IN South Fayette Summer 2018 | Page 54

We are very pleased to share that for the fourth year in a row Dr. Ken Lockette the South Fayette Superintendent of Schools Township School District has been named the number one district in the region by the Pittsburgh Business Times Guide to Western PA Schools. The District was also listed as third in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a second consecutive year. This publication rates the academic performance of districts and schools in a seven county region on the last three years Pittsburgh Business of state-mandated standardized tests in the Times Guide to areas of mathematics, reading, and science. M Western PA Schools We value the exemplary performance that our students have earned on standardized state exams and appreciate the hard work of our faculty and staff to maintain such excellence over time. We, as a learning community, also value and strive to create opportunities for our students to exercise relevant essential skills that are not measured on these exams. Skills such as creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking are also vital for future success. Moving forward as a school district, we will continue to look for and create real-world, authentic learning experiences that will require our students to think critically and to collaborate to design solutions to challenges that are in our local and global communities. To do this, we will need to grow our partnerships with businesses and institutions, and we will need to continue to go beyond our own walls to allow our students to gain a better understanding of the diverse work environments and the different pathways that they can explore. Additionally, as a member of the Digital Promise’s League of Innovative Schools, the South Fayette Township School District will continue to work with other schools and districts, both locally and nationally, to support and grow innovative learning practices. One example of this is the District’s STEAM Innovation Summer Institute (https://sites.google.com/ southfayette.org/summerinstitute/home?authuser=1) for educators that will be held June 18-21, 2018. This professional learning experience is generously supported by the Grable Foundation. Before we dive into the future, however, we would wholeheartedly like to thank the school and greater community for supporting our students and programs throughout this past year. Whether academics, the arts, or athletics, our students have been provided the opportunity to learn, grow and excel. We also wish the Senior Class of 2018 well as they prepare for their next steps in post-secondary institutions, in the military, or directly in the workforce. We look forward to hearing about their future accomplishments and will continue to offer support as alumni of the District. Have a safe and wonderful summer! Best regards, Dr. Kenneth F. Lockette Superintendent of Schools 52 SOUTH FAYETTE