School district expanding elementary school, offering new classes

NORTH HILLS, Pa. — Some exciting new things are going on in the North Hills School District this year.

North Hills Superintendent Patrick Mannarino showed Channel 11 the new construction happening at McIntyre Elementary.  School officials say it is a growing school that's getting eight more classrooms and three small group rooms.

"We put a transition space in that capacity that we could transition some life skills and emotional support students into that space so we have a special education center that's being built into this space as well," Mannarino said.

This summer's 12,000 square-foot expansion will continue the school's theme of transportation.

“You can see the sidewalk we put in is a railroad track, it's a really interesting building, I love our elementary schools, I tell people it's like going to school in Disney World, they each have their themes. They're bright, they're beautiful, they're colorful, they're exciting," Mannarino said.

TRENDING NOW:

• Police say child shot by sibling in West Mifflin has died
• 18 officers taken to hospital after West End drug raid
• Man charged after young father dismembered with chainsaw, dumped in two counties
• VIDEO: Mom Abandons 10-Year-Old Son With Special Needs In Woods, Police Say

Also exciting for the district, are new curriculum additions at the high school that include four acting classes and "The Art of Making," an engineering course focused on design and building.

"That's project-based learning that's going to provide our students with an opportunity to be better prepared for college and career readiness," said Beth Williams, high school principal.

With that in mind, the district will also give every ninth-grade student an iPad.  School officials say it's a learning tool to be used in the classroom and at home.

Channel 11 is your back to school station.  You can find out everything you need to know on our BACK-TO-SCHOOL section. 

Cox Media Group