IN Pine-Richland Winter 2018 | Page 46

(Left & Right) Hance Elementary third-grader Marissa Mann and her mother Camille Mann participate in strategic planning. District Kicks off 2019-2023 Strategic Plan Town Hall Sessions At Pine-Richland School District, the strategic plan drives daily action within an annual work plan. The district is in the final year of its current plan. This plan was developed in a collaborative manner about four years ago with input from key stakeholders. One of the key initiatives this year is the development of the PRSD Strategic Plan for 2019 - 2023. The development and implementation of this plan will drive changes and improvements in our organization. As part of the process, the Pine- Richland School District hosted a strategic town hall workshop in the morning and one in the evening on Oct. 10. As part of the district’s approach to communication and engagement, the process is facilitated so it is open to members of our business and residential communities, parent groups, workforce, student body and those who can have a key voice in supporting and helping the district grow. The district had 141 participants in the latest session. Additional sessions will be held in late November and January. If you would like to be a part of the next session or receive more communication on the strategic planning process, please visit pinerichland.org/planinput. In addition to strategic plan development, the district gathered input about a potential shift in school start times for 2019 - 2020. 44 pine-richland Jackson Hamilton English plans to study at the University of Pittsburgh in the fall. Senior Participates in Cancer Research Senior Jackson English had a rare look into research work involving cancer. He was one of only 65 applicants from around the country to be accepted into the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Academy. The Hillman Academy provides rising high school seniors with eight weeks of research-focused and experiential learning opportunities at six locations. Scholars work on their own research project in a dedicated research mentor’s laboratory. At the end of the program, scholars present their projects as an oral presentation and in a poster session. Participating scholars also learn important skills to help prepare them for success in college and in their future careers in science and medicine. Jackson focused on cancer research and testing full-time from June to August this summer. His project was entitled ATR kinase inhibition promotes generation antigen-specific CD8+T Cells. He specifically focused on the immune system and worked with laboratory mice. “I enjoyed the experience a lot,” says Jackson. “I met a lot of people with different backgrounds. I learned more about research in the lab setting and procedures.” Jackson also had a chance to help with clinical trials for psoriasis the summer prior at the Falk Clinic. Jackson plans to study at the University of Pittsburgh this fall and go to medical school with the hopes of becoming an oncologist or dermatologist someday. His father is a dermatologist and his mother works in the medical insurance field. Pine-Richland High School Invites the Community for November Productions The Pine-Richland High School (PRHS) Theater classes are prepping for a performance of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Performances will be open to the public from Nov. 14, 15 & 16, at 7 p.m. Students are working under the direction of Teacher Michelle Bruno. Students are teaming up with the PRHS Interact Club to raise money to be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation in name of Team Tessa. Visit pinerichland.org/ fallproduction to reserve your spot. The Pine-Richland High School International Thespian Society is also working on a production in late November. Students will present “Peter and the Starcatcher.” A special performance will be held for senior citizens at 4 p.m. on Nov. 29. Additional performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 30; at 1 p.m. on Dec. 1, and at 7 p.m. on Dec. 1. Visit pinerichland.org/hsplay in early November for ticket information.