DuBois School Board Looking to Hire READY Director

DUBOIS – The DuBois Area School Board is looking to hire a READY Program Director to help prepare local youth for their future while strengthening the local economy.

The regional economic acceleration through the development of our youth program was established in 2016 and starts as soon as kindergarten developing career readiness.

Now, the board is looking to hire a dedicated READY Program Director to address economic decline and the ever decreasing population in our area.

“We are going to be working with local industries, and using the program to help promote economic development,“ explained Board President Robert Wachob. “Trying to get more of our students to recognize the value of living in our area and staying in our area. READY has so many different sides to it.”

This new position would help expand the READY program into our community gathering awareness, support, and giving students a real world hands-on approach.

Below is the full Superintendent’s Report:

Teachers of Tomorrow

The Teachers of Tomorrow program launched its inaugural semester with remarkable success under the leadership of Mrs. Karli Puhala, a dedicated ninth-grade English instructor. This innovative course provides students with hands-on experience in education by pairing them with mentor teachers, allowing them to actively plan lessons, deliver instruction, explore instructional technology, and develop classroom management skills.

Beyond traditional classroom experiences, students also gained valuable insights into special education by supporting their peers in the PAES Lab and explored early childhood education through community service hours at “Beyond the Mom” at Tri-County Church. Additionally, former educator Dawna Vanderpool generously volunteered her time to share expertise on job responsibilities and time management strategies, further enriching the program.

The course also emphasizes professional growth, guiding students in goal setting, college planning, and career preparation for a future in education. With such a strong foundation, the Teachers of Tomorrow program is already making a meaningful impact and inspiring the next generation of educators.

In addition to Mrs. Puhala’s instructional leadership, we would also like to thank and acknowledge our volunteer mentor teachers who welcomed our students into their classrooms:

Cristin Hickman

Andrea Slattery

Melia Andrulonis

Mandi Shick

Joeylyn Hanzely

Carrie Senior

Stephanie Reinsel

Tonya Enseki

Valentines for Local Nursing Homes

For the sixth consecutive year, we proudly facilitated a district-wide collection of valentines for the residents of the DuBois Continuum of Care Community and Christ the King Manor. This tradition began as a way to instill the value of giving back in our students, inspired by the DuBois Continuum of Care Community’s annual food drive supporting our Snack Bags of Joy program, which provides food for students in need over the holidays.

In previous years, we typically collected around 2,000 valentines. However, this year, our team went above and beyond, creating an incredible 3,050 handmade valentines for the residents of our local nursing homes!

Delivering these valentines alongside my children was a truly humbling experience. The residents welcomed us with heartfelt gratitude, their joy evident in every smile and warm embrace. The impact of this small yet meaningful gesture was undeniable, and we were able to capture these special moments in photos to share with our staff and students.

Acts of kindness like this exemplify the compassion and strong sense of community that define our district. More importantly, they serve as a powerful lesson for our students—showing them firsthand the profound impact of generosity and human connection.

Rotary Auction & Student Donations

In preparation for the annual Rotary Auction March 3-7, we were asked to provide donations to support this cause. Being a new request, I solicited the support of our High School Rotary Interact Club as well as our High School Art Department to tap into our students’ artistic talents. Our Rotary Interact Club has prepared a donation to include a DAHS Bocce Ball T-Shirt, autographed by members of the team to include a new Bocce Ball Set. Our student artists created two ceramic trinket dishes and a small and large ceramic bowl, earrings, necklaces, keychains and a stunning handmade hummingbird windchime created by our very own Artist of the Month Delila Sarnoski! All of the jewelry items are packaged with a DAHS Artist beaver logo with a design created by Maggie Tobin! I’m incredibly proud of our students’ artistic talents and enthusiasm for supporting the Rotary Auction!

Penn State DuBois Dual Enrollment & Industry 4.0

Ms. McLaughlin and I have actively engaged in multiple meetings with Penn State DuBois to explore potential expansions of our dual enrollment offerings and the Industry 4.0 program.

As shared in the fall, the North Central PA LaunchBox, powered by Penn State DuBois, has developed an Industry 4.0 program designed for high school juniors and seniors. This program runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30–2:30 PM (in-person), with Tuesday and Thursday sessions held at the students’ home schools. All courses are taught by Penn State faculty and lab technicians, providing students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge STEM fields.

Through this program, students gain valuable skills in robotic cell programming, programmable logic controls, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and Artificial Intelligence/Cybersecurity. Currently, four of our seniors are enrolled and on track to graduate with certificates in Additive Manufacturing, Robotics, AI/Cybersecurity, and Automation. Additionally, successful students earn up to six college credits through Penn State DuBois.

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunities this program has provided our students and are committed to increasing enrollment among juniors and seniors next year. Expanding access to these advanced STEM pathways will continue to empower our students with the skills and credentials needed for future careers in technology and engineering.

The DOT Programs

The DOT programs at both the High School and Middle School continue to thrive, making a meaningful impact on our students. Thanks to a $5,713 grant for feminine hygiene products, students now have greater access to essential supplies, and they have shown both respect and appreciation for this resource.

This grant has also deepened our awareness of the critical need among our students, reinforcing the importance of continued funding in the years ahead. We remain hopeful that future grants will sustain and expand this vital support.

I’m especially proud that our students are not only benefiting from the program but are also actively involved in its success. Student volunteers play a key role in maintaining an adequate supply in dispensers, ensuring accessibility for their peers. Their leadership and commitment exemplify the power of student-driven initiatives in fostering a supportive school community.