News and Events

This October, we launched the ‘Be Connected Challenge’ across the New Story house of brands, as part of our Better Together initiative. This was a team-based friendly competition that encouraged employees from all our schools to complete various activities to earn team puzzle pieces. Each of the puzzle pieces were assigned to one phase of the challenge: Be Connected to You, Be Connected to Each Other, Be Connected to Your Community, and Be Connected to Our Core Values. By completing an activity for each phase of the challenge, teams will have collected all the puzzle pieces! Random drawings held every Tuesday would give prizes out to individual team members. 

This was a great opportunity for all our schools to come together and show what makes us special! 

During Week 1 of the Be Connected Challenge, Indiana School focused on fostering gratitude by participating in a Carebridge course and hosting a staff-wide presentation on its impact. They introduced a Gratitude Box in the lobby to collect and share positive notes, promoting kindness and appreciation among staff. Meanwhile, Lancaster School engaged with their community by writing heartfelt letters to active military members overseas, with the help of Miss Diana, whose family serves in the military. These activities showcased a commitment to building connections through gratitude and community outreach. Week 1 also celebrated raffle winners who received $20 Amazon gift cards. The winners were Emily Colon, Chinitia Freeman, Katharine McCracken, Danielle Millevoi, Rachel Reinhart, Kiara Ruiz Santiago, Michael Salach Jr., and Brenden Whalley.

In Week 2 of the Be Connected Challenge, schools focused on teamwork and community bonding. New Holland School hosted a fall-themed potluck and a "human knot" activity, emphasizing communication, accountability, and collaboration. Indiana School participated in a community trunk-or-treat event and introduced students to a mini therapy horse, fostering connections with their community. Lancaster School focused on team building with a potluck and friendly games of flag football and kickball on a beautiful fall day. Raffle winners for the week were awarded $20 Amazon gift cards, celebrating their participation and engagement. This week, the winners were Jillian Black, DeAnna Dube, James Izydorczyk, Kyrie Jacobs, Ashley John, Devin Kimble, Ellen Mininger, Marsha Pingitore, Jessica Ryan, and Heather Wild.

In Week 3 of the Be Connected Challenge, schools embraced creative ways to strengthen bonds and spread joy. New Holland School created heartfelt pictures and cards to brighten the day for residents at Mifflin Court nursing home. Indiana School focused on connection through a “Find Someone Who” Bingo activity, encouraging staff interaction, and hosted a festive school-wide Halloween parade where students and staff celebrated creativity through costumes. Throop School wrapped up the week with a healthy potluck, fostering camaraderie and wellness. This week’s raffle winners were Danielle Bailey, Amanda Brandt, Kimberly Brown, Holly Coletti, Giomarys Garcia-Delgado, Lalenia Guld, and Teresa Maines.

In Week 4 of the Be Connected Challenge, schools highlighted creativity and kindness. New Holland School fostered collaboration by coloring pages together to create a beautiful collage for display in their building. Indiana School embraced core values of collaboration, inclusivity, and support by engaging in kindness activities. Students and staff wrote heartfelt letters to one another, ensuring everyone received a note of appreciation to feel supported and valued. Both Indiana teams participated, spreading encouragement and strengthening connections. The final raffle winners were Kathryn Kleha, Danielle LaVan, Lisa Marin, Courtney Meitzler, Christina Ocasio, Kelley Painter, Jessica Patterson, Charrise Phelps, Laura Poluka, Mario Sanchez Jr., Brooke Shotwell, Elise Sprenkle, and Brittany Trammel.

The Be Connected Challenge was a fantastic opportunity for our team to come together, showcase their creativity, and strengthen connections with their students and fellow team members. We’re incredibly proud of everyone who took part, especially the team captains for their dedication and leadership throughout the challenge!