Good afternoon,

This is Dr. David McDeavitt calling to prove a few updates for the week to all A-C Valley students, teachers, and parents.

First, the week of October 2, 2023 will be shortened due to the Act 80 day and Open House activities on Thursday, and ALF day on Friday.  As a reminder, there will be no school for students on Thursday or Friday October 5^th and 6^th, but I do encourage all parents to attend our Open House Thursday evening.  The Elementary School will begin at 4:30 PM and the Jr/Sr High School start at 5:30 PM, both schools will be open for two hours for Open House.

Second, I would like to let you know that we are planning to conduct the first of two Safety Drills next week.  The School Safety Drill is part of our overall safety plan, required through Act 55 of 2022, and provides our students and staff with training on what to do in the case of a lock down at school. 

If you have questions about school safety please call me in the district office. You can help to keep us safe by following the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) "If You See Something, Say Something®" this is a national awareness campaign that encourages the public to recognize and report suspicious activity to local authorities.

This program encourages you to make a pledge to protect your community.

• Learn and be aware of the warning signs of suspicious activity and threats.
• Immediately speak up to report suspicious activity to local authorities.

Don’t be a bystander and ignore suspicious activity. Starting this #SeeSayDay, pledge to protect your community.  

For more information, visit DHS.gov/SeeSay. 

Third, we are also going to provide our students with a school board approved program called “Rhithm.”  This online program will support our students’ wellbeing and provide a confidential way for students to check in with their teacher and counselor.  We are optimistic that this program will reduce bullying and ensure that students are safe and ready to learn.  Information about this program and a permission slip will be sent home in the near future.   

Finally, I would also like to welcome Chief of Police Jordan Merryman to the district.  Chief Merryman is new to the Emlenton Borough and will be working closely with A-C Valley Police Officer Sitler, and the Administration to help keep our campus safer. 

Take good care,
Dr. David McDeavitt