Peer Mediation to Strengthen Student Connections at S-VE
Spencer-Van Etten Central School District is launching a Peer Mediation Program this fall for students in both the middle and high schools. Supported by a New York State Education Department grant, the program is designed to promote communication, empathy and conflict resolution among students. S-VE is one of 13 districts across the state selected to receive funding for peer mediation. The initiative is also supported in partnership with the Community Dispute Resolution Center and the New York State Unified Court System. Twenty-five students in grades 6–12 will be trained as peer mediators. Middle school mediators will work with students in grades 6–8, while high school mediators will serve both schools. Training will include 15 hours of instruction and four workshops throughout the year. High School Assistant Principal Beth Ruocco, who has worked with CDRC on the initiative, said she expects the training to complement the district’s new cell phone policy. She believes the combination of peer mediation and limited phone use will encourage more in-person interactions and help students develop lifelong communication skills.
Four S-VE Students Participate in Statewide Honor Band
Spencer-Van Etten Middle School students Rowan Leonard, Niko Delaney, Logan Thorne and Mason Keller were selected to perform in the inaugural New York State Elementary Honor Band Festival on Aug. 13 at Ithaca College. The four were among 90 instrumentalists from across the state who worked with guest conductors Michael Struzik and Jackie Kovacs, attended a jazz performance and performed in a collegiate venue. S-VE Middle School Band Director Melinda Smith also joined colleagues from across New York in a special directors’ performance. The festival gave S-VE’s young musicians the opportunity to collaborate with peers, learn from guest conductors and gain valuable experience beyond their local program.
Spotlight on S-VE Fall Sports
Eagles Open Season With 54–13 Victory. The SVEC Eagles football team kicked off its fall season with a commanding 54–13 win in the season opener. The victory set the tone for an exciting season ahead, with players showing strong teamwork and determination on the field. Adding to the atmosphere, the Eagles cheerleaders energized the crowd throughout the game, bringing school spirit and pride to the sidelines. The district congratulates the Eagles on their successful start and looks forward to more highlights this fall.
Panthers Capture Second Place at Corning Tournament
The Spencer-Van Etten varsity volleyball team turned in a strong performance at the 2025 Corning Hawks Varsity Volleyball Tournament, finishing second in the Silver bracket. Throughout the tournament, the Panthers played with energy and resilience, battling through tough matches and showing the value of teamwork and determination. Their efforts stood out among competitive fields and brought pride to the S-VE community. This achievement marks an exciting start to the season as the Panthers continue to build momentum on the court.
Summer Highlights
PANTHERS EXPLORE THE ADIRONDACKS AT CAMP OSWEGATCHIE
Spencer-Van Etten students spent a week this summer exploring the outdoors at Camp Oswegatchie, a 1,200-acre Adirondack camp operated by the New York FFA Association. During the program, students had the chance to kayak and canoe on local ponds, bike rugged trails, ride horses, and experience a 350-foot zipline. They also connected with peers from across the country while building leadership and teamwork skills. The camp experience provided students with opportunities to grow, challenge themselves and embrace new adventures. The district is proud of its Panthers for making the most of this unique summer learning experience.
LEAP Program Engages Young Learners Over the Summer
Spencer-Van Etten’s Pre-K through second grade students stayed active in learning this summer through the district’s LEAP Summer School program. The program featured weekly themed activities and special visits from the Tanglewood Nature Center, Doc Possum and the Science Discovery Center. Students also enjoyed trips to the Bookmobile and the Kids Farmers’ Market, connecting learning with hands-on experiences. In addition to exploring new topics, students built friendships and spent valuable time with their teachers, making LEAP both an academic and social highlight of the summer.
S-VE HONORS 2025 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Spencer-Van Etten Central School District recognized its 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees during a ceremony on July 13 that welcomed about 100 guests, including former athletes, coaches, families and community members. This year’s team inductees were the 1967 basketball team, Section IV champions, and the 1974–75 wrestling team, which captured multiple IAC, Class C and Christmas Tournament titles. Four individuals were also honored: Bill Bryant, longtime coach and teacher; Joan VanRiper, a 21-letter varsity athlete; Margaret Childs, coach of multiple girls sports programs; and Otto Huhta Jr., coach and educator from 1959 to 1971.
SVEAA SUMMER EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Participation by the numbers: þ 8 featured events during Alumni Weekend þ 99 alumni banquet attendees þ 73 golfers teed it up at the SVE Open þ 50 runners crossed the Panther Prowl 5K finish line þ 40% increase in event sponsorship þ 37% increase in scholarship donations þ 6 alumni classes exceeded the $200 class fundraising goal The Class of 1975 showed the highest participation, followed by the Class of 1972, with the Class of 1971 rounding out the top three Alumni Class Sponsors.
Thank You! Your support helped make a difference in our fundraising efforts and in the quality of our events. We share these highlights with gratitude. SAVE THE DATE — 2026 EVENTS: þ Alumni Banquet: July 11 þ SVE Open: July 12 þ Panther Prowl 5K: August 1
Interested in joining or learning more about the SVE Alumni Association? Visit our website at www.svealumni.org, email us at info@svealumni.org or direct mail to: SPENCER-VAN ETTEN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PO Box 226 • Spencer, NY 14883
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS Don Johnson President Sean Vallely Vice President Peter Johanns Karen Johnson Erin Hudak Heidi Mouillesseaux-Kunzman Rick Rogers SUPERINTENDENT Barbara Case
CAPITAL PROJECT VOTE
Community members will have the opportunity to vote on the district’s upcoming capital project this December. Details will be provided soon.