Lehigh Valley Academy RCS

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!

As the school year begins to wind down, a new kind of excitement fills the halls at Lehigh Valley Academy. Senior season is more than just graduation countdowns—it’s a time filled with traditions, celebrations, and moments that bring the entire K–12 community together.

From cheering on classmates one last time to walking the halls where their journey began, these traditions help make the final weeks of senior year unforgettable for the Class of 2026.

The Graduate Walk

One of LVA’s most meaningful traditions is the Graduate Walk, where seniors return to the elementary and middle school hallways in their caps and gowns while younger Jaguars line the halls to cheer them on.

It’s a full-circle moment that reminds students just how far they’ve come—and inspires younger students to imagine their own future at LVA one day.

For seniors, it’s emotional. For staff, it’s a proud reflection of years spent watching students grow. And for our younger Jaguars, it’s a glimpse into what’s possible through hard work, curiosity, and community.

Senior Night Celebrations

Senior season is also filled with opportunities to celebrate the Class of 2026 together outside the classroom.

Events like Senior Night give students a chance to relax, laugh, and make memories with their classmates before graduation day arrives. From games and activities to shared traditions and videos, these events help mark the end of an important chapter while celebrating the friendships and experiences built along the way.

Prom at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem

Another highly anticipated senior tradition is Prom, taking place this year on May 28 at the historic Hotel Bethlehem.

Just days before graduation, seniors will gather for an evening of celebration, music, and memories in one of the Lehigh Valley’s most iconic venues. Prom is a chance for students to reflect on how far they’ve come while enjoying one final major milestone together as a class.

A Community Celebration of the Arts

Senior season also includes opportunities for students to showcase their creativity and passions with the entire LVA community.

On May 14, LVA will host its K–12 Arts Night on campus—an evening that invites families, students, staff, and community members together to celebrate creativity across all grade levels.

The event will feature student performances, visual art exhibits, and the LVA Dramatics International Thespian Society Induction Ceremony. From music and theater to visual arts and student talent across K–12, the evening highlights the creativity that continues to thrive throughout the LVA community.

More details are still to come, but it’s sure to be a memorable night filled with Jaguar spirit, artistic expression, and community pride.

Honoring Student Achievements

Throughout the spring, seniors are recognized for accomplishments across academics, athletics, leadership, service, the arts, and career-related learning.

Whether students are preparing for college, careers, military service, internships, or new opportunities beyond LVA, senior season is a time to reflect on the many different paths that begin here.

At LVA, we celebrate not only achievement—but growth, resilience, and the unique journey of every student.

The Final Events Together

From spirit days and performances to spring celebrations and end-of-year traditions, senior season brings one last opportunity for the Class of 2026 to experience the energy and Jaguar pride that define the LVA community.

These moments may seem small in the moment, but they often become the memories students carry with them long after graduation.

More Than a Goodbye

Senior season at LVA is about more than ending a school year—it’s about celebrating a journey.

It’s about the teachers who guided students along the way, the friendships formed across classrooms and hallways, and the experiences that helped shape who our seniors are becoming.

As graduation approaches, we are proud to celebrate the traditions that make this season so meaningful—and even prouder to celebrate the students at the heart of it all.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. Once a Jaguar, always a Jaguar.

As Staff Appreciation Week begins, Lehigh Valley Academy is proud to celebrate not just the impact our teachers make every day—but the recognition they are earning beyond our classrooms.

For the second year in a row, an LVA educator pursuing advanced studies has been honored by DeSales University’s School of Education—an incredible reflection of the passion, dedication, and lifelong learning that define our faculty.

A Continued Legacy of Recognition

This year, first grade teacher Steph Colacito has been awarded the Jean Baptiste de La Salle Award, while also graduating with her Master’s in Early Childhood Education this May.

Named after Jean-Baptiste de La Salle, the patron saint of teachers, this award recognizes educators who embody excellence in education, service, and leadership, making a lasting impact on their students and school communities.

At LVA, this commitment mirrors the heart of our International Baccalaureate approach—developing caring, reflective, and principled learners both inside and outside the classroom.

