USC celebrates Opening Day for the 2024-25 school year

Photo Gallery

The USC Panther eagerly greeted staff members as they arrived at Upper St. Clair High School for the morning program. Parent Teacher Council (PTC) volunteers provided balloons, a photo backdrop and imprinted pens that carried a message of appreciation.

The Opening Day program began with an enthusiastic performance by the Upper St. Clair Marching Band, led by new band director, Mr. Nick Deutsch. In addition to the National Anthem and Alma Mater, students performed songs from their 2024 halftime show, Hit Play.

Unplanned, the theme of gratitude was woven throughout the remarks the program’s speakers, which included Dr. Dan Zelenski, teachers’ union president; Mr. Donny Hamilton, PTC president; Mrs. Jennifer Schnore, school board president; and Dr. John Rozzo, superintendent of schools.

Throughout the summer months, administrators spent considerable time interviewing teacher candidates to select the latest additions to the Upper St. Clair faculty. Dr. Judy Bulazo, director of curriculum and professional development, introduced the district’s 10 new contracted teachers.

• ​Erin Succar: English as a Second Language, Upper St. Clair High School & Fort Couch Middle School
• Laurie Gallo: Health & Physical Education, Upper St. Clair High School
• Jeremiah Beaver: Social Studies, Fort Couch Middle School
• Zora Mosley: English Language Arts, Boyce Middle School
• Karleen Bileck: Grade 3, Baker Elementary
• Amy Baumgart-Eiben: Special Education, Boyce Middle School
• Nick Deutsch: Music/Band, Upper St. Clair High School
• Jessica Peconi: Health & Physical Education & Family & Consumer Science, Upper St. Clair High School
• Kristen Wilson: Math, Boyce Middle School
• Gianna Zemet: Special Education/Math, Fort Couch Middle School

An additional 10 teachers will serve as long-term substitutes throughout the district, including:

• Abigail Gardner: Math, Upper St. Clair High School
• Marijose Figueroa: Math, Fort Couch Middle School
• Erich Stamer: German, Boyce Middle School
• Katherine Fedko: English Language Arts, Boyce Middle School
• Sam Wong: Chemistry, Upper St. Clair High School
• Madeline DeBoer: Grade 3, Baker Elementary
• Casey Teegarden: Gifted Education, Upper St. Clair High School
• Amanda Sichko: Math, Boyce Middle School
• Courtney Schott: Kindergarten, Eisenhower Elementary
• Logan Reynolds: Social Studies, Upper St. Clair High School

In addition to welcoming those new to Upper St. Clair, the morning included honoring 13 staff members who reached 25-years of service to the district. Dr. Amy Pfender, deputy superintendent, presented each honoree with a 25-year pin in recognition of the silver anniversary. Honorees include:

• Greg Calvetti: Science Teacher, Fort Couch Middle School
• Christina Caragein: Social Studies and Science Teacher, Boyce Middle School
• Tanya Chothani: Social Studies Teacher, Upper St. Clair High School
• Janine Despines: Librarian, Upper St. Clair High School
• Shannon Dominick: Math Enrichment Resource Teacher, Eisenhower Elementary
• Monica Erwin: Biology Teacher, Upper St. Clair High School
• Lynne Kopaz: Spanish Teacher, Upper St. Clair High School
• Cheryl Leonard: Communication Arts Teacher, Fort Couch Middle School
• Valerie Ober: Spanish Teacher, Streams & Baker Elementary
• Fred Peskorski: Technology Education Teacher, Upper St. Clair High School
• Mary Quinn: Gifted/Enrichment Resource Teacher, Streams Elementary
• Nancy Scola: Custodian, Fort Couch Middle School
• Ron Sivillo: Social Studies Teacher, Upper St. Clair High School

All students in grades 1-12 will begin the 2024-25 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 20. For kindergarten families, Tuesday, Aug. 20 and Wednesday, Aug. 21 will be used to conduct welcome events and orientation. The first regular day of kindergarten will occur on Thursday, Aug. 22.