Staff members in the Upper St. Clair School District kicked off the 2023-24 school year with the annual Opening Day celebration on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2023, in the high school theater. Opening Day marks the first day back for teachers, teacher aides, school counselors, school nurses and psychologists.
Parent Teacher Council volunteers greeted staff members as they arrived. The PTC provided a festive photo booth in the district’s colors as well as packaged treats with the message, “You’re the Star of our District.”
The event began with a performance by the Upper St. Clair High School Marching Band and was followed by remarks from Dr. Judy Bulazo, director of curriculum and professional development; Dr. Dan Zelenski, teachers’ union president; Pamela Scureman, Parent Teacher Council president; Dr. Daphna Gans, school board president; and Dr. John Rozzo, superintendent of schools.
Dr. Rozzo commended the entire staff for helping to make Upper St. Clair Pennsylvania’s No. 1 school district for the second year in a row.
“I’m frequently asked, what’s the secret to our success. Without hesitation, I tell everyone, it’s our people,” he said. “We have great students, engaged families, a community that supports and values education, and a staff that is second to none.”
Throughout the summer, district administrators invested countless hours interviewing for numerous teacher positions. In total, the district hired 17 contracted teachers as well as several long-term substitute teachers.
“Hiring high quality teachers is one of our most important jobs,” Dr. Rozzo said. “I am confident that these 17 new teachers are superstars who will not only maintain our culture of excellence but elevate it.”
Newly contracted teachers include:
Elizabeth DelGreco, Grade 4 Teacher, Baker Elementary School
Kate Colebert, Grade 4 Teacher, Baker Elementary School
Kristen Stash, Physical Education Teacher, Baker Elementary School
Aiko Bosbach, Grade 2 Teacher, Streams Elementary School
Kaitlin Vavrek, Kindergarten Teacher, Eisenhower Elementary School
Jamie Houck, Grade 5 Math, Boyce Middle School
Erin Lee, Grade 5 Math, Boyce Middle School
Stephanie Joyce, Grade 5 English Language Arts, Boyce Middle School
Lydia Herman, Grade 6 English Language Arts, Boyce Middle School
Erin Bruce, Grade 7 English Language Arts, Fort Couch Middle School
Conan Rooney, Grade 7 Science, Fort Couch Middle School
Karen Chisholm, Orchestra Teacher, Fort Couch Middle School and USCHS
Rebecca Maley, Librarian, Fort Couch Middle School
Laura Surguine, Choir & Drama Teacher, USCHS
Chris Watkinson, Chemistry & Physics Teacher, USCHS
Courtney Wregget, School Counselor, USCHS
Jessica Kotula, Emotional Support Teacher, USCHS
In addition, 10 staff members were honored for completing 25 years of service to the Upper St. Clair School District. Dr. Amy Pfender, deputy superintendent, presented each honoree with a 25-year pin in recognition of the silver anniversary. Honorees include:
Amy Antonio, School Counselor, Boyce Middle School
Kevin Clark, Teacher & Deer Valley Coordinator, Boyce Middle School
David Kyle, Social Studies Teacher, Fort Couch Middle School
Melissa Tungate, English Teacher & Curriculum Leader, USCHS
All students in grades 1-12 will begin the 2023-24 school year on Wednesday, Aug. 23. For kindergarten families, Wednesday, Aug. 23 and Thursday, Aug. 24 will be used to conduct welcome events and orientation. The first regular day of kindergarten will occur on Friday, Aug. 25.
