Penn Hills students return for 2025-26 school year
Penn Hills students donned their backpacks and pencil cases as they returned to the locker-lined halls on Aug. 19.
Elementary, middle and high school students were greeted with open arms following a series of back-to-school welcome events leading up to the first day, including a PHamily Fun Fest on Aug. 16, a PHamily Welcome Night and a Penn Hills Elementary School Sneak-a-Peek on Aug. 18.
Superintendent John Mozzocio said the district’s theme for the new school year is “Making Connections.”
“This theme underscores the importance of building strong relationships — among staff, students, families and community partners — to achieve our shared goals,” Mozzocio said in a letter to the community. “It is through these connections that we can create a dynamic and effective learning environment where every student can thrive.”
The goals laid out for the district this year are safety, academic growth, meaningful professional development and “spreading the good news,” Mozzocio said.
“As we begin this new chapter, please know that my door is always open,” Mozzocio said. “I value your input, ideas and feedback, and I am here to support you in any way that I can. Let us approach this year with enthusiasm, optimism and a shared commitment to excellence. Thank you for your continued dedication to the Penn Hills School District. I look forward to working with each of you to make this school year one of our best yet.”
Haley Daugherty is a TribLive reporter covering local politics, feature stories and Allegheny County news. A native of Pittsburgh, she lived in Alabama for six years. She joined the Trib in 2022 after graduating from Chatham University. She can be reached at hdaugherty@triblive.com.
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