Building on Last Year’s Momentum

In 2025, fourth grade teacher Will Erwin received the Sister John Marie Award from DeSales University’s School of Education—another prestigious honor recognizing graduate students who demonstrate a deep passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of their students.

Nominated by his university supervisor, Mr. Erwin was recognized for:

• Building strong, meaningful relationships with his students
• Creating engaging and thoughtful learning experiences
• Continuously reflecting and growing as an educator

DeSales noted that his energy and dedication are the kind that would make Sister John Marie proud—a testament to the impact he brings into his classroom each day.

The LVA Difference

While these are two distinct awards, together they tell a powerful story:
LVA educators are not only shaping student success—they are continually investing in their own growth to better serve their communities.

From pursuing advanced degrees to earning recognition for excellence, our teachers exemplify what it means to be lifelong learners—an essential value of both LVA and the IB framework.

As we celebrate Staff Appreciation Week, we also want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to every teacher, faculty member, and staff member at LVA. Your dedication, care, and hard work are the foundation of our students’ success and growth. From the classrooms to the offices to every corner of our school, your impact is seen and felt—and deeply appreciated.

Congratulations to both on these well-deserved honors. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom—and we are proud to call you Jaguars!

Behind every great school day is a team working hard to make sure our Jaguars are fueled, focused, and ready to learn.

Today, Lehigh Valley Academy proudly celebrates School Lunch Hero Day, recognizing our incredible on-site food services team from Metz Culinary Management. Through LVA’s partnership with Metz, students receive fresh, nutritious breakfast and lunch prepared right here on campus—every single day.

From early mornings to the busiest lunch periods, this team shows up with energy, care, and consistency. Their work goes far beyond serving meals—they help power our classrooms, support student well-being, and contribute to the overall success of our school community.

More Than Meals—A Daily Commitment to Student Success

At LVA, we believe that student success starts before the first lesson begins. It starts with feeling energized, focused, and ready to learn. That’s why every student in grades K–12 receives free, nutritious breakfast and lunch daily—no applications, no added cost.

With breakfast available in our cafés and through grab-and-go options, students can start their day strong, no matter how busy the morning may be. Lunches are thoughtfully prepared to meet USDA nutritional standards, offering balanced meals with whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and milk.

The impact is clear: well-nourished students are better able to concentrate, retain information, and fully engage in their learning—both inside and outside the classroom.

Supporting Families, Strengthening Community

This program doesn’t just benefit students—it supports families, too. By reducing the stress of daily meal prep and lowering grocery costs, LVA helps ensure that every student is cared for and ready to succeed.

Whether students are heading to early morning classes, participating in clubs, or staying for after-school activities, they can rely on consistent, healthy meals to keep them going.

Thank You, Lunch Heroes

Today, we extend our gratitude to the Metz team for their dedication and impact. Your work plays a vital role in shaping each school day, and LVA is stronger because of you.

Because at LVA, it’s never just about the meal—it’s about supporting the whole child, every step of the way.

Cap tosses are on the horizon—graduation is just over a month away at Lehigh Valley Academy.

On a beautiful spring day, our seniors marked their final full day of classes by taking part in one of LVA’s most meaningful traditions: the annual Graduate Walk. Dressed in their caps, gowns, and cords, they made their way through the halls one last time—this time not as students moving from class to class, but as leaders nearing the next chapter of their journey.

From the elementary classrooms to the middle and high school corridors, the entire K–12 community came together to celebrate them. Younger students lined the hallways with excitement, offering high-fives, cheers, and wide-eyed admiration. Teachers and staff paused to reflect, many having watched these seniors grow over the years into the confident, compassionate individuals they are today.

Moments like the Graduate Walk capture what it means to be part of the LVA community. Rooted in the values of the International Baccalaureate, our students are encouraged to grow not only academically, but as principled, reflective, and caring individuals. The Graduate Walk is a powerful reminder of that journey—one that begins in our earliest classrooms and continues through graduation and beyond.

