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

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

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

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

Central PA Food Bank donates food to Harrisburg University students

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Monday, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank donated boxes of food for the more than 120 Harrisburg University students who remain on campus and unable to travel home during the coronavirus pandemic. Harrisburg University’s Student Life Director, Nayeem Islam, says this donation could not have come at a better time. “This is very helpful … Read more

Harrisburg School District alters ‘Grab and Go’ lunch distribution schedule, locations

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Harrisburg School District announced alterations to its food distribution schedule and locations. Beginning this week, “Grab and Go” breakfast and lunch meals will be distributed on Tuesday, March 24th and Friday, March 27th from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Family food boxes donated by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank are available … Read more

Harrisburg School District to provide free meals during shutdown

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Acting Harrisburg School District Superintendent Chris Celmer announced plans to provide free meals to students in the district while schools remain closed due to coronavirus concerns. Celmer says that they are teaming up with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Parents and guardians must be with students during meal pickups. Starting Tuesday, … Read more

Students at Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School say it’s changing their future

HARRISBURG, Pa. — In Harrisburg’s Strawberry Square, there’s a charter school that students believe is changing their future. Chance Cole-Stephens is one of the students at CASA, the Capital Area School for the Arts. “I’m here because I did not feel comfortable in my home school district, and I didn’t want to be another number in … Read more

Proudly PA | Whitaker Center celebrates 20 year anniversary

Harrisburg, Pa. — Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts just celebrated their 20th anniversary. For the past two decades, Whitaker Center has been serving children across Central P.A. “The Whitaker Center is like the crowned jewel of downtown Harrisburg where we combine science, arts and performing arts,” said Whitaker Center Exhibits and Cinema Manager Joe … Read more

Penn College students excel in national graphic design competition

Sixteen design projects from Pennsylvania College of Technology graphic design students have received honors in the national Flux Student Design Competition. Flux is a nationwide annual student design competition that celebrates the best creative work produced each year by undergraduate and graduate students from across the country. The 2019 competition (with results announced in 2020) … Read more