Plum School District accepts corporate donations for facility upgrades

Plum Borough School District recently received more than $60,000 in two corporate donations for facility improvements.

Spitzer Toyota gifted $30,000 and artificial grass manufacturer Act Global gave $32,000 to the district.

Superintendent Brendan Hyland and officials from both companies talked about the contributions at Tuesday night’s workshop meeting. The board accepted the donations shortly after during its voting session.

“You guys are doing a fantastic job,” Spitzer general manager Robert Thomasson III said. “I know it’s a tough year, but we plan to support the Plum School District and going on into 2021.”

Spitzer Toyota helped pay for the “You’re in Plum Country” signage at the gymnasium among other aesthetic improvements last year.

Act Global installed new turf for the high school football field and is currently working on the district’s baseball and softball fields.

The football field was completed months ago. The ball fields are expected to be finished sometime in the spring, weather permitting.

Act Global founder and CEO John Baize said he believes in the district’s mission statement and focus on student achievement.

Hyland called the donations an act of good corporate citizenship and said, “I promise you we’ll put it to good use.”

District officials also discussed increasing efforts to improve students’ mental health.

Counselors talked about how grades have been declining district-wide as a result of virtual learning and not being engaged in the classroom.

A presentation was posted on the district’s website outlining some of the challenges students and staff are facing, as well as a multi-prong approach to overcoming issues.

Counselors plan to increase their efforts starting in January, including more check-ins and wellness/support phone calls, daily tutoring sessions with students in academic need and boosting communication with teachers about students of concern such as those who do not log in or complete work.

They also recommended contracting three social workers/mental health specialists. That would include one for grades k-4, 5-8 and 9-12.

Long-term goals include adopting a social and emotional curriculum for K-12 and using counseling interns to provide additional staffing and support to students.

Mental health was a major topic in recent student, teacher and parent surveys. Plum has about 3,500 students.

Hyland commended counselors for their presentation and commitment to students’ mental health.

“When kids speak, you need to listen,” Hyland said. “I think this group is listening. Kids are saying they need help, they need support and this group is stepping up to the plate to make sure that happens.”