When Lorien Gilbert’s beloved grandmother died September 6, she wanted to honor the woman who had helped raise her and instill in her a lifelong love of reading.

Mary McReynolds, a children’s librarian in Lithonia, Ga., “wanted all children to see themselves in books, regardless of their race, gender, orientation, religion or ability,” said Gilbert, a third-grade teacher at Hambright Elementary School.

On the morning after her grandmother died, Gilbert went to the Hambright library “to be close to some of her favorite books,” including The Napping House, Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear? and Anne of Green Gables.

Librarian Tara Etzweiler suggested Gilbert purchase a book in memory of her grandmother, and Gilbert seized the opportunity.

“Tara had a list of books on her wish list, and the more I purchased, the more I found that I knew children would want to read,” she recalled.

Gilbert purchased graphic novels, picture books, nonfiction, poetry and fantasy titles.  “It was easy to find incredible stories featuring diverse characters,” she said.

So far, she has donated nearly 50 titles to the school’s collection.

All the books will include a bookplate describing “Miss Mary” McReynolds that includes this phrase: “Remember that you are important, and you have a voice, and we are glad you are here.”

Gilbert’s memories of her grandmother revolve around books, which were everywhere in her home.

“If you sat on the sofa, you were sure to be poked by the corner of a picture book.  She kept a paperback mystery above the stove so she could read while she cooked.  There were books in every closet, every cabinet, under every bed,” Gilbert said. “She always wanted to know what we were reading, even when we grandkids were all grown up.”

To Gilbert, the book donations are “a small way to honor my grandmother, and to remember her inclusive love.”

“I’ve heard it said that when a person dies, so does a library. It’s beautiful that her library is going to live on,” she said.

The books will benefit Hambright students for years to come, said Melissa Mealy, the school’s assistant principal.

“There are some great titles that I know kids are already excited to get their hands on,” she said. “Creating a culture of readers starts with a passion for literature like that of Ms. Gilbert and her grandmother.”

“This is such a wonderful way for Ms. Gilbert to honor her grandmother.”

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Nearly 80 Penn Manor High School students participated in field trips to manufacturing businesses Oct. 4 as part of Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) activities.

MFG Day is a national event designed to spread the word to the next generation about the benefits of careers in manufacturing.

The Penn Manor students, mainly freshmen enrolled in applied engineering and agricultural education courses, visited High Steel Industries and Ultra Hurley Electronics.

At High Steel, students learned about such job opportunities as machine operator, production supervisor and maintenance supervisor. They also learned which skills—such as problem solving, critical thinking, math, writing, organization and communication —are critical to job success.

The group then toured the plant and saw how steel is processed, from its arrival on site via truck to packaging and shipping.

MFG Day provided students with an opportunity to network and experience industry before they take the next step, such as beginning an apprenticeship or looking for a job in a particular industry.

The field trips were designed to help students as they consider what career paths to pursue, said Jason D’Amico, assistant principal at Penn Manor High School.

“We value our relationship with local business and industry and appreciate the opportunity for our students to explore careers close to home,” he said.

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Penn Manor welcomed more than 5,000 students back to its schools Thursday on a beautiful, sunny day that marked the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

The students were greeted by familiar faces, along with several new ones, as 24 new professional staff members began their new year at Penn Manor schools.

For the first time in several years, no new or renovated schools opened for the new year, but an $87 million project to renovate and rebuild Penn Manor High School will get under way later in the year.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Leichliter visited schools Thursday and reported smooth sailing on the first day.

“We were glad to have a beautiful day to welcome everyone,” he said. “The students who fill our schools are full of potential, and we are excited to see where they lead us this year.”

Many thanks to our Penn Manor staff, students, families and community members for making the first day such a success.

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