IN West Jefferson Hills Spring 2016 | Page 52

WE S T J E FFE RS ON H I L LS S C HOO L D IS TRIC T N E WS est Jefferson Hills Officer Ronald J. Porupsky, School Resource Officer, Featured in National Industry Publication Officer Ron Porupsky, School Resource Officer (SRO) for McClellan Elementary School and Pleasant Hills Middle School, was recently featured on the cover of The Journal of School Safety, which is the official publication of the National Association of School Resource Officers. He is a dedicated School Resource Officer and provides a safe and nurturing environment for students to optimize learning at all levels. He is available and accessible to all students and can be seen throughout these schools on any given day. Officer Porupsky educates and counsels students on a variety of topics including classroom safety, ALICE drills, street level law, drug and alcohol awareness, Internet security and safety, and the importance of conducting themselves in an appropriate and lawful manner online. In addition, he serves as a valuable resource within the classroom to educate students about law enforcement and their individual freedoms and rights. Officer Porupsky also instills the value of being a “Good Citizen” to all of the students. He teaches them to be safe, kind, and respectful to one another so that they can be good community members. He has developed a “Citizen of the Month” program at McClellan and Pleasant Hills Middle Schools. First and second graders can participate in Officer Porupsky’s Good Citizen Drawing Contest by drawing a picture of something they have done to make their community better. In higher grades, teachers and students can nominate individuals who exemplify what it means to be a good citizen. Every month, Officer Porupsky awards a new Citizen of the Month and proudly showcases them on his SRO website at: http://www.pleasanthillspa.com under the Police menu. We would like to thank Officer Porupsky and the Pleasant Hills Police Department for their continued partnership and commitment to the students of our district. Little Kids Playcare In response to a growing community need for before-and-after-school child care, the district has enlisted the services of Little Kids Playcare. Little Kids Playcare is a family-owned and operated licensed child care center located in West Jefferson Hills since 1989. Jill Lester (Ms. Jill) began Little Kids Playcare as a home daycare over 25 years ago. After graduating from college, Ms. Jill’s daughters, Sarah and Rachel, both Thomas Jefferson graduates and current residents, helped expand the business. In May 2013, Jill, Sarah and Rachel purchased their very first property and happily relocated Little Kids Playcare to its beautiful new location on Lewis Run Road. Little Kids Playcare provides before-and-after-school care at Jefferson, Gill Hall and McClellan Elementary Schools for students enrolled in those schools. The program operates in the gyms and cafeterias of the school buildings from 6:30 – 8:10 a.m. and from 3:10 – 6 p.m. While at the program, children are welcomed into a safe and positive learning environment and given academic support for homework and studies. Children are encouraged to participate in a daily craft or activity. Free-play and structured indoor games, such as kickball, basketball, soccer, etc., occur in the gym. Children are also offered a daily afternoon snack and beverage. For more information or to register a child for the before-and-after-school program, parents can call Little Kids Playcare at 412.650.9020 or email [email protected]. 50 West Jefferson Hills