May 28, 2025

Over the past few months, Mrs. Hoertz’s Technical CAD class at CVHS has been dedicated to designing and 3D-printing a custom assistive device for Sophia, a student at Hampden Elementary, so she can continue pursuing her love of playing the cello.

This inspiring project brought together Sophia, Mr. de La Barrera, Mrs. Ostrander, Mrs. Hoertz, and the innovative high school students. The class created several versions of the adaptive device, inviting Sophia to the high school twice for fittings and feedback. After the first fitting, the students refined their CAD models. At the second fitting, Sophia was able to hold the bow independently and play—a truly remarkable milestone.

Now, the students are making final tweaks before Sophia receives her personalized device to play the cello on her own.

This cross-grade collaboration has been a meaningful journey for everyone involved. It truly embodies the values of our Portrait of an Eagle. In particular, this project highlighted empathy, as students thoughtfully considered Sophia’s needs and approached the challenge with care, kindness, and teamwork to create a real-life solution.

On Saturday, May 24th, Cumberland Valley Science Olympiad (CVSO) competed among 60 of the nation’s best teams at the 2025 National Science Olympiad Tournament, hosted by the University of Nebraska. CVSO earned an impressive 20th place overall, standing out with medal-winning performances in three demanding events. Their success highlighted the team’s hard work and skill in Materials Science, Forensics, and Microbe Mission, securing 2nd and two 3rd place finishes.

CVSO National Medalists:

• 2nd Place, Materials Science: Levy Le and Neil Peter

• 3rd Place, Forensics: Anushka Naruka and Jeremy Hou

• 3rd Place, Microbe Mission: Akpandu Ekezie and Suhas Kothuru

Congrats, CVSO! We are extremely #CVProud of you!

We asked a few teachers to sit down for a quick "interview" — what they didn’t know was that CV seniors from the Class of 2025 had written them personal letters, sharing just how much their guidance, kindness, and inspiration have meant over the years.

What followed was an emotional, joy-filled surprise that reminded us all of the incredible impact a teacher can have.

Watch these heartfelt moments unfold here.

Top left: Ms. Leitzell’s AP Human Geography class took learning beyond the classroom with a field trip to Harrisburg focused on urban renewal. Partnering with Mr. Gary Gilliam’s Bridge Eco-Village, students became the official groundbreaking crew for a future eco-garden beside the old William Penn High School. In just two hours, they cleared weeds, cinderblocks, and rocks—showing off their problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a whole lot of teamwork along the way!

Top center: Hampden Elementary was buzzing with curiosity and creativity during this week’s STEAM and Book Fair Night! Families explored hands-on activities packed with science, technology, engineering, art, and math—all in one exciting evening. It was a fun-filled event that sparked imaginations and celebrated learning in every form!

Top right: Last week, students helped launch the new Eagle Nest Café at CV9—a fresh on-campus spot for grab-and-go snacks and drinks. Thanks to funding from the Eagle Foundation, students and staff can now enjoy coffee, tea, snacks, and other refreshments right at school. Along the way, students are also sharpening their Portrait of an Eagle skills like communication, confidence, and problem-solving, through this hands-on experience.

Bottom left: The Shaull Garden Club wrapped up their spring season with a fun and productive final meeting! They spread mulch, hung bird feeders, and even set up a Shaull Seed Library inspired by Duke University’s own. It’s a great way to keep the garden growing and the community connected! The club can’t wait to see how these efforts bloom in the coming seasons.

Bottom center: Third graders in Ms. Strome’s Explorations class at Silver Spring Elementary finally got to watch their hard work take flight by flying the kites they made! This fun activity was part of the “Up, Up & Away” Makerspace unit, where creativity and hands-on learning soared. It was a joyful way to celebrate their success and see their kites in action!

Bottom right: Dr. Blanchard stopped by the Winding Creek Elementary cafeteria and joined a group of second graders dressed as Disney Princesses for Disney Day. Surrounded by tiaras, gowns, and plenty of excitement, he listened as students shared their favorite characters and what they had learned. It was a fun, lighthearted moment that captured the spirit of the day.

