The East Penn Board of School Directors was provided with a look at proposed updates to the district’s elementary social studies curriculum at the June 26 regular meeting.

The presentation was led by Supervisor of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction Erin Murphy. She was assisted by two members of the curriculum committee: Wescosville Elementary School fourth grade teacher Alyssa Shortall and Alburtis Elementary School second grade teacher Susan Sterkenberg.

They explained the curriculum revision focuses on teaching students about American and world citizenship while integrating skills-based instruction, building content knowledge, connecting to age-appropriate current events and to the community and world outside the classroom and promoting relevance. There would also be a component on personal financial literacy.

While the curriculum would not revolve around a traditional textbook, the teacher-curated educational materials would align to state standards.

Topics covered would include civics and government, economics and geography, as well as local, national and world history.

It was explained a project-based approach to learning would better engage the students and may also help improve students’ general reading ability.

Geography students would learn practical map reading skills with both online maps and traditional printed maps.

While understanding and agreeing with the need to move away from static and easily outdated textbooks, while adding some “sparkle” to the lessons, board members asked that a more detailed study guide outlining the courses be made available to parents. They felt students’ families needed to have a greater sense of what is being taught.

Jennifer Bowen and Alisa Bowman expressed concerns about potential inclusion issues. Bowen also questioned why there was no special education teachers listed on the committee’s roster.

Murphy explained that, while not directly involved in the decision making, special education teachers did have input during implementation of the pilot program. She also cited her and other teachers’ experience in working with students with IEPs helped shaped the curriculum.

Bowen and Bowman still recommended adding experienced special education teachers to the committee to help with writing the revisions.

In her district update, Dr. Kristen Campbell introduced recently-promoted Director of Educational Alternatives Jennifer Carolla who treated the board to view a soon-to-be released district video promoting the district’s Virtual East Penn Academy (VESPA).

It was well received, as several of the directors had expressed a need to inform parents about VESPA, which provides online learning at all three levels – high school, middle school and elementary school.

Carolla informed the board around 150 families will receive a mailing describing the VESPA program and providing a link to the video. This is part of an effort to encourage these families with children enrolled in private charter cyber schools, to bring them back to getting their education through East Penn’s cyber learning program.

Campbell said the district offices are open during the summer and kindergarten registration is still open as well.

In personnel matters, the board accepted the resignations of Emmaus High School Assistant Principal David Todd, effective July 7, along with Wescosville Elementary School special education teacher Elaine Haddad, sixth grade science teacher Jennifer Corona and business teacher Brian Scholl from Lower Macungie Middle School, effective mid-June.

Campbell said Todd left the district to start a new job as building principal at another district’s high school. She reassured the directors there are several qualified candidates currently being vetted to fill Todd’s former position.

New hires approved for positions at EHS include Jonathan Borden and Robert Edwards for special education/learning support and Madison Bruder for special education/autistic support. Laura Kuklis was also appointed for the new position of special education/learning support teacher for Jefferson Elementary School. All are effective Aug. 17.

Additional newly-hired district employees include teacher Katie Kingston for Willow Lane Elementary School, teacher Cassidy Larkin for Lincoln Elementary School, teacher Amy Pfleiger for Macungie Elementary School, teacher Amber Plachko for Shoemaker Elementary School, teacher Annie Squire for Alburtis Elementary School and Gavin Snyder for special education and autistic support at Wescosville Elementary School. All are effective Aug. 17.

Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit Board member Dr. William Whitney reported on a class involving students with multiple disabilities at Salisbury High School that helped them create a soap-making company. They learned how to manufacture soap, while developing skills in labeling, packaging and marketing the product.

There were no requests to address the board.

Board President Joshua Levinson announced an executive session was held before the public forum 6:15 p.m. to discuss “safety and security and confidential matters.”

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled 7:30 p.m. July 10. The public can access documents through BoardDocs via a link on the district website. Livestreaming of meetings is available on the district’s YouTube channel.