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Students present JAM projects; district honored as Purple Star School

Fox Chapel Area School District Board of Directors · January 13, 2026
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Summary

Hartwood Elementary students and Fox Leadership Council members presented JAM kindness projects and career-technical programs; the superintendent announced the district was named a Purple Star School for supporting military-connected families.

At the start of the Jan. 12 meeting, students from Hartwood Elementary's JAM (Be the Kind Kid) program and representatives from Fox Leadership Council and AW Beatty Career Center presented to the school board.

Hartwood students described JAM club activities—donations to local charities, jam and apparel sales, maker projects, an upcoming field trip to the Ronald McDonald House and a small district grant-funded family event to assemble snack bags for families using that facility. Students and teachers thanked the board for supporting clubs and resources; presenters said the JAM program has 46 members who sometimes give up recess to attend meetings and who learn entrepreneurship and service.

High-school students attending AW Beatty Career Center described programs in surgical sciences and cosmetology, SkillsUSA competitions, and guaranteed interview opportunities with Pittsburgh-region employers. A business-education teacher explained the district's Business Seal of Excellence credential, which recognizes students who complete a sequence of business coursework.

Superintendent Dr. Ralczyk (as introduced in the meeting) announced that the district received Purple Star School recognition in December for supporting military-connected families; she named the district's military-family liaisons and said information and resources will be posted on the district website. Trustees thanked the students and staff and applauded the district's telethon, which raised $101,001.95 for Fox Families Care.

Board members and the audience reacted with appreciation; the student presentations were noted as part of board recognition for School Director Recognition Month.