Community Update October 2026

Rocket News & Updates October 9, 2026 Dear Rocket Families, In just a couple of weeks, we will be one-fourth into the 2026-27 school year! This month's community update has quite a few intersting items that I hope you find informative and/or useful. Go Rockets! Alfonso Angelucci, D.Ed. Superintendent Updates Welcome, Mrs. Romeo! Mrs. Jonalyn Romeo was approved to the interim principal of Moraine Elementary School as of last month. We are so excited and thankful to have her working with us in SRASD! Mrs. Romeo retired from the New Castle Area School District where she served as a special edcuation teacher, assistant junior high school principal, and director of special services. Mrs. Romeo is highly skilled as a school administrator and has been utilized as a consultant by neighboring school districts. We are fortunate to have her working with our students, staff, and families at Moraine Elementary School! We're glad you are a Rocket, Mrs. Romeo! Butler County Area Vocational Technical School (BCAVTS) Did you know that we have 97 students attending our Butler County Vocational Technical School? Those 97 students participate in one of 15 vocational programs such as: Computer Networking, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Carpentry, Building Construction, HVAC, Collision Repair, Automotive Tech, Heavy Equipment Repair, Manufacturing & Robotics, Welding, Graphic Design, Health Assistant, and Sports Science. You can get a sneak peek at what our BCAVTS has to offer HERE. SRU Mediated Field Through a partnership with Dr. Amy Orville, Professor in the College of Education at Slippery Rock University, we are able to engage in a unique activity that involves future Pennsylvania teachers. Each Wednesday in October, students who are enrolled in SRU's College of Ed., take part in field observation with our very own SRASD elementary teachers. Under the supervision of both our teachers and SRU professors, the college students are able to get a sampling of what being a teacher is really like. SRHS Marching Band Car Cruise-In Visit our Middle School lower parking lot this Saturday, October 10, between 11am and 4pm to help in supporting our Rocket Marching Band! While visiting, you will be able to see classic and custom cars. There will be music, food, a bake sale, and many baskets to peruse during the gift basket auction. This is the third year for this fundraiser which has grown and become increasingly popular with Rocket families. Come on out and support our Rocket Marching Band students! Thank you. Winter Weather Watch Winter weather will arrive soon. When snow or other inclement weather conditions are predicted, the safety of the Slippery Rock Area School District children becomes a prime concern for parents and school personnel. Please click HERE for more information relative to how you will be informed in the event of a school delay, cancellation or Alternate Learning Day (ALD). Reminder NO SCHOOL for students on Monday, October 12. Contact information Slippery Rock Area School District 724-794-2960 https://www.slipperyrock.k12.pa.us/

