Norwin area: Hillcrest Intermediate School recognized by Apple; North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue open house set and more

Hillcrest Intermediate School recognized by Apple

Hillcrest Intermediate has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for its 2023-2026 program term for its commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products to create exemplary learning practices, the district said.

“This prestigious designation reflects our continued commitment to innovation, educational excellence,and a forward-thinking approach to integrating technology into our classrooms,” said Norwin Superintendent Jeff Taylor.

The recognition is a testament to the efforts of the teachers, leaders and community, community, “to empower the students with the tools they need to lead, learn, and thrive, ultimately shaping a brighter future,” Taylor said.

Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized as some of the most innovative in the world, Taylor said.

To be eligible for the recognition, Apple said the school must has a one-to-one iPad or Mac program for students and educators in two or more grades within the school, and have it in place for more than two school years. All students and educators must use Apple devices as their primary learning or teaching device.

Students and educators have to “deeply integrate” Apple apps, educational apps from the App Store, and other digital resources into the curriculum to create new opportunities for learning. School leadership and faculty must be highly proficient in using Apple products and regularly use them to innovate in the classroom.

The school also must have a leadership team dedicated to advancing the vision of learning in the school.

Open house set at North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue

People visiting the North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at its ambulance base at 11259 Center Highway, will have the opportunity to adopt a dog or cat, or both.

North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue has partnered with All But Furgotten animal rescue organization of Irwin, which will provide the adoptable pets at the ambulance base.

“This is the first year for the adoptable pets,” at the organization’s annual open house, said Kelly Pirl, an EMS/Rescue spokesperson.

In addition to the pets, the open house will feature personnel offering instruction in “stop the bleed” training, Shane Spielvogle, North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue executive director.

Visitors will be able to register for cardio pulmonary resuscitation classes at the ambulance base and see all the ambulances, trucks and equipment that North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue has available to deploy during emergencies, Spielvogle said.

West Newton fall festival slated

Pumpkin carving, building a scarecrow and a pumpkin race are among the activities planned for the West Newton Fall Funday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 14 at Cort Street Park.

Parents are asked to email the name, address and number of children participating in the free activities to CROWN15089@yahoo.com.

The pumpkin race down Cort Street will be held at 2 p.m. Race tickets are $5 and can be bought from a member of the non-profit Community Revitalization of West Newton. Tickets are available by contacting CROWN15089@yahoo.com.