United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Consortium for Public Education are again seeking nominees for their annual Champions of Learning Awards. The awards are intended to bring recognition to individuals who motivate, educate, mentor, help, and/or support our region’s youth. Click the link for more information.
NOTICE is given that the Proposed Preliminary Budget for the General Fund of South Allegheny School District for the 2020-2021 fiscal year is available for public inspection at the school district offices, 2743 Washington Blvd., McKeesport, PA 15133, and will be presented for adoption as a Preliminary Budget Proposal at a school board meeting to be held in the Band Room of the Middle/High School, 2743 Washington Blvd., McKeesport, PA 15133,at 7:00 PM on January 15, 2020. The Preliminary Budget Proposal may be amended before adoption. Pursuant to Act 1, the Pennsylvania Department of Education publishes an index % applicable to the School District. The School District real estate tax increase for the next fiscal year is limited to the index unless the proposed tax rate is approved by voters pursuant to a referendum or the School District qualifies for an Act 1 exception. As a result of special circumstances covered by an Act 1 referendum exception, a tax rate % increase above the index might be required to balance the School District budget for the next fiscal year. The tax to be levied is required to provide a quality education program as reflected in the School District Preliminary Budget. The School District intends to seek approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education as required by Act 1 for an exception allowing increase of the real estate tax as reflected in the School District Preliminary Budget. On written request by any School District resident or taxpayer, the School District will provide a copy of the referendum exception application. 1/3/2020.
The state Department of Education has approved South Allegheny School District’s request to provide “Flexible Instructional Days” to our learners. This means that on days when situations like winter weather or a building emergency require us to close our schools, we can provide instruction to our students at home rather than in the classroom (think “Alternative Snow Day.”) The state will count this as a full day of school and we will not have to make it up during the school year. The District has been approved to use up to five (5) of these days this school year. We are planning to use these “Flexible Instructional Days” throughout the remainder of this school year, as needed.
There are many families that face hardships, especially during the winter months. Duquesne Light and Peoples Gas of PA have several programs that may be of assistance to families in our district. Click the link above to learn about some of the programs in our area.
The Future Ready PA Index is a collection of school progress measures related to school and student success. The Index includes a range of assessment, on-track, and readiness indicators, to more accurately report student learning, growth, and success in the classroom and beyond. Future Ready PA Index contains the most recent data available in the 2018-2019 school year. https://futurereadypa.org/
What started with a teacher helping students in need by bringing in her own clothes and toiletries from home has turned into a Free Store where ALL students in the middle and high school can shop. Shannon Campbell, SA grad and 8th grade math teacher, started the Free Store last year with first her personal donations, and later donations from staff and students. Earlier this month, Mrs. Campbell received a $400 award from Donors Choose to purchase toiletries and basic necessities such as deodorant and body wash. The Free Store is maintained by students in the Peer Mentor program. Mrs. Campbell stated, “I don’t know of a teacher who isn’t willing, or hasn’t at one time or another, helped out a student. I was just fortunate enough to be given a space in the school to open this store. The store has helped students with everything from clothes for a dance to deodorant for the student who forgot to put it on the morning.” If you know of a student in SA Middle/High School who could benefit from shopping at the Free Store, email Mrs. Campbell at scampbell@southallegheny.org. All shopping trips are confidential.
South Allegheny has now transitioned from iPass to Skyward for parent access to grades, attendance, and much more. Please use the registration form on the website under Parents. The address is www.southallegheny.org/skyward Students can log in using their studentid/lunch number and their Google password. There is also a mobile phone app that can be downloaded for either Apple or Android. The same username and password can be used for the mobile app. Schedules and homeroom assignments will be available through the mobile site and app on Tuesday, August 14th. Questions can be sent to skyward@southallegheny.org
With the start of the school year quickly approaching, our administrators remind everyone of South Allegheny's Dress Code policy. In short, clothing should not distract others and should be appropriate for the school environment Shorts must cover the leg to mid-thigh and all shirts must have sleeves (unless it is a dress and then sleeves must be two-fingers wide). Shower and slider shoes are prohibited as are pajamas pants, revealing clothing and offensive clothing. Spandex and/or yoga type pants are also unacceptable. Please view the entire Policy on the school's website (under Quick Links)
Keystone Exam/Graduation Update The Pennsylvania General Assembly recently passed into law (House Bill 178) a change to the Pennsylvania school code that makes proficiency on the Keystone Exams a graduation requirement for the class of 2020. NOTE: The requirement was previously applicable to the graduating class of 2019.
We are very pleased to announce that Community Eligibility Program (free breakfast and lunch) that began in the 2015-2016 school year will continue next school year (2019-2020) for ALL South Allegheny students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade. All South Allegheny students in kindergarten through 12th grade will receive one reimbursable breakfast and one
The South Allegheny Community Fitness Center is now a SilverSneakers approved facility in addition to being a Silver&Fit facility. If you qualify for SilverSneakers and/or Silver&Fit, you’re membership to our Fitness Center will be at no cost. SilverSneakers is available through select Medicare health plans, Medicare Supplemental carriers and group retiree plans.
School officials are authorized to search a student's personal possessions or motor vehicle parked on school property when there is reasonable suspicion that the student is violating the law, Board policy, or school rules, or poses a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the school population. Searches conducted by the administration may include utilization of certified drug dogs
