Advertise on podcast: Voices, a Podcast from the Seneca Valley School District

Go behind the scenes of SVTV! Learn how student volunteers help bring Seneca Valley events to life, what happens behind a typical broadcast and how new technology is making it easier than ever to share those events with our community. From fiber optics to HD streaming, discover how SVTV is connecting Seneca Valley one broadcast at a time.

What goes into making sure every Seneca Valley student has a bus to ride? In this episode, Dr. Tony Babusci, Seneca Valley’s Director of Transportation, takes us behind the scenes to explain what it takes to plan and coordinate bus routes for thousands of students each day.

In the first episode of the 2026-27 school year, Seneca Valley security team member Chris Hoch joins us to discuss school safety and the comprehensive approach the District takes to protecting our schools. From securing buildings and grounds to supporting the mental well-being of students and staff, Chris shares how safety encompasses far more than physical security.

On this episode of Voices, Seneca Valley spotlights a one-of-a-kind music experience, bringing a living composer into the classroom to create an original work for students. Band Director Mr. Brian Croach and composer Rob Traugh share the story behind "Pillars of Gold," a commissioned piece written specifically for the Ryan Gloyer Middle School eighth grade band. Inspired by the school’s positive behavior program, the work brings to life the core values of respect, responsibility and resilience, transforming them into a powerful and meaningful concert performance.  IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW The Seneca Valley Band Commissioning ProjectWhat is "Pillars of Gold"The value of students working with a living composerThe inspiration behind the piece, "Pillars of Gold"Where and when the concert will take placeFree concert - Thursday, May 7 at the Intermediate High School auditorium at 7 p.m.SPECIAL GUESTS Mr. Brian Croach, Instrumental Music Teacher for grades 7-12 and Mr. Rob Traugh, American composer, conductor, collaborator, educator and performer. Mr. Brian Croach is in his ninth year of teaching and third year at Seneca Valley. He is a band director that works with students in grades 7-12 through various curricular instrumental ensembles such as the 7th grade band, 8th grade band, Symphonic Band, and Concert Winds. He is also the director of the Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) Jazz Ensemble and is one of the directors for the Roaring Raider Marching Band. Mr. Croach received he undergraduate degree in Music Education from Slippery Rock University and has continued his education through the Instructional Leadership program at Robert Morris University.  Mr. Rob Traugh is an Assistant Professor of Composition (Music Technology) and Program Director of the Composition for Media Degree at the Mary Pappert School of Music and conducts the Wind Symphony at the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra. Rob attended West Virginia University as a Provost Fellow, earning a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2026. He holds a Master of Music degree in Electronic Composition from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from The Dana School of Music in Youngstown, OH.

In this episode, we’re discussing a topic that impacts families everywhere: screen time and its effects on children. Listen as Dr. Kristen White, Haine Elementary School Principal shares about the upcoming event “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition,” a film featuring the latest research, expert insights and practical advice for parents and guardians of elementary-aged students. Don’t miss the free community screening of “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19 in the Haine Elementary School Cafeteria. This event is open to parents/guardians, staff and members of the public. Seating is limited to 400 attendees, and RSVP is encouraged. Please note: this screening is intended for adults only; students and children should not attend. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW What is “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition” Why it's important to focus specifically on elementary-aged children when talking about screen use and digital habits When and where the filming event will take placeWhy parents/guardians should attend this free event How to registerSee below for more information:"Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition"RSVPSPECIAL GUEST Dr. Kristen White, Haine Elementary School Principal With 32 years of experience in education, Dr. White emphasizes a whole-child approach to learning and is committed to cultivating an inclusive environment in which all children can succeed.

The 27th Annual Senior Holiday Event is right around the corner, and that’s music to our ears! Listen as Mike and Maxine Botti, esteemed former Seneca Valley educators and longtime attendees of the event share what makes this celebration so special, why it continues to draw hundreds each year, and how it captures the true spirit of the holidays.   IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW What is the Senior Holiday EventWhen and where the event takes place What makes the Senior Holiday Event so special and why it's important to attendRSVPs are required by Dec. 15. Please call 724-452-6040, ext. 0 to reserve your spot.See below for more information:Senior Holiday 2025 flyerSPECIAL GUESTS Mr. Mike Botti, former principal of Evans City Elementary/Middle School and Mrs. Maxine Botti, former Seneca Valley elementary teacher  Mr. Botti graduated from Clarion State Teachers College in 1965. Prior to graduating, he was hired to teach science in the sixth-grade building in Zelienople. Over the next 35 years he taught science at Rowan and Evans City Elementary/Middle Schools. He later became assistant principal of Evans City Elementary/Middle School then finished his career as principal. "Being hired by Seneca Valley was one of the greatest blessings of my life," said Mr. Botti.  Mrs. Botti graduated from Clarion State Teachers College in 1964. She taught third grade at Cranberry Elementary. Throughout her 35 years, she taught in all of Seneca Valley's Elementary Schools as a first-grade teacher. "I feel that choosing to be a teacher was the best career I could have chosen," said Mrs. Botti. "There was never a day I regretted my decision. I loved my job, my students and their parents."

Classrooms across the Seneca Valley School District are now phone-free from the first bell to the last under “Phone-Free SV,” a new districtwide policy designed to reduce distractions, support student well-being and boost academic engagement. Listen as Ryan Gloyer Middle School Principal Ms. Trisha Butschle, Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Principal Dr. Chet Henderson and Director of Student Services Dr. Cassandra Doggrell share the positive feedback they’ve received, the increased interaction they’re seeing among students, and how everyone is adjusting to the new policy. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW New cell phone policy, "Phone-Free SV"Positive feedback from teachers and studentsHow classroom engagement has improvedAn increase in peer-to-peer interaction between studentsHow students, teachers and parents are adjusting to the new policyOverview SPECIAL GUESTS Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) Principal Ms. Trisha Butschle, Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Principal Dr. Chet Henderson and Director of Student Services Dr. Cassandra Doggrell Ms. Trisha Butschle is in her 28th year with the Seneca Valley School District. After 19 years teaching English at the Intermediate High School, she transitioned to the middle level to join the administrative team and now proudly serves as the middle school principal. She enjoys spending her days surrounded by the students and staff, prioritizing safety, wellness, and a supportive learning environment. Ms. Butschle feels fortunate to work alongside an amazing team and the wonderful students who make each day meaningful. Dr. Chet Henderson is in his 4th year serving as the principal of the Seneca Valley Intermediate High School and his 19th year in education. Dr. Henderson enjoys the collaborative nature of his position and is proud of the work being done at the IHS to best support students and staff.  He has taken part in the development and implementation of a peer mentoring program with students from the IHS and RGMS. In addition, Dr. Henderson has implemented building wide learning walks and personalized professional development for the staff at the IHS to strengthen the collaboration and instructional practice throughout the IHS. Dr. Cassandra Doggrell began her career at Seneca Valley in 2010 as an Autism and Emotional Support Teacher at Rowan Elementary. She has held various administrative positions, including Principal of Haine Middle School and Assistant Principal at Evans City and Haine Middle. Before returning to Seneca Valley, she spent five years at Upper St. Clair School District as Director of Student Support Services and Special Education. Her research and practice interests include comprehensive mental health systems in schools, students with autism, students with emotional/behavioral disorders, and inclusionary service delivery models. Dr. Doggrell holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh.

In this episode, we’re talking about online dangers that students can potentially face, including sextortion and cyberbullying. We’ll hear from school leaders and one of our School Resource Officers about how these issues impact students, ways to stay safe, the importance of understanding your digital footprint, and what steps to take if you or someone you know is targeted. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW Sextortion, cyberbullying and the misuse of AI-generated images Legal consequences of sextortion and cyberbullyingSteps students, parents and educators can take to prevent sextortion and how to respond if it happensWays students can protect themselves from online scams, predators or sextortion Reporting tools SprigeoTakeitdownNational Center for Missing & Exploited Children Overview SPECIAL GUESTS Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) librarian Ms. Angie Kotula, tech facilitator Dr. Lou Nagy and School Resource Officer Chris Miller  Ms. Angie Kotula is in her 18th of teaching at Seneca Valley. She has taught second grade, 7th grade English and is currently the librarian at RGMS. Ms. Kotula graduated of both Robert Morris University and Edinboro University where she received a Bachelor of Science and Master’s in Education. She holds certifications in K-6 Elementary Education, 7-9 and 7-12 English, K-12 Reading Specialist, and K-12 Library.  Additionally, she has received numerous online-safety certifications from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and has taken a graduate level course in digital citizenship.  She is a current member of the digital citizenship committee at Seneca Valley and has years of experience teaching middle school students about online safety alongside local law enforcement and building colleagues.  Dr. Lou Nagy is currently in his 37th year at Seneca Valley.  He began his career at SV as a Biology Teacher for General Biology, Advanced Biology and AP Biology. As Seneca Valley began incorporating technology into the classroom, Dr. Nagy left teaching Biology and became one of the first technology facilitators, a role that he continues in today.  He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Molecular Biology from Westminster College and obtained his Master of Arts in Teaching as well as his doctorate with a concentration in Instructional Technology from the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to his tenure at Seneca Valley, Dr. Nagy has taught Biology at Highlands High School and Duquesne University in the department of Educational Technology and Leadership.   Officer Chris Miller has been a Police Officer employed by the Jackson Township Police Department for the last 17 years. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and is a graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police Academy Class #63.

