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While students and teachers are enjoying their well-earned summer break, the LVA campus is still buzzing with activity! From prepping classrooms to deep-cleaning, curriculum planning to tech updates—our staff and faculty are hard at work making sure the upcoming school year is even better than the last.

Here’s a peek at what’s happening behind the scenes at LVA this summer!

Deep Cleaning & Refreshing Spaces

From top to bottom, our custodial team is giving the building a fresh start.

• Classrooms, common areas, and restrooms are being deep cleaned.
• Floors are waxed, carpets are shampooed, and walls get touch-up paint.
• Outdoor spaces like playgrounds and courtyards are tidied up for safe and fun use in the fall.

Summer Projects & Upgrades

We’re making improvements across campus!

• Organizing supplies and classroom materials
• Making small repairs or enhancements to ensure a smooth start to the school year

Curriculum & Planning

Teachers may be on break, but many are still thinking ahead.

• Some staff participate in training or workshops
• Others are collaborating on new curriculum units or classroom experiences
• Planning field trips, school events, and cross-curricular initiatives for the year

Welcoming New Faces

The summer is also a time for onboarding.

• We’re excited to welcome new staff and faculty to the LVA family!
• Orientation and training help ensure a strong start for everyone
• Updates to the website and directories will help families get to know them, too

Preparing for Students’ Return

From organizing student materials to printing schedules and name tags, the final weeks of summer are all about YOU—our students and families.

• Planning Welcome Back events and orientations
• Creating classroom lists and prepping bulletin boards
• Making sure every Jaguar feels ready for an amazing year ahead

Even when the hallways are quiet, the heart of LVA is still beating strong.

Our behind-the-scenes summer work is all about preparing a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment where every student can thrive. We can’t wait to see you in the fall!

Just because school is out doesn’t mean the learning has to stop! Summer is the perfect time to explore, imagine, and grow—without the pressure of homework or tests. We’ve rounded up simple, screen-light ways to keep students’ minds engaged through everyday adventures, creativity, and curiosity.

Read Something Every Day

Encourage reading for fun, not just for school.

• Visit your local library’s summer reading program
• Start a family book club or reading challenge
• Let kids pick books based on their interests (graphic novels, sports, fantasy, etc.)
• Try audiobooks on car rides or quiet afternoons

Learn Through Play & Exploration

Everyday activities can be full of learning opportunities.

• Go on a nature walk and start a “Backyard Science” journal
• Visit local museums, science centers, or historical landmarks
• Cook a recipe from another country and learn about its culture
• Play logic or word games like Bananagrams, Sudoku, or crossword puzzles

Hands-On Projects & DIY Fun

Keep creativity and problem-solving alive through projects.

• Build something with LEGO or recycled materials
• Make your own board game
• Do simple science experiments (like making a homemade volcano or growing a bean sprout)
• Create a photo or video documentary of your summer adventures

Tech with Purpose

Use screen time intentionally with educational tools.

• Free and safe apps like Duolingo (languages), Prodigy (math), and Tynker (coding)
• Watch kid-friendly documentaries or educational YouTube channels
• Create digital art, animations, or blogs about a topic your child loves

Keep a Summer Journal or Sketchbook

Writing and drawing are great ways to reflect, imagine, and express.

• Try journal prompts like: “If I ruled the world for a day…” or “My favorite summer memory so far”
• Encourage sketching what they see on walks, trips, or around the house
• Combine writing with photography or scrapbooking for a creative keepsake

Summer learning doesn’t have to be structured to be meaningful. With a little creativity and curiosity, families can turn everyday moments into opportunities for discovery, reflection, and fun. However you spend your summer, we hope it’s full of joyful learning—and we can’t wait to hear all about it when school starts again!

We are thrilled to celebrate one of our own—Aryash, a standout middle school student at Lehigh Valley Academy—who has been named a 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge State Merit Winner! Aryash is the only student from Pennsylvania to receive this prestigious recognition, earning his place among just 32 students nationwide selected for their innovation, scientific insight, and exceptional communication skills.

Aryash’s submission, titled GreenBeam – Autonomous Laser Weed Control, earned recognition in the nation’s premier science competition for middle school students, co-hosted by 3M and Discovery Education. Now in its eighteenth year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge encourages students in grades 5–8 to identify everyday problems and submit original ideas using science to solve them. This year’s categories included robotics, safety, home improvement, climate technology, and more—underscoring the vital role of STEM in shaping a better world.

“The 3M Young Scientist Challenge inspires student curiosity and helps build confidence by connecting what’s learned in the classroom to the real world in tangible and hands-on ways,” said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. “Congratulations to each of the students honored for your effort to use science to create a better world.”

