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- 10/06-10: Senior High Homecoming Spirit Week
- 10/06: Curriculum Committee Meeting
- 10/06: Finance Committee Meeting
- 10/07: Linton Pride Assembly
- 10/07: Grades 9-12 School Photo Makeup and Club Photo Day
- 10/08: NJROTC Dessert Night/Awards Ceremony
- 10/09: Elementary PTA Meeting
- 10/11: Homecoming Dance
- 10/13-24: Elementary Book Fair
- 10/13: Safety/Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting
- 10/13: HR/Policy Committee Meeting
- 10/14: PAGE General Membership Meeting
- 10/15: Professional 2-Hour Delay Start for Students
- 10/15: PSAT
- 10/16: Linton PTA Meeting
- 10/18: Linton Cinderella Kids
- 10/21: Elementary Informational Night
- 10/23: Senior High PTSA Meeting
- 10/23: Senior High Open House
- 10/25: PH Halloween Parade
- 10/27: End 1st 9 Weeks/45th Day
- 10/27: School Board Public Voting Meeting
- 10/28: NJROTC NS 2, 3, and 4 Field Trip
- 10/28: Senior Class and Yearbook Fundraiser Delivery
- 10/30: Freshman/Sophomore Class Play
To view additional events, click here.
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Latest Photo Links
Photo Links
- Elementary (Grand Opening)
- Band (Band Parent Preview Night, Alle-Kiski Band Festival)
- Linton (BOB Garden, Food Pantry, Welcome Back Night, Making Scarecrows)
- Senior High (BOB Garden Build, Club Fair, Leadership Program, Pep Rally, See You at the Pole)
- Senior High Sports (Cheerleaders, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, and Volleyball)
Video Clips (please be patient as video clips take time to load)
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2014-15 High School Yearbooks Special Offer
Reserve your copy of the 2015 yearbook at a DISCOUNTED price. For a limited time, the cost of the yearbook is $65 + tax and fees. After October 12th, the price will increase to $75 + tax and fees! Act quickly to get a special discount. Order online at www.jostensyearbooks.com.
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Residency Tip Line
The District has a phone line that allows the public to anonymously report students who are attending our schools but who may not be residents of Penn Hills. Those who suspect that a student may not be a resident can call 412-793-7000, x1891, and leave a message with information about the suspected student. |
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Penn Hills Class of '04 Reunion
The Reunion Committee of the 2004 graduating class of Penn Hills High School will hold a 10-year class reunion on November 26, 2014, at 6:30 pm at The Rivers Casino on the North Shore. For more information, visit www.pennhills2004.myevent.com.
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Publicity Release Policy
Photos, interviews, and videotaping of students take place throughout the school year for use on the District website and in District publications/ productions, press releases to the media, etc. We also encourage the media to publicize our students' accomplishments. If you do not give permission to have your child involved in these publicity efforts, you must notify the District public relations office in writing regarding any limitations or restrictions.
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PHAME
PHAME--Penn Hills Arts and Music Education Foundation--provides support and funding for a comprehensive education in Music, Theater, Dance, and the Visual Arts for District students. The mission of PHAME is to encourage and broaden support for the arts, both within the school district and community, so our young people will be inspired and prepared for a lifetime of creativity and artistic expression, as well as fostering appreciation and support of all of the arts. Visit the foundation's website for more information. |
The Penn Hills Police Department encourages the public to check the Penn Hills Progress, either online or in print form, for the Police Blotter. The public is also encouraged to call 911 to report suspicious activities, and the Narcotics Division can be reached at 412-798-2002. |
Newsletter created by:
Teresita K. Kolenchak
Communications Consultant Penn Hills School District
Previous editions of Penn Hills Pride are always available here. |
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Just a Note
Photos are uploaded to the District website on a continual basis. If you don't see specific photos listed, they are on their way. Please check back frequently in order to see all of the latest photos.
