The Panther Valley School District is preparing for a busy spring.

Superintendent Dave McAndrew thanked his administrative staff for preparing for Wednesday’s professional development day, which he said went very well.

The district used Title II funds to host a mini-conference, bringing in Dr. Renato Lajara, an assistant superintendent in the Philadelphia School District, as a speaker, said Robert Palazzo, supervisor of curriculum.

“He did a keynote, as well as breakouts of each building,” Palazzo told the school board Wednesday night.

Other speakers included a psychiatrist from St. Luke’s, the district’s English Language Learners teacher and an LCCC representative, he said.

“It was good to get different organizations in,” said Palazzo, noting they are also gearing up for spring, state testing.

The intermediate school is also gearing up for its Spring Extravaganza on April 19, which will feature a band performance at noon, the fourth grade chorus at 12:30 p.m. STEAM activities from 12:30-2:30 p.m., a wax museum from 1-1:45 p.m. and a drama performance from 2:30-4 p.m.

Principal Lisa Mace explained that there will also be an art show in the sixth-grade hallway, science projects on display and the library open with free books. A food stand and basket raffle will also be available.

The elementary school is celebrating Read Across America Month in March with more than 40 guest speakers coming in, and a Masked Reader parade and assembly is planned next week, Dr. Paula Jones, principal, said.

High school Principal Patricia Matika acknowledged student achievements, including Mark D’Amato for taking a first place in web design in the Pennsylvania Media Design Competition and advancing to states.

She also thanked area fire companies for their continued support of student athletes, pointing to the parade held for Brenda Banks, four-time state champion wrestler, and her teammate Alicia Williams.

Sticking with sports, McAndrew said they’re working on getting fields ready for spring sports. Scott Fisher, maintenance supervisor, said Mother Nature hasn’t been cooperating.

The district is also preparing to replace personnel due to numerous retirements this year, and interviews will start next week.

The board also welcomed its student ambassador, Ava Alabovitz, who also presented a report to the board detailing student activities as well as curriculum and assessment equity.

Alabovitz’s father, Michael, serves on the board, and her mother, Meredith, is a teacher in the district.