IN Fox Chapel Area Winter 2016 | Page 17

O ’ HARA PRINCIPAL TO FOCUS ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Although she has only been the principal at O ’ Hara for a few short weeks , Kristy Batis is impressed with the O ’ Hara Elementary School community . “ I am pleased to see how eager the students are to learn , how supportive and involved the families are , and how cohesive the administrative team is ,” she said .

Already Mrs . Batis has several main goals . In addition to wanting to continue the “ wonderful ” programs that are already in place , she wants to focus on student growth and rigor . She knows that the way to do that is by looking at and knowing each individual student . “ Specifically , I look forward to cultivating an environment where teachers are consistently collaborating across sections , grade levels , and content areas to utilize data to drive instructional decision-making focused on each and every student ’ s unique needs .”

Mrs . Batis said that the use of data to drive instructional decision-making goes beyond just the classroom teachers . In a unique twist , she knows that the students must buy in to the process as well in order for it to be successful . “ It ’ s imperative that students learn to analyze their own individual data , set

growth goals , and monitor their progress toward those goals ,” she commented . “ In doing so , it helps students become more involved and invested in their own education .”

She already has experience doing this . While a principal at Jeffery Primary School in the Shaler Area School District , she and the staff implemented this same concept with a focus on student growth and achievement . She reported that the method helped the students make great progress . “ As a result of our team approach , our students made tremendous gains which were reflected by several measures , most notably , the PSSA scores and building SPP score ,” she reported .

Prior to starting her job at O ’ Hara on October 31 , Mrs . Batis spent 10 years at Shaler Area working in a variety of roles . In addition to being the principal of Jeffery Primary , she was a second grade teacher , K-12 technology integrator , and a third grade teacher . Mrs . Batis has a Master of Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania , as well as a Master of Arts in elementary education from Chatham University , and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh .

Mrs . Batis and her husband John have two small children . In their spare time , she and her family enjoy visiting the many attractions in the Pittsburgh area , including the Pittsburgh Zoo , the Children ’ s Museum , and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History . ox Chapel Area FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL NEWS

HELPING OTHERS MOTIVATES EDWARDS TO CHOOSE EDUCATION

Helping others is the reason new O ’ Hara Elementary School Assistant Principal Stephen Edwards chose a career in education . His desire to help others also guided him to work with a nonprofit educational organization . Mr . Edwards has worked as a teacher in schools both in the area and in Virginia . However , it is his experience with A Connected Planet that gives him a unique perspective on the importance of 21 st -century skills in the classroom . The agency brings professional development to help implement technology and education for the 21 st century to teachers and students within Haitian schools . Over the past two years , Mr . Edwards has taken two trips to Haiti where he has worked directly with teachers and students to promote literacy and technology within their schools . That ’ s in addition to being a fourth grade teacher in the South Fayette Township School District before joining the Fox Chapel Area School District in late October .

“ Helping others is why I got into education , and having the opportunity to help those in need has always been something I ’ ve strived to do . My experience in Haiti was very gratifying and I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful organization .” He added , “ I have learned so much while

working with teachers and students in Haiti . During my visits to the Haitian schools I met so many people who were so willing to learn in order to better themselves and their country .”

Mr . Edwards looks forward to providing both students and staff with rigorous learning opportunities at O ’ Hara . “ I want to help them grow as individuals and continue to build upon the nurturing culture that has become a staple for the students here at O ’ Hara Elementary ,” he said . “ Providing teachers with effective practices for utilizing technology will further engage students in learning while building upon fundamental 21 st - century skills .”

Prior to his job teaching at South Fayette , Mr . Edwards served principal internships in the North Allegheny and Mt . Lebanon school districts . He also taught fifth grade in the Greensburg Salem School District and sixth grade in the Moniteau School District . Mr . Edwards began his teaching career as a sixth grade classroom teacher for the Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia . He has a bachelor ’ s degree in elementary education from Duquesne University and a master ’ s degree in reading education with reading specialist certification from the University of Pittsburgh .

Mr . Edwards and his wife , Meggan , have two young daughters . In addition to spending time with his family , he enjoys outdoor activities including fishing and camping . “ I am also a huge Pittsburgh sports fan ,” he said .

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