Pequea Valley
National
Day townlively.com
MARCH 15, 2023
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LIX • NO 12
Look Inside
A chance to touch the future PV Early Learning program seeks support
hen Christa McAuliffe said, “I touch the future,” she was referring to her role as a teacher, but Pequea Valley-area residents and businesses have an opportunity to touch the future by helping to fund the Pequea Valley Early Learning program. “There are a variety of ways for (individuals) and businesses to support our program,” said Lisa Eckert, director of early learning for the Pequea Valley School District (PVSD). Early learning in PVSD focuses on a child’s development from birth to age 5. The program includes outreach activities such as Welcome Baby Brave Kits, the Imagination Library, and Read Under the Lights. Monthly Play and Learns are group activities that foster parent and child interaction and provide child development information. Kindergarten transition activities help prepare incoming kindergartners to
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start school, and home visits using the Parents as Teachers Curriculum encourage parent and child interaction and family well-being. Eckert explained that funding sources, such as grants and partnerships, have sustained many of the programs over the years, but certain offerings are now in need of fresh funding streams. One of those programs is the Imagination Library, a book gifting program that provides free books for young children. “Thirty dollars will support Imagination Library for one child (for a year),” Eckert said. The situation with Welcome Baby Brave Kits, which also promote literacy, is similar in that a funding stream is not available, but $35 will cover a kit. Eckert pointed out that kindergarten transition programs, which had been funded by a grant, are now in need of revenue. Scholarships that support this program are specifically designated to help families who have preschool-age
children but do not necessarily qualify for other assistance programs. “There are a couple programs for families of preschoolers, but they have to meet specific income levels,” explained Eckert. “We have Pre-K Counts and Head Start slots, and (families) have to meet certain criteria to qualify for those,” she pointed out. “We are finding there are families who make too much (to qualify) but not enough to cover the cost of a full-time preschool program themselves,” said Eckert who noted that preschool costs about $6,000 a year per student. Eckert added that the amount of funding provided to a family can be tailored to meet community needs. The work of the Pequea Valley Early Learning program has already borne fruit. Based on the IU13 transition indicator screening that is used with all incoming kindergartners, PVSD
Walk in my shoes - for 24 hours
students have shown a steady increase since 2019. “I would say that from 2019 to 2022, our percentage has increased by 27% in kindergarten
Pequea Valley School District Early Learning program activities help prepare children for kindergarten.
readiness,” said Eckert. “(The ways in which) we are reaching our families is connected (to that statistic).” Readers who would like to help
Taking a seat at the table BY CATHY MOLITORIS
PVIS to stage “Freaky Friday” PEQ
BY ANN MEAD ASH
Members of the cast of the Pequea Valley Intermediate School production of “Freaky Friday”
“It’s been around a few years,” said Alicia Trescavage of the musical she is directing at Pequea Valley Intermediate School (PVIS). The musical is the mother-daughter saga known as “Freaky Friday,” which dates back to the original 1976 movie and the 2003 remake. The concept behind the film eventually became a Disney Channel musical. The one-act musical version of “Freaky Friday” will be produced in the Pequea Valley High School auditorium, 4033 E. Newport Road,
King’s Pet
Margaret Thatcher once said, “If you want something done, ask a woman.” There’s a whole lot getting done in Lancaster County, because for the first time ever, all of the Chambers of Commerce in the county are led by women. Each woman brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her role, but all of the leaders share a common goal: They want to make their community a great place to live and work. Denise Grove, who started her role as executive director of the Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce in February of 2022,
See PVIS pg 11
LLC.
support the Imagination Library, Baby Brave Kits, or kindergarten transition programs may visit www.pequeavalley.org/Page/3238 and click on the “donate” button. Individuals who have questions may email lisa_eckert@pequeavalley.org or call 717-381-5020.
ng Heati ns o i t u l So er y fo r E v t ! e g Bud
said the job offers her a way to really connect with others. “As a lifetime resident of Elizabethtown, I had a strong desire to work where I could make a difference and be a part of strengthening our community,” she remarked, a sentiment shared by Heather Valudes, who has been president and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce since June of 2022. “I love Lancaster and the work that we are able to advance to make our employer community as strong as possible,” she said, noting that the Lancaster Chamber is countywide and represents nearly 1,500 businesses, almost half of the county’s workforce. See At the table pg 3
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