I am very excited to join the Bethel Park Team as Principal of Neil Armstrong Middle School. I have spent the last 17 years of my life working in education as a teacher and administrator. Prior to beginning my career, I completed my undergraduate degree at Waynesburg University in Secondary Education/Social Studies. While teaching in Westmoreland County, Virginia Schools, I finished my graduate degree in Administration and Supervision at Virginia Commonwealth University. I returned from Virginia as an Alternative School Principal in Beaver County. For the last eight years, I served as Principal in the Washington School District for grades 4-6 and 7-9. I completed my requirements for a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility in December through California University of Pennsylvania. In my spare time I teach classes for Waynesburg University and spend as much time as I can with my wife and two children.
It is a critical time of year as teachers and students continue to prepare for the upcoming PSSA tests in April. The administration and staff at NAMS have done a superior job putting in place all of the necessary stepping stones your children need to be successful. My goal is to provide the leadership and direction to keep those key elements in place, while offering additional support when needed.
My leadership philosophy focuses on two key elements--communication and resilience. The lines of communication must be kept open for a school to be prosperous. Administration, teachers, students, parents and other stakeholders must work collectively to ensure that everyone is getting the most out of their educational journey. Please do not hesitate to contact the staff at NAMS if you have any questions or concerns. My door is always open and my email is always accepting messages.
As we embark on this journey as a team, we must always remember that there will be bumps along the way. Our greatest accomplishments many times come from our most challenging moments. Thomas Edison said of his failures to create a practical light bulb, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” We all must be resilient in nature. If our school community communicates and believes in the resilient nature of the human spirit, then we are sure to set the mark for achievement.
The Bethel Park School District has a history of academic and extra-curricular excellence. High expectations at all levels lead to positive results. Neil Armstrong Middle School will maintain high standards for academics, behavior and social growth. Together, we can make sure all students achieve these standards.
Educationally yours,
Kenneth Patterson
Principal