Homepage Return to Headlines New eRoundtable: June 28, 2023 Digital Edition In addition to the twice-a-year Roundtable newsletter you receive at your residence, Looking at present Hempfield School District from an outsiders perspective, I cannot believe all the public mentions of Christ, as though everyone accepts that Christianity is the only true religion. Your comments and ideas are welcome. Education and Programs / Policy, Personnel, and Legal Committee Meeting. STATE POLICE SAY BOTH TEENS WI. Meridith Hilt, whose post about the event in a community Facebook group first drew attention to the event, said her frustration with the event has nothing to do with the sexual orientation or identity of the performers, but rather the performanceitself. State senator Ryan Aument, R-West Hempfield, also weighed in on the event on Facebook, saying he had spoken withHempfield School District Superintendent Mike Bromirski twice via phone. WebLearn more about Hempfield School District here - find all of the schools in the district, student data, test scores, district budget and more. In case you missed them, the eRoundtable can be found by clicking the links below or on the district publicationspage. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. According to a tracker on the districts website, there are 34 confirmed cases, 31 of which are among students and three that are among staff. WebNews & Announcements Congratulations 2023 Retirees! The Radebaugh, 42, director of purchasing for Westmoreland County, said the district was a little bit behind the eight ball on the technology side going into the whole covid thing. Lori Falce: Do we owe Titanic sub billionaires empathy? Parents reported that the event was advertised as a drag show.. Two incidents in Hempfield Area School District being investigated by state police, THE IMAGES SPREAD QUICKLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA PITTSBURGHS ACTION NEWS 4 OBTAINING THIS VIDEO SHOWING A TEEN IN A HOT GDO COSTUME WEINARG FACE PAINT BEING TAKEN INTO CUSTODY BY HEMPFIELD AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICE. The reason Im seeking reelection is because I think we have a lot of good things going on in Hempfield. REPORTER: TODAY WAS THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL AT HEMPFIELDHE T DISTRICT SAYS 3 SCHOOLS WERE BRIEFLY PLACED ON LOCKDOWN. The district is not aware of any threat posed to the school by the second incident, she said. In the text, make sure to note the word Hempfield." This survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. A final vote is standard procedure for the board to THE DAY WENT ON AS NORMAL AFTER THAT. Ballotpedia covers public school districts in the 100 largest cities in America by population, as well as the 200 largest public school districts by student enrollment. Smith also hopes to look at whether students are prepared to enter the workforce after graduation. Board member Sonya Brajdic is not seeking reelection. "Currently, an individual has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Youre trying to keep them from learning about things that they are legally, regularly and continually facing.. There were three cases on Thursday, the first day of school, among students at Maxwell Elementary and one at West Hempfield Elementary. There are currently no reported cases at Fort Allen Elementary School. Hempfield School District said in a statement Friday that it had been made aware of a "serious situation" at the district during an after-school event for the Gay Sexuality Alliance Club. Ballot measures, Who represents me? | Hempfield School District said in a statement Friday that it had been made aware of a "serious situation" at the district during an after-school event for the Gay Welcome to the official Facebook page of the Hempfield School Warwick School District . TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Hempfield began the year with a mask-optional policy for students in school buildings. Hempfield school board finalizes 2.5% property tax increase, raises substitutes' pay for 2023-24 When: Hempfield School District board meeting, June 13. The district became aware of a social media post of the student wearing the gas mask that included text of a threat to the school. Pennsylvania lawmakers consider replacing the state's official song, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. Lori Falce: Do we owe Titanic sub billionaires empathy? Be the first to know breaking news, delivered only when a big story is developing. Members of the infected students household and staff are advised to quarantine. I miss many things about Lancaster County, but I cant go back. She said that letter resulted when the district was informed that a person who attended orientation later received a positive covid test result. The district had been operating under a mask-optional policy for the first week of school. Neither the dress of the invited guests nor the performance was appropriate in our school setting. I like the committee the way it is with including the students., New Hempfield book challenge, acquisition rules up for vote, Hempfield Areas proposed college lit class sparks debate over appropriate material, Hempfield Area remains stuck on placement of books in school library, curriculum, Hempfield book challenge policy could mirror one used for websites, Librarians, parents weigh in on Hempfield's library book policy as some titles are questioned, Hempfield Area policy change would expand parents' role in review of challenged books, Hempfield is latest district to face book ban challenge. Other exceptions are when students are eating or drinking or when wearing a face covering creates an unsafe condition to operate equipment or execute a task. In his first bid for office, Smith, 48, an engineering manager, said his priorities are to look at what projects are viable for the future as the current school