GET TO KNOW:
eters Township
PETERS TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
GET TO KNOW:
Mrs. Dana Tucker
One of the things that makes our schools so special is the incredible people who show up every day to support our students. In this issue, we’ re excited to help you Get to Know McMurray 4 th Grade teacher Mrs. Dana Tucker. Mrs. Tucker joined the Peters Township staff in 2001 as a Special Education Teacher and in 2011, she moved onto the 4 th grade teaching team. Take a few minutes and get to know Mrs. Tucker!
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I’ ve wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. In elementary school, I loved asking for extra worksheets and playing“ school” with my friends in the neighborhood. That passion continued to grow in high school when I taught beginner swim lessons at a local swim club, and I realized how much I truly enjoyed helping others learn.
If you weren’ t a teacher, what other job would you have?
If I weren’ t a teacher, I would have loved to become a real estate agent. Real estate still allows for meaningful, personal connections with clients and families.
What is your favorite thing to do outside the classroom?
I enjoy watching all sports, especially the Pittsburgh Penguins. When my daughters, Emma and Olivia, were younger— and throughout high school— I loved cheering them on at their volleyball and softball games. Now, I also enjoy watching my son, Michael, play golf.
What has been one of your favorite projects / events / days at school?
One of my favorite events at school is when Mrs. Hemmingson and I have Tie-Dye Day for our students. All students on Team Capella get to tie-dye a t-shirt and we wear them during special events throughout the year.
What do you wish every student would know after their time in your classroom? About school, about themselves, about anything!
I want every student to know how special they are. I hope they leave my classroom with a strong sense of self-worth, confidence in their abilities, and the belief that they are capable of achieving great things.
70 PETERS TOWNSHIP
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
Ceramics Best in Show Honors
Peters Township High School art students took part in the Standard Ceramics’ High School Art Show in April to showcase their hard work among students from throughout our region. Congratulations to PTHS junior Rory Kolarosky whose wolf sculpture earned“ Best in Show” at the event.
Pleasant Valley STEAM Event
Pleasant Valley students had a blast at the school’ s annual Family STEAM Night. This year’ s theme was STEAM Across the USA – Celebrating 250 Years of Innovation. Some of the featured activities included Sphero Robots on the Move, Ben Franklin’ s Circuits, National Monument KEVA Planks, Mini-Golf Across the USA, and Create Your Own Statue of Liberty That Lights Up.
McMurray takes 1st place in STEM competition.
McMurray Student Take 1st Place in Regional STEM Competition
Fifth grade students from McMurray Elementary recently competed in the Regional STEM K’ NEX Design Challenge hosted by IU1 at PennWest California. Over the past several months, students worked diligently to design and build an Eco-Factory Sustainable Production Machine using K’ NEX materials. Congratulations to the McMurray team of Asa McAndrew, Jackson Strine, Brayden Bell, Peter Hoffman, and Brooks Hoyt who took home 1st place in the competition.
Students honor children of Military Families for Purple Up Day at Pleasant Valley.
Third Grade Celebrates Purple Up Day
April is the Month of the Military Child, which recognizes the strength and experiences of kids in military families.“ Purple Up!” Day is a day to show support by wearing purple. Students in Mrs. Barry’ s class wore purple to honor our military families! A military family in the class generously donated some special books for the class, purple bracelets and a mini Air Force jet for the students!