When: Manheim Central school board meeting, May 17.
What happened: High school Principal Joshua Weitzel presented plans for the June 4 commencement ceremony, a two-part celebration.
First part: An outdoor luncheon for the graduating class will take place during the day on Friday, June 4.
Second part: The commencement ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. at Elden Rettew Stadium. High School Principal Joshua Weitzel will present scholarships and recognize the valedictorian and salutatorian, while Superintendent Peter Aiken will offer congratulatory remarks. Student speakers will be class president Troy Peters and Andrew Rajaratnam. Music will be performed by Timothy Bartsch, Sarah Rhodes, David Graff, Justin Greenly, Bailey Garman and Matthew Siegrist. Manheim Central alumus, Seth Obetz, will address the graduating class. The program will conclude with the induction of the Class of 2021 into the Alumni Association by board member Michael Clair.
When: Manheim Central school board meeting, Feb. 22.
What happened: The board heard from nearly two dozen parents concerned about abrupt closures of school buildings due to COVID-19 infections or probable infections and the effect the shift to virtual learning has had on their children. The emails from parents were read during the virtual meeting.
Why itâs important: During a Dec. 1 meeting, the school board set the number of positive and probable COVID-19 cases required to close individual schools. Baron Elementary would close if there were two positive or probable COVID-19 cases; Doe Run would close with four cases; both the middle and high schools would close if there were six cases. The numbers were based on a matrix from the state departments of health and education. The state Department of Health recently issued new guidance.