Our Districts
in Focus
Across Allegheny County, public schools are creating new opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and finding creative ways to support students, staff, and families. This new feature highlights updates submitted by AIU member districts and celebrates the programs, people, and ideas shaping public education in our region.
New schedule supports deeper learning and student well-being
East Allegheny School District is transforming the student experience at its Junior/Senior High School through changes to its master schedule and schoolwide supports. This past year, the high school fully transitioned to a 4×4 modified block schedule, reducing the number of daily classes from seven to four and increasing instructional periods from 42 to 80 minutes.
The shift followed a year of planning and ongoing professional development for teachers. School leaders report that the new schedule has reduced student stress and anxiety, decreased disciplinary infractions, and created more opportunities for deeper learning in the classroom.
Future Foxes ease into kindergarten through transition activities
Fox Chapel Area School District helps incoming kindergartners prepare for the start of school through a kindergarten transition program designed to build familiarity and confidence before the first day of classes. As part of the program, each elementary school hosts a series of kindergarten story times where future students sit alongside current kindergartners, hear a story, participate in an activity with kindergarten teachers, and become familiar with their future school. The transition program also includes a spring sign-on day held during one of the story times at each school. Students “sign on” to attend their future elementary school at a decorated table with balloons and an oversized pencil, creating a memorable moment for children and families.
Building a pathway for future educators
Gateway High School is offering a new Disability Studies course taught by veteran teacher Mark Spinola, who also teaches the school’s Teacher Academy courses and has been instrumental in advancing the district’s efforts to develop future educators. The course teaches students about the disability rights movement, helps them learn how to work with students with disabilities, and, ideally, inspires them to enter the special education field. It will be one of several Gateway courses that can be transferred for up to 24 credits at Point Park University.
Titan Evolution in action
West Mifflin Area School District’s Titan Evolution project represents a districtwide transformation of facilities, curriculum, and support services across all grade levels. With a focus on hands-on learning, mental health resources, and career-ready programming, the project reflects the district’s efforts to create schools where every student feels seen, supported, and prepared for what comes next. The following examples, adapted from the district’s Titan Evolution project materials, highlight two ways that vision is taking shape.
Titan Thyme Catering gives students real-world food service experience
Titan Thyme Catering, operated through the Advanced Culinary Catering Class at West Mifflin Area High School, gives students hands-on experience in the food and service industries by providing catering services to district staff, groups, and events. Students collaborate with clients to create menus that align with specific needs and budgets, allowing them to practice planning, communication, and customer service skills. When not fulfilling orders, students build real-world competencies through event planning activities, study ServSafe industry standards, and participate in creative challenges that encourage innovation and sustainability.
Outdoor STEAMroom takes learning into nature
The Outdoor STEAMroom is a hands-on learning space available to all students across the West Mifflin Area School District. It features a greenhouse, aquaponics system, pollinator garden, edible/sensory garden, and a pond filled with koi fish. These elements help students explore real-world science topics like ecosystems, sustainability, and nutrient cycles, while also connecting to subjects such as culinary arts, writing, and geography. By working in this outdoor classroom, students gain a deeper understanding of the environment and how their choices can impact the world around them.
See more from this issue of AIU Connections: