January 15, 2025

The introduction of agriculture classes at the middle school and the formal establishment of the FFA chapter mark significant milestones in creating a comprehensive Three-Circle Model of Agricultural Education. With strong student interest and community support, Mrs. Jarema completed the necessary steps to secure FFA Charter approval, ensuring the program's integrity and legal recognition. Students enrolled in the AgX (Exploratory Ag) course are now FFA members, eligible to participate in a wide range of activities at the local, state, and national levels. The PA FFA State Mid-Winter Convention, which has been held for 96 years, is a key event that emphasizes the significance of agricultural education, with notable leaders such as Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding in attendance. During this year’s convention, the chapter officially earned its charter.

The Eagle View and Mountain View FFA Chapter leaders include Hunter Kautz (Eagle View President), Mallory Fagan (Mountain View President), Sloan Forti (Mountain View Vice President), and Rachel Korick (Mountain View Secretary). Alongside advisors Mrs. Cole and Mrs. Jarema, these students created a program of activities to engage 6th-8th graders in exploring FFA and the agriculture industry. Nine middle school students earned their FFA Jackets through essay submissions as part of the official uniform. The CV FFA Chapter also received 28 jackets, all sponsored by local community supporters, contributing to the 1,370 jackets funded statewide.

Over winter break, Silver Spring Elementary Art Teacher Ms. Kovach and Physical Education Teacher Mr. Flom worked together to create a heartwarming surprise for Emotional Support Teacher Ms. Lavenberg—a stunning mural in her classroom! They thoughtfully included some of her favorite colors, transforming the wall into a serene, peaceful space that perfectly reflects the calm and care she brings to her work.

This heartfelt gesture is a wonderful example of how our teachers embody key Portrait of an Eagle competencies, such as empathy, communication, and responsibility. By thoughtfully considering Ms. Lavenberg's needs and preferences, they demonstrated empathy and collaboration, creating something meaningful that will have a lasting impact.

The staff at Green Ridge Elementary recently spent time volunteering at the Central PA Food Bank, coming together to lend a helping hand to those in need. With compassion and teamwork, they packed food boxes filled with essentials for local families who are facing challenging times. It’s a beautiful reminder of how small acts of kindness can have a big impact on the community.

Top left: CV Broadcasting is once again providing live sports coverage. Pictured are CVHS students, Curtis Shinn and Caden Lloyd preparing to report on the Girls Varsity Basketball game against State College.

Top center: Silver Spring Elementary students enjoyed a morning of beautiful music as fourth and fifth graders gave a preview of their upcoming winter concerts. Their hard work was evident in the amazing songs they performed.

Top right: Eagle View Eighth-Grade Agriculture classes brought their creativity and winter spirit to life through an inspiring Floral Design project. The students crafted stunning, original arrangements that highlighted their artistic vision.

Bottom left: Hampden Elementary students delivered an outstanding performance of the Annie Kids musical. Their hard work and dedication through hours of practice were evident in every aspect of the show.

Bottom center: Green Ridge Elementary School recognized students who earned the Portrait of an Eagle award for demonstrating the competency of empathy. This honor highlights their ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

Bottom right: Congratulations to Joleigh Nailor, who was named the 2025 Pennsylvania FFA State Star in Agricultural Production for her exceptional work managing projects such as Dairy Cows & Heifers, Market Steers, Dairy Feeder Steers, Breeding Beef, Market Pigs, and Breeding Swine. She will represent Pennsylvania at the Eastern States Exposition in September, where she will interview for Eastern Region Star.

This week, students in Mrs. Hewlett's Culinary Foundations classes at CV9 demonstrated their culinary skills and creativity through their final project: a Food Truck Competition. Each group was tasked with a $25 budget to create a recipe and develop a small business model that included a food truck theme, website, menu, slogan, and projected expenses, such as labor and ingredients, to ensure profitability.

