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Students showcase reading programs, gardens and statewide wins at Gettysburg Area SD board meeting
Summary
Elementary, middle and high school teams presented spring projects and student achievements: James Gettys Elementary ran a one‑book program that raised donations for the SPCA and expanded its garden; middle‑school service‑learning paired eighth graders with younger buddies; the high school reported National Merit finalists, state championships in debate and robotics, and wide CTE and extracurricular participation.
Three school teams used the board meeting to spotlight classroom projects, service learning and extracurricular achievements from across the district.
At James Gettys Elementary, teachers and fourth‑grade students described an eight‑week 'one school/one book' program centered on Dog Town. Student Sarah told the board the school paired with families and community guests for reader cafés, used trivia to encourage engagement and collected toys and food that were donated to the SPCA. Fourth‑grade student Ellie described a renovated garden where students planted bulbs, strawberries, lettuce, broccoli and carrots and will harvest produce for school use next season. Another student, Rowan, said the school’s annual Math Madness fundraiser exceeded its $4,000 goal and raised roughly $5,713, culminating in a celebratory trip to Gettysburg College.
Middle‑school principal Christy Kwood and assistant principal Mr. Lob described the district’s 'Warrior Way' initiative—attendance incentives, PBIS rewards, after‑school tutoring and character lessons focused on respect and empathy. Eighth‑grader Oliver described serving as a reading buddy to first graders and said the experience improved his leadership and connection to younger students. Students Zach and Jack said designing and delivering lessons to sixth graders taught them classroom leadership and responsibility.
High school principal Mr. Lusk (with Mrs. Gman) gave a compact, numbers‑based update: about 954 in‑building students and 57 cyber students; three National Merit finalists; first‑year mock‑trial competitions; state‑level champions and top finishers in debate, robotics and other CTE competitions; nearly 200 students in AP courses with 377 AP exams scheduled; reading intervention outcomes showing an average of 18 independently read books per struggling reader; and broad participation in athletics and career‑tech programs. Mr. Lusk also noted student travel programs (domestic exchange and funded international trips), service hours at Gettysburg National Military Park, and college‑and‑career pathway participation.
Why it matters
Presentations provided board members and the public a direct view of classroom learning, student leadership and extracurricular pathways that the operations budget supports. Several directors praised the students’ presentations and said they planned school tours to see programs in action.
Quotes
"It was so much fun to talk about the same story... We brought in toys and food for the SPCA. It felt good to help the pets in our community," said student Sarah, describing the schoolwide reading project.
"The lesson plan will often consist of a slideshow, the activity for the day, and any papers we had to hand out," said Jack, describing the leadership lessons eighth graders taught to younger students.
Ending
Board members thanked students and staff for their presentations; some directors said they will schedule building tours and follow up on specific program needs during the budget discussion phase.
