Lehigh Valley Academy RCS

LVA’s spring musical is set to rock the stage—Bye Bye Birdie is coming to town! Set in the swingin’ 1950s, this classic follows rock idol Conrad Birdie’s whirlwind farewell before he’s drafted, with plenty of comedy, heart, and toe-tapping tunes. From energetic teen ensembles to standout character roles (think Albert, Rosie, Kim, the MacAfees, and more), there’s a place for every performer—singers, dancers, and storytellers alike.

Audition Details

• Auditions: November 10–14
• Sign-Up Deadline: November 5
• How to Register: Use the sign-up link here or email Ms. Pascale.
  (Additional audition specifics—materials, times, and callbacks—are posted on the sign-up page.)

Bring your best energy, your love of rock ’n’ roll, and get ready to help us transform the LVA stage into Sweet Apple, U.S.A.!

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Community Spotlight: LVA Hearts the Arts

We’re thrilled to celebrate four members of our LVA community who have been cast in Civic Theatre of Allentown’s production of A Christmas Carol:

• Kelly & Caiden Baer — Kelly Baer, Chairman of the Education Foundation of LVA, joins her son Caiden, who will play the lead role of Tiny Tim!
• Odessa & Jace Langlais — Odessa Langlais appears as Mrs. Fezziwig, while her son Jace takes on the incredible role of Scrooge at just 13 years old!

Cheer them on and make it a family night at the theatre! Performance details and tickets are available through the Civic Theatre of Allentown: A Christmas Carol – Upcoming Performances

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Whether you’re auditioning for Bye Bye Birdie or supporting our Jaguars on a professional stage, thank you for keeping the arts vibrant in our community. Break a leg, everyone!

Next week, Lehigh Valley Academy’s 12th graders will take part in SAT School Day, giving students the opportunity to complete this important college readiness exam right here at school.

Introduced in 2010 and offered at LVA since 2021, SAT School Day was created to make the test more accessible and equitable for students who may face challenges attending weekend testing—such as work schedules, family responsibilities, or transportation issues. Testing at LVA allows students to perform in a familiar, supportive environment surrounded by peers and staff they know.

As our College Counselor explained:

“SAT School Day helps make the SAT more accessible to students that may not be able to gain access to weekend testing. It also gives them the chance to test in their own school environment. Even if we were approved as a weekend test site, we would continue offering School Day because of the difference it makes for our students. Many take the SAT for the first or second time here at LVA to try for a higher score—and they feel much more comfortable doing so.”

While testing days can sometimes feel stressful or disruptive, opportunities like these are essential stepping stones for our students’ futures. To help seniors feel prepared and confident, here are a few key tips to study smarter—not harder—this week:

1. Create a Realistic Schedule
   Plan your study sessions around your daily routine and responsibilities. A balanced approach helps you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Take Short Breaks
   Avoid long cram sessions—short, focused study blocks with breaks in between improve focus and memory retention.
3. Use a Variety of Study Tools
   Flashcards, online practice tests, and apps like Khan Academy can help reinforce key skills and keep studying engaging.
4. Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition
   Rest and healthy meals can make a huge difference in energy, focus, and test performance.
5. Reflect and Review
   At the end of each study session, jot down areas you want to revisit. Tracking progress helps boost confidence and clarity before test day.
6. Keep the Big Picture in Mind
   Remember, the SAT is just one step in your academic journey. Growth, effort, and perseverance are what truly define success.

LVA is proud to offer this opportunity and to continue supporting our Jaguars as they prepare for the next step in their educational journey. Good luck, Class of 2026—you’ve got this!

Each year, Lehigh Valley Academy proudly welcomes an author or illustrator to connect with our students and inspire a love of reading. Our Elementary Author Visits and book signings—typically held once or twice a year—give our youngest Jaguars a chance to meet the creators behind their favorite stories. Our middle school students also enjoy author meet and greets, continuing this tradition of fostering creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for literature.

Last week, we were honored to host Juana Martinez-Neal, a Caldecott Honor recipient and New York Times–bestselling illustrator. K–5 families enjoyed an engaging presentation, hands-on illustration activity, and special book signing experience. The first 100 families to register even received a complimentary copy of her beautiful picture book, Zonia’s Rain Forest.

About the Author:
Juana Martinez-Neal is the recipient of the 2019 Caldecott Honor for Alma and How She Got Her Name—her debut picture book as author-illustrator. She also received the 2020 Robert F. Sibert Medal for Fry Bread: A Native American Story and the 2018 Pura Belpré Medal for La Princesa and the Pea. Her many accolades include being named to the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honor List in 2014 and earning the SCBWI Portfolio Showcase Grand Prize in 2012.

Born in Lima, Peru, Juana now lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children. Her multicultural background shines through her work, where she blends warmth, storytelling, and heritage into every page.

In Her Own Words:

“My work is all about playing.
Playing with materials, playing with ideas.
And in the midst of playing, I found a life making books.
It is my hope to pass that curiosity and playfulness to everyone I meet.”

