The Carmichaels Area High School Science Department offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that extends well beyond traditional high school Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses. Our science program is designed to challenge students academically, provide meaningful hands-on learning experiences, and prepare students for postsecondary education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

A highlight of our science curriculum is the opportunity for students to enroll in six College in the High School courses offered in partnership with Carlow University. These courses provide students with college-level instruction while allowing them to earn college credits through Carlow University. Courses include:

In addition to our traditional and college-level science courses, students have opportunities to explore specialized areas of science through Principles of Robotics and Conservation Biology. In Principles of Robotics, students learn to design, build, and program robots while developing engineering, coding, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. These experiences prepare students to participate in BotsIQ, where they can apply their technical knowledge in a competitive, hands-on environment.

Our Conservation Biology courses emphasize environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, and conservation practices. Students apply their classroom knowledge through authentic environmental investigations and have opportunities to participate in Envirothon competitions, which challenge students to demonstrate their understanding of environmental science and natural resource conservation.

The Science Department also maintains valuable partnerships with several regional colleges and universities, including Carlow University, PennWest University, Penn State University, Waynesburg University, and West Virginia University. These partnerships provide students with access to educational resources, laboratory experiences, career exploration opportunities, and real-world applications of scientific concepts.

Biology is a required course for all ninth-grade students at Carmichaels Area High School and serves as a foundation for future science coursework. The curriculum is aligned with Pennsylvania's academic standards and prepares students for the state-required Biology Keystone Exam. 

Students explore the fundamental principles of life science, including cellular structure and function, biological chemistry, genetics, evolution, ecology, and human anatomy. Through laboratory investigations, scientific inquiry, and classroom activities, students develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills while gaining a deeper understanding of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.

Anatomy & Physiology provides students with an opportunity to experience college-level science instruction while exploring the structure, function, and interconnected systems of the human body. The curriculum emphasizes real-world medical applications and incorporates case studies that challenge students to apply scientific knowledge to authentic healthcare situations.

Students investigate major body systems, analyze physiological processes, and develop an understanding of how the human body maintains health and responds to disease or injury.

One of the most valuable components of the program is the opportunity for students to participate in educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom. Through the partnership with Carlow University, students have access to specialized laboratory experiences, including:

Additional learning opportunities include observing an open-heart surgery through Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) and participating in SciTech Days at the Kamin Science Center.  SciTech Days provides meaningful career exploration opportunities by allowing students to interact with and interview professionals representing a variety of scientific and healthcare fields. These experiences help students connect classroom instruction to potential college majors, professional training, and future careers.

The Chemistry and College Chemistry courses provide students with a strong foundation in chemical principles through inquiry-based instruction, laboratory investigations, mathematical applications, and real-world problem-solving.

The curriculum incorporates Experience Chemistry by Savvas, which uses phenomenon-based learning to connect scientific concepts to observable events and everyday experiences. Each instructional section begins with an investigative phenomenon designed to spark curiosity, encourage questioning, and establish a meaningful purpose for learning.

Physics and College Physics provide students with opportunities to explore the fundamental laws and principles that govern motion, forces, energy, electricity, and other physical phenomena. The curriculum incorporates content and laboratory experiences comparable to those introduced in a first-year college physics course. Students are challenged to apply mathematical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and experimental analysis to understand and explain physical systems.

A significant component of the physics program is the integration of PASCO scientific technology and microcomputer-based laboratory investigations. Students use digital sensors, data collection tools, and computer-based analysis to conduct experiments, measure physical properties, and interpret scientific results. 

As we continue to highlight staff members, the two areas to highlight this month are the High School Science Department and Elementary Special Services.  The High School Science Department has three outstanding staff members.  Mr. Kevin Willis has been with the district since 1996 which is 30 years in the district.  He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a Secondary Science Education Degree. Mr. Willis also sponsors the Environmental Team, National Honor Society, Middle School Baseball Coach and after-school tutor.  Carmichaels HS Envirothon team, under Mr. Willis, has placed in the top ten of the state competition for 20 straight years.  The Envirothon team won the Pennsylvania State Envirothon Competition in 2018 and 2019. In 2019 the Envirothon team placed THIRD at the NCF-International Envirothon in Raleigh, North Carolina!  Mr. Willis serves as co-lead of the Southwest Regional Environmental Literacy Committee.  Mrs. Ashton Mehalik has been a High School Biology teacher in Carmichaels since 2012.  Mrs. Mehalik is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and completed her Masters of Science in Instruction at Drexel University. She also received her Post-Masters Certification as a Behavioral Analyst from Penn West University. Mrs. Mehalik sponsors a yearly trip to AGH for students to view an open heart surgery.   Mr. Jarod Rastoka is our High School physics professional with a Bachelor's degree from Allegheny College and a graduate degree from California University of Pennsylvania.  He has been with the district since 2003.  Mr. Rastoka also teaches robotics and has a team that participates yearly in the BOTSIQ competition. This year, Mr. Rastoka is serving as the sponsor for the 5th and 6th Grade Academic League.