Each year, the competition recognizes a grand prize winner, 10 national finalists, four honorable mentions, and state merit winners from across the U.S. Past participants have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, and be featured in TIME Magazine, The New York Times, and on national television. In 2022, the competition launched the 3M Young Scientist Alumni Network, offering mentorship and connection opportunities to over 100 past winners and finalists.

The challenge also supports the Young Scientist Lab—a collaboration between 3M and Discovery Education that provides free, high-quality STEM resources for students, teachers, and families. These materials are also available through Discovery Education’s digital platform, reaching millions of learners worldwide.

Aryash’s achievement is a shining example of what happens when a student embodies the IB Learner Profile—demonstrating traits like inquiry, open-mindedness, risk-taking, and principled action—while applying real-world knowledge to global challenges. His recognition reminds us all of the boundless potential in our students and the transformative power of science, innovation, and lifelong learning at LVA.

We’re incredibly proud of him for representing Lehigh Valley Academy and Pennsylvania on a national stage. Congrats, Aryash!

Lehigh Valley Academy is proud to highlight the accomplishments of an extraordinary member of our graduating class: Simon Hume, Class of 2025. As Simon prepares to begin the next chapter of his journey at Northeastern University, where he’ll be studying mechanical engineering (admitted to a school with just a 7% acceptance rate), we reflect on the lasting impact he’s made at LVA and the bright future ahead of him.

From his earliest days at LVA—having attended since kindergarten—Simon has embodied the IB Learner Profile traits and consistently demonstrated the 12 Attitudes that are central to an IB education. His time here has been marked by a commitment to being principled, caring, balanced, reflective, open-minded, communicative, and knowledgeable, just to name a few.

Simon’s dedication, curiosity, and perseverance speak volumes about the kind of learner—and person—he is. He explored the full IB Diploma Programme (DP), embracing a rigorous academic curriculum designed to develop internationally minded individuals who recognize their shared humanity and responsibility to make the world a better place.

His academic achievements are vast and impressive. Simon graduated Magna Cum Laude, maintaining a GPA of 3.60–4.14 throughout his entire high school career. He was recognized as a Scholar-Athlete, earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher while participating in sports during his senior year. He also served as President of Mu Alpha Theta, the National Mathematics Honor Society, and was an active member in:

• National Art Honor Society
• RHO KAPPA National Social Studies Honor Society
• Science National Honor Society
• National Honor Society
• National English Honor Society
• Spanish National Honor Society (Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica)

Simon doesn’t just exemplify what it means to be an inquirer and thinker—he leads by example and takes initiative in everything he does. Athletically, he has shown commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship through his involvement in lacrosse, cross country, and as a team manager for the girls’ basketball team.

His excellence in lacrosse led to two of the most prestigious honors from USA Lacrosse:

• Academic All-American, awarded to student-athletes who shine both on the field and in the classroom
• Bob Scott Award, given to just one player per area who best represents the qualities of leadership, character, and service

Simon has also demonstrated the IB attitudes of empathy, respect, integrity, and commitment—not just through his academic and athletic work, but in how he interacts with others and contributes to the LVA community.

This year’s commencement ceremony was not only a celebration of academic achievements, but also a moment to honor the legacy of those who have helped shape our school community. During the event, our high school principal, Ms. Nonnemacher, announced the recipient of the Dr. Jennings Scholarship, a new memorial scholarship established in honor of the late Dr. Dan Jennings, beloved Assistant Principal for grades 9–12, who sadly passed away in 2023.

The Dr. Jennings Scholarship is awarded to a student who best represents the core values of the U.S. Air Force, where Dr. Jennings proudly served as a recent retiree of the Air National Guard:

1. Integrity First
2. Service Before Self
3. Excellence in All We Do

While rooted in military tradition, these values align seamlessly with LVA’s own high school motto—Integrity and Effort—as well as key pillars of the IB Programme, particularly the focus on service to others and developing principled, balanced leaders. The presentation of this scholarship served as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact Dr. Jennings had on our school and the kind of character we hope to cultivate in all our graduates.

In addition, Simon was recognized as one of four recipients of a $1,500 scholarship from the Education Foundation of Lehigh Valley Academy, generously sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Private Equity Fund. This award was the result of a competitive and anonymous review process, reflecting Simon’s academic excellence, leadership, and potential for continued success in higher education.

As one of only 23 students in the Class of 2025 to have completed Continuous K–12 Enrollment at LVA, Simon’s journey has been one of growth, exploration, and excellence every step of the way.

At LVA, we believe in preparing students not just for college—but for life. The IB Learner Profile is more than a set of values; it’s a framework for becoming a thoughtful, ethical, and globally aware citizen. Simon exemplifies this philosophy. He is ready to take on the world, and we are more than confident he will continue to thrive.

