GASD Elects Officers, Announces New Deputy Superintendent

GASD

At Gettysburg Area School District’ annual reorganization meeting last evening, President Kenneth Hassinger was re-elected as Board President for 2023 and Mike Dickerson was elected Vice President. Both votes were split with 8 members in favor and Amy Beth Hodges voting against. The board agreed to comply with state and federal laws, designated the Gettysburg

From Shipment to Shelf

adams county library

Here at the Adams County Library System, we receive regular shipments of books, DVDs, and audiobooks every week.  Some are upcoming releases heading for a release date the following week, but our materials also include endowments and specific order requests from patrons. Primarily, however, the responsibility of ordering materials is shared among a number of

As board members reconsider its value, GASD renovation project moves forward

GASD Board 2022

The Gettysburg Area School District School Board voted yesterday evening to resume discussions about the proposed project to replace the HVAC system, roofing, lighting, and other facilities at Lincoln and James Gettys Elementary schools. The board had rejected a motion to move forward with the project in Sept. Board President Kenny Hassinger, along with board

CVSD hires principal; honors students

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The Conewago Valley school board approved hiring a new principal during the board’s meeting on Monday evening. Joshua Schaffer will begin working as the principal of New Oxford Middle School by Jan. 16, 2023 or once allowed by his previous employer, according to the board agenda. Schaffer will take the place of Matthew Muller, who

GASD considers other opportunities for HVAC upgrade

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After voting down the proposed $33.8 million HVAC system upgrade for James Gettys and Lincoln Elementary schools at its Sept. meeting, the Gettysburg Area School District board of Directors will consider other possibilities for moving forward on the project. Saying that there had been interest expressed by the board in using different procurement methods for

Berm addresses flags in classrooms

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Responding to the increased prevalence of flags (such as the intersex pride flag) being displayed in classrooms, The Bermudian Springs school board spent a long caucus meeting on Monday debating whether to make its existing flag policy stricter. The conversation was continued by members of the public during the board’s meeting on Tuesday. Board member

Ordering New Library Materials Takes A Village

adams county library

By Brandt Ensor, Assistant Executive Director, Adams County Library System In our budget year 2022, the Adams County Library System is scheduled to spend $165,711 on new materials of all types for the six branches of the Adams County Library System. This number also includes e-books and e-audiobooks for our Cloud Library electronic platform. I

Libraries and Quality of Life

adams county library

I cannot imagine living in a community without a library. Can you?  This is something that I think about on a regular basis now that I work for the Adams County Library. The reason for that is because as the Development Director, I coordinate our fundraisers and reach out to our residents in Adams County

Adams County Library, Bigerville-Style

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The Harbaugh-Thomas Library in Biglerville, a branch of the Adams County Library System (ACLS), opened its doors fifteen years ago on August 20, 2007. Today, older community members express their surprise that it has been here that long, and younger people or first-time visitors can’t believe the library hasn’t been here forever.  With architectural features

Bermudian parent expresses concerns about allergens

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A Bermudian Springs parent approached the school board on Tuesday evening demanding the district retrain its teachers after her child was allegedly exposed to allergens while in school in September. Sarah Nickey, a parent of a third-grade student, told the board last month that her child had to be treated at two hospitals after being

CVSD considers building updates

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The Conewago Valley school board discussed its ongoing feasibility study for replacing or updating buildings during the board’s meeting on Monday evening. Superintendent Sharon Perry said the district should be prepared to have a feasibility study meeting with Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates next month. The district is comparing scenarios for updating its buildings. “We’re targeting

Rhonda Rose recognized in LASD Staff Spotlight

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Rhonda Rose was put in the Staff Spotlight at Monday night’s Littlestown Area School District (LASD) school board meeting. The Spotlight highlights the work of LASD staff who have made substantial contributions to the district. Rose has worked for the Lincoln Intermediate Unit since 1983 and has been at LASD since 2010. She currently works

FASD honors staff; considers bathroom challenges

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Several community members addressed the Fairfield Area School board at its regular meeting on Monday Sep. 26 with concerns about the district’s bathroom policies. During the board’s regular meeting, board solicitor Gareth Pahowka gave a statement before public comment opened. “We understand there are some concerns about the district’s implementation of federally-mandated protections for transgender

Adams County Reads One Book Programs Announced

adams county library

by Jessica Laganosky, Branch Director, Trone Memorial Library Get ready to join the celebration with the Adams County Library System in October as each Adams County Library hosts programs and discussions featuring this year’s Adams County Reads One Book selection, “Leave Only Footprints” by Conor Knighton! If you have not had an opportunity to read

Library Funding 101

adams county library

By Jeff Cann, ACLS Finance Director As the Adams County Library System’s Finance Director, I frequently hear about a common misconception: “What do you even do? Aren’t the library’s finances managed by the County Controller’s office?” Well, no. Library workers aren’t Adams County employees. We’re a nonprofit, just like United Way or the Red Cross.

LASD to address behavior issues; Will review policies on dress codes and cell phones

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As school enters its second month, Littlestown Area School Superintendent Christopher Bigger said “It feels like school. It was a really smooth start to the year.”  Bigger thanked the staff for their hard work. District enrollment is decreasing, moving down to 2,007 total students in comparison to last year’s 2,086.  “That enrollment is supporting the

Not your Grandma’s Library

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By Sherrie DeMartino, Branch Manager of the Carroll Valley Library Being one of the old-timers with the library system, I have seen a lot of changes over the course of my library career. Believe it or not, when I first started in 1995, the library was not even computerized. Library cards were made of paper

Horses, Libraries and Me

Friends of the Trone Memorial Library Logo

Some of my earliest memories center around books and horses.  I was obsessed with horses from kindergarten.  A lovely brown horse lived in a big pasture about a half mile down the lane behind our house.  I used to walk there, pick grass from outside the pasture fence, and call Folly to come.  While she was

Our first week back at school

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For parents, students, and school staff across the county, the last few weeks have gone by in a blur.  Parents’ calendars have been full of new enrollments, registrations, haircuts, clothes and shoes shopping, and doctor’s appointments, while school board members, teachers, and staff members were busy planning open houses, school orientations, “Meet the Teacher” nights,

FASD updates health and safety plan

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The Fairfield Area school board approved a mask-optional health and safety plan during its meeting on Monday evening. The board typically streams its meetings on its YouTube channel, but the audio during Monday’s meeting was difficult to understand in many places due to some distortion. Superintendent Thomas Haupt helped fill in the gaps. Haupt said

Fall Fun at the Library

By Robyn Woods, Youth Services Coordinator With days getting cooler and summer coming to a close there is still fun to be had at the library. Being a children’s librarian means that my summer was jam-packed with planning and putting out programs to keep kids engaged. As educational fun is a year-round activity, I am

Adult program happenings this Fall at the library

adams county library

By Jessica Laganosky, Branch Director, Jean Barnett Trone Memorial Library of East Berlin As I write this, the beginning of September is three weeks away. This means great anticipation for the programs and events taking place this fall at each library location. The 3-month fall event calendar is in the final preparation stages, so soon

CVSD approves 2022-25 comprehensive plan; prepares for fall semester

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The Conewago Valley school board heard promising updates from administration and school leaders during the board’s meeting on Monday evening. Administrators praised district staff for focusing on training and preparations for the upcoming school year over the summer. Christopher Bowman, principal of New Oxford High School, praised the custodial and office teams, saying the buildings

FASD hires new staff for 2022-23

Fairfield School District

The Fairfield Area school board approved the hire of several more employees on Monday evening, helping put the district in a strong position to begin the 2022-23 school year. The board approved hiring a handful of new teachers, a middle school counselor, a part-time special education aide, a part-time office aid and a coordinator of

Volunteers at the Libraries

adams county library

By Sara Edmiston, Public Services Director There are many benefits for those who decide to volunteer for an organization in their community. Yes, it allows them to give back and forge a connection to the community in which they live, but the act of volunteering can also be beneficial on a more personal level. It

FASD holds its own amidst state teacher shortage

Fairfield School District

While state officials are worried about Pennsylvania’s ongoing teacher shortage, school representatives in Fairfield Area School District say their district is in good shape. During the Fairfield school board’s meeting on Monday evening, the board focused on preparations for the 2022-23 school year. Superintendent Thomas Haupt told the board he hoped it would approve adding

East Berlin Library bustles with activity

East Berlin Trone Library

By Molly Griffith Most people I’ve met seem to think that libraries are calm and peaceful places, full of hushed whispers and gently turning pages. That’s the comment I get most when people learn I work at the Jean Barnett Trone Memorial Library of East Berlin, but from my experience, that image is very rarely

Casa de Cultura gives over $56,000 in scholarships to 34 local students

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leer en español Winners of this year’s Beatrice and Sigfried Lowenthal Scholarships for First and Second Generation Immigrants and their families gathered on the Gettysburg College campus on Wednesday evening to celebrate the awarding of over $56,000 in scholarship money to 34 first-generation students. The event, hosted by the college’s Casa de Cultura, included an

