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Panther Valley School District

Every Panther is Connected

Curriculum & Instruction Home

Curriculum & Instruction

The Curriculum and Instruction Department is dedicated to ensuring that every Panther has access to a high quality, engaging, and rigorous educational experience. Through the development and implementation of standards aligned curriculum, effective instructional practices, meaningful assessments, and innovative learning opportunities, we support students in achieving academic success and preparing for their future.

Our work focuses on continuous improvement across all grade levels and content areas by providing leadership in curriculum development, professional learning, instructional technology, assessment systems, and educational programming. We collaborate closely with teachers, administrators, families, and community partners to ensure that instruction meets the diverse needs of all learners while maintaining high expectations for student achievement.

Guided by our belief that Every Panther is Connected, we strive to create learning experiences that connect students to knowledge, skills, opportunities, and the support they need to thrive. Together, we are building a culture of academic excellence that empowers students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and productive members of their communities.

Student with mircoscope

Chief Hess reading to students
Marcie Lesko reading to students

Spotlight on Structured Literacy

Structured literacy is transforming the way students learn to read at Panther Valley School District. Through the implementation of evidence based literacy practices grounded in the science of reading, our educators provide explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension to ensure all students develop the foundational skills necessary for reading success.

Panther Valley's commitment to literacy has attracted national attention. The district's work to improve reading outcomes and implement structured literacy practices has been featured by major national news organizations, including CNN and The New York Times. These features highlighted the innovative approaches, dedicated educators, and student centered strategies being used to address literacy challenges and create stronger opportunities for student achievement.

Today, Panther Valley continues to build upon this work through ongoing professional learning, high quality instructional materials, targeted interventions, and data driven decision making. By investing in evidence based literacy instruction, we are helping every student become a confident reader, a lifelong learner, and a successful member of our community.

The Office of Curriculum and Instruction, under the leadership of Robert Palazzo, is committed to providing every Panther with a high quality educational experience. Working closely with teachers, principals, and district leaders, the department oversees curriculum development and alignment, instructional resources, academic initiatives, and assessment programs to ensure students receive rigorous, engaging instruction that prepares them for future success. The office also coordinates the administration and analysis of state assessments, including the PSSA and Keystone Exams, as well as local assessments such as FastBridge and IXL Diagnostic, using student proficiency and growth data to guide continuous school improvement.

The Office of Curriculum and Instruction also supports the professional growth of Panther Valley educators through comprehensive professional development and the district's New Teacher Induction Program. Families and staff are encouraged to contact the department with questions regarding curriculum, instructional programs, assessments, academic initiatives, federal programs, or professional learning opportunities. Guided by our commitment to Care Deeply. Expect Greatness., the department works to ensure that Every Panther is Connected to outstanding educational opportunities.

Picture of Robert Palazzo

Learn more about the curriculum opportunities offered across K-12 in the Panther Valley School District by clicking on each tab below. 

  • Panther Valley School District's English Language Arts program is designed to develop confident readers, effective writers, and critical thinkers. In grades K through 5, students receive evidence based literacy instruction through the implementation of 95 Percent Group foundational literacy resources and HMH Into Reading, providing a strong foundation in phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and written expression. Students in grades 6 through 9 continue to build advanced literacy skills through HMH Into Literature, which emphasizes close reading, analytical thinking, communication, and engagement with a diverse range of texts. At the high school level, students have access to a dynamic selection of core English courses and elective offerings that allow them to explore literature, writing, communication, and college and career focused pathways while preparing for success beyond graduation.

  • Panther Valley School District's mathematics program is designed to build strong problem solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and real world application across all grade levels. In grades K through 5, students develop foundational mathematical understanding through the HMH Go Math! curriculum, which emphasizes conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and mathematical communication. Students in grades 6 through 8 continue their learning through the Glencoe Mathematics program, building skills in algebraic thinking, geometry, statistics, and problem solving while preparing for advanced coursework. At the high school level, students have access to a comprehensive sequence of mathematics courses ranging from Algebra I through AP Calculus, providing opportunities for all learners to challenge themselves, pursue advanced study, and develop the quantitative skills needed for college, careers, and life. 

  • Panther Valley School District's Social Studies and History program helps students develop an understanding of their community, nation, and world while fostering the skills needed for informed citizenship. In grades K through 5, students explore topics related to their local community, Pennsylvania history, geography, economics, and the diverse cultures and events that shape the world around them. As students progress through grades 6 through 12, they engage in increasingly rigorous study of American History, World History, Government, Economics, and Civics, examining historical events, analyzing primary sources, and exploring the responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society. Through inquiry, discussion, and real world connections, students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our past and continue to influence our future. 

  • Panther Valley School District's Science program encourages students to explore, question, investigate, and understand the world around them through hands on learning and scientific inquiry. In the elementary grades, students receive science instruction as part of their four day specials rotation, where they are introduced to foundational concepts in life science, earth and space science, physical science, and engineering. Beginning in grade 4 and continuing through grade 8, students engage with the SAVVAS Realize Science curriculum, which provides a coherent progression of scientific concepts while incorporating opportunities for laboratory experiences, experimentation, and real world problem solving.

    At the high school level, students have access to a comprehensive sequence of science courses designed to prepare them for college, careers, and future STEM opportunities. Course offerings include Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, and advanced coursework that can culminate in AP Physics. Through rigorous instruction, laboratory investigations, and authentic scientific experiences, students develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem solving skills that prepare them to be informed citizens and lifelong learners in an increasingly scientific and technological world.

  • Panther Valley School District's Related Arts program provides students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and engage in learning experiences beyond the core academic curriculum. At the elementary level, students participate in a four day rotation that includes Art, Music, Physical Education and Health, and Science, allowing them to develop creativity, wellness, scientific curiosity, and self expression while building a well rounded educational foundation.

    At the intermediate level, students participate in a six day rotation that includes Art, Music, Physical Education and Health, Technology, Mathematics Enrichment, and English Language Arts Enrichment. These courses provide opportunities for students to strengthen academic skills, explore emerging technologies, and continue developing their artistic, creative, and physical abilities in engaging and meaningful ways.

    At the Junior Senior High School, students in grades 7 and 8 continue to experience a diverse range of related arts opportunities, including Physical Education and Health, Music, Technology, Home Economics, and other exploratory courses designed to broaden their interests and expose them to potential career pathways. In grades 9 through 12, students can choose from a wide variety of elective and related arts courses that allow them to personalize their educational experience, pursue areas of passion, and develop skills that support their academic, career, and personal goals. Through these experiences, students are encouraged to discover new interests, build confidence, and become well rounded learners prepared for success beyond graduation.

  • Panther Valley School District offers students in grades 9 through 12 a variety of courses in Personal Finance, Business, and World Languages that prepare them for success in college, careers, and life beyond graduation.

    Through Personal Finance and Business courses, students develop practical skills in financial literacy, budgeting, investing, entrepreneurship, management, and economic decision making. These courses provide real world experiences that help students understand personal and professional responsibilities while exploring potential career pathways in business and finance.

    Students also have the opportunity to study world languages, building communication skills and cultural awareness that prepare them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. We offer Spanish classes in person and also host a Spanish National Honor Society. There are additional opportunities to take other world languages through virtual learning opportunities.