Eagle Spotlight: February 2026

The February Issue of Eagle Spotlight is Now Available! This newsletter starts with a plunge - a Polar Plunge - and continues with information about Winterfest, standout students, academic competitions, athletic competitions, and much more. Click the image below to read it now.

Monday, Feb 23 2026

Eagle Spotlight: January 2026

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Thursday, Jan 22 2026

Eagle Spotlight: December 2025

The December Issue of Eagle Spotlight is Now Available! our Department Spotlight features our fantastic school nurses. We profile Dr. Jason Watkins' first six months in the district, holiday happenings at Hillview, a look at the postseason honors achieved by our fall sports athletes and much more!

Friday, Dec 19 2025

Eagle Spotlight: November 2025

​ The November edition of Eagle Spotlight is now available! From a look at our Community Ag program to Eco Rangers and renovations to Forker Field, this newsletter is full of updates.  Click the image below to read the latest news from the Grove City Area Sch ool District. ​​​​​​ Click Above for Newsletter

Thursday, Nov 20 2025

Eagle Spotlight: October 2025

The October edition of Eagle Spotlight is now available! From saluting our building principals to Elegant Eagles and a new school board member, this newsletter is full of updates.  Click the image below to read the latest news from the Grove City Area Sch ool District.

Monday, Oct 20 2025

Eagle Spotlight: September 2025

The new edition of the new-look Eagle Spotlight newsletter for the 2025-26 school year is available now! Click the image below to read the latest news and updates from the Grove City Area Sch ool District.

Wednesday, Sep 17 2025

Eagle Spotlight: August 2025

The first edition of the new-look Eagle Spotlight newsletter for the 2025-26 school year is available now! Click the image below to read the latest news and updates from the Grove City Area School District.  