board looks to determine whether they should remodel or rebuild the high school. We will continue to monitor this situation as we continue the 2021-2022 school year. Responsible resource selection is not book banning.. Be the first to know breaking news, delivered only when a big story is developing. Error! The student was removed from school property. WebHempfield Area School District, which is expected to comply with the states mask mandate for K-12 schools next week, reported several new covid-19 cases during the first full week of classes. "If we're made aware, we will inform those affected if there is a potential exposure, following the advice of the Department of Health," she said. There was an error processing your request. Several consider the composition of the challenge committee to be unfair. This school district is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. Elections in 2023 | The letter, in citing guidance from the education department, states that failure to comply with the mandate would be considered a willful violation of the law and could result in loss of school funding, loss of certifications for school administrators and other implications for the district and individuals. Penn State, Pitt, others get hundreds of millions in taxpayer funds, but tracking it is a challenge. >> DONT DO IT. School Board - Regular Meeting, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM I think its very important. During this project, theentirestadium will be closed. Another adviser to the club, English teacher Carla Vicidomini, also did not return a call seeking comment. By last Thursday, 20 cases had been reported in the district. PITTSBURGH Law enforcement responded Wednesday to active shooter hoaxes at multiple school districts in several different counties in the Pittsburgh area. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. 22,294 were here. Click here to learn more about the role the Lancaster County Local Journalism Fund plays in Lancaster County and to make a tax-deductible donation. There are 20 active cases among students and staff in eight of the districts nine school buildings, according to a covid-19 tracker on Hempfield Areas website. Subscribe Today 1 of 'Watermelon snow' piques curiosities in Utah after abnormally wet winter, Pittsburgh's July Fourth celebration features Clarks, fireworks and more, Changing their tune? We strive for our school to be the best place it can be. School officials are gathering more information on both situations and Wolicki said they will continue to work with state police. The student was removed from school property. Web2023 Elections . Watch the report from Hempfield Township in the video player above. New Hempfield book challenge, acquisition rules up for vote, Hempfield Areas proposed college lit class sparks debate over appropriate material, Hempfield Area remains stuck on placement of books in school library, curriculum, Hempfield book challenge policy could mirror one used for websites, Librarians, parents weigh in on Hempfield's library book policy as some titles are questioned, Hempfield Area policy change would expand parents' role in review of challenged books, Hempfield is latest district to face book ban challenge. Never give up. I know you are tired. This 30-minute television show, created by HHS Communications Technology students, includes features on Earth Day, the history of the HHS building, the library art mosaic, and much more! REPORTER: POLICE SAY THAT TEEN IS A 14-YEAR-OLD BOY A FORMER STUDENT IN THE DISTRICT AND HE DID NOT HAVE ANY WEAPONS ON HIM. They may return to school once 10 days have passed from the start of their symptoms, as long as their symptoms have improved and they are fever-free for 24 hours. How to run for office | Book banning is neither freedom nor liberty; it is oppression. Grade 9 Tour/Orientation (led by Dr. Becker): Multiple Sessions, 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM " At the secondary level, which includes middle and high school, materials with visual depictions of sex acts would never be permitted. Unlike the 2019 primary, when several Hempfield Area School Board candidates seemingly formed a unified front in a desire to end property tax assessment appeals, the nine candidates hoping to clinch one of the four open seats this year are running for a variety of reasons. The wearing of masks by students will lead to fewer quarantined students due to close contacts, Wolicki said in the letter. 'Watermelon snow' piques curiosities in Utah after abnormally wet winter, Pittsburgh's July Fourth celebration features Clarks, fireworks and more, Changing their tune? This story will be updated as more information become available. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. You do not need acceptance. Error! Incumbent Paul Ward, 55, an attorney for Kennametal, said he hopes to be a part of future projects in the district by winning another term. At the end of the school day on Thursday, in accordance with advice from the state Department of Health, students at West Hempfield Elementary took letters home to alert families that had attended the orientation about the potential exposure, Wolicki said. Subscribe today byclicking hereor by finding the "Subscribe to eRoundtable" heading on the bottom left side of the district homepage. P: 717-898-5500 F: 717-459-5118 Students who were within 3 to 6 feet of an infected student in a classroom are not considered to have had close contact if the infected student and the exposed students correctly and consistently wore well-fitting masks throughout the period of exposure. We know a transition to a new, bigger school can be stressful and daunting, but were here to help! 