EASD_League of Innovative Schools

HEALTH & SAFETY PLAN

Revisions have been made to the District Health & Safety Plan, which includes the most recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.  In alignment with this guidance, the District will no longer be conducting contact tracing; masking will remain optional.  Families are encouraged to contact their school nurse with any specific questions.

 

SCHOOL MEALS

New school meal prices are listed below, as free meals are no longer being provided by the USDA.

• Elementary:  Breakfast $1.50, Lunch $2.70
• EIMS:  Breakfast $1.80, Lunch $2.90
• EHS:  Breakfast $1.80, Lunch $3.25

Additionally, the District will be utilizing a new point-of-sale system, SchoolCafe. Families can deposit money electronically, set up low balance alerts, view transactions, apply for free or reduced meals, and more.  Directions and more information on the new system is available on the District website and have been emailed to families.  Any questions should be directed to Marti Rhoads at m_rhoads@easdpa.org or 717-721-1400 X 11302.

 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Renovations will soon be completed at Ephrata High School, including the construction of a building addition, new tennis courts, and a full HVAC system replacement.  The improvements include increased space for the music and theatre programs and the relocation of Project Build A Better Future, EVA Studio, and the Student Support Services Department.  Students were engaged in design reviews and provided input regarding many of the final finishes, including keyboard-inspired flooring in the music areas.  Lastly, the new HVAC system will utilize higher efficiency equipment at lower energy costs to improve the indoor air quality through increased ventilation and filtration.

 

EPHRATA VIRTUAL ACADEMY (EVA)

For over 10 years, EVA has offered virtual instruction identical to cyber charter programs, including on-demand (asynchronous) instruction and optional scheduled live teacher support.  New this year, the variety and number of virtual course offerings have increased to four different online learning providers.  Additionally, EVA features regular teacher check-ins, live-help via online tutors available during the school day, and weekly teacher office hours. Plus, EVA students also receive:

• Computer & software
• Local Contact Person
• Ephrata High School Diploma
• Mounts Tech Support
• Opportunity to participate in EASD electives on-site, sports, music, art, theater, & more
• Life Ready Graduate Certification Eligibility 
• Internship Opportunities
• Lancaster County CTC
• Special Education Services

 For more information on EVA, please contact Ronald Wales at Ronald_Wales@easdpa.org or 717-721-1150, extension 19505.

 

ATTENDANCE EMAIL COMMUNIATION

When students are absent, parents/guardians are encouraged to send email excuses to improve the efficiency of this communication.  Attendance emails for each school are listed below.

• Akron Elementary School: AESAttend@easdpa.org
• Clay Elementary School: CESAttend@easdpa.org
• Fulton Elementary School: FESAttend@easdpa.org
• Highland Elementary School: HESAttend@easdpa.org
• Ephrata Intermediate School: EISAttend@easdpa.org
• Ephrata Middle School: EMSAttend@easdpa.org
• Ephrata High School: EHSAttend@easdpa.org

 

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT FACILITATORS

The District is implementing two new positions – Student Engagement Facilitators – who will work cooperatively with various stakeholders to develop, promote, execute, and maintain successful programs and environments that promote student voice, engagement, and belonging.  Through student collaboration, program/environment assessment, curriculum implementation, professional learning, and community outreach, the Student Engagement Facilitators will help create and improve the sense of belonging experienced by ALL students by informing decisions at every level – from classroom to District Office – with the student voice and perspective.

 

CORNERSTONES

The District continues to grow collaborative, community projects called Cornerstones across every grade level to create real world connections and enhance students’ Life Ready Graduate skills & dispositions. Every thematic unit is unique to the grade level, including second-graders learning about the community, eighth-graders creating their own start-up businesses, and high school students addressing the questions, “What makes me tick” and “How do I design my future?” Many opportunities are available for community involvement. Please contact Caryn Andes for more information at Caryn_Andes@easdpa.org.

 

INTERNSHIPS & CO-OPS

The EHS Internship & Co-op Program pairs juniors and seniors who wish to participate in a career-related learning experience with area businesses allowing students to learn and apply skills authentically in a real-world setting. For more information or to offer an internship or co-op experience for EHS students, please contact Michele Myers at 717-721-1478, extension 19207 or Michele_Myers@easdpa.org.

 

NOW HIRING

Please visit the easdpa.org/HR to view all current employment vacancies.  Additionally, a variety of substitute opportunities are available.

 

NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE RECOGNITION

Ephrata Area School District was recently recognized by The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) as one of 13 national Lighthouse school districts.  Lighthouse districts serve as models of positive change in public education and are engaged in learning, networking, and working together to help drive education policy and ultimately improve student learning.  According to AASA, these districts are “exemplary educational systems that serve as beacons of light in key areas of the holistic redesign of American education.” Learn more at easdpa.org.

 

EASD_Lighthouse

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