Message from the Superintendent
As I look back on the past school year , I reflect on the many accomplishments , awards , and achievements and I am proud of the work of the Fox Chapel Area students and staff . As you read through the pages in this State of the Schools , you will see that they continue to bring national , state , and regional recognition to our district through their success in academics , athletics , technology , the arts , and community service . Their achievements , and the commitment of all residents of the district , build a sense of community pride for the past – and great anticipation for what the future holds .
There were so many wonderful successes last school year , and this year is no exception . Already we have achieved state and national recognition for our programs .
• Our high school School Performance Profile ( SPP ) came in at an incredibly high 99.5 . The SPP provides information on the academic performance of each school in Pennsylvania . Scores range from 0-100 , with points for academic achievement on assessments such as the Keystones , SAT / ACT , and industry-specific exams for our technical school students ; points for academic growth ; points for closing the achievement gap ; points for other academic indicators such as graduation rate , promotion , attendance , AP credit , and PSAT participation ; and extra credit points for advanced scores on various assessments .
• In September , Fairview Elementary School was named a 2016 Blue Ribbon School , one of 329 schools from across the nation and one of two from our entire region . Fairview was selected as an “ Exemplary High Performing School ” based on the high performance of our students .
• The Fox Chapel Area School District was accepted into the League of Innovative Schools in early October . Only 19 districts nationwide were inducted into the League this year and Fox Chapel Area ’ s selection was based on our innovative vision for learning and our commitment to collaboration . Specifically , we were recognized for our comprehensive K-12 computer science curriculum with digital badging at the elementary level , the district ’ s infusion of maker-education and project-based learning , and the various educational technology and research partnerships we have developed with institutions of higher education and local entrepreneurs .
The recognitions from last school year and these current honors are well-earned and welldeserved by our students , staff , and the community . However , it is also important that we not just focus on the past , but that we continue to pay attention toward building our future . As always , we continue to look forward and take additional steps to provide an environment that maximizes learning , achievement , and development for every student . Our goal is to prepare students for the 21 st century world of technology and collaboration through deeper learning opportunities . Our promise to you is that we will continue to make learning meaningful for our students .
It is important to note that none of these recognitions and the day-to-day mission of the school district can be accomplished without the support of the entire community – the students and their families , the staff , and the community at large . The journey we are on is a significant and important one , and we must never lose sight of that . Every day is another step toward our destination of teaching and engaging tomorrow ’ s leaders . Thank you for taking this journey with us , and for your support along the way .
Sincerely ,
Gene Freeman , Ed . D . Superintendent
2015-2016 fox chapel area school district state of the schools
Fox Chapel Area | Fall 2016 | icmags . com 9