CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Teachers and staff of the West Shore School District are welcoming students back for the 2021-22 school year.
Students kindergarten through fifth grade, are kicking off the new school year in a brand-new building at Rossmoyne Elementary School.
A lot of work went into designing the new school. Dr. Todd Stoltz, the Superintendent, said they've created new spaces for the kids to learn and adapt to the changing environment and the world around them.
"We think it matches more with what they need in 21st century skills, what they are going to see in the modern workplace; having the ability to spread out, having the ability to collaborate, and having areas that serve large groups or small groups or individual groups," Dr. Stoltz said.
Instead of a traditional library, the elementary school has what they are calling, Learning Commons. They allow students to talk among one an other, classes can reserve break-out discussion rooms, and they even have outdoor classrooms that teachers can reserve, if they want to take their teaching outdoors.
"We hope we've set teachers up to make sure our students have inspiring and relevant experiences on the first day and every day," Dr. Stoltz said.
Principal of Rossmoyne Elementary, Amanda Lerew, said she's been planning all summer to safely welcome kids back and she's excited to see their smiling faces.
There's also a brand new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) lab for students. The flexible learning space can also be used for the ExCEL Virtual Learning Academy.
Masks are recommended for students, teachers, and staff, but they are not required. You can view West Shore School District's Health and Safety plan on their website.