Wednesday, Aug 27 2025

Eagle Spotlight: June 2025

Eagle Spotlight News and updates from the Grove City Area School District June 9, 2025 Congratulations GCAHS Class of 2025 Grove City Area High School Celebrates the Class of 2025 Grove City, Pa. – On May 30, 2025, 144 seniors graduated from Grove City Area High School during a commencement ceremony held at Forker Field. This year’s celebration honored the accomplishments and hard work of the Class of 2025 and featured a keynote address from distinguished alumnus Mr. Thomas Hummel, a 2012 graduate. “Coming back to Grove City to help celebrate the Class of 2025 is an incredible honor,” Hummel said. “This town shaped so much of who I am, and it’s humbling to return to a place that holds so many memories. I never imagined I’d be back here in this way, but I’m truly grateful for the chance to be part of such an important moment in the lives of these graduates.” Anna Slagle was named Valedictorian, and Alexander Smith earned the title of Salutatorian. Read Full Story Here  Superintendent Jeffrey Finch Prepares to Leave GCASD with a Legacy of Stability and Shared Leadership Dr. Jeffrey Finch, right, chats with students and staff on the last day of school at Hillview Elementary. Retirement follows a decade of service to the district In April 2024, Dr. Jeffrey Finch was standing at the front desk of a Harrisburg hotel preparing to check out and head to a statewide superintendent’s meeting. He said he had felt a little off that morning, not feeling quite like himself. During the checkout process, the clerk asked Finch an easy question. Did the Grove City Area School District superintendent want his receipt emailed or printed? “I knew something was wrong because I couldn’t say the word print,” Finch recalls. “I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, ‘Am I having a stroke?’” He was. That moment, as disorienting and as frightening as it was, didn’t mark the beginning of Finch’s decision to retire as superintendent of Grove City Area School District. But it solidified it. After a decade of steady leadership, carefully laid plans, and a deep investment in people, Finch saw clearly that the time had come. “I had no risk factors,” he said. “No high blood pressure, no cholesterol issues, I don’t smoke or drink. The doctors couldn’t explain it. But I came out of it thinking—what if I wait too long to do the other things I want to do?” On July 1, Finch will officially retire, handing over the reins to Assistant Superintendent Dr. Josh Weaver. The transition is no accident—it’s the result of ten years of intentional leadership building. Read Full Story Here  GCAHS honors seniors with Awards Ceremony Grove City, Pa -- Dozens of Grove City Area High School Seniors took home scholarships and awards of recognition on May 28 at the High School Auditorium. The ceremony was led by Dr. Brendan Smith, GCAHS Principal. Hat Trick, a four-piece rock band that was formed as an Individualized Learning Plan. GCAHS students attending the Mercer County Career Center were also honored. Read Full List of Winners Here  Senior Sunset 2025   Relive GCAHS Prom 2025 Through Pictures Click for Prom 2025 Photo Album  Dr. Tammi Martin to Retire as Hillview Elementary Principal After nearly 15 years as the principal of Hillview Elementary School and a 32-year career in education, Dr. Tammi Martin is preparing for her next chapter. On July 1, she’ll step away from her role with the Grove City Area School District and transition into a new position at Grove City College, where she will help shape the next generation of school leaders through the college’s new graduate principal certification program. Though the move marks a significant change, Dr. Martin’s decision is driven not by departure, but by direction—a sense that, once again, it’s the right time for something new. “This was not an easy decision,” Dr. Martin shared. “I love this building, this staff, and especially these kids. But I also believe in God’s timing. I’ve always trusted when it’s time to move forward, and this is one of those moments.” Read Full Story Here  GCASD Honors 2024-25 Retirees for Their Dedicated Service As the 2024–2025 school year comes to a close, the Grove City Area School District extends heartfelt gratitude to our retirees for their dedicated service and unwavering commitment to our students, schools, and community. Your contributions have strengthened our classrooms, supported generations of learners, and left a lasting legacy. We are deeply appreciative of the positive difference each of you has made, and we wish you all the best in this new chapter ahead. The Retirees are: Hillview Elementary School • Connie Slezack, Teacher • Lisa Stull, Teacher • Deb Jacoby, Aide Grove City Area Middle School • Renee Criss, Principal’s Secretary • Cynthia Reynolds, Aide Grove City Area High School • Kelley Smith, Aide Cafeteria • Maureen Ventura, Cafeteria Worker Maintenance • Tim Lilly, HVAC Technician   Grove City Freshman Notches 100th Strikeout Grove City freshman Taylor Thompson who had her 100th career strikeout vs Hickory in the team's return to the D10 playoffs!   Krenzer Earns Rank of Eagle Scout Brayden Krenzer, a Junior at GCAHS, was awarded his Eagle Scout Rank yesterday. Brayden is part of Troop 310 in Slippery Rock. Mayor JD Longo of Slippery Rock along with Scout Leader Mike Ravert awarded him his medal and badge. Brayden’s Eagle Scout project was mentoring the GC Middle School Robotics program the fall of 2023.   