T
FOX CHAPEL AREA ACCEPTED INTO
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF INNOVATORS
he Fox Chapel Area School District is
consistently ranked among the best in the
nation, and this fall, received yet another
honor to validate that reputation. The district
was one of 19 new school districts from across the country
accepted into Digital Promise’s League of Innovative
Schools, a national coalition of forward-thinking school
districts, based on Fox Chapel Area’s innovative programs
and commitment to collaboration. Specifically, the district
was recognized for its comprehensive K-12 computer
science curriculum which includes coding, programming,
and digital badging at the elementary level; its infusion of
maker-education and project-based learning; and the various
educational technology and research partnerships it has
developed with institutions of higher learning and local
entrepreneurs.
FOX CH APE L AR EA SC H OO L NE WS
ox Chapel Area
Megan Cicconi, Fox Chapel Area’s Director of Instructional
and Innovative Leadership, attributes the honor to the district’s
teachers. “Simply put, our teachers are willing to evaluate
students’ needs and take the necessary steps to ensure student
growth. In this day and age, that means creating innovative
opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery and work
in authentic roles,” she said. “We are thrilled to be recognized
for their dedication and for our administration’s visionary
leadership.”
District staff members have developed a new and redesigned
computer science curriculum at the elementary and middle
school levels that includes coding, programming, and robotics
beginning in kindergarten. Additionally, a Fab Lab was
designed and built by students at the high school. Plans are
also underway to create a stationary makerspace adjacent to the
school library at Dorseyville Middle School, as well as mobile
makercarts.
According to Mrs. Cicconi, “The district is also a local leader
in innovation. We train other teachers in the region and we
put forth opportunities so that they can learn from us.” For
example, Fox Chapel Area hosted EdcampPGH in November
in which 170 educators came together to experience how
they can use technology to enhance deeper learning in the
classroom. In addition to other Edcamp activities, teachers,
alongside current Fox Chapel Area High School students,
demonstrated a variety of robotics programming in a “digital
playground” set up in the high school Fab Lab.
Launched in late 2011, the League of Innovative Schools
connects and rallies the most dynamic leaders of the nation’s
school districts in order to advance positive change in public
education. The League now includes 87 school districts in
33 states representing 3.3 million students. As a member
school district, Superintendent Gene Freeman, Ed.D., will
attend League meetings and join working groups on a broad
range of topics relevant to the changing needs of school
Fox Chapel Area High School hosted this fall’s
EdcampPGH on November 5. Participants observed
and experienced Hummingbird™, Finch™, and Dash
and Dot robots; Bloxels™; Bee-Bots®; Puzzlets™; Modular
Robotics™; and MakeyMakey® in a “digital playground”
that had been set up in the high school Fab Lab. Fox
Chapel Area High School students participated by
explaining and demonstrating the various types of
robotics programming that enhance student learning.
10 Fox Chapel Area