August 22, 2024

As summer break is quickly coming to an end, I would like to share the massive preparations under way in the district.   The ten-classroom addition at the Martin F. Quinn Primary Center is complete and the staff is hard at work making their classrooms into the welcoming educational centers our students deserve. The carpeting in the existing classrooms has also being replaced. With the addition of the ten classrooms, the Primary Center will now house kindergarten, first and second grades. In turn, the Intermediate Center will now become a third, fourth and fifth grade building. The Middle School will return to its original six, seven and eighth grade configuration. These changes will not only ease overcrowding at the middle school, but also group students in more appropriate age and grade bands. The primary center is not the only campus undergoing massive improvements. At the senior high, all of the existing sidewalks and curbs are being replaced or refurbished. New sidewalks are also being installed to improve safety of students and visitors. Sidewalks will not link the senior high to the community and provide a safe pathway up and down Stout St. In addition, the outdated lighting around the PAHS and primary center is being replaced with brighter, more cost-efficient LED lights. The carpeting is also being replaced throughout the entire PAHS.  

The safety of our students and staff are always at the forefront of the decisions made within the district. This upcoming school year, the district has added an additional armed police officer at the PAHS. In addition, x-ray machines have been purchased for the high school and middle school. All bags and backpacks will be x-rayed before students enter the buildings. We feel this will add yet another layer of safety for our students and staff. Each specific building will be contacting students about the changes being made for arrival and dismissal. The district website, Pittston Area, and Skyward family access will provide essential information for students and families. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your child’s building principal.

I look forward to the start of another successful school year and all the challenges it will bring. As always, I remain Patriot Proud!

Yours in education,

Kevin Booth