ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 830 OLD CLAIRTON ROAD JEFFERSON HILLS , PA 15025 PHONE 412.655.8450 FAX 412.655.9544 www . wjhsd . net
MESSAGE FROM
Dr . Matthew Patterson , Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education est Jefferson Hills
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
As 2020 comes to a close , this is the perfect opportunity to say thank you to everyone who rose to overcome the many challenges that emerged unexpectedly . Having everyone focused on success during the last several months is exactly what a winning team does and once again , the # WErTJ family came through .
I would like to provide you with updates to a few of the major projects currently underway in the district .
Core Reading Program Pilots Nearly two years ago , teams of educators , administrators , and external consultants began researching a new core reading program that would replace our K-5 current program , Treasures , while at the same time standardizing and aligning our program in grades 6-8 . Even though our previous programs have served children well over the years , it is time for new programming that is aligned with the current rigorous academic standards in Pennsylvania . The new reading curriculum will focus on interventions for struggling readers , contain robust instruction in foundational skills including phonics , and provide rich and authentic texts for children and challenge all readers . The District is fully committed to providing a high-quality , Kindergarten through eighth-grade literacy experience that is grounded in best practice and research in the science of how children learn to read .
The following programs are currently being piloted :
Pearson : My View ( K-5 ) and My Perspectives ( Grade 7 ) Amplify : Core Knowledge Language Arts ( K-5 ) and ELA ( Grade 8 ) McGraw Hill : StudySync ( Grade 6 ) Reading Plus ( PHMS Intervention )
When the time comes , I hope you will take the time to provide feedback on your experience with your child / children ’ s respective pilot program . We would like to know what you think as we move forward . The new program ( s ) are anticipated to be in place for the start of the 2021-2022 school year .
Fall NWEA MAP
During the months of September and early October , students in grades K-8 were assessed in math and reading using the NWEA MAP test . From this assessment , teachers and principals identified the skill levels where students can successfully begin instruction . Using this information , a personalized pathway for learning is created both in school and through the various supplemental online programs used by the district . This assessment also provides school and district leaders with important predictive information about how students are likely to perform in the future on other assessments such as the ACT , SAT , and PSSA . We use this information to develop strategies for helping all students meet and exceed their own performance projections .
The results of the fall assessment identified regression likely due to the extended closure of schools in the spring and technical issues experienced during the administration of the test . In spite of the apparent regression , our students are still performing above average as a whole when compared to their peers across the nation . I anticipate that we will provide the next assessment earlier than usual in order to adjust our supports for students accordingly .
CARES Act Funding and Project Management
The Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act , also known as the CARES Act , is a $ 2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the 116th U . S . Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 27 , 2020 , in response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States . The West Jefferson Hills School District was awarded two grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Education Division of Federal Programs totaling $ 232,056 . These funds were dedicated to supporting the school district ’ s ongoing efforts to provide a continuity of education to all students through remote learning and to conduct an assessment of indoor air quality at all five schools . This funding was critical and reduced the amount of local funds needed to support these two very important projects .
Kindergarten Registration Kindergarten registration for the 2021-2022 school year is now open and can be accessed via our website . Having accurate enrollment information as early as possible is extremely important to us as we plan for the new school year . This also allows us to connect with families immediately in order to support their child ’ s transition to Kindergarten . Our enrollment continues to increase and our current Kindergarten class is more than 30 students higher than anticipated . As you can imagine , there is a lot of work behind the scenes that occurs in order to make sure that everyone is ready for day one and it all starts with the registration process . Please help us spread the word to prospective families of the need to complete the registration process as quickly as possible .
Finally , I would like to wish everyone all the best during this special time of year . Above all else , I hope you are able to experience the wonder and magic that comes with this time of year , both young and old . Let your inner-child shine !
From my family to yours , may your 2021 be filled with good health , great experiences , and tremendous joy !
40 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS