Administration

Welcome to another great school year at Ore Valley Elementary! I hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer filled with wonderful memories. As we approach a new school year, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for all of the incredible learning and growth opportunities that lie ahead.

Our dedicated teachers and staff are eager for the arrival of our students into classrooms that are welcoming, engaging, and ready for another year of discovery and achievement. Ore Valley is committed to providing a nurturing and inspiring environment where every student can thrive!

At Ore Valley, we believe in the power of community and the importance of working together to support our students' success. We encourage parents to stay actively involved in their child's education, attend school events, and communicate regularly with teachers. Your partnership is invaluable, and together, we can make this school year a great one!

We are incredibly fortunate to have an active and dedicated PTO at Ore Valley. Our PTO plays a vital role in enhancing the educational experience of our students by organizing events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities. Through their hard work and commitment, the PTO supports a wide range of activities and programs that benefit our entire school community.

This year, we will introduce our Wildcat Way expectations to our students—Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. Additionally, throughout the year, we will revisit the district CARES program. The Wildcat Way and the district CARES program guide our actions and interactions, helping to create a positive and inclusive school culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

We have many exciting events and activities planned throughout the year, and I encourage you to read our monthly newsletters, teacher emails, and school messenger communications for updates and information. Let's make this year a memorable one filled with learning, laughter, and growth!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the school or email me at [email protected].

Regards,

Dr. Brian Raab
Principal

Brian Smith
Assistant Principal

Welcome to the new school year at Ore Valley Elementary!

My name is Brian Smith, and I am proud to serve as the Assistant Principal at Ore Valley Elementary. I would like to take a moment to introduce myself and welcome both our returning and new Wildcat families.

This will be my eighteenth year in the Dallastown Area School District and my twelfth year as an assistant principal. Before becoming an administrator, I served as a long-term substitute teacher in first and fifth grades at York Township Elementary during the 2009–2010 school year before teaching third grade there from 2010 to 2015. During those years, I earned my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from McDaniel College. After graduating in the spring of 2015, I was honored to be hired as an assistant principal. From 2015 to 2020, I split my time between York Township and Ore Valley Elementary Schools before becoming the full-time assistant principal at Ore Valley in 2020. I am excited to continue serving the Ore Valley community for another outstanding school year.

Our theme for the 2026–2027 school year is The Wildcat Way. Throughout the year, we will focus on what it means to be respectful, responsible, and safe in everything we do. The Wildcat Way is more than a theme—it is the foundation for how we learn, build relationships, make positive choices, and support one another as a school community.

We will also continue our Choose Love Movement and Learning Through Play Initiative. Students will participate in meaningful experiences centered on courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion while engaging in play-based opportunities that help develop teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and other important life skills.

I look forward to a school year filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences. If you ever have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. I am always happy to help.

Thank you for your continued partnership. We look forward to welcoming all of our Wildcats back for another incredible year as we embrace The Wildcat Way together!

Sincerely,

Mr. Brian M. Smith
Assistant Principal