Recent Stories

Coronavirus

November 2, 2020

ECASD Transitions to Full-Remote Learning

Ellwood City Area School District has transitioned to full-remote learning beginning Tuesday, November 3. In a short statement made available on the district social media account Monday afternoon, the school made the initial announcement. @ec_high will be starting full remote learning on Tuesday, November 3! Students are required to join a google meet at the beginning of every class period according to the one hour delay schedule! #EC_Proud #ec_lincoln @ecdotorg @ECLedger @NewCastleNews — EC Lincoln High (@ec_high) November 2, 2020 In an email to Ellwoodcity.org on Monday afternoon, District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley said, “The county data has us in…

October 14, 2020

Riverside Staff Member Tests Positive For COVID-19

In a letter circulated by the Riverside Beaver County School District on Monday, October 12, 2020, the district was notified that a staff member at Riverside Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19. “It is important for students and staff to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms every day,” said Superintendent, Bret Trotta in an email on Wednesday. “If you are symptomatic or have been in close contact with a positive case, we ask that they stay home and contact our school nurse. We sincerely appreciate the support of our school community as we continue to work to provide a safe educational…

October 9, 2020

ECASD Board Approves Phase Two Reopening Plan

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to move ahead with a Phase Two Reopening Plan proposed by Acting Superintendent Wes Shipley. The 5-4 vote will allow administrators to limit choices for families when it comes to choosing in school learning, a hybrid model, or a full cyber option. Directors Barbara Wilson, Matt Morella, Erica Gray, Jennifer Tomon, and Gary Rozanski supported the following plan proposed by Shipley during an Oct 5 Committee of the Whole Meeting: On Nov 2 families will have three options—full five day in school instruction, three day in school instruction, and Ecava….

September 28, 2020

Wampum Announces Cancellation of Christmas Parade

In a post on social media Sunday, the Wampum Area Christmas Parade Committee (WACP) announced the cancellation of their annual Christmas Parade. “After much consideration. The Wampum Area Christmas Parade Committee regrets that we made the very difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Christmas Parade.” The message was announced by Donna Kuiken, long-standing WACP President. “No one is more disappointed than we are to cancel this event. We believe it was necessary to keep our community safe and protected from the spread of the Covid-19 virus,” Kuiken added. “This would have been our 44th Parade and although we tried we…

September 21, 2020

ECASD Board Votes to Allow 1/4 Capacity at District Events

The Ellwood City School Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to allow spectators at events at ¼ capacity, but those in attendance will be required to wear masks, to social distance, and to sign a waiver excusing the district from liability. In a 6-1 vote the board decided that Ellwood City sports will now be played with the support of the community. Director Gary Rozanski was the lone No vote, and Directors Kathy McCommons and Norman Boots were not in attendance during the vote. The vote came following a September 14 federal court ruling that deemed Governor Wolf’s state…

August 21, 2020

Bernstine Co-Sponsors Bill to Save Pennsylvania’s Event Industry

HARRISBURG – With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting countless individuals and industries across the Commonwealth, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced that he is co-sponsoring legislation introduced by Rep. Matt Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset) to help companies in the event industry from being forced to close and allow them to operate safely at 50% capacity. “Companies that plan and organize a wide range of events are vital for Pennsylvania’s economy and employ thousands of Pennsylvanians, so our support is essential,” said Bernstine, noting that most are small businesses that patronize other local small businesses. “Under Gov. Tom Wolf’s new restrictions, event venues that…

August 18, 2020

Borough Council Accepts Coronavirus Funding

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to accept $80,052.28 in Coronavirus Relief Monies during its Regular meeting on Monday. The funding comes with numerous restrictions for use of which the county and borough officials are researching. “There are tons of restrictions,” said Borough Manager David Allen. Some needs, according to Allen, the funds could be used for include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and assistance for local first responders who were unable to work because of the virus. Mayor Anthony Court’s Report The mayor thanked Council for hiring police officers. He said there was a great need due to understaffing. “It’s a…

August 12, 2020

Lincoln High School Posts Return to School Plan Survey For Parents

Ellwood City Area School District announced on Tuesday a ‘Return to School Plan Survey’ for Lincoln High School parents via a Google Forms survey published on the district site. [The district is] asking all parents of students in grades 7-12 complete the google form survey by Sunday, August 16 at 10:00 PM. There are currently three options on the table for students in grades 7-12. Parents and students can review the options as well as a Q & A document on the district webpage. If a parent does not complete this survey, then Option 1 will be the assumed option…

August 8, 2020

Ellwood City SD Offers District Reopening Plan Q&A

In a published document on the Ellwood City School District website, the school offers question and answer document for parents regarding the district’s reopening plans.  The reopening plan was posted on the school district website on July 31. 1. Concerns with hour delay in morning, why morning and not afternoon, please consider afternoon? Lessons will be posted and the teachers will hold office hours during this time. The morning was chosen so students would have access to their work early in the day. In addition, for students attending school, it seemed that childcare would be easier to arrange in the…

August 8, 2020

Riverside SD Reopening Parent Letter

In a letter published on the school district website this week, Riverside Beaver County School District Administration Team provided more information on its reopening plans including instructional plans and Chromebook distribution: Dear Parents/Guardians of Riverside Students, As the upcoming school year rapidly approaches, the administration and the members of the Riverside Beaver County Board of Education recognize the questions and concerns relating to the return of school and the upcoming procedures we will follow within the district. Continually, we are proactively utilizing guidance and recommendations from the CDC as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Education to formulate our plans….