“Fairview is special. It’s not just the
students, but it’s the teachers. They
taught us everything we know –
from math to science – they taught
us all of it. So, the students of
Fairview don’t get all the credit, but
some of it. The teachers do.”
“I think Fairview deserves this
award because our school works
as a team and because we love
everyone here, and we know that
they’ll love us back. When I first
came here in second grade, I was so
shy. I had no friends. But the next
day I was greeted as if I had been
here always. From that I’ve learned
that the teachers here also help us
to be kind and to be generous to
people.”
“I think Fairview is a special place
because the teachers teach each kid
to be kind and helpful and we have
awesome specials. My teacher loves
school like I do.”
“Fairview is special because
teachers care about us.”
“Fairview may be small, but we are
strong and will all work together to
succeed.”
“We all work hard. That’s the story
of Fairview.”
Photo Courtesy Kari Grimsby & Bitsy Davis
Following the celebration, the students and staff posed for a whole-school photo.
Fox Chapel Area | Winter 2016 | icmags.com 13
FOX C HAP E L ARE A SC HOOL N E WS
Fairview students were asked what
makes their school special. The
following are a few of the many
comments that were included in
a video shown at an assembly to
celebrate the school’s Blue Ribbon
achievement.
Fox Chapel Area
Fourth grade
teacher Mary
Jo Bisceglia
commented,
“Fairview looks
at and values
the ‘whole child’
State Senator
with our goal
Randy
being that each
Vulakovich
student reaches
presented a
Students participated in the ceremony with district
his or her full
citation from
administrator Ashley Nestor.
potential.”
the General
She
added,
“The
Fairview
staff is a
Assembly of the Commonwealth of
family
who
truly
cares
about
both the
Pennsylvania to Fairview Principal Becky
students
and
each
other. As
a
team,
Stephan and congratulated the entire
we
work
together
to
help
our
students
Fairview community.
achieve academic excellence.”
Fairview students shared what they think
Mrs. Susnak, who has been a part of the
makes their school great in a video, and
Fairview community for more than 11
the student body sang the Fairview song,
years, agreed saying, “The teachers are
clearly stating their pride in their school,
friendly and involved with students, and
“We are small but mighty!”
Mrs. Stephan fosters a great community
Following the assembly, everyone went
for students to grow and learn.” She also
outside for a group photo, standing
pointed out that there is strong teachertogether to form the shape of a blue
parent communication.
ribbon as a remembrance of the day and
Susan Littwin’s family just recently
the accomplishment.
moved to the area from New York City
Fairview parent and co-president of the
where her children attended a private
school’s PTO Jodi Susnak said of the
school. She said they chose Fairview
award and of the school’s celebration,
for their two children based on its
“It is very exciting. I am very happy for
reputation, the advice of friends, and
the teachers and students to receive such
visits to various schools. She commented,
recognition.”
“We are thrilled that the school earned
the Blue Ribbon recognition! It is one
Mrs. Stephan, who along with staff and
thing to tout a school, but another to be
parents completed the comprehensive
nationally-recognized – that just solidifies
Blue Ribbon Schools application process,
the reputation. And, of course, we are
said that the award would not have been
thrilled and so thankful that we chose so
possible without the combined efforts
well!”
of many people, including all of the
Fairview staff, students, and parents,
Representatives from Fairview, including
as well as School Board members and
Mrs. Stephan and fifth grade teacher
district administrators. “Our Fairview
John Anderson, accepted the honor on
community is simply fabulous! We are so
behalf of the Fairview community at a
fortunate to have a dedicated and highlytwo-day awards ceremony in Washington,
qualified staff and active parent support
D.C., on November 7 and 8, along with
and involvement, and our students are
the other National Blue Ribbon School
such eager learners.”
honorees.
stated, “I can
say first-hand
that the staff
at Fairview
Elementary is
truly golden.”