WAYNESBORO, Pa. — If there’s a need in the Waynesboro Area School District, the local community will step up.
That’s the message Superintendent Dr. Rita Sterner-Hine delivered to the Waynesboro College Club at its recent meeting in the Church of the Apostles.
Sterner-Hine thanked the club for its “generous donations for students as they begin a new academic year.” The club offered gift cards to Harbor Freight and Amazon for the new Waynesboro Area Senior High School agricultural class. There has been “a resurgence in agricultural education as a result of community advocacy,” members learned. “We have a greenhouse and many students are interested in the gardening club,” she added.
The club also donated gift cards to Walmart for clothing, shoes, haircuts, underwear and socks to supply elementary school nurses’ offices, as well as monetary donations.
Sterner-Hine presented information about a number of district initiatives.
She talked about the recent Financial Literacy Days sponsored by Rotary Club of Waynesboro for students at the high school. The program is part of the district’s efforts to prepare students for the future, extending beyond academics and career preparation to practical lessons on how to manage their money.
She also spoke about a new offering for the 2026-27 school year. The school district has absorbed the Pre-K program formerly operated by First Start Partnerships. “There were some concerns that the district would be competing with other local pre-K programs, but 90% of our students have no prior preschool experience.”
Sterner-Hine also presented information about First Choice, which features pillars of Academics, Careers, Innovative Learning and Whole Child that help the district graduate “responsible citizens prepared to work, serve, succeed and compete in an evolving society.”
She noted that the numerous activities available in arts, athletics and clubs are part of First Choice – Whole Child.
Among the First Choice – Top 10 highlights was that the district is partnering with Lincoln Edge to provide cyber education for learners in general and special education in kindergarten through grade 12. “Pennsylvania requires school districts to pay the entire cost of cyber school, and we are currently paying $5.7 million to cyber schools outside the district,” she noted.
As Pennsylvania moves to a bell-to-bell ban on cell phones, Sterner-Hine announced that a class-time ban on cell phones has been initiated at the high school.
In response to an increase in the number of special education learners, there is a new kindergarten through grade 2 autistic support classroom at Hooverville Elementary, she said.
Although some of the building projects are still in the works, all elementary buildings will have updated restrooms for accessibility, and elevators are being installed at Summitview and Hooverville elementary schools.
“The much-needed facility upgrades to the Waynesboro Area Middle School gym, locker rooms and bleachers are still being completed,” Sterner-Hine noted.
There is a “menu of opportunities” available to students as they prepare to graduate. “Last year we had over 100 students participate in internships because of our supportive community,” Sterner-Hine said.
Sterner-Hine invited members to attend WASD Community Connection for Education sessions with her and Dr. Diane McCallum, assistant superintendent. The remaining sessions are set for 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 9, at the Greater Waynesboro Area Chamber of Commerce, 118 Walnut St., Suite 111; 8 to 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Quincy Village Community Center, 6596 Orphanage Road; and from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, in Blue Ridge Summit Library, 13676 Monterey Lane, Blue Ridge Summit.
About Waynesboro College Club
Waynesboro College Club, founded in 1932, presented a total of $35,000 in scholarships to six students at WASHS at its banquet in May. Over the years, the club has supported civic projects in the community and donated to a number of community organizations and various daycare centers. The club also has a continuing education program for its members.
