New staff treated to tour of district as part of orientation

New Steel Valley School District employees went through their orientation on Friday, August 16. This annual process helps ensure that new staff members have the information and resources available necessary for a successful start to their time as members of the district and the community.

The day began with introductions by district and building administrators, important updates from the business office and technology department, as well as a review of union information. One of the keys for new teachers in the district is ensuring they are connected and familiar with Sapphire, the district’s student information system. This portal enables teachers, parents, and students to communicate and track attendance, grades, assignments, and much more for each individual student.

Part of this year’s orientation focused on the direction and vision for the Steel Valley School District. With a new elementary school on the way, new staff learned more about the district’s deep pride in its cultural heritage and diversity, the historic role its communities have played in shaping Western Pennsylvania and the United States, and the core beliefs the district has when it comes to educating its students and serving its families.

The new staff also learned about enhancements to the district’s curriculum, upgrades to technology for both students and staff, and other additional facility improvements beyond the start of the construction of the new school.

The second half of the day was devoted to a new component to orientation – a tour of the district and the community. Administrators and school board members joined the new staff in touring the high school and middle school campus, as well as the site of the new elementary school. They explored Main Street and Park Elementary in Munhall before visiting the home of the Ironmen football and soccer teams at the “A” Field at William V. Campbell Stadium.

The tour then took them to a network of facilities on West Street – West Field, home of the Ironmen baseball and softball teams, as well as the facilities of longtime district partners The Best of the Batch Foundation and Turtle Creek Valley Services. The tour went further into Homestead to visit Barrett Elementary and the nearby Frick Park, Dragon’s Den, and Carnegie Library of Homestead. Of course, no tour would be complete without stops at Live Fresh Juice and Smoothie Bar and at Nancy B’s Bakery, as well as the Waterfront.

The district is excited for the new staff members to begin the new school year, and it wishes a warm welcome back to all returning staff members.