For our youngest Jaguars, it’s a glimpse into what’s possible. For our seniors, it’s a chance to reflect on how far they’ve come and the impact they’ve made. And for our entire school community, it’s a celebration of connection, growth, and the shared experiences that define LVA.

Traditions like these are what make the LVA experience so special—and why the journey matters just as much as the destination.

Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School (LVA) is proud to announce that we have been recognized as a 2026 CS Certified Spotlight School by CharacterStrong—a national honor celebrating schools that are intentionally creating environments where students feel a strong sense of belonging, well-being, and engagement.

This recognition highlights LVA’s ongoing commitment to building a positive school culture through meaningful practices, supportive relationships, and schoolwide initiatives that prioritize both student and staff success. The CS Certified Schools program acknowledges schools that are not just committed to this work—but are actively putting it into action every day.

“Lehigh Valley Academy is an example of what it looks like when a school commits to this work with purpose and consistency,” said a CharacterStrong spokesperson. “Being recognized as a CS Certified Spotlight School reflects the intentional efforts happening each day to support students and foster a strong school community.”

At LVA, this achievement is a reflection of our dedicated educators, staff, and leadership team who continuously strive to create a connected, supportive, and engaging learning environment for all students.

As part of this recognition, LVA will be celebrated at the CharacterStrong National Conference on July 23–24, 2026, alongside schools from across the country who are leading the way in building stronger school communities.

About the CS Certified Schools Program

CharacterStrong’s CS Certified Schools program includes three levels of recognition:

• Spotlight School – Demonstrates commitment and implementation
• Impact School – Evidence-based, schoolwide implementation
• Flagship School – Demonstrated impact and leadership

About CharacterStrong

CharacterStrong partners with schools and districts to provide curriculum, training, and support focused on increasing belonging, well-being, and engagement. Through a focus on school culture, behavior, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, CharacterStrong equips educators with practical tools to help students and staff thrive.

For more information, visit: https://www.characterstrong.com/certified-schools

As PSSA testing begins today, our students in grades 3–8 are ready to take on the week with confidence. At Lehigh Valley Academy, we approach assessments through the lens of the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy—focusing on growth, critical thinking, and student well-being every step of the way.

What Are PSSAs, Really?

PSSAs are one of many tools used to measure student progress in key areas like English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science (for select grade levels). At LVA, we emphasize that these assessments are simply an opportunity for students to demonstrate the skills they’ve been building all year long.

An IB Approach to Preparation

Rather than “teaching to the test,” our classrooms are grounded in inquiry-based learning. Through the IB framework, students regularly:

• Ask questions and think critically
• Make connections across subject areas
• Reflect on their learning and set goals

These approaches naturally prepare students for success—not just on assessments, but in becoming lifelong learners.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Throughout PSSA week, our priority is ensuring students feel calm, confident, and supported. Classrooms are structured to promote focus while also incorporating:

• Positive encouragement from teachers and staff
• Opportunities for movement and brain breaks
• A consistent, familiar routine

We also take time to celebrate effort, reminding students that doing their best is what truly matters.

How Families Can Support at Home

A strong home-school partnership makes all the difference. Families can help students feel ready by:

• Encouraging a good night’s sleep
• Starting the day with a positive mindset
• Reinforcing confidence and reducing pressure

Even small routines can help students feel prepared and at ease.

More Than a Test

At LVA, we believe assessments are just one part of a much bigger picture. Through the IB Learner Profile, our students grow as thinkers, communicators, and risk-takers—skills that extend far beyond any test.

As testing begins, we are proud of the hard work our Jaguars have already put in. We look forward to seeing them shine, trust in their abilities, and continue growing throughout the week.

At Lehigh Valley Academy, we know that student success starts long before the first lesson begins. It starts with feeling energized, focused, and ready to learn—and that’s why every LVA student in grades K–12 receives free, nutritious breakfast and lunch every single day.

Yes—every day. No applications. No added cost. Just one more way LVA supports the whole child.

Why Families Love This LVA Benefit

A Strong Start, Every Morning
With breakfast available through our cafés and convenient grab-and-go carts, students can begin their day fueled and focused—no matter how busy the morning may be.

