Community Partnerships
At the heart of a thriving school district lies its community connections, and the Elizabethtown Area School District stands as a testament to this principle. We recognize the indispensable role of our community partners in bolstering the educational journey of our students. These strong connections not only bolster our schools but also enhance the educational experiences of our students, laying the groundwork for their future success.
Collaboration between our school district and local organizations, as well as social services agencies, is paramount to nurturing the holistic well-being of our students. Through strategic partnerships, we can effectively address the diverse needs of our student body, spanning from academic hurdles to social and emotional challenges. By prioritizing community connections, we ensure that every student receives the resources and assistance they need to thrive, leaving no one behind in their educational journey.
Here are some key reasons why community connections are vital for a school district:
Support and Resources
Our schools benefit from the expertise, resources, and support that local businesses, organizations, and community members can provide. Whether it's financial donations, volunteering, or partnerships, these connections can enhance the educational experience.
Enhanced Learning
Community connections offer opportunities for students to apply their learning in real-world contexts through internships, mentorships, and field trips. These experiences can make learning more engaging and relevant.
Networking and Opportunities
Schools can help students build valuable connections for their future careers and personal development. Local professionals, alumni, and community members can offer guidance, mentorship, and opportunities.
Community-Led Initiatives
Collaborative projects and initiatives driven by community members can address specific needs and challenges within the school district. This allows for a tailored and responsive approach to education.
Academics
Community Action Partnership - Thrive to Five
The Thrive to Five - Head Start programs offer comprehensive support for children's development from birth to age 5, focusing on early learning, health, and family well-being. The program actively involves parents, recognizing their participation as crucial for positive child outcomes. Head Start services are provided at no cost to eligible families with children aged birth to 5. The program is run at East High Street Elementary School.
Community Action Partnership - First 10
The First 10 partnership brings together school districts, elementary schools, early childhood programs, and community agencies to enhance the quality and coordination of education and care for young children and their families. Through collaborative efforts, they aim to establish cohesive support systems for young children and their families, ensuring they are well-prepared for kindergarten.
Junior Achievement of Central PA
The Elizabethtown Area School District partners with Junior Achievement of Central Pennsylvania to deliver educational programs that offer young students valuable insights into the world of business and economics. These programs empower young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to generate wealth, efficiently manage it, create employment opportunities, and apply entrepreneurial thinking in professional settings. One noteworthy advantage of this collaboration is that upon completion of Junior Achievement's BizTown, YES!, and STEM Summit programs, every high school student receives a recognized certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Elizabethtown Area Education Foundation - Educational Programming
The Elizabethtown Area Education Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, operates with the primary mission of providing financial support to advance the objectives of the Elizabethtown Area School District, with a particular emphasis on initiatives that directly benefit student learning. The Foundation works with the school district to identify and supportive innovative programming in our school buildings.
Internships and Cooperative Work Experiences
Students gain valuable skills through hands-on, on-the-job training programs with local businesses, enabling them to explore careers, enhance their marketability, and acquire practical industry knowledge.
Northwest EMS
In partnership with Northwest Emergency Medical Services, students complete a pre-apprenticeship program as Emergency Medical Technicians. Participating students are also prepared to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician examination and the Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of EMS examination to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians.
Masonic Village - CNA Pre-apprenticeship Program
In collaboration with Masonic Village, students complete a pre-apprenticeship program in the Certified Nursing Assistant department. Participating students receive work-based learning credits.
Independent Electrical Contractors
In partnership with the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), students complete an electrical pre-apprenticeship course. Participants complete the theory portion of the first-year apprenticeship during their senior year of high school, and IEC and its member companies offer hands-on labs, field experiences, and mentoring throughout the year.
Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors
In collaboration with the Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc (ABC), students participate in a pre-apprenticeship program at ABC Keystone Chapter in Manheim. Registered apprenticeships are available in various trades, including Carpentry, Construction Craft Laborer, Electrical, HVAC, Sheet Metal, Plumbing, and Heavy Equipment Operator. Students can also earn industry-recognized credentials from the National Center for Construction Education and Research, which can count towards entry into a registered apprenticeship if desired.
Manufacturing Technician
In partnership with the Manufacturers’ Association, this pre-apprenticeship program is designed for students considering a career in a chosen trade after graduation. It allows students to explore a career before entering the workforce and includes hands-on sessions and an optional online credential program. Participants receive state-certified pre-apprentice papers and Federal OSHA 10 certification.
