BELLEFONTE AREA
SCHOOL NEWS
814-355-4814 • www. basd. net
BASD Facilities Report by Thomas Lannen
The Bellefonte Area School District has been busy this past year improving various facilities. At Pleasant Gap Elementary, the District teamed up with SiteLogiq to replace the entire HVAC system that we ' ve struggled with for many years. The project started in April during the evenings and transitioned into a full blown remodel, once the students and staff left for the summer, and finished up in time for them to return. The building is much more comfortable climate-wise, and has all new ceilings and improved LED lighting throughout. Also, the New Elementary has reached substantial completion and the contractors are working through some items to complete the project to turn the building over to the district. BASD has purchased a furniture package from Corbett Furniture and WB Mason Interiors, with a delivery / install date starting March 9th. Staff is to receive end user training on all of the new equipment and systems. Administration is working on plans to help transition students and staff from Benner and Bellefonte Elementary into the new school to be ready to start off the 2026 / 2027 school year there this fall. It is a very exciting time at BASD!
Lastly, the Human Resources Department has implemented an open door interview process this past year that has really helped the Physical Plant with staffing to replace retirees and resignations. Potential job seekers can walk in on designated dates to receive a preliminary interview and get help with the application and clearance process. This has been pivotal to our department maintaining staffing numbers.
Pleasant Gap Elementary: One Book, One School
Pleasant Gap Elementary will be implementing a One Book, One School reading program during February and featuring the book Charlotte’ s Web by E. B. White. Each student and staff member of PGE will receive a copy of the book and will be encouraged to read approximately 12 pages a day over a 15 day period. Each school day will include trivia questions about the pages read the day before that will incentivize students with the opportunity to earn prizes. Staff and community members have also volunteered to read portions of the book for audio listening. The end of the 15 day period will flow into March, which is Read Across America Month in the elementary school world. Students and staff will continue reading books of their choice and if they hit their goal by the end of the month, Dr. Eckenroth, the principal, will have to do something off the wall that is voted upon by the building. These reading initiatives will help foster a love of reading in students, staff, and their families. It is also a great way to foster a sense of community within the building, because everyone will be focusing on the same goals, using the same materials. The staff and students are very excited to be reading during these upcoming months.
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www. bearcountrygoodnews. com“ Good News”-- February-- 5