Stories
Posts Tagged "Staff Spotlight"
New Faculty Spotlight: Miss Miller
August 26, 2024
There's a new face in the kindergarten room, and it's our newest teacher, Miss Miller! We are very happy to have Miss Jenna Miller on staff this year. She is a recent graduate of Geneva College and holds a BA in Elementary Education and K-12 Special Education. She learned of the opportunity from friends who are on staff at PCS.
Jenna wanted to be a teacher because she loves seeing children grow, discover God's creation around them, and be a light to other children. When we asked Jenna why she chose PCS she replied, “I wanted to work somewhere that I could glorify God in my teachings. I want to be able to tell my students about Jesus and His love for them! Also, having a staff who I know loves and lives for Jesus is amazing to have!” We are so happy to see that she sees the value in Christian education!
Outside of PCS, Miss Miller enjoys travel, shopping, and doing activities outside, such as fishing. She also said that she already feels welcomed and loved at PCS. If you happen to see Miss Miller, introduce yourself and welcome her to the Warrior Family!
New Faculty Spotlight: Mrs. Updegraff
August 19, 2024
We want to offer a warm welcome to Hannah Updegraff, our new 4th grade teacher! Hannah will be teaching 4th grade Social Studies, Math, Spelling, and Bible along with 3rd grade Spelling and Social Studies. Hannah did her undergraduate at Geneva College where she obtained certification in Elementary Education (Pre-K through 4th grade) and Special Education (Pre-K through 8th grade). She has previously taught at Penn Christian Academy. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys gardening, cross-stitching, and baking pies (yum!). We are very happy to welcome her to the Warrior Family!
Hannah chose PCS because she wanted to serve the Lord in teaching and find a place closer to home where she could serve the students in the community. So far, Hannah has found PCS to be an encouraging environment rooted in sharing the love of Christ with others. She adds that “Everyone has been so helpful and inviting me into sharing the school community with them.”
When asked how to advise a family considering sending their child to PCS, Hannah replied that, “Students at PCS will be taught to be a warrior for Christ in every area; they will be strengthen in their Christian walk through the supportive network of teachers and staff and be encouraged to grow as a child of the King!.”
New Staff Spotlight: Lydia
August 15, 2024
Lydia Lowery is one of the newest staff members to join the PCS Warrior Family. Lydia, a 2020 PCS alum, is our new Development Director. Lydia holds both an Associate's Degree in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor's Degree in Rhetoric and Writing from Lancaster Bible College. She is also employed by Portersville Presbyterian Church as their Youth Director. When not working, Lydia enjoys playing volleyball, reading, gardening, and spending time with her family and close friends. She is a busy young lady!
Lydia is looking forward to making a difference at PCS. When asked why she chose this career path, Lydia commented, “I have a strong passion for Christian Education and cultivating a love for Christ in the hearts of students. I believe that investing in the future generation is one of the most valuable things we can do.” She adds, “I wholeheartedly believe in the vision and mission of PCS. The teachers and staff poured so much into me as a student; I want to help preserve the legacy of PCS by investing my time and effort into it's mission as an adult.”
Lydia would like prospective families to know that coming to PCS is like becoming a part of a family. “Your family will be loved and your students will be treated well. Private Christian education may be a sacrifice, but it is one worth making!” She would encourage anyone who is looking for ways to support the school, to contact her…she would love to talk!
We are looking forward to seeing Lydia make her mark at PCS as our Development Director! Welcome to the Warrior Family, Lydia!
Posts Tagged "Staff Spotlight"
Mr. Grove
October 26, 2023
Mr. Grove is in his second year of teaching Bible at PCS. He also is a PCS alum, having attended PCS grades 7-12. Besides his work at PCS, Mr. Grove stays busy spending time with friends hiking, playing games, or hanging out. Mr. Grove is also busy planning a wedding! This summer he will be marrying, Leah, a former PCS classmate who he got to know while they were both participating in the PCS musical when they were in high school. Fast forward seven years and they are tying the knot!