Friday, Oct 09 2026

September 2026 Update

Rocket News & Updates September 9, 2026 Dear Rocket Families, Pictured is the cover of the 1967 SARN (SRHS yearbook). While moving from the old high school office suite to the new during construction, our old yearbooks were boxed up for safe storage. Many times, we use the old yearbooks when looking up old events or alumni. Below, you will read about how this yearbook helped us in writing about an important event from the past! The school year is now in full swing as we start into the third week of school. Many events and activities have already begun with a few more exciting ones to come this month: "Salute to Service Night" at this week's varsity football game, "Teachers Tailgate for Hunger" prior to this week's home football game, VillageFest in the Slippery Rock Borough this Saturday, and the Slippery Rock Expo at the end of the month! As always, we appreciate your support of our students and the various community events that bring us together. Below are a few updates for you. Go Rockets! Updates New Teachers We had a busy summer of advertising, interviewing, and selecting new teachers to help us in welcoming back our Rockets this school year. The following teachers (pictured here - left to right) are now part of our Rocket staff: Jason Updegraph (HS math), Jenna Frontino (Moraine special education), Irene Heinsberg (HS special education), Jordan Brady (SRAE special education), Shannon Kelly (Moraine grade 5), Hannah Burtner (elementary art), Nicole Brittner (MS English Language Arts), Kelly Cypher (MS special education), Taylor Wagstaff (MS special education), and Elizabeth Perza (MS science). Tailgate for Hunger Our annual "Teachers Tailgate for Hunger" event will take place this Friday, September 11 prior to our home football game v. Titusville. This is also our special "Salute to Service Night" where we honor all military service men and women. The event begins at 5pm on Rocket Drive between our high school and the Troy Alan Stadium. All students (and military service men and women) receive a free hot dog, chips, and bottle of water. This year, the Snowman Truck from Portersville will also be available! Please plan to attend and enjoy the basket raffles (over 30 baskets filled with incredible items!), a dunk booth, kids' games, t-shirts, temporary tattoos, and more! Thank you for supporting this annual fundraiser which has helped to raise thousands of dollars worth of food for our Weekend Food Program. Please stop by on Friday! Thank you. Slippery Rock Expo You have seen the yard signs. You have seen the giant billboard on Route 8. You have heard the talk about the Slippery Rock Expo. With 100 tables of vendors on site, we will open the doors to Slippery Rock High School (small gym) to all seekers, buyers, traders of all things sports cards, memorabilia, and trading card games (TCG) - Yes! That means Pokemon cards, too! The event will take place on Saturday, September 26 (from 10am to 5pm) and Sunday, September 27 (from 10am to 3pm). General admission is just $5 and kids 14 and under gain free admission. You've always wanted a 1979 Ed Ott or a Franco Harris rookie card, or that hard-to-find Charizard 1st edition card for your personal collection, haven't you? Now is your chance to seek one out right here in Slippery Rock while benefitting an incredible cause. All proceeds benefit our Slippery Rock Area School District Education Foundation. The Foundation puts all money raised right back into our classrooms in the Slippery Rock Area School District. 1966 On Saturday, September 19, we will commemorate 60 years of Slippery Rock High School football. The first home game was also played on a Saturday back on September 17, 1966. Unfortunately, the Rockets fell to the Shenango Wildcats in that first home game by a score of 19-13. The writers from the 1966-67 SARN had this to say about the first season of SRHS varsity football: "The first year of varsity football at the new SRHS was good for all. In the school a new high gear enthusiasm developed in the fall. More students got into the swinging school spirit, some before school even opened. The Football team finished tied for 8th place in a 10 team league, not bad for a starter. Four S. R. players were placed on all-league teams by opposing coaches. With most of our offensive unit back, look for some more scoring next year. In 1966 we scored a touchdown in every game. Nineteen proud Seniors will graduate with the distinction of being the first class with football players in it. Good luck next year." There were 45 young men on the 1966 football team. If you know of a player who was a student during the 1966-67 school year and a member of the 1966 Slippery Rock High School varsity football team, please have him call our athletic director, Brie Simons, at 724-794-2960 x2100. The former player can have their name added to our list of those to be recognized prior to the September 19 varsity football game v. Iroquois High School. Go Rockets! Reminder Friday, Sept. 11: Tailgate for Hunger Friday, Sept. 11: Salute to Service Saturday, Sept. 12: SR Borough VillageFest Monday, Sept. 14: School Board Meeting Sat./Sun., Sept. 26-27: Slippery Rock Expo Contact information Slippery Rock Area School District 724-794-2960 https://www.slipperyrock.k12.pa.us/

