IN West Jefferson Hills Winter 2019 | Page 34

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 830 OLD CLAIRTON ROAD JEFFERSON HILLS, PA 15025 PHONE 412.655.8450 FAX 412.655.9544 www.wjhsd.net Dr. Michael Ghilani, West Jefferson Hills School District Superintendent A s we enter the winter months and the Holiday Season, this is a great time to pause and reflect upon the first four months of school and recognize the many successes that we have achieved. Academically, Thomas Jefferson High School has improved in the Pittsburgh Business Times high school rankings from 19th to 13th place on their Keystone scores, and Pleasant Hills Middle School has improved its School Performance Profile score from 69.9 to 83.8, to claim the 3rd highest ranking of all middle schools in Allegheny County. In addition, we have also seen an increase in our average SAT scores and produced two National Merit Semi-finalists for the first time in several years. I can’t wait to see where we go as we continue to personalize learning and focus on student academic and social and emotional growth. Athletically, we enjoyed another successful fall season. All of our teams made the playoffs, with the highlights being Lydia Shaw qualifying for states in cross country, our girl’s volleyball team finishing as section champs and the WPIAL runner-up, and our football team winning the WPIAL 4A Championship. We are truly fortunate to have so many successful athletic programs which continue to represent our school with pride and dignity on and off the field. In the Arts, we had the pleasure to experience our first performance in the world-class Thomas Jefferson High School Theatre. I am always amazed at the talent that can be found within the halls of our high school. Our band and chorus collaborated to put on a breathtaking performance during our Veterans Day ceremony, and the Fall Play was one of the largest fall theatrical productions involving 60 students on stage and 30 backstage. And once again, our marching band continued to shine during halftime performances and band festivals. We are fortunate to have tremendous students, parents, staff, and school board members. Working together, we will continue to make progress and improve every aspect of the educational program for ALL students. I wish you an enjoyable holiday season and a happy New Year! #WErTJ 32 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS