First day of school arrives for many central Pa. districts

It was a first day of school unlike any other. In a scene that has been replayed over the last three weeks as schools reopen, students central Pa. districts returned to school wearing face masks and face shields. Many school districts across central Pennsylvania and the nation opened their doors today to welcome students back … Read more

Keeping schools clean a top priority for Central PA school district during pandemic

LANCASTER COUNTY — Many students across Central PA are halfway through the first week of classes. Some schools are returning to action with in-person learning, while others are fully online. For districts using a hybrid model, students are likely to have three days on remote instruction, during which schools take part in a deep cleaning. Cleaning … Read more

If a student tests positive for COVID-19, here’s what schools will do and what parents should know

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare: a positive case of COVID-19 at their child’s school. Most central Pa. schools are opening their doors, either full or part-time, in the next few weeks, leaving many parents uncertain of how long the doors will really stay open. As schools are reopening across the country, stories are rolling in of Coronavirus … Read more

When is the first day of classes for central Pa. schools?

Central Pa. school districts are busy planning for the reopening of schools for the 2020-21 school year after abrupt closings in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The plans follow guidance set by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Department of Education, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Continue Reading on Pennlive

This central Pa. ice cream shop is one of the best in America, according to online site

If you’re headed to northern Lancaster County, swing by Fox Meadows Creamery & Country Market. The family-owned ice cream stop and market at 2475 W. Main St. in Clay Township outside of Ephrata was recently named Pennsylvania’s best ice cream shop by The Daily Meal. The site listed the best shops in all 50 states. It lauded … Read more

Here’s a look at back-to-schools plans unveiled by central Pa. school districts

A number of school districts in Dauphin and Cumberland counties have announced their plans for the fall semester, while others are planning to unveil their plans in the coming weeks. Here’s a quick look at what plans are available. PennLive will update this list as more districts make public their plans. All districts have received … Read more

Central Pennsylvania school districts release back-to-school plans amid pandemic

Harrisburg, PA — Several school districts in Central Pennsylvania have begun giving parents and students a glimpse into what learning will look like as children return to the classroom amid the COVID-19 pandemic this fall. Carlisle Area School District: Carlisle Area School District officials posted the following video on YouTube over the weekend, providing families with … Read more

National aluminum can shortage affecting central Pa. grocery stores

A national aluminum can shortage, caused by an increase of at-home drinking due to the restaurant and bar closures at the beginning of the pandemic, is hitting local grocery stores. Weis Markets in the Harrisburg area put up signs last week notifying customers of potential shortages in sodas and beer due to the national aluminum can shortage. … Read more

Food Banks a Part of Stabilizing Dairy Sector

MERCER, Pa. — Rick Koller had cheese that needed a home and farmers who were facing milk dumping. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank had people who needed something to eat. Their story of rapidly shifting supply chains highlights the role food banks may play in driving dairy consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, a role that … Read more

Learn to cook a central Pennsylvania staple

Although my mother was Italian, she learned to cook my father’s favorite dishes from her mother-in-law. Shoofly pie, red beet eggs, boiled pot pie, dandelion salad — these were ordinary dishes when I was growing up. Not until I moved away from home did I learn that this was traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare. As all … Read more

UPMC Pinnacle Foundation donates $100,000 to Central Pennsylvania Food Bank COVID-19 relief efforts

HARRISBURG, Pa. WHTM) – UPMC Pinnacle Foundation announced a $100,000 donation to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in support of COVID-19 relief efforts. The donation helped the Food Bank meet the 43% increase in community needs during the pandemic. “At UPMC, it is our mission to serve our community. We realize that access to food and good nutrition are integral components of good health,” said Philip … Read more

Penn State plans to resume on-campus work and learning in fall semester

University Park, Pa. — Following a three-month comprehensive planning process, Penn State officials have determined that the University can meet or exceed the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s guidelines for colleges and universities, and look forward to welcoming back faculty, staff, and students to resume on-campus, in-person classes and other activities this fall in a limited … Read more

PA Cyber graduates nearly 1,300 students during virtual ceremonies

MIDLAND, Pa., June 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School CEO Brian Hayden today announced that 1,237 graduates in the Class of 2020 were honored during two virtual commencement exercises. More than 250 students participated in the ceremony held for Western Pennsylvania graduates on Saturday, June 6, 2020 and almost 250 students from Central and Eastern Pennsylvania participated in the Wednesday, June 10, 2020 event. Typically, the school … Read more

Smart Talk Thursday: Pa. education chief talks school this fall; How many hours to work to pay rent; Seniors play ball

Since Pennsylvania schools closed their physical buildings last March due to the coronavirus pandemic, there has been speculation about whether classes would begin on time in August and September and, if so, how they would be different. Plans are being made for a fall opening of classes with dozens of guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department … Read more

Rural Central PA schools working to overcome challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic

LANCASTER COUNTY — It’s not just businesses taking the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic. Schools have been forced to take classes online and for the smaller, rural school districts in Central PA, it can be especially challenging. CBS 21’s Ryan Eldredge stopped by an Octorara Area school in Lancaster County to see how they’re handling the … Read more

Schools could reopen in the fall with strict social distancing guidelines

Harrisburg, Pa. — Pennsylvania schools got a slightly clearer picture Monday when Education Secretary Pedro Rivera, testifying in a Senate committee hearing, acknowledged schools will need additional aid to respond to all the challenges posed by COVID-19. The Department of Education released a statement through email, “The Department of Education fully expects students to return … Read more

Pennsylvania Receives $523 Million in One-Time Federal Emergency Funds to Support Schools

Governor Tom Wolf announced today that the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) has approved Pennsylvania’s application for $523.8 million in one-time federal emergency funds to help schools respond to COVID-19 impacts. “Our schools and educators have been working tirelessly to help students and their families during this crisis,” said Governor Wolf. “These efforts must be … Read more

Dunkin’ to offer all Central Pennsylvania Healthcare workers free coffee & donut on National Nurses Day

PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Dunkin’ and its franchisees in the Lancaster, Harrisburg, and York areas are teaming up to say, “thank you,” to local healthcare workers, especially those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response. On National Nurses Day (May 6), Dunkin’ is offering all healthcare workers a free medium hot or iced coffee and a … Read more

Pennsylvania Education Secretary: Schools may not open in fall

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — More than a month into the statewide school closure, state Education Secretary Pedro Rivera says with current data, he doesn’t see schools reopening in the fall. “We’re preparing for the best, but we’re planning for the worst,” Rivera said. He said schools across the commonwealth have stepped up by providing continuity … Read more