26 Grove City Students attend National Academic Games The Grove City Area School District Academic Games Team scored big at the recent national championship in Washington, D.C. GCASD took 26 students to the competition, the most in the region. Four Eagles won national championships, the most ever in the district. Several other team members also won trophies and medals. “The Grove City National Academic Games team had an unprecedented year,” said Heather Fry, GCASD’s coach of the Academic Games Team. “We had four national champions and a sweepstakes winner! The students continue to amaze me with their commitment and hard work!” Award winners are: Senior Division  Propaganda Team Competition 4th place: Christopher Shaw, Amelia Jackson, Mia Mertz, Abby Cunningham  Individual Competition 10th place: Christopher Shaw  Junior Division Propaganda National Champion: Caroline Jackson Theme  National Champion: Julia Shaw National Championship Team: Julia Shaw and Samantha Plummer Individual Competition 9th place: Julia Shaw  Current Events Team Competition 2nd place: Julia Shaw, Caroline Jackson, Samantha Plummer Middle Division Propaganda Team Competition 3rd place: Abby Donnelly, Graham Hatfield, Aaron Douds Theme Team Competition 5th place team: Abby Donnelly, Drew Gildersleeve, Katie Verbois, Aaron Douds Current Events Team Competition 5th place team: Drew Gildersleeve, Katie Verbois, Crosby Tkacik, Ethan Cooke Elementary Division Propaganda Team Competition 3rd place: Elise Verbois, Sarah Wolfe (10th individual) Team Competition 6th place: Willa Guiney Theme Team Competition 4th Place: Elise Verbois, Willa Guiney (3rd individually) Individual Competition 3rd place: Willa Guiney Linguishtik  National Champion: Ayla Greleski Equations Team Competition 11th Place: Willa Guiney, Sarah Wolfe  Sweepstakes Winner: Willa Guiney (placed 6th out of 300 elementary students.    Girls on the Run The Girls on the Run teams from Hillview and Grove City Area Middle School ran their 5K on Sunday alongside 2000 girls at the Waterfront in Pittsburgh. GOTR is a fun, inspiring program organized by UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. The girls have been working with their coaches toward this celebration run since the beginning of March. Congratulations!!   Learning Comes to Life as Hillview Students Release Classroom-Raised Trout On May 14, third-grade students from Hillview Elementary School released trout into Wolf Creek. The event was a culmination of a project that began by learning about the fish and their environment and actually watching and tending to the trout eggs until they hatched.   GCAMS Students of the Month Congratulations to the GCAMS Students of the Month for May. From left: Tucker Cichran, Henry Latkey, Olivia Toth, Ethan Cooke, Shaelyn You and Katelyn Plummer.   GCAMS 8th Grade Students win American Legion Award 8th Grade students Graham Hatfield and Abby Donnelly received the American Legion Award from John and Diane Filer.   Down on the Horse Farm Hillview Elementary first graders got to interact with animals and do chores on the farm at Echo Pines Equine, Inc. The students got to experience life on the farm. Before leaving, the students enjoyed some Penn Gold ice cream.   GCAMS Public Art Projects ABOVE: 8th grade students worked during Lunch and Learn to create another painted mural to our middle school hallway. The jungle design consists of 6 painted panels and was based on the works of Henri Rousseau. Pictured left to right are: Olivia Adams, Kinley Koprivnak, Kennedy Hanna, Liam Kingston, Brayden Johnson. BELOW: Willa Guiney puts finishing touches on the painted design created for the community garden shed. 8th grade students in Mrs. Johnson's quarter 4 art classes worked collaboratively to create this design based on the painting, Irises, by Vincent van Gogh.   GCAMS Career Day The Grove City Area Middle School Career Day was designed for area experts to share information about their career with hands-on experiences. The morning keynote address was presented by Grove City College football coach Andrew DiDonato. As students traveled to eight stations throughout the day, they met scientists, engineers, business and finance experts, a mechanic, a dance instructor, an artist, a graphic designer, EMS workers, physical therapists, and more. This day also kicked off a two-week digital scavenger hunt called GCAMS Career Quest. This activity, designed by middle school teacher Melissa Krenzer, is available to all students across the Commonwealth and beyond through the Remake Learning Days website. The traditional structure of a "career day" is for adults to stand up in front of a lclass and talk about their jobs. But Krenzer said she knew students required something more interactive. "With their generation, they’re learning different than any kid we’ve had in the history of education,” Krenzer said. “So, we need to meet them where they are. They’re learning through media so we have to involve them in their learning so it will stick in their brains. If you teach them and show them and involve them, they’re going to learn so much better than just telling them.” As part of the scavenger hunt, students will conduct interviews with family and friends, take photos of business around town, research careers and academic studies at area universities, and more.  Students from GCAMS who participate in the quest will be entered to win a gift card! A special thanks to our community experts who gave of their time to our middle schoolers!!    A Very Musical Spring Students from across the district let their musical talents shine through with a slate of spring concerts featuring students from Elementary up to High School. Performances included students in elementary, middle and high school in both band and choir. In addition, featured performances were also held by the Grove City Area High School Chamber Singers and the Jazz Band.   Tuesdays this Summer   Required Forms All Kindergarten, 6th, & 11th graders are required to have a physical examination. Physical Form All Kindergarten, 3rd, 7th graders are required to have a dental examination. Dental Form  Student Updates Parents must complete yearly student updates in Infinite Campus. Infinite Campus Forms  Contact Information If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. (724) 458-6733 511 Highland Ave. Grove City, PA, 16127 Facebook: @Grove City Area School District Instagram: @gcasd.eagles X: @GCASDK12