Congratulations, Simon! We can’t wait to hear all that you accomplish.

Summer is a time to relax, recharge, and have fun—but it’s also important to stay mindful of your health and well-being. Whether you’re traveling, attending a summer camp, or enjoying time at home, these simple wellness tips will help you and your family make the most of the sunny season while staying safe and balanced.

Hydration is Key

Tip: Aim to drink water regularly—before you feel thirsty!
Why It Matters: Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature, supports energy levels, and keeps your mind sharp.
Bonus Tip: Infuse water with fruits like lemon, strawberries, or cucumber for a fun twist.

Sun Safety for All Ages

Tip: Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher—even on cloudy days.
Why It Matters: UV rays can cause sunburns and skin damage, especially during peak hours (10 AM – 4 PM).
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget sunglasses and hats to protect your eyes and face.

Move Your Body (But Don’t Overheat!)

Tip: Get outside early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
Why It Matters: Physical activity boosts mood and focus, but it’s important to avoid heat exhaustion.
Fun Idea: Try outdoor yoga, dance breaks, or family walks at sunset.

Healthy Snacking, Summer Style

Tip: Choose refreshing snacks like watermelon, yogurt, frozen grapes, or smoothies.
Why It Matters: Summer heat can impact appetite and energy levels, so light and nutritious snacks can help kids stay fueled and focused.
Try This: Let kids build their own “snack tray” with fruits, veggies, and a dip.

Mindful Moments in the Sun

Tip: Take short breaks throughout the day to pause and breathe deeply—especially outdoors.
Why It Matters: Summer break is a great time to build emotional wellness habits.
Quick Practice: Sit quietly for 3 minutes under a tree or in a shady spot. Focus on sounds, colors, and your breath.

At LVA, we care about the whole student—mind, body, and spirit. As you enjoy your summer break, we hope these tips help you stay safe, refreshed, and ready for the exciting year ahead. Share how you’re staying well this summer by tagging us on social media with #LVASummerWellness!

Happy National Mascot Day! Today, we’re celebrating the PRIDE, the ENERGY, and the unmatched school spirit brought to life by our very own mascot — JAX the Jaguar!

From the very beginning, LVA has always had a mascot, a symbol of strength and unity that represents who we are as a school community. But the journey to meeting JAX as we know him today was a special one. It all started with a community-wide contest to choose the animal that would represent our school. The winning pick? A fierce and powerful jaguar — a perfect match for our bold and passionate spirit.

Fast forward to recent years, and with a brand-new, upgraded mascot costume ready to go, we decided it was time to give our jaguar more than just a look — he needed a name. In true LVA fashion, we turned to our community to help name our new mascot. After an exciting round of submissions and final votes, we proudly reintroduced our jaguar as JAX during the Homecoming Pep Rally!

Since then, JAX has been the heart and soul of our school spirit, hyping up the crowd at every game, pep rally, and school celebration. His fearless attitude and wild enthusiasm make him a favorite among students, staff, and alumni alike.

And we can’t forget JAX Jr., affectionately known as Baby J, who brings joy and excitement to our youngest Jaguars in grades K-5 during special events. While the community mostly connects with the original JAX, Baby J has become a beloved mini-mascot for our littlest learners.

Today, we honor both JAX and Baby J — the dynamic duo that brings our school pride to life every day. Let’s give a huge round of applause for our mascots and everything they represent!

Did you know that just 20 minutes of reading a day during the summer can make a huge difference in your academic success? It’s true! Whether you’re diving into a fantasy world, solving a mystery, or learning about real-life heroes, reading helps you maintain—and even grow your skills in reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. That’s a major win!

So, what’s the big deal about this thing called the “Summer Slide”?
The Summer Slide isn’t a cool water ride—it’s what happens when we stop practicing important skills over the summer break. Without regular reading, students can lose months of academic progress. But there’s good news: reading is one of the best (and easiest!) ways to keep your brain in gear!

The best part? Reading doesn’t have to feel like homework.
Find a book you LOVE—something that makes you curious, excited, or inspired—and suddenly, it won’t feel like work at all. One great book can lead to another, and before you know it, you’ll be flipping pages like a pro.

For Students Entering Grades 6, 7, and 8:

Yes, summer reading is required—but we’ve made it fun and flexible!
Here’s what you need to know:

• You’ll read one book of your choice (from the provided list or one you get approved by a teacher).
• You’ll complete one piece of evidence showing what you learned (again, options provided, but creativity is welcome with approval!).
• The project is due the first week of the 2025–2026 school year and will be graded.

