Column: Bullying issues in PENNCREST resurface at board meeting

By Zorian Edwards, Multimedia & Features Editor and Arion Knott, Managing Editor  After the rumor of Cambridge Springs’ schools closing filled the Cambridge Springs High school auditorium on Feb. 13 at the PENNCREST work session, some residents returned seeking more information at the Feb. 16 PENNCREST School Board meeting. However, by the end of the meeting, a separate issue became the focus.  During the section … Continue reading Column: Bullying issues in PENNCREST resurface at board meeting

Letter to the Editor: We support Policy 109.2

By Nola Zook, Mallory Zook, and Cora MacAdam (Saegertown students) Policy 109.2, which was recently passed by the PENNCREST School Board, prompted the removal of books containing sexually explicit content from PENNCREST school libraries. It is evident that many people disagree with Policy 109.2 for various reasons. Many people argue that the removal of these books is an injustice to the LGBTQ community, and that … Continue reading Letter to the Editor: We support Policy 109.2

District releases list of books removed for review

By Brennen McWright, editor in chief In response to a Right to Know request from a community member, PENNCREST School District recently released a list of books “removed from the libraries, from all three attendance areas, for review.” To better inform the public, the books have been arranged in alphabetical order by author, and includes book title, rating on Book Looks, age recommendation and stars … Continue reading District releases list of books removed for review

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

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

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