It is indeed an honor that our school district was recognized
by the White House for our level of commitment to computer
science education. I am proud that our programs were noted on
a national level and included on a short list of school districts in
a White House Fact Sheet pertaining to the President’s address
in late January. In that speech, President Obama stressed the
importance of computer science programming and education
in K-12 schools and laid out plans to boost computer science
education across the nation. Our district has demonstrated a
commitment to computer science education and will work to
remain a technology leader.
While it is gratifying that Fox Chapel Area continues to be
recognized on a national level, I am even more pleased with
what I personally see our staff and students accomplishing in
computer education every day. Our progressive and innovative
computer science curriculum ensures that every student has
daily access to computers, knows how to use technology
as a learning tool, and has the opportunity to experience
how technology fits into his or her everyday life. I think you
will be impressed at how our teachers have begun to teach
programming and coding – even at the kindergarten level.
Beginning next year, all elementary students will engage in a
full coding curriculum, and staff across the district will receive
professional development training in computer science, coding,
and digital fabrication. Additionally, the high school will begin
offering the new Principles of Computer Science Advanced
Placement course in the fall of 2016.
I hope you will join me in being amazed at what our students
and staff are accomplishing by turning the pages and reading
about not only our computer science program, but also
about so many other accomplishments both in and out
of the classroom. A team of young women from the high
school believes that robotics and STEM education should be
introduced to girls at a young age, so they offered a program for
elementary school girls. The high school art department hosted
an artist-in-residence, and more than 400 students worked
together under her direction to create a giant mosaic sculpture
and a hallway mural that will be enjoyed by generations to
come. And, once again, our students have outdone themselves
– raising over $70,000 to help a worthy cause in this year’s
telethon.
Over the coming months, our students, under the direction
of our dedicated staff, will showcase their best academic work
at various state and national competitions. I look forward to
sharing their honors and awards with you and celebrating all
that we have accomplished together.
Our progressive and innovative
computer science curriculum
ensures that every student
has daily access to computers,
knows how to use technology
as a learning tool, and has the
opportunity to experience how
technology fits into his or her
everyday life.
Sincerely,
Gene Freeman, Ed.D.
Fox Chapel Area | Spring 2016 | icmags.com 9
FOX C HAP E L ARE A SC HOOL N E WS
Dear Friends,
Fox Chapel Area
A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT