IN West Jefferson Hills Winter 2025 | Page 36

PHMS Students Lead Annual Food Drive to Support Local Community
Each year, PHMS students organize a food drive to benefit the local food bank at the Olivet Church in West Elizabeth. This annual event has become a meaningful tradition, reflecting the empathy and generosity of our school community and families toward those in need.
The food drive also highlights how PHMS fosters positive relationships within the community, bringing students, staff, and families together for a common cause. Over the past 30 + years, both students and staff have contributed generously, ensuring the food bank can continue to support local families.
A special thank you goes to Mr. Kerr and Mr. McCabe for volunteering to lead this important initiative, alongside the many student leaders who help make it a success each year.
Through efforts like this, PHMS continues to cultivate a culture of compassion, service, and community engagement among its students.

est Jefferson Hills WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Gill Hall School Celebrates Red Ribbon Week with Fun, Learning, and Heroes
Gill Hall Elementary proudly celebrated Red Ribbon Week with a variety of engaging and meaningful activities centered around making healthy choices, showing school spirit, and honoring community heroes.
Among the week’ s highlights was the always-popular“ Touch a Truck” event, where students had the chance to explore real vehicles used by community helpers. From fire trucks and police cruisers to construction and utility vehicles, students learned firsthand about the important roles these workers play in keeping our community safe and running smoothly. The excitement and curiosity on students’ faces made it a day to remember!
Another special highlight was the Hero’ s Lunch, where students welcomed and honored their family members who have served in the military or are first responders. These heroes joined their children and grandchildren for lunch, creating a heartwarming experience filled with pride and gratitude. The cafeteria was filled with smiles, hugs, and conversations as students expressed appreciation for the sacrifices their loved ones make every day.
Gill Hall would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Gill Hall PTA for organizing such a fun-filled, educational, and memorable week. Their hard work and creativity helped our students celebrate Red Ribbon Week in a way that blended learning, community pride, and heartfelt appreciation for our heroes.

Halloween Fun at McClellan and Gill Hall

Elementary students had a spook-tac-ular October 31st at McClellan and Gill Hall! The weather held out perfectly for our annual Halloween parades, allowing students to show off their creative costumes while safely marching through the school.
Inside, the PTA and parent volunteers worked their magic, planning a variety of fun games and crafts that had everyone laughing and creating lasting memories. From pumpkin decorating to spooky-themed activities, the parties were a hit with students of all ages.
It was a day full of smiles, treats, and community spirit, a Halloween celebration that students and families alike will remember for years to come!
STUDENTS AT MCCLELLAN AND GILL HALL EXPLORE THE LIFE OF AN APPLE
Students at McClellan Elementary and Gill Hall Elementary had a handson, tasty science experience as they explored the fascinating life cycle of an apple. Throughout the week, students learned about how apples grow from seeds to saplings to fully ripened fruit discovering the stages of development and the science behind what makes apples so unique.
To celebrate their learning and honor the legacy of Johnny Appleseed, students wrapped up the week by making homemade applesauce. From washing and peeling to mashing the apples, the students got to experience the process firsthand, turning their scientific knowledge into a delicious treat they could taste and share.
Teachers noted that the activity was not only fun but also an excellent way to reinforce lessons about plant growth, healthy eating, and the importance of agriculture. The joy of learning was evident as students proudly enjoyed the fruits of their labor literally!
It was a week filled with curiosity, hands-on learning, and, of course, a little bit of sweetness making science at McClellan and Gill Hall both educational and delicious.
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