So, what exactly goes on at Conestoga Valley High School (CVHS) over the summer months? Well, it's not all that different from what goes on in many places when school is not in session.

Much of it is related to rest, rebooting and preparation for the next school year.

"It's a time for students to reset and a time for our teachers to reflect and maybe envision what next year will look like," said Matt Fox, who's been the principal at CVHS for four years. "It's a nice little break to communicate their needs over the summer in a different way."

CVHS' 2025-26 school year ended on May 29, and the 2026-27 year will commence on Wednesday, Aug. 19. During those 82 days in between, there are activities and projects going on - some behind the scenes and some in plain sight - that bridge the two educational sessions.

This summer, the boards that make up the hardwood floor are being torn out and replaced inside CVHS' gymnasium as part of a renovation project.

The building also experiences annual maintenance and sanitary undertakings, like the deep cleanings of classrooms and offices during the summer months. Included in that cleaning process is the stripping and reapplying of protective wax on hallways and on floors throughout the school.

"It's just maintenance stuff," said Fox. "You've got to refill stuff. To me, it's just about wear and tear. Some of the things can't be done during the school year."

Summer is also a professional development time for teachers to take classes, to keep certifications current, to redefine teaching techniques and to refine class curriculums.

"What I've been doing in July, I've been opening my office for 15 to 20 minutes for one-on-one conversations with staff," said Fox. "I want people to come talk to me. I make myself available, and it's a low-pressure thing. I will talk to them about anything."

During the warmer months, nearly 50 Conestoga Valley School District employees are working across the district's six buildings. A vast majority of those workers are members of the maintenance staff, while the rest are administrative members or office personnel.

Typically, CVHS teachers work on self-improvement outside of the building over the summertime.

"I think a lot of our students are working over the summer," said Fox. "Some are taking care of siblings. Some are enjoying the summer and traveling. They all have the ability to do what's available to them when it's available to them."

More than 1,300 students are enrolled at CVHS. Conestoga Valley is one of 17 public school districts located in Lancaster County.

For additional information, go to http://www.conestogavalley.org.