Balanced, Student-Friendly Meals
Our daily lunches meet USDA nutritional standards and include a variety of wholesome options like whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and milk—designed to keep students energized through the entire school day.

Better Focus, Better Outcomes
Well-nourished students are better equipped to concentrate, retain information, and perform at their best—both in the classroom and beyond.

Support for Families
From saving time on meal prep to reducing grocery costs, this program is one less thing for families to worry about—while ensuring students are cared for each day.

Built for Busy Jaguars
Whether it’s early bus rides, morning clubs, or after-school activities, our meal program helps students stay fueled and ready for everything their day brings.

More Than a Meal—It’s Part of the LVA Experience

At LVA, we’re committed to creating an environment where students can truly thrive—academically, socially, and physically. Providing free, high-quality meals is just one of the many ways we invest in our students’ success.

Still Considering LVA? It’s Not Too Late.

Even though the application deadline has passed, families can still apply to join our waitlist for the 2026–2027 school year.

Openings often become available—and when they do, you’ll want to be ready.

Join the waitlist today and discover all the ways LVA supports your child’s journey—inside and outside the classroom.

Spring break can be a great time to relax — but it can also be an opportunity to give back. Acts of service, no matter how small, can make a meaningful impact in our communities.

At LVA, students are encouraged to be caring members of their communities and to look for ways they can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Spring break offers a perfect opportunity to practice this important part of the IB Learner Profile.

Even simple acts of service can help strengthen communities and build empathy.

Here are a few ideas students might consider during spring break:

Volunteer Locally
Many local organizations welcome volunteers. Animal shelters, food banks, and community centers often appreciate an extra helping hand.

Help Your Neighborhood
Offer to help a neighbor with yard work, assist someone who may need help with errands, or organize a small neighborhood clean-up.

Support Community Causes
Collect gently used books, clothing, or supplies to donate to local charities or shelters.

Care for the Environment
Participate in a park clean-up, plant flowers, or help maintain a local green space.

Service doesn’t always have to be large or formal to make a difference. Often, the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impact.

By showing compassion, initiative, and a willingness to help others, students continue to demonstrate what it means to be IB learners who care about their communities and the world around them.

Lehigh Valley Academy is excited to welcome award-winning authors and wildlife conservationists Hayley & John Rocco for a special 3-day, K–12 author visit experience this April.

In a first for LVA, we are hosting a collaborative author team, expanding our traditional one-day elementary visit into a multi-day experience designed to inspire students across all grade levels. This unique opportunity reflects our commitment to developing inquirers, communicators, and creative thinkers through meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

Hayley and John Rocco are the creative minds behind beloved children’s books such as How to Send a Hug and Wild Places. Their work blends storytelling, art, and environmental awareness—encouraging students to become caring, reflective learners who explore both imagination and the natural world.

John Rocco is a Caldecott Award-winning illustrator, recognized for his book Blackout, and previously worked as an art director at DreamWorks, contributing to films such as the original Shrek. Together, Hayley and John bring a powerful combination of storytelling, artistic expertise, and conservation advocacy to their work.

What Students Can Expect

Throughout their visit, students will engage in experiences tailored to their grade levels—ranging from interactive read-alouds and discussions to deeper explorations of storytelling, illustration, and conservation.

Our elementary Jaguars will have the exciting opportunity to participate in a special luncheon with the authors, creating a more personal and memorable connection as they engage with stories, ask questions, and celebrate reading together.

For our high school students, a highlight of the visit will be a hands-on workshop and book signing. During this session, Hayley and John will share insights into their books and guide students through the creative process behind writing and illustrating.

Students attending the workshop will also have the opportunity to design and create their own book cover, applying their learning in a creative, real-world way that reflects the IB Learner Profile in action.

This immersive, school-wide experience not only brings literature to life, but also empowers students to think creatively, communicate ideas, and explore how storytelling can make a meaningful impact on the world.

Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of what promises to be an inspiring and unforgettable experience for our Jaguars!