learning

New Electronics for the 2025-26 School Year

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by Kerrick Shaw

District Approves $535K for iPads and MacBooks in 5–4 Vote

Students will be welcomed with new electronics next school year following the $535,000 funding approved by the GS School Board.

The decision, which followed a split vote of 5-4, will fund the purchase of updated devices and classroom technology designed to support student learning. The plan is part of the district’s ongoing effort to keep pace with the evolving demands of digital education.

The funding will provide 900 iPads for high school students and 65 MacBook Air laptops for teachers.

“We investigated multiple options for student use, including HP laptops, Google Chromebooks and iPads,” GS Superintendent Dr. Ken Bissell said. “Ultimately, the iPads met all of the instructional and learning needs and were the most cost-effective in building a four-year cycle of device replacement. The cost of the device includes a keyboard case, a plan for broken or replacement devices, and a buy-back plan at the end of the 0% lease.”

The total cost per device will be $513, according to Dr. Bissell; but this price will be discounted after the buyback by Apple in four years. 

Although the vote was not unanimous, board members who supported the investment emphasized the need to modernize the district’s educational tools. Board member Ms. Kacey Byrne-Houser described technology as “vital” rather than a luxury.

The exterior of a students’ old laptop

Photo by: Kerrick Shaw

“It’s a smart, forward-thinking move that aligns with where education is headed,” Ms. Byrne-Houser explained. “This new approach not only saves money over time, but also supports sustainability and better tech management. I have a great deal of trust in our school administrators who spent considerable time researching and evaluating options before bringing this recommendation forward.”

In agreement, board member Mr. Brian Conway thinks the access to technology is essential, stating that the new electronics “will allow the district to ensure that the necessary devices are available.”

“Initially, I had reservations about transitioning from laptops to tablet devices,” Mr. Conway said. “However, after considering the inclusion of protective cases and keyboards, along with assurances from the administration that no additional technology would be necessary to facilitate the change, I ultimately supported it.”

While some board members opposed the purchase due to cost concerns, board Vice President, Mrs. Robin Savage, voted against the purchase based on the limited time board members had to fully review the details before voting.

“The main reason I voted against it is we were not given what I believe was enough time to review,” Mrs. Savage explained. “As a board member, I felt that we should have had a thorough discussion and had more time to review the proposal.”

Despite the differing viewpoints, the district will be able to move ahead with its technology replacement in time for the 2025–26 school year.

Students, who use the current laptops on a daily basis for everything from taking notes to submitting assignments, are especially eager about the arrival of the new technology. Sophomore Kelsey Wigfield said she found out about the purchase through teachers.

“I’m excited to have a working school device,” Wigfield said. “Our laptops now never wanted to load and are very slow; they freeze a lot, too. I know from having my own iPad that they work really well even if they’re not brand new.”

Students current laptop conditions

Photo by: Kerrick Shaw

Sophomore Grady Rizzo heard about the iPads from other students. He explained the new electronics will be “great” as he uses his laptop in nearly every classroom.

The implementation of this Apple package is one of the most significant steps in upgrading the educational process over recent years, going along with multiple upgrades underway at different buildings in the district.

“At the end of the day, this isn’t just about upgrading devices,” Ms. Byrne-Houser said. “It’s about investing in our students’ future, supporting our educators, and making sure our district stays ahead of the curve.”

Culture Day

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

by Emma Helmick

The crowd roared as students were treated to dance battles, history and stories for culture day

The foreign language students usually come together at the end of the semester to create presentations, songs, skits and more as their final project. The shows were during first and second block.

“I love seeing students so excited about something related to foreign language,” Spanish teacher Miss Miranda Filak said. “I think it is uplifting to see such excitement brought to a class that sometimes people might associate with grammar and vocabulary when it is so much more than that.”

Every class had the opportunity to go; it was up to the teachers and if they were willing to take their students or not.

“A big improvement we made this year was more performances,” senior Greta Hagofsky said. “In years past, kids would sometimes do just presentations, but this year we saw a lot more of students partaking in dancing and singing.”

French and Spanish Students present their projects for the crowd

Photo Courtesy: Kayla Tamer

Some of the acts changed between the first and second block show, but some are performed twice for the new audience.

TikTok content creator Maddox is Bussin’ not only attended this semester’s Culture Day, but he also participated in a dance battle on stage. His attendance was advertised around the high school and on social media days prior.

“It was a way for us to draw more kids to Culture Day,” Hagofsky said. “We saw a big turn out this year and I think we partially have Maddox to thank for it.”

Maddox came out on stage at the end of the second block show. He danced against seniors Wesley Heverly and Lauryn Swierczynski. The audience voted Maddox as the winner.

“I think that Culture Day was super fun, and it taught me a lot of things about what people in the French and Spanish cultures practice, do in their lives and are accustomed to,” freshman Ava Richards said.

The goal of Culture Day is to allow students to educate their peers about what they have learned throughout the semester. “I hope that it gives all students the opportunity to be exposed to something outside of what they see every day,” Miss Filak said. “Even if it’s just a minute or two of a catchy song in another language, it is always exciting to see students being exposed to something new and different.”

Concerns Surrounding the Department of Education 

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By: Kerrick Shaw

A controversial push to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education is gaining momentum in Congress, raising concerns about the future of federal oversight in schools.  

If the Department of Education (DOE) is dissolved, school districts could face significant disruptions in funding and resources. Programs that rely on federal support, such as Title I for low-income schools or special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, could stall or disappear, forcing districts to find alternatives. 

On March 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin shutting down several functions of the DOE. 

Greensburg locals participating in the Hands Off protest on April 5.

Photo Courtesy: Barb Ciampini

“It feels very rushed, without deeper thought into the implications of dismantling or reducing,” GS Superintendent Dr. Ken Bissell said. “Our district relies on federal funding for our Title I, II, III and IV grants, which help us with things such as special education needs and equity issues for students from marginalized populations. If there were no federal funds, that’s a lot of teaching positions that go away.” 

The federal government’s role in schooling is to “uphold civil rights” for children, Dr. Bissell explained. He stated that he believes the shut-down will not happen, but acknowledged the hypothetical question of how those funds would be made up.  

“Teachers are the direct support for students; education is a human-to-human endeavor of building relationships and trust, to then learn from each other,” Bissell said. “If we lose funding, it will definitely result in us not having enough funds to support the teachers and staff.”  

 According to the district’s Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs, Dr. Lenni Nedley, school districts handle variations in their funding yearly, stating that schools will adapt as necessary if federal funding is dissolved.  

“Each school year, districts are faced with federal and state funding fluctuations; they’ll make adjustments to their general budgets as needed in different areas,” Dr. Nedley said. “The district always places children at the forefront of their decision-making to ensure they’re receiving what they need to be successful.” 

The federal grants support four reading specialists, three school counselors, one science teacher and two classroom assistants, as stated by Nedley.  

“If funds are reduced, we’d be put in a situation where we’ll have to make very difficult decisions,” Bissell said. “Staffing is the number one indicator of student success; good teachers make successful students. If we’re forced to reduce the number of staff we have, that’s going to directly impact the kids.” 

On top of the human resources students are provided through teachers and staff, a majority of students in the GS school district take advantage of the food services available. 

“Our school district is just over 60% free and reduced lunch,” he said. “That is a lot of kids that these funds help provide resources to.” 

Having heard of the possible closure of the DOE, some students are considering what the absence of such programs could mean for their school experience. Senior Adien Carota expressed confusion over the reasoning behind the proposed closure. 

“It simply shouldn’t be closed, I don’t understand the motivation,” Carota said. 

Senior Kyle Keller believes “education will go down” following the change in funding. 

Principal Mr. Adam Jones echoed concerns about how the closure could impact schools across the country. He explained that a lack of federal guidelines will result in disparity among states. 

“Not having oversight to ensure students across the country are receiving the same protections and rights makes me worry about if it’ll further create ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’,” Mr. Jones said. “Some states could take advantage of it, seeing it as them not having to follow federal mandates anymore. I don’t think every state values their educational system the same.” 

The DOE’s involvement in schools is generally focused on broad policy and compliance with federal regulations. In contrast, states directly shape the daily operations of schools, making key decisions that affect classroom instruction and testing. 

“For the country to run an effective educational system, you have to have an overall level to ensure that all of the states and kids are getting roughly the same standards, curricula and resources,” Jones said. 