Friday, Jun 13 2025

Eagle Spotlight: April 2025

Eagle Spotlight News and updates from the Grove City Area School District April 28, 2025 Spring Sports in Full Swing    Grove City Student Brings Mental Health to Center Stage in Original One-Act Play When Grove City Area High School senior Eire “Cat” Darney steps into a theater, she’s not just there to act—she’s there to create. This spring, her original one-act play, When Dead Flowers Bloom, will take the stage. Her creation is the product of more than a year of writing, revising, and deeply personal reflection. Cat, who transferred to Grove City from Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School last summer, began writing the play during a sophomore-year playwriting class. “I had this idea after seeing the upperclassmen showcase their original plays,” she said. “It just stuck with me. I knew I wanted to write something that showed what grief and mental health struggles really looked like for teenagers.” Read full Story Here  At Hi-Branding, Making GCASD Merch isn't Just Business, it's Personal Since 2015, Kristen Hovis and her team at Hi-Branding have been outfitting the Grove City community with custom t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more—all while giving back to the schools that mean so much to them. Originally located in downtown Grove City before moving near the outlets, Hi-Branding has maintained its hometown focus. “We love supporting our local teams and school groups,” said Hovis. “We’ve found a niche working with local booster clubs. It’s meaningful to help groups raise money while providing quality gear for students, families, and fans.” Read Full Story Here  26 Grove City Students attend National Academic Games Twenty-six students from the Grove City Area School District left April 25 for the National Academic Games in Washington DC. The students, in grades 3-11 will compete for 4 days in 7 games against more than 1,400 students. They qualified to attend by having at least two first-place wins or were undefeated at the local tournament this school year in games like Equations, Linguishtik, Presidents, Propaganda, current events and the History of Washington DC. The participating students are: Mia Mertz, Christopher Shaw, Deckoda Hemmerlin, Abby Cummingham, Amelia Jackson, Brayden Krenzer, Caroline Jackson, Samantha Plummer, Samantha Myers, Jacob Gray, Brodrick Cratty, Julia Shaw, Graham Hatfield, Abby Donnelly, Katie Verbois, Drew Gildersleeve, Aaron Douds, Ethan Cooke, Crosby Tkacik, Efraim Moeller, Ayla Greleski, Willa Guiney, Elise Verbois, Leo Gildersleeve, Sarah Wolfe and Simon Moore.   Children's Book Author Timothy Young Visits Hillview Students Hillview Elementary School recently welcomed a special guest: children’s book author and illustrator, Timothy Young. The visit was part of Young’s Spring tour, which has taken him to 43 schools between January and April — his busiest season yet. Young, who has been visiting schools since 2008, spent the day speaking with students, sharing stories about how his books are made, and doing live drawing demonstrations. He’s the author and illustrator of several picture books, including I’m Looking for a Monster! and The Angry Little Puffin. His first school visit, more than 15 years ago. happened almost by accident. “I was at a book festival, and a teacher asked if I did school visits,” Young said. “I only had one book out at the time, but I said sure. I had no idea what I was doing. I read the book and drew with the kids. It just grew from there.” Read Full Story Here  GCASD Board Hires New Assistant Superintendent The Grove City Board of School Directors has approved the hiring of Dr. Jason Watkins as the district’s new assistant superintendent beginning July 1. Dr. Watkins currently serves as the assistant executive director and principal at the A.W. Beattie Career Center in Allegheny County. He was selected following a rigorous hiring process. Dr. Watkins fills the vacancy created by the promotion of Dr. Joshua Weaver to superintendent. “Jason’s background in career and technical education coupled with his understanding of competency-based instruction and assessment will be a great addition to our team,” Dr. Weaver said. “Dr. Watkins did an amazing job throughout our interview process and our team is thrilled to collaborate with him in his new role!” Dr. Watkins has been the principal at the A. W. Beattie Career Center since 2016 and has served as assistant executive director since 2018. Prior to that he was a technology education teacher at Slippery Rock Area School District. “I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Grove City Area School District,” Dr. Watkins said. “I am excited to collaborate with the teachers, staff, administrators, students, school board, and the community to continue building upon the district’s innovation and excellence to equip all learners for successful futures.” Dr. Watkins received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from California University of Pennsylvania. He received his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Pittsburgh and his Education Finance certificate from Georgetown University.   GCASD Names Kevin Persch as Next Principal of Hillview Elementary The Grove City Board of School Directors has approved the promotion of Kevin Persch to principal of Hillview Elementary School beginning July 1. Mr. Persch, Hillview’s assistant principal since 2021, will succeed Dr. Tammi Martin. Dr. Martin, who is retiring at the end of the school year, has spent the past 15 years as Hillview principal and has worked in the district since 1993. "I am honored to be chosen as the next leader of Hillview Elementary School,” Mr. Persch said. “My main focus will be to continue to support the amazing students and staff that make Hillview such a special place. We will continue to strive towards academic excellence for all students.” “I also would like to thank Dr. Tammi Martin for being such a wonderful mentor to me, she will be missed." Dr. Weaver stated: “Kevin has been with the Grove City Area School District since 2021 and has been serving as the assistant principal at Hillview Elementary. The entire team is excited that Kevin will be moving into the principal role starting on July 1. Mr. Persch has done an amazing job as our assistant principal, and I am confident that he will continue to demonstrate passion and a great deal of effort