Celebrating United Way Community Schools: Bangor Area and Panther Valley School Districts
In the Bangor Area and Panther Valley School Districts, United Way Community Schools are more than classrooms. They are hubs of connection where students, families and partners come together. Coordinators lead the way, ensuring children have the support, relationships and opportunities that fuel learning and growth. From professional development initiatives to family involvement, these schools show what’s possible when the community works hand in hand with educators.
“Our Community Schools, with some of the most challenges, are showing the most growth, outpacing other schools statewide supported by the systems Community School Coordinators build alongside our educators, families and community partners,” said Khushboo Jain, Director of the United Way’s Community School Network.
These stories represent the kinds of initiatives Bangor Area and Panther Valley Community Schools have led in recent years, illustrating how coordinators continually find new ways to support learning and connection.
Fostering Family Support through Innovation
Panther Valley Elementary welcomed author Daryl Cobb for an engaging evening event where families received a free copy of one of Cobb’s books. Additionally, students participated in the first presentation of Mikayla’s Voice, an inclusive initiative that promotes creativity and collaboration. Selected students will take part in creating a quilt during future presentations.
Representatives from ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy came to Panther Valley Elementary School to participate in Title I Community School Night, assisting families in signing up for the free educational virtual learning platform for their children. Families enjoyed a hot pasta meal and freshly baked cookies as they explored the platform’s offerings and resources.
Bangor Area High School introduced the Breakfast of Champions to celebrate its students. Each month, two students are selected from each department—one for academic achievements and the other for demonstrating the values of “K.A.R.E.” (Kindness, Accountability, Respect and Effort), a new initiative at the school. The event not only highlights students’ hard work and dedication but also fosters family engagement by inviting parents and guardians to a special breakfast in their honor
The Impact of Community Partnerships in Action
Panther Valley organized an in-school food pantry called the “Thanksgiving Food Drive,” which served over 900 people. Volunteers such as the Panther Valley Boys’ Basketball Team were essential to making the effort a success.
In addition to the holiday festivities, St. Luke’s University Health Network generously provided Panther Valley teachers and staff with a lovely bagel breakfast before Thanksgiving Break.
St. Luke’s University Health Network partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank and the Panther Valley Nutrition Group to provide summer lunches for all Panther Valley students. Over 100 bags of food were packaged and delivered to the community each week.
Supporting Students through Professional Developmental
Nearly 200 eighth grade students in the Bangor Area School District experienced the first career exploration discussion panel and interacted with 14 representatives from nine companies and five career clusters. Students traveled to the four different career cluster areas to hear about a variety of career paths, company values and responsibilities. Career representatives discussed health services, human services, temporary services and manufacturing.
In a past celebration of national “Take Your Child to Work Day,” Bangor high school students visited nine participating companies. Students were matched up with companies based on teacher recommendations and student interest. Students took an educational trip to each of the job sites to understand the daily routine in their chosen workplace. Students followed up with thank you cards and a reflection on the day.
Thank you to the Bangor Area and Panther Valley Coordinators whose leadership makes these moments possible every day. Your work ensures that students, families and partners come together to build schools where every child can learn and thrive.