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