Local School Superintendents Discuss School Safety

Biglerville High School scaled

According to statistics from Education Week, 2022 has already seen 27 school shootings with injuries and deaths in the U.S., with 83 people killed or injured. The grim tally includes the deaths of 24 children. School superintendents in the country’s 130,000 public and private schools are entrusted every school day to provide a safe and

Elana Nashelsky named Vida Charter School principal

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Vida Charter School has appointed Elana Nashelsky as the school’s first principal. Nashelsky joined the staff at Vida six years ago and has served as assistant principal since 2018, supporting the school through its recharter process comprehensive planning, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Nashelsky is a strong advocate for Vida’s vision of bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement,

Local school districts reach the budgetary finish line

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As the six Adams County school districts wrap up their 2022-23 budgeting processes, it is worth noting the enormity of the tasks they have each faced and the complexities of the procedures they each followed to get there. The six districts, each serving less than 3,500 students, have worked independently for the past six months

Adams County Literacy Council improves opportunities for local residents

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Founded in 1987, the Adams County Literacy Council (ACLC) continues to promote essential adult education and employment skills for county residents. Noting the program serves about 170 people every year, ACLC Program Coordinator Alison Shuman said “taking ownership of one’s education is the first step of growth. The ACLC strives to make people more employable

GASD will raise taxes 1.3 percent

GASD Board

[Editor’s opinion]:  In my three years of covering the GASD school board meetings I have never been more proud of this district, this administration, and these board members than I am today.  The district is facing potentially severe budget shortfalls going forward by making informed, transparent, and reasonable decisions about taxation and other issues.  I

LASD passes 1 percent tax increase for 2022-23; will allow parents to monitor children’s reading

LASD Student Awardees

On a 7-2 vote the Littlestown Area School District (LASD) board of supervisors has approved a one percent tax increase for 2022-23. Voting against the increase were board members Jeanne Ewen and Nicki Kenny. District Superintendent Christopher Bigger said the budget process had been “long and surgical” and noted that 70% of district homes will see

Bermudian says “no” to new taxes

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By Imari Scarbrough The Bermudian Springs school board will not include any tax increases in its Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget following a close vote on Tuesday evening. The board discussed the pros and cons of including a tax increase in the budget, with concerns ranging from the problems of raising prices for residents on fixed

New Oxford Library: Small but mighty

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By Bryn Jarusewski Have you ever visited the New Oxford Library? If not, please stop by to visit our tiny but mighty branch of the Adams County Library System. Since New Oxford is much smaller than many of the other satellite branches, do you ever wonder how we receive, process, and distribute our materials? Our

FASD looks forward

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The Fairfield Area school district is beginning the process of developing long-term plans for its curriculum, training, facilities and more. During the school board’s meeting on Monday evening, Superintendent Thomas Haupt gave a state of the district speech which also served as an opportunity for him to share his vision for the future. Haupt said

Fairfield Area High School graduates praised as “the future of our society”

Fairfield Area High School graduation 2022 Kaden L. Hunter

As the graduates of Fairfield Area High School prepared to accept their diplomas during their graduation ceremony on June 1, speakers focused on the students’ perseverance through the challenges of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Honey K. Strosnider, the class vice president, commended the students for their work and thanked the community that supported the students.

Littlestown High School celebrates the Class of 2022

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The 156 graduates of the Littlestown Senior High School Class of 2022 gathered with their teachers, school board, families, and friends on the field of Thunderbolt Stadium on Friday evening to receive their diplomas and take the first step as recent graduates into the rest of their lives. The weather remained on the favorable side

Bermudian seniors celebrate and reminisce during graduation ceremony

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As Bermudian Springs High School celebrated its graduation ceremony on Friday evening, seniors reminisced about their school years while contemplating what their futures might hold. During his speech, valedictorian Ethan Beachy fondly recalled his time at Bermudian Springs. “As a student throughout high school, middle school and even elementary school, I looked forward to the

Gettysburg High School seniors graduate after four years of challenges

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The Gettysburg High School Class of 2022 has completed a high school experience continually challenged by Covid-19 restrictions. The many challenges and the perseverance of the students to overcome them were highlighted during their commencement ceremony on Friday evening in the football stadium. “Every day we are faced with a unique challenge,” said valedictorian Lucas Samuel