“Seneca Valley has always been home to me,” said Don Barclay, head varsity football coach. In this episode, Coach Barclay, reflects on his journey from a student-athlete at Seneca Valley to his collegiate career and eight seasons in the NFL. Now back to where it all began, Coach Barclay shares his vision for the football program, and how he’s working to build a culture of commitment, resilience and community pride, setting a foundation for long-term success. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW An overview of Coach Barclay's background, including his time in the NFLOffseason trainingCoaching staffGame preparation, both physically and mentally Overall goals for the season and organizationOverview SPECIAL GUEST Mr. Don Barclay, Seneca Valley's Head Varsity Football Coach Mr. Barclay, a 2007 Seneca Valley graduate and former NFL player, brings both experience and hometown pride to his new role as head varsity football coach. After a standout collegiate career at West Virginia University and eight seasons in the NFL, he returns to his roots with a passion for developing a program that values academics, athletic growth and community involvement. Coach Barclay plans to emphasize speed, quickness, and agility on the field while fostering academic excellence and character off it. A dedicated husband and father of three, he is proud to raise his family in Seneca Valley and give back to the district that shaped him.

Seneca Valley is building for the future. In this episode, we’re talking with CannonDesign architect, Jeremy Dwyer and John Pappas from Eckles Construction Services to discuss plans for the Intermediate High School construction project which will include a three-story classroom addition and a new Performing Arts Center. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW An overview of the construction projectUnique features of the new buildingHow the building will reflect the future of educationWays the Performing Arts Center will enhance opportunities for students in music, theater and beyondTimeline for construction and openingOverview SPECIAL GUESTS Jeremy Dwyer, AIA, Associate Vice President at CannonDesign is an architect specializing in innovative K-12 educational environments that inspire and empower students. With over two decades of experience, he brings a passion for blending design, education, and community impact, reimagining how learning spaces can foster creativity, exploration and lifelong learning. Since 2000, Eckles Construction Services has proudly served clients across Western Pennsylvania, specializing in construction management, project representation and construction administration.  Under the leadership of President John Pappas, who remains actively involved in nearly every project, the company delivers a wide range of services, including project phasing and sequencing, constructability reviews, facility planning, on-site supervision, critical path scheduling, and cost estimating.

Good sleep isn’t just rest—it’s the foundation for learning, growth and success. In this episode, we sit down with Liz Williams, nurse at Ryan Gloyer Middle School and lead nurse for the district, to discuss the importance of establishing healthy sleep routines.  IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW Why it's important to establish a consistent sleep routine before the school year beginsAdvice for parents on how to help reset their child(s) sleep scheduleLimiting screen time before bedBenefits of eating a nutritional breakfastHow good sleep habits and strong school attendance contribute to student success.Overview SPECIAL GUEST Ms. Liz Williams, Ryan Gloyer Middle School nurse and lead nurse for the district  Liz Williams is a nurse at RGMS and the Department Head for district nurses, marking her 26th year of service. She is passionate about ensuring students’ medical needs are met during the school day, allowing them to fully participate in a quality education with minimal disruption. Ms. Williams believes in the remarkable resilience of students in the face of adversity and values the dedication of Seneca Valley’s staff in supporting students to remain engaged and successful.