The students were judged on various aspects, including the design of their food truck, the quality and taste of their dish, and their overall execution. The competition featured a diverse range of dishes, from quesadillas and cookies to pizza, tiramisu, cinnamon pretzels, and Pollo Guisado, showcasing the students' ability to combine culinary expertise with entrepreneurial creativity.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Although it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, it can also develop in adults. Managing the condition typically involves regular blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Understanding Type 1 diabetes is essential for early detection, effective management, and reducing stigma. Being informed empowers individuals to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact your healthcare provider or school nurse.

Now through March 31, 2025, The GIANT Company is offering an easy way for you to make a significant difference in the fight against childhood hunger. Simply round up your purchase at the register to support Feeding School Kids, an initiative dedicated to providing nutritious meals to students in need.

The GIANT Company is further amplifying this effort by matching every rounded-up donation, up to $100,000. This means your contribution will have double the impact, helping ensure that more children receive the nourishment they need to thrive.

This year, thanks to The GIANT Company’s continued support, Cumberland Valley School District will once again benefit from the Feeding School Kids initiative. The mission to end childhood hunger is one that aligns closely with our own values and goals.

When you round up at The GIANT Company, you’re not just helping to fill lunchboxes—you’re fueling the dreams of students. Better nutrition leads to better learning, improved health, and brighter futures. Every contribution counts, and with your support, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of countless children.

Help spread the word! Share this opportunity with your neighbors, friends, and family, and encourage them to join the fight against childhood hunger by rounding up during their next grocery trip. Together, we can make a powerful impact and bring hope to children in need.

The Eagle Foundation's Buddy Program is looking for enthusiastic and compassionate college students to serve as Big Buddies in our six-week summer mentoring program. This fulfilling experience pairs college students (who must have completed at least one year of college) with middle school students to help build self-esteem, foster connections, and create lasting memories through fun activities such as team building, outdoor adventures, and community service. If you’re pursuing a career in teaching, psychology, or any human services field, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills, and make a positive impact. The program runs from June 18 to July 25, with an application deadline of March 12.

Click here to complete the Big Buddy application.

From Our Transportation Department

Like many other schools locally and nationally, we are experiencing a significant shortage of school bus and van drivers at Cumberland Valley School District. This shortage has affected, and will continue to affect, the transportation services we provide to our students. Our contractors are actively working to hire new drivers, and we are committed to ensuring that all students receive a ride to and from school. However, please be aware that this may require last-minute modifications to routes and stop times, which we will communicate to parents as quickly as possible.

Notifications of delays will be sent via text and email to the contact information listed in Skyward. To ensure you receive these notifications, please verify that your phone numbers and email addresses are up to date in Skyward.

When we have information about delays exceeding 20 minutes, we will notify you as soon as possible. Please understand that our Transportation Office is often overwhelmed with calls and may not be able to answer all inquiries immediately. We kindly ask that phone calls be reserved for emergencies, such as a missing child. For non-urgent matters, please email us at transportation@cvschools.org.

If you know anyone interested in becoming a school bus or van driver for Cumberland Valley School District, please encourage them to reach out to one of our Transportation Contractors. There are great part-time opportunities available!

Transportation Contractors:

• Kauffman Bus: 717-737-3396

• Miller & Sons: 717-258-3371

• Rohrer Bus: 717-958-3811

Thank you for your understanding and support!

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Unless otherwise advertised, all meetings begin at 7 p.m. and will take place in the District Office Board Room (6746 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg)

• Tuesday, January 21, 2025

• Monday, February 3, 2025

• Tuesday, February 18, 2025

• Monday, March 3, 2025

A full list of School Board and committee meeting dates is available by clicking here.

Quick Access

• Board Agendas - Posted a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

• Committee Assignments - 2024 Board committee/advisory group assignments.

• Meeting Minutes - Posted to BoardDocs approved by the Board of School Directors.

• Watch Live - School Board meetings are live-streamed to our website.