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New Elementary School Opening is Grand
 On August 9th, the doors of the new Penn Hills Elementary School opened to the public. At a special ceremony prior to the public opening, the Penn Hills NJROTC raised the flag for the new building. After a "ribbon pulling" ceremony, guests gathered in the cafeteria to hear a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by Senior Savannah Wiggins. Speeches were made by dignitaries, District representatives, and guests. PTA representatives spoke and provided Building Principal Kristin Brown with a historical plaque and time capsule. Several former administrators were also present for the event. Afterwards, the doors were opened to the public. Parents and students had a chance to see the classrooms and other facilities as well as pick up their packets for the beginning of school.
The school is now home to all PreK through Grade 4 students in the District. And, what a home it is! It is a state-of-the-art building that combines the best of the District's resources and technology under one roof, while still maintaining a neighborhood feel thanks to an organizational plan placing students in grade-level groupings. This building not only offers concrete opportunities for students to grow and learn but virtual ones as well, via the Imaginarium. This classroom-sized simulator combines digital and actual activities for an interactive environment that can take students anywhere, allowing core curriculum subjects to be explored in a unique and exciting way.
Principal Brown actually started out at the site of the new elementary when it was Dible. She has served as a student teacher, 1st and 3rd grade teacher, school counselor, and head teacher in the District. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and M.A. in School Counseling. Assisting her will be Associate Principals Sandra Barker and Darcie Gatti. (additional photos are available in the Elementary Photo Gallery)
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Community Garden Takes Root at Senior High
 On Saturday, August 23rd, "ground breaking" took place for a community garden at the Penn Hills Senior High School. Juniors from the football team, the garden committee, and other community members--along with several District staff--started digging. The garden was planned and built with elements of Native American planting techniques and many USA components, including a possible Peace Garden Bed and Garden Bed for Homeless Veterans. School Board President Denise Graham-Shealey and Vice President Jennifer Burgess-Johnson worked closely with Senior High Associate Principal Chris Horne and a team of volunteers, including teachers, students, and community members, to develop the community garden on site at the Senior High. Business Manager Richard Liberto was integral in getting donations from District third-party contractors, and Penn Hills Lawn and Garden chipped in also. The group is currently seeking additional funding to purchase a shed and mini pavilion with benches. The Bring Out the Best in Our Community or BOB Project is named after the father of Shawn O'Mahony. Mr. O'Mahony said his father was a very generous man who had a love for gardening and helped everyone he came in contact with. The younger O'Mahony went on to live in Washington, DC, where he worked to close crack houses and plant gardens. The area he worked on is where the new convention center stands today. He came back to the Pittsburgh area wanting to give back to the community. He designed the Penn Hills Community Garden and became its manager. The garden was 16 plots when he started it and now has 104 plots. He has been involved in many other projects in the Penn Hills area as well.  The goal of the group is to inspire others to community work and Bring Out the Best in Our Community. Since the project began, work has continued to maintain the garden. In addition, Linton Teacher Katie Roberts and her Family Consumer Science students worked with volunteers from the District and community to create wonderful scarecrows for the garden. (addition photos are available at both the Senior High and Linton Photo Galleries)
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Big Read in Pittsburgh in October
On Tuesday, October 7th, the Community College of Allegheny County will launch the 2014 Big Read in Pittsburgh. Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 is the selected book for this year. The kickoff event with feature guest speaker Jonathan R. Eller, Ph.D., Director of the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Center for Ray Bradbury Studies, as well as a dance performance, music, refreshments, and more. The event will take place at 6:30 pm at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-Main Lecture Hall, Schenley Drive Side Entrance, 4400 Forbes Avenue. For more information, visit ccac.edu and search "Big Read" or call 412-469-6301.  There will be a Big Read Spirit Day at the Senior High on Thursday, October 16th, in the cafeteria during all lunches. The day will include games, prizes, and fun to celebrate the 2nd Annual Penn Hills Big Read. A local fireman will also be available to answer questions about station life, equipment, career path, and fire prevention. The event is being sponsored by the PTSA and Library Club. Last year, Big Read Community Engagement Contest winners in the Project Category were Lauren Williams and Angelica Walker. Their entry, along with other winners, was displayed at the closing ceremony at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum on April 23, 2014. They attended with family members and each received a Kindle, books, and other items.