General Services
Elizabethtown Fair
The Elizabethtown Area School District owns the land where the Elizabethtown Fairgrounds are located. While the District doesn't have representation on the Fair Board, District administration holds regular meetings with the Fair leadership team.
Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce
The Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in connecting local businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals, fostering partnerships and cooperative ventures. The school district is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and participates in its meetings.
Masonic Village Children’s Home
The Masonic Village Children’s Home provides a supportive, homelike environment for children aged 7-18. It serves children raised by aging grandparents or those coming from various social or economic backgrounds that may not provide the necessary support for healthy growth and development. Student residents attend the Elizabethtown Area School District, and the cost is typically covered by their home district or Masonic Village when a District-of-Residence cannot be established.
Elizabethtown Rotary Club
The Elizabethtown Area High School Rotary Student of the Month program celebrates and recognizes students' achievements, promoting a culture of learning and belonging that values academic success and student contributions to the high school community.
Elizabethtown Lions Club
The Elizabethtown Lions Club Student of the Month program celebrates students enrolled in the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center (LCCTC). To be considered for this honor, students must be enrolled in the LCCTC and exhibit exceptional work ethic, skills, and knowledge in their respective subject areas.
GEARS
Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation & Community Services (GEARS) offers Preschool, Kindergarten, and Before and After School Programs. The Preschool and Kindergarten programs are housed at their Community Center. The Before and After School programs for grades 1-5 are located at Bainbridge Elementary, East High Elementary, and the Bear Creek School. GEARS also hosts various recreational activities in our schools.
Bainbridge Fire Department
The yearly visit from the local fire department offers a special chance for Bainbridge Elementary students to acquire essential fire safety knowledge in an enjoyable and immersive manner. Students have the opportunity to closely examine fire engines and equipment, gaining firsthand insight into how firefighters handle emergencies. They can actively participate in interactive demonstrations and absorb valuable safety tips during this experience.
Parent Engagement
Big E Booster Club
The Big E Booster Club is a non-profit volunteer organization consisting of parents and community members dedicated to supporting Elizabethtown Area High School and Middle School sports.
Music Club
The Elizabethtown Area Music Club is an all-volunteer booster organization made up of parents, directors, and community members. It focuses on enhancing the music program experience for students involved in band, orchestra, and choir.
PTOs
Our Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) are composed of parents, teachers, and school staff who are actively involved in supporting and enhancing the educational experience of students. Our PTOs often organize and run fundraising events to provide financial support for various school needs, such as supplies, equipment, extracurricular activities, or special projects. Our PTOs encourage and facilitate parent involvement in their child's education, such as volunteering in the classroom and helping with school events.
Social Services
Elizabethtown Area Education Foundation - Bear Bags
The Bear Bags initiative is a dedicated program aimed at assisting families by supplying wholesome meals when regular school meals are not accessible. Run by volunteers and sustained by the local community, this initiative guarantees that students receive backpacks filled with essential food items to take home over the weekends. Dr. Edward White remains a steadfast and significant advocate of the Bear Bags program, and the Elizabethtown Area School District is profoundly grateful for his generosity and his shared commitment to assisting children.
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
The Bear Bags initiative was founded in 2013 through a partnership with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. In recognition of the program's growth, in 2015, the Bear Bags program was chosen by the food bank to receive a $25,000 grant from Capital Blue. The Elizabethtown Area School District deeply appreciates its collaboration and the support provided by the food bank, which enables us to offer extra food resources to our Elizabethtown families.
Elizabethtown Community Housing and Outreach Services (ECHOS)
The District’s Support Services division collaborates with ECHOS to connect families with a number of services to address poverty and housing related challenges within the greater Elizabethtown community.
United Churches of Elizabethtown
The UCEA owns Community Place on Washington, which hosts the Clothing Barn and Community Cupboard. EASD is appreciative of the collaboration with these organizations to further meet the needs of our community.
Elizabethtown Area Communities That Care
The District partners with Elizabethtown Area Communities That Care (EACTC) to provide research-based programs and services designed to nurture the physical and emotional well-being of youth and families and promote the prevention of drug, alcohol and substance abuse, bullying, truancy, school drop-out, violence, teen pregnancy, and other at-risk behaviors.