Penn Middle School students create care packages for cancer patients

The Penn-Trafford School District is making strides in community engagement and student involvement, as highlighted during the recent school board meeting on March 4, 2025. A key focus was the charitable efforts of Penn Middle School, which recently organized a successful initiative to create care packages for chemotherapy patients. This project, part of the Landrum's Light foundation, honors the memory of Jackie Landrum, a beloved figure at the school who passed away in 2022.

During the meeting, it was noted that the students and staff came together to assemble 100 tote bags filled with essential items for patients undergoing treatment. The initiative has garnered positive feedback, including a heartfelt response from a family who received one of the packages, emphasizing the impact of the students' efforts beyond the local community.

In addition to charitable work, the meeting also covered upcoming events designed to enrich student experiences. Notable activities include a fifth and sixth-grade county course, a band concert, and a unique educational trip to JA BizTown, where sixth graders will engage in a simulated adult experience, learning about financial responsibility and job roles.

The school board also discussed the upcoming Civil War cannon demonstration, which is part of the eighth-grade curriculum. This event aims to provide students with a tangible connection to history, although it was acknowledged that the noise from the demonstration may be a concern for nearby residents.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to fostering a supportive and engaged school environment, where students are encouraged to excel academically while also contributing positively to their community. As these initiatives unfold, they promise to enhance the educational experience and strengthen community ties in Penn-Trafford.