Office of the Superintendent

Achievement is rarely, if ever, defined by some singular watershed learning moment or brilliant instructional breakthrough. Continuous growth in the K-12 education space is instead driven by the purposeful drumbeat of consistency. Success is a product of processes and practices, sustained and supported over time by repeatability, collaboration, and structure. As we prepare to welcome Penn-Trafford students back for the 2025 - 2026 school year, I want to express my enthusiasm for the important work ahead and offer insight into some of the district’s major goals, strategic initiatives, and action plans.

This year in the Penn-Trafford School District, we as educators renew our commitment to the proven processes of individualized instruction, data-informed analysis, collaborative ideation, and thoughtfully planned action that ensures that every child will achieve as their ability will allow and unlock their greatest potential. Our mission remains focused on providing a safe, inclusive, and challenging educational experience for every student. These core institutional values and goals remain unchanged from years past. What is different however is how we are going about achieving them.

“Intentionality of Instruction” is a pervasive mindset in the district that embraces opportunities to move forward with purpose, clarity, structure, and systematic fidelity. At the forefront of this effort is the district-wide implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), which provides a framework to ensure that every student receives the individualized instruction and support they need. Under the direction of MTSS coordinator Amy Cavalier, this initiative will continue to improve the consistent, data-driven practices in our schools. In an effort that started last year, each building will establish its own MTSS team with trained leads. Staff will receive ongoing professional development focused on academic and behavioral interventions, and we will implement universal screening tools district-wide by spring. This work will help us better identify and respond to the needs of the whole child, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for all learners. Like many aspects of education today, MTSS is based on a simple foundational concept with complex underpinnings, so to more thoroughly explain it to parents we have dedicated pages 4-5 of the Prospectus to this important initiative. 

Safety remains an unyielding priority in the Penn-Trafford School District, and this year we will be making significant security upgrades including adding weapons detection systems at PTHS and Warrior Stadium for the start of the school year. In response to shifts in the role of School Resource Officers (SROs), we will also develop a revised security staffing plan that emphasizes prevention, de-escalation, and crisis response. Our staff will receive additional training to ensure they are prepared to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment in all instances. A comprehensive safety audit, scheduled to be completed by July 2026, will guide our future plans.

Mental health and emotional well-being are critical to the success of children and will continue to be a cornerstone of Penn Trafford’s whole-child approach to education. In recent years, grant funding allowed us to add school social workers to provide a broader network of support for students in need. This year, we will evaluate the impact of these positions through a comprehensive review, which will include input from students, families, and staff. In January 2026, we plan to present a sustainable staffing and funding model to the board for consideration.

We recognize the importance of consistency in curriculum, instruction, and the student experience across grade levels. Following the successful implementation of building curriculum leaders last year, the district will complete a curriculum alignment audit from kindergarten through eighth grade. We are establishing cross-school leadership teams to standardize core instructional practices, pacing guides, and assessments. Teachers will receive targeted professional development to help implement these practices and promote continuity across elementary and middle school levels.

Literacy is the foundation of all learning, and we are proud to be launching a new K–5 reading curriculum this year. The McGraw Hill Open Court Reading Series will debut this fall and offer young readers several key features including systematic and explicit instruction, a focus on foundational skills that are grade-level appropriate and closely aligned to PA State Standards, as well as reading and writing integration components. Implementation of the Open Court series will begin with robust training for all K–5 teachers this summer and continue throughout the year. Our educators will be supported by literacy coaches and instructional leaders who will help guide classroom practices and monitor progress. We will use student achievement data and teacher feedback to adjust our approach and ensure that every child builds strong early literacy skills.

The 2025–2026 school year represents much more than just another new beginning—it is a launching point for growth and a unique opportunity to explore, discover, and achieve. As parents and community members, your partnership is integral to our shared mission, and I encourage you to stay informed and engaged. Together, we will create a learning environment where every student feels inspired to achieve their personal best. Thank you for your continued trust and involvement. I look forward to another wonderful school year filled with purpose, progress, and pride.

Sincerely,

Dr. Matthew Harris

Superintendent of Schools