Though it is the middle of summer, learning should still be a part of the day for your children. Summer vacation is wonderful and great; however, you can’t deny that many of the skills learned through the school year can get rusty over the long summer months, even for students at our highly rated Pittsburgh area schools. Never fear though, there are numerous area school related camps and fun learning activities can cut down on summer boredom while reinforcing  school skills, as well.

Pittsburgh Community Schools

If you are are relocating to Pittsburgh, sending your children to our outstanding Pittsburgh area schools for the first time, or simply looking for learning oriented activities to keep summer boredom away, you will love these great ideas.

The activities are simple enough to enjoy at home-and very little cost beyond supplies, most you may already have at home or are able to print from the specific sites. All of these sites and activities have been put together by our wonderful school system, showing just one of the numerous reasons why Pittsburgh is a great place to raise a family.

Pittsburgh Family Learning Things To Do

Follow the following links to find school related activities on the topics that interest your child:

Art Games

Reading and Spelling Games

Math Games

Science Games

Other Games

Learn More About Pittsburgh

Not only is this a wonderful place to live, Pittsburgh was recently ranked 7th in the nation for best places to raise a family, so if you would like to browse Pittsburgh homes for sale, or learn more about our area, simply contact me, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent.

Pittsburgh, PA Area Things To Do

If you are looking to relocate to Pittsburgh, or buy Pittsburgh area real estate, you may be thinking of our area as only a large city and suburbs. Pittsburgh is a large city, and we have many beautiful suburbs, like Peters Township, but what you may not know is that there is plenty of great outdoor adventure fun to enjoy here as well. My favorite? Camping!

Camping in Pittsburgh

The summer months in Pittsburgh are a wonderful time to get away from work and take the family -or a lot of friends-for some great camping. The  cost for a camping adventure is budget friendly and the Pittsburgh area communities offer great camp grounds that offer all sorts of options and amenities, so you can enjoy roasting marshmallows, hiking, camp fire cooking,  and sleeping under the stars to whatever level you are comfortable with-from roughing it to having hot showers.

Pittsburgh Entertainment

The following camp grounds offer great options for families:

• Bear Run Campground – The 60 acre Bear Run Campground has 316 tent sites, RV Sites, and cabins located adjacent to Moraine State Park and McConnell’s Mill State Park in Butler County, Pennsylvania. Swimming pool and canoe rentals available.
• Breakneck Campground – The Tent camping for individuals and groups is available at this private, forested campground located within walking distance of Slippery Rock Creek. Surrounded by McConnell’s Mill State Park and just ten minutes from Moraine State Park.
• Madison / Pittsburgh SE KOA- Although located in Westmoreland County, this is the closest KOA campground to Pittsburgh and Monroeville. Offers pull-thru sites, full-hookups, modem dataport, swimming pool, and free fishing.
• Peaceful Valley Family Campground – An assortment of tent sites and full hookups are available at this Butler County campground, plus a swimming pool and weekend activities and entertainment.

Learn More About Pittsburgh

Interested in discovering more about Pittsburgh or reading about how Pittsburgh  is a great area to raise a family? Simply contact me, your expert Pittsburgh Area Real Estate Agent.

Until next time,

Jim

Pittsburgh Zoo

The summer months are some of the best time to enjoy everything the Pittsburgh real estate area has to offer families. The Pittsburgh Zoo is one of my favorite places to recommend to clients relocating to Pittsburgh because it offers something for everyone.  From the extensive animal habitats to the stroller friendly trams, the Pittsburgh Zoo is perfect for a family adventure.

Family Fun in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh home buyers often mention to me that they love how family friendly the city is, and our great local zoo is a perfect example. There are several regions to the zoo, with exhibits and entertainment geared to reach every member of your family, regardless of ages or stages. The regions include:

• African Savanna
• Asian Forest
• Kids Kingdom
• Bears
• PPG Aquarium
• Tropical Forest
• Water’s Edge

The Kids Kingdom makes it easy for little ones to embrace learning about the animals with exhibits and activity areas where kids can learn how to act like the very animals they are visiting. There are also animals native to Pennsylvania, a petting zoo, reptiles, small mammals and much more to keep your children entertained. For more mature family members, there is a special “Speak with a Zoo Keeper” area where you can observe them working, talk with them about animals, and how to care for the animals.

Pittsburgh Real Estate

The Pittsburgh Zoo is only one of the things that make the entire Pittsburgh communities and surrounding suburbs-like the Peters Township community a great place to raise a family. To learn more about our wonderful area, or to start your own home buying adventure, simply contact me, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent.

Until next time,

Jim

Pittsburgh Education

Moving with children can be very stressful-especially if your children are in school, or getting ready to go to school.  While most moves are for jobs or job relocation, you will still feel pressure to find the best schools in your new area and you may feel at a loss on where to start.