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A-K Band Festival
On September 24th, Penn Hills hosted ten bands from the Alle-Kiski Valley Band Directors Association for the annual Alle-Kiski Marching Band Festival. The participating bands included Springdale, Leechburg, Valley, Deer Lakes, Burrell, Freeport, Plum, Kiski, Highlands, and our own Big Red band.  Each band performed its half-time show and each band got to watch along with 500-plus spectators. Music ranged from pop tunes to contemporary and many different marching band styles--from show band to competitive--were on display. "All students did an excellent job," Band Director Michael Berkey said, "and the crowd response to our own show was electrifying." Mr. Berkey said that, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Penn Hills Band Parents, the festival was a huge success. "We received many compliments about our stadium, staff, and, of course, our students," he stated. It was a proud night for Penn Hills. (additional photos are available in the Band Photo Gallery)
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Club Fair Aims to Attract More Students
 Student Council Public Relations Officer Aleena Gula reported on a club fair that took place outside of the Senior High during all lunches on September 12th. All clubs could participate and were responsible for making a small poster to "advertise" their club. Student council had talked about having a club fair for several years, but it was the Class of 2015 that finally made the event a reality. There was a need, Aleena explained, because clubs often do not have enough students participating. This may be the case because students just do not know about the clubs that are active. "We wanted to have a club fair," she said, "so every student, especially freshmen, could be exposed to the different clubs." At the fair, there were club sign-up sheets and meeting dates. The event was received very well, and Aleena said she believes there will be stronger participation in every club. "So far, I think we already have gotten a broader range of students to join clubs," she stated. Some of the options to explore for Senior High students include Best Buddies, Medical Careers Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Bible Club, French Club, German Club, Spanish Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Art Club, Key Club, Ski Club, Games Club, and more. There's something for everyone, so get involved! (additional photos are available in the Senior High Photo Gallery)
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Homecoming Week Activities/Fall Festival
Exciting events are planned for Homecoming Week 2014. As always, Homecoming Week (October 6 through 10th) will be Spirit Week and include: - Monday: PJ Day - Keep calm, it's pajama day
- Tuesday: Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum Day - Twin Day with a best friend
- Wednesday: Pink Out - On Wednesdays, we wear pink
- Thursday: Nerd Day - Release your inner nerd or dress like your favorite character
- Friday: Spirit Day - Show your Penn Hills spirit by wearing red and gold.
Big Red Bucks will be handed out for participation. Use #pennhillshomecoming2k14 to show your Penn Hills Pride. On Friday, October 10th, Penn Hills Student Council invites everyone to the 1st Annual Fall Festival from 5 to 7 pm at the Senior High School. There will be a delicious dinner which will include a pig roast. Price is $3 per child under 13 and $5 per adult, with proceeds benefitting Student Council. Various clubs and booster organizations will be selling a variety of snacks/drinks and sponsoring activities for all ages (with proceeds benefiting that club or association). After the festival, everyone is encouraged to make their way down to Yuhas-McGinley Stadium for the Penn Hills Homecoming football game against Bethel Park starting at 7:30 pm.
