the state of Pennsylvania each year within the categories of Early
through second grades received iPads, which is developmentally
Childhood, Primary and Secondary education.
appropriate. We are on a five-year timeline to transition from
Award finalists were asked to write a letter of response detailing
using traditional books to using a mix of online textbooks and
how winning the award would help them promote their school
supplemental hardcover materials as one of our many study tools.”
and private education in Pennsylvania. “Because of our ability to
With the technology in full swing throughout last year, it
focus on the whole child, as well as his or her family, we have seen
became apparent Rosi had done something unique at St. Thomas
student successes that are unparalleled,” notes
More. It didn’t take long for the parents to
Rosi. “And, this award has definitely provided
notice his vision and drive, which is what led
us with additional exposure, which has been so
to his nomination for the 2018 Pennsylvania
“Because of our
nice. I’ve even gotten to walk in the Bethel Park
Primary Administrator Award.
ability to focus on
Memorial Day Parade.”
In fact, the nomination came from a parent
According to PA C.A.P.E., the winners for
and was deeply humbling for him. “After only
the whole child,
the
award are leaders who, in the eyes of the
one year at St. Thomas More, I was fortunate
as well as his or
community, model outstanding educational
to have our school community recognize the
her family, we
leadership to the teachers, school and
significant value these changes bring. This
communities they serve. They are passionate
was truly a collaborative effort between me
have seen student
and committed to engaging and developing
and the teachers,” says Rosi. “The teaching
successes that are
their staff and schools with whom they are
staff is a group of highly qualified and licensed
unparalleled.”
entrusted.
individuals who are loyal to the school and our
“Introducing this technology into St. Thomas
mission. Their average tenure is between 10 and
More is just the beginning of what we will do,”
15 years and they all took on this new initiative
Rosi says. “I envision great things for everyone involved. Primarily
with gusto. They learned how to use interactive smart boards,
we are a Catholic, God-centric educational environment. But
Chromebooks and opened themselves up to a new way of doing
now, we can combine our foundation with technology and see
things. I cannot thank them enough.”
where it takes us.”
The award, given by the Pennsylvania Council on American
For more information about St. Thomas More Catholic School,
Private Education (PA C.A.P.E.), honors only three principals in
visit stmcs.org, or call 412.833.1412. n
UPPER ST. CLAIR
❘
FALL 2018
25