Middle School

Four parents visited the middle school today to talk with students about their careers. Two of the parents work at a university, while the others are a physical therapist and an insurance contract negotiator. They shared insights about educational requirements, day-to-day responsibilities, and important factors to consider when choosing a career, such as flexibility and work-life balance. Students had the opportunity to try physical therapy devices such as a grip-strength tester and received free "swag" from the presenters.

On Friday, February 6, our 6th graders enjoyed a day celebrating their achievements from the past marking period.

Students rotated through fun stations throughout the day, including trivia games, a school store, and a movie.

A special pizza party was held during lunch for Mrs. Powell’s Section 4, the winners of the 2nd marking period competition, The Race to the Pizza Party. Throughout the marking period, Mrs. Powell’s classes competed by earning individual AR points and working together as a team.

Section 4 finished with an impressive 613 points!

Congratulations to our 6th graders on a successful 2nd marking period! 🍕🎉

🌟 7th Grade Students of the Month 🌟

Congratulations to the following 7th grade students for their outstanding achievements in January:

🔬 Science: Alexis Andes
📚 ELA: Audrina Stefanowicz
➗ Math: Maddison Williams
🌍 Geography: Jovie Stahl

🎉 5th Grade SoCo Stars of the Month for January 🎉

These students were selected for demonstrating self‑control, tolerance, academic integrity, and resilience within the school setting.

January 2026 Honorees:
Ivy Margel, Emma Avellino, Ethan Heiser, Adalyn Blyler, and Hannah Taylor
Congratulations to each student and their families! ⭐

7th grade life science students wrapped up their unit on the chemicals of life by completing a series of hands-on chemical reaction labs.

Middle school students held a carnival for Southern’s pre-kindergarten students. They generated ideas, built the games, and helped the children play them. The activity was facilitated by Mrs. Long and Mrs. Race.

Calling all softball players in Grades 1st-6th! Join us for the Lady Tiger’s softball camp: a fun, skill-building day for young athletes. Fill out the attached registration form located on our Southern Columbia Softball Facebook and make all checks payable to SCA Softball Boosters. Come learn, train, and play like a Tiger!! 🖤💛

🌟 6th Grade Students of the Month 🌟

We are proud to recognize our outstanding 6th Grade Students of the Month! These students have demonstrated strong effort, a positive attitude, and a commitment to learning in their respective classes. Keep up the great work!

📚 ELA – Mrs. Powell: CeAsia Graham
➗ Math – Mr. Fegley: Firman Abdill
🔬 Science – Mr. Kaseman: Brady Boucher
🌎 Social Studies – Mr. Visnosky: Nathan Snyder

🎉 5th Grade Celebration! 🎉

Our 5th graders earned a well-deserved celebration by consistently demonstrating the core values of our SoCo Stars: Self-Control, Tolerance, Academic Integrity, and Resilience. Their hard work and positive choices were rewarded with a fun-filled day that included shopping at the TEAM Bucks Store, competing in a Winter Olympic Trivia Game, enjoying a movie and pancake breakfast, and relaxing with board games. We’re so proud of these students for shining bright and setting a great example!

⭐8th GRADE SOCO STARS⭐

Lincoln Barnette comes to science class every day with a positive attitude, a healthy sense of humor, and a desire to share his enthusiasm with the school community. He shows school spirit and loyalty through his participation in various extracurricular activities, and his commitment to dressing up for spirit days is both fearless and legendary. Lincoln is dedicated to his learning, putting forth the expected effort; he participates in class discussions and puts his energy into standing out creatively to make his class projects memorable. Each day, Lincoln leaves his mark on everyone he encounters, and he does so in a consistently positive way. He embodies every character trait that is hoped for in students, making him a fine role model for his peers.

Tia Tobias consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of responsibility, always completing her work thoroughly, thoughtfully, and on time in ELA. Her strong work ethic is matched by the high quality of her assignments, which consistently reflect care and attention to detail. Tia sets a positive example for her classmates every day simply by doing what she knows is right and giving her best effort. She also shines as a kind and considerate member of the classroom community, treating both peers and teachers with respect, kindness, and maturity. Her calm presence, strong character, and consistent dedication make her highly deserving of recognition.

Amelia Dewald consistently submits high‑quality work on time and follows directions the first time without ever needing redirection. Although she is quiet, she contributes appropriately and thoughtfully during class discussions. Amelia exemplifies leadership through her actions, serving as a positive role model for her peers by consistently demonstrating respectful and responsible behavior. She walks appropriately in the halls, enters the classroom respectfully, and shows kindness to everyone she encounters. She is truly deserving of this recognition.

Liliana McGeary consistently strives for mastery in math class and approaches each day with intense and unstoppable determination. She brings a positive attitude to class, refuses to be distracted, and helps foster a strong academic culture within the school. Her respect for teachers and peers is admirable, and she serves as a wonderful role model for both her classmates and younger students.

Due to the week's closures and delays, the following lunch menu will be used at SCA High School/Middle School:

TODAY, 1-28-26: Build You Hot Dog:  Choice of Sauerkraut/Chili/Cheese; Steamed Green Beans, Sliced Pears
TOMORROW, 1-29-26:  Meatloaf w/ WG Dinner Roll; Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy; Mandarin Oranges
FRIDAY, 1-30-26:  Detroit Style Pepperoni Pizza; Broccoli w/ Cheese Sauce; Ruby Applesauce

7th grader Aaliyah Rowe stepped into the role of teacher as she designed and led a presentation and hands‑on activity for Mrs. Pfirman's 3rd grade class. Aaliyah created an interactive lesson on the solar system and then guided students as they designed their own planets. 🌟🪐

Save the date for the 2026 Daddy/Daughter Dance on April 10 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM for girls in grades K–5. See the flyer for more details! 🩰

Yesterday, middle school students participated in the Columbia/Montour Middle School County Choir. The festival was organized and hosted by Mr. McWilliams and held at Commonwealth University. The students had the opportunity to work with Dr. Amelia Garbisch, a professor of music at the university, and put together a concert with over 100 other students from seven different school districts in our area.

Southern Columbia participants:

Ainsley Gajkowski
Tia Tobias
Haley Hampton
Aubrey Helwig
Jocelyn Rarig
Reese Thorpe
Amelia DeWald
Michael Williams

Last evening, for the first time under one roof, our junior high and varsity girls’ wrestlers faced off against Muncy. Our Lady Tigers made history this season by becoming the first-ever Southern Columbia Girls Wrestling Team.

Our school is incredibly proud of our new girls’ wrestling team and the hard work, dedication, and trailblazing spirit they bring to the mat!

Tomorrow, January 15, the Soup/Sandwich Line at SCA HS/MS will not be open due to staffing shortage. A la carte snack offerings will be sold from the main kitchen area. Normal service will resume on Friday, January 16. Thank you for your understanding.