Think of this as your chance to start the new school year strong, impress your teachers, and maybe even discover a new favorite book or author along the way!

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So grab a book, find a cozy spot (or sunny beach chair), and let your imagination soar.
Happy summer reading—your brain will thank you!

The Curiosity Cube is back! Lehigh Valley Academy recently welcomed this exciting mobile science lab, developed by MilliporeSigma, for a two-day visit that brought the future of technology straight to our campus.

Housed in a 22×10-foot retrofitted shipping container, the Curiosity Cube® is a traveling laboratory offering hands-on experiments led by real scientists. The mission? To spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders through interactive learning—and it definitely delivered!

This year’s theme focused on artificial intelligence, and our 4th, 5th, and middle school students dove into experiments that helped them better understand how AI is being used in real-world scenarios.

2025 AI-Themed Experiments Included:

• Match Game / Think Like AI: Students explored how machine learning works by discovering how AI can recognize patterns and learn from data—just like the human brain!
• AI and Self-Driving Vehicles: Using Ozobots, students created custom paths for these tiny robots to safely travel to and from school, mimicking the decision-making process of self-driving cars.
• Guess Who?! Real or AI? In this fun and challenging experiment, students had to decide whether images were real or AI-generated—sparking discussions about digital literacy and the evolving role of AI in media and art.

A Look Back: The 2023 Visit

This isn’t the first time the Curiosity Cube visited LVA! Back in 2023, the mobile lab arrived with a focus on environmental contamination, offering students the chance to explore the impact of pollution and germs on our daily lives.

2023 Contamination-Themed Experiments Included:

• Exploring environmental contamination in everyday materials and surroundings.
• Using VR technology to identify contaminants on classroom surfaces and learn prevention methods.
• Testing beverages for contamination using real scientific instruments.

The 2023 visit helped students make meaningful connections between science and real-life issues—like food safety, sanitation, and environmental responsibility.

MilliporeSigma says one of the major goals of the Curiosity Cube is to close the hands-on science gap in Title 1 schools, where more than half of students often miss out on STEM opportunities. Another priority is helping fuel interest in science-based careers, as STEM jobs are projected to grow twice as fast as non-STEM jobs according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Who knew a 22×10-foot shipping container could be so fun?

Touring across North America, Europe, and now Africa, the Curiosity Cube brings STEM to life for over 60,000 students. Since its launch in 2017, it has reached more than 230,000 students across 14 countries. Feedback shows that 88% of students express a greater interest in science after participating.

We’re honored to be a part of this global experience once again and so proud of the enthusiasm and curiosity our students brought to each experiment.

Thank you to MilliporeSigma and the Curiosity Cube team for continuing to make science exciting and accessible!

For more information about the Curiosity Cube and its mission, visit thecuriositycube.com.

The Education Foundation of Lehigh Valley Academy proudly hosted its 2nd Annual Fundraising Evening—and what a night it was! Held at the iconic National Museum of Industrial History, the event welcomed over 60 guests for an evening filled with music, food, connection, and a shared commitment to advancing student success.

What is LVAEF?

The Lehigh Valley Academy Education Foundation (LVAEF or Foundation) supports the vision of LVA through philanthropic efforts. Our goal is to assist in creating opportunities to enhance students’ abilities, enabling them to emerge as life-long learners ready to embrace the challenges of a diverse global society.

Celebrating Community & Opportunity

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and purpose. The crowd was treated to live music from Drugstore Cheaters, and dined on delicious fare catered by Willow Street Pub. The museum’s rich industrial setting provided the perfect backdrop for an evening designed to inspire generosity and celebrate impact.

Throughout the night, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a lively silent auction, exchange stories with fellow supporters, and learn more about the Foundation’s mission—to remove financial barriers and open doors for LVA students to pursue higher education.

Supporting Student Success

The funds raised during the event directly support students at Lehigh Valley Academy in earning up to 25 college credits through IB exams, helping them gain a head start on their academic journey and ensuring that access to opportunity isn’t dictated by financial limitations. This is about more than fundraising—this is about shaping futures.

With Gratitude to Our Sponsors

We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors, whose support made this event possible:

• Lehigh Valley Private Equity Fund
• Alvin H. Butz, Inc.
• BSI Corporate Benefits
• Print-O-Stat
• Arbor Insurance Group
• LifeSpan
• Metz Culinary Management
• Terraform Engineering, LLC

Your partnership fuels the work we do—and we couldn’t do it without you.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on this incredible evening, we’re already looking forward to next year. If you’re interested in becoming a partner or sponsor, please visit our website at lvaef.org or reach out to our Foundation team for more information.

Together, we’re creating lasting change—one student at a time.