Board approves Derry Area School District as 2026 host site for Girls on the Run
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Summary
After a presentation by Shannon Mazzoni and student leaders, the board approved the district serving as a host site for the 2026 Girls on the Run program for grades 3–8. The program is no cost to the district; an anonymous donor has supported prior seasons.
The Derry Area School District Board of School Directors approved a motion to designate the district as a host site for the 2026 Girls on the Run program serving grades 3 through 8.
Shannon Mazzoni, who said she is one of the physical education teachers at Grandview, presented the program history and structure. "Girls on the Run is through Magee Women's Hospital. It is, lessons disguised with fitness, and the girls at the end of the season will work up to running a 5K," Mazzoni said, describing the program as a 10-week curriculum that aims to build confidence, character and life skills. She told the board the program is provided at no cost to the district and that last year the district fielded two teams in the elementary grades.
Mazzoni outlined coach screening and safety steps: volunteers submit clearances through Girls on the Run and hospital partner vetting; site liaisons and at least one first-aid/CPR-trained adult are present for practices. She said an anonymous donor has covered program costs in prior seasons and staff are coordinating building schedules to avoid custodial conflicts when practices are held indoors.
Board members and community speakers praised the program—s social and fitness benefits for students. The motion to approve the district as a host site passed by voice vote.
The program organizers said they will finalize coaches and donor arrangements if the board—s approval stands and will begin practice in early March.