these new changes were born out
of the rich feedback we received
from the surveys. Probably the
most exciting news is that we will
be piloting a 1:1 environment
in 5th and 8th grades this year.
Every student will eventually
receive a Chromebook that they
will be permitted to use at home.
Although the Chromebooks will
not be ready to go home on day
one, we felt it was important to
start to upgrade our technology,
plus a 1:1 environment is the only
true way to create a system built
around personalized learning. We
started the pilot with these two
grades because our principals
indicated that they were the most
ready for the technology. Our
goal is to be completely 1:1 in
grades 5-12 by the beginning of
the 2019-20 school year.
We have also added two
elementary school counselors
this year. One will be housed at
Jefferson Elementary and the
other will be split between Gill
Hall Elementary and McClellan
Elementary. Our teachers and
parents strongly indicated
the need for more support for
students, and we realize the
importance of healthy socio-
emotional development of our
elementary students. You will
also notice many upgrades in
safety and security this year as
well as a stronger district stance
in the fight against drugs and
alcohol use among our students.
While the start of the 2017-
2018 school year might be just
another year for many of our
neighboring school districts,
I view this as the launch of the
“new” West Jefferson Hills School
District. The district’s history
and traditions will always be
remembered and respected, but
it is time that we progressed
into being at the forefront
of educational practices and
programs and become a leader in
the educational arena. Socrates
one said, “The secret to change is
to focus all of your energy not on
fighting the old, but on building
the new.”
Wishing nothing but the best
to our students, teachers, staff,
parents, families, and community
members. LET’S GO JAGUARS!