The East Penn School District School Board convened on May 13, 2024, to discuss various achievements and upcoming events within the district. The meeting highlighted notable accomplishments from both middle schools and Emmaus High School, as well as important community initiatives.
The session began with a celebration of the district's middle schools, particularly the Lower Macungie Middle School (LMMS) Reading Roots team, which secured first place in the recent CLIU Reading Olympics. The board also recognized the Emmaus High School Chorale for their gold-level performance at the Heritage Festival in Boston, a prestigious national music festival. Additionally, the Emmaus High School Theatre Department received accolades for earning 14 Freddie nominations for their production of "Cinderella," with anticipation building for the awards ceremony on May 23.
The board expressed gratitude towards the guidance counselors for organizing the Emmaus High School College Fair, which featured over 100 colleges and universities, providing valuable information to students and community members about post-graduation options. The meeting also acknowledged the success of the "Shave for the Brave" event, led by teachers Shannon Petrunac and Amy Countitz, which raised nearly $87,000 for pediatric cancer research, contributing to a total of over $600,000 raised by the district over the years.
Looking ahead, the board emphasized the importance of kindergarten registration for children turning five by September 1, urging families to register to facilitate planning for the upcoming school year. They also announced the nomination process for the district's Pride Award winners, encouraging community members to recognize deserving employees and volunteers.
The meeting concluded with reminders about a community resource fair held at Lower Macungie Middle School and an upcoming mental health symposium scheduled for May 21. A correction was noted regarding the printed activity calendar, indicating that May 24 will be a half-day for students.
Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to celebrating student achievements, fostering community engagement, and ensuring a smooth transition for incoming kindergarteners. The board's discussions reflected a proactive approach to addressing the needs of students and families within the East Penn School District.