SD
Amy Pfender Appointed as Boyce Middle School Principal
Students at Boyce Middle School will be welcomed this fall by their new principal, Amy Pfender. Mrs. Pfender’s employment with the School District began in August 2005 when she was selected as a special education teacher at Boyce. She assumed the position of Elementary Special Education Department chairperson in the 2009-10 school year, followed by her selection as Special Education curriculum leader in the 2010-11 school year. Amy holds a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her administrative principal certification, she also holds certifications in K-12 supervisor of curriculum and instruction and K-12 supervisor of special education, as well as five Instructional II certifications (K-12 mentally and/or physically handicapped, early childhood, elementary, mid-level English, and mid-level mathematics). “We are very happy to recommend Mrs. Pfender as our Boyce Middle School principal. She is very prepared to lead our outstanding middle school,” stated Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole, Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Sharon Suritsky, USC School District assistant superintendent,
commented, “Amy has a strong connection with our students, parents, and staff. It has been a privilege to mentor her, and I am confident about her future as the principal at Boyce Middle School.” “For my career, I chose education because of my love of working with children,” said Amy. “I am looking forward to Amy Pfender continuing to work with children and to be a part of their successes from a different perspective. In addition, I look forward to the continued development of the already successful middle school program in the USC School District.” Amy and her husband, Keith, make their home in Bulger, Washington County, which is part of the Fort Cherry School District. The couple has two children, Jonah (six and in first grade) and Emily (four), and two dogs and two cats. A University of Pittsburgh fan, Amy loves to watch Pitt basketball. While Amy said she has always been an avid reader, she mentioned that her personal reading time has dropped over the last few years. “Obviously, spending time with my children is key in my free time.” n
Dr. Ghilani Named Principal of the Year Organizations that excel do so because of great leadership. Recently, one of the School District’s outstanding leaders was recognized for his efforts. Upper St. Clair High School principal Dr. Michael P. Ghilani was selected as the 2013 Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principal (PAESSP) of the Year. Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole, Superintendent of Schools, commented, “Dr. Ghilani’s vision for student success has established Upper St.
Upper St. Clair
School District Calendar 2013–14 August 26–First Day of School for Students September 2–No School (Labor Day) October 11–Half Day Early Dismissal for Students (Teachers’ Professional Development) October 28–Teacher Inservice. No School. October 29, November 5–Parent/Teacher Conferences November 28-29–No School (Thanksgiving Recess) December 23-January 1–No School (Winter Recess) January 20–Teacher Inservice. No School February 14–Teacher Inservice. No School February 17–No School. (Presidents’ Day) March 7–Half day Early Dismissal for Students (Teachers’ Professional Development) March 31–Teacher Inservice. No School April 14-18–No School (Spring Recess) April 21–Teacher Inservice. No School May 23–No School (Snow Make-Up Day) May 26–No School (Memorial Day) June 12–Last Day of School for Students (Pending Snow Make-Up Days) June 16–Kennywood Day 32
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Fall 2013
Clair High School as a nationally-recognized, dynamic learning community.” As principal at the high school since August 2006, Dr. Ghilani’s “open-door” policy has allowed for approachable and straightforward communication between teachers, students, staff, and parents. “I believe in a strong communicative process and structure that involves teach- Dr. Michael Ghilani, speaking ers, staff, students and parents,” said Dr. at USCHS’s 2013 graduation ceremony Ghilani. “It is important to know and understand the pulse of the building and community when planning for new programs and initiatives. Our school is truly student-centered, and feedback from teachers, students, and parents is key.” Because of this effective feedback system, programs like the Asian Studies program, which now includes Chinese and Thai exchange programs, the Student Leadership Academy, the student mentoring program, and the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) program and STEM center have been established under Dr. Ghilani’s leadership. “My strengths as a relational and visionary leader have flourished at Upper St. Clair because of the great people I work with and the supportive superintendent and the board of school directors who make children our priority,” stated Dr. Ghilani. Dr. Ghilani earned his BS in psychology and his teacher certification from Washington and Jefferson College and his master of education degree in school counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. He received his Ed.D. in counseling and supervision from Duquesne University and he completed the principal certification program at Carnegie Mellon University. He received his superintendent’s letter of eligibility from Gannon University. He began his tenure with USC School District in August 2001 as the high school’s assistant principal and dean of students. A member of PAESSP/NASSP for 12 years, Dr. Ghilani is also a board member for the South Hills Area School Districts Principals’ Association and the Carnegie Science Center’s Chevron STEM Advisory Board. n