By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Representatives of all Parkland schools stepped forward at the Jan. 17 board meeting to express appreciation to the directors for the many opportunities offered to students and employees for learning, enjoyment and satisfaction during their time at the district.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson provided remarks for the occasion which is celebrated in January as National School Board Recognition month.

“We have nine unpaid volunteers on the board making difficult decisions to keep our children safe and educated,” Madson said.

Cetronia Elementary School Principal Dr. Jamie Giaquinto provided a similar view of the board’s importance.

“As a result of your work, our elementary students continue to receive a top notch education,” Giaquinto said.

The program then turned to the theme for the evening, “Building Culture.”

Principals, PTO officers, and children from each elementary school focused on one particular event from the past year which was designed to build culture and bring the community together.

Pictures of people of all ages mingling and having fun were projected on the screen for each school.

Events included Fun Fest at Dorney Park (Cetronia Elementary), Welcome Back Family Night (Fogelsville Elementary), Stallion Stroll (Ironton Elementary), Fall Festival Trunk or Treat (Jaindl Elementary), Night on the Circle (Kernsville Elementary), Back to School Chalk Night (Kratzer Elementary), Food Truck and Book Fair (Parkway Manor Elementary), Holiday Extravaganza (Schnecksville Elementary), and Glow Dance (Veterans Memorial Elementary).

The goal of the activities was to provide memorable experiences for students and families.

School Director Lisa Roth recalled her own children enjoyed similar events years ago which they still remember as great times in Parkland schools.

Students from the middle schools talked about leadership opportunities, the multicultural fair and the mentor program.

Springhouse Middle School Principal Dr. Jude Sandt related an encounter he had recently with a student of his from about 10 years ago.

The individual is now a math teacher who says the great education he received at Parkland made his career possible.

“We want to keep the impact going,” Sandt stated.

High school Principal Nate Davidson also commented.

“We want to restart traditions coming out of COVID and begin some new ones, too,” Davidson said.

On behalf of the teachers’ union, Sandi Gackenbach thanked the board for its continued support and for making sure educators have what they need.

Elizabeth Moyer represented the support staff in addressing the board.

“The commitment you show to Parkland is outstanding,” Moyer said. “It revitalizes us.”

Board President Carol Facchiano noted a Parkland graduate was present who was just approved for a teaching position at the high school.

“Making connections and keeping traditions alive, it’s like a whole circle as students come back and get hired here,” Facchiano said.

Bob Bold, who retired from the board in 2019 with 20 years of service, came back to fill a vacant slot in 2021, then agreed to return starting Jan. 3, offered thoughts on his position as school director.

“People ask why I wanted to get back in to this. I wanted to continue my commitment to give the students the finest education we can,” Bold said.