Wednesday, Sep 09 2026

July 2026 Update

Rocket News & Updates July 22, 2026 Dear Rocket Families, How about a few updates for you all while we are on summer break? With summer cleaning, maintenance, trainings, interviewing, and hiring, we have had a busy summer here. All of it is in preparation for August 26 - when our Rockets return. We're only six weeks away from that marvelous day! We hope you all had a great America 250 with your families. Enjoy the rest of your summer and these few updates. Updates Co-Principals for the High School Slippery Rock Area High School’s administrative team will look a little bit different this coming school year. One familiar face will be returning while another known school district administrator will assume a new role at the school. With Mr. Hake taking the Assistant Superintendent position at nearby A-C Valley School District, an administrative void had to be filled. Our School Board approved the creation of co-principals at the high school at its June 22, 2026 meeting. The Board also approved the transition of assistant principal, Mr. Jesse Pattison, to the new position of Principal of Academic Affairs at the school. Mr. Pattison will be joined by Mr. Shawn Zappia as a co-principal. As most of you know, Mr. Zappia served the school district as Principal of Special Services last school year and worked closely with students with special needs. This coming school year, Mr. Zappia will serve the high school as Principal of Student Affairs, a role he is familiar with after working as a Dean of Students in the Wilmington Area School District in 2024-25. Mr. Pattison will deal mainly with curricular and instructional matters while Mr. Zappia will handle most items relative to student attendance and conduct. Both will work with families and staff on a daily basis. Both Mr. Pattison and Mr. Zappia will be available to meet any students, parents, or staff who wish to stop by on August 5, anytime between 5:30 pm and 7 pm, for Outside Office Hours at the new entrance of the high school. Dr. Angelucci will also be available. You can read more about the co-principals HERE. Class of 2027 July 1 marked the official beginning of the new school year for our business purposes. It also means that we have a new senior class: The Class of 2027! When these students entered kindergarten, they were brand new Rockets in the Fall of 2014. We also had a brand new Rocket logo that year (see above) as well as a new athletic stadium (now Troy-Alan Stadium). The auditorium seats were replaced that 2014-15 school year, and a new superintendent started working that year, also. It was also the first year for high school teachers, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. J. Martin, and Mrs. Lueken. We're looking forward to great things from our new senior class and the new Rocket kindergartners we will be welcoming: The Class of 2040! Tranquility Garden High school biology teacher, Mrs. Lueken, and students from the high school Garden Club have worked incredibly hard on a very special and meaningful space at our high school. The Tranquility Garden was established in 2002. The photo seen here shows the garden when it was new. The Garden Club of the present has worked hard to restore it to as close to its original state as possible. The area now has an outdoor classroom, which is expected to be fully operational for students and teachers when school begins on August 26. Many thanks to Mrs. Lueken and her students for their many hours of commitment and effort. Slippery Rock Expo On September 26 and 27, the Slippery Rock Area School District Education Foundation will host the Slippery Rock Expo. This fundraiser is a sports and TCG (trading card games) card show. We expect to have 100 vendor tables in our high school gymnasium. Beyond sports and TCG cards, there is also expected to be some sports memorabilia available, as well. Tables for vendors will be $90 with an admission fee of $5 for visitors to the Expo. Students under 14 will be admitted for free. Go through those old shoe boxes and containers that you had as a kid - or maybe your parents or grandparents had as kids! You might want to put in for a table yourself. It's possible that you might be interested in trading some of your items, as well. Mark your calendars for September 26 & 27! All proceeds go toward our Slippery Rock Area School District Education Foundation, which benefits our SRASD Rocket students. More information will be coming via a flyer. Stay tuned! School Safety Updates Our administrative team recently completed hands-on safety training at the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute (PennSSI). Working alongside safety experts in realistic emergency simulations, our leadership team refined key protocols for crisis communication, threat assessment, and de-escalation. This training provided our team with practical, actionable tools to strengthen our security plans and keep our students and staff safe. In addition, our Safety and Security website has been updated with the most recent information regarding threat assessment, safety practices, and drill information. Check out the updates HERE. Reminders: August 10: Band Camp, Football Camp, and Golf officially begin August 17: Soccer, Cross Country, and Volleyball begin August 24: Staff return August 26: First Day of School! Contact information Slippery Rock Area School District 724-794-2960 https://www.slipperyrock.k12.pa.us/

Wednesday, Jul 22 2026

Community Update May 2026

Rocket News & Updates May 7, 2026 Dear Rocket Families, Each year, our outstanding fifth grade artists create portraits of our staff which are then displyed during Staff Appreciation Week. Above is an excellent rendition of one of our fantastic teachers at Slippery Rock Area Elementary, Mrs. Dietrich! [NOTE: Permission was given by the artist to post this artwork.] Please enjoy a few pieces of news and updates from around the Slippery Rock Area School District as we hit the "one month to go" mark in the school year. Updates Shark Tank Zach Out of 230 participants, statewide, SRHS senior, Zackary Morgan, earned Third Place in the Brighter Financial Futures "Dream Learn Pitch Rising Stars Challenge" with his business concept "The Donut Den". Demonstrating creativity, entrepreneurial initiative, professionalism, and strong communication skills throughout the competition process, Zachary earned a $500 award - along with an additional $150 teacher recognition prize. Mrs. Kara Trettel, high school technolgy and business education teacher, supported and encouraged Zachary's innovation and leadership. The Rising Stars Challenge exists to provide students with opportunities to think creatively, solve meaningful problems, and confidently present their ideas. Shareen Shines! Shareen Thangiah, one of our SRHS juniors, was selected as one of 72 students (575 applied) for the prestigious PA Governor's School for Science - a five-week long college experience at Carnegie Melon University! The PA Governor's School is an annual program that fosters scientific thinking, scholarly collaboration, and interpersonal connections in our society. Admittance to the program is based on merit and all program expenses are fully funded for all accepted students. Shareen will live and study on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University this summer. You can learn more about Shareen's PA Governor’s School scholarship HERE. National Academic Games Congratulations to Slippery Rock Area Middle School students, Drake Beichner, Alex Tustin and Max Phillips! These three Rocket students all qualified for the National Academic Games held in Charlotte, North Carolina. The students won medals with Alex placing 8th in the Presidents competition (individual), 4th place in the Presidents (team), and 4th place in the Propaganda competition. Max received a 4th place team medal in Propaganda. Way to go, Drake, Max, and Alex! Thank you for representing the Slippery Rock Area School District so ably at the Nationals. Commander Gearhart School board member, Captain Katee Gearhart, recently took over as Company Commander of Army National Guard Charlie Signal Company, 876th Brigade Engineering Battalion. The unit is based out of Washington, PA. The photo shows CPT Gearhart taking part in the ceremony this past February to make her Commander of the Company. There certainly are noy many Pennsylvania citizens who are active military and serve their local school districts as a school board member. We are very proud of you, Captain Gearhart! Thank you for your service to our students and our country. Reminder School is in session on Monday, May 11. Last Day of school fof students is Thursday, June 11 (half day). Contact information Slippery Rock Area School District 724-794-2960 https://www.slipperyrock.k12.pa.us/

