Compiled By Duane Good
For the first time since mid-March, Sentinel-area school campuses are bustling with the sounds of students and staff.
The 2020-21 school year began last week with few hiccups or hitches, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Here is information shared at the Halifax and Upper Dauphin Area school board meetings held last week. Information from Millersburg was procured from the district’s Facebook page.
HALIFAX
‘‘I couldn’t have asked for a better first day,’’ district Superintendent Dr. David Hatfield told the board Aug. 25.
Students on all campuses appeared upbeat and positive, he noted. ‘‘There wasn’t an unkind word. The only regret we all had was not being able to ‘high-five’ or shake hands.”
Hatfield praised teachers and other school employees for their cooperation and willingness to address small technical glitches that occurred, as well as their willingness to make the adjustments necessary to open school in the midst of the pandemic. His praise was echoed by special education director Lisa Slover as well as principals John Osuch (high school); Matt Czaplicki (middle school) and Michele Bangert (elementary).
‘‘Today’s success was the culmination of many hours of hard work by the staff during the summer,’’ Bangert stated. ‘‘It was a very hectic but positive day,’’ Czaplicki added. ‘‘The kids were very appreciative and happy to be here.’’ As is the case with other area districts.
MILLERSBURG
Classes began Aug. 24 as scheduled. However, district officials chose to hold
SEE SCHOOL • PAGE A8