IN Greensburg Salem Summer 2017 | Page 34

Letter from the Superintendent

Dr . Eileen Amato –
Superintendent
Photo by Jeremy Lenzi

“ What we have to learn to do , we learn by doing ” reensburg Salem GREENSBURG SALEM SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Here at Greensburg Salem , we , like most other districts in western Pennsylvania this year , relish the gift of a milder winter . Our school year has only been interrupted with one two- hour weather delay and no cancellations . We are very grateful for the uninterrupted time this year to focus on our many authentic and meaningful learning tasks and are moving into our fourth quarter this year with an increased pace and enthusiasm . A peek into our schools at the present time will capture a snapshot of our students and staff preparing for our end of year state assessments as well as a focus on tasks and learning activities that bring skills together for students in ways that they can apply in contexts other than school .

When students go out into the world to apply their learning as adults , we know that life does not provide them with a life manual telling them what to do . Given the enormous amount of knowledge and skill needed to successfully navigate our ever changing world , schools simply cannot prepare students for everything . Educational research has shown that knowledge and skill learned in school is most useful when students apply their learning to solve problems and / or complete complex projects and / or tasks that mirror life situations and challenges .
Using decoding and comprehension skills to read a new novel , applying writing skills to create a poem that expresses one ’ s emotions or using math to measure and create a mat for a piece of artwork takes individual skills and teaches students how to transfer thinking to promote deeper understanding . From there , we strive to have students apply skills and understandings across disciplines . Using scientific principals and fine motor skills to build a model bridge or using French and music to teach a song to elementary students are two examples of our GSSD learning tasks that create an inquiry experience or simulates a real life application .
Our IN Greensburg Salem magazine this month hopes to showcase several of those wonderful learning experiences that combine skills and knowledge into complex tasks . One such task is the production of musical performances “ Grease ” and “ Into the Woods ”. From creating scenery to learning dance routines , many skills were needed as these shows prepared for their opening nights . We were especially lucky in the Middle School where there was an “ A ” and “ B ” cast list which switched every other night giving a multitude of students these rich experiences .
Another example of this transfer of learning can be seen in the article featuring our high school carpentry students who applied their skills to build a puppet stage for their peers who are enrolled in a puppetry class . This stage is then used by other high school students as they apply their learning to educate students in the elementary on the issues such as kindness and inclusion . A story that will amaze you highlights how this journey starts in our schools and features a Hutchinson Elementary kindergartener who has received state-level attention for her work on producing a film . From K-12 , we strive as a district to make learning meaningful and motivating .
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This past year , our district has participated in the Math Science Collaborative , a regional initiative that brings together schools and employers . We had a team of teachers and administrators who visited worksites such as PPG , Arconic and Alcosan to learn about the skills that are valued and critical in the workplace . Across the board , employers shared that many specialized skills are needed in each individual workplace , but all companies stressed that a universal skill they are looking at in prospective and current employees is the ability to effectively communicate . Good communication maintains strong working relationships , facilitates innovation and ultimately contributes to the success and , even growth , of the company .
At Greensburg Salem , communication is a critical skill that we teach . We try to provide students with many opportunities to apply their skills starting with presentations in the classroom and advancing to their Senior Project presentation and increased opportunities in the form of outside events and competitions . This month ’ s magazine showcases one such opportunity , our Mock Trial program . We are particularly proud of our students this year who captured the state title . Along with the trial team , we also saw much success with students who participated in other interest areas , as well , in such activities such as the state Debate Team competition , the APPLES competition for foreign language students as well as students in the Career and Technical Center who participate in the SKILLS competitions .
Our magazine this month features many local showcases of learning that families and community members are able to attend . There is a feature story on the Metzgar Elementary STEAM fair and the Nicely Elementary “ Reading Under the Stars ” Family Reading Night activity . Included this month are stories on Special Olympics and the Council on Substance Abuse and Youth ’ s Youth Summit .
Today ’ s educational experts align with Aristotle , one of history ’ s early teachers , believing “ What we have to learn to do , we learn by doing .” It ’ s been a wonderful year of doing and learning at Greensburg Salem School District . We hope you enjoy reading about our success stories .
The Greensburg Salem School District pages are edited and compiled by the Community Relations Department . For more information please contact Melissa Bowman , at 724.832.2907 or melissa . bowman @ gslions . net .
Spring Edition Apologies In our Spring edition , we mistakenly identified Matt Metrosky as Michael Petrosky in our Giving Tree article . We sincerely apologize for the error , Matt ! Our Letter from the Superintendent mentioned that GS partnered with the New Alexandria Lions Club . We would like to reiterate that we are pleased to partner with the Delmont and Slickville Lions Clubs as well , as featured in our Lions Lunchables article . We are thankful for the support of all of our community partners !