Moments like these are especially meaningful for our elementary students—when imaginations bloom and a love for books begins to take root. Encouraging children to explore new genres and connect with authors helps nurture creativity and empathy, aligning perfectly with LVA’s mission as an IB World School.

Lehigh Valley Academy was honored to welcome Congressman Ryan Mackenzie for a special campus visit recognizing the achievements of Aryash, an 8th grader at LVA.

During an assembly, Congressman Mackenzie presented Aryash with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for his outstanding contributions to science and innovation. Aryash, a 2025 PA State Merit Winner in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, earned this distinction for his invention, GreenBeam — a solar-powered AI robot designed to remove weeds without chemicals. By reducing harmful herbicide runoff, GreenBeam not only promotes sustainable farming practices but also helps protect coral reefs and the environment.

Aryash exemplifies the IB traits of being an Inquirer and Thinker, as he asked meaningful questions, explored possibilities, and developed a creative solution to a real-world challenge. His commitment also shows how an IB Communicator can share ideas that inspire action and change. Most importantly, Aryash’s work reflects the Caring nature of our students, as his invention focuses on protecting the environment for future generations.

Congressman Mackenzie concluded his visit with a tour of the school building and spent time taking photos with our enthusiastic students, leaving them inspired by the recognition of one of their peers. Aryash’s accomplishments remind us how the IB Learner Profile traits help shape the next generation of innovators and leaders! 

Learn more about Aryash and GreenBeam:
🎥 Watch his story
📰 The Morning Call feature
📰 Lehigh Valley News article

#Innovation #STEM #GreenBeam #LVAProud #FutureLeaders #CongressionalRecognition #YoungScientistChallenge

What better way to begin middle school than with three days of learning, teamwork, and adventure? Each year, our 6th Grade Jaguars head to Camp Canadensis for an unforgettable MYP kickoff experience.

This tradition gives students the chance to dive into the Middle Years Programme from day one—through a mix of STEAM activities, athletics, first aid skills, and hands-on lessons in math, writing, art, and science. Along the way, they discover the power of collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity while surrounded by the great outdoors.

Guided by our LVA junior and senior counselors, campers build strong bonds with classmates, tackle team-building challenges, and embrace what it means to be an IB Learner: reflective, courageous, and endlessly curious. Of course, there’s also plenty of time for campfires, games, and making memories that last all year long!

This 3-day adventure isn’t just a camp—it’s the first step in their MYP journey, one that builds confidence, friendships, and school spirit. Keep an eye out in this year’s Middle School Yearbook for more photos and stories from Camp Canadensis!

At Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, we believe that learning should spark curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students to thrive in a complex world. That’s why we proudly offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). Rooted in inquiry, creativity, and global awareness, the PYP helps young learners become active, lifelong learners.

Here are 10 powerful reasons why the PYP is the right foundation for our students at LVA:

1. Caring and responsible citizens: Students learn to express their ideas, share opinions, and propose meaningful solutions that positively impact their lives and the lives of others.
2. It encourages students to inquire: Children are naturally curious. The PYP nurtures that curiosity, guiding students to explore, ask questions, and discover answers in collaborative environments.
3. Understanding a complex and interdependent world: Through real-world issues, students learn to make meaning for themselves and see how interconnected the world truly is.
4. PYP students are confident communicators: Our students develop the ability to communicate in many ways—and in more than one language—helping them become effective speakers, listeners, and collaborators.
5. Learning how to learn: Students don’t just learn facts—they learn how to learn. By working alongside teachers and peers, they gain skills to plan, present, and evaluate their own growth.
6. It encourages international-mindedness: Respect, empathy, and open-mindedness are at the core of the PYP. Students learn to value other cultures and perspectives while developing a strong sense of their own identity.
7. Seeing things from different perspectives: By using critical and creative thinking, PYP students understand ideas from multiple viewpoints—an essential skill in our diverse and connected world.
8. Students take action: Empowered learners become responsible citizens. PYP students believe they can make a difference, take initiative, and make thoughtful choices in their daily lives.
9. Thinking about issues: Whether local or global, students learn to approach challenges with imagination and problem-solving skills, preparing them to adapt in an ever-changing world.
10. It involves the whole school learning community: The PYP isn’t just for students—it unites teachers, families, and the wider community. Together, we celebrate learning and the belief that education makes the world more peaceful.

A Global Education—Right in Your Backyard

At LVA, the PYP empowers students to become thoughtful, confident, and compassionate learners who are prepared for success not only in school, but in life. We’re proud to provide a world-class education right here in the Lehigh Valley.

Curious to learn more about how your child can thrive at LVA? 

Visit us to see the IB Primary Years Programme in action!

At the heart of the International Baccalaureate (IB) education is a mission to develop not just academic ability but also emotional, social, and physical well-being. Designed for students aged 3 to 19, the IB approach fosters curious, caring, and knowledgeable individuals equipped to face the complexities of the modern world.