This year Mr. Grove is teaching 9th grade how to read the Bible, and he says that he has enjoyed spending time preparing for that class. He adds that it has helped shape how he can read the Bible in the way it is designed to be read. In extracurricular activities, Mr. Grove coached the Junior High Soccer Team this year. He has also taught the Pickleball elective class this semester, which was not a stretch for him since he has helped coach Seneca Valley's Tennis team in the past. Mr. Grove also does some reading in his spare time, and is currently reading “You Are What You Love” by James Smith. We are thankful for our teachers and are especially happy when a former PCS student wants to come back and join the faculty!
Mrs. Picerno
October 17, 2023
Mrs. Picerno has been at PCS for 29 years as our music teacher. She has put on many concerts and touched many students' lives! This year, Mrs. Picerno is excited about teaching Music Appreciation for the first time. Her favorite part about being the music teacher is being able to teach Christian songs and getting students excited about music. She also loves that she now has students who are children of former students! She also can count several current faculty members among the students she has taught. In her free time, Mrs. Picerno likes to read and do embroidery. She also looks forward to her annual trip to Disney World. We are excited about another year with Mrs. Picerno at the helm of our Music department!
Meagan Summerville
New Teacher Profile
So far, this has been everything I was hoping teaching would be...
Susanne Hamelly
New Teacher Profile
I have loved art since I was a small child and after having art classes in high school, I knew that I wanted to be an art teacher. My love of learning and art...
Mr. Jack Garvin
New Teacher Profile
I went to a Christian school and I always wanted to teach at a Christian school. I have also had some coaching experience that I enjoyed and felt that teaching...
Abby S
Well Done, Warrior!
I have enjoyed the time with my friends and also 9th period...
Ruth
Well Done, Warrior!
While there are other things I am going to miss, I think the biggest would be the sense of community I have within Portersville. Teachers make up a big portion of this community...
Anna
Well Done, Warrior!
I will miss lots of things about PCS, but primarily the people. I will miss seeing Chuck's smile every morning. I will miss each of the teachers I have had over the years...
Garrett
Well Done, Warrior!
Pay attention. Learn to love the good. Pay attention in school, especially...
Sophia
Well Done, Warrior!
The teachers at PCS are wonderful at helping you through, but learning to take the challenges and persevere through them...
Carley
Well Done, Warrior!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths."
Abby
Well Done, Warrior!
I have learned a lot, but something important that I have learned is how we need to keep searching, learning, pushing, and growing, especially in our faith...
Aleks
Well Done, Warrior!
I encourage the other classes to make the most of the time they have left at PCS. There are so many valuable things that can be obtained academically, spiritually, physically, and relationally. You will carry these things...
Elsie
Well Done, Warrior!
God’s got control of all of it so try to keep your focus on him and you’ll be fine.
Dominick
Well Done, Warrior!
Homework is important, but don't let it take the joy of enjoying experiences that...
Katharine
Well Done, Warrior!
School is not always about the grades. Slow down and really think about...
Gretchen Burr
Alumni Spotlight
PCS instilled a strong academic work ethic and Biblical worldview. We read the Bible daily and studied it in depth in our classes...
Erin Onderko
Alumni Spotlight
Thanks to my College Within High School courses at PCS, I graduated college a semester early...
Sarah Slater
Alumni Spotlight
Sarah added that she enjoyed her extracurricular activities and that she felt PCS...
Catie Morley
Alumni Spotlight
Without a doubt PCS was a key factor into the adult I have become and helped set a firm foundation so...
Mary Kruse
Alumni Spotlight
I gained confidence in my abilities in sports, musicals, and serving because of the faculty who empowered me to do so...
Dalton Arblaster
Alumni Spotlight
I really enjoyed my time at PCS. I loved all of the teachers who took the extra time to...