New Ox seniors move on to conquer new worlds

New Oxford High School graduation 2022 Kiefer Bell gives her speech

Although the weather was not auspicious during the ceremony, the futures of the New Oxford High School seniors who graduated on Thursday evening certainly are. Before the graduates accepted their diplomas, staff, faculty and fellow students reminded them that change is inevitable. The graduating seniors were encouraged to welcome change while never forgetting who they

FASD will address leadership turnover

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The Fairfield Area School District has a high turnover rate, but Superintendent Thomas Haupt says it’s his plan to fix it. Haupt, who began working at the district in January, said the high turnover rates occur largely in “very key leadership positions.” He pointed out that the special education supervisor will be the fourth in

LASD proposes 1 percent property tax increase

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On a split 6-3 vote, the Littlestown Area School District (LASD) school board approved a proposed 2022-23 budget that includes a 1% property tax increase. Voting against the budget were board members Jeanne Ewen, Nicki Kenny, and Shari Kruger. Kenny initially made a motion to table the budget “so that it may be sent back

CVSD proposes 4.6 percent tax increase

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The Conewago Valley School District has included a substantial tax increase in its proposed Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget. District Business Manager Lori Duncan said the district can balance its budget with a millage of 14.8525, representing a 4.6 percent increase from the current rate. The rate is the maximum allowed under the state’s Act 1

Bermudian proposes 4.7 percent tax hike

Bermudian Springs SD

The Bermudian Springs school board approved a preliminary budget for 2022-23 that includes a potential tax increase of 4.7 percent, the maximum allowed under the state’s Act 1 limitations. The millage rate would move from 12.4656 to 13.0514. The board unanimously agreed to the preliminary budget, and voted 7-2 on the potential tax increase. Board

Collaborating for Youth Virtual Town Meeting

Coalition Picture

Adams County’s Collaborating for Youth (CFY) will be hosting a FREE and virtual Town Hall Meeting on Monday, May 23 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.   The event will take place virtually on Zoom – please visit www.cfygettysburg.com for more information on how to access this event.  The Town Hall Meeting is entitled “Youth

FASD Proposes no new taxes in 2022-23

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No tax increases were included in the Fairfield Area School District’s proposed budget during the school board’s meeting on Monday evening. The board held two back-to-back meetings, first holding its regular meeting, then going into a budget work session. Tim Stanton, the district’s new business manager, presented the draft budget to the board. Stanton explained

GASD openly discusses budget constraints and potential cost savings

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The Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) board of directors spent over an hour on Monday evening discussing their new budget. The discussion came after District Superintendent Jason Perrin and Business Manager Belinda Wallen proposed a 2022-23 budget that would include a 1.9 percent tax increase. The district said many cost increases were out of their

LASD honors students; moves forward on building plans

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Staff, students, and members of the community joined together at the Littlestown Area School District (LASD) board meeting on Monday night to celebrate the achievements of district students. The students addressed the board, reviewing many student activities, events, and sports news. The students spoke fondly of current events at their school and eagerly about upcoming

FASD welcomes a new board and a new administrator

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The Fairfield Area School Board has unanimously approved former Fairfield teacher Lisa M. Sturges as a new board member. Sturges currently serves as a volunteer. She said her time as a teacher will contribute to her success as a board member thanks to her knowledge of the daily life of a teacher. She also praised

GASD wrestles with budget: some tax increase likely

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Saying they wanted to have the lowest tax increase necessary, Superintendent Jason Perrin and Business Manager Belinda Wallen presented the Gettysburg Area School District board with three potential draft budgets that involve either a zero percent, a two percent, or a four percent tax increase. The potential increases are necessary because expenses are expected to

UASD faces 2022-23 budget shortfall

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The Upper Adams School District school board heard preliminary budget presentations for the fiscal year 2022-23 Tuesday. Business administrator Shelley Hobbs said there would be a shortfall of about $2.1 million that needs to be addressed. Projected estimates for the 2022-23 fiscal year show expenses of about $34 million but an estimated revenue of of

FASD still needs board member

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The Fairfield Area school board still has an empty seat as no one has yet applied for the position. During the school board’s meeting on Monday evening, Superintendent Thomas Haupt suggested advertising for the opening again, with a new deadline for applications set for noon Friday, April 22. If eligible applicants submit materials by the

HACC faculty vote for union representation

HACC Gettysburg

Faculty at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, have voted to affiliate with the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA). The PSEA will represent full-time and adjunct faculty in collective bargaining with the College. “The faculty have made their decision, and we respect that,” said HACC President and CEO John J. “Ski” Sygielski, MBA, Ed.D. “We will work with

Carroll Valley Twins Win Top Awards in the 2022 Frederick County Science and Engineering Fair