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The protocol states that a student who tests positive for covid-19 is to remain in home isolation. She said she read the book All Boys Arent Blue, a book discussing author George M. Johnsons experience growing up as a queer Black man, and said it promotes empathy. You can contact Julia at jmaruca@triblive.com. Separate climate surveys for students and staff will be distributed through Schoology and district-wide e-mail. Lancaster Crisis Intervention, 717-394-2631. Teachers are providing them instruction remotely.". I, personally, dont believe everybody needs a classical four-year degree, and I also believe that the high school education, while a good start, is not the end of the story, he said. Members of an ill student's household and staff who had close contact with the student are advised to quarantine according to local health department requirements. School districts | May 01, 2023 Vote by Mail Request Deadline May 09, 2023 Municipal Primary Election May 16, 2023 2023 Endorsed Democratic Candidates Bryan S. Neft Commonweath Court, Pennsylvania Jill Beck Superior Court, Pennsylvania Timika Lane Superior Court, Pennsylvania Daniel McCaffery Supreme Court, Pennsylvania Alice Yoder We will be prepared to return to a mask-optional environment as soon as we can reasonably do so., 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, Westmoreland County to hold job fair to fill up to 250 vacancies, Monessen man dies in Washington County crash, Thrasher to begin new job in August, endorses chief of staff as replacement, Independence Health System lays off 53 employees, Rostraver man arrested after 7-hour standoff with state police. Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Hempfield decision hurts students [letter], By opting into newsletters you are agreeing to our. I consider the student voice a vital part of the book reevaluation committee and fiercely oppose removing them, she said. Hempfield Area has adopted a mask-optional policy for students inside district schools. Some parents said the proposed regulations are not strict enough. Never surrender. To help us achieve this, parents/guardians are encouraged to complete theSchool Climate Survey for Familiesto share their thoughts on our schools strong points and possible improvements. " A new section added to the policy notes, when selecting high school materials, the selectors "shall or may seek to prioritize the selection of materials which do not contain other sexualized content, even though permitted, such as visual depictions of nudity. June 27, 2023 72 Hempfield decision hurts students [letter] Jun 26, 2023 Get unlimited access to breaking news, ancestry archives, our daily E-newspaper, games and more. Almost 50 students and parents gathered outside Hempfield Area High School Tuesday to protest the mandate. Ive been on long enough to see what works and what doesnt. Lindsay Stevens, who is running for school board, recommended books be removed from the library while they are under challenge. Marty Heisey When: Hempfield education and programs, policy, personnel, and legal school board committee meeting, June 15. It does get better. They get a single representative and in no way have an overwhelming sway on the ultimate decision of the committee.. The tracker reports confirmed or probable cases among students and staff for the most recent rolling 14-day period. We are excited to welcome the Class of 2027 to HHS in August for the 2023-24 school year! The Hempfield school board on Thursday doubled down on its decision two weeks ago to hire a conservative law firm to help develop a policy around athletic Your understanding as you prepare your child for the change next week is greatly appreciated as we all work together to provide the best possible education for our students despite the challenging circumstances, Wolicki said of the mask mandate. "First and foremost, the administration team apologizes to students, parents, and the community on behalf of those involved in this event," the statement said."We are appalled at what took place and in no way condone this type of activity in our schools. Hempfield Area School District began the 2021-22 school year with four confirmed or probable cases of covid-19 among elementary students. I think we started a lot of good things, and (Im) just looking to continue the school district and the whole township on that path of doing well, Learn said. Ciabattoni, 74, assistant to the library director at Greensburg Hempfield Area Library, noted she would like to implement more foreign languages into the curriculum. Many of the books that may be banned are written by LGBTQ+ authors who do not want young people to suffer as they did. Caila Koring, an alum who has nephews and a niece in the district, said including a student on the challenge committee is a good idea. >> ITS SAD BUT I TOLD MY SON THERE WILL NEVER BE A LACK OF STUPIDITY SO WE JUST HAVE TO DO OUR BEST TO TAKE CARE OFT. The first involved a student at the high school. Though she did not reveal the number of students involved or what school they are assigned to attend, Wolicki said, "We had some children who were already quarantined prior to the start of school, and that extended into the start of school. Watch the report from Hempfield Township in the video player above.Hempfield Area School District Superintendent Tammy Wolicki told parents in a letter that all schools are operating as normal after the incidents. "What happens when a book is challenged An informal review can be conducted, in which the community member challenging a book meets with a librarian, teacher or other appropriate staff member and details their objections. A formal challenge can be requested. Supreme Courts ruling means higher bills for many. Elizabethtown Area School Districts school board voted unanimously Tuesday to advance revisions to its library materials policy including a new rating system to Essentially, books chosen by teachers and books in the libraries will need to be approved by elected board members and the superintendent or the superintendents designees, who may