Summer In-service Report

Dr. Ella Musser asked Dr. Beth Haldeman to share information on the trainings and in-service days held this past summer. In her presentation, Dr. Haldeman referenced a chart given to Board members. She stated that although the offerings were limited due to budget limitations, faculty members still spent a great deal of time at school over the summer participating in various trainings and curriculum workdays.

Dr. Haldeman said the total number of recorded in-service days equals approximately three days per person. She stated the costs were under budget, and a small amount of grant funds were applied to cover some of the costs.

Cocalico High School Events

Dr. Ella Musser asked Mr. Andrew Price to share information about an upcoming event at Cocalico High School. Mr. Price invited Board members to visit on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. On that day, the high school is hosting several exciting activities.

First, the annual Junior Achievement STEM Summit will be held for freshmen. There are approximately 35-40 community volunteers who will be assisting at the various STEM learning stations.

Second, there will be PSAT testing for sophomores and interested juniors. New this year is an option for sophomores, who do not wish to take the PSAT exam, to participate in an offsite career experience, either with Cocalico staff or on their own.

The final activity to be held on October 9, 2024, is the annual College & Career Fair for juniors and seniors. The event involves 72 organizations, including 11 new colleges/universities and 20 new employers.

Student Cell Phone Use at the High School

Dr. Ella Musser asked Mr. Scott Bennetch to share information about the high school's student cell phone use expectations. Mr. Bennetch began by explaining Cocalico has had longstanding procedures regarding student cell phone usage. The procedures are found in the student handbook, which is shared with parents each year.

Mr. Bennetch stated the teachers set the tone for cell phone use in the classroom. Cell phones may be used for instructional purposes.

Cell phones should not be used in hallways, but they can be used in the cafeteria during lunch periods. Students are not permitted to use phones in the cafeteria to make calls or to take pictures or videos.

Mr. Bennetch continued by sharing the disciplinary actions that may be taken if the cell phone expectations are violated. He remarked that consistent expectations for cell phone use and the support of the parents has been helpful in enforcing the proper use of these electronic devices.

Dr. Musser briefly summarized how cell phones may be used by high school students. She then confirmed with middle school and elementary administrators that cell phones must remain in lockers or backpacks and cannot be used by students in their buildings.

To access the high school cell phone expectations in the student handbook, please click here.

AP Scholars

Dr. Ella Musser asked Mr. Scott Bennetch to share good news about students who took AP Exams last spring. Mr. Bennetch announced the following students were named AP Scholars for the 2023-2024 school year:

AP Scholars with Distinction (granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams)

Craig Hinkley, CHS Senior

AP Scholars with Honor (granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams)

Alyssa Daly, Class of 2024
Jessica Kiehl, Class of 2024
Lillian Pawling, Class of 2024
Cyprus Rohrer, Class of 2024
Hannah Tran, HS Senior

Homecoming Festivities

Dr. Ella Musser asked Mr. Bennetch to discuss the recent homecoming events. Mr. Bennetch said that homecoming was held very early this year. Festivities began with Spirit Night on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. On Friday, September 20, the homecoming football game included a win for the Cocalico Eagles over Warwick. On Saturday, September 21, approximately 500 students attended the homecoming dance. Mr. Bennetch remarked that all events went extremely well and were enjoyed by all.

Reamstown Elementary Renovations Update

Dr. Ella Musser announced that there would not be a video of the renovation progress for September. She said the work is ongoing, but there were not the usual observable changes.

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