Fox Chapel board honors Coolidge‑level scholar and showcases new 'FCA Way' PBIS program

The Fox Chapel Area School District Board began its Sept. 8 meeting by recognizing a high‑school student who earned a national college scholarship that the board said covers tuition, room, board and expenses. Dr. Nicole Smith, Fox Chapel Area High School principal, introduced the student and described her activities in research, speech and technology programs and leadership roles.

A student, Aidan Drucker, presented a short video about the district’s new PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports) variant called the FCA Way, which stands for Focused, Caring and Accountable. "As a student, I can already feel the difference," Drucker said, describing how the approach rewards positive behavior and was developed with input from teachers and students.

Dr. Smith and Superintendent Dr. Rauzczak said the FCA Way grew from training sessions with about 20 teachers and five to six students and includes a matrix of expectations for different grade levels, parent handouts and recognition systems. Dr. Smith said the program aims to "flip the mindset" from reactive discipline to proactive recognition and that the district will publicize the matrix at open house events.

The presentation noted implementation details: the FCA Way is the final stage in the district’s k–12 PBIS framework; schools will adapt the matrix for age differences; staff training occurred over multiple sessions with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. The board and attendees praised the student video and the program’s emphasis on consistent expectations and positive recognition.

The board left open operational details such as exact rollout dates for every building and measurement metrics; handouts and QR codes were provided to parents for more information.