Future Forward Focus outh Fayette SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Dr. Michelle Miller Superintendent of Schools
As we move into the heart of the school year, with the first nineweeks already behind us, there have been exciting accomplishments and progress across our district. The start of the year was filled with purpose and pride, as well as a focus on protecting what is ours. A lion always protects his pride, and that’ s no different in South Fayette than it is in the wild. It’ s the support that our Lion Learners receive from their teachers, staff, and classmates, and the strength the district receives from the community that make South Fayette such a special place to learn and grow.
We are protecting our future with continued growth and innovation on campus. Significant change is visible in the construction projects at the Intermediate School. With two of the three phases nearing completion, we anticipate having students in the new corner classrooms and orchestra space early in the new calendar year. And with the constant development of artificial intelligence across industries and professions, we are working with our Lion Learners and Educators to safely and responsibly incorporate AI in the classrooms and set an example for other districts seeking to do the same. Last month, we hosted our second Future-Focused Learning Summit, welcoming hundreds of educators, leaders, and innovators from across the education sector in exploring how technology and creativity intersect to shape the future of our field.
We are protecting our traditions. This year’ s Homecoming celebrations showcased the pride and unity that make South Fayette exceptional. The carnival, spirit festivities, football game, and dance all reflected our collective commitment to honoring the past while inspiring the next generation of leaders. Faculty and staff especially got into the spirit this fall by contributing photos from their personal homecoming dances, and everyone enjoyed these blasts from the past on our district social media posts. We also hosted our annual Dress Like Your Culture Day this fall that was wildly successful district-wide as dozens of students, faculty, and
Construction Projects Taking Shape
Early in the patio conversion
32 SOUTH FAYETTE staff at each school showcased their heritage through their clothing and accessories.
We are protecting the potential of every Lion Learner. This school year included the launch of new opportunities scheduled during the school day for students to gain the support they need as Lion Learners. Whether this is enrichment, remediation, or time to extend learning, the high school’ s Flex period and the daily WIN Time in K-5 provide our learners what they need.
Most importantly, we are protecting our people. As you continue to read these pages, you’ ll learn more about the enhanced safety and security efforts we have made throughout the district which also benefit our community. From the addition of our own School Police Officer to a state of the art alert system for a variety of emergencies, we are focusing on the safety of campus.
There is no Lion more loyal and protective in our pride than School Board member Len Fornella. This fall we proudly honored him for 45 years of dedicated service to South Fayette. An SF graduate, Mr. Fornella’ s unwavering commitment to the district began as a student and, as a lifelong resident and parent of alumni, he has had the vision to help mold public education in South Fayette into a model for districts nationwide. It is truly a privilege to work with Mr. Fornella and witness how we all benefit from his leadership.
We are also proudly honoring those who protect our freedoms. As shown on this magazine’ s cover, one of our ninth graders spent his summer designing and building a monument on campus to honor our district’ s military veterans. It is a fantastic addition to our grounds and a meaningful tribute to those who have served, and continue to serve, our country.
The pages of this magazine showcase our tradition of excellence at South Fayette. As we continue through the school year, I am grateful for the teachers, staff, families, and community members who work together to protect what makes South Fayette extraordinary. Together, we ensure that our pride remains strong, our traditions endure, and our future shines bright.
With gratitude and pride,
Dr. Michelle Miller
Superintendent of Schools
South Fayette Township School District continues to make visibly exciting progress on several key facility projects designed to meet the needs of our growing community and enhance the educational experience for all students.
Construction at the Intermediate School is moving right on schedule. Two phases of the project include the addition of three new corner classrooms and the conversion of a former outdoor patio into a new orchestra room. These spaces are expected to be complete and ready for use in January 2026. Meanwhile, work continues on a major three-story wing addition on