Cafe Star Kid Premiering In DuBois

DUBOIS – DuBois Elementary Schools are about to launch a recognition program rewarding kids for good behavior.

Cafe Star Kid will have food service staff choose a student from each school in grades K-4 at the end of the year, which brought a positive and respectful culture to the academic facility.

Each child selected will receive a brand new bike from Food Service Director, Tom Koscienski.

The full Superintendent’s report is below:

New LED Lighting

I’m sure everyone has noticed and appreciated the enhanced visibility and brightness in the boardroom, thanks to the newly installed LED lighting! A huge thank you to our skilled electricians, Barry Martino and Jeff Bush, for leading this project and making such a noticeable improvement. Your hard work and expertise are truly appreciated!

K9 Drug Search – Today at the High School and Middle School

We extend our deepest gratitude to the DuBois Area School Police Department and District Attorney Ryan Sayers for their leadership in organizing our recent K9 drug search, as well as to the following law enforcement agencies for their invaluable support:

DuBois City Police
Bradford City Police Department
St. Mary’s Police Department
McKean County Detective District Attorney
Punxsutawney Borough Police Department

Their dedication and collaboration played a vital role in ensuring that our schools remain safe and drug-free. With such large campuses, we truly appreciate the collective effort in conducting a thorough and efficient search. The commitment of these agencies to the well-being of our students and staff is commendable, and we are grateful for their continued partnership in fostering a secure learning environment.

Thank you for your service and unwavering support!

Beaver Buddies

Thanks to the generous support of our local Delaney Toyota, our Beaver Buddy program has made an even greater impact with the addition of official Beaver Buddy t-shirts promoting kindness, friendship, and inclusivity. Our student leaders took the initiative to create the powerful slogan on the back of the shirt: “If you can be anything, be inclusive.” This program stands as a shining example of what’s possible when students lead with purpose and passion. Its growth and student-driven success continue to exceed expectations, setting a standard for others to follow. We are incredibly grateful to all of our Beaver Buddies and especially to the dedicated teachers, staff, and administration for their leadership and commitment to providing students with the opportunity to thrive.

Read Across America

This month, we celebrated Read Across America Week with an exciting lineup of activities that brought the magic of reading to life! From a special visit by Disney Princess Belle at Wasson to themed spirit days, interactive STEM projects, and inspiring guest readers from the high school and community, the week was filled with unforgettable moments. A special highlight was the warm welcome Ms. McLaughlin and I received at CG Johnson, where we had the privilege of reading to five classes. It was truly a week to remember! A heartfelt thank you to our incredible teachers, staff, and administration for making this celebration such a success!

Pirates Musical & Seussical Jr.

Pirates! The Musical set sail on March 13 and 14, featuring a talented cast and crew of 70 fifth and sixth-grade students. Under adult supervision, students took full control of all technical and backstage roles, including spotlights and sound, showcasing their incredible dedication and teamwork. The 5th and 6th Grade Theater Workshop also benefited from the guidance of 13 seventh and eighth-grade student coaches, who helped bring the production to life.

Up next, we’re diving into the whimsical world of Seussical Jr.! This production will feature a cast and crew of approximately 60 seventh and eighth-grade students, and if early rehearsals are any indication, it promises to be an unforgettable show. Mark your calendars—opening night is May 15!

VEX Volunteer of the Year

A huge congratulations and heartfelt THANK YOU to Ms. Linda Rankus for being named VEX Volunteer of the Year! Her unwavering dedication, hard work, and passion for supporting our robotics teams have left a lasting impact. From mentoring students to ensuring competitions run seamlessly, she consistently goes above and beyond to make VEX Robotics an exceptional experience for everyone in our region. This well-deserved honor is a testament to her incredible commitment, and we are beyond grateful for everything she does, not only for VEX but for the district as well. Congratulations, Ms. Rankus!

Elk County Community Foundation

Recognizing the challenges some children may face when communicating on the playground, I applied for a grant through the Elk County Community Foundation in January, titled “Cultivating Inclusivity Through Communication.” This $2,250 grant will fund the purchase of a communication board for the Juniata playground, creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for all students. Since receiving the grant, we have been working closely with special educators, administration, and the maintenance department to plan the board’s installation. We are incredibly grateful to the Elk County Community Foundation for their generosity and commitment to making a meaningful impact in our community!

Annual Rotary Auction Report

The annual Rotary Auction was a tremendous success, raising over $30,000 to support community initiatives. Our high school art department played a valuable role in this effort, contributing $225 to the total funds raised.

Bid Results:
Below is a breakdown of the items donated by our high school and their respective auction bids:

Wind Chime – $37
PA Keychain – $10
Soup Bowl – $15
Soup Bowl – $13
Flower Earrings – $30
Leaf Earrings – $5
Leaf Necklace – $5
Large Bowl – $25
Trinket Dish – $13
Trinket Dish – $12
Bocce Set and Blanket – $60

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who generously donated items and participated in the auction. Your contributions not only showcased the artistic talents of our students but also reinforced the importance of giving back to our community!

World Down Syndrome Day – March 21

This year on March 21, we celebrated World Down Syndrome Day to promote awareness, inclusion, and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome. As part of the global celebration, everyone was encouraged to wear their favorite, most colorful, or mismatched socks to spark conversations and show support for embracing differences. This simple yet meaningful gesture symbolizes the beauty of diversity and the importance of creating a more inclusive world for all.