IN West Jefferson Hills Spring 2014 | Page 42

New Activity Period Bell Schedule est Jefferson Hills WE ST J E FFE RS ON H IL L S S C HO OL D I ST RIC T NE WS – P LE AS A N T H ILLS M ID D LE SC HOOL BY DAN COMO, PRINCIPAL, PLEASANT HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL Providing additional academic support for students is the reason for the bell schedule revision occurring at Pleasant Hills Middle School. A group of teachers and administrators have been meeting since the summer of 2013 to work out the logistics of implementing the new bell schedule. Beginning on January 27, 2014, PHMS began operating an activity bell schedule five days per week. This additional 30 minutes at the end of the day will enable teachers to work with small groups of students on either academic remediation or enrichment activities. Each academic discipline and the elective teachers will have a designated day to work with small groups of students throughout the week via a pull-out program. This will enable all students to receive the academic help they need to succeed. The time is also used for Olweus Bullying Prevention once a month and a mentor-mentee session focusing student effort on academic goals and progress. We will continue to strive to find innovative methods to meet the needs of all our students. TJ Arts Funds Middle School Trip to Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra BY DAN COMO, PRINCIPAL, PLEASANT HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL Thanks to a generous donation from TJ Arts, all sixth grade students at Pleasant Hills Middle School were treated to a performance at Heinz Hall by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The performance, “Beethoven, His Life and Music” , focused on one of the most influential composers in all of history. Students were able to experience the beauty and power of his most significant and famous works. Over 225 students and staff took part in the field trip to Heinz Hall. It will be a performance our students never forget. Thank you TJ Arts! 40 West Jefferson Hills