AV Friends Series kicks off

In November, Allegheny Valley began an AV Friends Series, where alumni, community members, and other friends visit the District to support learning in the classrooms. The program brings individuals to the buildings to share their talents, skills, and stories with students. Friends are able to work with the classes to help provide an understanding of community.

The program kicked off with friend and alumnus Joseph Sbaffoni, who, in 2002, led rescue efforts at QueCreek Mine. Sbaffoni spoke with high school students about the nine miners who were trapped underground for five days. He walked the students through the process that administrators and responders went through to bring the miners out alive. Students were able to ask questions and have a conversation about emergencies and the coal mining industry.
Sbaffoni is a 1970 graduate of Springdale High School and inducted into the District’s Alumni Hall of Fame in 2004.

Dr. Jennifer Naviglia continued the program as a guest reader in the second grade classrooms. Naviglia recently wrote and released the book “K-9 Merlyn: Officer Extraordinaire.” The book tells the story of Officer Merlyn through the K-9’s point of view, detailing his duties and daily routine. Naviglia read the story, discussing various vocabulary words with students. Students were then surprised with a visit from the local police chief, who happens to be Naviglia’s husband, and his current K-9 police dog. Students were able to see the K9 and ask the chief questions about the dog.

The program has exceeded expectations to introduce students to people in their community, learn about various careers and skill sets, and provide students with information about current events and the world around them. The District will continue this program throughout the school year.