Pleasant Hills Middle School DAN COMO, PRINCIPAL
Hopefully, all of our students( and parents) had an opportunity to rest and relax before the start of a new school year. The 2018-19 school year looks to be another year full of opportunity for our students. Here are a few items to bring to your attention. est Jefferson Hills WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS— PLEASANT HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
46 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
Sixth Grade Students Begin Transition to Middle School
On Monday, August 20, Pleasant Hills Middle School staff welcomed our incoming sixth grade students along with their parents, for Sixth Grade Open House and Orientation. The program is specifically designed to address student and parent concerns about transitioning to the middle school setting. PHMS teachers and staff are on hand to introduce the students to“ all things middle school.” Students go through a practice run of their schedule, meet their new teachers and classmates, learn about course and school expectations, and have time to master their new locker combinations. We look forward to getting to know our new middle school students and to part of the many things they will accomplish over the next three years.
Welcome New Staff
We would like to welcome our new staff members to Pleasant Hills Middle School. Mrs. Julie Taylor is our new school counselor. Julie spent last year working with students at Gill Hall and McClellan Elementary Schools. Ms. Connie Testa is transitioning from Jefferson Elementary School to work as the middle school Chorus Director and 8th grade band teacher. Mr. William Boger was recently hired as a learning support teacher. Will spent the past two years working for Propel Charter Schools. We are looking forward to seeing all the great things our staff members and students accomplish working together.
PHMS Library Gets an Upgrade
The PHMS Library will undergo an upgrade for the 2018-19 school year. The library furniture and layout will change to create a collaborative space for students and staff. Rows of bookshelves will be relocated to open up additional areas for students to work on research and projects. The new furniture options create three distinct work areas within the library. Our goal is to make the best use of spaces within the school to promote student learning. Mrs. Davis, school librarian, is excited to see how students react to the newly envisioned space.
Technology to Enhance Student Learning
Pleasant Hills Middle School will have Google Chromebooks for all students as part of our district 1:1 technology plan. As a district and school, we continue to research best practices to improve student learning. Technology is a tool we use to engage and motivate students as part of their education. PHMS staff have made use of the educational applications from Google Suite for several years to engage students in the learning process. Staff members have completed or will complete Google Education Certification this school year. The training assists teachers with using educational apps to support student learning and growth. All middle school students will receive their devices the first week of school.