Although much remains uncertain, GS’ faculty and administration will focus on maintaining stability for students, regardless of what decisions are made at the federal level. Their attention remains on adapting to whatever comes next. 

“Pennsylvania has always had a very strong educational system, so I don’t fear a major negative outcome for our district,” Jones said. “In ten years, if there’s no Department of Education, I don’t think there will be a noticeable difference in our school.” 

Starting the Second Semester  

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

By: Quinn Isenberg 

The start of the second semester brings a lot of change to the halls of GS.  

One of the most prominent changes is the students’ classes. With semester one classes ending, students will get a fresh start in their semester two classes. 

“I like the change,” senior Oakley Decker said. “I always liked the different classes from the first half to the second.”  

It’s common for students to grow tired of their classes after being in the same environment for so long. The second semester gives students a chance to trade out classes they may not find enjoyment in anymore for new ones.  

Blanca Grillo and Rocco Himes pose with their second semester schedules.

Photo By: Quinn Isenberg

“I’m happy because I didn’t really like my classes,” senior Samantha Hanawalt said. “So, I want to go into the second semester.”  

Despite the fresh start, students may find themselves losing their motivation for school throughout the second semester. Instead of letting this get the best of them, wise students find ways to keep themselves engaged.  

“To keep myself motivated I do stuff after school, like Speech and Debate and band,” freshman Luke Johnson said.  

Others find themselves motivated by the opportunity to do well in their new classes.  

“I’m more motivated for the second semester because I feel like it’s a second chance at getting the grades I want to get and didn’t during the first semester,” sophomore Daliza Sanchez said.  

New classes also give students the opportunity to do better than they did in the first semester. Students can walk into these classes with a clean slate and apply the knowledge they took from the last semester into the new one.  

“I learned new ways to study that work better for my particular learning style,” Sanchez said.  

The second semester also proves to be beneficial to teachers. It gives them a chance to try new methods with different groups of students to see what works best.  

“The really nice thing is that I can reflect upon experiences that I had in the fall because how the students reacted to different tactics is still fresh in my mind,” math teacher Mr. Al Toret said. “I can modify them if they didn’t work or reuse them if they did.”  

To some the second semester simply means they’re one semester closer to the end of the year. However, it is important to take things slow and make the most of the new semester by taking advantage of every opportunity that comes their way.  

“Savor your time here rather than wish it away,” Mr. Toret said.  

Student Help Programs 

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By: Kerrick Shaw 

Resources are available at GS for students who need a boost with their classes. 

Tutoring services at GS include the Next Step program and the National Honor Society’s student-led tutoring program. 

Next Step is a resource for students to work on missing assignments, make-up/retake assessments and get help with any questions they may have. Next Step takes place from 3:05 to 4:05 p.m. in room 373 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Transportation is available for students on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  

“It’s not meant to seem like a detention, it’s meant to be more relaxed,” Next Step teacher Dr. Taylor Guido said. “As a student, I would’ve liked to have this because when you get home, you get distracted. It’s a quiet, extra hour of working time for students who need it.” 

Next Step keeps students in “school mode,” according to Dr. Guido. No paperwork or form is required to participate in the program; students only need to communicate with Guido in advance, giving them freedom to pick and choose when they want to stay. 

Next Step times and goals.

Photo By: Kerrick Shaw

“I like to ask students what their goal is for the day; I also communicate with their teachers,” she said. “More students have started to stay more recently, but I hope more do take advantage of it in the future.” 

On the other hand, tutoring through National Honor Society (NHS) requires filling out a Microsoft Form that’s available with a QR code posted throughout the school. The form requires the student’s name, advisory and advisory teacher, the class they need help in and answering a few multiple-choice questions that will help them be set up with the best-fitting mentor. 

NHS is a national program that gives students the opportunity to engage in community outreach and service and encourages the development of important skills. The GS chapter is a group of about 50 seniors who are highly engaged in the school and community. 

“I go through the NHS members and find who’s able to help students in need,” NHS Adviser Mrs. Cheryl Harper said. “Once they’re matched, they meet in advisories and work it out. I think the students who show up, and want the help, really do benefit from it.” 

NHS Member senior Everett Redinger believes the tutors are “very helpful” when working one-on-one. Tutors are working with the same education, having taken most of the same classes and knowing what hardships went with them. 

