School District of Lancaster

A Thanksgiving Message from the School District of Lancaster: Thanksgiving looks a little different in every home across our district, but when we asked our students to tell us about their traditions, one thing became clear. The joy of this season lives in the small, honest moments that only children can describe. In their own words, our students reminded us of what really matters this season. From all of us at the School District of Lancaster, thank you for being part of a community that lifts up every child and every family. We are grateful for your partnership, your support, and the love you pour into our schools. Thank you for bringing so much joy, curiosity, humor, and heart into our schools every single day. Happy Thanksgiving! #SDoLPA #SDoLProud #lancasterpa #education #thanksgiving

On Wear Red Day, staff across the School District of Lancaster came together in a shared display of commitment. The bright red shirts seen were a statement of support for children and youth experiencing homelessness, and a reminder that awareness begins with visibility. Wear Red Day is part of Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Awareness Week. This week calls attention to the realities many students face, often quietly and without recognition. In SDoL, we believe that no child’s circumstances should limit their access to stability, belonging, and opportunity. Wearing red is a simple gesture, but it reflects our community stands ready to support every student and every family. Throughout the district, staff gathered for photos, shared conversations, and uplifted the message that students experiencing homelessness are not alone. Teams highlighted the work of our Families in Transition program and our ECYEH partners, whose efforts ensure that students remain connected to school, transportation, meals, and essential resources. The week is also an opportunity to honor the staff members who advocate every day. From our Family in Transition teams to social workers to secretaries and teachers, their care shapes the path forward for our students. Their work reminds us that stability can begin with a trusted relationship or someone simply paying attention. As we close ECYEH Awareness Week, we remain committed to standing with our students and families, raising awareness, and ensuring that every child in Lancaster knows they have a place here. Today, we wore red. Every day, we lead with heart. #SDoLPA #SDoLProud #education #community

On Friday, November 21, the School District of Lancaster proudly joined thousands of neighbors across the county in the 14th Annual ExtraGive. Every year, ExtraGive reminds us that generosity is not just an action. It's a shared commitment to strengthening the community our students learn and grow in. This spirit of giving was on full display as our McCaskey Red Tornado Basketball Teams stepped up in a big way. Students took to the sidewalks, connected with community members, and raised $750! Their teamwork, and pride reflected what makes SDoL students exceptional. They understand that leadership extends beyond the court. It lives in the moments when they give back. Participating in ExtraGive is another reminder that our district is surrounded by partners, families, and neighbors who believe in the power of education. Each contribution supports organizations that uplift our students and help shape a community where opportunity is within reach for every child. We are grateful to everyone who supported this day and to our student athletes for showing what it looks like when young people lead with heart. Their efforts captured the true meaning of ExtraGive and the positive impact our students can make when they come together for a purpose bigger than themselves. This is the Lancaster community at its best. And we are proud to be part of it. #sdolpa #sdolproud #lancasterpa #education #athletics #community

On Monday, Nov. 24 and Tuesday, Nov. 25, School District of Lancaster will welcome families into our buildings for Family Teacher Conferences! These days are an important opportunity for families and educators to come together, reflect on student progress, and plan for the months ahead. There is no school for students on these two days, but district offices will remain open to support families with any questions or needs. Conferences have always been about partnership. Every conversation helps families better understand how their child is growing, what supports are working, and where we can collaborate to ensure each student feels confident and supported in their learning. Whether this is your first conference or one of many, taking time to prepare can make the experience even more meaningful. To help families make the most of this time, we have created a simple checklist and a set of tips to guide the conversation. For more information, visit our website, link in comments. #SDoLPA #SDoLProud #education #lancasterpa

There are parts of the school day that many people overlook, moments that unfold quietly but shape the entire experience for students and families. At Hamilton Elementary School, those moments happen at the curb. Before the first bell rings and long after most classrooms have emptied, the Hamilton Traffic Team is already in motion, creating the safe, steady environment that families rely on. This week’s staff shoutout recognizes the Hamilton ES Traffic Team for their commitment to safety and kindness. A colleague who nominated the team described how seamlessly they work together. Staff members position themselves along the loop, ready to guide cars, greet students, and keep traffic flowing. They open doors, assist young children out of vehicles, and watch each student make their way into the building safely. They know families by name, and students recognize them as familiar faces of reassurance during the busiest part of the day. Their attention to guidelines and safety procedures ensures that families move through the loop efficiently. But their kindness is what makes the experience feel personal. The simple act of greeting students by name has an impact. It helps children feel seen. It helps caregivers feel supported. It builds trust between home and school at a time of day when so much is happening at once. To the Hamilton ES Traffic Team, thank you for showing every day what dedication looks like. Your presence makes the school day safer, smoother, and kinder for everyone who passes through those arrival and dismissal lanes. Your work matters, and we are grateful. #SDoLPA #SDoLProud #lancasterpa #education #community

