Columbia/Hellam/Wrightsville
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APRIL 22, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE: GIVE LOCAL YORK TO BENEFIT NONPROFITS page 2
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXI • NO 13
New Takes On Education By Leah Sintic
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and one of the areas experiencing a massive adjustment is the education system. Public school, private school, student, teacher, parent - no one is exempt from the far-reaching repercussions after a statewide mandate closed schools in mid-March. School administrative teams across Lancaster County have had to adjust quickly, all while keeping the safety of students and the community at the forefront of their decisions. School districts countywide have ramped up their online communication portals, offering educational resources, food assistance information, answers to frequently asked questions, and critical
updates. While the game plan moving forward varies by educational institution, concern for the welfare of students presides across the board. For Mount Calvary Christian School (MCCS), a private institution in Elizabethtown, a brick-and-mortar shutdown has caused education to morph into a completely different format. However, it hasn’t changed the school’s mission to “Pursue Christ and Prepare Students,” which the administration and faculty are committed to fulfilling. Guided by an administrative team, the MCCS faculty members have spent countless hours transitioning their traditional classroom format into an online delivery. The new initiative rolled out effective March 23, allowing the entire student body to continue coursework online. “We feel it is important to challenge
our students to keep moving academically,” explained MCCS superintendent Dr. Daniel Sheard. “We look at this as a new way to build student-teacher relationships.” Though the plan of action would be re-evaluated in the event the school closure mandate is lifted, MCCS faculty members are prepared to complete the duration of the year via the new remote delivery if necessary. Lancaster County Christian School (LCCS) also went live with its online format on March 23, providing assigned coursework for students in kindergarten through 12th grade in five core courses along with optional enrichment activities. The LCCS executive team shared its intent in a press release, stating, “LCCS is committed to providing a high-quality academic experience even during this See Education pg 4
The Race Against Racism, a fundraiser of the YWCA Lancaster that is believed to be the longest-running consecutive race against racism in the country, announced on March 20 that the event will transition to a virtual race for 2020. The change is in alignment with guidelines from CDC health and government officials outlined to
Support For Single Moms
deal with the COVID-19 crisis and to prioritize the health and safety of runners and others. “Our mission must go on,” said Stacie Blake, chief executive officer of the YWCA Lancaster. “We are excited to provide a positive opportunity for our community to persevere and unite together virtually to take a stand against racism.” As a virtual race, the event technically began on March 25 at midnight and will run through Saturday, April 25, at 11:59 p.m. Those wishing to take part in the event are asked to run or walk 3.1 miles on a treadmill, trail, track, or road anytime before 11:59 p.m. on See Race Against Racism pg 3
In response to COVID-19 restrictions, runners who choose to participate in the Race Against Racism sponsored by the YWCA Lancaster may do so virtually. Participants may complete the 5K distance at any time until 11:59 p.m. on April 25.
In December last year, Melanie Underhill, a four-year veteran of single parenting, announced that she had created Single Moms, a support group for single mothers. The group started out meeting in person once a month at First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg, 101 S. Decatur St., Strasburg, but with the sudden changes to everyday life recently, meetings have been augmented. “I am holding our single moms support group online now every Friday on Zoom,” Underhill said. “The response … has been incredible. We are meant for community, and the moms are finding support and validation sharing their stories and struggles with those who understand fully. It’s also wonderful to see friendships form and the sharing of child care, resources and information.” The formation of Single Moms could not have come at a more crucial time, Underhill noted. “In these uncertain times, single parents may feel more isolated and alone than ever,” Underhill explained. “Fear of losing their job or income may plague their thoughts, and limited food, basic necessities, child care, and emotional support may mount up to overwhelming anxiety. Often, too, a See Single Moms pg 5
Melanie Underhill
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Race Against Racism Goes Virtual
Schools around the county have adjusted their educational methods as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and many students, such as those from Mount Calvary Christian School, are doing their learning from home.