Pequea Valley /townlively
APRIL 15, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE: WEBSITE OFFERS ECONOMIC RESOURCES page 2
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVI • NO 18
PVHS Introduces CORE Academy By Ann Mead Ash
Arlen Mummau, retiring administrator of Pequea Valley High School, was concerned that the school was not adequately preparing students for life after graduation. “Around 35% of our learners are going to a four-year college,” said Mummau. “But what are we doing for the (rest)? We are failing them (because) we know seven of 10 jobs in the marketplace are skilled labor jobs, but we aren’t producing the workers.” Beginning with the 2019 fall semester, Mummau was leading a group of teachers in a program to change that. CORE Academy (CORE stands for Career Occupation Relative Education) began serving incoming freshman students with a program that focuses on skill development while also offering integrated instruction in math, science, social studies, and English. The
current curriculum is being led by technology teachers Rob King and Josiah Moon. Tara Reed teaches English, Amy Shay teaches science, Lauren Brooks teaches math, and Janine Snyder handles social studies instruction. Currently, CORE includes 15 freshman students interested in skills-related fields in a project-driven program that brings in teachers from other areas in unique ways. The first project the students took part in was designing the logo for the program. In addition to using graphic design skills, students were required to write and prepare oral presentations about the logos they developed. Next, the students built sheds, with Brooks teaching them the math necessary to cut the wood to the right lengths and Shay discussing different types of woods and which are best for different building needs. Snyder brought in lessons on
architecture in different time periods. Mummau explained that the CORE curriculum was designed to mimic a startup business. “We tried to operate this whole program as if it was a company starting with nothing,” he said, noting that the room was nearly empty at the start of the year. “The place to hang the tools was designed and developed by them,” said Mummau, who added that the students have been divided up for projects so they will learn teamwork. The sheds and other projects they build will be graded based on how well they are completed and how they sell. During the initial phase of the program, the students are learning about electricity and plumbing. As sophomores, students will be exposed to horticulture; hydro power, solar power, and wind energy; and engine work. As juniors, they will still have CORE classes in the building, but they See CORE Academy pg 8
New Takes On Education
Race Against Racism Goes Virtual 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 deal with the COVID19 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 See Race Against Racism pg 2
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.
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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.
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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 See Education pg 4
The new CORE Academy offered its first class to students at Pequea Valley High School in the fall of 2019. The academy combines applications of core subjects with instruction in a variety of disciplines to help students prepare for further training and employment after graduation.
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