Principal's Message

Welcome back for the start of the 2007-2008 school year. As always we expect many exciting things for our students this upcoming year.

Uppermost on everyone’s minds is the opening of the Upper Elementary School for the 2007-2008 school year. As most of you already know Hance – along with Richland and Wexford – will become K-3 schools then.  I know we all look forward to the extra space! We start this school year with about 620 students; this is about the same number of students we had last year. Space is tight – but we will make it through the year.

Staff remains pretty much the same as last year – Patty Kuremsky returns for half-time Kindergarten; Lisa Burnsworth returns to third grade and Megan Kruth moves from first to second grade.

The district has a number of exciting initiatives for this year. As always our commitment is to provide Hance children with a thorough and rigorous education in a warm and caring environment.

Best wishes to all for a successful school year!

I can be reached at 724-443-1541 or e-mail rpysch@pinerichland.org.
Thanks !

What makes a school a safe and healthy place:
*Supportive teachers that students can connect with. Teachers who know
who their students are and can relate to their needs.
*Students who feel they are respected.
*A sense that learning has a high priority but that there is still time for
“fun” and creative activities.

What are the qualities of effective teachers?
What kinds of teachers make the classroom “come alive”:
*Teachers who are nonjudgemental.
*Teachers who are outgoing, caring, understanding and not intimidating;
people you feel you can confide in.
*Teachers who care. They have a passion for teaching.

What qualities should you see in an effective school:
*A positive discipline approach.
*A clean, safe, welcoming environment.
*Teachers who teach for understanding.
*A school environment that is emotionally nurturing.
*Student creativity that is valued and encouraged.