“I don’t think enough students that need help take advantage of it,” Redinger said. “The students are generally all aware of the tutoring program, but for students to sign up for it, they themselves must want help. If the students don’t want to truly improve in the area, tutoring can be very difficult.” 

Both Next Step and NHS’ tutoring have grown recently according to Dr. Guido and Mrs. Harper respectively, but both hope to see more students participate in the future. 

“I hope that students who need help become more self-advocating, more willing to ask for help,” Harper said. “I think the school’s tutoring services are something kids should turn to before falling behind and having more trouble. They’re here to help.” 

GSHS Outdoor Classroom Project

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by: Quinn Isenberg


Summer is over and school has begun, but GS students’ time in the sun isn’t over yet.  

The outdoor classroom has made significant progress over the summer with brand new additions marking the beginning of a new learning environment at GS. 

“They fixed the concrete patio and they put the pavilion up,” biology teacher Mrs. Andrea Redinger said.   

These specific changes were made to create a safer environment for students compared to the state of the outdoor classroom last school year.  

“The concrete had exposed wires and pipes because it used to be a greenhouse that went up, so we couldn’t go out there at all because it wasn’t safe,” Mrs. Redinger said. “They also made it wheelchair accessible I believe.” 

The Outdoor Classroom so far.

Photo by: Quinn Isenberg

The outdoor classroom taking shape allows for more class activities to be held out there this school year. The new additions have already proven to be helpful. 

“We were using the scientific method to test how mass affects paper airplanes, and we used it as a shady area to have some consistency in the data,” biology teacher Mrs. Julie Firmstone said.   

Students and teachers alike are pleased with the upgraded outdoor classroom. Students have already recognized the benefit of having classes outside in the shade when it’s too hot inside the school building. 

“It’s a good thing because then they can go outside and learn from there,” senior Valerie DiNunno said.  

It’s not just a way to escape the heat inside the school building, but also a way to create a change of pace for students’ classes.  

“I feel like it’s going to help students learn better if they need to be outside more, rather than just sitting in a classroom,” senior Jackie Dennis said.  

Despite the improvements to the classroom there is still much to be done for it to reach its full potential. Staff who have been involved in the project, including Redinger, physics teacher Mrs. Cheryl Harper and former ecology teacher Mr. Angelo Testa, had ideas for the future of the outdoor classroom. 

“We are definitely getting furniture of some type, and the pond is up next to be revamped,” Redinger said.  

Although, there is still much to be done. The new aspects of the outdoor classroom are already working to create a wonderful learning environment.  

“It was wonderful, better than being indoors,” Dennis said.  

Changes Being Made to the GS Schedule 

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by: Emma Helmick 

Students and staff at GS were met with a few unexpected changes after walking through the school doors this year. 

Many changes have been made throughout the high school for the 2024-2025 school year. Former high school English and creative writing teacher Ms. Alyssa Bewszka and former high school math teacher Mr. Scott Shirey were moved to teach at the middle school.   

Ms. Bewszka’s old room number.

Photo by: Emma Helmick

Former science teacher Mr. Angelo Testa left the district, but a teacher has been hired to replace him. Building substitute Mrs. Joan Zahorchak is filling in for his classes until the new teacher arrives. 

Unlike Mr. Testa, no one has been hired to replace Mr. Shirey or Ms. Bewszka. This resulted in Sports Stats and Creative Writing being cut as classes. 

“The middle school lost two teachers, they left,” High School Principal Mr. Adam Jones said. “So, they needed a math and an English position. They absorbed two from up here, so all of that trickled down to why you see those courses being cut.” 

Bewszka’s room was turned into a life skills classroom, while Shirey’s room is used by Dean of Students Mr. Jeff Kronewetrer during the afternoon for his Freshman Seminar classes. 

“I am very sad to hear the class is gone because I felt it gave many students an outlet to write freely and really express themselves,” Bewszka said. “Many of the students, if not all of the students in my Creative Writing class, really enjoyed what we did and enjoyed the class as a whole.” 

Both teachers received a phone call over the summer telling them that they would be teaching at the middle school. 

“I taught middle school before and didn’t enjoy it very much, but I thoroughly enjoyed teaching at the high school,” Shirey said. “I also wish I knew I was being moved before the school year ended so I could have said proper ‘goodbyes’ to the students I made connections with and enjoyed talking to, as well as my coworkers.” 

