IN West Jefferson Hills Fall 2016 | Page 50

WELCOME!! TINA MAYER, PRINCIPAL est Jefferson Hills WE ST J E FFE RSO N H IL L S SC HO O L DI ST RIC T NE WS — GILL H A LL E LE M E N TARY SC HOOL A s always, it is hard to believe we are already embarking on yet another new school year! I would like to first wish all of our new 6th grade students the best of luck as they begin their middle school years. I know they will continue to shine! I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our incoming kindergarten students…you are about to embark on one of the most important journeys of your life, and we are excited to share it with you. Last, but not least, a warm welcome to all new Gill Hall students and staff! We look forward to having you as an integral part of our Gill Hall family. The summer has been busy with renovations as well as curriculum changes. We are anxiously awaiting the grand opening of our STEAM lab and will also be incorporating a new Social Studies Series. The combination of innovation and academics, coupled with an awesome instructional staff, helps to ensure the intellectual, emotional and social growth of our children. It truly is a team effort! Please be sure to check our website often to keep updated on school activities, policies, and district information. Additionally, PTA information is available as well. All parents are strongly encouraged to become active members of this organization! Being a member of our PTA is a great way to become actively engaged in your child’s education. GOOD LUCK!! Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. John Dewey G ill Hall Elementary School is excited to announce the development of a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Lab. Planning began last year to transform the computer lab into a state-of-the-art facility where students can integrate various subject matters with hands-on learning. Technology is not meant to take the place of quality teaching, but rather enhance it. The lab will engage students in more divergent, problem-solving experiences. The space will feature numerous elements that will allow for unique learning experiences for all grade levels. It will include a new multimedia broadcast studio, a fully-equipped makerspace, a video production and editing space, a first of its kind virtual-reality space, and a mixed-use collaborative area for robotics, object-based programming, and design. A HUGE thank you to the Gill Hall teach