Lehigh Valley Academy RCS

When the final bell rings and students head off to enjoy summer break, the halls of Lehigh Valley Academy may become quieter—but they certainly do not become empty.

While classrooms sit without students for a few short months, teams across the building are already hard at work preparing for another successful school year. From maintenance projects and technology updates to curriculum planning and classroom preparation, summer at LVA is anything but a vacation for the campus itself.

Take a look behind the scenes at what happens when the students head home.

Giving the Building a Fresh Start

Summer provides an opportunity to reset many of our learning spaces. Throughout the building, our facilities and custodial teams work diligently to ensure that every classroom, hallway, and common area is ready to welcome students back in the fall.

Floors are stripped and waxed, carpets are cleaned, furniture is moved and reorganized, and classrooms receive a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning. Walls receive fresh paint where needed, shared spaces are refreshed, and outdoor areas, playgrounds, and gathering spaces are prepared for another year of learning and play. This summer also included refreshing our campus parking lots with newly painted parking lines, directional markings, and other pavement striping to improve organization, traffic flow, and safety throughout campus.

These behind-the-scenes efforts help create the safe, welcoming environment that students and families experience from the very first day they arrive on campus.

Projects That Keep LVA Moving Forward

Summer also provides an opportunity to tackle projects and improvements that are more difficult to complete during the busy school year.

Departments organize supplies and materials, learning spaces receive updates, and maintenance projects help ensure that students return to an environment that is both functional and inspiring. From small enhancements to larger campus initiatives, every project is completed with students in mind.

One of the most exciting developments taking place this summer is the continued progress of LVA’s new Performing Arts Building, made possible through a collaboration with Alvin H. Butz, Inc. Construction continues to move forward as the future home for many of LVA’s music, theater, and performing arts programs takes shape.

Inside, activity is just as exciting as key elements begin to take shape, bringing the vision for the new facility to life. The project remains on track to open for the 2026–2027 school year and will provide students with a dedicated space to learn, rehearse, perform, and showcase their talents for years to come.

Planning for the Year Ahead

Although summer offers a chance to recharge, many educators use this time to look ahead.

Faculty and staff participate in professional development opportunities, collaborate on curriculum enhancements, and develop new lessons, projects, and experiences for students. Teams also begin planning field trips, performances, school traditions, and special events that will help shape the upcoming year.

This important work ensures that classrooms continue to evolve and that students return to engaging, meaningful learning experiences that reflect LVA’s commitment to innovation and academic excellence.

Welcoming New Members of the LVA Family

Summer is also a season of new beginnings.

As new faculty and staff members join our community, orientation and training opportunities help them become familiar with LVA’s culture, programs, and mission. Departments work together to ensure that every new team member feels supported and prepared before students arrive.

Families will also begin seeing new faces featured throughout our website, directories, and communications as we officially welcome them to the Jaguar community.

Preparing for Students’ Return

As August approaches, preparations begin to shift toward opening day.

Classroom materials are organized, schedules are finalized, student information is prepared, and bulletin boards begin to appear throughout the building. Staff members coordinate orientations, welcome events, and countless behind-the-scenes details to ensure a smooth transition back to school.

Every name tag printed, every classroom arranged, and every supply prepared contributes to helping students feel welcomed, supported, and ready for success.

The Work Behind the Welcome

Although the hallways may seem quiet during the summer months, LVA remains hard at work.

From deep cleaning classrooms and planning curriculum to welcoming new staff members and watching the future Performing Arts Building continue to rise, every effort made during the summer helps lay the foundation for another incredible school year.

As classrooms are prepared and new spaces continue to take shape, excitement for the 2026–2027 school year is already beginning to grow.

Because even when students are away, the heart of Lehigh Valley Academy never stops beating.

We look forward to welcoming our Jaguars back soon for another year of learning, growth, creativity, and community.

As summer continues and families prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day provides an opportunity to enjoy time together while also reflecting on an important moment in our nation’s history.

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted, marking the birth of the United States as an independent nation. The document outlined the colonies’ desire for freedom and self-government and remains one of the most significant pieces of American history.

Today, many families celebrate with parades, fireworks, picnics, community events, and gatherings with friends and loved ones. While these traditions have evolved over generations, the holiday continues to remind us of the values of freedom, opportunity, and civic responsibility.

