MARS AREA

District students will be going to school March 25 to make up for a snow day.

The school board on March 5 voted to switch a teacher in-service day that was scheduled for March 25 to a student instruction day. The in-service day will now be June 10.

Superintendent Wesley Shipley said that move made more sense than having the students return to school for a Monday in June. The change also had to be approved by the teachers union.

“Hopefully, between now and the end of the year, we don’t have any more snow days,” he said.

In other business, Mr. Shipley announced that retired physical education teacher Pam Best will receive the Faye Biles Educational Award from the American Heart Association. Ms. Best started the Jump Rope for Heart program at Mars Area, and also started a jump rope competitive team.

“She has done a lot of good work over the years, and we are very proud of her,” he said.

The award is given to one educator each year who has been instrumental in implementing the American Heart Association’s school-related programs, according to the organization’s website.