Saucon Valley School News & Notes, August 2025
Note: The new school year in Saucon Valley begins on Monday, Aug. 25, and we at Saucon Source wish everyone a happy, healthy and successful year ahead. Here’s what else is coming up for students, staff and the community in August and September.
LABOR DAY: All SVSD schools will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1.
SVSD IS HIRING: The district is looking for talented individuals to fill open positions and help create an exceptional educational environment for students. Come join the team for the 2025-26 school year and be part of a school community that’s committed to student success. View our current job openings here.
SECOND YEAR OF RACHEL’s CHALLENGE PROGRAMMING: This fall the district begins its second year of Rachel’s Challenge, a national program that inspires students and staff to create a culture of kindness, empathy and resilience. The initiative was introduced to students last year in assemblies, to parents at family nights and to teachers at the district convocation. It will be fully integrated throughout the school year in committees, activities and school-based initiatives. A key part of the programming will be Chain Reaction, the second tier of Rachel’s Challenge. The six-hour sessions will involve grades 5–12, with 50 students per grade level selected to participate along with teachers, counselors and mental health staff. The program’s goals include helping students recognize their personal identity, power and uniqueness; demonstrating that individuals are not defined solely by their circumstances; highlighting shared experiences that connect participants; and breaking down barriers to foster inclusion and empathy.
INTRODUCING SVSD’S NEW AND RETURNING ADMINISTRATORS:
David Hauser, Middle School Principal
Previously a principal and assistant principal at Northern Lehigh Middle School, Mr. Hauser brings extensive classroom and administrative experience. He credits his ninth-grade English teacher for inspiring his career in education. Outside school, he is a fourth-degree black belt and master karate instructor.
Ryan Johnston, District Athletic Director
Mr. Johnston has served as athletic director in Lower Merion and Springfield Township school districts and as a high school principal. He is currently pursuing advanced studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He emphasizes athletics, clubs and activities as catalysts for academic achievement and personal growth.
Dr. Richard Kaskey, High School Principal
After serving as interim high school principal, Dr. Kaskey was appointed to the permanent role this summer. A Temple University alumnus, he cites his college history professor as the inspiration for his teaching career. His leadership centers on one guiding question: What’s best for our kids?
Robert Frey, Coordinator of Support Services
A veteran of Saucon Valley School District with more than two decades of service, Mr. Frey has worked as a teacher, athletic director and director of student and community relations. He is also a PIAA baseball umpire and state golf championship official.
Grace Griffaton, Communication Specialist
Grace brings more than a decade of journalism and public relations experience, having worked as a reporter and anchor for WNEP, FOX43, WRDE and WFMZ-TV. She has also served in communications leadership roles across Pennsylvania and Delaware. An Emmy-winning storyteller, she says she is most looking forward to amplifying Saucon Valley’s story and strengthening connections with the community.
PANTHER FOOTBALL SCHEDULE: The season begins Friday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. with a non-conference game against the Bangor Area Slaters at home in Montford Illick Stadium. Check out the full schedule for the Panthers’ 2025 season on MaxPreps.
SVES PTO: Save the date for the 3rd Annual SVES Fall Festival. The festival will be held Friday, Oct. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hausman’s Fruit Farm in Coopersburg. Enjoy a corn maze, hay rides, a bonfire, S’mores and more.
Saucon Valley School News & Notes is a monthly article highlighting Saucon Valley School District news and events. Located in east central Pennsylvania, the district enrolls approximately 2,000 students from Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.