Summer offers countless opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. As families celebrate this holiday weekend, consider exploring some of these activities together:

• Visit a local historical site or museum.
• Read books about American history or the founding of our country.
• Watch a documentary or educational program about Independence Day.
• Discuss family traditions and what freedom means to each member of your family.
• Attend a community parade or fireworks celebration.

At Lehigh Valley Academy, we believe that learning extends far beyond the school year and the classroom walls. Experiences, conversations, travel, and family traditions all contribute to a student’s growth and understanding of the world around them.

As we celebrate Independence Day, we wish all of our LVA families a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend filled with meaningful moments, lasting memories, and opportunities to continue learning together.

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at LVA! 🇺🇸

Summer vacation offers students a well-deserved break from homework, tests, and busy school schedules, but learning doesn’t have to pause when the final bell rings. In fact, some of the most meaningful learning experiences happen outside the classroom through exploration, creativity, and everyday adventures.

Whether your family is traveling, staying close to home, or simply enjoying a slower pace, there are countless ways to keep young minds engaged all summer long.

Make Reading Part of the Daily Routine

Reading during the summer helps students maintain important literacy skills while encouraging imagination and curiosity.

• Visit your local library and participate in summer reading programs.
• Allow children to choose books based on their own interests, whether that means mysteries, sports stories, graphic novels, or fantasy adventures.
• Listen to audiobooks during road trips, while drawing, or during quiet time at home.
• Create a family reading challenge or set small goals to celebrate together.

When reading feels enjoyable rather than assigned, students often discover new interests and develop lifelong reading habits.

Turn Everyday Activities Into Learning Opportunities

Learning can happen almost anywhere when children are encouraged to ask questions and explore the world around them.

• Take neighborhood walks and observe plants, insects, or weather changes.
• Visit museums, parks, zoos, historical sites, or cultural attractions.
• Cook recipes together and learn about different countries and traditions.
• Play games that involve strategy, problem-solving, or vocabulary skills.

Simple experiences often spark curiosity and help children make meaningful connections to the world around them.

Encourage Creativity and Hands-On Projects

Summer provides extra time for building, creating, and experimenting.

Students can:

• Design and build with LEGO bricks or recycled materials.
• Create their own board game or card game.
• Conduct simple science experiments at home.
• Plant a garden or grow vegetables and observe the process.
• Make videos, take photographs, or document summer adventures through creative projects.

Hands-on activities strengthen problem-solving skills while allowing children to express themselves in new ways.

Use Technology With Purpose

Screen time can become a valuable learning tool when used intentionally.

Educational apps and programs can help students practice skills, learn new languages, explore coding, or develop creative interests. Children can also watch educational videos, create digital artwork, produce short videos, or research topics that genuinely interest them.

The goal is not to eliminate technology, but to encourage meaningful and balanced use.

Capture Summer Memories

Keeping a journal, sketchbook, or scrapbook allows children to reflect on their experiences while practicing writing and observation skills.

Consider prompts such as:

• What was the best part of your day?
• If you could invent something, what would it be?
• What is one new thing you learned this week?
• What adventure would you like to have before summer ends?

Combining writing, drawing, photography, and creativity helps students preserve memories while building important communication skills.

Enjoy the Journey

Summer learning does not need to look like school. Small moments of curiosity, creativity, and exploration can have a lasting impact.

Whether students are reading under a tree, building a project at home, exploring a local park, or simply asking questions about the world around them, every experience can become an opportunity to learn.

We hope your summer is filled with discovery, adventure, and plenty of fun. We look forward to hearing about all of your experiences when the new school year begins.

As the final dismissal bell rings and summer officially begins, one special tradition brings the school year to a close at Lehigh Valley Academy.

For the past 24 years, LVA faculty and staff have gathered around the sidewalks, front lawn, and exits on the last day of school to cheer, wave, and celebrate students as they head off for summer break. What may seem like a simple gesture has become one of the school’s most meaningful traditions.

Students leave the building to applause, smiles, high-fives, and countless waves from the teachers, administrators, and staff members who have supported them throughout the year. For many students, it is a moment filled with excitement for summer. For staff, it is an opportunity to reflect on the growth, accomplishments, and memories shared throughout the school year.

Over the years, generations of Jaguars have experienced this final send-off. While classes, classrooms, and even campuses may change, the tradition itself remains a constant reminder of the strong connections that make the LVA community so special.

The annual farewell serves as more than just a goodbye. It is a celebration of everything students have accomplished during the school year—from academic achievements and artistic performances to athletic successes, friendships, and personal growth.