Schools in Pittsburgh

If you are moving to Pittsburgh with children though, you actually are very lucky; all of our schools are amazing, and the school districts consistently rank well for performance, test scores, graduation rates and percentage of students and go on to college. In fact, our schools are so highly coveted and desired by people relocating to Pittsburgh, that new schools and school renovations are currently going on so as to ensure our low classroom ratios of students/teachers and superior learning environments with access to the latest technology and after-school activities.

Pittsburgh Featured in Parenting Magazine

The very popular Parenting Magazine July issue has a feature on Best Cities for families-and Pittsburgh is ranked in the Top 10 for Education and number 50 overall for Best Cities for Families.

About The Pittsburgh Area

The cities were all ranked based on health, safety, education, economy and recreation and overall, Pittsburgh is a well rounded city in all categories-offering a wonderful lifestyle for families and singles.  Pittsburgh homes for sale vary from luxury downtown condos to beautiful single family homes; you are sure to find the perfect fit for your needs after browsing the Pittsburgh MLS.

Contact A Pittsburgh Realtor

To learn even more? Simply contact me, Jim Dolanch. I am here to answer anything and everything about our area and our wonderful Pittsburgh real estate neighborhoods .

Until next time,

Jim

Pittsburgh Is One Of Best Cities for Education

I am quite honored to say that my home town Pittsburgh area has been voted by Parenting Magazine as one of the 2010 10 Best Cities in the Country for Eduction. Honestly though, it is not a huge surprise. After all, families are essential like and all of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, like Peters Township, take great pride in ensuring Pittsburgh is a wonderful environment to raise a family. if you are relocating to the Pittsburgh area, you will find great family activities and entertainment around every corner.

Pittsburgh Area Schools

Eduction is the key to success-and when you buy Pittsburgh real estate, you truly become part of a village that will help raise your children to be productive, educated, and confident members of society. From our 50 NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited preschools to our top ranked Blue Ribbon awarded schools with an average of 11.9 students per teacher, you can easily see why Pittsburgh Schools are highly desired.

Raising A Family in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is one of those cities that offers it all-a wonderful environment for families with all the amenities and entertainment for adults. From the outstanding numerous Peters Township area golf courses to the amazing Pittsburgh area shopping, you will find plenty to keep mom and dad happy, as well. Would you like to learn more about our schools? You can browse the Pittsburgh area communities, or simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent, to find the answers to all your questions.

Until next time,
Jim

Memorial Day In Pittsburgh

Of all the holidays, there is not one that moves me the way Memorial Day does. Just about everyone has someone they care about serving-or that has served-in our military services, and to those men and women, I forever feel a deep dept of gratitude for their sacrifice and bravery.

Regardless how you feel about the government, war, or any of the like, we have to tip our hats and say a huge “thank you” to all brave men and women who serve, protect, and sacrifice for all of us.

Pittsburgh Area Events

This weekend, the Pittsburgh area will be celebrating in style, with a full 3 day celebration in downtown Pittsburgh. There will be lights and parades all around town, with most starting at the local community VFW centers around 9am. The East Pittsburgh parade begins at 9am at the VFW center and ending at Churchill Cemetery with honors given to the Soldier’s Plot at 11am.

There are so many ceremonies and parades that will be taking place in all the Pittsburgh area neighborhood communities, that I can’t list everything here; however, if you want to check for your specific area’s celebration, browse here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06146/693382-85.stm

Pittsburgh Area

Soldiers an Sailors Memorial Hall, at 4141 Fifth Ave will be open at 10am until 4pm, with special stations for visitors to get a more engaging and interactive look at the exhibits.

There will also be entertainment for the children, with Uncle Sam’s Kid Tent, where children can learn age appropriately and entertain tales and games of our patriotic history and the meaning of Memorial Day.

There will also be great patriotic prizes given out throughout the day as well as a “mess tent” where you can get a hot dog, soda, and US Flag for only $1.00 while a DJ plays music. A memorial service for Pennsylvania’s Fallen Soldiers in the War against Terrorism begins at 11, and at 2pm the Hall of Valor induction ceremony will start in the auditorium.

Pittsburgh Things To Do

Pittsburgh real estate communities offer abundant parks, green spaces, and recreation, as well, and they would make the perfect places to hold a family picnic or bbq before catching some of the community firework displays.

Should you have any questions about events for Memorial Day, simply contact me, your expert Pittsburgh area real estate agent.

Until next time,
Jim

Enjoying the Pittsburgh Parks

The Greater Pittsburgh YMCA offers weekend camping year around-a great way to reconnect with older children and squeeze some great family time in the busy school and work schedules.

