On Monday, August 18, all staff from the Sto-Rox School District gathered in the Primary Center gymnasium for the start of the new school year.
The day began with a self-serve breakfast, followed by a warm welcome and introduction from the district’s new Superintendent, Mrs. Sonya Coleman. Mrs. Coleman reviewed the district’s mission and core beliefs, then introduced and recognized the following new teachers, administrators, and support staff:
Aubrey Potter - IT Assistant
Joshua Rankin - 6th Grade Teacher
Alexis Welsh - K-6 Physical Education
Michelle Cox - Special Education and Virtual Viking
Rachel Keelers - K-3 Special Education Teacher
Alyssa Schreyer - K-3 Special Education Teacher
Isabella Warden - K-3 Special Education Teacher
Shawna Ricci - School Counselor 4-6
Brittany Linsenbigler - Director of Student Services and Title IX Coordinator
Tony Paull - Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
On the first day back, Mrs. Coleman emphasized the importance of building relationships among colleagues and leaders while establishing shared expectations for instruction and collaboration. The morning included an interactive icebreaker: Common Ground Bingo, which encouraged staff to discover shared interests, foster team bonding, and reflect on connections made during the activity.
Mrs. Coleman also shared her personal story, recounting her journey from Youngstown, Ohio, to Nashville, Tennessee, and now to Pittsburgh. She reflected on how her goals evolved from high school through college and into her career in education, underscoring the importance of growth, adaptability, and vision.
This year’s district focus, guided by the motto “Our Way Forward,” was introduced alongside the 2025-2026 Academic Priorities:
Significantly increase academic achievement for all students through a differentiated approach that engages every learner in a rigorous, aligned curriculum.
Strengthen professional development to ensure all staff can meet high academic standards.
With this, Mrs. Coleman also highlighted the goals of the district’s five-year strategic plan:
Academic Achievement/Excellence
Climate and Culture (Supporting the Whole Child)
Accountability, Operations, and Budgeting
Family and Community Engagement/Involvement
Learning Environment (Buildings/Grounds)
College and Career Readiness (Creating World Changers)
These strategic goals provide a framework for staff to align their daily efforts with the district’s long-term vision, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and excellence. They highlight the shared commitment of the Sto-Rox community to support every student and ensure that academic growth, well-being, and opportunity remain central to the district’s work.
Following Mrs. Coleman’s presentation, department leaders provided updates on key areas, including:
Business operations – Scott Reed and Saundra Larcade
Human Resources
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment – Tony Paull
Student Services and Title IX – Brittany Linsenbigler
Safety and Security – Michael Pietragallo
Technology and Systems – Christopher Christiansen
Buildings and Grounds – Zach Simpson
Athletics – Shomari Phelps
Financial Recovery Update – Dr. Nancy Raible
The afternoon included a Union Meeting and collaborative sessions with individual school teams, giving staff the opportunity to connect, share best practices, and prepare for the year ahead.
After summer break, Sto-Rox staff and leadership are energized, united, and ready to embrace the 2025-2026 school year with pride and purpose. We look forward to welcoming all students—both new and returning—on Monday, August 25.