As another school year comes to a close, the LVA community is grateful for the many memories created throughout the year and the opportunity to celebrate one final time before summer begins.

Thank you to our students, families, faculty, and staff for making this school year unforgettable.

Have a wonderful summer, Jaguars. We look forward to welcoming you back in the fall for another incredible year.

As another school year comes to a close at Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, it is important to recognize the many people who help make the LVA experience possible each and every day.

While students are often the center of school celebrations and accomplishments, behind every successful school day is an entire community of adults working together to support, guide, encourage, and care for students across grades K–12.

From classrooms and cafeterias to hallways, buses, offices, athletic spaces, and performances, countless individuals help create the environment that allows students to learn, grow, and succeed.

To Our Teachers

Thank you for the time, energy, creativity, and patience you pour into your classrooms every day.

Thank you for encouraging curiosity, supporting students through challenges, celebrating accomplishments, and helping students discover confidence in themselves as learners. Your work often extends far beyond lesson plans and grading, and the impact you make can last a lifetime.

Whether leading inquiry projects, preparing students for performances, supporting IB learning, or simply being a trusted adult students can turn to, your dedication continues to shape the LVA experience in meaningful ways.

To Our Instructional Aides and Support Staff

Thank you for the countless ways you support students behind the scenes and throughout the school day.

Your flexibility, compassion, encouragement, and willingness to step in wherever needed help create learning environments where students feel supported, seen, and successful. The work you do each day plays an important role in helping classrooms and school communities thrive.

To Our Custodial and Operations Teams

Thank you for the work you do before the school day begins, long after it ends, and during every moment in between.

From preparing classrooms and event spaces to maintaining campus safety and supporting daily operations, your efforts help ensure that students and staff have safe, welcoming, and functional spaces to learn and grow.

Many of the moments families enjoy throughout the school year — concerts, performances, athletics, showcases, and community events — would not be possible without the planning, setup, coordination, and support provided by operations and facilities staff.

To Our Transportation Teams

Thank you for safely transporting students to and from school each day and for helping students begin and end their day with care and consistency.

For many students, bus drivers and transportation staff are among the first and last adults they see each school day. Your patience, reliability, and commitment help students arrive safely and ready to learn.

To Our Cafeteria Staff

Thank you for the care and effort you put into serving students each day.

School meals do far more than provide food — they help students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. Through the support of LVA’s meal program and daily breakfast and lunch offerings, countless students and families benefit from one less thing to worry about during busy school days.

Your kindness and consistency help create a welcoming part of students’ daily routines.

To Our Counselors and Student Support Teams

Thank you for supporting students not only academically, but emotionally and personally as well.

Whether helping students navigate challenges, preparing for future opportunities, supporting mental wellness, or simply offering encouragement during difficult moments, your presence makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.

The relationships and trust you build help students feel supported both inside and outside the classroom.

A Community Effort

One of the things that makes LVA special is the number of people who come together every day to support students in ways both big and small.

Many of these contributions happen quietly and behind the scenes, but they are deeply appreciated by the students, families, and colleagues who benefit from them every day.

As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, we extend our sincere gratitude to all of the adults who help make LVA possible. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, compassion, and commitment to the students and families of Jaguar Nation.

At Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, leadership goes beyond the classroom. Through LVA’s High School Student Ambassador Program, students have the opportunity to take an active role in welcoming, mentoring, and supporting new Jaguars as they transition into the school community.

Rooted in the values of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile, the Student Ambassador Program is a student-led initiative designed to help new students feel connected, confident, and engaged from day one.

Building Community Through Student Leadership

The program focuses on three core goals:

• Assisting new students as they get to know LVA
• Sharing experiences and insights from the perspective of current students
• Building a strong sense of community across grade levels

By stepping into leadership roles, Student Ambassadors strengthen important IB Learner Profile traits including being Communicators, Caring, Open-Minded, Principled, and Risk-Takers — all while making a meaningful impact on the student experience at LVA.

Ambassador Roles & Responsibilities

Student Ambassadors serve in a variety of ways throughout the school year, helping new students navigate both academics and student life.

School Guides

Ambassadors provide tours for prospective and incoming students, helping them become familiar with classrooms, routines, and daily life at LVA from a student perspective.

Mentors

Student mentors offer encouragement, guidance, and peer support as new students adjust to a new school environment and build connections within the community.

