
Shiloh Hills Newsletter
February 2025
What's Happening on the Hill?
Dear Families,
Happy February! As we move into the heart of the school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support. Your involvement in our school community makes a significant difference in the growth and success of our students. Together, we are creating a learning environment where every child feels supported, valued, and inspired to reach their potential.
Important Dates to Remember
February 3: PTO Meeting at 6:00
February 7: ABC Celebration Ice Cream Sundaes & Movie
February 13: Friendship Parties
February 14: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Development
February 17: NO SCHOOL -Presidents’ Day
Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the cold weather, especially up on "THE HILL". Coats, hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes are essential for outdoor recess. If you need assistance providing winter clothing, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help. We will go outside as long as the real feel is above 24 degrees.
Celebrating Kindness and Empathy
This month, we will continue our building focus is on kindness and empathy, aligning with our continued focus on the ABCs: Always Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Care for Everyone. Students will participate in lessons and activities that highlight the importance of understanding others, working together, and showing care for our community. Our Friendship Parties will take place on February 13, a wonderful opportunity for students to practice kindness and build connections with their peers.
To acknowledge our students' efforts following the ABCs in January and February, we will host a monthly celebration featuring an ice cream sundae party, the kindness cart, and raffles that include special experiences with staff members. At home, you can support this theme by modeling and encouraging small acts of kindness. Some ideas include creating a family gratitude jar, helping your child write a kind note to a friend or teacher, or discussing the importance of empathy in daily interactions. Together, we can help our children develop these vital life skills.
Parent-Teacher Connection
As always, your partnership is vital to your child’s success. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or to Dr. Luckey or myself directly. You can connect with teachers by attending conferences, sending emails, or utilizing our parent portal for updates and communication. Spring conferences are coming up on March 13 and 14, providing a wonderful opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and set goals for the remainder of the school year. Open communication strengthens the connection between home and school, and we value your insights. As always, your partnership is vital to your child’s success. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or to me directly. Open communication strengthens the connection between home and school, and we value your insights.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education and for being an essential part of our school community. Let’s make February a month filled with learning, kindness, and connection!
Dr. Kelly O. Byrne
Principal
Shiloh Hills Staff Highlight
Mrs. Judith Baker - 1st grade Teaching Assistant
Hi! My name is Judith Baker and this is my sixth year at Shiloh Hills as a first grade instructional aide and lunch monitor. I have the pleasure of working with Mrs. Boyer and helping the students in her classroom with reading, writing, math and lots of things in between! I love coming to work everyday and having meaningful interactions with our students and learning alongside them. It’s a joy watching them blossom throughout the year. Prior to my time at Shiloh Hills, I earned a BS from Indiana University of PA and a MS from Temple and spent over a dozen years working in the pharmaceutical field as a cancer research biologist. My husband Joel and I live in the Sinking Spring area and have raised our two sons as Wilson Bulldogs. Our son Sean graduated from WHS last year and is currently a freshman nursing major at the University of Pittsburgh. Our son Nate is a sophomore at WHS and is on the water polo and swim teams. When I’m not at school, you’ll find me spending time with family and friends, reading and cheering for the Bulldogs, poolside!
Mrs. Vanessa Caruso - Building Substitute
Hello! My name is Vanessa Caruso and I am currently the Building Substitute at Shiloh Hills. This is my 7th year teaching, and I have previously taught 6th, 5th and 4th grade in the Lebanon School District.
I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Developmental Psychology. I also completed my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State University in August of 2022.
I live in Wilson SD with my husband, Frederick, and soon-to-be 2 year old named Kora. When I am not at school, I enjoy traveling to Diamond Beach, NJ, spending time with my husband and daughter, and exploring new restaurants. I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know your students in various roles, and I am so excited to be part of the Shiloh Hills community!
Mrs. Stefanie Vallone - EL Instructional Aide
I'm Stefanie Vallone, and I'm thrilled to be in my third year as an ESL Aide here at Shiloh Hills. I graduated from Wilson, and it's wonderful to be back in a community that means so much to me. One of the greatest joys of my job is building relationships with the amazing kids I work with and the incredible staff. Being able to make a positive impact in their lives is deeply gratifying and truly heartwarming.
When I'm not at school, I love spending time with my family. My daughter Sofia is in fourth grade at Shiloh Hills, and we cherish our moments together along with my husband Brandon, who also went to Wilson, and our playful puggle, Max. Every summer, we look forward to our special week at Lake Wallenpaupack, creating beautiful memories together.
Being an ESL Aide isn't just a job for me—it's a rewarding journey where I can see the growth, learning, and confidence blooming in my students. I'm passionate about fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for them, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their lives.