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Community Sessions Bring Groups Together
If you are a member of the Penn Hills community who has always wanted to provide input into the issues facing the District and community, you now have that opportunity. As part of a collaborative effort between the District, Penn Hills NAACP, and concerned community members, community sessions are being offered to allow everyone to join together to discuss issues vital to our community. In September, a session was held on community relations at the Penn Hills #7 Fire Company. Items discussed included services and supports in the elementary school, special dates to remember, other programs (such as the Partnership Districtwide Mentoring Program, Linton's Got Parent Engagement Power [PEP], and 21st Century Community Learning Center afterschool program), and monthly meetings in the District. Upcoming community sessions include: - Students' Rights and Responsibilities - Wednesday, October 29 at St. James Episcopal Church, 11524 Frankstown Road
- Options for Struggling or Advanced Learners - Monday, November 17th at Penn Hills Elementary School, 1079 Jefferson Road
- The Unique Rights of Students Having an IEP or GIEP - Tuesday, March 31st at Faith Community Church, 501 Jefferson Road.
Everyone is welcome to attend and participate actively in open dialogue. All community networking sessions will be hosted from 6 to 8 pm, and light refreshments will be offered.
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Cinderella Kids Coming to Linton
 On Saturday, October 18th, students at Linton will be presenting "Cinderella Kids." Shows will take place at 12 pm, 3 pm, and 6 pm. The production takes the classic story of a young girl, mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, who finds her way to a royal ball and her future, thanks to the help of her fairy godmother, some mice, a pumpkin, and more. Visit the Linton Photo Gallery in the week prior to the show to see some rehearsal photos and be sure to come and see our talented Linton students take the stage.
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Food Pantry Helps Those in Need
On September 30th, a second community food pantry was held, this time at Linton Middle School. Food stuffs and clothing were available for Penn Hills residents. The event was a collaborative effort between the Penn Hills Lincoln Park Community Center Food Pantry and District and included volunteers from the Kiwanis, District administration and school board, community, and Senior High clubs such as Key Club. Over 100 families were served.  Lincoln Park Community Center Executive Director Joyce Davis called the pantry a great success. "Families were able to go to tables and make a decision about what items they wanted," she said, adding that they wanted to make sure families took home food that they could use. "What a wonderful group effort to bring food, clothing, and information to those in need in Penn Hills," she added. She stated that the pantry was proud to partner with the District, community, and students to reach out and serve more families. "The need is great," she explained, "and together we can make a difference in the lives of many in the community. We have to reach out and help those in need because that is what a caring community is supposed to do." When asked about the importance of the pantry, School Board President Denise Graham-Shealey said it was simple. "I just want to make sure our families have the resources to allow their children to be successful, She said, adding, "I want to be able to help families who may need a little extra to meet the needs of their families." She said it takes a community to get involved and help raise our children. That community included Ms. Davis and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Nancy Hines, who made the event possible. Mrs. Graham-Shealey said she only had to ask once, and they both were so generous to offer their help to make it a reality. She also credited resident Jane Marra, who organized the clothing drive. A holiday food pantry is planned. At a pantry in August, 100 Penn Hills families were served. (additional photos are available in the Linton Photo Gallery)
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See You at the Pole Event
See You at the Pole (SYATP), the global day of student prayer, began in 1990 as a grass roots movement with ten students praying at their school. Twenty years later, millions pray on their campuses on the fourth Wednesday in September.  SYATP is simply a prayer rally where students meet at the school flagpole at school to lift up their friends, families, teachers, school, and nation to God. This year, 80 students from the Penn Hills Senior High School Bible Club gathered at the high school for this event. "It's very encouraging to see my fellow classmates assembled here for this positive event," remarked Julius Ralph, President of the Bible Club. "This is just one of the monthly events the Bible Club will sponsor to demonstrate our faith and support all persons who are members of the Penn Hills School District community." (additional photos from the event are available in the Senior High Photo Gallery)
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Penn Hills Pride Wins Award
In the Pennsylvania School Board Association (PSBA) 45th Annual Educational Publications Contest, the District's e-newsletter Penn Hills Pride received an Award of Honorable Mention. We would like to thank everyone who contributes words and photos throughout the year that allow us to produce this award-winning publication.
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