

Column: Policies target the LGBTQ+ community
By Celeste Eback, website editor During the January PENNCREST School Board meeting, policies 109.2 and 123 were updated. Policy 109.2 aims to eliminate sexually explicit content from our libraries. Policy 123 specifies that students can only be on sports teams that correspond to their biological sex. These policies are targeting the LGBTQIA+ community. What Policy 109.2 defines as sexually explicit is as follows: “Visual or … Continue reading Column: Policies target the LGBTQ+ community

Policy 251: Students experiencing homelessness, foster care, and other educational instability. (New policy)
By Luthea Sweeney, photo and design editor Policy 251 discusses further options for students experiencing educational instability. Policy 251 is proposed as such: “The Board recognizes the challenges encountered by students experiencing homelessness, foster care and other educational instability. The Board is committed to facilitating the immediate enrollment; eliminating barriers to the attendance, education and graduation; and providing additional supports in compliance with federal and … Continue reading Policy 251: Students experiencing homelessness, foster care, and other educational instability. (New policy)

Policy 618: Student Activities Funds and Accounts
By Luthea Sweeney, design and photo editor Policy 618 discusses student activity funds and accounting, fundraising, and guidelines regarding extracurricular activities. The purpose of Policy 618 is stated as such: “To establish policy for all PENNCREST School District student activities funds and accounts as follows.” Under the Guidelines section of this document, a large quantity of material was removed such as “The Board of School … Continue reading Policy 618: Student Activities Funds and Accounts

Policy 109.2 update: RTK request filed for book list
By Claire Barickman and Camden Gjovik, social media editor and sports editor On Jan. 31 a parent from the PENNCREST school district filed a RTK (Right To Know) request to get the updated list of the books that have been removed from the library to be reviewed under Policy 109.2, as well as all of the books that have been returned or officially removed. PENNCREST … Continue reading Policy 109.2 update: RTK request filed for book list

Policy 626: Federal Fiscal Compliance
Policy 626 discusses federal funds received by the district and ensures the funds are in accordance with federal requirements. As the Jan 12 Board meeting was the first reading of Policy 626. It should be discussed at the Feb. 13 work session and voted on at the Feb. 16 board meeting. The policy ensures that district employees will be reimbursed for travel costs when working … Continue reading Policy 626: Federal Fiscal Compliance

Bland sees success on Meadville swim team
By Camden Gjovik sports editor and Kaylee Reynolds staff writer Saegertown junior Skyler Bland loves to compete. She has been a member of the Meadville swim team since her freshman year, even though she is a PENNCREST student. “I’ve been swimming for about nine to ten years,” Bland said “I do enjoy swimming for the Meadville swim team.” Bland is not the only PENNCREST swimmer. … Continue reading Bland sees success on Meadville swim team

Policy 913 update: Nonschool organizations must avoid inciting walkouts
By Nate Slee and Luthea Sweeney, broadcast editor and photo and design editor Policy 913 discusses nonschool individual(s), groups, and organizations that seek to include in-school individuals in activities, scholarships, and award opportunities. The definitions of Policy 913 are stated as such: “Nonschool organizations, groups or individuals – those entities that are not part of the school program, school-sponsored activities, or organized pursuant to the … Continue reading Policy 913 update: Nonschool organizations must avoid inciting walkouts

Brown talks to Saegertown: Former Panther Press editor stops by
By Zorian Edwards, Multimedia & Features Editor Austin Brown, 2017 News Editor of The Panther Press, visited the Volume 17 staff last month to discuss how journalism impacted his current career and what aspects of journalism stuck with him. During his time as a student journalist, Brown wrote a number of articles such as ‘Vermin vies for presidency’, and ‘Saegertown students shine at 100th Pa. … Continue reading Brown talks to Saegertown: Former Panther Press editor stops by

Artist of the Week: Kylie Beck
Artist Bio: Kylie Beck has enjoyed drawing and painting since she first did it in art class during elementary school. One of her favorite things to draw is giraffes, which she decided to do in the piece she is sharing. Whenever Beck is not making artwork, she is often doing soccer or cheerleading. Beck’s advice for other aspiring artists: “Put your own spin on things … Continue reading Artist of the Week: Kylie Beck

Policy 109.2 update: Over 100 books pulled for review
By Zorian Edwards, Multimedia & Features Editor and Ezra McClymonds, contributing writer A list of books pulled for review was shared with The Panther Press staff by a parent in the PENNCREST School District. It includes, ‘The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian’ by Sherman Alexie, ‘Captain Underpants (series)’ by Dav Pilkey, ‘The Bluest Eye’ by Toni Morrison, ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled … Continue reading Policy 109.2 update: Over 100 books pulled for review