Quaker Valley Teachers Kick Off the School Year with Pep

An electrifying mix of culture and excitement traveled Monday through the halls and into the  auditorium, where teachers and staff gathered for their first day back to class.

“You can just feel the culture of Quaker Valley and the excellence that is throughout your district,” Linda Hippert, executive director of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, told about 300 teachers, staff and administrators who filled the room for the annual back-to-school kickoff.

Hippert, who led the greeting, said several staff members personally greeted her, and she could sense everyone's excitement.

“That’s what school is all about,” she said.

The morning began with the foot-stomping sounds of the Quaker Valley Marching Band followed by the Pledge of Allegiance from two fifth graders. Quaker Valley 1996 alumni David Crawford, a bass-baritone with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, led a pre-recorded rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner and the alma mater before offering some of his own advice.

"Give your students the support they need because anything can happen," he said. 

Cheerleaders took to the stage to get the crowd involved in a spirited exchange of “We are, QV.”

Principals took turns welcoming new staff to their buildings, and Sarah Heres, school board vice president, welcomed new and returning teachers on behalf of the board.

Superintendent Joseph Clapper delivered the final message with a presentation about courage and rising to the challenge.

At times, the room filled with laughter and applause, from the funny anecdotes and slide-show pictures introducing new staff to the humorous video clips, such as a spoof film Clapper created from a collage of action movies to mimic the battle educators face, starring choir teacher and musical director Lou Valenzi.

Laughter offered a great start to a school year that required a great deal of moving and refiguring in order to get the classrooms ready for when students return next week. 

Clapper said the kickoff takes place every year on the opening day for teachers. 

“This sets the stage for a great school year,” Clapper said. “It brings everybody together with a common theme and gives a sense of optimism.”

Besides talk about anti-bullying and paper waste reduction, Clapper spoke about the middle school building project timeline and the flawless transition during the summer to temporary classrooms. 

Clapper said teachers locally and nationally face many challenges, such as deep funding cuts, but he offered encouragement.

“We’re looking forward to a great 2011-12 school year,” he said. “There are a lot of big trees we’re going to be facing…but we will get the job done,” he said.