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f ox c hapel a r ea s chool d is tr ict | s tat e of t he s chools
Summer Learning
New Program Empowers Students with Lifetime Skills
The Western Pennsylvania Learning Academy at Fox Chapel Area High School partnered
with Dale Carnegie & Associates to create Empower2018, a new, innovative leadership
program designed to help students become successful not only in their chosen career
paths, but in life. Empower was offered to incoming 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students
from Fox Chapel Area, as well as other school districts.
The nine-day leadership program included four Dale Carnegie Training sessions that
focused on areas that are critical for future success. Four additional Dale Carnegie Training
sessions following the Empower2018 program earned participating students two eligible
college credits.
In addition to the Dale Carnegie classes, Empower included a blend of workshops that
focused on mindfulness, leadership, executive functioning skills, building a positive
digital footprint, and professional networking. There were keynote motivational speakers,
including former Pittsburgh Steeler and Vietnam veteran Rocky Bleier, and Suzanne
Alexander, cofounder of the Live Like Lou Foundation. Additionally, there were various
leadership sessions and networking breakfasts that allowed students to interact with area
professionals from a multitude of careers in order to practice their networking skills.
Incoming Ninth Graders STEP into High SchoolÂ
A total of 82 incoming freshmen participated in a transition program designed to help
them take their fi rst step to a successful high school career in a fi ve-day summer program.
FIRST STEP included activities to help new high school students make a smooth transition.
Participants had the opportunity to practice academic strategies for success including
understanding the importance of their cyber profi le and the value of teamwork. Throughout
the week, students worked on learning skill-sets, as well as executive functioning and
leadership skills. The program included guest speakers and participants also took part
in the opening-day keynote Empower2018 speaker event, that featured Mrs. Alexander.
Current Fox Chapel Area High School students helped enhance the learning experience by
serving as student ambassadors.
Elementary and DMS Summer Learning Academy
The district continued its summer learning academy for both elementary and middle school
students. This year’s four-week program focused on reading, writing, and math skills in a positive
and fun learning environment. Nearly 200 elementary students and 52 Dorseyville Middle
School students participated in the academy.
The elementary program featured a partnership with the Attack Theatre and the Gateway Clipper
Fleet. Students used art, history, creative movement, and modes of transportation to connect
communities, artists, and audiences in Pittsburgh and around the world. The Attack Theatre
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FOX CHAPEL AREA