Penn Hills students return for 2023-24 school year

Penn Hills students donned their backpacks and pencil cases as they returned to the locker lined halls on Aug. 21. Various members of the district’s administration office visited the schools to find that the first day was running smoothly with only a few minor hiccups.

A couple of elementary school buses arrived late for the first bell, but superintendent Nancy Hines said that it was to be expected while the district navigates the bus driver shortage that has plagued multiple districts for the past few years. Penn Hills contracts student transportation services out to Krise Transportation.

Hines said that to stay on top of the driver shortage, the district keeps up a constant stream of communication with Krise to avoid any major bussing issues.

Hines said that her principals reported that there was an “overall positive attitude,” from the staff, teachers and children throughout the day. She received multiple reports of students hugging each other after being separated by the summer months.

Parents walked their kindergarteners into school and hugged them goodbye. Teachers welcomed them with open arms, making a point to boost their confidence as students in a new space.

“It all felt really positive,” Hines said. “Nobody claimed perfection, and there are a few things that need to be tweaked. Overall, the day went smoothly.”

At the high school, members of the Safe Space program were enlisted to assist incoming freshmen and new students to help find classrooms.

“The high school administration team are generally new, but they all have good energy and are ready to tackle this year,” Hines said.

After a week of getting back in the rhythm of classes and homework, students celebrated their successful return with their first pep rally of the year. The event was planned by members of the Student Council to get students excited for the first football game of the season. The Penn Hills Indians took home the win against the Seneca Valley Raiders on Aug. 25.