A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Dear Friends,
There’ s no doubt about it. Students who are engaged in handson problem-solving demonstrate deeper learning – cultivating the critical thinking skills, creativity, mastery of content, and teamwork demanded in the real world.
Since I first became superintendent of the Fox Chapel Area School District, I have been impressed with how the school community is a trendsetter and educational innovator. You may have noticed over the last several months that our district has implemented a number of new programs and opportunities for our students. The Dream Lab at O’ Hara Elementary School and the digital fabrication lab( FabLab) at the high school provide us with a glimpse of the future. Children as young as kindergarten are learning the basics of computer coding to find solutions to problems, and students at all grade levels are becoming“ makers” as they gain knowledge and real-world skills throughout the curriculum. Even our preschoolers and their parents who participate in the district-sponsored Creativity and Literacy Program are learning through creative play and making things. To help us continue to reshape how we teach our students, the Board of School Directors approved hiring a new director of instructional and innovative leadership.
As this IN Fox Chapel Area magazine is going to press, staff and families are preparing for the exciting Remake Learning Days set for locations across Pittsburgh. Our school district is becoming more active in the Remake Learning movement, which includes a professional network of educators and innovators dedicated to revitalizing and reimagining education and the way students learn. I am proud to say that several sites in our school district served as Remake Learning Days event sites.
Our tradition of excellence and continued innovative learning is made possible due to the unwavering support of the community who demand high expectations of the school district. Additionally, we are very fortunate to have a hard-working staff who constantly challenge themselves to ensure that all students achieve success; a diligent and forward-thinking Board of School Directors who always puts the needs of our students first; and a broad spectrum of community members who continually volunteer their time and expertise to advise the Board and school staff on important matters. We never underestimate their contributions – while other districts are cutting into viable programs due to financial concerns, we are able to continue to streamline resources, plan for the future, and grow new initiatives that will equip our students to compete on a national and international level.
Let me assure you, that although the school district is able to maintain and grow a high-quality education for all of our students, we continue to face financial challenges in our budget. Highlights of the 2016-2017 proposed final budget are included on the following pages. Once again, school boards are passing their budgets without knowing the exact amounts of state funding. Additionally, unfunded mandates from both the state and national governments continue to burden local schools. Districts around the commonwealth continue to look to the state legislature and federal government to seek relief from this huge burden.
Please know that the district remains committed to educating our students with the highest standards and rigor, while still maintaining fiscal responsibility. We will continue to look to the community as a partner with us in this great endeavor. It is a privilege.
Sincerely, Gene Freeman, Ed. D. fox chapel area school district
Fox Chapel Area | Summer 2016 | icmags. com 9