanthers.org—we’re happy to help!