“These programs ensure our students are not just prepared for the jobs of today, but for the opportunities of tomorrow,” Uplinger explains. SAFETY AND SECURITY As enrollment grows, so too does the responsibility to keep students and staff safe. Hazleton Area School District has implemented an array of advanced security measures, including: • Open gate weapon detectors at entrances. • Night locks for classrooms and offices. • Updated camera systems throughout school buildings. • Ballistic window film on all school windows. • Secure entrance systems at every building. The district has also strengthened its cyber defenses, employing a certified cyber security expert to protect data and digital systems. “Student and staff safety, both physical and digital, is non-negotiable,” Uplinger says. “It’s something we take extremely seriously.” “This initiative is about growing our own pipeline of educators,” Zukoski says. “By keeping students connected to the district, we’re investing in the longterm strength of our schools and community.” CAREER TECH AND INNOVATION Preparing students for careers is another top priority. Hazleton’s Career Tech Academy, also in partnership with LCCC, gives students the chance to gain early college credits in trades such as welding and culinary arts. The district has also introduced a new industrial maintenance program, reflecting the needs of local warehouses and factories. In the health sciences, students are learning on a cadaver table, a state-ofthe-art tool that enhances nursing education. Cyber security is another area of focus.With pathways now being developed in this high-demand field, students have access to both hands-on courses and online learning opportunities, preparing them for careers in technology and security. 217 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10 HAZLETON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
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