in the role of building principal at Hillview.” Before joining the district in 2021, Mr. Persch served as a social studies teacher in the Lakeview School District. He received his undergraduate degree from Allegheny College and his master’s degree from Edinboro University. Mr. Persch and his wife, Erin, live in Grove City and have two children, Grayson and McKenzie   Middle School Science Teacher Recognized for going above and beyond for her students Michelle Rihel, a sixth-grade science teacher at Grove City Area Middle School was awarded with the ‘Extra Mile Award’ at the PAECT (Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications and Technology) banquet on April 16. Mrs. Rihel goes above and beyond for students in her science class, providing engaging and innovative experiences. She also leads the sixth-grade grade team as part of the PBIS school-wide positive behavior program. Michelle is a huge asset to the Grove City Area School District.   GCAMS Students of the Month Congratulations to the GCAMS Students of the Month for April. Leo Gildersleeve (Grade 6), Sofia Polatas (Grade 8), Ruth Hindman (Grade 6), Lydia Peck (Grade 7), Parker Kostelnik (Grade 8) and Vinny Harriger (Grade 7). Grove City Area Middle School Students of The Month for March 2025 are, from left, Kennedy Hanna (Grade 8), Alida O'Brien (Grade 7), Liam Spears (Grade 6), Owen O'Donovan (Grade 8), Ainsley Peterson (Grade 6) and Lucius Beck (Grade 7). Congratulations to all!   Holocaust Educator discusses Generational Impact of Holocaust and Antisemitism Lynne Ravas, a Holocaust educator and daughter of a Holocaust survivor, spoke to GCAHS students Tuesday afternoon about the impact that the Holocaust and antisemitism has had on Jewish families. She told students the story of Stanley and Lusia Igel. She also visited the school in 2022 to share the story of her father.   GCASD Board Approves Plan to Upgrade High School Fitness Center The Grove City Board of School Directors took action Monday night to move forward with new plans for a new fitness center. The board unanimously approved a new floor plan for the fitness center that will be located on the site of the current weightroom. An additional 230 square feet will be added to the room by expanding into three existing closets. The board also approved the purchase of fitness equipment totaling $103,000. The cost of new equipment and part of the expansion project will be covered by donations and sponsorships collected during fundraising earlier this year. The district is looking to secure additional funding for the remainder of the project. “I am looking forward to this layer of our renovation and equipment purchase,” said Dr, Joshua Weaver, GCASD assistant superintendent. “A great deal of time, effort, and energy has gone into outfitting our student body with a fitness center upgrade. This space should serve our physical education classes and sports programs much better moving forward.”   Grove City Area High School Rotary Students of the Month for April Congratulations to Ava Bauer and Thomas Hicks for being selected as the April Rotary Students of the Month! Ava Bauer (sophomore) -- Ava uses her artistic talents to benefit our Grove City Community. She was instrumental in organizing the arrangements for the international guest artist, Ido Ferber, to arrive. Her extraordinary efforts have benefited the Community Art and Ceramics classes as well as Global Scholars. In addition, Ava's kind and helpful demeanor has raised the bar in her classes. She significantly improves class morale through her participation and energy. Thomas Hicks (senior) -- Thomas is constantly seeking out ways to serve his community. As the president of Student Council, an active member of Interact, a drumline member, and thespian, Thomas is highly involved in the high school community and in mentoring underclassmen. Outside of school, Thomas volunteers with his church and organizations such as Days for Girls to better the lives of people around the world.     GCAHS Student Places in PSPA student Journalism Contest On April 1, freshman student and yearbook staff member Merynne Hemmerlin participated in the 2025 PSPA student journalism contest state final at Penn State University. Hemmerlin placed sixth in the yearbook sports writing category. Congratulations Merynne! GCAHS Cross Country Coach receives Distinguished Service Award At the PIAA District 10 Annual Meeting and Luncheon held on Friday, April 11 at the Iroquois Club in Conneaut Lake, Grove City Area High School was recognized for excellence both on and off the field. Head Cross Country Coach, Ben English, received the Special Recognition and Distinguished Service Award in honor of the 2A Boys Cross Country State Championship title earned this past fall. Assistant Coaches Joan Schilling and Brian Buchan joined Coach English at the event.   April School Board Recognition Each Month, the GCASD Board recognizes the accomplishments of district students, faculty and staff Boys and Girls basketball: Nathan Greer and Izzie Gamble with Board President Ryan Thomas Students Lucas Geyer and Skylar Mason, pictured with board president, Ryan Thomas, were honored for their performance in the recent SkillsUSA competition. Lucas won a gold medal and Skylar won silver. Buster Mechling, not pictured, also won gold. The GCASD Board of School Directors recognized the GCAHS Thespians for their outstanding presentation of Disney's Newsies in March for the group's spring musical. Members of the cast and the student director were thanked by school board president, Ryan Thomas. The students are Thomas Hicks, Simon Hazy, Boston Tkacik, Emma Roach and Evren Brown. Three GCAHS Indoor Track Athletes were recognized by the board for their performances in the state tournament earlier this year. Pictured with Board President, Ryan Thomas, are Jonah Stucchio, Melena Sciullo and Aleah Morgante.   Required Forms All Kindergarten, 6th, & 11th graders are required to have a physical examination. Physical Form All Kindergarten, 3rd, 7th graders are required to have a dental examination. Dental Form  Student Updates Parents must complete yearly student updates in Infinite Campus. Infinite Campus Forms  Contact Information If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. (724) 458-6733 511 Highland Ave. Grove City, PA, 16127 Facebook: @Grove City Area School District Instagram: @gcasd.eagles X: @GCASDK12