Sports Stats being removed left an open spot in Math teacher Mr. Jake Cole’s schedule, allowing him to take on the role of Shirey’s Math for the Trades class. 

Both teachers’ classes were dispersed through other teachers in both subjects. This causes core subjects to have more students. 

“I’ve noticed an increase with my class sizes this year, which is one of those things that they don’t realize when they move a teacher,” Mr. Cole said. 

This could make it harder for teachers to check in with each student, which could impact some ways students learn. 

“I think we lost two really great teachers who both brought joy into the classrooms,” junior Lorelai Leatherman said. “I never had Mr. Shirey, however he had lunch duty in my lunch last year, and he was always nice, welcoming, and made conversation with everyone. I did have Ms. B for creative writing last year, and she was one of my favorite teachers.” 

GSHS Outdoor Classroom Project

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

By Kerrick Shaw

Photo by: Kerrick Shaw

A change in scenery will be implemented by the start of the next school year for students and teachers to enjoy time learning in the sun. 

On top of renovating the pond and landscaping, the school board is moving forward with a pavilion project for classroom purposes, building on top of the cement slab outside of the science wing. 

“There used to be a greenhouse that sat outside by Mrs. Harper’s room … when that got taken down, that cement area was just left there,” GS Superintendent Dr. Ken Bissell said. “A lot of the science teachers still use that outdoor space … the science department really took the lead on deciding how to renovate it.” 

All students were taken into consideration during the decision making for this project, keeping it available to all classes rather than exclusively sciences. 

“It became, ‘can we have an area that any class or any student can use?’ with the pavilion and seating,” Environment and Ecology teacher Mr. Angelo Testa said. “Everything from science classes, obviously, to art classes, English – just anyone who wants to go outside will get to have this space.” 

Students have shared excitement for the space, agreeing that it will be beneficial for everyone. 

“I think the introduction of an outdoor classroom will be a great addition to the school, especially with the ecology classes,” junior Aiden Carota said. “… many students will be happy to get out of the building for some fresh air.” 

The School Board will be voting to move forward with a contractor and will then be able to map out the full timeline of the project. 

“I am hopeful for the pavilion to be done before summer,” Dr. Bissell said. “However, for the whole project – pavilion, pond, landscaping – I’d like that all to be ready for the next school year.” 

The staff involved are eager to provide this designated spot for outdoor learning. 

“There’s a certain energy that comes out of it,” Principal Mr. Adam Jones said. “It’s like: ‘Aw man!’ That’s what I hope it becomes, ‘Hey, let’s go use the outdoor classroom.’” 

Snow Days VS.  FIDs Days  

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By Samarah Guy  

Photo Courtesy: Alyssa Martinez

Many schools don’t have snow days anymore because Covid-19 opened a new world of virtual learning.  

GS has flexible instruction days, so students can do work from the comfort of their own home when the weather gets bad.  There are many advantages to FIDS days, but there are also many disadvantages.  

“I wouldn’t be comfortable doing online because I don’t get the hands on learning I need,” sophomore Nevaeh Hirst said.  

Many students need a teacher to physically show or help them when it comes to learning, and a computer screen doesn’t allow that to happen.  

Some teachers will make videos or step-by-step directions for the students, and many benefit from this because they can look back and make sure they are doing what is being asked.  

“If I were to virtually learn, I would slack off because there are more distractions for me at home,” Hirst commented.  

Distractions are more limited in school, and the teacher can bring the student’s attention back to the subject at hand. When the child is at home, anything around them can take their attention away from school because they are in their comfortable place.  

Students can also cheat on assignments using the technology around them. Not only is this not helping their brain work, but it’s also giving kids the opportunity to become dependent on technology.  

When GS has a FIDS day, many students may fall behind on their work or their grades may even lower.  

“When we do online my teachers usually don’t give work, but when they do, I don’t do it because I’m used to not having to,” junior Savannah Herring said.  

Some students may not be able to attend their virtual classes because they don’t have access to the items they need. Not being able to do work or log onto the live class, the students not only are falling behind on work, but they also will be marked absent.  

“I think if you have access to a computer or WIFI at home, you can benefit, but if you don’t have access, school shouldn’t hold you accountable for it,” U.S. government and politics teacher Ms. Sierra Aires said.