The IB Mission and Philosophy

The IB isn’t just about tests and textbooks—it’s about cultivating learners who are inquisitive, principled, and capable of lifelong learning. With over 45 years of educational innovation, the IB programmes focus on:

• Inspiring students to ask questions and set personal goals
• Promoting reasoned decision-making and resilience
• Building confidence for navigating meaningful change
• Encouraging teamwork and mutual respect

These core values align closely with the IB learner profile, a set of attributes that aim to create a more peaceful and better world.

The Four IB Programmes

Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Designed for the youngest learners, the PYP helps children explore concepts across subjects and begin developing the IB learner profile.

Middle Years Programme (MYP)
For students aged 11–16, the MYP connects classroom learning to real-world applications, encouraging interdisciplinary understanding and project-based learning.

Diploma Programme (DP)
Aimed at the final two years of high school, the DP offers rigorous academic coursework and components like the extended essay (EE), theory of knowledge (TOK), and creativity, activity, service (CAS).

Career-related Programme (CP)
The CP blends academic study with career-focused learning, offering flexibility for students to move directly into further education or the workforce.

Measuring Outcomes

IB assessment is unique in its approach. Instead of grading students on a curve, it uses criterion-referenced assessments, meaning students are evaluated against fixed learning objectives. Teachers use formative and summative assessments to give meaningful feedback, guiding students toward continuous improvement.

Discover a world-class education close to home! Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School is proud to offer the full IB continuum—giving your child access to a global education, right in your own backyard.

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For more insights into IB education, visit ibo.org or learn more about what LVA has to offer by visiting lvacademy.org!

Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School (LVA RCS) stands out as 1 of only 4 schools in the United States to offer all four International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes — a distinction that places our school among the nation’s most comprehensive and globally-minded learning institutions.

From kindergarten through 12th grade, LVA empowers students to become inquirers, critical thinkers, and compassionate leaders prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Through the IB continuum, students develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to navigate life with purpose and confidence.

The IB Continuum at LVA: A Program for Every Stage of Learning

Primary Years Programme (PYP) – Grades K–5

The PYP sets the foundation for lifelong learning by nurturing curiosity and fostering a love for inquiry. Students explore key transdisciplinary themes such as “Who We Are,” “Where We Are in Place and Time,” and “How the World Works.” This approach connects learning across subjects and encourages meaningful exploration of both local and global contexts. LVA PYP students are empowered to take ownership of their learning, reflect on their growth, and develop the tools needed for academic and personal success.

Middle Years Programme (MYP) – Grades 6–10

The MYP provides a framework of academic challenge and life skills through six Global Contexts, including:

• Identities and Relationships
• Personal and Cultural Expression
• Scientific and Technical Innovation
• Globalization and Sustainability
• Orientation in Space and Time
• Fairness and Development

By Year 5, students complete a Personal Project that demonstrates their independent learning and understanding of key concepts. Another cornerstone of the MYP is Service as Action, which allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world community settings and develop a sense of responsibility and global citizenship.

Diploma Programme (DP) – Grades 11–12

Recognized globally for its academic rigor, the DP challenges students through a comprehensive curriculum that includes:

• Literature and Language Studies
• Individuals and Societies (e.g., politics, history, psychology)
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• The Arts

Students must also complete three core components:

• Theory of Knowledge – exploring how knowledge is acquired and understood
• Extended Essay – an independent research paper on a topic of personal interest
• Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) – hands-on experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom

Successful DP students often graduate with college credits and a portfolio of experience that prepares them for university and beyond.

Career-related Programme (CP) – Grades 11–12

The CP blends rigorous academic study with practical, career-related learning. LVA currently offers CP pathways through Project Lead the Way in Biomedical Science and Engineering. All CP students take DP English, a DP language course, and a DP elective of their choice. Math and science requirements are also met through these specialized tracks.

The CP has four core components:

1. Personal and Professional Skills – life skills development tailored to career interests
2. Language Development – a portfolio-based approach to expanding communication in a second language
3. Reflective Project – an ethical investigation related to the student’s career pathway
4. Service Learning – meaningful community involvement that enhances personal and professional growth

The IB Learner Profile: Shaping Global Citizens

At the heart of every IB programme is the IB Learner Profile — a set of 10 attributes that reflect the values of the IB community. LVA encourages students to be:

• Inquirers – curious and eager to learn
• Thinkers – applying critical thinking to real-world issues
• Communicators – confident in expressing ideas
• Risk-takers – unafraid of new challenges
• Knowledgeable – exploring a broad and balanced curriculum
• Principled – acting with integrity and fairness
• Caring – showing empathy and respect
• Open-minded – appreciating diverse perspectives
• Balanced – maintaining well-being and perspective
• Reflective – learning from experiences to grow

At Lehigh Valley Academy RCS, the IB continuum is more than a curriculum — it’s a mission to prepare students not only for college and careers but also for life as thoughtful, compassionate global citizens. Whether through inquiry-based learning in kindergarten or service-based projects in high school, our Jaguars are empowered to think critically, act responsibly, and lead with purpose.