ELANCO District Office
669 East Main Street
New Holland, PA 17557
(717) 354-1500
The Eastern Lancaster County School District Board of School Directors will be having a special meeting on Monday, May 5, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the Community Hall of the Garden Spot High School located at 669 East Main Street, New Holland, PA. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the Garden Spot High School/Middle School Renovation Project and any other business raised at the meeting. Please contact the Business Office at (717) 354-1504 with any questions and/or comments that you may have.
In an effort to respond to the recent media stories on the beef that has been recalled and served in the National School Lunch Program, the following update outlines how this recall affects the Eastern Lancaster County School District.
First and foremost, the District takes all recalls seriously and has done a thorough review of the beef that we have in stock, as well as, contacting our current suppliers. We had one case of beef that was recalled and has been removed from our inventory and destroyed. Therefore, all meat that is currently served in the District's school lunch program is safe and was not supplied by the company in question.
We did, however, receive products in October of 2007 that were supplied by the company in question and served as part of the District's school lunch program. At that time, we had no knowledge of the recall and have not received any reports of any one becoming sick.
If you have further questions and/or concerns, please contact Phyllis Radcliffe, Director of Food Services at (717) 354-1581.
Please be advised that Monday, February 18, 2008 will be a school day for staff and students. This date was included on the approved school calendar as a snow make-up day.
Secondary students will be dismissed at 12:00PM. Elementary at 1:00PM. All afternoon and evening activities are cancelled.
Pursuant to Act 1, the Pennsylvania Department of Education publishes an index % applicable to the School District. The school district real estate tax increase for the next fiscal year is limited to the index % unless the proposed tax rate is approved by voters pursuant to a referendum or the School District qualifies for an Act 1 exception. As a result of special circumstances covered by an Act 1 referendum exception, a tax rate % increase above the index might be required to balance the School District budget for the next fiscal year. The tax to be levied is required to provide a quality education program as reflected in the School District Preliminary Budget.
The School District intends to seek approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education or to the County Court as required by Act 1 for an exception allowing increase of the real estate tax as reflected in the School District Preliminary Budget. The Preliminary Budget is available for public inspection at the School District offices, 669 East Main Street, New Holland, Pennsylvania. On written request by any School District resident or taxpayer, the School District will provide a copy of the referendum exception application.
Marion L. Martin, Secretary
There will be a meeting for parents of the New Holland Elementary School to discuss issues and concerns they may have about student behavioral issues. These meetings will be held on January 29, 2008 at the following times: 9:30am - 10:30am; 12:00pm - 1:00pm; and 5:30pm - 6:30pm. Please call the New Holland Elementary secretary if you plan to attend.
Below is the contents of the letter that will be coming home with all students today.
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We are aware that some parents have concerns and questions regarding the adding of new special needs classes at New Holland Elementary School. Considerable thought was given to bringing our district children back to their resident district from Intermediate Unit class placements this year. We recognize that in making this decision to place students with behavior challenges in New Holland Elementary, there would be a need for a high level of supports within the building.
Currently, we have enlisted the services of a behavior specialist, other staff from the district Special Services department, and specialists from our IU13. This personnel has been instrumental in making necessary changes to run an effective program.
In additional to the staffing that is already present, we realize the need to further increase the level of support. We have hired an additional special needs teacher that will allow us to reduce the number of children per certified teacher in our special needs classes. Further, an additional classroom aide will be provided. Plans have been made for training staff and students in lessons on Ability Awareness. We are confident that these positive actions will help to ensure that New Holland Elementary is a successful learning environment for all students.
It is important to note that the district must carefully follow procedural regulations regarding the placement of a child who has any type of special learning/behavioral need. In doing so, certain timelines must be followed. Just as we would do for your child, we regard these important decisions with utmost concern and care.
We are thankful for the high level of parent involvement at New Holland School. We know that you may have additional concerns or questions that have not yet been answered. We welcome you to attend an informal meeting regarding any concerns that you may have about your child�s education on January 29, 2008. In order to accommodate your needs, we will offer several parent sessions that day.
9:30-10:30 a.m.
12:00-1:00 p.m.
5:30-6:30 p.m.
These meetings will be held in the library at New Holland Elementary School. Please call the office at New Holland Elementary if you plan to attend. If you are unable to attend, we welcome your phone calls to discuss any concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Brenda D. Leiby, Principal
Dr. Saundra A. Hoover, Superintendent
Tonight's meeting for the District's Strategic Plan is postponed until Thursday, January 24, 2008 at 5:00 pm.
This morning a school bus transporting Brecknock Elementary students was involved in a minor accident. No one was hurt and the students arrived safely at the school.
Come and support your Garden Spot High School Sports Teams who are in playoffs this fall season:
District 3 cross country meet is Saturday, October 27 at Milton Hershey School. Girls race starts at 10:00 am and the boys race starts at noon.
District 3 volleyball first round pool play is Tuesday, October 30 at 4:30pm at a site to be determined.
In light of the recent outbreaks of MRSA that have occurred in districts across the country, we wanted to inform you that the district is taking every precaution, in order to prevent an outbreak here. All parents should have received a letter recently regarding a case that was reported and treated. We have had one other case that has been reported, treated, and the student has returned to school after being cleared by the physician. All District Staff are being especially vigilant regarding any skin wounds or infections that may be present on students or adults in the district. Our nurses have been in touch with the Department of Public Health in Pennsylvania and our school physicians for guidance about this skin infection. We ask that if you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school administrator or school nurse, immediately. It appears that it is important to catch and treat this infection promptly in order to prevent its spread to others and to minimize serious implications.