Monday, Apr 28 2025

Eagle Spotlight: February 2025

​​ Eagle Spotlight News and updates from the Grove City Area School District February 21, 2026 ​​​​ ​​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ GCASD Cool Schools Polar Plunge is a Success! ​ Coach Jones and Coach Mulato led their 38-member Cool Schools Polar Plunge team from Grove City Area High School into the icy waters at Acuisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, raising over $2,300 in support of Unified Sports in our region! Teams taking part in the 2025 Three Rivers Region Cool Schools Plunge, have collectively raised close to $200,000 toward SOPA programming, making a tremendous impact on athletes and Unified Sports programs across the state. Over the past five years, Grove City teams have raised over $10,000 for Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA). Every dollar raised has been put back into local Unified Sports programs, helping to create inclusive athletic opportunities for students of all abilities. The Cool Schools Polar Plunge brings together students from kindergarten through high school to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. Every year, thousands of plungers take the dip into freezing lakes and pools across Pennsylvania to support the 15,000+ Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes. All the funds raised go toward providing FREE sports, health, and leadership programming for these athletes. More than 50 districts participated in Friday's event. ​​ ​​​ ​​​​ Spotlight: 2025-2026 Grove City Area High School Program of Studies ​​​​ ​​​​ Grove City Area High School is pleased to announce the release of the 2025-2026 Grove City High School Program of Studies! This guide provides detailed information about our course offerings, academic pathways, and the many opportunities available to students in the upcoming school year. New this year, you will find teacher introductions alongside many courses, as well as showcase videos that highlight several of our offerings. The Program of Studies includes interactive links, planning resources, and a student-created video that introduces key student-centered personnel, provides a glimpse into classrooms, and walks through important features of the guide. As you review the Program of Studies, we encourage thoughtful planning to ensure that course selections align with your academic goals and future aspirations. Our school counselors and faculty are available to assist with any questions and guide you through the course selection process. The Program of Studies can be accessed by clicking the link below. We recommend reviewing it together as a family. We are often asked about our course offerings, and we take great pride in the extensive options available to our students. Despite being a school of our size, we offer a robust selection of courses that not only fulfill graduation requirements, but also provide personalized pathways for students to explore their interests and future goals. Our course offerings and curriculum undergo continuous improvement, ensuring that we provide the best possible academic experience. While we acknowledge that no program is perfect, we strive for excellence and remain committed to refining and enhancing our offerings. Finally, please note that the Program of Studies is not just a one-time read—it is a living resource meant to be referenced throughout the school year. Additional information regarding course selection timelines and scheduling meetings will be shared in the coming weeks. Thank you for your continued support in making informed academic choices. We look forward to helping our students prepare for a successful 2025-2026 school year! ​​​​2025-26 Program of Studies​​​​ ​​​​ Principal's Recognition: Celebrating Student Leadership in the 2025-2026 Program of Studies Preview ​​​​ ​​​​ Mia Mertz in the Program of Studies Introduction video made by herself and Brayden Krenzer. ​​​​ Written by Dr. Brendan Smith GCASD Principal I am proud to recognize Brayden Krenzer and Mia Mertz for their outstanding work on a student-led video previewing our upcoming 2025-2026 High School Program of Studies. At my request, these two exceptional students combined their creativity, leadership, and diverse talents to produce a dynamic video that not only informs but also inspires their peers about the exciting opportunities ahead. Brayden Krenzer brings an impressive array of experiences to this project. As an Eagle Scout with two years on the CSO, Brayden is an active member of the Eagles swim team and serves as the captain of the YMCA swim team. Additionally, he holds a leadership role as Vice President of the AV Club and has excelled in both Mock Trial and Model UN. His achievements exemplify his commitment to excellence and community engagement. Mia Mertz also demonstrates remarkable leadership and versatility. As a varsity Bocce player for three years and an accomplished Thespian, Mia has honed her skills in performance and teamwork. Her active participation in Academic Games, Mock Trial, and Model UN, along with her involvement in Interact, Global Scholars, and Best Buddies, highlights her well-rounded approach to learning and leadership. Mia further enriches our community with her contributions to the arts and music through Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Extreme Leadership initiatives. The collaboration between Brayden and Mia in producing this video perfectly encapsulates the spirit of teamwork and creativity. By harnessing available resources and transforming innovative ideas into impactful realities, they have set a powerful example of student agency in action. Their work illustrates how partnering with experts can enhance our educational environment, resulting in win-win outcomes for the entire school community. Congratulations and thank you to Brayden and Mia for their creativity, dedication, and leadership. Their efforts not only preview an exciting academic year but also serve as an inspiring model for all students. ​​​​ ​​​​ GCAHS Winter Sports Roundup ​​​​ ​​​​ The GCAHS Boys Swim Team is rolling as the season heads into its final weeks. The team is undefeated and captured the D10 Regional Champtionship. ​​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ A Season of Records and Milestones ​ Several Grove City Area High School teams and athletes have hit several milestones this past winter. These include personal bests in their sport as well as commitments to continue their athletic careers in college. Boys Basketball Nathan Greer: Grove City Area High School all-time leading scorer. Committed to Slippery Rock university for football. Girls Basketball Izzie Gamble: 1,000 career points, 500 rebounds and ninth on the district's all-time scoring list. Committed to Grove City College.    Bocce  Qualified for the League Divisional Championships, Feb. 20 at GCAHS.  Competing for another Regional Championship Playoff berth which is held at Geneva College in March.   