As the new school year approaches, we’re gearing up for an exciting start. In this episode, we're introducing our new Director of Transportation & Operations, Dr. Tony Babusci and our new bus partner, First Student. Tune in as we highlight key priorities such as safety, efficiency and clear communication. First Student representatives also share updates on brand new buses, GPS technology and more—including job opportunities and generous sign-on bonuses. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW An introduction of SV's new Director of Transportation & Operations, Dr. Tony Babusci SV's new bus partner, First Student Job opportunities and sign-on bonuses with First StudentHow to learn more about job opportunities with First StudentFirst Student | CareersBest ways for parents to reach out about questions regarding transportationUseful Information: https://www.svsd.net/departments/transportation/overviewhttps://portal.svsd.net/https://firststudentinc.com/Overview SPECIAL GUESTS Dr. Tony Babusci, Director of Transportation & Operations; Steven Hovis, Location Manager for First Student and Pam Osche, Assistant Location Manager for First Student Dr. Tony Babusci became Director of Transportation and Operations in 2025 after years in educational leadership. He began his career in 2004 as a social studies teacher at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, later teaching in the District’s cyber program at SVAOC. He moved into administration in 2014 as SVAOC’s assistant principal, then served as assistant principal and later principal at Ryan Gloyer Middle School.  Steven Hovis serves as the Location Manager for First Student Inc. in Harmony, PA, where he oversees transportation operations serving the Seneca Valley School District. With a strong commitment to safety, leadership and customer service, Steven works to ensure the seamless daily transport of hundreds of students while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence among his team. Drawing on years of experience in the transportation industry, Steven leads with a hands-on approach that prioritizes student safety and employee engagement. He collaborates closely with school district officials, drivers, and parents to maintain high operational standards and address concerns proactively.  Pam Osche is the Assistant Location Manager at First Student in Harmony, where she brings exceptional organization, reliability and care to the heart of school transportation services. With a strong background in logistics and team operations, Pam helps coordinate day-to-day scheduling, supports driver management, and ensures that safety remains the top priority for every student on board.

Coming off a milestone season that ended with the team’s first section title in 48 years, we’re catching up with Seneca Valley Girls Varsity Basketball Head Coach Dorothea Epps. The journey is not just about basketball wins, but about building culture, community, and confidence in young athletes. Coach Epps shares how her team’s success didn’t start in December — it was built in the offseason, through open gyms, tough schedules and a whole lot of belief. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW An overview of the Seneca Valley's Girls Basketball TeamMost memorable moments of the seasonVision for the program heading into next yearUpcoming campsSpecial coaching recognition SPECIAL GUEST Dorothea Epps, head varsity coach of the Seneca Valley Girls Basketball Team Ms. Epps brings 28 years of high school basketball coaching experience and is currently in her sixth year at Seneca Valley. Under her leadership, the team has earned a section title with an undefeated record and has qualified for the WPIAL playoffs in five of the last six seasons. Before joining Seneca Valley, Ms. Epps coached at Butler.

With summer right around the corner, we're exploring the exciting lineup of summer camps offered through Seneca Valley's Academy of Choice. From Culinary Arts to FIRST Robotics, this episode highlights unique options for camps, how to register and a brief overview about SV's Academy of Choice and the Drop-in Center. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW An overview of the Seneca Valley Academy of Choice (SVAOC) The SVAOC Drop-in CenterSummer camp offeringsWhat's new for summer campsDeadlines and registration information for summer campsSummer Camp Registration - Deadline for registration is May 23 SPECIAL GUEST Ms. Sarah Parish, Seneca Valley Academy of Choice Assistant Principal Ms. Sarah Parish is the Assistant Principal at Seneca Valley Academy of Choice, where she supports students in both virtual and blended learning environments. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Communications and a Master of Education from Westminster College. She also earned a K-12 Master of Science in Art Education from St. Joseph’s University and her Principal Certificate from Westminster College. At SVAOC, she focuses on student engagement, innovative programming, and building strong relationships with families and the community. Ms. Parish believes in meeting students where they are, creating inclusive spaces where they can thrive and empowering them to take ownership of their learning.

Reaching 100 episodes is a major milestone! In today’s special episode, we’re taking a look back at the journey of Voices—from how it all began to where we are now, and what’s ahead for the future. We’ll also highlight some of our top episodes, share insights from a recent survey and more. A huge thank you to all our guests and listeners—you are the reason Voices has become what it is today!  IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL REVIEW An overview of Seneca Valley’s Voices podcast and how it startedTop 5 downloaded episodesRecent survey resultsTypes of episodes listeners can expect to hear in the futureHow Seneca Valley is celebrating its 100th episode of Voices SPECIAL GUESTS Ms. Tiffany Hernandez, Content Marketing Specialist Ms. Hernandez has been part of the Seneca Valley team since 2022. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University and brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing. Prior to joining Seneca Valley, she worked in public relations at the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, where she played a key role in developing award-winning communication strategies. At Seneca Valley, Ms. Hernandez works alongside the Communications Director to create story ideas, write press releases, photograph events, manage the Voices podcast, support content marketing for the Seneca Valley Academy of Choice, plan special events, coordinate the annual report, contribute feature articles, and more.