Young students take the bus home on the first day of school at Myers Elementary School in Muncy. Bus driver is Chris Raymer.

MUNCY – Tuesday, August 20 was the first day for teachers to report to their classrooms at Muncy School District. The students arrived on Thursday, August 22. Four new teachers were hired at Myers Elementary according to Principal Frank Jandowski. Enrollment is also up this year. He reports that 15 more youth have entered primary grade levels, higher than average from previous years.

Muncy teachers and staff once again are ready to start the school year with their fundraising efforts to local charities. So far more than $30,000 has been raised and donated to more than two dozen local families in need and several non-profit organizations. District wide employees participate in a weekly program called Casual for A Cause, reports Matthew McCrone, Learning Support Teacher at the Junior/Senior High School. “This a wonderful program that we will be continuing,” he said.

Each week teachers and staff pay a $2.00 fee to dress down on Fridays, and every month a different department chooses a local charity or family to donate the funds to. Last year was the five year anniversary for the Casual for a Cause program. Donated funds were collected in both the elementary and high school buildings. The district wide total for the first five years came to $30,279.15.

To date, donations have been made to Lycoming County SPCA, Muncy Public Library, CURE Epilepsy Foundation, Pennsdale Fire Company, Sunny Brooke Meadow Therapeutic Riding Center, Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Local scholarship funds have also been established through a “Student Need Fund” operated through the guidance office which provides glasses, clothing, and many other needed items for disadvantaged students. Gift cards are given out to families who need them during the holidays.

On October 26, the Muncy Elementary Organization of Parents and Teachers will host the Third Annual Monster Dash 5K Run/Walk and the one mile Kids’ Fun Run with obstacles for children 12 and under. The committee is currently accepting applications and sponsors for this fundraiser. Proceeds are used to support many learning programs, activities and supplies such as field trips, school tee shirts, theatre production equipment, Thanksgiving baskets, educational projects, concerts, assemblies, and school books and supplies.

Last year 261 people participated in the race and more are expected this year. Letters have been sent out to area businesses and organizations for gold, silver and bronze sponsors. Specialty sponsors are also needed for the Water Station, the Kilometer Marker, the Neighborhood, and Goodie Bag sponsors. Sponsorships can be acquired through Nicole Meyer at 570-940-0226 or email Muncymonsterdash@gmail.com. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Principal Jankowski.