Macungie Elementary celebrates inclusive playground opening and student achievements

The East Penn School District celebrated significant achievements and community initiatives during its Board Meeting on May 12, 2025. A highlight of the meeting was the opening of a new fully inclusive playground at Macungie Elementary School, designed to be accessible for all students. This project, which has been in development for four years, was made possible through the efforts of the school community, including fundraising by the Parent Teacher Organization. The playground features a special "buddy bench" to encourage inclusivity among students.

In addition to the playground celebration, the board recognized the accomplishments of Emmaus High School's spring sports teams, with several athletes being honored as EPC scholar athletes for their academic achievements. Notably, 37 student athletes announced their college commitments, showcasing the district's commitment to both academic and athletic excellence.

The Emmaus athletic department also received the District 11 Michael J. Meilinger Sportsmanship Award, a testament to the school's emphasis on respect and integrity in sports. This recognition is particularly significant as Emmaus is the only 6A school to achieve this honor.

The meeting also highlighted the achievements of students from the Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI), who announced their future plans during a recent signing day. The board expressed pride in students like James Leap and Dakota Miller, who will continue their education at local community colleges.

Looking ahead, the district is hosting several community events, including a mental health symposium and a community resource fair, aimed at providing support and resources to families. The Emmaus High School art show is also scheduled, promising to showcase the impressive talents of student artists.

The board acknowledged the importance of ongoing discussions about school start times, with a member urging the community to engage with local representatives on this topic. The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on the district's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, as well as celebrating their numerous achievements.