Eagle View’s 2nd Annual Food Fest was a flavorful showcase of student talent and growth! Students in Mr. Gemberling and Ms. Sutliff’s classes spent two weeks preparing for the event, honing their Portrait of an Eagle competencies such as problem solving, confidence, and communication. Using the culinary skills they’ve developed throughout the school year, the students prepared and served a delicious lunch for staff that included BLT sandwiches, strawberry smoothies, nachos, English muffin pizzas, and more.

The event was about more than just great food—it was a hands-on learning experience. Students tackled real-world challenges by creating ingredient lists, taking a community-based instruction trip to Walmart to shop, and managing a color-coded ticket system for orders. They problem-solved in the kitchen, gained confidence through food preparation, and communicated effectively with their customers throughout the lunch rush.

Mr. Ensminger’s Senior AP Computer Science student, Omkar Mamidpalliwar, recently earned 2nd place at the prestigious Dream, Learn, Pitch event hosted by Penn State. This competition brings together individuals and teams to present innovative business ideas, and Omkar stood out with CalcGPT—an AI-powered online tool designed to help students master calculus and math. His impressive pitch earned him a $1,000 prize and drew the attention of potential partners, including Desmos and an AI company based in North Carolina.

Omkar’s work reflects not only his technical skills but also his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to education. This fall, he will take the next step in his journey by attending Purdue University to study Computer Science and AI. We are incredibly #CVProud of Omkar and look forward to seeing how he continues to innovate and inspire.

The CV Girls 4x400 relay team brought home the gold at the 2025 PIAA Track & Field Championships — they are now officially state medalists!

We couldn't be more #CVProud of their teamwork. Congratulations, STATE CHAMPS!

(L-R): Quincey Robertson, Juliana Graziano, Greta Dwyer, and Sophie Werner.

The CV Boys 4x100 relay team ran away with the gold at the 2025 PIAA Track & Field Championships! Now official state medalists — and we couldn’t be more #CVProud!

Congrats, STATE CHAMPS!

(L–R): Ke'Aune Green, Owen Bramblett, Mohammed Himmad, and Rukie Efeturi.

CV's Quincey Robertson blazed her way to 3rd place in the Girls 400 at the 2025 PIAA Track & Field Championships! A powerful finish and a well-earned spot on the podium.

Way to go, Quincey — we’re #CVProud!

Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year is NOW OPEN! To be eligible for enrollment, children must be five years old on or before September 1, 2025.

*Please note: Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Middlesex Elementary School will transition from a full-day to a half-day Kindergarten schedule. This adjustment will bring Middlesex in line with our other elementary schools, which currently operate on a half-day Kindergarten model.

Visit www.cvschools.org/registration for details and to get started.

Help spread the word with any CV families who have a future Kindergartener! We can't wait to welcome the Class of 2038!

Beginning June 5, 2025, Pennsylvania's Distracted Driving Law, also known as the Paul Miller Law, makes it illegal to use handheld electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. This includes phones, tablets, laptops, and similar devices used for calling, texting, emailing, browsing, gaming, or social media. All use must be hands-free or via Bluetooth.

Key Details:

• Applies to all motor vehicle operators.

• Holding or touching a device is prohibited—even when stopped at traffic lights.

• Covers calls, messages, photos, videos, and all digital communication.

Enforcement:

• Warning Period: June 5, 2025 – May 5, 2026

• Fines Begin: May 6, 2026 – $50 plus additional court fees and costs

Learn more about Pennsylvania's Distracted Driving Law.

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)

• Monday, June 2, 2025

• Monday, June 16, 2025

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

Update:

• The Board of School Directors approved the preliminary budget for the 2025-2026 school year on May 5, 2025. Final board approval will be voted on at the Board Meeting on June 2, 2025.

Quick Access

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

• Committee Assignments - 2024-2025 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.