Resource Assistants

Ambassadors help students navigate schedules, locker assignments, and school resources while modeling organization, problem-solving, and responsibility.

Event Promoters

Student leaders encourage involvement in clubs, events, athletics, performances, and school activities, helping students become more engaged in the larger LVA community.

Leadership in Action

The Student Ambassador Program reflects LVA’s commitment to developing students who are not only academically prepared, but also compassionate leaders and engaged global citizens. It provides students with real-world opportunities to practice communication, collaboration, service, and leadership through the lens of the IB framework.

At LVA, leadership is not simply taught — it is lived out through programs like Student Ambassadors, where students help shape a welcoming and supportive culture for future Jaguars.

Interested in Becoming a Student Ambassador?

Applications for the 2026–27 school year are now open for current high school students interested in serving as Student Ambassadors.

Students can learn more or request an application by visiting:

• Mrs. Musselman (Room 2327)
• Mrs. Groller or Ms. Vellani (Guidance Suite)

Applications and recommendation forms are due by June 2, 2026.

What a week it was for LVA Track & Field.

Just one evening after celebrating our senior athletes during Track & Field Senior Night, the Jaguars headed into the District Championships and delivered one of the most historic performances in program history — breaking 11 school records across both the boys and girls teams.

Prior to Districts, LVA recognized its senior athletes for their dedication, leadership, and contributions to the program throughout the years. From countless practices and meets to personal records and unforgettable memories, these seniors have helped shape the culture and growth of LVA Track & Field while leaving a lasting impact both on and off the track.

Fueled by that momentum and Jaguar pride, the team took to Districts and rewrote the record books.

The girls team shattered school records in:

• 100m
• 400m
• 4x100m Relay
• 4x400m Relay

The boys team added an incredible seven new records in:

• 100m
• 200m
• 400m
• 800m
• 110m Hurdles
• 4x400m Relay
• 4x800m Relay

From explosive sprint performances to dominant relay finishes, LVA athletes showcased the hard work, determination, and talent that continues to elevate the program to new heights.

A special congratulations goes to Xevyan Ennis for earning 4th place in the 110m hurdles, narrowly missing qualification for the PIAA State Championships in an incredibly competitive field.

We also want to recognize freshman standout Jenice Sanderson, who placed 6th in the 400m with an impressive 1:04 performance, just shy of the podium. Jenice also played a key role in helping the girls 4×400 relay team secure another new school record.

This historic performance reflects the continued growth of LVA’s Track & Field program and the commitment our student-athletes bring every day to practices, competitions, and representing Jaguar pride.

To our seniors: thank you for your leadership, dedication, and the pride you brought to LVA athletics. And to the entire team, congratulations on a District Championship performance that will be remembered for years to come. The future is bright for Jaguar Track & Field.

As the school year comes to a close at Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, the LVA community is preparing to celebrate students in many different ways.

While academic achievement remains an important part of the student experience, LVA believes growth can also be seen through creativity, leadership, service, collaboration, perseverance, and involvement beyond the classroom.

Throughout the final weeks of the school year, concerts, performances, banquets, showcases, recognitions, and community events help highlight the many ways students have grown across grades K–12 — not only as learners, but also as artists, athletes, leaders, performers, mentors, and members of the community.

Celebrating Creativity Through the Arts

As the school year comes to a close, LVA continues to celebrate student creativity through performances, showcases, concerts, exhibitions, and community arts events.

Throughout the year, students have showcased their talents through theatrical productions like Bye Bye Birdie and the upcoming 101 Dalmatians KIDS, K–12 Arts Night, band and choir concerts, the LVA Film Festival, classroom showcases, and visual art exhibitions across grade levels. Students have also had opportunities to perform both on campus and at venues such as Zoellner Arts Center, helping them grow as performers while sharing their talents with the broader community.

LVA’s arts season continues tomorrow night, May 20, with the Elementary School Concert taking place in the LVA gymnasium at 7:00 PM. The performance will feature LVA’s beginner and intermediate bands as well as elementary choir students, showcasing the dedication and growth students have demonstrated throughout the school year.

The performing arts season also continues next weekend with performances of 101 Dalmatians KIDS on May 30 and 31, giving students another opportunity to showcase their creativity, confidence, and stage presence in front of families and community members. Families are encouraged to support our student performers by purchasing tickets through the LVA Box Office available on the school website.

