As most of the
leaves have fallen and temperatures continue to drop, snow flurries, as pretty
and sparse as they are right now, remind us that winter is about to descend
upon Cambria County. I don’t know if you will agree with me, but I’m always
thankful to live and work in an area with such extremes in clime.
At this time of year, we at CCSD have many things for which
to be thankful. We saw many athletes
and teams at CCSD excel this year; various clubs and extracurricular activities
have been very active. I’m
impressed by the way our students are able to participate and contribute to so
many extracurricular activities while managing their classroom assignments and
grades. Speaking of which, I’m
excited to see this year’s theatrical performance; every year, these young
thespians and their coaches do remarkable work in a short span of time!
As we are in the holiday spirit, with Thanksgiving upon us,
I would like to dedicate this blog to the victims of the super storm Sandy,
particularly to those on the East Coast.
Many have gone for weeks without heat or power; with the loss of their
homes, some will live in shelters for many months to come. This storm showed how cruel and
powerful Mother Nature can be despite the efforts we take to prepare against
such destruction. I have
attached some pictures of the trip.
Our District wanted to show its support for the victims of
Sandy. CCSD’s transportation director devised a plan to “Pack a
Bus” for the East Coast. First
Student, our transportation provider, immediately offered to assist by
providing a bus, and several drivers volunteered to make the trip. The media publicized the effort and the
community, students and staff responded with overwhelming generosity. Two buses were loaded with almost seven
tons of supplies for the Neptune City, NJ area; an area hit very hard by the
storm.
Our district coordinated the trip with the Red Cross, who
put us in touch with a food bank in that area. I joined four district employees, High School principal Kim
McDermott, Cambria Elementary School principal Luke Lansberry, Transportation
Director Becky Klezek, as well as five community members, First Student manager
Deb Ley, and 13 First Student volunteer drivers who made the 6.5 hour trip to
NJ. We arrived at the Food Pantry
around 12:30 on November 11 and proceeded to unload the packed buses.
Our buses then went to the local First Student terminal to
fuel up (gasoline was also donated by First Student) before going to Bradley Beach,
an area badly destroyed by the storm.
It was heartbreaking to see the devastation up close. I can’t even come close to expressing
the depth of appreciation and regard I feel toward all who contributed supplies
and made the trip – and of course, none of this would have been possible without
the generous support of this trip offered by First Student.
During this season, let’s all take time to give thanks for
all the blessings and good fortune we enjoy, and to remember those who have
lost their “home for the holidays.” I wish for all staff and students a happy,
relaxing, and fulfilling holiday.
Cherish those close to you in the spirit of the season. Share fond
memories—and make new ones—with family and friends. (And watch lots of football!)
Until the snow starts,
Dr. D.