Ken Lin
Alumni Spotlight
Ken Lin "Lincoln" attended PCS in the 2017-2018 school year. He participated in...
The Schuffert Family
New Family Story
We just started at the school, but we have already been welcomed in and...
The Szlembarski Family
New Family Story
PCS teaches a biblical worldview and provides...
The LoDico Family
New Family Story
Even though it's only the third week of school, my kids have had opportunities to serve the school, invitations to join teams....
Mrs. Richardson
New Staff Story!
We asked Shanan why she chose PCS, she said, “I love the Christian atmosphere and the wonderful people. I also like getting to know the students and their families...
Mrs. Charles
New Faculty Story
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to work with children. I loved helping with the younger kids at church and with my younger brother. I remember planning and running his 6th birthday party. :-) As I became older, that passion grew into...
Mr. Grove
New Faculty Story
When we asked Eli why he wanted to be a teacher, he replied, “I was deeply impacted by my teachers at PCS. I hope to have a similar impact on the next generation of students.”
Mrs. Peterson
New Faculty Story
I very much enjoyed teaching in public school, but I always felt a lack of connection with my students. I wasn't able to fully share my faith...
Mrs. Fetherlin
New Faculty Story
When we asked Deb why she chose PCS, she replied, “Our family chose PCS first for the community and stability for our three kids. They had a great first year at PCS...
Christian
Well Done, Warrior!
Christian has been at PCS for eight years and says that among his favorite memories are all of the years he played sports at PCS. He also says that...
Lyeric
Well Done, Warrior!
Lyeric has been at PCS for six years. She said an especially fond memory was playing the...
Tristen
Well Done, Warrior!
Tristen has been at PCS for ten years. He said that he values the fact that he has learned more about...
Matthys
Well Done, Warrior!
Like several others in his graduating class, Matthys has been at PCS for 13 years! He says that his fondest memories are...
Sam
Well Done, Warrior!
Sam has been a member of PCS Class of 2022 for...
Mark
Well Done, Warrior!
Mark was a “founding member” of the PCS Class of 2022, having started in...
Cassie
Well Done, Warrior!
When asked about an especially valuable thing she has learned at PCS, Cass responded, “In Mr. Wise's Bible classes I have learned SO MUCH that is so important. Once he said that...
Samuel
Well Done, Warrior!
Sam said he's learned that the teachers really do care about...
Avery
Well Done, Warrior!
Avery is the longest standing member of PCS's Class of 2022 having...
Katie
Well Done, Warrior!
Katie has been at PCS for almost three years. A favorite memory of Katie's is going to a JV volleyball tournament and cheering the JV girls on with...
Brandi
Well Done, Warrior
We asked Brandi if she had a scripture verse that has been meaningful to her this year. She replied...
Kaylin
Well Done, Warrior!
Kaylin has been at PCS for 14 years--since pre-school! When we asked Kaylin about fond memories of her time at PCS, she mentioned that...
Zoe
Well Done, Warrior!
She went on to add that the most valuable thing she has learned is...
Lauren
Well Done, Warrior!
Lauren has been at PCS for five years. Her favorite memories involve performing in the musicals, hanging out with...
Allyssa
Well Done, Warrior!
Allyssa noted that she has learned that God's timing is always perfect, even if it may not seem...
Natalie
Well Done, Warrior!
Natalie started at PCS just this year, and she has been a great addition to the Class of 2022! Her favorite...
Audrey
Well Done, Warrior!
Audrey said the best memories were of the many soccer and basketball tournaments and getting to travel, hangout, and spend time with...
Erien
Well Done, Warrior!
Erien is our next "spotlight senior". Erien has been at PCS for nine years. When asked what she will miss the most, Erien said that she will miss her classes with Mrs Myers. "Spanish has been a blast. When...
Joel
Well Done, Warrior!
Joel has been at PCS since 7th grade and he says that he is thankful that he has found groups of friends that have been there for him all these years, and who will stay ...