Students also earned recognition beyond campus through LVA’s Freddy Award nominations for Bye Bye Birdie, including a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Ensemble Member for senior Mya Angel Heard and recognition for Outstanding Use of Costumes. Several LVA students will also perform in the Freddy Awards opening number during the ceremony on Thursday, May 21.

As the year concludes, LVA will also host its first-ever Performing Arts Banquet on June 5, celebrating the dedication, creativity, leadership, and accomplishments of students involved in theatre, music, film, and the performing arts throughout the school year.

These events and recognitions celebrate more than artistic talent — they also highlight the teamwork, perseverance, collaboration, communication, and confidence students build through the arts.

Recognizing Leadership and Initiative

Student leadership continues to be recognized and celebrated across the LVA community as students conclude another year of involvement and growth beyond the classroom.

Leadership at LVA can look different for every student. Some students lead through student government, clubs, athletics, performances, or service projects, while others lead quietly through mentorship, collaboration, kindness, and the example they set for their peers each day.

Throughout the year, students took initiative both inside and outside the classroom by organizing events, supporting school activities, participating in leadership opportunities, and developing projects that positively impacted the community.

One example was Scholar Swipe, a student-created scholarship platform designed to help students discover scholarship opportunities in a more accessible and personalized way. During its beta launch event, students participated in live testing sessions while providing feedback to help shape the future of the platform.

Leadership is also strongly reflected through experiences like LVA’s MYP Camp at Camp Canadensis, where upperclassmen volunteer as student counselors and mentors for incoming middle school students. During the three-day experience, high school students help guide team-building activities, organize games and skits, mentor campers through challenges, and help create an environment focused on connection, collaboration, and community-building.

From leading cabin groups and organizing friendly team rivalries to supporting younger students during outdoor activities like kayaking, Gaga ball, and collaborative challenges, these student counselors play an important role in helping younger Jaguars build confidence and feel welcomed into the MYP community.

Students also demonstrated leadership through organizations such as National Honor Society, student councils, performing arts leadership groups, athletics, peer collaboration, and service-based initiatives throughout the school year.

At LVA, leadership is not defined by a title alone. It is reflected in students who take initiative, support others, solve problems, and contribute positively to the community around them.

Honoring Dedication in Athletics

As spring sports seasons come to a close, LVA is preparing to celebrate student-athletes through senior recognitions, postseason competitions, Signing Day, and the annual All Sports Banquet.

Throughout the year, student-athletes demonstrated teamwork, perseverance, discipline, leadership, resilience, and commitment while balancing practices, competitions, academics, performances, and other responsibilities.

This year brought memorable moments across multiple athletic programs, including record-breaking performances in Track & Field, team accomplishments, playoff appearances, district competition success, and student-athletes representing LVA with pride both on and off the field.

LVA will celebrate senior student-athletes during the upcoming Senior Signing Day on Friday, May 22, recognizing seniors who have committed to continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. The event will honor the dedication, hard work, and achievements that helped students reach this milestone both academically and athletically.

The school will also host its annual All Sports Banquet on June 6, bringing together student-athletes, families, coaches, and staff to celebrate the accomplishments of athletic programs across the school year. The evening will include dinner, the presentation of varsity letters, team awards, and distinguished athletic recognitions presented by the Director of Athletics.

From pep rallies and senior nights to district competitions and end-of-year celebrations, athletics continue to play an important role in building school spirit, community connection, and personal growth throughout Jaguar Nation.

Highlighting Service and Community Impact

Service and community involvement are also important parts of how LVA celebrates student growth beyond academics.

Throughout the year, students participated in service learning projects, fundraising initiatives, mentorship opportunities, community events, and school-wide activities designed to support both local and global communities.

One meaningful example came from seniors Robert and William Churetta, who turned their Eagle Scout projects into lasting resources for the LVA community. Robert designed and built an outdoor classroom board and benches, creating a space where elementary students can participate in hands-on learning outdoors during nice weather days. The setup is currently located on the recess yard patio and will eventually be relocated to a larger outdoor classroom area in the future.

Meanwhile, William assembled two LEGO Therapy carts — one for the Elementary School Guidance Department and one for Occupational Therapy. Each cart included custom LEGO sets he designed along with free-build sets intended to support creativity, learning, collaboration, and therapeutic play for students.

From organizing blood drives and participating in charitable initiatives to supporting younger students and contributing to community events, students continue to demonstrate that leadership also includes compassion, responsibility, empathy, and a willingness to help others.

