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COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF PENNSYLVANIA EXPANDS PROGRAMMING TO BLOOMSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania (CISPA) is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever programs in Columbia County through new partnerships with the Bloomsburg Area School District. Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, CISPA will operate programs at Memorial Elementary School and Bloomsburg Middle School.

CISPA began in 1994 as a statewide advocacy and fundraising organization and launched its first school-based programs in 2014. Since then, the organization has grown to serve 12 school districts and 31 individual schools across Pennsylvania. The mission of CISPA is to "surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life."

CISPA uses a tiered support model that includes school-wide services and intensive case management. Its Integrated Student Supports (ISS) model—a federated service approach—connects students and families to resources that address academics, attendance, behavior, basic needs, and parent engagement. In the 2023–2024 school year, CISPA served more than 20,000 students and distributed over 80,000 basic needs items.

“The expansion into Columbia County marks a meaningful milestone for our organization,” said Dr. Jessica Knapp, CISPA President and State Director. “Our presence in the Bloomsburg Area School District will allow us to bring much-needed, student-centered support to this community—and it’s just the beginning. We hope to expand to additional districts throughout the county in the coming years.”

CISPA’s presence at Memorial Elementary and Bloomsburg Middle School will mark the organization’s first partnerships in Columbia County.

About Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania

Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania (CISPA) is an affiliate of the national Communities in Schools network, which operates in 27 states and the District of Columbia and serves more than 1.2 million youth annually. Communities in Schools’ holistic approach addresses both the academic and nonacademic needs of students. Communities in Schools recognizes that if basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter are not met, children are unable to learn.

School Board Member Vacancy

The Bloomsburg Area School District Board of Directors is accepting applications to fill a vacant school director position.  Interested volunteers must be a resident of the Bloomsburg Area School District, have been a school district resident for at least the past year, and be at least 18 years of age.  The application is available here.  Applications must be emailed to School Board Secretary Stephanie Kessler (skessler@bloomsd.k12.pa.us), in pdf format, no later than 11 July 2025.  Questions may be directed to Ms. Kessler by calling 570-784-5000, or by e-mailing skessler@blooomsd.k12.pa.us.

Good afternoon, Panther families.

A new program called Summer EBT, or “SUN Bucks” has been authorized by a bipartisan U.S. Congress to provide food dollars to low-income families with school-aged children over the summer months. 

The program is proven to reduce food insecurity and improve children's nutrition during summer break. Governor Shapiro’s administration announced that the Commonwealth would participate in this program
beginning in the summer of 2025.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees the program, and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) coordinates the benefit issuance in Pennsylvania.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, please follow this link.

Thank you, and have a great day!

On May 14, Bloomsburg Area School District Superintendent, Mr. JJ Cleaver, had the distinct honor of serving as the keynote speaker at the Commonwealth University Induction to the Teacher Profession Ceremony held at Kehr Union Ballroom on the Bloomsburg campus.

Mr. Cleaver delivered an inspiring message about the profound impact that future educators will have on shaping the lives of generations to come. His words served as both a celebration of the dedication these future teachers have shown and a reminder of the responsibility and privilege of guiding young minds.

Congratulations to all inductees as you begin your journey in this noble profession! 

The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) is accepting applications for students ages 3-5 years for its 2025-2026 Pre-K Counts program housed at Memorial Elementary School.  For more information on the Pre-K Counts program, including the QR code to complete the application.

Summer hours will begin district-wide on Thursday, June 5.  Summer office hours are 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.  The last day for summer hours will be Friday, August 8.  Regular hours will resume on Monday, August 11.