not be educators. He also hopes to better allocate resources for students and teachers and that extends into extracurricular activities. Affirmative action is out in higher education so what's next for college admissions? This is their world, and they live in a different world than we all did, she said. Wolicki said a daily update of the tracker on school days doesn't occur before 4:30 p.m. She noted case numbers may be added retroactively, depending on when the district learns of them. Public policy. Wolicki told parents the unnamed student was wearing a gas mask on a school bus. Aug. 27Hempfield Area School District began the 2021-22 school year with four confirmed or probable cases of covid-19 among elementary students. Success! Elizabethtown Area School District school board is seen here meeting Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022. They are hyper focused on this teacher now when this teacher was just trying to provide a safe environmentfor these kids.". There were three cases on Thursday, the first day of school, among students at Maxwell Elementary and one at West Hempfield Elementary. The first involved a student at the high school. State executives | You do need the ability to live free and safely. The focus has always been on the students and, no matter how rough times get, when we see an accomplishment of the students, its so worth it., 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, Trump, DeSantis among 2024 GOP hopefuls set to appear at the Moms for Liberty gathering, Trump target Al Schmidt gets crucial approval as he moves closer to becoming Pa.s top election official, Georgia elections official to speak to federal prosecutors probing Trump's efforts to undo 2020 loss, Supreme Court unfreezes Louisiana redistricting case that could boost power of Black voters, If this Delaware senator wins a U.S. House seat, she'll be the 1st trans member of Congress. It wasn't clear how many of those students were quarantined because of a positive test result or how many were quarantined because of a potential exposure. My interest is the well-being of young LGBTQ+ students. If you are LGBTQ+: thetrevorproject.org/get-help. Joshua Myers, 30, a regional account executive with Elavon Merchant Services, said he decided to run for the school board as a way to better the district for his son, who will be a Hempfield student next year. Since this is a personnel issue, there will be certain information the district is unable to share with the public. "if you kids aren't involved in and you're not giving your permission, why are you getting involved? Wolicki said the high school, Harrold and Fort Allen schools were put on lockdown as school police apprehended the student. The person who raised the challenge is allowed to attend the meetings to discuss their perspective but will not have a vote. Board member Michael Alfery voted yes on both regulations but suggested an age limit of 18 or older be put on participating in the challenge committee. You can contact Jeff at 724-836-6622, jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter . "We commit to completing a thorough investigation and holding those involved accountable, up to and including disciplinary action that is commensurate with any findings," the school district's statement said. In a letter posted on the districts website Wednesday, Superintendent Tammy Wolicki said the district is required to adhere to the mandate, meaning teachers, students, staff and visitors are required to wear a mask in school buildings regardless of vaccination status. 'Watermelon snow' piques curiosities in Utah after abnormally wet winter, Pittsburgh's July Fourth celebration features Clarks, fireworks and more, Changing their tune? Incumbent Diane Ciabattoni, who has been on the board for about 25 years, echoed similar sentiments. "Currently, an individual has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Holding the line on property taxes is also a key point for Paul Berginc Sr., 73. Wolicki declined to comment on whether the case at West Hempfield was related to a potential covid-19 exposure at that school's kindergarten orientation, which was held Tuesday. Ballotpedia covers public school districts in the 100 largest cities in America by population, as well as I enjoy being on the board, she said. That means including lessons on remote learning aspects while also learning and collaborating with people other than the students peers, he said. 200 Stanley Avenue, Landisville, PA 17538. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM There are places that truly have religious and social freedom. The school board this week advanced a policy that has been in the works for about a year that could be adopted in June. Hempfield School District Superintendent Mike Bromirski twice via phone. Hilt and Taylor, who both do not have kids in the club, said they had heard differing things about if permission slips were requiredfor the event.Bromirski, Lititz man charged in connection with 2020 fatal shooting in Lancaster city: police, Entertainment company refutes report linking it to Hempfield High School after-school event featuring 'professional dancers', What we know (and don't know) about Hempfield High School's Gay Sexuality Alliance club's 'drag' event, Public expected to weigh in on drag performers at Hempfield High School, The latest: Here's what we know about Hempfield High drag show fallout, Full coverage of the Hempfield drag show fallout [roundup]. This process will re-establish a smooth, even, and safe running surface. Six of the cases are at Hempfield Area High School; there are three each at Harrold Middle School, Maxwell elementary and Wendover Middle School; there are two at West Hempfield Elementary School; and there is one each at Stanwood elementary, West Hempfield Middle School and West Point elementary. If you would like to help our coverage scope grow, consider donating to Ballotpedia. I want to bring that new, fresh perspective to the community, to Hempfield (Area) School District, Myers said. