Dear Jaguar Families:
Having the honor of serving as the superintendent of the West Jefferson Hills School District, I get the privilege of seeing the remarkable contributions from our educators and staff at all buildings and levels, the awe-inspiring achievements of our Jaguars, and the encouraging support from our families and community. Throughout the district, we are working relentlessly to build upon the foundations of success that can only be achieved through collaboration and shared commitment. Certainly, we are proud of where we have been and what we have accomplished over the past several years. But we cannot spend our time looking back. Instead, we are motivated to do even more so as to give all students the opportunity to become active, contributing members of society, just as our district mission statement professes.
There is a palpable excitement in the air as we begin a new school year. The back-to-school season marks the return of familiar routines and cherished moments. Our days definitely become busier, and practices and extracurricular activities keep the daily schedules full. The unlimited potential that comes with new beginnings provides the anticipation and inspiration that energizes us and propels us forward.
It is no secret that incredible things are happening in the West Jefferson Hills School District. In fact, I would argue that there are few, if any, school districts in our region that stand in the exhilarating position where we find ourselves right now. We continue to grow faster than any other district in the county. Studies continue to show that our student enrollment could grow by as many as 400 students over the next 5-10 years. That is unheard of in our region, as some school districts are projecting only slight bumps, while many others are expecting enrollment declines. The news is out – families want to move into the West Jefferson Hills School District. As a district, we believe this is because of our community’s prioritization of excellence in education and providing academic opportunities for all Jaguar learners. This commitment starts with the Board of Directors of the West Jefferson Hills School District and extends through every school, every classroom, and every office.
Pennsylvania Department of Education figures show district third through eighth graders are exceeding state averages in math and reading standards. Fourth and eighth grade science scores in the district soared past state averages. Pleasant Hills Middle School is the top-ranked school in Keystone biology achievement across nearly 700 Pennsylvania schools. We have expanded AP offerings at Thomas Jefferson High School, leading to a school record number of students enrolling in AP courses. The West Jefferson Hills School District is on the map both regionally and across the state.
The ongoing work to not only sustain that achievement, but to grow it, will be our shared focus in the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. Working alongside the district’s architect, we are finalizing a feasibility study which will serve as the comprehensive foundation for future plans to enhance the district’s facilities to support our rapid growth. We look forward to sharing this robust report with the community later this school year.
The momentum is building in the West Jefferson Hills School District. In fact, that will be the focus of many of the stories we will tell throughout the upcoming school year. This momentum would be impossible without the teamwork of the Board of Directors, administrators, educators, staff, students, families, and community. Students are, have been, and always will be our focus. It is an exciting time to be a Jaguar.
Sincerely,
Dr. Janet M. Sardon
Superintendent