From November 16 through 23, the School District of Lancaster joins schools across Pennsylvania in observing Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Awareness Week. This annual observance highlights the importance of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law that ensures students who are experiencing homelessness have equal access to education and support services. The School District of Lancaster has identified 800 students who are experiencing homelessness so far this school year. Last November, the district identified 692 students were homeless, a number that climbed to 970 by the end of the 2024-25 school year. Patricia Maila, Families in Transition Site Coordinator, who works with homeless students in the district through the Families in Transition Program, joined Lancaster state Representative Smith-Wade-El at the state Capitol to raise awareness of youth homelessness. Statewide, more than 50,000 students were identified as homeless during the 2023-24 school year. At the moment, Maila said School District of Lancaster has targeted transportation, mental health services and shelter as the greatest needs of homeless students. Smith-Wade-El called on the state to provide more funding for statewide housing programs like the Department of Human Services’ Homeless Assistance Program, which funds homeless services in local communities. He said funding also needs to support efforts to end intergenerational poverty so young people can work toward goals and enjoy stable housing. Read the full story below. #SDoLPA #SDoLproud #education #homelessness #community

The School District of Lancaster was proud to join the City of Lancaster for the Puerto Rican Heritage Month Flag Raising at City Hall on Tuesday, November 18. The ceremony offered a meaningful moment for our district to stand alongside families, students, and community partners in honoring the history and cultural strength that Puerto Rican communities bring to Lancaster. For decades, Puerto Rican families have been an essential part of SDoL’s story. Their presence enriches our schools through language, music, traditions, and leadership. Inside our classrooms, we see students who carry their heritage with pride, educators who bring cultural knowledge and lived experience to their teaching, and families who strengthen our school communities with support and involvement. At the ceremony, city leaders reflected on the lasting contributions Puerto Rican residents have made to Lancaster’s growth. Their message matched what we witness every day across the district. Their influence is woven into the fabric of our schools. As the flag rose over City Hall, the moment captured a truth that aligns with SDoL’s mission. When our students see their culture recognized in public spaces, it strengthens their confidence and sense of belonging. When our families see their heritage honored, it deepens trust and partnership. And when our district celebrates alongside the community, it reinforces our commitment to valuing every identity represented in our schools. We thank the City of Lancaster for creating a space where culture, pride, and community come together. SDoL remains dedicated to uplifting our students, families, and staff not only during Puerto Rican Heritage Month, but throughout the entire year. #sdolpa #sdolproud #lancasterpa #community #education

The School District of Lancaster is proud to recognize the remarkable McCaskey Red Tornado student athletes who have been named Field Hockey All Stars for the 2025 season. Their achievements reflect commitment and discipline to representing McCaskey High School with pride. Each athlete brought strength to the field and leadership to their teammates, setting an example for younger players who look to them for inspiration. Field hockey at McCaskey continues to grow because of students like these who shape the culture of the program and bring positive energy to every practice and game. Their accomplishments speak not just to individual talent, but to the collective spirit of a team that believes in supporting one another. Congratulations to our All Stars! #SDoLPA #SDoLProud #McCaskeyProud #athletics #education

The School District of Lancaster had the privilege of welcoming NBA official Ashley Moyer-Gleich to McCaskey High School for two special events that left a lasting impact on our student athletes. Ashley is entering her sixth season as an NBA staff official and has already officiated 172 regular season games. Her journey includes years spent in the NBA G League, WNBA, Division I conferences, and high school courts across Pennsylvania. Long before she wore the NBA patch, she was a standout player at Millersville University, where she helped lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen of the 2010 NCAA Division II Tournament. Her path reflects a deep commitment to perseverance and service. Her visit to McCaskey included two powerful gatherings. The first brought together 500 student athletes for an assembly that highlighted the turning points in her life, the challenges she overcame, and the dedication that carried her to the highest level of her profession. Her message centered on resilience and the courage it takes to step into spaces where representation is still growing. Students listened as she spoke openly about learning from setbacks and choosing to stay focused when the next step felt uncertain. The second event was more personal. 50 team captains joined Ashley for a luncheon conversation that encouraged deeper dialogue around leadership and personal growth. She shared stories about what it means to lead without needing attention, how to build trust when a team is struggling, and how to keep moving forward when adversity feels heavy. Students asked thoughtful questions, and Ashley responded with honesty about the pressures and rewards of being a trailblazer. Both sessions reflected what makes our athletics program special. Student athletes at SDoL learn that their performance is shaped not only by talent, but by character, accountability, and the support systems around them. Ashley’s visit reinforced those values. Her presence showed students that someone from our own region can reach the highest levels of their field with discipline and heart. We are grateful to Ashley Moyer-Gleich for spending time with our students and for sharing her story with transparency and clarity. Moments like these help young people imagine possibilities they may not see on their own. They remind students that their future can be shaped by the choices they make today and the dedication they continue to build. #sdolpa #sdolproud #mccaskeyproud #lancasterpa #athletics #education

Get ready for a fang-tastically funny night at the theatre! McCaskey HS presents Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. This fast-paced adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic tale puts a hilarious twist on the world’s most famous vampire. Complete with outrageous characters, quick-witted dialogue, and laugh-out-loud moments, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors is equal parts spooky and silly. Audiences will watch Dracula attempt to outwit his rivals and woo his victims, all while everything around him falls apart in spectacularly comic fashion. From mistaken identities to over-the-top scares, this play is a whirlwind of satire and slapstick that will keep you howling with laughter. Join us this fall as McCaskey High School's talented cast sinks their teeth into a production that proves even the darkest legends can shine with humor. #SDoLPA #SDoLProud #McCaskeyProud #theatre #arts #lancasterpa #education