Saturday, May 09 2026

April 2026 Newsletter

Rocket News & Updates April 19, 2026 Dear Rocket Families, The arrival of Spring in the Slippery Rock Area School District means baseball, softball, track & field, a middle school trip to Washington, D.C., and state standardized testing. Please see below for some news and updates that you find useful. Updates Welcome, Mrs. Underwood! After advertising for the positon of Accounts Payable Secretary for our school district offices, we were fortunate to have one of our Rocket parents and community members apply for the position. Mrs. Jackie Underwood, who has experience working as an adminsitrative assistant with our local intermediate unit in Grove City, was approved by the SRASD School Board at the April 23 meeting. We are fortunate to have soemone with Jackie's talent and expertise joining our team in the district office! Jackie will officially begin working with us on April 28. Spring Student Advisory Many might not know this, but our food service contractor, Metz Culinary Management, meets twice a year with with a group of our students at the middle and high school level to gather feedback. They gain information regarding what the students like and what areas they would like to see improvement. They are also asked for creative suggestions based upon offerings that aren't typically seen on the menu. All of our meal offerings must pass through strict nutritional and serving guidelines as outlind by the National School Lunch program. Good Neighbors Last week, we found ourselves in a bit of a bind involving our high school musical as we had some stage light bulbs that burned out close to performance time. Time was short and the particular bulbs we needed were difficult to find. Our maintenance department threw out a lifeline to the SRU Theater Department to see about assistance. Technical Director for SRU Performing Arts, Mr. Michael Boone, visited our site at the high school, determined the light bulbs that were needed, made them available to us and then delivered the bulbs from the University Theater Department. The bulbs were installed hours before for our performance of "Anastasia" last week. We are extremely thankful for the generosity and helpfulness of our partners in edcuation, Slippery Rock University. PSSAs In Pennsylvania, the PSSAs (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment) are the standard annual assessment used to measure student proficiency. Rocket students in grades three through eight will begin testing for English Language Arts (ELA) and math starting this Tuesday, April 21. For the 2025–2026 school year, the testing breakdown is as follows: • English Language Arts (ELA): Tested in Grades 3 through 8. • Mathematics: Tested in Grades 3 through 8. • Science: Tested in Grades 5 and 8. Key Details for 2026 • Format Change: As of this year, the PSSAs have transitioned to a fully digital format, meaning students will take the tests on district-issued devices (Chromebooks) rather than using paper and pencil. • Science Update: Science is now strictly for 5th and 8th graders. Weeekend Food Program SRASD is deeply committed to supporting our students' education and overall well-being. Our district’s Weekend Food Program is designed to "Bridge the Hunger Gap." Many of our children rely on the school meals we provide during the week. However, for too many, when the final bell rings on Friday, they lose access to reliable sources of food. Our program fills that void, ensuring that no student should wonder if they will eat over the weekend. Our mission is simple: to make sure every child has the fuel they need to grow, thrive, and return to school on Monday ready to focus and learn. Now in its 12th year, it is a true testament to the "Community Spirit" of the Slippery Rock Area School District. The program is an efficient one, thanks to caring employees such as our school counselors and school nurses AND our Middle School Student Council. We distribute approximately 70 bags filled with shelf-stable food, district-wide, every week of the school year, from August through June. Our Weekend Food Program is 100% financed solely by private and corporate contributions. We use monetary donations to purchase food through the Feed My Sheep organization in the Slippery Rock Borough and the Pittsburgh Food Bank. This ensures that strict compliance with food safety standards and the highest quality for our students. If you or your employer are willing to contribute to the success of our Weekend Food porgram, please contact us using the information provided below. Thank you and Go Rockets! Contact information Slippery Rock Area School District 724-794-2960 https://www.slipperyrock.k12.pa.us/

Sunday, Apr 19 2026