   

Our elementary special services professional staff consists of eight excellent professional staff members.  

Mrs. Renee Brown has been with the district since 2018 providing speech services to students.  Mrs. Brown graduated from Carmichaels Area School District.  She earned her Bachelor’s and Master's at California University of Pennsylvania.  Another Carmichaels graduate, 

Mrs. Traci Dobish, has been with the district since 1999 which is 27 years.  Mrs. Dobish is a graduate of Waynesburg College with an elementary education degree.  She attended California University of Pennsylvania to attain her Special Education Certification.  Mrs. Dobish has served as the 5th and 6th grade Academic League sponsor.  In addition, Mrs. Dobish has been a guiding force with the Helping House.  The Helping House provides after-school programs for elementary students including tutoring and homework help.   Mrs. Tymme Freeman is also a learning support professional  Mrs. Freeman has been with Carmichaels Elementary since 2018.  After graduating from Carmichaels Area School District, she earned her bachelor’s degree at California University of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Freeman also serves as the Elementary Yearbook sponsor. Mrs Amy Sommer-Gaefke has been with Carmichaels Elementary Center since 2014.  She currently serves as a learning support professional for grades K-2.  Mrs. Gaefke received her master’s degree at Waynesburg University.  Her undergraduate education was at California University of Pennsylvania.  Mrs. Jamie Wilson joined Carmichaels Area School District in 2022.  Mrs. Wilson is a life skills professional at Carmichaels Elementary Center.   Mrs. Wilson earned her Special Education/Elementary Education degree at California University of Pennsylvania.  In addition, Mrs. Wilson completed her graduate program in administration leadership at California University of Pennsylvania.  During her tenure at Carmichaels, Mrs. Wilson served as the High School Student Council Sponsor.  Mrs Elizabeth Clark is our newest member to the team.  Mrs. Clark was hired in 2026 and serves as an emotional-Learning Support professional.  Mrs. Clark earned her bachelor’s degree from Waynesburg University.   Mrs Christa Mitchell joined Carmichaels Area Elementary Center in 2023.  Mrs. Mitchell earned her Bachelor’s degree at Waynesburg University.  She furthered her education at California University of Pennsylvania obtaining a Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis.  In addition, Mrs. Mitchell has completed her Special Education Supervision certification at Slippery Rock University.  Mrs. Mara Ricco  has been with the district since 2018.   Mrs. Ricco completed her education at Waynesburg University with a degree in Elementary/Special Education.  She is currently serving as a learning support professional at Carmichaels Elementary. Mrs. Beth Guty has joined us this year as a long-term substitute. She earned her early childhood education certification and is currently working on her Masters in Special Education.  She has seven years of teaching experience.

Starting this month, we are highlighting clubs and activities. This month’s club is SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions).  The SADD group does several activities each year including coordinating activities for Red Ribbon Week and Prom Promise. SADD meets with students to raise awareness of destructive decisions.  In addition, students attend the Youth Leadership Conference with Tri-County schools.  Chief Miller coordinates a mock crash or DUI checkpoint prior to the Prom.  The mock crash highlights dangers of destructive decisions such as texting while driving or operating a vehicle under the influence.

  

New this year is the Elementary STEAM club.  Mrs. Fraley is the sponsor for the elementary STEAM Club.  We also have several staff that coordinate additional clubs.  Mrs. Menhart hosts an investment club as well as esports. Mr. Rastoka works with the BOTSIQ.  Mrs. Perkin, Mrs. Patton and Mr. Rastoka are working together to offer a STEM competition.  Mrs. Patton works with middle school students on STEM activities.

Since the fall sports are ending, we are looking forward to winter sports. Our High School student athletes are participating in Boys and Girls Basketball, and Cheerleading.  The Middle School students participate in Boys and Girls Basketball. We also have students that participate in the Wrestling Co-Op with Jefferson Morgan SD. Sports schedules can be found on the district website under Athletic Calendars.    The Middle/High School band is preparing for their Veterans’ Day and Christmas programs.

Mark your calendars! 

Veterans Day is November 11th. The elementary will be hosting a Veterans Day luncheon on November 6th at noon. The Middle/High School Veterans band program will be November 6th starting at 1:30 PM. 

The National Honor Society is hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross on November 13th from 8:30 AM to 2 PM in the High School Gym.

Thanksgiving break will be from November 26th to November 30th. We have an early dismissal on Wednesday, November 25th.

Students are participating in a variety of events in the upcoming month.  Elementary K-2 students will travel to Heinz Hall to attend Once Upon A Book which unites music and reading. The Life Skills students will be going to the Museum of illusion in Pittsburgh for a STEM Educational experience.

The Powderpuff game will be held on November 5th.  Several groups will have end of season events.  The following sports will have an end of year banquet. Football, Cross County, and Volleyball are all having end of season banquets for students..  The Cinderella Ball will be held during the month of November while the Snow Ball dance will be held in December.  

Students are off on November 2nd due to Parent-Teacher conferences. Parent meetings will be scheduled from 11:30 AM - 3 PM.  They will resume at 4:30 PM and conclude at 7 PM.