February 2019

Hopewell Area School District

The Hopewell Area School District is committed to preparing students to be productive citizens and
	
	life-long learners in an ever-changing world.

The Hopewell Area School District will be a united community in which rigorous curricula will be fostered.
	
	Students and staff will embrace educational opportunities and experiences in a diverse society.

Did You Know?

● As a partner in the Beaver County Innovation and Learning Consortium, Hopewell was awarded $500,000 as a part of the PA Smart Advancing Grant. The district was also awarded a $35,000 Targeted Smart Grant to advance computer science education. The funds will focus on professional development for teachers and increase access to devices in all district buildings.
● Elementary report cards were revised for the 2018-2019 school to be more informative to parents and families. The revised report cards not only share an overall percentage, but they also include content area standards and the progress that students are making towards the standards.
● A district team of teachers, school counselors, and administrators developed the 339 plan focused on College and Career Readiness.
● Our Junior High students and teachers participated in a variety of county projects focused on careers through the Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Partnership
● Our students will participate in the Beaver County Works #STEMSTRONG project for manufacturing career awareness funded by a grant from Shell.
● Our students will also participate in a medical career awareness program funded through a PDE grant for five Beaver County schools.
● Coffee klatches are held in each building throughout the year as a way for parents and community members to connect with the administration.
● Student roundtable events are also held in each building so that students have a voice in shaping the direction of the district.
● Restorative practices training will occur in the spring for both students and teachers, funded by Safe Schools Grant
● School-Wide Positive Behavior Support Plan has been created by K-12 teaching staff for implementation in 2019-2020. We can’t wait to share more about VIKING PRIDE!
● The district is implementing the following online academic interventions for students: ○ Lexia Reading K-8
○ Reflex Math grades 2-4 ○ ALEKS Math grades 7-8
● A number of Hopewell teachers are working through online professional development using the Apple Teacher Learning Center to build skills in iPad utilization. This option provides teachers with a personalized pathway to earn Act 48 hours.
● A Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Grant was awarded to the district to increase school communication with 2-way radios.

● 10 Hopewell Action Teams met throughout the year to provide input and make recommendations for the betterment of the school district.
● Increased district social media posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to better inform parents and families.
● We have trained our students and implemented Safe2Say Something, PA’s anonymous reporting system. We have responded to six tips at this time to support our students’ well-being.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
	
Technology

● K-4 curriculum teacher teams developed a scope and sequence for ELA and Math.
● Full implementation of Guided Reading in K-4
● The HS Science department is adding an introduction to STEM course for
2019-2020 in addition to a new robotics course in the Business, Computer, and Information Technology (BCIT) department and expanded offerings in Family and Consumer Science.
● Career Cruising is being implemented in grades 2-12.
● Piloting Grades 7-8 Math Resources and Intervention (ALEKS)
● Implementation of Crew and Survivor behavioral support programs in 5th and 6th grade

Next Steps:
● Developing a work release option for students who already met graduation requirements.
● K-4 curriculum teacher teams are developing a scope and sequence for Science.
● Music mentors and guest artists planning for next year
● A ninth grade transition and peer mentoring program is being developed.
● Scope and sequence and common assessments are being developed in grades 5-8 in ELA, Math, History, and Science.
	
●	 The Tech Department has deployed this school year :
○ 50 new webcams
○ 18 new desktops in school libraries ○ 370 Chromebooks
○ 70 iPads
○ 4 new interactive boards
○ Updates to district infrastructure

● The team has responded to and closed 2044 support tickets since the beginning of the school year.
○ Approximately 70 support tickets remain open
● Use of ALEKS math intervention in grades 7-8
● Use of Lexia Reading in grades K-8
● Use of Reflex math fact fluency program grades 2-4
● Upgrades to video studio at the High School ● Training of administrators to utilize
ExacqVision video recording software
● Implementation of TechFest for Professional development of teachers

Next Steps:
● HS BCIT department will include Robotics
● Implementation of PA Smart Advancing Grant

● Social studies curriculum and course sequencing are being updated in the junior high to offer Civics in 8th grade
● In Process of creating Homework district guidelines for grades K-8

Operations
	
Facilities

● New custodial uniforms
● Evaluation tools for secretaries and paraprofessionals
● Implementation of custodial training
● Established “grab and go” breakfast in all buildings
● All staff have ID badges
● Concussion Management teams in place to support students/athletes
● Implement alternative approaches to address the substitute teacher shortage

Next steps:
● Revision of administrative regulations for all district procedures
● Select a vendor for a 2-way radio communication system
● Next-day supply delivery
● Implementation of a custodial handbook and job descriptions
● Create a process for centralized student enrollment
	
● Completing a feasibility study that will provide information regarding the status of all district buildings.
● Security upgrades in each building ● Painting to support VIKING PRIDE! ● Junior High roof project
● The Tech Department has deployed: ○ 202 new video cameras
○ 7 camera viewing stations
○ 22 new doors and electronic locks

Next steps:
● Exploring outdoor learning spaces in all elementary buildings in collaboration with the Beaver County CTC.
● Paving projects will occur in the spring at HE, JH, and HS (student lot)
● Implementation of Visitor Management System

Notable Recognition

● Hopewell educators and school leaders were awarded 17 out of the 43 Beaver County Educational Trust Grants.
● One Hopewell educator was nominated by a community member for the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
● Another Hopewell educator was nominated for the Emerging Woman in Education Award through Tri-State Study Council.
● Three Hopewell educators were invited to present at local and state conferences this year.