The next Family Camping weekend is Memorial Weekend, May 28-31, 2010. It will be held at Deer Valley Park, located at 254 Deer Valley Drive, Fort Hill, PA 15540. The fees run from $98 to $197 per person, and you will able to enjoy activities set up by the camp counselors, as well as camp amenities and lots of marshmallow roasting!

Pittsburgh Family Fun

Deer Valley Park has been specializing in creating camping experiences for the whole family for over 50 years-so you know you will be having a wonderful time, making wonderful friends with other families there, and bringing home a lifetime of memories. You can call them at 814-662-4031 or email deervalley@ymcaofpittsburgh.org to reserve your spot.

Until next time,
Jim

Peters Township School District Events:

• The Imagination Celebration: Arts For Life 2010 is an event where the kids of Peters Township get to showcase their artistic talents. There will be performances and art displayed from across the district, not to mention plenty of hands on entertainment for the kids. The event is hosted at the High school May 14 & 15th.

• Peters Township High School Prom 2010 is another exciting upcoming event. Who can forget a favorite pastime like the prom? This year Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe will be hosting this right of passage. The Prom is Friday, May 21, 2010 from 7 pm – midnight.

• The Peter Township School District presents “Beauty and the Beast” May 6th-8th Our High school will be performing the classic fairy tale.

Other Fun Events Include:

• April 2-6th Spring Break (all schools)
• April 16st Bower Hill’s Beestro
• May 4th  McMurray’s Spring Celebration
• May 14th Bower Hill’s Reading Olympics
• May 14th McMurray’s Spanning the Globe

Testing Events:

In addition to Peters Townships School Districts entertainment we also have some upcoming testing events:

• April 10th ACT Tests

• April 12-16th PSSA Math and Reading Exams Begin for 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 grade

• May 3-14th High School AP Tests

The Future

Whether you’re relocating and you have children or your just thinking about the future, Peter Township is a school district that offers an array of valuable education and fun-filled entertainment for everyone in the family. If you are interested in learning more about the townships school district or just schools in the Pittsburgh area check out our school information. Also, you can follow the district on its Twitter account @ “PetersTwp” or contact me for more information.

Until next time,

Jim

Let Your Trusted Pittsburgh Realtor Work For You

If there are even more specific features you are looking for-like making sure there is granite in your kitchen-you can fill out my Help Me Find A Pittsburgh Home. Filling out my useful form will let me know what you specifically want, and then I will take over all the leg work and notify you when I find your dream home.

Don’t Let a Pittsburgh Property Slip By

Property for sale in Pittsburgh often moves quickly once it hits the market, so if you want to make sure you get a first look at homes fitting your requirements , you can also fill out my Instant MLS  Email Alerts for Pittsburgh Properties.

Pittsburgh Home Buying Information

When you are ready to start browsing the Pittsburgh MLS, or want to learn more about how to buy a Pittsburgh home for sale, you can take advantage of my Pittsburgh Home Buying Guide, which will give you a great overview of what you need to do to ensure a wonderful home buying journey.

Relocate to Pittsburgh

Ready to move to our wonderful city? Pittsburgh is a great place to raise families, and you can read more about our local schools here. You can also learn about the Pittsburgh area, local parks and recreation, golf courses, shopping, communities and take advantage of our Pittsburgh Relocation Guide.

As always, I am here to serve your needs, so never hesitate to contact me whenever you have questions about Pittsburgh on anything or everything.

Until next time,
Jim

Many of the orphans in Haiti are stuck in limbo because their paperwork, identification cards, and adoption process information was completely destroyed or lost during last weeks earthquake.

The rescue mission was in response to messages last week from orphanage caregivers pleading for help to get the orphans out, as there weren’t nearly enough caregivers or supplies to now care for the children, aged 1-6 years at the BRES orphanage in Port-Au-Prince.  Of the 143,  90 have been sent to places in Denmark and France and 53 have now been brought to our beautiful Pittsburgh area.

The mission, food, clothing and medical aid for the children once they reached their new Pittsburgh homes were all funded by  an anonymous donor and Catholic Charities has made arrangements for the orphans’ care until they can be adopted. Many organizations are coming forward to volunteer in helping the orphans settle into their Pittsburgh relocation.

Relocating to Pittsburgh

It is wonderful the Haitian orphans were able to get away from all of the chaos to get the medical attention, food, and care they need, as well as, the Pittsburgh real estate space to house them until forever families are found.

To see how you can help, contact the Red Cross at redcross.org or Catholic Charities at catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Buying Pittsburgh Real Estate

Should you be interested in learning more about Pittsburgh homes for sale, browsing the Pittsburgh MLS, or relocating to Pittsburgh, simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent.

Until next time,
Jim