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Gettysburg Area Middle School showcases service learning, NJHS and theater as part of student engagement push
Summary
Middle school teachers, students and administrators described several initiatives to boost attendance, reintroduce eighth-grade service-learning projects and launch a National Junior Honor Society chapter.
Gettysburg Area Middle School staff and students presented a series of programs Tuesday aimed at re-engaging students, recognizing achievement and restoring pre-pandemic traditions.
Christie Caywood, identified in the meeting as a middle-school representative, said the school restarted a “Warrior Way” kickoff to promote attendance and rewards. Caywood said students who qualify for “positive attendance” — defined as no more than one unexcused absence per quarter — earn certificates at the end of each quarter. The program combines incentives, honor-roll recognition and quarter-end rewards for sixth- and seventh-graders who meet both behavior and grade standards.
The school also resumed eighth-grade service-learning projects that were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caywood said students will work with community partners such as the Lincoln Fellowship and the Gettysburg Area Recreation Association; some students will research soldiers buried in local cemeteries and publish their work via QR codes linked to gravesites during the 250th observance next year.
Students introduced a new National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) chapter at Gettysburg Area Middle School. Campbell Thurston, identified as NJHS president, said 40 eighth-graders applied in March 2025 and 20 were accepted. Fellow officers Elena Waughman (treasurer) and Eleanor Fry (vice president) described fundraising and community-service projects tied to the chapter; Waughman said members must complete a minimum of 10 individual and two school service hours by the end of the year.
Assistant Principal Matt Lobb reported on a community-supported restoration of the school’s outdoor learning area. He credited Conewago Enterprises, Tony Floyd and others for repairing trails and bridges damaged by flooding so that science classes can continue to use the outdoor classroom behind Warrior Stadium.
Lobb also gave an update on the renaming of the middle-school gym to the Steve Litton Memorial Gymnasium. He said the fundraising target was $5,000; the school raised more than $7,000, added plaques and new signage, and plans a dedication ceremony on Dec. 3 at 4:30 p.m. during a boys’ basketball game.
Ending: The board thanked students and staff for their presentations. The district recorded the programs as part of ongoing efforts to increase middle-school engagement and student recognition.
