Changes to school calendar proposed

Superintendent Mike Leichliter is recommending changes to the 2013-14 school calendar that would retain the current graduation date of June 3 and move the last student attendance day to June 9.

The changes are only proposed at this point and are subject to approval by the state Department of Education and Penn Manor School board, which plans to vote on the proposal April 14. Future cancellations or delays would impact the changes.

The revised schedule would require Penn Manor High School seniors to participate in graduation practice on three Saturdays. Those dates and times have yet to be determined.

Here are the proposed changes:

• March 28: School in session (weather make-up day)
• April 17: School in session (weather make-up day)
• April 21: School in session (weather make-up day)
• May 6: Student day (previously in-service day)
• June 3: Commencement at Franklin & Marshall College
• June 9: Last student day

Due to the recent weather cancellations, school will now be in session for all students on April 21 and June 9. The school year has been extended by one day and will continue to be extended in the event that school must be canceled again because of weather conditions.

Here is the complete list of weather-related calendar changes:

*Friday, February 14 – School is in session for all students.

*Friday, March 28 – School is in session for all students.

*Thursday, April 17 – School is in session for all students.

*Monday, April 21 (for missed day on January 21) – School is in session for all students.

*Monday, June 9 (for missed day on January 22) – School is in session for all students.

Dear Parents,

Penn Manor School District’s K-12 Gifted Services Program was audited this spring by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Our district received many positive comments and was recognized for “putting kids first”.  One change that the district must address is the number of students on each teacher’s caseload as teacher caseload may not exceed 65 students.  As a result, staffing changes have been made at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.  Starting with the 2013-2014 school year, I will be assigned to Hambright Elementary and Manor Middle Schools.

Please read the “official” parent letter below to learn more about the specific staff changes for each of Penn Manor’s schools.

As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Amy D’Amico