First 10 Lancaster

09/27/2023

On Saturday, October 28th from 11-2 at The Lancaster Science Factory we will host the 1st Annual National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Event ‘Lead-Free Kids.’

This event will focus on a vast array of topics related to lead poisoning prevention through interactive displays and activities!

This includes free on-site point-of-care lead screening for children 6 and younger through LEMSA, free soil sample testing for lead through Franklin & Marshall College as well as free household item lead testing through Lead-Safe Lancaster.

With the generous support of a grant from the Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health's Women’s Lending Circle they are also able to offer free admission to the Lancaster Science Factory for at least the first 200 people!

09/18/2023

Are you a parent or caregiver of a child aged 4-7? Want to empower your child with essential problem-solving skills? Look no further! We're excited to invite you to our upcoming workshop, where we'll teach you how to nurture your child's thinking abilities and encourage them to explore their own solutions.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to equip your child with the skills they need to tackle life's challenges. Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/48mlvSU

09/11/2023

The City of Lancaster is looking for feedback from residents and visitors to Lancaster City as they develop their Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space (CPROS) plan. Feedback will help guide how the plan integrates the City’s parks, public areas and natural resources.

The Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, or CPROS will help make the City's parks and public spaces better. The plan will make it easier for people to access things like parks, playgrounds and nature areas and focus on areas that a...

09/07/2023

SELF-CARE SEPTEMBER CHALLENGE

Self-care is NOT selfish! It is a necessity, not a luxury. When you care for yourself you are able to give your family, friends, and colleagues the BEST of YOU instead of what's left of you. So this month we challenge you to engage in at least one small act of self-care daily. By doing this, you will not only be supporting your personal well-being but also setting an example for those you love.

09/05/2023

08/28/2023

Elizabethtown Area School District’s new superintendent, Karen Nell, knows that in the polarized climate facing educators today, relationships are key and sometimes community members will have to agree to disagree.

Nell sat down with LNP | LancasterOnline to share her perspective on maintaining positive relationships and how to pace herself in a position she hopes to keep for years to come.

Elizabethtown Area School District’s new superintendent, Karen Nell, knows that in the polarized climate facing educators today, relationships are key and sometimes community members will have to agree to disagree.

08/25/2023

“I remember we had four incandescent bulbs in each classroom,” Brabson said of attending classes at the building in 1944. “Nothing was bright. It was just kind of dull.”

It’s been 79 years since Chip Brabson stepped foot in the Wickersham Elementary School building as a kindergarten student and, of course, now everything is different.

That might partially be because a lot can change from 1944 to 2023 but, after two years of renovation, the School District of Lancaster elementary school is vastly different for those who frequented the hallways as recently as 2021.

The $17.5 million renovation and expansion of Wickersham began in June 2021 to modernize the roughly 100-year-old structure. With the expansion, Wickersham added more classroom space, particularly for pre-kindergarten and English language development.

Abby Rivera became principal at Wickersham in 2022 but has worked 15 years in several schools across the district. The changes to Wickersham, she said, were “mind-blowing.”

Modernization of the building included installing a new air-conditioning system - one of the changes most praised, creating more flexible seating arrangements in classrooms, building a new playground and renovating both the library and gymnasium.

Additionally, the updated building is accessible for people with disabilities and utilizes more energy efficient natural lighting.

It’s been 79 years since Chip Brabson stepped foot in the Wickersham Elementary School building as a kindergarten student and, of course, now everything is different.

08/24/2023

“We focus on student learning so much,” Raff said. “But we need to also focus on how teachers learn because when teachers are equipped with excellent learning skills and strategies, then ultimately students benefit at the end. That’s really at the heart and soul of what I do.”

Penn Manor School District seems to have a knack for supporting exceptional teachers.

There’s Katie Harnish, who traveled to Antarctica in 2022 through a National Geographic fellowship; Maria Vita who received a teaching excellence award from the American Psychological Association in May; and Elizabeth Raff, the 2022 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

And to further deepen its support, the district has promoted Raff to a spot where she’ll work with elementary school teachers to help boost their skills. She was promoted from sixth-grade teacher to the newly created role of elementary learning facilitator where she observes teachers in the classroom and provides feedback, co-teachings and provides one-on-one advice.

