PPS Parent and Family Update
Keeping PPS Families Engaged and Informed
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Welcome New Board Members
Mrs. Tracey Reed (District 5), Ms. Jamie Piotrowski (District 7) and Mr. Gene Walker (District 9) each took the Oath of Office, officially joining the Board of Education for the Pittsburgh Public Schools on December 6, 2021.

Following the administration of the Oath of Office, the Board elected Sala Udin, Devon Taliaferro, and Pamela Harbin for the roles of President, First-Vice President, and Second-Vice President, respectively, for the 2022 fiscal year.
PPS Masking Protocols
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently ended Pennsylvania's universal mask mandate. The Court's ruling places the decision in the hands of local school boards. At this time, Pittsburgh Public Schools will continue its masking protocols as included in the District's Board-approved Health and Safety Plan. This means that students and staff will continue wearing masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. 

We remain committed to maintaining safe and healthy environments for all students and staff. Our Health and Safety Plan is guided by the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control, state and local health departments.
Magnet Deadline This Friday
The magnet application deadline for the lottery and auditions at Pittsburgh CAPA has been extended to give families more time to explore options and complete the application. The deadline is now 5 PM on this Friday, December 17, 2021. After this time, applications will continue to be accepted for POST-LOTTERY registration. Please visit www.pghschools.org/magnet for more information about magnet offerings and the application process. 
Upcoming PPS Vaccination Clinics
Pittsburgh Public Schools is partnering with UPMC for two new COVID-19 vaccination clinics on December 18, 2021 and January 8, 2022. The following vaccines will be available at both clinics:

  • Pediatric Pfizer – ages 5 – 11; 1st and 2nd dose
  • Pfizer (ages 12 – 17) –1st and 2nd dose
  • Pfizer (ages 18+) - 1st, 2nd, and booster
  • Moderna (ages 18+) – 1st, 2nd, and booster
  • Johnson and Johnson (ages 18+) –1st dose and booster

Clinic Locations and Times:
Pittsburgh Langley (Cafeteria)  
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM   
2940 Sheraden Boulevard, Pittsburgh PA 15204

Pittsburgh Lincoln (Cafeteria)  
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM     
328 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15206

Pittsburgh Morrow (Gym)      
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM      
3530 Fleming Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15212

Pittsburgh Weil (Cafeteria)     
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM      
2250 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15219

UPMC South Side              
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM     
2000 Mary Street, Pittsburgh PA 15203
Middle School Sports Update
Winter sports for middle schools will be held from January 10, 2022 – February 25, 2022. Spring sports will be held from March 28, 2022 – May 13, 2022. Check with your school to see what sports are offered for each season. Permission slips for each sports season will be distributed by the school. Students must have a new permission slip signed even if they participated in the previous sports season. Students do NOT need to sign a new COVID-19 waiver if they recently participated in fall sports. The waiver will cover them for the whole school year. COVID-19 waivers must only be signed if the student did not participate in a prior sports season. Please reach out to your child’s school for further information or the PPS athletic office at [email protected].
Bow Tie & Purple Day
When Dr. Wayne Walters was named Interim Superintendent in October, the parents at Pittsburgh Obama were eager to celebrate this achievement. As the former Pittsburgh Obama principal, Dr. Walters was honored with Bow Tie and Purple Day, a parade and special proclamation presentation. Current and former students, parents, friends, community members, PPS staff, and special guests gathered in the school’s parking lot for a drive-through event commemorating the District’s new leader. Special guests included Mayor-elect and Pittsburgh Obama parent Ed Gainey, Board Members Pam Harbin, Tracey Reed, Devon Taliaferro, and Sylvia Wilson.
KDKA In Your Neighborhood
Pittsburgh Perry
KDKA catches up with the teachers and staff at Pittsburgh Perry for this special In Your Neighborhood segment so the public can learn more about three schools in one! Pittsburgh Perry offers Liberal Arts, Career and Technical Education, and Military Science (JROTC) to PPS families.
Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) Learning Session
The PEP team will be holding an education learning session on Thursday, December 16, beginning at 7 PM. This sessions focus will be on Steam Education: Students Solving Real World Problems, with guest speaker, Dr. Cassie Quigley, Associate Professor of Science Education at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education.
Board Recognition Month
January is Board Member Recognition Month! Each year, Pittsburgh Public Schools salutes our nine school board directors for their work leading our schools and making difficult decisions. Next month, please don't forget to send your board member a note of thanks.
Important Dates
Wednesday, December 15- Agenda Review
Monday, December 20- Public Hearing
Wednesday December 22- Legislative Meeting
Friday, December 24 - Friday, December 31- Winter Break