Indoor Track and Field  Jonah Stucchio: Indoor School Record and ranked fourth in the state in pole vault (14'7"). Indoor School Record and ninth in the state in triple jump (44' 8"). Aleah Morgante: Indoor School Record and sixth in the state in pole vault (12' 1"), Josie Jones: Indoor School Record and 18th in the state in 3200 Meter Run (11:48.43). Indoor School Record in 3000 Meters (10:50.69) Milena Sciullo: Second in the state for High Jump (5' 6") and second in the state in Triple Jump (38' 10.5"). Jesse Pazehoski - Indoor School Record in 60 Meter Hurdles (8.47 seconds). MJ Pottinger - Ranked 10th in the state in the 1600 meter run (4:26.01). Colsen Frank - Twentieth in the state in 1600 meter run (4:29.79). Sienna Bernardi: Twenty-third in the state Triple Jump (35' 7"). Boys Swimming Undefeated Season Won the Southern Tier Invitational.  D10 Region Champions Region 1 Champions Logan Osterwise: Committed to Niagara University.   Lucas McCreadie: Committed to Grove City College Wrestling Team placed first in Fred Bell Tournament  Cody Hamilton: GCAHS all-time wins record-holder. Hudson Hohman: 100 career wins. . ​​ ​​​ ​​​​ Nathan Greer, pictured with his parents on Senior Night, recently became GCAHS Boys Basketball all-time leading scorer. ​​​​ ​​​​ Hillview Elementary Unveils its New Climbing Wall ​​​​ ​​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ Students raised $38,000 during fall PTO fundraiser ​ Last fall, the Hillview Elementary School PTO held a fundraiser to pay for a climbing wall in the school’s gym. After that wall was officially unveiled to students at a Jan. 29 PBIS Assembly, the PTO’s next fundraiser will need to be for a new roof. Because students blew the roof off the old one. ​​ ​​​Click to Read More​​​​ ​​​​ Rotary Students of the Month for February ​​​​ ​​​​ Congratulations to Grove City Area High School Rotary Students of the Month Liza Jeffries and Madison Mulato Liza Jeffris (sophomore) - Liza is a student of great character who consistently demonstrates humility and maturity and prioritizes others over self. She maintains excellent grades while balancing a busy extra-curricular schedule, and does so with grace, enthusiasm, and a smile on her face. Madison Mulato (junior) - Madison's role in community art and with the Bocce team reveal that she's not only a person of action, but someone who puts service above self. Even her thesis paper in British Literature reveals her others-focus. She is quiet, but clearly someone whose presence is having a positive impact on others. ​​​​ ​​​​ Middle School Students of the Month ​​​​ ​​​​ Grove City Area Middle School is proud to announce its Students of the Month for January. Pictured are (front row from left) 7th grade: Sydney Jackson, 6th Grade: Clarissa Bable, 6th Grade: Casey Rihel. Pictured are (back row from left) 8th Grade: Jayla Walters, 7th Grade: Efraim Moeller, 8th Grade: Gavin Alessio. ​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​ GCAHS students use their Independent Learning Plans to teach younger students to love reading ​ This summer, students Alexis Bishop and Arden Anderson approached high school principal, Dr. Brendan Smith with a bold idea. They wanted to create a program that makes reading a source of enjoyment rather than a chore. Recognizing the potential impact of partnering with a lower grade level, they set out to inspire a love for literature among younger students. To refine their vision, they met with experts—including Dr. Constance Nichols, department chair of the Grove City College Education Department and School Board member, and Ms. Karyn Senita, French World Language teacher and advisor to the Interact Club. Their proactive approach is an excellent example of students accessing their own agency by connecting with expert resources to move their idea forward. ​​​​Click Here to Read More​​​​ ​​​​ Extra, Extra, Read All About It!!!! ​​​​ ​​​​ Introducing the Textbook Times, Your Student Newspaper ​ Written By Paul Potter Textbook Times Editor-in-Chief I am excited to introduce our students, parents and the community to the Textbook Times, a student-run newspaper operating right here at GCAHS. Our team is made up of enthusiastic students who are dedicated to bringing you interesting and important news. I am the editor-in-chief. I want to make sure that our articles are well-written and connect with all of you. Aevan McCurry is our awesome web designer and manager, working hard to keep our website looking great and easy to use. Then there’s Michael Adams, who we like to call Tater Tot. He focuses on reviews and reporting, adding a fun twist to our stories. Finally, we have Riley Sansom, our senior reporter, who has a great eye for detail and knows how to tell a good story. Even though we’ve only been around for about five months, we’re proud to say we’ve already published nearly 20 issues! You can find our work in both physical print and online. Each issue is created with the goal of keeping you informed about what’s happening at GCHS. We believe you deserve to know the news that matters, whether it’s updates on school events, highlights of student achievements, or thought-provoking opinion pieces. We want to cover a variety of topics that are important to you and your classmates. As we continue to grow, we’re always looking for new ideas and contributions from students like you. If you have a passion for writing, photography, or design, we’d love for you to get involved! The Textbook Times isn’t just a newspaper. It’s a place for students to share their voices and stories. We believe everyone has something valuable to say, and we want to help you share it. If you have questions or want to submit a story a story idea, please email me at potterpaul@gcasdk12.org So, whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone who has never written anything outside of school assignments, we invite you to join us on this exciting adventure. Together, we can create a newspaper that truly represents the spirit of GCHS and serves as a helpful resource for all students. Thank you for your support, and we can’t wait to bring you more exciting content in the future! ​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​ It's time for Kindergarten Registration ​ Grove City Area School District will hold kindergarten registration for children who are age 5 on or before September 1, 2024 (GCASD Board Policy 201). Registration will occur by scheduled appointments at Hillview Elementary School, 482 East Main Street, Grove City PA 16127. Once you have completed the necessary paperwork and all required documents have been submitted, we will contact you to schedule a time for your child to come in and complete the screening portion of kindergarten registration. If you plan to enroll your child in kindergarten in the fall of 2025, please go to the following website to enroll your Kindergarten student by clicking the link below. Click on the school year you are registering for. Items that you will be required to produce are as follows: 1. Birth certificate 2. Drivers License 3. Proof of residency - 2 forms 4. Proof of guardianship if not natural parents 5. Immunizations * If you already have children enrolled in the school district, you can log-in to your account on the Infinite Campus Portal to register your incoming kindergarten student. You must be the primary contact and follow these steps: 1. Login to the Infinite Campus Portal 2. Choose More on the left side of the screen 3. Choose Registration and Verification 4. Choose 2025-2026 New Student Registration and click on Start 5. Follow the instructions and submit your