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, Westmoreland County to hold job fair to fill up to 250 vacancies, Monessen man dies in Washington County crash, Thrasher to begin new job in August, endorses chief of staff as replacement, Independence Health System lays off 53 employees, Rostraver man arrested after 7-hour standoff with state police. Myers said he is financially conservative, meaning he would not raise property taxes and would ensure the board is not spending inappropriately. The community members and students will be chosen from a pool of volunteers and may not be the community member that raised the challenge. The survey is anonymous and will not collect your e-mail address when submitted. Taylor said she hopes that the board will reinstate Tyson and allow her to continue leading the club. Grade 9 Tour/Orientation (led by Dr. Becker): Multiple Sessions, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM The order, which covers schools, early learning programs and child care facilities, goes into effect Tuesday. Updated: 6:20 PM EDT Jun 2, 2022 Show Transcript HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. State police are investigating two incidents that occurred Thursday morning at a Pittsburgh's Action News 4 at 7 pm on Cozi TV. Ballotpedia features 409,901 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. The June episode of Hempfield Happenings is available now! If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, contact the following organizations: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, suicidepreventionlifeline.org, 800-273-8255, or simply call 988. Property owners in the Hempfield Area School District will be paying more in real estate taxes after board members adopted a 2023-24 budget by a 6-2 vote. Unlike the 2019 primary, when several Hempfield Area School Board candidates seemingly formed a unified front in a desire to end property tax assessment Hilt says the exposed buttocks, form fitting clothing and type of dance is what she considers age inappropriate. Website: 2021-2022 School Year Information / Home (hempfieldsd.org) Plan for Fall 2021: To be determined. Counties | I understand that some parents are extremely upset about the mandate, Wolicki wrote in the letter. Hempfield School District is a school district in Pennsylvania . Find details including dates, times, and the registration link byclicking here. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Police have charged a Lititz man in connection with the 2020 shooting death of man in Lancaster city. Updated: 5:27 AM EDT June 15, 2022. Because those cases occurred before the beginning of classes, they aren't reflected in numbers reported on the covid-19 tracker. According to district protocol, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a student who tests positive for covid-19 is to remain in home isolation. I think I try to make responsible decisions, ethical decisions and really just work hard and understand whats going on and make knowledgeable decisions, and thats kind of the way Ive approached it.. Before the vote, residents and parents raised a multitude of concerns, some of which garnered bursts of applause from other attendees who agreed. The case count on the tracker includes any student or staff member with a confirmed or probable case of covid who was present in the school setting while infectious. 200 Stanley Avenue, Landisville, PA 17538. You can subscribe and unsubscribe at any time. RIGHT NOW ITS NOT CLEAR WHY HE NEAR THE SCHOOLS. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. School officials are gathering more information on both situations and Wolicki said they will continue to work with state police. Borrowers disappointed with Supreme Court ruling striking down student loan relief, Student loan payments start again soon. However, on Tuesday, students and staff were required to wear face coverings while in school buildings because of the mask mandate. This tip line is monitored 24/7 by local emergency management. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. The project is estimated to take about 3 weeks two weeks for resurfacing and another week for curing and painting. Alumni Tours of the Hempfield Area Senior High School With the upcoming high school Revitalization Project, the Hempfield State police are investigating two incidents that occurred Thursday morning at a Westmoreland County school district. The person who raised the challenge is allowed to attend the meetings to discuss their perspective but will not have a vote. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Aument currently has a bill in the state legislature seeking to identify and notify parents of what he has described as sexually explicit books in public schools. >> DRESSING LIKE THAT AND WEARING THAT OUTFIT IS ABNORMAL AND ITS GOING TO DRAW ATTENTION. We hope to see you there! The survey can be submitted through Friday, June 16, 2023. Instead of being delivered to your mailbox, this new publication, theeRoundtable, will be sent right to your e-mail inbox and can be easily read from any computer or mobile device. " Explicit written descriptions of sexual acts would be permitted only in cases of "literature that has serious literary, artistic, political, educational or scientific value such as classical literature. I think the one accomplishment maybe that Ive had is weve put in place a good administration, she said. In a letter posted on the districts website Tuesday, written by school board members and district administration, officials said they are required to comply with the mandate. We do not want to jeopardize this school year by ignoring the state mandate, the letter reads. Browse our district and school profiles to find the 200 Stanley Avenue, Landisville, PA 17538.