WASD expands reach on school
delay, closing notification system
In an effort to increase its reach to notify parents of school closings and delays, the Williamsport Area School District will begin expanding its ParentLink capabilities this week.
Beginning today, weather events that result in a delay, school closing or early dismissal will be announced to parents' home phones, cellphones, and via text message and email through ParentLink, an electronic mass communication tool used by the district.
Morning decisions to delay or close schools will be sent to high school students' homes beginning at 5:45 a.m. and to middle and elementary students' homes beginning at 6:45 a.m.
The message will go to the most recent home and-or cellphone number(s) provided to the school in which parents' children are enrolled.
School closing and delay announcements also will be available on the district website, local television and radio stations.
Students present papers
at research conference
A group of 15 students from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford presented papers last month at the 13th annual Penn-York Undergraduate Research Conference held at Hilbert College. Local students who made presentations were as follows:
Heather Stuckey, a social sciences major from Roulette, mentored by Dr. Helene Lawson, professor of sociology, presented "A Digital Love Letter: The Rise of Online Dating."
Alexandra Mitchell, a social sciences major from Shinglehouse, mentored by Dr. Helene Lawson, professor of sociology, presented "Fake-n-Bake: The Pros and Cons of Tanning."
Cassie Chase, a social sciences major from Blossburg, mentored by Dr. Helene Lawson, professor of sociology, presented "Debating the Negative Stereotypes of Greek Organizations."
Winfield student performs
in St. Olaf Christmas event
Taylor Lightman of Winfield performed in the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival in Northfield, Minn. Lightman is a member of the Viking Chorus. Lightman is an undeclared major at St. Olaf College. He is the son of David and Clayton Lightman.
The St. Olaf Christmas Festival is one of the oldest musical celebrations of Christmas in the United States.
Started in 1912 by F. Melius Christiansen, founder of the St. Olaf College Music Department, the festival features more than 500 student musicians who are members of five choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra.
The festival, which is regularly broadcast nationwide on public television and radio, has been featured in hundreds of publications, including TV Guide, the Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times.
Bucknell University offers
free seminar for teachers
LEWISBURG - Bucknell University is offering a free seminar on East Asia for K-12 teachers.
The seminar will run from mid-February through April for 10 weeks and will explore the geography, history, economics, politics, philosophy, art, literature, languages and cultures of China, Japan and Korea.
Act 48 credits are available through the CSIU. Benefits for the participants include a $300 stipend, $100 in resources, including books, videos, and materials to be used during the seminar and eligibility for NCTA study tours to China, Japan, and other Asian countries. In addition, each participant's school receives a $200 mini-grant for materials on East Asia.
For more information, contact Mimi Rice, NCTA Bucknell seminar leader, at 412-2684 or email mrice@bucknell.edu.
Hughesville student selected
as Civil War Institute Fellow
At Gettysburg College, students interested in developing their knowledge of the Civil War alongside their leadership skills can participate in the Civil War Institute Undergraduate Fellows program.
This program allows students to expand their academic experiences while developing professional skills. Fellows have the opportunity to meet some of the top scholars in the field while assisting with research initiatives and event planning.
Avery Lentz, of Hughesville, a junior at Gettysburg College, was selected as a CWI fellow for 2012-13.
Some fellows work in the CWI office, while others research and write historical narratives for the Gettysburg Compiler, a website designed to be a virtual bridge between student research and the public.
Fellows also help coordinate lectures and events sponsored by the CWI.
3 Lyco students selected
for Intercollegiate Band
Three Lycoming College students have been chosen to be a part of the 66th annual Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band Festival, to be held March 15 to 17 at Mansfield University.
Receiving the honor are Andrea Burleigh, a sophomore English major of Pleasant Mount, on trombone; Natalie Schwer, a sophomore biology major of Saint Marys, on trumpet; and Kelly Ciesla, a junior art and music double-major of East Hampton, N.J., on bass clarinet.
The annual festival will be conducted by Lt. Col. Alan Bonner, retired United States Air Force.
