Conestoga Valley AUGUST 13, 2025
SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
REACHING MORE THAN 13,770 HOMES
VOL LXI • NO 34
Start of School Is Fresh Opportunity to Learn BY JEFF FALK
I ONLINE
SUMMER EVENT CALENDAR townlively.com/ events
t’s not like Christmas or Easter or the Fourth of July. It’s not even a holiday. But neither is it a typical day. The first day of school is a special day in the Conestoga Valley School District (CVSD). Earlier this year than most, the start of school for students and staff is quickly approaching. “It’s a week earlier because we’re trying to get done before the end of May,” said Matt Fox, who’s entering his third year as principal of Conestoga Valley High School (CVHS). “I think (the first day of school is) unique in that it’s really exciting. We want to meet new students and reconnect with the old ones. We have a new senior class, and the freshmen are coming into our building for the first time.” Wednesday, Aug. 20, will be
Students pour into Conestoga Valley High School on the first day of the 2024-25 school year.
the first day of school in CVSD’s six buildings - CVHS, Gerald G. Huesken Middle School, Brownstown Elementary School, Fritz Elementary School, Leola Elementary School and Smoketown
Elementary School. Last year, CVSD students and staff began their school year on Aug. 26. The 180-day 2025-26 school year will end on May 29, and CVHS commencement exercises for the
Class of 2026 will be conducted at Calvary Church on May 28. “I get to greet students at the front door on the first day,” said Fox. “With the way the schedule works, we’re going to meet with See First Day of School pg 2
CON
For HOPE International, Generosity Is Par for the Course BY JEFF FALK
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Participants line up for the start of last year’s HOPE International golf outing.
HOPE International is looking for players, participants and interested individuals for its upcoming fundraising event. But what the nonprofit organization would really like are committed golf partners. “It’s really something we’ve seen more of in this next generation,” said Jeff Rutt, who founded HOPE International in 1997. “People want to know the why. What’s the long-term impact of what we’re doing? I think it’s good that we live out what we believe. If we’re going to go golfing, let’s do it for a cause. We want people to be emotionally invested.”
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The Band Played on … In the Park BY ANN MEAD ASH
When Fred Hughes became the director of the New Holland Band in January 2024, he had an idea to reprise the organization’s park concert appearances that he remembered from his time in the band as a teenager. “I wanted to bring the band’s summer concert series back,” state d Hu g hes. “( T he Ne w Holland Band) used to play at See New Holland Band pg 6
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