Ephrata Area School District -

What a week it's been for our Unified Bocce Team! Not only did they earn a win in a match versus EASD administration on Monday, they were also named the Lancaster-Lebanon silver medalists yesterday! Congrats, Mountaineers!

Thanks to Mainspring of Ephrata for another successful job and internship fair. All students in Grade 11 made connections with local businesses, which could lead to employment, internships, or future career opportunities. #EASDLifeReady

The Ephrata Area School Board approved the hiring of Mr. Brandon Smith as the new Ephrata Varsity Girls Soccer Coach and Mr. Steven McCabe as the Varsity Boys Soccer Coach at their February 26 meeting. Mr. Smith has been a Business Education Teacher at Ephrata High School since 2022 and is an EHS graduate. Previously, he was a teacher within the Solanco School District, where he also served as the Assistant Coach for both Boys Varsity Soccer and Junior High Boys Basketball. Mr. Smith obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Millersville University and a Master of Arts in STEM Education from Shippensburg University. “Nothing brings me more pride and joy than giving back to the community that gave me the chance to become who I am today. I can relate to being a Mountaineer and proudly wearing purple and gold. I have played soccer at a high level, and I understand what it takes to be part of a successful program. I know the expectations this community has for athletics, and I appreciate these shared goals,” Mr. Smith said. Mr. McCabe is an Ephrata Intermediate/Middle School Health and Physical Education Teacher. Prior to coming to EASD in 2022, he was a Health and Physical Education Teacher at Penn Manor School District. Mr. McCabe’s soccer coaching experience includes serving as the Boys Varsity Head Coach at Penn Manor High School, as well as Assistant Coach roles at Franklin and Marshall College, Millersville University, and Eastern University. He was also a professional soccer player for the Kilmarnock Football Club in Scotland. Mr. McCabe obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Coaching and Development from the University of Abertay Dundee and his Master of Education Degree in Multicultural Education from Eastern University. “As a proud member of the Ephrata community, I am humbled by the opportunity and great responsibility that comes with developing these young soccer players not just as athletes, but as a cohesive team, a supportive family, and most importantly, outstanding young men. With a shared commitment to hard work, dedication from everyone involved, and a unified vision, I am optimistic that we can build upon the rich tradition of Ephrata Soccer and experience much success together for many years to come,” commented Mr. McCabe.

The Shadow A Student Challenge was in full swing this week as EASD administrators collaborated with students to explore the question: What is it like to be a student for a day? Engaging with empathy and an open mind, administrators actively embraced the student perspective. They will subsequently reflect on these experiences to ensure that #EASDLifeReady learning is successfully carried out.

Congratulations to our EHS LCYA Award Winners! A record-setting number of 930 pieces were submitted this year from Lancaster County students. Mark your calendars to attend the gallery opening and congratulate these Mountaineers in person - Friday, March 8, 5-8 PM, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design.

Today is our annual Junior Achievement Real Life Forum for all EHS juniors to explore real-world budget scenarios and participate in financially-themed activities. While working with a "financial advisor,” students balance a monthly budget based on a fictitious family, salary, credit score, and debt to make savings and expense decisions. Students are also introduced to a variety of additional topics, including obtaining insurance, making key life decisions, and being aware of product pricing. Thanks to our community volunteers for making this a successful event every year!

Our indoor track state-qualifiers are gearing up and ready for the state meet on Sunday. This talented team of athletes bring us much #MountsPride. GO MOUNTS!

Thanks to the great work of our local Rotary Club and for all the support they provide to our students and community.

The Fulton Elementary School Buddy Program is going strong! Over 30 EHS students visit Fulton weekly to spend time with approximately 40 elementary students to foster meaningful and positive relationships.

Akron first-graders are learning how biblioburros, packhorse librarians, boats, camels, and more bring books to children around the world. Although there were no four-legged deliveries here, Akron students loved their special bookmobile visit from the Lancaster Library.

Congrats to our EIMS students who had a BUZZER-BEATER WIN in the annual EIMS Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game to benefit Mini-THON. Most importantly, $1,990.58 was raised for the pediatric cancer Four Diamonds Fund.

We’ve got another L-L Championship team! Congrats to our EHS Rifle Team! Well done, Mountaineers!

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Looking for a great deal? From classroom furniture and cleaning supplies to appliances and several vehicles, check out our online auction that runs through Tuesday, February 27: https://hessauctiongroup.hibid.com/catalog/523193/ephrata-area-school-district-online-only-auction

Reminder: There is no school for students Friday, February 16 - Monday, February 19. We look forward to seeing students back in school on Tuesday, February 20.

Focus! Determination! Strategy! Competitiveness! …and smiling students of course! EHS is currently hosting the end-of-season L-L Chess Tournament. Best wishes to everyone, especially our Mountaineers!

Today, sophomores participated in an assembly and Q&A - Lift Every Voice and Sing - during their American History classes. Thank you to Servant Stage for providing this educational and moving presentation as part of Black History Month.

Our hearts go out to the EASD families and community members impacted by today's fire at Martin's Country Market. We are grateful to the hundreds of firefighters and emergency personnel - many who speak regularly in our classrooms - for the bravery and grit they showed today. We support a resilient Mountaineer community and believe in the strength and empathy that will prevail.

We all know today is Valentine’s Day, but did you also know it’s National Random Acts of Kindness Week? Our students are engaged in a variety of daily activities to bring these important #EASDLifeReady lessons to life!

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