The special programs and events she is experiencing into January as part of her teacher of the year award are playing a key role in supporting elementary teachers.

Penn Manor School District seems to have a knack for supporting exceptional teachers.

08/23/2023

New Conestoga Valley School District Superintendent Daniel Hartman doesn’t deny that challenges from staffing shortages to an increased need for student supports have become pronounced for schools nationwide in the wake of the pandemic.

Yet he’s optimistic that with great challenges comes positive change.

Hartman sat down with an LNP | LancasterOnline reporter to discuss why he’s excited to become the district’s lead administrator.

New Conestoga Valley School District Superintendent Daniel Hartman doesn’t deny that challenges from staffing shortages to an increased need for student supports have become pronounced for schools nationwide in the

08/22/2023

As the 2023-24 school year approaches, four new superintendents are settling in Lancaster County school districts, with some overseeing construction projects renovating or adding buildings.

08/21/2023

Lancaster County’s public schools, private schools and colleges are readying classrooms for the 2023-24 school year.

Here are start dates for schools that confirmed their schedules with LNP | LancasterOnline:

Lancaster County’s public schools, private schools and colleges are readying classrooms for the 2023-24 school year.

08/17/2023

Congratulations Lili!

Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County is thrilled to announce the addition of Lili Dippner to CAP’s Senior Leadership Team as Vice President of Early Childhood Education. Lili is an accomplished leader with over 15 years of dedicated service in early learning, and has an extensive backg...

08/04/2023

Our August Newsletter is out! This newsletter includes FREE events that are organized by or are in collaboration with, Thrive to Five and other Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County programs. Each invitation includes event details and a link to register. This newsletter also offers ideas and resources that support your whole family in staying connected, safe, and healthy.

Thrive to Five Events Newsletter AUGUST 2023

08/03/2023

Join us for a Park Play Date at Daniel's Den Playground on August 18 from 9:00 am - 10:00 am for an opportunity for families to connect, learn, and play at parks in their community. There are no rain dates, please be mindful of hydration and sun safety!

Register here: https://bit.ly/3QlKlvE

08/02/2023

Join us for an Evening Story on Tuesday, August 8 from 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm virtually. With a calming story, quick tips using the Basics Principle, and a short wind-down activity, this event will support your evening routine.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3OlC9ca

08/02/2023

August is National Parks Month! Got a bit of downtime? Take a trip to a national park from wherever you are! Many national park sites across the country offer digital tours and experiences that you can access anytime, anywhere. From digitally diving under the sea to watching the cherry blossom trees bloom, there are countless ways to enjoy a park experience online.

Got a bit of downtime? Take a trip to a national park from wherever you are! Many national park sites across the country offer digital tours and experiences that you can access anytime, anywhere. From digitally diving under the sea to watching the cherry blossom trees bloom, there are countless…

08/01/2023

Join us for a special "storytime" event in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week!

🗓️ Date: Thursday, August 3rd
🕑 Storytime 1 (Spanish/Español): 2:00 PM
🕒 Storytime 2 (English): 3:00 PM

We'll be reading the heartwarming children's book, "Mommy's Milk Rocks," a beautiful tale that celebrates the beauty of breastfeeding and the bond between moms and their little ones.

Sign up is required so we can prepare for your presence and ensure everyone has a fantastic time: https://bit.ly/3KiPYaj

That's not all! All attendees will be treated to light refreshments and will receive a FREE copy of "Mommy's Milk Rocks" to cherish at home!

And the best part? Dr. Amaka Nnamani, the brilliant author of the book, will be here during the 3:00 PM session - families attending this story hour will have the incredible opportunity to meet the author in person!

07/21/2023

From the Roaring 20s to the Groovy 60s, the students in Thrive to Five at the Pequea Valley School District's Early Learning Center are taking a trip back in time, and it's absolutely RAD!

These little time travelers have transformed into mini-icons from different eras, showcasing the styles and trends of the past. We've got tiny Elvises, adorable flapper girls, and even some funky disco dancers!

But it's not just about dressing up; our young learners are exploring the history and culture of each decade with engaging activities and games.

They're learning about the music, fashion, and important events that shaped each period, broadening their horizons and developing a deep appreciation for the past