Dear Old Forge Community,

As I begin my third year as Principal of Old Forge Junior/Senior High School, I do so with a deep sense of pride in how far we have come and a clear focus on where we are going together.

Over the past two years, we have worked intentionally to strengthen both our culture and our instruction. Last year, those efforts translated into meaningful results, including a 21.1-point increase in our PSSA and Keystone performance. While the data is important, what it truly represents is something even more powerful: a school community that is aligning around high expectations, consistency in instruction, and a shared belief that all students can achieve at higher levels.

Equally important, we have seen a stronger school culture take root and teachers embracing higher expectations across classrooms, teams, and departments. There is a growing sense throughout the building that excellence is not an aspiration, it is becoming our standard.

This year, we continue that momentum with a clear focus on sustaining and strengthening our progress through purposeful instructional design and student support systems. One of the most significant improvements is the restructuring of our intervention and enrichment model. What was previously scheduled as an end-of-day period has now been moved to a midday Lunch and Learn block, embedding support and enrichment directly into the school day when students are most available and engaged. This shift ensures that every student has access to timely, targeted intervention as well as meaningful enrichment and extension opportunities based on individual need. By integrating remediation, enrichment, and acceleration into the middle of the day, we are able to respond more effectively in real time, increasing instructional efficiency and providing a more intentional system of support that meets students where they are and helps them grow.

Our motto this year reflects the mindset that will guide everything we do: Confidence. Commitment. Conviction.

Confidence means having the ability to be decisive. Commitment means once a decision is made, we fully dedicate ourselves to that direction.

Conviction means we see it through to the end, no matter the challenge. Our teachers at Old Forge represent this motto every day. They believe in every student in front of them and are committed to helping each child grow into the best version of themselves. They also possess the conviction to hold students to a higher standard, ensuring that goals are not only set, but achieved and often surpassed.

Most importantly, what we are building is not new to Old Forge. It is a continuation of what Old Forge has always been: rooted in pride, tradition, and community. As we raise expectations and strengthen systems, we are not changing our identity, we are sharpening it.

This is Old Forge. Tradition lives here. And so does a renewed standard of excellence that is being built year by year through the work of our students, staff, and families.

As we prepare to welcome everyone back, please take note of these important dates:

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 ● 10:00 a.m. – 8th Grade Orientation & Chromebook Distribution ● 11:30 a.m. – 7th Grade Orientation & Chromebook Distribution ● 6:00 p.m. – Grades 9-12 Chromebook Distribution & Parents' Night Thursday, August 20, 2026 ● 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Back-to-School Fair at Veterans Memorial Stadium

Our annual Back-to-School Fair is a great opportunity for students and families to reconnect with our school community, meet faculty and staff, and prepare for a successful school year. Additional information will be shared as we get closer to the event.

We are proud of what we accomplished together last year. I am confident in what we are building this year and honored to continue this journey with you. Together, through confidence in our abilities, commitment to excellence, and conviction to see every challenge through, we will continue to build upon the traditions that make Old Forge such a special place.

Sincerely, Mr. Michael Griffith Principal Old Forge Junior/Senior High School