IN THIS ISSUE: AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE JOY page 8
Hempfield
APRIL 8, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXVI • NO 3
HE IS RISEN! Thank You A Sincere
To Our Community Of Heroes!
Stay Connected And Support Your Local Businesses! • Purchase a gift card to be used at a later date • Order takeout • Tip a little more than usual • Take advantage of curbside pickup/drop-off services
• Share a positive experience/review on social media • Use credit or debit cards (cut down on the germs from cash and coins) • Be patient • Say thank you • Stay home if you’re sick • Sign up for virtual community experiences/ activities
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 See Education pg 3
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.
Staving Off Cabin Fever
School Adapts To Home-Based Learning
By Ann Mead Ash
Since Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf ordered a statewide shutdown on March 16, those who found themselves at home with or without children - may be struggling to fill the hours in quarantine. Mary Bauer, founder of Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue, based in Chester County, has not hesitated to see the value in the hours. “Take advantage of the quarantine and get some fresh air and exercise with your dog,” said Bauer, who recommended throwing a ball or flying disc or working on basic training techniques. Those without pets to play with also have a variety of options for staving off cabin fever. Time online can be productive for both children and adults, so consider searching the internet for free classes and other educational resources. Podcasts in an area of interest can help make the hours move more quickly, and online puzzles and games can also help keep the brain engaged. The situation is ideal for families to spend time creating quality experiences and memories. Break out the board games or the playing cards or just engage in an old-fashioned game of charades. Getting outside is also a great option. Yard games such as croquet or badminton are good choices when
Ethan Lawrie, age 10, son of Mandy Leggett of Conestoga, displays a puzzle he and his family have worked on completing. Activities that are fun and educational can help keep children busy and encourage the making of family memories. the weather is fine. A piece of chalk can create a hopscotch game in seconds, and a length of rope can provide hours of jumping activity. Maintaining social distance is easier in the great outdoors, so walking, running, and bicycling are all See Cabin Fever pg 2
The order to close schools through at least April 6 - which has now been extended - resulted in an unexpected spring break for many students. For young learners at Saint Leo the Great Catholic School (SLTG), however, classes resumed almost immediately online. Principal Christine McLean reported that all students in grades one through eight were able to begin their studies in their respective homes at 9 a.m. on March 16, the first school day after the order, which was given on March 13. McLean credited Daniel Breen, superintendent of the Diocese of Harrisburg, who sought state approval for Flexible Instructional Days this past October. Additionally, SLTG has a 1-to-1 Chromebook See St. Leo The Great pg 7
[ESSENTIAL BUSINESS - NOW OPEN] a Pansies a Hanging Baskets Chicken BBQ Every Saturday a Annuals/Perennials a Houseplants Starting April 4th - TAKE-OUT ONLY & Flowers a Cactus & Succulents a Bedding Plants a Large Selection 1595 Maytown Rd., Elizabethtown, PA 17022
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
GREENHOUSE Now Open Mon. – Fri. 8–7 pm, Sat. 8-5 pm POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER APR. 8, 2020
Postal Patron
HEM
• THINK LOCAL FIRST! Shop local online
Matthew 28:6
717-361-6051 – Leave Message
R057505
/townlively