These experiences help students recognize that meaningful growth is not only about personal achievement, but also about the impact they can make within the community around them.

Celebrating the IB Learner Profile in Action

As an IB World School, LVA encourages students to grow not only academically, but also personally.

Throughout the school year, students are encouraged to embody the IB Learner Profile traits by becoming:

• Inquirers
• Communicators
• Thinkers
• Caring individuals
• Risk-takers
• Reflective learners
• Principled community members

These traits are visible throughout daily life at LVA — from inquiry-based classroom discussions and collaborative projects to performances, presentations, leadership opportunities, competitions, service experiences, and student reflections.

Students are encouraged to ask meaningful questions, think critically, communicate ideas effectively, and step outside of their comfort zones in ways that help prepare them for life beyond graduation.

Whether students are presenting research projects, performing on stage, mentoring younger peers, participating in competitions, leading service initiatives, or collaborating during interdisciplinary learning experiences, the IB philosophy continues to shape how students grow both academically and personally.

At LVA, the end of the school year is not only about final exams and report cards — it is also about celebrating the many ways students have grown throughout the year.

Through concerts, performances, banquets, showcases, awards, leadership opportunities, athletics, and service experiences, LVA proudly recognizes students not only for what they achieve, but for who they are becoming as members of the Jaguar community.

The curtain has closed, but the impact of this year’s production of Bye Bye Birdie is still taking center stage at Lehigh Valley Academy.

This wasn’t just another performance—it was a milestone moment for LVA Dramatics, showcasing what’s possible when creativity, collaboration, and community come together.

A Production That Hit New High Notes

In just four days of tech week, students and musicians accomplished something truly remarkable—bringing the show to life with a live orchestra. This marked a major step forward for the program, elevating both the musical experience and the overall production quality.

From the first note to the final bow, the energy in the room was electric—felt by both performers and the nearly 1,000 audience members who filled the seats across the weekend.

That momentum didn’t stop when the curtain closed.

LVA Senior, Mya Angel Heard, has officially been nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Ensemble Member for her role as Doris MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie at the 2026 Freddy Awards.

In addition, LVA’s production of Bye Bye Birdie was recognized with a nomination for Outstanding Use of Costumes—an incredible reflection of the creativity, talent, and hard work poured into every detail of this year’s show.

The Freddy Awards will take place on Thursday, May 21st, and our entire Jaguar community is cheering on the cast, crew, and creative team as they represent LVA on one of the region’s biggest performing arts stages.

A Community Effort Like Never Before

This production featured the largest level of community involvement in LVA Dramatics history, highlighting the power of collaboration both on and off the stage.

Behind the scenes, the creative team helped shape the magic:

• Ruthann Ciszak (Choreography) brought movement and storytelling together seamlessly
• Mike Sanders (Set Design & Construction) helped transform the stage into a vibrant, immersive world

Students also stepped into leadership roles, continuing to grow the program from within:

• Lynette Rivera, Student Choreographer & Dance Captain, worked alongside Ms. Pascale to help guide and inspire fellow performers

Looking Ahead: A New Stage Takes Shape

While this production lit up the stage, something even bigger is already in the works.

Over the past few months, many in our community may have noticed construction taking place across from the K–5 lobby and gymnasium. That space is beginning to transform into LVA’s new theater building—a future home for all K–12 performing arts productions.

A dedicated theater space will also open the door for LVA’s performing arts program to flourish in new ways. Instead of leasing another school’s auditorium and working within limited rehearsal windows, students will have more consistent access to the stage, technical equipment, and performance space right here on campus.

That kind of access matters. Tech weeks, dress rehearsals, set builds, lighting design, sound checks, choreography, and blocking all require time, space, and repetition. With a theater of our own, students will have more opportunities to grow not only as actors, singers, and performers, but also as designers, technicians, stage managers, builders, and creative leaders.

As LVA Dramatics continues to expand, this new space will help strengthen the quality and depth of future productions. With more time to rehearse, refine technical elements, and fully bring each show to life, our students will be even better positioned to share their talents on stage—and continue building toward future Freddy Award recognition.

And while the final bow has just wrapped on Bye Bye Birdie, excitement for the future is already beginning to build. It was recently announced that next year’s high school musical will take place during the first week of March, and anticipation is already growing. Although the 2027 production has not yet been selected, one thing is certain—our students are ready to continue raising the bar both on and off the stage.

Stay tuned for updates later this school year and into next as we continue to watch this vision take shape!