This Year, I’ m Grateful for …
Plum Borough School District Plum Borough School District PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS NEWS
Dear Plum Families,
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and it’ s no exaggeration to say that our school district has so much to be thankful for that it would be impossible to fit it all into one magazine. Here are some of the biggest highlights I think of when I reflect on what I’ m grateful for this year. First of all, I’ m very thankful for how well our community works together. As you’ ll see in this issue, much of our success as mentors of the young people in our care is due to the collaborations of various departments and organizations within our district. This includes Plum Borough Council, The Plum Chamber of Commerce, The Rotary Club of Plum Borough, PBSD Board of School Directors, and our firefighters, police, and first responders. Our students, faculty, and staff greatly benefit from the guidance and inspiration of the skilled professionals responsible for our health and safety. We are very fortunate to have such robust and rewarding relationships enriching our district.
Our Portrait of a Graduate helps shape every decision our district makes, and I am grateful we have such a clear vision of the principles we use to guide our students on their learning journey. Adaptability, Communication, Critical Thinking, Empathy, and Integrity are the five foundational traits we work to develop in every student. I am thankful to see those seeds take root in big and small ways each day, whether it’ s a kindness shown between classmates, a demonstration of good sportsmanship on the field, or coming up with a bold solution to a challenging problem. By fostering these values,
Plum Senior High School Teacher Gina Dessell was inspired to pursue a career in education by her fifthgrade teacher, Kristy Bair, who fostered an inviting and exciting learning environment. That example set a trajectory for Dessell’ s own work uplifting students. While pursuing her education degree at Slippery Rock University, Dessell volunteered with CEC( Council for Exceptional Children) and the Special Olympics. She recalls,“ These opportunities allowed me to connect with others, gain hands-on experience, and see the impact of inclusion and support firsthand. They inspired my passion for helping students grow, succeed, and be fully included in their schools and communities.”
Dessell now serves as the Secondary Transition Teacher at Plum Senior School. In her role, she helps students with disabilities prepare for life after high school. Dessell explains,“ I work closely with families, community partners, and agencies to ensure students have a smooth and meaningful transition from school to adult life.” Dessell was instrumental in shaping the Special Education program at PSHS. She explains,“ In 2015, I was a part of establishing a life skills program for our graduates won’ t just develop into effective and reliable employees once they leave the halls of Plum Senior High School; they’ ll also become the kinds of friends, neighbors, and citizens we’ ll be proud to call our fellow Mustangs.
Speaking of values, I am also profoundly grateful for the dedicated service of our military veterans. Our district’ s annual celebration of Veterans’ Day on November 11th was a rousing reminder of the fundamental values that unite our country: service, support, and selflessness. Defending our nation is important work, and each of us owes a debt of gratitude to those who dedicate their lives to protecting our safety, our freedom, and our rights.
This week, I hope you can reflect on your own gratitudes and celebrate the many good things that make life in our district so special. Thank you for all you do to support our learners, and for being a valued member of our amazing district community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rick A. Walsh Superintendent, Plum Borough School District
Meet Our Team: Gina Dessell, Secondary Transition Teacher at Plum Senior High School
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students who needed a more supportive environment so they could remain in their Plum school for their education. Over the past 10 years at the high school, I have established many partnerships with the community and various organizations that allow our students many opportunities.” One of the many programs she spearheads in the district is Best Buddies, which pairs individuals with and without disabilities to work together to foster support, skill development, and awareness. This program embodies the Adaptability, Communication, Critical Thinking, Empathy, and Integrity at the core of the Plum approach to education.
Seeing growth in students is the heart of why she teaches. Dessell shares,“ I enjoy seeing students become accepted and included within their school and community. Watching them grow, gain confidence, and even begin working is truly amazing.”