application after all information is completed. The required documents can be uploaded directly during the registration process. If you need assistance with this process, please contact Mrs. Dawn Guy at 724-458-6733 ext. 2128 or dawn.guy@gcasdk12.org. She will arrange a time to assist you with this process. Please complete the online portion of the registration process by March 31, 2025. Once complete, you will receive an invitation to sign-up for in-person Kindergarten registration. In-person registration will be held from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. If you have any questions regarding the online registration process in Infinite Campus, please contact Mrs. Guy at the email or phone number above. If you have any questions on signing up for in-person Kindergarten registration after completing the online process, please contact Mrs. Williams at (724) 458-7570 or peg.williams@gcasdk12.org. ​​​​Click for Registration​​​​ ​​​​ An Update on Enhancing Student Advisory Period ​​​​ Written by Dr. Brendan Smith GCAHS Principal As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance student learning and personal growth, we continue to refine the C-Day Advisory Period. Our goal is to create a structured, meaningful experience that fosters student agency, provides academic support, and strengthens mentor relationships between students and teachers. Enhancing Advisory: Through recent focus group discussions, we have explored ways to strengthen Advisory, guided by the following key questions: How can we help students develop independence and take ownership of their learning? How can we personalize Advisory while maintaining consistency? What structures and supports best help students succeed? Additionally, we are examining research on student-teacher relationships to ensure Advisory is both engaging and effective. Key Enhancements to Advisory Since the pandemic, we have continuously refined our approach to better support students. We are implementing intentional improvements in three key areas: Academic Assistance, Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs), and Strengthening Student-Teacher Connections. Advisory is more than just academic support—it is about fostering meaningful relationships that empower students. Our focus includes: Providing teachers with flexibility to engage students in ways that best support their growth. Encouraging advisors to act as mentors, guiding students while fostering independence. Ensuring that students actively participate in their academic journey rather than passively receiving support. We recognize that developing student agency is a balance—offering support while allowing students to take responsibility for their learning. Our goal is to hold students steady on their "bike" until they are ready to pedal forward on their own. We appreciate your continued support as we work to provide the best learning environment for our students. We will keep you updated as we refine Advisory throughout this year and prepare for the 2025-2026 school year. ​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​ Refining Our Lunch and Learn Program: A Commitment to Student Growth ​ Written by Dr. Brendan C. Smith Grove City Area High School Principal I am excited to share an update on our Lunch and Learn program—a structured yet flexible framework designed to provide students with academic support, enrichment opportunities, and personal development resources. Since its inception, Lunch and Learn has empowered students to take ownership of their learning, seek assistance when needed, and engage in meaningful educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting. As we continue refining this initiative, we recognize the importance of ongoing assessment and improvement. This year, we are intentionally evaluating its current structure to ensure it remains a dynamic and effective tool for student success. ​​​​Click here to read more​​​​ ​​​​ Plethora of Musical Offerings are about to spring up across the District ​​​​ ​​​​ Get ready for a season of music and performance as our students showcase their talents in the upcoming Spring Musical, Choral, and Band Concerts! The High School Musical will take the stage March 27-29, with a special dress rehearsal on March 26 for faculty and invited guests. In May, our choral and band students from grades 6-12 will perform in a series of concerts, highlighting their hard work and musical growth. Stay tuned for additional events, including the Thespians Coffee House and Jazz Band Concert. Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating our students' dedication to the arts! ​​​​Spring Music Schedule​​​​ ​​​​ Grove City Area High School Senior Earns Rank of Eagle Scout ​​​​ ​​​​ Honor folllows years of dedicated service to Scouting ​ Deven Flick, a senior at Grove City Area High School and a member of Grove City Troop 76, has recently been awarded the rank of Eagle Scout rank. He has been involved in Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America) since he was in the Cub Scout program as a third grader.  The Cub Scout program is parent- led for grades K-5 and centered around fun enriching activities and badges for each grade level. In 5th grade, the “Arrow of Light” candidates have a cross-over ceremony into the local Boy Scout troop of their choosing.   The Scouts BSA program is more youth-led with a focus on leadership, skill development, and outdoor activities as the scout progress through various ranks. There are specific advancement criteria and board of reviews at each rank level, as well as required badges.   To qualify for Eagle Scout rank, the scouts must earn a minimum of 21 badges and complete an approved Eagle Scout project that benefits the local community in some manner. Of the 21 badges needed, 14 are required for the Eagle rank and include first aid, life-saving, citizenship in society, and emergency preparedness, Through the Scout program, Deven has developed a love and appreciation of the outdoors, practical emergency skills and has experienced significant personal growth. As he moved through the program, his favorite parts of scouting were hiking and summer camp. Deven especially enjoyed earning merit badges in Swimming, Robotics, and Welding. His Eagle Scout project involved building bat boxes at Grove city Memorial Park, to provide a habitat for the local bat population.  Deven’s plans after high school include obtaining an associate’s degree in computer programming. Once complete, he is considering enlistment into the United States Space Force.  For more information on the local troop: https://m.facebook.com/grovecitytroop76 ​​​​ ​​​​ March 19 is Hillview Math and Reading Night ​​​​ ​​​​ ​​​​ Required Forms ​​​​ All Kindergarten, 6th, & 11th graders are required to have a physical examination. ​​​​Physical Form​​​​ All Kindergarten, 3rd, 7th graders are required to have a dental examination. ​​​​Dental Form​​​​ ​​​​ Student Updates ​​​​ Parents must complete yearly student updates in Infinite Campus. ​​​​Infinite Campus Forms​​​​ ​​​​ Contact Information ​​​ ​​ If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. (724) 458-6733 511 Highland Ave. Grove City, PA, 16127 Facebook: @Grove City Area School District Instagram: @gcasd.eagles X: @GCASDK12 ​​ ​​ ​​ ​

Friday, Feb 21 2025