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Two Carroll Valley students swept the Middle School division of the Frederick County, MD 41st Annual Secondary Science and Engineering Fair last week by combining their love of horses with their interests in engineering and veterinary medicine. Emma and Sarah Simmons, 7th grade students at Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg, MD, were named the Overall

Mikel Grimm will fill Hollabaugh’s term at UASD

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Upper Adams School District (UASD) school board welcomed Mikel Grimm as its newest board member Tuesday. The vacancy resulted from the recent passing of board member Bruce Hollabaugh, and Grimm was chosen to complete his four-year term. The board was legally required to fill the vacancy within 30 days and interviewed seven applications. Grimm is

Behind the scenes at the Harbaugh-Thomas Library

Barbara Buckley

By Barbara Buckley, Branch Manager of the Harbaugh-Thomas Library The Harbaugh-Thomas Library in Biglerville has been serving Adams County since 2007. It is a lovely place to work. Bountiful windows let in the sunlight and provide a front row seat to the ever-changing panorama of weather. In my 8 years as the Branch Manager I’ve

Fairfield school board member resigns

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The Fairfield Area school board accepted the resignation of one of its members on Monday evening. Richard Phillip, a board member and PSBA legislative chairperson, resigned effective March 21, according to the board agenda. His resignation was unanimously approved along with the rest of the board’s consent agenda. No reason was given for Phillip’s resignation.

GASD discusses cellphones in high school

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Saying they were often disruptive, the Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) Policy Committee has proposed a draft policy that would limit the use of electronic devices in the high school to educational endeavors. The policy, which would provide tools for potential discipline by administrators, would become part of the student handbook and would make the

FASD honors Earl Shutt; seeks new hires

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The Fairfield Area School District may be able to select a new business manager soon, according to an update the school board received during its meeting on Monday evening. Superintendent Thomas Haupt told the board that the district is eyeing a replacement for Thomas Weaver, the district’s current business manager. The board approved Weaver’s planned

LASD students learn practical skills through agriculture courses

LASD Agriculture

There is no denying the real learning for real life value of an agriculture curriculum for high school students. Farming, and its wide range of crops, are linked to physical activity, a better quality of life, and a potential source of revenue. Jesse Brant, Chair of Littlestown High School’s Agriculture Department, prepares his students for

LASD moves forward on school construction, shares “Thunderbolts Thrive in the World” program

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At the Littlestown Area School District’s (LASD) school board’s work session on Monday, members were given a presentation on the progress of the capital project that would merge the Maple Avenue Middle School and the Littlestown High School. Christopher Linkey and Andrew Blayton, representatives from RLPS Architects who are drawing plans, presented a timeline of

UASD completes intermediate school settlements

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Upper Adams School District (UASD) approved the finalization of the agreement with Arendtsville Borough regarding the district’s intermediate school Tuesday. “At long last we have an agreement,” Board President Tom Wilson said, “The process for the agreements has been dragged out for a year.” In a special meeting, the board approved a settlement agreement between

FASD responds to increased Covid cases

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Fairfield Area School District has increased its safety measures in an attempt to reduce transmission of the coronavirus as the district has experienced a significant increase in positive cases this year. During the school board’s meeting on Monday evening, Kristi Ebaugh, the district school nurse, said well over half of the district’s positive cases this

CVSD honors students; works to improve communication

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Conewago Valley School District will focus on improving its communication following the results of recent steering committee feedback for the district’s comprehensive plan, according to Superintendent Sharon Perry. Four goals were identified, but the top priority listed was communication. The committee was a “multiple stakeholder group,” according to Perry. “That definitely won the award for

Gettysburg College will loosen mask requirements and stop testing students

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Although 270 students have now tested positive for Covid since the start of the year, Gettysburg College will stop regular testing for students on Monday. Saying that “positivity rates are on a steady decline and that the students who have tested positive this semester were predominately asymptomatic,” Vice President for College Life and Dean of

FASD sticks with mask policies

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Two proposals to loosen or abolish mask requirements failed during the Fairfield Area school board meeting on Monday night. School board member Candace Ferguson-Miller made a motion to allow children with mask exemptions to continue to attend school without a mask after an in-school exposure to coronavirus. According to Kristi Ebaugh, the district school nurse,

Behind the scenes at the library: The finance director

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As part of our mission to introduce the Adams County Library System to the Gettysburg Connection readers, several staff members—including me—were asked to introduce ourselves and write about our job duties. Hi, I’m Jeff, I’m the Finance Director at the library (aka the accountant). Right now, half of the readers’ eyes glaze over as they

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