IN West Jefferson Hills Fall 2026 | Page 34

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 830 OLD CLAIRTON ROAD JEFFERSON HILLS, PA 15025 PHONE [phone] FAX [phone] www. wjhsd. net

A MESSAGE FROM

Dr. Janet Sardon WJHSD Superintendent

Dr. William Henderson, III

WJHSD Assistant Superintendent est Jefferson Hills

WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Intentionality. One word can often define the direction of an entire school year. As we begin the 2026 – 2027 school year, our focus is on being intentional in everything we do— intentional in building relationships, intentional in creating meaningful learning experiences, intentional in supporting every student, and intentional in preparing our schools for the future. Intentionality means approaching each decision with purpose and recognizing that the choices we make today shape the opportunities our students will have tomorrow.

A new school year always brings excitement, fresh opportunities, and the promise of new beginnings. It is a time for students to discover new interests, challenge themselves academically, build lasting friendships, and grow as individuals. For our staff, it is another opportunity to inspire excellence through purposeful instruction, collaboration, and innovation. Together, we will embrace this year with intention, knowing that the small actions we take each day collectively make a lasting difference in the lives of the children we serve.

One of our major initiatives this year is the implementation of Skyward Qmlativ, the newest version of our student information management system. This upgraded platform provides families with convenient access to important student information, including grades, attendance, schedules, and transportation details, allowing parents to stay informed and connected throughout the school year.

We are also pleased to fully implement Bus Zonar following last year ' s successful pilot program. Through the Bus Zonar app, families can receive real-time transportation notifications, including estimated bus arrival times, delays, and other important updates. Information on downloading and using the application was distributed at the beginning of the school year, and we encourage every family to register to take advantage of this valuable communication tool.

While technology continues to enhance the educational experience, our greatest strength has always been our people. Throughout the summer, we worked diligently to recruit exceptional educators and support staff to fill retirements and other vacancies. This year, we are pleased to welcome nine new teachers, five paraprofessionals, and several short- and long-term substitutes. Their talents, dedication, and enthusiasm will strengthen the outstanding work already taking place throughout our schools.

West Jefferson Hills School District continues to experience steady enrollment growth, now serving approximately 3,600 students in grades K – 12. As our community grows, so does our responsibility to provide learning environments that meet the evolving needs of our students.

Planning for our new middle school remains one of the district ' s highest priorities, as the facility is designed to accommodate our greatest projected enrollment growth. In the coming months, the district will hold the required Act 34 Public Hearing, marking another significant milestone before the project advances into Pennsylvania ' s formal bidding process. Following the hearing, the Board of School Directors and district administration will begin discussions regarding the reconfiguration of our remaining school buildings in preparation for the transition to the new grades 6 – 8 middle school. This project represents an exciting investment in the future of our students and our community.

Supporting these efforts is our continued commitment to responsible financial stewardship. Through thoughtful planning and sound fiscal management, we have positioned the district to invest in future capital

improvements while preserving the high-quality educational programs our students deserve. We remain committed to balancing today ' s needs with long-term investments that will benefit future generations of learners.

Although facilities and technology are important, our greatest investment will always be our students. Every decision we make is guided by the district ' s core values of Empathy, Respect, Integrity, Fostering Positive Relationships, Learner-Centered Focus, and Personalization. These values define our culture and serve as the foundation for the experiences we strive to provide every learner, every day.

Building upon these core values, the district is launching an exciting long-term initiative— the development of a Portrait of a Graduate. Over the next three to five years, we will engage students, families, staff, business leaders, and community members in defining the knowledge, skills, character traits, and competencies every West Jefferson Hills graduate should possess, regardless of the pathway they choose after high school. This collaborative process will help ensure our educational programs continue to prepare students not only for academic achievement, but also for meaningful careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. This year we will continue utilizing our Navigate360 visitor management and student safety systems while providing ongoing professional learning in threat assessment, emergency preparedness, behavioral supports, and school safety protocols. Creating safe, secure, and welcoming learning environments is fundamental to student success.

As we look ahead, intentionality will remain at the heart of our work. Whether implementing new technology, enhancing student transportation, planning for a new middle school, developing our Portrait of a Graduate, or making responsible financial decisions, every initiative reflects our commitment to thoughtfully preparing students for success both today and in the future.

Intentionality is more than careful planning— it is a mindset. It is choosing, each day, to place students at the center of every decision, every conversation, and every opportunity. When our actions consistently reflect our values of Empathy, Respect, Integrity, Fostering Positive Relationships, Learner-Centered Focus, and Personalization, we create schools where every child is known, valued, challenged, and empowered to succeed.

The success of the West Jefferson Hills School District has always been built upon strong partnerships among our students, families, staff, Board of School Directors, and community. Thank you for your continued trust, support, and commitment to our schools. Together, we will continue building a district that prepares students not only for graduation, but for a lifetime of success.

We look forward to another exceptional year of learning, growth, and achievement.

Together, let us make the 2026-2027 school year defined by purposeful action, meaningful relationships, and intentional excellence.

Thank you for your continued support of the West Jefferson Hills School

District. Go Jaguars! Sincerely,

Dr. Janet Sardon Superintendent West Jefferson Hills SD

Dr. William Henderson, III Assistant Superintendent West Jefferson Hills SD

32 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS