IN Fox Chapel Area Spring 2017 | Page 11

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Dear Friends ,
I still remember my first day of school as a new teacher . Reading about Dorseyville Middle School seventh graders “ teaching ” Hartwood Elementary students ( please see pages 14 & 15 ) reminds me of the excitement and anticipation of arriving at school and entering a classroom of eager , young learners . Those DMS students experienced some of that excitement as they researched , coordinated activities , and prepared their lessons . The seventh graders adapted their instruction as needed to guide the younger students – just like trained and certified teachers do .
Everyone knows that teachers spend a great deal of time preparing lessons and refining the craft of teaching . At Fox Chapel Area our administrators and staff are devoted to planned , rigorous , and regular improvement of our curriculum and the delivery of instruction . We still provide the basics ; we know our students can never succeed in today ’ s world , or the world of the future , if they cannot read , comprehend , write , understand math , and work together in collaboration with their classmates . In today ’ s world the methods change to meet the ever-evolving needs of children . Our teachers truly believe they must ensure success for every student and have adapted lessons taking into account how every child learns and masters concepts and lessons . Our staff is second-to-none in their attention to the needs of every child . Additionally , new educational practices that incorporate technology and all that it can bring to learning are an integral part of our educational system . Students at all levels ( K-12 ) are learning through maker education , as well as learning the basics of computer science – all in an effort to prepare them for the world of tomorrow .
We seem to be in a time of challenge and transition in our public schools . Our state legislators are considering changes to funding formulas that could greatly impact public education . Our District Forum held a meeting on this very topic where we discussed how these changes could impact our educational programs right here in our very own district . The members of our community really stepped up and became involved .
I am profoundly grateful that our community cares so deeply about public education . Everything we do as an educational community is to ensure the success of our students . Even residents without children enrolled in our schools benefit from the wonderful educational programs we offer here .

I am profoundly grateful that our community cares so deeply about public education . Everything we do as an educational community is to ensure the success of our students . ox Chapel Area FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL NEWS

Please be assured that no matter what , our teachers are in the classroom , ready to teach your children , as well to care for and about them – both now and in the future .
Sincerely ,
Gene Freeman , Ed . D . Superintendent
Fox Chapel Area | Spring 2017 | icmags . com 9