During a recent school board meeting, notable achievements in local athletics were celebrated, including the recognition of Manuel Cartagena as the YIAA All-Star First Team and Anna Marie Petrovic for her selection to the PIAA All-District 3 volleyball team. Coach Joel Sonberg was also honored as the YIAA Division 2 Coach of the Year for leading the Warriors to their third consecutive title.

The meeting transitioned to a discussion on the 2023-2024 Climate and Culture Survey, presented by Dr. Reppert and Dr. Kim Hughes. The Pennsylvania Youth Survey, conducted every two years for students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12, aims to assess behaviors and attitudes related to substance use and violence. This year, nearly 74% of students participated, providing valuable data for the district.

Key findings highlighted that 82.3% of students feel safe in their school environment, although only 59.8% reported receiving praise from teachers. The survey also revealed that 11.6% of students had been offered alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs on school property, prompting concerns about substance use among youth. The district is actively working to address these issues through educational programs and partnerships with local authorities.

Additionally, the survey indicated that almost 30% of students experienced some form of bullying in the past year, a statistic that the board is committed to reducing through enhanced support systems and community engagement.

The board plans to administer the PDE climate survey in the fall to gather more comprehensive data, aiming for higher participation rates and a clearer understanding of student experiences. The ongoing analysis of survey data will guide future initiatives to foster a safe and supportive school environment.