Pleasant Hills Middle School DAN COMO , PRINCIPAL est Jefferson Hills
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS — PLEASANT HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
PHMS Salutes Veterans With Program and Warrior Walk
The Pleasant Hills Middle School welcomed and saluted more than 20 veterans , many of whom are related to a PHMS student , during its Veterans Day recognition event .
The event included patriotic music by the PHMS band and orchestra . Students asked a question of their military family member who accompanied them to the breakfast and program and the veterans were able to share some of their experiences with the students . All PHMS students and staff were able to view the program via livestream .
Each veteran came to the podium to be recognized and receive a small token of appreciation from Dr . Melissa McCauley , PHMS Vice Principal and the program emcee .
All students then gathered in a top floor hallway and gymnasium for the moving Warrior Walk . Every student displayed a sign they had made for the veterans , who walked down parts of two hallways and through the gym to the cheers of hundreds of students and staff , leaving the gym to a patriotic medley by the band . The event was a big success and a great way for PHMS to honor our local veterans . Thank you veterans !
WJHSD and South Hills Aquatics Enter Exciting Partnership
new and exciting partnership
A between the West Jefferson Hills School District and South Hills Aquatics ( SHAQ ) began November 1 . The partnership was approved by the WJHSD School Board at its October meeting and , as of last month , South Hills Aquatics is calling the Thomas Jefferson High School Natatorium home .
Founded in 2002 , South Hills Aquatics is a non-profit competitive swim team serving the South Hills and surrounding communities . The team is comprised of athletes ages 6-18 and is operated by a Parent Advisory Committee .
" By partnering with SHAQ , not only do we give our kids the ability to swim in our facility year around , but we can build a competitive program at the elementary grades that will eventually bring more students into our high school swim team ,” said WJHSD Superintendent Dr . Michael Ghilani . “ SHAQ will also provide for more post-high school competition opportunities for TJ swimmers .”
South Hills Aquatics is governed by USA Swimming and is a member of Allegheny Mountain Swimming ( AMS ). SHAQ was started by Steve Larkin , who is the head coach , along with his wife , Erica , who is TJ swimming and diving assistant coach ,
working with head coach Brian Peters . Steve Larkin was the head swimming coach at West Mifflin High School for nearly 20 years .
“ I ’ m super excited ,” Steve Larkin said . “ I finally feel like the grind we ’ ve had has put us in position to help a lot of children to learn about swimming . The new TJ Natatorium is a great facility .”
The 8-lane , 25-yard ramp entry TJ Natatorium opened in the fall of 2019 when the new TJHS opened . Prior to the new high school being built , the Jaguars ’ swimming and diving teams didn ’ t have their own pool within the District .
“ This is great news for swimming in our community ,” Peters commented . “ A club presence at TJ will be a huge boost for the swimming program and is another step in opening doors to the local community . As a varsity coach , I couldn ' t be more excited to see the foundation laid for age group competitive swimming . I can ' t wait to see the Club and the greater TJ swim community grow !”
The Thomas Jefferson swimming and diving team will have priority use of the TJ Natatorium during its season . South Hills Aquatics will have the opportunity to host
invitationals against other regional swim clubs in the TJ pool .
“ I ’ m excited ; this was always part of the plan that I envisioned , to use the pool for kids and people in the district and surrounding communities ,” stated Brian McClain , the TJ Natatorium manager . “ There ’ s definitely an interest in the community for more swimming opportunities .”
SHAQ began 2021-22 registration and evaluation for new swimmers who reside within WJHSD and outside the District in early November and Larkin was encouraged and excited about the turnout .
For more information about South Hills Aquatics , go to : www . leaguelineup . com / southhillsaquatics .
40 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS